Day: August 20, 2026

Founder of collapsed Chinese property giant Evergrande sentenced to life in prison

Media Library

The founder of Evergrande, the property giant at the centre of China’s housing market slump, has been sentenced to life in prison and had all of his personal property confiscated. Hui Ka Yan pleaded guilty in April to several charges, including embezzlement of assets and corporate bribery. Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court also fined Evergrande Group 8.82bn yuan (£960m; $1.31bn), while its real estate unit was ordered to pay 7bn yuan, according to state media. Hui’s sentencing marks a key moment in the fallout from Evergrande’s collapse, which shook China’s property…

Chinese green tea is bringing people together in West Africa, 3 cups at a time

Media Library

West Africa has embraced Chinese green tea – from government offices in Mauritania to roadside stalls in Senegal, Mali and Niger, it is at the heart of a tradition that brings people together. The ritual – known as ataya, or attaya in some countries – involves preparing and serving strong, sweet green tea in three rounds, giving family, friends and colleagues the time to talk and socialise. Chinese tea dominates several markets where ataya is widely consumed. Farmers harvest tea leaves at a plantation in Hubei province, central China. Photo:…