China

Area Total 9,596,960 sq km
Climate extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north
Natural Resources coal, iron ore, helium, petroleum, natural gas, arsenic, bismuth, cobalt, cadmium, ferrosilicon, gallium, germanium, hafnium, indium, lithium, mercury, tantalum, tellurium, tin, titanium, tungsten, antimony, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower potential (world’s largest), arable land
Imports South Korea 9.7%, Japan 9.1%, US 8.5%, Germany 5.3%, Australia 5.1% (2017) – electrical and other machinery, including integrated circuits and other computer components, oil and mineral fuels; optical and medical equipment, metal ores, motor vehicles; soybeans
Government communist party-led state
Capital Beijing
Population 1.4 billion (July 2018 est.)
Ethnicity Han Chinese 91.6%, Zhuang 1.3%, other (includes Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai, and other nationalities) 7.1% (2010 est.)
Language Standard Chinese or Mandarin (official; Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry)
Exports US 19%, Hong Kong 12.4%, Japan 6%, South Korea 4.5% (2017) – Exports – commodities field listing
electrical and other machinery, including computers and telecommunications equipment, apparel, furniture, textiles

News about China

  • More Hongkongers can drive to Macau under expanded travel scheme
    by Edith Lin on May 1, 2026

    More Hong Kong permanent residents will soon be able to drive to Macau for work, sightseeing, family visits and business as the two cities move to expand an existing scheme to make better use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. The Transport Department said on Friday that all Hong Kong permanent residents and locally registered companies would be allowed […]

  • Hong Kong taxi driver arrested for dangerous driving, hitting speeds of 160km/h
    by Edith Lin on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong police have arrested a taxi driver for dangerous driving on the first of the five-day mainland Chinese Labour Day “golden week” holiday, after he was caught reaching speeds of 160km/h (99.4mph) and completing a 42km ride in just half an hour. Police took enforcement action against the 31-year-old driver on Friday after intelligence officers […]

  • Beijing’s Xia Baolong, top energy official hold talks with CLP’s Michael Kadoorie
    by Matthew Cheng on May 1, 2026

    Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs and a senior national energy official have held meetings with CLP Holdings chairman Michael Kadoorie, with observers saying it signalled the firm was expected to help minimise livelihood disruptions amid the ongoing global fuel crisis and support the Northern Metropolis megaproject. The Hong Kong and Macau Affairs […]

  • Hong Kong seizes HK$16 million of counterfeit goods in joint cross-border operation
    by Theodora Yu on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong authorities uncovered 23 cross-boundary and transshipment counterfeiting cases in a joint operation with mainland China and Macau in April, seizing about 46,000 items worth an estimated HK$16 million (US$2 million). The Customs and Excise Department said on Friday that the operation found that 21 cases involved local express couriers and logistics […]

  • China to facilitate travel of 1,000 Indian pilgrims for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
    on May 1, 2026

    New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Yu Jing on Friday hailed the resumption of the the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. Yu said that China would facilitate the travel for 1,000 Indian pilgrims this year. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is known for its religious value and cultural significance. It is undertaken by […]

  • Man arrested in Hong Kong after police seize HK$800,000 of suspected heroin
    by Connor Mycroft on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong police have arrested a 44-year-old man for allegedly trafficking in more than HK$800,000 (US$102,110) of suspected heroin. The force said on Friday that officers from the Tuen Mun district anti-triad unit were conducting an operation at around 9.50am the day before, when they found a man acting suspiciously outside a flat on Yan Po Road. After […]

  • Online sales of e-cigarettes persist in Hong Kong despite ban
    by Fiona Sun on May 1, 2026

    Sales of vaping products persist on some online platforms delivering to Hong Kong despite a ban on the import, sale and public use of alternative tobacco products, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and enforcement. The South China Morning Post on Friday found several online platforms selling e-cigarette products, with some websites displaying […]

  • India's EV transition needs a China-style ecosystem push; scale, policy, charging infra boost: Nomura
    on May 1, 2026

    New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): India's transition to electric vehicles (EVs) will depend critically on how quickly it can build out a robust charging ecosystem, with infrastructure readiness emerging as the key trigger for mass adoption, according to a Nomura report.The report highlighted that charging availability remains the biggest enabler in shifting […]

  • Hong Kong’s East Dam draws thousands for ‘golden week’ as lawmaker floats entry fee
    by Lam Ka-sing on May 1, 2026

    Thousands of visitors have flocked to Hong Kong’s East Dam to view its rare volcanic rock columns at the start of the five-day Labour Day “golden week” holiday, prompting a lawmaker to suggest charging an entrance fee to maintain the Unesco global geopark. Drawn by the city’s natural scenery and well-established hiking trails, which are being […]

  • (SP)CHINA-XI'AN-ARTISTIC SWIMMING-WORLD CUP-WOMEN'S SOLO TECHNICAL(CN)
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- XI'AN, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Vasilina Khandoshka of Belarus performs during the women's solo technical final at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2026-Stop 3 in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Yibo)

  • InPics: Beautiful sunset scenery in China's Huangyan Dao
    on May 1, 2026

    SOUTH CHINA SEA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Follow the lens of Xinhua photographers and enjoy the sunset scenery in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea.

  • FOCUS | China clears first import shipment under expanded zero-tariff policy for African goods
    on May 1, 2026

    SHENZHEN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At the stroke of midnight, 24 tonnes of South African apples became the first batch of imports to enter China under a landmark initiative, as China expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This policy took effect from May 1.For these South African apples, the tariff […]

  • (SP)CHINA-BEIJING-DIVING-WORLD AQUATICS WORLD CUP-SUPER FINAL-WOMEN'S 3M SYNCHRONISED
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- BEIJING, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Chen Jia (R)/Chen Yiwen of China compete during the women's 3m synchronised final at World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2026 Super Final in Beijing, China, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

  • (SP)CHINA-BEIJING-DIVING-WORLD AQUATICS WORLD CUP-SUPER FINAL-MEN'S 3M SYNCHRONISED
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- BEIJING, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez/Osmar Olvera Ibarra (R) of Mexico compete during the men's 3m synchronised final at World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2026 Super Final in Beijing, China, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

  • EGYPT-ASWAN-INT'L WOMEN FILM FESTIVAL-PRESIDENT-INTERVIEW
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- ASWAN, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Mohamed Abdel Khalek, president of the Aswan International Women Film Festival (AIWFF), receives an interview with Xinhua in Aswan, Egypt, April 21, 2026. TO GO WITH "Interview: Egypt's Aswan women film festival nurtures new generation of filmmakers, eyes cooperation with China -- festival president" (Xinhua/Ahmed […]

  • SOUTH AFRICA-CHINA-ZERO-TARIFF POLICY-PORTS & AIRPORT
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- JOHANNESBURG, May1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2026 shows containers at an industrial hub in Johannesburg, South Africa. China on Friday began implementing an expanded zero-tariff treatment on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, a landmark move seen as promoting openness […]

  • (SP)CHINA-XI'AN-ARTISTIC SWIMMING-WORLD CUP-MEN'S SOLO TECHNICAL(CN)
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- XI'AN, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Abner Isaac Monter da Silva of Mexico competes during the men solo technical final at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup 2026-Stop 3 in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)

  • Hongkongers flock to Shenzhen for ‘better’ Labour Day dining and attractions
    by Theodora Yu on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong residents flocked to Shenzhen on Friday, drawn by ‘better service’ at restaurants and family-friendly attractions as the Labour Day “golden week” holiday began. Affordability has also lured droves of Hongkongers across the border, with families budgeting about HK$1,000 (US$128) for a full day in the tech hub, covering restaurants, dental […]

  • Update: China firmly opposes U.S. restrictions on test and certification, telecom sectors
    on May 1, 2026

    BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday expressed strong opposition to the latest U.S. move seeking to impose restrictions targeting test and certification as well as telecom-related sectors, urging the United States to stop its wrong practices immediately.These remarks came after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) […]

  • Pakistan rolls out first Chinese Hangor submarine (VIDEO)
    on May 1, 2026

    The first of eight submarines launched as tensions with India persist Pakistan has launched the first of eight Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines, expanding its undersea fleet, as Islamabad deepens defense cooperation with Beijing. The move follows the induction of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, which […]

  • Pakistan rolls out first Chinese Hangor submarine
    on May 1, 2026

    The first of eight submarines launched as tensions with India persistPakistan has launched the first of eight Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines, expanding its undersea fleet, as Islamabad deepens defense cooperation with Beijing.The move follows the induction of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, which Pakistan says were used in combat for the first time […]

  • Update: China clears first import shipment under expanded zero-tariff policy for African goods
    on May 1, 2026

    SHENZHEN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At the stroke of midnight, 24 tonnes of South African apples became the first batch of imports to enter China under a landmark initiative, as China expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations with which it has diplomatic relations. This policy took effect on May 1.The shipment, cleared swiftly by Shenzhen customs […]

  • Trump's upcoming China visit influences strategic options on Iran: Reports
    on May 1, 2026

    Washington, DC [US], May 1 (ANI): Reports from American media suggest that President Donald Trump's forthcoming diplomatic mission to China is significantly influencing his strategic deliberations concerning the conflict in Iran.According to NBC, an anonymous White House official indicated that the scheduled trip is among the various factors currently being […]

  • Thomas Cup: India to lock horns with Chinese Taipei in quarterfinals
    on May 1, 2026

    Horsens [Denmark], May 1 (ANI): The Indian men's badminton team will be in action against Chinese Taipei for the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup, being held in Horsens, Denmark, on Friday. Team India finished as the runners-up of Group A behind China, and their next challenge, Chinese Taipei, is the winner of Group C, as per Olympics.com. Chinese Taipei […]

  • AI is changing cyber offense and defense, says US' Council of Advisers on Science & Technology member, David Sacks
    on May 1, 2026

    New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): Former White House Crypto and AI Czar and US' Council of Advisers on Science & Technology member David Sacks has weighed in on the growing role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, arguing that AI models are not a 'doomsday device' but tools that will reshape both cyber offense and defense.Sacks made the remarks […]

  • Visitors warned over removing crabs, shells from Hong Kong’s Sharp Island
    by Eric Jiang on May 1, 2026

    About a dozen visitors were seen removing small crabs and shells from a tombolo on Hong Kong’s Sharp Island on Friday, the first day of mainland China’s five-day Labour Day “golden week” break, prompting conservation officers and volunteers to confront them and issue warnings. At around 3.30pm on Friday, a South China Morning Post reporter observed […]

  • Labour Day: Hong Kong records 208,790 trips by mainland Chinese visitors so far
    by Matthew Cheng,Fiona Chow,Kristen Cheung,Wynna Wong on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong has so far recorded more than 208,000 trips by mainland Chinese visitors for the first day of Labour Day “golden week” break across the border, with many heading to the countryside for scenic views and others opting for “city walks” to explore picturesque locales. Some early arrivals headed straight to the countryside after getting off at […]

  • Gold, cruises and Dior: how Hong Kong lenders are enticing wealthy mainland China visitors
    by Enoch Yiu on May 1, 2026

    Gold bars, cruises, Dior beauty services and Rosewood Hong Kong vouchers are just some of the incentives Hong Kong’s major lenders are offering in hopes of capturing wealthy clients, as visitors from mainland China descend on the city during the golden week holiday starting on Friday. HSBC, Standard Chartered and Bank of China (Hong Kong) – the city’s […]

  • China implements historic zero tariffs for all African nations with diplomatic ties
    on May 1, 2026

    BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday expanded its zero-tariff treatment to cover all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, creating new opportunities for Africa to boost exports and industrialization amid the global headwinds of protectionism.In the early hours of Friday, 24 tonnes of apples from South Africa cleared customs in south […]

  • China explores, develops better datasets for smarter digital future
    on May 1, 2026

    FUZHOU, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Humanoid robots are welcoming crowds of visitors at the on-site experience area, which covers 56,000 square meters at the 9th Digital China Summit, a two-day event held on Wednesday and Thursday in the city of Fuzhou in east China's Fujian Province.From cultural creativity to public safety, humanoid robots demonstrated diverse […]

  • US lawmakers probe Chinese AI firms over security risks and alleged exploitation of American models
    on May 1, 2026

    Washington, DC [US] May 1 (ANI): House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY) have announced a joint investigation into the national security and cybersecurity threats linked to the expanding use of Chinese-developed artificial intelligence models.These include […]

  • ‘Even 1 case is too many’: experts warn of lasting harm after alleged dog cage child abuse
    by Fiona Sun on May 1, 2026

    Severe abuse can leave lasting mental scars and behavioural problems in children, psychologists have warned after two toddlers in Hong Kong were allegedly confined in a dog cage, a case that sparked public outrage and renewed calls for earlier reporting and intervention. The calls for action came as the latest official statistics showed that more than 100 […]

  • Taiwan probes retired naval officer over pro-Beijing remarks at Chinese military event amid security concerns
    on May 1, 2026

    Taipei [Taiwan], May 1 (ANI): Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said it will look into pro-Beijing comments made by a retired Taiwanese naval officer during a Chinese military event, stating that such actions could be considered 'cooperative activity' with Chinese authorities, which would violate the law, according to Central News Agency (CNA).MAC […]

  • CHINA-SOUTH CHINA SEA-HUANGYAN DAO-SUNSET SCENERY (CN)
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- SOUTH CHINA SEA, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on April 24, 2026 shows a boat sailing in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. (Xinhua/Chen Di)

  • HK$1 minimum wage rise unlikely to significantly lift low-paid incomes, experts say
    by Wynna Wong on May 1, 2026

    Experts have warned that the HK$1 (13 US cents) increase in Hong Kong’s minimum wage, which takes effect on Labour Day, is unlikely to significantly boost low-paid workers’ incomes, but should help preserve purchasing power and ease labour tensions under a new formula. Human resources expert Alexa Chow Yee-ping, managing director of ACTS Consulting, […]

  • Hong Kong slams attempts to sugarcoat Jimmy Lai case in press freedom index
    by Fiona Sun on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong authorities have condemned attempts by anti-China forces and foreign media to sugarcoat the criminal acts of jailed former media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, while defending the city’s press freedom after the release of a global index. Authorities issued a strongly worded statement in the early hours of Friday, slamming the attempts to slander, […]

  • Taiwan detects 4 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 5 vessels, 2 ships around itself
    on May 1, 2026

    Taipei [Taiwan], May 1 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of four sorties of Chinese military aircraft, five vessels and two official ships operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Friday.All four sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part of the ADIZ.In a post on X, the MND said, '4 sorties of PLA […]

  • Global mayors champion cultural heritage, tech innovation at Silk Road dialogue
    on May 1, 2026

    XI'AN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Around 2,000 years ago, Xi'an in northwest China served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, witnessing exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations. Two millennia later, a Silk Road dialogue has brought together mayors from various countries to share insights on cultural heritage preservation and technological […]

  • (SpotNews)CHINA-GUANGDONG-SHENZHEN-AFRICA-EXPANDED ZERO-TARIFF-FIRST IMPORT SHIPMENT (CN)
    on May 1, 2026

    (260501) -- SHENZHEN, May 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Customs officers inspect imported apples to be cleared under the expanded zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African nations at night at Shenzhenwan Port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, April 30, 2026. At the stroke of midnight, 24 tonnes of South African apples became the first batch of imports to […]

  • Why governments beyond Hong Kong are wary of prediction markets
    by Bernard Chan on May 1, 2026

    After winning legislative backing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club to offer basketball betting – an initiative aimed at drawing punters away from illegal online bookmakers and capturing additional tax revenue – the government has now paused the roll-out. Officials say the rise of prediction markets has altered the landscape and warrants closer examination. […]

  • Yacht tourists, hikers drive ‘golden week’ optimism for Hong Kong eateries
    by Oscar Liu on May 1, 2026

    Hong Kong’s catering sector and hoteliers are expecting a business boost during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday from May 1 to 5, with industry leaders hoping the growing trend of mainland Chinese visitors hiking and sailing yachts will bring a windfall to seafood restaurants in Sai Kung and the outlying islands. The industry leaders also said […]

  • Kimi Antonelli expects Mercedes' rivals to close gap at Miami GP
    on May 1, 2026

    (Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)Kimi Antonelli holds the top spot in the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship standings, but the youngster appears to hold no illusions that he and Mercedes will run away from the pack.Antonelli spoke to reporters Thursday ahead of the Miami Grand Prix and predicted a close battle when the rubber hits the road this […]

  • Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2026 to take place from June-August, online registration open: MEA
    on April 30, 2026

    New Delhi [India], May 1 (ANI): Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year will be conducted between June and August, and will be organised via two routes, Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.According to the MEA release, a total of 20 batches are scheduled for the pilgrimage. Ten […]

  • US Treasury Secy holds talks with Chinese Vice Premier, voices concern over "extraterritorial" trade regulations
    on April 30, 2026

    Washington DC [US], May 1 (ANI): US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent held talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Thursday ahead of US President Donald Trump's planned visit to China on May 14 and 15.Calling his dialogue 'candid' and 'comprehensive', Bessent said he, in their talks, also conveyed to the Chinese official about Beijing's extraterritorial […]

  • Hong Kong public hospitals to extend time for daily visits from 5 to 9 hours by July 31
    by Jess Ma on April 30, 2026

    Hong Kong public hospitals will extend visiting hours at all rehabilitation and palliative wards from five to nine hours a day by the end of July, with those in central Kowloon and New Territories West expected to roll out the arrangement this month. Danny Tong Wah-kun, the Hospital Authority’s chief manager of nursing, said the authority would also […]

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