China: Economy

CN

China orders oil refiners to stop exporting fuel

China has reportedly told its major oil refiners to suspend exports of gasoline and diesel. The move is an immediate ban on shipments planned for March. Sources cited in the reports say the government is trying to limit the domestic impact of rising global oil prices. At the same time, the government has also capped how much fuel prices can be increased for consumers inside China.

CN

China's oil refineries face strain as global crude prices surge

China's oil industry, including its large state-owned companies and smaller independent 'teapot' refineries, is under pressure as global crude oil prices rise. This is happening due to supply disruptions linked to the war in Ukraine and broader market turbulence, leading at least one major refiner to cut its activity by 10%. Chinese officials have warned that further escalation in the Middle East could threaten global energy security. Meanwhile, the country is maintaining its overall economic easing policies, and the recent oil price surge is contributing to a rise in consumer prices, partly offsetting previous deflationary trends.

CN

China's energy security measures tested by global oil market turmoil

Global oil prices are rising and supply routes are being disrupted due to military conflict and tensions involving Iran and other regions. This is creating a worldwide energy crisis. Analysts say China may be better positioned to handle this shock than other countries. Reports indicate China has been preparing for such a crisis for years by diversifying its energy sources and securing supplies, which is now helping it maintain stability.

CN

China prepares measures as Middle East tensions push up oil prices

International oil prices have spiked due to conflict in the Middle East. China's foreign ministry said the country will take necessary measures to protect its energy security in response. China is considering buying U.S. crude oil and may restart imports of American energy to help manage the situation. The country's existing strategic oil reserves are seen as providing some cushion against the global price shock.

IR

China pushes Iran to keep Strait of Hormuz open for oil and gas shipments

China is pressuring Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for oil and gas shipments, according to sources. The strait is a vital shipping route, and reports indicate tanker traffic has been disrupted there. Chinese gas buyers say Beijing is in talks with Iran to allow safe passage. Some sources suggest Iran may only allow Chinese vessels through the strait, while others note China and India are looking for other crude sources due to the risk of supply disruption.

CN

Economist says China will meet its economic growth target this year

Justin Yifu Lin, an economist, said China will achieve its economic growth target for this year. He expressed confidence that China can maintain its goal of contributing 30% to global economic growth. Lin stated that China has advantages to reach its 2026 GDP growth target and will remain the most stable engine for the global economy. He specifically mentioned a GDP growth target range of 4.5% to 5%.

CN

China outlines plans for high-quality economic growth in coming years

China is focusing its economic plans on achieving what it calls 'high-quality development' in the coming five-year period. This approach prioritizes technological advancement, boosting domestic consumer demand, and fostering 'new quality productive forces' over the older model of rapid expansion. Analyst Kishore Mahbubani noted that while Western discourse often focuses on decline, China is making long-term bets on its economic future. The plans discussed during key political meetings aim to shift the country's growth engine toward more sustainable and advanced sectors.

CN

China announces major push for technology self-reliance and innovation

China has unveiled a new five-year plan that prioritizes achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. The plan includes a record level of research and development spending and sets innovation goals through 2030, with the government aiming to build what it calls 'world-class sci-tech innovation engines.' Officials have stated the country will accelerate its push for technological independence. The annual economic plan also highlights this tech focus alongside goals for market stability, with the government urging deeper global cooperation in scientific and technological innovation.

CN

China shifts economic focus toward boosting domestic demand and consumption

China is rebalancing its economic growth model by prioritizing an expansion of domestic demand and consumption. The country has set a lower growth target as part of this strategic pivot, which is framed as injecting stability into the global economy and opening new opportunities. This shift is a central feature of the new Five-Year Plan, which also includes a focus on commodity supply.

HK

Hong Kong's financial markets face new regulatory pressure

Financial regulators in China are increasing scrutiny of companies listing in Hong Kong, particularly those with mainland Chinese operations. This is aimed at curbing what officials call 'low-quality' listings and is expected to slow down the recent boom in initial public offerings (IPOs) in the city. This regulatory pressure is creating uncertainty for several businesses. The battery maker CATL saw its Hong Kong shares trade at a record premium compared to its mainland shares, while the crypto company RedotPay is reportedly churning executives as it pursues an IPO. At the same time, some investors, like the New World family and the Singapore hedge fund FengHe, are making new bets on Hong Kong's property and financial markets.

US

Investors to pay billions to US government in TikTok deal

Reports say the Trump administration is set to receive a fee, reported as $10 billion or $13 billion, for brokering a deal involving the social media app TikTok. The payment would come from investors in a joint venture related to the app. Multiple outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, reported on the arrangement, which involves the US government receiving the money as part of the agreement.

US

US launches trade investigations into China and the EU

The US government has started new trade investigations into China and the European Union. These probes are looking into what the US calls unfair trade practices and could lead to new tariffs being imposed. China has criticized the investigation, calling it a mistake. The move is part of a broader push to revive a tariff policy that was previously blocked by the US Supreme Court.

US

Nvidia restarts making AI chips for China amid US export rules

Nvidia has restarted manufacturing its H200 artificial intelligence chips to fulfill orders from China. This comes after the company had previously halted shipments to comply with U.S. government export restrictions on advanced technology. Three people were charged in the U.S. over an alleged plot to smuggle Nvidia chips from the U.S. to China. Separately, some U.S. senators have called for a suspension of Nvidia's AI chip exports to China, arguing the current rules are not strong enough. At the same time, Nvidia is reportedly developing new, less powerful chips specifically for the Chinese market to comply with the export rules. The company is also building a large new business unit focused on selling AI computing services, which could rival its core chip business in size.

CN

China tells foreign businesses it is a stable place to invest

Chinese officials are telling foreign companies that China is a stable and open market for them to do business. They say the country is improving its rules for foreign investment and will offer more opportunities through its next five-year economic plan. At events like the Boao Forum, officials have met with foreign executives to deliver this message. They point to companies like Yum China, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut there, as an example of a foreign business thriving in the Chinese market.

US

China and the United States hold trade talks in Paris

Delegations from China and the United States have begun a new round of trade talks in Paris. The talks are aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. The chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in China said the Paris meetings signal 'positive momentum' for business confidence.

CN

China announces new industrial and space achievements at economic forum

At the China Development Forum 2026, officials and business leaders discussed the country's economic plans. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing said the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan will create more market opportunities for foreign companies. Separately, China launched a Smart Dragon-3 rocket, sending CentiSpace satellites into orbit. The country also announced its first 550-megawatt F-class gas turbine is now operating and shared the first images from its new Fengyun-4C weather satellite.

CN

China reports strong economic growth and announces new industrial achievements

China's foreign trade grew by 18.3% in the first two months of 2026. The country also announced the delivery of its first integrated large-scale fracturing vessel and unveiled a new ultra-high-strength carbon fiber it describes as the world's strongest. A government spokesperson rejected U.S. criticism of Chinese industrial policy, calling it political manipulation. Domestically, officials discussed trends in nuclear power, issued a cybersecurity alert, and rolled out a plan to increase incomes and spur consumer spending.

US

China and US hold trade talks amid tariff disputes and accusations

China and the United States held economic and trade talks in France, while China strongly opposed new U.S. tariff investigations and accusations of 'forced labor.' Chinese officials called the U.S. actions unilateral and warned that decoupling would backfire.

CN

Alibaba reorganizes its AI business and raises prices for computing services

Alibaba is restructuring its artificial intelligence operations. The company has consolidated its various AI businesses into a new division, which will be led directly by its CEO. As part of this strategic shift, Alibaba has also launched a new AI tool for businesses. The company has raised prices for its AI computing services by up to 34%, citing a significant increase in demand.

CN

Chinese AI assistant craze leads to local support and warnings

A trend involving an AI assistant, often called 'AI lobster' or 'OpenClaw', has become popular in China, particularly among younger users and day traders. This has led to a surge in related tech stocks and prompted local tech companies to offer cash incentives to attract users. In response, a high-tech zone in Suzhou has introduced specific policies to support the technology's development. At the same time, industry experts and an AI association in Suzhou are advocating for its rational development and warning the public about potential security risks and the speculative behavior surrounding it.

CN

China's foreign trade grows strongly in early 2026

China's foreign trade saw significant growth in the first two months of 2026. Official data shows total trade rose 18.3% compared to the same period last year, with exports increasing by nearly 22%. This strong start follows a record-breaking year for trade in 2025. The export growth occurred despite a reported decrease in trade with the United States.