From large-scale transport and water-conservancy projects to renewable energy efforts, China is splashing out trillions of yuan on critical infrastructure.

One of the world’s largest contributors to plastic pollution, China is in urgent need of more efficient methods of plastic recycling and reuse, with a new study saying economic costs run into the billions.

Chinese authorities have pledged a host of disaster-relief measures to ensure a strong autumn grain harvest, which is being threatened by widespread drought in the south and potential flooding in the north.

Some cinephiles welcome the discount scheme, valued at 100 million yuan, but others lament what they see as a lack of quality movies to lure them back.

Longwan district in Wenzhou has announced plans to give families a childcare allowance for toddlers, the latest attempt by Chinese authorities to encourage births as the country’s population rapidly ages.

China’s consumer price index rose to its highest level since July 2020 last month, while factory-gate prices continued to ease in July, data released on Wednesday showed.

Savers with deposits up to 250,000 yuan (US$37,000) at four rural banks in Henan province and one in Anhui will receive compensation on Monday as Chinese regulators continue their probe into the banking crisis.

Premier Li Keqiang has indicated Beijing could tolerate an inflation rate of 3.5 per cent this year, above the government target of around 3 per cent, as part of its effort to stabilise economic growth.

The pre-made food trend reflects a change in Chinese people’s lifestyles during the pandemic, and it is expected to continue booming. But the China Consumers Association says more regulations are needed.

A recent rise in fuel prices, coupled with coronavirus restrictions hindering commutes, plus increased government support, have lifted the popularity of two-wheeled transport in what was once known as the ‘Kingdom of Bicycles’.

Chinese regulators have announced three more officials in Henan province are facing disciplinary investigation, while a third round of repayments to depositors caught up in the rural banking scam will start on Monday.

Survey finds that 40 per cent young people in China save every month, with just under a third saving over 50 per cent of their monthly salaries, as the coronavirus-induced economic downturn clouds their outlook.

As oil prices head skyward, some fuel surcharges on flights in China are now nearly as much as the base fare of the flight itself, and thrifty travellers are seeking alternative transport to save money.

Chinese Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua pushes for more effective recruitment initiatives nationwide, and he says greater job creation should occur by any means possible, even as businesses struggle to survive amid zero-Covid.

While some customers successfully registered and received their money, others were faced with a string of problems when trying to sign up for the overloaded system.

China’s manufacturing hub of Zhejiang province reported record electricity consumption amid soaring temperatures, with some factories receiving power rationing notices, although a repeat of last year’s crisis is seen as unlikely.

A number of protesters remain in police custody, while others say distrust of Henan government is rife amid financial scandal, even as authorities vow to begin repayment of deposits up to 50,000 yuan (US$7,450) this week.

Wuhu’s population problem offers a window into the range of factors influencing China’s low birth rate, including couples choosing to marry later or not have kids at all due to high costs and a lack of support.

Premier Li Keqiang urged action to curb rising unemployment to aid the struggling economy with China’s headline urban unemployment rate standing at 5.9 per cent last month.

China’s gross domestic product (GDP) may grow by about 1 per cent in the second quarter, making it ‘arguably difficult’ to reach Beijing’s full-year target, according to a central bank adviser.

China’s State Council unveiled a 33-point package of policy items to help ‘get the economy back on a normal track’ with two months of zero-Covid containment raising concerns over a potential contraction in the second quarter.

With many people reluctant to tap into their hard-earned savings, even as restrictions are eased in virus-hit areas, consumption vouchers and tax breaks may be failing to stimulate the economy as authorities had hoped.

Li Keqiang says the nation’s customs-clearance process must be faster and more efficient at major ports, and the World Bank lowers its annual GDP growth forecast for China due to outbreaks and lockdowns.