| 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
- Hong Kong back as a top choice for foreign commercial property investors, study saysby Cheryl Arcibal on February 5, 2026
Hong Kong commercial real estate is the Asia-Pacific region’s fifth most favoured investment destination for cross-border capital this year, underscoring an improved outlook for the city’s battered property market, according to a CBRE report. Hong Kong also recorded the second-highest number of luxury residential property deals among 12 super-prime […]
- Hong Kong residents seek answers in Tai Po fire inquiry as judge vows fairnessby Fiona Chow,Jess Ma,Leopold Chen on February 5, 2026
Some residents of Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court have urged an independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades to identify and hold those responsible to account, as the judge leading the inquiry vows a fair and thorough probe. The committee’s first hearing began at 10am on Thursday with a minute of silence to mourn the victims of […]
- Temperatures to drop to 13 degrees on Sunday as cold front sweeps Hong Kongby Wynna Wong on February 5, 2026
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Temperatures in Hong Kong are expected to drop on Sunday as a cold front sweeps across southern China, ending several days of warm and humid weather. The Hong Kong Observatory said minimum temperatures could fall to […]
- Baptism of fire: my first criminal trialby Victor Dawes on February 5, 2026
It was a blisteringly hot afternoon at the tail end of my pupillage in ’00. I was staring into space and imagining my glorious debut in court – when the phone rang. On the other end was a clerk from a small local solicitors’ firm, who asked, with alarming nonchalance, whether I could defend a robbery trial at Sha Tin Magistrates’ Court the following […]
- Those betting on Hong Kong’s bright future have backed a winnerby Grenville Cross on February 5, 2026
Former governor Chris Patten once said nobody ever profited from betting against Hong Kong. Anybody wagering against its “one country, two systems” policy will undoubtedly be out of pocket. Since 1997, the policy has been the city’s lodestar. While the post-reunification settlement was repeatedly challenged, most notably during the 2019 social unrest, […]
- Daily World Briefing, Feb. 5on February 5, 2026
Xi says ready to work with Trump to steer giant ship of China-U.S. ties steadily forwardChinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that he hopes to work with U.S. President Donald Trump in the new year to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through wind and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things.During his talks […]
- Senior civil servants to face scrutiny in Hong Kong blaze inquiryby Jeffie Lam,Emily Hung,Jess Ma on February 5, 2026
Senior civil servants are among scores of witnesses to be cross-examined by an independent committee set up to probe the cause of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades in a string of open hearings expected to take around two months, the South China Morning Post has learned. The committee tasked to investigate the fire, which claimed 168 lives in the Wang […]
- Morgan Stanley sees another record year for Hong Kong IPOs as pipeline hits 450by Julie Zhang on February 4, 2026
Cathy Zhang, head of Asia-Pacific equity capital markets at Morgan Stanley, sounded hoarse after a day of back-to-back meetings with companies keen to go public in Hong Kong. “It’s very possible that the value and number may exceed last year’s IPO figures, given the momentum we have seen in January,” Zhang said in an interview on January 30. Nearly […]
- CANADA-VANCOUVER-CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEARon February 4, 2026
(260204) -- VANCOUVER, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A man takes photos of a Year of the Horse LEGO brick installation at a department store in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)
- "A bad day": Sacked Washington Post staff, including Shashi Tharoor's son, pen sombre notes after layoffson February 4, 2026
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- "Modi govt feels former army chief Naravane exposed their failures": UP Congress chiefon February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 5 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai criticised the Centre amid the controversy over former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoirs, alleging that the government is blocking the publication of the book because it exposes their shortcomings.Speaking to ANI, Rai said, 'General Naravane dedicated his […]
- Reports: Chris Paul dealt to Raptors in 3-team tradeon February 4, 2026
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- NATO increasing military presence in the Arcticon February 4, 2026
Russia has maintained it will defend its interests in the regionNATO is planning to increase its military presence in the Arctic around Greenland, a spokesperson for the US-led military bloc has announced.The move reportedly comes in response to US President Donald Trump's effort to annex the Danish autonomous territory, which he claims is under threat from […]
- EAM Jaishankar flags supply chain risks at Critical Minerals Ministerial in US, backs global cooperationon February 4, 2026
Washington, DC [US], February 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said 'excessive concentration' in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk and called for structured international cooperation to 'de-risk' them, as India deepens engagement with the US-led framework on strategic minerals.In a post shared on X, […]
- "Relationship with China extremely good," says Trump after call with Chinese President Xi Jinpingon February 4, 2026
Washington, DC [US], February 4 (ANI): As the United States convened a meeting of several nations on critical minerals on Wednesday, a move seen as an effort to protect it from China's virtual hegemony, US President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, spoke about his call with Xi, confirmed his visit to […]
- "Certain kind of atmosphere being created": Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on ruckus in Parliamenton February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Wednesday said that a 'certain kind of atmosphere' is being created in the Parliament and sought to know how the BJP gets to 'quote books', but the opposition is restricted.Speaking to ANI, Chaturvedi said it was the Opposition's responsibility to question the government in the […]
- Opposition parties to meet tomorrow to discuss strategy for Parliament sessionon February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): A meeting of opposition parties has been called for Thursday morning to discuss strategy for the parliamentary session amid repeated disruptions in the House, according to the sources.The meeting is scheduled to be held at 10 AM in Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's room in the Parliament building.Lok […]
- "Behaving like children": Giriraj Singh slams Congress as Lok Sabha adjourned amid ruckuson February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday strongly criticised the Congress and Opposition members for creating 'ruckus' and 'behaving like children' as the Lok Sabha was repeatedly adjourned amid uproar over Rahul Gandhi's insistence on referring to former Army Chief General MM Naravane's memoir on the 2020 China border […]
- India, US near deal for $3 billion P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft amid improving tieson February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): Amid improving ties after the trade deal, India and the US are moving closer towards signing the around USD 3 billion deal for buying six P-8I anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance aircraft for boosting the capabilities of the Indian Navy to keep an eye on its areas of responsibility.The Indian Navy already […]
- HUNGARY-BUDAPEST-CHINESE NEW YEAR-COMMEMORATIVE STAMPSon February 4, 2026
(260204) -- BUDAPEST, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Feb. 4, 2026 shows the "National Treasures: Traditional Hungarian and Chinese Instruments" stamps at a launch ceremony in Budapest, Hungary. Hungary and China on Wednesday jointly issued a commemorative stamp series titled "National Treasures: Traditional Hungarian and Chinese Instruments" […]
- CHINA-HONG KONG-1ST FIVE-YEAR PLAN (CN)on February 4, 2026
(260204) -- HONG KONG, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), delivers a speech in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 4, 2026. Hong Kong will draft its first five-year development blueprint as part of efforts to better align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), John Lee said on […]
- (ZhejiangPictorial) CHINA-ZHEJIANG-ZHOUSHAN-TAOYAOMEN-BRIDGE-CONSTRUCTION (CN)on February 4, 2026
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- SOUTH AFRICA-CAPE TOWN-CHINESE NEW YEAR-CELEBRATIONon February 4, 2026
(260204) -- CAPE TOWN, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People perform Chinese martial arts during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the […]
- Culture | Events featuring craft of Horinger paper-cutting held to mark "Lichun" in Inner Mongoliaon February 4, 2026
HOHHOT, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) --Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival.
- Culture&Life | Events featuring craft of Horinger paper-cutting held to mark "Lichun" in Inner Mongoliaon February 4, 2026
HOHHOT, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) --Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival.
- SINGAPORE-AIRSHOW-CHINESE PLA-BAYI AEROBATIC TEAM-PERFORMANCEon February 4, 2026
(260204) -- SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Aircraft of the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force perform during the 10th Singapore Airshow in Singapore, Feb. 4, 2026. The 10th Singapore Airshow opened on Tuesday at the Changi Exhibition Center. The airshow runs until Feb. 8, with the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the […]
- #CHINA-LICHUN-SOLAR TERM-CELEBRATION (CN)on February 4, 2026
(260204) -- BEIJING, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 4, 2026 shows villagers taking part in an event on the occasion of "Lichun" in Guilin of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Wednesday marks "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar. (Photo by Pan […]
- Opposition creating disruptions to grab eyeballs: BJP MP Kiran Choudharyon February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): BJP MP Kiran Choudhary on Wednesday criticised the Opposition for repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings, describing it as 'childish behaviour', saying such conduct exposes a lack of seriousness.Speaking to ANI on the floor disruptions, Choudhary said that the advisory committee decides the subjects for […]
- Update: Xi calls on China, Russia to grow ties, work for global strategic stabilityon February 4, 2026
BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia should increase high-level exchanges and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, stating that Wednesday coincided with the Beginning […]
- How China is propelling agricultural modernization, rural revitalizationon February 4, 2026
BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- With the release of the 2026 "No. 1 central document," the first policy statement issued by China's central authorities each year, the country is set to advance agricultural and rural modernization while promoting comprehensive rural revitalization.To achieve this goal, efforts should focus on safeguarding national food security, […]
- Police arrest 4 in Hong Kong over ‘crash-for-cash’ scamsby Danny Mok on February 4, 2026
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- Latin America fights China’s export wave to shield local industryon February 4, 2026
HONG KONG: From factory floors to street markets, governments and businesses across Latin America are scrambling to respond to a surge of low-cost Chinese imports that is reshaping local economies and testing political resolve. As Chinese exporters adjust to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and shifting geopolitics, they have increasingly turned to […]
- "As I said, PM Modi is scared, doesn't want to face truth": Rahul Gandhi after Modi avoids parliament over memoir rowon February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'scared' and avoiding Parliament, saying he does not want to face the truth on national security, as a major standoff erupted in the House over Gandhi's references to former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished […]
- Esha Singh wins second career Asian Championship gold as India win nine medals on Day 1 to lead the standingson February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): Former mixed team world champion Esha Singh struck a second career Asian Championship gold, winning the 10m air pistol women's event with a score of 239.8 here at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting ranges on Wednesday, Day 1 of competitions of the Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship 2026, according to a release.The Hyderabad […]
- Hong Kong urged to focus on economic progress, align with national developmentby Matthew Cheng on February 4, 2026
The head of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong has called on the city to focus on economic progress, proactively align with national development and strengthen the executive-led governance model. Office director Zhou Ji made the remarks on Wednesday at a reception to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year, highlighting Beijing’s expectations for Hong […]
- CHINA-BEIJING-WANG HUNING-TAIWAN DELEGATES-MEETING (CN)on February 4, 2026
(260204) -- BEIJING, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with the Taiwan delegation attending the think tank forum co-hosted by research […]
- EcoChina | Decades of effort see Przewalski's horses return to the wild in NW Chinaon February 4, 2026
WUWEI, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally.Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province reintroduced a total of 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States.After 40 years of caring and […]
- Xi's Album | Xi meets special envoy of Vietnam's To Lamon February 4, 2026
BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Le Hoai Trung, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam, on Wednesday in Beijing.
- Xi's Album | Xi has virtual meeting with Putinon February 4, 2026
BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.
- CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-HOHHOT-PAPER-CUTTING-INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE-EVENTS (CN)on February 4, 2026
(260204) -- HOHHOT, Feb. 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Duan Jianjun, a national representative inheritor of Horinger paper-cutting, introduces a piece of paper-cutting work at an exhibition hall of the Horinger Tuchengzi Archaeological Site Park in Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of […]
- Wang Fuk Court survivors hit out at ‘bureaucratic’ process for URA subsidiesby Emily Hung on February 4, 2026
Survivors of Hong Kong’s deadly Tai Po blaze have condemned what they called “insensitive and bureaucratic” arrangements for a government subsidy, with some saying they were blindsided by demands to provide proof of legal heirship in the wake of the blaze that tore through the estate and killed 168 people last year. The outcry over red tape and […]
- Column: When will Japan atone for its past sins?on February 4, 2026
Germany confronted its crimes through repentance. Japan chose denial, whitewashing, and silence. This difference is not cultural -- it is political and moral.by Shao XiaThere is one form of political hypocrisy that is even more corrosive than open aggression: the deliberate manipulation of memory to disguise guilt as innocence.Post-war Japan, particularly […]
- Dalai Lama wins Grammy for audiobook, draws praise in India and Tibetan exile community, China slams honouron February 4, 2026
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India] February 4 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's landmark victory at the Grammy Awards has received widespread acclaim from political leaders in India and the Tibetan community in exile, even as Beijing strongly criticised the honour, portraying it as a politically driven action against China, according to a […]
- Lok Sabha adjourned to meet again tomorrow at 11 AMon February 4, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 4 (ANI): The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday till February 5, following repeated disruptions and uproar by Opposition members. Earlier in the day, the House was adjourned till 2 pm amid sloganeering over the suspension of eight MPs during the ongoing Budget Session.Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday […]
- India thrash Bhutan to book SAFF U19 Championship final date with Bangladeshon February 4, 2026
Pokhara [Nepal], February 4 (ANI): The Indian U17 women's team defeated Bhutan 8-0 In their last round-robin fixture of the SAFF U19 Women's Championship 2026, at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium on Wednesday, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).Pearl Fernandes (16', 39', 41') scored a first-half hat-trick, while Pritika Barman (25', 90') got […]












