Xi Jinping Holds Video Meeting with Russian President
On the afternoon of January 21, President Xi Jinping of China held a video meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state exchanged New Year greetings. Xi Jinping noted that the Chinese Spring Festival was just a few days away and expressed his pleasure in holding a video meeting with President Putin at this turn of the year, wishing the China-Russia relationship continued prosperity in the new year. Putin said he was delighted to have a video exchange with President Xi at the beginning of the New Year, wishing President Xi and the Chinese people a happy new year and all the best! Xi Jinping pointed out that in 2024, they met three times and reached many important consensuses. The two countries grandly celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the China-Russia relationship, with permanent good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation as its core spirit, continued to exhibit new vitality. The China-Russia Culture Year was splendid, practical cooperation made steady progress, bilateral trade maintained its growth momentum, and close coordination was maintained on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS, providing more positive energy for the reform and construction of the global governance system. Xi Jinping stressed that in the new year, he was willing to work with President Putin to continue leading the China-Russia relationship to new heights, countering the uncertainties of the external environment with the stability and resilience of China-Russia relations, jointly promoting the development and revitalization of the two countries, and upholding international fairness and justice. The two sides should continue to deepen strategic coordination, firmly support each other, and safeguard the legitimate interests of the two countries. They should 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 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 safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the outcomes of World War II, promote all countries to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, abide by universally recognized basic norms of international relations, and practice true multilateralism. As the rotating chair of the SCO, China is willing to work with Russia and other member states to push the SCO into a new stage of higher-quality development and greater responsibility. China and Russia should also jointly promote "Greater BRICS cooperation" and write a new chapter of unity and self-reliance for the Global South. Putin stated that Russia and China have always trusted and supported each other and treated each other as equals, and their cooperation serves the interests of the two peoples and is never affected by changes in the international situation. He was pleased to see that bilateral economic, trade, and energy cooperation maintained good momentum, tourist exchanges increased continuously, and the two sides maintained close communication and coordination in multilateral settings. Russia firmly supports Taiwan as an inseparable part of Chinese territory and resolutely opposes "Taiwan independence" in any form. Eighty years ago, Russia and China resisted aggressors with blood and lives, defending national sovereignty and dignity. This year, they would jointly and grandly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and safeguard the outcomes of World War II. Russia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in multilateral affairs and play an active role in world peace and development. The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern and agreed to maintain strategic communication in the new year. Wang Yi participated in the event.
"Learning Q&A on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization" Published
To continuously deepen the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, the Publicity Department of the Central Committee and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment organized the compilation of "Questions and Answers on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization." The book has been jointly published by Study Publishing House and People's Publishing House and is now available nationwide. "Questions and Answers on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization" closely follows the practical development of ecological civilization construction in the new era, focuses on theoretical hot and difficult issues, and addresses social concerns. In a question-and-answer format, it comprehensively, systematically, and clearly presents the significant meaning, scientific system, core essence, rich connotations, and practical requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, helping the vast number of Party members, cadres, and the public to more deeply study and grasp the Party's innovative theories and more consciously use them to arm their minds, guide their practice, and promote their work. The "Questions and Answers" is divided into 10 sections and 50 questions, with rich content, novel forms, illustrations, and easy-to-understand language. It serves as an important supplementary reading for the vast number of Party members, cadres, and the public to deeply study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.
Xinhua Review: Easing Burdens and Empowering Grassroots Cadres for Practical Work – A Review of the CPC Central Committee's Efforts in 2024 to Combat Formalism and Reduce Burdens on Grassroots Organizations with Comrade Xi Jinping at the Core
Xinhua News Agency published a comprehensive report titled "Reducing Burdens and Empowering Grassroots, Promoting Cadre Dedication – A Review of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China's Efforts in 2024 to Address Formalism and Reduce Burdens on Grassroots, with Comrade Xi Jinping as the Core."
Li Qiang Chairs Symposium with Heads of Central Committees of Non-Communist Parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and Representatives of Non-Affiliated Persons
Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, chaired a symposium on the afternoon of January 21 with leaders of central committees of various democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and representatives of prominent non-Party individuals, to solicit opinions and suggestions on the "Government Work Report (Draft for Comment)." During the symposium, Zheng Jianbang, Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang Central Committee; Ding Zhongli, Chairman of the China Democratic League Central Committee; Hao Mingjin, Chairman of the China National Democratic Construction Association Central Committee; Cai Dafeng, Chairman of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Central Committee; He Wei, Chairman of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party Central Committee; Jiang Zuojun, Chairman of the China Zhi Gong Party Central Committee; Wu Weihua, Chairman of the Jiusan Society Central Committee; Su Hui, Chairman of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League Central Committee; Gao Yunlong, Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce; and Wu Xiangping, a representative of non-Party individuals, spoke successively. They all agreed that in the past year, the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, united and led people of all ethnic groups across the country to calmly respond to changes and overcome difficulties, achieving overall stable and progressive economic operation, solid progress in high-quality development, and new solid strides in Chinese modernization. They offered opinions and suggestions on this year's government work. Li Qiang listened carefully to their speeches and thanked the democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and non-Party individuals for their care and support for government work. He emphasized that this year is the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan." We must fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, facing difficulties while also strengthening confidence, fully mobilizing the enthusiasm and initiative of the entire society, and forming a strong synergy to promote development. We must properly cope with new challenges brought by changes in the external environment, effectively solve prominent problems in economic operation, and consolidate and enhance the upward trend of economic recovery. Li Qiang expressed his hope that all democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and non-Party individuals would pool their wisdom and efforts to achieve new successes in various tasks, contributing more wisdom and strength to sustained and healthy economic and social development. Shi Taifeng, Wu Zhonglong, Shao Hong, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin, and Yang Zhen attended the symposium.
Han Zheng Attends US Presidential Inauguration
On January 20, local time, Han Zheng, Special Representative of President Xi Jinping and Vice President of China, was invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump in Washington. During his stay in the US, Han Zheng met with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and separately met with representatives of the US business community, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Brookings Institution Honorary Chairman John Thornton. During his meeting with Vance, Han Zheng first conveyed President Xi Jinping's greetings to President Trump and congratulated Vance on his election. Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping and President Trump had an important phone call recently and reached many important consensuses on the development of China-US relations in the next stage. China is willing to work with the US to adhere to the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, implement the important consensuses reached by President Xi Jinping and President Trump, and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations. Currently, both China and the US are striving to achieve their respective development goals and dreams. As long as both sides adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, they will certainly be able to 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, stating that President Trump had a good conversation with President Xi Jinping during their recent phone call. China plays an increasingly important role in international affairs, and the US is willing to develop a long-lasting and fruitful relationship with China, strengthen dialogue and cooperation on international and regional issues, and jointly promote world peace and stability. During his meeting with representatives of the US business community, Han Zheng stated that a good start and steady development of China-US relations are in line with the common well-being of the Chinese and American peoples and the general expectations of the international community. The US business community is a participant, witness, contributor, and beneficiary of China-US economic and trade cooperation and China's reform and opening-up. China will unswervingly advance reform and opening-up and continue to improve and optimize the business environment. He expressed hope that US enterprises would continue to invest in China and actively play a bridging role, making greater contributions to the development of China-US relations. Representatives of the US business community stated that as the world's two largest economies, the US and China should engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and find a constructive and stable way of coexistence. The US business community is optimistic about China's economic prospects and development opportunities in China, and supports strengthening dialogue and communication between the US and China to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations and economic and trade cooperation. During his meetings with Musk and Thornton, Han Zheng stated that he welcomed US enterprises and various sectors to seize opportunities, actively act, share the fruits of China's development, promote exchanges and cooperation in broad areas such as China-US economic, trade, and cultural relations, enhance understanding and friendship between the peoples of both sides, and continuously improve and consolidate the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations. Musk and Thornton stated that US-China economic and trade exchanges and cultural and people-to-people cooperation are of great significance, and they are willing to continue to play an active role in this regard.
Fostering a New Landscape of High-Quality Development: China's Industrial Economy Achieves Steady Progress in 2024
Today (January 21), at a press conference on "Achievements in China's High-Quality Economic Development" held by the State Council Information Office, a relevant official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that since 2024, China's industrial economy has maintained overall stable and progressive operation, playing a "stabilizer" role in stabilizing the macroeconomic situation. Data shows that in 2024, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 5.8% year-on-year, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 2023. The overall scale of manufacturing has maintained its position as the world's largest for 15 consecutive years, and the industrial and information technology sectors contributed 40% to economic growth, effectively playing the role of "stabilizer" and "ballast stone." In 2024, 39 of China's 41 major industrial sectors maintained growth, with key industries such as electronics, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, and automobiles contributing 40% to industrial production growth. The added value of equipment manufacturing above designated size increased by 7.7% year-on-year throughout the year, contributing 46.2% to the growth of all industries above designated size. Innovation capabilities in fields such as high-end equipment and artificial intelligence were further enhanced, and emerging industries such as new materials, bio-manufacturing, and robotics grew rapidly, accelerating the cultivation of new driving forces. The relevant official from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that in the next step, efforts will be focused on promoting the implementation of existing and new policies to ensure their effectiveness, and to promote the sustained and stable improvement of the industrial economy. In addition, in 2024, under the effect of the "two new" policies, investment in equipment and tools increased by 15.7% year-on-year, driving the total investment growth by 2.2 percentage points. In the next step, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will intensify efforts to implement the "two new" policies and plan to launch a batch of major investment projects with a view to the "15th Five-Year Plan."
Authoritative Interview: Seeking Development and Starting a New Chapter – Anhui Leverages Scientific and Technological Innovation to Build a Modern Industrial System
As a rising industrial powerhouse, how will Anhui continue to leverage its advantages in scientific and technological innovation and accelerate the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation in the new year? Today (January 21), in "Authoritative Interview: Seeking Development, Ushering in a New Chapter," we will see the General Station reporter's exclusive interview with Liang Yanshun, Secretary of the Anhui Provincial Party Committee. In 2024, Anhui's economy grew quarter by quarter and continued to improve. The province's GDP grew by 5.8%, reaching a new level of 5 trillion yuan. The added value of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 9%, and regional innovation capabilities remained firmly in the leading national echelon. The production of automobiles and new energy vehicles both ranked second nationwide. Liang Yanshun stated that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, Anhui has insisted on leading with science and technology and making innovation a priority, achieving new progress and results in high-quality development. The Central Economic Work Conference emphasized the need to lead the development of new productive forces with scientific and technological innovation and build a modern industrial system. This year, Anhui will continue to enhance its capacity for original innovation, accelerate the construction of three major scientific and technological innovation highlands in quantum information, fusion energy, and deep space exploration, plan and implement 100 major scientific and technological research projects, and encourage and guide scientific and technological workers to innovate and create freely. In the new year, Anhui will leverage the superimposed advantages of multiple national development strategies, continuously strive to build an influential source of scientific and technological innovation, a hub for emerging industries, a new highland for reform and opening up, and a comprehensive green transformation zone for economic and social development, making new and greater progress in deeply integrating into the new development pattern, promoting high-quality development, and comprehensively building a beautiful Anhui.
Shenzhou-19 Astronaut Crew Successfully Completes Second Extravehicular Activity
Today (January 21) at 1:12 AM, after approximately 8.5 hours of extravehicular activity, the Shenzhou-19 crew members Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze worked closely together to successfully complete their second spacewalk. At 4:55 PM on the 20th, astronaut Song Lingdong opened the airlock of the Wentian lab module and was the first to exit, boarding the robotic arm. About two hours later, Cai Xuzhe smoothly exited and autonomously transferred along the cabin wall to the work site, where he collaborated with Song Lingdong to install protective devices on the Wentian module's cables. During this time, astronaut Wang Haoze provided support from inside the Tianhe core module. With the cooperation and support of the space station's robotic arm and ground researchers, the astronaut crew completed tasks such as installing space debris protective devices and inspecting extravehicular equipment and facilities. Today at 1:12 AM, after approximately 8.5 hours of extravehicular activity, the two spacewalking astronauts safely returned to the Wentian lab module. As of now, the Shenzhou-19 astronaut crew's "space business trip" is nearing its halfway point, and they will continue to carry out a large number of scientific experiments and technical tests in orbit.
"Two New" Expansions Implemented, Driving Both Production and Sales
Yesterday (January 20), 29 provinces nationwide officially launched new purchase subsidies for mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches/bands, with other regions scheduled to follow suit soon. The scope of national subsidies for "trade-in" programs has expanded from home appliances and automobiles to daily consumer electronics, driving both production and sales. In a digital product store in Beijing, customers were bustling, and staff members were actively assisting with guidance and promotion. According to the policy requirements, mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches/bands with a final sales price not exceeding 6,000 yuan are eligible for subsidies. Products priced between 3,333 yuan and 6,000 yuan can receive a subsidy of 500 yuan, while products under 3,333 yuan are subsidized at a rate of 15%. The hot sales scene has also driven a surge in orders at the production end. In the production workshop of this enterprise, all processes are fully automated. The relevant person in charge told reporters that currently, most of the company's mobile phone models participating in the national subsidy can be produced at an average rate of one new phone every 6 seconds on this production line, better meeting current order demands. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's forecast, driven by this policy, domestic mobile phone sales are expected to reach 300 million units this year.
Spring Festival Grassroots Tour: Yiwu China Commodity City's "Brand Going Global" Story
Yiwu, Zhejiang, connects over 2.1 million "Made in China" enterprises with more than 200 countries and regions. How can small commodities create greater value and open up broader markets in international trade? At the start of the new year, Yiwu has taken new action. Today (January 21), we will follow the "New Year's Journey to the Grassroots" reporter to the Yiwu International Trade City to see how small commodities can make it big in the market. As the Spring Festival approaches, Yiwu International Trade City in Zhejiang is bustling with people. In this super market with an operating area of over 6.4 million square meters, buyers are constantly flowing in. The most lively place is the newly opened "Yiwu Good Goods" brand overseas collection store. From daily necessities to toys, from gifts and home furnishings to digital products, the collection store brings together more than 2,000 small commodities from over 70 Yiwu brands, showcasing the top level of Yiwu small commodities from creative design to craftsmanship and quality. Just five hours after its opening, signed orders reached 120 million yuan. He Lihong is one of the earliest merchants in Yiwu to register a brand. She said that although Yiwu market commodities have spread to more than 200 countries and regions around the world, most of them are OEM. In the increasingly fierce global trade competition, simply relying on product quantity and price advantages is no longer sustainable. Building their own brands is also the most urgent need for many merchants. To run faster and last longer. Two years ago, Yiwu launched the "Brand Going Global" initiative, introducing the "Yiwu Good Goods" large platform, allowing merchants focused on building their own brands to collectively expand global channels, achieving a transition from product going global to brand going global. The opening of this collection store is the latest measure of the "Brand Going Global" initiative. A ship, a path, is to help enterprises actively go out, providing them with integrated foreign trade services such as overseas sales, product display, warehousing, and logistics, allowing foreign customers to access more high-quality Made in China products. By the end of 2024, the "Yiwu Good Goods" brand going global initiative had landed in more than 20 countries, helping nearly 5,000 business entities explore overseas markets. Xiao Wenxin is one of the first beneficiaries of the "Brand Going Global" initiative. Last year, he opened a "Yiwu Good Goods" showroom in Brazil. The variety of goods increased, customer traffic went up, and sales also increased by more than 30%. Currently, his third overseas showroom is about to open. Small commodities opening up larger markets inject continuous动力 into international trade. Today, Yiwu, by building its own brands and going global collectively, is continuously increasing its influence. On January 18, another good news arrived: the "Yiwu Good Goods" brand overseas collection store signed a contract with a Kenyan enterprise to open the first franchised store in Africa, opening up a new market.
Domestic News Briefs
12.56 Million New Urban Jobs Created Nationwide in 2024
The reporter learned today (January 21) from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security that 12.56 million new urban jobs were created nationwide in 2024, and the employment situation remained generally stable. The average surveyed urban unemployment rate for the full year of 2024 was 5.1%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points from the previous year. By the end of the year, the number of poverty-stricken people employed reached 33.052 million. Throughout the year, 38.6 billion yuan in unemployment insurance stable employment expansion funds were distributed to 6.65 million insured enterprises, and employment subsidy expenditures are expected to exceed 100 billion yuan.
Total Social Electricity Consumption Increased by 6.8% in 2024
Data released by the National Energy Administration shows that in 2024, the total social electricity consumption was 9,852.1 billion kilowatt-hours, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%. Among them, electricity consumption in the primary industry increased by 6.3%, in the secondary industry by 5.1%, in the tertiary industry by 9.9%, and for urban and rural residents' living consumption by 10.6%.
"Artificial Sun" Nuclear Fusion Device Achieves "Hundred Million Degrees for a Thousand Seconds" Record
Yesterday (January 20), the national major scientific and technological infrastructure "Artificial Sun" nuclear fusion experimental device (EAST) set a new record in Hefei, Anhui, by successfully achieving "high-quality combustion" at 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,000 seconds for the first time. This marks the first time humanity has simulated the environment required for future fusion reactor operation on an experimental device, signifying a major leap in China's fusion energy research from basic science to engineering practice, and is of great significance for accelerating the realization of fusion power generation.
SCO Demonstration Zone China-Europe Railway Express Annual Arrivals and Departures Increased by 17.8% in 2024
The reporter learned from Qingdao Customs that in 2024, the SCO Demonstration Zone received and dispatched a total of 1,017 China-Europe Railway Express trains, a year-on-year increase of 17.8%, transporting approximately 700,000 tons of import and export goods. Since the launch of the SCO Demonstration Zone, a total of 4,266 China-Europe Railway Express trains have arrived and departed, transporting 350,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers and 2.95 million tons of import and export goods.
Shenzhen Mawan Undersea Tunnel Officially Opens
Today (January 21), the Shenzhen Mawan Undersea Tunnel officially opened to traffic. The tunnel connects Moonlight Bay Avenue and Xixiang Avenue, with a total length of about 8.05 kilometers and a two-way six-lane design, divided into underground and ground sections. After its opening, it will further improve the local road network structure and realize the separation of passenger and freight traffic in the Qianhai area of Shenzhen.
Asian Winter Games Railway Special Line Fully Launched
Yesterday (January 20), the first Asian Winter Games special bullet train departed from Harbin to Yabuli West Station, marking the full launch of the Asian Winter Games railway special line. After the special line's opening, six "point-to-point" high-speed trains have been added between Harbin and Yabuli West Station, and six "point-to-point" ordinary speed trains have been added between Harbin and Yabuli South Station. High-speed trains will run at a minimum interval of 7 minutes between event areas, with the fastest single-trip travel time being 62 minutes.
CCTV-1 Releases 2025 Program List of High-Quality Programs
China Media Group's CCTV-1 today (January 21) released its list of high-quality programs for 2025. A total of 66 exquisite works with rich themes and full of creativity, such as "Records of Chinese Craftsmen," "China's Green Waters and Lush Mountains Answer Sheet," and "2025 Intangible Cultural Heritage Gala," closely follow the pulse of the times, continue to answer "Why China," and comprehensively and panoramically showcase the new era's Chinese spirit and demeanor.
Trump Sworn in as US President
Republican Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington on the 20th. On his first day in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders, including declaring a state of emergency at the southern border, pardoning approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the "Capitol incident," repealing nearly 80 policies of the Biden administration, and announcing that the United States would once again withdraw from the Paris Agreement aimed at addressing climate change and withdraw from the World Health Organization.
Gaza Health Authorities Report Over 47,000 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Operations; Israel Prepares for Next Steps
According to the Palestinian news agency, on the evening of the 20th, the second day after the Gaza ceasefire agreement came into effect, the Israeli army shot and killed several civilians, including children, in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Israel, however, stated that several Palestinians attempted to approach Israeli forces and "posed a threat," prompting the Israeli army to open fire. Data released by the Gaza health department on the 20th showed that Israeli military actions have resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths since the new round of Israel-Palestine conflict began. Israeli Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi on the 20th ordered the Israeli army to formulate plans for continued operations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, while also preparing for important operations in the West Bank in the coming days. According to Palestinian media reports today (January 21), the Israeli army has begun a large-scale search and arrest operation east of Nablus in the West Bank. The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) stated on the 20th that the people of Gaza will rebuild the Gaza Strip, which has been bombed by the Israeli army for over 15 months. Hamas also stated that it would continue to resist Israel. UN Security Council Holds High-Level Meeting on Israel-Palestine Issue; China Calls for Permanent Ceasefire The United Nations Security Council held a high-level open debate on the Israel-Palestine issue on the 20th. The Chinese representative expressed welcome for the ceasefire in Gaza. China called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the resumption of the political process to implement the "two-state solution."
Colombian President Declares State of Emergency Amid Escalating Conflict
Colombian President Gustavo Petro on the 20th declared a state of internal commotion and economic emergency. The Catatumbo region in northern Colombia has recently experienced ongoing clashes between anti-government armed factions, resulting in over a hundred casualties and tens of thousands of displaced civilians.