| 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
- Development chief hails ‘diversified’ consortium in Northern Metropolis pilot bidby Lam Ka-sing on July 4, 2026
Hong Kong’s development chief has welcomed collaboration between property developers and industry operators in bids for the Northern Metropolis pilot project, saying the consortium reflected diversity and the government’s aim of pairing the two sectors. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho made the remarks on Saturday despite the government […]
- Boy, 16, in a critical condition after fall through school classroom windowby Connor Mycroft on July 4, 2026
A 16-year-old boy remains in a critical condition with a suspected brain haemorrhage after he was believed to have been knocked from behind by a classmate while climbing through a classroom window at his school, the South China Morning Post has learned. The Education Bureau said on Saturday that it was “deeply concerned” about the incident, which […]
- Wang Fuk Court administrator to hold crucial owners’ meeting on July 19by Connor Mycroft on July 4, 2026
The government-appointed administrator of Hong Kong’s fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court will hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) with owners of the flats on July 19, ending months of delays. In a notice issued on Saturday, Hop On Management Company said it would host the meeting simultaneously via live broadcast across four locations for owners of Wang […]
- The power of exemplary liveson July 4, 2026
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Not long ago, 85-year-old agronomist Zhao Yafu was seen strolling through the rice paddies in east China's Jiangsu Province, checking on the crop's growth. Even at his age, he still spends about two-thirds of the year in the fields, moving between experimental plots and rural villages.More a field researcher than a ceremonial […]
- How Chinese sci-tech workers drive innovation at grassroots postson July 4, 2026
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A group of dedicated Chinese researchers are advancing Chinese modernization by delivering practical innovations tailored to on-the-ground needs, turning individual scientific aspirations into tangible progress for local communities and national development.The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central […]
- CHINA-BEIJING-RENMIN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA-GRADUATION CEREMONY (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260704) -- BEIJING, July 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Students pose for photos after the graduation ceremony at Renmin University of China in Beijing, capital of China, July 4, 2026. Renmin University of China held the graduation ceremony on Saturday and saw about 8,244 graduates participating in the on-campus celebrations. (Xinhua/Hu Jingwen)
- China Sports Weekly (6.28-7.4)on July 4, 2026
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:1. Wang/Sun fall in mixed doubles final at WTT U.S. SmashChinese pair Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha lost 3-2 to South Korea's Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin in the mixed doubles final at the World Table Tennis (WTT) United States Smash on July 3.Lim and Shin won the […]
- 2 wet lab buildings at Hong Kong Hetao innovation hub fully leased in first phaseby Cannix Yau on July 4, 2026
The first phase of Hong Kong’s Hetao innovation hub, a key cross-border initiative under the Northern Metropolis megaproject, has been well received, with two of its wet laboratory buildings fully leased, its chairman has revealed. Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Kevin Choi Kit-ming, who also chairs the Hong Kong-Shenzhen […]
- CHINA-TIANJIN-ITALIAN RESEARCHER-GLASS PAINTING (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260704) -- TIANJIN, July 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Chunlin (R), a representative inheritor of a Tianjin intangible cultural heritage item, instructs Laura Maria Cinquini, an Italian Ph.D candidate in world history at the University of Turin, in Chinese glass painting in Tianjin, north China, April 17, 2026. TO GO WITH "Feature: Italian researcher builds […]
- CHINA-SHANDONG-QINGDAO-STUDY TOUR-EDUCATION INDUSTRY-EXPO (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260704) -- QINGDAO, July 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Children try VR devices during the China Study Tour and Education Industry Expo at Qingdao International Conference Center in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 3, 2026. The expo opened in Qingdao on Friday, attracting exhibitors of study tour field from across the country. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
- China to cut gasoline, diesel prices by biggest margin in nearly six yearson July 4, 2026
BEIJING, 4th July, 2026 (WAM) -- China will lower retail gasoline and diesel ceiling prices from Saturday, marking the third straight cut and the biggest reduction in nearly six years, Xinhua News Agency reported.The prices of gasoline and diesel will be cut by 950 yuan (about US$139) and 915 yuan per tonne, respectively, according to the National […]
- Ex-opposition lawmaker Andrew Wan released after serving sentence for subversionby Jeffie Lam on July 4, 2026
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Andrew Wan Siu-kin has been released from prison after completing his jail term in a landmark subversion case, saying he hopes to turn a new page in his life. Wan, of the now-defunct Democratic Party, left Stanley Prison on Saturday morning in a seven-seater vehicle believed to have been arranged by police. He expressed gratitude […]
- Update: China Coast Guard continues law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan Islandon July 4, 2026
BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) is continuing routine law enforcement patrols in the waters east of China's Taiwan Island, a spokesperson said Saturday.Jiang Lue, a spokesperson for the CCG, said the CCG's Xiushan ship formation took over from the Daishan ship formation on Saturday to continue the law enforcement patrols, in […]
- Shanghai's climate stress test shows how China is building resilient citieson July 4, 2026
SHANGHAI, July 4 (Xinhua) -- When two typhoons made landfall in Shanghai within three days, the rare sequence became more than just a meteorological record. It was a stress test for one of China's most complex urban systems.Typhoon Bebinca struck the city at severe typhoon intensity in September 2024. Three days later, Typhoon Pulasan followed, marking the […]
- ‘Cherry-picked’ crimes: call for legal reforms to cover long-term child sexual abuseby Theodora Yu on July 4, 2026
While most Hong Kong children find sanctuary at home, Bobo* spent her primary and secondary school years constantly on high alert, always looking for a new place to hide in her flat. “Every single day I had to figure out how to avoid that person, how to find another safe spot inside the flat,” said the young woman, who suffered repeated sexual abuse by […]
- Hong Kong lifts amber rainstorm warning, but wet weather to remainby Jeffie Lam on July 4, 2026
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory lifted its amber rainstorm warning on Saturday afternoon, but said the city would continue to face unsettled weather, including strong winds, swells and heavy showers, until the middle of next […]
- CHINA-SHANGHAI-TYPHOON-RAINFALL (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260704) -- SHANGHAI, July 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This file photo taken on May 14, 2025 shows an AI weather forecasting model at the Shanghai Meteorological Service in Shanghai, east China. TO GO WITH "China Focus: Shanghai's climate stress test shows how China is building resilient cities" (Xinhua)
- Poster | China sees a boom in foreign visitorson July 4, 2026
China is welcoming more foreign visitors as visa-free policies make travel easier.- 777,000 foreign arrivals during the Dragon Boat Festival, up 23.3%- Travel services exports rose 32.3% year on year in Q1- Inbound tourists stayed an average of 5.1 days in 2026Produced by Xinhua Global Service
- Caution on land tenders key to Hong Kong’s property recovery: analystsby Cheryl Arcibal on July 4, 2026
As Hong Kong moves forward with its huge new Northern Metropolis development zone, analysts argue the government should take a cautious approach to land sales to help sustain the recent recovery in the residential property market. The large-scale project near the border with the Chinese mainland continues to progress, as the government set a tender deadline […]
- Taiwan detects spiked Chinese incursions around its territoryon July 4, 2026
Taipei [Taiwan], July 4 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of Defence detected the presence of eight sorties of Chinese military aircraft, 10 naval vessels and seven official ships around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Saturday.Of the eight, six sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).In a post on X, the MND […]
- (Int'l Exchange) CHINA-CEEC SPOKESPERSONS DIALOGUE-SHANGHAI-VISIT (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260704) -- SHANGHAI, July 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Foreign representatives attending the 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Spokespersons Dialogue experience virtual driving at the Shanghai International Short Video Center in Shanghai, east China, July 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)
- CHINA-BEIJING-CAI QI-CENTRAL PARTY AND STATE INSTITUTIONS-OUTSTANDING PARTY MEMBERS-EXEMPLARY PARTY WORKERS-ADVANCED GRASSROOTS PARTY ORGANIZATIONS-MEETING (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260703) -- BEIJING, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Working Committee of the Central Party and State Institutions, addresses a ceremony honoring outstanding Party members, exemplary Party workers, and advanced grassroots […]
- CHINA-XI JINPING THOUGHT ON PARTY BUILDING-CPC ANNIVERSARY SPEECH-LI XI-CCDI-MEETING (CN)on July 4, 2026
(260703) -- BEIJING, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), presides over and addresses a meeting to study a speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC […]
- Hong Kong graduates at crossroads as AI takes over entry-level jobs, experts warnby Lam Ka-sing on July 4, 2026
AI’s rapid takeover of entry-level tasks is disrupting Hong Kong’s career ladder, leaving fresh graduates with fewer opportunities to gain practical experience, according to experts. Lam Wai-kong, an employee representative on the Labour Advisory Board, said a growing emphasis on immediate productivity, coupled with a reluctance to invest in graduate […]
- TURKMENISTAN-ASHGABAT-PHOTO EXHIBITION-CHINESE MODERNIZATIONon July 3, 2026
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- Iranians to bury Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in show of big public supporton July 3, 2026
DUBAI, U.A.E.: Iran's ruling clerics are planning several days of large funeral events for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to show public support for the Islamic Republic and prove that its revolutionary spirit is still strong. Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes at the start of the war. Funeral ceremonies will begin in Tehran […]
- Candlelight vigils held in Dharamshala, Ladakh after Tibetan activist dies following self-immolation outside UN HQon July 3, 2026
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 4 (ANI): Members of the Tibetan exile community held a candlelight vigil in Dharamshala and Ladakh on Friday to mourn Tibetan activist Loga Rangzen, who died after self-immolating outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on July 2 in an apparent protest seeking Tibetan independence. The incident […]
- Ghalibaf, Araghchi break down in tears during farewell to Ayatollah Khameneion July 3, 2026
Tehran [Iran], July 4 (ANI): Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi broke down in tears during the farewell ceremony for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Friday, according to Fars News, as mourning ceremonies began for the late leader, who was killed in US-Israeli […]
- DR CONGO-KINSHASA-CHINESE MEDICAL EXPERT TEAM-EBOLAon July 3, 2026
(260703) -- KINSHASA, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of the second Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team arrive in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), July 3, 2026. The second Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team arrived in Kinshasa, capital of the DRC0, on Friday to carry forward international cooperation in Ebola […]
- Germany, UK slam China's ethnic unity law as tool for global intimidationon July 3, 2026
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 3 (ANI): Germany and the United Kingdom have intensified criticism of China's newly enforced Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, describing it as a measure that could deepen the assimilation of ethnic minorities while expanding Beijing's ability to target critics and diaspora communities abroad. The […]
- FM Sitharaman says India's middle class is driving growth through rising consumptionon July 3, 2026
Aix-en-Provence [France], July 3 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said India's growing middle class has become the country's 'engine of growth', driven by rising consumption and supported by government measures such as financial inclusion, digital connectivity, tax relief and social welfare schemes.Addressing a session on 'How to […]
- "No one is nearest or dearest for Govt": RSS' Indresh Kumar expresses trust in probe on Ram Mandir embezzlement caseon July 3, 2026
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar on Friday backed RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's statement regarding the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case, asserting that the voice of the Sarkaryavah represents the sentiments of crores of people across the country.Speaking on the controversy […]
- SPARK launches initiative to attract Chinese companies, entrepreneurs, investorson July 3, 2026
QINGDAO, China, 3rd July, 2026 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) boosted its international profile through its participation in the 1st China-Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Forum on Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation, held in Qingdao, People's Republic of China.The Forum brought together […]
- SRI LANKA-COLOMBO-XI JINPING-BOOK--PROMOTIONAL EVENTon July 3, 2026
(260703) -- COLOMBO, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Madhura Senevirathna, Sri Lanka's deputy minister of education and higher education, addresses an event promoting the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 3, 2026. An event promoting the fifth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" was held here on Friday. […]
- The next chapter of BRICS has begunon July 3, 2026
The bloc is moving from pure economic cooperation to shaping tomorrows security agendaNot long ago, BRICS was largely seen as an economic acronym - a loose coalition of emerging powers united by their ambition to reshape global finance and give the developing world a stronger voice in international economic governance. Today, that image is rapidly becoming […]
- India's development assistance to Bangladesh based on mutually agreed roadmap: MEA on Teesta Projecton July 3, 2026
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that India's development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap that is regularly reviewed. Specifically addressing the ongoing discussions surrounding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, MEA spokesperson […]
- Senior legislators study Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, CPC anniversary speechon July 3, 2026
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislators on Friday held a meeting to study a speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at a gathering marking the CPC's 105th founding anniversary.The meeting, convened by the leading Party members group of the National People's Congress (NPC) […]
- CHINA-HONG KONG-PLA NAVY FLEET-OPEN-HOUSE EVENTS AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES (CN)on July 3, 2026
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- CHINA-GUIZHOU-LIPING-QIAOJIE STREET-"RED RELICS"-TOURISM (CN)on July 3, 2026
(260703) -- LIPING, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People visit the memorial hall of Liping Meeting on the Qiaojie street in Liping County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 2, 2026. The Qiaojie street, with a history of more than 600 years, is affectionately called "Red Army Street" by the local people as […]
- US semiconductor capacity will not rival TSMC's Taiwan output: Reporton July 3, 2026
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- ‘I’m so scared’: parents of dying Hong Kong girl, 13, pray for organ ‘miracle’by Lo Hoi-ying on July 3, 2026
The parents of a 13-year-old Hong Kong girl critically in need of a new heart and lungs have appealed to the public in hopes of a “miracle”, with the girl fearing she “won’t be able to go home”. In a letter published on Friday, Ching Ching’s parents called on families who have recently lost loved ones to consider donating the needed organs to […]
- Factories become attractions amid China's industrial tourism boomon July 3, 2026
by Xinhua writers Zhang Yunlong, Xu Zhuang and Zhou YuanBEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- As summer vacation draws near, Liu Li, a mother from Beijing, signed her child up for a study tour at a high-speed train manufacturing base in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province.Rather than heading to theme parks or scenic mountains, the family opted for a factory […]
- BOTSWANA-GABORONE-CHINA-MEDICAL TEAM-RECEPTIONon July 3, 2026
(260703) -- GABORONE, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Tshepo Machacha, acting permanent secretary of Botswana's Ministry of Health, speaks at the farewell and welcome reception for the 17th and 18th batches of the Chinese medical teams to Botswana at the Chinese embassy, in Gaborone, Botswana, July 2, 2026. Comprising 46 highly skilled professionals, the 18th […]
- NIGERIA-ABUJA-CHINA-AIDED ECOWAS HEADQUARTERS-COMMISSIONINGon July 3, 2026
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- TAJIKISTAN-DUSHANBE-PHOTO EXHIBITION-CHINESE MODERNIZATIONon July 3, 2026
(260703) -- DUSHANBE, July 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Guests visit the photo exhibition showcasing China's landmark modernization achievements in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, July 1, 2026. A photo exhibition showcasing China's landmark modernization achievements was held here earlier this week. Hosted at the Chinese Embassy, the selection of 30 pictures on topics ranging […]












