China
- World News
Chinese fighter’s aggressive move risks collision with US aircraft
An American surveillance aircraft encountered an “unnecessarily aggressive manoeuvre” by a Chinese fighter pilot over the South China Sea last week, according to the US military. This incident, which the Pentagon claims is indicative of China’s pattern of behaviour, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues such as Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon shot down…
- World News
China’s durian imports surge as Vietnam challenges Thai dominance
Beijing’s decision to allow fresh durian imports from Vietnam has led to a surge in demand for the fruit in China, with importers like Bob Wang, founder of TWT Supply China, securing deals with Vietnamese durian farms. Despite the pandemic-related import restrictions, China saw a fourfold increase in durian imports in 2022 compared to 2017, reaching a total value of…
- World News
China rotates crew on fully operational space station, sends first civilian
China has successfully launched three astronauts, including its first civilian scientist, to its fully operational space station as part of a crew rotation. The Shenzhou-16 spacecraft, carrying commander Jing Haipeng, engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and Beihang University professor Gui Haichao, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert. The mission aims to conduct large-scale, in-orbit experiments, studying…
- World News
China aims for moon landing by 2030, expands space station
China announced plans to send astronauts to the moon before 2023 while also expanding its space station. Today, a live broadcast will cover the launch of a spacecraft at 8.31am Thai time, carrying three Chinese astronauts. Tensions between China and the United States have intensified in various spheres, among them the competitive nature of their respective space industries. The US…
- World News
Rare albino panda spotted in China’s Wolong National Nature Reserve (video)
On Saturday, an infrared camera at the Wolong National Nature Reserve in China’s southwestern Sichuan province captured footage of an all-white giant panda approaching another panda and her cub. The footage, taken in late February, shows the rare albino panda interacting with the panda pair. The video reveals that the all-white panda walked straight toward the resting panda mother and…
- World News
Bride in China surprises groom by dressing up as Ultra-man on wedding day
True love transcends boundaries as a bride surprises her groom by dressing as his favourite superhero, Ultraman, on their wedding day in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. The unexpected gesture delights the groom and created a memorable moment for the couple. On May 20th, a popular day for couples to make lifelong commitments, a couple in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, celebrated…
- Thailand News
Thai durian demand skyrockets as Chinese consumers crave unique taste
Durian farmers in the Soeng Sang district of Nakhon Ratchasima province are beaming with joy as the demand for Thai durian in China has soared, leading to a significant increase in their income. The region has over 2,000 rai of farmland dedicated to growing the popular fruit. Thawatchai Saitongtip, a soon-to-be-retired school director, has a durian plantation in Dong Yen…
- World News
Priceless piece of history: Last Emperor of China’s watch fetches record-breaking US$5.1 million at Hong Kong auction
A rare Patek Philippe watch once owned by Aisin-Gioro Puyi, the last emperor of China‘s Qing Dynasty, has been sold at auction in Hong Kong for a record-breaking HK$40 million (US$5.1 million). An anonymous buyer purchased the timepiece, which had been gifted by Puyi to his Russian interpreter during his imprisonment by the Soviet Union. The sale price, which did…
- World News
Chinese researchers discover evidence of ancient ocean on Mars
Chinese researchers have uncovered direct evidence of an ancient ocean on Mars’s northern plains, according to a team from the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan. The discovery, recently published in the journal National Science Review, has the potential to further solidify our understanding of the Red Planet’s geological history. Led by Xiao Long, a professor at the China University of…
- World News
Chinese Internet star dies after excessive alcohol drinking during livestream
A Chinese Internet star died after drinking an excessive amount of Chinese alcohol during a livestreaming PK competition. The 34 year old Wang Moufeng, also known as Brother Sanqian, is a popular Chinese celebrity from Jiangsu province in the northeastern part of China. He died on Tuesday, May 16 after he finished a livestreaming session with others in a competition…
- Business News
China cybersecurity watchdog fails Micron, urges halt on chip purchases
China’s cybersecurity watchdog has announced that US semiconductor company Micron failed its national security review, urging operators of “critical information infrastructure” to cease purchasing its products. This marks a new development in the ongoing chip dispute between the US and China, with the US seeking to limit Beijing’s access to advanced semiconductors. In March, Chinese authorities initiated a review of…
- China News
Durian purchase escalates into heated couple argument over financial priorities
A debate among netizens has arisen after a quarrel between a Chinese couple was shared on social media. The wife, who works long hours, wanted to enjoy some durian fruit after returning home from work. However, her husband criticised her for spending excessively on the fruit, resulting in a heated argument. The incident occurred on May 6 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang…
- World News
China commerce minister to meet US officials amid tense relations
China‘s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is set to visit the United States next week to meet with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, according to Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington. The visit comes as the US aims to engage with Beijing to repair strained relations. Liu announced the plans during an…
- Business News
Honor aims for top three spot in Thai smartphone market within three years
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor aims to secure a position among the top three brands in the Thai market within the next three years. To achieve this, the company plans to focus on heavy marketing investments and related activities. Sutida Mongkolsuthree, CEO of Synnex (Thailand), the sole distributor of Honor mobile phones in Thailand, believes that the overall market share of…
- World News
China to resume Australian timber imports, PM Albanese plans Beijing visit
China has announced plans to recommence imports of Australian timber, with discussions also taking place regarding a potential visit by Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Beijing. The timber trade between the two countries, which was once worth US$407 million annually, has been largely halted since late 2020 due to China citing pest issues in shipments from various Australian ports.…
- World News
G7 leaders convene in Hiroshima to discuss Russia sanctions, China strategy
G7 leaders have gathered in Hiroshima, Japan, to discuss tighter sanctions against Russia and protective measures against China’s “economic coercion”. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is hosting the summit in a city marked by its history of nuclear destruction. Over the course of three days, leaders, including US President Joe Biden, will work on presenting a united front on issues…
- China News
Chinese man with low salary seeks high-earning wife to uphold marriage values, sparks heated debate
A Chinese man attracted a significant amount of criticism on social media after he posted a set of stringent requirements for his future wife on a dating banner at a public park in China. The 34 year old Shenzhen resident’s demands sparked a heated debate about his matchmaking behaviour and gender equality. The controversial banner outlined the Chinese man’s search…
- Business News
China’s new home prices rise for 4th month, but pace slows
China‘s housing market experienced a fourth consecutive month of growth in April, albeit at a slightly reduced pace, as the government‘s efforts to stabilise the sector continue to boost sentiment following the country’s rapid recovery from Covid-19 restrictions. New home prices in April increased by 0.4% month-on-month, compared to a 0.5% rise in March, based on Reuters calculations using data…
- World News
Singapore, China reaffirm partnership, explore digitalisation and sustainability cooperation
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently met with China’s Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, further strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that their partnership has been upgraded to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership.” The leaders discussed the growth of bilateral cooperation, including the three government-to-government projects in Suzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing,…
- World News
China prioritizes education, tech for skilled population and moderate fertility
China is emphasizing the importance of education, science, and technology in developing a skilled population, as the state-backed People’s Daily reported that the country aims for a “moderate fertility” level to support economic growth. The Chinese government has been concerned about the nation’s first population decline in six decades and its rapid ageing, prompting urgent measures to raise the birth…
- World News
Massachusetts man arrested for spying on Chinese dissidents for Beijing
A Massachusetts resident Litang Liang has been detained for allegedly supplying information on Chinese dissidents in the United States to the Chinese government, according to the Justice Department. Liang was arrested on charges of acting as an agent for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without informing US authorities reports Channel News Asia. The news of the 63 year old’s…
- World News
China’s Afghan position paper reveals reluctance to invest in political solutions
China‘s recent release of an 11-point position paper on Afghanistan demonstrates its growing involvement in international diplomacy. The document, which follows a 12-point position paper on Ukraine, outlines China’s interests in the region with a focus on counterterrorism and combating the Uyghur separatist East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). However, the paper also highlights China’s reluctance to invest significant political capital…
- World News
Little girl asks her aunt to sleep with her father, leaving family speechless
An endearing conversation between a young girl and her aunt caused a stir on social media due to the child’s candid and unexpected request. The incident took place in Hubei Province, China, in a primary school-aged girl’s home when the family welcomed the girl’s mother’s older sister for a visit. The youngster and her aunt had been enjoying each other’s…
- World News
Chinese envoy embarks on European tour to discuss Ukraine crisis settlement
Beijing’s top diplomat, Li Hui, is set to embark on a European tour, including Ukraine, Russia, Poland, France, and Germany, with the aim of discussing a political resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This visit has the potential to coincide with the start of Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive to regain territory occupied by Russia. Li Hui, China’s special representative for…
- World News
China sentences 78-year-old US citizen to life in prison for espionage
A 78-year-old US citizen has been sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage, according to a statement issued by the Intermediate People’s Court in the eastern city of Suzhou, China. John Leung Shing-wan, who holds an American passport and is a permanent resident of Hong Kong, was found guilty of espionage and will be deprived of political rights for life. Suzhou…
- China News
Four men claim to be fathers of a newborn baby, revealing touching truth
When a baby is born, it’s not uncommon to see people anxiously waiting outside the delivery room, hoping for good news. However, it’s rare to witness four men all claiming to be the father of the same baby. A pregnant Chinese woman experienced sudden abdominal pain despite not yet reaching her due date. Her family quickly took her to the hospital.…
- China News
Bride chains groom’s wrists to make him attend wedding
A bizarre incident involving a bride and groom caught the attention of a large crowd in Xian, China. The bride, dressed in her wedding gown, was seen attempting to pull a chain wrapped around the bound wrists of her would-be groom, who was lying on the floor, trying to hold onto the chain, and refusing to be dragged away. The…
- Thailand News
Chinese mother laughs as son smuggles her gold bracelet as a gift for his preschool crush
A video of a Chinese boy admitting to taking his mother’s gold bracelet to primary school has gone viral online. In the clip, a young boy can be seen confessing to his mother that he took her valuable jewellery, worth nearly 48,000 baht (US$1,540), to school to give to his girlfriend. The mother’s laughter as she questions her son has…
- World News
US and China diplomats meet in Vienna for talks amid soaring tensions
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi gathered in Vienna this week for talks aimed at maintaining communication between Washington and Beijing amid soaring tensions, particularly over Taiwan. The two officials engaged in eight hours of discussions in the Austrian capital, covering a range of topics, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Taiwan –…
- Crime News
Thailand and china collaborate to crack down on crime
Thailand and China are collaborating to crack down on crimes committed by Chinese nationals using Thailand as a base. Thai immigration police, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Pantana Nutchanart, flew to China to seek cooperation and exchange of information with Chinese police in a week-long trip from May 5 to 11. The goal of the trip was to prevent Chinese…
- Business News
Bank of Thailand to relax rules on Chinese yuan use for trade this year
The Bank of Thailand (BoT) plans to ease regulations on the use of China’s yuan for trade this year, aiming to mitigate the effects of currency volatility, according to BoT Deputy Governor Mathee Supapongse. Ongoing discussions between the central bank and its Chinese counterpart are focused on promoting the usage of the Chinese currency. China is a significant trade partner…
- Business News
China increasingly uses yuan for trade with Russia, sidelining the dollar
China has significantly raised its use of the yuan for purchasing Russian commodities in the past year, with almost all its procurement of oil, coal, and some metals from the neighbouring country now settled in the Chinese currency instead of US dollars, multiple trading executives with direct knowledge of the situation have revealed. The shift towards using the yuan to…
- Business News
China’s consumer price index sees slowest growth in two years
China’s consumer prices experienced a slow increase over the past two years in April, with factory gate deflation becoming more pronounced, according to recent data. This outcome has prompted conjecture that additional stimulus activities may be necessary to enhance the uneven post-pandemic economic recovery. In April, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% year-on-year, making it the lowest level…
- World News
Extreme rainfall impacts China’s rice yields, study reveals
Extreme rainfall has reduced China’s rice yields by 8% over the past two decades, according to a study led by researchers from the country. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Food, discovered that the effects of extreme rainfall on rice yields were similar to those of extreme heat. Projections show that by the end of this century, extreme…
- Business News
China’s shrinking birth rate impacts baby product manufacturers
A decline in China’s population is creating a challenging environment for the country’s baby and children’s product manufacturers, as domestic sales plummet and companies grapple with finding alternative revenue streams. As the world’s largest market for baby food and diapers, valued at US$37.9 billion annually, prepares to contract for the first time, firms are turning their attention to products for…
- World News
China faces backlash over pressure on dissidents abroad but remains undeterred
China is currently facing a strong backlash from Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, regarding its controversial efforts to pressure dissidents and their advocates abroad. Despite arrests, expulsions, and investigations taking place, Beijing remains persistent and undeterred in its actions. Isaac Stone Fish, founder and CEO of Strategy Risks, suggests that the increasingly assertive…
- World News
China and Germany tensions worsen over Ukraine sanctions and neutrality stance
China-Germany tensions escalated yesterday as the two nations exchanged sharp words over the Ukraine crisis. with Beijing warning the EU not to sanction Chinese firms while Berlin argued that “neutrality” in the conflict meant siding with Russia. During their second meeting in a month, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock clashed repeatedly over the responsibilities of…
