66 m. ago ‘Any time, any place’: Philippine army to be deployed to South China Sea islands

A senior Philippine military official has revealed a soon-to-be-deployed strategy that would involve an army contingent to support law enforcement units on occupied islands in the South China Sea. Observers said the strategy would align with Manila’s policy shift from an internal to external defence posture aimed at protecting the country’s territorial waters. One expert, however, warned that it could lead to more aggressive moves by the Chinese navy and coastguard if Beijing were to view...

Politics

97 m. ago China extracts critical mineral rubidium from brine for first time

Chinese scientists have achieved a breakthrough in the commercial extraction of the critical metal rubidium directly from salt lake brine, potentially slashing dependence on imports – mostly from Canada – that now supply two-thirds of China’s needs. This industrial-scale method produces ultra-pure rubidium chloride from ultra-low concentrations, offering a new domestic source for this strategically vital material. The Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes (ISL) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)...

Politics

1 hour ago China and India to work to bring back direct flights between two countries

China and India have agreed to work towards the resumption of direct flights and take other moves to boost exchanges as the latest step in their efforts to stabilise relations. The measures were announced after Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri held talks with Chinese foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong, who was on a two-day visit to India. New Delhi’s statement released on Friday said the two sides had reviewed developments since their last meeting in January and “agreed to continue to...

Politics

2 h. ago China calls on Niger to tackle disputes with energy firms through dialogue

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged Niger’s junta government to resolve disputes with Chinese energy companies operating in the West African nation through dialogue. Wang made the remarks during talks with his Nigerien counterpart Bakary Yaou Sangaré in the central Chinese city of Changsha on Wednesday. “The two sides should properly handle the differences and problems encountered in cooperation through dialogue,” Wang said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout of the meeting, which...

Politics

5 h. ago China steps up global aviation expansion as Comac bids for Laos carrier

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has reportedly bid to take a majority stake in the flag carrier of Laos, as the state-owned Chinese aviation firm continues its push to expand its market in Southeast Asia. The deal – which is pending approval by the Lao authorities – would see Comac help Lao Airlines overhaul its operations and stem its losses in exchange for the carrier agreeing to use the Chinese company’s passenger jets, Vientiane Times quoted Prime Minister Sonexay...

Politics

6 h. ago Apple's iPhone sales capture top spot in Chinese market in May, Counterpoint Research says

Apple's iPhone sales capture top spot in Chinese market in May, Counterpoint Research says  Reuters

Economics

6 h. ago As Chinese exporters explore home market, how are letters of credit helping?

After the United States imposed so-called reciprocal tariffs on imports from China in April, Beijing took steps to help Chinese exporters sell their products domestically. In addition to the staging of product promotion events across the country and the offering of fiscal and financial incentives, Beijing also encouraged the increased use of letters of credit (L/Cs) to help such businesses switch focus to the domestic market. What is a domestic letter of credit? A letter of credit, also known as...

Politics

6 h. ago Cheerleaders to critics: German machinery makers call for EU action on China

Germany’s iconic machine makers used to be among the loudest cheerleaders for ever-closer economic ties between China and Europe. Now, as exports dwindle and facing “increasingly strong [Chinese] competitors” beefed up by “unfair state subsidies”, the industry is demanding that Brussels put in place trade barriers to protect it. A new position paper published on Thursday by the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), representing medium-sized manufacturers that help constitute...

Politics

6 h. ago Chinese worker requesting sick leave criticised for being weak and punished

A human resources supervisor in southeastern China triggered widespread public outrage and initiated a government investigation after verbally insulting an employee who requested sick leave for a fever, labelling her “too weak” and suggesting she seek psychiatric help. The controversy gained public attention on June 5, when a female employee – whose identity remains undisclosed – shared on social media that she had been verbally abused by her employer after asking for sick leave due to a...

Politics

9 h. ago Hong Kong Group That Lobbied for Chinese Labor Rights Shuts Down

Hong Kong Group That Lobbied for Chinese Labor Rights Shuts Down  The New York Times

Politics

9 h. ago Chinese AI Companies Dodge U.S. Chip Curbs by Flying Suitcases of Hard Drives Abroad

Chinese AI Companies Dodge U.S. Chip Curbs by Flying Suitcases of Hard Drives Abroad  WSJ

Transport

10 h. ago Dan Wang observes the grandeur and tragedy of the Chinese ‘engineering state’

Unlike tourists in many places, those visiting China for the first time often consider subway stations in major cities attractions in themselves for their sheer beauty, innovative designs, or simply their novelty. Hell, if nothing else, they are sparkling clean! Those such as Panda Avenue station in Chengdu and Rainbow station in Guangzhou are mentioned in tourist guides as places to visit. Several stations in Shenzhen look more like the halls found in many of Asia’s ultra-modern airports. From...

Politics

10 h. ago My Take | Dan Wang observes the grandeur and tragedy of the Chinese ‘engineering state’

My Take | Dan Wang observes the grandeur and tragedy of the Chinese ‘engineering state’  South China Morning Post

Politics

10 h. ago Embassy urges Chinese in Iran to stay alert after Israeli airstrikes, explosions

The Chinese embassy in Tehran called Iran’s latest security situation “severe and complicated” following Israel’s military strikes early on Friday, while also warning its citizens and businesses to monitor the situation and take precautions. “The embassy in Iran reminds Chinese citizens and businesses in the country to closely monitor the situation, enhance their safety awareness, and strengthen security measures,” it said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed...

Events

10 h. ago Chinese citizens in Iran, Israel need to prepare for attacks, embassies warn

The Chinese embassy in Israel warned its citizens on Friday morning to take safety precautions for potential attacks as Tehran considers a retaliation against Israeli strikes targeting its nuclear sites. The Israeli strikes were “significantly escalating the tensions” in the Middle East, the embassy said in a statement that urged Chinese citizens in Israel to closely monitor the evolving situation, remain calm, and stay vigilant. “Citizens are advised to prepare for potential attacks involving...

Events

10 h. ago China warns of fallout from Israel’s strikes on Iran, eyes role in easing crisis

Beijing has voiced “grave concern” over the potential fallout from Israeli strikes on Iran and urged all sides to prevent further escalation, while diplomatic observers highlighted China’s potential in coordinating with stakeholders and brokering a ceasefire. At a regular press briefing on Friday, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that China firmly opposed any violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, as well as actions that “escalate the tension”. “The sudden...

Events

11 h. ago Study suggests pigs may have been domesticated in China as early as Neolithic

Research by archaeologists from Chinese and US institutes suggests that pigs were already domesticated in southern China around 8,000 years ago. The team, which included researchers from Dartmouth College and the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, analysed two early Neolithic sites in the province’s Yangtze Delta region. The study – published on June 9 in the prestigious international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) – “is the first to...

Politics

11 h. ago Pigs may have been domesticated in China as early as Neolithic era: study

Research by archaeologists from Chinese and US institutes suggests that pigs were already domesticated in southern China around 8,000 years ago. The team, which included researchers from Dartmouth College and the Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, analysed two early Neolithic sites in the province’s Yangtze Delta region. The study – published on June 9 in the prestigious international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) – “is the first to...

Politics

11 h. ago Chinese man dons placard declaring he owns 2 buildings to attract partner

A man in southern China who went to a boat racing event and tried to attract a girlfriend by displaying a placard saying that he owned two buildings has trended on mainland social media. The online post has prompted more than 1,000 people to get in touch with the man. As people gathered to watch an event in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on May 31 to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, the man with the message around his neck drew much attention, Jimu News reported. “Unmarried. Haizhu. Two...

Politics

12 h. ago Chinese solar firms bank on overseas expansion to survive amid US tariffs

Chinese solar and energy-storage companies will continue to press ahead with their overseas expansion with or without a long-term agreement on trade tariffs, as production abroad holds the key to their long-term survival, according to executives at China’s largest solar industry exhibition. Although the US and China reached a 90-day truce in their ongoing tariff war in May, solar panel exports from China and Southeast Asia to the US are still subject to tariffs of as much as 3,521 per cent, with...

Economics