China’s National Development and Reform Commission has announced plans to deploy 550 billion yuan in previously unused debt quotas, providing additional funding to support economic activity. The move will allow Beijing to raise its fourth-quarter growth target to 5% as policymakers seek to strengthen the economy.
China’s Central Bank Expands Stimulus With Lower Lending Rate and Mortgage Subsidies
The People’s Bank of China has cut its Pledged Supplemental Lending rate to 1.5% and expanded its technology relending quota to 1.4 trillion yuan. The measures, alongside new government interest subsidies for personal mortgages, aim to support property markets, advanced industries and domestic economic activity.
China Prepares 2026–2030 Economic Plan With Focus on AI and Consumer Spending
China’s Communist Party leadership is preparing to finalise the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan at its Fourth Plenum in late October. The economic blueprint will prioritise domestic artificial intelligence development, stronger consumer spending and reduced dependence on foreign technologies amid continued Western export restrictions.
China Allows Visa to Establish Domestic Bankcard Clearing Operations
The People’s Bank of China has granted US payments company Visa approval to establish a domestic bankcard clearing institution. The decision opens a major segment of China’s payments market to foreign competition after years of restricted access and the longstanding dominance of UnionPay.
China Revises Foreign Investment Rules to Expand AI Access While Restricting Drone Manufacturing
China has introduced updated foreign investment rules encouraging international capital in advanced manufacturing, green technology and parts of the digital economy, including generative artificial intelligence. The new framework also restricts foreign ownership in commercial drone manufacturing, online pharmaceutical sales and electronic cigarette production.
China Sanctions Officials From Paraguay and Belize Over Diplomatic Relations With Taiwan
Beijing has imposed targeted diplomatic and economic sanctions on senior officials from Paraguay and Belize over their governments’ ties with Taiwan. The measures intensify China’s efforts to isolate Taipei diplomatically and reduce its remaining formal international partnerships.
Former Apple CEO Tim Cook Visits Guangdong to Discuss Manufacturing and Research Investment
Former Apple chief executive Tim Cook has met Guangdong’s provincial governor to discuss potential manufacturing and research investments during his first mainland China visit since leaving the company’s top executive role. Cook is also visiting Beijing to chair an advisory board meeting at Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management.
China’s Military Tests Microwave and Laser Defences Against Drone Swarms
China’s People’s Liberation Army has conducted live-fire trials of an integrated air defence system combining microwave disruption, laser weapons and rapid-fire missiles. The Southern Theater Command tests examined the system’s ability to intercept multiple low-altitude drones attacking simultaneously.
Shenzhen-Hong Kong Huanggang Border Crossing Reopens With Biometric Clearance Technology
Authorities have opened the rebuilt Huanggang border crossing between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, introducing advanced biometric screening to speed up passenger processing. The upgraded facility is intended to improve cross-border travel and strengthen transport connections within the Greater Bay Area.
AI Video Company AIsphere Opens Regional Headquarters at Hong Kong Cyberport
Artificial intelligence video generation company AIsphere has established a regional headquarters at Hong Kong’s Cyberport technology hub. The expansion aims to connect mainland Chinese engineering expertise with international investment markets and Hong Kong’s global digital infrastructure.