General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to steadily expand institutional opening up and continuously broaden the scope of international cooperation. Since the beginning of this year, China has accelerated the implementation of a series of measures to build a higher-level new system for an open economy, promote high-quality development of the Chinese economy, and bring more new opportunities to the world. In the spring, China has seen a continuous stream of heads of well-known multinational corporations and international organizations, who all regard China as the focus of their global布局 and a partner for open cooperation. From the recently concluded China Development Forum to the ongoing Boao Forum for Asia, many international figures are witnessing the vibrant vitality and new opportunities brought about by China's high-level opening up. Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization. General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly observed the general trends of domestic and international development, scientifically planned, and made strategic decisions to improve the system and mechanisms for high-level opening up, promoting the implementation of a series of major strategic measures for opening up. Not long ago, during his inspection tour in Guizhou and Yunnan, the General Secretary emphasized, in light of local realities, that Yunnan should build itself into a radiating center for South and Southeast Asia, and Guizhou should actively integrate into a comprehensive opening-up pattern of internal and external linkages on land and sea, and two-way interaction between east and west, pointing the direction for further opening up in various regions. Since the beginning of this year, a series of opening-up measures have been accelerated. The "Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment in 2025" was released, proposing 20 measures from aspects such as orderly expanding independent opening up, improving investment promotion levels, and enhancing the effectiveness of open platforms. On January 1, the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement officially entered into force, with over 95% of product tariff lines achieving zero tariffs between the two sides. As of now, China has signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, and trade with free trade partners accounts for about one-third of China's foreign trade, continuously expanding its free trade "circle of friends." From February 1, 297 new items were added to the "zero-tariff" raw and auxiliary materials list for the Hainan Free Trade Port. Currently, the free trade port's policy and institutional system, including "zero tariffs and low tax rates," is gradually being built, and all construction projects for independent customs operations have been completed. The first batch of 13 foreign-invested enterprises were officially approved to operate value-added telecommunications services, and the first wholly foreign-owned tertiary general hospital opened in Tianjin, accelerating the pace of opening up in the service sector. High-level opening up is accelerating the flow of people, logistics, and capital. In the three months since the implementation of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, more than 8.8 million foreign nationals have entered China through various ports nationwide, an increase of 34.9% year-on-year. In the first two months of this year, freight transported by trains on the New Western Land-Sea Corridor increased by nearly 60% year-on-year, and import and export cargo volume of China-Europe freight trains increased by 15.4% year-on-year. In the first two months of this year, a total of 7,574 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, a year-on-year increase of 5.8%; actual investment from the UK and Germany in China increased by 87.9% and 54.7% respectively. Numerous multinational corporations have cast a "vote of confidence" in China with "real money." In Taicang, Jiangsu, a German-funded enterprise consistently reinvests 30% of its net profit in China each year, and its newly built second-phase factory will be put into operation in the second half of the year, doubling its production capacity. In Shanghai, the world's largest Legoland Park, in terms of opening scale, is undergoing final installation and debugging and will officially welcome visitors this summer. Promoting reform and development through opening up is a successful practice of China's reform and development. This year, China will solidly advance a series of major high-level opening-up measures. It will fully implement the negative list for cross-border service trade, steadily promote the opening up of the service sector, and push for expanded pilot programs in fields such as telecommunications, healthcare, and education; it will also revise and expand the "Catalogue of Industries Encouraging Foreign Investment," focusing on adding entries in advanced manufacturing, modern services, high-tech, and other fields. An open China is closely connected with the world, promoting high-quality development of the Chinese economy through high-level opening up and bringing more new opportunities to the world.
The 34th Chairperson's Meeting of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was held in Beijing on the 26th. Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. The meeting conveyed and studied the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's recent important speeches and instructions. Wang Huning stated that it is necessary to deeply study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches during the Two Sessions, profoundly understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishes," and resolutely uphold the "Two Maintenances." Focusing on implementing the major policies and decisions of the CPC Central Committee, it is essential to conscientiously organize and implement various annual work priorities and plans, conduct in-depth investigations and research, actively consult and deliberate on state affairs, and extensively gather popular support, consensus, wisdom, and strength for the high-quality accomplishment of the "14th Five-Year Plan" goals and a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan." It is necessary to deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on the construction of a peaceful China, focusing on in-depth research and deliberation on issues such as implementing the holistic approach to national security, improving people's well-being, perfecting the social governance system, and preventing and resolving various risks and hidden dangers, so as to offer genuine advice, build consensus, and contribute to building a higher-level peaceful China. It is necessary to deeply study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches during his inspection tours in Guizhou and Yunnan, thoroughly comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on strengthening the Party's work style and the spirit of the Central Eight Provisions and their detailed rules for implementation, solidly carry out education on in-depth implementation of the Central Eight Provisions, consolidate and deepen the achievements of thematic education and Party discipline education, and push forward comprehensive strict Party governance in a profound manner, ensuring that all decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee are effectively implemented within the CPPCC. The meeting reviewed and approved the "Selection of Key Proposals for the Third Session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and Supervision Methods" and the revised "Regulations on the Inspection and Investigation Work of Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference." The meeting reviewed and approved the decision to revoke the qualifications of Tang Yong, Dang Yanbao, and Li Minji as members of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, which will be submitted to the 12th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee for ratification. Vice Chairpersons of the CPPCC National Committee Zhou Qiang, Batyr, and Gao Yunlong delivered speeches on studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's recent important speeches and instructions.
Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, conducted a research tour in Hainan from March 24 to 25. He emphasized the need to earnestly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches, solidly advance the construction of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics, and strive to build the Hainan Free Trade Port into an important gateway leading China's new era of opening up. Ding Xuexiang visited the Hainan Social Management Information Platform, Haikou Meilan Airport Port, and Xinhua Port "second line customs" to research preparations for independent customs operations and understand the progress in improving supervision models and strengthening facility and equipment construction. Ding Xuexiang stated that supporting Hainan to gradually explore and steadily advance the construction of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. This year is the year for independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port. All preparatory work must be done meticulously to ensure smooth, orderly, and foolproof operations, ensuring a successful "first battle." He emphasized the need to deeply conduct stress tests for "opening the first line and managing the second line," effectively implement smart and credit-based supervision, and truly achieve both "free flow" and "effective control." Ding Xuexiang visited the Haikou International Duty-Free City, Hainan Free Trade Port One-Stop Aircraft Industrial Maintenance Base, and Hainan Chang'an International Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., to research the implementation of the offshore duty-free shopping policy and learn about the development of industries such as aircraft maintenance services and biomedicine. Ding Xuexiang stressed the need to scientifically plan reforms, opening up, and high-quality development before and after independent customs operations, and accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system with Hainan's characteristics and advantages. He also urged accelerating the implementation of core policies of the free trade port and stimulating the inherent动力 of various business entities. Ding Xuexiang visited the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site to research the planning, construction, and operation management of the launch site, and held discussions with enterprises to listen to their opinions and suggestions. Ding Xuexiang pointed out that commercial aerospace has broad development prospects and that it is necessary to fully leverage the advantages of the new nationwide system to accelerate breakthroughs in key core technologies, strengthen integrated innovation and the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements, and promote the improvement of commercial aerospace capabilities and reduction of costs. He emphasized strengthening full-process risk prevention and control to ensure the high-quality development of commercial aerospace with high-level safety. Ding Xuexiang also visited Wendang County Liandong Middle School to research rural basic education and interact with teachers and students. Ding Xuexiang stressed the need to promote balanced and integrated development of compulsory education in urban and rural areas, care for rural teachers, improve school conditions, and allow children to enjoy quality education and grow up healthily and happily.
Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, separately met with Vice President Yosiwo Palik of the Federated States of Micronesia and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Chimed Gantulga of Mongolia in Boao, Hainan on March 26, who are in China to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025. During his meeting with Palik, Ding Xuexiang stated that last year, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Simina, reaching important consensus that pointed the direction for the development of China-Micronesia relations. Both sides should deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, actively expand cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, infrastructure, and marine economy, and jointly address climate change to continuously advance the China-Micronesia comprehensive strategic partnership. Palik expressed Micronesia's high appreciation for the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Micronesia will adhere to the One-China principle and firmly support China's position on core interests concerning Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. It will deepen cooperation with China and jointly address climate change. During his meeting with Gantulga, Ding Xuexiang stated that China and Mongolia are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and developing long-term good-neighborly relations fully conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China is willing to work with Mongolia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, guided by building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future featuring peaceful coexistence, mutual support, and win-win cooperation, consolidate political mutual trust, continue to expand cooperation, and continuously advance China-Mongolia relations. Gantulga stated that Mongolia firmly adheres to the One-China principle and is willing to advance cooperation with China in areas such as connectivity, energy and minerals, and high technology, to jointly benefit the two peoples.
On March 26, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in Beijing. Han Zheng stated that over the past year, China-Singapore relations have developed steadily and deeply. A series of meetings between President Xi Jinping and Singaporean leaders have pointed the direction for the next stage of China-Singapore relations. China's development has benefited from reform and opening up, and in the future, it will continue to firmly commit to high-level opening up and promote high-quality development. China is willing to take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to continue to give full play to the role of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote greater development of the all-round high-quality forward-looking partnership between China and Singapore, and make new contributions to regional and world peace and development. Heng Swee Keat highly praised China's development achievements, stating that under the current circumstances, all parties should adhere to openness and cooperation and uphold multilateral mechanisms. Singapore is willing to continue to actively participate in China's development process and is full of confidence in the future development of Singapore-China relations.
Carrying out in-depth education on implementing the spirit of the Central Eight Provisions is an important measure to consolidate and deepen the achievements of thematic education and Party discipline education, and to profoundly advance comprehensive strict Party governance. It is also a strong guarantee for further comprehensively deepening reforms and advancing Chinese modernization. In recent days, various regions, departments, and units have thoroughly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on strengthening the Party's work style, carefully planned and deployed, and focused on key learning points, promoting the in-depth and solid progress of learning and education. Starting today (March 26), "Xinwen Lianbo" will launch a special column titled "Unremittingly Implementing the Spirit of the Central Eight Provisions," showcasing the progress and practical results of learning and education in various regions, departments, and units. The theoretical study central group of the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee adopted methods such as group study and concentrated discussions, learning and comprehending General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on strengthening the Party's work style in their original form, and studying chapter by chapter the Central Eight Provisions and their detailed rules for implementation, driving the solid progress of learning and education throughout the province. The Standing Committee of the Shandong Provincial Party Committee formulated work arrangements for taking the lead in carrying out learning and education, refining monthly key tasks, and clarifying timelines, specific requirements, and so on. The Provincial Party Committee organized a special study session on in-depth implementation of the Central Eight Provisions, guiding various localities, departments, and units to set up working groups, and promoting the orderly and effective progress of learning and education throughout the province through "three meetings and one lesson," theme Party days, and other methods. The Standing Committee of the Gansu Provincial Party Committee took the lead in organizing a study session, conscientiously studying and comprehending "Excerpts from Xi Jinping's Discourses on Strengthening the Party's Work Style" and the Central Eight Provisions and their detailed rules for implementation, setting an example for Party organizations at all levels across the province to deeply study and understand, examine and analyze, and integrate learning, investigation, and rectification. Hubei Province, through various forms such as organizing study sessions and special Party lectures, guided Party members and cadres throughout the province to unremittingly implement the Central Eight Provisions and their detailed rules for implementation, highlighting problem-orientation, systematically and deeply identifying problems, and pinpointing shortcomings; it also focused on public participation, widely solicited opinions, and effectively integrated learning and education into serving the people.
As a major province for the private economy, how can Jiangsu implement concrete measures, remove obstacles, and strengthen supply to address the "urgent concerns" of private enterprises and provide better policy support and a development environment for the private economy? Today (March 26), in "Promoting High-Quality Development of the Private Economy: Authoritative Interview," we will hear from the Central Radio and Television Station's exclusive interview with Xin Changxing, Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee. Private enterprises in Jiangsu account for about 98% of the total number of enterprises in the province, and contribute about 60% of the province's total economic output. Xin Changxing stated that, in line with the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches at the symposium on private enterprises and the Two Sessions, the entire province of Jiangsu has unified its thinking and carried out a series of tasks for the high-quality development of the private economy, with "implementation" becoming the core keyword. Implementing concrete measures and removing obstacles. Jiangsu has established a provincial key industrial project database for private investment, with 200 projects enjoying the same treatment as provincial major projects in terms of land, forest, and environmental impact assessment guarantees. This year, Jiangsu will also further improve laws and regulations at the legislative level to escort the development of private enterprises both at home and abroad. Next, Jiangsu will further strengthen the principal position of enterprises in innovation, starting from four aspects: having more major breakthrough tasks undertaken by private enterprises, increasing the opening of scientific and technological innovation platforms to private enterprises, promoting the transformation of more scientific and technological achievements into private enterprises, and strengthening the guarantee of innovation development factors for private enterprises, so as to turn scientific and technological achievements into tangible productive forces.
Reporters learned from the Ministry of Commerce today (March 26) that the Shanghai Free Trade Zone has made active achievements in aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules and conducting pilot reforms ahead of schedule. After more than a year of piloting, 80 pilot measures have been basically implemented, and a number of leading and landmark institutional innovations have been carried out. The Shanghai Data Exchange has built the first data trading alliance chain in the country, with over 100 data products listed for trading; a standardization cooperation platform for foreign-invested enterprises has been established to support foreign-invested enterprises in participating equally in the formulation and revision of standards; and the construction of an international transit and consolidation center has been accelerated, reducing the time from cargo berthing to shipment by 50%. The Ministry of Commerce stated that it will work with relevant parties to continuously promote the full implementation and effectiveness of the pilot measures, and for pilot measures that meet the conditions, they will be replicated and promoted to a larger scope in a timely manner.
The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 held a total of 21 sub-forums, roundtables, dialogues, and other events today (March 26). Among them, at the "AI: How to Balance Application and Governance?" sub-forum, industry experts and leaders from the field of artificial intelligence discussed issues surrounding the promotion of AI application and governance, building Boao consensus to promote technological justice. At the "Accelerating the Construction of a New Energy System for a Green Future" sub-forum, participating guests stated that around the construction of a safe, systemic, efficient, and intelligent new energy system, it is necessary to comprehensively improve the innovative efficiency of constructing a new energy system by increasing investment in scientific and technological innovation.
First Expansion of National Carbon Emission Trading Market The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced today (March 26) the expansion of the national carbon emission trading market to include the steel, cement, and aluminum smelting industries, which together account for approximately 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually, representing over 20% of the total national carbon dioxide emissions. With this expansion, the national carbon emission trading market will cover over 60% of the total national carbon dioxide emissions. International Consumption Center Cities See Doubled Inbound Foreigner Numbers in 2024 Reporters learned from the Ministry of Commerce that over the past three years of construction, the five international consumption center cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing have continuously improved their international consumption environment. In 2024, the number of inbound foreigners in these five cities increased by approximately 100% year-on-year. Duty-free shops for departure refunds in these cities account for about 60% of the national total, and sales of duty-free goods for departure refunds account for over 70% of the national total. China Launches "Skills Illuminate Future" Training Initiative The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance recently launched the "Skills Illuminate Future" training initiative. By the end of 2027, this initiative aims to provide training and promote employment for key groups such as rural migrant workers with employment and training aspirations, focusing on key areas such as elderly care, childcare, and advanced manufacturing, and aligning with market demand and vocational skill requirements. "China Food and Nutrition Development Program (2025-2030)" Released Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued the "China Food and Nutrition Development Program (2025-2030)," proposing six key tasks, including increasing the supply and consumption of high-quality protein foods. The goal is to improve China's diversified food supply system and shift food consumption patterns towards a more nutritious and healthy type by 2030. Newly Promulgated 2025 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia to Be Implemented on October 1 The National Medical Products Administration and the National Health Commission recently promulgated the 2025 edition of the "Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China." The Pharmacopoeia consists of four volumes, primarily covering traditional Chinese medicine, chemical drugs, biological products, general technical requirements, and pharmaceutical excipients and packaging materials. It will officially come into effect on October 1. From the date of implementation, all marketing authorization holders and manufactured and marketed drugs shall comply with the relevant requirements of the new edition of the Pharmacopoeia. Sixth Season of "Guopin Action" Launched The sixth season of "Guopin Action," jointly initiated by China Media Group, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, the All-China Women's Federation, and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, was launched today (March 26). Since its launch in 2020, the event has been held for six consecutive seasons, offering over 8 million job positions and becoming an important platform to help stabilize employment and ensure people's livelihoods.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 25th that over the past day, Russian forces had taken control of one settlement each in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions and carried out strikes against Ukrainian forces in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and other directions. In the border areas of Russia's Kursk region, Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Ukrainian strongholds. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated on the same day that Ukrainian forces resisted Russian advances in multiple locations. The Ukrainian side also claimed to have attacked a concentration point of Russian forces in the Kursk region. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States Announce Results of Riyadh Talks Separately On the 25th, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States separately announced the main outcomes of the Russia-US and Ukraine-US talks in Riyadh. The talks focused on technical issues, primarily reaching consensus on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea and ceasing attacks on energy facilities. According to information released by Russia, the United States will also promote the restoration of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers' access to world markets. Additionally, according to Russian media reports, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said on the 25th that Russia had already expressed to the United States its position of not accepting "empty documents" before the Riyadh talks. The Ukrainian side stated on the 25th that Ukraine had not reached any consensus with the US or Russia on territorial issues.
According to Palestinian media reports, Israeli forces continued to bomb various locations in the Gaza Strip early today (March 26), resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including 5 children. Since March 18, the death toll from Israeli operations has exceeded 800. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on March 25 that he had approved the Israeli military's plan to continue operations in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Parliament on March 25 voted to approve the largest government budget in Israel's history, with total expenditures, excluding debt repayment, exceeding 168 billion US dollars. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that this budget would meet all needs to ensure an Israeli victory. On the same day, a large number of Israelis gathered around the Israeli Knesset building to protest, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation.
Data released by the Conference Board on the 25th showed that the US consumer confidence index for March was 92.9, falling for the fourth consecutive month to its lowest level since January 2021. The consumer expectations index, which reflects short-term income prospects, business, and labor market conditions, fell to 65.2, its lowest level in 12 years. A decline in the consumer expectations index below 80 is often a signal of an impending economic recession. Survey data also showed an increase in consumer concerns about US trade policy, particularly tariff policies.
Indonesia Decides to Join New Development Bank to Promote National Development Transformation Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stated on March 25 that the Indonesian government has decided to officially join the New Development Bank to strengthen cooperation with developing countries and multilateral institutions and promote national development transformation. The New Development Bank was established in 2015 to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies and developing countries. New German Bundestag Convenes, Scholz Government Dissolved The new German Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, convened on March 25 and held its first plenary session. Julia Klöckner of the Christian Democratic Union was elected as the Speaker of the new Bundestag. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has dissolved the Scholz government, but members of the Scholz government will continue to perform their duties until a new government is formed. Currently, the German Union Party, to which the CDU belongs, and the Social Democratic Party led by Scholz are still in negotiations for forming a coalition government. South Korean Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung Acquitted in Appellate Trial The Seoul High Court today (March 26) overturned the first-instance ruling and acquitted Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, in his appeal trial for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act. The prosecution stated it would appeal the decision. Two French Aerobatic Team Planes Collide On March 25, two planes from the French Air Force's "Patrouille de France" aerobatic team collided during a training flight in the Haute-Marne department in eastern France. The aircraft involved were two Alpha Jets. According to French media reports, the two pilots and one passenger on board successfully ejected and are currently receiving medical treatment. The accident also caused a fire in a building on the ground. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
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