Dutch firm finds sweet spot despite property restrictions

Global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel said it expects its business growth in the Chinese market to "maintain the current momentum" in the coming years, despite concerns that tightening housing policy could deal a blow to the industry.

Machinery exports to see 7% growth

Machinery manufacturers from China are expected to maintain a 7 percent year-on-year growth in exports this year on the back of the Belt and Road Initiative, rebound of global infrastructure, manufacturing and energy markets, industry officials said on Friday.

Sentiment stays subdued on bourses

The sudden drop of some stocks sparked caution in the A-share market on Friday, with analysts saying China's financial tightening will curb speculative trading and continue to exert pressure on prices among smaller-cap stocks.

IN BRIEF (Page 6)

Huarong launches first online exchange for trading bad debt

China Huarong Asset Management Co Ltd, one of China's largest State-owned asset managers, has set up an online platform for bad debt transactions, as part of its efforts to broaden channels for disposal of distressed debt and increase efficiency of transactions.

Alibaba buys stake in Ant Financial

Country's e-commerce behemoth, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, announced to have purchased 33 percent stake in its payment arm, Ant Financial Services Group, which is reportedly a move aiming at clearing the way for an initial public offering.

Apple enjoys revenue growth despite iPhone sales slump

Apple reported on Friday that the company achieved "very satisfying" double-digit growth in revenue in China during the past fiscal quarter, despite an overall dip of iPhone sales globally.

Trax bets on AI to gain edge in China market

Trax, a company that provides digital connection between consumer goods companies and retailers by applying AI image recognition to retail management, has announced its entrance into the Chinese market.

HK returning officer upheld election rules

About a dozen radical supporters of Hong Kong separatism forced their way into the conference room where the Eastern District Council was to meet on Tuesday afternoon, causing the meeting to be canceled. It seems the mob's real target was Anne Teng Yu-yan, the returning officer who disqualified Agnes Chow as a candidate in the Legislative Council by-election to be held in March, because she rightly deemed her nomination to be invalid as Chow's party advocates "democratic self-determination with independence as an option".

Muji's map mistake need not impede thaw in ties

Immediately after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe indicated his eagerness to improve his country's relations with China, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono made a visit to Beijing that was widely interpreted as a sign of a long overdue thaw in ties.

Crackdown on criminal gangs will be tonic for healthy business environment

THE SUPREME PEOPLE'S COURT and the Supreme People's Procuratorate have issued a notice instructing the judicial authorities to strike heavy blows in the fight against Mafia-like gangs, and take resolute actions to dig up the soil in which their criminal activities take root and rip up the umbrellas protecting them. Beijing News comments:

Sorting garbage can help remove toxic plastic

THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM COMMISSION, China's top economic planning body, is soliciting public opinions on how to better prevent and control the pollution caused by plastic waste. Beijing News commented on Thursday: