Xi Jinping Meets with Cambodian Queen Mother
On the evening of April 17, President Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Xi Jinping extended best wishes to Monineath for the Cambodian traditional New Year. Xi Jinping pointed out that the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk was a banner of China-Cambodia friendship, and together with the older generation of Chinese leaders, he personally forged the unbreakable ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia. We will always cherish his historic contributions. Queen Mother Monineath is a witness to and promoter of China-Cambodia friendship, and has a special friendly affection for the Chinese people. It is truly deserved that she was awarded the "Friendship Medal" of the People's Republic of China. China is your second home, and you are welcome to visit China at any time. Monineath stated that President Xi Jinping is Cambodia's greatest friend, and this visit is a great honor for all Cambodian people. She expressed her pleasure to see the continuous consolidation and development of the China-Cambodia friendship forged by the older generation of leaders of both countries, and believed that the ironclad friendship between the two countries would become deeper and unbreakable. She sincerely wished President Xi Jinping greater achievements in leading the Chinese people on the path of national rejuvenation. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Wang Xiaohong, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Hun Sen, President of Cambodian People's Party and President of Senate
On the afternoon of April 17, President Xi Jinping met with Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate, at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Cambodia are friendly neighbors and ironclad friends. Building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is a choice of history and a choice of the people. Currently, both China and Cambodia are at a critical stage of national development. Both sides should keep the well-being of their people in mind and embrace human progress. In advancing their respective modernization processes, they should set an example for building a community with a shared future for mankind and work together to be a force for peace, stability, and progress amidst global changes unseen in a century. Xi Jinping emphasized that China believes Cambodia's path to national development and rejuvenation will become wider and wider, and will, as always, support the Cambodian People's Party in leading the Cambodian people to maintain national stability and economic development, and support Cambodia in playing a more important role on the regional and international stage. Both sides should make good use of the newly established "2+2" strategic dialogue mechanism between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries to strengthen strategic coordination. They should also strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, carry out the construction of Cambodia's "Industrial Development Corridor" and "Fish and Rice Corridor," and cooperate in energy, transportation, and other fields, so that Cambodia can share more of China's development opportunities. Xi Jinping stressed that China is willing to exchange and learn from Cambodia on major issues such as strengthening party building and promoting reform and development, and deepen friendly cooperation between China's National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference with Cambodia's Senate and National Assembly. Xi Jinping pointed out that history has proven that the historical trends of a multi-polar world, economic globalization, and cultural diversity are irresistible. Unilateralism and hegemonism are unpopular, and no country wants to retreat to an isolated island. Trade wars undermine the multilateral trading system and impact the world economic order. All countries should unite, firmly hold the initiative in national security and development in their own hands, adhere to mutual respect, mutual benefit, and common development, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Standing at a new starting point for Asia's overall rejuvenation, China will adhere to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and the policy of befriending and partnering with its neighbors, maintain the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy, deepen friendly cooperation with neighboring countries, let the fruits of Chinese modernization benefit the neighborhood more, promote the building of a neighborhood community with a shared future, and jointly advance the process of Asian modernization. Hun Sen expressed a warm welcome to President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia, stating that this visit holds great significance for Cambodia. He extended heartfelt congratulations on China's successful achievement of its growth target last year and its remarkable scientific and technological innovation achievements under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China. China is Cambodia's most steadfast supporter and most reliable partner. China's support has made significant contributions to Cambodia's economic and social development and the improvement of people's livelihoods, for which Cambodia is deeply grateful. Cambodia firmly adheres to the One-China policy, supports China's positions on issues such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet, and opposes any forces interfering in China's internal affairs. Cambodia and China share an ironclad friendship, and the two countries have decided to build an all-weather community with a shared future in the new era, which will make further progress and promote the high-level, high-quality, and high-standard development of bilateral relations, always advancing hand in hand, through thick and thin, with shared destiny. Cambodia is willing to strengthen strategic security cooperation with China, expand bilateral trade, welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, promote deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and thoroughly combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud. Cambodia highly appreciates China's constructive role in world peace and sustainable development, and supports China's proposed Belt and Road Initiative and three global initiatives, which help safeguard the common interests of the international community and promote world peace, security, and stability. Trade wars and tariff wars harm the legitimate interests of all countries and cause international instability. Cambodia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly respond to various risks and challenges. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Wang Xiaohong, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Cambodian Prime Minister
On the evening of April 17, President Xi Jinping held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. The leaders of the two countries unanimously agreed to work together to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era and announced 2025 as the "China-Cambodia Year of Tourism." Xi Jinping pointed out that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia has a profound historical foundation, a solid political basis, and strong inherent dynamism. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, the two countries have always been at the forefront of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Currently, the profound changes in the world unseen in a century are accelerating, and deepening the construction of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future fully aligns with the fundamental interests of the people of both countries. China will, as always, support Cambodia in following a development path suited to its national conditions, support the smooth governance of the Cambodian government, and support Cambodia in playing a more important role in international and regional affairs. Both sides should take the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era as a new starting point, seize the momentum, continue to implement the new version of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future action plan, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, accelerate the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, deepen higher-level political mutual trust, expand higher-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen higher-level security guarantees, carry out higher-frequency cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and enhance higher-standard strategic coordination to better benefit the people of both countries. Xi Jinping emphasized the need to make good use of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee mechanism, successfully hold the "2+2" strategic dialogue between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, strengthen exchanges through party-to-party and legislative channels, work together to address risks and challenges, and safeguard the common interests of both sides. China is willing to share opportunities and seek common development with Cambodia. Both sides should vigorously promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and continuously enrich the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework to inject new impetus into their respective modernization drives. China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, opens its super-large market to Cambodia, and imports more high-quality Cambodian agricultural products. The people of both countries should enhance mutual understanding and friendly sentiments, and promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning between China and Cambodia. China will continue to provide government scholarships to Cambodia, support the establishment of a China-Cambodia youth dialogue and exchange mechanism, and encourage more exchanges between local governments, media, and think tanks, bringing the people of the two countries closer and dearer. Both sides should take more powerful and effective measures to resolutely crack down on online gambling and telecommunications fraud, maintaining social stability and normal exchanges among regional countries. Xi Jinping pointed out that as important forces in the Global South, China and Cambodia should uphold the common values of peace, solidarity, and cooperation, oppose all unilateral bullying acts, and practice true multilateralism. They should resolutely resist group confrontation and bloc antagonism, strengthen coordination and cooperation within frameworks such as ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, jointly safeguard the hard-won peace and development in the region, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Hun Manet stated that Cambodia and China have long maintained mutual respect and equal treatment, and China is Cambodia's most reliable and trusted friend. President Xi Jinping's visit is of great significance and will deepen political mutual trust between the two countries and vigorously promote the building of an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era. Cambodia congratulates China on its economic and social development achievements and firmly believes that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China will achieve its second centenary goal as scheduled. He expressed gratitude for China's strong support for Cambodia's economic development and its maintenance of independence and self-reliance. Cambodia firmly adheres to the One-China policy and supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodia is firmly friendly to China and is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen strategic security cooperation, and deepen their ironclad friendship. China is Cambodia's largest trading partner and the largest source of investment, and Cambodia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in economy and trade, investment, industrial and supply chains, agriculture, and infrastructure construction, and jointly combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud; strengthen exchanges in education, culture, and other people-to-people fields, and successfully hold the "Cambodia-China Year of Tourism." Cambodia highly appreciates China's positive role in international and regional affairs and supports President Xi Jinping's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, the three global initiatives, and the Belt and Road cooperation. In a situation where unilateralism has led to global instability and the multilateral trading system has been impacted, China has played a leading role and provided valuable stability to the world. Cambodia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard their common interests. After the talks, the leaders of the two countries jointly witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents between China and Cambodia, covering cooperation in production and supply chains, artificial intelligence, development assistance, customs inspection and quarantine, health, news, and other fields. The two sides issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Cambodia on Building an All-Weather China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era and Implementing the Three Global Initiatives." That evening, King Norodom Sihamoni hosted a welcoming banquet for Xi Jinping. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Wang Xiaohong, and others attended the above activities.
Xi Jinping Concludes State Visit to Cambodia
On the morning of April 18, President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing after concluding his state visit to Cambodia. Upon his departure from Phnom Penh, Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate, Oum Sarith, First Vice President of the Senate, Cheam Yeap, First Vice President of the National Assembly, and five Deputy Prime Ministers, including Keo Sophal, Prak Sokhonn, Hang Chuon Naron, Sar Sokha, and Hun Many, along with other high-ranking officials such as Hun Manith, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army, were present at the airport to see him off. Hun Sen held a grand farewell ceremony for President Xi Jinping at the airport. Xi Jinping, accompanied by Hun Sen, reviewed the guard of honor. Xi Jinping waved to the cheering crowds. On the way to the airport, tens of thousands of Cambodian citizens, employees of Chinese-funded enterprises in Cambodia, students, and overseas Chinese gathered along the roads, waving Chinese and Cambodian national flags and holding red banners with slogans like "Long Live China-Cambodia Friendship," warmly celebrating the successful conclusion of Xi Jinping's visit to Cambodia. On the morning of the same day, Hun Sen, accompanied by Prime Minister Hun Manet and Hun Many, and Hun Manith, specifically went to the hotel where Xi Jinping was staying to bid him farewell.
Xi Jinping Returns to Beijing After State Visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia
On the afternoon of April 18, President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing after successfully concluding his state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Cai Qi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Xiaohong, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Public Security, and other accompanying personnel returned on the same plane.
Li Qiang Presides Over Executive Meeting of the State Council
Premier Li Qiang of the State Council presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on April 18 to discuss several measures for stabilizing employment, stabilizing the economy, and promoting high-quality development, hear a report on the handling of issues exposed by the "3·15" Gala, discuss the "Social Assistance Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)," and review and approve the "Regulations on the Protection of New Varieties of Plants of the People's Republic of China (Revised Draft)." The meeting noted that in the face of a complex and severe external environment, it is necessary to thoroughly implement the arrangements of the Central Economic Work Conference, intensify the implementation of policy measures specified in the "Government Work Report," aim at economic and social development goals, increase counter-cyclical adjustments, focus on stabilizing employment and foreign trade, focus on promoting consumption and expanding domestic demand, focus on optimizing structure and improving quality, strengthen the domestic circulation, and promote high-quality economic development. It is necessary to encourage enterprises to actively stabilize employment, increase vocational skills training, expand support such as work-relief programs, and strengthen public employment services. It is necessary to stabilize the development of foreign trade and foreign investment, increase support on a case-by-case basis for industries and enterprises, and support foreign-invested enterprises in reinvesting domestically. It is necessary to promote service consumption in areas such as elderly care, fertility, culture, and tourism, expand effective investment, and vigorously boost the enthusiasm of private investment. It is necessary to continuously stabilize the stock market and continuously promote the stable and healthy development of the real estate market. Once relevant measures are introduced, they should directly reach enterprises and the public, improve implementation efficiency, and ensure implementation results. The meeting noted that phased progress has been made in handling the issues exposed by the "3·15" Gala. It is necessary to adhere to drawing inferences from one instance and addressing both symptoms and root causes, strengthen daily supervision and prevention work, strengthen quality and safety supervision focusing on public concerns, further consolidate the responsibility for full-chain supervision, severely punish illegal and irregular acts, and create a safe and secure consumption environment. It is necessary to focus on improving grassroots regulatory capabilities and levels, promote the decentralization of administrative law enforcement and regulatory forces, pay attention to the use of new-generation information technology, and effectively improve the foresight, precision, and timeliness of supervision. It is necessary to explore the establishment of a penetrating supervision system and vigorously promote the construction of a unified national market. The meeting discussed and in principle approved the "Social Assistance Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)" and decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation. The meeting noted that social assistance is a bottom-line and fundamental institutional arrangement in the social security system. It is necessary to adhere to doing one's best while acting within one's capabilities, scientifically determine the level of assistance according to economic and social development, strengthen departmental coordination, fully mobilize social forces to participate, and form a strong synergy to provide bottom-line guarantees for people in need. The meeting reviewed and approved the "Regulations on the Protection of New Varieties of Plants of the People's Republic of China (Revised Draft)." The meeting noted that it is necessary to take this revision of the regulations as an opportunity to deeply implement the seed industry revitalization action, further strengthen the protection of new varieties of plants, and assist the innovation and development of the seed industry. The meeting also discussed other matters.
Li Qiang Signs State Council Order Promulgating Decision of the State Council on Amending the Interim Regulations on Express Delivery
Premier Li Qiang recently signed a State Council decree to promulgate the "Decision of the State Council on Amending the Interim Regulations on Express Delivery" (hereinafter referred to as the "Decision"). The "Decision" consists of 15 articles: 1. It clarifies the overall requirements for the development of the express delivery industry. 2. It improves the principles for governing express packaging. It stipulates that the state shall improve comprehensive support policies, promote the greening, reduction, and recyclability of express packaging, and encourage the use of degradable and reusable environmentally friendly packaging materials. 3. It strengthens the primary responsibility of express enterprises. 4. It improves the collaborative governance mechanism.
Zhao Leji Presides Over 42nd Chairpersons' Meeting of 14th NPC Standing Committee, Decides 15th Session of 14th NPC Standing Committee to Be Held in Beijing from April 27 to 30
The 42nd Chairpersons' Meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee was held on the morning of April 18 in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People. Chairman Zhao Leji presided over the meeting. The meeting decided that the 15th session of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee will be held from April 27 to 30 in Beijing. The Chairpersons' Meeting proposed that the 15th session of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee deliberate the draft Law on the Promotion of Private Economy, the revised draft of the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, the draft Atomic Energy Law, and the revised draft Arbitration Law; deliberate the proposal of the Chairpersons' Meeting on submitting the draft Ecological Environment Code for deliberation; deliberate the State Council's proposal on submitting the draft Law on National Development Planning for deliberation, the proposal on submitting the revised draft Prison Law for deliberation, and the proposal on submitting the draft decision on authorizing the State Council to temporarily adjust the application of relevant provisions of the Seed Law in the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone; deliberate the State Council's proposal on submitting for approval the "Agreement on Judicial Assistance and Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matters between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," and the proposal on submitting for approval the "Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the People's Republic of China and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia." The agenda proposed by the Chairpersons' Meeting also included: deliberating the State Council's report on the environmental situation in 2024 and the completion of environmental protection goals, and the report on the research and handling of deliberation opinions and rectification and accountability regarding the 2023 report on the management of state-owned assets; deliberating the report of the National People's Congress Standing Committee's Credentials Committee on the qualifications of individual deputies; deliberating relevant appointment and removal cases. The Chairpersons' Meeting reviewed and adopted the 2025 work priorities and plans for legislation, supervision, deputies, and foreign affairs of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and reviewed and adopted the key supervision topics for suggestions at the 14th National People's Congress Third Session. At the Chairpersons' Meeting, Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, reported on the draft agenda and schedule of the 15th session of the Standing Committee.
Ding Xuexiang Meets with Russian Energy Minister
Ding Xuexiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev in Beijing on April 18. Ding Xuexiang stated that energy cooperation is an important cornerstone of practical cooperation between China and Russia, providing strong support for the high-level development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Russia, with the important consensus between President Xi Jinping and President Putin as the fundamental guide, to continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector, steadily advance major projects, and actively expand new areas of cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two countries and their peoples. He also called for strengthening coordination and interaction under multilateral mechanisms to promote the establishment of a fair, just, balanced, and inclusive global energy governance system. Tsivilev stated that Russia fully agrees with the multilateral initiatives proposed by China and always regards China as a reliable partner, and is willing to promote deeper and more practical energy cooperation between the two countries to better contribute to the high-level development of Russia-China relations.
China's Value-Added Industrial Output Up 6.5% in Q1
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (April 18) to introduce China's industrial performance in the first quarter. In the first quarter of this year, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in China increased by 6.5% year-on-year, and the contribution rate of industry to macroeconomic growth reached 36.3%. Private investment in industry maintained double-digit growth, with the electronics, automobile, and electrical machinery and equipment industries playing a prominent role. At the same time, China's digital industry is developing well, with digital technologies represented by 5G and large AI models rapidly developing. In the first two months, the digital industry's business revenue increased by 8.2% year-on-year. Network infrastructure capabilities continue to strengthen. As of the end of March, a total of 4.395 million 5G base stations had been built and put into operation. 5G applications have been integrated into 80 of the 97 major categories of the national economy, achieving large-scale application in industries such as mining and ports.
China's Agricultural and Rural Economy Sees Steady Start in Q1
At the press conference held by the State Council Information Office today (April 18), a relevant official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs stated that the agricultural and rural economy had a stable start in the first quarter. Grain and oil production started well. The supply of "vegetable basket" products was sufficient, and the achievements in poverty alleviation were consolidated and expanded. As of the end of March, the number of rural laborers lifted out of poverty who found employment reached 30.898 million. Rural industries enriching the people were upgraded and became more efficient. In the first quarter, the added value of agricultural and sideline food processing industries above designated size nationwide increased by 7.2% year-on-year; the per capita disposable income of rural residents was 7,003 yuan, a real increase of 6.5%. The potential for rural domestic demand was also continuously unleashed. In the first quarter, fixed asset investment in the primary industry nationwide increased by 16% year-on-year, and retail sales of consumer goods in rural areas increased by 4.9% year-on-year.
5th China International Consumer Products Expo Concludes Today, Reaching Record Scale
The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) concluded today (April 18). The exhibition scale reached a new high, and its internationalization and specialization significantly increased compared to previous editions. This year's CICPE focused more on cutting-edge technology, with the total area of the New Consumption Technology Exhibition Zone expanding by 30%. Among them, new product launch events gathered 25 well-known domestic and international enterprises, collectively releasing nearly 100 first-launched and debut products. The number of professional buyers exceeded 60,000, an increase of over 10% compared to the 4th edition. Preparations for the 6th CICPE have already begun, and as of now, hundreds of enterprises have registered and signed up to participate.
Domestic News Briefs
National general public budget revenue exceeded 6 trillion yuan in Q1. Data released by the Ministry of Finance today (April 18) shows that in the first quarter, national general public budget revenue was 6,018.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 1.1%, with the decline narrowing by 0.5 percentage points compared to January-February. In March alone, it increased by 0.2%, turning from negative to positive monthly growth. Fiscal expenditure continued to grow. In the first quarter, national general public budget expenditure was 7,281.5 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.2%. Electricity consumption across society increased by 4.8% in March. Data released by the National Energy Administration today (April 18) shows that in March, electricity consumption across society nationwide was 828.2 billion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 4.8%. Among them, electricity consumption in the primary and tertiary industries grew faster, increasing by 9.9% and 8.4% year-on-year, respectively; electricity consumption in the secondary industry and for urban and rural residents' lives increased by 3.8% and 5.0% year-on-year, respectively. The 137th Canton Fair expands the scale of participating sci-tech enterprises. The 137th Canton Fair entered its fourth day today (April 18). This fair has further increased its efforts to attract national high-tech enterprises, "specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative" "little giant" enterprises, and manufacturing single champions. The number of relevant high-quality participating enterprises exceeded 9,700, an increase of 20% compared to the previous session. In addition, this fair also canceled the export value threshold for high-quality start-up enterprises to participate, helping more innovative achievements accelerate their expansion into overseas markets. The first high-speed railway in the old revolutionary base area of northern Shaanxi – Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway begins track laying. Today (April 18), track laying began for the Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway, with the entire line expected to be completed by June this year. The Xi'an-Yan'an high-speed railway is 299.8 kilometers long, with a designed speed of 350 kilometers per hour, making it the first high-speed railway in the old revolutionary base area of northern Shaanxi. After it is completed and put into operation, the travel time between the two places will be shortened from 2.5 hours to about 1 hour. Three Chinese documentary heritage items inscribed on the Memory of the World Register. The 221st session of the UNESCO Executive Board officially inscribed China's submitted "Marquis Yi of Zeng Bells" and "Shaolin Temple Stele Inscriptions (566–1990)," and the "Stele of Gratitude for the Buddha at Mount Sri Pada (February 15, 1409)," jointly submitted by China and Sri Lanka, which are Zheng He's relics, onto the Memory of the World Register. So far, China has 18 items inscribed on the Memory of the World Register. The Memory of the World Programme, along with the World Heritage Programme and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Programme, are known as UNESCO's three flagship heritage programs. The 2025 UN Chinese Language Day and CMG's 5th Overseas Image Festival held. The 2025 UN Chinese Language Day and CMG's 5th Overseas Image Festival, jointly hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, and the United Nations Office at Geneva, were recently held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The event, themed "Journey to China," invited friends from various countries to use images to record their stories of traveling in China and share the unique charm of excellent traditional Chinese culture and the vitality of China in the new era. "Leaders Talk" to broadcast interview with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar tonight. Tonight (April 18), CCTV News Channel's "Leaders Talk" program will broadcast an interview with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar. Anwar stated that President Xi Jinping's visit marks a new height in Malaysia-China relations, and Malaysia-China cooperation will bring more opportunities for the economy and development of Malaysia and ASEAN. This program will also be simultaneously launched on new media platforms such as CCTV News, CCTV Video, and CCTV.com.
Working Together to Build a New Era China-Cambodia All-Weather Community with a Shared Future - Cambodian Circles Highly Praise President Xi Jinping's Visit
People from all walks of life in Cambodia stated that President Xi Jinping's visit is of great significance and has elevated Cambodia-China friendship to a new level. Various Cambodian sectors are willing to work with China to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. People from all walks of life in Cambodia expressed that President Xi's visit is of great significance and will powerfully promote the common development of China, Cambodia, and regional countries.
US Mortgage Rates See Largest Weekly Jump in a Year Amid Tariff Impact: US Media
According to US media reports on April 17, US government tariff policies continue to impact the market, leading to higher US Treasury yields, which in turn drive up borrowing costs. US mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in two months. Freddie Mac, a US residential mortgage company, stated that for the week ending April 17, the average rate for a 30-year standard fixed mortgage was 6.83%, up from 6.62% a week earlier. This was the largest weekly increase in nearly a year. US media also reported that the trade war initiated by the United States has caused trillions of dollars in market value to evaporate, affecting everything from US companies to US Treasury bonds. Multiple international parties criticize US tariff policies for creating crises and uncertainty. On April 17, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro stated during a BRICS agriculture ministers' meeting in Brasília that BRICS countries should unite to resist the challenges brought by US trade protectionism. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also reiterated his opposition to US tariff policies. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated on April 17 that the effective US tariff rate has jumped to "levels not seen in generations," and tariff uncertainty is costly. The IMF's "World Economic Outlook," to be released next week, will significantly downgrade global economic growth forecasts. World Bank President Ajay Banga also stated that US tariff policies lead to increased "uncertainty," dragging down the global economy.
International News Briefs
Iranian President Says Ready to Fully Expand Cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Iranian President Pezeshkian stated on April 17 during a meeting with visiting Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman that Iran is fully prepared to expand relations with Saudi Arabia in all areas and extend bilateral cooperation to other countries in the region. He emphasized that Iran and Saudi Arabia can coordinate to resolve many issues in the region. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also met with Khalid on the same day. European Central Bank Cuts Three Key Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points. The European Central Bank announced on April 17 that it would cut the euro area's three key interest rates by 25 basis points each. This is the seventh rate cut by the bank since June last year. The ECB stated that while inflation in the euro area has improved, uncertainty is rising and external risks are increasing as global trade tensions escalate, weakening the euro area's growth outlook.