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

  • Observatory keeps eye on low-pressure area, to consider issuing T1 over weekend
    by Connor Mycroft on August 19, 2026

    The Hong Kong Observatory has said it will consider issuing the No 1 standby typhoon signal over the weekend, as it tracks a low-pressure system that could approach the city and bring stormy weather. The forecaster said on Wednesday that the area of low pressure over the northern part of the South China Sea was moving westward and edging closer to the […]

  • Mable Chan uses Qatar Airways cargo office opening to drop Central Asia route reveal
    by Eric Jiang on August 19, 2026

    Qatar Airways has set up its new regional cargo office in Hong Kong, with the city’s transport minister using the occasion to reveal a local airline would soon announce a relaunch of direct flights to Central Asia. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan dropped the hint, but did not name the airline, when she attended the opening ceremony for […]

  • Prudential Hong Kong expands headquarters across Swire Properties’ towers
    by Cheryl Arcibal on August 19, 2026

    Prudential Hong Kong has agreed to lease headquarters space at Swire Properties’ One Taikoo Place and One Island East, marking a notable expansion of its office footprint in the city, according to the developer. Under the agreement, the insurer will occupy a total of 83,000 sq ft across the two buildings, “reinforcing the company’s commitment to Hong […]

  • Hong Kong customs arrests 2 Opatra staff over aggressive sales tactics
    by Danny Mok on August 19, 2026

    Hong Kong customs officers have arrested two staff members from the local operations of Opatra London, a beauty chain embroiled in controversy over aggressive sales tactics, the South China Morning Post has learned. The financial and administration managers — a Hong Kong man and a woman respectively — were detained on Wednesday, according to an insider, […]

  • Hong Kong Cyclothon returns with new extended ‘five tunnels, three bridges’ route
    by Cannix Yau on August 19, 2026

    Public registration for Hong Kong’s flagship annual cycling event will open on Thursday, with more than 6,500 places available across two non-competitive rides scheduled for October 11. This year’s Hong Kong Cyclothon, hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will feature a new extended 56km (34.8 miles) non-competitive ride on a “Five Tunnels, Three […]

  • Poster | China becomes key source of technology, innovation: CNBC
    on August 19, 2026

    Chinese companies becoming sources of technology and innovation that global businesses cannot easily sidestep: CNBC"Five years ago, China was primarily where global companies went to sell. Today, in certain sectors, it is where they go to source capability," -- Kitty Fok, managing director at market research firm IDC China.Produced by Xinhua Global Service

  • Hong Kong parents lose legal bid to get baby Danny back from welfare authorities
    by Fiona Chow on August 19, 2026

    The parents of a Hong Kong baby taken into the care of welfare authorities have lost a legal bid to have their home-born baby son returned to them, with the judge arguing the father’s child-raising methods failed to consider the possible risks. High Court Judge Queeny Au Yeung Kwai-yue on Wednesday dismissed Tsang Wai-bong’s application after he earlier […]

  • Chinese youth learning to think with AI
    on August 19, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Instead of simply directing visitors to a store, a shopping mall sign may be able to detect crowds, warn of potential stampedes, recognize pets, and even adjust its lighting as conditions change.Such a vision came from an AI-powered guide sign designed by Qin Zi'ang and Wang Hansen, two eighth-graders from east China's Jiangsu […]

  • COLOMBIA-BOGOTA-CHINA-EARTHQUAKE RELIEF ASSISTANCE-ARRIVAL
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- BOGOTA, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Staff members transfer humanitarian earthquake relief supplies provided by the Chinese government at an airport in Bogota, Colombia, Aug. 18, 2026. Humanitarian earthquake relief supplies provided by the Chinese government arrived in Bogota on Tuesday to support Colombia's disaster response and post-disaster […]

  • AUSTRIA-VIENNA-BEIJING PHILHARMONIC CHOIR-PERFORMANCE
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- VIENNA, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Beijing Philharmonic Choir perform during a concert in Vienna, Austria, Aug. 17, 2026. Young performers of the choir sang 20 classic songs during the event. (Xinhua/He Canling)

  • (EyesOnSci)CHINA-HAINAN-WENCHANG-CHANG'E 7 LUNAR PROBE-TRANSFER-LAUNCHING AREA (CN)
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- WENCHANG, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2026 shows the combination of the Chang'e-7 lunar probe and the Long March-5 Y14 carrier rocket being transferred vertically to the launching area at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province. The Chang'e-7 lunar probe is scheduled for launch at an […]

  • Poster | China builds strong positions across industries: CNBC
    on August 19, 2026

    CNBC: China has built strong positions across a growing number of technology industries.Analyst points to cost, scale, manufacturing depth, supply-chain integration and the speed of innovation as powerful reasons for global companies to continue engaging with Chinese firms.Produced by Xinhua Global Service

  • AUSTRALIA-CANBERRA-CHINESE CARS-FCAI-INTERVIEW
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- CANBERRA, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Tony Weber, chief executive of Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), receiving an interview with Xinhua in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 13, 2026. TO GO WITH "Interview: Chinese cars win confidence of Australian consumers: head of top auto industry […]

  • Italy further Cricket World Cup 2027 ambitions, qualify for Qualifier Play-Off
    on August 19, 2026

    Dar es Salaam [Tanzania], August 19 (ANI): Italy have finished top of ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Challenge League Group B thanks to a calm eight-wicket win over Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.The side had fate in their own hands to claim league honours come the last day of their 15-match campaign across three legs, and closed out the tournament with […]

  • Ninth Batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra set to enter India today: Uttarakhand Govt
    on August 19, 2026

    Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], August 19 (ANI): The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday confirmed that the ninth batch of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will enter India today, August 19. The group comprises 48 members, including three cooks from Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN).According to the Uttarakhand Government, the 10th batch comprising 44 members, […]

  • FOCUS | China prepares to launch Chang'e-7 lunar probe
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- WENCHANG, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The combination of the Chang'e-7 lunar probe and the Long March-5 Y14 carrier rocket is transferred vertically to the launching area at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province, Aug. 19, 2026. The Chang'e-7 lunar probe is scheduled for launch at an appropriate time, according to the […]

  • In Pics: Chinese technologies empower Africa to combat desertification
    on August 19, 2026

    NAIROBI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua)--The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) officially kicked off in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, on Monday.COP17 aims at accelerating action to combat desertification, land degradation and drought.Chinese technologies empower Africa's efforts to combat […]

  • Shein valuation tumbles ahead of planned Hong Kong IPO
    on August 19, 2026

    HONG KONG: Fast-fashion retailer Shein is targeting a valuation of around US$25 billion for its planned Hong Kong IPO, sharply below the nearly $100 billion it was valued at four years ago as the company's growth has slowed. Two people familiar with the situation said Shein's valuation was likely to be around $25 billion in the IPO, while a third source put […]

  • CHINA-BEIJING-EMERGING & FORWARD-LOOKING INDUSTRIES-DEVELOPMENT (CN)
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on July 1, 2026 shows an exterior view of the display and control center on "Rocket Street" in Beijing E-Town of Beijing, capital of China. The Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, also known as Beijing E-Town, has managed to cultivate and strengthen a modern system of emerging and […]

  • Owner of dog in fatal pet attacks regrets surrendering animal: shelter founder
    by Wynna Wong on August 19, 2026

    The owner of a large dog that mauled two smaller pets to death in Hong Kong earlier this week has expressed “regret” over surrendering the animal to authorities and wants to withdraw the decision, according to the founder of a local animal rescue group. The development followed remarks by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) on […]

  • Hong Kong Gold Exchange taps tech strength in joint venture to power gold settlement
    by Julie Zhang on August 19, 2026

    The Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX) and TGX Technology have launched a joint venture to build a “secure, stable and internationally competitive” gold trading and clearing platform, as the city pushes to become a gold trading hub. Hong Kong Gold Exchange Trading System (HKGXTS) would draw on technology partners, including Alibaba Cloud – which backs TGX […]

  • (SP)THE NETHERLANDS-AMSTELVEEN-FIH HOCKEY WORLD CUP-WOMEN-CHINA VS ENGLAND
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- AMSTELVEEN, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Liu Chencheng of China (2nd L) competes during the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 women's Pool D match between China and England in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, Aug. 18, 2026. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua)

  • After the desert turns green, harder work begins
    on August 19, 2026

    XI'AN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- A drone sweeps above the pine forest, sending images of the woods to a screen below. Under the trees stands Shi Jianyang whose grandfather and hundreds of villagers came 40 years ago with shovels and saplings to stop advancing sand.At 29, Shi belongs to a new generation of desert-control workers equipped with drones, machines and […]

  • Hong Kong needs a mission for 2049 to focus its 5-year plans
    by Jun Yu Chan on August 19, 2026

    Hong Kong is formulating its first five-year plan for economic and social development. Such plans are likely to become a regular feature of governance, and will shape how the city allocates land, builds housing and infrastructure, develops industries, trains talent and improves public services. They can also give government departments a common frame for […]

  • A shutter click reunites cross-Strait kin separated for decades
    on August 19, 2026

    HANGZHOU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chen Jie from the Chinese mainland could never have imagined taking a photo for a stranger would lead him to a long-lost relative in Taiwan, someone he had only heard about from his elders.The encounter began in a July sunrise by the Lugu Lake in southwest China's Yunnan Province, when Chen, a Shanghai-based content creator on […]

  • High-tech equipment moves to front line of China's emergency response
    on August 19, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- From drones scanning river embankments to fiber-optic sensors detecting hidden leaks, China is expanding its arsenal of high-tech equipment to bolster disaster management, enhancing capabilities that span early detection, monitoring and on-the-ground emergency response.During this year's flood season, drones, fiber-optic sensors […]

  • Photo Flash | China launches Zhuque-3, achieving its first rocket recovery on land
    on August 19, 2026

    (260819) -- JIUQUAN, Aug. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The Zhuque-3 Y2 rocket blasts off at the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, Aug. 19, 2026. China launched the reusable rocket Zhuque-3 on Wednesday morning, achieving its first recovery of a rocket's first stage on land. The land-based recovery of the rocket's first stage was […]

  • Inside the playbook used to dupe Hongkongers into making big beauty product buys
    by Emily Hung on August 19, 2026

    As Hong Kong customs expands its investigation into Opatra London following complaints of high-pressure sales tactics involving purchases of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,800), former employees and customers of similar beauty chains say the aggressive sales playbook feels all too familiar. Although the UK-based luxury beauty chain – originally incorporated as […]

  • Update: China moves to unlock county-level consumption, energize domestic demand
    on August 19, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- By early morning, Lutai Fair in north China's Tianjin Municipality is already alive with activity. Stalls overflow with fresh produce, local specialties, and daily necessities, while folk performances and local foods add fresh appeal to this centuries-old rural market.Since 2025, the fair has drawn more than 5.5 million visits […]

  • Update: China launches Zhuque-3, achieving its first rocket recovery on land
    on August 19, 2026

    JIUQUAN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China launched the reusable rocket Zhuque-3 on Wednesday morning, achieving its first recovery of a rocket's first stage on land.The Zhuque-3 Y2 rocket blasted off at 7:35 a.m. (Beijing Time) from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China.The land-based recovery of the rocket's first stage was […]

  • After years, Macau firm opts out of Hong Kong renewal project, seeks US$153m for site
    by Peggy Ye on August 18, 2026

    A North Point redevelopment site is being put on the market for HK$1.2 billion (US$153 million) after its owner, which spent years assembling the ageing property, warned that overhauling the site could result in losses of as much as 30 per cent. The sale offers a rare glimpse into the difficulties facing private developers in Hong Kong’s urban-renewal […]

  • "Major impact in 8-10 days": Maharashtra FDA chief warns of strict action over rules violations by eateries near educational institutions
    on August 18, 2026

    Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 19 (ANI): Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday said strict action would be taken against violations of law at eateries operating near educational institutions and said that the intensified enforcement drive would have a 'major impact' in the next 8-10 days.Speaking with […]

  • Why Trump is mad at South Korea
    on August 18, 2026

    The US presidents clash with Seoul is part of a wider effort to reevaluate alliances and test what American protection is worthOnly hours before the annual US-South Korean military exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield was due to begin, Donald Trump issued a statement that went far beyond another dispute over how much America's allies should pay for their own […]

  • Trump crypto venture linked to platform carrying restricted China AI
    on August 18, 2026

    BOSTON, Massachusetts: A crypto company backed by U.S. President Donald Trump is working with a Hong Kong-based venture that provides access to artificial intelligence models from Chinese technology companies flagged by his administration over national security concerns. WorldClaw, founded earlier this year, offers 90 AI models and accepts tokens from […]

  • BWF World Championships 2026: Golden Point drama highlights India's mixed doubles losses on Day 2
    on August 18, 2026

    New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): A rare Golden Point at 29-29 provided a dramatic highlight on Day 2 of the BWF World Championships 2026, although India's Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh could not convert their opportunities as they suffered an opening-round defeat in mixed doubles at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here on Tuesday.The Indian pair, […]

  • Ahmedabad Police bust international 'Boss Scam' cyber ring; CP Gehlot reveals Pakistan-China links
    on August 18, 2026

    Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 18 (ANI): Ahmedabad Commissioner of Police (CP) Anupam Singh Gehlot on Tuesday addressed a press conference regarding the high-profile 'Boss Scam' cybercrime cases, revealing a massive international network providing infrastructure for cyber frauds to elements in Pakistan and China.Addressing the media, CP Anupam Singh […]

  • Update: Xi calls for stronger China-Ecuador synergy in development strategies
    on August 18, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday emphasized that China and Ecuador should strengthen the synergy of their development strategies and implement the cooperation plan for jointly building the Belt and Road.The two countries should deliver on cooperation projects in energy, minerals, infrastructure, finance and other sectors, […]

  • Ex-Mos Burger boss among 8 in court over using ‘phantom workers’ to defraud chain
    by Danny Mok on August 18, 2026

    A former Mos Burger branch manager, his wife and six alleged “phantom workers” have appeared in court after being charged by the city’s corruption buster for allegedly conspiring to defraud the fast-food chain of about HK$680,000 (US$86,670) in wages. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said on Tuesday that Tsui Hin‑po, former […]

  • CHINA-BEIJING-ETHNIC MINORITY ART FESTIVAL-KICK OFF(CN)
    on August 18, 2026

    (260818) -- BEIJING, Aug. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Actors perform a play during the seventh ethnic minority art festival in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2026. The festival is held in Beijing from Aug. 18 to Sept. 23. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

  • UZBEKISTAN-CHINESE MEDICAL TEAM-CHARITABLE EYE CARE PROGRAM
    on August 18, 2026

    (260818) -- TASHKENT, Aug. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese volunteer guides a local patient at an ophthalmic medical institution in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Aug. 17, 2026. A Chinese volunteer medical team launched a charitable eye care program in the Uzbek cities of Tashkent and Kokand on Monday, offering free cataract surgeries to locals. (Xinhua/Zafar […]

  • China-U.S. basketball exchange brings young players together on and off court
    on August 18, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- As the buzzer sounded, bench players sprinted onto the court, joining their Chinese and American teammates in a huddle, bumping fists and cheering, as they celebrated a hard-earned victory.On the basketball court, young players from the two countries came together as teammates, rather than competitors.The basketball games, held […]

  • Karnataka's strength lies in its diversity: Chief Minister Shivakumar meets Tibetan MP Chopepal Thupten
    on August 18, 2026

    Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 18 (ANI): Karnataka's Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday met Tibetan Parliament member Chopepal Thupten at his Sadashivanagar residence and said the State would continue to uphold values of harmony, inclusivity and mutual respect.In a post on X, Shivakumar said, 'Shri Chophel Thupten, Member of the Tibetan […]

  • CHINA-BEIJING-U.S.-BASKETBALL EXCHANGE (CN)
    on August 18, 2026

    (260818) -- BEIJING, Aug. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and American college students pose for a group photo at Tsinghua University's sports complex in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 16, 2026. TO GO WITH "China Focus: China-U.S. basketball exchange brings young players together on and off court" (Xinhua)

  • Xi's Album | Xi holds talks with Ecuadorian president in Beijing
    on August 18, 2026

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Ecuador Daniel Roy-Gilchrist Noboa Azin in Beijing on Tuesday.

  • LensToLens | China's Jiayuguan and Jordan's Petra strengthen the friendly ties
    on August 18, 2026

    (260818) -- BEIJING, Aug. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2025 shows a view of the Jiayu Pass in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Jiayuguan, the westernmost point of China's Ming Dynasty Great Wall, and the ancient city of Petra in Jordan are both landmarks boasting rich cultural heritage. In 2017, they […]

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