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Unitree G1 humanoids dance during an event in Tokyo, Japan, on September 8. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

China’s AI revolution is taking shape. Why are some economists urging caution?

As investors chase the next big AI opportunity, some are questioning lofty valuations and asking what the technology means for ordinary workers.

Before Apec meeting, China’s mobile-payment overhaul is helping foreigners spend

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China and EU deadlocked on medical devices, still talking on PHEV curbs: source

China Economy

Chinese carmakers gain as high petrol prices boost European EV sales

Chinese brands’ share of plug-in hybrid registrations across Europe climbed from about 20 per cent in January to 35.3 per cent in August.

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A BYD electric car on display at Germany’s Essen Motor Show in December. Photo: AP
A BYD electric car on display at Germany’s Essen Motor Show in December. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

Xi at White House, trade truce extension, Golden Week travel

This week: Xi Jinping and Donald Trump discuss AI and Taiwan in summit, the trade-war truce is prolonged until January, and China cracks down on fentanyl. Next week: Manufacturing PMI may show third month of contraction, RoboTechnik headlines four Hong Kong IPO debuts, holidaymakers take advantage of National Day golden week, and more.

Economy

More US-China flights? Why US airlines balk at Xi Jinping’s call

Analysts say demand exists for more direct flights, but US carriers will resist while their Chinese peers have an advantage.

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China Economy

Mooncakes for the dog? How China is reinventing its iconic festive snack

China’s consumers appear to be going off the dense Mid-Autumn Festival treat, but tiny mooncakes for pets are a different story.

Dog mooncakes have become a popular new trend ahead of this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival in China. Photo: Handout
Dog mooncakes have become a popular new trend ahead of this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival in China. Photo: Handout

China Economy

Shanghai Gold Exchange pushes more Chinese banks to end retail leverage trading

Lenders in China are redirecting retail clients to fixed-price accumulation plans and physical purchases of precious metals, moving away from margin-based speculation.

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Economy

China’s sulphur imports dive 65% as prices surge 3.5 times

Country pays more for less of the key fertiliser ingredient, potentially pressuring the spring planting season, analyst says.

Global Economy

China is investing record amounts overseas. Why are US-bound flows plunging?

Chinese investment in the US has fallen to its lowest level since 2011 amid tighter scrutiny and trade tensions.

Chinese outbound direct investment was up 11.1 per cent in 2025 year on year, according to a new government report. Photo: Shutterstock

Global Economy

What a 2-month trade-truce extension reveals as US-China rifts persist

Analysts say that the relatively short window, while a positive sign, could also raise pressure on both Beijing and Washington.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice-Premier He Lifeng met in Washington on Wednesday. Photo: X/SecScottBessent
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Vice-Premier He Lifeng met in Washington on Wednesday. Photo: X/SecScottBessent

Policy

China, US hold first AI dialogue amid mounting tech tensions: commerce ministry

He Yadong, a spokesman for the commerce ministry, confirmed the completion of the AI dialogue while briefing reporters on Thursday.

Diplomacy

US, China agree two-month trade truce extension ahead of summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping received a rare runway reception after touching down on Wednesday ahead of a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump.

China Economy

Next-level travel: how up to 13 days off could push China’s tourism to new highs

An alignment of Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays stretches time off for millions of Chinese, with breaks reaching up to 13 days.

Tourists visit Tangqi town in Hangzhou, eastern China’s Zhejiang province. Photo: Xinhua

Global Economy

‘Deep respect’: analysts weigh in on Trump’s red carpet welcome for Xi

Elaborate greeting ceremony immediately preceded by extension of tariff truce, both positive early signs for Chinese leader’s trip.

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US President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
US President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

China Economy

China has scrapped two-thirds of its planned coal power plants abroad: report

The cutbacks have saved 6.4 billion tonnes of potential carbon emissions, though campaign’s momentum slowed last year, report finds.

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Global Economy

US$365 trillion and counting: the world’s total debt hits record high, IIF finds

Debt climbs US$10 trillion in six months as fiscal strains deepen, exposing cracks in household and corporate balance sheets.

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Global Economy

Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

China spent decades carving out a commanding lead in the rare earth realm. Now the US wants its old piece of the supply chain back – is it still within reach?

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Illustration: Henry Wong

Global Economy

Chinese ‘vertical dramas’ are booming in America. Should Hollywood be worried?

Chinese platforms hosting bite-size soap operas about werewolves and mafia dons are drawing big audiences – and shaking up the streaming market.

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China Economy

As megacities slow, China’s smaller counties lead as new consumer hotspots

Survey last year found that nearly 80 per cent of consumers in China’s third- and fourth-tier cities were optimistic about the economy.

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China Economy

China rises up ‘elite quality’ league table as AI investment booms

China ranked 19th in the latest Elite Quality Index, which assesses whether national elites create sustainable value for their countries.

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Visitors watch humanoid robots fight at the Unitree Robotics booth during the World Robot Conference in Beijing. China has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, robotics and other emerging sectors in recent years. Photo: Reuters
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OPINION
Wang Huiyao

Opinion | China’s industrial strengths must also benefit its trading partners

Wang Huiyao
Lijia Zhang

Opinion | China has a much bigger priority than winning the AI race

Lijia Zhang
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Nong Hong

Opinion | Success of Xi-Trump summit lies in what happens afterwards

Nong Hong
Ziang Liu

Opinion | Why more export controls won’t stop China’s industrial engine

Ziang Liu
Kishore Mahbubani,Steven Okun

Opinion | Western businesses need to crack the new CIA: China, India and Asean

Kishore Mahbubani
Steven Okun
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Nicholas Spiro

The View | Why Shanghai offers hope for China’s ailing real estate market

Nicholas Spiro
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

How China’s malls are trying to stay relevant

Wire
02:34
Video

World’s top condom maker to raise prices over Iran war

ONE condoms by Karex on display in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia April 21, 2026. REUTERS/Hasnoor Hussain
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Video

The Iran war is going to hurt your skincare routine

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Video

Small hobby businesses hit by rising costs from Iran war

Thai figurine studio founder calls for an urgent lifeline to help small businesses stay afloat
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