Banking shares lead decline on mainland bourses

BEIJING - Share prices on the Chinese mainland markets ended lower to post a third consecutive session of losses on Thursday, with the benchmark Shanghai index hitting a six-month low, even as data showed the country's trade performance in January exceeded expectations.

PE firm Canyon Bridge shifting focus to Europe

Canyon Bridge Capital Partners LLC, a Chinese-backed private equity fund known for being blocked by the Trump administration from buying a US chipmaker, has shifted its attention to Europe and is set to complete a new investment in a major European technology company in the coming months.

Hisense steps up globalization pace

Hisense Group has become the fastest-growing Chinese electronics and home appliance brand, ranking No 9 on the BrandZ Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders 2018 report, as it expands rapidly in overseas markets, with rising global influence and brand awareness.

Telecom giant plans big push into UK services sector

Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei will spend 3 billion pounds ($4.2 billion) on British technology and services during the next five years, the company has announced.

Rich entrepreneurs loosen purse strings for charitable efforts

He Xiangjian, founder and chairman of Foshan, Guangdong province-based home appliance-maker Midea Group, topped a list of the 100 biggest individual donors in the country last year with contributions totaling 6.79 billion yuan ($1.08 billion), according to a report released this week by the China Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University.

JD takes green route to sustainable growth

Online shopping giant JD is putting more efforts into carton recycling and promoting the use of sustainable, greener packaging materials through its Green Stream Initiative, as part of the commitment to run its business more sustainably.

Smart logistics to bring cost benefits

Chinese online retailers are ramping up their efforts in intelligent logistics operations by using drones, robotics and driverless vehicles for parcel delivery, aiming to bring down costs and transform the logistics industry.

'Hitch' car pools to reduce traffic problems

With Spring Festival just days away, tens of millions of Chinese and their pets will travel back to their hometowns for family reunions, creating a travel crush that is dubbed the world's largest annual human migration.

Airbnb, universities team up to nurture future entrepreneurs

Airbnb Inc, a United States-based home-sharing service provider, has signed partnerships with three Chinese universities to expand research on the development of tourism in China.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

JD to expand presence in Europe

JD, one of China's leading online retailers, will challenge Amazon.com Inc in Europe by establishing operations across the continent within the next few years, said the firm's boss.

SPD to tap UK market with its first London branch

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank on Tuesday opened its first London branch, the latest in a series of Chinese banks opening offices in the city.