At least gold glitters. Long before the first paper banknotes fluttered through the financial houses of Europe, the bustling markets of 11th century China birthed an unprecedented financial “innovation”: the use of paper currency. In the 1020s, burdened by the shortage of bronze coins and a rapidly expanding economy, merchants in the southwestern province of…
Hong Kong’s investments in the Middle East will not be derailed by ongoing conflicts, the commerce minister has said, expressing confidence in the region’s economic prospects and urging businesses to take a long-term view. “The geopolitical situation has a temporary impact, but in the long term, we remain hopeful about development in the Middle East,”…
We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Chinese military says it is developing over 10 quantum warfare…
A quiet transformation is weaving itself into the fabric of Hong Kong. In recent years, the city’s social and business circles have been energised by a wave of newcomers from across the Chinese mainland. They have brought with them a culinary revolution – restaurants serving flavours from fiery Sichuan to delicate Zhejiang now dot neighbourhoods…
China’s next-generation “drone-carrier” amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, completed its first sea trials on Sunday afternoon, state broadcaster CCTV said. The three-day trial marks a major step forward for the People’s Liberation Army to take delivery of its first Type 076 amphibious assault carrier, seen as a key asset for China’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)…
China’s first drone-carrying Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, began sea trials on Friday, after its launch in December last year, according to state news agency Xinhua. The ship is seen as a key asset for the PLA Navy’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations because of its electromagnetic catapult launch system and is often…
Local basketball officials have said that staging the National Games’ men’s under-22 tournament in Hong Kong could prove to be a stepping stone to something “bigger” in the future. Set to be held at the Coliseum from November 10 to 20, the competition could be a milestone for Hong Kong, and not only in showcasing…
In just one day, China dammed a huge river in two spots to build a mega hydropower project in the southwestern province of Sichuan, according to China Electric Power News under the National Energy Administration. The flow of the Yalong River, a secondary tributary of the Yangtze River, was intercepted as the first step in…
High technology and low incomes were in sharp focus in China late last week as two of its senior officials visited opposite ends of the country. On a trip to the eastern province of Zhejiang from Thursday to Saturday, Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing urged manufacturers to apply new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to research…
China’s tourism sector is off to a strong start as the extra-long “super golden week” holiday begins, with railway travel breaking records and tickets for many popular attractions selling out – a welcome sign for Beijing as it continues its efforts to spur domestic spending. On the first day of the eight-day holiday, created by…