China News

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTED LIJIANG CITY, KUNMING AND OTHER PLACES IN YUNNAN PROVINCE FROM MARCH 19-20
The PLA Daily (March 20) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Yunnan Provincial Party Secretary Wang Ning and Governor Wang Yubo, visited Lijiang, Kunming and other places for inspection and research from March 19 to 20. People's Daily and Xinhua (March 20) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the Old City of Lijiang in Yunnan Province, on March 19 afternoon, where he stressed the sustainable and healthy development of the cultural and tourism industry. He also visited a modern flower industry park in Lijiang City and talked with villagers and technicians working there and asked about the flower varieties, market sales and their incomes. On the morning of March 20, Xi Jinping listened to the work reports of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, affirmed the achievements made in all aspects of Yunnan, and put forward requirements for the next step of work. PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi accompanied Xi Jinping during the inspection. Politburo member and Vice Premier He Lifeng and 'responsible persons from relevant departments of the central and state organs' accompanied the inspection. On March 20 morning, Xi Jinping met leading cadres of the rank of Colonel and above, grassroots advanced models, and civilian personnel representatives of the troops stationed in Kunming. On behalf of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, he extended sincere greetings to all officers and soldiers stationed in Kunming, and took a group photo with everyone.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTED GUIZHOU PROVINCE FROM MARCH 17 TO 18
People's Daily (March 18) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Guizhou Province from March 17-18, where he stressed the importance of adhering to high-quality development and driving growth by further deepening reform and opening-up comprehensively. He called on the province to firm up confidence, work hard, and take steady steps to advance Chinese modernization. Inspecting Liping County, in Guizhou Province, Xi Jinping stressed that areas with large ethnic minority populations should preserve their distinctive culture and let it shine through the integrated development of culture and tourism. Visiting a village of the Dong ethnic group in Guizhou Province on March 17, Xi Jinping praised the distinctive culture of the ethnic group as "deeply traditional and remarkably stylish." PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi accompanied Xi Jinping on the inspection tour.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING LIKELY TO MEET GLOBAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES IN BEIJING ON MARCH 28
Financial Times (March 17) reported that China is preparing for a meeting between Xi Jinping and global executives on March 28. About 72 global corporate executives are likely to attend the forum including Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone Group, Albert Bourla of Pfizer, Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm, Ivan Greenberg of Chubb, Amin Nasser of Saudi Aramco, Masahiro Kihara of Mizuho Financial Group, Bill Winters of Standard Chartered Bank, Patrick Poujanni of Total and Vincent Clairque of Maersk. Citadel founder Ken Griffin and HSBC's new CEO George Elkhedri are also likely to attend. The meeting with Xi Jinping is likely to be held after the China Development Forum on March 23-24. ii) The China Daily (March 21) said compared to previous years, a higher proportion of European CEOs are represented at the event, which is scheduled to take place on March 23-24 at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing this year. (Comment: Last year, Xi Jinping unexpectedly met a group of U.S. business executives after the China Development Forum.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF THIRD SESSION OF 14TH NPC ON MARCH 8
The third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) held its second plenary meeting on March 7. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the meeting. Attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force on March 7, Xi Jinping called for a successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for military development. He also called for efforts to strengthen confidence, face challenges head-on, and implement the requirements for high-quality development to achieve the established goals and tasks on schedule. While saying that over the past four-plus years there have been a series of significant achievements, he acknowledged there are also many challenges and issues that need to be addressed. Xi Jinping called for pursuing a highquality, highly efficient, cost-effective and sustainable path of military development to ensure that its outcomes withstand the test of time and real combat. He stressed the importance of using modern management concepts and methods, and continuously improving strategic management systems and mechanisms and stressed intensified joint civil-military endeavors. Urging efforts to effectively leverage the strengths and resources of civilian sectors to enhance the quality and efficiency of military development, he called for accelerated development of new quality combat capabilities and efforts to improve a swift response and rapid transformation mechanism for advanced technologies. He also demanded the establishment of a sound and effective oversight system to thoroughly investigate and address corruption.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG SIGNED STATE COUNCIL DECREE ON RESOLVING FOREIGN-RELATED IP DISPUTES ON MARCH 20
Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a decree of the State Council on March 20, which unveiled a set of regulations on resolving foreign-related intellectual property (IP) disputes. The regulations clarify that relevant government departments should strengthen overseas IP information inquiry and warning services, offering guidance and IP right protection assistance to individuals and organizations. The regulations consist of 18 Articles and specify that the service of documents, as well as investigation and evidence collection in China, should be carried out in accordance with the international treaties to which China is a party or has acceded. According to the regulations, if foreign entities fail to grant national treatment to Chinese citizens and organizations or fail to provide adequate and effective IP protection, the commercial departments under the State Council can conduct investigations and take necessary measures in accordance with the law. When foreign countries use IP disputes as a pretext to constrain or suppress China, or impose discriminatory and restrictive measures on Chinese citizens and organizations, the relevant departments of the State Council can take appropriate countermeasures and restrictive measures in response, the regulations noted. The administrative regulations will take effect on May 1, 2025.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG INSPECTED FUJIAN FROM MARCH 18-20
Chinese Premier Li Qiang conducted research in Fujian from March 18 to 20. In Quanzhou, Li Qiang visited the Anta Group and listened to the introduction of the company's domestic and foreign trade layout and brand marketing. In Xiamen, Li Qiang visited Xiamen Taikoo Aircraft Engineering Co., Ltd. and listened to the introduction of maintenance business development and overseas orders. He also visited the Meitu Network Technology Co., Ltd., and talked to R&D personnel. During the investigation, Li Qiang presided over a symposium with foreign trade enterprises. After listening to the speeches of the heads of 8 enterprises, Li Qiang said that the current foreign trade situation is complex and severe. We must unswervingly expand opening up, look at the world, seize opportunities, unite and face challenges together, and constantly improve our ability to fight the wind and waves. We must vigorously explore diversified markets, actively innovate trade channels and methods, focus on improving product competitiveness, and accelerate the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade. State Councilor Wu Zhenglong accompanied Li Qiang the investigation.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG ISSUED AN IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION DURING 'NATIONAL SPRING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION WORK CONFERENCE' ON MARCH 20
The state-owned CCTV (March 20) disclosed that the National Spring Agricultural Production Work Conference was held in Suqian City, Jiangsu Province on March 20. Chinese Premier Li Qiang "recently" issued an important instruction on doing a good job in spring agricultural production. The instruction pointed out that this year is the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan", and it is crucial to do a good job in "agriculture, rural areas and farmers". All regions and departments should adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, resolutely implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, fully implement the spirit of the two sessions of the National People's Congress, adhere to the priority development of agriculture and rural areas, shoulder the responsibility of ensuring national food security, and do a good job in a new round of actions to increase grain production capacity by 100 billion jin, and continuously enhance the ability to ensure stable production and supply of important agricultural products such as grain. Politburo member and Vice Premier Liu Guozhong attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER FIRST STATE COUNCIL MEETING AFTER NPC/CPPCC SESSIONS ON MARCH 14
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over the eighth plenary meeting of the State Council on March 14, to study Chinese President Xi Jinping's important speeches during the "two sessions" and outlining its major tasks this year. Presiding over the meeting, Premier Li Qiang observed that China faces increasingly complex and volatile challenges and more arduous and formidable tasks in the near future, and said the government must act in a swift and decisive manner, tackle problems proactively, and deliver tangible results. He said efforts should be made to launch special initiatives to boost consumption, build a unified national market, advance the AI Plus initiative, and promote the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing sector. A people-centered approach should be taken to promote new urbanization and highly-skilled workers should be nurtured and steps taken to improve onestop government services. He stressed the need to expand high-standard opening up and stabilize foreign trade and investment to effectively mitigate external shocks. Li Qiang also stressed maintaining security, stability and other bottom lines, and greater progress in developing new quality productive forces, strengthening domestic economic flows, accelerating green transition, and enhancing people's well-being, among others. (Comment: Overseas dissident Chinese observers claim that Politburo (PB) member He Lifeng and Defense Minister Dong Jun were absent. The photograph in the People's Daily (March 15) showed Premier Li Qiang, Vice Premiers Ding Xuexiang, Zhang Guoqing, Liu Guozhong, State Councillors Wang Xiaohong, Wu Zhenglong, and Chen Yiqin seated in the presidium.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER STATE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEETING ON MARCH 12
Xinhua (March 13) reported that Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting on March 12, that approved the State Council's key work division plan in 2025 and other issues. The meeting emphasized that the government work report this year clearly outlines the targets for economic and social development, urging the need for detailed measures to expedite implementation. It said those present at the meeting also reviewed and approved the draft decision to amend the interim regulations on express delivery.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOQING INSPECTED XI'AN AND WEINAN CITIES IN SHAANXI PROVINCE FROM MARCH 16-18
Chinese Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, during an inspection tour of Xi'an and Weinan cities in Shaanxi Province from March 16 to 18, urged intensified efforts to solidify enterprises' leading role in innovation, and to accelerate the integration of technological and industrial innovation. He described enterprises as the primary drivers of innovation, emphasizing the need to establish them as key players in decision-making for technological innovation, research and development spending, organization of scientific research, and the transformation of research findings into practical applications. He said enterprises should be encouraged to pursue original and groundbreaking technological advancements and tackle key challenges in core technologies, thereby ensuring the independence, security and controllability of the country's industrial and supply chains. He emphasised the importance of strategic emerging and future industries.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER HE LIFENG MET FORMER U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY PAULSON IN BEIJING ON MARCH 16
Politburo member and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, He Lifeng met former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson in Beijing on March 16, and exchanged views on both China-U.S. economic and trade relations and the global economy. Noting that China's economy is maintaining its recovery momentum, He Lifeng said that China's innovation-driven development has achieved remarkable results, while market expectations continue to improve, and adding that domestic demand potential and internal circulation space are huge.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER DING XUEXIANG ATTENDED PLENARY MEETING OF MINISTRY OF EDUCATION'S DIRECTLY AFFILIATED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WORKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CCTV (March 17) telecast a report that the 31st plenary meeting of the Ministry of Education's Directly Affiliated Colleges and Universities Working Advisory Committee was held in Beijing on March 17. Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Ding Xuexiang pointed out that since the 18th Party Congress, "under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the reform and development of China's higher education has achieved historic achievements and undergone structural changes. We must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two safeguards", implement the spirit of the National Education Conference, focus on the political attributes, people's attributes, and strategic attributes of education, firmly grasp the historical mission of higher education, insist on running universities rooted in China, promote higher education to achieve a systematic leap from large to strong, and create a strategic leading force for China's modernization construction". Ding Xuexiang stressed that China must anchor the goal of building a strong country through education and better play the leading role of higher education.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: AT LEAST 8 SENIOR PARTY CADRES PURGED SINCE DECEMBER 2024
An article in China File (February 25) stated that among high-ranking cadres in serious trouble are: Jiang Chaoliang, former Party Secretary of Hubei province, who was investigated in February 2025; Jin Zhuanglong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, who has been absent from important meetings since the end of 2024; Luo Zengbin, Party Secretary of Haikou city, who was investigated in December 2024; Wu Cunrong, a full-provincial-level cadre of Shanxi, who was investigated in mid-December 2024; Wu Yingjie, former Party Secretary of Tibet, who was expelled from the CCP in December 2024; Yu Jianhua, Director General of Customs, who reportedly committed suicide in mid-December 2024 while under investigation by the Party’s disciplinary organization; Zhang Hongwen, Party Secretary of Hefei city, who had been viewed as a leading figure for post-Xi power succession but who has missed seven important meetings in a row since mid-December 2024; and Zhu Zhisong, the Chief of Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, who had a career in the aerospace sector for 25 years, who was put under investigation for corruption in November 2024. ii) Two members of the current National People's Congress Standing Committee who came from the military industry system, former Hunan Provincial Party Secretary Xu Dazhe and former China National Nuclear Corporation Chief Engineer Luo Du, who were both members of the presidium last year, were no longer on the list. The two also did not attend the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress on March 6.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: JIN ZHUANGLONG, MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION, HAS BEEN PURGED
Jin Zhuanglong, who served as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) chief of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, has become the latest high-ranking official to be purged by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Jin Zhuanglong was a member of the State Council. He took office in July 2022 after his predecessor was purged. He hasn’t made a public appearance for two months, and his replacement was announced last week; it is likely that an official investigation and charges will follow.

Mar 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: ZHU QIN APPOINTED AS POLITBURO MEMBER AND FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI'S DEPUTY IN CCP CC FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE
Zhu Qin 祝勤 was confirmed as Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's newest deputy at the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Office on March 20. Zhu Qin is a career diplomat with postings in the US, UK, Greece and South Africa. (Comment: His postings suggest managing the West will be a key focus of his diplomatic work.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: ZHANG ZHEN APPOINTED PARTY SECRETARY OF CHINA FEDERATION OF LITERARY AND ART CIRCLES
Zhang Zheng has been appointed as the Party Secretary of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles. (Comment: Zhang Zheng was born in April 1966, and holds a postgraduate degree, a Doctorate in Literature, has been a Senior Editor, and is a member of the CCP. Zhang Zheng is an alternate member of the 20th Central Committee.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: 14TH NPC SESSION CONCLUDED ON MARCH 11; PBSC MEMBER AND NPC CHAIRMAN ZHAO LEJI ABSENT DUE TO RESPIRATORY INFECTION
All the draft reports passed at the concluding session, and the government work report passed with 2,882 votes in favor, 1 vote against, and 1 abstention. The absence of NPC Standing Committee chairman Zhao Leji sparked a lot of interest. Unlike in previous instances of such absences of senior cadres, NPC Standing Committee Vice Chairman Li Hongzhong, who was “entrusted” by Zhao Leji to oversee today’s proceedings, said Zhao Leji missed the meeting because of a "respiratory infection ". (Comment: Based on the official list of propaganda reports on his appearances, he has had gaps of up to fourteen days in the last year.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: CHINESE MINISTERS GIVE INTERVIEWS AFTER SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF THIRD SESSION OF 14TH NPC ON MARCH 8
Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying, Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun attended a press interview after the second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 8. 10

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: ZHAO LEJI, NPC CHAIRMAN, REVEALS THAT NPC TERMINATED MEMBERSHIP OF 30 DEPUTIES LAST YEAR
PBSC member and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji revealed in his work report to the NPC on March 8, that the NPC had terminated the qualifications of 54 representatives in the past two years. This included14 PLA Generals dismissed from their positions as NPC representatives for corruption. Zhao Leji said that in the past year, the qualifications of 30 NPC Deputies were terminated, and the 14th National People's Congress currently has 2,929 deputies. (Comment: The PLA/PAP delegation to the NPC has the largest number of dismissals. The number of NPC deputies decreased from 2,977 in March 2023 to 2,956 in March 2024, and then to 2,929 in March this year.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-CPPCC: 14TH CPPCC PLENARY CLOSED IN BEIJING ON MARCH 11 WITH ADDRESS BY CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING
China Daily (March 11) reported that closing the CPPCC Plenary session in Beijing on March 11, PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning urged National political advisers to serve the country's major tasks and work to improve people's livelihoods through high-quality consultation and suggestions in order to further promote China's modernization drive. He said the CPPCC should strengthen the mechanism for reflecting public opinion, connecting with the people, and serving the people, enhancing the unity of Chinese people at home and abroad. The third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee approved: a resolution on the work report of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee; a resolution on a report on how the proposals from political advisers have been handled since the previous annual session; a report on the examination of new proposals; and a political resolution on the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders attended the meeting, which was held at the Great Hall of the People.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: PARTY COMMITTEE OF CHINESE ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES PUBLISHED ARTICLE STRESSING THAT "FOOD IS THE PRIMARY NEED OF THE PEOPLE"
People's Daily (March 20) published an article titled 'Establish and practice the concept of big food —— In-depth study and implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important exposition on the concept of big food' authored by the Party Committee of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Emphasising that "food is the primary need of the people", it quoted Xi Jinping as saying, "Expand resources, expand space, and expand industries". It added that "General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must establish a big agriculture and big food concept, develop agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery simultaneously, and build a diversified food supply system." The big food concept requires the expansion of food sources from traditional crops and livestock resources to richer biological resources to achieve a balance between supply and demand of various types of food."

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: DU ZHANYUAN PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN PEOPLE'S DAILY ON INSPIRATIONAL VALUE OF XI JINPING'S THOUGHTS ON GOVERNANCE OF CHINA
People's Daily (March 20) published an article with the caption 'Demonstrating the power of thought and promoting mutual learning among civilizations ——The practice and inspiration of international communication of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China' authored by Du Zhanyuan, Director of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINA EDUCATION DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE CALLING FOR PROMOTION OF IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW ERA IN AN INTEGRATED MANNER
Qin Xuan, Dean, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor of the Institute of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University of China, published an article captioned 'Promote ideological and political education in the new era in an integrated manner' in the China Education Daily on March 20. The article stated that "The characteristics of student groups in universities, middle schools and primary schools are different, but the fundamental task of cultivating socialist builders and successors is the same. Students should know their own characteristics, affirm their identity as socialist builders and successors, and actively participate in the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era."

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF 'QIU SHI' PUBLISHED 15 EXCERPTS OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECHES BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2013 AND FEBRUARY 2025
The latest edition of the CCP theoretical fortnightly Journal Qiushi (2025/06 dated March 15) carried an editorial by Chinese President Xi Jinping 'on unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector and encouraging, supporting, and guiding the development of the non-public sector'. It was titled 'Adhere to and implement the "two unshakable" principles'. The Op-Ed contained excerpts from 15 of Xi Jinping's speeches delivered between November 2013 to February 2025.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE RECENTLY ISSUED NOTICE ON CARRYING OUT DEEP LEARNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE CCP CC'S EIGHT REGULATIONS
CCTV (March 17) telecast a report on the release by the CCP CC General Office of a "Notice on Carrying out Deep Learning and Education on Implementing the Central Committee's Eight Regulations Throughout the Party". It said "The "Notice" clearly states that we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" etc and added that "The "Notice" requires that Party committees (Party groups) at all levels should be responsible for learning and education in their regions, departments and units, closely integrate them with the central work, and carefully organize and implement them."

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE ISSUED 30-PARAGRAPH SPECIAL ACTION PLAN TO BOOST PRODUCTION
Xinhua (March 16) disclosed that the CCP CC General Office and the General Office of the State Council "recently" issued the 30-paragraph "Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption" and issued a notice requiring all regions and departments to conscientiously implement it in light of their actual conditions. The "Plan" proposes to vigorously boost consumption, expand domestic demand in all directions, enhance consumption capacity by increasing income and reducing burdens, create effective demand with high-quality supply, enhance consumption willingness by optimizing the consumption environment, and solve prominent contradictions and problems that restrict consumption in a targeted manner. (Comment: The 8 section/30 odd points essentially focus on urban and rural income support measures, including changes in parental leave and holiday payments, more consumer loan availability, property income with an unusual commitment to support the stock market as well as real estate; saving disincentive measures, etc. It does not mention additional funding for any of these initiatives.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE ISSUED 'OPINIONS ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING SUPERVISION OF THE ENTIRE FOOD CHAIN' ON MARCH 13
Workers Daily (March 20) publicised that the CCP CC General Office had issued a Notice on March 13 on further strengthening supervision of the entire food chain. Titled 'Opinions of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council on further strengthening the supervision of the entire food safety chain', it said the Opinions issued with the approval of the CCP CC and the State Council further clarify food safety supervision responsibilities, establish and improve a coordinated supervision mechanism, strengthen the joint supervision of the entire chain, resolutely defend the bottom line of food safety, and effectively protect the physical health and life safety of the people. The Opinions comprose 9 Sections and 22 paragraphs.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: PBSC MEMBER AND DIRECTOR OF CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE CAI QI PRESIDED OVER MEETING ON IMPLEMENTING CCP CC'S 8-POINT REGULATIONS
The People's Daily (March 13) reported that PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi presided over a meeting to 'Study and deploy the study and education work on thoroughly implementing the spirit of the Central Committee's eight regulations'. PBSC member and Secretary CDIC Li Xi attended the meeting and delivered a speech. The meeting launched a Party-wide education campaign to implement the central leadership’s eight-point decision on improving work conduct. The campaign is going to go on till July. The report said: “General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance, personally planned and determined the theme of the education campaign, delivered important speeches, issued important instructions, and pointed out the direction for carrying out the education campaign. Recently, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee issued the ‘Notice on Carrying Out Study and Education Throughout the Party to Thoroughly Implement the Spirit of the Central Eight-point Regulation.’ It is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches and instructions, implement the requirements of the ‘Notice’, deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments, resolutely achieve the Two Safeguards, and effectively align thoughts and actions with the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee.”

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: ECONOMIC TIMES PUBLISHED ARTICLE URGING GOVERNMENT PROMOTE "FREE AND ACTIVE" ECONOMIC ORDER
The Research Team of China's Economic Times (March 17) published an article captioned 'The market needs to be more efficient, and the government needs to be more active—— Profoundly grasp and apply the “five musts” '. It said "The government's "visible hand" should neither overstep its authority to disturb enterprises, nor lose its position and ignore them. Instead, it should do its best to alleviate the difficulties of enterprises, consolidate the foundation of the market, and cultivate the source of innovation, so as to escort the market to play a decisive role". Referring to the Central Economic Work Conference held recently, it said, "this is in line with the new requirements of my country's economy shifting from a highspeed growth stage to a high-quality development stage, promoting the formation of an economic order that is both "free and active" and "controllable" and achieving a scientific methodology for optimal resource allocation".

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: MA XIAOQIANG, ECONOMICS LECTURER AT JIANGSU PROVINCIAL PARTY SCHOOL SAYS ECONOMICALLY DEVELOPED PROVINCES SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD
Guangming Daily (March 17) published an article by Ma Xiaoqiang, lecturer at the Economics Teaching and Research Department of Jiangsu Provincial Party School, with the caption 'Strengthening the responsibility of "economically powerful provinces taking the lead". Mentioning that during the deliberation of the Jiangsu delegation at the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping had emphasized that "economically developed provinces should take the lead in achieving the development goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan", it noted that in 2024, Guangdong, Jiangsu and other top ten economic provinces, with about 20% of the country's land area, contributed more than 60% of GDP; from the perspective of economic growth rate, 7 of the top ten provinces outperformed the national average growth rate of 5%; from the production side, the added value of the primary, secondary and tertiary industries in the top ten provinces accounted for 49.4%, 63.5% and 60.5% of the country respectively; from the demand side, the total retail sales of consumer goods in the top ten provinces accounted for more than 63% of the country, becoming the main battlefield for vigorously boosting consumption. Economically developed provinces are truly the "ballast stone" and "pillar" that stabilizes the basic national economic situation, and are the "compass" and "weathervane" for observing the new momentum of China's economy. It added that "Economically developed provinces should have greater responsibilities in implementing major national development strategies." ii) The state-owned CCTV (March 17) telecast a programme which said "General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that economically developed provinces should take the lead and contribute to the overall development of the country. At present, economically developed provinces are brave enough to take on responsibilities, work hard, accelerate the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, and promote in-depth reform and high-level opening up".

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO 'GO WEST'
The People's Daily (March 17) published an article with the caption 'Let "Go to the West" become a trend (Everyone talks about choosing the West, taking root in the West, and making contributions to the West' based on interviews with a cadre of the Talent Work Division of the Organization Department of the Gansu Provincial Party Committee and the Deputy Secretary of the Shannan Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League of Tibet. Saying ""Go to the west, go to the grassroots, go to where the motherland and the people need you most", it added "The Western Development Plan connects young people with the grassroots, and connects personal ideals with the needs of the motherland and the people".

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY REPORTED EXCERPTS FROM SYMPOSIUM ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTI-SECESSION LAW
The People's Daily (March 15) published an article captioned "Fully implement the Anti- Secession Law and work tirelessly to achieve the complete reunification of the motherland— —Excerpts from speeches at the symposium on the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Anti-Secession Law" and based on Chinese President Xi Jinping's important remarks on Taiwan affairs. It asserted "we will fully implement the Anti-Secession Law" and quoted from remarks by Song Tao, Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council; Xin Chunying, Chairman of the National People's Congress Constitution and Law Committee; Lin Xiangyang, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Theatre Command; and Huang Qingxian, Director of the Taiwan Political Research Center of Nankai University.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON PROMOTING FOREIGN-RELATED S&T LEGAL TALENTS BY PAN WEIJIANG, DEAN OF LAW SCHOOL OF BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS
Guangming Daily (March 15) published an article captioned 'Promoting the cultivation of foreign-related legal talents in emerging science and technology fields' by Pan Weijiang, Dean and Professor of the Law School of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: GRAND-DAUGHTER OF MAO ZEDONG, LIU BIN, ATTENDED PEOPLE'S DAILY SYMPOSIUM HELD ON MARCH 12 ON 'INHERITING THE RED GENE AND CULTIVATING NEW PEOPLE OF THE TIMES'
On March 12, a symposium on publishing and distribution with the theme of "Inheriting the Red Gene and Cultivating New People of the Times" was held at the People's Daily. Guests including Liu Bin, granddaughter-in-law of Comrade Mao Zedong, Zhou Bingde, niece of Comrade Zhou Enlai, and Zhang Haipeng, academician of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, attended the symposium. "In order to thoroughly implement the strategic deployment of the 20th CPC National Congress on "promoting the integrated construction of ideological and political education in universities, middle schools and primary schools", the People's Daily Publishing House invited Jin Minqing, former Party Secretary of the Institute of Modern History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Shen Qing, Chairman of the Beijing Daluan Xiangyu Charity Foundation, to co-edit the "Inheriting the Red Gene and Cultivating New People of the Times" series". The series focuses on telling the growth stories of the older generation of revolutionaries according to the acceptance and characteristics of young people. Currently, "Mao Zedong's Youth" and "Zhou Enlai's Youth" have been published. The participants fully affirmed the social value of the series and suggested further publishing books on the growth stories of other older generation revolutionaries.

Mar 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: SUPREME PEOPLE'S COURT DISCLOSED THAT IN 2024 ONLY 418 INDIVIDUALS, OR 0.03 PERCENT, WERE ACQUITTED IN PUBLIC PROSECUTION CASES
New data released by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) on March 9, shows that the country’s criminal acquittal rate remains exceptionally low, which legal experts attribute to a risk-averse approach taken by courts and an evaluation system that ties conviction rates to prosecutors’ performance. It said in 2024, only 418 individuals were acquitted or found not criminally liable in public prosecution cases, accounting for 0.03% of all criminal cases brought forward by public prosecutors last year.

Mar 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER TAR PARTY SECRETARY AND MEMBER OF CPPCC STANDING COMMITTEE WU YINGJIE
The Legal Daily (March 20) reported that on March 20, the Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People's Court held a public trial of the bribery case of Wu Yingjie, former member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former director of the Culture, History, and Learning Committee and formerly Party Secretary of TAR. The Beijing Municipal People's Procuratorate's Third Branch filed an indictment alleging that from June 2006 to February 2021, the defendant Wu Yingjie used his positions as member of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee, Minister of the Propaganda Department, Vice Chairman of the Government, member of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee, Executive Vice Chairman of the Government, Deputy Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee, and Secretary of the Party Committee to provide assistance to relevant units and individuals in matters such as project contracting and business operations, and illegally accepted money and property from others, totalling more than RMB 343 million. The procuratorate requested that Wu Yingjie be held criminally responsible for the crime of accepting bribes. During the trial, the procuratorate presented relevant evidence, the defendant Wu Yingjie and his defence counsel conducted cross-examination, the prosecution and defence fully expressed their opinions under the auspices of the court, Wu Yingjie made a final statement, and expressed his guilt and remorse in court. At the end of the trial, the court announced a recess, and the verdict will be announced at a later date. More than 50 people including NPC deputies, CPPCC members and people from all walks of life attended the trial.

Mar 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S FINANCE HEADS HELD PRESS CONFERENCE ON MARCH 6 AND ANNOUNCED MAJOR FINANCIAL PACKAGE TO INCENTIVISE FINTECH INNOVATION
On the sidelines of the NPC session, Zheng Zhajie, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Lan Fuan, Minister of Finance, Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China (PBoC) and Wu Qing, Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) held an economy-focused press conference. The officials signalled that a comprehensive major support package to finance tech innovation is on the way, and will: Establish a new national-level venture capital fund; Greenlight unprofitable tech companies to IPO; Encourage M&A in the tech sector; Boost bond issuance for both tech firms and the financial institutions that fund them; and Expand the tech relending program from RMB 500 billion to RMB 800 billion-1 trillion. CSRC chief Wu Qing observed: “Technology was ever-present at this year’s Two Sessions. Today’s economic-themed press conference almost feels like a tech-focused one” and “These past couple of days, if you’re not talking about DeepSeek, it seems like you’re not keeping up with the trend!”

Mar 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CAIXIN SAYS CHINA'S TRADE WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES HAVE SEEN BREAKTHROUGHS RECENTLY AND VIETNAM SIGNED A US$ 8.37 RAILWAY PROJECT ON FEBRUARY 26
Caixin (March 14) said that cross-border railway projects connecting China with neighboring countries have seen breakthroughs recently as regional trade soars and Chinese infrastructure giants hunt for opportunities in new markets. It noted that the state-run Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported that on February 26, Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man signed off on an US$ 8.37 billion railway project linking northern Vietnam and the Chinese border province of Yunnan. It added that a feasibility study for the railway will begin this year and the project is scheduled to be completed by 2030 at the latest.

Mar 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: FOUR UNIVERSITIES IN BEIJING DECIDE TO ENLARGE ENROLLMENT THIS YEAR
Beijing Daily (March 9) disclosed that four universities in Beijing, including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, and Agricultural University, have announced that they will expand enrolment this year. (Comment: This would be intended to meet the increased demand for government jobs as well as the needs of "high quality modernisation".)

Mar 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA LAUNCHED 5 SATELLITES ABOARD CERES-1 Y10 FROM JIUQUAN LAUNCH CENTRE ON MARCH 17
The carrier rocket, CERES-1 Y10, developed by the Beijing-based rocket company Galactic Energy, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 4:07 p.m. on March 17 on a mission dubbed "Auld Lang Syne." It delivered five satellites, including the Yunyao-1 55-60 and the AIRSAT-06 and -07 satellites. Yunyao-1 is a series of commercial meteorological satellites developed by Tianjin-based Yunyao Aerospace, aiming to form a constellation of 90 satellites. The recently launched satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads to collect atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density data.

Mar 2025

CHINA-SECURITY: RESEARCHER CLAIMED RECENTLY THAT CHINA'S MINISTRY OF STATE SECURITY HAS 800,000 PERSONNEL
Intelligence historian Calder Walton has estimated, citing an anonymous official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), that the MSS employs 800,000 personnel, and argues that the MSS now operates worldwide at a scale and tempo not seen in decades. He has been quoted by Sheena Greitens in the China Leadership Monitor Issue 83, March 2025. (Comment: Walton has been quoted by Sheena Greitens in the China Leadership Monitor Issue 83, March 2025. The personnel strength of the KGB at its maximum was 426,000. ii) The MoSS has certainly enlarged its scope of work and instances have come to notice of it issuing directives and warnings on matters relating to economic and domestic security.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: US-BASED CHINESE DISSIDENT CLAIMED THAT CMC VICE CHAIRMAN GENERAL HE WEIDONG WAS ARRESTED ON MARCH 11 AS ALSO OTHERS
On March 12, US-based Chinese dissident Zhao Lanjian citing "authoritative sources" claimed that Politburo member and CMC Vice Chairman General He Weidong was taken away when he returned to his office building after the NPC meeting on March 11. He said his residences in Beijing and Shanghai have been searched, and described the situation as "extremely tense". ii) Zhao Lanjian also claimed on X (March 15) that retired PLA General 77-year Zhao Keshi, former head of the General Logistics Department from 2012-2017, and several Fujian-born Generals have also been dismissed. iii) A blog posted on March 14, by Jiang Wangzheng, considered to be close to Chinese Premier Li Qiang said He Weidong only brought his personal entourage and checked into the West Lake State Guesthouse. The Commander of the Zhejiang Provincial Military Region, the Political Commissar, Sun Wenju, and Member of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee and Executive Vice Governor Xu Wenguang visited him and fulfilled their hospitality. He added that He Weidong has been deposed and is awaiting for judgment of his fate. (Comment: Unconfirmed rumours have been circulating for some months about a purge in the PLA. Rumours of He Weidong being placed under investigation, or detention, have spread since March 11.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC GENERAL OFFICE ISSUED A NOTICE AFTER THE NPC SESSION STIPULATING THAT THE 'SPIRIT' OF THE NPC MUST BE STUDIED BY PARTY COMMITTEES AT AND ABOVE REGIMENTAL LEVEL TO UNIFY THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS OF PERSONNEL WITH CCP CC AND PRESIDENT XI JINPING
The PLA Daily (March 15) published a Xinhua (March 13) despatch stating that the CMC General Office had recently issued a notice requiring the People's Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force to "earnestly convey and study the spirit of the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress, and earnestly study and implement the spirit of President Xi's important speech at the plenary meeting of the People's Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force delegation". It said, inter alia, “We must deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments", enhance the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four selfconfidences", and achieve "two safeguards", and implement the responsibility system of the Chairman of the Military Commission". It also said "that the spirit of the conference, especially the spirit of President Xi's important speech, should be incorporated into the study of the theoretical study centre group of the Party Committee of units above the regiment level, the ideological and political education of the troops, and the political theory teaching of colleges and universities, so as to unify thoughts and actions with the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and President Xi in a timely manner".

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC ISSUED CIRCULAR ON MARCH 19 FOR RECRUITMENT OF GRADUATES FROM 100 CHINESE UNIVERSITIES
People's Daily (March 20) disclosed that according to a recent circular from China's Central Military Commission, graduates from the over 100 universities included in the country's "Double First-Class Initiative" became eligible to apply online for listed vacancies with effect from March 19. China is recruiting more military and armed police officers from elite universities in an effort to attract top talent, according to the military authority. It said graduates from certain other universities can apply for a limited number of vacancies in specialized fields urgently needed for building the military. The Notice specified the deadline for the application process is March 30.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA WESTERN THEATRE COMMAND ANNOUNCES RECRUITMENT FOR 53 POSITIONS OF SKILLED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL LIKE COOKS, DRIVERS ETC.
The PLA Daily (March 20) disclosed that in accordance with the relevant provisions of the 'Regulations on Civilian Personnel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army', the Western Theatre Command announced the open recruitment of civilian personnel for professional and skilled positions in the Western Theatre Command in 2025. It said there are 53 positions in total mainly for technical positions with professional skills below level 3, such as cooks, drivers, custodians, and repairmen.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: PHOTOS OF CHINA'S LATEST SIXTH GENERATION J-36 FIGHTER JET CIRCULATED ON CHINA'S SOCIAL MEDIA ON MARCH 18
On March 18, photos of the latest test flight of China's sixth-generation fighter jet were circulated on social media. American media reports said this was the second public appearance of this new fighter jet after its first test flight on December 26, 2024. It is widely believed to be one of China's two sixth-generation fighter jets, informally code-named the J-36. The photos and videos taken during the latest test flight of the J-36 provide a new perspective to observe this new fighter jet. The most notable feature is the confirmation of the aircraft's three-engine layout. One of the photos shows the aircraft's three engines running at full power and with afterburners. A U.S. media report observed: "This is an impressive and unique scene, because the three-engine layout of this new fighter is very unique among traditional tactical jets." The US media also noticed the large split rudder wings on the wingtips on both sides of the J-36.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC TRAINING MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT RECENTLY ISSUED 'MILITARY SPORTS TRAINING OUTLINE' TO COME INTO EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 20
The PLA Daily (March 19) reported that the CMC Training Management Department recently issued the "Military Sports Training Outline" (hereinafter referred to as the "Outline"), which was to come into effect on February 20, 2025. The objective is to promote the transformation and upgrading of military sports training throughout the army and achieve a shift from focusing on basic physical fitness to focusing on combat physical fitness.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: DALIAN MARITIME SAFETY ADMINISTRATION ISSUED NAVIGATION WARNING NOTICE OF LIVE-FIRE DRILLS IN NORTHERN YELLOW SEA
PLA Daily (March 17) reported that China's Dalian Maritime Safety Administration had issued a navigation warning notice of live-fire military shooting drills to be conducted daily from 12:00 on March 17 to 17:00 on March 21 in the waters of China's northern Yellow Sea. It added that during this period, the relevant waters are off-limits.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA NAVY FIGHTER JET CRASHED ON MARCH 15 DURING TRAINING NEAR JIALAI TOWN, LINGAO COUNTY, HAINAN PROVINCE, AND THE PILOT PARACHUTED TO SAFETY
The Southern Theatre Command Navy reported that at about 13:30 on March 15, a fighter jet of the unit crashed during training and crashed in an open space near Jialai Town, Lingao County, Hainan Province. The pilot successfully parachuted, and no collateral damage was caused on the ground. The Southern Theatre Command Navy is investigating the accident.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA UNIT MUCD 75841 IDENTIFIED AS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNICATIONS LINES BETWEEN HUNAN, GUANGDONG, GUANGXI, GUIZHOU, YUNNAN AND HAINAN PROVINCES
PLA unit number MUCD 75841 is responsible for communications and security of communication lines in Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Hainan provinces. It also works with or supports a few other units. It was a part of Strategic Support Force (SSF) before it was split into three new forces. It could be a part of the Information Support Force (ISF).

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA REGIMENT COMMANDER INVOLVED IN GALWAN VALLEY CLASHES IN 2020 AWARDED AS 'OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF CPPCC'
China honoured a PLA Army Regiment Commander who was injured in the Galwan Valley border clash with Indian soldiers in 2020 as an outstanding member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Global Times (March 9) said that Qi Fabao was among 33 individuals honoured with the 2024 Outstanding Performance Award for CPPCC Members at a ceremony held in Beijing on March 9. (Comment: In 2022, Qi was made the torchbearer for the Winter Olympics, which prompted Indian diplomats to boycott the opening and closing ceremonies of the event.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINA, RUSSIA, IRAN TO HOLD 'SECURITY BELT-2025' NAVAL EXERCISES IN IRANIAN PORT OF CHAHBAHAR IN GULF OF OMAN IN MIDMARCH
The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced on March 11 that China will soon hold the Security Belt-2025 joint naval exercise with Iran and Russia off the Iranian port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman, a crucial gateway between the Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean. China's PLA Navy will send the destroyer Baotou and the replenishment ship Gaoyouhu from the PLA Navy’s 47th escort task group. The Baotou is a Type 052D guided missile destroyer, and the Gaoyouhu is a Type 903A comprehensive replenishment ship. The drill will feature training courses including maritime target strike, VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure), damage control as well as joint search and rescue operations, according to a statement from the ministry. It aims to deepen military mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation among the participating countries’ troops.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: NEARLY 40 PERCENT OF 3- AND 4-STAR LEVEL GENERALS IN PLA'S CMC HAVE STAYED ON IN BEIJING SINCE 2021
In an article in CLM on February 21, 2025, Joel Wuthrow wrote: a cohort of Beijing-based officers was not uprooted: about 40 percent of three- and four-star–level generals assigned to the CMC departments in 2021 have not left the capital during the past decade. These officers perhaps were left in place because they possessed the specialized professional knowledge needed to staff the bureaucracy or because rotating them would have been too difficult politically.

Mar 2025

CHINA-YUNNAN: YUNNAN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CONVENED A MEETING ON HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL PREFECTURES AND CITIES ON MARCH 17
On March 17, the Yunnan Provincial Government held a report meeting on high-quality development for all prefectures and cities in the province and a first quarter work promotion meeting. When presiding over the meeting, Wang Yubo, Deputy Secretary of the provincial party committee and Governor, emphasized the need to earnestly study and implement Xi Jinping's economic thoughts.

Mar 2025

CHINA-GUANGDONG: GUANGDONG GOVERNOR WANG WEIZHONG PRESIDED OVER MEETING OF PARTY LEADERSHIP GROUP TO STUDY AND IMPLEMENT IMPORTANT SPEECHES OF XI JINPING
Nanfang Ribao (March 17) disclosed that Wang Weizhong, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Provincial Government and Governor, presided over a meeting of the Party Leadership Group of the Provincial Government on March 17, to earnestly study and implement the important speeches and instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and to study and deploy the study and education work on the in-depth implementation of the central government's eight regulations.

Mar 2025

CHINA-SHANDONG: COMMANDER OF PLA SHANDONG MILITARY REGION SHI HUAJIE APPOINTED STANDING MEMBER OF SHANDONG. PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE ON MARCH 14
Beijing Daily (March 14) reported that on March 14, the CCP CC approved Shi Huajie's appointment as a member and Standing Member of the Shandong Provincial Party Committee. Shi Huajie is the Commander of the Shandong Provincial Military Region and, in his early years, served as Deputy Commander of the Tibet Corps of the Armed Police Force. He replaces Wang Aiguo who was previously Member of the Standing Committee of the Shandong Provincial Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Shandong Provincial Military Region.

Mar 2025

CHINA-GANSU: GANSU PARTY SECRETARY PRESIDED OVER THE PROVINCIAL PROPAGANDA, IDEOLOGY AND CULTURE WORK LEADING GROUP HELD MEETING ON MARCH 14
The Gansu Provincial Party Committee Propaganda, Ideology and Culture Work Leading Group Meeting was held in Lanzhou on March 14 and Gansu Party Secretary Hu Changsheng presided and delivered a speech. He emphasized that "we must thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping's cultural thoughts and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the Dunhuang Academy, and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and important instructions during his inspection of Gansu, and fully implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the spirit of the National Two Sessions, and the spirit of the National Propaganda Ministers' Meeting, focus on the centre, serve the overall situation, take responsibility, forge ahead, and accelerate the construction of a prosperous and culturally strong province, and inject strong cultural power into the efforts to write a chapter of Chinese-style modernization in Gansu". Provincial leaders Zhang Yongxia, Zhang Wei and Wang Bing attended the meeting.

Mar 2025

CHINA-TIBET: DALAI LAMA PUBLISHED NEW BOOK ASSERTING HE WILL BE REINCARNATED IN THE "FREE WORLD"
A new book by the Dalai Lama titled 'Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People' was released on March 9. In it he says that the next Dalai Lama should be born in the “free world”. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted and said: "The Chinese government issued Regulations on Religious Affairs and Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas, and respects and protects this method of succession. The reincarnation of Living Buddhas including the Dalai Lama must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as religious rituals and historical conventions, and follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from a golden urn, and central government approval".

Mar 2025

CHINA-TIBET: CHINA'S PROPAGANDA APPARATUS HAS STEPPED UP PROGRAMMES TO ASSERT THAT BEIJING IS "FINAL AUTHORITY" IN SELECTING DALAI LAMA
China's international TV network CGTN (March 12 & 13) telecast special reports/commentaries on the selection of the Dalai Lama and highlighted Beijing's role. While one programme reported on the education and training given to young monks, the other CGTN programme (March 13) stated "14th Dalai Lama was chosen and officially recognized. This history affirms a key principle: he does not have the final authority in selecting his successor. The Golden Urn system remains the key to determining the legitimate reincarnation of the Dalai Lama."

Mar 2025

CHINA-TIBET: US TERMINATED GRANT OF US$ 11,600,000 TO CENTRAL TIBETAN ADMINISTRATION VIA NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
A list of terminated USAID Grants by the US' Trump Administration showed: National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, US$11,600,000, in India, to Strengthen Tibetan administration’s capacity for effective services and self-reliance.

Mar 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: SONG TAO, HEAD OF CCP CC TAIWAN WORK OFFICE AND STATE COUNCIL'S TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE AVERRED NO INDIVIDUAL OR FORCE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SPLIT TAIWAN FROM CHINA AND GOAL OF NATIONAL REUNIFICATION WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED
Speaking at a book release ceremony for a book on the Taiwan question on March 18, Xinhua reported that the Head of the CCP CC Taiwan Work Office and Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Song Tao stressed that no individual or force will be allowed to split Taiwan from China and warned that "resolute actions will be taken" if separatist forces dare to cross the red line. He said, "Our determination to solve the Taiwan question and achieve national reunification is firm as rock." Song Tao added that the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is now on an irreversible historic course, and that the goal of national reunification must and will be accomplished.

Mar 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: GENERAL LIN XIANGYANG, COMMANDER OF PLA EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN PEOPLE'S DAILY WARNING TAIWAN
On March 15, the People's Daily published an article by Lin Xiangyang, Commander of the PLA Eastern Theatre Command, claiming that the army had upgraded its weapons and facilities and warned that if "Taiwan independence" elements or external forces provoked, "the people's army will take all necessary measures to deter and punish them." (Comment: This article was seen as a direct response to the G7 foreign ministers' statement in support of Taiwan.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINESE GOVERNMENT STATED ON MARCH 17 THAT TAIWANESE PUBLISHER DETAINED SINCE TWO YEARS HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF INCITING SECESSION
On March 17, the Chinese government announced that Taiwanese publisher Li Yanhe (pen name Fu Cha, or “Fuschia”) has been convicted of “inciting secession” by a Mainland court. Li Yanhe, who disappeared in Shanghai two years ago and has been detained ever since, is well-known as the Editor-in-Chief of Taiwan's Eight Banners publishing house, which frequently releases books on Chinese history that do not comply with the CCP’s official viewpoint. According to HRIC’s analysis, “Li's case is emblematic of the CCP's systematic suppression of Taiwan's publishing, academic, and cultural circles, intending to create a chilling effect through intimidation.”

Mar 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE SAID AT A NATIONAL SECURITY CONFERENCE THAT RESTRICTIONS AGAINST CHINA'S MOUNTING INFILTRATION WILL BE TIGHTENED
Hosting a national security conference on March 13, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said his administration will tighten regulations on trade with and travel to China, as well as on Chinese nationals seeking residency in Taiwan, pushing back against what he described as mounting infiltration by Beijing. He said "For decades, China's ambition to annex Taiwan, eliminate the Republic of China, has not changed for a single day. It not only continues to threaten Taiwan, its infiltration into Taiwanese society is also getting more serious". Lai Ching-te said his government has determined that Beijing is seeking to "force" Taiwanese companies to expand their investments in China, while "luring" young Taiwanese to develop their careers in China and attempting to "steal critical technologies." He said the administration will carry out a strategic "structural adjustment" of Taiwan's economic and trade relations with China and make necessary amendments to cross-strait exchanges of people, goods, finance and technologies to secure the island's economic security. In 2024, he said, 64 people accused of involvement in Chinese spying activity were prosecuted, triple the number in 2021. China also takes advantage of Taiwan's democracy and diversity to induce gangsters, the media, commentators, political parties and online celebrities to "divide and sabotage our society from within." Lai Ching-te said "China's acts are the definition of a foreign hostile force under our Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take more active measures." Lai Ching-te also asserted that "The Republic of China and People's Republic of China do not belong to each other. We will not allow invasion and annexation." Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded by insisting that Taiwan has "no 'president'" and that it was "not a diplomatic issue." She said, "What I can tell you, is that no matter what the DPP authorities say, it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China, and it cannot change the general trend of the motherland's inevitable reunification." (Comment: This is the first time Lai Ching-te has publicly described Beijing as a "foreign hostile force".)

Mar 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA SENT DELEGATION FROM GOVERNMENTCONTROLLED CHINA BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION TO TAIWAN TO ATTEND CEREMONY FOR VEN. JING YAO, CHAIRMAN OF BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION OF ROC
On January 28, 2025, Venerable Jing Yao, Chairman of the Buddhist Association of the Republic of China (BAROC), passed away in Taipei. A solemn ceremony to honour him was held with centre at the Banqiao Gymnasium in New Taipei City from February 26 to 28, 2025. Venerable Zong Xing, Vice Chairman of Mainland China’s government-controlled China Buddhist Association, led a delegation of eleven to Taiwan to attend the ceremony.

Mar 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE MEDIA REACTED POSITIVELY TO INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MODI'S RECENT REMARKS ON PODCAST
A number of articles in China's official media and posts on Chinese social media by official handles responded positively to Prime Minister Modi's remarks recently on a podcast by a US academic. Xinhua (March 18) quoted the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying "China, India should be partners contributing to each other's success, and this is the only right choice for both sides". Noting that the successful meeting in Kazan between the leaders of the two countries in October last year provided strategic guidance for improving and developing bilateral relations, she said "both sides have earnestly followed through on the important common understandings of the two leaders, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive outcomes. As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to achieve respective development and revitalization, and should understand and support each other, and help each other succeed". Repeating that this serves the fundamental interests of over 2.8 billion people in the two countries, she said "China stands ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings between the two leaders, and take the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations as an opportunity to promote exchange and cooperation in various fields and at all levels and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development".

Mar 2025

CHINA-INDIA: ECONOMIC TIMES REPORTED CHINA HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW POWERFUL RADAR SYSTEM IN YUNNAN PROVINCE
The Economic Times (March 10) disclosed that China has established a powerful new radar system capable of monitoring India’s ballistic missile launches in real-time. The Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR), deployed in Yunnan province, near the China-Myanmar border, significantly enhances Beijing’s surveillance capabilities. The system, with an estimated range exceeding 5,000 km, can track missile tests conducted from India’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, a key site for testing Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missiles and K-4 submarine-launched missiles.

Mar 2025

CHINA-SCO: CHINA HOSTING INTERNATIONAL MILITARY COOPERATION ORGANS OF SCO IN QINGDAO ON MARCH 26-27
Xinhua (March 14) said that China will host the first meeting of International Military Cooperation Organs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States for 2025 on March 26 and 27. The meeting will be held in Qingdao in Shandong Province. It said representatives from defence ministries of the SCO member states and the SCO secretariat will attend the meeting to exchange views on future defence and security cooperation.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN NAVY'S SECOND HANGOR-CLASS SUBMARINEWAS LAUNCHED IN WUHAN ON MARCH 13
The Global Times (March 16) disclosed that the Pakistan Navy's second Hangor-class submarine was launched in Wuhan, Hubei Province, on March 13. It said the boat with strong comprehensive combat capability to become a mainstay for the Pakistan Navy and represent a high level of military cooperation between the two countries to safeguard peace and stability in the region. Addressing the ceremony, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, emphasized that the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, will play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of power and maritime order in the region.

Mar 2025

CHINA-BANGLADESH: BANGLADESH'S MOHD. YUNUS TRAVELLING ON 4- DAY TOUR TO CHINA FROM MARCH 26
The Bangladesh media outlet Prothomolo reported that Bangladesh Chief Advisor Mohd Yunus will be going on a 4 day official visit to China from March 25. March 26 is, incidentally, the Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. He will attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) conference in Hainan province from 25 to 28 March, to which he has been invited by Zhang Jun, Secretary General of the BFA. Prothomolo said the Chinese govt is sending a special aircraft for his 4 days tour to China. During his stay in China, he is likely to meet and exchange views with all top political and military leaders and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 26.

Mar 2025

CHINA-VIETNAM: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING LIKELY TO VISIT VIETNAM IN MID-APRIL
Reports suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping is to visit Vietnam in mid-April. It’ll be his 4th official visit as China’s top leader. (Comment: The last time Xi Jinping visited Hanoi was in December 2023.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: US HOUSE COMMITTEE ASKS SIX U.S. UNIVERSITIES TO SUBMIT DETAILS OF ALL CHINESE STUDENTS ESPECIALLY THOSE IN STEM SUBJECTS AND CHINA REACTS
Korea Times (March 20) disclosed that the chair of a U.S. House committee on March 19 sent letters to six American universities, including Purdue University, the University of Illinois, the University of Maryland, the University of Southern California, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon, requesting information about their policies on Chinese nationals. The letters asked the universities' presidents to provide detailed information about their entire Chinese student populations by April 1, including the names of the universities the students previously attended, their sources of tuition, and the types of research and university programs they participate in. It said "The Chinese Communist Party has established a well-documented, systematic pipeline to embed researchers in leading U.S. institutions, providing them direct exposure to sensitive technologies with dual-use military applications. America's student visa system has become a Trojan horse for Beijing. If left unaddressed, this trend will continue to displace American talent, compromise research integrity and fuel China's technological ambitions at our expense." The letters further asked about the universities' practices regarding Chinese nationals studying "STEM" fields like quantum computing plus faculty ties to China. ii) China reacted to the letter. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was quoted by Global Times (March 20) as saying: "Chinese students account for about a quarter of international students in the US and education cooperation not only expands student exchange and deepens mutual understanding between Chinese and Americans, but also contributes to US' economic prosperity and scientific and technological progress. We urge the US to stop brandishing national security as a false pretext and protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese students in the US. The US should not take discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese students." Li Haidong, Professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, was quoted saying "The requirement in information revealing targeted at Chinese national students reflected the ideological bias, geopolitical competition and cold war mindset, which are also deeply rooted in the US House "Select Committee on the CCP. The name of the committee suggested that it focuses on issues related to China, but it is not dedicated to responsibly managing US foreign policy or fostering cooperation with China, but aiming at demonizing China's image and discrediting China's behaviour and policy", According to South China Morning Post, some local Chinese social organization and some Democrat lawmakers also expressed opposition to the bill.

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA'S OFFICIAL MEDIA ALL WELCOMED CLOSURE OF VOA, RFE, RFA ETC DESCRIBING THEM AS U.S. PROPAGANDA OUTLETS
Chinese state-owned media published editorials celebrating Trump’s funding cuts to VoA and RFA this week, particularly criticizing the outlets’ reporting on human rights in Xinjiang. Global Times (March 17) took prompt note of the announcement on March 15 by Michael Abramowitz, Director of Voice of America (VOA), an international broadcaster whose parent agency is the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), that he and "virtually the entire staff" of 1,300 had been placed on leave. A day earlier, the White House ordered budget cuts for multiple federal agencies. Funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and Middle East Broadcasting Networks, which are also parts of USAGM, has also been frozen. It added "The so-called beacon of freedom, VOA, has now been discarded by its own government like a dirty rag". It added that VOA "has never been a "fair and impartial" media outlet, but rather a thoroughly biased "propaganda poison" and "has an appalling track record. From smearing human rights in China's Xinjiang to hyping up disputes in the South China Sea, from supporting "Taiwan independence" forces to backing Hong Kong rioters, from fabricating the so-called China virus narrative to promoting the claim of China's "overcapacity," almost every malicious falsehood about China has VOA's fingerprints all over it."

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: THE NEW YORK CHINA PEACEFUL REUNIFICATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION HELD A SYMPOSIUM IN MANHATTAN ON MARCH 18
A symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the "Anti- Secession Law" was held in Chinatown, Manhattan, New York, on March 18. The symposium was hosted by the New York China Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association. Jiao Sheng'an, Chairman of the New York China Peaceful Reunification Association, Ma Xiaoxiao, Deputy Consul General of China in New York, and Hua Junxiong, Honorary Chairman of the Federation of China Peaceful Reunification Associations of the United States, attended the symposium.

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA-OWNED HONGKONG NEWSPAPER TA KUNG BAO ASKED HONGKONG TYCOON LI KA-SHENG TO RECONSIDER SHELLING SHARES OF PORT IN PANAMA CANAL
The Chinese State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) circulated an article published by the CCP-owned Hongkong-based Ta Kung Bao titled “Don’t be naive and senile” on its website on March 13, calling on the 96-year-old Hongkong tycoon Li Ka Sheng, who is also a member of the CPPCC, to rethink his decision to sell his CK Hutchison Holdings which controlled the Panama Canal ports to the US firm BlackRock. It said “After the Panama Canal is ‘Americanized’ and ‘politicized,’ the US will definitely use it for political purposes and pursue its own political agenda.” “Once the US implements docking restrictions and imposes ‘political surcharges,’ Chinese companies’ logistics costs and supply chain stability will face significant risks.” The author of the Ta Kung Bao article added that this amounted to 80 per cent of the Hutchison Port Group, a subsidiary that owns 43 container ports in 23 countries, including a 90 per cent stake in the Balboa and Cristobal docks at either end of the Panama Canal. Through this transaction, BlackRock will control approximately 10.4% of the world’s container terminal throughput, becoming one of the world’s three largest port operators and the company will probably cooperate with the United States to suppress China, increase the cost of China’s freight docking, and squeeze the market share of Chinese shipping companies. It said, “The US may also use this transaction as a model to push for mergers and acquisitions of ports worldwide through political pressure, control more key ports, and use ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ to implement suppression measures, leaving Chinese ships nowhere to dock".

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: THREE U.S. ARMY PERSONNEL ARRESTED FOR SELLING SECRETS TO CHINA
CNN (March 7) reported that “Two US Army soldiers and a former soldier were arrested on March 6, accused in indictments of selling military secrets to buyers in China, according to the Department of Justice. The two US Army active-duty soldiers were identified as Jian Zhao and Li Tian, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Washington state [Tacoma area]. Jian Zhao, a battery supply Sergeant was assigned to the 17th Field Artillery Brigade and Li Tian is a health services administrator. The former soldier, Ruoyu Duan of Hillsboro, Oregon, served in the Army from 2013 to 2017. The indictment charges Jian Zhao with having received US$ 15,000 in exchange for gathering electronic media documents, documents and information containing classified national security, CUI marked and sensitive military information. He managed over $55 million worth of army property”.

Mar 2025

CHINA-IRAN: CHINESE DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER HOSTED CHINARUSSIA- IRAN MEETING IN BEIJING ON MARCH 14
The People's Daily (March 16) published an article captioned 'To solve the Iranian nuclear issue, dialogue and negotiation are the only options (Harmony)'. Stating that the China-Russia- Iran meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue was successfully held in Beijing on March 14. It said "The three parties exchanged in-depth views on the Iranian nuclear issue and issued a joint statement, reaffirming that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on mutual respect are the only effective and feasible options. At a time when the situation of the Iranian nuclear issue is grim, the Beijing meeting is a useful attempt by China, Russia and Iran to promote a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. It has built a platform for all parties to strengthen communication and dialogue and build political consensus, and has accumulated favourable conditions for the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. The Iranian nuclear issue has once again reached a critical crossroads, and the urgency of buying time for peace is increasing. All parties should resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, work to eliminate the root causes of the current situation, and abandon sanctions, pressure, and threats of force. China, Russia, and Iran issued a joint statement calling on relevant parties to avoid actions that escalate the situation and jointly create a favourable atmosphere and conditions for diplomatic efforts. The three parties also reiterated the importance of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons. China and Russia welcomed Iran's reaffirmation of the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and its nonseeking to develop nuclear weapons". ii) Earlier the Global Times (Chinese) reported on March 12, that China will hold a China- Russia-Iran meeting in Beijing on the Iranian nuclear issue on March 14. Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will preside over the meeting, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharib Abadi will attend the meeting in Beijing. The three parties will exchange views on the Iranian nuclear issue and other issues of common concern.

Mar 2025

CHINA-JAPAN: SIXTH CHINA-JAPAN HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE TO BE HELD IN TOKYO ON MARCH 22 AFTER LAPSE OF SIX YEARS
China's Economic Observer said (March 20) that the sixth China-Japan high-level economic dialogue will be held in Tokyo, Japan on March 22, after a lapse of 6 years. He Yongqian, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce told the newspaper that at present, China-Japan relations are showing a positive momentum of improvement and development, the economies of the two countries are deeply integrated, and the industrial chain and supply chain are closely linked. This dialogue is an important measure to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. It is of great significance to restart it after six years. China is willing to work with Japan to promote pragmatic results in the dialogue and promote the healthy and stable development of China-Japan economic and trade relations.

Mar 2025

CHINA-RUSSIA: RUSSIA IMPOSED HIGH TARIFFS ON CHINESE MADE CARS TO CURB THEIR IMPORTS
This January, Moscow more than doubled so-called “recycling fees” – effectively tariffs – to USD 7,500 for most passenger vehicle imports. Those fees will grow 10-20% annually through 2030, dampening demand. After sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its Ukraine invasion cut off access to leading auto brands like Volkswagen and Toyota, Chinese cars flooded in taking advantage of Russia’s high demand and limited supplies while offsetting the impact of EU and US tariffs. Last year, Russia absorbed over 1 million Chinese gas-powered vehicles – roughly 30% of China’s total gas-powered vehicle (ICE) exports. Chinese vehicle exports to Russia rose more than sevenfold between 2022 and 2024 and Chinese brands now hold 63% market share – up from <10% in 2022. Moscow has grown concerned that the flood of Chinese vehicles is threatening Russia’s domestic automakers, who now have only 29% market share.

Mar 2025

CHINA-EUROPE: INVESTIGATIONS INTO HUAWEI'S LOBBYING ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE HAVE 15 FORMER AND CURRENT EU MEPS
Politico (March 13) revealed that authorities raided more than 21 addresses in Brussels, Flanders, Wallonia and in Portugal and sealed two offices in the European Parliament on March 13, as part of a bribery probe into Chinese technology giant Huawei's lobbying activities in Europe. A spokesperson for the Belgian Prosecutor’s office said the authorities "have an ongoing investigation on preliminary charges of active corruption, forgery of documents, money laundering at the European Parliament.” Of the two offices in the European Parliament that were sealed, one belonged to Adam Mouchtar, a long-time official and current assistant to newly elected MEP Nikola Minchev. Mouchtar was also co-founder of a group called EU40 that had as its president Greek politician Eva Kaili — the key figure in the Qatargate corruption probe. Investigators are said to have around 15 former and current MEPs “on the radar".

Mar 2025

CHINA-SOUTH AFRICA: THE ALL-AFRICA CHINA PEACEFULREUNIFICATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION HELD A SYMOSOUM ON MARCH 19 IN JOHANNESBURG
The China Overseas Network (March 20) said 'The All-Africa China Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association' held a symposium on the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Anti-Secession Law in Johannesburg, on March 19. More than 50 representatives of the overseas Chinese community, including representatives of Taiwan compatriots, attended. Xu Changbin, President of the All-Africa China Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association, said at the meeting that "the Anti-Secession Law provides a powerful legal weapon and spiritual force for overseas Chinese to oppose the secessionist activities of "Taiwan independence" and promote the peaceful reunification of the motherland. Over the past 20 years, the All-Africa China Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association has actively carried out anti-independence and reunification work, publicized the principles and policies of the peaceful reunification of the motherland to the majority of overseas Chinese, exposed the nature and harm of the secessionist forces of "Taiwan independence", and gathered a powerful force to safeguard national unity".

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED PLENARY MEETING OF PLA AND PAP DELEGATION AT NPC ON MARCH 7 AFTERNOON
People's Daily, PLA Daily and CCTV (March 7) reported that Chinese President attended the plenary meeting of PLA and PAP delegates to the 14th NPC on March 7 afternoon. He delivered an important speech where he said "that the successful completion of the "14th Five- Year Plan" for the construction of our army is of great significance to the realization of the struggle goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army as scheduled, and to the comprehensive promotion of the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation with Chinese-style modernization. We must strengthen our confidence, face challenges, implement the requirements of high-quality development, and complete the established goals and tasks as scheduled". Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past four years since the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military construction, "a series of major achievements have been made, but there are also many contradictions and problems". "We must properly handle the relationship between progress and quality, cost and benefit, overall situation and focus, development and supervision, planning implementation and capability formation, and take the path of high-quality, high-efficiency, low-cost and sustainable development to ensure that the construction results can stand the test of history and actual combat". He said it is necessary to "speed up the solution of the problems of blockages and obstructions in the implementation of the plan, strengthen cross-departmental, cross-field and cross-military coordination, strengthen policy application and supply, enhance the consistency of policy orientation and work orientation, and make every effort to smooth the chain of plan implementation". He called for using modern management concepts and methods. He emphasised the need for adhering "to the principle of building the army with diligence and thrift, scientifically allocate the direction and amount of national defense resources, and improve the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of the use of funds". He reiterated that the building of the PLA "cannot be separated from the support of the national economic and social development system. We must strengthen the joint efforts of the military and the local areas, make good use of local advantages and resources, and improve the quality and efficiency of our army's construction". He also called for innovation in building combat effectiveness, improving the agile response and rapid transformation mechanism of advanced technology, and accelerate the development of new quality combat effectiveness. He added that it is necessary to place supervision in a more prominent position, build a complete and effective supervision system, strengthen integrated supervision and joint auditing, and thoroughly investigate and deal with corruption. Six representatives including Zhou Gang, Li Dong, Feng Yan, Zheng Yuanlin, Cui Daohu and Liu Shuwei spoke in turn and offered suggestions on coordinating weapons and equipment testing and identification resources, improving the efficiency of fund use and management, strengthening military industrial production, promoting national defense position engineering construction, and making good use of resources in emerging fields. CMC Vice Chairman General Zhang Youxia presided over the meeting and CMC Vice Chairman General He Weidong and CMC members Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin attended the meeting.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MET DELEGATES OF THE CHINA DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE, CHINA ASSOCIATION FOR PROMOTING DEMOCRACY, AND FROM THE EDUCATION SECTOR IN BEIJING ON MARCH 6
People's Daily (March 7) reported that while meeting National Political Advisors from the China Democratic League, the China Association for Promoting Democracy, and the education sector, who are attending the third session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC in Beijing on March 6, Xi Jinping stressed strengthening the role of education in supporting scientific and technological advancement as well as talent development. He called for a deep understanding of the needs of Chinese modernization for education, science and technology, and talent and said the goal is to cultivate a steady stream of talent, unlock their full potential, and ensure their abilities are fully utilized. Xi Jinping stressed the importance of maintaining a correct orientation in running schools in the process of building China into a leading country in education, science and technology, and talent and called for nurturing a new generation of capable young people with the moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and work skills needed to join and carry on the socialist cause. He emphasized the need to equip students with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He also said it is important to refine the school management system, grant schools greater autonomy in decision-making, and continuously advance law-based school administration. He stressed the need for aligning talent cultivation with the needs of economic and social development, noting that boosting education, sci-tech and talent development is a shared responsibility of the entire Party and society. Xi Jinping said the CPPCC should fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body. PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning and PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi joined the discussion with Xi Jinping and the political advisors.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: AT POLITBURO'S 19TH COLLECTIVE STUDY SESSION CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING STRESSED THAT "LEADERSHIP OF THE PARTY IS THE FUNDAMENTAL GUARANTEE FOR BUILDING A SAFE CHINA"
CCTV (March 1) telecast a report stating that Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the CCP CC Politburo's 19th collective study session on the construction of a safer China at a higher level on February 28 morning. It said Xi Jinping emphasized 'that the construction of a safer China at a higher level is related to the prosperity of the cause, the good life of the people, and the long-term stability of the country. We must unswervingly implement the overall national security concept, continue to work hard to make the country safer, the society more orderly, the governance more effective, and the people more satisfied, and push the construction of a safer China to a higher level'. Li Yan, Vice President and Professor of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, briefed the members of the Politburo. In an "important" speech later, Xi Jinping "pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has continuously improved the national security leadership system and legal system, strategic system, and policy system, improved the social governance system, strengthened the overall prevention and control of social security, focused on improving the level of public security governance, and resolutely safeguarded national sovereignty, security, and development interests, successfully continuing the "two miracles" of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. In order to adapt to the development and changes of the situation and tasks, the construction of a safe China can only be strengthened, not weakened". Xi Jinping stressed that the overall national security concept must be implemented unswervingly. He added "We must continuously improve people's well-being, solidly promote common prosperity, earnestly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the people, and safeguard social fairness and justice. We must improve the social governance system, improve the social work system and mechanism, and build a social governance community where everyone has responsibilities, everyone fulfils their responsibilities, and everyone enjoys the benefits. We must cultivate a social mentality of self-respect, self-confidence, rationality, peace, and positivity, and promote a new era of forging ahead, willingness to make sacrifices, respecting the rule of law, and being civilized and courteous". Xi Jinping stressed that preventing and defusing all kinds of risks is an important task in building a safe China. Xi Jinping stressed that "the leadership of the Party is the fundamental guarantee for building a safe China. We must always uphold the absolute leadership of the Party Central Committee over national security and political and legal work, and give full play to the leadership role of Party committees at all levels in taking overall charge and coordinating all parties in building a safe China. We must strengthen positive publicity and public opinion guidance, and focus on using modern scientific and technological means to improve the effectiveness of social governance. We must forge a loyal, clean and responsible political and legal iron army in the new era".

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: QIU SHI PUBLISHED PART OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH DELIVERED AT CENTRAL ECONOMIC WORK CONFERENCE ON DECEMBER 11, 2024
The latest edition of the CCP CC's leading theoretical fortnightly journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; 2025/05; dated February 28) published a part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech delivered at the Central Economic Work Conference on December 11, 2024, under the caption 'Economic work must coordinate several important relationships'.

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESENTED GOVERNMENT WORK REPORT TO NPC ON MARCH 6; GROWTH RATE SET AT 5 PERCENT
The Government Work Report presented by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to the NPC on March 6 revealed a 7.2 percent increase in China's defence budget bringing it to US$ 249 billion (1.784665 trillion Yuan). (Comment: China's defence budget last year was US$232 billion.) ii) The Chinese Premier also set China’s growth rate target at 5 percent. iii) Li Qiang set the target for its surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5.5 percent, and announced plans to create over 12 million new urban jobs in 2025. iv) China also targeted an annual increase in the consumer price index of around 2 percent.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER AND FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI HOSTED A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE SIDELINES OF THE CPPCC SESSION ON MARCH 7 IN BEIJING
i) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the People's Daily (March 7) said at a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th CPPCC that 'through head-of-state diplomacy, China's relations with the world have undergone positive and profound changes'. He claimed that in the past year, President Xi Jinping personally planned and conducted headof- state diplomacy, and many fruitful results were achieved. He mentioned the three as the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. Wang Yo added that Xi Jinping's four overseas visits in the past year generated new dynamism for global solidarity and cooperation and said there will be new highlights in China's head-of-state diplomacy in 2025. Wang Yi added that "Head-of-state diplomacy will write a new chapter of closer cooperation and shared success between China and the world." ii) People's Daily (March 7) quoted Wang Yi as also saying "China-U.S. business relations are based on two-way and reciprocal interactions. Cooperation will bring about mutual benefit, and China will definitely take countermeasures in response to arbitrary pressure." iii) Wang Yi also said, "China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to step up communication, stay clear of disturbances, and build consensus for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation". Wang Yi said, "With the joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea maintained peace and stability last year, and remained the safest and busiest waters for international navigation and overflight". Saying that China and Indonesia signed an intergovernmental document on maritime joint development and China and Malaysia launched a bilateral dialogue on the management of maritime issues. Wang Yi said, "These are proof that there is no problem that cannot be solved through dialogue and no goals that cannot be reached with cooperation". Wang Yi added "To realize good neighbourliness, lasting peace and security in the South China Sea, one needs trust and also rules", adding that the key is to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and develop a sound COC. Wang yi said "We have full confidence in the prospect of concluding the COC". iv) People's daily (March 7) reported that Wang Yi also mentioned India-China relations and said 'China, India should be partners that contribute to each other's success'. People's Daily quoted him saying that 'China and India should be partners that contribute to each other's success, which is the only right choice for both sides'. As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate their own development and revitalization. He added there is every reason for the two countries to support each other rather than undercut each other, and to work with each other rather than guard against each other, Wang said, adding that this is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Claiming that "China-India relations have made positive strides in the past year", Wang Yi said exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels between the two sides have been strengthened, yielding a series of positive outcomes. He repeated that "China and India, two ancient civilizations, have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution, stressing that "the two sides should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of bilateral ties". Interestingly, he added "As important members of the Global South, China and India have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics". "When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly." Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Wang Yi said "China stands ready to work with India to advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development". (Comment: Wang Yi's remarks included the standard Chinese rhetoric about India and China being ancient civilisations, large developing countries etc., but it clearly sought to bracket India in China's effort to oppose the US. Attempting to gloss over the damaged India-China relationship following China's adventurism since April 2020, it claimed "a series of positive outcomes" over last year. It did, however, indirectly acknowledge that relations are damaged saying " there is every reason for the two countries to support each other rather than undercut each other, and to work with each other rather than guard against each other.")

Mar 2025

CHINA-CPPCC: CPPCC'S ANNUAL PLENARY SESSION BEING HELD IN BEIJING FROM MARCH 4-10
People's Daily (March 3) reported that the CPPCC spokesman announced (March 3) that the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee will hold its annual session from March 4 to 10 in Beijing.

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: NUMBER OF NPC DEPUTIES HAS REDUCED FROM 2,997 APPOINTED IN 2023 TO 2,942
China's anti-corruption campaign has felled many senior officials on charges of violating Party discipline and corruption. Consequently, the number of Deputies appointed to the National People's Congress (NPC) in 2023 has dropped from 2,997 to 2,942. There has also been a drop in the number of Deputies to China's top political advisory body, the CPPCC, which had 2169 Deputies in 2023.

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: SHENG LAIYUN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CHINA'S NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS CLAIMED CHINA WILL ACHIEVE 5 PERCENT GROWTH RATE IN 2024
Sheng Laiyun, Deputy Director of the National Bureau of Statistics, wrote a lengthy article in the People's Daily (March 1) which was published under the caption 'Breaking through the waves and forging ahead, seeking progress in stability and striving for innovation—— Comment on the Statistical Communiqué on National Economic and Social Development in 2024'. He stated that China's economic growth in 2024 will be 5.0%, and the total economic output will reach a new level of 130 trillion yuan for the first time, successfully completing the main goals and tasks of economic and social development. Calling it "a remarkable achievement", he said "achieving 5% economic growth is not easy under the circumstances of increasing external pressure and internal difficulties, which fully demonstrates the resilience and potential of the Chinese economy. The 5% growth is the result of withstanding the pressure and forging ahead".

Mar 2025

CHINA-NPC: THE STATE COUNCIL INFORMATION OFFICE SAID 8783 AND 4813 PROPOSALS WERE RECEIVED FROM NPC AND CPPCC DEPUTIES RESPECTIVELY
People's Daily (March 1) said that on February 28, the State Council Information Office held a regular briefing on the State Council’s policies and invited persons from relevant departments to introduce the work of the State Council departments in handling the proposals of the National People’s Congress deputies and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in 2024. It said, "In 2024, various departments of the State Council hosted a total of 8,783 proposals from deputies to the National People's Congress and 4,813 proposals from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, accounting for 95.1% and 96.1% of the total number of proposals respectively, and all have been completed on time." Xing Huina, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office, said that various departments have adopted more than 5,000 opinions and suggestions put forward by deputies and members, and issued more than 2,000 relevant policies and measures.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL HELD OPENING CEREMONY FOR 2025 SPRING SEMESTER SESSION ON MARCH 1
People's Daily (March 1) reported that the CCP CC's Central Party School held the opening ceremony for its 2025 spring semester on March 1. Chen Xi, President of the school and the academy, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech.

Mar 2025

CHINA-CCP: HEAD OF CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED 'NATIONAL PARTY MEMBER EDUCATION AND TRAINING WORK PLAN (2024- 2028)'
People's Daily (March 1) published a "recent" interview with the Head of the CCP CCC Organisation Department under the caption 'Educate and guide the majority of party members to make contributions in promoting Chinese-style modernization——The head of the Central Organization Department answered reporters' questions about the "National Party Member Education and Training Work Plan (2024-2028)".

Mar 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: ECONOMIC OBSERVER COMMENTARY RECOMMENDS BIGGER ROLE IN POLICY MAKING FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISES
A Commentary in the Economic Observer (March 7) referred to Premier Li Qiang's remarks in his Government Work Report on March 5, where he said "we must give full play to the leading role of science and technology-leading enterprises, strengthen the deep integration of industry, academia and research led by enterprises, and institutionally guarantee that enterprises participate in national science and technology innovation decision-making and undertake major science and technology projects." Stating that the importance of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation is self-evident, it said the "2023 National Science and Technology Funding Statistical Bulletin" jointly issued by the National Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance showed that in 2023, enterprises accounted for 77.7% of the total social research and development (R&D) funds. The "2024 R&D Investment Top 1000 Private Enterprises Innovation Status Report" released by the All- China Federation of Industry and Commerce in September last year showed that their total R&D expenses in 2023 increased by 12.78% year-on-year, 6.54 percentage points higher than the increase of the top 1000 R&D investment companies in the world. Recommending the "deep participation of enterprises in the formulation of public policies", it acknowledged this is not simple game of interests, but rather the building of a governance community based on public values. It added that if enterprises are given design freedom, it will not only allow them to have more room for imagination in technology research and development and product design, but also help meet the diverse aesthetic needs of consumers, and will objectively promote the intelligent upgrade of traffic sign systems. It said from the perspective of the global science and technology race, if China wants to achieve the transition from "following" to "leading", both basic research and market application innovation are indispensable. It stressed that how to promote the deep integration of technology and policy through an "enterprise-led" approach to achieve a win-win situation for society, enterprises and consumers is an important proposition. ii) The People's Daily (March 7) published an article by Wu Aiqun, a member of the CPPCC National Committee and the President of the Shanghai Academy of Aerospace Information Technology, titled 'Strengthening the leading role of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation'.

Mar 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S CUSTOMS DATA CLAIMED STEADY PERFORMANCE IN FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 2025 WITH TOTAL GOODS TRADE VOLUME REACHING US$ 912.07 BILLION
The General Administration of Customs data released on March 7 showed that China's foreign trade recorded steady performances in the first two months of 2025, with total goods trade volume reaching 6.54 trillion yuan (about 912.07 billion U.S. dollars). It said this represents a moderate decrease of 1.2 percent from a year earlier, and that after excluding the impact of incomparable factors, China's total goods imports and exports grew by 1.7 percent year on year. Exports rose 3.4 percent from the same period last year to reach 3.88 trillion yuan, while imports went down 7.3 percent year on year.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: NUMBER OF PLA DEPUTIES TO NPC HAS DROPPED FROM 283 TO 267
Financial Times (March) reported that the size of the military delegation to the NPC has fallen and may shrink further. It said of the 283 Deputies from the PLA appointed to the NPC there are now only 267. Fourteen have been removed because of corruption investigations.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA DAILY PUBLISHED INTERVIEW WITH CMC TRAINING AND MGT DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP ON NEWLY REVISED COMMON REGULATIONS
The PLA Daly (March 3) published an interview with Leaders of the CMC Training and Management Department on the Issuance and Implementation of the Newly Revised Common Regulations which said "The most important aspect is the unwavering commitment to arming the troops with Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military. This included “ensuring the military is always in complete ideological, political, and operational alignment with the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, ensuring absolute loyalty, purity, and reliability of the armed forces.” It said Chinese President Xi has placed great emphasis on strengthening the relationship between officers and soldiers, as well as camaraderie among soldiers and stressed the importance of fostering a revolutionary bond of solidarity, emphasizing mutual care, sharing hardships, and standing together through life-and-death situations. The regulations introduce several new guidelines, for example, Officers’ Attitudes Toward Soldiers; Soldiers’ Attitudes Toward Officers; Regulations to further refine the officersoldier relationship by promoting unity, friendship, harmony, and purity within the ranks, ensuring the military remains strong and cohesive; and disciplinary measures.

Mar 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINA'S DALIAN SHIPYARD BUILDING HUGE NUCLEARPOWERED AIRCRAFT CARRIER
NBC News (March 2) reported that new satellite imagery provided by Maxar Technologies showed that China is developing a huge nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at China’s Dalian shipbuilding facility that would rival the biggest vessel in the American fleet. The images suggest that the new ship will allow fighter jets to be launched from four parts of the flight deck. The satellite images of Dalian shipbuilding facility show an engineering prototype of a module with two tracks, or trenches. U.S. analysts said, "that the new carrier will have four catapults,” which would allow more planes to take off and match U.S. carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy's largest and most advanced aircraft carrier.

Mar 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA BUILDING "THORIUM-BASED MOLTEN SALT NUCLEAR REACTOR" POWER PLANT IN WUWEI, GANSU
Tencent posted (March 2) that China has discovered reserves of 220,000 tons of thorium ore and plans to build its first "thorium-based molten salt reactor" nuclear power plant in Wuwei, Gansu. The post added that the plant will only need one ton of thorium ore per year, which is equivalent to several dozen tons of uranium ore. Moreover, the cost of building and running these "thorium-based" nuclear power stations is very low. The electricity generation cost is only about 1 cent per kilowatt-hour. It said thorium reactors can also be used for nuclear propulsion systems making them perfect for applications like powering nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. With this technology, China could build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers without facing technological bottlenecks. Stating that China will need to rely on nuclear power to replace coal-fired power, it suggested that China should construct more, safer, more reliable, and cost-effective "thorium-based molten salt reactors", which will reduce China’s dependence on oil and accelerate the country’s energy transformation.

Mar 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA FILED PLANS FOR ESTABLISHING ITS FIFTH RESEARCH BASE IN ANTARCTICA
Australia's ABC reported (March 3) that China has now lodged plans for a new summer research station in West Antarctica. The proposed new station will be discussed at this year's Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Italy in June, however member states are unable to veto proposed new stations under the Antarctic Treaty. China, which established its first permanent station in 1985, currently has five research bases in Antarctica, including one that opened last year. More than 50 countries operate research bases across Antarctica, including Australia, which has three permanent stations.

Mar 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINESE ENTERPRISES AND SOE'S HAVE BEGUN USING DEEPSEEK
Caixin (February 27) reported that since the previous week several media outlets reported that government bodies and State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) have rapidly begun using DeepSeek. Chinese state adoption of LLMs was previously hampered by the fact that the best LLMs were either foreign controlled or closed source, which made genAI adoption either an expensive or risky proposition for state-affiliated institutions. Among those using DeepSeek now are: Major cloud service providers; Automakers; Local governments; State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the energy sector.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LIAONING: WANG XINWEI APPOINTED DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND ACTING GOVERNOR OF LIAONING PROVINCE
People's Daily (March 1) reported that the 14th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th Liaoning Provincial People's Congress had appointed Wang Xinwei as Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of Liaoning Province on March 1.

Mar 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI ATTEMPTED TO GLOSS OVER THE DAMAGED INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS IN PRESS CONFERENCE IN BEIJING AND SAID THEY SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO EACH OTHERS' SUCCESS
People's daily (March 7) reported that Wang Yi also mentioned India-China relations and said 'China, India should be partners that contribute to each other's success'. People's Daily quoted him saying that 'China and India should be partners that contribute to each other's success, which is the only right choice for both sides'. As the two largest developing countries, China and India have a shared task to accelerate their own development and revitalization. He added there is every reason for the two countries to support each other rather than undercut each other, and to work with each other rather than guard against each other, Wang said, adding that this is the path that truly serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Claiming that "China-India relations have made positive strides in the past year", Wang Yi said exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels between the two sides have been strengthened, yielding a series of positive outcomes. He repeated that "China and India, two ancient civilizations, have enough wisdom and capability to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution, stressing that "the two sides should never allow bilateral relations to be defined by the boundary question, or let specific differences affect the overall picture of bilateral ties". Interestingly, he added "As important members of the Global South, China and India have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemonism and power politics". "When China and India join hands, the prospects for greater democracy in international relations and a stronger Global South will improve greatly." Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Wang Yi said "China stands ready to work with India to advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development". (Comment: Wang Yi's remarks included the standard Chinese rhetoric about India and China being ancient civilisations, large developing countries etc., but it clearly sought to bracket India in China's effort to oppose the US. Attempting to gloss over the damaged india-China relationship following China's adventurism since April 2020, it claimed "a series of positive outcomes" over last year. It did, however, indirectly acknowledge that relations are damaged saying " there is every reason for the two countries to support each other rather than undercut each other, and to work with each other rather than guard against each other.")

Mar 2025

CHINA-JAPAN: JAPANESE THINK-TANK ANALYSED THAT CHINA HAS INCREASED NUMBER OF DF-17 AND CJ-100 MISSILE BASES CAPABLE OF STRIKING JAPAN
Yomiuri Shimbun (March 3) reported that China has been increasing the number of bases with missiles that are capable of striking Japan, according to an analysis of satellite images by the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals disclosed on February 28. It said since October 2020, new garrisons have been constructed at China’s 655 Brigade in Jilin Province. DF-17 ballistic missiles, which can carry hard-to-detect hypersonic glide warheads, were deployed to the new sites. The missiles are within range of every area of Japan. A satellite image taken in January 2024 also shows new sites that have vehicle depots which can park a total of 38 transporter erector launchers (TELs). TELs carrying CJ-100 supersonic cruise missiles have been confirmed at the 656 Brigade in Shandong Province since around 2019. It added that satellite images taken in May 2024 showed that land is being levelled, opening up the possibility of further facilities being built.

Mar 2025

CHINA-JAPAN: JAPANESE DESTROYER SAILED THROUGH TAIWAN STRAT IN EARLY FEBRUARY IN SUBTLE WARNING TO CHINA
The Asahi Shimbun (March 2) quoting Japanese government sources disclosed that a Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyer made a solo transit through the Taiwan Strait in early February as “a political message to China”. The sources said the 'Akizuki' navigated from north to south on a mission authorized by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba after consultations with his ministers. This is the second time an MSDF vessel has passed through the strait. The first time was in September last year, when an MSDF vessel was accompanied by other countries’ vessels. (Comment: The move aims to put a brake on China, which has increased its military pressure in the East and South China Seas. According to Asahi Shimbun the government is expected to continue sending destroyers through the Taiwan Strait if China’s military remains active around Japan.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI AND SECRETARY OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION SECURITY COUNCIL SERGEI SHOIGU MET IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 28
People's Daily (March 1) reported that Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu in Beijing on February 28. Wang Yi noted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China- Russia relations will continue to remain rock-solid and unshakable. He called on the two sides to stick to the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close coordination, and continue to deepen mutual trust and cooperation in strategic security. Wang Yi added that history and reality have proved time and again that China-Russia relations have a strong internal driving force, solid public support, and unique strategic value, and are not aimed at and should not be influenced by third parties. He said China-Russia relations in the new era increasingly demonstrates the resilience and calm of the new model of majorcountry relations. Mentioning that this year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, Wang Yi said as two major victors of World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have the responsibility to join hands to defend the outcomes of WWII and maintain global peace and development. Shoigu said that the two heads of state have outlined the direction for the development of bilateral relations and strategic coordination and the two countries enjoy a high degree of political and strategic mutual trust, and are not affected by external factors. The establishment of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is a firm choice that has been made by both sides, serving the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, adding that Russia and China hold highly consistent positions on international affairs, and Russia will fully support China's chairing of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its hosting of summits. People's Daily said the two sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine crisis and Shoigu outlined the latest situation of Russia-U.S. contact, as well as considerations for Russia's position, saying that Russia is committed to eliminating the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and seeking a permanent, fair and sustainable plan for peace. Wang Yi said that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace talks and pushing for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The two sides agreed to hold a new round of strategic China-Russia security consultations at an appropriate time. They also exchanged views on the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Afghanistan, and other international or regional issues of common concern.

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY ASSERTED THAT DRAFT AGREEMENT BETWEEN US AND UKRAINE LAID BARE WASHINGTON'S HEGEMONIC COLOURS
A People's Daily (March 7) commentary titled 'Washington's hegemonic colours laid bare again' stated "Washington's mask has once again slipped. The abrupt collapse of U.S.-Ukraine talks over the weekend was not mere diplomatic friction. Behind the crumbling veneer of etiquette lies Washington's frustration over its stalled scheme to plunder Ukraine's natural resources". Referring to the draft agreement that Ukraine "will put 50 percent of the future revenues from its state-owned natural resources into a fund "jointly managed" by Washington and Kiev”, it said "This deal extends far beyond minerals and rare earth elements; it encompasses Ukraine's oil and gas reserves, as well as crucial infrastructure such as ports and liquified natural gas terminals". It noted that some Ukrainian media outlets also described it as "a colonial agreement." Commenting that "History abounds with grim reminders of how Washington pursued its own strategic and economic interests at the expense of the well-being or sovereignty of other countries", it pointed to the 20-year-long war in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, and said "the pattern is disturbingly familiar" in Ukraine. It said, "In the long record of Washington's exploitation of others, Ukraine risks becoming the latest casualty".

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA RETALIATED TO IMPOSITION OF ADDITIONAL TARIFFS BY U.S. ON CHINA
China retaliated to the U.S.' 10% tariff hike that took effect Tuesday with a package of countermeasures. Among these, from March 10 Beijing will levy an extra 15% duty on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton, and an additional 10% on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. (Comment: China has warned that in case the US starts a tariff war, trade war, or any other type of war, China will fight back to the end. These tariffs target the US' farm sector, which is US President Trump's base.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA BANS US GENOMICS FIRM ILLUMINA FROM EXPORTING GENE SEQUENCING MACHINES TO CHINA
Caixin (March 5) disclosed that China has banned Illumina, the U.S. genomics giant, from exporting gene sequencing machines to the country, escalating sanctions imposed last month when the company was added to Beijing’s Unreliable Entity List. The move is expected to accelerate domestic alternatives in the gene sequencing industry.

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: CK HUTCHISON HOLDINGS IS SELLING ITS CONTROL OVER PANAMA PORT DUE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRESSURE
Caixin (March 5) reported that Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. is selling a controlling position in its Panama port business, following pressure on the local government from U.S. President Donald Trump. A consortium led by BlackRock Inc. is buying the stake in Panama Ports Co.

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: RETD PLA SENIOR COLONEL ZHOU BO DESCRIBED TRUMP AS OVERALL RATHER FRIENDLY TO CHINA AND ASSERTED THAT CHINA'S VIEWS ON TAIWAN ARE PERTINENT
Retired PLA Senior Colonel Zhou Bo told the Guardian (March 2) that the damage caused by Donald Trump to the United States’ reputation is creating opportunities for China, particularly with regards to Taiwan. He said that Trump was damaging the US’s reputation “more than all of his predecessors combined”. Zhou Bo commented: “By the end of his second term, I believe America’s global image will simply become more tarnished, its international standing will just go down further”. The people of Taiwan “know that America is going down”, which “might affect their mentality” with regards to China. Zhou Bo said the fate of Taiwan was not just up to the Taiwanese people. China’s population of 1.4 billion dwarfs Taiwan’s 23 million. “We can just not only think about what the Taiwanese think about it. We have to think about what mainlanders think about it.” He added that despite tensions over Taiwan, he saw Trump as overall being “rather friendly” towards China, noting that the tariffs on Chinese imports announced in Trump’s first days in office were much lower than the 60% he had threatened. Regarding the war in Ukraine, Zhou Bo added “The US really holds the key to resolving this issue”. Rejecting the suggestion that China was becoming irrelevant in the peace talks, he said “China is definitely indispensable … China’s role will be there when it comes to the time of a ceasefire or armistice.” He said China might decide to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, along with other non-Nato European countries and countries from the global south, pointing out that China is the second-largest contributor to the UN’s peacekeeping budget, after the US. He also said the China-Russia relationship “is strong, but short of an alliance”. “I describe it as two lines in parallel. That means no matter how close they are, they won’t overlap.” (Comment: Zhou Bo is quite an outspoken individual who is often present at international conferences and Track 1.5 or Track 2 meetings. He appears to have the requisite "clearance" from the CCP hierarchy. He is currently a senior fellow at the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University and is a frequent commentator on China’s foreign affairs.)

Mar 2025

CHINA-US: SPEAKING AT 2025 DUKE-UNC CHINA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ON MARCH 2, CHINESE AMBASSADOR XIE FENG ASSERTED IMPORTANCE OF CHINA AND U.S. BUILDING BRIDGES
Speaking via video link at the 2025 Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit, Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng said (March 1): "It’s a great pleasure to join so many young friends via video link at the 2025 Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit, themed as “Bridging the Pacific: Charting the Course of US-China Relations”. Over the past five decades, bridges one after another have connected China and the US across the Pacific, leaving us deeply interwoven. Meanwhile, economic and trade cooperation is being rattled by protectionism, people-to-people exchanges are being increasingly strained, and China-US relations are facing grave challenges. It is more important than ever for us to reflect and rebuild the bridges, and enhance the foundation for and inject impetus into the relationship. We need to establish a common vision, and build more bridges for friendship. We need to shoulder our common responsibility, and build more bridges for peace. China and the US need to live up to our responsibility as major countries, uphold peace, development and cooperation, and say no to hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism. As the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is unfolding, what we need is not a technological blockade, but “deep seeking” for human progress. Meanwhile, emerging high technology like AI could open “Pandora’s box”, and global competition, if left unchecked, could bring “gray rhinos”. We need to continue to jointly promote AI for good, improve global governance, and safeguard world peace. In 2024, four pandas settled down in San Diego and DC, and around 16,000 young Americans visited China under the “50,000 in five years” initiative. Earlier this year, the National Ballet of China staged seven performances of the dance Chinese New Year in the US. “Ne Zha 2” entered the top five at the North American box office on its opening weekend. China is now offering 240-hour visa-free transit policy to citizens from 54 nations, including the US. We hope the US will also move with us in the same direction and encourage more visits and exchanges between our two peoples, so that we can jointly write more stories of goodwill".

Mar 2025

CHINA-CANADA: CHINESE EMBASSY REJECTED CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER JOLY'S COMMENTS ABOUT REPTARIATION OF 20 UYGHURS BY THAILAND TO CHINA
The Chinese Embassy in Canada vehemently disagreed with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly's comments denouncing the return of forty Chinese nationals to China from Thailand. Calling the comments untrue and an intrusion into China’s domestic affairs, the embassy denounced Canada’s remarks. According to a spokesperson, China, working with Thailand, complied with both international and national laws.

Mar 2025

CHINA-DENMARK: CHINA'S VICE MINISTER OF THE CCP CC ILD VISITED DENMARK FROM MARCH 5-7
The Workers Daily (March 7) Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the CCP CC ILD led a CCP delegation to Denmark from March 5 to 7. He met the Environment Minister Hünik, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jep, party leaders, etc., and held discussions with think tank scholars and university student representatives to explain Xi Jinping's thoughts on state governance and global security initiatives. The Workers Daily (March 7) said the two sides expressed their willingness to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in areas such as green development, trade, and culture, practice multilateralism, and promote the development of China-Denmark and China-EU relations.

Mar 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRED A METTING OF THE POLITBURO TO DISCUSS THE GOVERNMENT WORK REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE NPC
People's Daily (February 28) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the CCP CC Politburo to discuss a draft of the Government Work Report to be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming national legislative session for review.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING READ ANNUAL REPORTS SUBMITTED BY SENIOR PARTY OFFICIALS AND EXHORTED THEM TO "RESOLUTELY IMPLEMENT" DECISIONS OF THE CCP CC AND ACHIEVE TARGETS OF THE 14TH FIVE YEAR PLAN
People's Daily (February 26) published a Xinhua (February 26) report that after reading the annual work reports of senior Party officials recently submitted to the CCP Central Committee and the General Secretary, Chinese President Xi Jinping asked senior Party officials to take on new responsibilities and initiate fresh actions in advancing Chinese modernization. He asked them to resolutely implement the major policies and decisions made by the CCP Central Committee and achieve the targets set forth in the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality to lay solid foundations for a good start to the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) period. Xi Jinping also called for calmly responding to any challenges arising from evolving dynamics at home and abroad, accelerating the establishment of a new development pattern, further deepening reform comprehensively, expanding high standard opening up, and promoting sustained economic recovery and growth. The officials included members of the CCP CC Political Bureau, CCP CC Secretariat, members of the leading Party members' groups of the NPC Standing Committee, the State Council and the CPPCC National Committee, as well as Secretaries of the leading Party members' groups of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN SPEAK VIA VIDEO-LINK ON FEBRUARY 24
The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (February 24) and Workers Daily (February 24) both reported that on February 24 afternoon Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin via video-link "at the latter's request". Xi Jinping said he discussed "carrying out activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. History and reality show us that China and Russia are good neighbours that cannot be moved away, and true friends who share weal and woe, support each other and develop together". Xi Jinping said China-Russia ties enjoy strong internal driving force and unique strategic value, adding that the relationship does not target any third party, nor would it be influenced by any third party. "The development strategies and foreign policies of China and Russia are long-term. No matter how the international situation changes, China-Russia relations will move forward calmly, help the development and revitalization of each other, and inject stability and positive energy into international relations". According to the Zhongguo Qingnian Bao, "Putin said that Russia attaches great importance to its relations with China and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges with China in the new year, deepening practical cooperation, and jointly commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a long-term perspective, not a stopgap measure, and is not affected by a single moment or external factors. Under the current situation, maintaining close communication between Russia and China is in line with the spirit of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries in the new era, and will also send a positive signal that Russia and China play a stabilizing role in international affairs". They also discussed the Ukraine situation with Putin saying "Russia is committed to eliminating the root causes of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reaching a sustainable and long-term peace plan". Both leaders also agreed to visit each others' country this year. CCTV (February 24) added that "the two sides agreed to continue to maintain communication and coordination through various means". (Comment: i) The video call, which underscores the depth of China-Russia ties, assumes significance as it comes amid the US' moves to end the war in Ukraine and improve ties with Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be very wary of such moves that, if successful, could weaken Sino-Russia ties. ii) Reports in the Russian media, TASS, said that Xi Jinping will visit Moscow to take part in the celebrations on May 9 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: SYMPOSIUM HELD IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 24 ON XI JINPING'S IMPORTANT THOUGHTS ON PARTY BUILDING
The PLA Daily (February 25) disclosed that a symposium on the publication of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Thoughts on Party Building was held in Beijing on February 24. The delegates exchanged their understanding and experience of studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on party building based on the main content of the General Thought. It said the symposium was organized by the National Party Building Research Association, and attended by relevant departments of the central and state organs, party building research associations (societies) of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant responsible persons of some centrally-managed enterprises and universities, and representatives of party history and party building experts.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG INSPECTED THREE TELECOM COMPANIES ON FEBRUARY 25 AND URGED THEM TO PROMOTE HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
People's Daily (February 26) reported that during his inspection of China Telecom, China Unicom and China Mobile on February 25, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for advancing scientific and technological innovation in frontier and emerging areas, better cultivating new quality productive forces and promoting the country's high-quality development. He said efforts should be made to quicken the technological research and standards development on 6G in the meantime of accelerating the large-scale application of 5G, Li said, calling for providing better services for private firms and medium and small-sized enterprises. CCTV (February 26) added that Li Qiang held a symposium during the inspection and asked the three companies to "effectively enhance their sense of responsibility and urgency, adhere to innovation-driven development, strive to achieve greater breakthroughs, lay a more solid foundation for the companies to become stronger, better and bigger, and provide more powerful support for my country to achieve high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and selfimprovement, and develop and strengthen emerging industries and future industries". Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing and State Councillor Wu Zhenglong were present during the inspection.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER STATE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEETING IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 22
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council Executive meeting in Beijing on February 22. The meeting discussed trade in services, services consumption and other issues and approved an action plan to improve the recycling system for used new energy vehicle (NEV) power batteries. The meeting said that China will adopt innovative measures to boost trade in services and fully apply a negative list for cross-border trade in services and introduce new opening-up measures in fields such as telecommunication, education, culture, medical services and finance. China will boost exports of services and expand multilateral and bilateral cooperation, as well as regional cooperation on trade in services and digital trade. The meeting also called for the high-quality development of services consumption.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER CAI QI MET LAOS VICE PRESIDENT AND LPRP POLITBURO MEMBER BOUNTHONG CHITMANY IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 27
Politburo Standing Committee member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi met a delegation led by Bounthong Chitmany, Politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and permanent member of the Secretariat of the LPRP Central Committee, and Vice President of Laos, in Beijing on February 27.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CPPCC CHAIRMAN AND PBSC MEMBER WANG HUNING ADDRESSED WORK CONFERENCE ON TAIWAN AFFAIRS IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 25-26
The People's Daily (February 26) reported that PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning addressed a work conference on Taiwan affairs held in Beijing from February 25-26, and stressed the importance of maintaining the initiative and the ability to steer in relations across the Taiwan Strait. He called for resolute efforts to advance the cause of national reunification. PB member and Director of the CCP CC Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi presided over the meeting.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND SECRETARY CDIC LI XI ADDRESSED MEETING FOR MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A YEAR-LONG DISCIPLINE INSPECTION CAMPAIGN
According to the People's Daily (February 26), PBSC member and Secretary of the CDIC Li Xi, spoke at a mobilization and arrangement meeting for a yearlong campaign to make discipline inspection and supervision work more procedure-based, law-based and standardized, in Beijing on February 25. Li Xi said "In the past year, faced with a severe and complex international environment and arduous and onerous domestic reform, development and stability tasks, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core insisted on leading the social revolution with the self-revolution of the Party, profoundly expounded the important ideas on the self-revolution of the Party, deployed and carried out party discipline learning and education throughout the Party, and unswervingly pushed forward the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party in depth, united and led the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country to unite and overcome difficulties, and Chinastyle modernization has taken new and solid steps". Li Xi urged cadres to make persistent efforts to make discipline inspection and supervision work more procedure-based, law-based and standardized. He said Chinese President Xi Jinping after a profound analysis issued a firm call to the whole Party to fight corruption forever. He disclosed too that last year the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) and the National Supervisory Commission directly investigated and filed cases for investigation of 92 central-level officials. Disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies across the country have filed a total of 877,000 cases, detained 38,000 people, and imposed party discipline and administrative sanctions on 889,000 people, including 17,000 in the financial sector, 94,000 in state-owned enterprises, 3,147 in the tobacco system, and 60,000 in the pharmaceutical sector. Under the high-pressure anticorruption deterrence, 25,000 people across the country voluntarily surrendered and 91,000 people voluntarily confessed their problems. It cooperated with relevant departments to rectify 15 specific practical matters such as the problem of defrauding and embezzling social security funds, guiding provincial-level Commissions for Discipline Inspection and Supervision to implement 126 key rectification projects according to local conditions, and driving cities and counties to solve 580,000 outstanding problems that the people strongly reflected. In conjunction with relevant departments it implemented a one-year special action to rectify corruption in the funeral field.

Feb 2025

CHINA-NPC: PBSC MEMBER AND NPC CHAIRMAN ZHAO LEJI PRESIDED OVER THE FIRST PLENARY MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE'S 14TH SESSION
The People's Daily (February 24 & 25) reported that the National People's Congress (NPC) started a regular session to review a raft of bills including law drafts and reports in Beijing on February 24. They also deliberated on the draft private economy promotion law, which adds new provisions prohibiting arbitrary fees and fines on private enterprises. The draft law was submitted on February 24, to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for a second reading. The first reading took place in December 2024. The draft bans the forced collection of funds or material donations from private enterprises and specifies that multiple inspection items of the same inspection target should be consolidated whenever possible or included within the scope of cross-departmental joint inspections. The session concluded on February 25. NPC Chairman and PBSC member Zhao Leji presided over the opening and concluding sessions of the first plenary meeting of the committee's 14th session. (Comment: The 'Big Two' are to commence on March 3 (CPPCC Plenum) and March 4 (NPC Plenum).)

Feb 2025

CHINA-TRADE UNION: ACFTU CHAIRMAN WANG DONGMING MET GENERAL SECRETARY OF WFTU IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 27
On February 27, Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), met Pampis Kerisis, General Secretary of the World Federation of Trade Unions, and Michael Maizwander, Chairman of the World Federation of Trade Unions, in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on consolidating traditional friendship, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of workers, and enhancing the welfare of workers around the world. Xu Liuping, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Vice Chairman and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, Wei Dichun, Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and others attended the meeting.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANNUAL NPC & CPPCC SESSIONS: CHINA'S ANNUAL CPPCC AND NPC SESSIONS (LIANGHUI) TO OPEN IN BEIJING ON MARCH 4 AND 5 RESPECTIVELY
The People's Daily (February 27) said that a press center for China's two annual sessions (called "Lianghui") opened on February 27, at the Media Center Hotel in Beijing. The third session of the 14th National People's Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will commence on March 5 and March 4, respectively. More than 3,000 journalists have registered to cover the "two sessions" this year, which marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period. Among them, over 1,000 reporters are from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and foreign countries.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE RECENTLY ISSUED 'NATIONAL PARTY MEMBER EDUCATION AND TRAINING WORK PLAN (2024- 2028)
The CCP CC General Office "recently" issued the "National Party Member Education and Training Work Plan (2024-2028)" and issued a notice requiring all regions and departments to conscientiously implement it in light of their actual conditions. The CMC has been instructed to formulate and implement the 5-part Work Plan for Party members in the PLA. (Comment: It is interesting that the 21st Party Congress is scheduled to be held in 2027, which is a year earlier than the conclusion of the Training Work Plan. The Work Plan highlights its main theme as "of learning and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era".

Feb 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: LI LECHENG APPOINTED PARY SECRETARY OF MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Beijing Daily (February 28) reported that the CCP CCC Organisation Department announced (February 28) that Li Lecheng was appointed Party Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on February 28.

Feb 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: STATE COUNCIL ANNOUNCED THREE MINISTER-LEVEL APPOINTMENTS ON FEBRUARY 25
The State Council announced the following appointments on February 25: Du Jiangfeng was appointed Vice Minister of Education; Qi Jiabin was named Head of the National Civil Service Administration; and Sun Youhong was appointed President of Southeast University.

Feb 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: FORMER MOFA SPOKESPERSON HUA CHUNYING APPOINTED SECRETARY GENERALOF CHINA CENTRAL AND EAST EUROPEAN SECRETARIAT
Hua Chunying has been appointed Secretary-General of the China-Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation Secretariat. (Comment: Hua Chunying is of Vice Minister rank in MoFA.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: TAN RUISONG, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF AVIC EXPELLED FROM CCP
The official website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the National Supervisory Commission announced on February 24, that Tan Ruisong, former Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China had been expelled from the CCP.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP'S LEADING FORTNIGHTLY THEORETICAL JOURNAL 'QIU SHI' TO PUBLISH CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S ARTICLE ON KEY RELATIONSHIPS IN ECONOMIC WORK
Xinhua (February 28) disclosed that the leading Party theoretical fortnightly journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) will publish an article by Chinese President Xi Jinping, on properly handling several key relationships in economic work, in its fifth issue of the year due on March 1. Beijing Daily (February 28) said the article is titled "Economic work must coordinate several important relationships".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: HE YITING, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE ON 'FULL-PROCESS PEOPLE'S DEMOCRACY'
People's Daily (February 26) published a lengthy article by He Yiting, a Chinese ideologist who has been Executive Vice President of the Central Party School since 2013, with the caption 'Developing full-process people's democracy is an essential requirement for China's modernization (deepening the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)'. Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying ""Full-process people's democracy is the essential attribute of socialist democratic politics and is the most extensive, most authentic and most effective democracy," it said "Democracy is an important symbol of national modernization and a distinctive feature of modern political civilization".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE CRITICAL OF RESTRICTIONS ON COOPERATION IN S&T
People's Daily (February 26) published an article captioned 'Adhere to open cooperation in science and technology for the benefit of mankind (Harmony)——Resolutely become an empowering power”. Stating that "it is the common aspiration of all countries to demand productivity from scientific and technological innovation, give full play to the enabling role of technology, and inject strong impetus into their economies with a new round of scientific and technological revolution", it added that "at the same time, "decoupling and breaking chains" and "small courtyards and high walls" are becoming more and more serious, and the technological gap risks widening the development gap". It asserted in conclusion that "China's innovative wisdom is infinite, and China's mind is extremely broad. While China is leading the development of new quality productivity with scientific and technological innovation, it is determined to promote scientific and technological progress through open cooperation, and promote common development through sharing of innovative achievements, empowering global sustainable development and world modernization."

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: MO GUANGHUI, DEAN OF RURAL REVITALISATION AND PUBLIC POLICY OF GUANGXI UNIVERSITY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON RURAL REVITALISATION
Mo Guanghui, Dean of the Institute of Rural Revitalization and Public Policy of Guangxi University, published an article in Guangming Daily (February 26) titled 'Establish a long-term mechanism for in-depth study and application of the experience of the "Ten Million Project".'

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED LENGTHY ARTICLE ON 15TH FIVE YEAR PLAN
Guangming Daily (February 26) published an article titled 'Towards the 15th Five-Year Plan: Improve the national economic and social development planning system' authored jointly by Zhou Shifeng, Wang Lin and Zhang Bowen, all Professor-level senior engineers and economists at the Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the Zhejiang Provincial Development and Planning Institute respectively.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: DU CHUANG, DIRECTOR OF CENTRE FOR PRIVATE ECONOMY RESEARCH AT CASS, UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISES AT PRESENT TIME
Guangming Daily (February 24) published an article captioned 'Resolutely be a builder of socialism with Chinese characteristics and a promoter of Chinese-style modernization' by Du Chuang, Researcher at the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Director of the Center for Private Economy Research, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article focussed on Chinese President Xi Jinping's "important" speech at the recent meeting with China's private entrepreneurs, calling it "inspiring" and reflecting "the determination of the Party and the government to support the development of the private economy, but also points out the mission that the majority of private enterprises and private entrepreneurs should undertake". It said "The fate of private enterprises is closely linked to the fate of the country. Since modern times, national capital and private entrepreneurs have played an important role in the struggle for national independence and people's liberation". Asserting that "the private economy has contributed more than 70% of the technological innovation achievements”, it said that with new technologies such as the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and genetic engineering advancing by leaps and bounds, the new generation of private enterprises is becoming an important force for independent innovation and cultivating new quality productivity. It asserted it is "crucial to optimize and improve the modern enterprises".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY DISCLOSED THAT SINCE JANUARY 1, 2025, ALL REGIONS AND DEPARTMENTS HAVE PROMOTED COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
A People's Daily (February 23) article captioned 'Enhance regional development vitality—— In 2025, China's economy will do this emphasised that "coordinated development is the key to success. The implementation of the regional coordinated development strategy is related to the overall economic development of our country". It disclosed that "Since the beginning of this year, all regions and departments have solidly promoted the implementation of regional coordinated development strategies, major regional strategies, and main functional area strategies".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CDIC OFFICIAL WEBSITE EXHORTED COMPREHENSIVE DEEPENING OF REFORM TO PROMOTE CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION
The official website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and National Supervisory Commission published (February 23) an article captioned 'Improve the coordinated supervision mechanism for major cross-regional and cross-departmental strategies' - Promote the specificity, precision and normalization of political supervision'. Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's instructions at the 4th plenary session of the 20th CDIC, it said the CDIC should "strengthen political supervision around the major arrangements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and strive to promote further comprehensive deepening of reform and promote the steady and long-term development of Chinese-style modernization".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC ISSUED 'OPINIONS' ON JANUARY 1, 2025, ON PROMOTING REVITALISATION OF RURAL AREAS TO BUILD A STRONG AGRICULTURAL COUNTRY
Xinhua (February 23) published the authorised version of the "Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Further Deepening Rural Reform and Solidly Promoting the Comprehensive Revitalization of Rural Areas" that were issued on January 1, 2025, on February 23. The 'Opinions' said "To achieve Chinese-style modernization, we must accelerate the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas". It said "the international environment is complex and severe, and China's development faces more uncertain and unpredictable factors. The more we deal with risks and challenges, the more we must consolidate the foundation of the "three rural" work. To do a good job in the "three rural issues" in 2025 and the future period, we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, thoroughly implement the important expositions and important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on the "three rural issues", adhere to and strengthen the party's overall leadership over the "three rural issues", "adhere to maintaining stability, adhere to the priority development of agriculture and rural areas, adhere to the integrated development of urban and rural areas" and promote "the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas and building a strong agricultural country". ii) The CCTV (February 23) also telecast the 'Opinions'. (Comment: The 'Opinions' are the CCP CC's No 1 Central Document. Rural revitalisation has been the theme of CCP CC's No 1 document since 2021.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CDIC OFFICIAL WEBSITE EXHORTED COMPREHENSIVE DEEPENING OF REFORM TO PROMOTE CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION
The official website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and National Supervisory Commission published (February 23) an article captioned 'Improve the coordinated supervision mechanism for major cross-regional and cross-departmental strategies' - Promote the specificity, precision and normalization of political supervision'. Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's instructions at the 4th plenary session of the 20th CDIC, it said the CDIC should "strengthen political supervision around the major arrangements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and strive to promote further comprehensive deepening of reform and promote the steady and long-term development of Chinese-style modernization".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE BY MA ZHENGYONG, PARTY SECRETARY OF MEIZHOU MUNICIPALITY, GUANGDONG ON THE PARTY'S INNOVATIVE THEORIES
People's Daily (February 21) published an article by Ma Zhengyong, Secretary of the Meizhou Municipal Committee of Guangdong Province, under the caption 'Grasping the transformation and implementation of the Party’s innovative theories'. Ma Zhengyong said in the article that "The Party's innovative theory is our Party's precious spiritual wealth. Theory comes from practice and guides practice. The process of using the Party's innovative theory to guide practice is also the process of insisting on being responsible to the Party, the people, and history. The three are highly unified and completely consistent. Grasping the transformation and implementation of the Party's innovative theory, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and taking it into heart and practice is the process of achieving this unity. Only in this high degree of unity can the people's practice under the guidance of the Party's innovative theory demonstrate the most powerful vitality".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINA TO COMPLETE 60,000 URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS IN 2024 WITH AN INVESTMENT OF 2.9 TRILLION YUAN
People's Daily (February 21) published an article by Li Shujian and Yang Jing of the School of Public Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, with the caption 'Actively implement urban renewal actions: Build a good urban public cultural space'. The article disclosed that China's urban development has entered an important period of urban renewal. It said according to statistics, by 2024, China will implement more than 60,000 urban renewal projects and complete an investment of about 2.9 trillion yuan.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE SAID URBANISATION OF RURAL MIGRANT POPULATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
Guangming Daily (February 21) published an article titled 'Promoting the urbanization of agricultural migrant population is an important task of new urbanization', which said "The urbanization of rural migrant population is not only an inherent requirement for unblocking the flow of urban and rural factors and achieving high-quality development, but also an important part of the overall promotion of new urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization."

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S VICE MINISTER OF SMAR CONVENED MEETING OF 7 TECH, SOLAR AND AUTO COMPANIES TO DISCUSS THEIR OVERCAPACITIES
On February 26, China’s market regulator State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) gathered seven tech, solar, and auto companies to discuss their industries’ overcapacity-driven price wars. The companies which attended were: Alibaba and JD.com (from the tech side); JA Solar, Trina Solar, and LONGi (from the solar side); and BAIC and Mercedes-Benz (from the auto side). After hearing the companies’ views, State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) Vice Minister Meng Yang stated SAMR would: “Proactively resolve issues hindering fair competition”. (Comment: These high-end industries, all critical for China’s movement up the value chain, are suffering from “involution” – cut-throat competition for market share that has dramatically reduced returns on R&D. This meeting about price wars was missing the auto companies driving the auto price war – industry leaders Tesla, BYD, Geely, Chery.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCED COMBINATION OF MEASURES TO SUPPORT FARMERS PRODUCING RICE, WHEAT AND CORN IN ADDITION TO SUBSIDIES
China's Economic Observer (February 24) reported that Zhu Weidong, Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Commission and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, had acknowledged that the prices of some agricultural products have been sluggish since last year, and the prices of some varieties have fallen sharply, affecting the efficiency of agricultural production and operation. Local governments and relevant departments have accordingly successively introduced a series of industrial relief policies to help farmers and business entities overcome difficulties. He said the Document No. 1 has launched a set of policy "combination punches" to promote the stabilization and recovery of prices of agricultural products such as grain and protect farmers' enthusiasm for farming and growing grain. Among the policy support measures, he said the authorities will implement the minimum purchase price policy for rice and wheat, launch the purchase of rice in Henan, Jiangsu, Heilongjiang and Anhui provinces, increase the purchase and storage of wheat and corn, promote the sale and processing of soybeans, stabilize market prices, and prevent the difficulty of selling grain. "In terms of subsidies, we will continue to stabilize the subsidy policy for arable land protection, improve the subsidy policy for corn and soybean producers and rice subsidies, and encourage local governments to carry out pilot projects for interest subsidies for special loans for grain and oil planting. In terms of insurance, we will reduce the proportion of agricultural insurance premium subsidies borne by large grainproducing counties at the county level".

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: NUMBER OF OVERSEAS STUDENTS RETURNING TO CHINA- FOR JOBS REACHED A NEW HIGH IN 2024
Caixin (February 21) disclosed that the "2024 China Returnees Employment Survey Report" recently released by Zhaopin.com said the number of overseas students returning to China for job hunting reached a new high in 2024, of which more than 80% had master's and doctoral degrees. It said education and training and overseas study consulting agencies have the highest demand for returnees, and the demand for talents in overseas market development has increased.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: PROTESTORS LAST WEEK DEMANDED THAT SHANDONG TAISHAN IRON AND STEEL GROUP REPAY DEBTS AND SETTLE PAYMENTS
Last week, thousands of people gathered in front of the Shandong Taishan Iron and Steel Group office building in Shandong, demanding that the company repay financing funds and settle payments, and confronted police and security personnel. The company owed RMB 1.172 billion in commercial bills that were overdue. According to foreign media reports, protesters also blocked the road outside the factory constantly shouting, "pay back the money, pay back the money." Chinese social media, however, quickly deleted several related videos.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: GDP GROWTH RATES OF BEIJING-TIANJIN-HEBEI EXPECTED TO EXCEED 5 PERCENT IN 2024 WITH TOTAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT AT 11.5 TRILLION YUAN
The People's Daily (February 21) claimed 'The total economic output of the three regions reached 11.5 trillion yuan - The coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei has entered a new decade'. It reported that the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Coordinated Development Joint Working Office at a press conference in Beijing on February 20 stated that in 2024, the GDP growth rates of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei will reach 5.2%, 5.1% and 5.4% respectively, and the total regional economic output will be 11.5 trillion yuan. It claimed the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei has entered a new stage of all-round, high-quality and in-depth advancement. (Comment: Reports released by China's economic departments have stated that more than half of China's provinces have failed to reach their already lowered GDP targets.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA- ESTABLISHED A DEEP-SEA EXPERIMENTAL FACILITY 2000 METRES UNDERWATER IN THE SOUTH CHINA- SEA
Global Times (February 28) said that China had established a large-scale manned deep-sea experimental facility called ‘Cold Spring Ecosystem Research Device’ 2000 metres underwater in the South China Sea which will bring the fantasy scene of undersea research bases in science fiction films into reality. The South China Sea Institute of Oceanography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences took the lead in declaring and undertaking the construction of scientific research facilities. It added that because of its ability to provide researchers with a safe, comfortable and durable living and working space in the extreme environment of the deep sea of high pressure, low temperature, lack of oxygen, it is also compared to a ‘seabed space station’ located in the deep sea. Global Times added that the cold spring device breakthrough in the deep sea in situ long-term manned residency experimental technology, the future can be applied to the construction of different spectrum of deep sea residency equipment, and widely used in the seabed oil and gas and iron and manganese nodules and other mineral resources development, submarine engineering construction and the South China Sea island resources development and rights and interests maintenance and other fields. It said the establishment of multi-disciplinary integrated cross-platform, optimise the regional scientific and technological layout, to attract high-level research and technical personnel, and ultimately drive the development of related industries.

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA-'S ALIBABA ANNOUNCED IT WILL SPEND MORE THAN 380 BILLION YUAN (US$ 54 BILLION) IN AI INFRASTRUCTURE BETWEEN 2025-2027
On February 24, Alibaba said it will spend more than RMB 380 billion (or USD 54 billion) in AI infrastructure from 2025-2027. This move was telegraphed during Alibaba’s Q4 earnings call last week, when executives stated that the company’s next three years’ capex would exceed its total spending over the past decade, which sits at roughly RMB 376 billion. Chinese analysts say investors have flip-flopped from “China is uninvestable” to “China is in the AI race with the US” in just a matter of days.

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA- LAUNCHED TWO SATELLITES ABOARD A LONG MARCH- 2C CARRIER ROCKET ON FEBRUARY 27
China launched a Long March-2C carrier rocket on February 27, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and sent two satellites, Siwei Gaojing-1 03 and Siwei Gaojing-1 04, into their preset orbit. The rocket blasted off at 3:08 p.m. (Beijing Time). It was the 561st flight mission of the Long March series of rockets.

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: GAO WEN, DIRECTOR OF CHINA-'S PENGCHENG LABORATORY, STRESSED THAT CHINA- MUST URGENTLY FOCUS ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
People's Daily (February 24) published an article captioned 'Seize the historic opportunity of artificial intelligence development (deepen the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era) ——Deeply understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on artificial intelligence' by Gao Wen, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of Pengcheng Laboratory. The article said "artificial intelligence has become a new focus of international competition and a new engine of economic development, and is having a significant and far-reaching impact on economic development, social progress, and the international political and economic landscape" and "accelerating the development of a new generation of artificial intelligence is an important strategic tool for us to win the initiative in global scientific and technological competition, and is an important strategic resource for promoting the leapfrog development of my country's science and technology, the optimization and upgrading of industries, and the overall leap in productivity. The development of artificial intelligence is an inevitable requirement for building a strong country". Emphasising that "artificial intelligence is a strategic commanding height for competition among major powers. Whoever can seize the initiative in the field of artificial intelligence will have more say on the international stage and lay a solid foundation for the country's long-term stability and the people's happiness and wellbeing", it stressed that China must urgently seize this "critical historical opportunity".

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT 'NATIONAL PARTY MEMBER EDUCATION AND TRAINING WORK PLAN (2024-2028)' THROUGHOUT THE PLA
The PLA Daily (February 27) highlighted that the CCP CC General Office had "recently" issued the "National Party Member Education and Training Work Plan (2024-2028)" and issued a notice requiring all regions and departments to conscientiously implement it in light of their actual conditions. After reporting the text of the Work Plan, it added "The Central Military Commission will formulate implementation opinions on the education and training of Party members in the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force in accordance with the spirit of this plan".

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SIGNED THREE NEW REVISED REGULATIONS GUIDED BY XI JINPING THOUGHT ON SOCIALISM WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS IN NEW ERA
CCTV (February 21) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping "recently" signed an order to issue the newly revised "Regulations on Internal Affairs of the People's Liberation Army of China", "Regulations on Discipline of the People's Liberation Army of China", and "Regulations on Formations of the People's Liberation Army of China" which will come into effect on April 1, 2025. It said the revised regulations "are guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" and that they "thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military, thoroughly implement the military strategic guidelines of the new era, aim to achieve the Party's goal of strengthening the military in the new era and build the people's army into a world-class army in an all-round way, focus on preparing for war, respond to the concerns of the troops, and innovate and improve the military's internal affairs construction, discipline maintenance, and queue life systems". It is a code of conduct that all soldiers must abide by. The revised "Regulations on Internal Affairs of the Chinese People's Liberation Army" has 13 chapters and 311 articles. The revised "Regulations on Discipline of the Chinese People's Liberation Army" has 8 chapters and 193 articles, mainly distinguishing between wartime, peacetime and major non-war military operations. The revised "Regulations on Formation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army" has 8 chapters and 100 articles and mainly deal with the various types of ceremonies. ii) The PLA Daily headline for the news item said "Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping signed an order to issue the newly revised joint doctrine". (Comment: The Regulations emphasise Xi Jinping Thought in the new era and have a focus on training and discipline.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-TIBET: TIBETAN OPERA "PRINCESS WENCHANG" PERFORMED AT 2025 TIBETAN WOOD SNAKE GALA OF KANGBA TV
Shambala News (February 24) reported that at the 2025 Tibetan Wood Snake New Year Gala of Kangba TV, the Tibetan opera "Princess Wencheng" performed by the Tibetan Opera Troupe of Rongtang County became the focus of everyone's attention. It said, "the program is not only an artistic presentation of the classic historical story of "Princess Wencheng's Journey to Tibet", but also a vivid interpretation of the spirit of national unity, shining brightly on the stage".

Feb 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON WARNED TAIWAN'S RULING DPP: "WE WILL COME AND GET YOU, SOONER OR LATER"
Global Times (February 27) reported that the Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian on February 27, warned Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities: "We will come and get you, sooner or later." He made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a report claiming that Taiwan’s Exercise Han Kuang 41 would considerably increase the duration of its live-fire phase, and would mobilize as many as 3,000 reserve troops as prodded by the US side. Wu Qian said the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference. The US side wants to contain China with Taiwan and connives at risky and provocative activities of the DPP authorities for “Taiwan independence.” This strategy will ultimately backfire. He added that the DPP authorities have an illusion of “soliciting US support for independence” and “resisting unification by force.” It is a serious miscalculation of the situation.

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: GLOBAL TIMES ARTICLE QUOTES CHINESE EXPERT SAYING THAT BANGLADESH STRIVING FOR STRATEGIC AND DIPLOMATIC INDEPENDENCE OPPOSING INDIA'S USE OF BANGLADESH AS A SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Global Times (February 26) published an article captioned 'Some Indian media closely follow Bangladesh friendship delegation's visit to China, reflects New Delhi's anxieties: expert', which claimed that the Indian media has paid close attention to the visit to China of Bangladesh friendship delegation comprising leaders from political parties, representatives from think tanks, media and youth delegates characterizing the trip with phrases like "China opens its arms for Dhaka as Bangladesh-India ties deteriorate" and "China courts Bangladesh's big parties." Saying this reflected "the anxieties of some in India toward changes in Bangladesh's domestic political dynamics", it added It said "such anxiety is unnecessary as China and Bangladesh develops relations based on mutual respect, equality and non-interference regardless of how the international and domestic situations of Bangladesh change, and their relations do not target any third party or harm others' interests, but are oriented toward peoples of both countries, contributing to regional stability and development". It quoted Qian Feng, Director of the Research Department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, as telling Global Times that "The interim government urgently needs to deliver tangible economic progress to stabilize the country, in which Bangladesh hopes China can play a role." Qian Feng also said strengthening exchanges and mutual learning between China and Bangladesh on governance experience in fields like development and alleviating poverty can effectively help Bangladesh find a development path that suits its national and social conditions, and he added that "Bangladesh has been striving for strategic and diplomatic independence, opposing India's use of the country as a sphere of influence."

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE AND INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MET ON FEBRUARY 21 IN JOHANNESBURG; DIFFERENCES IN THEIR REMARKS
China's Economic Observer (February 21) citing China's Ministry of Commerce website, said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Johannesburg on February 21. Wang Yi recalled that last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi held a successful meeting in Kazan and determined the general direction for the improvement and development of bilateral relations. "Following this, exchanges at all levels between the two countries have been restored in an orderly manner, and the special representatives on the border issue have reached a consensus on properly handling specific differences. It is in line with the common expectations of the two peoples for China and India to restore mutual trust and achieve win-win cooperation. The two sides should follow the consensus of the leaders of the two countries as the fundamental guideline to ensure that bilateral relations are always on the right track. China is willing to work with India to plan the commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and inject new impetus into the development of bilateral relations. Jaishankar replied that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with President Xi Jinping in Kazan provided important guidance for the reconstruction of bilateral relations between India and China. The exchanges between the two sides in various fields have been gradually restored and have achieved remarkable results. It is in the interests of both sides for India and China to establish mutual trust. India cherishes the hard-won results of improving bilateral relations and is willing to speed up the restoration of cooperation mechanisms with China, enhance cultural exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. The world today faces the risk of division and polarization. India and China are both members of the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS mechanism. It is particularly important to strengthen international cooperation. India is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in this regard". (Comment: There are differences in the comments of the two Foreign Ministers. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar's remarks are more cautious and speak of "gradual" restoration of exchanges and that both sides need to establish "mutual trust".)

Feb 2025

CHINA-MALDIVES: CHINA'S SOUTH CHINA- SEA OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE OF CHINA- AND MALDIVES ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AGENCY HAVE SIGNED AN AGREEMENT FOR OCEAN SEABED EXPLORATION
A media report (February 24) revealed that Maldives has signed a major deal between the South China Sea Oceanographic Institute of China and the Environmental Protection Agency of Maldives to strengthen cooperation in the field of technology. Under this agreement, which has been signed between the South China Sea Oceanographic Institute of China and the Environmental Protection Agency of Maldives, India’s tension in the Indian Ocean region may increase, especially for the Indian military base located in Lakshadweep. The South China Sea Institute of Oceanology is one of China’s largest marine research institutes and has designed and built research vessels. The agreement with the South China Sea Oceanography Institute allows China to measure wind, sea current, sound, salinity and temperature. These devices will be installed on the sea floor and sea surface allowing the possibility of recording and monitoring sonar signals. This agreement allows China to observe and monitor the sounds of living and inanimate objects. These devices can detect ships on the sea surface and submarines under the sea. It can also detect aircraft and their altitude. (Comment: The South China Sea Institute of Oceanology is one of China’s largest marine research institutes and has designed and built research vessels.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE MOFA SPOKESMAN ASSERTED THAT U.S. CANNOT SOW DISCORD BETWEEN CHINA AND RUSSIA
People's Daily (February 27) said that responding to remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said it is completely useless for the United States to try to sow discord between China and Russia. He said that as two major countries, the relationship between China and Russia has a strong internal driving force and is not affected by any third party. Lin Jian added that the development strategies and foreign policies of China and Russia are long-term ones and that despite changes in the international situation, China-Russia relations will move forward calmly.

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: U.S. PRESIDENT ISSUED 'AMERICA FIRST INVESTMENT POLICY' ON FEBRUARY 21 IMPOSING STRINGENT RESTRICTIONS ON PRC
The US President on February 21 signed the 'America First Investment Policy', which included some stringent restrictions on the People's Republic of China (PRC). It accused the PRC saying that "Certain foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), systematically direct and facilitate investment in United States companies and assets to obtain cutting-edge technologies, intellectual property, and leverage in strategic industries. The PRC pursues these strategies in diverse ways, both visible and concealed, and often through partner companies or investment funds in third countries". Listing ways in which the PRC exploits America, it asserted that "Yet for investment in United States businesses involved in critical technology, critical infrastructure, personal data, and other sensitive areas, restrictions on foreign investors’ access to United States assets will ease in proportion to their verifiable distance and independence from the predatory investment and technology-acquisition practices of the PRC and other foreign adversaries or threat actors". This has implications for all countries trading with and exporting to the U.S. or wanting to be part of the "trusted" global supply chain. It added that "The United States will establish new rules to stop United States companies and investors from investing in industries that advance the PRC’s national Military- Civil Fusion strategy and stop PRC-affiliated persons from buying up critical American businesses and assets, allowing only those investments that serve American interests" and the "United States will also use all necessary legal instruments to further deter United States persons from investing in the PRC’s military-industrial sector" including imposition of sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It also clarified that "For purposes of this memorandum, the term “foreign adversaries” includes the PRC, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region; the Republic of Cuba; the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the Russian Federation; and the regime of Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro".

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER HE LIFENG HELD VIDEO CALL WITH U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY BENSON ON FEBRUARY 21
Nanfang Ribao (Southern Daily; February 21) revealed that Chinese Politburo member, Vice Premier and Chinese leader of China-US economic and trade cooperation. On February 21, He Lifeng, held a video call with US Treasury Secretary Benson at his request on February 21. It said the two sides exchanged in-depth views on important economic issues between China and the United States around the implementation of the consensus reached by the Chinese and US heads of state. Both sides recognized the importance of China-US economic and trade relations and agreed to continue to maintain communication on issues of mutual concern. China expressed serious concerns about the recent restrictive measures such as the imposition of tariffs by the United States on China.

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA-'S COMMERCE MINISTRY CRITICISED U.S.' 'AMERICA FIRST' MEMORANDUM AS DISCRIMINATORY AND 'TYPICAL NON-MARKET PRACTICE'
The People's Daily (February 22) reported that while answering a question on the US's release of the "America First" investment policy memorandum, China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said that the US practice generalizes the concept of national security, is discriminatory, and is a typical non-market practice that seriously affects the normal economic and trade cooperation between enterprises of the two countries. The spokesperson said that with regard to Chinese investment in the United States, the United States' stricter security review of Chinese investment will seriously undermine Chinese companies' confidence in investing in the United States. We hope that the US will provide a fair, transparent, stable and predictable business environment for Chinese companies to invest in the US. The US will further take more restrictive measures on US investment in China, which is very unreasonable. Once these measures are implemented, they will further distort investment exchanges between the two countries and will not benefit the United States itself. Many American business associations and companies have suggested that U.S. investment restrictions on China will cause American companies to give up the Chinese market to other competitors. The spokesperson said that China urges the United States to abide by international investment and trade rules, respect the laws of the market economy, and stop politicizing and weaponizing economic and trade issues. China will closely monitor the US's movements and take necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests.

Feb 2025

CHINA-GERMANY: REN HONGBIN, CHAIRMAN OF CCPIT, LED A 30-MEMBER CHINESE BUSINESS DELEGATION ON A 3-DAY VISIT (FEBRUARY 24-27) TO MEET MEMBERS OF GERMANY’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
Global Times (February 24) said that the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) stated that a Chinese business delegation comprising about 30 major enterprises and industry associations and led by Ren Hongbin, Chairman of CCPIT, departed for Germany on February 24, on a three-day business trip. This trip will focus mainly on automotive industry cooperation and enhancing communication and exchanges to deepen practical cooperation with the German Business community. The Chinese delegation will meet corporate leaders from major German automobile companies and suppliers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Bosch.

Feb 2025

CHINA-AUSTRALIA: THREE CHINESE WARSHIPS WERE SPOTTED OFF HOBART AFTER COMPLETING THEIR 'LIVE-FIRE' EXERCISE
Australia's Defence Department said (February 24) that three Chinese warships, namely the Jiangkai-class frigate Hengyang, the Renhai-class Cruiser Zunyi, and the Fuchi-class replenishment vessel Weishanhu, were operating approximately 160 nautical miles (296 kilometres) east of Hobart," after recently completing live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ASEAN: ASEAN-CHINA- CENTRE AND EMBASSY OF MALAYSIA HOSTED THE HIGH-LEVEL THINKTANK SEMINAR ON ASEAN-CHINA- RELATIONS IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 21
The High-Level Think Tank Seminar on ASEAN-China Relations, themed "Navigating the Future of ASEAN-China Relations: Challenges and Opportunities," was held in Beijing on February 21. It was co-hosted by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing. People's Daily (February 24) said that prominent scholars and heads of renowned think tanks from eight ASEAN Member States (AMS) and China, diplomats of foreign embassies in China, and representatives from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended. It said that during the seminar's opening ceremony, Shi Zhongjun, Secretary General of the ACC, emphasized the importance of China and ASEAN making concerted efforts to align with current trends and make prudent historical choices as "twin engines" driving steady and sustainable growth in the region and even the world. Liu Jinsong, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated China's firm support for a united, prosperous, and strong ASEAN and ASEAN's centrality in regional cooperation. He called for closer unity and cooperation between China and ASEAN.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED FORMER VICE PREMIER ZOU JIAHUA'S CREMATION IN BABAOSHAN CEMETERY ON FEBRUARY 20
Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, bid farewell to former Vice Premier Zou Jiahua at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery on February 20 morning. Zou Jiahua died on February 16 in Beijing at the age of 99. Xinhua (February 2) said that Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and Hu Jintao either paid Zou a visit while he was in hospital or mourned him and sent condolences to his family through various means following his passing. (Comment: i) Zou Jianhua was a member of the 14th Politburo from 1992-1997. He was Vice Premier from 1991-1998. He was also Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the ninth National People's Congress. ii) China's official media invariably mentions former Chinese President Hu Jintao's presence at such commemorative or formal functions.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CONVENED GATHERING IN BEIJING OF CHINA'S LEADING PRIVATE COMPANIES ON FEBRUARY 16
i) Chinese President Xi Jinping attended and delivered an important speech after listening to representatives of private entrepreneurs at a symposium with some of China’s largest private companies on February 17 morning. Workers Daily (February 17) reported Xi Jinping as saying the basic principles and policies of the Party and the State on the development of the private economy have been incorporated into the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and will be consistently adhered to and implemented. "They cannot and will not change. In the new era and new journey, the development prospects of the private economy are broad and promising. The private economy has broad prospects for development and great potential. It is time for private enterprises and private entrepreneurs to show their talents". Xi Jinping stressed that enterprises are the main business entities, and the endogenous driving force of enterprise development is the first. The majority of private enterprises and private entrepreneurs should be full of passion for entrepreneurship and serving the country, constantly improve their ideals, cultivate their patriotism, think of their roots and progress, promote the entrepreneurial spirit, concentrate on strengthening, optimizing and expanding enterprises, and firmly become builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics and promoters of Chinese-style modernization. We must unswervingly follow the path of high-quality development, stick to the main business, strengthen the real industry, strengthen independent innovation, change the development mode, and continuously improve the quality, efficiency and core competitiveness of enterprises. He added "We must adhere to honest and law-abiding operations, establish correct values and morals, and promote the healthy development of the private economy with practical actions. We must actively fulfil our social responsibilities, actively build harmonious labour relations, do a good job in ecological environmental protection, participate in public welfare and charity to the best of our ability, and give more love to society". ii) Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also attended the symposium, which was presided over by Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning. Shi Taifeng, Li Shulei, He Lifeng, Wu Zhenglong and Mu Hong also attended the symposium along with representatives of central and state organs and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. Among the private entrepreneurs who attended were: Ren Zhengfei, Huawei; Wang Chuanfu, BYDCompany; Liu Yonghao, New Hop; Yu Renrong, OmniVision Technologies; Wang Xingxing, UnitreeRobotics, Lei Jun, Xiaomi; Zeng Yuqun, catl_official; Ma Yun (Jack Ma ⻢ 云), AlibabaGroup; Ma Huateng (Pony Ma), TencentGlobal; Liang Wenfeng, deepseek_ai; Nan Cunhui, Chint Group; Leng Youbin, China Feihe; and Qi Xiangdong, Qi-Anxin. The CEOs of Baidu and Jd.com were not invited. iii) Of them Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD Co., Ltd.; Liu Yonghao, Chairman of New Hope Holdings Group Co., Ltd.; Yu Renrong, Chairman of Shanghai Will Semiconductor Co., Ltd.; Wang Xingxing, CEO of Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd.; and Lei Jun, Chairman of Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd. spoke and offered suggestions. (Comment: Following news of the meeting shares of Alibaba, Tencent, and Xiaomi were all up over 5%. Xi Jinping had gathered leaders of private industry together for a high-profile symposium in November 2018. It presaged a years-long crackdown on many parts of the private sector. ii) Xi Jinping's speech is obviously intended to encourage China's private entrepreneurs who have been feeling neglected. The success of Deepseek could have triggered the meeting. iii) All the official newspapers and CCTV reported the meeting and Xi Jinping’s speech.) iv) The overseas Chinese social media said that after the private enterprise forum the summaries of the speeches by six entrepreneurs at the meeting were circulated online. Among them, 80-year-old Ren Zhengfei, founder of the technology giant Huawei, said that although China has made significant progress in the fields of smart driving and semiconductors, it still needs to be wary of "surface prosperity covering up internal shortcomings", saying that the next five years will be a life-or-death window for China's technology industry. Ren Zhengfei said that although China has made significant progress in smart driving, semiconductors and other fields, it still needs to be vigilant about the problem of "surface prosperity covering up internal shortcomings", and called on private enterprises to strengthen core technology research and development and global layout to meet the challenges of global technological competition. He revealed that Huawei has launched the "Backup Plan 2.0"and joined forces with 2,000 domestic companies to reconstruct the ecosystem in key areas such as semiconductors and software, with the goal of achieving a full industry chain autonomy rate of more than 70% by 2028. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD, said that private enterprises should actively participate in global competition and expand international markets, and called on private enterprises to pay attention to the training and introduction of talents. In an interview with CCTV after the meeting, Wang Chuanfu said that China's new energy vehicle technology is about 3 to 5 years ahead in terms of products, technology and industrial chain. Only through open innovation can the world feel such good products. v) Xinhua (February 18) published a report, which was reproduced in China's official media, stating that Xi Jinping's "important" speech "greatly inspired enthusiasm and boosted confidence in development, and will surely effectively promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy". It quoted various prominent Chinese entrepreneurs. Qi Xiangdong, Chairman of Qi An Xin Group: "The General Secretary reiterated the 'two unshakable' principles and stressed that 'the Party and the state guarantee that all types of economic ownership use production factors equally in accordance with the law, participate in market competition fairly, and are equally protected by law'. This once again gave private enterprises a 'reassurance' and encouraged us to roll up our sleeves and work hard." Zheng Bei, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission: "General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the basic principles and policies of the Party and the country on the development of the private economy 'cannot and will not change', indicating that this basic principle and policy of our Party is consistent and will continue to be upheld and implemented." He added it "provided a fundamental guideline". BYD Co., Ltd. Chairman Wang Chuanfu: "Nowadays, my country is moving from a major automobile country to a powerful automobile country. We insist on doing real industry and serving the country with industry. We are confident that the new energy vehicle industry will become bigger and bigger." Wang Xingxing, CEO of Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd., (a post-90s entrepreneur): Xi Jinping emphasized that "we must maintain development determination, strengthen development confidence, and maintain the spirit of hard work and success', which inspired and motivated everyone. We will further increase investment in scientific research, develop new products, and constantly open up new development tracks". Gao Yuejing, Chairman of Xi'an Lanxiao Technology New Materials Co., Ltd.: “The General Secretary's important speech is sincere and pragmatic. It not only addresses the concerns of private enterprises, but also points out the direction of policy support. We must unify our thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee's judgment on the situation and the Party Central Committee's decision-making and deployment on economic work, strengthen our confidence in victory, and bravely climb the peak of science and technology. “Leng Youbin, Chairman of Heilongjiang Feihe Dairy Co., Ltd.: "We will focus on industry, strengthen our main business, seek development, continuously expand and strengthen China's milk powder brand, and promote high-quality development with practical actions". Wang Xing, founder, Chairman and CEO of Meituan: "If private enterprises work together and overcome difficulties, they will surely seize new development opportunities and achieve new breakthroughs, we will deeply understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, actively embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, continue to actively promote consumption, explore the research and development of technologies such as drone delivery and automatic delivery, strive to 'go global' to expand overseas markets, and constantly create new development situations." Wang Hongyan, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce: "We will guide the majority of private economic people to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, draw wisdom and strength from the General Secretary's important speech, let the development of enterprises resonate with national strategies, and actively participate in China's modernization construction. Strengthen enterprise services, assist the Party and the government in removing various obstacles to the equal use of production factors and fair participation in market competition in accordance with the law, and help create a more fair and open market environment." The People's Daily (February 19) published a Commentary reiterating that "The basic principles and policies of the Party and the state on the development of the private economy will not change".

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S ARTICLE ON PARTY SELF-GOVERNANCE PUBLISHED IN LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI
i) The People's Daily (February 17) said that an article by Chinese President on improving the systems for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance would be published in the fourth (2025/04; dated February 15) issue of the Party theoretical journal 'Qiu Shi' (Seeking Truth) on February 16. In the article, Xi Jinping said the whole Party must remain sober-minded and determined to continuously advance Party building in the new era by improving the systems for exercising full and rigorous self-governance. He emphasised that Party building in the new era is a systematic project with the enhancement of the Party's political building as the overarching task. The article outlined plans to enhance the systems for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance in five aspects. ii) The China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnian Bao; February 15) said the "Qiushi" article by Xi Jinping titled "Improving the System of Comprehensive and Strict Party Governance" emphasised that "Party building in the new era is a systematic project led by the Party's political building and in which all Party building efforts are made in the same direction and in an integrated manner". It stressed that Party building "must be based on the important ideas of the Party Central Committee on Party building and on the Party's self-revolution, adhere to and strengthen the Party's overall leadership and the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, implement the general requirements for Party building in the new era, and use systematic thinking and scientific methods to promote the full coverage of content...". (Comment: Xi Jinping's article is based on his June 2024 speech at the 15th collective study session of the 20th Central Political Bureau on strengthening Party self-governance.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER STUDY SESSION ON FEBRUARY 20, TO DISCUSS THE ECONOMY
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a study session of the State Council on February 20. Li Qiang emphasized boosting consumption and improving people's livelihoods through stronger and more targeted measures, in a bid to strengthen the fundamental role of consumption in driving economic development. He said consumption must be prioritized for expanding domestic demand and driving economic growth, and urged more effective measures to promote consumption and improve the consumption environment. He also emphasized the need to relax market access in relevant industries, and boost high-quality product supply to meet emerging consumer demands. Liu Yuanchun, President of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, gave a lecture at the session. Vice premiers Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng, and State Councillor Shen Yiqin participated in discussions.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG INSPECTED HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE ON FEBRUARY 15
During an inspection of Heilongjiang province on February 15, Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the need to utilize distinctive advantageous resources, enrich the supply of quality products, stimulate the vitality of the winter economy, and continuously improve the wellbeing of the people. While visiting the Harbin Songhua River Ice and Snow Carnival, Li said it was necessary to further tap into local resources to build snow and ice venues accessible to the public and create more engaging and entertaining winter activities. The Premier also visited a local ice sports center, where he observed that the recently concluded 9th Asian Winter Games had further fuelled public enthusiasm for winter sports, and this should be leveraged to further promote mass participation in winter activities and develop industries related to winter sports equipment.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER CAI QI SPOKE AT MEETING OFSOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT CHIEFS IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 20
People's Daily (February 21) reported that Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi spoke at a meeting on February 20 in Beijing attended by social work department chiefs. He called for efforts to promote high-quality development of social work in the new era and stressed adherence to the path of social governance under socialism with Chinese characteristics. Cai Qi added that efforts should be made to strengthen Party building in new types of economic and social organizations and among groups in new forms of employment. Party building, he said, should play the leading role in primary-level governance and in uniting and serving the people.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI AND RUSSIA'S FOREIGN MINISTER MET ON FEBRUARY 20 ON SIDELINES OF G-20 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING IN JOHANNESBURG
Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, February 20. Wang Yi said that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era is advancing to a higher level and broader dimensions and the two sides have maintained steady progress in mutually beneficial cooperation and engaged in close and effective strategic coordination, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the common interests of both countries and their peoples while advancing the process of global multipolarity. He said China is willing to work with Russia to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to further advance China-Russia relations in the new year. Lavrov responded that Russia is willing to work with China to strengthen highlevel exchanges, deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade, finance, culture, and other fields, and promote the further development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. He noted that Russia and China both uphold multipolarity and serve as stabilizing forces in a complex and turbulent world. He said that Russia highly recognizes the global initiatives put forward by China, values the high level of mutual trust between the two countries, and is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with China under the BRICS mechanism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the United Nations, the G20, and other frameworks. The two sides also exchanged views and coordinated positions on international and regional issues of mutual concern, including the situation in the Middle East.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCTV QUOTES CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI AS SAYING AT MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE THAT CHINA WILL FIGHT BACK IF U.S. INSISTS ON SUPPRESSING CHINA
The state-owned CCTV (February 14) said that Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the Munich Security Conference and delivered a speech at the "China Session". It said on the issue of Sino-US relations, Wang Yi said that China's policy towards the United States remains stable and consistent, and will not be easily changed, which reflects the strategic determination and international credibility of a major country. he reiterated "Our policy is the three principles proposed by President Xi Jinping, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation". Saying 'the two major countries of China and the United States cannot enter into conflict, otherwise the world will suffer', he added "We hope that the United States will work with China in the same direction. However, if the United States is unwilling and insists on suppressing and containing China, we will fight to the end, firmly fight back against the unilateral bullying of the United States, and resolutely defend China's national sovereignty, national dignity and legitimate right to development. China does this to uphold international fairness and justice and to uphold the basic norms of international relations". He cited a Chinese saying: "Let him be strong, the breeze caresses the hills; let him be arrogant, the bright moon shines on the river." ii) On February 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during the Munich Security Conference. Wang Yi stated that the China-Ukraine friendship has a traditional foundation, and the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2011, maintaining the normal development of bilateral relations. In recent years, China has been Ukraine's largest trading partner. This is particularly valuable given the current situation and demonstrates the potential and scope for cooperation between both sides. China views Ukraine as a friend and partner and has always approached and promoted China-Ukraine relations from a long-term perspective. China is willing to work with Ukraine to overcome unfavourable factors, advance bilateral relations, and conduct practical cooperation. China hopes Ukraine will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Ukraine. On the Ukraine crisis, Wang Yi stated that China has always worked for peace and promoted dialogue. Facts and developments have again proven that President Xi Jinping's principles of "four shoulds" and "three points of thinking" are objective, fair, rational, and practical. China will continue to follow these principles and play a constructive role in the political resolution of the crisis and the realization of peace. China supports all efforts toward peace and hopes to achieve a fair, lasting, binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties. The "Friends of Peace" group, initiated by China and Global South countries, will continue to build consensus for promoting peace and dialogue. Sybiha responded that Ukraine and China have maintained contact and communication, and the people of both countries are friendly toward each other. Ukraine-China cooperation is mutually beneficial and beneficial to both people. Ukraine strictly adheres to the One China principle and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China, further enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries, and will continue to make every effort to protect Chinese institutions and citizens. Ukraine highly values China's influence as a major power, appreciates China's objective and balanced position, and looks forward to China playing an important role in achieving comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace. (Comment: China's attitude throughout the Ukraine conflict and these remarks are interesting in view of the 2013 Treaty of Friendship between China and Ukraine. Article 5 of the Treaty states: The Chinese side supports the efforts of the policies of the Ukrainian side to protect the unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine and related questions; Article 6 states: Neither contracting party shall take actions that damage the sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity of the other (contracting party). Neither contracting party shall permit third countries to use their sovereign territory to damage the sovereignty, sector, or territorial integrity of the other (contracting party); and Article 7 states: Once complicated situations emerge internationally or regionally that threaten the peace, sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity of either contracting party, the contracting parties shall immediately begin discussions to develop countermeasures.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI MET UN SECRETARY GENERAL UGANDAN, HUNGARIAN AND PAKISTANI FOREIGN MINISTERS AT UN HQRS IN NEW YORK
i) China's Ministry of Commerce website disclosed that on February 18, Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi met UN Secretary-General Guterres during the highlevel meeting of the UN Security Council hosted by him in New York. Wang Yi said 'that the current international situation is turbulent and geopolitical games are intensifying. The more turbulent the world is, the more we should safeguard the authority and role of the United Nations. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, which is of great significance in connecting the past and the future. As the rotating presidency of the Security Council this month, China proposed to hold a high-level meeting on "practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance", which received positive responses from all parties and kicked off the Security Council's commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary'. He added 'China firmly supports the core position of the United Nations, supports the work of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat, and is willing to continue to work closely with the United Nations to build greater consensus, pool more resources, jointly practice true multilateralism, and promote world peace and development'. Guterres said that the 'United Nations highly appreciates China's adherence to multilateralism and support for the work of the United Nations, and positively evaluates China's initiative to hold this conference, which injects momentum into reforming global governance and enhancing the voice of developing countries. He said that the United Nations attaches great importance to China's role and fully agrees with and actively supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping. In the face of current complex challenges, the United Nations will adhere to its established ideas, implement the purposes and principles of the Charter, and call on all countries to strengthen cooperation, jointly safeguard international rule of law, and promote peace and sustainable development'. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis, the Middle East issue, and the security situation in Africa. ii) China's Ministry of Commerce website disclosed that on February 18, Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi met Ugandan Foreign Minister Odongo at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. iii) China's Ministry of Commerce website disclosed that on February 18, Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi met Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Wang Yi said that the world today is full of chaos and global governance is facing difficulties. As the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council this month, China has proposed to hold a high-level meeting on "practicing multilateralism and reforming and improving global governance". Szijjártó said that Hungary cherishes the friendship between Hungary and China and that Hungary is willing to work with China to continuously push the bilateral relations to a new level. Effective cooperation between the EU and China is in the common interests of all parties, and Hungary will continue to be committed to promoting the development of EU-China relations. iv) China's Ministry of Commerce website disclosed that on February 18, Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi met Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Wang Yi said 'It is necessary to take this opportunity to review the original intention of the United Nations, practice and promote multilateralism, and reform and improve global governance. In view of the current peace, development, security and governance deficits faced by the international community, China proposed to hold this high-level meeting of the Security Council to gather more international consensus and form a common plan. We are willing to work with the international community, including Pakistan, to jointly promote the meeting to achieve positive results and accelerate the construction of a fair and reasonable global governance system. Wang Yi said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and the two sides have always trusted and supported each other. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with President Zardari, which added new impetus to the "ironclad" friendship between China and Pakistan. China has placed China-Pakistan relations as a priority in its neighboring diplomacy, and will continue to uphold justice and speak for Pakistan in international occasions, strengthen the connection of development strategies with Pakistan, especially deepen cooperation in agricultural modernization and industrialization, and help Pakistan enhance its independent development capabilities. It is hoped that Pakistan will take effective measures to effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. Dar said that President Zardari's visit to China was a huge success, the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China has reached a new high, and cooperation in various fields has been efficiently promoted. Pakistan admires China's opening of a great chapter of modernization and development, and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges with China and deepening development docking. I wish the upcoming two sessions of China a complete success. Pakistan attaches great importance to and will do its utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Under the current situation, China's initiative to hold this high-level meeting of the Security Council is timely. Pakistan appreciates China's leadership in the global agenda and will continue to work closely with China and support each other'.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ACFTU: ACFTU PARTY LEADERSHIP GROUP HELD '2024 DEMOCRATIC LIFE MEETING' ON FEBRUARY 20
The Workers Daily (February 21) disclosed that the Party Leadership Group of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions held the '2024 Democratic Life Meeting' on February 20. Xu Liuping, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Vice Chairman, and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, presided over the meeting and delivered a summary speech. The 21st Supervisory Group of the 2024 Democratic Life Meeting of Party Members and Leading Cadres of Provincial and Ministerial Units and officials of the First Supervision and Inspection Office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission attended the meeting for "guidance".

Feb 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: ZHANG YUJIN APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF CHINA AERO ENGINE CORPORATION LTD
The official website of the China Aero Engine Corporation Limited announced (February 17) that Zhang Yujin has been appointed as the General Manager and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of China Aero Engine Corporation Limited.

Feb 2025

CHINA-NPC: 14TH SESSION OF NPC STANDING COMMITTEE TO MEET FROM FEBRUARY 24-25 AND REVIEW DRAFT OF 'PRIVATE ECONOMY PROMOTION LAW'
The 14th session of the NPC Standing Committee will meet in Beijing from February 24 to 25. The agenda includes “reviewing the draft of the Private Economy Promotion Law”, which will then likely pass at the National People’s Congress meeting that starts in early March. (Comment: Passage of that law, soon after Xi’s symposium with private businesses, and whatever new stimulus gets announced, may give another boost to the private sector and related stocks.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-SECURITY: CHINA PROMULGATED MEASURES FOR PROHIBITION OF ILLEGAL SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS
The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (February 19) reported that China's Ministry of Civil Affairs on February 19, issued the "Measures for the Prohibition of Illegal Social Organizations", which aims to crack down on and rectify illegal social organizations in accordance with the law and protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens, legal persons and other organizations. The "Measures" consists of 23 articles and will come into effect on May 1, 2025. It quoted the official person in charge of the Social Organization Management Bureau of the Ministry of Civil Affairs as saying, "In recent years, the situation faced in cracking down on and rectifying illegal social organizations has become increasingly complex." The activities of illegal social organizations are more covert, difficult to detect and difficult to collect evidence; the cost of violating the law is relatively low, and many illegal social organizations continue their activities under a new "disguise" after being banned; the law enforcement procedures of various places are not unified, some are cumbersome and complicated, while others are simple and arbitrary.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: WANG YILIN, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF CHINA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION TRIED FOR CORRUPTION
Beijing Daily (February 2) disclosed that Wang Yilin, former Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation, was accused of accepting bribes of more than 35.01 million yuan and was tried.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF ICBC ZHANG HONGLI GIVEN DEATH SENTENCE SUSPENDED FOR 2 YEARS FOR TAKING BRIBES
CCTV (February 19) reported that on February 19, the Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court of Zhejiang Province had sentenced Zhang Hongli, former member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, for taking bribes. Zhang Hongli was sentenced to death for the crime of taking bribes, suspended for two years, deprived of political rights for life, and all personal property was confiscated.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI COMMENTARY CALLED FOR TIGHT, STRONG AND EFFICIENT PARTY ORGANISATIONS
A Commentary in Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; February 19) captioned 'Improve the organizational system with strong execution and coordination from top to bottom' emphasised that "A tight organizational system is the party's advantage and strength". It said "To ensure that the party's leadership, management and governance are implemented effectively, the party's central, local and grassroots organizations must be strong and operate smoothly" .

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY AND ARTICLES SAY RECENT SYMPOSIUM OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISES ATTENDED BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENT A POSITIVE SIGNAL
i) People's Daily (February 19) published a Commentary titled 'The basic principles and policies of the Party and the State for the development of the private economy will not change. ——On studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the symposium on private enterprises'. It asserted that "The basic principles and policies of the Party and the state on the development of the private economy have been incorporated into the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and will be consistently upheld and implemented. They cannot and will not change." ii) A People's Daily (February 19) article captioned 'The vitality of private enterprises demonstrates China's economic potential' described the recent symposium attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping as having "released a positive signal that China is determined to promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy, and boosted the confidence of international investors in China's economic prospects". It added that "At present, the international situation is turbulent and unstable, and uncertain factors have increased significantly, and the international market is full of concerns. The world is looking to China, expecting China to continue to be the main engine of world economic growth and bring valuable certainty to the international community. China's performance has lived up to expectations. From the record high consumption of movies during the Spring Festival to the hot "out-of-circle" of domestically produced artificial intelligence large models, humanoid robots and other scientific and technological achievements, the international community has not only seen the vigorous development of China's private economy, but also the bright prospects of China's economy. The symposium emphasized that the basic principles and policies for the development of the private economy "cannot and will not change", highlighting the "stability" of China's economic policies". iii) Another People's Daily (February 19) article captioned 'The development prospects of the private economy are broad and promising—— General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the symposium on private enterprises is inspiring and encouraging' reiterated that the symposium had sent out positive signals.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTED FUTURE TASK OF CPPCC IN PROMOTING CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION
The Guangming Daily (February 19 published an article captioned 'Give full play to the remarkable political advantages of the CPPCC' by Xu Yongli, Chief Expert and Professor at the Beijing Political Civilization Construction Research Base of Beijing Union University. The article observed that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CCP CC took "focusing on the development of people's democracy throughout the whole process" as an "important goal and task for the whole party and people of all ethnic groups in the country to comprehensively deepen reform, systematically and comprehensively design and promote the new journey of reform, and create a new situation for my country's reform and opening up". It added that the "75-year-old CPPCC will follow this roadmap, closely focus on consultative democracy, focus on the development of people's democracy throughout the whole process, give full play to the role of important channels and specialized consultation institutions, and widely gather people's hearts, consensus, wisdom, and strength to promote Chinese-style modernization".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: LIU SIFANG, PRESIDENT OF CHONGQING ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, SAID PARTY'S LEADERSHIP IS GUARANTEE OF ALL-ROUND REFORM
The Deputy Director of Chongqing Research Center for Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and the Party Secretary and President of Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences, Liu Sifang published an article in the China Social Sciences Daily (February 19) titled 'Distinctive characteristics of further deepening reform in an all-round way'. Asserting that the "Party's core leadership role and fundamental guarantee stem from the Party's political leadership, ideological leadership, strategic planning, mass organization, social appeal, and spiritual driving force", Liu Sifang said these "six characteristics" are why the Party can guarantee reform. The article, which exhorted that "the whole Party must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments" and "implement the "two safeguards", mentioned Xi Jinping seven times.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: SHANGHAI AND ANHUI ESTABLISHED A 'JOINT BUSINESS RESEARCH INSTITUTE' TO IMPLEMENT THE CCP AND STATE COUNCIL'S POLICY ON INTEGRATED REFORM OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN TRADE
The China Social Sciences Daily (February 19) published an article titled 'Shanghai and Anhui work together to promote high-level opening up', which reported that the signing and unveiling ceremony of the "Joint Business Research Institute" jointly established by Shanghai University of International Business and Economics and Anhui Provincial Department of Commerce and the first meeting of the Institute's Working Committee were held on February 14 in Shanghai. It said the joint establishment of the Joint Business Research Institute is not only an active action by both parties to thoroughly implement the major deployments of the Party and the State on "integrated reform of domestic and foreign trade", "accelerating the construction of a unified national market", and "unblocking domestic and international dual circulation", but also an innovative practice in response to the call for "deepening cooperation between Shanghai and Anhui and jointly promoting higher-quality integrated development in the Yangtze River Delta".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE PROJECTED CHINA AS AN "EMPOWERING POWER"
The People's Daily (February 17) published an article captioned 'Firmly Becoming an "Empowering Power". It explained that the term "empowering major country" "vividly illustrates China's responsibility as a major country in always adhering to the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, insisting on providing international public goods, and taking practical actions to maintain world peace and promote common development". It contrasted this with the present "unilateralism (which) undermines the international order and protectionism harms the global economy, which has led to increasing concerns among the international community about the prospects for world peace and development. The turbulent world urgently needs stabilizing and constructive forces".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE FOCUSSED ON HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
The People's Daily (February 17) published a lengthy article caption 'Focus on high-quality development——Economic observations since the beginning of 2025'.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE (FEBRUARY 16) OF 'QIU SHI' PUBLISHED "IMPORTANT" ARTICLE BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ON PARTY BUILDING
The China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnian Bao; February 15) said the latest 4th issue of the CCP’s leading theoretical fortnightly journal "Qiushi" published on February 15 included an "important" article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "Improving the System of Comprehensive and Strict Party Governance." It emphasised that "Party building in the new era is a systematic project led by the Party's political building and in which all Party building efforts are made in the same direction and in an integrated manner" It stressed that Party building "must be based on the important ideas of the Party Central Committee on Party building and on the Party's self-revolution, adhere to and strengthen the Party's overall leadership and the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, implement the general requirements for Party building in the new era, and use systematic thinking and scientific methods to promote the full coverage of content...".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CYL: COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE RECENTLY HELD THE '2025 CYL AND NPC, CPPCC DEPUTIES FACE-TO-FACE MEETING IN BEIJING
The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (February 15) reported that the Communist Youth League (CYL) Central Committee recently held the 2025 "Communist Youth League and NPC deputies, CPPCC members face to face" and "Youth Federation Think Tank" in Beijing around the theme of "Correctly using artificial intelligence technology to empower the growth and development of young people". Adong, First Secretary of the CYL CC Secretariat attended the event and delivered a speech. Wang Yi, Secretary of the CYL CC Secretariat and Vice Chairman of the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), presided over the event. NPC Deputies, members of the CPPCC National Committee, experts and scholars, representatives from relevant departments and bureaus of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Office, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and other ministries and commissions, some ACYF members, members of the China Youth Science and Technology Workers Association, youth representatives, etc. participated in the event and also visited the China Telecom Artificial Intelligence Exhibition Hall. The newspaper disclosed that CYL organizations in various places have carried out the "Communist Youth League and NPC deputies, CPPCC members face to face" activities, focusing on themes such as "correctly using artificial intelligence technology to empower the growth and development of young people", "guiding young people to continue the Chinese cultural heritage, promote traditional virtues, and cultivate spiritual character", "paying attention to the emotional 'soft needs' of left-behind children in rural areas and students in boarding schools", and "deepening the construction of youth development cities and promoting the reform of urban construction, operation and governance systems".

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE COMPANY STOPS EXPORTING SORBENTS, USED TO PROCESS ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY METAL LITHIUM FROM FEBRUARY 1
A Chinese company, Jiangsu Jiuwu Hi-Tech has stopped exporting a piece of equipment known as a sorbent used to process the electric vehicle battery metal lithium from February 1. China is the world's largest producer of sorbents, used to extract lithium from brines or other solutions containing the battery metal, although its market size can be difficult to ascertain given Beijing's reticence to share data. (Comment: This is the clearest sign yet that Chinese manufacturers are already implementing export controls proposed by Beijing.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ANNOUNCED MEASURES TO ASSIST PRIVATE ENTERPRISES
CCTV (February 19) telecast a report that reporters learned from multiple departments that a number of measures will be introduced this year to promote the high-quality development of the private economy. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) stated that this year it will further remove market access barriers for private enterprises, continue to promote fair opening of competitive infrastructure fields to private enterprises, support private enterprises to actively participate in the "two heavy" and "two new" sectors, and step up efforts to solve the problem of arrears of accounts payable to private enterprises. In addition, it said it would continue to make great efforts to solve the problem of difficulty and high cost of financing for private enterprises; advance the legislative process of the Private Economy Promotion Law in accordance with legal procedures, and resolutely prevent illegal law enforcement in other places and profit-seeking law enforcement. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said it will promote the introduction of more inclusive and targeted policy measures, support private enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises to become better and stronger, and focus on supporting the high-quality development of more than 5,000 specialized, refined and innovative "little giant" enterprises by 2026. It said it will improve the public service system for small and medium-sized enterprises at the national, provincial, municipal and county levels, and support the digital transformation of 40,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in 100 cities by 2026. The Financial Supervision Bureau said it will increase support for first loans, renewal loans, and credit loans for private small and micro enterprises and effectively improve the financing satisfaction of private enterprises. The State Administration for Market Regulation will further implement the reform of registration facilitation this year and promote services for enterprises throughout their life cycle. It will strengthen the rigid constraints of the fair competition review system, focus on solving problems such as the difficulty of enterprise relocation and local hidden barriers, increase the rectification of random charges involving enterprises, and solve the "urgent, difficult, and anxious" problems strongly reflected by private enterprises, so that enterprises can go into battle lightly and develop healthily.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: SASTIND ADVERTISED FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES WITH "FIRM POLITICAL STANCE" FOR NEW PLANETARY DEFENCE FORCE
The Guardian (February 14) reported that China has begun recruiting for a planetary defence force after risk assessments determined that an asteroid could conceivably hit Earth in 2032. It said advertisements for jobs posted online by China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND), sought young loyal graduates focused on aerospace engineering, international cooperation and asteroid detection. The ads, posted to WeChat earlier that week, listed 16 job vacancies at SASTIND, including three for a new “planetary defence force”. They invited applications from recent graduates aged under 35, with professional and technical qualifications and “a firm political stance” supporting the Chinese Communist party and an ideology aligned with its leader, Xi Jinping.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINESE NAVY FLOTILLA SIGHTED OFF AUSTRALIA'S EAST COAST BEYOND SECOND ISLAND CHAIN
The Financial Times (February 19) disclosed that two Australian ships are following a Chinese naval task group — comprising two warships and a supply vessel — that appeared off the north-eastern coast of Australia a week ago. It cited an expert in the US think-tank CSIS to say it was “unprecedented” for the Chinese navy to sail so far down Australia’s east coast and stressed that Beijing was normalising its projection of power beyond the first Pacific island chain, which stretches from Japan to Indonesia, and the second island chain, which runs from Japan through Guam to Micronesia.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND NOTICE FOR FIRST TIME MENTIONED 73RD GROUP ARMY'S RESERVE BRIGADE
Announcing its training programme across various units, including reserve forces, an official release from the PLA Eastern Theatre Army introduced a new unit designation, referring to the “73rd Group Army’s Reserve Brigade”, which had never been mentioned before. (Comment: The PLA reserve force was first formed in 1983 and was originally managed by provincial military districts and their subordinate military sub-districts. On July 1, 2020, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee issued the Decision on Adjusting the Leadership Structure of Reserve Forces, transferring control of reserve units from provincial military districts to the joint command structures of theatre commands.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: MINISTRY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RECENTLY ISSUED 'STANDARDS FOR ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS IN DIFFICULTIES'
Xinhua (February 20) disclosed that China's Ministry of Veterans Affairs and seven other departments recently jointly issued the "Standards for Assistance to Veterans in Difficulties". The work norms comprehensively consider the degree of life difficulties of veterans, the contributions made during active service and their actual performance and gives priority to veterans who have participated in wars, received meritorious honours, and served in difficult and remote areas and special positions. It directs veterans service centers (stations) to "accurately grasp the ideological trends, living conditions and family conditions of veterans in need through daily visits and regular surveys, and find out the urgent problems they are worried about". It provides for minimum living security for certain categories and "guides" health and health departments to adopt a case-by-case approach for veterans in need who are temporarily unable to bear the medical expenses and meet the conditions for assistance, and implement measures such as exemption from prepayment of hospitalization fees.

Feb 2025

CHINA-HAINAN: HAINAN GOVERNOR LIU XIAOMING ATTENDED ORGANISATIONAL LIFE MEETING OF PARTY BRANCH IN HAINAN
Hainan Daily (February 19) reported that on February 19, Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming attended the 2024 organizational life meeting of the Party Branch of the First Secretariat of the Provincial Government Office as an ordinary party member. It said the meeting heard a report on the comparison and inspection of the Party Branch Committee of the First Secretariat of the Provincial Government Office. Party members of the branch conducted careful review and analysis, and carried out criticism and self-criticism in earnest. Liu Xiaoming pointed out that 'we must have the Party in mind, be absolutely loyal to the Party, thoroughly implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on the work of the General Office in the new era, constantly temper our Party spirit, strengthen our faith, and maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core in terms of ideology, politics and actions'. Secretary General of the Provincial Government Fu Xuanchao attended the meeting.

Feb 2025

CHINA-SHANXI: SHANXI PARTY SECRETARY TANG DENGJIE ATTENDED PROVINCIAL PARTY STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO STUDY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH AND INSTRUCTIONS
The Shanxi Daily (February 12) reported that the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee held a Standing Committee meeting on February 11, to convey and study the important speech made by General Secretary Xi Jinping when he listened to the work report of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, and the important instructions he made on the landslide in Yunlian County, Yibin City, Sichuan Province, and to study and deploy the work of safety production and disaster prevention in the province. Provincial Party Secretary Tang Dengjie presided over the meeting.

Feb 2025

CHINA-TIBET: TAR'S OFFICIAL KANGBA TV HIGHLIGHTED EFFORTS OF TAR BORDER DEFENCE UNITS TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE TOURISTS TO BORDER AREAS
TAR's official Kangba TV (February 14) highlighted the steps taken by PLA Border Defence units to encourage tourism at various locations in Tibet. Mention was made of the Gang Rinpoche Scenic Area in Ali, Lebu Valley in Shannan City, the Mayuqiao Border Station of the Tibet Frontier Inspection Station and the Dalung Border Police Station. It said that according to statistics, from January 28 to February 10, the border pass offices in Lhasa, Shigatse, Nyingchi, Shannan, and Ali processed more than 20,000 "Border Management Area Passes" for tourists from inside and outside the region, an increase of 23% year-on-year.

Feb 2025

CHINA-TIBET: TAR'S OFFICIAL KANGBA TV HIGHLIGHTED MEASURES TAKEN IN 2024 TO ASSIST VETERANS
TAR's official Kangba TV (February 15) disclosed that a meeting of Directors of TAR's Veterans Affairs Bureaus was held on February 14. The meeting decided that the TAR's veterans affairs system will strengthen the service and guarantee for veterans, give full play to the advantages of veterans, and make new achievements in various work. Six veterans, one veterans work unit and one individual in Tibet were awarded national model commendations. The Kangba report also said that in 2024, TAR's veterans affairs system 'continued to strengthen the sense of community of the Chinese nation', and organized 331 veterans volunteer service teams to carry out 2,082 volunteer services such as grassroots governance and emergency rescue, benefiting 110,000 people. The system had helped retired military personnel build their careers, adhered to equal-rank placement and "two-way selection", and received and placed nearly 2,000 retired military personnel with a high placement and satisfaction rate. A database of business entities for retired military personnel in Tibet showed that the number of such business entities had reached 6,992. Kangba TV added that the treatment guarantee is implemented conscientiously, and the retirement benefits, preferential treatment funds and other security funds are issued in time. 610 veterans were contacted regularly, 25,728 veterans and other preferential treatment recipients were visited and 'comforted', 17.9 million yuan of condolence money and materials were issued, and 235 urgent and difficult problems were solved. The "Warm Veterans" public welfare action was carried out, and 40 children of veterans in difficulties were awarded scholarships, and 600 hearing aids were donated to elderly veterans. 5,298 preferential treatment certificates were issued, medical insurance and medical subsidies were handled for 644 disabled preferential treatment recipients, and 38.4 million yuan of preferential treatment funds were paid to the families of 1,792 veterans. It listed five policies and systems which had been formulated for the benefit of veterans, including (i) the "Implementation Measures for Medical Assistance and Medical Preferential Treatment for Preferential Treatment Objects in the Tibet Autonomous Region"; (ii) "Implementation Measures for Medical Assistance and Medical Preferential Treatment for Disabled Veterans in the Tibet Autonomous Region"; (iii) "Construction and Operation Management Specifications for Veterans Service Centers (Stations) (Tibet Local Standards)"; and (iv) the construction of a policy and regulations database. promoted. It added that 645 laws, regulations and policies related to veterans' work had been sorted out.

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: GLOBAL TIMES CLAIMED TESLA WILL BE DETERRED FROM ENTERING INDIA BECAUSE INDIA NEEDED TO COLLABORATE WITH CHINA ON SUPPLY CHAIN AND INDIA'S HIGH TARIFFS
The Global Times (February 18) published an article with the caption 'India’s push for EV industry development faces uncertainty, even with Tesla’s potential entry'. Prompted by Tesla hiring people in India, the article said that Tesla has been deterred by India's high tariffs in the past. It said though New Delhi has lowered the basic customs charge on luxury cars and this "may act as a direct incentive lowering Tesla’s import expenses, there is still a lot of ambiguity regarding the companies’ activities in India. Furthermore, the Indian government have enacted laws and regulations at various levels, and these may present difficulties to Tesla if it decides to construct a manufacturing industry in India" It identified supply chain problems as one major issue confronting Tesla. The Chinese media further stated that India needs to embrace the global industrial chain collaboration while improving its policy environment and raise the standards of infrastructure development". It said, in conclusion, that "If India's EV industry wants to develop, it cannot avoid collaborating with China on the supply chain. China's key role in Tesla's global supply chain is evident. If India chooses to ignore the current realities of global cooperation in the EV industry, both Tesla's future development in India and the development of India's own EV industry will face significant uncertainty".

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: INDIAN CONDUCTOR ZUBIN MEHTA WILL LEAD MAGGIO MUSICALE FIORENTINO ORCHESTRA FOR CONCERT IN SHANGHAI ON JULY
The Spark disclosed (February 19) that 89-year-old Indian conductor Zubin Mehta will lead the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra for a concert in Shanghai on July 30 during the Shanghai Oriental Art Center's newly announced Spring-Summer Performance Season, which includes nearly 70 performances covering music, dance and drama through August.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA DAILY ARTICLE BY TWO PAKISTANI SCHOLARS EMPHASISES NEED FOR GREATER SECURITY COORDINATION WITH CHINA
China Daily (February 15) published an article captioned 'Security a must to tap full CPEC potential' by Ejaz Hussain, a guest researcher at Fudan Development Institute, Fudan University, and associate professor at the Lahore School of Economics in Pakistan; and Sofia Najeeb an undergraduate student in political science at the Lahore School of Economics. Asserting the importance of security for ensuring the China-Pakistan economic partnership, it indicated that the issue figured in the talks between Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji during Zardari's visit from February 4 to 8. It said terrorism poses the biggest threat to the China-Pakistan economic partnership, and economic cooperation can only be strengthened if the two sides are free from security concerns, adding that both sides have therefore been combating terrorism, separately as well as jointly. The article emphasised that to realize the full potential of the CPEC, Pakistan and China have to establish an efficient security apparatus and enhance intelligence mechanisms to effectively counter terrorism. It said addressing security concerns in the aftermath of recent incidents is crucial for the long-term success of the CPEC and, ultimately, Pakistan ought to integrate its long-term security policies with China's. It added that stringent and coordinated counter-terrorism measures should be taken to accentuate economic activity and deepen greater trust between China and Pakistan, in order to better safeguard the CPEC projects and recommended beefing up security in close coordination with Chinese counterparts to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals working on various CPEC projects in Pakistan.

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE COMMERCE MINISTER WROTE LETTER TO NEW U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY EXPRESSING CONCERN OVER U.S. TARIFFS ON CHINESE EXPORTS
On February 20 the People's daily quoted Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao saying 'China has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving mutual concerns through equal dialogue and consultation with the United States, emphasizing that Washington's unilateral tariff hikes are disrupting normal economic and trade cooperation between the two countries'. It said in a letter sent on February 19 to Howard Lutnick, the newly appointed US Secretary of Commerce, Wang Wentao expressed China's concerns over US tariffs on Chinese exports. Wang Wentao said that economic and trade relations form a critical pillar of China-US ties. Both sides should strive to foster a fair and predictable business environment to support sustainable economic engagement. The People's Daily cited economists saying that "the US government's aggressive tariff policy is bound to fail, as history has proved that wielding the tariff stick only leads to price hikes, exacerbates inflation, and disrupts global trade".

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: REACTING TO TRUMP JR.'S REMARKS ABOUT AVOIDING WAR WITH CHINA, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ASSERTED THAT CHINA WILL WORK TO RESOLVE CONCERNS WITH U.S. THROUGH DIALOGUE AND CONSULTATION
Reacting to the remark of Trump Jr., the son of the US President , regarding China that "we must focus our military on China, but at the same time, the American people will benefit most from this balance of power that avoids war with China", Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at the regular press conference on February 19, that "China's position on Sino26 US relations is consistent and clear. We are willing to resolve our respective concerns through dialogue and consultation with the US based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, while firmly safeguarding our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope that the US will work with China to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of Sino-US relations".

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: JIN CANRONG, CHINESE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SCHOLAR AND VICE DEAN OF CHINA'S RENMIN UNIVERSITY, SAID TRUMP IS PREPARING FOR A "STRATEGIC DECISIVE BATTLE WITH CCP"
In an interview published on his official account on February 19, Jin Canrong (Chinese international relations scholar and currently Professor and Vice Dean of the School of International Relations of the Renmin University of China) said "From an optimistic point of view, the series of actions of the US government will not affect our progress in resolving the Taiwan issue," "In the field of aviation equipment, we already have certain advantages over the United States," and "No matter how external forces interfere, China's pace of achieving national reunification will not stop." The overseas Chinese social media added that after discussing the US's view on the change in its position on Taiwan, Jin Canrong judged that Trump was re-adjusting the US diplomatic layout. "Although these measures seem bizarre, they can be understood from the perspective of preparing for a strategic decisive battle with the CCP. Because whether it is Trump's 1.0 era or 2.0 era, a series of measures against the CCP are obviously paving the way for the final decisive battle." "Although his words are more moderate than before, in actual actions, he still unswervingly promotes policies against the CCP." Jin Canrong concluded that everything Trump did in domestic and foreign affairs was for the ultimate showdown with the CCP. Jin Canrong reminded Zhongnanhai "not to have any unrealistic illusions about Trump's established policies." The overseas Chinese social media added that Jin Canrong also mentioned that a friend revealed that he had met Trump in a very private and small circle, and Trump openly called the CCP "big ***" (three words omitted here). Although this statement is extremely unpleasant, it truly reflects Trump's inner view of the CCP and shows his determination to rectify the CCP. It said since Jin Canrong has learned such information, it can be inferred that the CCP and even the central leadership will know it.

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA HAS CLAIMED THAT GOOGLE IS COOPERATING WITH CHINA'S MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY TO TAKE DOWN VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE
Human Rights in China (February 19) disclosed that an investigation by the Observer has found that Google cooperates with censorship requests made by the Chinese government. Specifically, Google has taken down videos on YouTube at the request of China’s Ministry of Public Security, and removed user accounts which impersonated Xi Jinping in order “to covertly criticise Xi and to circumvent censorship laws, which are some of the world’s most prohibitive.”

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA PROTESTED CHANGED WORDING ON TAIWAN ON U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
China (February 17) urged the United States to "correct its mistakes" after the U.S. State Department removed previous wording on its website about not supporting Taiwan independence, which it said was part of a routine update. The fact sheet on Taiwan, updated last week, retains Washington's opposition to unilateral change from either Taiwan or from China, which claims the democratically governed island as its own. As well as dropping the phrase "we do not support Taiwan independence", the page added a reference to Taiwan's cooperation with a Pentagon technology and semiconductor development project and says the U.S. will support Taiwan's membership in international organisations "where applicable".

Feb 2025

CHINA-UK: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI AND BRITISH PRIME MINISTER'S NSA JONATHAN POWELL AGREED TO STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
People's Daily (February 14, reported that following a meeting of senior officials on February 13, China and Britain have agreed to strengthen strategic communication and mutual understanding. It said Politburo member and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Jonathan Powell, the British prime minister's national security adviser and secretary to the National Security Council, spoke highly of the steady improvement and sound momentum in bilateral relations and the achievements of practical cooperation. They agreed to follow the guidance of the important agreements between their countries' top leaders, strengthen strategic communication and mutual understanding, take openness and cooperation as the main theme, and explore ways to expand common interests, so as to drive the steady and long-term healthy development of China-British relations. They also exchanged views on strategic security and hot-spot issues of common concern.

Feb 2025

CHINA-UK: PEOPLE'S DAILY NOTED BBC'S RECENT POSITIVE SHIFT IN REPORTING ON CHINA
People's Daily (February 17) published an article by Chen Qingqing (published earlier in the Global Times) with the caption 'Has BBC changed its China coverage strategy? Recent positive stories surprise Chinese netizens'. The article observed, with surprise, that the BBC, long known for its critical stance toward China, recently published several positive reports about China. It said '"in its coverage of China's animated epic Ne Zha 2, the BBC moved away from its typically sarcastic tone and removed the "filter" it has long used when observing issues related to China".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CANADA: PLA EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND REACTED TO PASSAGE OF CANADIAN FRIGATE HMS OTTAWA THROUGH TAIWAN STRAIT ON FEBRUARY 16
The PLA Daily (February 17) disclosed that Li Xi, a Senior Navy Colonel and spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command, said (February 16) that the Canadian frigate HMS Ottawa sailed through the Taiwan Strait and made a public speculative statement. He said the Eastern Theatre Command had monitored the passage of the Canadian ship through the Taiwan Strait. He added that the remarks of the Canadian side distorted the legal principles and confused the public and "Its actions were intended to cause disturbances and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait".

Feb 2025

CHINA-AUSTRALIA: CHIN AND AUSTRALIA HELD THEIR 23RD DEFENCE STRATEGIC CONSULTATION IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 17
On February 17, the Chinese and Australian militaries held the 23rd Defense Strategic Consultation in Beijing, which was co-chaired by Xu Qiling, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, and Chipman, Deputy Commander of the Australian Defense Force, and Jeffrey, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense.

Feb 2025

CHINA-VIETNAM: VIETNAM APPROVED CHINESE INVESTMENT FOR US$ 8.37 BILLION LAO CAI-HANOI-HAI PHONG RAILWAY PROJECT
People's Daily (February 20) quoting the Vietnam News Agency disclosed that Vietnam's National Assembly had on February 19 approved investment for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project. The railway, worth $8.37 billion, stretches from Vietnam's northern port city Hai Phong to Lao Cai, which borders China's Yunnan Province. Construction of the railway is scheduled to begin by the end of this year. The project is expected to be completed between 2026 and 2030, and the railway will carry both passengers and cargo. The main line of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project will stretch approximately 390.9 kilometres, with three branch lines totalling about 27.9 kilometres. Xinhua (February 20) said the railway will pass through seven provinces and two cities, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Hai Phong.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: BOOK ON CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S THOUGHTS ON ENHANCING AND IMPROVING ETHNIC AFFAIRS WORK PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED NATIONWIDE
The People's Daily and Workers Daily (February 14) published a Xinhua (February 13) report stating that a book about Chinese President Xi Jinping's thoughts on enhancing and improving ethnic affairs work has been published and distributed nationwide. Jointly published by the People's Publishing House and The Ethnic Publishing House, it said the book provides useful material for Party members, officials and the public to study Xi's thoughts on promoting work related to ethnic affairs. It added "the book elaborates on the essence, principles, contents, and practical requirements of Xi's thoughts in this regard, explaining them from the perspectives of historical context, key tasks, main priorities, and essential guarantees".

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENT MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES TO NAMIBIAN PRESIDENT MBEMBA ON DEATH OF FOUNDING PRESIDENT NUJOMA
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Namibian President Mbemba on the death of Namibian founding President Nujoma on February 11.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING VISITED JILIN PROVINCE AFTER THE HARBIN WINTER GAMES
After attending the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin and holding foreign affairs activities, Chinese President Xi Jinping listened to the work report of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government in Changchun on February 8. After listening to the work report Xi Jinping urged Jilin Province to further implement the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee's strategic arrangements for the full revitalization of northeast China in the new era and to play a bigger role in advancing Chinese modernization. He asked Jilin to focus on high-quality development, and urged the province to unwaveringly take the real economy as the cornerstone and achieve coordinated development through transforming traditional industries, strengthening competitive industries, and cultivating new quality productive forces. PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi attended the work report meeting. (Comment: China's official media pointed out this was Chinese President Xi Jinping's second visit to the Northeast within 20 days. The first was on the eve of this year's Spring Festival. The People's Daily (February 10, said the "Visits show Xi's concern for Northeast".)

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND HIS WIFE PENG LIYUAN HOST BANQUET FOR FOREIGN GUESTS ATTENDING 9TH ASIAN WINTER GAMES IN HARBIN ON FEBRUARY 7
CCTV (February 7) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet at noon on February 7, at the Sun Island Hotel in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province to welcome international guests who came to China to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The guests were: Brunei Sultan Hassanal, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his wife Sadyr Japarova, Pakistani President Zardari, Thai Prime Minister Petunthan, South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik and his wife Shin Kyung-hye, as well as International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Olympic Council of Asia First Vice President Timothy Fok. Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan exchanged New Year greetings with the distinguished guests, shook hands cordially and took photos together. Xi Jinping delivered a speech welcoming the international guests who came to China to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games. He pointed out that the torch of the 9th Asian Winter Games will be lit tonight. and the number of participating countries and regions and the number of athletes in this session are the highest in the history of the Asian Winter Games. He expressed the belief that "Harbin will present to the world a sports event with "Chinese characteristics, Asian style, and brilliant performances" adding "We must uphold the common dream of peace and harmony and contribute Asian strength to an equal and orderly multipolar world. We must uphold the common pursuit of prosperity and development and inject inexhaustible impetus into inclusive economic globalization. We must realize the common wish of integration and friendship and make greater contributions to the development and progress of human civilization". Cai Qi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, Chen Yiqin and others attended the event.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MET ROK NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER WOO IN HARBIN ON FEBRUARY 7
Meeting ROK National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik in Harbin on February 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should work together to strengthen their strategic cooperative partnership, amid mounting global and regional uncertainties. He called on the two countries to deepen their mutually beneficial economic and trade ties and increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Xinhua quoted Woo as saying maintaining friendly relations with China is a core foreign policy of the ROK and the ROK is willing to work with China to elevate bilateral relations to a new level in the new year. Woo also expressed the hope that the two countries will strengthen economic and trade cooperation, ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and expand personnel exchanges.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER STATE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEETING TO APPROVE '2025 ACTION PLAN FOR STABILIZING FOREIGN INVESTMENT' AND 'NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING LAW OF PRC'
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over an Executive Meeting of the State Council on February 10 to study relevant work to boost consumption, review and approve the "2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment", study policy measures to resolve structural contradictions in key industries, and discuss the "National Development Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)". The meeting pointed out that boosting consumption is the top priority for expanding domestic demand and making the domestic circulation bigger and stronger. It also pointed out that foreign-invested enterprises play an important role in absorbing employment, stabilizing exports, and promoting industrial upgrading. The meeting discussed and approved in principle the "National Development Planning Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)" and decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation. The meeting also examined other matters.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI VISITING UK, IRELAND AND ATTEND 61ST MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE AND VISIT JOHANNESBURG FROM FEBRUARY 20-21
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced (February 10) that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting the United Kingdom (UK) and will co-chair the 10th China-UK Strategic Dialogue and will visit Ireland and attend the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany from February 12 to 17. At the MSC, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will speak at an event on China to share China's position on major international issues in light of the theme of the conference. Wang Yi will also attend the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 20 to 21, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola of G20 President South Africa,

Feb 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: STATE COUNCIL ANNOUNCED 9 NEW APPOINTMENTS
China's State Council announced the following appointments on February 10: Zou Lan as Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China; Sun Meijun as Head of the General Administration of Customs; Shu Wei was appointed Director of the National Certification and Accreditation Administration; Deng Zhiyong was appointed Head of the National Standardization Administration; Liu Guohong was appointed Director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (National Park Administration); Huang Ming and Chen Jun were appointed Vice Presidents of the China Academy of Engineering Physics; Tang Li was appointed Director of the Science and Technology Committee of the Academy; and Liu Kun was appointed Chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CDIC ISSUED REGULATIONS ON INSPECTIONS OF CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES AND LOCAL DISCIPLINE AND INSPECTION COMMITTEES
The Workers Daily (February 13) reported that recently, the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the National Supervisory Commission issued the "Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Joint Review and Investigation Work between the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Agencies of Centrally Managed Universities and Local Discipline Inspection and Supervision Commissions" to "effectively strengthen the anti-corruption work of the centrallymanaged universities, focusing on eradicating the soil and conditions for the breeding of corruption, and providing strong guarantees for accelerating the construction of world-class universities with Chinese characteristics."

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: IN ARTICLE IN HONGQI, ZHAO ZHENHUA, DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL, CALLED ON GOVERNMENT TO PLAN AHEAD, ESTABLISH DOMINANT POSITION OF ENTERPRISES IN INNOVATION AND ALLOW MORE INNOVATIVE ELEMENTS TO GATHER IN ENTERPRISES
Hongqi (Red Flag 2025/3; dated February 12) published an article by Zhao Zhenhua, Director and Professor of the Economics Department of the Central Party School, titled 'Leading the development of new quality productivity with technological innovation'. The article highlighted that "Scientific and technological innovation can give birth to new industries, new models, and new momentum, and is the core element of developing new productivity. It is necessary to strengthen scientific and technological innovation, especially original and subversive scientific and technological innovation, accelerate the realization of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, fight a good battle for key core technologies..". It also said, importantly, that "the development of new quality productivity requires the government to plan ahead, formulate support policies, and implement industrial policy transformation in a timely manner, shifting from the past focus on supporting specific industries to providing a fair competition environment and guiding the development direction of major technologies and industries; deepening education system reform, science and technology system reform, and talent system reform, and clearing the bottlenecks, obstacles, and difficulties that restrict the development of new quality productivity; firmly establish the dominant position of enterprises in innovation, and allow more innovative elements to gather in enterprises". (Comment: The Director of the Central Party School urges greater and predominant role for enterprises in innovation and calls for shifting focus from support to specific industries to providing an environment for fair competition.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: SENIOR PARTY AND JUDICIAL CADRES PUBLISH ARTICLES ON STRENGTHENING JUDICIAL AND DISCIPLINE INSPECTION SYSTEMS IN HONGQI
Hongqi (Red Flag 2025/3; dated February 12) published three articles on strengthening China's judicial system and the Discipline Inspection system by Huo Min, Party Secretary and President of the Shandong Provincial High People's Court and Second-Level Judge; Deng Bin, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Party Internal Regulations Research Center, Director and Professor of Southwest University of Political Science and Law; and Shi Pengpeng, Vice Dean and Professor of the School of Discipline Inspection and Supervision of China University of Political Science and Law.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: YUNNAN PROVINCE SECRETARY OF DISCIPLINE INSPECTION FENG ZHILI ADVOCATES CONTINUING STRONG EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE CORRUPTION
Hongqi (Red Flag 2025/3; dated February 12) published an article by Feng Zhili, Member of the Standing Committee of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, and Director of the Provincial Supervisory Commission, titled 'Unswervingly push the fight against corruption forward'. It said, "The historic achievements of the anti-corruption struggle in the new era are fundamentally due to General Secretary Xi Jinping's leadership and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". The article urged anti-corruption forces not to be swayed, adding that "Party organizations at all levels have tightened the screws on party governance." It noted too that "n 2024, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission publicly announced the investigation and punishment of 58 central-level cadres, and the national discipline inspection and supervision agencies investigated and dealt with more than 700,000 cases of unhealthy practices and corruption among the masses".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY STRESSED NEED TO CONTINUE TO COMBAT CORRUPTION
A People's daily (February 12) Commentary captioned 'Keep on being persistent and tenacious ——Leading social revolution with the Party’s self-revolution' disclosed that "In 2024, the national disciplinary inspection and supervision organs filed a total of 877,000 cases, involving 73 provincial and ministerial-level officials and above, and 3,375 disciplinary inspection and supervision officials". Cautioning that "some people still do not restrain, do not stop, and do not know when to stop. The old troubles have not been eradicated, and the challenges of new corruption and hidden corruption are facing us again", it urged continued strong anti-corruption measures.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUILIN CITY PARTY SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR OF GUANGXI NORMAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY JOINTLY PUBLISH ARTICLE ON CHINESESTYLE MODERNISATION
Zhao Zhonghua, Party Secretary and Director of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and Chen Zongbo, Director and Professor of the Guangxi Normal University Library, jointly authored an article titled 'Adhere to the Chinese-style modernization of harmonious coexistence between man and nature', which was published in the China Social Sciences Daily of CASS on February 12.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: DEAN OF INSTITUTE OF CHINESE MODERNISATION, CASS, PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN CHINA SOCIAL SCIENCES DAILY HIGHLIGHTING DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIOLOGY FOR ACHIEVING CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION
The China Social Sciences Daily (February 11) published an article captioned 'Chinese-style modernization and the new development of sociology' by Zhang Yi, President of the Chinese Sociological Association, the Dean and Professor of the Institute of Chinese Modernization of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Asserting that "sociology is a discipline that focuses on social reality and cares about the fate of mankind", it said "An extremely important task in promoting the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation with Chinese-style modernization is to strengthen social construction, promote social civilization, do more to benefit people's livelihood, solve people's livelihood problems, improve the basic public service system, improve the social insurance system, innovate the social work system and mechanism, unswervingly follow the path of socialist social governance with Chinese characteristics, and continue the "two miracles" of rapid economic development and long-term social stability".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: SENIOR CASS ACADEMIC PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON THE MORE ACTIVE FISCAL POLICY RECOMMENDED BY THE CENTRAL ECONOMIC WORK CONFERENCE IN 2024
The China Social Sciences Daily (February 11) published an article captioned 'Promote fiscal policy from active to more active' by Feng Ming, Director and Researcher of the Macroeconomic Policy and Evaluation Research Office of the Institute of Quantitative and Technical Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Pointing to the Central Economic Work Conference in 2024 proposal that "a more active fiscal policy should be implemented", it said the change in the orientation of fiscal policy "From "active" to "more active" is a concrete manifestation of "more active and effective macroeconomic policy" in the fiscal field, and also indicates that in the new development stage and under the new internal and external environment, fiscal policy will play a greater role in expanding domestic demand, stabilizing the economy, and promoting transformation.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE BY SENIOR ACADEMIC AT HEILONGJIANG RESEARCH CENTRE FOR THEORY OF SOCIALISM ASSERTS CADRS "MUST ABSOLUTELY MAINTAIN PARTY DISCIPLINE"
Guangming Daily (February 11) published an article captioned 'The theoretical connotation and practical requirements of "leading social revolution with the party's self-revolution" by Wang Liying, Distinguished Researcher at the Heilongjiang Research Center for the Theory of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Professor at the School of Marxism at Harbin Institute of Technology. Stating that " resolute struggle must always maintain its original aspiration and bear its mission in mind unswervingly", it asserted that the Party " must "absolutely maintain party discipline" and thoroughly abide by party rules, always maintain its advanced nature and purity, enhance its cohesion and combat effectiveness, and always use the courage to turn the knife inward, the indomitable will and decisive actions to eradicate stubborn diseases, eliminate deep-rooted ills and malpractices, and solidly advance the party's selfrevolution".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY ZHANG DONGGANG, PARTY SECRETARY OF RENMIN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA, COMMENTING ON "IMPORTANT" ARTICLE BY XI JINPING
The Guangming Daily (February 10) published an article by Zhang Donggang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Renmin University of China. under the caption: 'Firmly grasp the important principle of "adhering to the right path and making innovations'. The article commented on an important article by Chinese President Xi Jinping, titled "Several Major Theoretical and Practical Issues in Further Comprehensively Deepening Reforms". The article urged "We must thoroughly study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's series of important statements on keeping the right path and making innovations, deeply understand the great significance, accurately understand the rich connotations, firmly grasp the practical requirements, and provide more powerful ideological, theoretical and methodological guidance for promoting the further comprehensive deepening of reforms to move forward steadily."

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: OUYANG HUI, VICE PRESIDENT OF PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHING HOUSE PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON BUILDING SOCIALIST CULTURAL POWER
The People's Daily (February 7) published a lengthy article with the caption 'Firmly grasp the direction of building a socialist cultural power (deepen the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)' by Ouyang Hui, Vice President of People's Daily Publishing House. Stating that "Culture establishes the mind and forges the soul, and thought guides the direction. Literature carries the truth and culture educates people", the article emphasised development of "a new era of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics that has strong ideological leadership and provide ideological guidance for building a cultural power". It asserted that "Xi Jinping's cultural thought has written a new chapter in the development of Marxist cultural theory and is the cultural chapter of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON 'NEW QUALITY PRODUCTIVITY'
Guangming Daily (February 7) published an article captioned 'Strengthen the foundation of advanced production factors for the development of new quality productivity'.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: SHANDONG ACADEMIC LI CHAO WROTE ARTICLE IN GUANGMING DAILY CALLING FOR SAFER AND MORE LIVABLE CITIES
Guangming Daily (February 7) published an article by Li Chao, Special Researcher of Shandong Provincial Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and Director of the Institute of Yellow River Culture and Heritage Protection of Shandong Jianzhu University, with the caption 'Improving urban safety and resilience through new urban infrastructure construction'. it highlighted the importance of cities and making cities safer and more liveable.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: SUPREME PEOPLE'S PROCURATORATE AUTHORISES PROSECUTION OF FORMER VICE MINISTER OF JUSTICE LIU ZHIQIANG
The website of the Supreme People's Procuratorate disclosed on February 11, that the case of Liu Zhiqiang, former member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, suspected of taking bribes, has been concluded by the National Supervisory Commission. He will be prosecuted by the Wuhu People's Procuratorate of Anhui Province. The Wuhu People's Procuratorate has filed a public prosecution with the Wuhu Intermediate People's Court.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: LIU WEIDONG, GENERAL MANAGER OF NORINCO IS UNDER INVESTIGATION
The Central Discipline Inspection Commission website disclosed (February 12) that Liu Weidong, Deputy General Manager of China North Industries (NORINCO) is under investigation. (Comment: NORINCO is the largest weapons and equipment (tanks, armoured vehicles) manufacturing group under SASAC, revenue of 400 billion RMB.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: SUI JUN, SENIOR OFFICIAL OF CHINA OCEAN SHIPPING GROUP UNDER INVESTIGATION
The website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the National Supervisory Commission disclosed (February 11) that according to the China Ocean Shipping Group’s Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Group and the Shanghai Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision: Sui Jun, a leading official under the Party Leadership Group of China Ocean Shipping Group Co., Ltd., is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and is currently undergoing disciplinary review.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI CORRUPTION: BILLIONAIRE FOUNDER OF CHINA RENAISSANCE HOLDINGS LTD
Caixin (February 7) disclosed that Bao Fan, the billionaire founder and ex-Chairman of China Renaissance Holdings Ltd., may face prosecution for suspected bribery. He was taken away by authorities about two years ago, multiple sources with knowledge of the matter told Caixin. The case is now going through the judicial process and has been transferred to the procuratorate for review and potential prosecution, the sources said. It is closely linked to the ongoing investigation into Cong Lin, a former executive at state-owned Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC).

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: NUMBER OF MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN CHINA IN 2024 REGISTERED A DIP
During 2024 there were 6.106 million marriages registered nationwide, down 20.5% from the previous year and a dip to the lowest level in 46 years after a 2023 recovery from the previous year's decline. The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) website in March 2024 published the "Civil Affairs Statistics for the 4th Quarter of 2024" which showed that 7.680 million marriages were registered nationwide in 2023, but the "Statistical Bulletin on the Development of Civil Affairs in 2023" published by the MCA in August 2024 showed that 7.682 million marriages were registered according to the law in the whole year of 2023.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE NEW ANIMATED FILM EARNED US$ 1.3 BILLION SINCE ITS RELEASE ON JANUARY 29
People's Daily (February 13) reported that Chinese animated feature "Ne Zha 2", directed by Yang Yu, has shattered multiple box office records - in China and beyond - since its release on Chinese New Year, which fell on January 29 this year. It said its ongoing blockbuster run has already amassed over 9.2 billion yuan (about 1.3 billion U.S. dollars) and attracted over 187 million viewers. The film tells the story of Ne Zha, a well-known mythical figure with extraordinary powers, reimagined for contemporary audiences.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: TESLA SHANGHAI ENERGY STORAGE GROUP FACTORY TO INCREASE PRODUCTION IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2025
China's Economic Observer (February 11) reported that on February 11 morning Tesla planned to hold a production ceremony at the Tesla Shanghai Energy Storage Super Factory. It added that the Shanghai Energy Storage Super Factory will start to increase its production capacity in the first quarter of this year. (Comment: The Mega factory which covers about 200,000 meters is a new energy storage project and involves a total investment of 1.45 billion yuan. Chen Haisheng, Chairman of the China Energy Storage Alliance stated that the targeted output of new-type energy storage will cross over 3 trillion yuan by the end of 2025. Tesla’s new factory marks its second establishment in Shanghai after it built the Gigafactory in Lin-gang in 2020. It is the company’s first such facility outside the United States.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: BEIJING AND TIANJIN HAVE REPORTED DEFICITS IN MEDICAL INSURANCE FUNDS FOR RESIDENTS
Caixin (February 8) disclosed that Beijing and Tianjin are among a growing number of Chinese cities reporting deficits in their medical insurance funds for residents, as China grapples with an aging population, rising health care costs and slowing government revenue growth. China’s capital had an annual deficit of 525.6 million yuan ($72.1 million) in its resident medical insurance fund, according to its 2024 municipal budget. In neighbouring Tianjin, where the fund has been in the red every year since 2021, the city recorded a shortfall of over 1.3 billion yuan in 2024, driven by a 1.3% increase in expenditures. Both cities are covering the shortfalls by dipping into reserves that their funds amassed from their surplus years.

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: SHANGHAI-BASED CHINESE FIRM NEUROXESS ANNOUNCED BREAKTHROUGH IN TECHNOLOGY ALLOWING HUMAN BRAIN TO COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH COMPUTERS
Caixin (February 14) disclosed that in January, a Shanghai firm, NeuroXess, had announced a breakthrough in the technology that allows the human brain to communicate directly with computers. It said it had achieved real-time decoding of the Chinese language from brain signals. NeuroXess implanted a brain-computer interface (BCI) device into a brain cancer patient who also has epilepsy. The patient was asked to think of words and phrases in the Chinese language, and the device was able to correctly decode 71% of the 147 most commonly used Chinese syllables, taking just a tenth of a second to decode each Chinese character.

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA'S GALAXY POWER TO LAUNCH REUSABLE ROCKET 'ZHU SHENXING-1' FOR FIRST TIME IN JULY THIS YEAR
Beijing Daily (February 14) quoting Liu Baiqi, founder of Galaxy Power, disclosed that the "Zhu Shenxing 1 will make its maiden flight in June this year." He recalled that last month, the Ceres-1 rocket was successfully launched for the 16th time. Liu Baiqi said Zhu Shenxing 1 uses kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel and can be reused about 30 times, which greatly reduces transportation costs. He said reusable rocket technology is more challenging because it needs to be recovered on the ground. Last year, Blue Arrow Aerospace completed the rocket vertical take-off and landing recovery verification test at an altitude of 350 meters and 10 kilometres, which is an important milestone in the development of reusable rocket engineering. "This year we will move from R&D to operation, from resource traction to market traction, and invest the main R&D force in Suzaku-3, and it is expected to complete its first flight in the second half of the year."

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC ISSUED NEW REGULATIONS ON INSPECTION WORK OF CCP'S MILITARY
The PLA Daily (February 12) reported that the Central Military Commission issued the newly revised "Regulations on Inspection Work of the Chinese Communist Party's Military", which will come into effect on February 1, 2025. It said the "Regulations" adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively implement Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military and General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on the party's self-revolution, and are based on the Party Constitution and the "Regulations on Inspection Work of the Communist Party of China". It observed that the Regulations are "of great significance to uphold and strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission over the military inspection work, and promote the high-quality development of the military inspection work". The "Regulations" consist of 8 chapters and 50 articles, which clarify the functional positioning, work guidelines, overall requirements and basic principles of military inspections, and comprehensively regulate the organizational leadership and institutional responsibilities, inspection objects and content, work procedures, methods and authority, inspection rectification and application of results, as well as team building and accountability. It also specifies regulations for internal inspections and inspection work, providing a basic guideline for the military to carry out inspection work. (Comment: Points of interest are that: the PLA Daily's headline says "the CCP'S Military" yet again underscoring that the PLA is the CCP's army; and second that it on personnel to "uphold and strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission".)

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC COMMENDED 10 MODEL UNITS AND 20 MODEL INDIVIDUALS FOR "ENTIRE ARMY'S COMBAT READINESS"
The PLA Daily (February 12) reported that the Central Military Commission recently issued a notice to commend 10 model units and 20 model individuals for the entire army's combat readiness. The notice pointed out that "in recent years, the entire army has adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implemented Xi Jinping's Thought on Strengthening the Military, thoroughly implemented the military strategic guidelines of the new era, comprehensively strengthened training and preparation, comprehensively improved the ability to win, firmly and flexibly carried out military struggle, and effectively fulfilled the mission and tasks of the People's Army in the new era. A large number of elite troops have emerged, fighting on the front line of military struggle, bravely serving as pioneers in actual combat training, and bravely climbing to the peak of military scientific research. The notice requires that all military forces should take the commended units and individuals as examples."

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINA ISSUES NEW REGULATIONS RESTRICTING DISSEMINATION OF MILITARY-RELATED INFORMATION
China Daily (February 10) disclosed that China had released a set of regulations titled 'the "Internet Military Information Dissemination Management Measures"' which restrict dissemination of military-related information on the internet. They also encourage spreading information reflecting achievements in the modernization of national defense and the military, while prohibiting information that attacks the nation's defense policies and military operations abroad. The regulations, jointly issued by 10 departments, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, and the Central Military Commission Political and Legal Affairs Commission, will take effect on March 1. The regulations consist of 30 articles and focus on setting guidelines for the dissemination of military-related information on the internet, the establishment of military-themed websites and platforms, and the management of online programs and accounts focusing on military content. The measures mention that it is prohibited to slander the party's absolute leadership over the military and the system of responsibility of the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, spread the "depoliticization and departyization of the military" and "nationalization of the military", etc. They categorize militaryrelated information into three types: one type is encouraged and supported for dissemination, while the other two types are prohibited to be disseminated online.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC'S POLITICAL WORK DEPARTMENT ISSUED NOTICE MANDATING "FORGING FIRM POLITICAL LOYALTY" AND IDEOLOGICAL EDUCATION THROUGHOUT THE PLA WITH THE FOCUS ON A "KEY MINORITY"
The People's Liberation Army Daily (February 5) published a notice, "approved by the Central Military Commission", and issued by the CMC's Political Work Department titled the "Notice on Deepening the Education and Practice Activities Focusing on "Forging Firm Political Loyalty and Winning the Battle of Hard Work". " It stated that "The "Notice" thoroughly implements the spirit of the Central Military Commission's Political Work Conference, focuses on winning the battle to achieve the goal of the centenary of the founding of the army, strengthens political guidance, highlights practical orientation, pays attention to seeking truth and being pragmatic, and makes arrangements for the annual major education of the entire army". It further pointed out that "we must unremittingly use Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to unite hearts and build souls. We must always regard the Party's innovative theoretical arming as the primary task of building souls and educating people, deeply and persistently study Xi Jinping's Thought on Strengthening the Military, persevere in reading original works and understanding original texts, highlight the "key minority" to strengthen learning and ideological transformation, vigorously carry forward the fine style of Marxist learning, and truly achieve greater results in truly learning, understanding, believing, and applying". Asserting the PLA's centenary goal it said "We must closely follow the development of the cause of strengthening the army and the actual situation of preparing for war, and closely follow the needs of cultivating officers and soldiers' values and growing up, and carry out special education focusing on strengthening the belief in strengthening the army, establishing a strong sense of war, encouraging responsibility and struggle, and maintaining the true style. All levels must strengthen organizational leadership, scientifically plan and implement, and continuously enhance the pertinence and effectiveness of education". (Comment: A Chinese expert, Li Linyi said that the CCP has always been concerned about controlling the so-called "key minority" in the upper echelons of the regime. He interpreted the specific mention of the terms "key minority" and need for them to "strengthen learning and ideological transformation" as meaning that some personnel, including officers, are not aligned with the CCP's ideological thinking, which makes the top leaders of the CCP feel that they may not be easy to control. It is pertinent that Zhang Yang and Miao Hua, two consecutive directors of the CMC Political Work Department who were in charge of ensuring the loyalty of personnel, have both been dismissed.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA NAVAL AVIATION UNIT PRACTICED LOW-ALTITUDE PENETRATION AT SEA USING EARLY WARNING COMMAND AND GUIDANCE AIRCRAFT, DRONES, HELICOPTERS AND FIGHTER JETS
The PLA Daily (February 14) published an article on low-altitude penetration training at sea by an unidentified PLA Naval Aviation Unit. It said Early warning aircraft command and guidance, drone forward reconnaissance, helicopter sea assault, and several fighter jets from the naval aviation unit participated. It said the unit "set up a realistic battlefield environment in close accordance with actual combat requirements, emphasized training in dangerous and difficult subjects such as air combat confrontation and low-altitude penetration, and effectively honed the practical skills of the participating officers and soldiers".

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW THAT CHINA'S HULUDAO NAVY SUBMARINE SHIPYARD IS BUILDING 4 TYPE 093B NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
The Spark news portal (February 12) published photographs disclosing that China's Huludao nuclear submarine shipyard was building four Type 093B nuclear submarines (one completed and three under outfitting) at the same time. The photographs potentially confirm that the Type 093B class is equipped with 12 vertical launch tubes. Spark quoted Tom Shugart, a special reporter for the U.S. Naval News website who posted the photographs on February 7, as saying this detail could significantly enhance the strike capabilities of the submarine, giving the PLAN an edge in terms of long-range missile deployment. Shugart was also quoted saying that in addition to the photos of the Type 093B, another image reveals two additional submarines at the Huludao nuclear submarine shipyard in the People’s Republic of China [PRC].

Feb 2025

CHINA-HUNAN: CHANGSHA HOSTED CHINA AFRICA FUTURE INVESTMENT AND TRADE CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 11
The People's Daily (February 13) reported that 'The China-Africa Jointly Build a Sustainable Future Investment and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference' was held in Changsha, Hunan on February 11. Representatives from more than 20 domestic and foreign business associations and more than 400 Chinese and African business representatives attended the conference. It disclosed that at the meeting, the "China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Large Model Laboratory" and the "Tanzania Investment Center China (Hunan) Investment Cooperation Platform Pilot Zone Liaison Office" were unveiled and officially settled in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Innovation Demonstration Park.

Feb 2025

CHINA-HEBEI: HEBEI PROVINCE HELD A PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION MINISTERS' MEETING ON FEBRUARY 11
On February 11, Hebei held a provincial Organization Ministers' meeting to convey the spirit of the national organization ministers' meeting, summarize last year's work, and deploy this year's tasks. The meeting pointed out that in the past year, the provincial organization system has thoroughly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on party building, promoted the party's innovative theoretical armed forces to go deep and practical, the quality and efficiency of cadre team building continued to improve, the grassroots foundation was further consolidated, the education and management of party members was continuously strengthened, and talent work was carried out in a solid manner, and new progress and new results were achieved in various tasks.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LIAONING: LIAONING PROVINCE HELD A PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION MINISTERS' MEETING ON FEBRUARY 8
Liaoning On February 8, Liaoning held a provincial organization minister meeting. The meeting adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implemented the important speech and important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection in Liaoning, implemented the spirit of the National Organization Minister Meeting and the work requirements of the Provincial Party Committee, summarized the work in 2024, and deployed the tasks for 2025. Jiang Tianbao, member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Minister of the Organization Department, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. The meeting stressed that "we should focus on implementing the three-year action plan for a new breakthrough in comprehensive revitalization, carry out the "Focus on the Year of Decisive Victory and Progress" activity in the provincial organization system, and implement the reform spirit and strict standards in the whole process of organizational work, so as to provide a strong organizational guarantee for winning the decisive battle in the year of decisive victory". It added "We should focus on improving quality and increasing fighting spirit, improve the education and management of party members, and the mechanism for the role of party members, and build a strong vanguard team for the decisive battle".

Feb 2025

CHINA-GUANGXI-ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION: GUANGXI ZHUANG A.R. HELD A PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION MINISTERS' MEETING ON FEBRUARY
Guangxi On February 11, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region held a meeting of the Organization Ministers of the whole region. Chen Gang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region, attended the meeting and delivered a speech, emphasizing that we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on party building and important requirements on Guangxi’s work, fully implement the general requirements for party building in the new era and the party’s organizational line in the new era, follow the deployment of the National Organization Ministers’ Meeting, insist on hard work as the key and innovation as the soul, speak with performance and let the people evaluate, promote party building and organizational work with high quality, and provide a strong organizational guarantee for writing a chapter of Chinese-style modernization in Guangxi. Wang Weiping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region and Minister of the Organization Department, presided over the meeting and made work arrangements.

Feb 2025

CHINA-GANSU: GANSU PARTY SECRETARY ATTENDED PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE'S UNITED FRONT WORK LEADING GROUP IN 2025, LANZHOU ON FEBRUARY 88
The Party Secretary of Gansu province, Hu Changsheng attended and spoke at the first plenary meeting of the Provincial Party Committee's United Front Work (Provincial Party Committee's Ethnic and Religious Work) Leading Group in 2025 in Lanzhou on February 8. Hu Changsheng emphasized that we must thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on doing a good job in the party's united front work in the new era and the important speeches and instructions during his inspection of Gansu, firmly grasp the requirements of the times for unity and struggle, better play the important role of the united front in the new era, and work together to promote the modernization of the province. Provincial leaders Cheng Xiaobo, Sun Xuetao, Zhang Wei and He Wei attended the event.

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE MEDIA CLAIMS GLOBAL FUNDS SHIFTING FROM INDIAN STOCKS TO CHINA
A Global Times article reproduced by Beijing Daily (February 14) and quoting Bloomberg (February 12) and India's Mint newspaper (February 12), claimed "Global funds are shifting from Indian stocks to China," and that ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) focusing on India have seen capital outflows. It said according to Goldman Sachs' weekly data last week, emerging Asian markets, excluding China's A and H shares, saw a net outflow of US$1.7 billion in foreign capital, with India and ASEAN countries and regions having a total net outflow of US$600 million. The report also mentioned that Indian companies' quarterly profits have declined in the past three quarters, which has also made it difficult to maintain valuations and triggered a large sell-off by foreign investors. It claimed "Other analysts believe that the gradually declining Indian economic growth rate is considered to be a factor that makes investors uneasy. The International Monetary Fund predicts that India's economic growth rate this year is expected to be 6.5%, which is slower than 2023 (8.2%) and 2024 (7.0%). Since the end of September 2024, the Indian stock market has entered a volatile downward cycle, with the SENSEX index falling by more than 12%". It sought to highlight that, in contrast, the attractiveness of Chinese assets continues to increase and quoted Goldman Sachs as saying China's onshore and offshore stocks have become the "market with the largest nominal net purchase volume" this year.

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINA DAILY HIGHLIGHTS POOR PERFORMANCE OF INDIAN SKATERS AT ASIAN WINTER GAMES
In an article on the Asian Winter Games captioned 'Indian skaters: Inline with expectations', the China Daily (February 12) said "In fact, no Indian, man or woman, reached the top 15 in any of the 10 individual events they signed up for in Harbin. The gap between India and continental powers China, Japan and Republic of Korea couldn't be more stark, let alone the higher-calibre European heavyweights, yet Mishra and his fellow teammates have opted to keep pushing anyway."

Feb 2025

CHINA-JAPAN: JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER ISHIBA HAD 110 MINUTE MEETING WITH U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP IN WASHINGTON DC ON FEBRUARY 8
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on the Summit Meeting between Japan's Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and US President Donald Trump in Washington on February 8. Detailing their meeting, it said: "on February 7, commencing at 11:55 a.m. (local time. 1:55 a.m. on February 8, Japan time.) for approximately 110 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, during his visit to Washington D.C., held the first in-person meeting with the Honourable Donald. J. Trump, President of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows (the small-group meeting commenced at 11:55 a.m. (local time. 1:55 a.m. on February 8, Japan time) and lasted approximately 30 minutes; the extended meeting (working lunch) commenced at 0:25 p.m. (local time. 2:25 a.m. on February 8, Japan time) and lasted approximately 80 minutes): 1. At the outset, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that the U.S. is the most important country for Japan’s diplomacy and security. He also stated that he would like to work together with President Trump to continue elevating the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific. 2. The two leaders shared the views on the severe and complex security environment and concurred to work closely to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific and to elevate the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights. 3.The two leaders concurred to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan- U.S. Alliance and to work closely to address strategic challenges in the region that both countries are facing. Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally reinforcing its defense capabilities and President Trump welcomed such commitment. 4.President Trump underscored the unwavering commitment by the U.S. to the defense of Japan, using its full range of capabilities, including nuclear. The two leaders once again reaffirmed that Article V of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Senkaku Islands. The two leaders confirmed their commitment to the steady implementation of the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan in accordance with the Okinawa Consolidation Plan, including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at Henoko and the total return of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma. 5.The two leaders affirmed that Japan and the U.S. are close partners in the economic field as well, with Japan being the world's largest investor in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed his willingness to cooperate together to elevate Japan’s investment in the U.S. to an unprecedented amount of one trillion dollars, and President Trump strongly welcomed such investments by Japanese companies. 6.The two leaders then concurred to elevate the Japan-U.S partnership to an even higher level through improving business environment and increasing bilateral investment and employment, strengthening each other’s industries and leading the world in development in the field of technologies such as AI and leading-edge semiconductors, and strongly promoting efforts to harness the energy of the growing market in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders also confirmed that they will cooperate to strengthen energy security between the two countries, including increasing exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas to Japan, in a mutually beneficial manner. 7.The two leaders exchanged views on regional Affairs.The two leaders shared the view on issues related to China and any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion including in the East and South China Seas. The two leaders reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The two leaders shared the views on the situation regarding North Korea, and affirmed the need to address its nuclear and missile issues together, as well as their resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Prime Minister Ishiba asked for continued understanding and cooperation of the U.S. for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained full support from President Trump. 8.The two leaders concurred on the importance of further developing coordination of likeminded countries, including Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan-Australia-India-U.S. and Japan-U.S.-Philippines. 9.The two leaders concurred to maintain close partnership to further uphold and bolster the Japan-U.S. relations, which have become stronger than ever, and they issued a joint statement. 10.At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba invited President Trump to the official visit to Japan at an early timing. (Comment: Notable is that both leaders unambiguously expressed their aim of further elevating the US-Japan alliance and working to 'realise a free and open Indo-Pacific"; US commitment to the defence of Japan using all US capabilities, including nuclear; "strengthening each other’s 23 industries and leading the world in development in the field of technologies such as AI and leading-edge semiconductors" and energy; and said "on issues related to China and any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion including in the East and South China Seas. The two leaders reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait". Ishiba also said Japan would invest US$ 1 trillion over 5 years. ii) The visit and its outcome were good for Japan. There were also no tariffs or insistence on financial issues by US President Trump, at least none made public. iii) A rumour is circulating in Beijing that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had told Chinese President Xi Jinping that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had privately assured he would visit China on the occasion of the Asian Winter Games. Instead Ishiba went to Washington DC for a meeting with Trump.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: APPLE INC. HAS STEPPED UP COLLABORATION WITH ALIBABA GROUP TO DEVELOP AI FEATURES FOR ITS iPHONES IN CHINA
Caixin (February 14) reported that Apple Inc. has teamed up with e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to develop artificial intelligence (AI) features for iPhones in China. It said the iPhone maker is intensifying its collaboration with Alibaba on AI large model technology, but it remains unclear whether Apple will work exclusively with a single company. China's Economic Daily (February 14) reported that "on the day when the news of Apple's cooperation with Alibaba to launch AI functions in China spread, Alibaba founder Jack Ma appeared at the Alibaba campus, wearing an Alibaba cultural jacket, and went to the office areas of Xianyu and Alibaba Intelligent Information Business Group".

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO U.S. XIE FENG SAID CHINA AND U.S. NEED TO HELP EACH OTHER TO ACHIEVE "SHARED PROSPERITY"
Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng posted (February 13) his remarks made at the 20th Anniversary Gala of the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA on February 11. He said "A tariff war or trade war cannot resolve issues in China-U.S. relations, nor can it hinder China's development. Our confidence comes from the strong resilience of the China-US relationship, which is just too big to fail. Over the past year, despite the complex and grave situation, we have managed to maintain the overall stability of the relationship and achieved a smooth transition. Bilateral trade increased 3.7% against all odds. China is the first country in the world to officially schedule fentanyl-related substances as a whole class, and also the country that has scheduled the largest number of relevant substances and exerted the tightest control. The outcomes of China-US counternarcotics cooperation are there for everyone to see. Imposing additional tariff on China on the pretext of the fentanyl issue would only be counterproductive. The vitality comes from the broad space for China-US mutually beneficial cooperation. As China focuses on advancing Chinese modernization and the US is keen to boost its economy, we need to help each other succeed so as to achieve shared prosperity, not hinder one another. If we view the world through a zero-sum lens, Sputnik moments could be everywhere. But if we adopt a win-win perspective, cooperation and opportunities abound here and there".

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA CRITICISES TRANSIT THROUGH TAIWAN STRAIT OF U.S. DESTROYER AND OCEAN SURVEY SHIP FROM FEBRUARY 10-12
China Daily (February 13) reported that from February 10 to 12, the United States' destroyer Johnston and the ocean survey ship USN Bowditch transited the Taiwan Strait. Their voyage was closely monitored by the PLA Eastern Theatre Command. Citing Chinese experts, it said the US warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 2025, and this mission was carried out by a destroyer paired with an oceanographic survey ship, marking a departure from previous instances where two destroyers or similar vessels were involved in the passage. "The participation of a survey ship in this operation was unprecedented". It observed that unlike previous transits, this US naval passage through the Taiwan Strait lasted longer, likely due to the involvement of the survey ship. The survey ship could conduct measurements while underway, mapping the underwater geological structures of the strait, collecting hydrological and meteorological data, and employing towed sonar arrays for underwater surveillance, showcasing strong maritime military intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Feb 2025

CHINA-FRANCE: CHINESE VICE PREMIER AND POLITBURO MEMBER ZHANG GUOQING SAID AT AI ACTION SUMMIT IN PARIS THAT CHINA IS WILLING TO WORK WITH OTHER COUNTRIES IN AI
People's Daily (February 12) reported Chinese Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing as saying at the AI Action Summit (February 10-11) in Paris on February 11 that "China is willing to work with other countries to promote development, safeguard security, share achievements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind". Zhang Guoqing attended the event as Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative. Meeting French President Macron, Zhang Guoqing said China is ready to work with France to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries, and push for further development of China-France relations over the next 60 years. Macron expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for sending a special representative to participate in the AI Action Summit. He reaffirmed that France firmly upholds strategic autonomy and is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China to jointly safeguard peace and stability, and tackle global challenges. ii) China Daily (February 13) commented "As the United States was absent from a collective pledge to drive inclusive AI development at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, France, the China-proposed Global AI Governance Initiative, put forward by President Xi Jinping in 2023, has greater relevance to promoting AI growth for good and for all, according to analysts. Fifty-eight countries including China and two international organizations — the 27-member European Union and the 55-member African Union — signed the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet at the summit, cochaired by France and India from February 10-11. The US refused to sign the international document, with Vice-President JD Vance making it clear at the summit that Washington maintains an "America first" approach in AI development. Vance said that the US administration will ensure that "American AI technology continues to be the gold standard worldwide". "

Feb 2025

CHINA-EU: LU SHAYE, ONE OF THE 'WOLF WARRIOR DIPLOMATS, APPOINTED CHINA'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
China has appointed Lu Shaye as its Special Representative for European Affairs with headquarters in Brussels. His position will involve “coordinating and handling European affairs and conducting consultations and exchanges with European countries and EU institutions.” (Comment: Lu Shaye’s appointment comes at a critical time, as the EU and China try to navigate their own trade disputes while keeping a wary eye on tariff-happy Washington.He was China's Ambassador to France till January. Lu Shaye is one of the "wolf warrior' diplomats 26 who criticized France for ‘allowing’ an MP to visit Taiwan, insulted a French academic with outspoken views, suggested that old people in France were being abandoned to their deaths in the Covid pandemic, said “mad dogs” were attacking China and that he was proud to be called a wolf warrior in 2020-2021.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-AUSTRALIA: CHINA CRITICISED AUSTRALIA FOR ITS AIRCRAFT DELIBERATELY INTRUDING INTO CHINA'S AIRSPACE OVER XISHA QUNDAO (PARACEL ISLANDS)
Reacting to Australian allegations that a PLAAF aircraft had fired flares dangerously close to an Australian Poseidon Aircraft on a reccee flight in international waters, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said (February 13) that "The Australian military airplane, without China’s permission, deliberately intruded into China’s airspace over Xisha Qundao. The move violated China’s sovereignty and harmed our national security. China’s response to warn away the airplane was legitimate, lawful, professional and restrained. China has protested to Australia about the intrusion. Our message is quite clear: stop the provocations and infringement on China’s sovereignty, and stop turning the South China Sea into a less peaceful and stable place".

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED 9TH ASIAN WINTER GAMES AT HARBIN AND HOSTED BANQUET FOR FOREIGN GUESTS ON FEBRUARY 7
CCTV (February 6) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin and hold foreign affairs activities. The Workers Daily (February 6) disclosed that Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the Harbin Games on February 7 and at noon the same day will hold a welcome banquet for foreign leaders coming to China to attend the opening ceremony. Foreign leaders attending the opening ceremony included Brunei Sultan Hassanal, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Pakistani President Zardari, Thai Prime Minister Petunthan, and South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MET SULTAN OF BRUNEI IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 6
The People's Daily (February 6) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in the Great Hall of the People with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on February 6, calling on the two countries to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination. The Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah was accorded a ceremonial welcome with Guard of Honour. The Workers Daily (February 6) disclosed that NPC Chairman Zhao Leji also met the Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah in Beijing on February 6.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING HELD TALKS WITH THAI PRIME MINISTER SHINAWATRA IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 6
People's Daily (February 5) disclosed that Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra began an official visit to China on February 5, to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Her visit is expected to enhance bilateral ties, including further expanding the economic cooperation for mutual benefit and restoring the confidence of Chinese tourists in traveling to Thailand. China Daily (February 5) said the visit will reaffirm China-Thai friendship and that during the visit, Paetongtarn will hold talks with the Chinese leadership and also meet with business executives from both countries to further strengthen economic partnership. Chinese President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, February 6. CCTV (February 6) said that during the talks Xi Jinping 'stressed that in the face of a major change that has not been seen in a century, China and Thailand should consolidate strategic mutual trust, firmly support each other, and respond to the uncertainty of the external environment with the stability and certainty of China-Thailand relations. China is willing to align development strategies with Thailand, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, implement flagship projects such as the China-Thailand Railway, and promote the China-Laos-Thailand Connectivity Development Concept to achieve more results as soon as possible. Deepen cooperation in emerging fields such as digital economy and new energy vehicles, and work together to create a more stable and smooth industrial chain and supply chain. China appreciates Thailand's effective measures to combat online gambling and fraud'. He said both sides should continue to strengthen law enforcement, security and judicial cooperation to safeguard the safety of people's lives and property, and maintain the smooth exchanges and cooperation among regional countries. Paetongtarn replied that Thailand is willing to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with China and other neighboring countries, and take resolute and effective measures to crack down on cross-border crimes including online gambling and telecom fraud. CCTV (February 6) quoted her saying "Thailand firmly adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to working with China to strengthen high-level exchanges, close cooperation in areas such as connectivity, economy, trade, and agriculture, promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges, and start the next 50 years of shared peace and common prosperity for the benefit of future generations." "Thailand is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to jointly respond to global challenges." (Comment: This is Paetongtarn's first official visit to Beijing since assuming office in August last year. Shortly after becoming Thailand's Prime Minister, she affirmed her commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties between Thailand and China, emphasizing that the friendship between the two countries was based on "mutual trust and respect, a common vision towards prosperity and progress, as well as familial ties between our peoples.")

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING HELD TALKS WITH KYRGYZ PRESIDENT SADYR JAPAROV IN BEIJING ON FEBRUARY 5
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov held talks in Beijing on February 5 and pledged high-quality Belt and Road cooperation for more win-win outcomes. Xi Jinping said China is willing to continue expanding its economic, trade and investment cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, and import more quality goods from the country and it supports more Chinese enterprises in investing and starting businesses in Kyrgyzstan, and hopes that Kyrgyzstan will earnestly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors. Xi Jinping added that both countries should contribute to the construction of the China- Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, renovate and modernize existing ports simultaneously, and open more passenger and freight flights to facilitate the flow of people and goods. CCTV (February 5) telecast the welcome ceremony and said Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan, and Politburo member and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Wang Yi attended the welcoming ceremony. (Comment: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is on a state visit to China from February 4 to 7).

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER MEETING OF THE STATE COUNCILON FEBRUARY 5
CCTV (February 5) telecast a report stating that Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over the 7th plenary meeting of the State Council on February 5 to discuss the Government Work Report to be submitted to the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress for deliberation and to mobilize work for the start of the year. Li Qiang stressed the need to promote high4 quality development and to "strengthen our confidence, advance together despite difficulties, objectively and dialectically view changes in the external situation, coordinate the solution of domestic economic problems and respond to external challenges, turn pressure into motivation, take effective measures to achieve new breakthroughs in key areas such as strengthening the domestic circulation, promoting scientific and technological innovation, and promoting industrial upgrading, and focus on creating new advantages for China's development in the long run". Members of the State Council plenary session attended the meeting, and heads of relevant departments and units attended the meeting as observers.

Feb 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND SECRETARY OF CCP CC SECRETARIAT CAI QI DELIVERED SPEECH AT SPECIAL WORKING MEETING ON RECTIFYING FORMALISM AT CENTRAL LEVEL
CCTV (February 5) reported that a special working mechanism meeting on rectifying formalism at the central level to reduce the burden on the grassroots was held in Beijing on February 5. Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat Cai Qi attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He stressed the need to "thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on strengthening the party’s work style, persevere in implementing the spirit of the Central Committee’s eight regulations, continue to deepen the rectification of formalism to reduce the burden on the grassroots, and promote party organizations at all levels and the majority of party members and cadres to complete the goals and tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan" with good work style and high quality". The meeting stressed that "we must closely follow the spirit of the eight central regulations and strictly implement the "Regulations on Rectifying Formalism to Reduce the Burden on the Grassroots", focus on key tasks, deepen the treatment of both symptoms and root causes, and adopt comprehensive measures to further consolidate and expand the results of rectification work". It said, "Continue to deepen ideological and political education, and take multiple measures to promote party members and cadres to internalize various style requirements into daily words and deeds".

Feb 2025

CHINA-NPC: NPC STANDING COMMITTEE TO MEET IN LATE FEBRUARY TO SET AGENDA FOR MARCH SESSION
The 14th NPC Standing Committee is slated to convene in late February, and the Council of Chairpersons is expected to meet in mid-February to decide on the agenda and the dates of the session.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PROPAGANDA: CCTV GETS TWO NEW YOUNG NEWS ANCHORS
Beijing Evening News (February 5) disclosed that on February 3, the state-owned CCTV on its News Channel's "News Live" program welcomed Zhou Jingyu (f) as the new anchor. This was her official debut on CCTV as a news anchor. Earlier, on February 2, Harle, born in Ningxia in June 2001, appeared on the CCTV News Channel’s “News Live Room”.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER VICE CHAIRMAN OF DALIAN CPPCC HAO FANGLIN EXPELLED FROM CCP ON FEBRUARY 6
Beijing Daily (February 6) disclosed that the official website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the National Supervisory Commission had on February 6, announced that Hao Fanglin, former Vice Chairman of Dalian CPPCC, was expelled from the party for serious violations of party regulations and discipline. He was under investigation since August 2024.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: WANG DAIYU, DIRECTOR OF BUDGET DEPARTMENT IN GUANGXI ZHUANG AR FINANCE DEPARTMENT EXPELLED FROM CCP FOR CORRUPTION AND VIOLATING PARTY DISCIPLINE
The Discipline Inspection and Supervision News (February 5) reported that the Fifth Plenary Session of the 12th Discipline Inspection Commission of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which was held recently, disclosed a typical case of corruption involving 1964-born Wang Daiyu. Wang Daiyu was Director of the Budget Department and Chief Accountant worked in the Guangxi Finance Department for a long time. He was investigated and expelled from the CCP in November 2024.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: REPUTED CHINESE ACADEMICS ASSESS GLOBAL SECURITY ISSUES WILL BE PROMINENT IN 2025
Reputed Chinese academics Jin Canrong, an Americas expert and Professor of School of International Relations, Renmin University of China, and Bai Ziqing, Professor of School of International Relations, Renmin University of China, jointly published an article titled 'Global development and governance face four major challenges in 2025' in the Social Sciences Magazine of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) on February 5. They assessed that "Looking ahead to 2025, global security issues will remain prominent, and global development and governance will still face severe challenges". They anticipated: (i) global geopolitics becoming chaotic and the rise of terrorism in Syria, slim prospects for an end to the Ukrainian crisis, and an increasingly unstable situation on the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, both overall and regional geopolitical security crises are at risk of intensifying. These factors will make the global security situation in 2025 more complex and uncertain. (ii) the global economy faces "significant uncertainty" with Trump's return to power. The US government under his administration is likely to restart competition among major powers, which will lead to a serious setback in the process of economic globalization and may have a profound impact on the international trade system and global economic stability.(iii) Scientific and Technological progress will promote changes in the international situation with disparities manifest in the level of scientific and technological progress between nations especially as they will use it as a tool to implement their geopolitical strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) will have a profound impact on international relations and the world economy. The United States is fully committed to developing AI technology while engaging in dialogue with China, and simultaneously suppressing China by further tightening sanctions on China related to the AI industry and other measures. (iv) Global governance issues may further deteriorate, and example is the US government announcing its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Trump's return, they felt, is likely to have an adverse impact on the enthusiasm of other developed countries, and may lead to a decline in the enthusiasm of these countries in climate cooperation. Among the positive aspects is that the countries of the "global south" are rising and their voice in global affairs is increasing. Cooperation among BRICS countries has become more effective, and the voice of developing countries in the G20 and international organizations such as the United Nations are getting louder. Overall, China has shown relative certainty in a world full of uncertainty and the prospect of China's economy achieving a stable recovery in 2025 is relatively optimistic. This will have a positive impact on global development and economic growth. China's development in the field of new energy is particularly prominent, which provides it with more options and means to deal with climate change.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CASS DAILY ADVOCATES SPREAD OF CHINESE SOFT POWER USING NEW TECHNOLOGIES
China Social Sciences Daily (February 6) published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) published an article captioned 'Vigorously enhance the country's cultural soft power and the influence of Chinese culture' by Liu Runan, Researcher at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies base of the Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The article advocated the spread of Chinese culture across the globe using new technologies such as AI, 5G etc.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS PUBLISH ARTICLE EXPLAINING ROLE OF FINANCE IN CHINA'S MODERNISATION
The People's Daily (February 6) published an article with the caption 'Resolutely follow the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics' authored by Jiao Jie and Lu Yi of the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance, and Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management respectively. The article stressed that "Finance should serve the real economy and meet the needs of economic and social development and the people." It said Finance must "practice the political and people-oriented nature of finance” “and take the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics". It added "we must always adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over financial work. Deepen the organic integration of party building and corporate governance, give full play to the leadership role of the party committees (party groups) of financial institutions in setting the direction, managing the overall situation, and ensuring implementation, and ensure that the basic positioning of financial institutions in serving the real economy does not deviate".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINA EDUCATION DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON SYSTEMS REFORM AND DEEPENING ALL-ROUND REFORM
China Education Daily (February 6) published an article captioned Strengthen system integration and further deepen reform in an all-round way by Ren Peng, Dean, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor of the School of Marxism at Northeastern University.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE BY HU KAIHONG, FULL-TIME DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL OFFICE FOR SPIRITUAL CIVILIZATION CONSTRUCTION
The CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; dated February 1; 2025/03) published a lengthy article by Hu Kaihong, Full-time Deputy Director of the Central Office for Spiritual Civilization Construction, with the title "Cultivate and carry forward the new trend of socialist family civilization'.

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY WU QING, SECRETARYOF THE PARTY COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN OF CSRC
The CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; dated February 1; 2025/03) published an article by Wu Qing, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission, with the caption 'Strive to create a new situation of highquality development of the capital market'. Asserting that "High-quality development is the primary task of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way" and "vigorously developing the capital market is an inevitable requirement for adapting to the high-quality development of my country's economy and society", it said "the China Securities Regulatory Commission system has conscientiously studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on financial work and important instructions and instructions on the capital market, closely followed the theme of high-quality development". Highlighting the main focus areas, the article emphasised the need for "Focus on turning the blade inward and deepen the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party in the CSRC system".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PARTY LEADERSHIP GROUP OF CCP NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE ON THE ECONOMY IN LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI
The CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; dated February 1; 2025/03) published an article authored by the Party Leadership Group of the National Bureau of Statistics of the Communist Party of China and titled 'China's economy marches forward steadily despite setbacks'. Stating that "2024 is a critical year for achieving the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and it is also an extremely unusual and extraordinary year in the history of my country's economic development. Faced with the complex and severe situation of increasing external pressure and increasing internal difficulties, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core united and led the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country to respond calmly and adopt comprehensive measures to strengthen and innovate macroeconomic regulation in accordance with the times and circumstances". It mentioned that "the Central Political Bureau meeting on September 26 decisively deployed a package of incremental policies". The lengthy article stated in conclusion: "In the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, we must unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, adhere to the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promote stability through progress, uphold integrity and innovation, establish before breaking, integrate systems, coordinate and cooperate, implement more proactive and effective macroeconomic policies, pay close attention to the implementation of policies, better stabilize expectations, stimulate vitality, continuously promote economic growth, improve structure, and improve quality and efficiency, complete the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality, and lay a solid foundation for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan".

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINESE ACADEMICS AUTHOR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTING CHINA'S NEW MODEL FOR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
People's Daily (February 5) published an article titled 'China explores new model for global development' by Li Xiaoyun and Xu Xiuli, Senior Professor of Liberal Arts at China Agricultural University and Dean of the School of International Development and Global Agriculture at China Agricultural University respectively. The article said China "has opened up a unique Chinese-style modernization path, which is bringing hope to all countries in solving development problems with its vigorous vitality". The article claimed, "At a time when the world is mired in multiple "deficits", China has resolutely taken on the responsibility of a major country and put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. These three global initiatives carry the wisdom of Chinesestyle modernization and provide a pragmatic and forward-looking Chinese solution to resolve global problems."

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: SIGNED PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY EMPHASISED "FIVE MUSTS" FOR ACHIEVING CHINA'S HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
The People's Daily (February 4) published an article titled 'China's economy is on a steady path——Profoundly grasp and apply the five “musts” signed by Ren Ping. The article said "It is the common task of the whole Party and the whole country to comprehensively promote Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development. The CPC Central Committee is the "general" sitting in the central military camp, with chariots, horses and artillery showing their strengths, and the overall situation of the game is clear". It pointed out that scientific methods are crucial to playing this effort. It added that "the past year was a critical year in a critical period, with increasing external pressure and internal difficulties, and the situation was complex and severe" and "the country's economy is at a critical stage of high-quality development." It added "The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core united and led the entire Party and the people of the country to rise to the challenge, successfully completed the main goals and tasks of economic and social development, and made new and solid steps towards China's modernization". It emphasised that the "five "musts" are important conclusions made by General Secretary Xi Jinping on the laws of economic development in the new era" and identified these as: (i) must coordinate the five important relationships between an effective market and an effective government; (ii) total supply and total demand; (iii) cultivating new drivers and updating old drivers, (iv) optimizing incremental growth and revitalizing existing stock, and (v) improving quality and increasing total volume. (Comment: Ren Ping indicates the Commentary is of the Economic and Social Department of the People’s Daily.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS THAT FOODSTUFFS ARE ADEQUATE DURING SPRING FESTIVAL
The People's Daily (February 1) published an article captioned 'During the Spring Festival holiday, supply was sufficient, and consumption was active: The New Year market is booming, with strong supply and demand, and new business formats'.

Feb 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S BOX OFFICE REVENUE DRING 2025 SPRING FESTIVAL REACHED 9 BILLION YUAN
People's Daily (February 3) highlighted that China's film industry set a new milestone during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, with box office revenue from January 29 to February 1 reaching a record 5.75 billion yuan (about 802 million U.S. dollars), surpassing the previous high of 5.73 billion yuan set in 2021. It said as of February 2, box office revenue from the holiday had reached 7 billion yuan. The reading for the first six days of the holiday, driven mainly by popular domestic productions, is already nearing the record box office of 8.02 billion yuan set during the 2024 Spring Festival holiday. It added that the total box office revenue since the beginning of 2025 has touched 9 billion yuan and that the figure has solidified China's position as a global leader in box office revenue for 2025.

Feb 2025

CHINA-HUMAN RIGHTS: 'HUMAN RIGHTS IN CHINA' CLAIMED CHINA HAS
SET UP 'MEDIATION CENTRES' IN U.S.
'Human Rights in China' said on February 4 that in an escalation of transnational repression, official Chinese government and state-run media reports say Chinese courts have set up "mediation stations" in the United States to perform "overseas procuratorial work” based on Chinese legal standards. These programs have reportedly tapped the leaders of several USbased NGOs to serve as “mediators” in this United Front-managed "dual justice system" aimed at exerting control over Chinese populations. It added the extent to which these stations have been used thus far is unclear.

Feb 2025

CHINA-S&T: MIT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW IDENTIFIED STEPFUN, MODELBEST, ZHIPU AND INFINIGENCE AI AS THE FOUR CHINESE COMPANIES TO WATCH OUT FOR
MIT Technology Review (February 4) reported that an elite group of companies known as the “Six Tigers”—Stepfun, Zhipu, Minimax, Moonshot, 01.AI, and Baichuan—are generally considered to be at the forefront of China’s AI sector. Among them it identified Stepfun, ModelBest, Zhipu and Infinigence AI (the smallest among them and founded in 2023) as the four it considers the ones to watch out for. Alongside them, research-focused firms like DeepSeek and ModelBest continue to grow in influence. It said while some, such as Minimax and Moonshot, are giving up on costly foundational model training to hone in on building consumer-facing applications on top of others’ models, others, like Stepfun and Infinigence AI, are doubling down on research, driven in part by US semiconductor restrictions.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SIGNED NEWLY REVISED 'MILITARY EQUIPMENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH REGULATIONS' TO BECOME EFFECTIVE MARCH 1
CCTV (February 5) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping "recently" signed an order to issue the newly revised "Military Equipment Scientific Research Regulations", which will come into effect on March 1, 2025. "The Regulations adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's Thought on Strengthening the Military, thoroughly implement the military strategic guidelines of the new era, profoundly grasp the characteristics and laws of equipment scientific research work, and scientifically standardize the basic requirements and institutional arrangements for equipment scientific research work under the new situation. It is the basic law and regulation for the military's equipment scientific research work". The Regulations consist of 8 chapters and 49 articles and "meet the requirements of innovatively building a modernized management system for weapons and equipment in the new era".

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINA BUILT A NEW, POSSIBLY UNMANNED, SUBMARINE IN SECRECY AT GUANGZHOU SHIPYARD
A new submarine was spotted in satellite imagery at Guangzhou Shipyard, which is not known for submarine construction. The new boat was noticed in a floating dock by defence watcher MT Anderson. Naval News (February 3) is able to confirm that this is a new and previously unreported design. The new submarine is distinct from the recently revealed Type-041 nuclearbattery design which was launched at Wuchang Shipyard near Wuhan. This design is smaller and likely has a different propulsion type (not nuclear assisted), and mission. It is also different from the ‘Olympic’ submarine revealed in February 2022. Naval News states that preliminary estimates suggest that the new submarine is around 45 meters (148 feet) long and 5 meters (15 feet) across. The most notable features are the large X-form rudders at the stern, and the apparent absence of a sail. Sails are a standard feature but designers have sought ways to eliminate them to create a more streamlined boat. China is so far the only country to have built a sailless submarine, with one launched at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in 2019. The new boat has the outward appearance of an uncrewed vessel. China, and indeed other leading navies, have active programs to build extra-large uncrewed submarines. And China’s program is the largest and most extensive with at least 5 types in the water. Naval News assessed that the role of the new submarine remains unclear. It is smaller than regular diesel-electric submarines, but may be particularly suitable for operations in shallow water. At the same time, it does appear to have torpedo tubes, and possibly a towed sonar array. These features suggest that it could be used to attack ships or submarines. An alternative explanation is that it is designed for special forces missions, or seabed warfare.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLAN CONDUCTED LONG-DISTANCE COMBAT EXERCISES FROM FEBRUARY 2 IN PHILIPPINES WATERS GOING THROUGH. MINDORO STRAIT INTO SULU SEA AND EXITING THROUGH BASILAN STRAIT
China's 'Spark Think-tank' published an article on February 5 under the caption "People's Navy crosses the heartland of the Philippines to ensure everyone's freedom of navigation!" Stating that the People's Navy was not idle during the Spring Festival, it said it organized long-distance combat exercises which included Type 055 Destroyers, adding that the Philippines disclosed on February 2, that a Chinese naval fleet was passing through the Mindoro Strait from the South China Sea into the Sulu Sea and then exiting through the Basilan Strait. It said :"The Basilan Strait is right at the doorstep of the Philippines. The Philippines protested and cried miserably, and said that local people could see the outline of Chinese warships with the naked eye. Is it really that exaggerated to say that the Philippines is exporting products in close proximity to their faces?"

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA SOUTHERN THEATRE COMMAND AND CHINA COAST GUARD CONDUCT 'COMBAT READINESS' PATROLS IN TERRITORIAL WATERS AND AIRSPACE OF SCARBOROUGH SHOAL
The PLA Southern Theatre Command organized combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace of Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island) and surrounding areas on February 1, 2025. The Chinese Coast Guard also conducted law enforcement patrol in China's territorial waters of Scarborough Shoal (Huangyan Island) and surrounding areas.

Feb 2025

CHINA-PLA: U.S. INTELLIGENCE BELIEVES CHINA'S MASSIVE NEW MILITARY COMPLEX IN WESTERN BEIJING IS A WARTIME COMMAND CENTRE
US intelligence believes that China’s military is building a massive complex in western Beijing that will serve as a wartime command centre far larger than the Pentagon. Satellite images obtained by the Financial Times that are being examined by US intelligence show a roughly 1,500-acre construction site 30km south-west of Beijing with deep holes that military experts assess will house large, hardened bunkers to protect Chinese military leaders during any conflict — including potentially a nuclear war.

Feb 2025

CHINA-GANSU: GANSU PARTY SECRETARY HU CHANGSHU GREETS FRONTLINE WORKERS IN LANZHOU ON OCCASION OF SPRING FESTIVAL
On January 29, the first day of the Lunar New Year, Gansu Party Secretary Hu Changsheng visited Lanzhou to greet the frontline workers who stayed at their posts and inspected the dispatch and duty work. On behalf of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, he expressed his sincere greetings and best wishes for the New Year to the workers who fought on all fronts during the holiday.

Feb 2025

CHINA-TIBET: CHINESE STATE-OWNED MEDIA ATTACKED THE DALAI LAMA AFTER A LONG TIME
Between February 2 and 4, the Chinese brought out four videos on the Dalai Lama entitled 'The Dalai Lama's Flight to India in 2 parts; 'Unmasking the Dalai Lama - The root of darkness in old Xizang'; and one on 'The Dalai Lama's Reincarnation". The videos stress the right of the Central Government to appoint the Dalai Lama and claim that on two occasions Beijing even 'removed' the title of Dalai Lama. The videos feature N Ram, former Editor of The Hindu. (Comment: The Chinese authorities had for long, till now, refrained from criticising the Dalai Lama.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-INDIA: SERIES OF ANTI-INDIA ARTICLES SUGGESTING CONTINUING TENSION ON THE BORDER STAY POSTED ON CHINESE WEB PORTALS
A series of articles posted on popular Chinese websites from late January till early February indicate that anti-India sentiment continues to be unchecked in China. i) On January 6, in an article posted on the portal Baijiahao and captioned 'Indian Media Again Spreads Rumours That China's Border Villages Have Occupied Nepali and Bhutanese Territory: What's Their Motive?', Bao Ming (Retired PLA Colonel and Former Military Professor) claimed that "Indian media has claimed, based on satellite images and on-site observations, that China has constructed a number of facilities along the Bhutanese and Nepali borders. The Indian media accuses China of engaging in expansionist actions, with Bhutan and Nepal portrayed as the victims. What’s strange is that these so-called victims have remained silent, while only some Indian media outlets are raising alarms. So, what is the reality? “Accusing the Indian media and politicians of constantly stirring up anti-China sentiments in Bhutan and Nepal, he said "On China’s Tibet border, not only does India share a boundary, but also Bhutan and Nepal. Maintaining good-neighbourly and friendly relations with these countries is equally important. The more stable and friendly our borders with them are, the smaller the risks when managing our relationship with India". Saying that "The Indian media also released some close-up photos taken within Nepal, showing China’s border defense facilities, including complete walls, buildings, barbed wire along the border, and patrol roads inside. Meanwhile, the Nepali side remains in a primitive state", he added the Indian media said this "indicated China’s increasing dominance in this remote area.” He added "In their report, Indian media specifically mentioned a group of people — so-called "Tibetan exiles." This is a tool often used by Western countries and Indian media to accuse China. According to their narrative, Tibetans cannot survive in Tibet and must risk their lives crossing the border to escape to India or Nepal. However, they conveniently overlook the fact that many Tibetans have emerged as party and government officials, artists, entrepreneurs, and even pilots. The Western media chooses to ignore this. Indian media stressed that because China has built barbed wire along the Nepali border, Tibetans can no longer escape, and as a result, the number of Tibetan exiles is dwindling. This has somehow become "evidence" of China’s strengthening border defenses. In reality, the situation may be the opposite — it’s not that people can’t leave, but rather, some people can’t get in." Retired PLA Colonel Bao Ming said, in conclusion, "Along Tibet’s border, many areas are uninhabited zones with extremely harsh natural and climatic conditions. The mountain roads are difficult to traverse, and the weather in the mountains is unstable, making it very difficult for border defense troops to cover all areas, no matter what methods they use. Some foreign intelligence agents and subversives manage to find opportunities to cross the border and carry out illegal activities in Tibet. However, as long as we construct a segment of barbed wire, a road, and a post, we can block that gap and reduce the chances of infiltration by foreign personnel. The complaints from Indian media about this, like Western media’s complaints about China’s surveillance cameras, are driven by the frustration of intelligence agencies". ii) A second article captioned 'Shigatse Earthquake, Indian Military Takes New Actions at the Border, PLA Gave Them a Lesson' posted on January 13 by a blogger from Gansu with the pseudonym 'People’s Patriotism' praised the PLA's response to the earthquake in Shigatse, but added "the Indian military attempted to exploit the situation for gains at the border. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) quickly responded, demonstrating its capabilities in plateau warfare and logistical support, and carried out an efficient rescue operation that served as a warning to India. The PLA made it clear that if India continues to provoke in the future, it will take more decisive measures." It said while "The country immediately mobilized all available resources for emergency relief. At this time, the Indian military quietly made new moves at the border, drawing attention from the outside world. Similar to the actions taken by the Indian army in the Galwan Valley during the pandemic, India once again adopted a speculative attitude, attempting to gain more benefits at the China-India border. However, the PLA responded decisively and gave the Indian military a strong “lesson.” It added "Since being forced to withdraw in 1962 due to logistical issues, China’s military has made significant breakthroughs in troop deployment and logistical support in high-altitude regions. This rescue operation once again proved that the PLA has overcome this long-standing challenge", it also said "China had already anticipated this. The PLA has always maintained a high level of vigilance at the China-India border, conducting round-the-clock surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrols to ensure precise monitoring of Indian military movements. At this sensitive moment, the PLA not only responded with military force but also showcased its comprehensive capabilities through efficient rescue operations, sending a clear signal to India". Disclosing that "For the first time, China Mobile used the BeiDou emergency SMS service in Tibet, allowing up to 20-character messages to be transmitted even without a signal" complementing other communication systems. The article warned: "For India, this rapid response from the PLA was undoubtedly a profound “warning.” For a long time, India has relied on its geographical advantage of sharing a border with China to provoke disputes in the border areas. However, now that the PLA has successfully overcome its logistical bottleneck and possesses strong plateau warfare and post-disaster response capabilities, this shift means that if India continues to provoke at the border, it will face a much more serious situation. Through this earthquake rescue operation, the PLA not only demonstrated its improved capabilities in plateau warfare and logistical support but also gave India a lesson on both the diplomatic and military fronts. While India attempted to expand its military presence at the border to gain an advantage in China-India relations, China’s efficient response and advanced technological methods have shown that China not only has the ability to handle any sudden incidents but can also quickly form a strategic advantage under high-pressure situations. In the future, if India continues to provoke at the border, the PLA will undoubtedly take more decisive and effective measures to ensure national security and border stability." iii) The third article by Qu Shiwei from Henan was posted on Baijiahao on January 28 and captioned 'China’s Strategies in the South China Sea Have Now Been Applied to South Tibet; The Situation on the China-India Border Has Shifted'. It asserted "Facing India’s persistent pressure on border issues, China has adopted a calm and firm response, particularly in the South Tibet region (referred to as "藏南" or "Zangnan" in Chinese), implementing a series of strategic measures to strengthen its sovereignty in the area. What’s particularly noteworthy is that China has effectively borrowed from its experience in the South China Sea, especially the successful practices of land reclamation and the establishment of Sansha City, and applied them to the operations on the China-India border. These strategies not only further strengthen China’s actual control over the border regions but have also led to a shift in the offensive and defensive dynamics in the region". The article said "The geographical and strategic significance of South Tibet has long made it a region of particular importance. For years, India has illegally occupied and repeatedly provoked, attempting to expand its influence in the area. However, China’s stance on safeguarding territorial integrity has always been clear and resolute. In 2023, the counties of Milin (in Nyingtri) and Tsona (in Lhoka) were upgraded to cities. This move not only elevated the administrative status of these areas but also greatly enhanced the local government’s capacity for resource allocation, infrastructure development, and improving residents’ livelihoods. More importantly, the Tsona City government moved to the borderadjacent Mamu Township, directly extending governance to the forefront of the disputed area, demonstrating China’s firm position on the South Tibet issue". It underscored that "The countyto- city transition is not just an administrative adjustment, but a concrete action to strengthen sovereignty through actual control" .... "by upgrading administrative levels, China has reinforced its control over the border region while sending a clear sovereignty message to the international community. These actions have gradually reversed the offensive and defensive positions between China and India in the South Tibet region. In addition to administrative adjustments, China has also been accelerating infrastructure development in South Tibet". The article noted that China has also been accelerating infrastructure development, such as railways, highways and airports in South Tibet which "has provided unprecedented convenience for material transportation and military deployment in the border region" and the "several airports planned for completion by 2035 will significantly enhance China’s aerial power projection capabilities in the border areas". Pointing out that "completion of these infrastructures has injected powerful momentum into the local economic development, creating conditions for improving residents' quality of life", it said "China has not only consolidated its strategic control over the South Tibet region but has also won the hearts of local residents. In contrast to China’s steady progress, India’s approach to the border issue has been largely defensive and reactive" and "Although India has significantly increased its border garrison in recent years and procured advanced foreign weapons to enhance its military capabilities, its overall defense level still lags behind China due to its economic strength and industrial base. In terms of equipment, China has deployed modern long-range rocket launchers, drones, and new tanks along the China-India border, while India’s equipment remains relatively outdated". Saying U.S. support alone cannot help India, it said India "is unwilling to abandon its long-standing pursuit of "strategic autonomy," which has created numerous contradictions in its international dealings". It ended with the assertion "In the face of these external pressures, China has exhibited composure and confidence in the border region. The decision to upgrade counties to cities was a decisive response to India’s provocations and a strong rebuttal to U.S. interference". iv) Huan Yuexin, also from Henan, posted an article on baijiahao on February 1, with the caption 'Frequent Provocations, Cannot Endure Any Longer! China is About to Counterattack at the South Tibet China-India Border Using South China Sea Tactics'. This article claimed that "In recent years, India has been frequently active at the China-India border, intensifying infrastructure construction, building roads and outposts, and sending more troops for military exercises. Its attempt to encroach on Chinese territory has become glaringly obvious". Noting there were casualties in the Galwan Valley clashes, it said "at the end of 2022, India once again provoked tensions in the Tawang region, further escalating the situation. India's provocations at the border reflect its long-standing desire for the South Tibet region and its adjustments to its strategy toward China". It added "For a long time, India has eyed South Tibet, a land area of over 90,000 square kilometres that is currently illegally controlled by India and incorporated into its so-called “Arunachal Pradesh.” "India is well aware that the ownership of this land is disputed, so it continues to implement an incremental control strategy. For example, the “Border Villages Program” launched in 2017 aimed to encourage local residents and Indian military personnel’s families to settle in South Tibet by providing housing, transportation, and other subsidies, thereby strengthening its influence. In 2021, India deployed dozens of military outposts in the border area and planned to build a road crossing through South Tibet. The strategic intent is clear: in border areas, the side with better transportation and living facilities, more settlements, and more efficient management will be better able to control the region". The article added that China's strategy in South Tibet, with the administrative upgrading of Milin and Cona (Tib:Tsona), is starting to have an effect. Briefly citing the history of the McMahon Line, it said "Recently, India has accelerated infrastructure construction and military deployments at the border, attempting to challenge China and alter the current border pattern. This is closely related to the increasingly complex geopolitical environment in recent years. The illegitimacy of the McMahon Line has long been recognized by international legal experts, and history will eventually deliver a just verdict". Stating that "China's past defense strategy at the China-India border has undergone fundamental changes. In 2012, the establishment of Sansha City was highly significant. It not only clarified China’s jurisdiction over the South China Sea islands but also greatly accelerated reclamation, transforming previously inaccessible reefs into solid islands capable of supporting military personnel and airport construction". Similarly, it said the upgrade of Milin and Cona (Tib:Tsona) counties in Tibet to prefecture-level cities marks the deepening implementation of China's “land-based” strategy in South Tibet. This is not a simple administrative adjustment but a well-thought-out strategic deployment aimed at strengthening local governance and consolidating national defense capabilities. Milin, located in the core area of the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, is crucial for China’s control of South Tibet. If South Tibet is a door, Milin is the lock, and Cona is the key to controlling this door. Milin connects the interior of Tibet with South Tibet, with a superior geographical location right next to the Indian-controlled area. Improving Milin’s infrastructure will give China the initiative in South Tibet. Cona's location is critical because it is only a few dozen kilometers from the Indian-controlled Tawang area, making it an important strategic point for effectively containing the Indian military. The upgrading of Cona County to a prefecture-level city signifies that China will establish a more robust administrative system in this region, increase infrastructure investment, and potentially enhance military deployment. This means that more roads, airports, and military outposts will be built in the border area, and India's pressure in South Tibet will increase exponentially". Mentioning that China’s development of border infrastructure is efficient in "stark contrast to India’s inefficient and disordered approach", it pointed out that the Lhasa to Nyingchi railway has significantly shortened the PLA’s mobility time at the border and greatly improved the efficiency of material transportation in the region adding that the full start of the Lhasa to Nyingchi railway at the beginning of 2024 will significantly enhance China’s control in the border region. Saying that "India’s military actions at the border have increased tensions, which could damage China- India relations", it concluded "India’s provocations at the border may seem tough, but they actually conceal inner anxiety. In contrast, China, with its solid strategic layout, strong infrastructure capabilities, and resolute policy adjustments, is gradually gaining the initiative. From the experience in the South China Sea’s Sansha to the upgrades in Milin and Cona in Tibet, China has developed an effective method for safeguarding territorial rights and is using it to break India’s unrealistic fantasies". It warned: “Every inch of land must be defended, and no inch of land will be given up.” This is not just a bold statement but the shared will of all Chinese people. Any attempt to infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty will be met with resolute counterattacks!"

Feb 2025

CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN PRESIDENT ZARDARI ON 5 DAY (FEBRUARY 4- 8) VISIT TO CHINA
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari is on a 5-day (February 4-8) visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The China Youth Daily (February 5) reported that President Xi Jinping held talks with Pakistani President Zardari, who was on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 5 afternoon. CCTV (February 5 telecast a report on the welcome ceremony and Guard of Honour and ceremonial parade to welcome President Zardari and said he was accorded a 21-gun salute fired from the Tiananmen Square. Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi was present. Radio Pakistan said during his visit, Zardari will discuss bilateral relations with the focus on economic and trade cooperation, security collaboration and the CPEC. CCTV (February 5) quoted Xi Jinping as telling Zardari "China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, combating terrorism, and taking a development path that suits its national conditions. The two sides should deepen the coordination of development strategies and exchanges of experience in state governance, strengthen exchanges at all levels and departments, and continuously consolidate the political foundation of China-Pakistan relations". He added "China is willing to deepen practical cooperation in various fields with Pakistan, jointly create an "upgraded version" of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor cooperation, and help Pakistan consolidate its development foundation and release its development potential. It is hoped that Pakistan will strengthen the security protection of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral anti-terrorism cooperation". Saying that next year is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, he added that "The two sides should deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, media and other fields to pass on the friendship between China and Pakistan. China appreciates Pakistan's active support for the three major global initiatives and participation in relevant cooperation. China is willing to work with Pakistan to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, resist unilateralism and hegemonic acts, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries". Zardari replied that "Pakistan and China are close neighbors, and more importantly, all-weather good friends and good partners. Pakistan-China friendship has gone through ups and downs, and the hearts of the two peoples have always been closely connected. No matter how the situation changes, Pakistan will stand with China unwaveringly. Pakistan thanks China for its selfless help in Pakistan's economic and social development, and is willing to learn from China's successful experience, promote the highquality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and cooperation in various fields, and help Pakistan achieve industrialization and modernization". In an apparent reference to current international developments, Zardari said "Pakistan is willing to work closely with China, adhere to multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and promote the common interests of the two countries and the vast number of developing countries". A number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of jointly building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, trade, science and technology, radio and television, etc. Zardari is scheduled to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other officials. China Daily (February 5) disclosed that in a signed article in Pakistani mainstream media, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said the visit holds great significance in charting the course for China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation.

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: FORMER SENIOR ADVISER FOR FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OF GOVERNORS (FRB) ARRESTED ON JANUARY FOR SPYING FOR CHINA
The US Attorney's Office District Of Columbia on January 31 released a statement that John Harold Rogers, 63, of Vienna, Virginia, a former Senior Adviser for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (FRB), was arrested on January 31, on charges that he conspired to steal Federal Reserve trade secrets for the benefit of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The charges accused him of putting U.S. trade secrets in the hands of his PRC co-conspirators, knowing full well that such information would benefit the PRC Government and PRC instrumentalities.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg said “The Chinese Communist Party has expanded its economic espionage campaign to target U.S. government financial policies and trade secrets in an effort to undermine the U.S. and become the sole superpower. Today's indictment represents the FBI's unwavering commitment to protect U.S. national security interests and U.S. jobs and to bring to justice those who are willing to betray their country for personal gain.” According to the indictment, Rogers, a U.S. citizen with a Ph.D. in Economics, worked as a Senior Adviser in the Division of International Finance of the FRB from 2010 until 2021, where he was entrusted with confidential FRB information. The confidential information that Rogers allegedly shared with his Chinese co-conspirators, who worked for the intelligence and security apparatus of China and who posed as graduate students at a PRC university, is economically valuable when secret. The data Rogers shared with his co-conspirators could allow China to manipulate the U.S. market, in a manner similar to insider trading. Gaining advance knowledge of U.S. economic policy, including advance knowledge of changes to the federal funds rate, could provide China with an advantage when selling or buying U.S. bonds or securities. In 2023, Rogers was paid approximately $450,000 USD as a part-time professor at a Chinese university. (Comment: China holds a large amount of U.S. foreign debt approximately $816 billion as of October 2024).

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA REACTS WITH THREAT TO SUE U.S. IN WTO TO US PRESIDENT TRUMP IMPOSING NEW 10 PERCENT TARIFF ON CHINESE GOODS
Nikkei Asia (February 2) reported that China announced (February 2) that the Chinese government will file a lawsuit against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and take further actions in response to President Donald Trump's decision to slap a new 10% tariff on Chinese goods. China's announcement followed US President Trump signing executive orders over the weekend imposing 10% on goods from China, as well as 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports, effective February 4. ii) Hu Xijin, former Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times, wrote an article on Weibo on February 2, pointing out that the continuous increase in tariffs on China is bound to end up with U.S. suppliers and consumers paying the price. He said the closer it gets to the critical point, the more confident China will be in not paying tariffs by lowering export prices, because Americans cannot buy products of the same quality and at a lower price elsewhere, adding that "After a long journey, they still have to buy Chinese goods directly or indirectly." Hu Xijin posted that Trump's move will definitely cause losses to Canada, Mexico and China's trade with the United States. For China, some companies that mainly engage in export business to the United States will experience varying degrees of difficulties. However, Hu Xijin believes that the Chinese economic community as a whole does not need to panic, and after the last trade war, I believe that Chinese society will not panic. In fact, Trump's wave of tariffs was expected by all parties, and relevant Chinese manufacturers have already made a lot of preparations. Hu Xijin also pointed out that the United States regards China as its number one strategic competitor, but Trump's tariff increase is aimed at the world.

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: CHINA IMPOSES TARIFFS IN U.S. GOODS PENDING CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP
Chinese officials announced countermeasures on February 3, and will impose additional tariffs of 10% to 15% on some U.S. products imported into China starting February 10. Bloomberg reported (February 4) that China retaliated against Trump's tariff measures on February 3, and will impose tariffs on some products imported from the United States, including oil and liquefied natural gas. China's Ministry of Finance said it will impose 10 percent tariffs on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-displacement cars and pickup trucks and 15 percent on coal and liquefied natural gas in retaliation for U.S. measures against China. China's State Administration for Market Regulation also launched an investigation into US internet giant Google for suspected violations of China's Anti-Monopoly Law. China's Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs jointly issued an announcement on February 4, implementing export controls on 25 rare metal products and technologies including tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum, and indium from now on. (Comment: This is the first time that China has explicitly targeted the U.S. by restricting exports of key minerals and prohibiting re-export to the U.S. through third countries. The tariffs are China's first round and intended as a warning to Trump. They account for only 10 percent of China's imports from the U.S.) ii) Separately, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security reiterated (February 2) that the root cause of the fentanyl crisis in the United States lies within itself. Reducing domestic drug demand and strengthening law enforcement cooperation are the fundamental solutions. Simply shifting the blame to other countries will not help to truly solve the problem, and will also seriously damage the cooperation and trust between China and the United States in the field of drug control. China urges the United States to correct its wrong practices. Meanwhile, a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said China firmly deplores and opposes the U.S. decision to impose a 10 percent additional tariff on imports from China and will take necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests. He said “China's position is firm and consistent. There is no winner in trade and tariff wars". He added "China calls on the United States to correct its wrongdoings, maintain the hard-won positive dynamics in the counternarcotics cooperation, and promote a steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relationship." iii) According to a notice posted online by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the new tariffs on China are scheduled to be implemented at 00:01 on February 4, and packages mailed from China must clear customs. Chinese imports that qualify for temporary tariff exemptions will also be subject to 10% U.S. tariffs, according to a notice published in the Federal Register. The US Postal Service (USPS) however resumed accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong following a brief suspension to avoid disruption. iv) As of February 4, 2025, the U.S. government has implemented significant changes to the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed imports valued under $800 to enter the country duty-free. These changes are particularly impactful for parcels originating from the People's Republic of China (PRC). The USPS has “temporarily” suspended inbound parcel delivery for parcels sent from China and Hong Kong, effective February 5. (Comment: Chinese economists say the 10% tariff imposed by the United States on February 4 may deal a major blow to China's already shaky economy. UBS estimates that China's economic growth rate will be only 4% in 2025. Goldman Sachs expects China's real GDP growth to slow to 4.5% this year. LNG chief economist Lynn Song said Beijing's response so far seemed "relatively mild", but warned that some Chinese policymakers may still be on vacation, so delay announcing any specific retaliatory measures until they return to work on February 5. Song also added that if pushed into a corner, China's counterattack could be stronger than most people expect, suggesting that Beijing has a range of response measures, including tightening export controls or bans on rare earths and measures against US conglomerates that rely heavily on rare earths.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-US: US SUCCESSFULLY PRESSURISES PANAMA INTO REVISITING PERMISSION TO HUTCHINSON WHAMPOA TO OPERATE PANAMA CANAL AND NOT RENEW ITS PARTICIPATION IN BRI
US Secretary of State Marc Rubio observed (February 3) that "Yesterday's announcement by President @JoseRaulMulino that Panama will allow its participation in the CCP's Belt and Road Initiative to expire is a great step forward for U.S.-Panama relations, a free Panama Canal, and another example of @POTUS leadership to protect our national security and deliver prosperity for the American people." (Comment: Panama was the first Latin American country to officially endorse the Belt and Road Initiative in November 2017.)

Feb 2025

CHINA-VIETNAM: MESSAGE FROM CCP CC CONGRATULATING CC OF CPV ON 95TH ANNIVERSARY MENTIONS MAO AND HO CHI MINH
The state-owned CCTV (February 30 telecast a report that on February 3, the CCP Central Committee sent a message to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam to congratulate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The message recalled that "Over the past 95 years, the Communist Party of Vietnam has united and led the Vietnamese people to successfully achieve national reunification and national liberation, and has made remarkable and brilliant achievements in socialist construction and reform". It added that "At present, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam headed by General Secretary To Lin, the Vietnamese Party and people are working hard to achieve the various goals and tasks proposed at the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and are constantly moving towards the two centennial goals of party building and country building, and welcoming the successful convening of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam". It said "Under the personal creation and careful cultivation of the older generation of leaders such as Chairman Mao Zedong and President Ho Chi Minh, the people of the two countries supported each other in the revolutionary struggle, worked hand in hand in socialist construction, forged ahead in the cause of reform, opening up and innovation, and walked together on the journey of socialist modernization. The Communist Party of China has always attached great importance to the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries from a strategic and long-term perspective. It is willing to work with the Communist Party of Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties .... and promote the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Vietnam to go deeper and more practical, bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, and make greater contributions to the cause of peace and progress of mankind".

Feb 2025

CHINA-UK: HONGKONG PEOPLE AND TIBETANS PROTEST WHEN CHINESE CONSUL GENERAL IN MANCHESTER SPOKE AT LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENT IN SHEFFIELD
Radio Free Asia (February 3) reported that on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year on February 1, the Chinese Consul General in Manchester delivered a speech at a New Year event in Sheffield, England. The Lunar New Year Carnival hosted by Sheffield City Council was held outside the City Hall. The Confucius Institute of the Sheffield University even set up a booth and distributed gifts, attracting a large number of locals and Chinese people to the scene. When the Chinese Consul General in Manchester Tang Rui, was speaking, a group of local Hong Kong people and Tibetans suddenly began shouting slogans such as "Free Hong Kong", "Taiwan Independence" and unfurled banners and snow lion flags. Tang Rui spoke using the term "Chinese New Year" and "Spring Festival", however, Sheffield Honorary Mayor Jayne Dunn chose to use "Lunar New Year" to respect the different ethnic groups celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Feb 2025


CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED THE 2025 SPRING FESTIVAL PARTY HELD BY CCP CC AND STATE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 27
The CCP Central Committee and the State Council held the 2025 Spring Festival Party on the morning of January 27. Chinese President Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Central Committee, wished all ethnic groups in China a happy new year. In his speech he said "In the Year of the Dragon, we demonstrated vitality and a can-do spirit. We endured storms and saw the rainbow." Xi Jinping added that faced with complex and challenging situations, China responded with composure and implemented a range of comprehensive measures, overcame difficulties and forged ahead with determination. He added also that China achieved remarkable progress in technological and industrial innovation, with new quality productive forces forging ahead steadily. China's employment and consumer prices also remained stable. From a global perspective, China remained a major engine for the world's economic growth. Emphasising that in 2025, China will further deepen reforms across the board, expand high-standard opening up, guard against and defuse risks in key areas and external shocks, and promote sustained economic recovery, he also listed China's achievements in the past year and encouraged the population with the spirit of no hurdles restricting China from pursuing a better life. CCTV (January 28) telecast a report on Xi Jinping’s speech with the caption "Writing a new chapter of Chinese modernization with the vigour of a snake moving thousands of miles". Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over the reception and Politburo Standing Committee members Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng were also present along with other officials.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CONGRATULATED BELARUS PRESIDENT ON HIS RE-ELECTION
On January 27, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to Alexander Lukashenko, congratulating him on his re-election as President of the Republic of Belarus.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTED PLA UNITS OF NORTHERN COMMAND ON JANUARY 24
CCTV (January 25) telecast a report on Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Northern Theatre Command on January 24 to greet and congratulate the troops. It said, "He visited grassroots officers and soldiers through video, checked the troops' combat readiness and mission execution, and on behalf of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, extended sincere greetings and New Year blessings to all the People's Liberation Army commanders and fighters, officers and soldiers of the armed police force, military civilian personnel, reserve personnel and militia". Afterwards Xi Jinping had a video call with relevant troops of the whole army. Soldiers from a brigade task force of the Southern Theatre Command, a duty unit of a navy shore-to-ship missile regiment of the Eastern Theatre Command, a ground-to-air missile battalion of the Air Force of the Central Theatre Command, a monitoring and early warning station of the military aerospace force, the 2nd Battalion of a motor transport regiment of the Zhengzhou Joint Logistics Support Center, and the 3rd duty battalion of the Xigaze detachment of the Tibet Armed Police Corps lined up neatly and reported to President Xi on their combat readiness, duty and mission execution in turn. Xi Jinping listened carefully to the introduction of the relevant situation, fully affirmed their work, and expressed cordial condolences to them. CMC Vice Chairman General Zhang Youxia and others participated in the event. (Comment: A report has revealed that PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi and Politburo member and Vice Premier He Lifeng had accompanied Xi Jinping to Liaoning. The two were also seen in the photographs published by China's official media.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCTV PUBLICISED CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S "IMPORTANT" SPEECH DURING INSPECTION OF LIAONING
The state-owned CCTV (January 25) telecast a special report titled ' Keep in mind the instructions and work hard for a happy life - General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech during his inspection in Liaoning has aroused enthusiastic response from cadres and the masses'.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI (JANUARY 31) PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ON FAMILY VALUES
The CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly magazine Qiushi (Seeking Truth; dated January 31; third issue) published (February 1) an "important" article by Chinese President Xi Jinping entitled "Pay attention to family, family education, and family tradition". Xi Jinping delivered the speech when he met with representatives of the first National Civilized Family on December 12, 2016. The article emphasizes that the Chinese nation has always attached great importance to the family.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG INSPECTED MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT IN BEIJING ON JANUARY 27 FOR SPRING FESTIVAL RUSH
During an inspection of the Ministry of Transport work for the Spring Festival travel rush on January 27 in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to safeguard safe, smooth travel for the public during the Spring Festival travel rush, as well as the efficient operations of transport logistics.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG HELD SYMPOSIUM WITH FOREIGN EXPERTS IN THE GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE ON JANUARY 26
The People's Daily (January 27) publicised that Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a symposium with foreign experts in China who have been awarded the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award and those contributing and working on China, at the Great Hall of the People on January 26. Experts from countries like the United Kingdom, Poland, Mali, Germany and Pakistan spoke on topics specific to advancements in scientific and technological innovation, economic and trade cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Chinese Premier Li Qiang in his speech stressed that the world needs communication, and the process of globalization is irreversible. He said China consistently advocates strengthening international dialogue and will continue to uphold openness and inclusiveness while actively promoting international exchanges in various fields. He reiterated that Beijing's doors will always remain open to talents from all countries. The Chinese government will further optimize relevant policies, enhance service guarantees, and build more international exchange and cooperation platforms, continuously creating favourable conditions for foreign talents to work in China. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG VISITED ANHUI PROVINCE ON JANUARY 22-23 WHERE HE ALSO ATTENDED A SYMPOSIUM
Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the old revolutionary base area of the Dabie Mountains, in east China's Anhui Province, on January 22 ahead of the Spring Festival. He visited Huangpu Village of Qianshan City where he visited the homes of elderly veterans and CCP party members and emphasized the importance of accelerating the modernization of agriculture and rural areas by addressing shortfalls in pensions, education and healthcare. He also urged efforts to improve rural infrastructure, public services and living environments. Li Qiang inspected a silkworm and mulberry industrial park in Zhongfan Village, Qianshan City, and said it is essential to leverage the resources unique to local areas, develop multi-functional agriculture, and tap into the diverse values of rural areas to drive the upgrading of the whole industrial chains in rural areas. Later on January 23, Li Qiang chaired a symposium in Hefei, capital city of Anhui, and heard officials' opinions and suggestions concerning the government work report and the work of the government. He called on all levels of government to implement the party's decisions and arrangements and take proactive and prompt measures to promote sustained economic recovery and growth.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER CAI QI ADDRESSED CONFERENCE ON PARTY WORK AND DISCIPLINE INSPECTION WORK ON JANUARY 26
Politburo Standing Committee member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi addressed a conference on Party work and discipline inspection work within central Party and state institutions in Beijing, on January 26. In his speech Cai Qi highlighted the importance of strengthening Party building to create a solid foundation for the development of various central Party and government department initiatives. Cai Qi underlined the 'need to continuously strengthen cohesion and forge the Party's soul with the Party's new theories, enhance the Party's political building, and reinforce the political and organizational functions of primary-level Party organizations'. He also highlighting the importance of advancing anti-corruption work.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND PLAC SECRETARY CHEN WENQING AND STATE COUNCILOR AND MPS MINISTER WANG XIAOHONG MEET GRASSROOT PUBLIC SECURITY PERSONNEL ON JANUARY 25
Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Chen Wenqing attended a Spring Festival security work meeting and during a visit to grassroots political and legal police officers on January 25. At the meeting he stressed that "we must resolutely implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on doing a good job during the Spring Festival, adhere to the people-centered approach, establish a bottom-line thinking, faithfully perform our duties, and do a good job of Spring Festival security work at a high standard to ensure that the people have a happy, peaceful and harmonious Spring Festival". State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong presided over the meeting. Later, Chen Wenqing and Wang Xiaohong went to the Tiananmen District Branch of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Emergency Response Team of the Dongcheng Branch, the West Chang'an Street Police Station of the Xicheng Branch and other places to learn about duty preparation, emergency response, patrol prevention and control, and security in the jurisdiction. They visited the front-line police officers and auxiliary police officers, and extended their sincere greetings and New Year blessings to them and the national political and legal police officers.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING ATTENDED SPRING FESTIVAL SYMPOSIUM IN BEIJING ON JANUARY 23
Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning attended a Spring Festival symposium on January 23, where he extended New Year greetings on behalf of the Party and General Secretary Xi Jinping to religious figures and believers nationwide. Wang Huning commended the contributions of religious groups in 2024 and encouraged continued efforts in 2025. He emphasized adhering to Xi Jinping Thought, advancing the sinicization of religion and promoting harmonious religious relations. He called for enhancing patriotism, integrating core socialist values, and fostering religious practices aligned with Chinese culture and national conditions. He also underscored the importance of rule of law in religious governance and urged strengthening self-discipline within religious groups. Politburo member and Minister of the United Front Work Department Shi Taifeng and leaders of the Buddhist Association of China, the Taoist Association of China, the Islamic Association of China, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee of the Protestant Churches in China spoke at the meeting.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINA'S LEADERS VISIT SENIOR RETIRED LEADERS ON OCCASION OF SPRING FESTIVAL
On the eve of the Spring Festival, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other party and state leaders visited or entrusted relevant responsible comrades to visit and convey greetings to Hu Jintao, Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Song Ping, Li Lanqing, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun, Luo Gan, He Guoqiang, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan, Zhang Gaoli, Tian Jiyun, Chi Haotian, Wang Lequan, Wang Zhaoguo, Hui Liang Yu, Liu Qi, Wu Yi, Cao Gangchuan, Zeng Peiyan, Wang Gang, Liu Yandong, Li Yuanchao, Ma Kai, Xu Qiliang, Sun Chunlan, Li Jianguo, Fan Changlong, Meng Jianzhu, Guo Jinlong, Wang Chen, Liu He, Yang Jiechi, Yang Xiaodu, Chen Quanguo, Guo Shengkun, Wang Hanbin, He Yong, Du Qinglin, Zhao Hongzhu, You Quan, Wang Bingqian, Zou Jiahua, Peng Peiyun, Li Tieying, Xu Jialu, Jiang Zhenghua, Gu Xiulian, Redi, Sheng Huaren, Lu Yongxiang, Hua Jianmin, Chen Zhili, Simayitiliwardi, Jiang Shu Sheng, Wang Shengjun, Chen Changzhi, Yan Junqi, Zhang Ping, Xiangba Pingcuo, Zhang Baowen, Cao Jianming, Zhang Chunxian, Ji Bingxuan, Ailigen Yiminbahai, Wan Exiang, Chen Zhu, Baima Chilin, Tang Jiaxuan, Dai Bingguo, Chang Wanquan, Zhao Kezhi, Han Zhubin, Jia Chunwang, Song Jian, Hu Qili, Wang Zhongyu, Li Guixian, Hao Jianxiu, Xu Kuangdi, Zhang Huaixi, Li Meng, Liao Hui, Bai Lichen, Chen Kuiyuan, Abulaiti Abdurexit, Li Zhaozhuo, Huang Mengfu, Zhang Meiying, Zhang Rongming, Qian Yun Lu, Sun Jiazheng, Li Jinhua, Zheng Wantong, Deng Pufang, Li Wuwei, Chen Zongxing, Wang Zhizhen, Han Qide, Lin Wenyi, Luo Fuhe, Li Haifeng, Chen Yuan, Zhou Xiaochuan, Wang Jiarui, Qi Xuchun, Ma Peihua, Liu Xiaofeng, Wang Qinmin, Zhang Qingli, Liu Qibao, Tung Chee-hwa, Wan Gang, Lu Zhangong, Wang Zhengwei, Ma Biao, Chen Xiaoguang, Yang Chuantang, Li Bin, Wang Yongqing, Gu Shengzu and Liu Xincheng.

Jan 2025

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: SONG QICHAO APPOINTED VICE MINISTER OF FINANCE
China's State Council announced on January 26 that Song Qichao was appointed Vice Minister of Finance. (Comment: Born in 1970, Song Qichao joined the Ministry of Finance in 1997. He holds a doctoral degree in Economics from the Central University of Finance and Economics, specializing in Public Finance. Before this promotion, Song Qichao served as Assistant Minister of Finance.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: TOTAL NUMBER OF MOVIEGOERS IN CHINA IN 2025 WILL REACH 4.546 BILLION
Beijing Daily (January 30) disclosed that in 2025, the total number of moviegoers will exceed 100 million and the total box office will reach 4.546 billion.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE PURCHASED 250 MILLION TONS OF AUTUMN GRAIN
The state-owned CCTV (January 28) reported that the National Grain and Material Reserves Administration recently announced that China has purchased a total of 250 million tons of autumn grain, and the peak season purchase of autumn grain is accelerating across the country. It said the China National Grain and Oils Corporation, COFCO Group and other purchasing companies have set up thousands of purchasing warehouses in major production areas. It claimed they now have adequate grain supplies.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: MOST CHINESE PROVINCES MISSED THEIR 2024 GDP GROWTH TARGETS
Caixin (January 27) disclosed that most Chinese provinces missed their 2024 GDP growth targets last year. A total of 21 failed to hit their targets, according to a Caixin analysis of data from 29 provinces disclosed as of January 24. Of China’s economic powerhouses, Sichuan and Henan both fell short. Hainan missed its target by the greatest amount — 4.3 percentage points — due to its ambitious target of around 8% and a precipitous drop in retail spending. For this year, around half of the Chinese mainland’s 31 provinces have set their GDP targets lower than last year’s.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S MINISTRY OF JUSTICE DISCLOSED THAT CHINESE LAW FIRMS NOW HAVE 207 BRANCHES IN 37 COUNTRIES AND REGIONS
The People's Daily (January 25) reported that China's Ministry of Justice recently disclosed that Chinese law firms have established 207 branches in 37 countries and regions, including 73 branches in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. The number of foreign-related lawyers has exceeded 12,000. Parties involved in foreign-related arbitration cases now span over 100 countries and regions worldwide. The report also talks about the establishment of a Belt and Road Lawyers Alliance and the nature of cases being settled. One example given is that of the work of the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission. The report talks about its global impact. “Today, the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission has signed agreements with 59 overseas arbitration and mediation institutions in BRI countries and regions, such as Singapore, Hungary, and Brazil, to recognise and promote the ‘Guangzhou Standard’. This standard has now been recognised and promoted by more than 10 arbitration institutions and organizations both domestically and internationally.” The report also talks about the Qianhai Belt and Road Legal Services Federation. This is primarily composed of Chinesespeaking lawyers and connects with overseas international legal service institutions, strengthening cross-national and cross-jurisdictional legal service exchanges and cooperation. Currently, the Federation has integrated resources of over 2,000 Chinese-speaking lawyers from more than 100 countries and regions worldwide, achieving near-comprehensive coverage across BRI countries and regions. The Federation has also built the ‘Global Legal Services Access’ information platform based on Chinese-speaking lawyer resources, creating a new supply chain for international legal services.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE URGES MOMENTUM IN BUILDING A HARMONIOUS WORLD
The People's Daily (January 30) published an article captioned 'Injecting momentum into building a beautiful world of harmony and coexistence (Harmony)'. The article said "The values of the universe that humans and nature are one and the way of nature follows nature, the outlook on life that we should get rid of the old and start anew and be proactive, and the social outlook that we should be friendly and neighbourly and reunite and share the joy of life all originated from the East and benefit the world".

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE CELEBRATED SPRING FESTIVAL
The People's Daily (January 29) published a lengthy article celebrating the Spring Festival with the caption 'Celebrating the Spring Festival Together: A harmonious family brings joy to neighbours, a strong country brings prosperity to people, and peace and tranquillity to the country'. The state-owned CCTV (January 29) telecast a roundup of celebrations across China. It also said the total cross-regional flow of people in society is expected to be 197.02 million, of which 5.5 million are railway passengers.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC PROPAGANDA DEPARTMENT ISSUED NOTICE TO ALL LOCALITIES AND DEPARTMENTS TO PROMOTE REVITALISATION OF TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS
Xinhua (January 27) reported that the CCP CC 'Propaganda Department issued a notice to make arrangements for carrying out traditional festival cultural activities in 2025, requiring all localities and relevant departments to deeply promote the revitalization of traditional festivals, inherit and develop China's excellent traditional culture, and organize and carry out "Our Festivals" themed activities around traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Chinese Valentine's Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival to enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the people, cultivate a sense of family and country, enhance cultural confidence, and create a strong festive atmosphere'.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINA INVITED LOCAL AND FOREIGN JOURNALISTS TO COVER NPC AND CPPCC ANNUAL SESSIONS ON MARCH 5 AND 4 RESPECTIVELY
Xinhua (January 27) said the General Offices of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee had issued a statement inviting local and international journalists to cover the third session of the 14th NPC scheduled to open on March 5, and the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee on March 4. It clarified that news coverage of the two sessions can be carried out through various means, but mainly through on-site reporting and a media center for the two sessions will be open from February 27.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY PRAISED CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH AT 2025 SPRING FESTIVAL AS "PROFOUND"
People's Daily (January 28) published a Commentary titled 'Strengthen confidence, forge ahead, and continue to forge ahead towards grand goals'. Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's "important" speech at the 2025 Spring Festival Party, it observed the speech "profoundly summarizing the extraordinary development process and encouraging development achievements of the past year, focusing on the grand goal of achieving Chinese-style modernization, and expressing earnest expectations for doing a good job in 2025. "Confidence" and "endeavour" are the keywords throughout the important speech".

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC AND STATE COUNCIL ISSUED 'COMPREHENSIVE RURAL REVITALISATION PLAN (2024-27)' ON JANUARY 22
The Party Central Committee and State Council unexpectedly issued a Comprehensive Rural Revitalization Plan (2024-2027) on January 22. The plan has been in circulation among local governments since November. The plan sets ambitious – though qualitative – targets, including:(i) Making significant progress toward urbanizing migrant workers and ensuring urban public services cover everyone who permanently resides in cities; (ii) Protecting the farm and homestead land rights of rural residents who settle in cities; (iii) Piloting compensation schemes for folks who want to switch to urban residency; (iv) Expanding efforts to allow rural residents to rent out their houses and to develop homestead land in partnership with rural collectives; and (v) Ensuring provinces allocate construction land for rural and agricultural facilities and coordinate urban and rural planning. (Comment: Rural revitalization involves reforms to remove constraints on land, talent, and capital flowing into the rural economy, as well as the upscaling of rural industries. The targets outlined in the Plan are increasingly non-negotiable for local officials and cadres. The plan spans only three years, ending in 2027, when the 21st Party Congress will be held.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI ARTICLE CLAIMED CHINA'S ECONOMY IS STABLE AND MAKING STEADY PROGRESS ALONG PATH OF HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
The latest issue (January 25) of the CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly journal Qiu Shi published an article captioned "The overall economic operation is stable and making progress"——Looking back at China’s economy in 2024'. Stating that 2024 has been a year when "the global economy is in a cyclical adjustment, the wave of protectionism has intensified, and geopolitical risks have not diminished. Faced with the complex and severe situation of increasing external pressure and increasing internal difficulties", it said "China's economic operation was generally stable and made steady progress, and it was moving forward steadily along the track of high-quality development."

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINA YOUTH DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY JIN MINQING, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE DISCIPLINE INSPECTION COMMISSION, DESCRIBING ESTABLISHMENT OF XI JINPING THOUGHT AS THE GREATEST POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE CHINESE COMMUNISTS IN THE NEW ERA
The Zhongguo Qignian Bao (January 26) published an article by Jin Minqing, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, and researcher of the Institute of Chinese History, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, under the caption 'A strong leadership core is crucial to the success or failure of the Party's cause'. Asserting that 'The Zunyi Conference was a vital turning point in the history of the Party. It saved the Party, the Red Army and the Chinese revolution at the most critical moment', the article stated the 'fundamental reason why the great changes in the new era can happen is that General Secretary Xi Jinping is at the helm and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is guiding the direction. It is based on this that our Party has made major decisions of decisive significance for the development of the cause of the Party and the country in the new era and for promoting the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, establishing Comrade Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party, and establishing the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This is the greatest political achievement and the most valuable political experience of the Chinese Communists in the new era'.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE CENTRAL COMMITTEE HELD AN EXPANDED MEETING OF ITS 19TH CENTRAL COMMITTEE IN BEIJING ON JANUARY 24
Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (China Youth Daily; January 24) reported that the Fourth (enlarged) meeting of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Youth League (CYL) was held in Beijing on January 24. The meeting summarized the work of the Communist Youth League in 2024, and set out the tasks for 2025, and reviewed and approved the "Main Points of the Work of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League in 2025". Adong, First Secretary of the Secretariat of the CYL Central Committee presented the work report and a summary speech. Xu Xiao, Executive Secretary of the CYL Secretariat Central Committee and Wang Yi, Hu Baijing, Hu Sheng, Shapakti Wusuer, and Yu Jing, Secretaries of the CYL Secretariat Central Committee attended the meeting. "Responsible comrades" of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the National Supervisory Commission stationed in the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group attended the meeting.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: ACFTU HELD 2025 ANNUAL WORK MOBILISATION AND DEPLOYMENT MEETING IN BEIJING ON JANUARY 24
The All-China Federation of Trade Unions held its 2025 'annual work mobilization and deployment meeting' on January 24, in Beijing today to summarize the work in 2024 and conduct comprehensive assessments and evaluations on all units of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. Xu Liuping, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, Vice Chairman, and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, attended the meeting and announced the plans for 2025. The meeting pointed out that in 2024, all units of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions will resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and major decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee. Zhu Jianping, Vice Chairman of the ACFTU and Secretary of the Secretariat, chaired the meeting. Responsible persons from the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the National Supervisory Commission’s Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group stationed in the ACFTU attended the meeting.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: HENAN, YUNNAN PUBLIC SECURITY ESTABLISHMENTS AND XPCC DEEPEN COMPREHENSIVE AND STRICT MANAGEMENT OF PARTY AND POLICE
The China Police Daily (January 25) disclosed that recently the "public security organs in Henan, Yunnan, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and other places held meetings to deepen the comprehensive and strict management of the Party and the police, and strive to forge a loyal, clean and responsible iron army of public security in the new era". It said the Henan Provincial Public Security Department held a party committee meeting and instructed public security organs across the province to thoroughly study, fully understand, and resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech and important instructions, and resolutely fight the tough, protracted, and overall battle against corruption. The Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department held an expanded meeting of the Party Committee of the Department to convey and study the important speeches and instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping and to study the opinions on implementation. The meeting emphasized that "we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, firmly support the "two establishments", and resolutely implement the "two safeguards", take the political construction of the Party as the overall guide, deepen the comprehensive and strict management of the Party and the police, and strive to forge a loyal, clean and responsible Yunnan Public Security Iron Army in the new era". The Public Security Bureau of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps carried out "a special collective study and discussion to deeply study and understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on party building, important thoughts on the party’s selfrevolution".

Jan 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINESE ASTRONAUTS ABOARD SHENZHOU-19 CONVEYED SPRING FESTIVAL GREETINGS TO THEIR COUNTRYMEN
CCTV (January 28) reported that Shenzhou-19 crew members aboard China's orbiting space station extended their best wishes to the Chinese people as the 2025 Spring Festival, or China's New Year, is just around the corner.

Jan 2025

CHINA-S&T: WHEN UNVEILED CHINA'S AI 'DEEPSEEK' SHOOK GLOBAL AI INDUSTRY
Caixin (January 28) reported that as Chinese Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek shakes the global AI industry with its powerful and cost-effective model, domestic industry insiders attributed the firm’s breakthrough to its top-notch engineering and “fast follower” advantage. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek launched its open-source AI model R1 on January 20, with benchmark tests showing that it can go toe-to-toe with OpenAI’s o1 model launched in September and Meta Platform Inc.’s Llama 4, scheduled to be released this year. Pointing to the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme “collaboration for the intelligent age”, Caixin (January 27) said the forum centered on five key topics: reimagining growth; industries in the intelligent age; investing in people; safeguarding the planet; and rebuilding trust. These reflect the challenges facing the world today, particularly amid the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its associated risks. It added that the participation of nearly 3,000 delegates from over 130 countries and regions underscores the global desire for dialogue and cooperation and said AI can be the glue for a new era of international cooperation.

Jan 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA ORDERS DOMESTIC FIRMS TO USE AT LEAST 30 PERCENT OF CHIPS PROVIDED BY DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS
Beijing is reported to have ordered domestic firms to use at least 30% of chips provided by domestic suppliers.The Bloomberg (January 25) report said sources indicate that approximately 60% of ByteDance's domestic semiconductor orders will be allocated to Chinese suppliers, with the remaining portion used to purchase downgraded NVIDIA chips. Citing two individuals familiar with the plans, it said the Beijing-based company has allocated a budget of 40 billion yuan (approximately $5.5 billion) for purchasing AI chips in China, double its expenditure from last year. ByteDance plans to use the majority of its AI chips in China for "inference" tasks, which involve the computational processes required for large language models to generate responses to prompts.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: LIBERATION ARMY DAILY COMMENTARY EMPHASISED THAT ACHIEVING GOAL OF PLA'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY IS A STRATEGIC GOAL
A Commentator's article in the Liberation Army Daily (January 28) captioned 'Together we will write a new chapter of China's modernization' said 'Over the past year, in the face of complex and severe situations, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has united and led the entire Party, the entire army, and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to respond calmly, adopt comprehensive measures, overcome difficulties, forge ahead, and successfully complete the main goals and tasks of economic and social development throughout the year, and take new and solid steps towards Chinese-style modernization'. It said 'Practice has fully proved that with the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the united struggle of the whole Party, the whole army and the people of all ethnic groups across the country, no difficulties or obstacles can stop the Chinese people from pursuing a better life, and no difficulties or obstacles can stop us from advancing the historical process of building a strong country and national rejuvenation'. It averred "The current and future period is a critical period for the modernization of national defense and the military. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pointed out: "It is a strategic requirement for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country to achieve the goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army as scheduled and accelerate the construction of the people's army into a world-class army. To promote the modernization of national defense and the military, it is necessary to implement the new "three-step" strategy, accelerate the modernization of military theory, military organizational form, military personnel, and weapons and equipment, and lead the modernization of national defense and the military to move forward with better strategies, higher efficiency, and faster speed. 2025 is the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan" for military construction, and it is a key year for winning the battle to achieve the goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army." In conclusion it urged "The entire army should unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's Thought on Strengthening the Army, deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments", enhance the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two safeguards", implement the responsibility system of the Chairman of the Central Military Commission...".

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC VICE CHAIRMAN ZHANG YOUXIA VISITED UNIT OF INFORMATION SUPPORT FORCE RECENTLY ON OCCASION OF SPRING FESTIVAL
The People's Daily (January 26) reported that when "recently" visiting a unit of the PLA Information Support Force, CMC Vice Chairman General Zhang Youxia conveyed sincere greetings and New Year blessings to the officers and soldiers of the force on behalf of President Xi Jinping and the Central Military Commission. He also stressed the need to strengthen political guidance, "resolutely implement the decisions and arrangements of President Xi", deepen military training and prepare for war, strive to create a new situation in the construction of the troops, and fight hard to achieve the goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army. Zhang Youxia visited the training ground, library, canteen, etc. of the unit to observe the combat readiness training and study and life, and listened to the work report. Zhang Youxia emphasized that we must truly study, understand, believe in and apply Xi Jinping's thoughts on strengthening the military, thoroughly implement the spirit of the CMC's political work conference, further forge a political character of obeying the party's command and being loyal to the party. He stressed focus on improving the service support capabilities for preparing for war, strengthen the overall planning of war, construction and preparation, and focus on actual combat training He added "We should steadily promote the implementation of reform tasks, innovate the construction management model, enrich the new domain and new quality combat forces, and implement the requirements of transformation and development in all construction". Zhang Youxia also said, "we must continue to lay a solid foundation at the grassroots level, focus on strengthening the political and organizational functions of grassroots party organizations" and seriously investigate and deal with corruption and unhealthy practices among officers and soldiers. He urged personnel to do a solid job in security and stability, and ensure high-quality development with high-level security.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: CMC VICE CHAIRMAN HE WEIDONG VISITED PLA UNITS IN BEIJING
Xinhua (January 26) said CMC Vice Chairman General He Weidong visited troops stationed in Beijing last week. General He Weidong visited a radar brigade of the Chinese air force and an air transport and search-and-rescue brigade stationed in Beijing. He Weidong said “[We should] focus on training and preparation for combat, maintaining a constant state of readiness, intensifying real military training … fostering a fighting spirit of daring to do battle and ensuring victory, and building reliable, ready-to-deploy combat capabilities.” Like Zhang Youxia, He Weidong also urged the troops to achieve China’s centennial goal of building a strong military by 2027 – a target that includes modernising the country’s weapons.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA NAVY COMMISSIONED NEW 054B GUIDED MISSILE FRIGATE NAMED 'CNS LUOHE' IN THE NORTH SEA FLEET IN QINGDAO ON JANUARY 22
China Daily (January 23) disclosed that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned its first type of 054B guided missile frigate named the “CNS Luohe” in Qingdao, Shandong province. The Navy said in a news release that the CNS Luohe was delivered to the North Sea Fleet at a commissioning ceremony at a naval port in Qingdao. Officials from the Navy and the city government of Luohe, Henan province, as well as representatives from China State Shipbuilding Corp, the ship's builder, attended the event. The Luohe, with hull number 545, represents a new generation of Frigates with technological advancements in stealth, combat command, firepower control, and the ability to conduct better naval battles and other missions. The Type 054B has better capabilities than its predecessor, Type 054A, in all aspects. Xiao Liang, a senior hardware researcher in the shipbuilding industry, noted that the large size of the ship facilitates better transport of ammunition and fuels. He also added that unlike previous frigate models, which are mainly responsible for anti-submarine operations, the new type 054B could also perform fleet air-defense missions. Moreover, the propulsion and the latest radar systems of the frigate are highly advanced.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: CHINA COAST GUARD TO INCREASE AIR AND SEA PATROLS TO HEIGHTEN VIGILANCE
China Daily (January 26) reported Zhang Jianming, Head of the Law Enforcement Department of the China Coast Guard (CCG) said on January 26 that the China Coast Guard will strengthen patrols jointly carried out by vessels, patrol aircraft and shipborne helicopters in the future to improve its ability to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. He said the CCG had in recent years enhanced its aviation law enforcement capabilities, focusing on lowaltitude patrols, personnel deployment and ship-aircraft joint operations. Zhang Jianming said “The CCG has established initial capabilities for ship-aircraft coordination and remote joint enforcement. The new model has been widely practiced across various levels of the CCG. And it has significantly improved the CCG's enforcement efficiency and effectiveness."

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: CITING U.S. INTELLIGENCE REPORTS THAT CHINA IS BUILDING A MASSIVE MILITARY COMPLEX, CHINESE DISSIDENTS CLAIM ON SOCIAL MEDIA THE COMPLEX COVERS 5 SQ MILES
Chinese dissidents cited (January 30) reports of US intelligence agencies on social media that China is building a massive military complex in western Beijing that is expected to become a wartime command center, far larger than the Pentagon. Military experts believe that the deep pits dug on the construction site will be used to build large reinforced bunkers to protect the Chinese leadership during war, including providing protection in a possible nuclear war. Some analysts pointed out that although there are signs that the top leadership of the Chinese Military Commission is split and the infighting is fierce, the above intelligence shows that Xi Jinping's authorities are preparing for war non-stop, and as the situation at home and abroad deteriorates sharply, they may go all out in the future. Satellite images obtained by the Financial Times show that the site covers an area of about 1,500 acres and is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Large-scale construction began in mid-2024. Some intelligence analysts have called the project "Beijing Military City."

Jan 2025

CHINA-QINGHAI: LUO DONGCHUAN APPOINTED NEW GOVERNOR OF QINGHAI PROVINCE
On January 23, the third session of the 14th People's Congress of Qinghai Province elected Wu Xiaojun as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Qinghai Provincial People's Congress and Luo Dongchuan as Governor of the Qinghai Provincial People's Government. (Comment: Luo Dongchuan, male, Han nationality, was born in October 1965 in Chongqing and joined the Chinese Communist Party in June 1986 and started working in August 1986. He has a postgraduate degree and a Doctorate in Law. Luo Dongchuan has worked in the Supreme People's Court for a long time, and has served as a member of the Supreme People's Court Judicial Committee and President of the Fourth Civil Trial Tribunal. In October 2021, Luo Dongchuan was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. In December 2024, Luo Dongchuan was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee. In January 2025, Luo Dongchuan was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee and Acting Governor.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: 5.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRUCK TAINAN CITY, TAIWAN ON JANUARY 26
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Tainan city of China's Taiwan at 7:38 am Sunday (Beijing Time), according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC).

Jan 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE PROMULGATES AMENDMENTS TO 'CONSTITUTIONAL PROCEDURE LAW' BUT ADVISES CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TO CLARIFY IT
On January 23, Taiwan President Lai Ching-Te promulgated the amendments to Articles 4, 30 and 95 of the "Constitutional Procedure Law" law adding a written comment to it saying that given this reform poses serious threats to the continued operation of the Constitutional Court and the functioning of the State, he advises that the Constitutional Court clarify it in order to protect the constitutional order. This was sent to the five Yuans Presidents. (Comment: A Taiwan President has added such a comment probably for the first time since democratisation.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI TELLS INDIAN FOREIGN SECRETARY VIKRAM MISRI THAT THEY SHOULD AVOID "MUTUAL SUSPICION, MUTUAL ESTRANGEMENT AND MUTUAL EXHAUSTION"
Reporting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's meeting with Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on January 27, the People's Daily (January 28) quoted Wang Yi as saying, 'China and India should strive for mutual understanding, support and collaboration, rather than fostering suspicion, alienation and consuming each other'. The stateowned CGTN and Xinhua (January 27) reported Wang Yi saying, "mutual suspicion, mutual estrangement and mutual exhaustion". Referring to the meeting of the two leaders at Kazan, Wang Yi said both sides should seize the opportunity to meet each other halfway and explore more substantive measures. He added that the improvement and development of China-Indian relations are fully in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and are conducive to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South countries and contributing to the peace, stability, development and prosperity of Asia and the world. The People's Daily quoted Misri as saying India and China have carried out a series of useful dialogues and communications in accordance with the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in Kazan, properly managed and resolved differences, and promoted the resumption of pragmatic cooperation in various fields. India is willing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, and will fully support China's work as the presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. (Comment: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's formulation is odd and unusual and reflects the pressure China is under considering that China's President Xi Jinping launched the military adventure against India in April 2020 to "teach India a lesson". It also conveys that China's recent moves are tactical and temporary and intended to allow China to penetrate the large Indian market especially with the US and Europe gradually closing their markets to China. ii) Prime Minister Modi attending the next SCO Summit to be held in China would have been on the agenda. Particularly since Galwan, the Chinese have been apprehensive that India could introduce discordant notes in the SCO or quit the SCO.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: GLOBAL TIMES REPORTED MEETING BETWEEN INDIAN FOREIGN SECRETARY AND HEAD OF CCP CC ILD LIU JIANCHAO IN BEIJING ON JANUARY 26
China's Global Times (January 26) reported the meeting between India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the Head of CCP CC's International Liaison Department Liu Jianchao, in Beijing on January 26. It said, 'the two sides exchanged views on jointly implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthening exchanges and dialogues, and promoting the improvement and healthy and stable development of China-India relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern'.

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: INDIAN FOREIGN SECRETARY MISRI MET CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER SUN WEIDONG IN BEIJING ON JANUARY 27
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong posted (January 28) that "On January 27, 2025, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Beijing, focusing on pushing forward the implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries during the meeting in Kazan and discussing the measures for the improvement and development of China-India relations. The two sides reached consensus on the following specific measures: 1. The Indian side will extend full support for Chinese presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and will actively participate in the meetings under the SCO umbrella. 2. The two sides agreed to carry out active interactions at all levels on bilateral and multilateral occasions, strengthen strategic communication, and enhance mutual political trust. 3. The two sides agreed to jointly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India in 2025, and carry out media and think tank exchanges, Track II dialogues and other people-to-people exchanges. 4. The two sides agreed to resume direct flights between Chinese mainland and India, support the competent authorities of the two countries to coordinate and push it forward, and take measures to facilitate personnel flows and exchanges of resident journalists. 5. The two sides agreed to resume the Indian pilgrims’ visit to Kailash Mansarovar in Xizang Autonomous Region, China in 2025, and will discuss relevant arrangements as soon as possible. 6. The two sides agreed to advance trans-border river cooperation, and maintain communication on holding a new round of meeting of the China22 India Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers at an early date. The Chinese side stressed that both sides should view and handle China-India relations on the basis of the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples and from a strategic height and long-term perspective, actively advance exchanges and practical cooperation with a candid and constructive attitude, guide the public opinion in a positive way, enhance mutual trust, and properly handle differences, so as to promote the development of China-India relations along the sound and stable track. The two sides also had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on issues of respective concern.

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: ARTICLE ON GUANCHA WEBSITE FOCUSES ON "ANTI-INDIA TREND" IN U.S.
In an article posted (January 18) on the Guancha website and captioned 'China has made new breakthroughs, why has the United States launched an anti-India trend?', the author Mao Keji said "there has been an unprecedented anti-Indian sentiment on American social media. Interestingly, it was the news of the debut of China's sixth-generation aircraft and new breakthroughs in AI during the Christmas holiday that pushed this wave of anti-Indian sentiment to a climax." Observing that anti-India sentiment "began with the infighting between the redneck MAGA faction in the Trump camp and the DOGE faction of the technical party", he added "The focus of the debate between the two sides is whether the United States should introduce more skilled immigrants to cope with the increasingly fierce international competition". He noted that the overseas Chinese community, which was previously subject to much criticism and suspicion, was "able to basically escape unscathed this time", adding "this is also because China's strength has given overseas Chinese more room for choice - if you criticize me, I will give you back, and the more you criticize, the more you get, which can be regarded as "all the bad news will be good news." He said "To some extent, this round of anti- India sentiment in the United States is a preview of the "competition for the same ecological niche" that will inevitably break out in the future: if China surpasses the United States, the United States will probably no longer be obsessed with competing with China, but will be more likely to consider facing India for the "runner-up battle." What's worse is that in recent years, the United States has spared no effort to promote India's industrialization and instigated India to compete for China's manufacturing center status. However, the final effect is lacklustre and basically failed to achieve the expected results. India, on the other hand, remains in a financialservices economic model that is more similar to that of the United States, which indicates that there may be more intense competition between the United States and India. After all, India is known to excel in software, medicine, finance, and management consulting, which happen to be high-value industries that the United States is trying to keep. With the manufacturing industry already suppressed by China, the United States certainly does not want to see its highend service industry, which it relies on, being eroded by India again. This makes it much clearer. To win the respect of vicious opponents, one must surpass them in hard power, and not just by a little, but by a huge all-round surpassing—the leading advantage is so great that the opponent dares only vent his anger on his servants and lackeys."

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINA CONSTRUCTING TWO NEW ROADS IN YANGTSE AREA; ONE ALONG RIDGELINE OF YANGTSE PLATEAU AT ELEVATION OF 5200 METRES
Satellite imagery of January 25 shows that the fiercely contested Yangtse area along the Tibetan frontier of Tawang district is witnessing a change in the status quo by China in terms of connectivity with two new roads under construction even in winter months with far reaching implications. The new road when completed would likely reach a saddle at ≈5200m along the fiercely contested ridgeline of the Yangtse Plateau thereby providing China an unobstructed view of India's ground lines of communications. The Lampug-Tangwu road under construction replaces the existing mule track and will provide another road connectivity to positions opposite Yangtse Plateau. Currently a road running along the Tsona Chu is the main connectivity for the Chinese opposite Yangtse Plateau. The new road under construction which goes some 600m up from the Tangwu xiaokang, if the road construction further continues towards the shared ridgeline, it will provide a clear view deep inside Indian territory from ≈5200m saddle. (Comment: The information was posted on January 25, by "Nature Desai".)

Jan 2025

CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA-BUILT AND FUNDED GWADAR AIRPORT IN PAKISTAN'S BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON JANUARY
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) PK 503 aircraft became the first commercial flight to arrive at Pakistan’s Gwadar International Airport on January 21. Funded and built by all24 weather ally China under the USD 42 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the airport is Pakistan's largest airport and was officially opened on January 21.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN NAVY CHIEF NAVEED ASHRAF PLEDGES "ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES" TO ENSURE SECURITY OF GWADAR PORT AND CPEC
China Daily (January 27) reported that Pakistan's Navy Chief Naveed Ashraf pledged "all possible measures" to ensure the security of Gwadar Port and guarantee the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. In a written interview, Naveed Ashraf said the People's Liberation Army Navy and the Pakistan Navy enjoy a long-standing, broad-ranging and strong bilateral relationship, and both navies have always remained committed to expanding and consolidating this relationship for regional peace and good order at sea. He highlighted the key role of CPEC in the economic uplift and betterment of the entire region, adding that the Pakistani side will regularly monitor the coastal areas of the corridor particularly the Gwadar port to snub illicit activities. Ashraf made the remarks weeks before the Exercise AMAN-2025, a multi-national naval exercise to be held in Karachi from Feb 7 to 11. Ashraf said the Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy will "keep on further building our relations to jointly tackle threats to global commerce in this region." Ashraf also said the Pakistani side is looking forward to longterm collaboration with China in the domains of artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber warfare and space.

Jan 2025

CHINA-BRAZIL: CHINA HAS IN RECENT DAYS BLOCKED IMPORT OF SOYBEANS FROM BRAZIL
Reuters reported (January 24) that Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry announced that China has been blocking imports of soybeans from Terra Roxa Comercio de Cereais, Olam Brasil, and C.Vale Cooperativa Agro-industrial and Brazilian subsidiaries of Cargill and ADM, five of Brazil's major soybean exporters in recent days. Cargoes from Terra Roxa Comercio de Cereais, Olam Brasil, and C.Vale Cooperativa Agro-industrial have been suspended since January 8. Shipments from the Brazilian subsidiaries of Cargill and ADM have been blocked since January 14. Officially, the suspensions came after China customs (GAC) reportedly detected “non-conformities” including pesticide residues and pests, in routine inspections of cargoes. (Comment: However, there is suspicion that it could be more complicated. US President Trump has recently threatened to assess progress on the “Phase One” US-China trade deal inked in January 2020 during his last administration, in which China pledged to purchase an additional USD 200 billion in American exports – including soybeans. China ultimately bought little more than half of that, and ascribed the shortfall to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which upended global markets. China might be blocking Brazilian beans in order to make way for a splurge on US soy in hopes of appeasing Trump.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-PHILIPPINES: PHILIPPINES JUSTICE MINISTER DISCLOSED THAT PHILIPPINES IS CHOOSING WHERE TO FILE A NEW SOUTH CHINA SEA ARBITRATION CASE AGAINST CHINA
The Philippines Justice Minister told media that the country is close to choosing where to file a new South China Sea arbitration case against the PRC, this one over environmental damage. US Secretary of State Rubio had a call with his Philippines counterpart in which Rubio said “the PRC’s behaviour undermines regional peace and stability and is inconsistent with international law” and “underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty”. Separately, a senior Philippine government source told Reuters that the US military has moved Typhon launchers from “Laoag airfield…to another location on the island of Luzon”. The PRC Foreign Ministry spokesperson reacted “that by bringing this strategic offensive weapon into this part of the world, the Philippines is essentially creating tensions and antagonism in the region and inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race. This is a highly dangerous move and an extremely irresponsible choice for its own people, the people of the other Southeast Asian countries, and regional security”.

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO U.S. CONVEYS SPRING FESTIVAL GREETINGS VIA TWITTER
China's Ambassador to the US Xie Feng conveyed via Twitter on January 28: "Spring is back, and everything is renewed. On the occasion of the Year of the Snake, I would like to extend my sincerest New Year greetings and best wishes to all my compatriots on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the United States! I wish the motherland prosperity and the world peace and tranquillity! I wish you all a bright future, a successful career, and everything you wish for!"

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: "COMMUNIST CHINA" IS ONLY COUNTRY MENTIONED IN U.S. DEFENCE SECRETARY HEGSETH'S MESSAGE TO THE FORCE ON JANUARY 25
In his 'Message to the Force' on January 25, U.S. Secretary of Defence Hegseth said "We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China." (Comment: China is the only country mentioned in his message.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI AND U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE RUBIO TALKED ON TELEPHONE ON JANUARY 20
China Daily (January 24) reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio by telephone on January 24, saying both sides should maintain communications, manage differences, and expand cooperation to promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations. According to a readout from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Wang Yi told Rubio that the leadership of the CCP is the choice of the Chinese people, and China's development is driven by clear historical logic and strong internal momentum. Wang Yi said "Our goal is to improve the lives of our people and make greater contributions to the world. We have no intention of surpassing or replacing anyone, but we must defend our legitimate right to development". He also elaborated on China's stance on the Taiwan question, and urged the US to handle the issue with the utmost caution, reminding the US side of its solemn commitment to the One-China principle in the three China-US joint communiques, stressing that Washington must not renege on its promises. He also added that major powers must act responsibly, maintain world peace, and assist in the shared development of all nations. The readout said Wang Yi expressed hope that Rubio would make the right decisions and play a constructive role for the future of the people of both nations and for global peace and stability. MoFA said Rubio conveyed the readiness of the US side to conduct candid communication with China, properly handle differences, and manage bilateral relations in a mature and prudent manner. He also reaffirmed that the US does not support "Taiwan independence" and that it hopes for a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan question in a manner acceptable to both sides of the Strait. ii) An article in the People's Daily (January 26) captioned 'China, U.S. should find right way to get along in new era', said that Wang Yi told Rubio that 'China has no intention to overtake or replace any country, but must safeguard its legitimate rights to development', and 'Taiwan has been an integral part of China's territory since ancient times and China will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland'. He noted also that the 'United States made solemn commitments to the one-China policy in the three China-U.S. joint communiques and should not go back on its word'. iii) The U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement on January 24 that US Secretary of State Rubio emphasized to Wang that the new US administration would pursue a relationship with China that “advances U.S. interests and puts the American people first”. The US State Department readout also dropped the phrase "affirming Washington does not back Taiwan independence" and said "'The United States does not support "Taiwan independence" and hopes that the Taiwan issue will be peacefully resolved in a way accepted by both sides of the Taiwan Strait". The brief US State Department readout "also stressed the United States’ commitment to our allies in the region and serious concern over China’s coercive actions against Taiwan and in the South China Sea. The Secretary also discussed other issues of bilateral, regional, and global importance with his Chinese counterpart." (Comment: The conversation was the first interaction between the two senior diplomats since Rubio assumed the position on January 20. The U.S. State Department also said that Rubio spoke by telephone with his counterparts from the Philippines and Vietnam on January 24. With Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Rubio discussed China’s “aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea.”)

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: ZHANG HUA, DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF TAIWAN STUDIES, CASS, FORECAST THAT TRUMP'S POLICY TOWARDS CHINA WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AND CHINA WILL NOT BE BULLIED
Commenting on China-US relations under Trump in his article in China Review News (January 16) titled 'Trump 2.0 era: Prospects for his Taiwan Policy', Zhang Hua, Director, Department of General Studies, Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), observed “The United States has adopted an all-encompassing governmentwide and society-wide stance of strategic competition with China. Looking ahead, it is unlikely that the US’s strategy towards China will change in the short term.” He added that "China's recent export bans on critical minerals such as gallium] indicate that China has accumulated more tools for counteraction and is increasingly resolute in its determination to resist US bullying.” Moreover, China now has experience in dealing with Trump, who was an unknown quantity back in 2016. Beijing will now be able to handle issues with greater precision and confidence. Stating that Trump "is also unlikely to “trade Taiwan” (‘交易’台湾) with China", Zhang Hua said “One reason is that the ‘Taiwan card’ is the most valuable card the US has in its strategic competition with China. An even more important reason is China's stance that Taiwan has been an inseparable part of its territory since ancient times … It is totally out of the question for China to trade its own territory with foreigners.” He said Washington’s emphasis on Taiwan will shift depending on how its relationship with Beijing evolves. “If things start off well, Taiwan’s utility to the US diminishes. In contrast, if relations deteriorate, Trump is likely to leverage the Taiwan issue to exert pressure on China.”

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: XINHUA CITES IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY REPORT THAT UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS ACCOUNT FOR 16 PERCENT OF FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN EMPLOYEES AND 41 PERCENT OF FARM WORKERS AND THAT DEPORTATIONS COULD INCREASE FOOD PRICES BY 10 PERCENT LEADING TO "LIKELY COLLAPSE" OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM
Xinhua (January 23) citing an analysis by Iowa State University's Investigate Midwest said he repercussions of widespread deportations could ripple far beyond California. The study reported that undocumented workers comprise about 16 percent of all food supply chain employees nationwide, including 41 percent of farm workers. The study suggested that deporting a large portion of these workers could potentially increase food prices by 10 percent and lead to the "likely collapse" of the American agricultural system.

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: CHAIRMAN OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCED BIPARTISAN BILL ON JANUARY 23 TO REVOKE CHINA'S PREFERENTIAL TRADE STATUS WITH U.S. AND END "DE MINIMIS" EXEMPTION FOR LOWVALUE CHINESE IMPORTS
John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House of Representatives' select committee on China, on January 23 introduced a bipartisan bill that would revoke China's preferential trade status with the United States, phase in steep tariffs and end the "de minimis" exemption for low-value Chinese imports. Moolenaar's Restoring Trade Fairness Act was co-sponsored by Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi and introduced with a companion bill in the Senate. Moolenaar said granting China PNTR had ushered in waves of Chinese imports, depleted U.S. manufacturing and made the U.S. susceptible to economic coercion from its "foremost adversary." He added "This gamble failed". "This legislation will safeguard U.S. national security, enhance supply chain resilience, and bring manufacturing jobs back to America and our allies." China's embassy in Washington said any such move would harm both Chinese and U.S. interests. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said "Some U.S. politicians are trying to reverse history and drag Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations back to the Cold War era." (Comment: The proposed legislation would end annual recertification of the designation, and codify minimum 35% tariffs for non-strategic goods and minimum 100% tariffs for strategic goods. The duties would be phased in over five years - 10% in the first year, 25% in the second year, 50% in year four and 100% by year five. The bill would also end de minimis treatment for certain "covered nations," including China. Trump has called for changes to the $800 de minimis duty-free exemption for low-value shipments often blamed for illicit imports of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP RAISED CLAIM ON GREENLAND IN CONVERSATION WITH DANISH PRIME MINISTER ALLEGING THAT HEAVY INVESTMENTS BY RUSSIA AND CHINA THREATEN GREENLAND'S SECURITY WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO U.S.
The Financial Times (January 24) quoted five current and former European officials as saying that US President Trump had a 45-minute phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on January 15. The two were reported to have had a big argument about taking over Greenland with Trump emphasising that he was serious and threatening tariffs. A European official familiar with the matter described the atmosphere of the call as heated and bad. It said Danish officials said that Trump's intentions were quite clear, and that they were now in "crisis management mode." Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council, told Fox News that Trump has made it clear that "Greenland's security is important to the United States because China and Russia are investing heavily throughout the Arctic region." He said that Trump is not only committed to protecting U.S. interests in the Arctic, but also working with Greenland to ensure the common prosperity of the two countries.

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: U.S. AND DANISH OFFICIALS SUCCESSFULLY PERSUADED DEVELOPER OF GREENLAND'S LARGEST RARE EARTHS DEPOSIT NOT TO SELL TO CHINESE COMPANIES
Reuters (January 9) reported Greg Barnes, the CEO of Tanbreez, as saying that U.S. and Danish officials had lobbied the developer of Greenland's largest rare earths deposit last year not to sell its project to Chinese-linked firms, adding that the firm it has been in regular talks with Washington as it reviews funding options to develop the island's critical minerals. He said U.S. officials who visited the project in southern Greenland twice last year had repeatedly shared a message with the cash-strapped company: do not sell the large deposit to a Beijing-linked buyer. Barnes ultimately sold Tanbreez to New York-based Critical Metals (CRML.O), as part of a complex deal that will be complete later this year. Tanbreez aims to mine 500,000 metric tons annually of the crimson rare earths-containing mineral eudialyte as soon as 2026. "There was a lot of pressure not to sell to China," Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals, told Reuters. Barnes accepted payment of $5 million cash and $211 million in Critical Metals stock for Tanbreez, far less than Chinese firms offered, Sage said. The U.S. State Department was not immediately available to comment. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The Danish Foreign Ministry declined to comment. (Comment: The move underscores the long-running economic interest U.S. officials have had in the Danish territory.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-IRAQ: IRAQ COMMUNIST PARTY HOSTED SEMINAR ON JANUARY 18 ON CHINA'S NEW DEVELOPMENT IN IRAQ
The People's Daily (January 23) reported that on January 18, a seminar on "China's New Development: Prospects and Challenges" was held in Iraq. The seminar was hosted by the Iraqi Communist Party and attended by more than 200 representatives from the Iraqi government, parliament, think tanks, media and other sectors. Raid Fahmi, General Secretary of the Iraqi Communist Party, said that the purpose of holding this seminar is to exchange and learn from China's development experience. In the past few decades, China has made great achievements in economic and social development. Iraq is at a critical stage of development, and learning from China's development experience will help promote Iraq's economic and social development. At present, many Chinese companies are involved in cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction in Iraq, and we look forward to further strengthening cooperation in all aspects between Iraq and China. Cui Wei, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, was invited to attend the seminar and delivered a keynote speech. He described China's development process and achievements in combination with the history of the Communist Party of China, and stressed that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era not only points out the right direction for comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation with Chinese-style modernization, but also always pays attention to the future and destiny of mankind with a global perspective, and contributes Chinese wisdom to human development and progress. He said that the promotion of Chinese-style modernization provides a broad space for cooperation between China and Iraq, and China is willing to work with Iraq to jointly build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era. Iraqi diplomat Hikmat Daoud said that China's development experience is unique and valuable, setting an example for the development of all countries. Iraq's economic revitalization process will surely gain huge opportunities from it. (Comment: This would be part of China's bid to propagate its thinking, including economic thought, abroad among countries where there are Chinese projects or BRI.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTED SHENYANG ON JANUARY 23
Xinhua (January 23) and People's Daily (January 24) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Shenyang on January 23 morning for an inspection tour. During the inspection he visited the Dadong non-staple food market in Shenyang. The PLA Daily (January 24) said "The children were very happy to see Grandpa Xi" in the Dadong food market. The People's Daily and other Chinese official media highlighted (January 24) that during his visit to the Bensteel Group in Benxi City, Liaoning, Xi Jinping said "The steel industry is an important basic industry of the country and the real economy is the foundation of the national economy." He urged continued efforts to strengthen weak links, optimize industrial structures and contribute more to Chinese modernization.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTED ZHUJIAGOU VILLAGE OF HULUDAO CITY IN LIAONING ON JANUARY 22
Chinese President Xi Jinping travelled to Zhujiagou Village, Suizhong County of Huludao City, Liaoning Province on January 22. He met the villagers who have moved into their new houses and inquired about the quality of the reconstructed homes and whether their daily living conditions are adequate. Zhujiagou village, under the administration of Suizhong County, Huludao City, was one of the hardest-hit cities by summer floods in 2024. On the afternoon of January 23, Xi Jinping visited the Third Cold Rolling Mill of Bengang Plate Cold Rolling Plant in Benxi City, Liaoning Province, and inspected the company's centralized control center and production line. He was briefed about the company's efforts to accelerate transformation and upgrading and promote high-quality development.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN EXCHANGED NEW YEARS' GREETINGS VIA VIDEO
On January 21, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing when they exchanged New Years' greetings. Xi Jinping "The China-Russia relationship, with permanent good-neighbourliness, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win as its spiritual core, has continued to be revitalized" and emphasised that "I am willing to work with the President to continue to lead China-Russia relations to a higher level and look far ahead, to cope with the uncertainty of the external environment with the stability and resilience of China- Russia relations, to jointly promote the development and revitalization of the two countries, and to safeguard international fairness and justice. The two sides should continue to deepen strategic cooperation, firmly support each other, and safeguard the legitimate interests of the two countries. Consolidate and expand bilateral relations and promote the in-depth development of practical cooperation. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. China and Russia should take this opportunity to jointly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the results of the victory of the Second World War, promote all countries to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adhere to the universally recognized basic norms of international relations, and practice true multilateralism. As the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China is willing to work with Russia and other member states to promote the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to enter a new stage of higher quality development and greater responsibility. China and Russia should also jointly promote the "Greater BRICS Cooperation" and write a new chapter of unity and self-reliance in the global South". Russian President Putin replied that "Russia and China have always trusted, supported and treated each other as equals. The cooperation between the two sides is in the interests of the two peoples and has never been affected by changes in the international situation". He added "Russia firmly supports that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory and firmly opposes any form of "Taiwan independence". 80 years ago, Russia and China resisted the invaders with blood and lives and defended national sovereignty and national dignity. This year, we will jointly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and safeguard the results of the Second World War. Russia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in multilateral affairs and play an active role in world peace and development. They also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern and agreed to continue to maintain strategic communication in the new year. Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PRESIDES OVER POLITBURO MEETING ON JANUARY 20 WHICH ALSO INSTRUCTS THE "FIVE PARTY GROUPS" TO BE GUIDED BY XI JINPING THOUGHT ON SOCIALISM AND ADHERE TO "CENTRALISED AND UNIFIED LEADERSHIP OF PARTY CC", UNITY ETC.
Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the Politburo in Beijing on January 20, to discuss the ‘Comprehensive Report on the Politburo Standing Committee Hearing and Studying the Work Reports of the Party Groups of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and the Work Report of the Central Secretariat’ and the ‘Opinions on Fully Promoting Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development in the Yellow River Basin’. The meeting also examined other matters. ii) Reporting the meeting, the People's Daily (January 21) stated that " In the new year, the five party groups should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the highest political principle of the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and ensure unity of thought, consistency of direction, and strict compliance with orders. We must establish and practice a correct view of political achievements, insist on doing things first, work hard, be good at doing good things, work together to promote reform and tackle tough problems, promote high-quality development, and show new responsibilities and new actions in the new journey of comprehensively promoting Chinese-style modernization. The Central Secretariat should base itself on its own responsibilities, enhance its political capabilities, implement key tasks, strictly strengthen its own construction, and complete the tasks assigned by the Party Central Committee with high quality." Xinhua (January 20) said: "The meeting believes that in the past year, the five party groups (i.e. the NPC Standing Committee; (ii) the State Council; (iii) the CPPCC National Committee; (iv) the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate and (v) the CCP CC Secretariat) should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the highest political principle of the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and ensure unity of thought, consistency of direction, and strict compliance with orders. It is necessary to establish and practice a correct view of political achievements, insist on doing things first, forge ahead, do a good job, work together to promote reform and tackle tough problems, promote high-quality development, and show new responsibilities and new actions in the new journey of comprehensively promoting Chinesestyle modernization. The Central Secretariat should base itself on its own responsibilities, enhance political capabilities, implement key tasks, strictly strengthen its own construction, and complete the tasks assigned by the Party Central Committee with high quality. (Comment: It is unusual for reports on Politburo meetings to emphasise that the "five" CCP entities particularly "should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the highest political principle of the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and ensure unity of thought, consistency of direction, and strict compliance with orders". In addition to underscoring the elevated status of "Xi Jinping Thought on socialism" etc., this injunction suggests some senior cadres have not complied with the regulations or that a crackdown on senior echelons of the CCP is imminent.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED CMC'S TRADITIONAL CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE IN BEIJING; ZHANG YOUXIA, HE WEIDONG, LIU ZHENLI AND ZHANG SHENGMIN ATTENDED
On the eve of the traditional Chinese festival Spring Festival, the Central Military Commission held a New Year's performance in Beijing on January 17 to greet the veteran cadres stationed in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping watched the performance and extended holiday greetings and New Year's blessings to the veteran comrades of the army present and to the retired veteran cadres of the whole army. CCTV (January 18) and the Worker's Daily (January 18) said the veteran cadres of the troops stationed in Beijing who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, protection, and construction of the new China and to national defense and military construction gathered together to welcome the New Year. CMC Vice Chairmen General Zhang Youxia and General He Weidong; PLA Chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department Liu Zhenli and Secretary of the CMC Central Discipline Inspection Commission General Zhang Shengmin attended and watched the performance. CCT said leaders from various departments of the CMC, relevant military units stationed in Beijing, and representatives of officers and soldiers from the troops also attended.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG ATTENDED U.S. PRESIDENT TRUMP'S INAUGURATION IN WASHINGTON AND MET US VICE PRESIDENT VANCE AND BUSINESS LEADERS
CCTV (January 20) reported that President Xi Jinping's special representative and Vice President Han Zheng attended the inauguration ceremony of US President Trump in Washington on January 20. It said Han Zheng met with Vice President-elect Vance, and also met representatives of the U.S. business community, Tesla CEO Musk, and Brookings Institution Honorary Chairman Thornton. Meeting Vance, Han Zheng first conveyed President Xi Jinping's greetings to President Trump and congratulated Vance on his election. Referring to Xi Jinping's recent telephone conversation with Trump, Han Zheng said "As long as the two sides adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, they will surely achieve mutual success, benefit both countries, and make important contributions to world peace and development". Vance asked Han Zheng to convey President Trump's sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He also said "China is playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. The United States is willing to develop a long-term and fruitful relationship with China, strengthen dialogue and cooperation on international and regional issues, and jointly promote world peace and stability". Han Zheng told representatives of the U.S. business community that the good start and stable development of China-U.S. relations are in line with the common well-being of the Chinese and American people and the general expectations of the international community. He said "China will unswervingly promote reform and opening up and continue to improve and optimize the business environment" and hoped that U.S. companies will continue to invest in China, actively play a bridging role, and make greater contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations. Musk and Thornton said that economic and trade exchanges and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the United States and China are of great significance, and they are willing to continue to play an active role in this regard.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER A SYMPOSIUM TO HEAR OPINIONS AND SUGGESTIONS OF NON-CP POLITICAL PARTIES AND ACFIC ON DRAFT GOVERNMENT WORK REPORT ON JANUARY 21
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a symposium to hear opinions and suggestions from the central committees of non-CCP political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and personages without party affiliation on a draft government work report in Beijing on January 21. He said their opinions and suggestions are very helpful and the State Council will carefully study and incorporate these inputs. He also said it is necessary to properly respond to new challenges brought by changes in the external environment, effectively solve prominent issues in economic operations, and consolidate and enhance the improving economic trend. Li Qiang expressed hope that non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation will continue to support the government's work as they have always done and encouraged them to conduct in-depth research and actively offer advice on key issues in economic and social development. He also urged them to further play a role as bridges, strengthening communication and liaison with various fields and industries.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CPPCC CHAIRMAN AND PBSC MEMBER WANG HUNING PRESIDED OVER 30TH CHAIRPERSON'S COUNCIL MEETING OF 14TH CPPCC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
People's Daily (January 22) reported that Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning urged (January 22) senior political advisors to conscientiously prepare for the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which has been suggested to start on March 4. He was speaking at the 30th Chairperson's Council meeting of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. A draft report on the work of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and a draft report on the handling of proposals since the second session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee were deliberated and approved at the meeting. The meeting decided to submit the two draft reports for consideration to the 10th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, which is to be convened on March 1 and 2.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND SECRETARY PLAC CHEN WENQING ATTENDED CENTRAL POLITICAL AND LEGAL WORK CONFERENCE IN BEIJING
Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, Chen Wenqing attended the Central Political and Legal Work Conference which was held in Beijing from January 12 to 13. In his speech at the meeting, Chen Wenqing stressed "that the national political and legal organs should adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, uphold the Party’s absolute leadership, comprehensively deepen reforms in the political and legal system, implement and improve the Party-led political and legal work system, and resolutely safeguard national security and social stability, coordinate efforts to advance legislation, law enforcement, judicial administration, and compliance with the law, striving to build a higher level of Peaceful China and Rule of Law China, providing strong and secure guarantees for comprehensively advancing the construction of a strong nation and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Chen Wenqing fully affirmed the achievements made in the national political and legal work in 2024, and stressed that to do a good job in the political and legal work in 2025, we must strengthen our confidence, work hard, strictly implement the national security responsibility system of the Party Committee (Party Group) and the responsibility system for maintaining social stability, and improve the overall prevention and control capabilities of social security. We must thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping's thoughts on the rule of law, solve new problems through scientific legislation, solve practical problems through strict law enforcement, maintain social fairness and justice through fair justice, consolidate the foundation of the rule of law through the whole people abiding by the law, and improve the modernization level of political and legal work through deepening reform. We must promote the political and legal organs to perform their duties, cooperate with each other, and restrain each other under the leadership of the Party, focus on work style and ability, and forge a loyal, clean and responsible political and legal iron army in the new era. State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong presided over the meeting and delivered a summary speech. Zhang Jun, President of the Supreme People's Court, and Ying Yong, Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, attended the meeting.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: STATE COUNCILOR AND MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY WANG XIAOHONG ADDRESSED NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FIGHTING CROSS-BORDER GAMBLING
State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, while addressing a national teleconference on anti-cross-border gambling work on January 23, called for new achievements and breakthroughs to be made in China's fight against cross-border gambling. He said over the years with the country's ever-improved prevention and control system, once-rampant activities of cross-border gambling have been effectively brought under control. Noting the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance approach during the fight, Wang Xiaohong urged efforts to fully tap into the country's political and institutional advantages and further strengthen accountability enforcement, mechanism-building and legal guarantees in the fight.

Jan 2025

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: ACFTU CHAIRMAN AND NPC VICE CHAIRMAN WANG DONGMING ATTENDED '2025 NATIONAL TRADE UNION WORK SYMPOSIUM ON MAINTAINING POLITICAL SECURITY IN LABOUR FIELD'
The Workers Daily (January 22) disclosed that the '2025 National Trade Union Work Symposium on Maintaining Political Security in the Labor Field' was held in Beijing on January 22. Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He emphasise that trade unions at all levels should take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guidance, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, deeply implement the overall national security concept, and implement the "five resolute" requirements with practical actions, effectively maintain political security in the labour field, and maintain the harmony and stability of enterprises and the overall social situation. Wang Dongming affirmed the achievements made by trade unions at all levels in maintaining political security in the labor field in the past year. Xu Liuping, Party Secretary, Vice Chairman and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the ACFTU, presided over the meeting. Zhong Hongjiang, Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Secretariat of the ACFTU, presented the work report. The main responsible persons of the provincial (autonomous region, municipality) federations of trade unions in Beijing, Hubei, Shaanxi, Xinjiang, Shenzhen Federation of Trade Unions and the Social Liaison Department of the ACFTU made speeches. Representatives of the Party Leadership Group and Secretariat of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, 'responsible comrades' of the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission stationed in the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, provincial (autonomous region, municipal) trade union federations and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Federation of Trade Unions, national industrial trade unions, federations of trade unions of the Central and State Organs, and major responsible comrades of various departments and directly affiliated units of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions attended the meeting.

Jan 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINA SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED 4TH BATCH OF QIANFAN CONSTELLATION NETWORKING SATELLITES
At 13:15 Beijing time on January 23, 2025, China successfully launched the fourth batch of Qianfan constellation networking satellites in a "one rocket, 18 satellites" manner using the Long March 6A carrier rocket at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellites successfully entered the predetermined orbit, the solar sails were deployed, and the launch mission was a complete success.

Jan 2025

CHINA-S&T: CHINESE ASTRONAUTS COMPLETED SECOND EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY ON JANUARY 21
CCTV (January 21) reported that at 1:12 am on January 21, after about 8.5 hours of extravehicular activity, Shenzhou 19 crew astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze worked closely together and successfully completed the second extravehicular activity.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: PLA DAILY CLAIMED BORDER DEFENCE UNITS IN ALI REGION NOW HAVE FULL GRID COVERAGE
PLA Daily (January 19) reported that the CMC Logistics Support Department had recently announced that the Thirty-Mile Barracks and border defense units in the Ali region have achieved full grid coverage. It said border posts are now powered by the national grid and renewable energy, providing strong support for warm and secure winters for troops. It said to resolve the energy challenges faced by border troops, the CMC Logistics Support Department and the National Energy Administration jointly issued the 'Management Measures for Border Troop Grid Project Construction'. This initiative integrates the construction of border troop power grids into the broader national energy construction framework, leveraging the latest rural power grid upgrades. Under a military-civil coordination mechanism, three batches of border troop grid construction projects have been implemented, forming a robust and reliable multisource energy supply system. It stated that till now hundreds of border posts have been connected to the national grid and that the operational and living conditions of border troops have significantly improved. In areas where the national grid does not reach, tailored solutions based on local conditions have been adopted. It claimed this has effectively boosted the morale and determination of soldiers stationed on the front lines to safeguard national borders.

Jan 2025

CHINA-PLA: SHAANXI MILITARY DISTRICT REPORTED TO HAVE THOROUGHLY STUDIED AND IMPLEMENTED 'SPIRIT' OF CMC POLITICAL WORK CONFERENCE
The PLA Daily (January 24) disclosed that the Shaanxi Provincial Military District had thoroughly studied and implemented the spirit of the Central Military Commission's political work conference.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER CHAIRMAN ON NORINCO XUE JIANGUO IS UNDER INVESTIGATION
The Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group of China North Industries Group Corporation and the Taipei City Discipline Inspection and Supervision Committee announced on January 24, that Xue Jianguo, former Party Secretary and Chairman of Harbin First Machinery Group Co., Ltd. of China North Industries Group Corporation, is under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN GENERATES JOBS IN CHINA
The South China Morning Post (January 19) disclosed that China’s anti-corruption crackdown has created a minor jobs boom in China. It said disciplinary agencies are on a recruitment drive, offering opportunities in a tight employment market. Security agencies are seeking university graduates aged between 20 and 35 years, with no criminal record and a height of at least 170cm (5.57ft) for men and 158cm for women. Military veterans or police college students are preferred. The applicant’s mission, if they choose to accept it, is to keep an eye on disgraced officials at detention centres operated by the Communist Party’s disciplinary wings. A search of job sites and Chinese social media revealed that security agencies and disciplinary bodies in at least 15 provinces had such “caretaker” positions going at detention centres last year, with some provinces seeking to fill hundreds of vacancies. Several recruiters in multiple provinces working to meet those staffing needs said they saw big increases in demand for disciplinary commission personnel last year. One recruitment manager from Jiangxi province said the caretakers were not involved in the investigations, which were carried out by disciplinary commission staff. “Their main role is to keep a close watch on all the detainees around the clock, preventing suicides and providing food, laundry and necessary medical care”. The monthly pay ranges from 2,000 yuan (US$273) to 6,000 yuan depending on the province, and applicants have to pass fitness tests and a written exam on President Xi Jinping’s speeches on ideology and discipline.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: 15 OF CHINA'S 31 PROVINCES SET LOWER GDP TARGETS FOR 2025
Caixin (January 21) reported that nearly half of China's provincial-level governments have set 2025 GDP growth targets lower than last year’s, as domestic demand remains tepid and the international environment continues to be unstable. The goals were announced as local legislative meetings took place in January. Of the 31 provincial-level regions, 15 set targets lower than last year’s. Targets set by another 15 regions are similar to goals set for last year. Several of the country’s largest regional economies — Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong and Henan — fall into this category.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: RHODIUM GROUP ASSESSED CHINA'S CAR EXPORTS FACE SERIOUS HEADWINDS
The Rhodium Group issued a report (January 23) assessing that China's rapid car export growth is facing headwinds. It said after extraordinary growth in 2022 and 2023, China’s passenger vehicle exports are showing clear signs of deceleration in 2024. Export growth reached 59% and 74% year-on-year during January–October 2022 and 2023, respectively, but has slowed to 26% over the same period in 2024. In value terms, monthly passenger vehicle exports reached a peak in October 2023, coinciding with the EU’s launch of its anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs. In unit terms, export volumes continued to climb until August 2024, then driven by a rush to ship vehicles to Russia ahead of a planned hike in recycling fees in October 2024. It said the export slowdown is primarily driven by waning demand, considering China’s auto sector has the capacity to produce significantly more vehicles and they are often offer higher margins in international markets. China’s passenger vehicle capacity utilization rate (CUR) fell from 74.7% in 2023 to 70.3% through Q3 2024 according to China’s official data due to a continued buildup of factories. While a handful of manufacturers, such as leading NEV producer BYD, are operating near full capacity, the industry as a whole lags behind the 80% CUR benchmark considered healthy in the auto sector. This means China could potentially produce and export an additional 4 million vehicles annually before reaching the healthy 80% CUR. Citing 6 reasons, it listed them as: Rising trade barriers; Inventory pressure; Competition from Chinese overseas plants; Joint venture (JV) constraints; Saturation of Russia’s market; and Slowing EV adoption.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: EU NON-PROFIT FILED CASES AGAINST 5 CHINESE TECH COMPANIES FOR UNLAWFUL TRANSFER OF DATA TO CHINA
The NOYB (a European non-profit organisation) filed GDPR complaints against TikTok, AliExpress, SHEIN, Temu, WeChat and Xiaomi for unlawful data transfers to China on January 16. While four of them openly admit to sending Europeans’ personal data to China, the other two say that they transfer data to undisclosed “third countries”. EU law is clear: data transfers outside the EU are only allowed if the destination country doesn’t undermine the protection of data. NOYB states that given that China is an authoritarian surveillance state, companies can’t realistically shield EU users’ data from access by the Chinese government. After issues around US government access, the rise of Chinese apps opens a new front for EU data protection law.

Jan 2025

CHINA-ECONOMY: APPLE ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 19 THAT TIKTOK AND BYTEDANCE APPS WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE IN U.S.; TRUMP SAID HE WILL ALLOW IT 90 DAYS TO EFFECT SALE
China's Economic Observer (January 19) announced that "on January 19, Apple issued a statement regarding the availability of TikTok and ByteDance's apps in the United States, saying that these apps are no longer available in the United States and that U.S. visitors can only use their features in a limited manner. Apple is obliged to comply with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. Apps developed by ByteDance and its subsidiaries (including TikTok, CapCut, Lemon8, etc.) will no longer be available for download or update on the AppStore for U.S. users starting January 19, 2025." As TikTok began shutting down, US President-elect Donald Trump said (January 19) that he would issue orders on the 20th January to reinstate the service of the social-media for its 170 million U.S. and give TikTok time to shed its Chinese ownership and sell 51% to a US entity.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: NDRC HEAD GAVE INTERVIEW TO PEOPLE'S DAILY ON RURAL REVITALISATION
People's Daily (January 23) published an interview under the caption 'Solidly promote the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas and continue to make substantial progress——The head of the National Development and Reform Commission answered questions from reporters on the "Rural Comprehensive Revitalization Plan (2024-2027)".

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI COMMENTARY UNDERSCORED IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY AND VOLUME IN PRODUCTION
The latest issue (January 23) of the CCP's leading fortnightly theoretical journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) published a Commentator's article with the caption: 'Coordinate the relationship between improving quality and increasing total volume'. It said "Without a certain total volume and speed, it is difficult to ensure the steady operation of the economy, and there is no way to talk about the quality of development. For an economy as large as ours, whether it is to stabilize employment, prevent risks, benefit people's livelihood, or effectively respond to changes in the external environment, it is necessary to continuously increase the total economic volume, stabilize the basic plate of economic development with the accumulation of volume, and respond to the uncertainty of global economic development with the certainty of its own development. However, only talking about the total volume, not the quality, and blindly adopting an extensive development mode of scale expansion will inevitably be constrained by energy, resources, and the environment and will be unsustainable."

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE STRESSED IMPORTANCE OF THE ECONOMY
The People's Daily (January 23) published a signed editorial with the caption 'Gather a "greatest consensus" and grasp the five "must be coordinated": Work hard to do a good job in economic work'. The Editor added a comment: "At the Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping summarized and refined our party's understanding of the laws of economic work. Among them, the five "musts" are full of dialectics, which are the positions, views and methods of Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in the economic field. We must deeply study and understand, constantly improve our level of understanding and implementation capabilities, work hard to do a good job in economic work, complete the primary task of high-quality development, and comprehensively promote the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation with Chinese-style modernization. Today's theoretical edition publishes an article signed by Zhong Caiwen, authoritatively and accurately interpreting the profound connotations of the five "musts"."

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC AND STATE COUNCIL ISSUE 2024-2035 PLAN FOR MAKING CHINA A POWERFUL COUNTRY IN EDUCATION
Xinhua (January 19) reported that the CCP CC and State Council recently issued the "Outline of the Plan for Building a Powerful Country in Education (2024-2035)" and issued a notice requiring all regions and departments to conscientiously implement it in light of their actual conditions. The main contents of the 11 paragraph and 37 point "Outline of the Plan for Building a Strong Nation in Education (2024-2035)" included: a stress on adherence to the Party's overall leadership over education; by 2027, the construction of a strong country in education will achieve important phased results and top-notch innovative talents will continue to emerge; by 2035, a strong country in education will be built. The system and working mechanism of the Party's comprehensive leadership over education will be systematic and complete, a high-quality education system will be fully established, the level and quality of basic education will be firmly in the forefront of the world; Ideological and political education in schools will be strengthened and improved in the new era; the Party’s innovative theoretical system and research, interpretation and application will be strengthened; high-quality textbooks that cultivate the soul and enlighten the mind will be created and the national authority of textbook construction will be implemented and reflect the will of the Party and the state; the national common language will be promoted and popularised; Improve the political, social and professional status of teachers; Improve the strategic strategy of opening up education to the outside world and build an important education center with global influence; Expand international academic exchanges and educational and scientific research cooperation. Support high-level research universities to initiate and participate in international large-scale scientific plans, build large-scale scientific facilities, and host major international scientific research projects. (Comment: The "Outline" is a strategic long-term plan that aims to elevate the level of education and make China an international centre for education. It also places emphasis on political and ideological education and a stress on the CCP's leadership over education.)

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: 'STUDY TIMES' PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE SAYING GENERATIVE AI TOOLS ENHANCE OFFENSIVE CAPABILITIES OF CYBER OPERATIONS
The Central Party School's Study Times (January 22) published an article which said that "Generative AI tools improve attack processes or lower the threshold for certain malicious activities, such as phishing, malware, and disinformation generation, elevating offensive cyber operations to unprecedented levels".

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE STATES CHINA WILLING TO WORK WITH OTHERS TO PUSH ECONOMIC GLOBALISATION
The People's Daily (January 18) published an article titled 'Firmly guide economic globalization in the right direction (Harmony)', which said "China is not only a participant and beneficiary of economic globalization, but also a contributor and promoter. We are willing to work with other countries to push economic globalization into a new stage that is more dynamic, more inclusive and more sustainable". Noting that "the theme of the upcoming World Economic Forum 2025 Annual Meeting is "Cooperation in the Age of Intelligence", it said "all parties will discuss strategies to address key global and regional challenges around issues such as rebuilding trust and reshaping growth" The article added that "the number of poor people in the world has increased and the gap between the rich and the poor has widened. To promote the recovery of the world economy and the common prosperity of all countries, it is necessary to lead economic globalization in the direction of inclusiveness. China is not only a participant and beneficiary of economic globalization, but also a contributor and promoter. Since the reform and opening up, while China's own economy has developed rapidly, it has provided a sustained and strong driving force for global economic stability and growth". It ointed

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CDIC WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTS STEPS TAKEN BY CHONGQING MUNICIPALITY TO COMBAT CORRUPTION
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission website posted (January 18) an article highlighting the measures Chongqing Municipality has taken to eradicate corruption. It was captioned: 'Chongqing takes clean government construction as its starting point: Deepen reform to stop corruption from spreading'.

Jan 2025

CHINA-CCP: CHINESE ACADEMIC ARGUES IN FAVOUR OF URBAN RENEWAL IN GUANGMING DAILY
The Guangming Daily (January 18) published an article with the caption 'The rule of law is the “right answer” to promoting urban renewal'. The article was authored by Li Lei, Associate Professor of Law School, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. The author says "the problem of "aging" of urban stock housing (communities) has become increasingly apparent, and "urban renewal" has emerged". As this "inevitably involves the redivision of existing spatial interests, which may lead to slow progress or even obstacles due to problems such as unsatisfied residents' demands and unclear boundaries of residents' rights", how to solve these problems is a "must-answer question" for promoting urban renewal, and "rule of law" is undoubtedly the "correct answer" to this question. Stating that "Urban renewal is an important driving force for urban development and an effective way to improve the urban spatial structure and enhance the urban functional level", it emphasised that "Promoting urban renewal on the track of the rule of law is an effective guarantee for the steady and long-term development of this cause, and it is also a vivid practice of the concept of "people's city"."

Jan 2025

CHINA-SHANDONG: SHANDONG PROVINCE HOLDING 5-DAY (JANUARY 20-24) THIRD SESSION OF 14TH PEOPLE'S CONGRESS
China's Economic Observer (January 19) reported that the Third Session of the 14th People's Congress of Shandong Province will be held from January 20 to 24. The seven items on the conference agenda are: to review the work report of the Shandong Provincial People's Government; to review the report on the implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan of Shandong Province and the draft of the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and the draft of the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan of Shandong Province; to review the report on the implementation of the 2024 budget of Shandong Province and the draft budget of 2025, and the draft budget of Shandong Province for 2025; to review the work report of the Standing Committee of the Shandong Provincial People's Congress; to review the work report of the Shandong Higher People's Court; to review the work report of the Shandong Provincial People's Procuratorate; and to discuss election matters. It said the first plenary session on January 20 will hear the government work report etc, the second plenary session on January 22 will hear the work reports of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, the Provincial High People's Court, and the Provincial People's Procuratorate, and to vote on the election methods and approve the methods for supplementing the members of the special committees of the Provincial People's Congress, and the third plenary session on January 24 will hold elections, vote on various draft resolutions, and close the meeting.

Jan 2025

CHINA-FUJIAN: CCTV INTERVIEWED FUJIAN'S GOVERNOR ON FUJIAN PROVINCE'S EFFORTS TOWARDS MODERNISATION AND HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT
The state-owned CCTV (January 18) telecast a special report on Fujian Province's efforts for modernisation and promoting high-quality development. It featured an "Authoritative Interview: Seeking Development and Starting a New Chapter" with Zhao Long, Deputy Secretary of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee and Governor.

Jan 2025

CHINA-TIBET: GAMA CEDAIN 'ELECTED' CHAIRMAN OF PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT OF TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION ON JANUARY 22
The People's Daily (January 23) announced that Gama Cedain was elected Chairman of the People's Government of Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region on January 22. The election took place at the third session of the 12th TAR People's Congress. Gama Cedain, of Tibetan ethnic group, was born in December 1967. He was appointed deputy secretary of the Xizang regional committee of the Communist Party of China in October 2024. (Comment: was born in Jomda County, Tibet Autonomous Region, in December 1967. In 1986, he entered the Minzu University of China, where he majored in ethnic theories and policies. After graduating in July 1990, he was despatched as an official to the CCP Naqu Prefectural Committee.) ii) At the same time as his predecessor Che Dalha, a Tibetan from Yunnan, is being 'investigated', Yan Jinhai has been confirmed as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region People's Congress. He is the senior most Tibetan official in TAR.

Jan 2025

CHINA-TAIWAN: IISS STATES THAT 180 COUNTRIES ACCEPT THE ONECHINA PRINCIPLE THAT RECOGNISES TAIWAN AS PART OF CHINA
The IISS issued a map on January 17, 2025, titled 'Charting China: Varying national approaches to the recognition of Taiwan'. It disclosed that as part of China’s ‘lawfare’ strategy against Taiwan, Beijing claims that over 180 countries accept the one-China principle that recognises Taiwan as part of China. As shown in this map, IISS research has, however, uncovered nine different ways that countries across the world recognise Taiwan. It categorises them as: 120 countries ‘recognise’ Taiwan as part of China ; 6 ‘acknowledge’ the PRC’s claim that Taiwan is part of China ; 10 ‘take note’ of the PRC’s claim ; 4 ‘understand and respect’ the PRC’s claim ; 2 countries ‘respect’ the PRC’s claim ; 1 country – the US – ‘acknowledges’ the PRC’s position that Taiwan is part of China ; and 39 have made no explicit mention of Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: CHINA CONSTRUCTED A ROAD EXTENDING FROM NYAGZU TO CONNECT WITH RUDOK
According to a report (January 22), in October 2024, China constructed a road extending from Nyagzu located on the historical trade route connecting Ladakh and Rudok. Ladakhi graziers used the pastures, while Tibetans controlled nearby Khurnak Plains, asserting claims since the Treaty of Tingmosgang. (Comment: Nyagzu has been a focal point of the Ladakh-Tibet frontier dispute for centuries. )

Jan 2025

CHINA-INDIA: POST ON BAIDU HIGHLIGHTS IMPROVEMENTS IN PLA INFRASTRUCTURE ON BORDER AND WARNS INDIAN ARMY AGAINST QUIETLY INCREASING TROOPS
The 'Frontline Analysis Bureau' from Jiangxi province posted an article on Baidu on January 13, with the caption "Earthquake in Shigatse, Yet Indian Troops Make Moves on the Border, PLA Teaches Them a Lesson". The article said "Recently, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Shigatse City in the Tibet Autonomous Region, with high intensity and over 1,601 recorded aftershocks. In response, the state promptly mobilized multi-faceted forces for rapid rescue efforts. However, amidst this context, India, pursuing opportunistic policies, has once again made moves along the border. Similar to their opportunistic actions during the pandemic, when Indian forces sought to exploit the situation in the Galwan Valley, this time, the PLA has given them a proper lesson. According to a recent report from the Hindustan Times, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) plans to relocate some border outposts closer to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and expand its forces. It is reported that 56 out of 197 border outposts are to be moved closer to the LAC, along with plans to add seven new battalions, increasing their strength by nearly 9,000 personnel. Just months ago, China and India reached an agreement on border issues, with frontline troops on both sides gradually disengaging in the LAC area. However, India is quietly expanding its forces and moving outposts forward—clearly preparing for future encroachments or conflicts. China is well aware of India's behaviour and will not fully trust them. The PLA maintains round-the-clock monitoring, reconnaissance, and patrols along the China-India border. Moreover, the disaster relief efforts this time have served as a strong lesson for India. In just two days, the shift from emergency rescue to resettlement was accomplished at an astonishing speed. This swift response is entirely attributed to the PLA's rapid reaction and logistical support capabilities. Within 10 minutes of the earthquake, the Western Theatre Command's Y-20 transport aircraft was dispatched to the disaster area for rescue operations. In just 30 minutes, rescue efforts in the central region had commenced. The Y-20 aircraft's successful landing at Shigatse Dingri Highland Airport, situated at an altitude of 4,316 meters, demonstrates its capability for full-range deployment. Challenges such as high-altitude troop deployment and logistical support, which had long troubled the PLA, have now been overcome. The logistical issues that forced a retreat in 1962 will no longer recur. For a long time, the Indian army, leveraging its geographic advantage near the border, has frequently stirred trouble. In contrast, China's border stations have been relatively remote, far from supply centers, leading to difficulties in troop reinforcements and logistical support, which have constrained high-altitude military operations. However, since the Galwan Valley conflict, the PLA has repeatedly showcased its troop deployment and logistical support capabilities, which have been further solidified during this disaster relief effort. Beyond troop deployment, the infrastructure and service guarantees were equally remarkable. On the day of the earthquake, China Mobile utilized Beidou short-message emergency services and drone base stations in Tibet for the first time to carry out rescue and communication support. Beidou's short-message service allows communication (up to 20 characters) even in areas without signal coverage. The drone base stations provide emergency communication support in high-altitude, remote, and complex terrain scenarios. Additionally, advanced technologies and equipment such as 5G-A, high-throughput satellites, Tiantong satellite systems, and portable backpack base stations were deployed to enhance network and communication capabilities. This disaster relief operation was not only a victory for humanitarian rescue but also a testament to the comprehensive improvement of the PLA's high-altitude military capabilities. If the Indian army dares to provoke again, they must be prepared for another failure".

Jan 2025

CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA'S CASC LAUNCHED A REMOTE SENSING SATELLITE FOR PAKISTAN ON JANUARY 16
China launched the first satellite of a remote sensing constellation for Pakistan on January 16 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. Two domestic spacecraft were also along for the ride. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed launch success, announcing the previously undisclosed payloads as being for Pakistan and Chinese commercial companies. The China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), under CASC, arranged the combination of the international and domestic payloads. CGWIC signed a multi-launch service contract with Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) for launch of a remote sensing satellite constellation in 2022. PRSC-EO1 is the first of a series of three optical remote sensing satellites for Pakistan, which will join the country’s existing remote sensing satellites, PRSS-1 and PakTES-1A, in orbit. These satellites will provide data for the fields of land mapping, agriculture classification and assessment, urban and rural planning, environmental monitoring, natural disaster monitoring and management, surveying, natural resources protection and others uses, according to SUPARCO. Pakistan signed up to China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) moon base project in October 2023. The mission carried two further satellites. These are the DAO-1 (Tianlu-1) satellite, developed by Galaxy Space for the Jianghuai Frontier Innovation Technology Center, and the Blue Carbon-1 (Lantan-1) satellite, developed by Geespace, also known as Zhejiang Shikong Daoyu Technology Co., Ltd., for Hangzhou Dianzi University.

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF GLOBAL TIMES HU XIJIN POSTED THAT TRUMP PLANS TO VISIT CHINA AND INDIA WITHIN FIRST 100 DAYS OF HIS INAUGURATION
The former Editor-in-Chief of China's Global Times Hu Xijin posted on Guancha (January 20) that he Wall Street Journal exclusively reported that Trump has told his advisers that he plans to visit China within the first 100 days of taking office, and he has also discussed the possibility of visiting India with his advisers.

Jan 2025

CHINA-US: CHINESE ACADEMIC ZHENG YONGNIAN'S ASSESSMENT OF CHINA-US RELATIONS UNDER DONALD TRUMP
Zheng Yongnian, after obtaining a PhD from Princeton and directing the EAI in Singapore is presently Dean of the Institute for Advanced Study on Global and Contemporary China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and an adviser to Zhongnanhai. In an article published in Guanchaze (January 2, 2025) Zheng Yongnian assessed that "Trump's diplomatic team in its China policy is divided into two factions: 1. the 'America First' faction, which puts economic interests first, and mainly focuses on competing with China in the fields of science and technology, economy and trade; 2. the 'China First' faction, which is composed of anti-communist and anti-China factions, Cold War factions, and ideological factions, which mainly focus on geopolitical and military containment of China. Both are hardliners on China, but their policy priorities are not quite the same; while 'America First' is not good for China, it doesn’t entail being 'anti-China'; meanwhile the 'China First' faction has set its sights on the international level, that is, to confront China". "Trump is an 'America Firster.' It is foreseeable that he will also exert 'maximum pressure' on Beijing on geopolitical and ideological issues, but doing so will be more of a negotiating tool to give the US a dominant position at the negotiating table. And the goal of the 'China Firsters' is to bring down China; it seems that if the PRC is defeated, the US can be great again". He said that Trump will challenge the PRC on three fronts: (i) the SciTech and economy/trade; (ii) Ideology; and (iii) military-geopolitical line. Suggesting the PRC's countermeasures, Zheng Yongnian observed that as the world's second largest economy, "provided we avoid being led by the nose by the US, provided our rationality overcomes our emotions, we will show infinite resilience and continue to promote Chinese-style modernisation, realising the great cause of rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in a challenging international environment". He said "in order to respond effectively, we must be fully prepared in the following four aspects: first, at the level of diplomatic methods; the second is the level of science and technology, economy and trade; the third is to avoid being led by the US in the ideological field; Fourth, it is necessary to deal with geopolitical and military challenges". "What is important is that Western democracy, especially in the US itself, is now at a low ebb or even in decline: challenging Beijing with the ideology of 'democracy and freedom' will not exert great pressure on it in the international community. Hence, if Trump or other US forces launch such an ideological challenge, what we need is resolution that we can just not be led by the nose". He recommended: "Trump will inevitably intensify 'strangulation', 'decoupling' the 'tariff bludgeon’ and other means, and it will be menacing. In such a situation, we can take the following measures: (i) "Take careful stock, avoid sharp edges, act slowly, and eschew kneejerk reactions. High tariffs are the main trend, yet Trump has not yet figured out how high. During the election campaign, he repeatedly stressed the need to impose 60 percent tariffs on the PRC, but recently on his social media, he said that he would impose additional tariffs of 10 percent on it, and 25 percent on Canada and Mexico. This shows Trump has taken US interests into account, not just his feelings about tariffs. This is because high tariffs will inevitably again lead to high inflation, and it will be difficult for the US society, especially ordinary people.."; (ii) "Beijing needs to show goodwill to 'stakeholders' with PRC links, not least US capital, agricultural states, the scientific community, and civil and local communities. Provided there is enough profit in China, US capital will not give up the Chinese market"; (iii) “Official strata, above all, need to be calm and not allow populist or nationalist sentiment to dominate. During Trump 1.0 and the Biden administration, this stratum was sometimes ill-composed and emotional, not only keeping the two sides at odds for long periods of time, but also accommodating populist and nationalist sentiment among the people. After Trump's inauguration, if the US once again uses populism or nationalism to 'demonise' China, we need to respond calmly, being led by the nose neither by the US or by our own emotions"; and (iv) "We need to open faster, not least unilaterally. Openness includes two aspects, namely to the US and to other nations in the world. We need to continue to open to the latter via the BRI, BRICS and the Global South".

Jan 2025

CHINA-JAPAN: DELEGATION FROM PLA EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND VISITING JAPAN IN MID-JANUARY
Xinhua (January 13) reported that China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced on January 13, that a delegation from the PLA Eastern Theatre Command will visit Japan in mid- January, following a mutual agreement. It said during the visit, the delegation will meet with senior officials from Japan's Defense Ministry and the Joint Staff Office of the Self-Defense Forces, and visit relevant military units. China's MND added the visit is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, while advancing defense exchanges between the two countries.

Jan 2025

CHINA-MYANMAR: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON ANNOUNCED THAT CHINA HAD ASSISTED THE MYANMAR GOVERNMENT AND KOKANG'S MYANMAR NATIONAL; DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE ARMY TO SIGN A FORMAL CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
Xinhua (January 20) reported Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying at a regular press conference on January 20, that the Myanmar government and Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) have reached and signed a formal ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on January 18. She said, "under China's mediation, the Myanmar government and MNDAA held their seventh round of peace talks in Kunming, China's Yunnan Province, in mid-January, and that both parties expressed gratitude for China's efforts to facilitate the successful outcome of the talks". Adding that "the easing of the tensions in northern Myanmar is in the common interests of various parties in Myanmar and regional nations, and will contribute to the security, stability and development of the China-Myanmar border area", she said "China firmly opposes any conflict or unrest in Myanmar," and "that it is hoped that all parties would maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and peace talks, earnestly implement the consensus reached, de-escalate tensions proactively, and resolve related issues through further dialogues and consultations". Mao Ning added that "China will continue to actively promote peace talks and provide support and assistance for the peace process in northern Myanmar."

Jan 2025

CHINA-JAPAN: JAPAN'S NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY CONFIRMED 210 CYBERATTACKS BY CHINA ON JAPANESE INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES
A Yomiuri Shimbun editorial (January 21) reported that Japan's National Police Agency announced that it had confirmed 210 cyberattacks on Japanese government agencies, companies, academic organizations and others by the China-affiliated hacker group MirrorFace since 2019. The agency said the targets included individuals such as scholars and politicians. At the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), more than 10,000 files were compromised. Semiconductor-related companies and the Defense Ministry were also targeted. There is a possibility that information related to cutting-edge technology and national security was stolen. It described the situation as serious.

Jan 2025

CHINA-AFRICA: HUNAN PROVINCIAL PPCC MEMBER LI SHUN HIGHLIGHTED HUNAN'S ADVANTAGES FOR TRADE WITH AFRICA
An interview with Li Shun, a member of the Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Vice Chairman of the Changsha CPPCC, Chairman of the DAB Municipal Committee, and Director of the Municipal Convention and Exhibition Work Management Office, was posted on the Hunan Provincial People's Government Portal on January 16, under the caption 'Deepening China-Africa Capacity Cooperation and Chasing the Dream of Modernisation Together'. Li Shun said "Our province is the only province in China that has three strategic platforms at the same time: China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, China-Africa Economic and Trade Depth Cooperation Pioneer Zone, and National Free Trade Pilot Zone, and it bears the strategic mission of the country's cooperation with Africa." He added that "Hunan's significant advantages in agriculture, engineering machinery, biomedicine, and other industries are very much in line with the needs of the African countries' rapid industrialisation and urbanisation". "To accelerate from ‘tradedriven’ to ‘investment and trade linkage, capacity cooperation’ transformation", Li Shun suggested accelerating the formation of a well-functioning, convenient and efficient policy system for Africa, integrating resources, and embracing the sea; constructing an integrated service mechanism, exploring a new path of coordinating resources, integrating policies, and efficiently servicing the trade and investment of enterprises; constructing a comprehensive service platform of informatisation of economic and trade co-operation with Africa and practically reducing the cost of logistics with Africa; supporting the cities and states to carry out economic and trade exchanges in humanities and culture on a mechanism basis, and enhancing economic and trade co-operation between Hunan and Africa; deepening economic and trade co-operation with Africa; and deepening the cooperation with Africa. Economic and trade cooperation between cities in Hunan and Africa; deepen the ‘digital +’ multi-disciplinary cooperation with Africa, and actively explore China-Africa technical trade measures. He said "We need to do everything we can to make investment and trade more convenient, so that enterprises in Africa can be more worry-free and at ease.’ Li Shun said China and Africa are true friends, and they should deepen China-Africa production capacity cooperation and pursue the dream of modernisation together".

Jan 2025