The third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) held its second plenary meeting on the morning of March 8 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, hearing and deliberating the work report of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the work report of the Supreme People's Court, and the work report of the Supreme People's Procuratorate. Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng attended the meeting. Entrusted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Chairman Zhao Leji delivered a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the NPC to the session. Zhao Leji pointed out in his report that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the National People's Congress. General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the conference celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National People's Congress, profoundly elaborating on the glorious course, remarkable advantages, valuable experience, and practical requirements of the people's congress system, providing fundamental guidance for upholding, improving, and operating the people's congress system well. Zhao Leji stated in his report that over the past year, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has adhered to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide, fully implemented the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on upholding and improving the people's congress system, upheld the organic unity of Party leadership, the people's mastery of the country, and law-based governance, practiced whole-process people's democracy, performed its duties according to law, assumed responsibilities, and made new progress and achievements in various undertakings. First, strengthening the implementation and oversight of the Constitution to safeguard its authority and dignity. This included improving and implementing constitutional legal systems, amending the Supervision Law and the Law on Supervision, and deliberating the draft amendment to the Deputy Law twice, deciding to submit it to this session for deliberation. It also involved promoting constitutional review and record review, strengthening constitutional theory research and public education, and exercising the power of appointment and removal granted to the NPC by the Constitution and laws. Second, earnestly performing legislative duties and continuously improving the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics. Over the past year, 39 legislative bills were deliberated, of which 24 were passed, including the enactment of 6 laws, the amendment of 14 laws, and the adoption of 4 decisions on legal and major issues. Third, exercising oversight powers according to law and playing an important role in the Party and state's oversight system. A total of 21 reports from the "one government, one commission, and two courts" were heard and deliberated, the implementation of 5 laws was inspected, 2 special inquiries and 9 special investigations were organized, and 2 resolutions were made. Fourth, strengthening and improving the work related to deputies and supporting and ensuring that deputies perform their duties according to law. This involved improving the quality of deputies' proposals and suggestions, strengthening the ties between the Standing Committee and deputies, strengthening the ties between deputies and the people, and improving the level of service and support for deputies. Fifth, actively and effectively carrying out external exchanges of the NPC and proactively serving the overall national diplomatic strategy. Sixth, comprehensively strengthening the Standing Committee's own development to improve its ability and level of performing duties according to law. In the report, Zhao Leji pointed out that we clearly recognize that there are still some gaps and deficiencies in our work. We will consciously accept public oversight, humbly listen to opinions and suggestions from deputies and all sectors, and continuously strengthen and improve our work. In the report, Zhao Leji noted that 2025 is the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress will uphold Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide, profoundly understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishes," enhance the "Four Consciousnesses," strengthen the "Four Confidences," and achieve the "Two Safeguards," thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on upholding and improving the people's congress system, develop whole-process people's democracy, earnestly exercise the legislative, oversight, decision-making, and appointment/removal powers granted by the Constitution and laws, steadily advance the high-quality development of NPC work, and make new contributions to comprehensively building a strong socialist country and realizing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Zhao Leji deployed tasks for the coming year in his report: fulfilling responsibilities for constitutional implementation and oversight; promoting high-quality legislative work; doing a good job in oversight focusing on the overall situation; fully leveraging the role of NPC deputies; strengthening the NPC's foreign exchanges; and solidly advancing the building of "four organs." Zhang Jun, President of the Supreme People's Court, stated in his work report that in 2024, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Supreme People's Court faithfully performed its duties conferred by the Constitution and laws, achieving new progress in various undertakings. The Supreme People's Court accepted 34,898 cases and concluded 32,539 cases, increasing by 65.5% and 82.2% year-on-year, respectively. Courts nationwide at all levels accepted 46.018 million cases and concluded 45.419 million cases. In the report, Zhang Jun reviewed the work of 2024 from five aspects: first, safeguarding national security and social stability through strict and impartial justice; second, serving high-quality development through strict and impartial justice; third, ensuring people's well-being through strict and impartial justice; fourth, ensuring strict and impartial justice through reform, management, and team building; and fifth, consciously accepting oversight. Zhang Jun stated in the report that in 2025, the people's courts will adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their guide, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and the overall national security concept, uphold the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the highest political principle, continuously strengthen judicial work in the new era, and provide strong judicial services for the high-quality achievement of the 14th Five-Year Plan goals and a good start for the 15th Five-Year Plan. They will make steady progress, conscientiously perform their duties in advancing Chinese modernization; uphold fundamental principles and innovate, improve fair judicial mechanisms; and exercise strict management with care, forging an iron army of courts in the new era that is loyal, clean, and responsible. They will strengthen confidence, prioritize practical action, fully leverage their judicial functions, and make new and greater contributions to comprehensively advancing law-based governance, building a higher-level socialist rule of law state, and comprehensively promoting the building of a strong socialist country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization. Ying Yong, Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, stated in his work report that in 2024, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the effective oversight of the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee, the Supreme People's Procuratorate served the overall situation, administered justice for the people, and upheld the rule of law, achieving new results in various procuratorial tasks. Procuratorial organs nationwide handled a total of 4.0996 million cases of various types, including 8,980 cases handled by the Supreme People's Procuratorate. In the report, Ying Yong reviewed the work of 2024: first, strengthening procuratorial duties to promote a higher level of Safe China construction; second, leveraging procuratorial functions to serve high-quality economic and social development; third, earnestly delivering procuratorial services for the people and ensuring people's well-being; fourth, strengthening procuratorial oversight and safeguarding fairness and justice in law enforcement and judicial administration; fifth, consciously accepting oversight to ensure the lawful, fair, efficient, and clean exercise of procuratorial power; and sixth, strengthening self-improvement to forge a loyal, clean, and responsible procuratorial team. Ying Yong pointed out in the report that in 2025, procuratorial organs nationwide will adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their guide, actively integrate into the process of further comprehensively deepening reforms and advancing Chinese modernization, lawfully fulfill their legal oversight duties, and continuously advance the procuratorial practice of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. They will always uphold the absolute leadership of the Party over procuratorial work, resolutely safeguard national security and social stability, fully serve high-quality economic and social development, continue to earnestly deliver procuratorial services for the people, strive to improve the quality and effectiveness of legal oversight, comprehensively deepen procuratorial reform, persistently strengthen their own development, and strive to make greater contributions to comprehensively advancing the building of a strong socialist country and national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Of the 2,929 representatives who should have attended the meeting, 2,869 were present and 60 were absent, with the number of attendees meeting the statutory quorum. The meeting was presided over by Li Hongzhong, Executive Chairman of the Presidium of the session. Today is International Women's Day, and on behalf of the Presidium of the session, festive greetings and best wishes were extended to all women deputies, members, and staff, to women of all ethnic groups and from all walks of life across the country, to women compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan region, to overseas Chinese women, and to women worldwide. The executive chairpersons of the session, Ma Fengguo, Wang Junzheng, Wang Jiong, Yin Hong, Liu Ning, Xu Qin, Li Yifei, Yang Zhenwu, Shen Xiaoming, Chen Gang, Zheng Jianmin, Hao Peng, Hu Changsheng, Zhong Shan, Xin Changxing, Xin Chunying, Lou Qinjian, Xu Lin, Tang Dengjie, Lu Xinshe, Liang Yanshun, and Yu Yunlin, were seated at the executive chairman's rostrum.
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed at the plenary meeting of the People's Liberation Army and People's Armed Police Force delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress on the afternoon of March 7 that the requirements for high-quality development must be implemented to ensure the successful completion of the "14th Five-Year Plan" for military construction. Chairman Xi's important speech resonated strongly among the attending representatives and military personnel, who unanimously expressed their resolute determination to implement the commander's instructions, firmly grasp the practical orientation of high-quality development, strengthen confidence, face challenges directly, and ensure the timely completion of the established goals and tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan." At the meeting, Chairman Xi carefully listened to the speeches of six representatives and pointed out that over the past four years of implementing the "14th Five-Year Plan" for military construction, a series of major achievements have been made, but there are also many contradictions and problems. He emphasized the need to properly handle the relationship between progress and quality, cost and efficiency, overall and key aspects, development and regulation, and plan execution and capability formation, taking a path of high quality, high efficiency, low cost, and sustainable development to ensure that construction achievements can withstand the test of history and actual combat. The completion of the goals and tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan" for military construction is inseparable from the support of the national economic and social development system. Chairman Xi pointed out in his speech the need to strengthen military-civilian synergy, seize the opportunity of the vigorous development of China's new quality productive forces, improve mechanisms for agile response and rapid transformation of advanced technologies, and accelerate the development of new quality combat capabilities. Chairman Xi attached great importance to the assessment and regulation of plan execution, emphasizing the need to carry out whole-process professional assessment to evaluate development quality, construction efficiency, and systemic combat capabilities; and to build a complete and effective regulatory system to ensure that the completion of the plan has quality assurance, capability assurance, and integrity assurance.
The first meeting of the Executive Chairpersons of the Presidium of the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress was held on the afternoon of March 8 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Zhao Leji, Executive Chairman of the Presidium of the session and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, presided over the meeting. The meeting heard a report from Liu Qi, Executive Chairman of the Presidium of the session, Deputy Secretary-General of the session, and Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the NPC, on the deliberation and revision of the Government Work Report by the Secretariat of the session, and deliberated the draft resolution on the Government Work Report. The meeting heard a report from Zhong Shan, Chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Committee, on the review results of the implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the draft 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and deliberated the review results report. The meeting heard a report from Xu Hongcai, Vice Chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Committee, on the review results of the implementation of the 2024 central and local budgets and the draft 2025 central and local budgets, and deliberated the review results report. The meeting heard a report from Liu Qi on the draft resolution on the implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and the draft resolution on the implementation of the 2024 central and local budgets and the 2025 central and local budgets, and deliberated the two draft resolutions. The meeting heard a report from Xin Chunying, Chairperson of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, on the review results of the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses at all levels, and deliberated the draft decision on amending the Law on Deputies. The meeting agreed to submit the aforementioned drafts, reports, etc., to the second meeting of the Presidium of the session for deliberation.
The Presidium of the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress held its second meeting on the afternoon of March 8 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Zhao Leji, Executive Chairman of the Presidium, presided over the meeting. On the afternoons of March 5 and mornings of March 6, the delegations carefully deliberated the Government Work Report. The representatives fully affirmed the work of the State Council over the past year and generally agreed with the arrangements for the government's work this year. During the deliberation, the representatives also put forward some opinions and suggestions. The State Council revised the Government Work Report based on the deliberation opinions of the representatives and opinions from relevant parties. The Executive Chairpersons of the Presidium, based on the deliberation opinions of the representatives and the revisions to the report, suggested approving the Government Work Report and drafted the resolution on the Government Work Report. After voting, the meeting decided to submit the draft resolution on the Government Work Report of the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress to the delegations for deliberation. Zhong Shan, Chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Committee, reported to the meeting on the committee's review results regarding the implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the draft 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan. The Financial and Economic Committee recommended that the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress approve the Report on the Implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the Draft 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan submitted by the State Council, and approve the draft 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan. Xu Hongcai, Vice Chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Committee, reported to the meeting on the committee's review results regarding the implementation of the 2024 central and local budgets and the draft 2025 central and local budgets. The Financial and Economic Committee recommended that the Third Session of the 14th National People's Congress approve the Report on the Implementation of the 2024 Central and Local Budgets and the Draft 2025 Central and Local Budgets submitted by the State Council, approve the draft 2025 central budget, and also approve the 2025 local government general debt limit and special debt limit. After voting, the meeting adopted the two review results reports of the Financial and Economic Committee. On the afternoons of March 6 and mornings of March 7, the delegations carefully reviewed the plan report and draft plan, and the budget report and draft budget. The State Council revised the plan report and draft plan, and the budget report, respectively, based on the review opinions of the representatives. The Executive Chairpersons of the Presidium, based on the review opinions of the representatives, the revisions to the reports and drafts, and the review results reports of the Financial and Economic Committee, suggested approving the plan report and draft plan, and the budget report and draft central budget, and drafted two resolutions on the plan report and plan, and the budget report and budget. After voting, the meeting decided to submit the draft resolution on the implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and the draft resolution on the implementation of the 2024 central and local budgets and the 2025 central and local budgets, to the delegations for deliberation. On the afternoon of March 7, the delegations carefully deliberated the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses at all levels. The NPC Constitution and Law Committee, based on the deliberation opinions of the delegations, deliberated the draft amendment and proposed a draft decision on amending the Law on Deputies. The Presidium meeting heard a report from Xin Chunying, Chairperson of the Constitution and Law Committee, on the committee's review results regarding the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies. After voting, the meeting adopted this review results report and the draft decision on amending the Law on Deputies, and decided to submit the draft decision on amending the Law on Deputies to the delegations for deliberation.
National People's Congress (NPC) deputies attending the third session of the 14th NPC focused on national economy and people's livelihoods, actively offering advice and suggestions. They stated that they would unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, forge ahead, work diligently, successfully complete the goals and tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan," and continuously create new prospects for economic and social development. Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, said while participating in the deliberation of the Shanxi delegation that he fully supported the Government Work Report. He emphasized that trade unions at all levels should firmly uphold the "Two Establishes" and resolutely achieve the "Two Safeguards," earnestly perform their basic duties of safeguarding rights and providing services, deepen the reform of the industrial worker contingent construction, unite and guide millions of workers to unswervingly follow the Party, and fully leverage the role of the working class as the main force in advancing Chinese modernization. Xiao Jie, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Hubei delegation that he fully supported the Government Work Report. Over the past year, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core united and led the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups to successfully complete the main goals and tasks of economic and social development for the year, and Chinese modernization took new solid steps. He stressed the need to solidly promote high-quality development, further comprehensively deepen reforms, expand high-level opening up, and achieve high-quality completion of the "14th Five-Year Plan" goals and tasks. Zheng Jianbang, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC and Chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, said while participating in the deliberation of the Shandong delegation that he fully supported the Government Work Report. In 2024, the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee outlined a grand blueprint for further comprehensively deepening reforms and advancing Chinese modernization. The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core made far-sighted and decisive decisions, effectively boosting social confidence and significantly improving the economy. He emphasized the need to strengthen confidence and work diligently to promote effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy. Ding Zhongli, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Jilin delegation that he fully supported the Government Work Report. In 2024, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the State Council and its constituent departments adhered to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, strengthened and innovated macroeconomic regulation and control, promoted economic recovery and improvement, comprehensively deepened reform and expanded opening up, vigorously promoted innovation-driven development, maintained social harmony and stability, and successfully completed the annual main tasks and goals. Hao Mingjin, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Zhejiang delegation that the Government Work Report was guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and he fully supported it. He emphasized the need to firmly uphold the "Two Establishes" and resolutely achieve the "Two Safeguards," unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, resolutely implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, unite as one and strive in solidarity, and continuously achieve new successes on the new journey of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Anhui delegation that in 2024, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we successfully completed the main goals and tasks of economic and social development for the year. In 2025, we must firmly grasp the struggle goals and central tasks of the new journey, pool wisdom and strength to plan for the "15th Five-Year Plan" development, focus on high-quality development, deeply advance the modernization of the governance system and governance capacity, adhere to a people-centered approach, and guide the whole society to jointly seek development. He Wei, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Hunan delegation that the Government Work Report profoundly demonstrated China's comprehensive advantages and valuable experience in high-quality development and fully illustrated the decisive significance of firmly upholding the "Two Establishes" and resolutely achieving the "Two Safeguards." He stated the need to align thoughts and actions with the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, coordinate livelihood protection with expanding domestic demand, promote the development of new quality productive forces adapted to local conditions through artificial intelligence, and strive to ensure the smooth and steady progress of Chinese modernization. Wu Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Hainan delegation that in 2024, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the entire Party and people nationwide united and struggled, overcame difficulties, and successfully completed the goals and tasks of economic and social development for the year. The Government Work Report is a good report that is factual, reform-oriented, consensus-building, and inspiring, and he fully supported it. In 2025, we must continue to strengthen confidence and forge ahead, successfully conclude the "14th Five-Year Plan," and lay a solid foundation for the start of the "15th Five-Year Plan." Tie Ning, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the NPC, said while participating in the deliberation of the Hubei delegation that she fully supported the Government Work Report. The development process over the past year was extraordinary, and the achievements fully demonstrated that the "Two Establishes" are of decisive significance for us to cope with various risks and challenges and advance Chinese modernization. Amidst the call for further comprehensive deepening of reforms in the new era, it is necessary to strengthen determination and confidence, bravely undertake responsibilities, and strive to write new chapters in the high-quality development of NPC work and cultural work. In deliberating the Work Report of the Standing Committee of the NPC, the representatives believed that over the past year, the Standing Committee of the NPC adhered to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide, performed its duties according to law, and made new progress in various undertakings.
Members attending the Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) continued their group discussions. Jiang Zuojun, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a group discussion with members from the sector of foreign friendly exchanges that "we must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishes,' resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' leverage the characteristics of the China Zhi Gong Party in connecting with overseas Chinese and those with overseas ties, actively offer advice and suggestions, broadly build consensus, and make positive contributions to the construction of Chinese modernization." He Baoqiang, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a group discussion with members from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang sector that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech when visiting members from the China Democratic League, China Association for Promoting Democracy, and education circles was profound and inspiring. He emphasized that the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang should bear in mind the entrustment, offer advice and suggestions for the scientific formulation of the "15th Five-Year Plan," and promote a plan that meets the needs of the times and the expectations of the people. Wang Guangqian, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a group discussion with members from the China Democratic League sector that the China Democratic League should deeply study the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the joint group meeting of members from the China Democratic League, China Association for Promoting Democracy, and education circles, focus on investigations and research and offer advice and suggestions on the overall goals of advancing Chinese modernization and the strategic deployment of deepening reforms, demonstrating responsibility and initiative. Members participating in the Third Session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee believed, in their discussions of the "Two Highs" reports (Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate), that the work of the two judicial organs fully embodied the people-centered development philosophy and demonstrated their judicial commitment to safeguarding fairness and justice.
The "Deputies' Passage" of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) opened again today (March 8), with six NPC deputies stepping onto the passage to meet and interact with reporters. The first to appear was NPC Deputy Ma Xinqiang, who shared the story of how China's high-end laser processing equipment went from being heavily reliant on imports to achieving an independent product rate of over 90%, and how China's laser industry entered the global leading ranks. NPC Deputy He Xiaopeng shared examples of how technology changes lives, stating that a new era of artificial intelligence is arriving, which will drive the advent of autonomous driving and even driverless cars, and that the automotive industry is integrating with robotics. NPC Deputy Yang Baoling, who has been rooted in rural areas for over 40 years, shared her story of leading her fellow villagers to continuously develop and expand the collective economy, transforming former saline-alkali land into a "green bank" for their prosperity. On today's "Deputies' Passage," NPC Deputies Cai Qiang, Pei Hongxia, and Sheng Hong also answered reporters' questions on topics such as the Hainan Free Trade Port, talent education, and community work.
Today (March 8), the second "Ministers' Passage" of the Two Sessions opened, with responsible officials from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs answering questions from reporters. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment, stated that over the past decade, there have been fundamental and transformative changes in China's ecological environment. The improvement in ecological environmental quality can be summarized as "below 30, across 90." "Below 30" refers to the average concentration of PM2.5 dropping below 30 micrograms per cubic meter last year. "Across 90" means the proportion of excellent surface water quality sections has crossed the 90% threshold. Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources, said that water conservancy departments, while strengthening flood early warning and dispatch, actively promoted the construction of three systems: basin flood control, precipitation and water condition monitoring and forecasting, and flood and drought disaster defense. In 2024, 6,929 large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide were put into flood control operation, intercepting 147.1 billion cubic meters of floodwater, reducing flooded cultivated land by 16.87 million mu, and avoiding the relocation of 11.15 million people, maximally ensuring the safety of people's lives and property and minimizing losses from flood disasters. Han Jun, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, stated that last year, China's grain output for the first time reached a new high of over 1.4 trillion jin, an increase of 22.18 billion jin, overcoming the impact of relatively severe high temperatures and droughts, extreme floods, and super typhoons. This was a rich and stable harvest on a high base, and the achievement was hard-won. This year's Government Work Report includes "grain output of around 1.4 trillion jin" as one of the main expected goals. This figure has undergone strict scientific argumentation and is supported by technology, input, and policies. Although China's per capita grain availability exceeds the world average, grain supply remains in "tight balance," and significant efforts are still needed to maintain a rich and stable harvest on a high base. In addition, the three ministers also answered reporters' questions on issues such as the relationship between economic development and environmental protection, maintaining the health of rivers and lakes, and consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation.
The Constitution and Law Committee of the 14th National People's Congress convened a full meeting on the evening of March 7 to conduct a unified review of the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses at all levels, based on the deliberation opinions of various delegations. The members of the Constitution and Law Committee unanimously agreed that the Law on Deputies is a fundamental law that regulates and guarantees NPC deputies' exercise of their functions and powers, fulfillment of their obligations, and role in accordance with the law. Amending the Law on Deputies is an important measure to implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as the spirit of the Central Conference on NPC Work. It is conducive to fully implementing the Constitution, improving the institutional system of whole-process people's democracy, giving full play to the role of NPC deputies, and is of great significance for upholding, improving, and operating the people's congress system well, fully leveraging the unique advantages of socialist democratic politics with Chinese characteristics, and better transforming institutional advantages into governance effectiveness. During the amendment process of the Law on Deputies, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress deliberated the draft amendment twice, solicited public opinions twice, organized NPC deputies to study and discuss, and adopted various methods to solicit opinions from all sectors, especially from NPC deputies at all levels. The draft amendment is now relatively mature and complete. In accordance with relevant legal provisions, the Constitution and Law Committee will submit a report on the review results of the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies and a draft decision on amending the Law on Deputies to the Presidium of the session, and the Presidium will decide to submit the draft decision on amendment to the various delegations for deliberation.
Today (March 8) marks International Women's Day, and various regions organized rich and colorful activities to extend festive greetings to women. The All-China Women's Federation carried out a series of themed activities titled "Following the Party on a New Journey, Women Contributing to a New Era" to commend women in the new era. Women's federations in various localities also organized art performances, volunteer services, and exchanges and gatherings between Chinese and foreign women, showcasing the grace of women. Today, Hanzhong in Shaanxi, Changsha in Hunan, and other places organized walking events to celebrate the festival. Women in Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiong'an New Area in Hebei, Lanzhou in Gansu, Jiayin in Heilongjiang, and other places experienced traditional handicraft techniques such as velvet flower and mother-of-pearl inlay, giving themselves a special holiday gift. Caring for women's health. In recent days, Xining in Qinghai and other places have carried out free clinics and health lectures. Zhengzhou Women's Federation in Henan organized a special job fair and also guided university students in career planning and explained relevant employment policies. Showcasing the charm of women in the new era. In Yiwu, Zhejiang, women entrepreneurs shared their personal experiences of leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence to continuously improve small commodity trade. Various places in Liaoning carried out promotional talks, demonstrating the power of women in the comprehensive revitalization of the Northeast in the new era.
As International Women's Day approaches, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the All-China Women's Federation jointly released the advanced deeds of the 2025 "Most Beautiful Women Fighters" to the whole society. Ten national March 8th Red-Banner Pacesetters were honorably selected: Wang Zhiqin, Mayinuer Niyazi, Li Nalou, Yang Shuting, Jin Meilin, Zhao Hailing, Zhao Chunling, Huang Hongying, Cui Yufang, and Liang Daihua.
Over 36,000 elevator renovation projects supported by ultra-long-term special government bonds have commenced. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development announced that as of February this year, 36,000 elevators nationwide have started renovation projects supported by ultra-long-term special government bond funds. China has allocated 6.2 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bond funds to support the renovation of 41,000 old residential elevators across the country, benefiting nearly 1.7 million households. First two months see 200% increase in China's first free trade zone China-Europe freight train services. Xiamen Customs announced that the China-Europe (Xiamen) freight train service, the first international freight train route originating from a free trade pilot zone in China, dispatched 33 trains in the first two months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 200%. Since its launch in August 2015, Xiamen Customs has supervised a cumulative total of 1,369 China-Europe (Xiamen) freight trains, carrying 118,100 TEUs of goods with a total value of 35.087 billion yuan. Major breakthrough in oil and gas exploration in China's Beibu Gulf waters. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced a high-yield oil and gas flow in the Weizhou oilfield in China's Beibu Gulf waters. An exploration well nearly 5,000 meters underwater discovered an oil and gas reservoir 283 meters thick, with test production yielding approximately 370,000 cubic meters of natural gas and 102 tons of crude oil per day, marking a major breakthrough in oil and gas exploration in the Beibu Gulf.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that from the night of March 6 to the early morning of March 7, the Russian army used high-precision long-range weapons and drones to conduct cluster strikes on energy facilities supporting the Ukrainian military. Ukraine stated on March 7 that the attacks caused power outages in many areas, and the Ukrainian army shot down more than 130 Russian targets, and for the first time used French-supplied "Mirage-2000" fighter jets in operations on March 7. US President Trump said on March 7 that he was considering imposing large-scale sanctions on Russia, including those targeting the banking sector, and imposing additional tariffs. Russia has not yet responded to this. Ukraine receives proceeds from frozen Russian assets from UK; Russian official says UK action violates international law. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on March 7 that Ukraine received 750 million pounds from the UK for defense, with the funds coming from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin stated that the UK's actions gravely violate international law. Maxar Technologies said on March 7 that due to the US suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, the company's account providing US-owned satellite imagery to Ukraine has been suspended.
OIC Backs Egypt's Gaza Reconstruction Plan. The special meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on the Palestine issue convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 7, focusing on how to address Israel's ongoing expulsion of the Palestinian people. OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed support for the Gaza Strip reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt and adopted by the emergency Arab summit recently. Egypt stated on March 7 that a delegation from the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) arrived in Cairo on the same day to participate in discussions on advancing the second phase of the Gaza Strip ceasefire negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Says No Talks with US Under Sanctions and Threats. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated on March 7 that Iran would not engage in direct talks with the US on the nuclear issue as long as the US continues its "maximum pressure" policy, including unilateral sanctions and threats against Iran. Amir-Abdollahian reiterated the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. US President Donald Trump recently urged Iran to negotiate with the US on the nuclear issue in an interview with American media, warning of potential military action otherwise. German Industrial Orders Fall 7% in January. Data released by the German Federal Statistical Office on March 7 showed that, after seasonal and calendar adjustments, new industrial orders in Germany fell by 7% month-on-month in January, mainly concentrated in the machinery manufacturing industry and transportation equipment manufacturing, such as aircraft, ships, and trains. Domestic new orders significantly decreased, dropping by 13.2% month-on-month; foreign new orders fell by 2.3% month-on-month. France Transfers Two Military Bases to Senegal. The French Embassy in Senegal announced on March 7 that France transferred two military bases to the Senegalese government on the same day, and plans to transfer the remaining three military bases to Senegal by the end of the year. Currently, approximately 350 French soldiers are stationed in Senegal. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye requested in late last year that France begin withdrawing its troops from 2025. In recent years, France has successively withdrawn troops from several African countries, including Mali and Niger. Yoon Suk-yeol Released; Korean Prosecutors Say Case Will Continue. Regarding the Seoul Central District Court's approval on March 7 to cancel the detention of President Yoon Suk-yeol, the South Korean prosecution today (March 8) decided to drop its appeal and release Yoon Suk-yeol. This afternoon, Yoon Suk-yeol left the Seoul Detention Center and returned to the presidential residence. The prosecution stated that after Yoon Suk-yeol's release, he will stand trial for his impeachment case and other cases while not in custody. According to South Korean media reports, a verdict on Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment case is expected in mid-March.
Across the vast land of China, the vibrancy of spring is gradually deepening. The boundless wetlands offer infinite beauty. As the program concludes, let us journey together into spring in China.
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