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 buyers pour US$2 billion into Hong Kong super-luxury homes
    by Peggy Ye on January 18, 2026

    After several subdued years, 2025 marked a turning point for demand in Hong Kong’s most prestigious housing enclaves, as mainland buyers streamed back into scarce ultra-luxury homes once prices stabilised and transaction momentum rolled into the new year. That shift was most visible in The Peak and Southern district – two low-density, ultra-wealthy […]

  • Camping carnival turns up winter rural tourism heat in NE China
    on January 18, 2026

    HARBIN, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Driving over 3,000 kilometers from the subtropical warmth of south China's Guangdong Province, Zhu Yongyu, a camping enthusiast, finally reached the country's frozen northeast and pitched his tent on a patch of snow-blanketed grassland.For Zhu, a night spent camping at minus 30 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the lush, green […]

  • Galloping through a garden: 8 steeds bring Chinese New Year magic to Singapore
    on January 18, 2026

    SINGAPORE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- To welcome the Year of the Horse, eight magnificent steed lanterns have journeyed from China to Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. Yet, a visitor's first encounter is not with the horses, but with a winding, blossom-strewn path.Created in China and inspired by an ancient classical ink painting of eight steeds in full gallop, the […]

  • Hong Kong authorities to review medium of instruction in schools after major study
    by William Yiu on January 18, 2026

    Hong Kong education authorities will review the policy on the medium of instruction in public secondary schools for the 2028-34 cycle after looking at the results of a three-year evaluation study and consulting the sector, the Post has learned. The review comes as a council representing subsidised secondary schools urged the government to allow more […]

  • This year, Hong Kong must resolve to rewrite the script for retirement
    by Dicky Chow,Jessie Zhang,Curtis Lam on January 18, 2026

    Looking back at 2025, the city made meaningful strides in supporting its retirees. The government expanded the Elderly Health Care Voucher and Community Care Service Voucher schemes, and invested HK$2 billion (US$256.47 million) in an elderly and rehabilitation technology fund. It also announced 30 measures for the silver economy and formed the Working […]

  • (SP)QATAR-DOHA-WTT STAR CONTENDER DOHA 2026-MIXED DOUBLES-SEMIFINAL
    on January 18, 2026

    (260118) -- DOHA, Jan. 18, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Chen Yuanyu (R)/Kuai Man of China compete during the mixed doubles semifinal match against Park Ganghyeon/Kim Nayeong of South Korea at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 in Doha, Qatar, on Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by Nikku/Xinhua)

  • Brussels fears dangerous downward spiral after Trumps Greenland move
    on January 17, 2026

    Top EU officials have accused the US president of undermining transatlantic unity with a tariff threat against European NATO statesAmbassadors from the European Union's 27 member states are set to convene for an emergency meeting on Sunday, after President Donald Trump announced a wave of increasing tariffs on eight European NATO states that oppose a […]

  • Macron vows response to Trumps intimidation
    on January 17, 2026

    The US president has imposed tariffs on eight European NATO members for opposing his plan to acquire GreenlandFrench President Emmanuel Macron vowed a "united and coordinated" response after US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on eight European NATO nations for opposing his campaign to acquire Greenland.The tariffs, announced by Trump on Saturday, […]

  • India Open 2026: Jonatan Christie to face Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-Yi in final
    on January 17, 2026

    New Delhi [India], January 18 (ANI): Jonatan Christie will face Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-Yi in the final. Lin converted the fourth match point in the decider to beat Canada's Victor Lai 21-9, 6-21, 22-20 in one hour and one minute, according to a release.Earlier, Indonesia's Jonatan Christie mixed his tactics and kept his nerves in key situations to beat […]

  • Trump Slaps Europe With 10% Tariffs to Grab Greenland
    on January 17, 2026

    US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose Washington's control of Greenland, escalating tensions over the Arctic territory. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that from February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face 10 percent […]

  • China and Canada Seal Landmark Trade and Cooperation Framework
    on January 17, 2026

    China and Canada released a joint statement on Friday following high-level meetings held during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to China from January 14 to 17, undertaken at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with Carney, while Premier Li held formal talks with the Canadian prime […]

  • Jimmy Lai sentencing nears after Hong Kong court hears pleas by staff
    on January 17, 2026

    HONG KONG: Former executives of Apple Daily, the now-defunct, pro-democracy newspaper founded by media mogul Jimmy Lai, finished pleading for lighter sentences in a Hong Kong court this week on charges of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security. The former journalists admitted to the prosecution's charge that they conspired […]

  • (SP)SAUDI ARABIA-JEDDAH-FOOTBALL-AFC U23 ASIAN CUP-QUARTERFINAL-CHINA VS UZBEKISTAN
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- JEDDAH, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yudong (front L) of China vies with Behruzjon Karimov of Uzbekistan during the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup quarterfinal match between China and Uzbekistan in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

  • 2 Hong Kong pupils take top prizes in first global youth storytelling competition
    by Emily Tsang on January 17, 2026

    Two Hong Kong students secured championship titles on Saturday in the first storytelling competition for global youth, delivering impassioned speeches on education and AI before an audience of about 100 people. Vanessa Jane Wong, a Form Four pupil from the Independent Schools Foundation Academy, won the top award in the senior category, while Wan Ruixi, a […]

  • U.S.-NEW YORK-YEARLY GALA-CHINA-U.S. RELATION
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng (C) poses for a group photo with guests at a yearly gala held by the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA (CGCC) in New York, the United States, on Jan. 15, 2026. China is sincere about developing its relationship with the United States, but it also has clear […]

  • Beijing slams US senators for ‘malicious’ bill targeting Hong Kong trade offices
    by Ng Kang-chung on January 17, 2026

    Beijing’s foreign affairs arm in Hong Kong has “strongly condemned” a group of US senators for pushing what it calls “malicious legislation” that seeks to strip the city’s trade offices in the United States of their special privileges and potentially force their closure. A spokesman for the Commissioner’s Office of the Foreign Ministry in Hong […]

  • WUC's award-winning documentary "Eyes of the Machine" sheds light on China's mistreatment of Uyghurs
    on January 17, 2026

    Washington, DC [US] January 17 (ANI): The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) is ramping up its global advocacy efforts. Their award-winning documentary 'Eyes of the Machine' is shedding light on China's mistreatment of Uyghurs, reinforcing global attention on China's policies in East Turkistan.The documentary 'Eyes of the Machine,' directed by Dutch filmmaker Daya […]

  • China more predictable than US Canadian PM
    on January 17, 2026

    Donald Trump has said he is OK with the rapprochement between Ottawa and BeijingIt is easier for Canada to deal with China these days than with its neighbor and main trading partner, the US, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said.While running for office in April 2025, Carney labeled Beijing the main security threat to Ottawa. However, he appeared to […]

  • China 'more predictable' than US - Canadian PM
    on January 17, 2026

    Donald Trump has said he is "OK" with the rapprochement between Ottawa and Beijing It is easier for Canada to deal with China these days than with its neighbor and main trading partner, the US, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said. While running for office in April 2025, Carney labeled Beijing the […]

  • CHINA-BEIJING-SNOWFALL (CN)
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- BEIJING, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Citizens make their way amidst snowfall in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 17, 2026. Beijing witnessed a snowfall on Friday. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

  • "Market walk" catches on as new consumption scenes emerge
    on January 17, 2026

    BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- When Jin Lulu returned from studying abroad, she opened a cafe -- not in a glossy mall or office tower, but at the entrance of the 30-year-old Gudang market in east China's Zhejiang Province."I used to come here with my grandmother when I was little. Now I'm back opening a cafe here, and it feels so warm and nostalgic," Jin […]

  • China's northernmost province embraces winter sports craze
    on January 17, 2026

    Heilongjiang, China's traditional winter sports heartland, is turning a record season of grassroots ice-and-snow events and international competitions into a powerful engine for mass participation, cultural exchange and tourism-driven economic growth.HARBIN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, a two-time host of the Asian Winter […]

  • Hong Kong flags 1,600 at-risk elderly households, but experts say figure tip of iceberg
    by Fiona Sun on January 17, 2026

    Hong Kong authorities have identified 1,600 at-risk elderly households in public housing, but analysts have said the figure fails to reflect the scale of this group of vulnerable residents and urged the government to speed up search efforts. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Saturday that authorities had identified high-risk cases […]

  • China Expands Its State Media Footprint In Taliban-Run Afghanistan
    on January 17, 2026

    Since the withdrawal of international forces and the Talibans return to power in August 2021, Afghanistans once-diverse media landscape has collapsed under a lack of funding and restrictions -- and Chinese state media is looking to fill the void.Hundreds of outlets have shut down, thousands of journalists have lost work, and those remaining face censorship, […]

  • China's "super embassy" plan in London triggers security fears and political storm
    on January 17, 2026

    London [UK], January 17 (ANI) The British government is nearing approval of a contentious proposal by China to establish what would be its largest diplomatic mission in Europe, raising alarms over security, sovereignty and civil liberties. The planned complex, often described as a 'super embassy,' is to be built at Royal Mint Court, a landmark location […]

  • Hong Kong’s rare cases of police officers opening fire on duty
    by Connor Mycroft on January 17, 2026

    Hong Kong police officers rarely fire their guns, but when they do, it grips the city’s attention. On Thursday, officers shot dead a man who had taken a woman hostage while brandishing a 30cm knife at a shopping centre in Tuen Mun. Under police guidelines, officers may open fire to protect anyone – including themselves – from death or serious injury. […]

  • CHINA-GUANGDONG-FOSHAN-NOROVIRUS-INFECTIONS (CN)
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- FOSHAN, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Staff members conduct epidemiological survey in Sanshui District in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 17, 2026. A total of 103 students at a senior high school in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, have been infected with norovirus, local health authorities said Saturday, noting that no […]

  • Hong Kong public hospital pricing reform slashes less urgent A&E visits by 24%
    by Harvey Kong on January 17, 2026

    Hong Kong’s health minister has revealed that the number of less urgent patients seeking treatment at public hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments has dropped by 24 per cent in the first 10 days of a new pricing regime. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau also said in a television interview on Saturday that authorities had so far approved […]

  • Murder suspect who fled to mainland China handed over to Hong Kong police
    by Ng Kang-chung on January 17, 2026

    A murder suspect who fled across the border late last month after allegedly killing his girlfriend in a public housing flat has been handed over to Hong Kong police following his capture by mainland Chinese law enforcers. The Hong Kong identity card holder, 28, was wanted in the city in connection with the murder of a woman, 35, whose body was hidden in the […]

  • "Not regular activity": MEA clarifies India did not participate in 'BRICS Naval Exercise'
    on January 17, 2026

    New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal on Saturday said that the so-called 'BRICS Naval Exercise' was entirely a South African initiative in which some BRICS members took part.Responding to comments relating to India's non-participation in the 'BRICS Naval Exercise', Jaiswal said that […]

  • Hong Kong to fast-track safety guideline updates after 3 construction site deaths
    by Vivian Au on January 17, 2026

    Hong Kong authorities will expedite updates to safety guidelines for elevated work platforms and launch a large-scale inspection campaign after three workers died in accidents involving work at height or lifting devices. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Saturday expressed grave concern over the string of industrial fatalities, vowing […]

  • China Sports Weekly (1.11-1.17)
    on January 17, 2026

    BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Here are the latest Chinese sports headlines from the past week:1. China reaches knockout stage for first time in AFC U23 Asian CupChina reached the knockout stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time after drawing 0-0 with Thailand in its final Group D match here on January 14.China finished second in the group with one […]

  • Taiwan detects Chinese drone in its aerial zone
    on January 17, 2026

    Taipei [Taiwan], January 17 (ANI): Taiwan detected a Chinese army's reconnaissance UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) entering Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ.Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said that the UAV departed after radio warnings.In a post on X, it said, 'At 0541hrs (UTC+8), a PLA reconnaissance UAV was detected entering Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ and […]

  • Ex-Hong Kong youth cricketer completes run across Sri Lanka in world-beating 6½ days
    by Leopold Chen on January 17, 2026

    A former Hong Kong youth cricketer has set a world record after running the length of Sri Lanka in just over six and a half days, overcoming a journey beset by problems, during which “nothing went to plan”. Rahul Sharma, 24, said he faced a slew of obstacles along the way – from logistical chaos to unbearable heat and physical exhaustion – but […]

  • CHINA-CHONGQING-YOUYANG-TOURISM (CN)
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- CHONGQING, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A child plays at the Wujiang River and Gongtan tourist resort in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, on Jan. 17, 2026. Located in the renowned Wujiang River Scenic Area and the Gongtan Ancient Town, the Wujiang River and Gongtan tourist resort has leveraged its […]

  • EU looks to India as fourth pillar amid global uncertainty: Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev
    on January 17, 2026

    New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): The visit of the European Commission and the European Union leadership to India for the Republic Day Parade is being seen as a strategic signal that goes well beyond the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).Speaking exclusively to ANI, Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said the timing of the visit reflects […]

  • India's average return on FDI remains robust at 7.3%, outperforming emerging economies: CareEdge
    on January 17, 2026

    New Delhi [India], January 17 (ANI): In the last five years, between the Financial Year 2020 to 2025, India's annual gross FDI inflows have hovered between USD 70 and 85 billion, recording a flat Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 2%.As per the data shared by CareEdge Ratings, the Net FDI flows have fallen from USD 44 billion in FY20 to USD 1 […]

  • CHINA-HEILONGJIANG-RUSSIA-BOUNDARY LAKE-WINTER FISHING (CN)
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- HARBIN, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Fishermen transfer the first fish caught during the 2026 Xingkai Lake winter fishing festival at Xingkai Lake in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 17, 2026. The festival was kicked off on Saturday on the shore of Xingkai Lake, a boundary lake between China and Russia, presenting a fully-integrated […]

  • ZIMBABWE-HARARE-CHINESE COMMUNITY-DONATION
    on January 17, 2026

    (260117) -- HARARE, Jan. 17, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A student attends a donation ceremony at the Jairos Jiri Centre Primary School in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Jan. 16, 2026. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Friday donated daily necessities and stationery to a school for children with disabilities in Zimbabwe's capital. TO GO WITH "Chinese community donates supplies […]

  • Update: China, Canada reach specific arrangements to address trade issues: commerce ministry
    on January 17, 2026

    BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Canada have reached specific arrangements to properly address trade issues related to electric vehicles (EVs), steel and aluminum products, rapeseed, and agricultural and aquatic products, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.To implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of China and Canada, both […]

  • Drama in Hong Kong’s first international marathon in 1969 – from the SCMP archive
    by SCMP on January 17, 2026

    This article was first published on December 15, 1969 Drama in HK’s first international marathon by Neil Perera Unheralded Kim Cha Hwan of South Korea yesterday (December 14, 1969) pulverised an international field of long distance runners to win the first Tin Tin international marathon in the New Territories. Kim, a 21-year-old electrician, overcame a […]

  • Hong Kong contractors rated poorly by homeowners face removal after Tai Po fire
    by Fiona Sun on January 17, 2026

    Hong Kong authorities may remove building maintenance contractors from a government list if homeowners are dissatisfied with their performance, as part of measures to combat bid-rigging following the deadly Tai Po fire, the city’s No 2 official has said. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok‑ki said on Saturday that the government aimed to improve the Urban […]

  • Exports take China to $1.2 trillion trade surplus amid tariff pressure
    on January 17, 2026

    HONG KONG: China closed 2025 with its largest trade surplus on record, underscoring how exports to the rest of the world have cushioned the impact of sharply reduced shipments to the United States amid renewed trade tensions under President Donald Trump. The surplus surged nearly 20 percent to almost US$1.2 trillion last year, according to data released […]

  • Canada announces USD 7 billion trade deal with China
    on January 17, 2026

    Beijing [China], January 17 (ANI): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a new trade agreement with China.Carney said that the deal would open markets for Canadian businesses and workers.In a post on social media platform X, Carney said, 'We've secured a new trade agreement with China -- unlocking more than $7 billion in export markets for […]

  • Machinery use suspended after worker severs hand at Hong Kong recycling centre
    by Connor Mycroft on January 17, 2026

    Hong Kong authorities have issued a suspension notice to a contractor at a government-run recycling centre after a worker severed his palm while clearing debris from a wood-chipping machine. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said on Saturday it was “highly concerned” about the incident, which occurred at around 2pm the day before at the […]

China map