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Two elderly Beijing residents stretch at an exercise park. Photo: AFP/File photo

China Economy

As Chinese retirees boost consumption, some hope for greater respect in society

Age bias is an obstacle to the growth of China’s silver economy, researchers say.

Why Xi’s US trip leaves Europe relieved by trade truce – but wary of the future

Indonesia eyes China for massive 2,772km railway project – with caution

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Global Economy

Trade truce aside, was AI the real Xi-Trump summit breakthrough?

New AI dialogue becomes latest formal channel to manage competition while coming leader-level meetings grant further room to stabilise ties, analysts say.

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President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump arrive for a tour of the National Archives Museum on Thursday in Washington, the United States. Photo: AFP
President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump arrive for a tour of the National Archives Museum on Thursday in Washington, the United States. Photo: AFP

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.

China Economy

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

Smartphone apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay now link foreign cards and wallets, easing a cashless barrier that has long frustrated international visitors.

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China Economy

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

Sources on the Chinese side recently described the talks as difficult and expressed frustration over the EU’s inflexibility.

Chinese-made MG cars produced by SAIC Motor await export in Yantai, Shandong province, last month. Photo: AFP
Chinese-made MG cars produced by SAIC Motor await export in Yantai, Shandong province, last month. Photo: AFP

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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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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An Air China Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner taxis to a runway at Beijing Capital Airport on May 9, 2026. Photo: AFP

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.

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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
Alex Lo

My Take | How Beijing is neutralising Washington’s sanctions machine

Alex Lo
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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MULTIMEDIA
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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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02:15
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
02:15
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Open Questions | ‘Trade is never free’: former WTO chief Pascal Lamy on the EU’s China challenge

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In Focus | The US-China tech war has evolved since Xi and Trump last met. Who has the edge?

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

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Why China’s top AI pioneers are expected to miss this week’s Xi-Trump summit

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