Hours of political education are supposed to reinforce loyalty but young people struggle to stay awake
The authorities are increasingly concerned about rises in unemployment, mental illness and crime linked to the economic slowdown
After Putin’s invasion of Ukraine trade links between the two countries have strengthened. So have Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions
Discrimination against older employees particularly apparent in sector where executives openly state preference for youth
State-owned carriers grapple with headwinds including lingering Covid rules and limits on tourist visas
Fate of China Renaissance banker seen as test of Beijing’s stance after regulatory crackdown
‘The Knockout’ seen as a way for Communist party to shore up credibility after zero-Covid blunders
Sport has been dogged by years of bribery allegations, match-fixing claims and disappointing performances
Migrant labourers who formed backbone of antivirus effort stranded after Beijing scrapped restrictions
Chrysanthemum prices jump as China grapples with wave of coronavirus deaths
President says country entering ‘new phase’ of pandemic with focus turning to rural areas
Full-year trade surplus hits record on pandemic-era boom despite steep decline for December
Data show further economic contraction amid Beijing’s disruptive transition to living with virus
