China's gross domestic product figures for the year 2020 were released on Monday. They revealed 2.3% growth over the past 12 months, overcoming the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused severe economic disruption worldwide and leaving as the only major economy to register growth.

Innovation in financial technology (fintech) has made life easier, but how about potential risks? China's banking and financial authorities' regulatory talks with Ant Group, the fintech affiliate of e-commerce giant Alibaba, at the end of last year were evidence of the government's concern. The meeting was attended by officials from the People's Bank of China (PBC), the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

Since the commercial use of 5G started in June 2019， China has accelerated the construction of its 5G network and gradually expanded 5G applications in all areas of life.

In recent years, domestic products have been the rage in the consumer market with renewed time-honored brands, upgraded traditional brands, and emerging new brands. Purchasing and using China-made goods has become a daily routine for many people, especially the younger generation.

China's effective containment of the COVID-19 pandemic at home, together with strong stimulus and support policy, have helped its economy bounce back in the third quarter. The "troika" of investment, consumption, and exports is playing a vital role in driving the country's economic growth.

The governments of Qingdao, Yantai, Weifang, Weihai, and Rizhao jointly held the Jiaodong Economic Circle Integration Promotion Conference in Beijing on December 8. The event, held under the theme “Tapping into New Development Pattern and Fostering New Growth Poles,” gathered together officials from related ministries and commissions of the central government as well as executives of renowned Chinese think tanks and domestic and international enterprises. The conference provided a new platform for resource matching and sharing of the dividend from the integrated development of the Jiaodong Economic Circle.

At the crack of dawn, Peng Chunling can be found busily loading ripe watermelons onto a truck. From growing grains to planting melons in a highly efficient agricultural operation, villagers like Peng of Zhenzhuozhuang Village, Suqian City in Jiangsu Province, have seen their incomes rise and livelihoods flourish. And all the positive changes can be ascribed to one thing — construction and upgrading of rural roads.

The 2020 list of “Happiest Cities in China” was unveiled at the Happy Cities of China Forum held in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province on November 18, 2020. Of all the cities that made it onto the list, Qingdao was one of them.

This is the third consecutive year for Microsoft to attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE). “Faced with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's CIIE being held on schedule is an exciting feat in itself,” said Alain Crozier, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft Greater China Region, in an interview with China Today on November 6 during the third CIIE.

Under the COVID-19 outbreak and the global economic downturn, China's two-way investment has distinctly diverged. Specifically, outbound investment has shrunk, while inbound investment has risen year-on-year, indicating that foeign investors still maintain strong confidence in China.

From Bulgarian yogurt to Greek olive oil, Polish milk, Czech beers, and Hungarian wine, more and more farm produce from countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is being served on Chinese tables. While diversifying Chinese consumers’ choices, the food presents a window to learn about other cultures and food flavors.

AN impressive number of multinational corporation leaders have been giving their approval of China’s market performance this year. Comments like “China is one of the few markets with dazzling growth,” and “[China’s] market growth outperforms other global markets,” have been frequently heard in 2020.

The service industry accounts for more than 50 percent of China's GDP and generates nearly half of the country's jobs.

CHINESE President Xi Jinping has encouraged local talented personnel, technology experts, advanced manufacturing businesses and those involved in complete industrial chains in the Yangtze River Delta region, to explore new development paths amidst shrinking global demand.