‘Get used to tighter belts’: how China’s local governments and party bodies are embracing cost-cutting culture

Local government and party agencies in China are rolling out rules to cut spending, including greater use of new energy vehicles, less tea and fewer indoor plants. They vowed to “get used to living a tight life” in every aspect in keeping with Beijing’s persistent call amid a faltering economy. The northwestern province of Shaanxi … Read more

Young Taiwanese urged to ‘remember the roots of the Chinese nation’ by island’s former leader Ma Ying-jeou

On Thursday, Ma visited the northwestern province of Shaanxi to pay tribute to the Yellow Emperor, a legendary ruler from 5,000 years ago who is considered an ancestor of the Chinese people. Speaking after the ceremony – which took place on Ching Ming, a festival where people traditionally honour their ancestors – Ma said these … Read more

Ex-Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou starts ‘journey of peace’ in mainland China

Before he left for Shenzhen on Monday, Ma told reporters at the airport that his trip would be “a journey of peace and a journey of friendship”. “In the face of the increasingly tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, I hope we can convey the sentiments of the Taiwanese people that they love peace, hope … Read more

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urges manufacturing firms to ‘spare extra money’ for R&D investment

“If manufacturing companies want to stand firm in a competitive market, they must spare extra money on research and development,” Li said in a statement, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. China plans to turn hi-tech lab innovations into globally competitive goods China is endeavouring to shift its traditional economic model of mass production … Read more