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Peter CATTERALL AFP

Cheaper, cleaner electric trucks overhaul China's logistics

Cheaper, cleaner electric trucks overhaul China's logistics

At a dusty lot an hour outside Beijing, a steady stream of vehicles come and go for a quick battery charge -- just one node in China's rapidly expanding network of electric trucks. While the country's prowess in electric passenger vehicles has long been known globally, electric

China's economy beats forecasts, but war darkens outlook

China's economy beats forecasts, but war darkens outlook

China's economy expanded more than expected in the first three months of the year, with official data Thursday indicating resilience in the face of a Middle East crisis that threatens to hit global growth. The figures came despite a surge in world energy prices caused by the US-

China's economy likely picked up pace in first quarter: AFP survey

China's economy likely picked up pace in first quarter: AFP survey

China's economic growth likely picked up in the first three months of the year, according to analysts surveyed by AFP, boosted by exports now impacted by the Middle East war, while domestic demand remains weak. Leaders in the world's second-largest economy have struggled since the

China's energy strategy pays off as Mideast war cramps supplies: analysts

China's energy strategy pays off as Mideast war cramps supplies: analysts

China's long-term strategy of diversifying energy sources and building stockpiles is helping it weather disruptions from the Iran war, although some sectors still face major snags, analysts say. China is a net importer of oil and more than half of its seaborne crude came from the Middle

High hopes at China's gateway to North Korea as trains resume

High hopes at China's gateway to North Korea as trains resume

Now retired, Wang Meili wants to see the world -- including North Korea, the reclusive nation that lies across the river from her lifelong home in northeastern China. North Korea has long kept tight control over foreign visitors, and effectively sealed its borders at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic

Trump's Mideast muddle could play into Xi's hands at planned summit

Trump's Mideast muddle could play into Xi's hands at planned summit

China will be in a stronger position to extract concessions from Donald Trump when the US president finally visits Beijing after becoming entangled in his Middle East war, analysts say. Trump had been due in the Chinese capital at the end of this month for talks with President Xi Jinping,

China prioritises energy and diplomacy over Iran support

China prioritises energy and diplomacy over Iran support

China has expressed its anger over Israeli-US strikes on Iran but, despite hits to its oil imports, will not risk its interests by confronting Washington and helping its long-standing partner, analysts say. The war in the Middle East has sparked global fears of an energy supply crunch, with