On January 14, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Aoun on his assumption of the presidency of the Lebanese Republic. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Lebanon have a traditional friendship. In recent years, bilateral relations have maintained a good momentum of development, with enhanced political mutual trust and deepened friendship between the peoples. I attach great importance to the development of China-Lebanon relations and am willing to work with Mr. President to promote the development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between China and Lebanon, so as to better benefit the peoples of both countries. China will, as always, firmly support Lebanon in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Lebanon's economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods.
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that to foster a new development paradigm, there is an urgent need to accelerate the construction of a unified national market that is efficient, standardized, fair, competitive, and fully open. This involves establishing unified national market rules and promoting the smooth flow of goods, factors, and resources on a larger scale. Currently, various regions are focusing on reforms in key areas and crucial links, actively integrating into the construction of a unified national market, building a fairer and more vibrant market environment, and promoting high-quality economic development. At the beginning of the new year, the construction of a unified national market is accelerating. In the Jiangsu Power Dispatching Hall, 300,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity just purchased from Sichuan were immediately integrated into the power grid, easing the pressure during peak electricity consumption periods. Currently, the construction of a unified national electricity market is accelerating, breaking the situation where electricity could not be flexibly dispatched across provinces. More than 6,000 market entities have realized inter-provincial and inter-regional electricity transactions. A few days ago, the guiding opinions for the construction of a unified national market were issued, with more than 50 measures to break down regional market barriers and promote the free flow of people, capital, and goods nationwide, stimulating market vitality and social creativity. Today's China has an economic aggregate of nearly 130 trillion yuan, the world's largest middle-income group of over 400 million people, and nearly 190 million market entities, which together constitute a super-large market. However, there are still bottlenecks in the "capillaries" of the economic circulation, such as inconsistent institutional rules and unsmooth flow of factors and resources. China's large market needs to be stronger and more vibrant. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that forming a strong domestic market is an important support for building a new development paradigm and also the advantage of a large economy. In Chongqing, Shandong, and other places, he emphasized the need to actively build international logistics channels and strive to become an important node for smooth domestic and international dual circulation. In Hunan, Fujian, and other places, he emphasized the need to better participate in the construction of a unified national market and actively align with major regional strategies. At the symposium on comprehensively promoting ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, he emphasized deep participation in the construction of a unified national market and resolute elimination of all forms of local protectionism. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China further deployed major reform measures for building a unified national market from aspects such as promoting the smooth flow of production factors, improving the circulation system, strengthening unified market supervision, and regulating improper market competition and market intervention. Anchoring the goals and deepening reforms, multiple institutional arrangements are being accelerated to lay the foundation for the construction of a unified national market from the top-level design. The "Opinions on Improving the Market Access System" were issued, elevating the reform achievements of relevant market access mechanisms and systems to institutional arrangements; the "Regulations on Fair Competition Review" were issued, for the first time explicitly stipulating the objects, standards, and other aspects of fair competition review in the form of administrative regulations, filling the legislative gap in the fair competition review system. A series of reform measures are accelerating their implementation, promoting the effective flow of factors and resources. In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, an increasing number of "Bay Area Standards" are being rapidly introduced. From small almond cakes to large food cold chain emergency distribution specifications, a total of 215 standards have been released to date. One standard, Bay Area circulation, accelerates the integration of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. In the Sichuan-Chongqing Gaoguan New Area, the first cross-provincial co-built new area in the country, the first list of administrative management matters delegated to the new area by the two provinces and municipalities is about to be released. During this period, government officials from both regions have been intensively discussing what the list includes and how to ensure that administrative management powers can be delegated, received, and managed well. Currently, a preliminary list of over 300 items has been compiled, taking another step forward in the reform exploration of moderate separation between economic and administrative zones. Building a unified national market also requires breaking down institutional barriers. Currently, the Ministry of Justice and other departments are conducting a comprehensive清理 of laws, regulations, and policies involving unequal treatment of enterprises. More than 90,000 policy measures that hinder market unity and fair competition have been revised and abolished. Between "establishing" and "abolishing," a more vibrant market space is opening up. Accelerating the construction of an efficient, standardized, fair, competitive, and fully open unified national market will provide strong support for comprehensively advancing the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, met with a delegation of Japan's ruling parties led by Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Motoyama Hiroshi and Komeito Secretary-General Nishida Jitsunori in Beijing on the 14th. Wang Huning stated that in November 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru in Lima, and they unanimously agreed to comprehensively advance the China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual benefit in accordance with the principles and directions established in the four political documents between China and Japan. The ruling parties of the two countries should engage in in-depth exchanges around promoting the implementation of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and work together to develop China-Japan relations and promote prosperity and development in the region and the world. The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference is willing to make positive contributions to this end. The Japanese side stated that Japan and China are important neighbors to each other, and are willing to advance personnel exchanges at all levels, including young parliamentarians and local leaders, through the ruling party exchange mechanism, in the spirit of seeking common ground while reserving differences, in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, so as to reduce differences and promote cooperation. Shi Taifeng, Jiang Zuojun, and others attended the meeting.
"On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a protagonist, every effort is precious, and every ray of light shines brightly." This year marks the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and an important year for further comprehensive deepening of reform. On the eve of the Spring Festival, CCTV reporters traveled across the country, went deep into the grassroots, and focused their cameras on the strivers on the new journey, recording today's vibrant and dynamic China. "Xinwen Lianbo" today (January 14) will launch the "New Spring Grassroots Walk" series, first taking you into Linxia Prefecture, Gansu Province, which was once a deeply impoverished area, to see how the folks in the remote valleys are making their lives more prosperous. Dongxiang County is located in the transitional zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, and is one of the last 8 deeply impoverished counties in Gansu to be lifted out of poverty. The 45 families in Laozhuang Village were originally scattered in the mountain valleys. During the poverty alleviation campaign, they were relocated to this mountain ridge and began to engage in breeding and industrial development. Can they start a new life after poverty alleviation? Ma Yibulahemai suffers from lumbar tuberculosis, his wife has heart disease, and they have three children attending school. Their family was once the poorest in the village. Developing industries is the fundamental way to achieve stable poverty alleviation. At that time, the government applied for a 50,000 yuan interest-free loan for each household in Laozhuang Village to build sheep pens and buy breeding sheep to develop breeding, but Ma Yibulahemai did not buy a single sheep. He bought a few clothes for his children and a pair of winter cotton shoes for his wife, but he bought nothing for himself and dared not buy sheep. He was afraid that if the sheep got an infectious disease, he would not be able to repay the 50,000 yuan loan. The people in the mountain valleys were afraid of poverty, so how can they be helped to overcome this hurdle, stimulate their inner drive, and build confidence? Through the "one-click poverty reporting" system, difficult families like Ma Yibulahemai were included in the anti-poverty monitoring objects. For buying a breeding sheep, there is a 60% subsidy. Families unable to raise them can entrust them to breeding cooperatives for托管, and share profits proportionally after the sheep are out of the pen; if they are worried about infectious diseases, all sheep are insured; for newly built or expanded sheep pens, there is a subsidy of 180 yuan per square meter; for purchasing feed grinders, there is a subsidy of 25%-30% per unit. These practical "one-stop" service policies provided a safety net for the villagers. Ma Yibulahemai's family earns more than 60,000 yuan a year from sheep farming and other income. The sheep industry has become the pillar industry in Dongxiang County with the widest coverage and the most benefits for the people. These days, hearing that a new batch of improved sheep breeds has arrived at the breeding base, Ma Yibulahemai immediately called his neighbors to go and see them. The improved sheep breeds from all over the world made Ma Yibulahemai's eyes light up. He was like a child, chasing after the company's staff, asking questions. It was already dark, but Ma Yibulahemai and the villagers were still in high spirits. As the Spring Festival approaches, his eldest son, who is in college, is interning outside, and his two high school children are back for the holidays. When they lived in the mountain valleys, the school was far from home, and his daughter Ma Xiaolan did not go to school until she was 12. Now she is 22 and only in her second year of high school. Ma Yibulahemai insisted that his daughter go to school, so that she would not suffer from lack of education like himself. His daughter is very capable, not only has good academic performance, but also became a class leader, and his youngest son also got first place this semester. During our visit to Ma Yibulahemai's home these days, the couple's love for their children, the children's thoughtfulness for their parents, and the patient help from the village cadres made us feel a strong force working tirelessly and overcoming difficulties on the road to rural revitalization. In this big mountain, every day there are busy figures, and everyone is the protagonist of life. They have beautiful dreams and will surely work together towards a better life.
The 40-day 2025 Spring Festival travel rush officially started today (January 14). It is estimated that the total cross-regional personnel flow across society will exceed 170 million person-times today. Transportation and other departments are doing a good job in service guarantees, and a dynamic China is full of vitality. On the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush, national railways are expected to send 10.3 million passengers. From midnight today, the railway department will implement the Spring Festival travel rush train operation plan based on the first-quarter train operation plan, adding temporary passenger trains on popular lines and sections with concentrated passenger flow, and arranging additional night high-speed trains. China Railway Beijing Group has arranged a total of 220 pairs of temporary trains and direct EMU peak lines in directions such as Changchun, Harbin, and Zhangjiakou during the Spring Festival travel rush. Last year, a number of new lines such as the Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-speed Railway, the Jidara-Yuan High-speed Railway, and the Nanzhu High-speed Railway Nanyu section were put into operation, effectively expanding the transport capacity for this year's Spring Festival travel rush. In terms of highways, during the Spring Festival travel rush, the traffic volume of new energy vehicles is expected to increase significantly compared to the same period in 2024. In some service areas with large traffic flow, transportation and other departments are continuously improving high-speed charging capabilities to ensure convenient travel for new energy vehicle owners. In terms of civil aviation, it is expected to ensure 18,354 flights and transport 2.04 million passengers today. As the Spring Festival approaches, Hainan is entering its peak tourist season. Airports in Haikou, Sanya, and other places are actively providing transport capacity and service guarantees. In terms of waterways, during this year's Spring Festival travel rush, the Qiongzhou Strait passenger and roll-on/roll-off transportation implements a comprehensive reservation system. For the first time, the maritime department uses the smart maritime system to provide "one-on-one" comprehensive and precise service guarantees for Qiongzhou Strait passenger and roll-on/roll-off transportation. On the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush, in Jiangsu, Henan, and other places, calligraphers entered waiting rooms to write Spring Festival couplets and "Fu" characters on the spot, sending New Year blessings to passengers. Some intangible cultural heritage projects were also moved to waiting rooms. The Ministry of Public Security deployed railway, civil aviation, and other public security organs to strengthen the investigation and rectification of safety hazards and fully maintain public order in key transportation hubs such as stations and airports.
Today (January 14), the State Council Information Office held a series of press conferences on "Achievements in China's High-Quality Economic Development." Officials from the People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange introduced the relevant情况 of financial support for high-quality economic development. In 2024, China's total social financing maintained reasonable growth, effectively supporting the recovery and improvement of the real economy. Officials from the People's Bank of China introduced that at the end of December 2024, the outstanding balance of total social financing was 408.34 trillion yuan, of which the outstanding balance of RMB loans to the real economy was 252.53 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.2%. The loan structure continued to optimize, with medium and long-term loans for manufacturing, loans for "specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative" enterprises, and inclusive small and micro loans growing rapidly, continuing to be higher than the growth rate of all loans during the same period. Loan interest rates steadily declined. In December, the interest rate for newly issued corporate loans was approximately 3.43%, and the interest rate for newly issued personal housing loans was approximately 3.11%, down 0.36 percentage points and 0.88 percentage points year-on-year, respectively. China's cross-border trade and investment became more active. In 2024, the total foreign exchange receipts and payments of non-banking sectors, including enterprises and individuals, reached 14.3 trillion US dollars, an increase of 14.6%, reaching a historical high. The foreign exchange reserves remained stable above 3.2 trillion US dollars, and the RMB exchange rate remained basically stable at a reasonable and balanced level.
Today (January 14), the National Immigration Administration released data showing that in 2024, the cumulative number of inbound and outbound personnel at national ports reached 610 million, a year-on-year increase of 43.9%. In 2024, mainland residents made 291 million inbound and outbound trips, and foreigners made 64.882 million trips, up 41.3% and 82.9% year-on-year, respectively. Among them, 20.115 million foreigners entered China visa-free, a year-on-year increase of 112.3%. In 2024, "China Tour" became a popular search term, with related views on the international internet exceeding 1 billion. This is attributed to China's continuous introduction of 18 policies and measures facilitating foreigners' entry into China, such as 240-hour transit visa-free entry and visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise ship. Currently, China has implemented unilateral visa exemption with 38 countries and comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 26 countries. While the number of inbound tourists to China and their consumption are growing rapidly, foreigner satisfaction is also steadily increasing. Convenient channels for coming to China have injected new momentum into promoting coordinated regional tourism development.
The earthquake relief work for the magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Dingri County, Tibet, continues, with all parties fully advancing hazard investigation, personnel resettlement, and other tasks, gradually improving living conditions at resettlement sites. Last night (January 13), Dingri County experienced two strong aftershocks of magnitude 4.9 and 5.0, causing secondary collapses of some houses. Fire departments immediately went to various villages to investigate hazards, and at the same time, re-inspected the erected prefabricated houses to ensure the safety of the affected people. The Tibet Military Region dispatched two helicopters today to survey areas that may have geological hazards and accelerate the clearing of dangerous buildings. In response to the recent low temperatures, several villages and groups are accelerating their relocation from tent resettlement areas to prefabricated house resettlement areas. In Cuoguo Township, Dingri County, more than 4,000 affected people have moved into 30 prefabricated house resettlement sites in an orderly manner, where electricity, water, and heating are guaranteed, and a fire shower truck also arrived today. At the prefabricated house resettlement site in Changsuo Township, in addition to medical service points and medical patrols, mobile medical vehicles have also been introduced to meet the needs of people for nearby examinations. Many villagers' mobile phones were damaged in the earthquake. The local mobile company allocated more than 500 mobile phones, distributing them in batches to villagers in need to quickly get in touch with relatives and friends outside. In the prefabricated house resettlement sites, communication services are gradually returning to pre-disaster levels.
Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets' special dividends before the 2025 Spring Festival reached a record high. Data from the China Securities Regulatory Commission shows that as of today (January 14), a total of 310 listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets have announced special dividends before the Spring Festival, with a proposed dividend amount of 343.19 billion yuan, with the number of companies distributing dividends and the dividend amount being 9.4 times and 7.6 times that of the same period last year, both reaching historical highs. China further strengthens campus food safety work. The Food Safety Commission of the State Council today (January 14) jointly issued a notice with the Ministry of Education and other departments, deploying various localities to further improve the institutional mechanisms for preventing risks throughout the entire chain of campus food safety, requiring the establishment of a satisfaction evaluation mechanism for school canteen food safety, organizing at least one satisfaction evaluation for teachers and students each semester, publicly releasing the evaluation results, and urging timely rectification for school canteens, contracted catering enterprises, and off-campus catering units with low satisfaction. China accelerates the realization of the Digital China 2025 construction goal. Reporters learned from the National Data Bureau that in 2025, China will vigorously promote the development and utilization of public data and enterprise data, and build a tiered layout system for digital industrial clusters; vigorously implement the "East Data West Computing" project, and by the end of 2025, new computing power of various types in national hub node areas will account for more than 60% of the national new computing power, and newly built data centers in national hub nodes will use more than 80% green electricity. "Central SOE Consumption Assistance Spring Action" procurement amount has exceeded 500 million. Reporters learned from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council that recently, the central SOE consumption assistance e-commerce platform launched a special zone for the "Central SOE Consumption Assistance Spring Action" activity. 17,000 agricultural specialty products from 298 assisted counties of state-owned central enterprises participated, covering popular New Year goods categories such as rice, flour, oil, fruits, vegetables, poultry eggs, and dried goods. As of now, the procurement amount of the activity has exceeded 500 million yuan. The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League launched the Spring Festival volunteer service "Warm Winter Action." Today (January 14), the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League launched the Spring Festival volunteer service "Warm Winter Action." Local Youth League organizations mobilized and recruited more than 90,000 young volunteers to provide warm services such as consultation and guidance, order maintenance, ticketing assistance, and care for key groups at major transportation hubs such as railway stations and airports, ensuring warm and convenient travel for passengers. "China Media Group Host Competition (News Anchor Season)" launched. "China Media Group Host Competition (News Anchor Season)" was launched today (January 14) in Beijing. This competition highlights the characteristics of news dissemination, combines cutting-edge technologies such as "AI" and "AR," and creates multi-scenario, multi-category "news scenes," aiming to discover, cultivate, and promote a group of energetic, potential, and aspiring news hosts. The registration channel has been officially opened, and contestants can log in to the Yangshipin client to register.
The Palestinian Gaza Strip Civil Defense Department stated on the 13th that the Israeli army bombed multiple areas in the Gaza Strip that day, including a school in Gaza City, causing at least 45 deaths. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), issued a statement on the 13th, claiming to have attacked a building in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, resulting in approximately 25 Israeli soldiers killed or wounded. The Israeli army has not yet responded to this. In addition, the Israeli army stated on the 13th that an Israeli military unit was preparing to use explosives in a building in the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza Strip that day when an explosion occurred, causing the building to collapse, resulting in 5 deaths and 10 injuries. The Israeli army is investigating this. Foreign media reported that Gaza Strip ceasefire talks made progress, and negotiations continue today. According to Israeli media reports, Israeli Foreign Minister Saar said on the 13th that the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha have made progress. The report stated that according to the relevant draft agreement, the ceasefire will proceed in three phases, including Hamas gradually releasing the Israelis it holds until all are released, and the Israeli army gradually withdrawing from the Gaza Strip until a complete withdrawal. According to multiple foreign media reports, Hamas also issued a statement on the same day, stating that it is promoting the negotiation process with a positive attitude. Negotiations continued today (January 14). Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have used missiles to attack the Israeli Ministry of Defense; Israel claims interception. A spokesperson for Yemen's Houthi rebels issued a statement today (January 14), claiming that the group used a "Palestine 2" hypersonic ballistic missile to strike the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, hitting the target. The Houthi rebels stated that this was their third operation within 12 hours. The Israel Defense Forces stated today that they intercepted a missile launched from Yemen.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 13th that the Russian army continued to advance in the Donetsk region, controlling more settlements, and striking Ukrainian military targets such as military airfields in 157 areas on different fronts. Russian air defense systems shot down 83 drones. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated on the same day that 94 battles occurred in the frontline areas that day. In the Pokrovsk direction, the Ukrainian army had repelled 26 Russian attacks. Russia claims Ukraine attacked "TurkStream" natural gas pipeline, Ukraine has not yet responded. According to a report from the Russian Ministry of Defense on the 13th, to prevent Russia from supplying natural gas to European countries, Ukraine attacked the "TurkStream" natural gas pipeline supply facilities on the 11th. Currently, the relevant facilities have been repaired, and Ukraine has not yet responded. Russian presidential press secretary Peskov said on the 13th that this attack was very dangerous. He also said that the United States is benefiting from Russia's reduced market share in natural gas.
Wildfires in the Los Angeles area of the United States continued to spread today (January 14), with the Palisades Fire only 14% contained. Due to the threat of seasonal strong winds, the local meteorological department issued the highest level red flag warning, covering the entire Los Angeles surrounding area. US media also reported that Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power were sued by affected residents on the same day, on the grounds of poor management of power transmission facilities, posing fire hazards, and poor management of reservoir water supply, affecting firefighting efforts, respectively.
Yoon Suk-yeol Absent from First Hearing of Impeachment Trial. The South Korean Constitutional Court held its first court debate on the impeachment case of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol today (January 14). However, due to Yoon Suk-yeol's absence citing security concerns, the hearing concluded in just 4 minutes. The second hearing is scheduled for the 16th. In addition, the South Korean Constitutional Court today rejected two applications filed by Yoon Suk-yeol's side, including recusal of a specific judge from the impeachment trial and an objection to the trial schedule. Furthermore, the Seoul Western District Court on the 13th issued an arrest warrant for Kim Sung-hoon, Deputy Chief of Presidential Security, on charges of obstructing special public duties. Kim Sung-hoon is currently acting as Chief of Presidential Security due to the resignation of the former chief. US Special Counsel Says Biden's Pardon of Son Baseless. David Weiss, the special counsel appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice, released his final report on the case of Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, on the 13th. The report stated that Biden's claim that Hunter was unfairly treated due to his status as the President's son, and thus his pardon, was unfounded and incorrect. The White House has not responded to this. Hunter Biden was convicted in June 2024 for concealing his drug use when purchasing a firearm in 2018, and Biden announced his pardon of Hunter in December of that year. Euro-Dollar Exchange Rate Falls Below 1.02 Mark. The euro-dollar exchange rate briefly fell below the 1.02 mark on the 13th, reaching a low of 1.0178 to 1, the lowest since November 2022. Several European media analyses indicate that the relatively weak European economic outlook, the widening divergence in US and European monetary policies, and increasing market concerns about the potential impact of US government tariffs on Europe have led to the recent continuous decline in the euro-dollar exchange rate.
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