China earned $82.5 billion from nearly $2 trillion in foreign exchange reserves last year, and is now the fifth largest holder of gold.

China's petrochemical industry registered a 26.3-percent month-on-month growth in March turnover, pointing to signs of a recovery in the economy.

Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei Technologies said yesterday its net profit jumped 20 percent in 2008, driven by strong overseas sales in emerging markets and improved profit margins.

The number of labor disputes heard by courts has skyrocketed this year with many employees choosing legal avenues before trying to sort out problems with their bosses, experts said on Tuesday.

Switzerland's largest bank UBS is committed to expansion plans in China despite several cost reduction initiatives undertaken globally due to the effects of the financial downturn.