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

  • Mainland Chinese tourists pack landmarks as Hong Kong marks 29th anniversary
    by Emily Hung on July 1, 2026

    Festive events and promotions across Hong Kong marking the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty have drawn large numbers of mainland tourists to major attractions and landmarks in the city. Amid a sea of red national flags and celebratory banners on Wednesday, visitors told the South China Morning Post that they thoroughly enjoyed the perks […]

  • Thailand’s Bangchak fuels North Asia push with HK$2.1b Caltex petrol stations deal
    by Lam Ka-sing on July 1, 2026

    One of Thailand’s largest energy conglomerates has bought Caltex petrol stations in Hong Kong in a HK$2.1 billion (US$270 million) deal, which the firm will use as a springboard into North Asia. Semi-privatised Bangchak Corporation Public Company on Tuesday completed the acquisition of 100 per cent of the shares of Chevron Hong Kong from Chevron Companies […]

  • ‘More space, better service’: Hongkongers flock to mainland for July 1 holiday
    by Fiona Sun,Theodora Yu,Kristen Cheung on July 1, 2026

    Hongkongers poured across the border on Wednesday for a wider range of dining, shopping and family leisure options, seeking a short getaway on the public holiday marking the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule. Major border checkpoints, including the West Kowloon terminus and Shenzhen Bay, were packed with holidaymakers carrying luggage, […]

  • Shenzhen's Robot Valley emerges as global hub of robotics innovation
    on July 1, 2026

    SHENZHEN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Nestled within a 10-kilometer stretch flanked by the Tanglang and Yangtai mountains in Shenzhen's Nanshan District, China's "Robot Valley" has rapidly evolved into a global epicenter for robotics innovation, driven by an unparalleled supply chain and deep industry-academia integration.Home to over 200 robotics firms and nearly a […]

  • U.S.-NEW YORK-SHANGHAI-CITY DIALOGUE-EVENTS
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- NEW YORK, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Yu Jin, president of China Institute of America, delivers a speech during an event of the Water Season III: Shanghai-New York City Dialogue series at the China Institute of America in New York City, the United States, June 29, 2026. TO GO WITH "Roundup: China-U.S. dialogue in New York draws inspiration from Mei […]

  • Hongkongers snap up July 1 freebies and discounts with gusto
    by Cannix Yau on July 1, 2026

    Hongkongers took full advantage of perks and discounts offered at restaurants, shops, transport and museums to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty on Wednesday. Long queues formed at local cha chaan teng, cinemas, shopping centres and outside attractions in the West Kowloon Cultural District, as well as for free […]

  • Lawmaker William Wong says sorry after arrest over alleged drink-driving crash
    by Matthew Cheng,Jess Ma,Wynna Wong on July 1, 2026

    Hong Kong lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai has apologised for “causing inconvenience” to the public following his arrest for suspected drink-driving, careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident, after allegedly crashing his car into two vehicles. “I sincerely apologise for the traffic incident involving me on the campus of the Chinese […]

  • CHINA-HONG KONG-RETURN TO MOTHERLAND-29TH ANNIVERSARY-RECEPTION (CN)
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- HONG KONG, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government holds a reception to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

  • CHINA-HONG KONG-RETURN TO MOTHERLAND-29TH ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATIONS-LAUNCHING CEREMONY (CN)
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- HONG KONG, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A gala celebrating the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland is held in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2026. A launching ceremony of a series of activities celebrating the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland was held in Hong Kong on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

  • Agoda rolls out suite of new features focused on real-time updates and smarter trip planning
    on July 1, 2026

    PRNewswireSingapore, July 1: Digital travel platform Agoda today announced a series of new features designed to help travelers plan and manage their trips with greater confidence. The latest updates include real-time flight visibility, an enhanced hotel browser, and AI-powered tools that make choosing the right property faster and more intuitive.Travelers […]

  • Explainer: Why has the CPC remained vibrant after 105 years?
    on July 1, 2026

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Since its founding 105 years ago, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has kept standing at the forefront of China's transformation, leading the country through construction to become one of the world's foremost economic powers.Now with more than 101 million members, the CPC is steering the country on a new journey toward […]

  • Communist Party a ‘fundamental safeguard’ of Hong Kong’s prosperity: John Lee
    by Matthew Cheng,Leopold Chen,Natalie Wong on July 1, 2026

    The leadership of the Communist Party is a “fundamental safeguard” of Hong Kong’s prosperity, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said, pledging to cultivate patriotism among young people and enhance residents’ understanding of China’s achievements as the city mounts citywide celebrations for the party’s 105th anniversary. Wednesday also marked […]

  • Hong Kong enters ‘new era’ as city returns to Chinese rule in 1997 – SCMP archive
    by SCMP on July 1, 2026

    This article was first published on July 1, 1997 Tung and his team sworn in as Patten bids tearful farewell by Chris Yeung Hong Kong entered its new era at the stroke of midnight, launching a historic experiment with the strongest pledge yet of non-interference from President Jiang Zemin. As June 30 moved into July 1, the flags of Britain and Hong Kong were […]

  • CHINA-HONG KONG-RETURN TO MOTHERLAND-29TH ANNIVERSARY-FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY (CN)
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- HONG KONG, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Helicopters carry China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a flag-raising ceremony held by the HKSAR government to celebrate the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

  • Economic Watch: Heatwaves fuel Europe's cooling demand as China-Europe cooperation brings practical solutions
    on July 1, 2026

    As Europe's climate warms, cooling products are increasingly shifting from seasonal purchases to essential household equipment. For Chinese companies, the challenge is no longer only manufacturing at scale, but integrating production with local logistics, after-sales service and rapid distribution in overseas markets.FRANKFURT, July 1 (Xinhua) -- By Monday […]

  • Hong Kong to issue No 1 typhoon signal on Thursday as tropical depression nears
    by Connor Mycroft on July 1, 2026

    This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will issue the No 1 typhoon signal on Thursday, potentially marking the city’s first storm of the year, as a tropical depression approaches. The Hong Kong Observatory said the storm […]

  • Vance: US Needs Iran To Make 'Meaningful Concessions'
    on July 1, 2026

    New posts08:21Vance: US Needs To See Iran Is 'Serious' About TalksUS Vice President JD VanceUS Vice President JD Vance said Washington would judge Tehran by its actions rather than its rhetoric, saying the purpose of the negotiations was to determine whether Iran was willing to make meaningful concessions."Part of what we're trying to do in this negotiation […]

  • Malaysia lures priced-out Hong Kong property buyers
    by Iman Muttaqin Yusof on July 1, 2026

    Norman Wong sold his Hong Kong flat and relocated to a rented home in Malaysia after concluding the city no longer offered the quality of life he expected for the price. “What am I actually getting for this money in terms of quality of life?” asked Wong, a healthcare professional from Kowloon. “Space is at a premium in Hong Kong that most of us have […]

  • Hong Kong tech chief warns AI will unleash ‘greatest industrial revolution’
    by Lam Ka-sing on July 1, 2026

    As Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, the South China Morning Post talks to the city’s senior officials about the administration’s achievements so far and what may lie ahead. Hong Kong’s tech chief has warned that AI will “exceed all previous industrial revolutions” and heavily impact graduates and […]

  • Taiwan detects rise in Chinese military incursions around its territory
    on July 1, 2026

    Taipei [Taiwan], July 1 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of Defence detected 13 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, 10 naval vessels and three official ships operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.Of the 13, nine crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern part Air Defense Identification […]

  • Update: Xi highlights CPC's unshakable commitment to resolving Taiwan question, realizing China's complete reunification
    on July 1, 2026

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is a historic mission and an unshakable commitment for the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said on Wednesday.Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the […]

  • Update: Xi urges CPC to realize missions in new era
    on July 1, 2026

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- All members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) should stay firm in convictions, and forge ahead with continuous efforts to realize the Party's missions in the new era and on the new journey, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said on Wednesday.Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central […]

  • Update: Xi stresses absolute Party leadership over people's armed forces
    on July 1, 2026

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Wednesday stressed upholding the absolute Party leadership over the people's armed forces.Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a gathering in celebration of the 105th founding […]

  • Update: CPC boasts unparalleled fine qualities: Xi
    on July 1, 2026

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) boasts fine qualities with no parallel among other political parties and political forces, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said on Wednesday in Beijing.Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when addressing a […]

  • Update: CPC writes most magnificent epic in millennia-long history of Chinese nation: Xi
    on July 1, 2026

    BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people in writing the most magnificent epic in the millennia-long history of the Chinese nation through unremitting endeavors, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on Wednesday.Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military […]

  • FOCUS | China holds gathering marking 105th founding anniversary of CPC
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- BEIJING, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A gathering in celebration of the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

  • Column: The CPC and China's developmental miracle
    on July 1, 2026

    by Robert Lawrence KuhnThe 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) prompts reflection. I start with the indisputable fact of China's developmental miracle. Over my 37 years following China closely, both as a participant and observer, I have considered 12 principles, historically and retrospectively, that have brought about this […]

  • NBA transactions roundup: Kevin Huerter returns to Pistons, reports say
    on July 1, 2026

    (Photo credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images)The Detroit Pistons plan to re-sign wing Kevin Huerter to a three-year, $27 million contract, multiple outlets reported on the first day of the NBA's free agent period.Free agency opened Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, at which time teams were free to negotiate with players other than their own.The Pistons acquired Huerter, […]

  • FOCUS | China to hold gathering marking CPC's 105th founding anniversary
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- BEIJING, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The motorcade carrying recipients of the July 1 Medal is accompanied by motorcycle escorts on the way to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2026. China will hold a gathering to celebrate the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at 10 a.m. Wednesday at […]

  • CHINA-BEIJING-CPC-105TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY-CELEBRATION (CN)
    on July 1, 2026

    (260701) -- BEIJING, July 1, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Children are seen outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 1, 2026. China will hold a gathering to celebrate the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

  • Hong Kong’s 5-year plan will hinge on how it measures success
    by Ken Chu on July 1, 2026

    Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will undoubtedly mark a significant milestone for the city. The public consultation launched last month covers a range of issues, such as economic development, innovation and technology, housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure and regional cooperation. The exercise offers a chance not only to discuss what Hong Kong […]

  • Fast lane to luxury: Hong Kong developer lures upmarket homebuyers with Mercedes giveaways
    by Cheryl Arcibal on July 1, 2026

    A Hong Kong developer is dangling Mercedes-Benz cars to entice buyers of its high-end homes in the Southern district, riding on a resurgence in the luxury property segment. K&K Property partnered with Zung Fu Limited to launch the promotion at One Stanley, an 82-unit project that had attracted wealthy local and overseas buyers seeking privacy, […]

  • Hongkongers, tourists snap up handover anniversary deals – as it happened
    by SCMP Reporters on July 1, 2026

    Hong Kong is marking the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty this Wednesday, with businesses and authorities rolling out a range of promotions for the big day. A flag-raising ceremony at Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square started the celebrations, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, other top officials and prominent figures attending […]

  • Hong Kong, mainland China to start sharing data this year: tech minister Sun Dong
    by Natalie Wong on June 30, 2026

    As Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, the South China Morning Post talks to the city’s senior officials about the administration’s achievements so far and what may lie ahead. Hong Kong and mainland China are expected to begin sharing cross-border data within the year, when more companies will start operating in […]

  • NBA transactions roundup: Kevin Huerter reportedly to return to Pistons
    on June 30, 2026

    (Photo credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images)The Detroit Pistons plan to re-sign wing Kevin Huerter to a three-year, $27 million contract, multiple outlets reported.NBA's free agency period opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, at which time teams can begin negotiations with players other than their own.The Pistons acquired Huerter, 27, at the trade deadline from the […]

  • Sikyong issues urgent global appeal over China's new "Ethnic Unity and Progress Law"
    on June 30, 2026

    Dharamshala (Uttarakhand) [India], July 1 (ANI): The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) President Sikyong Penpa Tsering, on behalf of the Tibetan people and Central Tibetan Administration, on Tuesday issued an urgent appeal to governments, foreign ministries, parliamentarians, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) worldwide through […]

  • "Would like to congratulate President Xi": Trump takes swipe at Supreme Court after birthright citizenship ruling
    on June 30, 2026

    Washington DC [US], July 1 (ANI): President Donald Trump criticised the US Supreme Court on Tuesday (LOCAL TIME) after it struck down his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants and temporary visitors. Reacting on Truth Social to the 6-3 ruling, Trump sarcastically congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping, […]

  • IndiaSkills Competition transforms skill into aspiration: Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary
    on June 30, 2026

    New Delhi [India], June 30 (ANI): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, on Tuesday launched the IndiaSkills Competition 2026-27, the country's flagship skill competition aimed at identifying, nurturing and showcasing India's most talented youth across 63 industry-relevant skill […]

  • Guwahati's LGBI Airport returns foreign currency worth over Rs 10 lakh to passenger
    on June 30, 2026

    Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 30 (ANI): What could have turned into a stressful situation ended in relief for a passenger after Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), Guwahati, successfully recovered and returned an unattended bag containing foreign currency worth over Rs 10.14 lakh.The airport, operated by Adani Airport Holdings […]

  • China-Europe railway becomes key part of multimodal logistics, Duisport CEO says
    on June 30, 2026

    The port of Duisburg has served as a key European terminus of the CRE since rail service began operations in 2011 and has played an active role in the expansion of this rail freight connection.FRANKFURT, June 30 (Xinhua) -- The China-Europe Railway Express (CRE) has become an essential part of multimodal logistics between China and Europe, demonstrating its […]

  • CHINA-GUANGDONG-HUIZHOU-DESAY SV (CN)
    on June 30, 2026

    (260630) -- HUIZHOU, June 30, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People visit Desay SV, a leading smart mobility technology company, in Huizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, June 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

  • UAE-FIRST PASSENGER RAILWAY-CHINESE FIRMS-TRIAL OPERATION
    on June 30, 2026

    (260630) -- ABU DHABI, June 30, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A staff member runs tests on a passenger train during trial operations of the United Arab Emirates' first passenger railway, Etihad Rail, at a railway station in Fujairah, the United Arab Emirates, June 8, 2026. TO GO WITH "UAE launches first passenger railway with Chinese firms involved in construction" […]

  • Hong Kong can develop further with deeper integration, liaison office chief says
    by Wynna Wong on June 30, 2026

    Beijing’s top representative in Hong Kong has expressed confidence in the city’s ability to achieve greater development by further integrating into the country, while the chief executive has said authorities are moving “at full speed” to draw up the first five-year plan to align with the national blueprint. Speaking at a cultural gala marking the […]

  • Fallen firefighter Ho awarded Medal for Bravery in Hong Kong’s 2026 Honours List
    by Matthew Cheng on June 30, 2026

    Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who was killed in Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades, has been recognised for his bravery in this year’s Honours List, while eminent economist Lawrence Lau Juen-yee is among three recipients of the city’s highest award. Fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin and cyclist Ceci Lee Sze-wing were also among the 466 individuals named in the […]

  • InXizang | Old photo bears witness to changes brought by Qinghai-Xizang Railway over 20 years
    on June 30, 2026

    LHASA, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Before the opening of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, Chogo, a photojournalist with Xinhua, took a photo in Damxung County on June 17, 2006. He captured herdswoman Pema Lhamo sitting with her daughter Nyima Lhamo as they watched the first train passing through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau."I was three years old that year, but I will […]

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