Mobile phone shipments in China totaled 24.2 million units in July, up 30.5 percent year-on-year, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) showed on Wednesday.
Amid a recovery in the consumer electronics market, mobile phone shipments soared by 15.3 percent year-on-year to 171 million units in the January-July period.
Analysts said that the robust figures mirrored a general consumption recovery, especially in digital and green products.
The fast-growing China market has been vital for global smartphone brands such as Apple, which is ramping up production for the release of its new iPhone 16 series on September 9, while domestic brands dominate the stage with highly competitive offerings and progress made in the high-end segment, analysts said.
In the second quarter, Apple was edged out of the top five smartphone vendors in China, as competition from domestic brands including Vivo, Huawei and Xiaomi intensified, according to global research firms such as IDC and Canalys. It was the first time that domestic vendors dominated all the top five positions in one quarter.
Boosted by optimism in the strong growth in the first half of 2024 amid a consumer demand recovery and artificial intelligence (AI) features in the global mobile phone market, IDC lifted its full-year growth forecast to 5.8 percent, at 1.23 billion units, from the previous 4 percent.
The China market, growing twice as fast, will remain one of the most vital markets for global smartphone and component makers, analysts said.
"The strong recovery in the domestic market came after a long period when consumers delayed new purchases. The recovery was also coupled with new demand for better hardware such as memory and computing power in the era of AI," Fu Liang, a veteran industry expert, told the Global Times.
"As domestic players roll out more low-end offerings to ride the trend, shipments are poised to grow further in the second half of the year," said Fu.
Shipments were led by 5G handsets, which reached 20.65 million units with a surge of 37.2 percent year-on-year in July, according to the CAICT.
In the first seven months, shipments of 5G handsets were up 23.6 percent year-on-year, accounting for 84.8 percent of all smartphones delivered in the period.
The Chinese Embassy in Thailand on Wednesday addressed concerns regarding the trade imbalance between China and Thailand, emphasizing that the trade relationship is market-driven and influenced by supply and demand. The embassy clarified that China does not aim to build a trade surplus with Thailand. Instead, it has consistently provided support and convenience for Thailand's exports to China.
China and Thailand enjoy a complementary trade structure that is mutually beneficial. The embassy pointed out that prior to 2019, Thailand maintained a trade surplus with China. Starting from 2020, the trend shifted to a surplus for China, reflecting natural adjustments in market conditions.
The embassy stressed that trade surpluses or deficits should not be seen as winning or losing in the international market, but should be evaluated based on whether they align with the needs of each country.
The statement came in response to inquiries from multiple Thai media outlets about the economic relationship between China and Thailand, including questions about China's economic policies, the trade imbalance, the role of Chinese businesses in Thailand, and cross-border e-commerce.
Approximately 80 percent of China's exports to Thailand consist of capital and intermediate goods that are necessary for Thailand's local manufacturing and exports. The embassy noted that much attention has been drawn to inexpensive Chinese goods, such as consumer products, food, and clothing, but these account for less than 10 percent of China's total exports to Thailand.
"The Chinese government has consistently asked Chinese enterprises and citizens to operate in accordance with laws and regulations in their economic activities, and we support the Thai government in strengthening supervision and correcting and eliminating irregularities in accordance with the law," the embassy stated.
The embassy underscored the strong economic ties between the two nations, noting that China remains Thailand's largest trading partner and its main market for agricultural exports.
Last year, over 40 percent of Thailand's agricultural exports went to China, with durian exports alone reaching $4.57 billion, according to the embassy.
China is also a key source of foreign investment in Thailand. There are over 1,000 Chinese companies operating in Thailand, and in the past two years, Chinese businesses have launched 588 investment projects worth nearly $7 billion, focusing on sectors such as electric vehicles, the digital economy, renewable energy, and modern manufacturing, all of which align with Thailand's development strategies, said the embassy.
China continues to be the largest source of foreign tourists for Thailand; 11 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in 2019. This year, Thai authorities expect to receive around 8 million Chinese tourists, contributing over 350 billion baht ($10.2 billion) in tourism revenue, the embassy stated.
According to the General Administration of Customs, trade between China and Thailand has continued to grow. From January to July this year, bilateral trade reached 539.8 billion yuan ($75.8 billion), an increase of 5.6 percent compared to the same period last year.
Chinese tech firm Alibaba Group has completed a three-year rectification under the supervision and guidance of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), according to a statement on the top market regulator's website on Friday. Industry observers said the move marked a phased development of Chinese platform businesses.
As one of China's largest internet firms, Alibaba's completion of the rectification process shows that the industry as a whole is "returning to the right track" of compliant development under guidance and regulation, a departure from the previous rampant model of expansion that created disorder and heightened risks.
Also, it sends a resounding signal on Chinese authorities' great emphasis on boosting the platform economy and encouraging attitude to drive its innovative and healthy growth - on the basis of a balance between supervision and development, analysts said.
In April 2021, SAMR imposed an administrative penalty on Alibaba for the monopolistic practice of "forcing merchants to choose one of two platforms." Alibaba was ordered to cease its illegal activities, conduct a comprehensive self-examination and rectification, and submit a self-examination compliance report to SAMR for three consecutive years.
SAMR added that the company's rectification efforts have achieved positive results.
Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday that the move demonstrates the Chinese government's unwavering support for and encouraging attitude on boosting platform businesses, which will greatly rally and reinforce market confidence.
"The end of the rectification also means that the company is now in compliance with regulations, and is thus conducive to creating a better, fairer and market competitive environment," Wang said. He also called for relevant platform enterprises to play a bigger role in China's economic upgrade.
Japan and Australia will hold a "two-plus-two" security meeting in Australia on Thursday, aiming to strengthen defense and security cooperation, which Chinese analysts warn would be disruptive and detrimental to the regional stability and exert significant impact to push the Asia-Pacific region into security dilemmas or traps.
Japanese media outlet Jiji Press News reported on Friday that Japan will be represented by Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and Australia by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles.
Jiji noted that Tokyo and Canberra are expected to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening collaboration, citing China's behavior in the region.
According to analysts, the promotion of Japan-Australia cooperation came as the US launched the so-called Indo-Pacific Strategy and stepped up its pressure to push forward the coordination among allies and partners in an attempt to contain China and undermine its peaceful development.
Since the Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a treaty that provides a framework for each country's forces to operate in the other's, came into force in August 2023, how to further deepen and cooperate with each other based on the agreement could be a matter for discussion during the upcoming security meeting, said Chen Hong, executive director of Asia Pacific Studies Centre at East China Normal University.
With Japan also hyping up the Taiwan question and the Diaoyu Islands issue and stirring up trouble over the South China Sea issue, it is believed that Australia may conduct some cooperative actions under the guidance of US' anti-China strategy, according to Chen.
"It cannot be ruled out that Japan and Australia may propose joint military exercises, or even rope in a third party, such as the Philippines, to join," Chen said.
Also, considering that Japan might one day in some capacity join the AUKUS, an Australia-UK-US security partnership, related discussions are expected to be covered during the Japan-Australia security meeting, as they want to form a circle of deterrence around China, Chen noted.
The expert warned that as the Asia-Pacific is the engine of the world economy, undermining peace and stability in the region is actually a threat to world peace, security and development, which is also a serious concern for the international community.
After the robust micro-drama industry intrigued young Chinese viewers with romance shows, it is now experiencing a notable surge in popularity among middle-aged and elderly audiences, evolving from a niche medium into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. These short, melodramatic shows, often featuring middle-aged protagonists in fantastical scenarios, have captured the imagination of an older demographic. However, this burgeoning trend also brings to light significant challenges, particularly concerning content homogenization and the need for stricter regulation.
The appeal of micro-dramas to older demographics is significant. According to the 2024 China Micro-Drama Industry Research Report by iResearch.com, users aged 40-59 constitute 37.3 percent of the micro-drama audience, with those aged 60 and above accounting for 12.1 percent. This shift highlights a broader trend: Digital entertainment is increasingly catering to an aging population. With China's elderly consumption potential projected to soar from 40 trillion ($5.6 trillion ) to 106 trillion yuan by 2050, the market for such content is both expansive and lucrative.
The success of micro-dramas among older viewers is evident from their prominence on various platforms. Data from DataEye and WETRUE reveals that micro-dramas featuring middle-aged protagonists frequently top the charts, reflecting their widespread appeal. Shows like The Flash Marriage at Fifty, which features a wealthy CEO marrying a middle-aged woman, have resonated with viewers seeking both escapism and relatable narratives. The dramatic plots, marked by themes of instant romance and personal transformation, offer a stark contrast to the everyday realities faced by many elderly viewers.
Experts suggest that as the internet and mobile media become more prevalent among older adults, these platforms increasingly serve as substitutes for diminished social support. Micro-dramas, particularly those exploring family dynamics and emotional conflicts such as "mother-in-law issues," "divorces," "flash marriages," and "reconciliation," provide emotional compensation and a sense of connection.
However, concerns about content homogenization are growing. Many micro-dramas rely on repetitive and formulaic elements, such as "villainous female characters" and "hasty marriages," which can lead to viewer disengagement. Additionally, the stereotypical portrayal of family conflicts in these dramas may exacerbate negative perceptions of real-life disputes, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and potentially increasing emotional strain for older audiences.
For instance, the emergence of themes like "tyrannical CEOs" and "sweet romances" has become predictable, with many new dramas offering little beyond superficial variations of these tropes. This homogenization risks reducing the genre's appeal as viewers may grow tired of repetitive plots and characters.
Monetization practices within the micro-drama sector further complicate matters. Reports indicate that many platforms employ aggressive and often deceptive tactics to extract money from viewers, including hidden fees, automatic renewals, and misleading pricing structures. These practices place a substantial financial burden on consumers, particularly elderly viewers, who may struggle with the complexities of digital payments and subscription models. Many elderly individuals find themselves facing unexpected charges due to poorly disclosed fees and manipulative marketing strategies, exacerbating their financial strain and sense of exploitation.
As highlighted by recent user experiences, elderly individuals often find themselves unwittingly spending significant amounts of money on micro-dramas due to poorly disclosed fees and manipulative marketing strategies. Such issues are compounded by a lack of adequate support and recourse for resolving disputes, leaving many viewers feeling exploited.
To address these challenges, the National Radio and Television Administration has implemented new regulations that went into effect on June 1. Dramas are managed based on their investment levels: Projects with high amounts of funding are overseen by national and provincial bodies, while lesser funded projects are handled by the online platforms. Furthermore, unapproved and unregistered micro-dramas are prohibited from being disseminated online.
As micro-dramas continue to captivate older audiences, addressing the issues of content quality and regulatory oversight will be crucial in ensuring that this genre remains both engaging and ethically responsible.
The Shanghai Conservatory of Music successfully hosted the “Opera Performance Talent Training” report performance at the He Lüting Concert Hall in Shanghai on Friday. This event was part of the National Arts Fund’s 2024 annual art talent training funding project.
The concert, Essence of Chinese and Foreign Classical Operas, featured a series of splendid opera duets, trios, and quartets performed by the students of the training program and accompanied by the Shanghai Opera House Orchestra.
Thirty young opera performers from various cultural troupes and art colleges across the country demonstrated the achievements they had made during the 30-day intensive training program. The concert was composed of excerpts from both Chinese and foreign operatic works, showcasing the students’ learning outcomes in vocal skills, language pronunciation, stage performance, and overall presentation.
The training curriculum covered multiple aspects of the development of opera, with expert classes focusing on various aspects of opera performance. Musicians such as baritone Liao Changyong provided valuable professional guidance to the students, drawing on their rich stage experience to offer detailed instruction on vocal techniques, musical processing and stage performance.
As a vital component of social aesthetic education, all four report concerts of this training program were open to the public. The initiative invited citizens to experience the beauty of opera up close, receiving a warm social response.
A recent exhibition of a Spanish artist held in Xuzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province marked the latest event heralding the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain in 2025. Named "Different Cycles from Different Eras United by a Single Paintbrush," the exhibition at Xuzhou Art Museum features 119 artworks by Jorge Rando, one of the most internationally recognized Spanish artists and a main exponent of neo-expressionism in Spain.
During a recent interview, Rando told the Global Times that art is a universal language that promotes the cultural exchanges between China and Spain.
"Art is essential, not only in cultural exchanges between China and Spain, but it is and should always be an open door for relations between people and nations. Art speaks the same language in all countries around the world. Art unites people and teaches all humans that united we will be stronger and happier," Rando said.
"China and Spain are two great nations with an ancient culture and, despite the distance that separates us, with many similarities in the philosophical concept of life, the understanding between our two nations is enriched by cultural exchanges that are necessary and I would say even logical," said the 83-year-old artist.
As a prominent figure in Spanish neo-expressionism, Rando is renowned for his powerful depictions of human emotion, nature, and life. His work often explores themes such as motherhood, nature, and the human condition through cycles of paintings that include recognizable yet abstract figures.
The exhibition showcased some of Rando's paintings, created from the 1960s to the present, highlighting his artistic evolution and his deep emotional responses to nature, life, and humanity.
Deepening relations
The art exhibition is the result of the collaboration between Xuzhou and Rando's hometown Malaga, as it received strong support from various entities, including the Chinese Embassy in Spain, the Spanish Embassy in China, the Spanish Consulate General in Shanghai, and the governments of Xuzhou and Malaga.
The exhibition stands as a fresh testament to the deep friendship between the two cities.
Luis Calvo, the consul general of Spain in Shanghai, said that "in 2025, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain. This exhibition has played a significant role in promoting bilateral cultural exchange."
Li Shuxia, member of the standing committee of the Xuzhou Municipal Party Committee and head of the publicity department, said that Xuzhou and Malaga share many similarities as cultural cities, transportation hubs, and tourist destinations. With the deepening relations between China and Spain, the exchanges and cooperation between these two cities have become increasingly frequent, solidifying their friendship and broadening prospects for future collaboration.
"This exhibition not only offers the public an elegant artistic experience and strengthens Xuzhou's reputation as a city of calligraphy and painting, but also serves as a vivid symbol of the deepening cultural exchange and friendship between China and Spain," said Li.
Rando also pulled off an exhibition in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province from March to May this year, which is part of the larger celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Spain. Destined connection
Rando said that he had connections with China since his birth and previous trips to China offered him a wealth of artistic inspiration.
"I was born in 1941. My first memories as a child are the smell of colored pencils and my constantly black fingers from the black ink; even then, China took hold in my subconscious… over time, my interest in Chinese culture matured," he recalled.
"My eyes were opened for the first time to the land of China when I arrived in 2019 in Xiangtan [Central China's Hunan Province] to admire the paintings by Qi Baishi at the Memorial Hall of Qi Baishi.
Born in 1864, Qi is the most creative master painter in the 20th century. He is noted for his watercolors featuring a huge variety of subjects.
During my stay in this beautiful and welcoming city, I was able to visit its surroundings and other places in Hunan. I got to know the beauty of its mountains that wanted to cover the sky with their green mantle. My eyes were unable to capture all of the paradise that embraced me at once but my mind did merge with that infinite light that began to guide my brushes beyond the picture frame," said Rando.
"In those moments of ecstasy, my eyes also discovered the silent fluttering of thousands of butterflies, of thousands of colors and of thousands of captured sensations. In that magnificent reverie the butterflies drew closer. They became my butterflies and showed me the beginning of nature. And that was when I began to paint them like a madman. That inspiration from China was brought to life in my artwork of My Butterflies in the following four years," he noted.
To Chinese students who wish to pursue an artistic career, Rando would make a request that they love art.
"Painting without love is just color without a soul. Don't forget that everything is moved by love and that we artists have a great responsibility in the society we live. I wish that in your artistic careers you always keep in mind that the triumph of the painter is painting," said the Spanish artist.
China's Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen rallied from one set down to achieve a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Amanda Anisimova of the US in the women's singles first round at the US Open on Monday.
"It's a very difficult match for a first round. She's a tough opponent to face, but I'm glad at the end I found a way to be through the match and win this match," Zheng said.
"I had this experience already, so this time when I had success in the Olympic Games, to come to the next tournament, I say, everything starts at zero. You are not any more the Olympic champion. Just be humble and try to work, fight every single match, because if you don't fight, you have a big chance to lose."
Wang Yafan also advanced to the second round after her opponent Maria Sakkari exited early due to an injury after the first set. However, the other two Chinese women's singles players on Monday faced first-round exits: Wang Xiyu lost to Diane Parry of France 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5), and Yuan Yue was defeated by Russia's Erika Andreeva 6-3, 7-6 (9/7).
In the men's singles, China's 19-year-old Shang Juncheng earned his first US Open win over Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, in a match that lasted three hours and 34 minutes.
"Very happy and tired. Very tired. Interesting match against Alex. He has everything, he throws anything at you, some second-serve bombs, also drop shots, underarm serves, anything," Shang said. "You really have to focus the whole match, and I'm glad I did all the way till the end. It was just a good win, and hopefully I can continue."
Another Chinese player, Bu Yunchaokete, lost to Norway's Casper Ruud 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2.
A suspect involved in a major financial criminal case of organizing and leading a pyramid scheme with funds of over 100 billion yuan ($14 billion) has been successfully extradited from Thailand, marking the first financial criminal suspect extradited to China from Thailand since the two countries' extradition treaty took effect in 1999.
With the collaboration of relevant departments, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and the law enforcement departments in Thailand, China's economic fugitive repatriation campaign Fox Hunt's work group under China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) successfully extradited the suspect surnamed Zhang from Thailand back to China on August 20.
Zhang was discovered to have led a pyramid scam operation under the guise of issuing virtual currency since 2012, as participants were required to pay fees ranging from 700 yuan to 245,000 yuan to obtain membership on the platform, according to the People's Daily report.
The scheme lured participants by offering high returns on their investments. The rebate system was based on the number of new members each participant could recruit and the amount of money invested by these new recruits. More than 10 million investors have fallen prey to the scheme, and the money involved amounted to over 100 billion yuan.
The public security organ of Chongqing Municipality launched an investigation into Zhang in 2020, and an Interpol Red Notice was issued in March 2021, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
Zhang was captured by Thai police in 2022, and was ordered to be extradited to China following a sentence made by Thailand's Appeals Court in May 2024, a decision later supported by the Thai government, according to Xinhua.
An official from the office of the Fox Hunt campaign said that the successful extradition of Zhang shows the Chinese government's firm determination and will to uphold Chinese people's rights and defend the dignity of the law.
The extradition is a major achievement in China-Thailand law enforcement and judicial cooperation, marking a milestone in consolidating and deepening cooperation between the two countries and serving as a positive example for future extradition cooperation between China and other countries, the official said.
Branko Ivankovic, China's national soccer team head coach, has emphasized the importance of offense in the team's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Thailand, as China will host the visitors on Thursday in Shenyang, the capital of Northeast China's Liaoning Province.
"I heard that the tickets for this match sold out quickly. We expect 50,000 to 60,000 fans to cheer us on at the stadium," Ivankovic said. "We are eager to win this match with a great performance, as our goal is to defeat the Thai team."
The Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium has a capacity of 60,000. Tickets sold out on May 30.
At the beginning of the current round of qualifiers, the national team defeated Thailand 2-1 in an away match in November, thanks to goals from striker Wu Lei and midfielder Wang Shangyuan.
However, following a series of underachieving performances in the group, securing a victory against Thailand at home is essential for China to secure second place in the group. This would guarantee automatic qualification to the third-round Asian qualifiers, comprising 18 teams.
"Our opponent is also a strong team with its own strengths. Both teams need a win to compete for a spot in the 18-team final round of the qualifiers and to vie for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup," he said.
"We are fully committed to our preparation and hope to achieve our goals in every aspect."
Even a draw against Thailand would complicate their chances, making the subsequent match against South Korea critical for China.
"With a draw, no one can guarantee what will happen in the final group game [next week]. So, I believe Thailand is an ambitious team with courage, and they won't play too conservatively. They will strive to play well, and we are fully prepared for this. Our goal is clear."
The Chinese national team is playing without its star player Wu Lei, as the domestic top scorer faces suspension for actions during the Thailand game. Three Brazil-born naturalized strikers A Lan (formerly known as Alan), Ai Kesen (Elkeson) and Fei Nanduo (Fernandinho) have been included in the 30-man squad.
"To win a football match, we need to score more goals than our opponent. We've called up six forwards this time. We will make the best use of our available resources," Ivankovic said. "We must stick to our playing style, and I trust our players to meet our tactical demands."
The Croatian also hinted that some young players might see their chances to make an appearance for the national team.
"I came to China just a few days before the match against Singapore [in March], and there weren't many changes to the squad then," he said.
"Since then, we've seen many players perform exceptionally well in the league. They deserve to be in the training camp, and we believe these capable players will also have the opportunity to play in the match."
Captain and keeper Wang Dalei, 35, told reporters that this could be his last chance to strive for a World Cup spot, and he hopes to lead the team to victory in this match. He dedicated the match to fans before noting the young players have experienced intense competition in the domestic Chinese Super League (CSL).
"I believe they [the young players] will adapt during these days. On the defense line, they have been defending against foreign players in the CSL," Wang said.
"These foreign players in the CSL are very strong as we know. Since the young players perform so well in their respective teams, I believe they will do just as well if they play."
Shenyang is known as a lucky place for Chinese soccer, as it witnessed the team's only qualification for the World Cup in 2002.
After the Thailand game, the team will fly to Seoul to prepare for an away match against South Korea.
