U.S. tech giant Apple on Monday said it will invest 720 million yuan (about 100.31 million U.S. dollars) to launch a new clean energy fund in China.
The investment fund seeks to add around 550,000 megawatt-hours of wind and solar energy generation capacity to China’s power grid annually, with this figure expected to increase as more investors join in, the tech firm said in a statement.
Apple’s suppliers in China are making world-class advances in smart and green manufacturing, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams was quoted as saying in the statement.
He added that with the launch of the fund, the firm looks forward to deepening its collaboration with suppliers across China to drive innovation for a shared planet.
“We’re proud to announce a new clean energy fund in China! Two thirds of our supply chain here is already running on renewable energy,” Apple CEO Tim Cook posted on his account on China’s X-like social media platform Weibo, noting that the fund will help further Apple’s goal of running on 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
The announcement came amid Cook’s latest visit to China, during which he met with Chinese officials and attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum on Sunday in Beijing.
The robust measures proposed by the Chinese government to boost consumption will facilitate development across multiple sectors, Cook said when meeting with Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, on Sunday.
The business community has a big role to play in the development of China-U.S. relations, Cook noted, adding that Apple is willing to contribute to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of the bilateral relations.
The recent U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks highlighted growing divisions between Washington and Brussels, bringing trans-Atlantic relations to a historic low, an Italian geopolitical analyst has said.
Sergio Fabbrini, a political science professor at Rome’s LUISS University, told Xinhua that the exclusion of Europe from the talks underscores the EU’s declining influence in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, due in large part to the bloc’s lack of unified foreign policy coordination.
“This episode reveals the European Union’s structural weakness,” he said during a university conference on Monday. “Without a central authority to speak for all members, the bloc struggles to assert itself on the global stage, particularly when the U.S. chooses to act unilaterally.”
This institutional fragmentation, he said, coincides with the skeptical view of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration of the EU. The U.S. president has repeatedly characterized the EU as “an institution designed to undermine American interests rather than bolster global security.”
Fabbrini emphasized the fundamental divergence in how both sides perceive the Ukraine crisis. “For Europe, this is an existential security threat happening on our doorstep. For Washington, it’s a geopolitical calculation involving great powers,” he said.
The professor warned that the current tensions mark “one of the worst crises in trans-Atlantic history,” urging Europe to develop more independent diplomatic capacity.
“Geographical reality demands that Europe take greater responsibility for its own security architecture while maintaining equilibrium between national interests and collective European stability,” he said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China saw a steady improvement in soil erosion conditions last year, with the total affected area shrinking by nearly 1 percent, the Ministry of Water Resources said.
By the end of last year, more than 2.6 million square kilometers of land was plagued by erosion, down by almost 26,000 square kilometers, according to the ministry’s dynamic monitoring of soil and water loss.
The monitoring also showed a decline in erosion severity, with the proportion of areas experiencing moderate or severe soil erosion dropping by 0.28 percentage points year-on-year to 34.26 percent last year.
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region saw the most progress in tackling the issue, with its erosion-affected area shrinking by 2.48 percent — more than 2.5 times the national average, the ministry said.
Most of the improvements occurred in the basins of China’s seven major rivers, including the Yangtze and Yellow. More than 73 percent of the total reduction in erosion-affected areas was recorded in these basins, which also accounted for nearly 91 percent of the decline in areas with moderate or severe erosion.
The ministry attributed the improvement in part to strengthened oversight of activities that could trigger erosion. Advances in monitoring methods, including satellite remote sensing, credit-based supervision and internet-based surveillance, have helped authorities promptly detect and precisely identify illegal activities contributing to soil erosion, it said.
“These efforts have consistently enhanced the precision and effectiveness of supervision,” the ministry said.
The incidence of soil erosion in areas disturbed by human activity fell to 46.65 percent last year, a sharp decline of 31 percentage points from 2019, the ministry said.
Authorities are also exploring the potential of carbon sink trading — projects that absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit — as a funding source for conservation efforts.
China’s first transaction of such a carbon sink took place in late 2023 in the Luodi River basin in Changting county, Fujian province, where a 100,000-metric-ton carbon sink was sold for 1.8 million yuan ($248,300).
All proceeds from the deal will go toward water and soil conservation and ecological restoration in the basin, according to local authorities.
Chen Xian, an official with the Fujian Provincial Department of Water Resources, told Xinhua News Agency that carbon sink trading aligns with China’s long-standing directive that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”
Previously, erosion control efforts relied largely on government funding and limited private donations, constraining financial resources, Chen said.
“Carbon sink trading provides a clearer economic incentive for individuals, companies and organizations engaged in water and soil conservation,” he said, adding that the mechanism could attract more private investment into conservation efforts.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China has introduced its first batch of certified seeds into the market, marking a key step in improving seed quality and boosting crop yields. The initiative aims to raise seed standards, enhance agricultural production and strengthen the country’s seed industry.
At a launch ceremony in Sanya, Hainan province, on Saturday, the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Center awarded certification to 27 seed companies, allowing 35 varieties of certified seeds to enter the market.
“Seed certification is a standardized quality assurance system that focuses on high-quality seeds and emphasizes process management. It involves certification bodies confirming and issuing certificates and labels to prove that a batch of seeds meets specified requirements,” an official from the center said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The official added that seed certification is internationally recognized as a reliable method to ensure seed quality, serving as a “credit guarantee” for good seeds, a “health check” for seed companies and a “passport” for international trade.
In 2023, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued guidelines to establish a unified national seed certification system. Two certification bodies were accredited in 2024, and the first group of seed certification inspectors was registered, officially putting the system into practice.
More than 10 million kilograms of seeds from 35 varieties have been certified, according to the center. Test results show that certified seeds for crops such as corn, soybeans and rice have significantly higher germination rates and purity levels than non-certified seeds.
Certified corn seeds have shown a 4 percentage point increase in their germination rate and a 1.5 percentage point improvement in purity over single-seed sowing standards, while certified hybrid rice seeds have outperformed national standards by 8.6 and 2.9 percentage points, respectively.
Peng Xubing, general manager of Hubei Kangnong Seed Co, said the company, which specializes in research and production of corn, konjac (elephant yam) and Chinese medicinal plant seeds, plans to use the certification as an opportunity to accelerate its transformation into a modern seed enterprise integrating breeding, reproduction and promotion.
Starting Oct 1, newly revised mandatory seed quality standards will take effect, further raising seed quality requirements and standardizing labeling and usage instructions. These standards aim to enhance the quality criteria of some crop seeds, including purity and germination rate, for five cereal crops (rice, corn, wheat, sorghum, and millet) and four oilseed crops (rapeseed, sunflower, peanuts and linseed).
The new standards, which supplement the seed certification system, are expected to reinforce China’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security through advanced seed certification and quality control measures.
An elderly couple watch wedding dress photos shot by their nursing home in Changzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China will redouble its efforts to improve the quality and expand the capacity of its “silver economy,” namely economic activities related to the country’s large elderly population, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Tang Chengpei said on Monday.
These efforts aim to create a positive cycle combining economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods, Tang said in his remarks at the China Development Forum 2025, which was held from Sunday to Monday.
The 10-year period from 2025 to 2035 is an important time window for China to respond proactively to the challenge of population aging, Tang said.
He outlined efforts to promote the integrated development of the elderly care industry and industries such as culture, tourism, health, sports and domestic services, to expand the scope and scenarios of elderly care services, and to advance home renovation projects offering more elderly-friendly facilities, among other efforts.
Efforts will also go into making public spaces and e-commerce platforms more senior-friendly, boosting the standardization and supervision of relevant products and services for the elderly, and advancing research and policy support for the development of the “silver economy,” he said.
Cleaners collect garbage on the Hanjiang River, a major source of water for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, in Shiyan city, Hubei province, on March 21, 2025. [Photo/China Daily] China has made remarkable progress in rejuvenating its waterways as it endeavors to uphold “river ethics”, seeking to safeguard the rights of rivers for sustainable existence. The latest progress was shared at the 2025 World Water Day Open Day in Beijing’s Tongzhou district on Saturday, where the northernmost section of the famed Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is located. Addressing the event, Peng Jing, president of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, said the theme of this year’s event was about celebrating the living heritage of artificial waterways such as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The canal is the world’s longest and oldest artificial waterway that is still in use today. But due to reasons such as changes in river course and poor maintenance, this ancient waterway that once connected five major rivers has been disconnected for the past century. In 2022, the Chinese government launched an initiative to bring life back to the more than 1,700-kilometer Grand Canal with water from the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Over the years, the project has transferred billions of cubic meters of water from the south to supplement the dry and populous north. Thanks to the diversion, water systems in the north can recover from overuse, people have better quality water to drink and from 2022 on the disconnected canal has resumed full flow, Peng said. It’s encouraging to see the modern artificial waterway support the ancient canal, which dates back nearly 2,500 years, and revitalize natural rivers and people who depend on them, she said. It demonstrates the co-dependent relationship between humans and water. “I believe the story of the Grand Canal proves one simple thing: That harmony between humans and water is achievable. By protecting, passing on and harnessing the flowing legacies, humans are given a chance to survive our current crises and grow further,” she noted. Li Haihong, who heads IWHR’s technical team for the river ethics program, said that the resumption of full flow in the once disconnected sections of the Grand Canal is an example demonstrating China’s commitment to the practice of river ethics. “River crises occur because humans have emphasized their rights during development while neglecting their duties, leaving the rights of rivers unprotected. Constructing river ethics is about strengthening human responsibilities and duties and protecting the rights of rivers,” she said. Li said the canal used to play a vital role in promoting the economic and cultural development and exchanges between the country’s north and south, and people and the canal once lived in harmony. Since 1855, however, the northern section of the canal had ceased to flow, making it lose its vitality, she said. Since 2022, more than 800 million cubic meters of water has been diverted to the canal, restoring its vitality. Over 300 million cubic meters of water has been diverted to irrigate more than 53,300 hectares of farmland along the canal, replenishing the groundwater. Li noted the Xiliao River in Northeast China, which is the only major river among China’s seven largest rivers with an interrupted flow, as another example demonstrating China’s commitment to river ethics. Thanks to a 2020 initiative to supplement rain water and floodwater into it, the watercourse has had water in its trunk for the last five years, she said. According to a recent release from the ministry, its efforts to supplement water in the Yongding River, which dried up in 1996, has also significantly rejuvenated the mother river of Beijing. The river has seen water flow continuously along its entire length for five straight years since 2021, it noted. River ethics were included in one of four initiatives proposed by China’s Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying in March 2023 during the 10th United Nations Water Conference. “We should respect the right of rivers to survive in nature, treat water as a living entity, develop river ethics, protect river health and achieve a harmonious coexistence between humans and rivers,” he said. The minister has been advocating for river ethics at least since 2009 when he headed the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, an affiliate of the ministry that oversees the management of the Yellow River, China’s mother river.
China’s leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer BYD Company Limited has reported robust profit growth in 2024, driven by booming car sales.
BYD’s net profit attributable to its shareholders grew 34 percent year on year to 40.25 billion yuan (about 5.6 billion U.S. dollars) last year, the company said in its annual report filed to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Monday night.
Last year, it generated 777.1 billion yuan in revenue, an annual increase of 29.02 percent, according to the report.
BYD continued to post strong growth in vehicle sales. It sold 4.27 million NEVs last year, up 41 percent year on year. Its overseas sales reached 417,000 units, up 72 percent.
Its vehicle and vehicle-related business contributed 617.38 billion yuan in revenue, up 27.7 percent year on year and accounting for 79.45 percent of the total, the company said.
Its mobile phone component, assembly and other businesses contributed about 159.61 billion yuan, up 34.6 percent year on year and accounting for 20.54 percent of its total revenue.
Last year, its research and development (R&D) spending rose 36 percent year on year to 54.2 billion yuan, driving its cumulative R&D investment to exceed 180 billion yuan, the company said.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday met with Brian Sikes, president and CEO of Cargill in Beijing, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on topics including Cargill’s business development in China, as well as China-U.S. economic and trade relations.
Wang noted that the recently concluded “two sessions” meetings in China sent out positive signals, demonstrating the country’s confidence and resolve in expanding high-standard opening-up and maintaining stable economic growth in a complex international environment.
This will create more opportunities for global enterprises, he said, expressing the hope that Cargill will continue to invest and deepen its presence in China.
There are no winners in tariff or trade wars, he noted. The United States’ unilateral imposition of additional tariffs under such pretexts as the fentanyl issue is the wrong approach and severely violates WTO rules, harms the interests of U.S. consumers, and undermines the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, Wang added.
He stressed that economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States on the basis of mutual benefits serves the common interests of both countries.
China stands ready to enhance dialogue and communication to foster a more stable development environment for businesses on both sides, Wang said.
Cargill is committed to providing Chinese consumers with high-quality, reliable products and services, Sikes said. He expressed firm confidence in China’s future development, emphasizing that the company will expand its investments in China, and deepen scientific and technological innovation.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing on Monday, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on topics including Apple’s business development in China, as well as China-U.S. economic and trade relations.
Wang noted that the Chinese economy has demonstrated strong resilience and vitality, becoming a fertile ground for innovation-driven development.
China remains unwavering in its commitment to expanding its opening-up to the world, providing foreign-funded enterprises with a level playing field, and supporting their products’ equal participation in consumption-boosting policies such as trade-in programs, Wang said.
He also expressed the hope that Apple will expand its investments in China and integrate deeply into the Chinese market to share in the opportunities of the market’s development.
Wang emphasized that trade wars produce no winners and protectionism offers no way forward. As the world’s two largest economies, strengthened China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation aligns with economic principles, whereas decoupling and supply chain disruptions would harm all parties’ interests, he said.
Noting that the unilateral tariff increases and other restrictive measures adopted by the U.S. side have created uncertainties for the world economy, he said that China stands ready to work with the United States to create a more stable policy environment for businesses through equal dialogue.
Apple will continue to increase investments in sectors such as supply chains, research and development, and social responsibility in China, aiming to support the country’s high-quality development, Cook said.
Cook emphasized that the company stands ready to play an active role in promoting the stable, healthy development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.
China’s fiscal revenue dipped 1.6 percent year on year to nearly 4.39 trillion yuan (about 611.59 billion U.S. dollars) in the first two months of the year, according to data from the Ministry of Finance released on Monday.
The central government collected nearly 1.95 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue, down 5.8 percent year on year, while local governments collected nearly 2.44 trillion yuan, up 2 percent year on year.
China’s fiscal expenditure expanded by 3.4 percent year on year to nearly 4.51 trillion yuan in the first two months. The central government’s fiscal expenditure rose by 8.6 percent year on year, while there was a 2.7 percent increase in expenditure by local governments during the same period.
In breakdown, education expenditure hit 737.7 billion yuan, up 7.7 percent year on year, science and technology expenditure exceeded 112.2 billion yuan, a 10.6 percent year-on-year increase, and expenditure on social security and employment hit 854 billion yuan, up 6.7 percent year on year.
A Chinese shipbuilder on Monday delivered a liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel-powered, 8,600-Car-Equivalent-Unit (CEU) vehicle carrier vessel to its operator.
The carrier vessel, Wenjingkou, was independently developed and designed by a Chinese research institute and measures 199.9 meters in length, 38 meters in width and 14.8 meters in depth.
The vessel features 14 vehicle decks, enabling the efficient loading and unloading of various automobile types, including cars, trucks and buses. The total deck area is approximately 75,000 square meters — equivalent to nearly 11 standard soccer fields.
Wenjingkou was constructed by the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, in collaboration with the China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd.
The vessel is equipped with an advanced LNG dual-fuel power system, which significantly enhances power efficiency and reduces carbon emissions and pollutants during operations, according to Liu Yunwu, vice chairman of Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping, which will operate Wenjingkou.
The inaugural operational voyage of Wenjingkou will see it transport over 5,700 units of commercial and engineering vehicles from Shanghai to major European ports such as Bristol in the United Kingdom, Zeebrugge in Belgium, and Bremerhaven in Germany.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Italy’s Senate President Ignazio La Russa in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Zhao Leji, China’s top legislator, held talks with Italy’s Senate President Ignazio La Russa in Beijing on Monday.
Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that key to the healthy and steady development of China-Italy relations is the commitment of both sides to mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and pursuing win-win cooperation.
China appreciates Italy’s adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to tap into cooperation potential in shipbuilding, aerospace and new energy, Zhao said, adding that cooperation in the fields of culture, art, tourism and education should also be strengthened.
He called for increased exchange between the NPC and Italy’s parliament within bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
He said China is ready to work with the EU to use the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to promote the sustained, steady and sound development of China-EU relations, and hopes Italy will continue to play a positive role in this regard.
He said companies from all over the world, including those from Italy, are welcome to seize cooperation opportunities in and grow alongside the Chinese economy.
La Russa said that Italy and China can work together to make new contributions to world peace and stability. Italy hopes to expand cooperation in the fields of the economy, trade, science, technology and culture to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations and the sound, steady development of EU-China relations.
He added that Italy’s Senate is willing to take on closer exchanges with China’s NPC.
Only five days after the arrest warrant against former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was issued, he was apprehended and immediately put on a plane to The Hague to face charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The prompt action – and the fact he is the first former Asian head of state before the ICC – have been heralded as “a pivotal moment for the court”.
While this is a rare success story in the court’s tumultuous history, many challenges remain. The successful arrest of one defendant will unfortunately do little to change negative perceptions of the court or remove the many obstacles it faces in prosecuting cases.
A long history of criticism
The ICC was conceived as a “court of last resort” in 1998 under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established it. The aim was to try individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression in cases where a state’s domestic courts refuse or are unable to do so.
Shortly after it began its work in 2002, however, the ICC faced criticism for its perceived focus on Africa.
In more recent years, it has also been criticised for its limited effectiveness, its perceived hypocrisy, and a lack of support from major powers, such as the US, China and Russia, which are not members.
The court has long faced a public relations crisis it may never be able to resolve. When it does not investigate a potential case, it is said to be ineffective. And when it does initiate investigations, it is often said to be biased or acting beyond its capabilities.
These two cases have been among the court’s most controversial. Critics say the ICC lacks jurisdiction because:
the alleged crimes did not occur in their own states
their states are not parties to the Rome Statute
the UN Security Council did not refer these cases to the ICC for investigation.
Others have accused the court of selective prosecution and bias for pursuing a case against Netanyahu, specifically, instead of prioritising cases in states run by dictators, such as Syria.
And some complain the court should be focusing on crimes allegedly committed by Western leaders in places like Iraq.
Indicting leaders of states raises additional legal challenges. International law dictates that heads of state enjoy immunity in other states’ courts – unless this immunity is expressly waived by their own governments.
The ICC defends its actions as fair. It argues it does have jurisdiction in the cases against Putin and Netanyahu because the alleged crimes took place in Ukraine and Palestine, two states who have explicitly accepted its jurisdiction.
And Article 27 of the Rome Statute says the ICC can exercise jurisdiction over people with state immunity, although it’s debatable whether this must be first waived for leaders of states not party to the Rome Statute.
Cooperation remains key
The ICC is not only constrained by these complex legal questions, but also by the limited cooperation of states around the world.
It relies on close cooperation with its 125 state parties, among others. But some states have been reluctant or even refused to cooperate with the court in executing the arrest warrants of controversial figures.
For example, Putin was not arrested when he visited Mongolia, an ICC member, last year, in part, because Mongolia relies heavily on Russian energy. South Africa similarly refused to arrest Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir when he visited in 2015.
Even when state parties do cooperate, the political fallout can impact the court’s reputation.
Following Duterte’s arrest last week, a Filipino senator (the sister of the current president) launched an urgent investigation to ensure due process was followed and Duterte’s legal rights were upheld and protected. She acknowledged the arrest has “has deeply divided the nation”.
The lack of support from the US – arguably, still the world’s most powerful democracy – remains a perennial problem, as well.
While the US has generally supported the court’s mandate over the years, it has been wary of its jurisdiction over American citizens and those of its allies accused of crimes. Last month, President Donald Trump authorised new sanctions against ICC officials in an attempt to paralyse the international organisation.
Although 79 states did declare their support for the ICC following the sanctions, the Trump adminstration’s rejection of the court’s jurisdiction, legitimacy and authority has had significant consequences for its operations.
It remains to be seen how the case against Duterte will play out. Securing a conviction is not assured.
However, his arrest demonstrates the court can fulfil its mandate and remain a relevant force in the fight against the gravest of crimes. It is also a significant moment for the families of those killed during Duterte’s rule, who have long sought justice for their loved ones.
Yvonne Breitwieser-Faria does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2012 shows the Diaoyu Islands. [Photo/Xinhua] Between Friday and Monday, the China Coast Guard (CCG) expelled several Japanese fishing vessels that had unlawfully entered China’s territorial waters around Diaoyu Dao, according to a spokesperson for the CCG on Monday. In the process, the CCG vessels enforced necessary, lawful management and control measures against the Japanese vessels, and issued warnings to drive them out of the area, CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said. Noting that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China’s inherent territory, Liu urged the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters. The CCG will continue to conduct regular law enforcement activities in the territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao, with the aim of safeguarding China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Liu said.
An elderly couple watch wedding dress photos shot by their nursing home in Changzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] China will redouble its efforts to improve the quality and expand the capacity of its “silver economy,” namely economic activities related to the country’s large elderly population, Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Tang Chengpei said on Monday. These efforts aim to create a positive cycle combining economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods, Tang said in his remarks at the China Development Forum 2025, which was held from Sunday to Monday. The 10-year period from 2025 to 2035 is an important time window for China to respond proactively to the challenge of population aging, Tang said. He outlined efforts to promote the integrated development of the elderly care industry and industries such as culture, tourism, health, sports and domestic services, to expand the scope and scenarios of elderly care services, and to advance home renovation projects offering more elderly-friendly facilities, among other efforts. Efforts will also go into making public spaces and e-commerce platforms more senior-friendly, boosting the standardization and supervision of relevant products and services for the elderly, and advancing research and policy support for the development of the “silver economy,” he said.
The new round of talks between Russian and U.S. delegations concluded on Monday after some 12 hours, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
A joint statement following the talks will be published on Tuesday, RIA Novosti reported, citing a source familiar with the venue of the talks.
According to Riyadh-based Al Arabiya News, the U.S. delegation is led by Andrew Peek, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior official from the State Department.
Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin, chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee and a former diplomat, along with Sergei Beseda, an advisor to the director of the Federal Security Service, Al Arabiya News said.
The talks, mainly focused on reaching a Black Sea ceasefire deal before securing a broader agreement, followed a meeting between the United States and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump held phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.
This photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows the rubble of buildings damaged by an Israeli shelling in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. [Photo/Xinhua]
Following the killing of hundreds of civilians, including UN staff, and the aid blockade, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has decided to reduce staff in the Gaza Strip, a UN spokesman said on Monday.
“The Secretary-General has taken the difficult decision to reduce the United Nations’ footprint in Gaza, even as humanitarian needs soar and our concern over the protection of civilians intensifies,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, at a daily press briefing.
“The United Nations is not leaving Gaza,” Dujarric said. “We remain committed to continuing to provide aid that civilians depend on for their survival and protection.”
The spokesman said about 30 percent of the 100 international staff in Gaza, or about 30 people, were being withdrawn. Overall, there are about 13,000 UN personnel in Gaza, the bulk of them working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and most of them are national staff.
“Based on the information that is currently available, the strikes hitting a UN compound in Deir Al Balah on (Wednesday) were caused by an Israeli tank shell,” he said.
The strikes claimed the life of a UN colleague from Bulgaria and left six others, from France, Moldova, North Macedonia, Palestine and the United Kingdom, with severe injuries, some of them life-altering, according to Dujarric.
The spokesman told reporters that the UN compound’s location was well known to Israeli forces. The secretary-general strongly condemns these strikes and demands a full, thorough and independent investigation into this incident.
Dujarric stressed that all parties must always comply fully with international law. Civilians must be respected, and they must be protected. The denial of lifesaving aid must end. The hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
“All states must use their leverage to stop the conflict and ensure respect for international law, by applying diplomatic and economic pressure and combating impunity,” the spokesman said. “The secretary-general renews his urgent call for the restoration of the ceasefire to bring an end to the anguish.”
However, Israeli officials have indicated they intend to continue their military activities in Gaza.
The aid blockade began more than three weeks ago when Israel cut off the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. It is the longest such suspension of assistance since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas raid on Israel.
The UN emergency relief coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said he continues to receive horrific reports from Gaza of more health workers, ambulances and hospitals attacked as they try to save survivors.
Dujarric said several casualties were reported after the surgical department of Nasser Medical Complex was hit and caught fire on Sunday. In Rafah, in southern Gaza, ambulances were reportedly hit in Tal Al Sultan, resulting in several casualties.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the United Nations and humanitarian partners continue to face constraints in providing health services.
“Our partners called for the entry of additional emergency medical teams into Gaza to help health workers already on the ground who are exhausted and, of course, overwhelmed,” OCHA said.
U.S. President Donald Trump attends an event celebrating the Greek Independence Day at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said that he may “give a lot of countries breaks” on tariffs, as his April 2 deadline to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on U.S. trading partners draws closer.
“I may give a lot of countries breaks, but it’s reciprocal,” Trump told reporters at the White House Monday afternoon.
He noted that the European Union (EU) has agreed to lower car tariffs to 2.5 percent as part of a deal with the Trump administration.
“We’ll be announcing some additional tariffs over the next few days, having to do with automobiles, cars, and having also to do a little bit with lumber down the road, lumber and chips,” Trump continued.
“But for the most part, April 2 will be a big day, that will be reciprocal day, and we’ll be bringing some of the money back that’s been taken from us,” Trump said.
Earlier in the day, Trump announced on social media that he’ll impose 25-percent tariff on any nation that purchases oil and/or gas from Venezuela, accusing the Latin American country of sending “tens of thousands of” criminals to the United States.
When asked by a reporter whether the 25-percent tariff is “on top of existing tariffs,” Trump said “yes.”
With key U.S. economic indicators showing concerning trends, economists and investors warn that the risk of a “Trumpcession” has grown due to unpredictable trade and economic policies.
Earlier this month, Bruce Kasman, JPMorgan’s chief global economist, expressed heightened concerns about the U.S. economy. He told reporters in Singapore that the investment bank now estimates a 40 percent chance of a U.S. recession this year.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHANGHAI, March 25 — As millions of Chinese consumers trade in their devices for the latest models ranging from electric vehicles to home appliances, the rising consumer spending has benefited both Chinese and foreign brands.
China kicked off large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs in March 2024, and revamped these programs earlier this year, amid efforts to boost domestic demand and spur economic growth.
Prominent foreign brand, Tesla, has benefited from such programs in the sale of its revised Model Y.
Earlier this month, on the first day of deliveries of the revised Model Y in east China’s Shanghai, more than 500 new vehicles were handed over to buyers, many of whom took advantage of China’s trade-in scheme.
A resident in Shanghai surnamed Zhang, mentioned that by trading in his old gasoline car and taking advantage of consumption subsidies, he was able to purchase a revised Model Y for about 200,000 yuan (approximately 27,863 U.S. dollars). “The incentives from these subsidy programs are quite significant, which motivated me to place the order,” he said.
Subsidies vary from place to place. In Guangdong Province in south China, for instance, consumers who buy new energy vehicles can receive subsidies of up to 20,000 yuan.
Notably, apart from the government’s stimulus policy, Tesla has also taken steps to provide various car purchase incentives, including interest-free financing and insurance subsidy programs, to further lower costs for its customers.
Foreign firms in the home appliance sector have also benefited from the government program. “The Chinese government’s consumption stimulus policies, including the trade-in program, have increased consumer spending. As a result, sales in Panasonic’s home appliance segment have grown,” Lin Yibin, managing officer of China & Northeast Asia Company of Panasonic Appliances (China) Co., Ltd, told Xinhua in an interview.
Following the introduction of these policies, sales of Panasonic’s large home appliances from September to December last year, such as washing machines and refrigerators, especially in the offline market, have surpassed figures from the same period of 2023, Lin added.
In early January this year, China announced a raft of measures to expand the scope of its consumer goods trade-in program. Under the expanded program, categories of home appliances eligible for government subsidies have been increased from eight in 2024 to 12 in 2025.
“The revamped policy has sparked a surge in consumer spending on home appliances across the country. We are actively working with all parties to benefit from the new policy,” Lin noted.
These subsidies have helped bring more coffee machines into Chinese homes. In places like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hubei Province, coffee machines have been added to the list of items eligible for subsidies. De’Longhi, an Italian coffee machine supplier, has benefited from this initiative.
“Last year, we saw double-digit growth, and since January of this year, we’ve maintained an even higher double-digit growth rate — largely thanks to the consumption stimulus policies,” said Zong Yanping, managing director of De’Longhi Greater China, in an interview with Xinhua.
“Unlike large home appliances, which have long been essential in Chinese households, coffee machines are still relatively new to many families. Therefore, the purchasing subsidies have been very helpful for us in terms of marketing,” Zong explained.
Zong is optimistic about China’s market potential, as the consumption stimulus coincided with a shift in coffee-drinking habits in the country, noting that “what began as an occasional social activity has become a morning routine for many young people today.”
China’s large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs have so far yielded fruitful results. In 2024, it drove equipment purchases and investment up by 15.7 percent — contributing 67.6 percent to overall investment growth while boosting sales of bulk durable consumer goods by over 1.3 trillion yuan last year, according to data released by the National Development and Reform Commission in February.
Vowing to make domestic demand “the main engine and anchor of economic growth,” China’s policymakers during this year’s “two sessions” sent fresh and firm signals regarding empowering the country’s vast number of consumers to spend more confidently.
Following the 2025 “two sessions,” China vowed to implement solid support measures to connect consumer spending to people’s well-being in the latest consumption-promotion plan. The plan outlines the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds totaling 300 billion yuan to bolster consumer goods trade-in programs in 2025 — doubling the 2024 figure.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Spring scenery of east China’s Zhejiang
Updated: March 25, 2025 09:12Xinhua
An aerial drone photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows the scenery at a park in Keqiao District of Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]People enjoy leisure time at a park in Keqiao District of Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows people enjoying leisure time at a park in Keqiao District of Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists enjoy leisure time among blooming canola flowers in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]People enjoy leisure time at a park in Keqiao District of Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists visit a market in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists enjoy leisure time among blooming flowers in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]People enjoy leisure time at a park in Keqiao District of Shaoxing, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A tourist takes photos of blooming canola flowers in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BFA Annual Conference 2025 to open in Hainan
Updated: March 25, 2025 09:13Xinhua
This photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows a view of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province. With the theme “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future,” the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 will be held from March 25 to 28 in Hainan. [Photo/Xinhua]A staff member works at the main venue for the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Journalists work at the press center of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Manchester, NH) – On Sunday, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Adam Sexton on WMUR’s CloseUp to discuss ongoing global affairs such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as pressing issues in New Hampshire including the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs and Republican-led threats to federal services. The Senator also detailed her decision to not seek reelection. The first segment can be foundhereand the second segment can be foundhere.
Key quotes from Senator Shaheen below:
On threats to U.S. leadership abroad:
“Both ceasefires that this President is talking about taking credit for are falling apart already. The ceasefire in Israel with Gaza has already fallen apart. The ceasefire that he’s trying to broker with Russia has already fallen apart.”
“[Elon Musk] came up with this brilliant idea to get rid of USAID and so has undermined so many of our efforts that help us compete with China around the world. Our efforts that keep Americans safe because we’re tracking epidemics in places like Africa. That promote democracy efforts in countries where, if we’re not there China comes in and takes up that vacuum that we’ve left. So, I think he’s totally misguided, and he has no real understanding of what it means for the United States to be a leader in the world.”
On the harmful impact of President Trump’s tariffs on Granite State businesses:
“I was at C&J[…] yesterday. He’s had to cancel more than half of his bus order for new busses that are made in Canada because he’s concerned about the additional cost.”
“I was up north on Wednesday in the North Country, talking to Littleton town officials who were talking about visitors coming down to New Hampshire who they’re concerned are not going to be here, about small businesses that are worried they are not expanding because they’re worried about the inability to have the relationship that they have had with Canada.”
On Elon Musk and DOGE’s gutting of federal services:
“We are in this economic mess because of the decisions that President Trump is making about tariffs, about the uncertainty that he’s created, about the chaos that he’s created in Washington, about the layoffs that he’s doing and I want to keep people focused on that.”
“The fact is, Donald Trump, in his campaign said he was going to do something about grocery prices. He was going to do something about inflation. He was going to do something about high energy costs. He was going to do something about the cost of rental housing and he was going to address mortgage rates. He was going to end the war in Ukraine on the first day. He’s done none of those things.”
On her decision not to seek reelection:
“It’s time to think about what else I might want to do. I’m not going to leave trying to make a difference in New Hampshire and [I’ll] still be engaged, but it will be nice to have a little more flexibility to do some other things.”
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree to unveil the regulation on implementing the anti-foreign sanctions law, comprising 22 articles, set to take effect on Monday. According to the regulation, China will enhance its countermeasures. It specifies the seizure, detention and freezing of “other types of assets,” “relevant transactions, cooperation and other activities” that are prohibited or restricted as well as “other necessary measures” stipulated in the anti-foreign sanctions law. China will also refine countermeasure procedures and strengthen coordination among various departments under the State Council, according to the regulation. China will enhance the enforcement of countermeasures. The regulation stipulates that if countermeasures are not implemented in accordance with the law, relevant departments have the authority to mandate corrections and may prohibit or restrict certain activities of the involved parties. Organizations and individuals subject to countermeasures may request suspension, modification, or cancellation of the imposed measures if they rectify their actions and mitigate the consequences, according to the regulation.
China on Monday vowed to continue deepening its international anti-graft cooperation and maintain high pressure on corruption fugitives abroad. A campaign codenamed “Sky Net 2025” was launched on Monday to hunt down fugitives, recover illegal proceeds and combat cross-border corruption, according to a meeting of the office for fugitive repatriation and asset recovery under the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group. The meeting said specific crackdown operations will be carried out by different authorities. For example, the National Commission of Supervision will lead efforts to recover the illegal proceeds of duty-related crimes and prevent losses, and the People’s Bank of China will work with the Ministry of Public Security to target the transfer of illicit funds abroad through offshore companies or underground banking systems. China has long taken a tough stance against corruption fugitives. A report from the country’s top anti-graft body earlier this year shows that 1,597 corruption fugitives were repatriated to China during the “Sky Net 2024” campaign, with over 18.28 billion yuan (about 2.55 billion U.S. dollars) worth of illicit assets recovered.
As U.S.-Ukraine and U.S.-Russia delegations held separate talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday and Monday, growing concerns are emerging in Europe over its marginalization in the peace negotiations.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described Sunday’s talks as “productive and focused,” noting that “key points including energy” were addressed. Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation, emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s goal is “to secure a just and lasting peace” for Ukraine and Europe at large.
On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow and Washington share a “desire and readiness” to pursue a peaceful settlement. He noted that the talks covered various technical issues, including a potential resumption of the Black Sea Initiative.
However, the absence of European representation at the talks has sparked concern among officials and analysts. From discussions on the Black Sea to broader peace efforts, some European observers warn that critical decisions are being made without European input.
A Financial Times newsletter on Monday reported that officials from Romania and Bulgaria, two Black Sea nations, privately voiced concern over significant shifts in the region’s status quo, arguing such changes could impact their security without giving them a say.
In an article published Monday, Salvador Sanchez Tapia, professor of conflict analysis and international security at Spain’s University of Navarra, wrote: “Europe has been left out of negotiating efforts … This disregard shows how little the continent matters to its North American partner.”
He added that, lacking the capacity to support Ukraine as the United States once did, Europe may have little choice but to accept Washington’s approach while still attempting to make its voice heard.
Former German diplomat Rudiger Ludeking echoed these concerns in an interview with German media, saying that since U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office, diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow, as well as with Kiev, has intensified, largely bypassing NATO, the European Union (EU), and major European powers. He warned that “the EU could be the loser” in these negotiations.
While some European voices express frustration, others view the talks as a potential step toward de-escalation.
Balazs Orban, political director of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, welcomed the truce discussions, saying that changing circumstances would eventually compel Europe and policymakers in Brussels to adopt a more pragmatic stance. He warned that if the EU maintains its current position, it risks falling behind and becoming increasingly sidelined in the peace process.
In an interview with local N1 Television on Monday, former Croatian Foreign Minister Miro Kovac expressed optimism over the White House’s mention of a possible ceasefire by Easter, saying such a development would allow people to “stop dying because it no longer makes sense.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo taken on March 23, 2025 shows the Symposium on Macro Policies and Economic Growth of the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing, capital of China. The China Development Forum 2025 is scheduled from March 23 to 24. The theme of this year’s forum is “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy.” [Photo/Xinhua]
BEIJING, March 24 — Heads of some 80 multinationals including Siemens, Apple, Samsung and Pfizer have flocked to China to seek new cooperation opportunities with the world’s second-largest economy.
The transnational corporate chiefs were present at the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing, scheduled from March 23 to 24. The annual event, hosted by the Development Research Center of China’s State Council, has become an important platform of dialogue for the Chinese government, global businesses, academia, and international organizations.
China will continue to welcome enterprises from around the world with open arms, further expand market access, actively address the concerns of businesses, and facilitate the deeper integration of foreign-funded enterprises into the Chinese market, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the forum.
Prior to the forum, British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca signed a landmark 2.5-billion-U.S. dollar agreement on Friday to invest in Beijing over the next five years, the largest single investment in Beijing’s biopharmaceutical sector in recent years.
Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will establish a global strategic R&D center in Beijing, its sixth worldwide and second in China after one in Shanghai. The new center, equipped with an advanced artificial intelligence and data science laboratory, will accelerate early-stage drug research and clinical development.
“The investment highlights our confidence in Beijing’s world-class life sciences innovation ecosystem, extensive collaborative opportunities, and exceptional talent pool,” AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said in an interview with Xinhua.
In 2024, BMW delivered over 100,000 battery electric vehicles to customers in China for the first time, making China its strongest single market for electric vehicles.
The company is committed to expanding its investment in China and accelerating the localization of production as well as research and development, said Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, in a meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Zipse also noted that there are only losers and no winners in a tariff war. The company firmly opposes the EU imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs and hopes that both the EU and China can properly resolve their differences, he said.
At a symposium of the forum, Zipse said he was impressed by the AI Plus initiative in China’s government work report this year, and that BMW is working with Chinese sci-tech leaders to apply generative AI and large language model technologies into its vehicles.
Miguel Lopez, CEO of Thyssenkrupp AG, an industrial conglomerate, said China is not only one of the largest markets, but also the country with the most comprehensive industrial chain and supply chain in the world, as well as a good logistics system.
Thyssenkrupp will continue to strengthen supply chain management in China and establish good relationships with local suppliers, which will not only reduce its costs and improves its resilience, but also improves its performance on global markets, Lopez said.
Lim Boon Heng, chairman of Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, said he truly feels during his visit the growing innovation and vitality of the Chinese market and the improved business environment.
Noting China has become one of Temasek’s most important investment destinations, he said Temasek is full of confidence in the long-term prospects of the Chinese economy and will continue to deepen its presence in the Chinese market.
For Otis, the elevator industry leader has benefited from China’s rapid urbanization over the past few decades.
Judy Marks, CEO of Otis Worldwide Corporation, said the country still offers great opportunities in the future, and compared with decades ago, China is no longer just a production base and sales market, but also a research and development base for elevators.
“I think most of the world will not only want to partner with China but also strengthen economic relations with China,” said Jeffrey Sachs, an economics professor at Columbia University.
Official data has shown that China remains a top destination for transnational investment. Some 60,000 foreign-invested companies were established in China in 2024 alone, a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase. The return rate of FDI in China has remained at approximately 9 percent over the past five years, ranking among the highest around the world.
This year’s government work report notes that China will encourage foreign investors to increase their reinvestment in the country, and it will ensure equal treatment for foreign-funded enterprises in fields such as production factor access, license applications, standards setting and government procurement.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, March 24 — As a country facing huge challenges posed by tuberculosis (TB), China is accelerating its efforts to eliminate the disease domestically while making active contributions to the global anti-TB fight.
According to data from the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the incidence and mortality rates of TB in China have fallen by 30 percent since 2012.
Since 2012, China has successfully identified and treated approximately 7.85 million cases of pulmonary TB, maintaining a treatment success rate above 90 percent and a relatively low mortality rate, the administration said.
Behind these encouraging figures is a cumulative investment of over 10 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars) from China’s central government into special funds for TB prevention and control, noted Zhao Yanlin, head of the Center for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control under the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).
To ease the financial burden on TB patients, some local medical insurance bureaus in China have included TB into the category of outpatient chronic and special diseases, which offers higher reimbursement rates and caps than ordinary outpatient diseases, with reimbursement rates exceeding 90 percent.
In Jiangsu Province, thanks to the policy to use certain innovative drugs free-of-charge in medical treatment, the treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB cases has risen to 85.6 percent, said Zhu Limei, an institute director under the province’s center for disease control and prevention.
Beyond financial and policy support, China is also committed to innovation, aiming to further enhance TB prevention and treatment.
In Jinxi, a town in Jiangsu, TB detection has shifted from passive to proactive screening, with an AI-powered imaging system and molecular diagnostic technologies now available at the community health center.
“AI can quickly flag lung abnormalities, allowing faster diagnosis at the grassroots level,” said Tang Qingyan, a doctor with a local hospital. Currently, the new system and technologies are available in 47 community hospitals across the province, with plans to expand to 100 this year.
In March, Jiangsu’s capital city of Nanjing launched one of the country’s first zero-cost treatment plan for drug-resistant TB using BPaL — the latest short-course regimen worldwide. This regimen, featuring drugs such as bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid, is expected to shorten the treatment period to just six months and boost the cure rate to over 90 percent.
The first patient to receive the regimen in Nanjing said, “I was under immense pressure, worrying about whether the disease could be cured. This short and effective novel treatment has given me reassurance.”
In its national plan for TB prevention and control released in November 2024, China set a clear objective to steadily reduce incidence, maintain low mortality rates, and significantly ease the burden on patients.
Jointly issued by nine authorities, the plan integrates responsibilities across 15 government departments into an accountability framework, strengthening interagency coordination to ensure policy implementation.
“Ending TB requires everyone’s effort, not just that of healthcare workers,” said an official from the China CDC. In fact, the entire Chinese society is actively working toward the goal of eradicating this deadly disease, the official noted.
Hu Linjia, a university student volunteer, has been visiting local communities and using interactive quizzes to educate the elderly on TB prevention and control.
“Every person made aware of TB brings us one step closer to ending this epidemic,” Hu said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, March 24 — China’s central bank on Monday said that it will issue 450 billion yuan (62.5 billion U.S. dollars) of one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans on Tuesday, with adjusted rules.
Starting this month, the MLF will undertake operations that utilize fixed-quantity, interest-rate bidding and a multiple-price bidding method, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement.
The MLF was introduced in 2014 to help commercial and policy banks maintain liquidity by allowing them to borrow from the central bank using securities as collateral.
On Feb. 25, the central bank conducted a 300-billion-yuan MLF, featuring a one-year maturity period and an interest rate of 2 percent. Following the operation, the outstanding MLF balance stood at 4.09 trillion yuan.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese vice premier welcomes more foreign financial institutions to invest in China
BEIJING, March 24 — China welcomes more foreign financial institutions, including Citadel, to invest and establish businesses and share development opportunities in the country, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Monday when meeting with Citadel founder Ken Griffin.
He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is deepening capital market reform while advancing high-standard financial opening-up, aiming to promote high-quality economic development.
Griffin expressed optimism over the development prospects of China’s economy and financial market, and indicated a willingness to keep expanding business operations and investment in China, contributing to economic and trade cooperation between the United States and China.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
BEIJING, March 24 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on Monday in Beijing, expressing willingness to further expand all-round cooperation between China and the ADB.
Li said in recent years, affected by geopolitical turbulence and rising protectionism, the world economy has recovered slowly with increased instability and uncertainty.
Li called on Asian countries to strengthen solidarity and coordination, adhere to multilateralism, advance regional economic integration, break down barriers to the flow of trade, investment and technology, and maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains.
At the same time, all sides should strengthen macro policy coordination, deepen exchanges and cooperation in science and technology innovation, enhance the efficiency and resilience of the Asian economy, better withstand various risks, and join hands to achieve common development, Li added.
Noting that the ADB is an important multilateral development institution in the Asia-Pacific region, Li said China is ready to further expand all-round cooperation with the ADB, push the partnership to a new level, better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, and provide more public goods for the region.
The premier said both sides should strengthen financial cooperation in such fields as environmental protection, green and low-carbon development, elderly care and medical care, and deepen knowledge cooperation in such fields as the development of emerging industries, fiscal and tax system reform, and aging response.
China is ready to share its useful experience in poverty reduction and digital economy with other developing members in the Asia-Pacific to support them in better meeting challenges and achieving sustainable development, said Li.
Kanda said at a time when international trade is increasingly fragmented, China is committed to further deepening reform and high-level opening-up, which not only achieves steady growth of its own economy, but also makes important contributions to economic growth in Asia and the world at large.
ADB attaches great importance to cooperation with China, and is willing to take the 40th anniversary of cooperative ties as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with China in knowledge innovation, green development and other fields, promote the development of the Asia-Pacific region, and push the cooperative partnership between both sides to a higher level.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]