China

China's economy commenced the year on a more robust note than had been anticipated, notwithstanding the escalation of the property sector crisis. In comparison to the same period last year, the gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 5.3% in the initial quarter of 2024, as reported by authoritative sources. The expansion of the world's second-largest economy may decelerate to 4.6% in the first quarter, contrary to initial projections.

China pledged to "strictly regulate" new coal power in 2021. It increased two years later, according to Global Energy Monitor, which fueled concerns about additional emissions at a time when they ought to be declining. According to GEM, the new capacity may not be utilised, and other nations must also increase their efforts. A new analysis indicates that China increased its coal power capacity last year despite a pledge to "strictly control" the deadliest fossil fuel.

China has undertaken military "combat patrols" in the contested South China Sea, thereby increasing tensions in the region on the same day that the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia execute their inaugural joint military exercises. The Philippines was expected to conduct joint drills in the same area on the same day, according to defence chiefs from all four countries. Beijing's unexpected announcement of a naval exercise on Sunday followed that day.

A crisis-stricken Country Garden, a Chinese real estate developer, has halted trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after postponing the disclosure of its annual financial results. The company announced last week that it required additional time to gather data to restructure its debts. The company defaulted on its foreign obligations the previous year and faced a winding-up petition.

Xiaomi, a Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has begun accepting reservations for its first electric vehicle (EV). Lei Jun, chief executive officer of the technology behemoth, announced at the event that the base price of the SU7 would be 215,900 yuan ($29,872; £23,663), while the Max model would cost 299,900 yuan.

On Monday, the United Kingdom will impose sanctions on individuals it suspects of involvement in disrupting the democratic process sponsored by China. Today, ministers will increase pressure on China by disclosing additional information regarding the assault on the Electoral Commission and 43 individuals, including peers and Members of Parliament.

It has been alleged that China is "unjustly" behaving as a "bandit" in its opposition to a measure in Congress that could ultimately lead to the ban of TikTok in the United States. The House of Representatives-passed bill would require TikTok's parent company to divest from the company within six months or risk having the application banned.

The European Commission has initiated a formal investigation into the Chinese e-commerce platform AliExpress in response to allegations of illicit and explicit material being hosted on the site. The European Union's executive arm announced on Thursday that it would conduct an investigation into the e-commerce behemoth by the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates that platforms enforce greater measures against harmful and illicit products.

A Chinese video blogger who espouses ultranationalism discovered red circular stickers bearing the inscription "Happy 2024" affixed to the glass doors of a retail mall in Nanjing in January.

Thailand's Chinese tourism booms when visas are lifted

Thailand's Chinese tourism booms when visas are lifted

Senate's $95bn aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan challenged