Biz Talk

China’s economy is showing fresh momentum. In the first quarter, total foreign trade grew 15 percent, with exports rising nearly 12 percent, and imports surging nearly 20 percent. This strength comes at a time of growing global uncertainty. The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global economic outlook, warning that Middle East tensions and energy disruptions could weigh heavily on the...

China's 15th Five-Year Plan unveils a new blueprint for growth, prioritizing digital innovation, industrial upgrading, and domestic consumption.

China's A-share market weathered Middle East turbulence in the first quarter, as IPO funding surged and major indexes remained stable. All 30 new listings posted gains on their debuts, averaging 164 percent. Total IPO proceeds jumped 56 percent year-on-year to nearly 26 billion yuan in the first quarter. What is driving this remarkable growth? What does it reflect about the strength of China’s eco...

As China's 15th Five-Year Plan unveils a new blueprint for growth, what signals are defining the trajectory of this global powerhouse? And where do the true opportunities lie? From high-level forums and global expositions to real-time economic indicators, we are tracking the momentum reshaping the nation. In our first episode, we sit down with global executives at the China Development Forum to di...

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to mark the inauguration of the World Data Organization. He noted that as the world rapidly enters the intelligent era, data is increasingly playing a key role as a fundamental resource and an engine of innovation. President Xi emphasized that China will uphold the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, an...

At the Boao Forum for Asia 2026, the pulse of the global economy meets the promise of Asia. From the future of China's growth to deeper regional integration, the conversations here don't just reflect change — they help shape it. How do we bridge the gap between instability and a shared future? And can the multilateral trading system still be salvaged?

Known as the world’s supermarket for small commodities, the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu is sending a striking signal about China’s economic momentum. In the first two months of 2026, its foreign trade surged by nearly 53 percent. At the same time, Yiwu is no longer just about traditional consumer goods. From AI-powered toys to smart home devices, even the smallest products are getting a high-tech...

March 21 marks World Sleep Day, a time to recognize that sleep is no longer just about rest. In China, growing health awareness and shifting consumer needs are driving a surge in demand for sleep-enhancing products and services.

China's capital markets are drawing renewed attention from global investors. Overseas funds have been increasing their holdings in major Chinese companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, and CATL, signaling strong confidence in the world's second-largest economy. What’s really driving global capital flows into Chinese assets? As China shifts toward an innovation-driven growth model, what opportunities a...

China's February economic report card is out! Fresh economic data, fresh insights. CGTN's Zhu Zhu and Aaron Liu, who had covered the Two Sessions, connect with Zhu He of CF40 and Einar Tangen, senior fellow at Center for International Government Innovation, to break down the latest data. What's the state of play in early 2026? And how do today's figures shape tomorrow's 15th Five-Year Plan?

Amid sluggish global economic recovery, China's 2026 GDP target of 4.5-5% reaffirms its commitment to high-level opening-up. What opportunities await foreign investors in industries such as services, green energy, and digital trade?

China is placing artificial intelligence at the heart of its next wave of economic transformation. This year’s government work report calls for creating new forms of “smart economy,” signaling a shift from simply applying AI to individual sectors toward a broader transformation of the economy. At the same time, China has set a target for the digital economy to account for 12.5 percent of GDP by 20...

China's "Two Sessions" have opened as global markets seek clarity on growth, policy support, and reform direction amid economic uncertainty.

China has set its economic growth target for 2026 at around 4.5 to 5 percent. Premier Li Qiang announced the target in the government work report at the opening of this year’s National People's Congress in Beijing. The report outlines a more proactive policy stance, with measures to expand domestic demand, stabilize employment, and strengthen market confidence. It also emphasizes scientific resear...

The United States has begun collecting a temporary 10 percent global import tariff, with the White House signaling it hopes to raise it to 15 percent. The move has added to confusion over U.S. trade policy and comes after the Supreme Court ruling striking down broad tariffs imposed last year. With legal battles unfolding and lawmakers pushing for potential tariff refunds, businesses and trading pa...

With 87 percent of Chinese companies planning to increase AI investment in 2025 and more than half reporting faster than expected progress, China's AI momentum is accelerating. Simultaneously, the State Council's AI+ Action Plan is pushing adoption in priority sectors, from manufacturing and energy to healthcare, finance and retail. Guan Xin hosts a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum's A...

As China welcomes the Year of the Horse, Spring Festival once again becomes more than a holiday -- it becomes a national barometer. Rooted in thousands of years of tradition, Spring Festival remains China's warmest cultural landmark. But today, it is also a high-frequency economic indicator. When tradition meets AI-powered retail, green consumption, immersive tourism, and a digital payment ecosyst...

At a time of heightened global uncertainty, China and several European countries have stepped up diplomatic engagement. In recent months, a number of European leaders have visited China with discussions covering trade, technology, energy, and broader economic cooperation. These visits come as Europe grapples with slowing growth, energy security concerns and ongoing geopolitical pressure, raising q...

According to Caixin, a number of Chinese provinces fell short of their growth targets in 2025. Guangdong, the country's largest provincial economy, expanded by 3.9 percent, while Jiangsu narrowed the gap with a stronger 5.3 percent growth. Other major provinces, including Shandong and Zhejiang, grew by 5.5 percent or more. These numbers point to a deeper shift. As China moves into a new stage of d...

British PM Keir Starmer's first official China visit in eight years had a clear goal: boosting economic opportunities for UK firms. Accompanied by over 50 business leaders, the trip sought to revive the UK economy through China's market. What results did it achieve, and what lies ahead?

China is accelerating its push to become a global innovation powerhouse. There are three international technological innovation centers at the heart of the strategy: Beijing, Shanghai, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. At the same time, China is doubling down on “industries of the future” -- from humanoid robots and quantum computing to brain-computer interfaces and 6G. Why is Ch...

After an 8-year gap, the British Prime Minister has arrived in China, seeking a more pragmatic relationship. Leading a major business delegation, the visit aims to unlock trade and investment opportunities at a time of global instability. How will this long-awaited trip reshape the future of China-UK relations?

China’s commercial space sector is taking off as a new engine of growth. Once dominated by state-led programs, China's space sector is undergoing rapid commercialization. Private companies are expanding into new areas such as satellites, launch vehicles, and space services, reshaping the industry's scale, speed, and structure. Why is the commercial space sector becoming such a strategic focus in C...

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 has come at a pivotal moment for the global economy, as uncertainty, rapid technological change, and rising geopolitical risks continue to reshape the world. Against this backdrop, participants are asking a critical question: how can the international community preserve cooperation and build greater resilience in an increasingly complex and challenging...

The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting has wrapped up in Davos against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. This year’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” underscores a growing recognition that cooperation is no longer optional, it’s essential. China has been firmly in focus. From meeting its 5 percent growth target in 2025 to its expanding role in advanced ma...