Stories from Beijing · China

Institutional investors are shifting their focus from high-growth stocks to undervalued, high-dividend-paying cyclical and consumer stocks.

For the first time, the market value held by passive index funds in A-shares has surpassed that of actively managed funds. Tourism and entertainment services saw a 21.2% year-on-year increase in sales revenue, with catering and accommodation also experiencing growth. During the 2026 May Day holiday, China recorded a total cross-regional personnel flow of 1.517 billion person-times, a 3.49% increase from the previous year, setting a new historical record for the period. Data from value-added tax invoices indicates that tourism and entertainment service sales revenue increased by 21.2%, while catering and accommodation consumption also saw rapid growth, with catering sales up 31.4%. Rail transport alone saw 106.377 million passenger trips. Homestay services, offering diverse experiences, also grew year-on-year. Many regions offered special culinary events, boosting catering sales by 31.4%.

Chinese companies, particularly in sectors like non-ferrous metals and certain chemical industries, are expected to perform well due to rising global resource prices. This trend is partly driven by ongoing geopolitical risks affecting supply chains.

In a low-interest rate environment, structured deposits offer safety and potential returns exceeding traditional savings accounts. This approach aims to manage financial assets amidst prevailing low interest rates.

Twenty-three-year-old Si Jiahai has reached the semi-finals of a tournament and the finals of the Wuhan Open. In snooker, 23-year-old Si Jiahui has a history of reaching semi-finals, including a run to the final of the Wuhan Open.

A judicial interpretation has clarified trial rules regarding 'door opening' accidents, where opening a car door causes injury to another person. This includes defining responsibility in 'good Samaritan' scenarios and assessing fault in accidental situations. China's Supreme People's Court has released a judicial interpretation standardizing trial rules for incidents involving good Samaritans and determining liability in 'open door' events. It notes that loan contracts typically involve banks or financial institutions under strong regulatory oversight, with transparent costs. In contrast, financing lease contracts can be presented in a way that obscures their true nature, potentially defaulting to hidden options and making it difficult for users to copy or easily understand the terms, thereby diminishing consumer rights.

China has expressed firm support for Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and security. No new information was provided in this transcript regarding China's support for Cuba against the US blockade. China's economic strength is compared to a vast ocean, capable of withstanding storms, unlike smaller ponds. This stance was mentioned in the context of discussions about the upcoming Turkey Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair. The source stated that the language used against oneself should not be used against one's own people. Resolving the issue through a final numerical decision would be understandable and persuasive to voters. CNR Voice of China reports that five agents, including four Russian citizens and one foreign national, were arrested for allegedly working for Ukrainian intelligence.

The request was made to Washington and Tehran to facilitate maritime stability. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the international community shares common concerns about restoring normal and safe passage in the Taiwan Strait and urged relevant parties to respond to international calls. China and Iran have discussed regional security and Iran's nuclear program. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to remarks by Donald Trump regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Iran is being asked to accept unilateral conditions in negotiations, which is unrealistic, and that threats and coercion will not yield results. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed appreciation for Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and affirmed its right to peaceful nuclear energy.

Online ticket purchasing has become the primary method for most travelers, offering convenience and efficiency.

Firefighters are managing explosives and waste materials at a workshop in Beijing. Emergency responders are utilizing a 'fast-in, fast-out' approach to minimize exposure to the explosives. The site remains active as personnel handle the hazardous materials.