| 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
- Not only pipe dreams: the century-old utility going green without losing its sparkby Advertising partner on February 8, 2026
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] For most Hong Kong residents, Towngas is felt in those everyday moments—turning on the hob to cook dinner or firing up the boiler for a hot shower. After more than 160 years serving the city, the utility operates as reliably as Hong Kong itself. Yet beneath this steady presence, a […]
- New rail routes to mainland China nearly sold out ahead of Lunar New Yearby Edith Lin on February 8, 2026
Tickets for most of the new high-speed rail destinations in mainland China from Hong Kong have sold out for the weekend preceding the Lunar New Year holiday, according to a check by the South China Morning Post on Sunday. The official 12306 train service app indicated that all classes of tickets from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to 14 of the 16 new […]
- LUXEMBOURG-CHINA CULTURAL CENTER-JIANGSU-TOURISM-PROMOTION EVENTon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- LUXEMBOURG, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Children paint Chinese opera masks during a promotional event for culture and tourism of east China's Jiangsu Province at the China Cultural Center in Luxembourg, Feb. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Lyu You)
- (HainanOutlook) CHINA-HAINAN-CHINESE WHITE DOLPHINS (CN)on February 8, 2026
(260208) -- HAIKOU, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Feb. 4, 2026 shows Chinese white dolphins in waters off south China's Hainan Province. During a special investigation in waters southwest of the island province of Hainan, a research team with the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences spotted a […]
- HUNGARY-BUDAPEST-CHINATOWN-SPRING FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- BUDAPEST, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A woman poses for photos with a card written in Chinese characters meaning well-being during the Budapest Chinatown Spring Festival Temple Fair in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 7, 2026. TO GO WITH "Feature: Budapest embraces Chinese Spring Festival as cultural bridge between civilizations" (Photo by Attila […]
- Hong Kong woman arrested at airport over knuckleduster in carry-on luggageby Ng Kang-chung on February 8, 2026
A traveller bound for Singapore has been arrested at the Hong Kong airport for allegedly carrying a knuckleduster in her luggage, according to police. The force said on Sunday that airport security staff found the weapon, which is worn over the knuckles, in the local woman’s carry-on luggage during regular screening the day before. Police arrested the […]
- (MICO2026)ITALY-LIVIGNO-OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES-SNOWBOARD-MEN'S PARALLEL GIANT SLALOM-QUALIFICATIONon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- LIVIGNO, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Bi Ye of China competes during the Snowboard Men's Parallel Giant Slalom Qualification at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
- (MICO2026)ITALY-LIVIGNO-OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES-SNOWBOARD-WOMEN'S PARALLEL GIANT SLALOM-QUALIFICATIONon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- LIVIGNO, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Xenia von Siebenthal (R) of Switzerland and Dong Yuyue of China compete during the Snowboard Women's Parallel Giant Slalom Qualification at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang)
- TANZANIA-ZANZIBAR-MALARIA ELIMINATION-MEETINGon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- ZANZIBAR, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The annual performance evaluation meeting for malaria elimination is held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Feb. 5, 2026. Tanzania's Zanzibar has concluded its annual performance evaluation for malaria elimination, with Chinese expertise featured for the first time to help the archipelago refine its prevention and control […]
- Hong Kong reserves 4,000 homes for tenants hit by subdivided flats overhaulby Oscar Liu on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong authorities have pledged to reserve nearly a fifth of the city’s 21,000 transitional homes for tenants displaced by a new law regulating subdivided flats, with the housing chief downplaying concerns about a potential wave of evictions under the policy. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin offered the assurance on Sunday after more than 100 […]
- 2 more food poisoning clusters tied to consuming raw oysters in Hong Kongby Lo Hoi-ying on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong’s health authorities are investigating two food poisoning clusters linked to five people falling ill after eating raw oysters, adding to dozens of cases recorded in recent weeks. Officials also reminded residents on Sunday to maintain personal hygiene, as norovirus was more active in the winter months from December to March. The Centre for […]
- Are Hong Kong lawmakers also to blame over seat belt law blunder?by Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong’s U-turn on its seat belt rule for buses is a sobering reminder to lawmakers that they must meet higher standards even under the “executive-led” governance model recently underlined by Beijing, according to several policy experts. They said some lawmakers had been complacent, prioritising speed over efficacy in policymaking in a […]
- Ethiopian experts hail cooperation with China in clean energy developmenton February 8, 2026
Green energy development cooperation between China and Ethiopia is gaining momentum as the East African country recently inaugurated the first phase of the Aysha II Wind Power Plant in the country's Somali Region, Ethiopian energy experts have said.ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Green energy development cooperation between China and Ethiopia is gaining […]
- Highlights of Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Day 1on February 8, 2026
BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Swiss alpine skier Franjo von Allmen won the first gold medal of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in the men's downhill on Saturday, while Italian veteran Francesca Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record in the women's 3,000m speed skating event to claim her first Olympic gold.In a fiercely contested men's snowboard big air final […]
- Delhi Crime Branch busts high-profile cyber fraud module; Three arrestedon February 8, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): The Delhi Crime Branch on Sunday busted a high-profile cyber fraud module under the 'Cy-Hawk' operation. The team has arrested three accused involved in an organised cyber-financial racket with international linkages, police officials informed.According to Delhi Crime Branch officials, the complainant, Mr Ranjan, a […]
- CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA-HORSE-THEMED EXHIBITION (CN)on February 8, 2026
(260208) -- HOHHOT, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Handicrafts themed on horse are displayed at a store of the Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 7, 2026. A special exhibition themed on horse was held at the Inner Mongolia Museum to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse. […]
- JORDAN-AMMAN-CHINESE CULTURAL AND TOURISM FAIRon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- AMMAN, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Jordanians watch a magic show at a Chinese cultural and tourism fair in Amman, Jordan, Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
- (SP)CHINA-QINGDAO-BADMINTON-ASIA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026-WOMEN'S TEAM-CHN VS KOR (CN)on February 8, 2026
(260208) -- QINGDAO, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Jia Yifan/Zhang Shuxian (L) of China compete in the women's doubles match against Baek Ha Na/Kim Hye Jeong of South Korea during the women's team final match between China and South Korea at Badminton Asia Team Championships 2026 in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)
- (SP)CHINA-TIANJIN-ATHLETICS-ASIAN INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS-WOMEN'S LONG JUMP (CN)on February 8, 2026
(260208) -- TIANJIN, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Li Zhishuang of China competes during the women's long jump final at the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 in Tianjin, north China, Feb. 8, 2026. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
- ICELAND-REYKJAVIK-CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION-CLASSICAL DANCEon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- REYKJAVIK, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Dancers perform during a gala performance of Chinese classical dance to celebrate Chinese New Year in Reykjavik, capital of Iceland, on Feb. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhu Haochen)
- What is Hong Kong’s headquarters economy – and how it drives a commercial property upswingby Cheryl Arcibal on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong’s so-called headquarters economy, in which the city serves as a regional and global base for corporate headquarters, is spurring recovery in the commercial real estate sector as analysts forecast an improved investment environment this year. The city’s battered office market showed signs of stability in 2025, with 2.1 million sq ft (195,000 […]
- Hong Kong ‘will deepen technology, industry links under nation’s blueprint’by Oscar Liu on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong will deepen the integration of technological and industrial innovation through opportunities brought by the nation’s blueprint to drive economic growth, the financial secretary has pledged just weeks ahead of his budget address. Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Sunday that Hong Kong must make better use of its strengths as an international financial […]
- Hong Kong government defends estate administrator after Tai Po fire hearingby Lo Hoi-ying,Oscar Liu on February 8, 2026
The provisional administrator of the housing estate ravaged by Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades will attend hearings of an independent committee “as necessary” to represent the “common interest” of the owners’ corporation, the home affairs chief has said following criticism that residents lacked legal representation in the probe. Secretary […]
- Beyond matchmaking: Popular reality show reflects Chinese pursuit of post-retirement fulfillmenton February 8, 2026
BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- A reality dating show following five pairs of middle-aged singles has gone viral on Chinese social media recently. Its biggest hook is a rare focus on the emotional complexities of an older age group, allowing its audience to reconsider older generations and their right to love."Forever By Your Side" unfolds against the romantic […]
- Japan votes in snap election as PM Sanae Takaichi seeks mandate, vows to resign if coalition falls shorton February 8, 2026
Tokyo [Japan], February 8 (ANI): Voting began across Japan on Sunday in the snap general election called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is seeking a public mandate to push ahead with her economic and security agenda alongside her new coalition partner, according to Kyodo News.Takaichi is aiming to secure a majority in the 465-member House of […]
- How 2 landmark Central deals boost sentiment in Hong Kong’s office marketby Peggy Ye on February 8, 2026
When Alex Barnes and his team finally closed the two largest single-tenant office leasing deals Central has seen in more than a decade, the outcome was decisive – but the path there was anything but quick. Barnes, the co-CEO in Greater China and managing director in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau at JLL, advised quantitative trading firm Jane Street Asia on […]
- Warm temperatures expected over Lunar New Year holiday in Hong Kongby Natalie Wong on February 8, 2026
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hongkongers can expect a warm Lunar New Year with maximum temperatures climbing to 23 degrees Celsius (73.4 Fahrenheit) when the three-day holiday begins on February 17. According to the Observatory’s nine-day […]
- India Women go down to FK Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc 0-1 in friendlyon February 8, 2026
New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): The senior Indian women's national team suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of FK Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc at the Fanatic Tour Serik Sport Center, in Antalya, Turkey, on Saturday. The Romanian club scored in the 12th minute, as per an AIFF release.India had earlier played five friendly games against Ukraine's FC […]
- Hong Kong’s Miss Nepal hopeful follows in mother’s pageant footsteps 32 years onby Connor Mycroft on February 8, 2026
In 1994, Deepmala Kharel Dhakal’s mother competed in the first Miss Nepal beauty pageant. Thirty-two years later, the Nepali-Hongkonger is preparing to follow in her footsteps. The 23-year-old was crowned Miss Nepal Hong Kong International on Thursday. Victory at the event guarantees entrance into the national competition later this year. Born and raised […]
- Interview: China much more than "world factory," Kyrgyz expert sayson February 8, 2026
China has achieved a widely recognized "miracle" by combining steady economic growth with long-term social stability, said a Kyrgyz expert.BISHKEK, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- China is not only a "world factory" but also a world leader in manufacturing, logistics and communications, a Kyrgyz expert has said.Professor Almazbek Akmataliev, former rector of the Academy […]
- Worker scalded by hot oil at biodiesel facility in Hong Kongby Oscar Liu on February 8, 2026
A 33-year-old worker was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Sunday after being scalded by hot oil at a biodiesel facility in Hong Kong’s Tseung Kwan O. The man, surnamed Tsang, was performing his duties at ASB Biodiesel at 22 Chun Wang Street at Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate when the accident happened. With investment from Shanghai Partner Energy […]
- RUSSIA-MOSCOW-CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL RECEPTIONon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- MOSCOW, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Gennady Zyuganov, leader of Russia's Communist Party, receives an interview with Xinhua during the Spring Festival reception for Russian friends in Moscow, Russia, on Feb. 6, 2026. During the Spring Festival reception for Russian friends held in the Chinese Embassy in Russia on Friday, Russian officials voiced […]
- (SP)FRANCE-PARIS-JUDO-GRAND SLAMon February 8, 2026
(260208) -- PARIS, Feb. 8, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Athletes compete during the Grand Slam judo tournament in Paris, France, Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Aurelien Morissard/Xinhua)
- Update: Death toll rises to 8 in north China factory explosionon February 8, 2026
TAIYUAN, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Eight people had been confirmed dead as of 9:30 a.m. Sunday in Saturday's biotech factory blast in north China's Shanxi Province, local authorities confirmed.The explosion occurred at a workshop of the Jiapeng biotech company in Shanyin County, Shuozhou City.The legal representative of the company has been placed under control, […]
- Asia Album: Chinese New Year vibes in Malaysiaon February 8, 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese New Year draws near, festive decorations adorn the streets and alleyways in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with people immersed in the holiday's joyous atmosphere.Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 17 this year and marks the start of the Year of the Horse.
- 23 cases of smuggled orchids recorded as holiday demand swells in Hong Kongby Lo Hoi-ying on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong wildlife protection authorities have recorded 23 cases of smuggled orchids in the first month of the year, with the number expected to rise in the coming weeks as Lunar New Year approaches. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department also pledged to step up patrols and enforcement at borders during the holiday season, when such crimes […]
- Asia Album: Performance of Chinese PLA aerobatic team at Singapore Airshowon February 8, 2026
SINGAPORE, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- The spectacular display of the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force drew crowds of visitors who paused to admire the scene and raised their cameras to capture this moment at the 10th Singapore Airshow in Singapore.The biennial Singapore Airshow is one of the world's most influential […]
- Speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida wins Italy's first gold of home Gameson February 8, 2026
(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)MILAN, Italy -- Francesca Lollobrigida powered to victory in the women's 3,000 meters speed skating on Saturday, bringing Italy its first gold medal of the Milan Cortina Games and ending Dutch dominance marked by three straight Olympic titles at the distance.Norway's Ragne Wiklund and Canada's Valerie Maltais […]
- Hong Kong’s budget should move the city towards ‘inspirational’ developmentby Regina Ip on February 8, 2026
At this time of year, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s top priority is finalising the Hong Kong government’s budget for 2026-27, balancing requests for incentives and welfare against calls for a return to fiscal prudence. For decades, budget speeches have followed a familiar structure: a review of past performance, near- and medium-term forecasts, […]
- Speed skater Gina Lollobrigida wins Italy's first Gold of home Gameson February 8, 2026
(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)MILAN, Italy -- Francesca Lollobrigida powered to victory in the women's 3,000 meters speed skating on Saturday, bringing Italy its first gold medal of the Milano Cortina Games and ending Dutch dominance marked by three straight Olympic titles at the distance.Norway's Ragne Wiklund and Canada's Valerie Maltais […]
- CK Hutchison set for hard fight to secure Panama port deal compensation: expertsby Matthew Cheng on February 8, 2026
Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison could find it hard to secure compensation from Panamanian authorities over their decision to nullify its port operations, legal experts have said, noting that the arbitral tribunal it engaged lacks enforcement power and the issuance of damages may depend on the country’s own courts. The conglomerate, led by tycoon Li […]
- Ice dancers help US hold lead in team skating eventon February 8, 2026
(Photo credit: James Lang-Imagn Images)MILAN -- Ilia Malinin made his anticipated Olympic debut at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday and despite being upstaged by Japan's Yuma Kagiyama, the U.S. extended their lead in the team event thanks to the ice dancing of Madison Chock and Evan Bates.Going on to the ice last in the men's short program, Malinin […]
- "What happened to Make in India?" Owaisi questions Centre over impact on farmers after US trade dealon February 7, 2026
Karimnagar (Telangana) [India], February 8 (ANI): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a sharp attack on the government over the India-US interim trade agreement, questioning its impact on Indian farmers.Speaking at a public rally in Karimnagar on Saturday, Owaisi said the government often talks about 'Self-Reliant India' and 'Make in India', and has […]
- (MICO2026)ITALY-LIVIGNO-OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES-SNOWBOARD-MEN'S BIG AIR-FINALon February 7, 2026
(260207) -- LIVIGNO, Feb. 7, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Ogiwara Hiroto of Japan competes during the Snowboard Men's Big Air final at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
- Stellantis rethinks electric push after costly miscalculationon February 7, 2026
MILAN, Italy: Stellantis' decision to rein in its electric-vehicle ambitions landed with a thud on markets on February 6, as the automaker unveiled a sweeping 22.2 billion euros (US$26.5 billion) charge that sent its shares plunging to their lowest level since the group was formed in 2021. The writedowns, among the largest yet as global carmakers reassess […]


















