Central Urban Work Conference Held in Beijing; Xi Jinping Delivers Important Speech, Li Qiang Delivers Concluding Remarks; Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi Attend. The Central Urban Work Conference was held in Beijing from July 14 to 15. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the conference and delivered an important speech. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the conference. In his important speech, Xi Jinping summarized the achievements in China's urban development since the new era, analyzed the situation facing urban work, and clarified the overall requirements, important principles, and key tasks for effective urban work. Li Qiang delivered a concluding speech, making specific arrangements for implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and further improving urban work. The conference pointed out that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee has deeply grasped the laws of China's urban development under the new circumstances, adhered to the Party's overall leadership over urban work, insisted that cities are built by the people and for the people, and systematically planned cities as organic living bodies. This has promoted historical achievements in urban development, with significant improvements in China's new urbanization level, urban development capacity, planning, construction, and governance levels, suitability for work and living, historical and cultural protection and inheritance, and ecological environment quality. The conference emphasized that the overall requirements for urban work in the current and coming period are: guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, fully implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on urban work, adhering to and strengthening the Party's overall leadership, diligently practicing the people-centered urban development philosophy, adhering to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, adhering to adapting measures to local conditions and providing classified guidance, with the goal of building modern people-centered cities that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, civilized, and smart, with high-quality urban development as the theme, focusing on intrinsic urban development as the main line, and promoting urban renewal as an important抓手 (grip/handle). This will vigorously promote the optimization of urban structure, transformation of development momentum, improvement of quality, green transition, cultural continuity, and enhanced governance efficiency, firmly safeguarding the bottom line of urban safety, and forging a new path of urban modernization with Chinese characteristics. The conference pointed out that China's urbanization is transitioning from a period of rapid growth to stable development, and urban development is shifting from large-scale incremental expansion to primarily focusing on improving the quality and efficiency of existing stock. Urban work must deeply grasp and actively adapt to changes in the situation, transform urban development concepts, placing more emphasis on people-centered development; transform urban development models, placing more emphasis on intensive and efficient development; transform urban development drivers, placing more emphasis on characteristic development; transform the focus of urban work, placing more emphasis on governance input; and transform urban work methods, placing more emphasis on overall coordination. The conference deployed 7 key tasks for urban work. First, focus on optimizing the modern urban system. Aim to improve the comprehensive carrying capacity of cities for population and socio-economic development, develop clustered and networked modern urban agglomerations and metropolitan areas, promote urbanization led by county seats in a categorized manner, continue to promote the urbanization of agricultural transfer population, promote coordinated development of large, medium, and small cities and small towns, and promote integrated urban-rural development. Second, focus on building vibrant innovative cities. Meticulously cultivate an innovation ecosystem, continuously achieving breakthroughs in developing new quality productive forces; enhance urban momentum through reform and opening up, carry out high-quality urban renewal, and give full play to the hub role of cities in both domestic and international circulations. Third, focus on building comfortable and convenient livable cities. Adhere to integrated planning for population, industry, urban areas, and transportation, and optimize urban spatial structure; accelerate the construction of a new model for real estate development, steadily promote the renovation of urban villages and dilapidated housing; vigorously develop livelihood services, improve public service levels, and firmly safeguard basic livelihoods. Fourth, focus on building green, low-carbon, and beautiful cities. Consolidate achievements in ecological environmental governance, adopt more effective measures to address issues such as urban air pollution, protection of drinking water sources, and new pollutant governance, promote synergistic benefits of pollution reduction, carbon reduction, and greening, and enhance urban biodiversity. Fifth, focus on building safe and reliable resilient cities. Promote the construction of urban infrastructure lifeline safety projects, accelerate the upgrading of old pipelines; strictly limit super high-rise buildings, and comprehensively enhance housing safety assurance levels; strengthen urban natural disaster prevention and control, and coordinate urban flood control systems and waterlogging governance; strengthen overall social security prevention and control, and effectively maintain urban public safety. Sixth, focus on building civilized cities that advocate virtue. Improve the system for historical and cultural protection and inheritance, improve urban landscape management systems, protect the unique historical and cultural context, human geography, and natural landscapes of cities; strengthen the development of urban cultural soft power, and improve the civic quality of residents. Seventh, focus on building convenient and efficient smart cities. Adhere to Party building leadership, adhere to governing cities according to law, innovate concepts, models, and methods of urban governance, make good use of public service hotlines and other mechanisms, and efficiently solve urgent and difficult problems for the public. The conference emphasized that building modern people-centered cities must strengthen the Party's overall leadership over urban work. It is necessary to further improve leadership systems and working mechanisms, enhance the synergy of urban policies, and strengthen the implementation capabilities of all parties. It is necessary to establish and practice correct performance metrics, establish and improve a scientific urban development evaluation system, strengthen the quality and capacity building of urban work teams, and incentivize cadres to work hard and take responsibility. It is necessary to adhere to seeking truth from facts and being pragmatic, and resolutely oppose formalism and bureaucracy. The conference pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech scientifically answered major theoretical and practical questions such as for whom urban development serves, on whom it relies, what kind of cities to build, and how to build cities. It provides fundamental guidance for urban work in the new era and new journey, and must be earnestly studied, understood, and meticulously implemented. It is necessary to deeply grasp the historical position of China's urban development and carry out urban work with a broader vision; deeply grasp the target positioning of building modern people-centered cities and consciously practice the people-centered development philosophy; deeply grasp the strategic orientation of intrinsic urban development and more targetedly improve the quality of urban development; deeply grasp the inherent requirements for enhancing the momentum and vitality of urban development, and do a great job in reform and innovation; and deeply grasp the systematic and complex nature of urban work, and strive to improve the ability to implement various tasks and deployments. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretaries of the Central Secretariat, relevant leading comrades of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, State Councilors, the President of the Supreme People's Court, the Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and relevant leading comrades of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the conference. Principal Party and government leaders and responsible comrades for urban work from all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, principal Party committee leaders from cities with independent planning status, provincial capitals, and relevant prefecture-level cities, principal responsible comrades from relevant departments of central and state organs, relevant people's organizations, some central financial institutions, enterprises, and universities, and relevant departments of the Central Military Commission attended the conference.
CCTV's quick commentary "Forging a New Path of Urban Modernization with Chinese Characteristics" was broadcast today (July 15).
On the morning of July 15, President Xi Jinping met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, who is on an official visit to China. Xi Jinping once again congratulated Albanese on his re-election. Xi Jinping pointed out that thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Australia relations have emerged from a low ebb and achieved a turnaround in recent years, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. The greatest revelation from this is that adhering to mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation conform to the fundamental interests of China and Australia and their peoples. No matter how the international situation changes, this general direction should be adhered to steadfastly. The China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership has entered its second decade, and China is willing to work with Australia to promote the further development and improvement of China-Australia relations, better benefiting the peoples of both countries. Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Australia must first continue to enhance strategic mutual trust. China's determination to pursue peaceful development will not waver, its concept of common development will not waver, and its policy of promoting Asia-Pacific cooperation and development will not waver. China advocates for solidarity and cooperation among all countries, promotes the construction of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and contributes to regional peace, development, and prosperity. Both sides should adhere to correct mutual understanding and consolidate the foundation of mutual trust. Second, deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. China has been Australia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, and trade with China has brought tangible benefits to Australia. Both sides should promote the alignment of development strategies, effectively create a good business environment for enterprises of both countries, forge more points of common interest and new growth areas for cooperation, and continuously elevate the level and quality of cooperation. Third, extensively cultivate people-to-people friendship. The hearts of the two peoples are connected, and their friendship is sincere. China welcomes more people from all walks of life in Australia to visit China and is willing to invite more Australian youth to China for exchanges and studies, allowing the tree of China-Australia friendship to flourish. Fourth, jointly address risks and challenges. Facing an international situation intertwined with changes and turmoil, all countries should jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold multilateralism and free trade, defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and promote the development of the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction. Albanese stated that in recent years, Australia-China relations have made positive progress. Australia highly values its relationship with China and looks forward to working with China to treat each other equally, seek common ground while reserving differences, and cooperate for mutual benefit, promoting the development of Australia-China relations. This is in the common interests of both countries and conducive to regional stability and prosperity. Australia adheres to the One-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence." Australia is willing to maintain exchanges and dialogue at all levels with China and enhance mutual trust. China's development is crucial to Australia, and Australia never seeks economic decoupling with China. Australia is willing to maintain smooth bilateral trade and promote pragmatic cooperation in green industries, climate change response, medical technology, and other fields to achieve win-win results. Australia is willing to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in tourism, education, sports, and other areas to promote mutual understanding between the peoples. Facing a world intertwined with changes and turmoil, Australia is willing to adhere to multilateralism with China, support the important role of the United Nations, jointly safeguard free trade and the rules of the World Trade Organization, and provide more stability and certainty to the international community. Australia supports China's hosting of APEC in 2026. Wang Yi attended the meeting.
On the morning of July 15, President Xi Jinping collectively met with the foreign ministers and heads of permanent bodies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states attending the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping pointed out that for 24 years since its establishment, the SCO has consistently upheld the "Shanghai Spirit," continuously matured and grown, radiating strong vitality. Member states have deepened political mutual trust, achieved fruitful results in various areas of cooperation, successfully forged a path of regional cooperation that conforms to the trend of the times and meets the needs of all parties, setting an example for a new type of international relations. China has always made the SCO a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, committed to solidifying and strengthening the SCO, safeguarding regional security and stability, promoting the development and prosperity of member states, and building a closer community with a shared future. Since China assumed the rotating presidency in July last year, it has actively carried out activities and promoted cooperation, and all parties have taken solid steps towards jointly building a beautiful SCO homeland. The SCO Tianjin Summit will be held this year, and I look forward to meeting with leaders of all member states in Tianjin to jointly plan for the development of the SCO. Xi Jinping emphasized that in the face of a complex and changing international situation, the SCO should accurately grasp the direction, strengthen confidence, act efficiently, and play a greater role, injecting more stability and positive energy into the world. First, remember the original aspiration of its establishment and be the torchbearer of the "Shanghai Spirit." Take mutual trust and mutual benefit as the basis for cooperation, equality and consultation as the way of interaction, respect for diverse civilizations to promote harmony and inclusiveness, and pursuit of common development to achieve win-win prosperity, allowing the "Shanghai Spirit" to continue illuminating the path of building a community with a shared future for the SCO. Second, respond to people's expectations and be an active doer in deepening cooperation. Improve mechanisms for addressing security threats and challenges, build a solid security barrier, and respond to people's expectations for peaceful and stable lives; align development strategies of member states with cooperation initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative to achieve higher quality and more sustainable development, responding to people's expectations for prosperous and fulfilling lives; facilitate personnel exchanges and promote people-to-people exchanges, organizing more cultural activities that reflect the characteristics of various countries, responding to people's expectations for a rich spiritual life. Third, assume the mission of the times and be a determined practitioner in building a community with a shared future for mankind. Resolutely oppose hegemonism, domineering behavior, and bullying, making world multipolarity more equal and orderly; adhere to extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, making economic globalization more inclusive and beneficial to all; unite and lead the Global South, promoting the establishment of a more just and reasonable global governance system, and gathering powerful forces for building a community with a shared future for mankind. Wang Yi, as Chairman of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, reported on the progress of various aspects of work since China assumed the rotating presidency and the preparations for the Tianjin Summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke on behalf of the foreign parties, stating that the SCO adheres to the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of common development, achieving remarkable cooperation results and continuously increasing international attractiveness. Practice has proved that the "Shanghai Spirit" conforms to the common interests of member states and possesses strong vitality. Since China assumed the rotating presidency, it has organized numerous activities, promoting new development for the SCO. Faced with a complex international situation, the SCO should adhere to multilateralism and promote the development of the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction. All parties are willing to actively support China's work as the chair, build consensus, and ensure the complete success of the Tianjin Summit.
On the morning of July 15, President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People. Xi Jinping asked Lavrov to convey his cordial greetings to President Putin. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Russia should implement the important consensus reached between him and President Putin, deeply advance the construction of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, strengthen mutual support on multilateral platforms, safeguard the development and security interests of both countries, unite countries of the Global South, and promote the development of the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a comprehensive regional cooperation organization jointly founded by China and Russia, which holds significant importance for maintaining peace, stability, and development on the Eurasian continent. Both sides should support each other, grasp the direction of the SCO's development, continuously inject new impetus, and solidify and strengthen this strategic platform. Lavrov conveyed President Putin's sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping, stating that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has developed in depth. Russia attaches great importance to its relations with China and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges with China in this important year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Fascist War, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, maintaining communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, and promoting world and regional peace and stability. Russia will actively support China's work as the chair and jointly promote the complete success of the SCO Tianjin Summit. Wang Yi attended the meeting.
On the afternoon of July 15, Premier Li Qiang held a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is on an official visit to China. State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong and others attended the welcoming ceremony. The military band played the national anthems of Australia and China. Subsequently, Li Qiang accompanied Albanese in reviewing the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
After the welcoming ceremony, Premier Li Qiang held the 10th China-Australia Prime Ministers' Annual Meeting with Prime Minister Albanese. Li Qiang stated that in the current international situation, the significance of strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia has become even more prominent. This morning, President Xi Jinping held a productive meeting with Prime Minister Albanese, mapping out a new blueprint for the development of China-Australia relations. China is willing to continue working with Australia to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation and achieve higher-level mutual benefit and win-win results. Li Qiang pointed out that the Chinese and Australian economies are highly complementary, and there is broad scope for cooperation in areas such as energy and minerals, agricultural products, and green development. China is willing to fully utilize various dialogue mechanisms with Australia, strengthen planning and design for cooperation in various fields, and unleash the huge potential of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. China hopes that Australia will provide a fair, open, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in Australia. China is willing to continue vigorously supporting exchanges in culture, education, tourism, and other fields, and further facilitate personnel exchanges. Both sides should strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and APEC, uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system, and work together to foster a favorable international economic and trade cooperation environment. Albanese stated that Australia attaches great importance to and is committed to building a stable and constructive bilateral relationship, adheres to the One-China policy, and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and dialogue in various fields with China. The Australian and Chinese economies are highly complementary, and Australia looks forward to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, tourism, and education. Australia firmly supports multilateralism and fair and free trade, and is willing to work with China to address global challenges such as climate change and jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. After the talks, the two prime ministers jointly witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents covering trade, customs inspection and quarantine, and agriculture. Both sides jointly issued the "Joint Outcome Statement of the China-Australia Prime Ministers' Annual Meeting." Wu Zhenglong attended the above activities.
On the afternoon of July 15, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing. Zhao Leji stated that this morning, President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Albanese, outlining a new blueprint for the development of China-Australia relations. China is willing to work with Australia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, continuously deepen people-to-people understanding, and foster the long-term healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations. The National People's Congress of China is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the Australian Federal Parliament, share experiences in legislation and oversight, and provide legal guarantees for pragmatic cooperation between the two sides. Albanese stated that Australia is willing to deepen economic and trade cooperation with China, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly address climate change, properly manage differences, and actively advance Australia-China relations through dialogue and cooperation.
The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a special consultative conference in Beijing on July 15 on "Improving and Innovating Social Governance." Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended and delivered a speech. Wang Huning stated that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has, focusing on the long-term stability of the country and the well-being of the people, unswervingly pursued the path of social governance with Chinese characteristics. It has deeply promoted the building of a Peaceful China and a Law-Based China, improved the social governance system, built a community of social governance where everyone is responsible, fulfills their responsibilities, and shares in the benefits, achieving significant accomplishments in modernizing social governance and writing a new chapter in the miracle of long-term social stability. The CPPCC should thoroughly study and understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on social governance, deeply grasp that social governance concerns the overall development of the Party and the state, grasp the adherence to and strengthening of the Party's leadership over social governance work, grasp the people-centered approach to advancing social governance, grasp the improvement of the co-construction, co-governance, and shared social governance system, and grasp the shift of the focus of social governance downwards to the grassroots level. This will improve the quality and effectiveness of consultative discussions and performance of duties in providing suggestions, widely pooling wisdom and strength for improving and innovating social governance and building a higher-level Peaceful China. Nearly 100 CPPCC National Committee members attended the meeting. A responsible comrade from the CPPCC National Committee's Social and Legal Affairs Committee introduced the findings of special research. Twenty-two CPPCC members spoke, offering suggestions on improving the co-construction, co-governance, and shared social governance system. Chen Wenqing, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, attended and spoke at the meeting. He stated that it is necessary to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on social governance, strengthen the Party's overall leadership over social governance, practice the Party's mass line in the new era, adhere to and develop the "Fengqiao Experience" in the new era, and improve the rule of law in social governance. Shi Taifeng, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, presided over the morning session. Responsible comrades from relevant departments and units of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attended the meeting to listen to opinions and suggestions and engage in consultative exchanges with CPPCC members.
On July 15, Vice President Han Zheng met with Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), in Beijing. Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to China's participation in the BIE and World Expo affairs. Since its inception over 170 years ago, the World Expo has endured through changing times and remains fresh, with a current greater emphasis on scientific and cultural exchange, which holds significant importance. With the support of the BIE, China successfully hosted the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition, and has participated in 17 general and specialized World Expos overseas. China will continue to strengthen cooperation with the BIE, actively participate in future World Expos, and support and promote the flourishing development of the World Expo cause. Kerkentzes highly praised China's participation in the BIE and World Expo work, fully affirmed the splendid presentation of the China Pavilion at the Osaka Expo, and stated that the BIE will continue to strongly support China's participation in World Expo endeavors, looking forward to China's wonderful displays at various Expos.
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (July 15). The National Bureau of Statistics released the latest economic data, showing that in the first half of the year, China's GDP grew by 5.3% year-on-year, with the economy operating steadily and improving, and new progress made in high-quality development. Preliminary calculations show that the GDP in the first half of the year reached 66,053.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.3% at constant prices, 0.3 percentage points higher than the same period last year and the full year. By industry, the value added of the primary industry increased by 3.7% year-on-year, that of the secondary industry increased by 5.3% year-on-year, and that of the tertiary industry increased by 5.5% year-on-year. On a quarterly basis, GDP increased by 5.4% year-on-year in the first quarter and by 5.2% in the second quarter. In the first half of the year, summer grain production was stable and yielded a bumper harvest, and industrial production grew rapidly. The value added of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide increased by 6.4% year-on-year, basically consistent with the first quarter. The value added of the service industry increased by 5.5% year-on-year, 0.2 percentage points faster than the first quarter. In the first half of the year, the growth rate of market sales rebounded, with total retail sales of consumer goods increasing by 5.0% year-on-year, and fixed asset investment continued to expand. The contribution rates of final consumption expenditure, gross capital formation, and net exports of goods and services to economic growth were 52%, 16.8%, and 31.2% respectively. The economic structure continued to optimize and improve. The value added of equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing increased by 3.8 and 3.1 percentage points faster than that of all industrial enterprises above designated size, respectively. The integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation was intensified, and new industries, new technologies, and new business forms continued to maintain rapid development. In the first half of the year, the value added of high-tech industries increased by 9.5% year-on-year, with new drivers of growth accelerating their accumulation.
Early this morning (July 15), the Long March 7 Y10 carrier rocket, carrying the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft, was successfully launched from China's Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. The spacecraft smoothly entered its designated orbit. Approximately 3 hours later, the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft completed rendezvous and docking with the space station combination. At 5:34 AM, the Long March 7 Y10 carrier rocket ignited on time and lifted off. About 10 minutes later, the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit. Subsequently, the spacecraft's solar panels unfolded smoothly, and the Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew also watched the live broadcast of the Tianzhou-9 launch from the space station. After entering orbit, the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft successfully completed its status settings. At 8:52 AM, Tianzhou-9 successfully docked with the rear port of the space station's Tianhe core module using a 3-hour autonomous rapid rendezvous and docking mode, transitioning into the combination flight phase. This mission is the fourth cargo resupply mission since China's manned space program entered the space station application and development phase. The Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft carried a total of approximately 6.5 tons of upward cargo, including consumables for astronauts' in-orbit stay, propellant, and application experimental devices. Among them, scientific experimental materials totaled nearly 780 kilograms, which will support 23 scientific experiments to be carried out in the space station. In the field of space life science and biotechnology, experiments such as research on the mechanism of space environment's effect on the brain will be conducted through organ-on-a-chip technology, deepening the understanding of biological physiological and pathological mechanisms and providing fundamental support for human health assurance. In addition, utilizing experimental materials, the Chinese space station will also conduct scientific experiments on new materials and combustion in a microgravity environment, providing support for the innovative development of related technologies. This afternoon, the Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew has entered the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft and is carrying out cargo transfer and other related work as planned.
Today (July 15), local maximum temperatures in Shaanxi, Henan, Shanxi, and other regions exceeded 40℃. The Central Meteorological Observatory continued to issue an orange alert for high temperatures, and various localities adopted multiple measures to actively respond. Today, high temperatures continued in most parts of Shaanxi. Xi'an, Xianyang, and other places have continuously issued red alerts for high temperatures for two consecutive days, with local maximum temperatures exceeding 42℃. Shaanxi's power grid load reached a new historical high, and the local authorities enhanced power supply capacity through scientific dispatching and inter-provincial mutual aid. Today, the maximum temperature in Zhengzhou, Henan, exceeded 40℃, and the daily water consumption in urban areas continued to run at a high level. Water supply departments strengthened joint dispatching of water sources and water plants to ensure stable water supply. Affected by continuous high temperatures, the forest fire risk meteorological level in some districts and counties of Chongqing reached level 4-5, with a higher risk of fire. Forest fire departments monitored key areas around the clock and strengthened patrols and checkpoint controls. In Taiyuan, Shanxi, the local authorities prepared sufficient forest fire prevention materials in advance to reduce fire hazards. Today and tomorrow are the strongest periods of this round of high temperatures. Meteorological departments remind the public to continue to take measures to prevent heatstroke and cool down, reduce outdoor activities and outdoor work time, and beware of heatstroke.
Today (July 15), the State Council Information Office held a press briefing titled "Strugglers on the New Journey" for Chinese and foreign journalists. Five representatives of private entrepreneurs met and exchanged views with Chinese and foreign journalists on the theme of "Promoting Entrepreneurial Spirit and Steadfastly Becoming Excellent Builders of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics." They shared their stories of pioneering innovation and continuous breakthroughs in fields such as robotics, textile manufacturing, apparel processing, aerospace technology, and pharmaceutical distribution. Their accounts showcased the active contributions made by private entrepreneurs in promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and the high-quality development of enterprises.
The 11th round of national centralized drug procurement was launched. The National Healthcare Security Administration announced that the 11th round of national centralized drug procurement has been launched recently, with 55 varieties included in the scope of medical institutions' reporting of quantities. To protect the enthusiasm for industry innovation, new drugs are not included in the centralized procurement. Since 2018, 10 rounds of national centralized drug procurement have been carried out, covering 435 types of drugs. The "Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Individual Businesses" officially came into effect today. The "Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Individual Businesses" (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations") officially came into effect today (July 15). The "Regulations" clearly state that individual businesses can transform into enterprises through modification registration, retaining their unified social credit code, date of establishment, business name, and relevant administrative licenses, effectively reducing the cost of conversion. The third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) exhibition layout completed, with 1,200 exhibitors. The third China International Supply Chain Expo is set to open tomorrow (July 16), and preparations such as booth setup have been completed. This CISCE features six major chains: advanced manufacturing, green agriculture, digital technology, healthy living, intelligent vehicles, and clean energy, as well as a supply chain services exhibition area. 651 Chinese and foreign enterprises and organizations are participating, along with over 500 upstream and downstream partners brought by exhibitors, bringing the actual number of exhibitors to 1,200. The TV drama "Bloody Glory" premieres tonight on CCTV-1. The TV drama "Bloody Glory" premieres tonight (July 15) in prime time on CCTV-1. The drama recreates the great explorations of the People's Army led by the Communist Party of China in its early days.
The U.S. Commerce Department announced on July 14 that the United States is withdrawing from an agreement with Mexico to suspend an anti-dumping investigation into Mexican tomatoes. Effective immediately, a 17.09% anti-dumping duty will be imposed on most tomato imports from Mexico. Mexico's Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Agriculture stated on July 14 that the U.S. decision is unfair, harming not only Mexican producers but also relevant U.S. industries and consumers. Mexico will consult with the U.S. while seeking to open new markets. According to U.S. media reports, about 70% of U.S. tomatoes come from Mexico. Brazil Establishes Inter-Ministerial Committee to Respond to U.S. Tariff Policy. Brazilian President Lula signed a decree on July 14 aimed at responding to external trade barriers. The Brazilian Congress had previously passed related legislation. Lula announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee responsible for trade negotiations and countermeasures, tasked with assessing the impact of the U.S. announcement to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods and studying how to implement specific measures to protect the Brazilian economy. EU Calls U.S. Tariff Threat "Absolutely Unacceptable". EU member state ministers held a meeting in Brussels on July 14 to discuss responses to U.S. tariff policies. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, stated after the meeting that EU member states consider the U.S. tariff threat "absolutely unacceptable." European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and the EU's chief trade negotiator, Maroš Šefčovič, stated on the same day that if EU-U.S. trade negotiations fail, the EU is prepared to impose additional retaliatory tariffs on €72 billion worth of U.S. imports.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on July 14 that the Russian military struck Ukrainian military airfields, drone storage sites, and anti-ship missile storage sites. Russian air defense systems shot down 3 Ukrainian guided bombs and 120 drones. Russia also took control of two settlements in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The Ukrainian military stated that it engaged Russian forces in the North Slobozhansky and Kursk directions. The Ukrainian military struck 18 concentrations of Russian personnel and military equipment. U.S. Says It Will Provide Weapons to Ukraine Through NATO; Russia Says U.S. Has Never Stopped Military Support to Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on July 14 that weapons would be provided to Ukraine through NATO, with the costs to be paid by NATO, not the U.S. He also said that if Russia does not reach a peace agreement with Ukraine within 50 days, tariffs of approximately 100% would be imposed on Russia. Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on the same day that the U.S. has never stopped providing weapons to Ukraine. He also said that Russia is willing to hold a third round of talks with Ukraine but is still waiting for Ukraine to propose a date for negotiations. Leonid Slutsky, Chairman of the Russian State Duma's International Affairs Committee, stated that U.S. arms supplies to Ukraine would not change the situation on the front lines, and if the U.S. wants to promote a resolution to the Ukrainian issue, it should put pressure on Ukraine.
UN says SDG progress far off track. The "2025 Sustainable Development Goals Report" released by the United Nations on July 14 shows that among the 169 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, only 35% are progressing well, nearly half are progressing slowly, and 18% are regressing. The report states that the current progress is insufficient to achieve all Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Globally, 800 million people are still living in extreme poverty, and billions lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. The report also points out that global climate change continues to worsen, with new temperature records set annually. German Central Bank Says Germany's Competitiveness in Global Markets Has Worsened. The monthly report released by the German central bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, on July 14 stated that since 2021, German exporters have lost significant market share in global markets due to the worsening of the country's competitiveness. The report found that the economic downturn was widespread across various industries. Mechanical engineering, electrical equipment, and energy-intensive industries such as chemicals were among the most affected. The report pointed out that rising energy prices and persistent supply chain disruptions have placed heavy pressure on German exporters. India Orders Emergency Inspection of Fuel Switches on Some Boeing Aircraft. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a directive on July 14, requiring all airlines in the country to conduct emergency inspections of fuel switches and their locking systems on certain Boeing models by July 21. This affects Boeing 787, 747, and 737 aircraft. On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 274 people. A preliminary investigation report stated that the fuel switch on the aircraft involved was moved from "run" to "cut off" before the crash, leading to an interruption in engine fuel supply. However, according to the conversation recording between the two pilots, neither of them operated the fuel switch.
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