Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese President, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized the importance of afforestation in ecological civilization building while attending a voluntary tree-planting activity in Beijing on the morning of April 3. He stressed that all regions and departments should take further action to mobilize and organize cadres and the public to actively participate in tree planting and greening, practice the concept of green development, promote ecological culture, and pool powerful strength to build a beautiful China, making the motherland greener and more vibrant. As the Qingming Festival approached, Beijing, the capital city, was bathed in spring sunshine and gentle breezes. At around 10:30 AM, Party and state leaders including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, traveled together by car to the Yongding River bank in Fengtai District to participate in voluntary tree-planting with cadres and the public. The tree-planting site was located in a demonstration section of the Yongding River Greenway, an area with diverse water systems and a continuous 7-kilometer waterfront space, which is being developed into a riparian green corridor with both ecological conservation and recreational functions. Upon seeing the General Secretary, cadres and the public who were planting trees enthusiastically greeted him. Xi Jinping waved back, picked up a shovel, and walked to the tree-planting spot, busying himself with officials from Beijing Municipality and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, as well as cadres, the public, and young pioneers. Shoveling soil, digging pits, building tree rings, and watering... Xi Jinping successively planted several saplings, including Chinese red pine, golden-branch pagoda tree, plum blossom, wheelbarrow tree, eucommia, and yuanbao maple. While working, Xi Jinping inquired about the children's studies, lives, and physical labor. He emphasized that a good life is created through labor, and young people should love labor and nature, actively participate in public welfare activities such as tree planting, and strengthen their bodies, temper their will, and broaden their knowledge through labor, achieving all-round development in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education. The tree-planting site was bustling with a lively atmosphere. During the tree planting, Xi Jinping had cordial conversations with the cadres and the public present. He stated that China's forest coverage rate has exceeded 25%, contributing about 25% of the world's new greening area. Through continuous efforts, the Taklamakan Desert has put on a "green collar," and the Horqin Sandy Land is regaining its grassland scenery, achievements that have not come easily. The continuous improvement of the ecological environment is directly and truly felt by the people. At the same time, it must be noted that China's total forest and grassland resources are still insufficient, and their quality and efficiency are not yet high enough. Prominent problems must be effectively addressed to ensure that each year is better than the last. Xi Jinping pointed out that greening the motherland must adhere to the "three greens" approach of expanding, revitalizing, and protecting greenery, and promote the "four reservoirs" linkage of forest reservoirs: water reservoirs, money reservoirs, grain reservoirs, and carbon reservoirs. More attention should be paid to "improving quality," optimizing forest stand structures, managing forests well, and simultaneously improving grassland ecological quality. More attention should be paid to "developing industries," utilizing forest and grassland resources more effectively through reform, and strengthening the forest and grassland industry. More attention should be paid to "benefiting the people," adding greenery around them and beauty before their eyes, and expanding employment and income opportunities in forestry and grasslands. Xi Jinping emphasized that voluntary tree planting is a nationwide initiative and should be carried on from generation to generation. It is essential to enhance responsibility awareness, innovate participation methods, strengthen service support, carry out this activity in a down-to-earth manner, and continuously improve the effectiveness of afforestation and greening. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and State Councilors in Beijing also participated in the tree-planting activity.
On April 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi Jinping noted that over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both sides have developed bilateral relations based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, with continuous deepening of political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation, setting a model of friendly coexistence and common development between countries of different sizes, historical and cultural backgrounds, and social systems. He attaches great importance to the development of China-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations and is willing to work with Madam Chairperson, taking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point, to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and lead China-Bosnia and Herzegovina relations to a new level for the benefit of the two peoples. Cvijanović stated that over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Bosnia and Herzegovina and China have enjoyed mutual respect and strong friendship, achieving fruitful results in various areas of cooperation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is willing to further deepen bilateral relations with China for common prosperity.
On April 2, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President, sent a message of condolence to Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President, expressing profound condolences on the passing of former Lao Party and State President Khamtay Siphandone and extending sincere sympathies to Comrade Khamtay's family. The full text is as follows: Comrade Khamtay Siphandone, former President of the Lao Party and State, has unfortunately passed away. On behalf of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people, and in my own name, I express deep condolences to the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the Lao government, and the Lao people on the passing of Comrade Khamtay, and extend sincere sympathies to Comrade Khamtay's family. Comrade Khamtay was a staunch communist, an outstanding leader of the older generation of the Lao Party and State, and a close comrade and friend of the Chinese Party and people. He dedicated his life to Laos' reform cause and socialist construction, and made important contributions to the development of relations between the two Parties and two countries, China and Laos. The Chinese Party, government, and people will forever cherish the memory of Comrade Khamtay. China and Laos are socialist neighbors with shared mountains and rivers, good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners. China attaches great importance to consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between the two Parties and two countries, and is willing to work with Laos to promote the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future and achieve greater development in their respective socialist causes. We wish the Lao Party and State building cause continuous new and greater achievements under the strong leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee with Comrade General Secretary Thongloun at its head. Comrade Khamtay Siphandone will live forever in our hearts!
On April 3, visiting activities were organized at the former residence of Jiang Zemin, with representatives of Jiang Zemin's relatives and former staff, as well as cadres and people from Jiangsu Province, participating. It is reported that Jiang Zemin's former residence was recently opened to the public. The residence is located at No. 16 Dongquanmen, Dongguan Street, Guangling District, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and is divided into east and west courtyards. The west courtyard was where Jiang Zemin lived with his family during his childhood and youth (1929-1940), while the east courtyard serves as the main exhibition area of the former residence. The exhibition focuses on Jiang Zemin's life and is divided into three sections: "A Great and Glorious Life," "A Patriotic Intellectual Family," and "Yangzhou Will Always Be Home." The former residence is open to the public by timed reservation, from Tuesday to Sunday.
Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces are earnestly implementing the important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered during the two sessions, continuously optimizing the supply of cultural products and services, innovating and enriching consumption scenarios, fully unleashing the consumption potential of culture and tourism, and injecting new vitality into economic development. Shaanxi Innovates Consumption Scenarios to Activate New Drivers for Cultural Tourism Consumption. Entering the ancient city of Xi'an, tourists can immerse themselves in the Tang Dynasty marketplace experience in the "Chang'an Twelve Hours" themed block, or ascend the ancient city wall to deeply appreciate its ancient charm and profoundness through newly launched interactive experience projects. At the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang Museum, people can wear VR glasses to vividly recreate the underground army before their eyes. From January to February this year, Xi'an received nearly 60 million tourists, with total consumption exceeding 70 billion yuan, marking a good start for the cultural tourism industry. Implementing Consumption Boosting Actions. This year, Shaanxi has made boosting cultural tourism consumption a key focus, establishing a task force composed of 17 provincial departments. Centering on cultural tourism, specialty food, sports events, and health and wellness tourism, the province plans to arrange over 600 key provincial projects throughout the year, with a total investment of 2.8 trillion yuan, accelerating the creation of multi-format integrated service consumption scenarios and comprehensively improving the quality of "food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment" services to further stimulate the consumer market. Expanding Diverse Consumption Scenarios, Shanxi Empowers Economic and Social Development with Culture. In Datong, Shanxi, a thousand-year-old temple, ancient architectural research tours continue to be popular; in historical and cultural blocks, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage provide on-site guidance for seal carving, lacquerware, and mural reproduction, giving new vitality to traditional crafts. Since the beginning of this year, Datong has attracted over 4 million visitors by expanding new scenarios and formats such as cultural and creative products and intangible cultural heritage cuisine. Across Shanxi Province, 66 key scenic spots have cumulatively received over 17 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 20.43%. Based on its own resource endowments. This year, Shanxi has opened up new scenarios for traditional grand courtyard tours and ancient city tours, such as immersive performances, technological interactive experiences, and creative markets. It is making efforts from both expanding cultural tourism consumption supply and optimizing the cultural tourism consumption environment, further improving service facilities and enhancing reception capacity to accelerate the release of cultural and tourism consumption potential.
Xinjiang is deeply implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches, optimizing service levels, cultivating fertile ground for growth, and fully supporting the private economy to become stronger, better, and larger in Xinjiang. Today (April 3), in "Promoting High-Quality Development of the Private Economy - Authoritative Interview," China Media Group broadcast its exclusive interview with Erkin Tuniyaz, Deputy Secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee of the CPC and Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Accelerating the Development of the Private Economy. Erkin Tuniyaz stated that this year, Xinjiang will focus on optimizing the business environment and strengthening service levels to provide private enterprises with better policy support and development environment. This will provide greater space and a platform for the high-quality development of private enterprises. Currently, Xinjiang is actively implementing policies and measures to optimize the business environment, including tax cuts, refunds, cost reduction, efficiency improvement for enterprises, providing multi-channel financing support, continuously promoting the clearing of outstanding payments, and establishing a government-enterprise communication mechanism. Going forward, Xinjiang will anchor its "five major strategic positions" in the national overall picture, accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system centered on "ten major industrial clusters," further support private enterprises to invest and start businesses in Xinjiang, continuously create a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment, thoroughly implement a package of policies to reduce costs and burdens, improve and perfect government-enterprise communication platforms, and comprehensively build a亲-清 (close and clean) government-business relationship, injecting strong impetus into the development of private enterprises.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce today (April 3) issued a statement on the US announcement of "reciprocal tariffs." The Ministry of Commerce stated that China has noted that the US announced "reciprocal tariffs" on all trading partners on April 2, Eastern Time. China firmly opposes this and will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests. The US claims to have suffered losses in international trade and has raised tariffs on all trading partners under the pretext of so-called "reciprocity." This practice disregards the balanced interests achieved through multilateral trade negotiations over the years and ignores the fact that the US has long benefited greatly from international trade. The US's subjective and unilateral assessment to conclude so-called "reciprocal tariffs" does not comply with international trade rules, seriously harms the legitimate rights and interests of relevant parties, and is a typical unilateral bullying practice. Many trading partners have already expressed strong dissatisfaction and clear opposition to this. History has proven that raising tariffs cannot solve America's own problems, harming both its own interests and jeopardizing global economic development and the stability of industrial and supply chains. There are no winners in a trade war, and protectionism leads nowhere. China urges the US to immediately cancel unilateral tariff measures and properly resolve differences with trading partners through equal dialogue.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated at a regular press conference today (April 3) that the US, under the pretext of "reciprocity," has imposed additional tariffs on products imported from multiple countries, including China, which severely violates WTO rules and seriously undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system. China firmly opposes this and will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate interests. China has repeatedly emphasized that there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and protectionism leads nowhere. China urges the US to correct its wrong practices and resolve trade disputes with all countries, including China, through equal, respectful, and reciprocal consultations.
As the Qingming Festival approaches, many parts of the country are experiencing a peak in tomb-sweeping activities. This year, green and low-carbon tomb-sweeping methods are increasingly favored, with eco-friendly burial methods such as sea burials and tree burials gradually becoming a new trend. During the Qingming period, civil affairs departments have introduced various convenient measures, including online appointments, extended service hours, and free distribution of flowers, yellow ribbons, and message cards, to facilitate orderly tomb-sweeping for the public. More than 1,000 online tomb-sweeping platforms across the country have also launched online tomb-sweeping services, with civilized and green methods such as offering flowers, tying ribbons with blessings, and planting trees in memory becoming the choice of many people. Recently, civil affairs departments in Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, and other places have launched this year's sea burial services. After the boats reach the designated sea area, the families of the deceased gently scatter the ashes and flower petals into the sea, bidding farewell to their loved ones and expressing their grief. Statistics from the Ministry of Civil Affairs show that the number of sea burials nationwide is increasing year by year, with nearly 200,000 deceased having returned to nature through sea burials in the past five years. In addition to sea burials, various forms of land-saving burials such as tree burials, flower bed burials, and ash niche burials are also becoming new civilized trends. As of now, 28 provinces have introduced incentive measures for ecological burials, and the national ecological burial rate has reached 4%. Localities are increasing the construction of ecological burial facilities by setting up ecological burial zones in cemeteries and building sea burial memorial facilities and life parks, among other measures, to meet the diverse needs of the public.
During the Qingming holiday, all platforms under China Media Group (CMG) are launching special programming to promote traditional culture and foster a sense of patriotism. CCTV News Channel will broadcast a special program "Qingming: Home and Country" for three consecutive days, commemorating history and honoring martyrs through landscape narratives, visits to heroic stories, and live broadcasts of Qingming activities across the country. The General Channel will broadcast large-scale cultural programs such as "Exploring China through Bamboo Slips," "Harmony and Beauty: A Song of Coexistence," and "China's Traditional Chinese Medicine Conference." CCTV Chinese International Channel will launch "Last Words" (Season 5), showcasing the noble qualities of revolutionary martyrs. CCTV National Defense Military Channel will present the integrated media documentary "Heroes of Heaven and Earth," telling the moving stories of anti-Japanese heroes. China National Radio will launch the integrated media live broadcast "Qingming Festival: Memories of the Anti-Japanese War," and CCTV News App will launch the Qingming special program "Qingming: Home and Country, Inheritance of the Flame." In addition, all TV channels, radio frequencies, and new media platforms under CMG will launch special programming during the Qingming Festival, accompanying you to reflect on history and invigorate the spirit of striving in the new era.
China's Service Trade Grew by 9.9% in First Two Months. Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that in the first two months of this year, China's service trade experienced rapid growth, with total imports and exports of services reaching 1,309.56 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.9%. Of this, exports were 549.58 billion yuan, up 13%, and imports were 759.98 billion yuan, up 7.8%. From January to February, travel service imports and exports reached 409.8 billion yuan, a 28.9% increase. Among them, exports grew by 142.6%. Large Chinese Banks Continue to Strengthen Their Ability to Serve the Real Economy. The latest annual reports released by the six major listed banks show that as of the end of 2024, the combined loan balance of ICBC, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, and Postal Savings Bank of China exceeded 117 trillion yuan, indicating a continuous enhancement of their ability to serve the real economy. Total Cross-Regional Passenger Flow Expected to Reach 760 Million During Qingming Holiday. The Ministry of Transport estimates that during the Qingming holiday, the total cross-regional passenger flow across society will reach 760 million person-times, an increase of approximately 3% year-on-year. From 0:00 on April 3 to 24:00 on April 6, small passenger vehicles with seven seats or less will enjoy free passage on national toll roads. China Improves Price Governance Mechanism to Promote Green Development. Reporters learned from the National Development and Reform Commission today (April 3) that China will improve its price governance mechanism, establish and improve pricing mechanisms for energy storage and other areas, and refine pricing policies for local new energy transactions to better support the construction of a new power system and promote green and low-carbon transformation. China to Promote Coordinated Approval for Land, Forest, Grass, and Sea Use. Reporters recently learned from the Ministry of Natural Resources that natural resources and forestry and grassland authorities at all levels in China will accelerate the implementation of coordinated approval for land, forest, grass, and sea use, streamlining and consolidating required documents, optimizing and adjusting handling procedures, and promoting the goal of "one-stop service" for factor guarantees, achieving "only one visit" and "one entry and exit point." National Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters Office and Ministry of Emergency Management Issue Orange Alert for High Forest Fire Risk. Recently, most parts of North China, southern Northeast China, northern East China, western Southwest China, and eastern Northwest China have experienced moderate to severe meteorological droughts. It is expected that there will be no effective rainfall in the next 5 days, and windy weather will prevail. The forest and grassland fire prevention and control situation is severe during the Qingming period. The National Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters Office and the Ministry of Emergency Management today (April 3) issued an orange alert for high forest fire risk, requiring all localities to strengthen emergency preparedness and implement early warning response measures.
US President Trump on April 2 signed an executive order on so-called "reciprocal tariffs," announcing a "minimum benchmark tariff" of 10% on trading partners and higher tariffs on some. The move has drawn widespread opposition and criticism. European Council President Costa said on April 2 that the US measures were a major economic mistake and that the EU must respond to US tariffs in a "firm and wise manner." Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said today (April 3) that the new US tariff policy was "extremely regrettable" and demanded that cabinet members thoroughly analyze and investigate the impact of the relevant US policies and take all possible countermeasures. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today that the US government's unilateral actions are baseless, undermining bilateral free and fair trade relations and increasing global economic uncertainty. Brazil's House of Representatives on April 2 passed an economic reciprocity bill to counter unilateral US actions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said the new US tariff policy "could be a big mistake." The South African Presidency today issued a statement saying that the unilateral US measures are concerning and an obstacle to trade and common prosperity. Canadian Prime Minister Carney said on April 2 that Canada would take targeted and strong countermeasures against the US tariff policy, with specific measures expected to be announced on April 3. US media reports that analysts generally disapprove of the new US tariff policy, and US stock futures have plummeted. According to US media reports today, David Rosenberg, a prominent US economist and founder of Rosenberg Research, said that importing companies pay the tariffs, and a large part of the pressure from the new US tariff policy will be passed on to US consumers, who will face severe price shocks. Michael Feroli, chief US economist at JPMorgan Chase, warned that the inflationary impact of the new tariff policy is likely to become apparent by mid-year, hitting consumer purchasing power. This single impact alone could put the US economy on the verge of recession. Affected by the new US tariff policy announced on April 2, major US stock index futures experienced a sharp drop in after-hours trading. Among them, Nasdaq index futures once fell by 4%.
According to the latest statistics from Myanmar's State Administration Council, the strong earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in 3,085 deaths and 4,715 injuries, with another 341 people missing. In Mandalay, the hardest-hit area, water, electricity, and communication remain cut off. Coupled with recent local temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, epidemic prevention efforts in the affected area face challenges. Additionally, the rescue flight route at Mandalay Airport was opened on April 2, and civilian flight routes are expected to open on April 4. Naypyidaw International Airport is expected to resume civilian flights on April 5.
According to Israeli media reports on April 2, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on more than 50 targets of Palestinian armed groups in the Gaza Strip and launched a large-scale ground offensive in the southern Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on April 2 that the Israeli military was seizing the "Morag Corridor" between Khan Younis and Rafah. Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), claimed on April 2 to have launched rockets towards Israel. Separately, Palestinian media reported that the Israeli military bombed a UNRWA clinic in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on April 2, killing at least 19 people, including women and children. An official from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated on April 2 that 64% of the Gaza Strip has been designated by Israel as so-called "buffer zones" or mandatory evacuation areas, leaving a large number of Gazans with nowhere to flee. The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council on April 2 adopted a resolution demanding that Israel fulfill its responsibility to "prevent genocide" in the Gaza Strip. Syrian Areas Hit by Israeli Airstrikes. Additionally, the Israeli Defense Forces stated in a declaration on the evening of April 2 that the Israeli military had struck military bases in Syria's Hama and Homs provinces that day and destroyed some military infrastructure in the Damascus area. Syria stated on April 3 that various areas in Syria had been hit by Israeli airstrikes, causing casualties.
US Air Raids on Multiple Areas in Yemen; Houthis Claim Downing US Drone. Yemen's Houthi rebels stated today (April 3) that US forces carried out multiple airstrikes on several areas in Yemen, including Saada, Hodeidah, and Ibb provinces, on April 2. Yemeni media reported that the US attacks caused casualties and damaged communication networks in parts of Ibb province. The Houthis also claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone today, marking the second US drone of the same model downed by the group in three days. Russia Claims Ukraine Attacked Energy Facilities; Ukraine Claims Industrial City Hit. Russia's Ministry of Defense stated on April 2 that Russian forces continued to advance in multiple directions and struck Ukrainian military targets in Sumy and other areas. The Russian Defense Ministry also stated that Ukrainian forces again attacked energy facilities in Russia's Kursk region that day. Ukraine stated on April 2 that the Ukrainian industrial city of Kryvyi Rih was hit by Russian missile attacks that day, causing casualties and damage to buildings.
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