The Best Reads of the Week From Caixin

During his first visit to China, U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, presided over the signing of $250 billion in business deals covering a number of industries. Among the largest deals were Chinese investors taking stakes in energy development projects in the U.S., and China’s pledge to buy 300 aircraft from Boeing Co.

KFC celebrates its 30th anniversary in China this weekend. The U.S. chicken chain became the first foreign restaurant operator to enter the China market with its opening of a massive branch at the southern edge of Tiananmen Square three decades ago. The company played a central role over subsequent years in the dining revolution that saw China shake off its socialist roots.

China’s exports and imports remained strong in October, suggesting healthy demand in the world’s second-largest economy despite government campaigns to cool the housing market and curb industrial production to reduce pollution.

Caixin spoke with Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, about the huge tasks ahead for the city, including addressing its chronic housing shortage and managing the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

Shares of Tencent’s online publishing unit, China Literature, doubled in price during their Hong Kong debut this week. The unit runs an online book-selling platform through Tencent’s popular WeChat messaging app, and offers nearly 10 million titles by 6 million authors.

These are five stories that I don’t want you to miss. Please share your comments on The Weekender section and on our other coverage at news@caixin.com.

And when you’re done perusing these must-read stories, check out Caixin’s weekly digital magazine.

Kind regards,

Deb Price

Managing editor, Caixin Global

U.S., China Sign $250 Billion in Deals During Trump Visit

Agreements cover wide range of sectors, with energy development and aviation as major winners

The U.S. and China signed agreements worth more than $250 billion during President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing this week. The deals covered a wide range of sectors, with energy development and aviation as major winners. Here, U.S. President Donald Trump attends a state dinner hosted by China's President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Nov. 9. Photo: Visual China

KFC Still ‘Finger Lickin' Good’ in China

Fast-food giant’s arrival 30 years ago started dining revolution for nation shaking off socialist roots

In 1990, customers line up outside the first KFC restaurant in China. Photo: KFC

China Exports, Imports Remain Resilient in October

Trade surplus with U.S. continues to widen, adding to tensions as Presidents Trump and Xi prepare to hold talks

The trade figures were released hours before U.S. President Donald Trump's arrival for a three-day visit to China in which the country's large trade surplus with the U.S. is expected to be a top issue for discussion. Pictured is a port in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. Photo: Visual China

Hong Kong’s Chief: Huge Tasks Ahead on Public Housing, New Economy

Carrie Lam says ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy has been ‘very successful,’ shared workspaces would help young entrepreneurs, working mothers need more help

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (right) speaks with Hu Shuli, editor-in-chief of Caixin Media, about the special administrative region’s ongoing challenges. Photo: Liang Yingfei/Caixin

China Literature Share Price Doubles in Hong Kong Debut

Tencent’s newly listed unit hopes to expand product range to fuel profit growth

Online publisher China Literature Ltd. saw its shares hit a peak HK$110 ($14.10) within an hour after opening at HK$90 on their first day of trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Above, China Literature Co-CEOs Liang Xiaodong (left) and Wu Wenhui pose for photos on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Wednesday. Photo: Visual China