| 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
- MALAYSIA-SELANGOR-ECRL RAIL MEGAPROJECT-TESTING AND COMMISSIONING PHASEon August 14, 2026
(260814) -- SELANGOR, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Train attendants walk past a train at the Gombak station of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) in Selangor state, Malaysia, Aug. 14, 2026. The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega rail project in Malaysia being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), is expected to begin commercial […]
- URA posts HK$338 million operating surplus after three years of lossesby Natalie Wong,Jeffie Lam on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong’s Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has recorded an operating surplus of HK$338 million (US$43.3 million) for the 2025-26 financial year, after reporting three straight years of losses. At a banquet on Friday to mark the statutory body’s 25th anniversary, chairman Chow Chung-kong announced that the URA had returned to profit in the 2025-26 […]
- Bank plays Cupid in China's public service makeoveron August 14, 2026
BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Who says banks are just for banking? At a downtown Tianjin branch in northern China, bubbles drift through the lobby as smiling couples arrive hand in hand and leave as newlyweds, turning a place once reserved for financial transactions into the starting point of a lifelong romantic commitment.Couples are greeted by a lush […]
- Unity doesn't mean uniformity: The true value of China's new ethnic lawon August 14, 2026
BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- As a multi-ethnic country with a long history, China is offering a new perspective on addressing common challenges in modern state governance through its recently enacted law on promoting ethnic unity and progress -- one that seeks unity without imposing uniformity.The Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, China's fundamental […]
- NEPAL-KATHMANDU-CHINA-DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS-RECEPTIONon August 14, 2026
(260814) -- KATHMANDU, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming (7th R, back), Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai (8th L, back), and winners of the China-Nepal friendship short video contest pose for a group photo in Kathmandu, Nepal, Aug. 13, 2026. A reception to mark the 71st anniversary of the establishment of […]
- Ancient Chinese astronomical instruments draw museum-goers to cosmic queston August 14, 2026
HEFEI, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's museums are often defined by their porcelain, calligraphy and ritual vessels. But a new exhibition in east China's Anhui Province is turning the spotlight away from traditional treasures and toward scientific endeavors of the past, showcasing jade cosmograms, celestial star charts and bronze globes crafted by astronomers […]
- Bomb-disposal team, light public housing unit win chief executive’s awardby Fiona Sun on August 14, 2026
A bomb-disposal team and a unit behind Hong Kong’s light public housing scheme have won this year’s chief executive’s award, praised for embodying civil servants’ professional spirit in “rising to challenges and pursuing excellence”. City leader John Lee Ka-chiu presented the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance to the two […]
- Multi-property owner loses HK$10 million after fraudster poses as possible tenantby Ambrose Li on August 14, 2026
A woman in Hong Kong who owned multiple properties has lost HK$10 million (US$1.3 million) after being scammed by a fraudster posing as a prospective tenant. The police force revealed on Friday that the 64-year-old retiree, whose properties consisted of residential, commercial and parking spaces, was contacted via WhatsApp by a scammer in May in response to […]
- Industrial tourism redefines China's summer family getawayson August 14, 2026
SHENYANG, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- On a sweltering summer day, Zhao Mingyu stepped into the air-conditioned workshop of BMW Brilliance's production base in northeast China's Shenyang, where yellow robotic arms moved in rhythmic motion, flipping and welding components as sleek car bodies took shape.A recent high school graduate, Zhao walked along a fully enclosed […]
- (SP)SWEDEN-MALMO-TABLE TENNIS-WTT EUROPE SMASH 2026-MIXED DOUBLESon August 14, 2026
(260814) -- MALMO, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Lin Yun-Ju (L)/Cheng I-Ching compete during the mixed doubles semifinal match between Lin Shidong/Kuai Man of China and Lin Yun-Ju/Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei at the WTT Europe Smash Sweden 2026 in Malmo, Sweden, Aug. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)
- U.S.-LOS ANGELES-CHINA-ALL WISHES COME TRUE-FILM-PREMIEREon August 14, 2026
(260814) -- LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Moviegoers hold posters for the Chinese animated film "All Wishes Come True" at its North American premiere in Los Angeles, California, the United States, Aug. 13, 2026. Chinese animated fantasy-comedy "All Wishes Come True" held its North American premiere Thursday night in Los Angeles, ahead of its […]
- CHINA-ANHUI-ANCIENT ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTS-EXHIBITION (CN)on August 14, 2026
(260814) -- HEFEI, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A visitor takes photos of an ancient astronomical instrument at an exhibition titled "Heavenly Questions: The Cosmological Vision of Chinese Civilization" at the Anhui Museum in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, July 1, 2026. TO GO WITH "Feature: Ancient Chinese astronomical instruments draw museum-goers to […]
- CHINA-CHONGQING-TOURISM (CN)on August 14, 2026
(260814) -- CHONGQING, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Foreign tourists experience canyoning in Jindaoxia Town of Beibei District of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 19, 2026. With the hashtag of "China Cool" going viral on social media, Chongqing, famous for its special landforms and city views, has become a popular destination for tourists […]
- Wrong radio frequency by Cathay crew led to Nato jet interception: reportby Ambrose Li on August 14, 2026
The cockpit crew of a Cathay Pacific Airways flight from Hong Kong to London selected the wrong radio frequency when mistakenly responding to instructions for another aircraft, leading to a loss of communication with air traffic control in Romanian airspace last month, a Hong Kong investigation report has revealed. The government said on Friday that the […]
- Hong Kong garners 16,000 submissions from consultation for city’s first 5-year planby Matthew Cheng,Natalie Wong,Leopold Chen on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong authorities received more than 16,000 public submissions for the city’s inaugural five-year plan by the close of its consultation on Friday, with an official noting general support for more focused integration into national development and the strategic cultivation of emerging sectors. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse […]
- Maritime operations boost China's commercial space industryon August 14, 2026
HAIYANG, Shandong, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The successful Aug. 5 launch of a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) carrier rocket with two AI hyperspectral satellites from sea waters in east China underscores the country's growing capabilities in maritime space operations, advancing its commercial space industry's push into offshore launch and recovery.The mission, the 27th […]
- US missionary freed months after abductionon August 14, 2026
Kevin Rideout was kidnapped in Niger last year and no group has claimed responsibilityAn American missionary abducted in Niger last year has been released after spending more than nine months in captivity, the Christian organization Serving In Mission (SIM) said on Friday."Kevin is in good health and is currently in the care of US officials," the group […]
- "PM prioritises fake image over country's security": Rahul Gandhi, Kharge question alleged increased Chinese activity in Arunachalon August 14, 2026
New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday raised concern over reports that China has stopped Indian Army patrols at several places in Arunachal Pradesh and questioned the Centre's response.Congress MP said the reported development was 'extremely alarming' and questioned the silence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home […]
- Investment scam cases in Hong Kong drop 15%, but losses remain high at HK$1.65bby Jess Ma on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong recorded a 15 per cent drop in investment scam cases in the first half of this year, but losses remained high at HK$1.65 billion (US$210 million), with police warning of fraudsters posing as representatives of legitimate overseas firms to swindle investors. Senior Superintendent Fanny Kung Hing-fun said on Friday that some of these firms of […]
- Hong Kong raises growth forecast after best half-yearly showing in nearly 5 yearsby Wynna Wong on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong has raised its full-year economic growth forecast for 2026 to a range of 3.5 to 4.5 per cent following a 4.3 per cent expansion in the second quarter, supported by buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand. Releasing its half-yearly economic report on Friday, the government revised its 2026 growth forecast from the previous range of 2.5 […]
- The Viewpoint: Behind China's cool rooms lies a clean, resilient power systemon August 14, 2026
BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- While summer heat can be unforgiving in many parts of the world, "air-conditioning (AC) freedom" has become a trending phrase in China. It refers to the simple pleasure of stepping inside, grabbing the remote, and letting cool air wash over you. Comfort, right when you need it.The real story behind this freedom partly lies in […]
- SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE-SAO TOME-CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE-MARTIAL ARTS INJURIES-TRAININGon August 14, 2026
(260814) -- SAO TOME, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Participants attend a training program on the prevention and treatment of martial arts injuries at the Confucius Institute at the University of Sao Tome and Principe, in Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe, Aug. 12, 2026. The university's Confucius Institute and the 20th Chinese medical team to Sao Tome and […]
- US accuses India of operating 'shadow network' to aid Chinaon August 14, 2026
Forty trading partners, including India, are aiding China by operating a "shadow trans-shipment network," a new report claims A new US report that includes India among the countries allegedly helping China to evade steep American tariffs has added another wrinkle to India-US relations. The White House […]
- US accuses India of operating shadow network to aid Chinaon August 14, 2026
Forty trading partners, including India, are aiding China by operating a shadow trans-shipment network, a new report claimsA new US report that includes India among the countries allegedly helping China to evade steep American tariffs has added another wrinkle to India-US relations.The White House report, titled 'The Great Transshipment Scam', flagged over […]
- Hong Kong teen’s will to fight illness ‘incredibly low’ after near-death scaresby Cannix Yau on August 14, 2026
A teenager who fears dying young has narrowly escaped death twice this year after contracting influenza and respiratory virus infection, enduring what he described as his “most emotionally devastating breakdown”. Chen Tsz-kin, 17, was diagnosed with an incurable muscle-wasting disease at the age of 18 months and was told that people with the condition […]
- US accuses allies of China tariff 'scam'on August 14, 2026
The White House claims more than 40 countries have served as hubs for rerouting Chinese goods The White House has accused more than 40 nations, including some of its closest partners, of helping Chinese goods evade US tariffs by exploiting differences in levies imposed on third countries. A new 25-page re
- US accuses allies of China tariff scamon August 14, 2026
The White House claims more than 40 countries have served as hubs for rerouting Chinese goodsThe White House has accused more than 40 nations, including some of its closest partners, of helping Chinese goods evade US tariffs by exploiting differences in levies imposed on third countries.A new 25-page report titled 'The Great Transshipment Scam', released by […]
- ACs surge out, tourists flock in -- Decoding economic dynamics behind "China Cool"on August 14, 2026
BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- As record-breaking heat waves baked much of the Northern Hemisphere this summer, China has emerged as both a key global supplier of affordable cooling appliances and a favored destination for international travelers seeking cooler climes.Across Europe, Chinese-made air conditioners (ACs) and other cooling gadgets -- […]
- CHINA-HUNAN-CHANGDE-BIO-MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY (CN)on August 14, 2026
(260814) -- CHANGDE, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A staff member works at a fermentation workshop of the Hunan Biology Manufacturing Pilot Base Co., Ltd. in Jinshi City of Changde, central China's Hunan Province, on Aug. 13, 2026. In recent years, Jinshi City has stepped up efforts to develop its bio-manufacturing industry which dates back to the 1950s. The […]
- Diamond buyer jailed for stealing HK$11 million in gems to fund gambling habitby Brian Wong on August 14, 2026
A Hong Kong court has sentenced a former jewellery procurement manager to six years and eight months behind bars for stealing HK$11 million (US$1.4 million) worth of diamonds from suppliers to fund his gambling habit. Mui Ka-fai, 63, pleaded guilty on Monday to three counts of theft for reselling the small diamonds he misappropriated for personal gain while […]
- Man admits molesting girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter, taking over 200 photos, videosby Fiona Chow on August 14, 2026
A moving services manager has admitted to repeatedly molesting the 11-year-old daughter of his girlfriend in their Hong Kong home, and possessing more than 200 videos and photos he took during the seven assaults. Deputy District Judge Ivy Chui Yee-mei on Friday condemned the “despicable and sickening” acts of the defendant, who was 35 years older than […]
- Smart manufacturing fuels construction industry upgradeon August 14, 2026
TIANJIN, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Even in the blazing summer heat of Urumqi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, workers at a residential project are kept surprisingly cool by a "residential building machine" whose giant canopy shades the entire construction area.From a distance, the smart platform looks like a blue square cap perched atop the […]
- PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore Named Among Singapore's Top 10 Hotels by Travel + Leisure and Featured on 50 Best Discoveryon August 14, 2026
PRNewswireSingapore, August 14: In the heart of Singapore's Marina Bay, a 13-metre green wall opens onto a lush indoor atrium, welcoming guests into a stay shaped by nature, wellness and genuine care. That vision at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore has now earned recognition from two leading travel and hospitality names, Travel + Leisure and 50 […]
- World Insights: Do recent powerful earthquakes signal heightened seismic activity in South America?on August 14, 2026
by Xinhua writers Tan Huiting and Tian RuiMEXICO CITY/CARACAS, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- A series of powerful earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia, along with recent seismic events in Peru and Chile, has raised concern over whether South America is entering a period of unusually intense seismic activity.Experts, however, said there is no evidence of an abnormal […]
- Actor Henry Cavill draws crowds as neon-lit set evokes memories of old Hong Kongby Connor Mycroft on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong’s once-iconic neon signs and outdoor hawker stalls were brought back to life as hundreds flocked to Central for a glimpse of British actor Henry Cavill, who was in the city filming a new movie. Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and also Geralt in the television series The Witcher, was filming in the city on Thursday night. It followed an […]
- Hongkongers stranded after storm disrupts trains and roads to Narita airportby Lo Hoi-ying on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong tour groups returning from Japan’s capital are seeking alternative routes to Narita airport after a record rainstorm on Thursday disrupted transport and left thousands of travellers stranded, including Hongkongers who spent the night on trains and in other facilities. Cathay Pacific Airways, the city’s flag carrier, said on Friday it would […]
- China tests canal link to Southeast Asia; rocket failure concerns: SCMP’s 7 highlightsby SCMP on August 14, 2026
We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China completes milestone test of US$10.8 billion canal link to Southeast Asia Chinese […]
- Update: Ecuadorian president to visit Chinaon August 14, 2026
BEIJING, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Ecuador Daniel Roy-Gilchrist Noboa Azin will pay a state visit to China from Aug. 16 to 23, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday.Noting Ecuador is an important Latin American country, and China and Ecuador are comprehensive […]
- If attention not paid early, then it will be too late: Ex-Australian PM Morrison on China's growing influence in Indo-Pacificon August 14, 2026
Sydney [Australia], August 14 (ANI): Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned that China's expanding influence across the Indo-Pacific, particularly the Indian Ocean region, needs to be addressed early, cautioning that delaying strategic attention could make it too late to respond effectively.Speaking online at the Indo-Mediterranean […]
- New evidence reaffirms Japan's germ warfare crimes in Chinaon August 14, 2026
HARBIN, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- A new collection of historical records about Unit 731, the notorious Japanese germ warfare division during World War II (WWII), has unveiled more evidence of Japan's war atrocities in China.Released Wednesday by the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in northeast China's […]
- Taiwan detects nine PLA aircraft, 12 PLAN vessels, two official ships around its territoryon August 14, 2026
Taipei [Taiwan], August 14 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Friday (local time) said it detected nine sorties of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 12 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and two official ships operating around its territorial waters. In a post on X, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said six of the nine PLA […]
- Uncovering Unit 731's dark history requires broader int'l cooperation, says Singaporean historianon August 14, 2026
SINGAPORE, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- "More than 80 years have passed, and only now are we beginning to realize how much Japan still hasn't told us," said Lim Shao Bin, a Singaporean historian who has spent decades tracing Japan's biological warfare activities in Southeast Asia, in a recent interview with Xinhua.As each new discovery serves as a reminder of how […]
- Relief after 9 blistering days as Hong Kong issues amber rainstorm warningby Olga Wong on August 14, 2026
Temperatures have dropped in Hong Kong after a streak of nine very hot days, with the city’s weather forecaster issuing the amber rainstorm warning on Friday morning. The Observatory recorded temperatures between 23 and 29 degrees Celsius (73 and 84 Fahrenheit) in various districts across the city as of 8.45am, significantly lower than the 33 degrees or […]
- (SP)SWEDEN-MALMO-TABLE TENNIS-WTT EUROPE SMASH 2026-MEN'S SINGLESon August 14, 2026
(260814) -- MALMO, Aug. 14, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Zhou Qihao (R) greets Anton Kallberg after the men's singles round of 32 match between China's Zhou Qihao and Sweden's Anton Kallberg at the WTT Europe Smash Sweden 2026 in Malmo, Sweden, Aug. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)
- Hong Kong’s university town: where’s the money and what will success look like?by William Yiu,Edith Lin on August 14, 2026
Hong Kong is betting big on the Northern Metropolis with a university town as a core engine. In this third of a five-part series on the city’s first five-year blueprint, we look at the talk of the town. Read part one here and part two here. Hong Kong is a city that has among the highest concentration of top universities with at least eight making it to […]


















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