The visa-policy easing is expected to boost tourism that has yet to fully rebound since the pandemic, and the move could also give local economies a jolt.

China’s lower level military authorities could be ‘overzealous’ because they believe Beijing desired an aggressive response, possibly resulting in the skirmish.

Chinese-produced durian is set to be available to the public in July, with production from the tropical island of Hainan likely to reach 200 tonnes this year, although Thailand and Vietnam are set to remain the largest sources.

Fosun Tourism Group, the leisure and tourism unit of Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, is courting both domestic and international investors in a move that is in line with its asset-light strategy.

Henry Tang calls for 30,000 yuan tax-free shopping limit, replacing 5,000 yuan maximum that has been unchanged for almost three decades.

An extended public holiday and an economic rebound following the end of pandemic restrictions boost travel bookings for hotspots including Hainan, Jiuzhaigou and Xian in the Year of the Dragon.

Bohai Leasing, a Shenzhen-listed arm of failed Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, is kicking off the sale of its container leasing business Seaco, sources say.

Local authorities are currently in talks with counterparts across the border to bring back multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents before Lunar New Year.

The station, on the Philippines’ Thitu Island that is part of the contested Spratly Islands, has been built and is expected to be operational early next year.

Observers say renewed communication channels between PLA and US military cannot fix fundamental disagreements on issues such as military conduct in South China Sea.

Beijing backed down last month over the Second Thomas Shoal but won’t do so this time, analyst says.

California signed its most recent pact with the Chinese province of Hainan in August, including academic cooperation on air pollution, carbon neutrality and zero-emission vehicles.

Beijing released the ‘standard map’ last week, ahead of two key gatherings.

Two jet skis have been hired and deployed to Sai Kung for evaluation by marine police officers

Tropical Hainan province’s first major durian harvest reflects challenges facing Chinese growers as they rush to cash in on surging domestic demand, and large-scale cultivation is still years away.

First-class merit citations go to a unit overseeing the South China Sea and one whose responsibilities include manned space flight and weapons development.

The foreign exchange machines accept 20 different currencies for a physical card loaded with digital yuan to be used at designated merchants.

Only about 50 tonnes of durian are now expected be produced in Hainan this year – far less than earlier estimates and nowhere close to the roughly 1 million tonnes that China will consume this year.

With an extensive network of charging points and deployment of new battery tech, Hainan island could help provide a blueprint for the rest of China to go all-electric.

Chinese delegates for years have robustly fended off criticism at the forum from neighbouring countries and Western governments.

Unemployment among China’s youth rose above 20 per cent for the first time, while Hainan is readying for its first durian harvest this year and the C919 completed its first commercial flight in May.

With extreme weather set to once again test the nation’s electricity grid after heatwaves and drought last year, the Chinese government has been quick to respond to the threat, according to The Lantau Group.

Hainan, a tourist hub and shopping mecca at the southern tip of China, saw disappointing retail sales during the country’s first ‘golden week’ holiday since Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.