Trade minister says tariffs of 100-200% would be imposed on Chinese imports, from footwear to ceramics, as the government wanted to ensure local "industries will survive and thrive."

The new rules, which take effect in October, say the State Council will establish a rare earth product traceability information system. They also seek to protect domestic supply of critical minerals.

Fire and rescue service personnel said 22 people - most of them Chinese workers – were killed when the factory exploded in an industrial area near Hwaseong

New guidelines aim to suppress the industry after years of over-expansion, which caused lithium prices to plunge more than 80% last year

China's exports saw yearly growth in May, with a better yuan exchange rate and firms shipping early ahead of tariff increases in foreign markets

China has suffered a big slowdown in home building, but analysts say the economy will be weighed down for years by huge debts because a major bailout is unlikely

Industrial activity declined in May in another sign that the $18.6 trillion economy is struggling to get back on its feet

Chinese investment in Africa increased 114% last year, with a heavy focus on minerals essential to the global energy transition

The new measures, which affect $18 billion of imported Chinese goods such as steel and aluminium, chips, EVs, critical minerals, solar cells and cranes, will start in August

President eyes hiking tariffs amid a push for blue-collar votes on a visit to Pittsburgh, the 'Steel City', as China boosts steel and car exports

Expectations of an easier US monetary policy also boosted investor sentiment across Asia after inflation data on Friday fuelled rate-cut hopes

Investors are pouring their cash into safe financial products amid a continuing crisis in the country’s real estate sector