1. From reusable rockets to deep-sea dives: how China closes tech gap on the West

China sees outer space and the polar regions as “strategic new frontiers” vital to its future security – and is investing accordingly.

2. Chinese firms in EU report solid performance despite mounting uncertainties

Most Chinese companies are faring well in the European Union despite rising challenges such as higher labour costs, trade barriers and the bloc’s efforts to reduce dependence on Beijing, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) said in its annual report.

3. In world first, Chinese scientists find rare earth minerals from a living plant

A Chinese-led team of scientists says it has found a naturally formed mineral with rare earth elements in a fern, a world first that offers a “green circular model” for extracting high-value rare earths, according to an institution behind the study.