Xi Extends Lunar New Year Greetings to People Nationwide During Liaoning Visit
As the traditional Chinese New Year approaches, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, braved the severe cold to visit Liaoning Province. He extended greetings and good wishes to grassroots cadres and the public, and conveyed New Year's greetings to people of all ethnic groups across the country, as well as compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese! He wished all Chinese people at home and abroad good health, success in their work, family happiness, and a prosperous Year of the Snake! He also wished the great motherland peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and flourishing development! From January 22 to 24, accompanied by Hao Peng, Secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee, and Li Lecheng, Governor of Liaoning, Xi Jinping visited Huludao, Shenyang, and Benxi. He went deep into rural areas, markets, communities, and enterprises to conduct inspections, bringing the care and blessings of the Party Central Committee to grassroots cadres and the public. On the afternoon of the 22nd, Xi Jinping arrived in Huludao City and traveled for nearly an hour by car to Zhujiagou Village, Mingshui Manchu Township, Suizhong County. In August last year, the area suffered severe floods, and before winter, 41 households of villagers moved into rebuilt new homes. Xi Jinping inspected the affected areas at the village entrance, asking in detail about the flooded houses and the evacuation of villagers. He then went to the village's Party-Masses Service Center to learn about the progress of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction through videos and display boards, reminding local cadres to properly arrange the production and daily lives of the people and ensure they have a warm winter. It was Xiaonian (Little New Year), and every household had put up Spring Festival couplets and window decorations. Xi Jinping successively visited the homes of villagers Zhu Xicun and Wang Baowei, inspecting the quality of the house structures and the preparations for the New Year's goods, and inquiring whether the government's housing reconstruction subsidies were in place and what the main sources of income for the villagers were. While sitting with Wang Baowei's family, Wang Baowei told the General Secretary that the new house was bright and warm, and all the New Year's goods were ready. The whole village was sincerely grateful to the Party and to the General Secretary. Xi Jinping asked him if he had any other requests or hopes, and he replied that his hope was to live a better life. Xi Jinping happily responded, "Your hopes are also our hopes. The Party and the government will always be the strong support for the people." As he left the village, villagers greeted the General Secretary, and the applause and cheers made the small mountain village
resound. Xi Jinping told the villagers that since last year, some areas in China, including their village, have suffered natural disasters. He stated that the Party adheres to the principle of "people first," and cadres and the masses united as one to achieve a major victory in disaster relief. He added that with the Spring Festival approaching, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, he extended sincere condolences and New Year greetings to all disaster-stricken people and to the cadres and masses fighting on the front lines of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction! Shenyang Dadong Non-Staple Food Market has a long history, with a dazzling array of characteristic New Year goods. On the morning of the 23rd, Xi Jinping visited the market, inspected several shops, and frequently interacted with shopkeepers and customers, inquiring in detail about market supply during the holiday season. Everyone was very excited to see the General Secretary, repeatedly cheering, "Hello, General Secretary!" Xi Jinping told everyone that "vegetable baskets," "rice bags," and "fruit plates" are vital to people's livelihoods. He added that with abundant materials, people should eat well and healthily during family reunions for the New Year. Afterward, Xi Jinping visited Chang'an Community in Dadong District, which had undergone centralized renovation, and visited the four-generation family of Lang Sulan. Learning that the living environment in the community had significantly improved after the renovation and that various services and guarantees were in place, Xi Jinping expressed his approval. He pointed out that urban renewal should be adapted to local conditions and combined with community building, with everything focused on convenience, benefit, and security for the people, especially better care and attention for the elderly and children. In the community's Party-Masses Service Center, some residents were writing Spring Festival couplets, and children were weaving Chinese knots. Xi Jinping joined them, occasionally praising their works and encouraging them to better inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional Chinese culture. Xi Jinping also listened with great interest to a flute ensemble performed by retired community residents. He emotionally told everyone that a good Spring Festival means a good start to the new year, and happy lives for every household, with old and young alike enjoying themselves, is a beautiful scene on earth. He emphasized that they should work together to make this beautiful scene even more vibrant. In the community cultural square, residents were dancing a joyful Yangko. Xi Jinping waved to them and extended his New Year greetings. On the afternoon of the 23rd, Xi Jinping arrived in Benxi and inspected the Third Cold Rolling Mill of Benxi Steel Plates Co., Ltd., which belongs to Ansteel Group. He observed the operation of the centralized intelligent system in the enterprise's central control center and learned about the cold rolling process, technological innovation, and product performance in the workshop, and cordially met with model workers, young technical backbones, and representatives of front-line workers. Xi Jinping pointed out that the manufacturing industry should adhere to the direction of high-end, intelligent, and green development, continuously improve the scientific and technological content and added value of products, and large state-owned enterprises like Ansteel should contribute more to Chinese modernization. On the morning of the 24th, Xi Jinping listened to the work report of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, affirmed the achievements made in various aspects of Liaoning's work, and hoped that Liaoning would bravely strive for new breakthroughs in promoting the comprehensive revitalization of the Northeast in the new era, and strive to write the Liaoning chapter of Chinese modernization. Xi Jinping pointed out that Liaoning has a relatively complete industrial system, and it is necessary to coordinate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries with the cultivation and growth of strategic emerging industries, and accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system. Traditional industries should strengthen industrial foundation re-engineering and key technological equipment breakthroughs, and continuously enhance core competitiveness. The cultivation and growth of strategic emerging industries focus on strengthening the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, and developing new quality productive forces adapted to local conditions. The heavier the development tasks, the more attention should be paid to ecological environmental protection, promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Xi Jinping emphasized that the comprehensive revitalization of the Northeast ultimately depends on reform and opening up. In grasping reform, it is necessary to further focus on problems, highlight key points, and overcome difficulties, and make greater efforts in building a government under the rule of law, optimizing the business environment, adhering to and implementing the "two unswerving" principles, and improving the modern enterprise system with Chinese characteristics. He added that now, the country's door to opening up is opening wider and wider, and cadres at all levels should improve their ability to think about problems, make decisions, and grasp work under open conditions. Xi Jinping pointed out that Liaoning has rich agricultural resources and a good development foundation, and it is necessary to adhere to integrated urban-rural development, promote new urbanization with county towns as important carriers, optimize the allocation of public resources and industrial chain layout in counties, townships, and villages, and solidly promote comprehensive rural revitalization. In learning and applying the experience of the "Thousands of Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousands of Villages Renovation" project, it is necessary to refine and concretize the initiatives in light of actual conditions and persevere for a long time. It is necessary to clarify responsibilities, reach the grassroots, and truly manage grassroots governance. Xi Jinping emphasized that promoting cultural self-confidence and self-improvement, and strengthening the construction of socialist spiritual civilization, are important responsibilities at all levels. It is necessary to strive to improve cultural originality, launch more high-quality works, deeply implement cultural benefit projects, and better gather people's hearts, warm people's hearts, and strengthen confidence through cultural education, fully stimulating the enthusiasm and fighting spirit of cadres and the masses for reform, innovation, and revitalization. Xi Jinping pointed out that it is essential to unswervingly adhere to the Party's leadership and unswervingly comprehensively govern the Party with strict discipline. Strengthening the political and organizational functions of Party organizations, creating and maintaining a clean and upright political ecosystem, and educating and guiding Party members and cadres to be loyal, clean, and responsible, must be firmly grasped at all times. It is necessary to deeply implement the spirit of the eight-point central regulations and their implementation rules, and promote cadres at all levels to truly seek truth, be pragmatic, and be honest and self-disciplined. Xi Jinping finally emphasized that as the Spring Festival approaches, Party committees and governments at all levels should do a solid job in caring for people in need, coordinating Spring Festival travel, ensuring market supply, and enriching cultural life, strengthening production safety, and ensuring that the people have a joyful, safe, and peaceful holiday. Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied the inspection. He Lifeng and responsible comrades from relevant central and state organs also accompanied the inspection.
Li Qiang Visits Local Cadres, Public in Anhui
Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, visited and extended greetings to grassroots cadres and the public in the Dabie Mountains revolutionary old area in Anhui on January 22, conveying New Year wishes to everyone. He emphasized that General Secretary Xi Jinping deeply cares about the lives of the people in the old revolutionary areas. He stressed the need to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on ensuring and improving people's livelihoods, faithfully carry out the various deployments of the Party Central Committee, and truly do practical and good deeds for the people, continuously enhancing their sense of gain, happiness, and security. Li Qiang first visited Huangpu Village, Huangpu Town, Qianshan City, Anqing, and went into the homes of old soldiers and veteran Party members to chat with them, inquiring about their health and any difficulties they faced. Li Qiang said, "We will not forget those who contributed to the Chinese revolution and the building of New China. We have a responsibility to ensure everyone has a happy old age. The Spring Festival is approaching, and I extend my early New Year greetings to you all." Li Qiang added, "Having elders in the family is like having a treasure. The health and longevity of the elderly are not only a blessing for the family but also a valuable asset for the country. All sectors should better implement the Party's policies and provide better care for the elderly." Li Qiang pointed out that in advancing agricultural and rural modernization, it is necessary to accelerate the addressing of shortcomings in elder care, education, medical care, and other areas, making rural infrastructure more complete, public services more convenient, and the living environment more comfortable. Learning that the local community had improved village regulations regarding weddings and funerals to reduce public expenditure, Li Qiang expressed his appreciation and hoped for continued efforts to promote new customs and foster civilized rural conduct. In Zhongfan Village, Chashui Town, Qianshan City, Li Qiang inquired in detail about the effective衔接 (articulation) of consolidating and expanding poverty alleviation achievements with rural revitalization in the Dabie Mountain area. He visited a sericulture industrial park and conversed with large silkworm farmers and technicians, expressing pleasure that the local area was empowering sericulture production with technology, leading to increased employment and income for villagers at their doorstep. He stated that industrial revitalization is key to rural revitalization. He emphasized the importance of leveraging "local specialties" and developing multiple functions of agriculture and diverse values of rural areas to promote the upgrading of the entire rural industry chain. Li Qiang went into the village committee and had an in-depth exchange with village cadres, fully affirming their work in serving the people and encouraging them to better lead the masses in increasing income and becoming prosperous, and to make greater contributions to rural development and rural governance. After concluding his visit and greetings, Li Qiang presided over a symposium in Hefei on the 23rd, listening to opinions and suggestions on the draft "Government Work Report" and government work from principal officials of some provincial, municipal, county, and township (town) governments. He demanded that governments at all levels thoroughly implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, be full of energy, act with responsibility, and do a good job in local economic and social development, striving to create tangible results. He stressed the need to be more proactive in taking initiative, not waiting or relying on others for various tasks, and acting early and quickly to promote a sustained economic recovery and improvement. Wu Zhenglong accompanied him.
Ding Xuexiang Visits Netherlands
From January 22 to 23, Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, visited the Netherlands at the invitation of the Dutch government. In The Hague, he met separately with King Willem-Alexander, Prime Minister Schoof, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Climate and Green Growth Herman Wiebes. Ding Xuexiang conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping and Professor Peng Liyuan, and Premier Li Qiang, to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, and Prime Minister Schoof. King Willem-Alexander and Prime Minister Schoof expressed their gratitude and asked Ding Xuexiang to convey their best wishes to President Xi Jinping, Professor Peng Liyuan, and Premier Li Qiang. Ding Xuexiang stated that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Dutch leaders, the open and pragmatic comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and the Netherlands has steadily improved, with fruitful cooperation in various fields. China is willing to further strengthen communication and enhance mutual trust with the Netherlands to promote greater development of bilateral relations and help both countries accelerate the achievement of their respective development goals. Ding Xuexiang emphasized that both China and the Netherlands are beneficiaries and supporters of an open world economy. Both sides adhere to mutual respect and open cooperation, having forged a win-win path. China is committed to promoting high-quality development through high-level opening up and welcomes Dutch enterprises to expand cooperation with China. He expressed hope that the Netherlands will continue to provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises, safeguard common interests, maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, and achieve complementary advantages, shared opportunities, and common development. Ding Xuexiang stated that China and the Netherlands share similar philosophies in climate governance, and both sides should strengthen their collaboration, promote green innovative development, consolidate the unique advantages of climate adaptation cooperation, and explore more trilateral cooperation. He stressed the importance of firmly upholding multilateralism, working together to build a fair, reasonable, cooperative, and win-win global climate governance system, and promoting open cooperation in green fields between China and Europe. King Willem-Alexander stated that President Xi Jinping's successful visit to the Netherlands in 2014 injected strong impetus into bilateral relations. The Netherlands cherishes the mutual trust and friendship between the two sides and is willing to work with China to continuously achieve new progress in Dutch-Chinese relations. Facing current geopolitical conflicts, countries should communicate frankly, seek consensus, and collaborate to jointly address global challenges. Prime Minister Schoof stated that Dutch-Chinese relations are very important to the Netherlands, and the Netherlands admires China's development achievements and is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, enhance understanding and mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation in various fields such as water conservancy construction, green development, and healthcare. As a trading nation, openness is crucial for the future of the Netherlands, and it is willing to jointly safeguard free trade and promote open cooperation. Wiebes expressed his anticipation of strengthening bilateral cooperation in green transformation, climate adaptation, and other areas, and promoting positive outcomes at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Multiple Departments Introduce Measures to Boost Spring Festival Consumption
Today (January 24), the State Council Information Office held a press conference where multiple departments provided updates on ensuring market supply for the Spring Festival and promoting holiday consumption. The Ministry of Commerce stated that commerce departments nationwide have strengthened source organization, coordinated the deployment of meat and vegetable reserves, and increased market supply for the holiday. Current monitoring data shows that the supply of daily necessities nationwide is ample and abundant before the holiday, and prices are generally stable. With the launch of the "2025 National Online Chinese New Year Goods Festival," various regions have organized over 400 supporting activities focusing on Spring Festival dining, shopping, and trade-in initiatives, with online retail sales exceeding 700 billion yuan. In addition, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has launched a series of activities including benefit performances, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and cultural and museum exhibitions. The General Administration of Sport has released 11 high-quality outdoor sports routes for the Spring Festival holiday. Diverse New Year activities and an ever-expanding supply of high-quality goods and services are better ensuring the consumption needs of the people during the Spring Festival.
Multiple Departments Actively Respond to Weather Changes, Ensure Smooth Spring Festival Travel Rush
Data from the 2025 Comprehensive Transport Spring Festival Travel Rush Task Force shows that the total cross-regional passenger flow across society is estimated to be 272.74 million today (January 24), of which railway passenger volume is 14.20 million. As of 3 p.m., China Railway 12306 has cumulatively sold over 300 million tickets for the Spring Festival travel rush. In response to the cold wave and heavy snow warnings issued by meteorological departments, relevant railway bureaus have promptly activated emergency response plans, strengthened inspections of lines and equipment, ensured good operating conditions of key railway equipment such as vehicles, high-speed trains, and catenary lines, and prepared personnel and material reserves to fully guarantee the safe and smooth operation of major railway lines. Due to snowfall and icy roads, some sections in provinces like Xinjiang and Gansu have been affected, and transportation and other relevant departments are working tirelessly on snow removal and ensuring smooth traffic. Additionally, affected by dense fog, the Qiongzhou Strait passenger roll-on/roll-off ferries, which were once suspended, have now fully resumed operations as water visibility improves. Maritime departments are organizing water transportation for the resumed services based on weather changes, doing their utmost to meet the cross-sea demands of passengers and vehicles.
[New Year Grassroots Report] Smart Transformation Breaks Through Amid Surging Orders
In Shenzhen, there are two private foreign trade companies that make coffee products: one produces traditional coffee machines, and the other makes robot coffee machines. Despite their different development paths, both have become specialized and innovative enterprises in Shenzhen. On the eve of the Spring Festival, a reporter from "New Year's Walk to the Grassroots" visited these two distinct companies. When the reporter arrived at the company located in Bao'an, Shenzhen, the head, Liu Youliang, had just received a "New Year's gift." Liu Youliang told the reporter that in 2024, their foreign trade export volume reached over 22 million US dollars, and orders for this year have already been scheduled until the second half. Today, their coffee machines are sold to 87 countries and regions worldwide. However, the now confident Liu Youliang had once faced a crisis of survival for his company. As a traditional foreign trade enterprise, they entered the market with ordinary household coffee machines. But with changes in customer demand due to market saturation, the company began to incur losses year after year. At an overseas exhibition organized by government departments for foreign trade enterprises, Liu Youliang learned about the potential demand for high-end commercial coffee machines in the international market. For three full years, the R&D team focused on tackling core technologies. Their products transformed from household coffee machines costing five to six hundred yuan to commercial capsule coffee machines worth over ten thousand yuan. Today, their more than 40 products at different price points hold over 270 domestic and EU patents, generating over 200 million yuan in annual revenue for the company. After saying goodbye to Liu Youliang, who was rushing to continue showing clients around, the reporter visited a younger robot coffee machine foreign trade company. Although they also make coffee machines, their company name is a robotics company. Once the flavor and latte art pattern are selected, the robotic arm begins to move, and 90 seconds later, a freshly ground latte appears. The cool, fully automatic production process prompted an Indian client, visiting for the first time, to decisively place an order. During the interview, we saw Huang Huang moving quickly, busy beyond belief. For six years, obsessed with "robotic arm" research, he has led an R&D team with an average age of 25, diligently exploring new applications for robotic arms in the market. Using visual capture technology, they independently developed a control system and, after tens of thousands of improvements and tests, finally achieved precise replication of latte art. Recently, through connections facilitated by government departments, Huang Huang met a high-tech enterprise that uses big data and other technologies to analyze market trends specifically for foreign trade companies, helping small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprises expand their online overseas business. It was late at night, but these foreign trade companies were still tirelessly communicating with clients thousands of miles away, seizing every opportunity and striving for every order. In 2024, Shenzhen's import and export volume exceeded 4 trillion yuan for the first time, a year-on-year increase of 16.4%. Private enterprises were the most important driver of Shenzhen's foreign trade growth, with their share of the total exceeding 70% for the first time. In 2025, they continue to move forward with resilience and vitality, full of hope.
Harbin Asian Winter Games: Chinese Sports Delegation Established
The Chinese Sports Delegation for the Harbin Asian Winter Games was established today (January 24) in Beijing. The delegation consists of 257 members, including 170 athletes, with 85 male and 85 female athletes, and an average age of 23. Of these, 147 athletes are participating in the Asian Winter Games for the first time, while 48 have competed in the Beijing Winter Olympics, including 6 Beijing Winter Olympics champions. As the host nation, the Chinese Sports Delegation will participate in all events across 6 major categories, striving for the best possible performance at the Asian Winter Games while also gaining experience and training for the Milan Winter Olympics. At the same time, the delegation aims to enhance friendship among Asian countries and regions and showcase China's image of openness, inclusiveness, unity, progress, and win-win cooperation in the new era.
Luo Baoming, Former Vice Chairman of NPC Overseas Chinese Committee, Expelled from Party for Serious Violations; Li Weiwei, Former Deputy Director of CPPCC Population, Resources and Environment Committee, Expelled from Party and Public Office for Serious Violations
Luo Baoming, former Deputy Director of the 13th National People's Congress Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, Expelled from Party Membership for Serious Violations of Discipline and Law. With the approval of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission have conducted investigations into serious violations of discipline and law by Luo Baoming, former Deputy Director of the 13th National People's Congress Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, and Li Weiwei, former Deputy Director of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Population, Resources and Environment Committee. It was found that Luo Baoming lost his ideals and convictions, betrayed his original mission, engaged in improper interactions with political swindlers for a long time, causing significant losses of fiscal funds and a severe political impact, resisted organizational review, and extensively engaged in superstitious activities; violated organizational principles by failing to truthfully explain issues during organizational inquiries, allowing relatives to "recommend" and interfere in important cadre appointments, and illegally selecting and appointing cadres and accepting money and gifts; failed to uphold integrity, condoned relatives using his position to seek private gains, extensively held funerals by abusing his authority, and long-term accepted high-end services provided by enterprises without charge; illegally interfered with and intervened in disciplinary and law enforcement activities; was greedy and corrupt, acting recklessly, turning public power into a tool for personal gain, engaging in extensive power-for-money transactions, using his position to seek benefits for others in business operations and project contracting, and illegally accepting huge amounts of money and gifts. Luo Baoming seriously violated the Party's political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, work discipline, and living discipline, constituted serious duty violations, and is suspected of bribery crimes. Furthermore, he showed no signs of restraint or stopping after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, exhibiting a serious nature and a detrimental impact, and should be dealt with severely. In accordance with the Regulations on Disciplinary Actions of the Communist Party of China, the Supervision Law of the People's Republic of China, the Law on Administrative Punishments for Public Officials of the People's Republic of China, and other relevant regulations, after deliberation by the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and approval by the CPC Central Committee, it was decided to give Luo Baoming disciplinary punishment of expulsion from the Party; cancel his benefits in accordance with regulations; terminate his qualification as a representative to the Eighth Hainan Provincial Party Congress; confiscate his illegal gains; and transfer his suspected criminal case to the procuratorial organs for review and prosecution in accordance with the law, with all involved assets also transferred. Li Weiwei, former Deputy Director of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Population, Resources and Environment Committee, Expelled from Party Membership and Public Office for Serious Violations of Discipline and Law. It was found that Li Weiwei lost her ideals and convictions, betrayed her original mission, abandoned her political responsibility for governing the Party with strict discipline, failed to effectively implement the Party Central Committee's requirements for strengthening and improving CPPCC and united front work in the new era, causing adverse political impact; disregarded the spirit of the eight-point central regulations and illegally accepted banquets; violated organizational principles by illegally selecting and appointing cadres; illegally accepted gifts; failed to properly manage and educate family members, engaging in extensive "family corruption"; used her position to seek benefits for others in project contracting, business operations, and position adjustments, and illegally accepted huge amounts of money and gifts. Li Weiwei seriously violated the Party's political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, and living discipline, constituted serious duty violations, and is suspected of bribery crimes. Furthermore, she showed no signs of restraint or stopping after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, exhibiting a serious nature and a detrimental impact, and should be dealt with severely. In accordance with the Regulations on Disciplinary Actions of the Communist Party of China, the Supervision Law of the People's Republic of China, the Law on Administrative Punishments for Public Officials of the People's Republic of China, and other relevant regulations, after deliberation by the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and approval by the CPC Central Committee, it was decided to give Li Weiwei disciplinary punishment of expulsion from the Party; the National Supervisory Commission will give her disciplinary punishment of expulsion from public office; confiscate her illegal gains; and transfer her suspected criminal case to the procuratorial organs for review and prosecution in accordance with the law, with all involved assets also transferred.
Domestic News Briefs
China's Balance of Payments in Goods and Services Trade Grew by 7% in 2024. Latest data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange shows that in 2024, China's total import and export volume of goods and services trade in its balance of payments reached 50,321.8 billion yuan, an increase of 7% year-on-year. Of this, the goods trade surplus was 5,479.1 billion yuan, up 30% year-on-year. China's position as the world's largest goods trading nation is further solidified. China's R&D Expenditure Exceeded 3.6 Trillion Yuan in 2024. Latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that in 2024, China's total expenditure on research and experimental development across society was 3,613.0 billion yuan, an increase of 8.3% over the previous year, achieving stable growth. The total R&D expenditure volume remained the second largest in the world. Basic research expenditure was 249.7 billion yuan, an increase of 10.5% over the previous year, achieving relatively rapid growth. China's First Guiding Opinions on New Energy Vehicle Insurance Issued Today. Four departments, including the National Financial Regulatory Administration and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, jointly issued China's first guiding opinions on new energy vehicle insurance today (January 24). The opinions propose a package of measures, including optimizing vehicle insurance pricing, promoting data sharing, and establishing a risk-sharing mechanism for high-payout risks. They clearly state that these measures will reasonably reduce the cost of maintenance and use of new energy vehicles and alleviate problems such as high premiums and difficulty in obtaining insurance for some new energy vehicles. China Successfully Launched Communication Technology Test Satellite XIV. Last night (January 23), China successfully launched the Communication Technology Test Satellite XIV into its predetermined orbit using a Long March 3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite is mainly used for broadcasting, data transmission, and other services. 2025 "Intangible Cultural Heritage Celebrates Spring Festival - Celebrating New Year in Ancient Cities" Event Launched. The 2025 "Intangible Cultural Heritage Celebrates Spring Festival - Celebrating New Year in Ancient Cities" event was launched last night (January 23). Over 400 traditional New Year customs and intangible cultural heritage display activities will be held in ancient cities across the country, and 31 national intangible cultural heritage themed tourist routes have been released to create a lively and festive atmosphere and promote holiday cultural tourism consumption. CMG's "Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala - Global View of the Spring Festival Gala" Event Held a Series of Overseas Special Sessions. Recently, China Media Group's "Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala - Global View of the Spring Festival Gala" event held a series of overseas special sessions in Brazil, Kenya, and Spain respectively. Guests from various countries present stated that the Chinese Spring Festival is not only a holiday for global Chinese to pray for good fortune but also transcends regions and languages, becoming a window for the world to understand and experience Chinese culture. They wished the CMG Spring Festival Gala a complete success and wished all global Chinese a joyful, peaceful, festive, and prosperous New Year.
Global Celebrations: Many Places Share Chinese New Year Spirit
In recent days, celebrations of the Chinese Spring Festival have been held in many parts of the world. Local residents have deeply felt the festive atmosphere and been profoundly moved by the unique charm of Chinese culture. Recently, a Spring Festival Gala themed "Snake Dances Globally, Auspiciousness Opens a New Chapter" was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, bringing together Chinese and foreign guests. Attendees stated that from the Spring Festival being listed as a UN holiday to its successful application as a World Heritage item, China has showcased the millennia-old Spring Festival culture to the world, further enriching its global significance. The event also featured interactive sessions such as "Fu Character Welcomes Spring," where guests exchanged New Year greetings, hoping the Year of the Snake brings new prospects to the world. At the "Happy Chinese New Year" event held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, local residents learned to make lanterns, Chinese embroidery, and sugar figurines, and watched traditional Chinese opera performances, experiencing traditional Chinese culture immersively. At the Chinese New Year Temple Fair in Budapest's Chinatown, long queues formed in front of the intangible cultural heritage experience zone, Hanfu try-on zone, dragon dance experience zone, and Chinese food zone, creating a lively atmosphere. Many Hungarian families attended with their entire families to savor the taste of the Chinese New Year. The 2025 Brazilian Chinese Spring Festival Gala was held recently in São Paulo, Brazil, kicking off with a vibrant lion dance performance. Guests from various circles in China and Brazil gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year and also the successful application of the Spring Festival for World Heritage status. A "Happy Chinese New Year Symphony Concert" was held at the Aga Khan Museum Concert Hall in Toronto, Canada, where the audience welcomed the Year of the Snake in a blend of Chinese and Western cultures. The event also featured exhibition booths for Chinese intangible cultural heritage such as calligraphy and paper-cutting.
International News Briefs
Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates Again After Six Months. The Bank of Japan today (January 24) announced it would raise its policy rate from 0.25% to 0.5%. This is the Bank of Japan's second interest rate hike in six months, bringing the policy rate to its highest level in approximately 17 years. In addition, a report released today by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed that in December 2024, Japan's core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.0% year-on-year, the highest level since August 2023. At least 10 New Wildfires Erupt in Southern California in One Day. At least 10 new wildfires erupted on January 23 in San Diego County, Ventura County, and other areas in Southern California, with one wildfire spreading near a California State University campus. Furthermore, according to local media reports, the "Hughes" wildfire, which ignited on January 22 in Castaic, Los Angeles County, California, spread rapidly. As of January 23, the wildfire had burned an area of 41 square kilometers, and nearly 54,000 people had received evacuation warnings.