On the evening of April 15, local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Kuala Lumpur by special plane for a state visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian King Ibrahim. Upon his arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, Foreign Minister Mohamad, accompanying Minister and Minister of Transport Loke Siew Fook, and other senior officials warmly welcomed him. Malaysian children presented flowers to Xi Jinping, and Malaysian teenagers performed local dances, waving the national flags of China and Malaysia, warmly welcoming Xi Jinping's visit. Xi Jinping delivered a written speech, extending sincere greetings and best wishes to the Malaysian government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Malaysia are friendly neighbors separated by the sea, with a traditional friendship spanning thousands of years. In more than half a century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have adhered to mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation, setting an example for state-to-state relations. In 2023, both sides reached an important consensus on building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and last year, the two countries grandly celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. As important developing countries and members of the Global South, deepening high-level strategic cooperation between China and Malaysia serves the common interests of both countries and is conducive to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and even the world. I look forward to taking this visit as an opportunity to further deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhance mutual political trust, advance cooperation in modernization construction, promote exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, continuously elevate the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to new levels, and usher in a new "golden 50 years" for China-Malaysia relations. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Wang Xiaohong, and other accompanying personnel arrived on the same plane. Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, also welcomed him at the airport. On his way from the airport to his hotel, staff from local Chinese enterprises and students waved the national flags of China and Malaysia, held red banners with slogans like "Warmly Welcome President Xi Jinping's Visit to Malaysia" and "Long Live China-Malaysia Friendship," and overseas Chinese performed festive and lively lion dances to welcome Xi Jinping's visit.
On the morning of April 16, Malaysian King Ibrahim held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Istana Negara (National Palace) in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur in April was sunny with lush greenery. Ibrahim held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi Jinping at the Istana Negara square. Upon Xi Jinping's arrival by car, Ibrahim and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar warmly welcomed him at the disembarkation point. The two heads of state ascended the reviewing stand, and the military band played the national anthems of China and Malaysia, with a 21-gun salute. Xi Jinping reviewed the honor guard. The two heads of state entered the main hall of the Istana Negara and shook hands with their accompanying personnel.
After the welcome ceremony, Xi Jinping met with Ibrahim. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends, and good partners, always interacting and close as one family. The relationship between the two countries has gone through a magnificent half-century and is now embracing an even brighter future. I am willing to work with King Ibrahim to lead the long-term stable development of China-Malaysia relations, jointly build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, write a new chapter of neighborly friendship and solidarity cooperation, and usher in a new "golden 50 years" for China-Malaysia relations. Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Malaysia should continue to deepen political mutual trust and support each other on issues involving their core interests and major concerns. They should deepen the alignment of development strategies, complement each other's strengths, achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly embark on the path of modernization. They should build major projects such as "Two Countries, Twin Parks" and the East Coast Rail Link well, and promptly cultivate future industries cooperation such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green economy. China welcomes more high-quality Malaysian agricultural products to enter the Chinese market and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Malaysia. China is willing to promote "Confucian-Islamic Civilizational Dialogue" with Malaysia and carry out more cooperation in culture, tourism, and education to enhance people-to-people connectivity between the two countries. China supports Malaysia's work as the rotating chair of ASEAN and is willing to work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, promote the self-improvement and common development of the Global South, and provide more certainty and positive energy for the region and the world. Ibrahim stated that President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia is a major event in bilateral relations, fully demonstrating the high level of Malaysia-China relations. My successful visit to China last September is still fresh in my memory. I believe that President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia will comprehensively enhance bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields. China has achieved amazing development accomplishments, thanks to President Xi Jinping's foresight and the diligent work of the Chinese people. Malaysia attaches great importance to its relationship with China, and no matter how the international situation changes, it will move forward hand in hand, cooperate for win-win results, and promote the building of a high-level strategic community with a shared future. Malaysia attaches importance to regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilize industrial and supply chains, improve connectivity, and strengthen educational and cultural exchanges. Malaysia highly commends the recent Central Conference on Foreign Affairs held in China and values China's important role in addressing global and regional challenges. As the rotating chair of ASEAN and the coordinating country for ASEAN-China relations, Malaysia is committed to promoting greater development of ASEAN-China relations and jointly building a peaceful and prosperous future. After the meeting, Xi Jinping attended a welcome banquet hosted by Ibrahim. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Wang Xiaohong participated in the above activities.
On the afternoon of April 16, President Xi Jinping held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Putrajaya. Upon Xi Jinping's arrival by car at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Anwar warmly welcomed him. Malaysian youth waved the national flags of both countries, played joyful drums, and performed enthusiastic folk dances, warmly welcoming the distinguished guest from afar. Xi Jinping pointed out that the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia spans thousands of years. The friendship between the two countries has been nurtured in a long history, grown through cultural integration, consolidated through mutual benefit, and sublimated through shared challenges, demonstrating the common value pursuits of heartfelt interaction, sincere treatment, adherence to righteousness, and valuing harmony. It reflects the historical wisdom and courage of the people of both countries and is a common valuable asset for both nations. Last year, both sides grandly celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past 50 years, China-Malaysia relations have yielded fruitful results, and both sides should continue to seize historical initiative and stand at the forefront of the times in the next 50 years, building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future to create more well-being for the people of both countries and make greater contributions to regional prosperity and stability. Xi Jinping put forward three proposals for building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future. First, adhere to strategic autonomy and carry out high-level strategic coordination. Both China and Malaysia uphold self-reliance and oppose external interference. They should continue to work together to follow development paths suited to their national conditions, firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and keep their future and destiny firmly in their own hands. Establish a "2+2" dialogue mechanism for diplomacy and defense, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in national security, defense, and law enforcement. Second, pool development synergy and set a benchmark for high-quality development cooperation. China is committed to comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development, which resonates with Malaysia's "Madani Economy" plan. Both sides should work together to cultivate and expand cutting-edge cooperation in digital economy, green economy, blue economy, artificial intelligence, and other areas, and strengthen integrated development of industrial chains, supply chains, value chains, data chains, and talent chains. Promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional areas of cooperation and facilitate two-way investment. Advance rail-sea intermodal transport and achieve the upgrading and improvement of "Two Countries, Twin Parks," making Malaysia's important ports key hubs of the "New Land-Sea Corridor." Third, carry forward the generational friendship and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations. Carry out "Confucian-Islamic Civilizational Dialogue" cooperation and work together to build a platform for civilizational exchanges at the bilateral and regional levels. Take the signing of the visa exemption agreement as an opportunity to vigorously conduct tourism, youth, and local exchanges, and deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports, film, and media, to promote people-to-people connectivity and continue the traditional friendship. China is willing to continue good cooperation with Malaysia on giant panda conservation research. Xi Jinping pointed out that Malaysia's theme for ASEAN this year, "Inclusivity and Sustainability," reflects a deep insight into the current situation. China supports Malaysia's role as the rotating chair of ASEAN and is willing to work with regional countries to sign the upgraded protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area as soon as possible, and resist "decoupling and breaking chains," "small yards and high fences," and abusive tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity, and cooperation. It should respond to the law of the jungle with Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness, and address global instability and uncertainty with Asian stability and certainty. Anwar warmly welcomed President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia, stating that China has long sincerely helped Malaysia, sharing weal and woe, and is a trustworthy friend of Malaysia. President Xi Jinping has led China to achieve great development accomplishments, lifted the Chinese people out of poverty, and advocated common prosperity and mutual learning among civilizations, making him an outstanding leader in today's world. The Malaysian people admire China and President Xi Jinping. The record-breaking cooperation achievements during President Xi Jinping's visit are of great significance to Malaysia, and Malaysia is greatly encouraged. Malaysia firmly adheres to the One-China policy and does not support any "Taiwan independence" activities. Malaysia is willing to deepen strategic communication with China and consolidate political mutual trust; expand bilateral trade and welcome Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Malaysia, developing cooperation in emerging technology fields such as digital economy, green economy, and artificial intelligence with Malaysia to help both countries achieve greater development; enhance exchanges in cultural, educational, and tourism fields to promote mutual understanding and affinity between peoples; and conduct dialogue between Islamic civilization and Confucian civilization to promote the progress of human civilization. Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address risks and challenges. ASEAN will not approve any unilaterally imposed tariffs and will maintain economic growth through cooperation and collective self-reliance. Malaysia highly appreciates China's positive role in international and regional affairs. As the rotating chair of ASEAN and the coordinating country for ASEAN-China relations, Malaysia will promote strengthened ASEAN-China cooperation and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. After the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the exchange of over 30 bilateral cooperation documents between China and Malaysia, covering cooperation under the three global initiatives, "Confucian-Islamic Civilizational Dialogue," digital economy, trade in services, upgraded development of "Two Countries, Twin Parks," joint laboratories, artificial intelligence, railways, intellectual property, agricultural product exports to China, visa exemption, and giant panda conservation. Both sides issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and Malaysia on Building a High-Level Strategic China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future." That evening, Anwar hosted a welcome banquet for Xi Jinping. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Wang Xiaohong participated in the above activities.
The 8th issue of "Qiushi" magazine, published on April 16, features an important article by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, titled "Accelerating the Construction of a Cultural Power." The article emphasizes that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we have consistently placed cultural development in a prominent position in national governance, made a series of major deployments, formed the socialist culture with Chinese characteristics thought for the new era, and promoted cultural development to achieve historic achievements in setting things right and upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground. Solid steps have been taken in building a socialist cultural power. The article points out that building a cultural power is crucial to the overall construction of Chinese modernization, the great cause of national rejuvenation, and the enhancement of international competitiveness. We must anchor the strategic goal of building a cultural power by 2035, adhere to Marxism as the fundamental guiding ideology, take root in the profound Chinese civilization, conform to the trend of information technology development, and continuously develop a new era socialist culture with Chinese characteristics that has strong ideological guidance, spiritual cohesion, value appeal, and international influence. We must continuously enhance the spiritual strength of the people and lay a solid cultural foundation for building a strong country and national rejuvenation. The article outlines five aspects for accelerating the construction of a cultural power. First, unswervingly follow the path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics. The most essential characteristic of this path is adhering to the leadership of the Party. The principles of the Party managing propaganda, ideology, media, and the internet must be thoroughly implemented, the capacity for cultural governance under informatization conditions must be enhanced, and the Party's governing foundation and mass base must be strengthened ideologically, spiritually, and culturally. We must uphold the fundamental system of Marxism's guiding position in the ideological field, fully implement the socialist culture with Chinese characteristics thought for the new era, and develop a socialist culture that is national, scientific, and popular, facing modernization, the world, and the future. Focusing on building a socialist ideology with strong cohesion and guidance, we must adhere to socialist core values as the guide, continuously build Chinese spirit, Chinese values, and Chinese strength, and develop and strengthen mainstream values, mainstream public opinion, and mainstream culture. Second, vigorously stimulate the cultural innovation and creativity of the entire nation. The vitality of culture lies in innovation and creativity. We must implement the deployments of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, adhere to putting social benefits first and combining social and economic benefits, make stimulating innovation and creativity the central link in deepening cultural institutional reforms, and accelerate the improvement of cultural management systems and production and operation mechanisms. Improve the mechanisms for serving, guiding, and organizing literary and artistic creation and production, and foster and produce a batch of deeply inspiring contemporary classics. Actively create a good cultural ecology and promote the continuous outburst of cultural innovation and creativity. Explore effective mechanisms for the integration of culture and technology to achieve digital empowerment and information-based transformation of cultural development. Third, always focus cultural development on people and ultimately benefit people. The "strength" of a cultural power must ultimately be reflected in the ideological realm, spiritual state, and cultural cultivation of the people. We must improve the capacity to provide cultural services and products and enhance the cultural sense of gain and happiness of the people. Emphasize the role of culture in nurturing the mind and character, and cultivate the energetic and striving spirit of the entire nation. Make nurturing talent and building teams an important and urgent strategic task, and build a large-scale, well-structured, and innovative high-level cultural talent team. Fourth, inherit Chinese civilization in creative transformation and innovative development. Upholding the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation and cherishing, promoting, and developing the treasures of Chinese civilization that have survived through the ages is the historical responsibility and sacred mission of contemporary Chinese Communists. We must adhere to making the past serve the present and bringing forth the new, adhere to creative transformation and innovative development, deeply explore and elaborate on the spiritual connotations of excellent traditional Chinese culture, activate the excellent elements in traditional Chinese culture with Marxism and endow them with new contemporary connotations, and develop a new era socialist culture with Chinese characteristics. Adhere to a respectful attitude towards history and a love for culture, insist on the principles of protection first, reasonable utilization, and minimal intervention, and promote systematic protection and unified supervision of cultural heritage. Improve the institutional mechanisms for cultural heritage protection and inheritance. Fifth, continuously enhance national cultural soft power and the influence of Chinese culture. Currently, the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, and competition in national cultural influence is also intensifying. As a responsible major country, we must more actively publicize China's proposals, spread Chinese culture, and showcase China's image. We must promote the restructuring of the international communication landscape and build a multi-channel, multi-dimensional external communication pattern. Strengthen the concept of engaging in dialogue with the world through culture, and widely carry out various forms of international cultural exchange and cooperation. More actively and proactively learn from and draw on all excellent human civilization achievements, and create a batch of cultural achievements that blend ancient and modern, and integrate Chinese and foreign elements. The article points out that building a cultural power is a common task for the entire Party and society. We must strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee over propaganda, ideological, and cultural work, and improve the leadership and management system and mechanisms for cultural development. Party committees and governments at all levels must place cultural development in a prominent position, effectively strengthen organizational leadership, and gather strong synergy for the construction of a cultural power.
On April 15, coinciding with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia, the launching ceremony for the Malay version of "Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping," a program produced by China Media Group (CMG), was held in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi sent a congratulatory letter, wishing the program success in Malaysia. The Malay version of "Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping" uses ancient Chinese texts and classic sayings quoted in President Xi Jinping's important speeches, articles, and talks as an entry point, focusing on themes such as a community with a shared future for mankind, cultural inheritance and innovation, biodiversity conservation, and exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. It splendidly showcases President Xi Jinping's extraordinary wisdom in governance, profound compassion for the world, and extensive historical and cultural knowledge. Deputy Prime Minister Zahid warmly welcomed President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia in his congratulatory letter, stating that the launch of CMG's excellent program "Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping" (Malay version) in Malaysia is another important milestone in the continuous deepening of cultural and media exchanges and cooperation between Malaysia and China. CMG has always been a bridge and bond promoting mutual understanding between nations, and it is believed that this cooperation will further strengthen the long-standing friendly relationship between Malaysia and China. More than 200 guests from Malaysian political, economic, cultural, media, and academic circles attended the event. The Malay version of "Classics Quoted by Xi Jinping" began airing immediately on Malaysian mainstream media, including Radio Televisyen Malaysia. Malaysian mainstream Chinese, English, and Malay media outlets such as Sin Chew Daily, The Star, and Sinar Harian published news of the program's broadcast in Malaysia. Malaysia's official news agency Bernama website, Bernama Radio, and Malaysia-China Insight News Network, among other mainstream Malaysian media outlets, also broadcast related reports.
From April 14 to 16, Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, conducted a survey in Shaanxi and presided over a symposium in Xi'an. He emphasized the need to earnestly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches, strengthen development confidence, maintain strategic focus, promote a sustained economic recovery and improvement, and ensure the steady and long-term progress of high-quality development. Ding Xuexiang visited Zhengtai Smart Electrical Northwest Industrial Park, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., and Northwest Institute for Nonferrous Metal Research to learn about enterprise production and operation, industrial transformation and upgrading, and other situations. He stated the need to strengthen innovation-driven development, promote the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, maintain fair and orderly market mechanisms, and accelerate the construction of a modernized industrial system. He also called for supporting the development of new types of research institutions and strengthening applied basic research and industrial common technology research and development to provide strong support for industrial development. Ding Xuexiang visited Northwestern Polytechnical University and Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute to learn about the integrated development of education, science, and talent. He emphasized the need to leverage universities' role as the main force in basic research and the source of major scientific and technological breakthroughs, and to strengthen efforts in tackling key core technologies. He also stressed respecting and applying market laws, deepening reforms in the mechanism for commercializing scientific and technological achievements, and accelerating the formation of real productive forces and new development drivers. Furthermore, he called for promoting the integration of vocational and general education, as well as industry and education, to cultivate a large number of skilled craftsmen and highly skilled talents. He also emphasized providing good employment guidance services to help graduates find jobs better and faster. At Samsung (China) Semiconductor Co., Ltd. and the Xi'an China-Europe Railway Express Hub, Ding Xuexiang learned in detail about the development of foreign-funded enterprises and the expansion of opening up. He pointed out that opening up is China's basic national policy, and the stronger the protectionist backlash, the firmer our determination to expand opening up. China is willing to deepen cooperation with all parties, strengthen complementary advantages, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Shaanxi should integrate more deeply into the grand pattern of joint construction of the "Belt and Road" Initiative, give full play to the role of the Xi'an China-Europe Railway Express Hub, and accelerate the creation of a highland for inland reform and opening up. At the symposium, Ding Xuexiang stated that since the beginning of this year, China's economic operation has started smoothly and achieved a good beginning. He called for accelerating the implementation of decisions and deployments made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to fully unleash China's strong resilience and vitality for development. He also called for expanding domestic demand in all aspects, helping foreign trade enterprises overcome difficulties, stabilizing employment with greater efforts, and effectively and powerfully responding to external shocks. He expressed hope that Shaanxi would bear in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's entrustment, continuously elevate its economic and social development, and strive to write the Shaanxi chapter of Chinese modernization.
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (April 16), where the National Bureau of Statistics released data showing that in the first quarter, the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.4% year-on-year, indicating a steady start and good momentum for the economy, with solid progress in high-quality development. Economic growth showed a steady upward trend. Preliminary calculations show that in the first quarter, GDP reached 31,875.8 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.4% at constant prices. By industry, the primary industry's value added was 1,171.3 billion yuan, up 3.5% year-on-year; the secondary industry's value added was 11,190.3 billion yuan, up 5.9%; and the tertiary industry's value added was 19,514.2 billion yuan, up 5.3%. In the first quarter, production accelerated its recovery. The value added of industrial enterprises above designated size and the value added of the service industry increased by 6.5% and 5.3% year-on-year, respectively, accelerating by 0.7 and 0.3 percentage points compared to the entire previous year. In the first quarter, new drivers of consumption continued to be unleashed. Total retail sales of consumer goods amounted to 12,467.1 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.6%. For March alone, the growth was 5.9% year-on-year, significantly faster than the growth momentum in January-February. Since the beginning of this year, with improved funding and project advancement, infrastructure investment grew by 5.8% in the first quarter, accelerating by 1.4 percentage points compared to the entire previous year. In particular, driven by large-scale equipment renewal policies, investment in equipment and tools purchases increased by 19% year-on-year in the first quarter, contributing 64.6% to the total investment growth, effectively driving investment. New productive forces are accelerating their cultivation. A batch of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology are accelerating their introduction and application, driving the development of high-tech industries, and further optimizing the industrial structure. In the first quarter, the value added of the equipment manufacturing industry accounted for 33.7% of the industrial enterprises above designated size, an increase of 1.9 percentage points compared to the same period last year. The value added of high-tech manufacturing industries above designated size nationwide increased by 9.7% year-on-year. The trend of industrial transformation towards high-end, intelligent, and green development is evident. In addition, the production and operation of private enterprises continue to improve. In the first quarter, among industrial enterprises above designated size, the value added of private enterprises increased by 7.3% year-on-year, and the growth rate rebounded compared to the entire last year, indicating continuously enhanced vitality of private enterprise development.
Today (April 16) marks the halfway point of the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE). As of today, the current CICPE has achieved intended transactions totaling 150 billion yuan, and three official supply-demand matchmaking meetings have resulted in the signing of 52 projects. Among these, 20 projects were signed at country-specific sessions, with Chinese and foreign exhibitors actively participating in promotions and achieving extensive cooperation in areas such as procurement and transactions. Starting tomorrow, this CICPE will welcome its first public open day, focusing on current consumption hotspots to collectively release cutting-edge technologies and innovative applications.
In the first quarter, domestic enterprise investment and mergers and acquisitions were relatively active. The State Administration for Market Regulation announced today (April 16) that the number of unconditionally approved concentrations of undertakings in China increased by 12% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. Concentrations of undertakings, in common terms, refer to investment and mergers and acquisitions. In the first quarter, domestic enterprise mergers and acquisitions were relatively active, with transactions in manufacturing sectors such as automotive and chemical raw materials performing remarkably. Postal industry parcel volume increased by 19% year-on-year in the first quarter. Latest data from the State Post Bureau shows that in the first quarter, the total volume of postal industry parcel services reached 49.64 billion pieces, a year-on-year increase of 19%. Since the beginning of this year, postal and express delivery companies have accelerated the improvement of county, township, and village-level postal logistics network nodes. Housing prices remained generally stable in the first quarter. Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics today (April 16) shows that housing prices in China remained generally stable in the first quarter. In March, sales prices of second-hand homes in first-tier cities rose month-on-month, and the month-on-month decline in sales prices of homes in second- and third-tier cities narrowed. According to monitoring of 40 key cities, in the first quarter, sales area and sales amount of new commercial housing increased by 1.2% and 4.4% respectively. Sales area of new commercial housing in first-tier cities increased by 0.6% in the first quarter, indicating a more active market. Shenzhou-20 spaceship and rocket combination transferred to launch site tonight. Around 7 p.m. tonight (April 16), at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the Shenzhou-20 manned spaceship and the Long March-2F Y20 carrier rocket combination began their transfer to the launch site. The vertical transfer process will last approximately two hours. Subsequently, all systems will conduct various functional checks and joint tests before launch as planned, with the launch expected to be carried out at an opportune time in the coming days. Zhuque-3 test rocket assembly completed. Recently, the test rocket for Zhuque-3, China's independently developed reusable rocket, has completed assembly and will provide key support for subsequent ground tests and flight verification. At the same time, the 100th Tianque series engine used in this type of rocket has rolled off the production line, marking a leap in China's commercial aerospace propulsion system from "single breakthrough" to "batch manufacturing." The 137th Canton Fair: Smart exhibits attract attention. The 137th Canton Fair entered its second day today (April 16). The newly established service robot zone has an exhibition area of 4,200 square meters, with 46 exhibiting companies showcasing various smart products in areas such as safety inspection, household cleaning, and medical education. Among them, full-size humanoid robots and industrial inspection robot dogs equipped with AI acoustic imagers attracted a large number of buyers. The 2025 Chengdu International Sister City Cooperation and Development Conference opened. Today (April 16), the 2025 Chengdu International Sister City Cooperation and Development Conference opened, bringing together 39 delegations from 29 countries around the world in Chengdu, Sichuan. The conference, themed "Joining Hands in Cooperation for Shared Benefits and Win-Win Outcomes," saw the concentrated signing of 12 friendly cooperation agreements, covering 12 fields including business, education, and finance. The main stream of the Songhua River is completely open. Recently, the Fujin section of the Songhua River's main stream opened, marking the complete opening of the entire main stream of the Songhua River. This signifies the end of the months-long freezing period, and Songhua River shipping will fully resume, with fishing production restarting.
People from all walks of life in Malaysia actively praised President Xi Jinping's signed article and warmly welcomed his visit, expecting China-Malaysia cooperation in various fields to reach new heights and achieve new breakthroughs. Malaysian various circles stated that President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia is of great significance for upgrading China-Malaysia relations, and they look forward to both countries advancing bilateral relations towards building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Board held a special session in Geneva on April 15, focusing on economic development issues in Africa. The Chinese representative stated that the United States' indiscriminate imposition of tariffs has triggered a global trade war, and trade conflicts are increasingly overshadowing the African continent and countries worldwide. The United States' use of tariffs as a tool for extreme pressure and self-interest is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. All parties should adhere to genuine multilateralism, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system, and promote the correct direction of economic globalization. China's statement resonated widely. Many countries called for upholding multilateralism, opposing unilateralism and trade protectionism, and creating an international economic environment conducive to sustainable development and common prosperity.
Data released by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a U.S. think tank, on April 15, projects the U.S. GDP to grow by 0.1% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of this year. The report indicates that under the impact of policy uncertainty, U.S. economic growth may stagnate in 2025. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary criticizes chaotic U.S. tariff policy. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently stated in an interview that the U.S. government's tariff policy is very chaotic, and with no clear direction, U.S. families and businesses feel at a loss due to future uncertainties. Yellen also said that the idea of bringing U.S. manufacturing back is unrealistic. A survey of 380 U.S. businesses and commercial organizations released by U.S. media on April 15 showed that 65% of respondents believe that building new U.S. domestic supply chains could double costs. Additionally, U.S. media reported on April 14 that five small U.S. businesses filed a lawsuit against the U.S. President in the U.S. Court of International Trade under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, seeking to block the President's tariff increases. The report stated that the lawsuit alleges the President lacks the authority to unilaterally impose large-scale tariffs and that such actions exceed his scope of power.
Russia claims energy facilities attacked, Ukraine requests extension of martial law. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on April 15 that Russian air defense systems shot down 115 Ukrainian drones over Russia's Kursk region. Russia also claimed on April 15 that Ukrainian forces launched six attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in the past day. Ukraine stated that the attacks on Russian facilities in Kursk were in retaliation for previous Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. In addition, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a draft law to the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada on April 15 to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days from May 9. UN agency says Gaza Strip faces extreme shortages. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) issued a statement on April 15 saying that over 2.1 million Palestinians are trapped in the Gaza Strip. After the first phase of the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement expired, Israel continued to blockade local crossings, with no aid materials entering. The Gaza Strip Health Ministry stated on April 15 that since the new round of large-scale Palestinian-Israeli conflict erupted in October 2023, Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have resulted in 51,000 deaths and 116,343 injuries. Houthi forces claim U.S. airstrikes on Hodeidah Province, Yemen. According to Yemen's Houthi movement, from the evening of April 15 to the early morning of April 16, U.S. forces launched successive airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah, Bayda, and Sa'ada provinces, with at least 15 airstrikes targeting Kamaran Island in Hodeidah Province alone. According to data released by the Yemeni health authorities, U.S. airstrikes on Yemen since mid-March this year have resulted in 123 deaths and 247 injuries.
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