Xi Jinping Meets with Serbian President
On the afternoon of May 9, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić during his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory in Moscow. Xi Jinping noted that his state visit to Serbia in May last year was successful. Over the past year, the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era has started well, with visible results. Faced with accelerated global changes unseen in a century and multiple overlapping risks and challenges, China and Serbia should maintain strategic focus, concentrate on managing their own affairs, carry forward their ironclad friendship, deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and high-quality advance the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future. China is willing to deepen strategic communication with Serbia, increase mutual support, strengthen trade and investment cooperation, continue to support the construction and operation of relevant projects, fully leverage their示范效应 (demonstrative effect), and achieve more mutually beneficial results. Xi Jinping emphasized that 80 years ago, the Chinese people and the Serbian people made important contributions to the victory of the anti-fascist war in Asia and Europe, respectively. China is willing to work with countries worldwide, including Serbia, to unite and cooperate in addressing challenges, jointly safeguard world peace and international fairness and justice, uphold the achievements of economic globalization, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Vučić stated that China is Serbia's most valuable friend, consistently providing selfless support and assistance to Serbia, helping it develop its economy and improve people's livelihoods. Serbia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and has always regarded Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory. Serbia is willing to expand economic and trade exchanges with China, welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Serbia, and will provide a favorable business environment. He hopes China will actively participate in the 2027 Belgrade Specialized Expo. Serbia appreciates China's firm support for multilateralism, and China's concepts and actions have strengthened the international community's courage and confidence in safeguarding common interests. Serbia is willing to unite with China to counter challenges posed by unilateralism and protectionism. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Myanmar Leader
On the afternoon of May 9, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing during his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory in Moscow. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Myanmar are a community with a shared future, sharing weal and woe and helping each other. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, jointly advocated by China and Myanmar, have stood the test of time and their contemporary value continues to grow. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China will uphold the principles and policies of good neighborliness, amity, prosperity, sincerity, inclusiveness, and a shared future to deepen the building of a community with a shared future with Myanmar, jointly build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, and implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries. Not long ago, a strong earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, caused significant casualties and property losses. China was among the first to dispatch rescue teams and provide emergency humanitarian aid, and is willing to continue providing assistance to support Myanmar in rebuilding its homeland. China supports Myanmar in choosing a development path that suits its national conditions, safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national stability, and steadily advancing its domestic political agenda. Both sides should deepen strategic cooperation and continue to advance the construction of key projects in the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. It is hoped that Myanmar will effectively ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Myanmar, and intensify efforts to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud. Both sides should jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. Min Aung Hlaing stated that after Myanmar suffered from the earthquake, China immediately expressed sincere condolences and was the first to provide assistance and help with disaster relief, demonstrating the "Paukphaw" friendship and true solidarity with Myanmar. The Myanmar people will always remember this. Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, Chinese modernization has achieved outstanding successes. Myanmar attaches great importance to its relationship with China and is willing to forever be a trustworthy friendly neighbor to China. Myanmar is committed to promoting cooperation with China in trade, economy, energy, and other fields, and will spare no effort to ensure the safety of Chinese projects and personnel in Myanmar. Myanmar highly appreciates the three global initiatives proposed by China and the concept of building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, and is willing to work hand in hand with China to address common challenges. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Cuban President
On the afternoon of May 9, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel during his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory in Moscow. Xi Jinping noted that in recent years, he has met with President Díaz-Canel on multiple occasions, jointly guiding China-Cuba relations into a new stage characterized by deeper political mutual trust, closer strategic coordination, and a stronger foundation of public support. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. China is willing to further consolidate its ironclad friendship with Cuba, build a closer China-Cuba community with a shared future, and set an example of solidarity and cooperation among socialist countries and sincere mutual assistance among developing countries. Both sides should promote deeper and more substantive exchanges at all levels and cooperation in all fields, ensuring that high-level political mutual trust remains a distinctive feature of the relationship between the two parties and two countries. China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding national sovereignty and opposing external interference and blockades, and supports Cuba's economic and social development. As important members of the Global South, both sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation within frameworks such as BRICS and the China-CELAC Forum, oppose power politics and unilateral bullying, and uphold international fairness and justice. Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba and China are close friends and brothers. Cuba thanks China for its long-term strong support for Cuba's economic and social development. Cuba firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China, enhance friendly exchanges between their peoples, intensify coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, deeply build a community with a shared future, and promote greater development of bilateral relations. Cuba supports the three global initiatives and is willing to work with China to jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguard the common interests of the international community. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Venezuelan President
On the evening of May 9, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory in Moscow. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Venezuela are good partners who trust each other and develop together, and they have forged an ironclad friendship amidst international changes. Since we jointly announced the establishment of a China-Venezuela all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, exchanges at all levels and in various fields have been active, bilateral trade has continued to grow, and new progress has been made in investment cooperation and cultural exchanges, making China-Venezuela friendship even more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. China has always viewed and developed its relationship with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective, and will, as always, firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding national sovereignty, national dignity, and social stability. China is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance with Venezuela, continuously deepen practical cooperation in various fields, promote China-Venezuela relations to a new level, and better benefit the people of both countries. China is willing to work with Venezuela and other Latin American countries to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and promote the steady and long-term development of the China-Latin America community with a shared future. Maduro stated that China is a great friend of Venezuela, and thanked China for its selfless support and assistance in helping Venezuela safeguard national sovereignty and achieve economic and social development. Venezuela looks forward to strengthening the all-weather strategic partnership with China, intensifying cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, science and technology, education, and other fields, achieving more tangible results, and better benefiting the people of both countries. President Xi Jinping's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind opens up a bright future for world peace and development. Venezuela is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China, adhere to multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of the international community. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Meets with Slovak Prime Minister
On the evening of May 9, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory in Moscow. Xi Jinping pointed out that promoting the comprehensive, in-depth, and high-level development of China-Slovakia relations serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and conforms to the historical trend of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The important consensus reached during your visit to China last November is being actively implemented, and the China-Slovakia strategic partnership has entered the "fast lane." Both sides should continue to deepen traditional friendship, intensify high-level exchanges, firmly support each other, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Slovakia and China-Europe relations. China welcomes Slovakia as the guest of honor at the 4th China-CEEC Expo, promoting the export of high-quality Slovak products to China, and is pleased to see more Chinese enterprises invest and do business in Slovakia. China is willing to work with Slovakia and other countries to unite and cooperate in addressing challenges and upholding international fairness and justice. It is hoped that Slovakia will play a positive role in promoting the continuous improvement and advancement of China-Europe relations. Fico stated that deepening the Slovakia-China strategic partnership is a top priority of Slovakia's foreign policy. Slovakia will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, actively promote friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation with China, strengthen trade and investment cooperation, intensify cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and promote greater development of bilateral relations. A healthy and stable EU-China relationship serves the common interests of both sides, and Slovakia is committed to promoting the development of EU-China relations. Slovakia supports the major initiatives proposed by China, such as building a community with a shared future for mankind, appreciates China's stance and constructive role on issues such as Ukraine and the Middle East, and is willing to work with China to jointly adhere to multilateralism, safeguard free trade rules, and maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.
Xi Jinping Concludes State Visit to Russia and Attends 80th Anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory
On the morning of May 10, local time, President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to Russia and his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory, and returned to Beijing. Upon his departure from Moscow, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and other senior government officials saw him off at the airport. Russia held a farewell ceremony for Xi Jinping at the airport. A military band played the national anthems of China and Russia. Xi Jinping inspected the honor guard. After Xi Jinping's special plane took off, Russian Air Force fighter jets escorted it. On the way to the airport, local residents and representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises and students waved the national flags of China and Russia along the roadside, warmly congratulating Xi Jinping on the complete success of his visit to Russia.
Brazilian President to Visit China at Xi Jinping's Invitation
At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil will pay a state visit to China from May 10 to 14.
'Two New' Policies Continue to Support Localities in Promoting Consumption and Stabilizing Growth
Various localities are continuously intensifying efforts in "new for old" policies, constantly optimizing service procedures, and effectively boosting the vitality of the consumer goods market. Recently, Hunan released its "new for old" implementation plan for 2025. On the basis of previous categories, it further adjusted and optimized in five aspects, including expanding categories, raising standards, and lowering thresholds. As of May 6, there have been over 4.58 million applications for subsidies for consumer goods trade-ins across the province, with a cumulative subsidy amount of 3.947 billion yuan, driving sales exceeding 30.6 billion yuan, further enhancing the vitality of the consumer goods market. Xi'an, Shaanxi, recently released its first national subsidy financial product - "National Subsidy Loan." This product offers high credit limits and low interest rates, allowing merchants applying for national subsidies to easily and efficiently obtain high-amount credit funds, further alleviating the financial pressure on enterprises. This year, Xi'an plans to invest an initial special quota of 2 billion yuan to specifically support national subsidy merchants. Efforts are continuously being intensified to expand the scope of consumer goods trade-ins. In Hebei, the categories of home appliances for trade-in have been greatly expanded, including not only 12 traditional large home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines but also 8 small home appliances such as electric heaters and floor cleaners, with a 15% subsidy. Currently, over 24,000 merchants in Hebei Province are participating in the consumer goods trade-in program. Various localities are effectively stimulating consumer market vitality through various activities. Currently, Guangxi is carrying out a series of activities such as "Shop in Guangxi - Boutique Shopping Month." Driven by various policy subsidies, during the May Day holiday, sales of automobiles and home appliances by key enterprises in the region increased by 25.2% and 41.6% year-on-year, respectively. Changchun, Jilin, has planned promotional activities with different themes based on the characteristics of various festivals throughout the year, coordinating with enterprises to offer simultaneous discounts, which, combined with national subsidies, maximizes consumer benefits. Liaoning has organized over 300 consumer promotion activities, including auto shows and home appliance promotions in rural areas. During the May Day holiday, sales of automobiles increased by nearly 20% and sales of communication equipment and home appliances increased by over 15% for the 160+ relevant enterprises monitored across the province.
[On the Fields of Hope] Spring Sowing Peaks as Regions Strive for Bumper Summer Harvest
Currently, spring plowing across the country is reaching its peak, and summer grain is entering a critical period for yield formation. Various regions are taking multiple measures to strengthen field management, laying a solid foundation for stable grain production. At present, nearly 100 million mu of grain has been spring-planted in Northeast China, completing over 20%. Heilongjiang is vigorously promoting intelligent agricultural machinery equipment, such as high-performance precision planters this year, adding nearly 10 million mu of operating area for high-performance planters. In Qing'an County, Suihua City, the scope of intelligent seed soaking and germination and centralized factory seedling cultivation has been expanded, achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement. In Jilin, it is corn planting season, and this year the local government has increased subsidies for high-quality agricultural machinery, achieving a comprehensive mechanization rate of 94.7% for crop cultivation, planting, and harvesting. Currently, winter wheat in the Yellow-Huai-Hai region is entering a critical period for yield formation. Henan's 85 million mu of wheat has successively entered the grain-filling stage, requiring a large amount of water and fertilizer. In Xuchang, agricultural departments are monitoring key data such as wheat growth and soil moisture through multispectral drone patrols, providing scientific basis for precise irrigation of wheat during the grain-filling stage. Various localities in Anhui are also actively carrying out wheat field irrigation and moisture replenishment, and dispatching agricultural technicians to villages and households to guide irrigation operations and pest and disease control. Southern early rice production is accelerating. Hunan's over 18 million mu of early rice has completed transplanting and entered a critical period for pest and disease control. In Yiyang, agricultural departments are organizing farmers to collectively prevent and control pests and diseases by predicting pest and disease trends and uniformly allocating equipment such as plant protection drones, improving effectiveness.
Domestic News Snippets
April Consumer Price Index Rises Month-on-Month Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics today (May 10) shows that in April, rebounding demand for tourism and travel led to a rise in service prices, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing by 0.1% month-on-month, reversing the 0.4% decline in the previous month. In April, the Producer Price Index (PPI) decreased by 0.4% month-on-month, the same decline as the previous month. Marriage Registration Now Available Nationwide The newly revised "Marriage Registration Regulations" came into effect today (May 10). The "Marriage Registration Work Norms" recently issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs clarifies that if one party of the marriage registration is a resident of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or an overseas Chinese, they can apply for marriage registration, divorce registration, and replacement of marriage certificates at any marriage registration authority with corresponding jurisdiction, achieving "nationwide availability." 2025 Flood Season Agricultural Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan Issued Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and three other departments jointly formulated and issued the "2025 Flood Season Scientific Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Plan for Striving for a Bountiful Harvest of Grain and Agriculture." The plan outlines five key tasks for agricultural flood and waterlogging prevention and control, drought prevention and growth promotion, high temperature and heat damage prevention, typhoon prevention and safety assurance, and pest and disease prevention and loss reduction during the flood season. It requires all localities to strengthen disaster preparedness, and do a good job in the storage and allocation of relief supplies. Service Consumption and Elder Care Re-lending Facility Established with Total Quota of 500 Billion Yuan On May 9, the People's Bank of China officially established the service consumption and elder care re-lending facility with a total quota of 500 billion yuan, an annual interest rate of 1.5%, and a maximum term of no more than 3 years. The beneficiaries include 21 national financial institutions and 5 urban commercial banks, incentivizing and guiding financial institutions to increase financial support for key service consumption areas such as accommodation and catering, culture and entertainment, and education, as well as the elder care industry. China Launches Specialized Training Action for Domestic Service Skills Recently, six departments including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security jointly issued a notice stating that from 2025 to 2027, specialized training in domestic service skills will be provided to laborers willing to receive employment training in the domestic service sector and those already engaged in domestic service. The plan aims to train 1.5 million people annually and guide trainees to participate in vocational skill level evaluations, helping them find employment in the domestic service field. Hengqin Port Passenger Throughput Exceeds 10 Million Within the Year, Setting a New Record According to statistics from the Zhuhai Border Inspection General Station, as of May 9, the number of inbound and outbound passengers through Hengqin Port this year has exceeded 10 million, a year-on-year increase of 32%, 46 days earlier than last year, setting the fastest record since the port opened. Among them, mainland passengers increased by 22% year-on-year, and Hong Kong and Macao residents increased by 60% year-on-year. Yuxia High-Speed Railway Chongqing Section Undergoing Trial Operation The Chongqing East to Qianjiang section of the Yuxia High-Speed Railway entered the trial operation phase yesterday (May 9) and is expected to be ready for operation in June this year. At that time, the fastest travel time between Chongqing's main urban area and Qianjiang will be shortened from the current 4 hours to less than 1 hour, accelerating the formation of a high-speed railway main channel from Chongqing to Xiamen and driving the economic and social development of areas along the line. Xiong'an New Area Holds 2025 Graduate Employment Fair Today (May 10), the Xiong'an New Area held a 2025 graduate employment fair, attracting more than 170 units and offering over 5,400 job positions. The "Happy Employment Xiong'an" mini-program was simultaneously launched on-site, and online live streaming for job recruitment was also carried out.
Russian Circles Highly Appraise President Xi Jinping's State Visit to Russia and Attendance at 80th Anniversary of Great Patriotic War Victory
Russian public figures stated that President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia and his attendance at the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War victory demonstrated the deep friendship between the two countries and their firm stance in safeguarding the achievements of World War II. They believe that President Xi's visit holds significant importance, as the leaders of the two countries engaged in in-depth communication on a series of important issues and achieved pragmatic cooperation results, showcasing the high level of mutual trust and support between the two countries, and elevating Russia-China relations to a higher level. Russian public figures expressed that the important consensus reached during the meeting between the heads of state of Russia and China provides strategic guidance and planning for further strengthening strategic coordination and practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries, continuously writing new chapters in Russia-China relations in the new era.
Pakistan Claims Military Action Against India, India Says It Struck Pakistani Military Base
The Director-General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated today (May 10) that India launched missile strikes on three Pakistani air force bases early this morning, local time. Pakistan's air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, and flight equipment at the Pakistani air force bases was not damaged. Pakistan announced today that it has begun military action against India in response to the Indian strikes. Additionally, Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority announced the closure of Pakistani airspace. The Indian military stated at a press conference today that the Pakistani army continued military operations in the western border region, and the Indian military struck Pakistani technical facilities, armories, and multiple military bases. According to reports from Indian and Pakistani media, military commanders from both India and Pakistan held a phone conversation at noon today.
Fed Governor Warns US Tariff Policies Drive Up Inflation, Disrupt Supply Chains
According to U.S. media reports on the 9th, Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr stated that the U.S. government's tariff policies could push up inflation later this year, leading to slower economic growth and rising unemployment. He said that higher tariffs could cause disruptions in global supply chains and exert sustained upward pressure on inflation. Some suppliers, especially small businesses, might collapse, further exacerbating supply chain disruptions. U.S. Media Survey Shows Seven Out of Ten Small Business Owners Believe U.S. Economy is Heading for Recession A survey of U.S. small business owners released by CNBC on the 9th showed that 66% of small business owners have been or expect to be affected by tariff policies, 70% believe current economic conditions are fair or poor, and 60% said they have felt financial pressure on their businesses recently. The report also stated that 70% of small business owners believe the U.S. economy is heading for a recession.
International News Snippets
Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have attacked Israeli airport. Yemen's Houthi rebels stated on the 9th that they carried out operations against targets in Israel on that day, including using a hypersonic ballistic missile to strike Ben Gurion International Airport and launching drones to attack a significant target in Tel Aviv. The Israeli military stated on the 9th that its air defense system intercepted a missile launched from the direction of Yemen. UN aid distribution point in Gaza Strip attacked by Israeli army. According to Palestinian media reports, from the 9th local time to early morning today (May 10), a UNRWA aid distribution center in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip was attacked by the Israeli army, causing multiple casualties. The Israeli military stated on the 9th that it struck Hamas militants in the Jabalia refugee camp.