In the first half of 2026, China's GDP grew by 4.7 percent year-on-year. Summer grain output exceeded 150 million tons for the first time, while total imports and exports surpassed 25 trillion yuan ($3.69 trillion) — also a record for the period.

Member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation have for the first time embraced the expanding role of data, reaching a consensus that it should be viewed not merely as a product of digitalization, but as an important resource for economic growth.

The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 28 pips to 6.7911 against the US dollar Monday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.

The midsummer heat is stifling, yet inside the exhibition halls of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference — which recently concluded in Shanghai — the temperature also feels high due to a flurry of activity.