China

Andy Wong/Associated Press
China is the planet’s most populous country and second largest by land mass. Its civilization is one of the world’s oldest, and it has maintained an advanced economy for two millennia. A single-party socialist state, China has been governed by the Communist Party since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 under Mao Zedong, who would usher in both the Cultural Revolution and the Great Leap Forward.
China has become one of the globe’s fastest-growing post-industrial economies since reforms were put into place in 1978 by Deng Xiaoping and his supporters, and its rapid industry growth since then has led to competition with the United States and Europe. China’s expanding economic and global influence and perceived authoritarianism have contributed to its image as a formidable world power and played into both regional clashes and accusations of censorship and civil rights violations.
Keep up to date on breaking news in China and explore our extensive archive below.

CHRONOLOGY OF COVERAGE

  1. DEC. 25, 2014
    As some Chinese enjoy the trappings of Western-style Christmas, and retailers enjoy some of their highest sales in late December, others are calling for bans on any celebrations.  MORE
  2. DEC. 24, 2014
    Wealthy Chinese tourists, especially women, are flocking to South Korea to undergo plastic surgery; South Korean government is actively pushing to make country a destination for medical tourism, dominated by its well-known plastic surgery industry; procedures range from minor, like double eyelid surgery, to extreme, like facial restructuring.  MORE
  3. DEC. 23, 2014
    Daw Khin Win, woman protesting expansion of Chinese copper mine in Myanmar, is shot and killed by security forces.  MORE
  4. DEC. 23, 2014
    Chinese Communist Party begins inquiry into Ling Jihua, top aide to former Pres Hu Jintao, for corruption and abuses of power; investigation shows that Pres Xi Jinping is willing to go far in his anticorruption campaign and will target sitting officials as he reshapes central leadership.  MORE
  5. DEC. 23, 2014
    Officials in Taiwan and in Chongqing, China, criticize Uber over worries that company and its drivers are not appropriately licensed; Chongqing investigation is first in which Uber's legality has been questioned in China; Taiwanese authorities say company has license for information services, not transportation.  MORE

ARTICLES ABOUT CHINA

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The Elusive Chinese Dream

By JEFFREY N. WASSERSTROM
The Communist Party should be more confident than ever. So why is it so anxious?
December 27, 2014, Saturday

Loss by Taiwan’s Governing Party Raises Fears That Ties With China Will Sour

By AUSTIN RAMZY
When the opposition Democratic Progressive Party last held power, it presided over a period of increased tensions with the mainland.
December 27, 2014, Saturday

Adidos and Hotwind? In China, Brands Adopt Names to Project Foreign Flair

By DAN LEVIN
Eager to glaze their products with the sheen of international sophistication, many homegrown retail brands use a non-Chinese name to suggest being foreign.
December 27, 2014, Saturday

China’s Leadership Praises Hong Kong’s Top Official

By AUSTIN RAMZY
Comments by President Xi Jinping and others were a public reminder that Leung Chun-ying, the city’s chief executive, has Beijing’s backing.
December 27, 2014, Saturday

Q. and A.: Jill Robinson on Animals and Empathy in Asia 

By DAN LEVIN
Ms. Robinson discusses Animals Asia Foundation’s work to end bear bile farming in China and Vietnam, changing cultural attitudes in Asia and the bear that reached out to her.
December 26, 2014, Friday

For Sri Lankan President, Renounced by Aides, Confidence of Re-election Dims

By ELLEN BARRY
Defectors from the cabinet of President Mahinda Rajapaksa have bragged about plotting their desertion under his nose.
December 26, 2014, Friday
MORE ON CHINA AND:  RAJAPAKSA, MAHINDA , SRI LANKA , CHINA , INDIA ,ELECTIONS

Chinese Hit Back Against a Foreign Intrusion: Christmas

By ANDREW JACOBS
As some Chinese enjoy the trappings of Western-style Christmas, and retailers enjoy some of their highest sales in late December, others are calling for bans on any celebrations.
December 25, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON CHINA AND:  CHRISTMAS , CHINA , CONFUCIUS , COMMUNIST PARTY OF CHINA

Water From China's South-North Transfer Project Flows to Beijing

By KIKI ZHAO
Within days, Beijing’s faucets are expected to begin spewing water that has traveled hundreds of miles to the capital from Hubei Province via one of the world’s most ambitious, and controversial, engineering projects.
December 25, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON CHINA AND:  MAO ZEDONG , WANG HAO , BEIJING (CHINA) , CHINA ,CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES , WATER

Tibetan Woman Dies After Setting Herself on Fire in China

By ANDREW JACOBS
The death brought to 135 the number of Tibetans who have set themselves ablaze since 2009 to protest what many regard as government intrusion.
December 24, 2014, Wednesday

Plastic Surgery Tourism Brings Chinese to South Korea 

By ALEXANDRA STEVENSON
Cosmetic surgery, pervasive in South Korea, is now the must-do activity for many Chinese visitors.
December 24, 2014, Wednesday
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CHINA AT A GLANCE

Official Name: People's Republic of China
Capital: Beijing (Current local time)
Government Type: Communist state 
Head of State: President Xi Jinping
Population: 1.36 billion
GDP Per Capita: $9,800 
Currency: Renminbi yuan (RMB) 
Website: Gov.cn

Related Links: Hong Kong | Tibet

MULTIMEDIA

Territorial Disputes in the Waters Near Chinamap
Territorial Disputes in the Waters Near China
China has recently increased its pursuit of territorial claims in nearby seas, leading to tense exchanges with neighboring countries. A map of some of the most notable disputes.
Zhou Family Tiesgraphic
Zhou Family Ties
Several members of Zhou Yongkang’s family have made investments in companies with ties to the China National Petroleum Corp., the state oil company formerly run by Mr. Zhou.
In China, a New Beginningslide show
In China, a New Beginning
The Chinese Communist Party on Thursday unveiled a new leadership slate headed by Xi Jinping, who will face the task of guiding China to a more sustainable model of growth.
The New Members of China’s Ruling Bodygraphic
The New Members of China’s Ruling Body
All members of China’s Politburo Standing Committee, the group of politicians who rule the country, have close connections with former leaders. The top two figures of the new administration were also part of the previous government.
‘Princelings’ Reshape Chinavideo
‘Princelings’ Reshape China
China’s “princelings” are emerging as an aristocratic class with an increasingly important say in ruling the country.
China's 18th Congress | Human Rightsvideo
China's 18th Congress | Human Rights
The New York Times correspondent Andrew Jacobs discusses China’s record on human rights.
Changing of the Guard in Chinavideo
Changing of the Guard in China
The New York Times’s Beijing correspondents discuss the challenges ahead for China as the country begins its once-in-a-decade leadership transition.
China's 18th Congress | A New Leadervideo
China's 18th Congress | A New Leader
The New York Times’ Beijing correspondents discuss Xi Jinping, China’s new leader.
The Times in Chinese 
China Site
The New York Times has introduced a beta version of a new Chinese-language website, which continues to grow in scope and functionality.

MULTIMEDIA

The Wen Family Empiregraphic
The Wen Family Empire
Diagram showing the family of Wen Jiabao and their business network.

CHINA NAVIGATOR

A list of Web sites about China as selected by editors of The New York Times.

OTHER COVERAGE ON CHINA'S LEADERSHIP

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