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

  • Missing man, 58, found dead in Ma On Shan after days-long search effort
    by Ambrose Li on August 7, 2026

    Hong Kong police have found the body of a missing 58-year-old man in Ma On Shan, with his cause of death to be confirmed following an autopsy. Officers received a report at around 12.50am on Friday from a passer-by who had spotted a man lying on the ground near a slope on Nui Po Shan in Ma On Shan. Upon arrival at the scene, officers confirmed the death of […]

  • Endanger Hong Kong’s national security, and I’ll take you down, Chris Tang warns
    by Kristen Cheung on August 7, 2026

    Hong Kong’s security chief has warned he will take down anyone who endangers national security, while also slamming an embattled press group for lacking credibility ahead of an already delayed leadership election. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) was “not a statutory […]

  • Nominations for Hong Kong’s Election Committee to run from October 7 to 20
    by Connor Mycroft on August 7, 2026

    Nominations for Hong Kong’s powerful Election Committee will take place in October, with the vote for 982 seats of the 1,500-member body – which picks the city’s chief executive and some of the legislative candidates – taking place a month later. A government spokesman said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had specified November 22 as the polling […]

  • Hong Kong ‘actively considering’ dedicated offence to fight persistent child sex abuse
    by Wynna Wong on August 7, 2026

    Hong Kong is “actively considering” creating a dedicated offence to target persistent sexual abuse of children, after more than 90 per cent of suggestions from a month-long public consultation backed a proposed overhaul of laws tackling sex crimes. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Friday that more than 6,000 suggestions were received […]

  • Arunachal Pradesh: CM Pema Khandu denies reports of Chinese incursion
    on August 7, 2026

    Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], August 7 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday denied the reports of a Chinese incursion in the state.CM Pema Khandu told reporters that he would speak to the locals and the Indian Army on the allegations of an incursion by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).'We don't think there was an […]

  • (SP)CHILE-SAN FELIPE-VOLLEYBALL-GIRLS' U17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP-PRELIMINARY PHASE-CHINA VS PHILIPPINES
    on August 7, 2026

    (260807) -- SAN FELIPE, Aug. 7, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Niu Sidi (Top R) of China competes during the preliminary phase match between China and the Philippines at the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U17 World Championship in San Felipe, Chile, Aug. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Jiayi)

  • Coolcation in China: escapes from the heat
    on August 7, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- With rising temperatures, more travellers are seeking cooler destinations for relaxation. From lush forests and vast grasslands to refreshing watersides, China offers a variety of retreats which provide cooler climates, scenic landscapes and diverse outdoor experiences.Forest EscapesForest destinations across China feature lush […]

  • Magnitude 4.9 earthquake hits southwestern China
    on August 7, 2026

    BEIJING, 7th August, 2026 (WAM) -- An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 occurred in China's southwestern province of Sichuan on Friday in Gao County, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre.The quake happened just after 05:00 GMT, the report added.

  • Hong Kong woman loses HK$69m to scammers posing as mainland Chinese officials
    by Veronica Qi on August 7, 2026

    A Hong Kong woman has been conned out of nearly HK$69 million (US$8.8 million) in a month-long scam involving fraudsters posing as mainland Chinese officials. Police said on Friday that the 43-year-old woman received calls from people claiming to be mainland law enforcement officers, who accused her of committing a crime and demanded money to prove her […]

  • Office assets lead real estate investments across APAC and India in H1 2026, accounting for over 40% of total inflows in India: Colliers
    on August 7, 2026

    PRNewswireGurugram (Haryana) [India], August 7: Asia Pacific's real estate market recorded its strongest first half since 2022, with investment activity reaching USD 105 billion in H1 2026 as cross-border capital returned and investors deployed capital across a broad mix of markets and sectors.- APAC investments reach USD 105 billion in H1 2026, the […]

  • The grace of being seen, a review of Manik Kaur's 'Everyday Etiquette: The Art of Mindful Living'
    on August 7, 2026

    By Suvir SaranNew Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): There was a time when etiquette meant knowing which fork to use, when to stand, how to address an elder, or how not to embarrass yourself at a formal dinner. Manik Kaur has little interest in rescuing that version of etiquette. Instead, in Everyday Etiquette: The Art of Mindful Living, she argues that grace […]

  • When ancient civilizations meet: Egyptian Ambassador on Hongshan Culture
    on August 7, 2026

    The 2026 Conference on Hongshan Culture took place on August 5-6, gathering distinguished guests from China and abroad to explore the latest perspectives on Hongshan Culture.Hongshan culture, an important prehistoric archaeological culture dating back approximately 5,000 to 6,000 years, is renowned for the wealth of exquisite jade artifacts, statues, […]

  • Hong Kong’s Lingnan University student union ceases operations after 6 decades
    by Connor Mycroft on August 7, 2026

    The student union of Hong Kong’s Lingnan University has announced it will dissolve after nearly six decades in operation due to “changes in the situation both on and off campus”, marking the latest in a spate of closures among such organisations in recent years. In a social media post on Thursday, the student union said it had passed a resolution to […]

  • Hong Kong tourism sector urges action with visitor spending 44% below 2018 level
    by Edith Lin on August 7, 2026

    Hong Kong’s tourism industry has called for more experiential events, enhanced transport measures and closer cross-border cooperation to draw overnight visitors, after tourist spending fell to HK$197.5 billion (US$25.2 billion) last year, 44 per cent below its 2018 level. Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung, chairman of China Travel Service (Hong Kong), said on […]

  • China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: SCMP’s 7 highlights
    by SCMP on August 7, 2026

    We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China hits back at US with barrage of sanctions, drone industry curbs China has hit back […]

  • (SP)CANADA-TORONTO-TENNIS-NATIONAL BANK OPEN-WOMEN'S DOUBLES
    on August 7, 2026

    (260807) -- TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Jiang Xinyu (R)/Wu Fang-Hsien talk to each other during the first round of the women's doubles match between Jiang Xinyu (China)/Wu Fang-Hsien (Chinese Taipei) and Marie Bouzkova/Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic at the 2026 National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto, Canada, Aug. 6, 2026. (Photo by Zou […]

  • China emerging as key driver of global robotics, AI innovation, Malaysian tech observer says
    on August 7, 2026

    KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is developing the capacity to lead industrial innovation in several emerging sectors, a Malaysian technology observer said.Serm Teck Choon, a renowned technology commentator and former president of the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA), said China's evolving role in global science and technology is reflected in […]

  • Temperatures could hit 37 degrees Celsius in Hong Kong over extremely hot weekend
    by Kate Chan on August 7, 2026

    Temperatures in some parts of Hong Kong could hit 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) or above over the coming weekend under the influence of Tropical Cyclone Dolphin, according to the city’s forecaster, which warned residents to take precautions against heatstroke. The Hong Kong Observatory said weak winds would linger over the city on Friday, with hot […]

  • REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO-BAMBOU-MINGALI-AGRICULTURAL FAIR
    on August 7, 2026

    (260807) -- BRAZZAVILLE, Aug. 7, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People visit the second Great Agricultural Fair of Congo at the Agricultural Expositions Park in Bambou-Mingali, about 60 km north of Brazzaville, the Republic of the Congo, Aug. 6, 2026. The fair kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting hundreds of exhibitors from the Republic of the Congo and neighboring […]

  • Diving into South China Sea Ep.4 | Shared Sea
    on August 7, 2026

    With tensions on the rise, is conflict on the horizon in the South China Sea? We explore regional dialogue, negotiations on a Code of Conduct, joint development, fisheries cooperation and ecological protection -- paths for Asian countries to shape a shared future of peace and prosperity.A Miao Xiaojuan Studio FilmA Xinhua News Agency Production

  • Diving into South China Sea Ep.3 | Untold Stories
    on August 7, 2026

    Is the South China Sea only a dispute at sea, or also a battle over perception? From Ren'ai Jiao to Huangyan Dao, we examine the Philippines' so-called "assertive transparency" campaign, test familiar media narratives against real-time data, and uncover stories of cooperation too often left out of the picture.A Miao Xiaojuan Studio FilmA Xinhua News Agency […]

  • Diving into South China Sea Ep.2 | Troubled Waters
    on August 7, 2026

    How did the South China Sea, long a crossroads of fishing and trade, become a geopolitical flashpoint? From colonial expansion and postwar settlements to oil and gas interests, unilateral arbitration and growing U.S. involvement, we trace how the dispute took shape, with reporting from Huangyan Dao.A Miao Xiaojuan Studio FilmA Xinhua News Agency Production

  • After retirement, many in China are finding new purpose
    on August 7, 2026

    YINCHUAN, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- At 57, retiree Chen Jinfeng has discovered a new sense of purpose after retirement. Much of her day is spent lending a hand to neighbors as a volunteer and making a difference in the lives of those around her.On a quiet evening, Chen gently knocked on an elderly resident's door. "There will be a free health checkup tomorrow […]

  • China unveils refined lunar map, empowering future moon exploration
    on August 7, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese research team has completed an updated geologic map of the entire moon featuring a scale of 1:5 million, the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (IGCAGS), said on Thursday.Representing a significant scientific iteration from the 2024 version, this map effectively rewrites the moon's geologic […]

  • Column: World must say no to Japan's nuclear ambitions
    on August 7, 2026

    by Zhao XuelinNot long ago, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that Japan should discuss nuclear weapon policy "without any taboos." It is extremely rare, provocative and dangerous for a sitting Japanese defense chief in the postwar era to make such remarks. They fully expose the ruling establishment's wild ambition to scrap the three […]

  • Diving into South China Sea Ep.1 | Ancient Routes
    on August 7, 2026

    In the age of sail, generations of Hainan fishermen ventured deep into the South China Sea with nothing more than a boat, a compass and a Geng Lu Bu -- a traditional route book recording bearings, distances and destinations.What enabled them to travel so far into the deep blue? The answers lie in family memories, centuries-old navigation records and ancient […]

  • Posters: How the Chinese observe traditional solar term of Liqiu
    on August 7, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Liqiu, or the Beginning of Autumn, is the first day of autumn on the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It falls on Aug. 7 this year. For many Chinese, Liqiu marks the time for harvest and the tradition of "sticking on autumn fat" to replenish their energy for the coming months.

  • Interview: China at forefront of AI innovation, Serbian minister says
    on August 7, 2026

    BELGRADE, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- China plays a leading role in artificial intelligence (AI), advancing global AI governance and providing affordable green and digital infrastructure to countries around the world, said Serbian Minister of Information and Telecommunications Boris Bratina.China's recent technological advances have been remarkable, reflecting its […]

  • Next great harbour? China’s Greater Bay Area has tools to be a yacht hub: industry veteran
    by Frank Chen on August 7, 2026

    From wealth and waterways to manufacturing, the Greater Bay Area possesses the essential ingredients to become an international yacht hub, with the integrated economic and business zone having more to offer than many other regions, according to an industry veteran. Luxury vessels could help unlock demand for the economy, and with its manifold strengths, […]

  • TYC's Chain hunger strike reaches Day-19, exile parliamentarians join protest against China
    on August 7, 2026

    Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 7 (ANI): The chain hunger strike initiated by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) entered its 19th day on Thursday.The protest is part of a global campaign against China's implementation of the Ethnic Unity Law. Three members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile joined the chain hunger strike in Dharamshala on […]

  • Hong Kong aims to be a global tech hub, but can it hold on to its young talent?
    by Leopold Chen on August 7, 2026

    At just 18, Hong Kong tech enthusiasts Rexan Wong Chak-chi and Ken Mochizuki are both rushing to deliver their business ideas. However, their choices of launch pad could not be further apart. While Wong is eyeing Silicon Valley in the United States for better support, Mochizuki is keen to stay in the city and contribute to the local community. Their […]

  • Gold’s price potential still ‘explosive’ amid Beijing hoarding, Hong Kong trading push
    by Julie Zhang on August 7, 2026

    Gold prices have “explosive” upside potential, according to analysts, boding well for Hong Kong’s ambitions as a trading hub as Asian central banks continue to have a voracious appetite for stockpiling bullion. Supporting the outlook, Beijing – which has added to its gold reserve for 20 straight months – wants to better connect the Shanghai Gold […]

  • Criticism of Hong Kong’s economy and rule of law is baseless
    by Chris Tang Ping-keung on August 6, 2026

    Recent criticism of aspects of Hong Kong’s economic development and work on safeguarding national security, by a so-called expert on Hong Kong, is factually baseless. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government rightly rejects the allegations. We must set the record straight. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and […]

  • Rand Pauls committee holds Fauci in contempt
    on August 6, 2026

    The former coronavirus czar could potentially be jailed for refusing to tell the truth on the origins of Covid-19The US Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt after the former White House coronavirus czar refused to answer questions on the origins of Covid-19 at a hearing last week.The Republican-led committee […]

  • Protest also a method to have consensus in democracy, Gen Z and Gen Alpha "more honest than our existing generation": Mohan Bhagwat
    on August 6, 2026

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 6 (ANI): Noting that protest is also a method to have consensus in a democracy, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that any agitation should be aimed at improving the system and that Gen Z and Gen Alpha is more honest than the existing generation and an honest appeal of patriotism and service works with […]

  • India's Suraj Kumar Chand wins FISU World University Championship squash title
    on August 6, 2026

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 6 (ANI): India's Suraj Kumar Chand clinched the men's singles title at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Squash after defeating Hungary's Benedek Takacs in a thrilling five-game final, while Spain's Marta Dominguez Fernandez won the women's singles crown in Mumbai on Thursday.Representing both India and Somaiya […]

  • Lockheed eyes domestic minerals to cut China reliance
    on August 6, 2026

    WASHINGTON, DC: Lockheed Martin is in talks to secure supplies of two critical minerals from North American producers as President Donald Trump pushes defense contractors to reduce reliance on China for strategic materials, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. The world's largest defense contractor is negotiating with NioCorp Developments […]

  • Pool at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley shut over suspected fake lifeguard credentials
    by Wynna Wong on August 6, 2026

    A swimming pool at a private housing estate in Hong Kong’s Happy Valley has been ordered to close after authorities discovered a lifeguard on duty was suspected of using fraudulent credentials. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said on Thursday that the lifeguard’s credentials did not match records held by the Hong Kong China Life […]

  • Experts say China's first national security investigation in foreign trade marks governance upgrade
    on August 6, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's launch of its first national security investigation in the field of foreign trade marks an important step in upgrading the country's economic and trade governance framework and a new stage of the enforcement of its legal regime for safeguarding national security in foreign trade, experts have said.The Ministry of Commerce […]

  • China faces backlash over arrest of activist in Tibet for Dalai Lama photo
    on August 6, 2026

    New York [US], August 6 (ANI): Chinese authorities are facing international criticism following the arrest of veteran pro-democracy activist Zhang Yi in Tibet, with Amnesty International accusing Beijing of using national security laws to suppress peaceful expression and religious freedom.In a statement, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director […]

  • CHINA-REFINED LUNAR MAP (CN)
    on August 6, 2026

    (260806) -- BEIJING, Aug. 6, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This image provided by the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (IGCAGS) shows the geologic map of the entire Moon on a scale of 1:5 million. A Chinese research team has completed an updated geologic map of the entire Moon featuring a scale of 1:5 million, IGCAGS said on Thursday. […]

  • Xiplomacy: Hosting the world, building the future
    on August 6, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- As southern China's metropolis of Shenzhen prepares to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, China is once again extending its welcoming arms to leaders from around the world.Over the years, China has hosted a series of major diplomatic gatherings that have brought together world […]

  • BRAZIL-RIO DE JANEIRO-CHINA-BRAZIL FILM FESTIVAL-AWARDING CEREMONY
    on August 6, 2026

    (260806) -- RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 6, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Aug. 5, 2026 shows the awarding ceremony of the 5th China-Brazil film festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The 5th China-Brazil film festival held its awarding ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. As part of the events held during the 2026 China-Brazil Cultural Year, the film […]

  • FIBA World Cup roster features Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers
    on August 6, 2026

    (Photo credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers will make their major international debuts with the U.S. team at next month's FIBA World Cup in Germany.USA Basketball announced the 12-player women's national team on Thursday, with Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston also among the first-timers joining veterans such as […]

  • The EUs nuclear reckoning is finally here
    on August 6, 2026

    The EU sacrificed reliable nuclear power to ideology, then discovered that ideology does not generate electricityFor years, the EU's political establishment treated nuclear energy as something between an embarrassment and a moral transgression. The consequences were predictable - and increasingly impossible to conceal.The green dogma has come dueGermany […]

China map