ECONOMY

China's investment in AI, humanoid robotics and other frontier technologies surged in the third quarter of 2026, while consumer activity and infrastructure indicators showed signs of improvement.

Thailand is considering a durian export levy of up to 2 baht per kilogram to fund industry development, a measure that could increase costs for Chinese importers and consumers.

China and the European Union have reached an understanding to limit projected Chinese hybrid vehicle exports while discussing market access, rare-earth supplies and broader trade concerns.

China recorded 826 million domestic trips during the National Day holiday, but average spending per trip fell to a four-year low, underscoring continued pressure on consumer demand.

China added 10.52 million urban jobs in the first nine months of 2026, reaching 87.7% of its annual target as authorities prepare new employment policies.

China and the European Union are seeking to ease trade tensions after talks in Beijing, but disputes over trade imbalances, electric vehicles, technology restrictions and chemicals remain unresolved.

China will resume refined fuel exports in October after a pause during the National Day holiday, with approved shipments potentially easing tight regional markets for diesel, gasoline and jet fuel.

China's consumer trade-in programs generated 33.5 billion yuan in sales during the National Day holiday, led by purchases of home appliances, vehicles and digital products.

China has issued guidelines to accelerate artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and low-altitude industries while strengthening technology monitoring, safety standards and accountability for investment risks.

China has allocated 550 billion yuan in unused government debt quotas to support local government operations and infrastructure investment amid weak consumption and a prolonged property downturn.

Chinese stocks declined after mainland markets reopened from the National Day holiday, led by technology shares pressured by higher global bond yields and valuation concerns.

China has urged open cooperation and equal dialogue with the European Union as Brussels seeks to narrow its trade deficit and resolve disputes over market access and critical minerals.

The People's Bank of China rejected accusations of currency manipulation, saying China does not target a weaker yuan for trade advantages as scrutiny over its trade surplus grows.

Companies from around the world are preparing to present manufacturing equipment, medical technologies, food and traditional goods at the ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

China has recognized 11 new occupations and 23 job types, including drone swarm planners, AI engineering technicians and robot application specialists, as industries and consumer needs evolve.

The China-Kazakhstan Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang has evolved from a transshipment site into a major multimodal hub supporting growing rail freight, trade and supply-chain links across Central Asia.

G20 trade ministers issued a joint statement opposing the use of food as a geopolitical weapon, but China said members reached no agreement on other U.S.-prioritized trade issues.

China is recording unprecedented rail and passenger traffic during the National Day holiday, as EV road trips, international travel and freight volumes also rise across the country.

China's National Day holiday is driving longer, multi-city trips and experience-focused tourism, while transport, retail and trade-in programs support broader consumer spending.

Starbucks sold a 60% stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, transitioning to a joint venture model while focusing on domestic restructuring.