| 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
- Middle East exhibitors at Hong Kong jewellery fair rue poorer sales, attendanceby Harvey Kong on March 4, 2026
Middle Eastern exhibitors at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show expect poorer business due to disruptions brought on by the US-Israel war against Iran, while organisers have reported “a small number” of participants being affected by flight cancellations and delays. The event, which opened on Wednesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition […]
- Hong Kong launches 3-year action plan to help residents fight the flabby Emily Hung on March 4, 2026
Hong Kong has launched its first action plan on weight management, aiming to reduce the proportion of people who are overweight or obese to less than half the population in three years from the current 51.3 per cent of adults. On Wednesday, World Obesity Day, the Department of Health announced more than 40 measures, ranging from installing more weighing […]
- Hong Kong’s retail sales rise 5.5% in January as tourists loosen purse stringsby Leopold Chen on March 4, 2026
Hong Kong’s retail sales rose 5.5 per cent year on year in January, with authorities crediting inbound tourism for supporting the sector. Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Wednesday showed sales reached HK$37.3 billion (US$4.77 billion) in January, marking the ninth straight month of growth since May 2025, after 14 […]
- Ex-Hong Kong lawmaker Chim Pui-chung granted HK$5 million bail in fraud appealby Brian Wong on March 4, 2026
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Chim Pui-chung has been granted HK$5 million (US$640,000) bail pending an appeal against his conviction for conspiring with his son and others to defraud a listed company and the city’s stock exchange more than a decade ago. Chim, 79, applied for bail before a High Court judge for the second time on Wednesday, having been […]
- China’s top advisory body urges Greater Bay Area cities to align rules, regulationsby Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing on March 4, 2026
China’s top advisory body has called on Hong Kong, Macau and the nine other Guangdong cities of the Greater Bay Area to better align their rules and regulations under a key directive in its latest annual work report. Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, delivered the nation’s top […]
- Singapore offices cost the most to outfit, Asia-Pacific survey saysby Cao Li on March 4, 2026
Singapore is the most expensive city in the Asia-Pacific region to outfit an office, driven by increased labour costs, a shortage of contractors and strict building standards, according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank. The city had the highest average fit-out cost at US$2,029 per square metre – ahead of Tokyo (US$1,994) and Taipei (US$1,593) – […]
- 10% rise in costs expected as shipping firms halt Middle East bookings, add risk chargesby Ambrose Li on March 4, 2026
The conflict in Iran could raise cargo transport costs from Asia to Europe by at least 10 per cent, according to Hong Kong sector representatives, as major shipping companies suspended bookings to and from the Middle East or imposed significant war-risk surcharges. Lawmaker Tommy Chung Ki-fung, who represents the import and export constituency, explained on […]
- Update: China calls for immediate stop to military operations: spokesperson on Iran situationon March 4, 2026
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Regarding the Iran situation, a Chinese spokesperson said on Wednesday that China calls for an immediate stop to military operations, preventing further escalation of tensions, and resuming dialogue and negotiations to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East.To this end, China will continue to play its role as a […]
- AUSTRIA-VIENNA-IAEA-CHINESE ENVOY-REMARKSon March 4, 2026
(260304) -- VIENNA, March 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Li Song (on screen), China's permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), speaks during the March Board of Governors meeting of the IAEA in Vienna, Austria, on March 3, 2026. The Fukushima nuclear accident, while triggered by a natural disaster, was in essence a man-made disaster […]
- Photo Flash | China's top political advisory body starts annual sessionon March 4, 2026
(260304) -- BEIJING, March 4, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
- Athletes check into Cortina Paralympic Villageon March 4, 2026
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, about 350 athletes have checked into the Cortina Paralympic Village in an Alpine valley, a village manager said Tuesday."We are likely to have already a fully accessible village. We experienced it during the Olympic Winter Games, and it went really well. […]
- Update: China stands ready to work with Europe to expand cooperation: spokespersonon March 4, 2026
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese spokesperson said on Wednesday that China stands ready to work with Europe to uphold the basic positioning of partnership, properly handle trade and economic differences, cultivate more cooperation agendas, and jointly meet global challenges.Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 14th National People's […]
- Update: China, U.S. should respect each other, pursue peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation: spokespersonon March 4, 2026
BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- As two major countries, China and the United States should respect each other, and pursue peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, a Chinese spokesperson said on Wednesday.China is willing to work with the United States to strengthen communication at all levels and through various channels, so as to create broader space for […]
- Hong Kong’s Ocean Park to open new conservation centre featuring whale skeletonby Theodora Yu on March 4, 2026
Hong Kong’s Ocean Park will transform its North Pole Encounter zone into a marine mammal conservation centre featuring the skeleton of a whale that washed ashore in Sai Kung in 2023. The new exhibit, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, will highlight the park’s marine mammal research and rescue efforts. Visitors can explore other exhibits […]
- First batch of Hongkongers stranded in Middle East to return homeby Edith Lin,Theodora Yu on March 4, 2026
The first batch of Hongkongers stranded in the Middle East is set to return to the city on Wednesday night after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) resumed a small number of flights amid the US-Israeli attack on Iran. According to the Dubai Airports website, Emirates flight EK380 departed at 10.56am local time. The aircraft is expected to arrive in Hong Kong at […]
- Daily World Briefing, March 4on March 4, 2026
Son of late Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei "in full health," studying country's affairs -- mediaMojtaba Khamenei, the second-eldest son of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is in full health, and currently studying important affairs of the country, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported Tuesday.Mehr said it has received reliable news confirming […]
- Hong Kong inflation risks grow as war in Middle East escalates, experts warnby Kevin Li on March 4, 2026
Hongkongers may begin to feel the impact of the escalating war in the Middle East in the coming months, as rising global oil prices are expected to push up energy bills and dining costs, according to experts. Analysts said the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and subsequent retaliation across the region, were also likely to slow the pace of […]
- Report: Chinese billionaire buys Dolphins stake at $12.5B valuationon March 3, 2026
(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)Chinese-American tech billionaire Lin Bin purchased a small stake in the Miami Dolphins at a valuation of $12.5 billion, a record for a publicly known minority transaction, Sportico reported Tuesday.Bin is acquiring a 1% stake in the holding company that owns the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, Formula 1's Miami […]
- BASF CEO says doubling down on China "right decision"on March 3, 2026
BASF has operated in China for more than 140 years and has expanded significantly over the past three to four decades. "We want to participate in the growth of the Chinese economy and of our customer industries in China," Markus Kamieth, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and CEO of German chemical giant BASF, has said.FRANKFURT, March 3 (Xinhua) […]
- Golf Glance: PGA's signature event at Bay Hill highlights busy weekon March 3, 2026
(Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)The busiest week in professional golf so far this year features the third signature event of 2026 on the PGA Tour. The LPGA wraps up its Asia Swing, the DP Tour concludes its International Swing, LIV Golf returns to Hong Kong and the Champions tee it up alongside NFL legends.PGA TOURTHIS WEEK: Arnold Palmer […]
- Anthony Kim embracing cliches ahead of LIV Golf Hong Kongon March 3, 2026
(Photo credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images)Anthony Kim is riding high on the strength of a tournament victory heading into this week's LIV Golf Hong Kong event.Two-plus weeks removed from his victory at LIV Golf Adelaide, Kim admitted it's a bit of a strange feeling on Tuesday while speaking to reporters at Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling.'I definitely didn't […]
- Several players stuck in Middle East ahead of LIV Hong Kongon March 3, 2026
(Photo credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images)As of Tuesday, eight LIV Golf players reportedly have been unable to fly out of the Middle East ahead of this week's tournament in Hong Kong.Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Sam Horsfield, Anirban Lahiri, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Caleb Surratt and Lee Westwood were practicing in Dubai before Saturday's […]
- Iran says it is open for negotiations "with dignity" to end waron March 3, 2026
New Delhi [India], March 3 (ANI): Iran signalled a willingness to talk to end the current conflict with the US and Israel, but only 'with dignity' and without being dictated to.Speaking to ANI, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, Special representative of the supreme leader of Iran, said, 'We are ready to stop the war. We are ready for negotiations. But the […]
- All England Open 2026: Lakshya Sen upsets defending champion Shi Yuqi in opening roundon March 3, 2026
Birmingham [UK], March 3 (ANI): India's Lakshya Sen created the biggest upset of the opening day of the All England Open 2026 when he packed off top seed and defending champion Shi Yuqi of China in the men's singles opening round here on Tuesday.Sen, the 2022 finalist in one of the most prestigious badminton tournament, overcame the reigning world champion […]
- LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil intent on impact, growing sport in Asiaon March 3, 2026
(Photo credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images)LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil touched on various topics during Tuesday's press conference ahead of the HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026 -- most notably teasing another announcement later in the week.When asked about the specific venue of the Korea tournament in late May, O'Neil was coy with his answer.'That will be […]
- BULGARIA-SOFIA-LANTERN FESTIVAL-CULTURAL EVENTon March 3, 2026
(260303) -- SOFIA, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A participant crafts a lantern at an event marking the Lantern Festival at the China Cultural Center in Sofia, Bulgaria on March 3, 2026. The China Cultural Center in Sofia hosted a Lantern Festival-themed cultural experience event on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Yao Yulin)
- CHINA-TIANJIN-INT'L CRUISE SHIP-ARRIVAL (CN)on March 3, 2026
(260303) -- TIANJIN, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Inbound tourists visit an ancient cultural street in Tianjin, north China, March 3, 2026. As the first visiting cruise in northern China this year, MS Regatta, a cruise ship operated by Oceania Cruises, arrived at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port from South Korea on Tuesday. The nearly 600 passengers […]
- InPics | Lantern festival celebrations fervent across Chinaon March 3, 2026
BEIJING, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Across China, a variety of vibrant activities were held in celebration of the Lantern Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, or March 3 this year.
- How energy markets have responded to the Middle East waron March 3, 2026
Oil prices have jumped more than 15%, topping $84, while European gas prices have surged over 30% after Iranian strikes on Qatari LNG facilitiesGlobal energy markets have come under pressure as the Middle East conflict escalates, with fears mounting over potential disruptions to oil and gas supplies.US and Israeli strikes on Iran have prompted Tehran to […]
- CHINA-BEIJING-XI JINPING-BOOK-SYMPOSIUM (CN)on March 3, 2026
(260303) -- BEIJING, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Shen Yiqin, State Councilor and president of the All-China Women's Federation, addresses a symposium on the second volume of a book about the interactions between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and the people during his domestic inspection tours, in Beijing, […]
- Beyond spectacles, humanoid robots exploring wider applicationson March 3, 2026
JINAN/HANGZHOU, March 3 (Xinhua) -- At a "robot school" in east China's Shandong Province, dozens of humanoid robots are mimicking human engineers as they carry trays, fold clothes, and fetch bottled water from the shelves, as part of the training for their real-world jobs."Our ultimate goal is to enable them to perceive and adapt to environments like […]
- (SP)ITALY-CORTINA D'AMPEZZO-PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES-CORTINA PARALYMPIC VILLAGEon March 3, 2026
(260303) -- CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Wang Meng of China is seen at the Paralympic Village of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
- Time-honored Chinese folk dance thrives in Thailand, bridging cultureson March 3, 2026
by Liu Yang, Chen QianciCHONBURI, Thailand, March 3 (Xinhua) -- With the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year still lingering, a vibrant Yingge performance was staged by Chinese and Thai performers in eastern Thailand.A familiar scene unfolded in the district of Phanat Nikhom in Chonburi province, where the beats of drums and clashing of cymbals […]
- Hong Kong court convicts British woman of blackmailing banker over false rape claimby Fiona Chow on March 3, 2026
A British woman has been convicted of blackmailing a compatriot for a £100,000 (US$134,030) payout after accusing him of rape and threatening to report him to Hong Kong police. Isabel Anonia Barbra Eudora Rose, 25, turned from an alleged rape victim into a defendant standing trial at the District Court in Wan Chai for blackmailing the man, a banker she met […]
- CHINA-LANTERN FESTIVAL-LUNAR ECLIPSE (CN)on March 3, 2026
(260303) -- BEIJING, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This stack composite photo taken on March 3, 2026 shows the moon during a total lunar eclipse over Yongdingmen Gate in Beijing, capital of China. Tuesday marked the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year's festival coincided with a total lunar […]
- THAILAND-CHONBURI-CHINESE FOLK DANCEon March 3, 2026
(260303) -- CHONBURI, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Members of Nigou Yingge Team from Puning, China's Guangdong Province, perform in the district of Phanat Nikhom in Chonburi province, Thailand, Feb. 28, 2026. TO GO WITH "Feature: Time-honored Chinese folk dance thrives in Thailand, bridging cultures" (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)
- Hong Kong boy, 14, held over online videos, photos depicting abuse of catsby Jess Ma on March 3, 2026
Hong Kong police have arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of animal cruelty in connection with graphic images and videos circulating online that depicted degrading acts, including sexual abuse, against cats, the South China Morning Post has learned. A source said police arrested the boy on Tuesday, after authorities in mainland China conducted an […]
- Explainer: How Chinese tea drink brands are cultivating a global footprinton March 3, 2026
For many foreign consumers, "Chinese tea" used to mean premium, high-end products that felt distant from ordinary people. "But today's Chinese tea drink brands have completely shattered our impression of traditional Chinese tea -- they taste modern and have such a stylish feel," said Natalie, a Gen Z Thai woman.BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- In recent years, […]
- No use or threat of force serves all parties, including Israel: Chinese FMon March 3, 2026
BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Refraining from the use or threat of force in international relations is in the fundamental interests of all parties, including Israel, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding a phone conversation […]
- Hong Kong government says golf course flats study has ‘no legal effect’ in appealby Brian Wong on March 3, 2026
A government lawyer has said that an environmental study on the impact of building 12,000 public flats on part of Hong Kong’s oldest golf course holds “no legal effect”, as authorities appeal a court ruling that may send the project back to the consultation stage. The Court of Appeal began hearing oral arguments on Tuesday over an environmental impact […]
- New study proposes scientific basis for improving concrete reinforcement in desert environmentson March 3, 2026
LANZHOU, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Whenever sandstorms are mentioned, people often think of air pollution and strong wind erosion damage to buildings and traffic lines. A study by Chinese researchers has proposed a new insight that moderate wind and sand erosion can actually make the surface of materials more "solid."Researchers have recently investigated the […]
- Update: Annual session of China's top political advisory body to run from March 4 to 11on March 3, 2026
BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), will hold its annual session from March 4 to 11 in Beijing, a spokesperson for the session said on Tuesday.The fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and […]
- Xinhua Headlines: From connectivity to intelligence, global mobile industry showcases new wave of innovationon March 3, 2026
* Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving beyond its role as an added feature layered onto networks and terminals and is increasingly embedded within the infrastructure that shapes how digital systems operate.* Analysts said the congress reflects a shift from concept to deployment. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for Data and Analytics at IDC EMEA, told […]
- (SP)AUSTRALIA-SYDNEY-WOMEN'S ASIAN CUP-CHN VS BANon March 3, 2026
(260303) -- SYDNEY, March 3, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Wang Shuang (C) of China competes during the Group B match of Women's Asian Cup between China and Bangladesh at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia, March 3, 2026. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)
- Hong Kong convention centre to host more medical, tech, finance, education eventsby Wynna Wong on March 3, 2026
Hong Kong’s flagship exhibition venue is ramping up its line-up of medical, technology, finance and education events this year, including hosting the LEAP East technology show that will be held outside the Middle East for the first time this summer. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre said events linked to the four sectors would account for 43 […]
















