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German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil affirmed that his country seeks balanced economic relations with China based on equal opportunities, noting that closer ties between the two nations are essential for protecting supply chains amid rising global tensions, particularly those linked to the war in Ukraine.Klingbeil stated that Germany does not fear economic competition with China, provided that such competition remains fair and based on clear rules.He pointed out that direct dialogue with Beijing has become necessary to protect German industries and the jobs associated with them. He said that Germany faces real challenges with China, including China's excess production capacity in sectors such as steel and electric vehicles, as well as the difficulty in accessing rare earth elements essential for industrial technologies.The German Finance Minister begins a visit to China later today as part of the German government's efforts to reopen economic dialogue channels with Beijing after a period of trade tensions. During the visit, he will also participate in the third round of the High-Level Financial Dialogue between the two countries, a bilateral mechanism aimed at addressing the most sensitive economic issues between the two sides.

China warned its neighbor Japan against using force to intervene in Taiwan, signaling that such a step would be met with a firm response.Beijing also urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan amid Chinese anger over remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. Tokyo responded by summoning the Chinese ambassador to lodge a strong protest over an article posted on the platform X by China's Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao concerning Takaichi, which was another escalation in a dispute that has been growing for a week.Takaichi sparked a diplomatic confrontation with Beijing after saying in parliament last week that any Chinese attack on Taiwan could be considered a situation threatening Japan's survival and could trigger a military response from Tokyo.A Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson said in comments that Takaichi's words lacked responsibility and were extremely dangerous. He added that if Japan failed to learn from history and dared to take risks or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan issue, the only outcome would be a crushing defeat. His remarks came a day after China's Foreign Ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador in Beijing to deliver a strongly worded protest over the Japanese leader's statements.The spokesman also expressed what he described as serious concerns over Japan's recent military and security actions, including ambiguity surrounding its non-nuclear principles. He said that Japan's decision not to rule out acquiring nuclear-powered submarines signaled a major negative shift in its policy.On the other side, some prominent political figures in Japan called for the Chinese ambassador to be expelled, but Tokyo has so far only asked Beijing to take the appropriate measures, without elaborating.This marks the first time in more than two years that Beijing has summoned the Japanese ambassador. The last occurrence was in August 2023, when China protested Tokyo's decision to release wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

China produced 271.78 tonnes of gold in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 1.39% from the same period last year, data from the China Gold Association has shown.From January to September, gold consumption in the Chinese market fell 7.95% year on year to 682.73 tonnes, according to the association.During this period, consumption of gold jewelry stood at 270.04 tonnes, down 32.5% year on year, while that of gold bars and coins rose by 24.55% to 352.12 tonnes. Gold use for industrial and other purposes amounted to 60.58 tonnes, up 2.72%.The association said the performance of different gold product segments varied during this time. Light-weight, high value-added jewelry continued to draw strong consumer interest. Purchases of gold bars remained robust, with rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty reinforcing gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset.At the same time, the fast expansion of industries such as electronics and new energy helped lift industrial demand for gold, it added.It also noted that gold-backed exchange-traded funds in the Chinese market saw strong growth momentum during this period.

China successfully launched a new group of low Earth orbit satellites from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in the southern island province of Hainan on Monday.The satellite group, the 13th of its kind that will constitute an internet constellation, was launched aboard a Long March-12 carrier rocket, according to China's news agency (Xinhua).The satellites entered the preset orbit successfully.

Oil prices rose by more than one percent on Wednesday, extending gains for the second consecutive day, amid a mix of supply risks linked to sanctions and hopes for progress in US-China trade talks. Brent Crude futures climbed 94 cents, or 1.5%, to $62.26 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 92 cents, or 1.6%, to $58.16. Oil rebounded from a five-month low recorded on Monday, driven by increased output from producers and the impact of trade tensions on demand. On Tuesday, the US Department of Energy announced that it is looking to purchase one million barrels of crude oil to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, aiming to take advantage of relatively low oil prices to help replenish stockpiles.

Hamad International Airport recently welcomed the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight CZ8059 bound from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).The celebration began with a traditional water salute, followed by an airport ceremony featuring a ribbon-cutting and warm gestures of hospitality. The event highlighted the collective ambition between Qatar and China to unite people and opportunities across continents, a statement said.

World number two Jannik Sinner launched his Shanghai Masters title defence Saturday by breezing past Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 while Alexander Zverev advanced despite toe trouble.Sinner, fresh from winning the China Open, broke early in both sets to take control and ease himself comfortably into the third round.The 49th-ranked Altmaier’s best chance came in the eighth game of the first set, but he failed to convert a breakpoint twice, allowing the Italian to hold with an ace.The second set provided even less opportunity to seriously bother the 24-year-old Wimbledon champion, but afterwards Sinner said it had been more difficult than it looked.“First match is never easy, especially when you don’t have a lot of time to adjust,” he said.“(Altmaier) is a very tough player, very talented... I just tried to stay mentally in a good point,” he added.“When I broke him twice very early in the set it gave me the confidence to serve the match out, so I’m very happy.”Sinner’s path to retaining the title has been made easier by the withdrawal of great rival Carlos Alcaraz, who dropped out last minute to rest.The Italian’s next match is Sunday against the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor.Four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic will take to the court again Sunday as well, facing Germany’s 150th-ranked Yannick Hanfmann.The tournament lost another top-10 player as Karen Khachanov was defeated by China’s Shang Juncheng 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.Shang, ranked 237th after slipping down the rankings due to injury, was egged on by an increasingly raucous crowd as ninth seed Khachanov flagged.Shang broke in the eighth game of the second set with a backhand.“I think I played well on the whole but I think everyone (in the crowd) must have put a lot of pressure on him,” the 20-year-old Shang laughed.World number three Zverev overcame an injury to his big toe to book his place in the third round, beating France’s Valentin Royer 6-4, 6-4.The German had a blistering start, breaking Royer in the first game and then sending down three aces to easily hold the second.The Frenchman found his feet but a crucial stumble saw him miss a break point in the eighth game, and Zverev took the set.Both players missed chances to break in the second, wowing the crowd with multiple tense rallies.Zverev finally broke in the ninth game then held the last game to win, despite having to take a medical break after limping off court.“It’s not a nice feeling to finish a match like that,” Zverev said afterwards, wincing.He said he sustained the injury during the follow-through of his serve, and would have it assessed Sunday.“I really don’t know what happened, so we’re going to check it out,” he said.World number seven Alex de Minaur comfortably dispatched Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-4, 6-2.Russian Andrey Rublev, ranked 14th, was upset by qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.But compatriot Daniil Medvedev dominated qualifier Dalibor Svrcina to advance 6-1, 6-1.

China's former agricultural minister was sentenced to death on Sunday on corruption charges, with a two-year reprieve, a court statement said.Tang Renjian accepted cash and property bribes totalling more than 268 million yuan ($38 million) between 2007 and 2024, the People's Court of Changchun in northeast Jilin province said in a statement.The court ruled that the bribes "caused particularly severe losses to the interests of the state and the people, and therefore warranted the death penalty", adding that Tang had confessed to his crimes and expressed remorse.Tang's sentencing is the latest in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-graft campaign that has brought down several high-level figures.Supporters of Xi's anti-corruption drive say the campaign promotes clean governance, but critics argue it provides the president with the power to purge political rivals.Tang previously served as governor of the northwestern province of Gansu, as well as the vice chairman of southern autonomous region Guangxi.His downfall follows similar graft investigations into former defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.Li was removed from office just seven months into the job, and later expelled from the Chinese Communist Party for offences including suspected bribery, state media said.His successor Dong Jun was also reportedly placed under investigation on corruption charges.

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have announced a major expansion of their codeshare partnership and an increase in frequencies between Doha and Beijing ahead of the Golden Week holiday period in China.This growth builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, reinforcing the airlines’ shared commitment to delivering greater connectivity for global travellers from China.Starting October 16, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha.Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to some 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including Amman, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, Dar es Salam, Madrid, and Munich.Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori said: “Qatar Airways and China Southern have established a partnership that continues to set new benchmarks in the industry. This latest expansion ensures that every Qatar Airways route to China is now accessible to China Southern Airlines’ passengers, underlining our long-term commitment to a market that is integral to our growth and connectivity. Timed with this year’s Golden Week, it provides Chinese travellers with unrivalled access through Doha to over 170 destinations across our global network via Hamad International Airport.”Qatar Airways has already placed its code on China Southern-operated flights between Guangzhou and Doha since April 2024. Building on the existing codeshares from Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing, China Southern will extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approvals.Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway to be served with non-stop flights operated by China Southern Airlines. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways’ daily flight along with Xiamen Airlines’ daily flight.China Southern Airlines President and CEO Han Wensheng said: “Beijing Daxing is a cornerstone of China Southern’s international development, and the launch of new Doha services further strengthens its role alongside our existing operations from Guangzhou. Together with Qatar Airways, we are expanding opportunities for Chinese passengers to reach destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. This partnership underscores our commitment to building broader global access and delivering world-class service to our customers.”With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its two strategic partners, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China.This is one of the most extensive networks established by Qatar Airways, operated on state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with Starlink’s free-for-all Wi-Fi connectivity in the skies.Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines will continue to cement their partnership in other areas, including cargo operations and loyalty programmes, as part of their joint commitment to build robust and sustainable partnerships which benefit travellers around the world.

HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi on Friday inaugurated the headquarters of the Consulate General of Qatar in Shanghai, China.The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal Government Liu Ping; Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Wu Demin; and Consul General of Qatar in Shanghai Rashid bin Mubarak al-Khater. The ceremony was also attended by a number of senior Chinese officials, as well as heads and members of consular missions accredited to Shanghai.

When a quiet resurgence in Chinese equities developed into a world-beating rally, it took many seasoned market watchers by surprise.There’s little sign of a revival in spending by consumers and businesses that would dramatically inflate the earnings of Chinese companies. Instead, the boom appears to be driven by hedge funds and retail investors seeking higher returns in an environment of low interest rates. There’s also optimism that breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and a government drive to address industrial overcapacity are about to kick-start China’s economy.For now, official data isn’t pointing to an economic rebound, and there are already signs that share prices may be overheating, reviving memories of a stock market crash in 2015 that burned small investors. Financial authorities are under growing pressure to step in and calm the speculative fever.What’s happening in China’s stock market?The CSI 300 Index jumped 10% in August, its best performance since a rally last September. Red flags have emerged. Market turnover has hit a record. The outstanding amount of margin trades — where investors borrow money to buy local stocks in the onshore market — has also surged to an all-time high, signalling a growing appetite for risk-taking.In an effort to curb speculative fever, mutual funds have capped daily purchases of some of the year’s best performing equity portfolios, and commercial banks have tightened oversight of clients using credit cards to fund stock investments.What’s behind the sudden rally?The money is pouring in mostly from households, whose savings are collectively at a record high. With interest rates on savings drifting lower, some have been turning to equities for better returns. Wealthy investors have led the charge, often via hedge fund investments. But the volume of money heading into stocks is still relatively small compared with the trillions of yuan saved by Chinese consumers overall, and this is fuelling speculation that the market rally has further to run.Easing trade tensions with the US have helped to calm investor nerves. There are hopes that a government “anti-involution” campaign to combat price wars and fix overcapacity across various industries will break a deflationary cycle that’s undermined the confidence of consumers and businesses. And China’s breakthroughs in artificial intelligence have led to hopes that national industries are poised for a wave of technological progress that will accelerate economic growth and boost corporate earnings.Why are Chinese financial regulators concerned?The country’s financial authorities face a difficult balancing act in trying to engineer sustainable growth in the stock market without causing investors to panic. The Beijing government has made clear it would prefer a “slow bull market” that would allow for sustainable wealth creation and a durable boost in household consumption. The last thing the authorities want is a sharp reversal following a rapid rally, which would inflict heavy losses on retail investors. But as the rally continues, analysts are warning of a stock market bubble that could pop unless corporate earnings prospects improve or the government boosts its support for the economy.What might they do about it?China’s financial regulators are considering a number of measures to cool the market. These include a removal of some curbs on short selling and various measures to rein in speculative trading, according to people familiar with the matter.For now, regulators may have some breathing room before they need to intervene, as the involvement of retail investors in the stock market is still relatively limited by historic standards, suggesting the rally may not be as fragile as some market watchers suggest.What’s at stake if the market doesn’t stabilise?Much of China’s economy is still in the doldrums and suffering from a protracted real estate crisis. With the government trying to kick-start household spending to offset the negative impacts of a trade battle with the US the biggest destination for Chinese exports the last thing it needs is a stock market slump that would further dent consumer confidence. If the losses became too hard to bear, it could damage the social stability that’s the number-one priority for China’s leadership.

"We should be committed to mutual respect and win-win co-operation to advance China-Qatar relations to new heights as China and Qatar are both peace-loving countries," stressed the Chinese Charge d’Affaires Wang Ying on Thursday at the Chinese Embassy Doha.She pointed out that "under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the China-Qatar strategic partnership has gone through an 11-year golden period of development. Currently, the China-Qatar relationship is at its highest level in history and has become a model of friendly co-operation between countries."She noted that "China and Qatar have supported each other on issues which bear on our respective core interests and major concerns, and in pursuing development paths which suit our national conditions."Further, "the bilateral trade volume increased from $10.6bn in 2014 to $24.22bn in 2024, marking a growth of over 128%. Since 2020, China has remained Qatar’s largest trading partner and top export destination for five consecutive years. China-Qatar co-operation features a strong complementarity and delivers tangible benefits to the people of both countries," she said.In the meantime, she noted that "both China and Qatar are advocating for justice on the Gaza conflict, as we are jointly working to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Since the Gaza conflict erupted, Qatar has been actively participating in mediation, and successfully helped achieve ceasefire agreements and release of hostages twice. The international community highly appreciates Qatar's tireless efforts in striving for peace and alleviating humanitarian crisis."She further pointed out that China has upheld an objective and fair position, and been committed to safeguarding peace and lives. China pushed for the adoption of the first resolution of ceasefire in Gaza by the United Nations Security Council, facilitated the reconciliation dialogue and the signing of the Beijing Declaration by the 14 Palestinian factions, and deliveredmultiple batches of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.The Chinese Chargé d’Affaires in Doha stressed that "The humanitarian crisis in Gaza must not continue, and the Palestinian question must not be marginalized once again. The legitimate aspirations of the Arab nation should be fulfilled as soon as possible, and the just voice of the vast Islamic world must be heeded. The “two-state solution” remains the only viable way out of the turmoil for the Middle East, and the international community should take more concrete and effective actions to this end. "She expressed her country's stand saying that "China stands ready to work with Qatar to strengthen the synergy of both countries’ development strategies, jointly promote the community with a shared future for humanity, uphold international fairness and justice, advance on the journey toward national prosperity and rejuvenation, and bring more benefit to the two peoples."