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China economy

China economy
Breaking news and analysis on China’s economy, including its opening up, the US-China trade war, the impact of tariffs and trade talks, growth rates and other key economic data, the Belt and Road Initiative, and Greater Bay Area plan.
Iran announced on Monday announced it had closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar halted liquefied natural gas production and Saudi Arabia shut down its largest oil refinery. The turmoil has hit global energy markets, as oil and gas prices soar. Photo: Reuters
China energy security

As US-Iran war threatens oil supplies, will China speed up its green transition?

Beijing is still dependent on fossil fuels but Washington’s recent interventions may prompt officials to fast-track shift, analysts say.

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US-China trade war

Trump-Xi trade detente weathers US strikes on Iran

US-China relations

Exclusive | US, China discuss investment revival ahead of Trump’s trip: sources

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War and conflict

Editorial | Strikes on Iran may complicate US-China ties

No significant impact expected on China’s, or Hong Kong’s, economy from the most recent conflict in the Middle East.

A missile launched from Iran is pictured in the sky from the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on March 1. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2026

How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence – a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

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China-Middle East relations

Why the US-Israel war with Iran leaves Asian economies exposed

Mainland China imports vast amounts of oil from the Middle East but India, South Korea and others could fare worse, analysts say.

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China energy security

Why the Iran war will accelerate China’s push to become an ‘energy powerhouse’

The conflict does not pose an immediate threat to China’s oil supply, but will spur on the country’s energy security drive, analysts say.

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Smoke plumes rise above Tehran following missile strikes on March 1. The growing conflict in the Middle East is likely to accelerate China’s energy security drive, analysts say. Photo: AFP
China trade

China supply chain expo set to welcome more US firms, launch AI section

Amid trade tensions, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade describes business communities as a ‘bridge’ for exchanges.

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Two Sessions 2026

Chinese officials, car executives may discuss capping EV output

As China’s EV industry faces slowing growth, officials may discuss capping output and boosting tech innovation to combat price wars.

China energy security

How China is using a massive ‘electron gap’ to pivot the AI race with US

Ex-finance official Zhu Guangyao says abundant energy supply gives the nation a critical edge in AI, as ‘electricity is computing power’.

As AI development triggers an explosion in global electricity demand, China’s vast energy buildout is seen as a strategic advantage. Photo: Shutterstock
Two Sessions 2026

How China could untangle its private firms’ complex debt burdens

As private businesses grapple with cash flow challenges, entrepreneurs say they want the settling of outstanding debts to be made a priority.

Workers install insulation on a residential building under construction in Beijing in December. Photo: AP
China shipbuilding

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

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Two Sessions 2026

Opinion | Now is the time for China to show it’s serious about opening up

The ‘two sessions’ is Beijing’s chance to demonstrate reliability as nations reassess their ties with China and the US in an increasingly fragmented global order.

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Retailing

Warm winter no match: China’s sportswear sector posts surprise growth

Policy support, Chinese New Year demand and Winter Olympics exposure lift China’s sportswear makers, with Li Ning and Anta leading gains.

Anta has provided professional gear for 13 Chinese national teams during February’s Winter Olympics, including for freestyle skier Eileen Gu. Photo: AP
Belt and Road Initiative

China poised to earn vast profits from global energy transition: analysts

Chinese firms are in pole position to benefit from a wave of investment in clean energy infrastructure that could be worth trillions of US dollars.

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Workers check solar panels installed on a lake in China’s central Anhui province. Photo: AFP
China jobs

From gala spectacle to job scare: Chinese workers confront the AI threat

The country’s economy – with an expansive public sector – is better positioned to withstand AI shocks, but more government support is needed.

China exports

Deals of steel: how China’s price-setting agreements are easing trade tempers

Chinese exporters agree to raise prices to avoid anti‑dumping duties, echoing earlier electric vehicle agreement with European Union.

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Two Sessions 2026

China’s pivot from GDP obsession sparks cadre confusion, tests local governance

Governors and mayors must reconcile Beijing’s people-centric mandates with traditional growth targets, navigating vague appraisal changes and performance concepts.

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A vendor sits at the doorway to her store in Beijing on February 18. China’s leadership is pivoting towards people-centric, consumption-led economic growth. Photo: Getty Images
US-China trade war

After Trump’s tariff setback, will US firms rush to stockpile Chinese goods?

Front-loading expected but not at levels seen ahead of last year’s sweeping “Liberation Day” duties, analysts say.

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Banking & finance

‘Stability risk’: US faces rising concern as global debt soars to record high

Global debt accumulation ‘accelerated sharply’ in 2025, driven by surging investment in the US, China and Europe, report finds.

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Yuan

As the yuan sizzles, China’s central bank deploys double-barrelled policy tweak

Regulators refine cross-border rules and cut the foreign exchange risk reserve ratio for forward forex sales to zero, aiming to provide stable offshore liquidity and help firms manage risks.

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The People’s Bank of China has rolled out a pair of measures to lower foreign exchange hedging costs and support cross-border yuan financing. Photo: Shutterstock
Two Sessions 2026

China’s February Politburo readout

SCMP Plus annotates the official report on the February meeting of China’s top decision-making body, as leaders prepare for the annual legislative meetings known as the “two sessions”.

China’s February Politburo readout
Two Sessions 2026

‘Two sessions’, Trump tariffs, JD.com earnings

This week: Lawmakers ready for China’s ‘two sessions’, Trump imposes new global tariffs, Germany’s Merz meets Xi. Next week: JD.com reports earnings, toughened trade measures kick in, manufacturing PMI comes outs, Honor debuts robot, and more.

China GDP

Chinese regions cut growth targets for 2026

Most of China’s 31 provincial-level regions have set lower economic targets for this year than for last year.

China exports

As China’s firms go global, foreign expertise is becoming a hot commodity

Chinese companies are rushing to hire a range of service contractors to help them expand overseas – from compliance experts to TikTok gurus.

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Many content creators are helping Chinese manufacturers expand their reach on overseas social media platforms. Photo: EPA-EFE
Two Sessions 2026

After years of ‘at-all-costs’ growth, China wants cadres to ditch GDP obsession

Five-month campaign seen prioritising social welfare and long-term sustainability over economic expansion, with debt, fraud and vanity projects in crosshairs.

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A child waves a Chinese flag near Tiananmen Gate in Beijing on February 19. China’s leadership is calling for local-level cadres across the country to do work that “benefits the people”. Photo: AP
Banking & finance

China adviser sees bright future for yuan payment system in emerging economies

Former ICBC chairman Chen Siqing says alternatives needed due to risk of financial weaponisation in US dollar-centric world.

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China-EU relations

China-EU trade ties are at a crossroads. Could tech bridge the divide?

A hostile Washington is creating openings for a reset – but deep-seated issues remain, analyst says.

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