May
How Heineken bucked the trend and surged in China
The country’s biggest brewer is using its Dutch partner to reach more of the growing premium segment.
Inside the ‘stolen iPhone’ building
The Financial Times tracked the roaring trade of mobiles grabbed in London, New York and elsewhere, then sold in one district in southern China’s Shenzhen.
Xi strikes a blow for old-school economic nationalism
While both governments hailed the temporary trade agreement as a win, the details point to a diplomatic victory for Beijing, at least in the short term.
China launches policy blitz to aid economy ahead of trade talks
Beijing has cut a key interest rate and announced other measures to bolster growth, just hours after the US and China agreed on their first tariff talks.
This is how far the Chinese car industry has come in 20 years
In 2005, the Asian giant’s car companies were making shameless copies of Daihatsu hatchbacks. Now, China is home to the largest motor industry the world has seen.
April
China has an army of robots on its side in the tariff war
Enormous investments in factory equipment and artificial intelligence are giving Beijing an edge in car manufacturing and other industries.
China’s military spending has surged. So have the purges
As Australia remembers its war dead on Anzac Day, the Chinese military’s huge build-up and sophistication is raising questions in China and countries across the region.
‘Not fit to fight’: The blind spots in Australia’s defence capability
The government is spending on big and expensive equipment such as submarines, but critics say vital conflict weapons such as drones and missiles need priority.
China TikTok influencers mock US consumers over trade war
The viral videos aim to “expose” how Western customers are paying too much for their Lululemons and Nikes given how cheaply they are made in China.
China hikes tariffs, says Trump’s trade war ‘has become a joke’
China’s commerce ministry said Donald Trump’s use of excessively high tariffs has become little more than a numbers game.
The economic nuke China could still drop on Trump
Retaliatory tariffs may only be the beginning of Beijing’s counterattack, although one possibility would be devastating for both the US and China.
‘The sky won’t fall’: Beijing appeals for calm over tariff storm
Beijing said it has a range of tools to defend its economy from Trump’s trade war, but also acknowledged growth could take a hit, as China stocks plunged.
‘Skip the Tesla’: China memes explode over Trump’s trade war
China’s netizens have flocked to the internet to mock Donald Trump over his tariff campaign, and many are calling on consumers to “buy China”.
A master’s no longer a golden ticket – just ask the AI job interviewer
Wendy Qin has a higher degree in management on top of her commerce degree. She applied for 40 jobs before landing her first gig.
March
China’s Xi meets global CEOs to urge trade stability
The Chinese president has called on business leaders to work together to protect supply chains, amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.
China accuses Trump of being ‘two-faced’ on trade relations
Foreign Minister Wang Yi also presented China as a force for stability, as Donald Trump shakes up the world economy with tariffs.
The Trump and Xi shows could not be more stark
For many observers, the contrast between China’s orderly political gathering at the Great Hall of the People this week and the White House chaos was stark.
February
China’s unspoken question: who will succeed Xi Jinping?
The Chinese leader enjoys complete domination of party and state. But to maintain stability, he also needs to signal a succession process is in place.
Xi hosts China’s tech leaders as US trade war intensifies
The Chinese president met with private-sector technology bosses as Beijing grapples with a slowing economy and escalating tech tensions with Washington.
China quietly ramps up its tech trade war with the West
Companies such as Apple contractor Foxconn have been hit by Beijing’s efforts to stop cutting-edge knowhow and equipment leaving China.