Podcasts about five year plan

Residents of Doonbeg are being invited to help shape the future of their community through a new public consultation aimed at developing an ambitious five-year plan for the village. The survey is seeking ideas on social, economic and environmental initiatives that could make Doonbeg an even better place to live, work and socialise. To discuss the project and what it could mean for the area, Alan Morrissey joined by Fianna Fáil councillor Rita McInerney and Doonbeg resident Jennie Drysdale. Photo (c) Eddylandzaat via Wikipedia

(00:00:00) Cold Open: What is the Eclipse Effect? (00:00:45) Welcome Back and the Non-Conformist Oath (00:03:47) Ella's Five-Year Plan and the 2017 Missouri Eclipse (00:06:00) Building Rochester's Eclipse Task force: 750 Volunteers, No Budget (00:12:00) Co-Chairing the National Eclipse Task Force (00:14:27) The Dreadful Lack of Agency and What To Do About It (00:17:21) Bonding vs. Bridging: The Two Kinds of Social Capital (00:21:09) The Network Graph: Making Invisible Connections Visible (00:28:51) Stories From the National Eclipse Effort (00:39:09) On Failure, Grade, and Raising Kids Outside the System Deborah Ross watched the 2017 solar eclipse from a field in Kimmswick, Missouri and came home convinced of two things: Rochester needed to be ready for 2024, and it was going to be her job to make that happen. What she built with 750 volunteers, no budget, and six years of monthly meetings became both a defining moment for this region and the foundation of a book.In this episode, she breaks down how an eclipse becomes a community organizing tool, what servant leadership actually looks like when you're asking hundreds of people to work for free, and why the principles behind The Eclipse Effect apply to any catalyst, a natural disaster, a federal funding cut, or the Olympics coming to your town. CONNECT The Eclipse Effect → https://theeclipseeffect.comKids Out and About → https://kidsoutandabout.comROC Vox → https://rocvox.comNew episodes every Tuesday.Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Pittsford, NY. Learn more at https://rocvox.com

Jim Daly is the third comedian in a row on this podcast. Jim is currently on tour and is appearing on home turf this coming Saturday at Chesham cricket club and I have been reliably informed there are a few tickets left. Jim has also been one of the mainstays of the Five Year Plan podcast, which shines a light on by far the greatest team this world has ever seen - Crystal Palace FC. So appropriately enough Jim's first entry into a football stadium was Selhurst Park on New Years Day 1992 for a clash with Notts County, whose manager is a man who Jim knows very well.

Chair: Tim Burke, editor  Speaker: Derek Griffin, head of acquisitions, Whitbread Premier Inn provides 12% of the UK's hotel accommodation stock – the highest of any hotel operator in any market in the world. This extraordinary success has been delivered through a continual 20-year expansion programme underpinned by a unique business model and flexible property requirements. This April, the company unveiled a new business strategy and five-year plan focused on the continued expansion of Premier Inn, but with greater emphasis on recycling capital from the company's largely freehold estate to fund future bedroom expansion. Greater emphasis is also being placed on leasehold opportunities to drive estate growth. During UKREiIF, Derek Griffin, Whitbread's acquisition head, sat down with Tim Burke to discuss the principles of the new business strategy including how the company plans to go about recycling £1.5bn of property, where it is focusing its new growth, and the future for its popular hub by Premier Inn brand.

Jim Daly is the third comedian in a row on this podcast. Jim is currently on tour and is appearing on home turf this coming Saturday at Chesham cricket club and I have been reliably informed there are a few tickets left. Jim has also been one of the mainstays of the Five Year Plan podcast, which shines a light on by far the greatest team this world has ever seen - Crystal Palace FC. So appropriately enough Jim's first entry into a football stadium was Selhurst Park on New Years Day 1992 for a clash with Notts County, whose manager is a man who Jim knows very well.

APR Health Solutions Peptides: www.aprhealthsolutions.com - code nyleOptimize HRT Clinic: https://members.optimize-hp.com - code nyleMerch: https://www.aykons.com/nylePlease share this episode if you liked it. To support the podcast, the best cost-free way is to subscribe and please rate the podcast 5* wherever you find your podcasts. Thanks for watching.To be part of any Q&A, follow trensparentpodcast or nylenayga on instagram and watch for Q&A prompts on the story  https://www.instagram.com/trensparentpodcast/Huge Supplements (Protein, Pre, Defend Cycle Support, Utilize GDA, Vital, Astragalus, Citrus Bergamot): https://www.hugesupplements.com/discount/NYLESupport code 'nyle' 10% off - proceeds go towards upgrading content productionYoungLA Clothes: https://www.youngla.com/discount/nyleCode ‘nyle' to support the podcastLet's chat about the Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trensparentpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transparentpodcastPersonalized Bodybuilding Program:  https://www.nylenaygafitness.comRP Hypertrophy Training App: rpstrength.com/nyle (code nyle)Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:02:04 Sarcoplasmic vs. Myofibrillar Training00:06:11 Overtraining & Serbian Diet00:08:20 High-Protein Strategy & Food Visualization00:14:12 The Five-Year Plan & Olympia Regrets00:16:27 Training Back with Ronnie Coleman00:20:20 Arm Blasting & Training Splits00:23:44 Training Long vs. Training Hard00:26:16 Modern Stress & Recovery00:28:02 Giant Sets & Peak Contractions00:32:45 Gym Ethics & The Colosseum Rule00:35:03 Peptide Optimization & Liver Protection00:37:05 IGF-1 Protocols & Injection Science00:41:45 Needle Length & The Golden Era of 199700:45:52 Nile's Quad Protocol & Leg Sweeps00:49:57 V-Taper, Waist Size, & Classic Criteria00:55:41 The Oncology Risks of IGF-101:01:12 Debunking the Insulin Myth with Dave Palumbo01:13:10 Pre-Workout Insulin & Nutrient Loading01:22:07 Optimize HRT & Bloodwork Management01:25:54 Low-Dose Thyroid Hormones (T3/T4)01:34:59 Longevity, Joint Health, & Synthol Disasters01:39:58 Cruising vs. "Half On, Half Off" Cycles01:44:08 Off-Cycle Training & Muscle Memory01:52:00 Peptides (BPC-157/TB-500) & The Placebo Effect02:02:18 Post-Show Rebound Strategy02:09:14 Jean Pierre Fux vs. Marcus Ruhl02:13:51 DHB (Dihydroboldenone) vs. Masteron/Primo02:16:35 Milos' Maximum Cycle Dosages02:18:14 Posing Artistry vs. Bodybuilding Judging02:22:08 Terrible Genetics & Overcoming Limitations02:24:33 1999: Milos' Biggest Year & Synthol Regrets02:28:21 The Holy Trinity: Test, GH, & Insulin Synergy02:28:55 Masteron vs. Primobolan Contest Selection02:30:26 Steve's "Bathmate & hCG" Protocol02:32:43 Generic vs. Pharmaceutical Growth Hormone02:36:45 Most Underrated & Overrated PEDs02:38:23 Final Message: Legacy, Love, & Simplicity00:00:00 Intro00:02:04 Sarcoplasmic vs. Myofibrillar Training00:06:11 Overtraining & Serbian Diet00:08:20 High-Protein Strategy & Food Visualization00:14:12 The Five-Year Plan & Olympia Regrets00:16:27 Training Back with Ronnie Coleman00:20:20 Arm Blasting & Training Splits00:23:44 Training Long vs. Training Hard00:26:16 Modern Stress & Recovery00:28:02 Giant Sets & Peak Contractions00:32:45 Gym Ethics & The Colosseum Rule00:35:03 Peptide Optimization & Liver Protection00:37:05 IGF-1 Protocols & Injection Science00:41:45 Needle Length & The Golden Era of 199700:45:52 Nile's Quad Protocol & Leg Sweeps00:49:57 V-Taper, Waist Size, & Classic Criteria00:55:41 The Oncology Risks of IGF-101:01:12 Debunking the Insulin Myth with Dave Palumbo01:13:10 Pre-Workout Insulin & Nutrient Loading01:22:07 Optimize HRT & Bloodwork Management01:25:54 Low-Dose Thyroid Hormones (T3/T4)01:34:59 Longevity, Joint Health, & Synthol Disasters01:39:58 Cruising vs. "Half On, Half Off" Cycles01:44:08 Off-Cycle Training & Muscle Memory01:52:00 Peptides (BPC-157/TB-500) & The Placebo Effect02:02:18 Post-Show Rebound Strategy02:09:14 Jean Pierre Fux vs. Marcus Ruhl02:13:51 DHB (Dihydroboldenone) vs. Masteron/Primo02:16:35 Milos' Maximum Cycle Dosages02:18:14 Posing Artistry vs. Bodybuilding Judging02:22:08 Terrible Genetics & Overcoming Limitations02:24:33 1999: Milos' Biggest Year & Synthol Regrets02:28:21 The Holy Trinity: Test, GH, & Insulin Synergy02:28:55 Masteron vs. Primobolan Contest Selection02:30:26 Steve's "Bathmate & hCG" Protocol02:32:43 Generic vs. Pharmaceutical Growth Hormone02:36:45 Most Underrated & Overrated PEDs02:38:23 Final Message: Legacy, Love, & Simplicity

 In this episode of The Unshakable Search, Ron Pearce explores John 16 and the work of the Holy Spirit in revealing sin, righteousness, and judgment. Drawing from testimonies shared by believers and church planters around the world, Ron explains how the Holy Spirit opens spiritually blind eyes to Truth and transforms lives through the power of the Gospel. 

Our guest on this week's episode is Omar Qari, CEO of Logicbroker. Every industry has had to adjust to the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty – the Iran war, high fuel prices, volatile tariff policy – the list goes on. So, how are retailers and brands making the needed adjustments to deal with these shifting trade conditions and uncertain supply availability? Our guest offers his insights with Senior News Editor Ben Ames.Most warehouses have packages of some kind that they need to sort - either inbound cases that have to go to storage or processing areas or goods in outbound packages that have to be sorted to dock doors. Senior Editor Victoria Kickham wrote for this month's DC Velocity about how the wide diversity of these cartons is driving changes in automated sortation system design.Ben Ames reports that it's no surprise  that robotics technology is taking on a larger role in how supply chains operate. We've also seen for some years now that many of the Asia-Pacific nations are leaders in that category, both in building robots and in using them for applications like manufacturing. But we saw a report this week about exactly how China sees that sector developing in coming years. This comes from China's latest Five-Year Plan, which is China's blueprint for operating its economy. And sure enough, the country said it will continue to place robotics at the heart of its industrial system, along with artificial intelligence. Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:LogicbrokerSortation Report: Pushing the limitsChina places AI-powered robots at the center of its five-year planVisit DC VelocityVisit Supply Chain XchangeSend feedback about this podcast to podcast@agilebme.comThis podcast episode is sponsored by: Werner

Chinese companies operating in the United States remained largely profitable last year despite geopolitical tensions, according to a recently released survey report, which also indicated improved expectations for China-US economic relations this year.近日发布的调查报告显示，尽管存在地缘政治紧张局势，去年在美经营的中国企业总体上仍保持盈利。报告还显示，受访企业对今年中美经济关系的预期有所改善。The 2026 Annual Business Survey Report on Chinese Enterprises in the United States was unveiled on Monday in Washington, DC, by the China General Chamber of Commerce-USA and the CGCC Foundation.美国中国总商会与总商会基金会于本周一在华盛顿发布了《2026年在美中资企业年度商业调查报告》。The event brought together business leaders, industry experts and others to discuss the survey findings, which revealed remarkable operational resilience among Chinese companies and a pivot toward cautious optimism for the coming year.此次活动汇聚了商界领袖与行业专家，共同探讨调查报告结果。数据显示，在美中资企业展现出卓越的经营韧性，并对未来一年持谨慎乐观态度。According to the report, 81 percent of surveyed Chinese companies in the US remained profitable in 2025, while the share of enterprises with pretax profit margins above 15 percent rose sharply from 7 percent to 21 percent over the past year.报告显示，2025年，81%的受访在美中资企业保持盈利。在过去一年中，税前利润率超过15%的企业占比从7%大幅上升至21%。The report noted that the outlook of surveyed companies for China-US relations in 2026 has improved. "In economic and trade relations, expectations of 'moderate deterioration' fell by 24 percentage points from the previous year, while expectations of 'modest improvement' rose sharply to 36 percent," it said.报告指出，受访企业对2026年中美关系的展望有所改善。“在经贸关系方面，预期‘适度恶化'的比例比上年下降了24个百分点，而预期‘略有改善'的比例大幅上升至36%，”报告称。The CGCC, which was founded in 2005, is the largest independent chamber representing Chinese business interests in the US.美国中国总商会成立于2005年，是美国最大的代表中资企业利益的独立商会。Speaking at the event, Zhang Jianyu, chairwoman of the CGCC, said the chamber's member companies have cumulatively invested more than $140 billion in the US economy, directly creating over 230,000 jobs and contributing to more than 1 million positions nationwide.美国中国总商会会长张建宇在会上表示，商会会员企业已累计对美国经济投资超过1400亿美元，直接创造超过23万个就业岗位，并为全美超过100万个就业岗位做出了贡献。Qiu Wenxing, minister and deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy in the US, who delivered a keynote address, underscored the need for deeper integration of the world's two largest economies.中国驻美国使馆公使邱文星发表主旨演讲，强调了全球两大经济体深化融合的必要性。Referring to the investment and employment statistics quoted by the CGCC chairwoman, Qiu said: "That is the contribution Chinese companies have already made. We can do more to help America achieve even better lives for its people."邱文星在引用该会会长所引述的投资和就业数据时表示，这是中国企业已经作出的贡献。他说：“我们可以做得更多，帮助美国人民过上更加美好的生活。”He urged US business leaders to be "quick and agile to seize the opportunity presented by China's development", particularly through the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which offers expanded market access for international investors.他敦促美国商界领袖“要敏锐果断地抓住中国发展带来的机遇”，特别是通过“十五五”规划（2026-2030年）所扩大的国际市场准入来抓住机遇。Qiu called on both Chinese and US business communities to "do the right thing instead of the politically correct thing", advocating for deeper engagement and more objective dialogue.邱文星呼吁中美两国工商界“做正确的事，而不是政治正确的事”，主张更深入的接触和更客观的对话。The relationship between China and the US is inherently mutually beneficial, and that characteristic could form the foundation for shared prosperity, he said, emphasizing that the two countries must find a common path based on "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation".他强调，中美关系本质上是互利共赢的，这种特性能够成为共同繁荣的基础。两国必须在“相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢”的基础上找到共同的相处之道。"The world depends on a stable, sound and sustainable relationship," Qiu said, adding that efforts made by the two governments to stabilize ties are injecting "positive momentum" and certainty into business operations.“世界需要一个稳定、健康、可持续的中美关系，”邱文星说。他补充道，两国政府为稳定关系所做的努力，正为企业的经营注入“积极动能”和确定性。Pin Ni, vice-chair of the CGCC and president of Wanxiang America Corporation, said that any "decoupling" between China and the US would be disastrous for the US due to its inflationary impact.美国中国总商会副会长、万向美国公司总裁倪频表示，任何中美之间的“脱钩”都将给美国带来灾难性的通胀冲击。Amid the expectations of improved economic ties, the survey report highlighted some significant hurdles. Tariff policies remain the primary source of pressure, it said, negatively affecting 79 percent of respondents through rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical tensions have also become a "structural ceiling" for brand building, it added.在对经济关系改善有所预期的同时，调查报告也突出了几个重大阻碍。报告称，关税政策仍是压力的主要来源，通过推高成本和扰乱供应链，对79%的受访企业造成了负面影响。报告还称，地缘政治紧张局势已成为品牌建设的“结构性天花板”。Ni stressed that successful long-term growth in the US requires a deeper commitment to localization and human capital. "Localization is not just about investing in a company; it is about investing in the local people," he said.倪频强调，要在美国实现长期成功增长，必须更加坚定地推进本土化并投入人力资本。“本土化不仅仅是对企业的投资，更是对当地民众的投资，”他说。The strategic goal of Chinese companies in the US is to become a permanent and contributing part of the local economy, he added.他补充道，在美中资企业的战略目标是成为当地经济持久且贡献的一部分。Monday's event included a panel discussion on the global rise of Chinese brands. The speakers noted that while Chinese companies make high-quality products, they need to improve their "narrative capability" in order to extend their reach.当天的活动还包括一场关于中国品牌全球崛起的专题讨论，讨论指出，尽管中国企业能生产出高质量的产品，但若要拓展全球影响力，则还需提升“叙事能力”。Crisis management and storytelling should be combined to successfully navigate local challenges, the speakers added.并且补充道，中国企业应将危机管理和讲述品牌故事相结合，以成功应对当地挑战。geopolitical tensions /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkəl ˈtenʃənz/地缘政治紧张局势China General Chamber of Commerce-USA (CGCC) /ˈtʃaɪnə ˈdʒenrəl ˈtʃæmbər əv ˈkɒmɜːs juː ˈes ˈeɪ/美国中国总商会agile /ˈædʒaɪl/敏锐的，果断的decoupling /diːˈkʌplɪŋ/脱钩navigate challenges /ˈnævɪɡeɪt ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/应对挑战

His coach told him to keep the guns in the holsters. Ryan Lamb never listened. The cult Gloucester fly-half who helped light up the Premiership at just 20 years old joins Alex and Tins for a GBR classic. From locking a teacher in a cupboard to calling Stuart Lancaster "Steve", Lamby holds nothing back. He relives the iconic Bristol promotion playoff, his love-hate relationship with Dean Ryan, why he thought Premiership rugby was "quite easy," and what it's like running Plymouth Albion on their promotion charge. Honest, hilarious, and completely unfiltered - this one's not to be missed. 00:00

The Ministry of Education, on Tuesday, introduced 38 new undergraduate majors that will be available for recruitment through the 2026 national college entrance exam, or gaokao, expanding opportunities for students to pursue cutting-edge fields.教育部4月28日（周二）发布，新增38个本科专业，将纳入2026年全国高考招生，进一步拓宽学生攻读前沿领域的机会。The newly added majors align with national strategies and emerging industries. They include energy science and engineering and deep-earth science and engineering for strategic needs; transportation and energy integration engineering and agricultural robotics for upgrading traditional industries; biotechnology manufacturing and brain-computer science and technology for future industries; digital culture and tourism and commercial artificial intelligence for the service sector; and digital trade and digital finance for the intelligent economy.此次新增专业紧密对接国家战略和新兴产业。精准对接国家战略需求，增设能源科学与工程、深地科学与工程等专业；服务传统产业优化升级，增设交通能源融合工程、农业机器人等专业；推动新兴产业和未来产业创新发展，增设生物制造、脑机科学与技术等专业；立足服务业扩能提质，增设数字文旅、商业人工智能等专业；聚焦打造智能经济新形态，增设数字贸易、数字金融等专业。The ministry also added embodied intelligence as a new major, with nine top universities — including Harbin Institute of Technology and Beihang University — authorized to offer it. The program aims to integrate next-generation artificial intelligence with the real economy.教育部同时增设了“具身智能”新专业，哈尔滨工业大学、北京航空航天大学等9所顶尖高校获准开设，旨在推动新一代人工智能与实体经济深度融合。For the first time, the "interdisciplinary studies" category includes 15 programs, including four new majors such as embodied intelligence and brain-computer science and technology. The full catalog now covers 883 majors.交叉学科门类首次设置15个专业，其中包括具身智能、脑机科学与技术等4个新专业。至此，本科专业目录总数达到883个。During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Chinese universities added 10,200 undergraduate program slots while cutting or suspending 12,200. The annual adjustment rate exceeded 10 percent for the first time this year.“十四五”期间，全国高校新增本科专业布点1.02万个，撤销或停招1.22万，年度专业调整比例首次超过10%。Shen Yi, former vice-president of Harbin Institute of Technology and dean of the School of Aerospace Innovation, said the university is launching a new undergraduate major in embodied intelligence to meet national strategies, technological progress and industrial demand.哈尔滨工业大学原副校长、航天学院院长沈毅介绍，学校正开设具身智能本科专业，以服务国家战略、科技进步和产业需求。"The major moves artificial intelligence from the digital world to the physical world," Shen said. "Embodied intelligence is not just about humanoid robots — it is about enabling machines to perceive, interact with, decide and act in real-world environments."他说：“这个专业将人工智能从数字世界带到物理世界。具身智能不仅仅是人形机器人，更重要的是让机器在真实环境中实现感知、交互、决策和行动。”He said the program will train students to work in areas such as smart manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace and energy.该专业将培养学生在智能制造、医疗健康、航空航天、能源等领域工作。"Graduates will combine embodied intelligence with specific fields, like embodied intelligence plus aerospace, or plus energy, becoming versatile talent that society urgently needs," he said.沈毅表示：“毕业生将具身智能与具体领域结合，比如具身智能+航空航天、具身智能+能源，成为社会急需的复合型人才。”Shen added that the major emphasizes project-based and active learning.他补充说，专业强调项目制学习和主动学习。"Students will learn by doing, not just by taking notes," he said. The first batch of about 50 to 60 students is expected to enroll in September.“学生通过动手实践来学习，而不是仅仅记笔记。”首批约50至60名学生预计于今年9月入学。"Like automation or computer science decades ago, embodied intelligence will become a foundational tool across all sectors," Shen said. "Those who master it will drive progress in their fields."沈毅认为：“就像几十年前的自动化或计算机科学一样，具身智能将成为各行各业的基础工具。掌握它的人将推动所在领域的进步。”According to Shen, embodied intelligence is inherently interdisciplinary.他指出，具身智能天然具有交叉学科属性。"It integrates perception, decision-making and physical action. Core courses include systems and control, intelligent sensing and processing, and the integration of AI with physical systems," he said.具身智能融合感知、决策与物理执行，核心课程包括系统与控制、智能感知与处理、人工智能与物理系统集成等。He also noted that the training model goes beyond traditional classroom teaching.他同时指出，培养模式也超越传统课堂教学。"We give students real projects and goals. They learn by identifying weaknesses and seeking knowledge actively, not by passive memorization. That is how we prepare them to design and deploy embodied intelligent systems in the real world," he said.“我们给学生真实的项目与目标，让他们在发现短板、主动求知中学习，而不是被动记忆。这样他们将来才能设计和部署真实的具身智能系统。”Ming Dong, vice-president of Tianjin University, said the newly approved undergraduate major in brain-computer science and technology aligns with the university's first-level interdisciplinary doctoral program in the field, enabling it to establish a comprehensive bachelor's-master's-doctoral training system for brain-computer interface talent.天津大学副校长明东表示，新获批的脑机科学与技术本科专业，与该校已有的脑机接口一级交叉学科博士点相衔接，可构建起脑机接口人才的本硕博完整培养体系。Ming said brain-computer interface technology, prioritized as a future industry under the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), holds significant application potential.明东说，脑机接口技术已被列为国家“十五五”规划的未来产业，应用潜力巨大。In response to national strategic needs and industry demand, Tianjin University's program aims to cultivate high-level talent capable of advancing intelligent human-computer interaction.面向国家战略需求和产业需要，天大的这一专业旨在培养能推动智能人机交互发展的高层次人才。Under the system, students will systematically master the full technology chain of brain-computer interfaces — from devices and chips to algorithms, systems and applications — beginning in their first year. Core courses include the "brain talker" research program, along with a wide range of electives, enabling students to build a solid theoretical foundation and develop practical skills to solve complex engineering problems.学生从大一开始，系统掌握从器件、芯片到算法、系统、应用的脑机接口全链条技术。核心课程包含“脑语者”研究计划，同时提供丰富的选修课，使学生在掌握扎实理论基础的同时，练就解决复杂工程问题的实践能力。cutting-edge fields /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ fiːldz/前沿领域biotechnology manufacturing /ˈbaɪəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒi ˌmænjuˈfæktʃərɪŋ/生物制造技术embodied intelligence /ɪmˈbɒdid ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/具身智能versatile talent /ˈvɜːsətaɪl ˈtælənt/复合型人才brain-computer interface /breɪn kəmˈpjuːtər ˈɪntəfeɪs/脑机接口human-computer interaction /ˈhjuːmən kəmˈpjuːtər ˌɪntərˈækʃən/人机交互

Further opening-up seen key to driving high-quality growth of fast-rising sector进一步开放是推动这一快速增长行业高质量发展的关键所在。China will intensify efforts to upgrade its fast-growing services sector, aiming to foster an open, competitive and high-quality ecosystem that benefits both Chinese consumers and global providers, experts and executives said.多位专家和企业高管均表示，中国将加大力度推动快速发展的服务业提质升级，旨在打造一个开放、竞争、高质量的生态系统，使中国消费者和全球服务提供者共同受益。To achieve this vision, the State Council — China's Cabinet — unveiled on Tuesday plans designed to steer producer services toward "greater specialization and higher positions in the value chain", while making consumer services "more quality-oriented, diversified and convenient".为实现这一愿景，国务院于周二发布了一份政策文件，旨在引导生产性服务业向“专业化和高端价值链延伸”，同时推动生活性服务业“向高品质、多样化、便利化发展”。China's services sector has grown steadily over the years, accounting for 57.7 percent of GDP in 2025, and it is expected its total scale will surpass 100 trillion yuan ($14.67 trillion) by the end of the decade — a 23 percent increase from current levels.多年来，中国服务业持续稳步增长，2025年占GDP比重达57.7%。预计到2030年，服务业总规模将突破100万亿元人民币（约合14.67万亿美元），较当前水平增长23%。Further opening-up is seen as key to advancing the high-quality growth of the services sector this year and beyond, evidenced by the Government Work Report's call to "orderly relax market access restrictions in the services sector" and the 15th Five-Year Plan's pledge to "expand high-level opening-up of the services sector".进一步开放是今年及未来推动服务业高质量发展的关键。《政府工作报告》提出“有序放宽服务业准入限制”，“十五五”规划纲要承诺“扩大服务业高水平对外开放”，均印证了这一点。After years of dismantling market access restrictions for foreign investors in manufacturing, China is now setting its sights on the services sector, where experts said the barriers remain relatively higher but the potential rewards for both the domestic economy and foreign firms are larger.在多年逐步取消制造业外资市场准入限制之后，如今，中国将目光投向服务业。专家表示，服务业的壁垒仍然相对较高，但对国内经济和外资企业而言，潜在回报也更大。Unlike manufacturing, services have long been a relative laggard in China's opening-up drive, constrained by complexities that "go far beyond simple market access", said Cui Fan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics.对外经济贸易大学国际贸易教授崔凡指出，与制造业不同，服务业长期以来在中国对外开放进程中相对滞后，其制约因素“远不止简单的市场准入问题”，而是更为复杂。Cui said it involves the cross-border movement of data, capital, technology and talent, as well as rules covering environmental standards, intellectual property and professional qualifications.崔凡表示，这涉及数据、资本、技术和人才的跨境流动，以及涵盖环境标准、知识产权和职业资格等方面的规则。"This means that the future focus of services sector opening will be more about aligning domestic rules with international norms," Cui added.他补充说：“这意味着未来服务业开放的重点将更多放在国内规则与国际标准的对接上。”The accelerated opening-up comes as many economies retreat into protectionist shells. China has instead chosen to widen access, particularly in areas such as value-added telecommunications, biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospitals, according to the Cabinet's Tuesday policy document.当前，许多经济体正退回保护主义的“壳”中，而中国却加速推进对外开放。根据国务院周二发布的政策文件，中国选择进一步放宽市场准入，特别是在增值电信、生物技术、外商独资医院等领域。The country will also improve the management system covering the cross-border services trade negative list, and strengthen capabilities in data outbound compliance assessment and security certification as highlighted in the document.文件还强调，中国将完善跨境服务贸易负面清单管理制度，并加强数据出境合规评估和安全认证能力建设。Greater openness will speed the inflow of global quality services resources and advanced concepts, driving domestic services to upgrade their technology, business models and standards to align with international best practices, said Xu Shaofeng, senior vice-president of Schneider Electric.施耐德电气高级副总裁徐韶峰表示，更大程度的开放将加快全球优质服务业资源和先进理念的流入，推动国内服务业升级其技术、商业模式和标准，与国际最佳实践接轨。For foreign firms engaged in the services sector, they could gain access to a market of 1.4 billion people, including a middle-income group of 400 million that is projected to reach 800 million over the next decade.对于从事服务业的外资企业而言，它们将有机会进入一个拥有14亿人口的市场，其中包括一个4亿人的中等收入群体，而这一群体预计在未来十年将增至8亿人。"China's continued efforts to open up its services sector and its policies to boost services consumption have greatly enhanced our confidence in the market," said Mao Yibing, president of Marriott International Greater China.万豪国际集团大中华区总裁毛怡冰表示：“中国持续推进服务业开放以及促进服务消费的政策，大大增强了我们对市场的信心。”"Chinese consumers are paying increasing attention to experience," Mao said. "We can clearly see the strong potential of China's leisure travel market, with themes such as weekend getaways, family trips, cultural exploration and sports entertainment becoming key areas of focus."毛怡冰说：“中国消费者越来越注重体验。我们可以清晰地看到中国休闲旅游市场的巨大潜力，周末短途游、家庭出游、文化探索和体育娱乐等主题正成为重点关注的领域。”Marriott will continue to focus its expansion on first-tier and emerging first-tier cities, popular tourist destinations, and various business and leisure travel scenarios, to capture a larger share of one of the world's fastest-growing services consumption markets, she added.她补充说，万豪将继续把扩张重点放在一线及新兴一线城市、热门旅游目的地以及各类商务和休闲旅游场景上，以期在全球增长最快的服务消费市场之一中占据更大份额。Poh-Yian Koh, president of Fed-Ex China, an express transportation service provider, said that as China pushes to open its services sector wider, a more inclusive and sophisticated ecosystem is taking shape.快递运输服务提供商联邦快递中国区总裁许宝燕表示，随着中国推动服务业进一步扩大开放，一个更加包容、成熟的服务业生态系统正在形成。"The enabling development climate in China has been a key reason for the company's steady growth here, and it has further strengthened FedEx's confidence in long-term investment and in growing together with the Chinese market," Koh said.许宝燕说：“中国有利的发展环境一直是联邦快递在中国实现稳健增长的关键原因，这也进一步增强了公司长期投资、与中国市场共同成长的信心。”diversified /daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪd/多样化的dismantle /dɪsˈmæntəl/逐步取消，拆除opening-up drive /ˈəʊpənɪŋ ʌp draɪv/对外开放进程cross-border movement /ˈkrɒs ˈbɔːdə ˈmuːvmənt/跨境流动intellectual property /ˌɪntəˈlektjʊəl ˈprɒpəti/知识产权protectionist /prəˈtekʃənɪst/保护主义的

A sharp acceleration in infrastructure spending has emerged as a key pillar of China's investment stabilization drive, offsetting a persistent decline in the property sector and helping overall investment return to positive growth in the first quarter, officials and economists said.随着基础设施建设支出显著提速，我国稳投资格局初显成效。在房地产开发投资持续探底的背景下，基建领域的强劲增长有效对冲了行业下行压力，带动一季度整体固定资产投资重回正增长区间。The rebound came after authorities vowed late last year to halt the investment downturn, following a 3.8 percent contraction in fixed-asset investment in 2025.此番回暖发生在此前投资增速持续承压之后。数据显示，2025年全年固定资产投资曾收缩3.8%，有关部门于去年底明确释放了遏制投资下滑的政策信号。According to the National Bureau of Statistics, fixed-asset investment reached 10.27 trillion yuan ($1.51 trillion) in the first quarter, up 1.7 percent year-on-year. Beneath the headline figure, however, lies a sharp divergence. Infrastructure investment surged 8.9 percent, while property development investment plunged 11.2 percent.国家统计局最新公布的数据显示，今年一季度，全国固定资产投资达10.27万亿元，同比增长1.7%。尽管总量增长温和，内部结构分化却极为显著：基础设施投资同比大增8.9%，而房地产开发投资则同比下降11.2%。Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said that infrastructure investment — the area where the government has the most direct leverage — has ramped up significantly at the start of the year.东方金诚首席宏观分析师王青指出，基建投资作为政府宏观调控最直接有效的抓手，在开年即展现出强劲的拉升势头。"The pace of growth in the first quarter exceeded what the market had anticipated," Wang said.“一季度的实际增速已超出此前市场普遍预期。”王青表示。China has not disclosed the scale of its infrastructure investment in recent years. However, a report by China Galaxy Securities suggests that the proportion of infrastructure investment within total fixed-asset investment has been rising, estimating it at about 45.3 percent as of end-2023.近年来官方虽未单独披露基建投资的绝对规模，但据中国银河证券研报测算，基建投资在固投总额中的占比呈逐年抬升趋势，截至2023年底，该比例约为45.3%。Last year, the sector faced significant headwinds. Due to a combination of fiscal constraints and a high base of comparison, infrastructure investment saw a rare year-on-year decline of 2.2 percent for the full year, according to the bureau.回顾2024年，该领域曾面临不小的增长阻力。受制于财政紧平衡与高基数效应的叠加影响，国家统计局数据显示，全年基础设施投资罕见录得2.2%的同比降幅。Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities, said the robust first-quarter growth accelerated by 8.3 percentage points from the full-year 2025 level and contributed 2.7 percentage points to overall investment growth.粤开证券首席经济学家罗志恒分析称，一季度基建投资增速较2025年全年大幅回升8.3个百分点，对整体投资增长的贡献率高达2.7个百分点。"Infrastructure spending countered the drag from the prolonged property downturn and served as the key factor behind the turnaround from negative growth last year," Luo said.“基建支出的放量，有效对冲了房地产长周期调整带来的拖累，是推动固投由负转正的决定性力量。”罗志恒指出。As 2026 is the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30),"Local governments have strong incentives to create economic activities in the first year to set the foundation for the next five years of development."2026年作为第十五个五年规划的开局之年，这一加速增长具有更强的导向意义。分析认为，地方政府在五年规划首年普遍存在“抢先抓早”的能动性，意在通过重大项目落地为后续发展筑牢根基。The NBS said that in the first quarter, investment in projects with planned total investment of 100 million yuan or more rose 4.5 percent year-on-year, indicating that large-scale construction is accelerating.国家统计局数据同时显示，一季度计划总投资亿元及以上大项目投资同比增长4.5%，表明大型工程项目正处于加速建设周期。Funding has followed the projects. Luo said fiscal resources were deployed early and aggressively in the first quarter.资金的保障为项目推进提供了坚实支撑。罗志恒表示，一季度财政资源体现出了明显的“靠前发力”特征。Public bond issuance data show that in the first quarter, local governments issued about 3.1 trillion yuan in bonds, an increase of about 9.3 percent from the same period last year. Newly issued special bonds directly tied to infrastructure project construction reached about 1.2 trillion yuan, up about 25 percent year-on-year.债券发行数据印证了这一判断。一季度，各地累计发行地方政府债券约3.1万亿元，较去年同期增长约9.3%。其中，直接用于项目建设的专项债券规模约1.2万亿元，同比增幅高达约25%。The shift is not just about spending more — it is about spending differently, according to analysts.在分析人士看来，此轮发力不仅体现在投入总量的增加，更体现在投向结构的优化。While traditional rail, road and airport projects remain important, new infrastructure areas including computing centers, 5G and 6G networks, electric vehicle charging piles, and low-altitude flight infrastructure are becoming the new growth drivers, said Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank.中国民生银行首席经济学家温彬认为，在传统“铁公基”项目保持稳定投入的同时，算力枢纽、新一代移动通信网络、新能源充电设施及低空经济配套等新基建领域，正加速成长为驱动投资增长的新引擎。"The government is using infrastructure investment not just to stabilize growth in the short term, but to shape China's transition to a digital, green and innovation-driven economy for the future," Wen said.“当前的基础设施投资已超越单纯的短期逆周期调节功能，更多承载着推动经济向数字化、绿色化、创新驱动转型的长远战略意图。”温彬称。Entering the second quarter, with the peak of project launches coming to an end and special bond issuances normalizing, Luo cautioned that infrastructure growth may slow marginally.展望二季度，随着项目集中开工潮逐步退去，加之专项债发行节奏趋于常态化，罗志恒提醒，基建投资增速或有边际放缓的可能。"Local governments face a dual squeeze from debt servicing and falling land income. Whether infrastructure can continue to play its role as a ballast for investment will depend on policy support from the central level."“现阶段地方政府面临化债支出与土地出让金下滑的双重压力。未来基建能否持续发挥‘压舱石'作用，将在很大程度上取决于中央层面转移支付及增量政策的接续支持力度。”property sector /ˈprɒpəti ˈsektə(r)/房地产行业 halt the investment downturn /hɔːlt ðə ɪnˈvestmənt ˈdaʊntɜːn/遏制投资下滑 divergence /daɪˈvɜːdʒəns/分化；背离 plunge /plʌndʒ/暴跌；骤降 turnaround /ˈtɜːnəraʊnd/扭转；好转 inaugural year /ɪˈnɔːɡjərəl jɪə(r)/开局之年 public bond /ˈpʌblɪk bɒnd/政府债券；公债 ballast /ˈbæləst/压舱石；稳定器

In 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao warned that China's growth model was unbalanced between supply and demand, over-reliant on investment and exports. More than 20 years later, the imbalance is smaller — but China is vastly larger. What its economy produces and exports now moves global markets. The argument about China's external surplus is no longer just a spat between Beijing and Washington.Yiping Huang, Dean of the National School of Development at Peking University, has written a chapter in the fourth Paris Report, published jointly by CEPR and Bruegel, examining China's structural imbalances from the inside. His argument: the same policies that powered 45 years of growth also suppressed household income and consumption. Factor market distortions, especially artificially low interest rates, kept the cost of capital down and subsidised state-owned enterprises; decentralised GDP-target competition pushed local governments toward investment and industrial expansion rather than services and household support.The result was a powerful supply side with a persistently weak domestic demand side. When you produce more than you can sell at home and you are a small economy, you export the rest. When you are the world's second largest economy, the world notices. China's consumption share of GDP rose from around 50% in 2010 to 57% in 2024, still well below the mid-seventies average of comparable economies, and two fresh crises complicate the path. The property market has been contracting since mid-2021 and it is now a drag on local government finances, household wealth, and bank balance sheets. Local government subsidies have created overcapacity in new industries such as electric vehicles and batteries. Huang's conclusion is that rebalancing is necessary and achievable, but it requires the government stepping back from direct resource allocation, the private sector and market taking on larger roles in innovation, and a significant strengthening of social protection to give households both the income and the confidence to spend.The report discussed in this series of episodes:Rey, Hélène, Beatrice Weder di Mauro, and Jeromin Zettelmeyer (eds). 2026. The New Global Imbalances. Paris Report 4. CEPR Press and Bruegel. Free to download at cepr.org.The chapter discussed in this episode:Huang, Yiping. 2026. "Rebalancing of the Chinese economy: Challenges and policy options." In Rey, Weder di Mauro, and Zettelmeyer (eds), The New Global Imbalances. Paris Report 4. CEPR Press and Bruegel. To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim, and Yiping Huang. 2026. “Rebalancing the Chinese Economy”. VoxTalks Economics (podcast).Assign this as extra listening. The citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About Paris Report 4The fourth Paris Report, The New Global Imbalances, is a joint publication of CEPR and Bruegel. It was edited by Hélène Rey (London Business School and CEPR), Beatrice Weder di Mauro (Geneva Graduate Institute and CEPR, and President of CEPR), and Jeromin Zettelmeyer (Bruegel and CEPR). The report examines how, in a high-debt and fragmented world, excess savings, rising surpluses, and rising deficits pose a risk to stability and undermine the global trading system. It is free to download at cepr.org.About the guestYiping Huang is Dean of the National School of Development at Peking University. [verify URL before publishing] He is one of China's leading macroeconomists, with research spanning China's economic transition, financial reform, and the political economy of development. He has advised Chinese policymakers and international institutions including the IMF and the Asian Development Bank on issues of growth, financial reform, and structural change.Research cited in this episodeAsymmetric liberalization is Yiping Huang's term for the approach China took when reforming its economy from the 1980s onward. Rather than the shock therapy adopted by former Soviet economies — privatising state-owned enterprises overnight and hoping markets would fill the gap — China used a dual-track approach. It opened the economy to private firms and foreign investors while maintaining state-owned enterprises in parallel, accepting some inefficiency in exchange for stability in output, employment, and growth. To subsidise the SOEs without direct fiscal transfers, the government kept factor markets, particularly financial markets, partially distorted: deposit and lending rates were held below market-clearing levels, reducing funding costs and effectively transferring income from savers and households to producers. The result was a very strong supply side and a structurally weak domestic demand side, which Huang identifies as the root cause of China's persistent external surpluses.Involution (Chinese: 内卷, nèijuǎn) is a term in wide use in China to describe a particular form of competitive overextension: effort that intensifies without producing proportional gains in quality, efficiency, or welfare. In the economic policy context Huang uses it, involution refers to the overcapacity problem in China's newer industries, including electric vehicles, batteries, and solar panels. Local governments, motivated by GDP targets and decentralised competition, have subsidised capacity expansion in these sectors without requiring corresponding advances in technology or product quality. The result is high-volume, low-margin competition that can suppress prices globally while leaving firms unable to earn sustainable returns domestically. Huang distinguishes this from the property market crisis, which has a different structure and cause.New quality productive forces is the term used in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026 to 2030) to describe the supply-side transformation the government is aiming for: a shift away from labour-intensive, low-value-added manufacturing toward high-technology, innovation-driven sectors. It reflects the recognition that the industries China dominated in its first decades of reform — low-cost assembly, commodity manufacturing — are no longer competitive given rising domestic wages and costs, and that the next stage of growth has to be driven by productivity and technology rather than factor accumulation.The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026 to 2030) is China's current medium-term planning document. Huang identifies two key anchors: the development of new quality productive forces on the supply side, and a shift toward domestic demand — particularly private consumption — on the demand side. The plan signals a different role for government, more focused on providing social infrastructure, basic research, and protection for households, and less focused on direct resource allocation and industrial project selection. Huang describes the two anchors as a circuit: if supply-side innovation and demand-side consumption can be connected efficiently, the Chinese economy can sustain growth for much longer without relying on external demand.The Japan comparison is used by Huang to set expectations for China's consumption rebalancing. Japan's private consumption share of GDP was at its lowest in 1970 and did not reach the average of comparable advanced economies — around the mid-seventies — until around 2010: a process of roughly forty years. China's consumption share is currently around fifty-seven percent, still well below that average. Huang acknowledges the parallel but expresses hope that China can close the gap faster than Japan did; the point of the comparison is that raising household consumption is a structural, decades-long process, not a policy lever that can be pulled in a single plan cycle. It requires sustained growth in household income and improvement in the social safety net to reduce precautionary saving.China's current account surplus peaked at 9.8% of GDP in 2007, immediately before the global financial crisis. Huang notes that significant adjustment has already taken place: the average surplus between 2018 and the mid-2020s was below two percent of GDP, and the investment share of GDP fell from a peak of forty-seven percent in 2011 to forty-one percent in 2024. The surplus rose to 3.7% of GDP in 2024 partly as a result of weak domestic demand following the property market correction. Huang's argument is that the external imbalance and the internal consumption shortfall are the same problem viewed from different angles; fixing one requires fixing the other.More VoxTalks Economics episodesThis is the third episode in our series on Paris Report 4. In the first episode, Maurice Obstfeld of the Peterson Institute for International Economics examines the history of global imbalances and what previous episodes can teach today's policymakers. In the second episode, Gilles Moëc, Chief Economist at AXA, explains why the US government is so keen to promote stablecoins and the risks they may pose to the financial system.For an interview with two of the report's editors, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Jeromin Zettelmeyer, on the problem of global imbalances, listen to The Sound of Economics, Bruegel's podcast. Available at bruegel.org.

China's consumer market is gaining fresh momentum from an explosion of new business formats and consumption scenarios as well as a robust policy push, and the dynamism is prompting global companies to position themselves for a stake in what they see as one of the world's most significant sources of future growth, analysts and executives said.新的业态和消费场景不断涌现，加上强有力的政策推动，为中国消费市场注入了新的活力。分析人士和企业高管指出，这股活力正促使全球企业纷纷布局，它们将中国视为未来全球经济增长最重要的引擎之一，希望从中分得一杯羹。Their remarks came ahead of the six-day China International Consumer Products Expo — one of Beijing's initiatives to shore up consumer spending — that opens on Monday in Hainan province, as policymakers place boosting consumption at the top of China's economic agenda for this year and beyond.这些言论发表之际，为期六天的中国国际消费品博览会即将于4月13日在海南省开幕。该博览会是我国提振消费支出的举措之一。当前，扩大消费已被列为我国今年及未来几年经济工作的重中之重。According to the outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), the country aims to "achieve a notable increase in household consumption as a share of gross domestic product, making domestic demand a more prominent economic driver" over the next five years.根据“十五五”规划纲要，未来五年，我国将“着力使居民消费占国内生产总值比重显著上升，使内需成为拉动经济增长的主动力和稳定锚”。"China's growth has moderated from its historic highs, but the economy — especially the consumer market — has proven remarkably adaptive," said Daniel Zipser, senior partner at global management consultancy McKinsey &Company.全球管理咨询公司麦肯锡资深董事合伙人泽沛达表示：“中国经济增速虽较高点有所放缓，但经济本身——尤其是消费市场——展现出了非凡的韧性。”Zipser said that the growth in the apparel, beauty, and food and beverage segments, the continued expansion of services and experiences, and inflation as a signal of demand strength, all point to "a market that is rebalancing".泽沛达指出，服装、美妆、食品饮料等领域的增长，服务和体验消费的持续扩张，以及作为需求强劲信号的通货膨胀，都表明“市场正在再平衡”。Earlier this month, China allocated a second tranche of 62.5 billion yuan ($9.1 billion) to support its consumer goods trade-in program, and unveiled guidelines to boost service consumption in both established sectors such as elderly and child care, and emerging growth areas including inbound consumption and live performance.本月早些时候，我国提前下达了第二批625亿元人民币消费品以旧换新资金，并发布了促进服务消费的指导意见，涵盖养老托育等成熟领域，以及入境消费、演艺消费等新兴增长点。"New types of consumption, green consumption and services consumption are projected to become long-term engines of growth," said Jeff Wu, vice-chairman of KPMG China.毕马威中国副主席吴旭初表示：“新型消费、绿色消费和服务消费预计将成为长期增长引擎。”Wang Xuekun, head of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that events like the China International Consumer Products Expo are not just trade fairs; they are designed to help global businesses better resonate with Chinese buyers and translate the country's growing appetite for high-quality goods and services into tangible opportunities.商务部国际贸易经济合作研究院院长王学坤表示，像中国国际消费品博览会这样的活动不仅仅是贸易展会，其初衷是帮助全球企业更好地与中国消费者产生共鸣，将中国对高品质商品和服务日益增长的需求转化为实实在在的机遇。The sixth edition of the Hainan expo will bring together more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions, with international exhibits accounting for 65 percent of the total. More than 200 new products are expected to make their debut, double the number launched at last year's event.第六届消博会将汇聚来自60多个国家和地区的3400多个品牌，其中国际展品占比达65%。预计将有200多款新品首发亮相，数量是去年的一倍。"The internationalization of the expo has increased year by year," said Yang Gang, vice-chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group in China. The Thai multinational company mainly focuses on the agro industry and food segment in China.泰国跨国企业正大集团在中国主要经营农牧食品领域。正大集团中国区副董事长扬纲表示：“消博会的国际化程度逐年提高。”Yang noted that the company aims to leverage Hainan, which allows freer entry of overseas goods and expanded zero-tariff coverage following the inauguration of its island-wide special customs operations in December, as a logistics hub to efficiently deliver high-quality agricultural products from Southeast Asia to the Chinese market.扬纲指出，去年12月海南全岛启动封关运作后，境外商品入境更加自由，零关税范围进一步扩大。正大集团希望借助海南作为物流枢纽，将东南亚的优质农产品高效输送到中国市场。Chinese consumers are outpacing their global peers in embracing health-conscious, sustainable and internationally sourced products, creating fresh opportunities for overseas brands, according to a report on China's consumer market released by PwC in January.普华永道今年1月发布的关于中国消费市场的报告显示，中国消费者在拥抱健康环保、可持续发展和国际化产品方面，已领先全球其他地区的消费者，这为海外品牌创造了新的机遇。The trend is being further reinforced by the "Big Market for All: Export to China" initiative launched by the Ministry of Commerce, featuring more than 100 dedicated events this year designed to help overseas suppliers connect with Chinese buyers and bring a wider range of high-quality foreign products and services into the Chinese market.商务部发起的“共享大市场·出口中国”活动进一步强化了这一趋势。该活动今年将举办100多场专项活动，旨在帮助海外供应商与中国采购商对接，将更多优质的外国产品和服务引入中国市场。Supachai Junkeiat, president of TCP China, the Thai conglomerate behind the energy drink brand Red Bull, said:"We have always been optimistic about the upgrade potential of China's supersized consumer market. Going forward, we will continue to closely track the country's consumption trends and leverage product innovation to precisely meet new demands for consumption upgrades."红牛能量饮料品牌所属的泰国天丝集团中国区总裁曾森鸿表示：“我们始终看好中国超大规模消费市场的升级潜力。未来，我们将继续紧密跟踪中国消费趋势，通过产品创新精准满足消费升级的新需求。”apparel /əˈpærəl/服装；衣着tranche /trɑːnʃ/（款项的）一部分；一期consumer goods trade-in program /kənˈsuːmər ɡʊdz ˈtreɪdˌɪn ˈproʊɡræm/消费品以旧换新政策 outpace /aʊtˈpeɪs/超过；胜过；比…更快conglomerate /kənˈɡlɑːmərət/企业集团；联合大企业

The Chinese mainland released a set of measures on Sunday aimed at promoting peaceful cross-Strait relations and improving the well-being of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as a delegation led by Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, concluded its visit to the mainland.4月12日，在中国国民党主席郑丽文率领的代表团结束大陆之行之际，大陆方面发布一系列举措，推动两岸关系和平发展、增进两岸同胞福祉。The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee announced a package of 10 measures covering areas such as party-to-party dialogue, youth exchanges, infrastructure connectivity, cross-Strait transportation, trade facilitation and cultural cooperation. It came following a meeting on Friday between Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and Cheng, which was the first such top-level meeting between the two political parties across the Strait in a decade.中共中央台办公布十项措施，涵盖政党对话、青年交流、基础设施联通、两岸交通、贸易便利化及文化合作等领域。此前，中共中央总书记习近平于10日会见郑丽文主席，这是两岸两党十年来首次高层会晤。At the meeting, Xi said that the goal of developing cross-Strait relations is to enable people on both sides to lead better lives.会晤中，习近平表示，发展两岸关系的目标，是要让两岸同胞过上更美好的生活。As this year marks the start of the mainland's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, he expressed willingness to share development opportunities and achievements with Taiwan compatriots and jointly build a stronger Chinese national economy.今年是大陆“十五五”开局之年，习近平表示，我们愿同广大台湾同胞共享发展机遇和成果、共同壮大中华民族经济。Xi also said at the meeting that Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products, as well as other high-quality goods, are welcome to enter households across the mainland.习近平还指出，欢迎台湾农渔产品、优质商品进入大陆千家万户。According to the 10 initiatives announced on Sunday, the mainland proposed exploring a regularized communication mechanism between the CPC and the KMT, based on adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to "Taiwan independence".根据4月12日公布的十项举措，大陆方面提议，在坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”的共同政治基础上，探索建立国共两党常态化沟通机制。The 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, was reached between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation with authorization from authorities on both sides of the Strait in 1992.“九二共识”体现一个中国原则，是由中国大陆的海峡两岸关系协会与台湾地区的海峡交流基金会于1992年经两岸授权达成的。The measures also include strengthening youth exchanges through institutionalized programs and arranging annual visits by Taiwan delegations to the mainland.十项举措还包括：建立国共两党青年双向交流机制化平台，每年邀请岛内青年团组来大陆交流参访。It said efforts will focus on advancing utility links and bridge projects between Fujian province and the islands of Jinmen and Matsu. Authorities will also promote normalization of direct cross-Strait passenger air services and resume routes between Taiwan and selected mainland cities.推动福建沿海地区在条件具备情况下同金门、马祖通水、通电、通气、通桥；推动全面恢复两岸空中客运直航正常化，支持尽快恢复台湾与大陆部分城市两岸航班。The measures further aim to facilitate purchases of Taiwan agricultural and fishery products that meet relevant standards, support Taiwan businesses in accessing mainland markets, and improve conditions for Taiwan fishing vessels.此外，为符合检验检疫标准的台湾农渔产品输入大陆提供便利，支持台企开拓大陆市场，改善台湾渔船作业条件。In addition, the mainland will allow more Taiwan-produced content to be broadcast and encourage joint media production to promote the innovative development of Chinese culture.扩大台湾影视内容在大陆播出，鼓励两岸媒体合作制作，推动中华文化创新发展。The mainland will work toward resuming individual travel from Shanghai and Fujian to Taiwan, as only group tours are currently allowed for Fujian and Shanghai residents. Fujian individuals' tours to Jinmen and Matsu have also resumed since the second half of 2024.推动恢复上海市及福建省居民赴台（本岛）个人游试点（目前两地仅开放团队游），福建居民赴金门、马祖个人游已于2024年下半年恢复。Chang Jung-kung, a KMT vice-chairman and member of the delegation, said on Sunday that the policy package could be regarded as a "gift" from the mainland, delivered through Cheng, to the people of Taiwan, enhancing their well-being.中国国民党副主席、代表团成员张荣恭12日表示，这一政策礼包可视为大陆方面通过郑丽文主席送给台湾同胞的“礼物”，切实增进台湾民众福祉。He said it demonstrated goodwill and sincerity from the mainland and has brought tangible benefits to Taiwan.他表示，此举彰显大陆方面的善意与诚意，为台湾带来实实在在的利益。The measures came as Cheng's delegation concluded their six-day trip to the mainland from Tuesday to Sunday, which included stops in Jiangsu province, Shanghai and Beijing. The trip also marked the first visit to the mainland by a KMT chairperson in a decade.上述举措出台之际，郑丽文率领的代表团结束为期六天的大陆之行。代表团于7日至12日先后访问江苏、上海及北京，此次系国民党主席十年来首次访陆。The itinerary included traditional stops for KMT leaders visiting the mainland, such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall at Biyun Temple at Xiangshan in Beijing, where the delegation paid tribute to Sun as an important founding figure of the KMT. This year also marks the 160th anniversary of Sun's birth.行程中，代表团按惯例拜谒南京中山陵、北京香山碧云寺孙中山纪念堂，纪念这位国民党重要创始人。今年正值孙中山诞辰160周年。Meanwhile, the trip featured several visits highlighting the mainland's technological development. On Sunday, the delegation visited the Xiaomi EV Hyperfactory in Beijing, where they learned about the mainland's progress in electric vehicle research and development, marking the final stop of their mainland tour.此次访问还安排多项展现大陆科技发展的参访活动。12日，代表团参访北京小米汽车超级工厂，了解大陆电动汽车研发进展，为此次大陆之行最后一站。On Saturday, the delegation toured the Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone Exhibition Center in Beijing's Haidian district, which showcased the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, embodied intelligence and high-end medical devices.11日，代表团参观北京海淀区中关村国家自主创新示范区展示中心，观摩人工智能、具身智能、高端医疗器械等前沿技术成果。"I found answers for Taiwan's future here," Cheng said at the exhibition center, noting that the island's service sector and traditional manufacturing industries are facing mounting challenges.郑丽文在展示中心表示：“我在这里找到了台湾未来的答案。”她指出，台湾服务业与传统制造业正面临日益严峻的挑战。Cheng said she was impressed by the mainland's applications of AI and technological innovation across sectors, describing the trip as "highly rewarding".她对大陆人工智能应用及各领域科技创新印象深刻，称“不虚此行”。"Without political barriers across the Strait, the two sides could make significant contributions to humanity," she said, calling for strengthened cross-Strait cooperation based on each side's respective strengths.“如果两岸可以毫无政治障碍，对人类的贡献将不可限量。”郑丽文呼吁，立足各自优势，深化两岸合作。She also emphasized that efforts on both sides to address differences and reduce confrontation are ultimately aimed at improving the lives of people across the Strait.她同时强调，两岸化解分歧、减少对立，最终目的是增进两岸同胞民生福祉。Li Peng, dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, said Cheng's visit once again reaffirmed that both sides of the Strait should pursue peaceful development, uphold the 1992 Consensus, oppose "Taiwan independence", and work to improve the well-being of people on both sides.厦门大学台湾研究院院长李鹏表示，郑丽文此行再次表明，两岸应坚持和平发展、坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”，共同增进同胞福祉。He noted that mainstream public opinion in Taiwan supports the resumption and expansion of cross-Strait people-to-people exchanges, with many hoping to share the benefits of mainland development.他指出，台湾主流民意支持恢复并扩大两岸民间交流，众多民众期盼共享大陆发展红利。"Cheng's trip has also achieved these objectives," Li said, adding that the policy package released by the mainland represents tangible benefits for Taiwan compatriots and constitutes an important outcome of her visit to the mainland.“郑丽文此行达成上述目标。”李鹏说，大陆方面出台的政策礼包为台湾同胞带来实实在在的好处，是此次访陆之行的重要成果。resume routes/ /rɪˈzuːm ruːts/恢复航线tangible benefits/ /ˈtændʒəbl ˈbenɪfɪts/实际利益itinerary/ /aɪˈtɪnərəri/行程安排pay tribute to/ /peɪ ˈtrɪbjuːt tuː/致敬strengthen cross-Strait cooperation/ /ˈstreŋθən krɒs streɪt kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/加强两岸合作

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said on Friday that regardless of how the international landscape or the situation across the Taiwan Strait evolves, the overarching trend toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the prevailing momentum for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait to come closer together will not change.He made the remarks on Friday during a meeting in Beijing with Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Chinese Kuomintang party. This was the first meeting between the leaders of the CPC and the KMT since 2016, when Xi met in Beijing with then KMT chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu.Cheng is leading a KMT delegation on a six-day visit to the Chinese mainland at the invitation of Xi and the CPC Central Committee. Since arriving on Tuesday, the delegation has visited Jiangsu province and Shanghai, before traveling to Beijing.Welcoming the delegation, Xi said the meeting is of great significance for the development of relations between the two parties and across the Taiwan Strait.He said that people on both sides of the Strait hope for peace and tranquility, improved cross-Strait relations, and better lives. "This is a responsibility that the CPC and the KMT cannot shirk, and also a driving force for the two parties to work together," he said.Xi expressed the willingness to work with all political parties in Taiwan, including the KMT, as well as groups and people from all sectors, to strengthen exchanges and dialogue, promote peace across the Taiwan Strait, improve the well-being of the people and advance national rejuvenation, on the basis of the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence".In a four-point proposal on the development of cross-Strait relations, Xi called for forging closer bonds across the Strait by upholding a correct understanding of identity.Highlighting that people on both sides of the Strait share common roots, culture and lineage, Xi said that as members of one family, as long as people communicate sincerely and consult one another when issues arise, there will be no differences or disputes that cannot be resolved."Differences in social systems should not be an excuse for secession," he stressed.Xi called for safeguarding their shared homeland through peaceful development, noting that the core issue for safeguarding the shared homeland lies in recognizing that both sides of the Strait belong to one China."We welcome any proposals conducive to the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and will spare no effort to advance any endeavors that promote such development," Xi said, adding that "Taiwan independence" is the chief culprit undermining peace across the Taiwan Strait. "We should neither condone nor tolerate it."Xi emphasized the importance of enhancing people's well-being through greater exchanges and integration, saying that the goal of developing cross-Strait relations is to enable people on both sides to lead better lives.Noting that the mainland boasts magnificent landscapes and a vast market, Xi said that Taiwan compatriots are welcome to visit the mainland, and he encouraged young people in Taiwan to seek development opportunities on the mainland. He added that Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products, as well as other quality goods, are welcome to enter households across the mainland.Xi called for joint efforts to achieve national rejuvenation. "We firmly believe that more and more Taiwan compatriots will gain a correct understanding of the mainland's social system and development path," he said."They will recognize that Taiwan's development prospects hinge on a strong motherland, and that the interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots are closely linked to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he added.As this year marks the opening year of the mainland's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, Xi expressed willingness to share development opportunities and benefits with Taiwan compatriots and jointly strengthen the Chinese national economy.The CPC and the KMT should consolidate political mutual trust, maintain positive interactions, unite people on both sides of the Strait, and work together to create a bright future for national reunification and national rejuvenation, he said.KMT Chairwoman Cheng said that people on both sides of the Strait are all Chinese, who share a common heritage and are nurtured by the Chinese culture, and that they should work together to advance the cause of pursuing the revitalization of China envisioned by Dr Sun Yat-sen.She said the KMT and the CPC should uphold the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence", strengthen political mutual trust, and make full use of their party-to-party platform for communication across the Strait.Cheng called for greater exchanges and cooperation in areas such as people-to-people ties, grassroots engagement, the economy and trade, and culture, as well as stronger support for youth exchanges and development.She also urged the two parties to help improve people's well-being, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, build a brighter future for the two sides, and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

In this episode, Steven Van Belleghem, Peter Hinssen and Pascal Coppens unpack Pascal's latest China tour —covering BYD's flash-charging infrastructure, Xiaomi's 91% automated factory, and the rise of humanoid robotics startup Galbot—before Steven shares his impressions from Taiwan and the world's dangerous dependency on its chip production. Peter then breaks down Block's headline-making decision to cut 4,000 jobs to become "smaller, faster, intelligence native," the mounting pressure on OpenAI as it kills Sora and pulls back from e-commerce, and Google's aggressive push into AI-powered shopping with its Universal Commerce Protocol. The episode closes with the explosive Anthropic vs. Pentagon confrontation, China's ambitious 15th Five-Year Plan, and why the next five years will be defined by quality over quantity, self-reliance, and the AI+ agenda.  

Economic historian Adam Tooze returns to Sinica fresh from the China Development Forum and his second extended visit to Beijing in under a year. In this wide-ranging conversation, Adam and I cover the 15th Five-Year Plan — what it signals about Beijing's development priorities and whether it represents a genuine shift away from investment-led growth — and the extraordinary scale of China's renewable energy buildout, which Adam argues may be bringing us to the global peak of CO2 emissions right now.They discuss the concept of the “big green state,” why Western analysts keep dancing around the role of the CPC in driving China's environmental transformation, and what the “Chinamaxxing” phenomenon says about a slow but real reckoning in Western public consciousness. From Europe's evolving posture toward China — caught between EV anxieties and transatlantic rupture — to China's role in the Global South's energy future, the conversation moves through coal transitions, Indonesian nickel zones, African microgrids, and the collapse of the flying geese model.The episode closes with a frank exchange on the Iran war, the postponed Trump-Xi summit, the stunning political silence on American campuses, and what Beijing is most likely doing: sitting pretty and waiting it out. Adam also offers a preview of his forthcoming book on the energy transition — which turns out to be another massive one — and recommends Tim Sahay and Wang Hui as essential reading.02:44 – Adam's Chinese language study: HSK3, the Confucius Institute curriculum, and the joys of chasing characters09:41 – The jìhuà/guīhuà distinction and what the shift in nomenclature from the 11th Five-Year Plan onward actually signals12:01 – The 15th Five-Year Plan: green energy tinkering, sci-tech ambitions, and the human development dimension18:10 – Does Beijing genuinely mean to shift from investment-led growth? Reading “high quality development” and “common prosperity”22:38 – The Great Reckoning: has Western intellectual and policy consciousness actually moved on China?29:45 – Environmental authoritarianism, the CPC as mobilizing institution, and why Xi's “petty bourgeois environmentalism” deserves to be taken seriously33:39 – Persistent misperceptions of China in Western discourse; the “jaundiced American” trench perspective39:16 – European neuralgia: EV overcapacity, Ukraine, and whether transatlantic rupture opens a window for China45:02 – China and the Global South: the end of the flying geese model, African microgrids, Indonesian nickel zones, and BRI record lending59:32 – Mark Carney's “age of rupture”: does the framing capture something real, or does it flatter the West?01:05:18 – What Beijing sees from its windows: Iran, Venezuela, the postponed Trump-Xi summit, and a five-point plan for Chinese hegemony (that won't happen)01:14:55 – Preview of Adam's forthcoming book on the energy transition and the “second world” thesisPaying It Forward: Tim Sahay (PolyCrisis / Phenomenal World)Recommendations:Adam: Wang Hui's The End of the RevolutionKaiser: The Chinese series Shēng mìng shù (Born to Be Alive)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Deep Dive for Episode 285.5 explores how patience has become a defining weapon in modern AI, privacy, and security threats. State-backed actors like Red Menshen are quietly compromising telecom infrastructure with stealthy kernel-level implants, turning networks into long-term surveillance platforms while remaining almost invisible. Social engineering is evolving too: campaigns like ClickFix prove that attackers no longer need exotic exploits when they can simply coach users into pasting malicious commands themselves. At the same time, the AI software ecosystem is showing its fragility, as the LiteLLM supply-chain scare demonstrates how a single compromised package can ripple across countless downstream systems.On the frontier-model side, Anthropic's leaked “step change” system underscores how rapidly capabilities are accelerating while governance and operational controls struggle to keep pace. Research on AI essay grading highlights a similar misalignment, showing that LLM-based evaluators often reward surface polish over genuine understanding, raising serious concerns for any high-stakes use of automated assessment. Governments are moving to assert control: the US Department of Defense is driving AI vendors toward a single baseline that prioritizes military requirements, while China's latest Five‑Year Plan positions AI as an instrument of national power, emphasizing large-scale deployment, self-reliance, and ecosystem-level strategy. Finally, the Meta–Manus standoff illustrates how cross-border AI deals sit at the intersection of innovation, capital, and state control, turning corporate decisions into geopolitical flashpoints. Taken together, this episode illustrates that we are not just watching a tech race, but a slow, methodical restructuring of global power through technology, one that rewards deep security, thoughtful governance, and a healthy respect for the risks of quiet, patient adversaries.

Episode 285.  This week, we uncover some long-term offensive strategies that show the virtue of patience can have a negative impact on the victims.A China-aligned threat group is quietly weaponizing telecom infrastructure with kernel-level backdoors, turning carriers into long-term strategic listening posts.A low-tech but highly effective social engineering campaign is turning everyday users into their own worst enemy by coaching them to execute the attacker's commands.A popular AI gateway narrowly avoided a cascading supply-chain breach after compromised packages exposed just how fragile modern dependency chains have become.A leaked cache of internal documents has forced Anthropic to confirm a powerful new model, spotlighting both its rapid progress and the operational risks of secrecy at scale.New research shows that AI graders systematically diverge from human judgment, rewarding polish over depth and raising red flags for automated assessment in high-stakes settings.The US Defense Department is pushing AI vendors onto a single contractual and ethical footing, signaling that military requirements will increasingly define how models can be used.China's latest Five-Year Plan elevates AI from a growth priority to a full-spectrum instrument of national power, blending industrial policy with geopolitical strategy.And finally.. The Meta–Manus deal has evolved into a geopolitical flashpoint, illustrating how cross-border AI acquisitions can collide head-on with state control and national security anxieties.You don't even have to be patient with these discoveries.  Let's go!Find the full transcript to this podcast here.

Manufacturing rebounds, but smaller enterprises remain under pressure制造业有所回暖，但中小企业仍面临压力China's manufacturing activity returned to expansion territory in March, offering an early sign that policy support is beginning to feed through to the real economy as measures to boost demand and stabilize growth gain traction, experts said on Tuesday.3月，我国制造业活动重返扩张区间。专家3月31日表示，这为观察中国经济提供了一个早期信号，表明随着提振需求、稳定增长的措施逐步显效，政策支持正开始向实体经济传导。However, they cautioned that prolonged weakness among small and medium-sized enterprises highlights lingering structural pressures and underscores the challenge for policymakers in fostering a more broad-based recovery in the world's second-largest economy.不过专家也提醒，中小企业持续疲软凸显结构性压力依然存在，也表明政策制定者在推动我国作为世界第二大经济体实现更广泛复苏方面仍面临挑战。They also said that continued countercyclical policy support, faster rollout of major government investment projects and more targeted measures to ease financing burdens on small and medium-sized enterprises will be key to boosting orders, reviving production and underpinning a solid start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period.专家还表示，持续加强逆周期调节政策支持、加快重大政府投资项目落地、出台更有针对性的措施缓解中小企业融资压力，对于扩大订单、恢复生产、支撑"十五五"时期（2026-2030年）实现良好开局至关重要。Their comments came as China's official purchasing managers' index for the manufacturing sector stood at 50.4 in March, up from 49.0 in February and returning to expansion territory, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday. The subindex for production stood at 51.4 in March, up from 49.6 in February, while the gauge for new orders came in at 51.6, up 3 percentage points from the previous month, the NBS said.国家统计局3月31日发布的数据显示，3月份，我国制造业采购经理指数（PMI）为50.4%，比上月上升1.5个百分点，重返扩张区间。国家统计局表示，生产指数为51.4%，比上月上升1.8个百分点；新订单指数为51.6%，比上月上升3.0个百分点。Huo Lihui, an NBS statistician, attributed the rebound in manufacturing PMI to the faster resumption of work and production after the Spring Festival holiday, as well as increased market activity, with the production index and the new orders index both returning to expansion territory.国家统计局服务业调查中心首席统计师霍丽慧表示，制造业PMI回升主要是受春节后企业加快复工复产、市场活跃度提升等因素影响，生产指数和新订单指数均回到扩张区间。Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said sentiment in China's manufacturing sector improved in March, buoyed by optimism after the recently concluded two sessions, the annual gatherings of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies, which underscored that China's macro policies would remain more proactive and effective this year.东方金诚首席宏观分析师王青表示，近期闭幕的全国两会释放出今年宏观政策将更加积极有为的信号，受此鼓舞，3月份我国制造业景气水平有所改善。That policy tone was reinforced by the People's Bank of China on Tuesday. In a statement released after the first-quarter meeting of its monetary policy committee for 2026, the PBOC said it would continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy, step up countercyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments, and improve coordination between monetary and fiscal policies to promote stable economic growth and a reasonable recovery in prices.中国人民银行3月31日进一步强化了这一政策基调。央行货币政策委员会2026年第一季度例会指出，将继续实施适度宽松的货币政策，加大逆周期与跨周期调节力度，加强货币财政政策协调配合，促进经济平稳增长和物价合理回升。Meanwhile, major manufacturing segments strengthened further and maintained a mild upward trend. High-tech manufacturing, for instance, posted a PMI reading of 52.1 in March, up 0.6 percentage point from February, and remained in expansion territory for the 14th consecutive month, the NBS reported.与此同时，重点制造业板块进一步增强，并保持温和上升势头。国家统计局数据显示，高技术制造业PMI为52.1%，比上月上升0.6个百分点，连续14个月处于扩张区间。Despite the overall expansion, small and medium-sized manufacturers remained under pressure, with activity still in contraction territory.尽管制造业总体扩张，但中小型制造企业仍面临压力，其相关活动仍处于收缩区间。According to the NBS, the subindex for medium-sized enterprises rose 1.5 percentage points to 49.0, while that for small enterprises climbed 4.5 percentage points to 49.3, but both remained below the 50-point threshold.国家统计局数据显示，中型企业PMI为49.0%，比上月上升1.5个百分点；小型企业PMI为49.3%，比上月上升4.5个百分点，但两者均仍低于50%的临界点。"Soaring raw material prices have dealt a heavier blow to small and medium-sized enterprises, which generally have weaker pricing power and thinner financial buffers," said Bai Wenxi, vice-chairman of the China Enterprise Capital Union.中国企业资本联盟副理事长柏文喜表示，原材料价格飙升对中小企业打击更大，中小企业议价能力普遍较弱，财务缓冲能力也较为薄弱。Huang Yiping, dean of Peking University's National School of Development, said China has policy room, on both monetary and fiscal fronts, to cope with the potential economic headwinds stemming from geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East.北京大学国家发展研究院院长黄益平表示，面对中东地缘政治不确定性可能带来的经济逆风，中国在货币和财政两方面都有政策空间予以应对。Foreign companies also remain upbeat about the long-term prospects of China's manufacturing sector.外资企业也对中国制造业的长期前景保持乐观。Markus Kamieth, CEO of German chemical company BASF, said China has moved to the forefront of intelligent manufacturing and green transformation, driven by its scale, speed and innovation capacity.德国化工企业巴斯夫执行董事会主席凯礼表示，中国凭借其规模、速度和创新能力，已在智能制造和绿色转型领域走在前列。Philippe Delorme, president and CEO of Finnish elevator giant KONE Corp, said the company's core production base in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, has grown into the world's largest elevator manufacturing base. "This figure demonstrates our commitment to China's economic growth," he added.芬兰通力集团总裁兼首席执行官德龙表示，该集团位于江苏昆山的核心生产基地已发展成为全球最大的电梯制造基地。他表示："这一事实表明了我们对中国经济增长的坚定承诺。"countercyclical /ˌkaʊntərˈsaɪklɪkəl/逆周期的purchasing managers' index /ˈpɜːrtʃəsɪŋ ˈmænɪdʒərz ˈɪndeks/采购经理指数gauge /ɡeɪdʒ/指标resumption of work and production /rɪˈzʌmpʃən əv wɜːrk ænd prəˈdʌkʃən/复工复产buoy /bɔɪ/提振；使上涨financial buffer /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈbʌfər/财务缓冲能力

Concertgoers support sectors far beyond ticket sales, thanks to spillover effects大型活动带动效应显著，撬动周边消费潜力A growing number of Chinese localities are rolling out targeted policies designed to transform large-scale concerts and cultural events into fresh economic engines, as these events have emerged as catalysts that generate ripple effects across hospitality, dining, transportation and retail sectors, analysts said.分析人士指出，我国越来越多的地方政府正出台针对性政策，将大型演唱会和文化活动转化为新的经济增长引擎。这些活动已成为催化剂，对住宿、餐饮、交通和零售等行业产生连锁带动效应。The recently released outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) has identified the expansion of culture, sports and tourism consumption as a key priority, calling for optimized approval processes for commercial performances and sporting events — a signal that China's multibillion yuan concert economy is entering a new phase of quality-driven growth.日前发布的"十五五"规划（2026-2030年）纲要已将扩大文化、体育和旅游消费列为重点任务，提出优化营业性演出和体育赛事的审批流程。这标志着，中国价值数百亿元的演唱会经济正迈入以质量驱动增长的新阶段。Fans from other cities traveling for a show might spend on flights, hotels, meals, souvenirs and even extend their trips to explore local attractions, said Jiang Zhao, associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.商务部国际贸易经济合作研究院副研究员江昭表示，跨城观演的粉丝可能会在机票、酒店、餐饮、纪念品上消费，甚至延长行程游览当地景点。"What begins as a single transaction becomes a cascade of economic activity," Jiang said.他指出："最初的一笔交易演变为一连串的经济活动。"According to a report released in January by the China Association of Performing Arts, large-scale performances generate an average multiplier effect of 1:6.85 for other forms of consumption.据中国演出行业协会1月发布的报告，大型演出对其他消费的平均拉动效应达到1:6.85。This multiplier effect means that for every 1 yuan ($0.14) spent on a concert ticket, nearly 7 yuan of additional consumption is generated in surrounding spending scenarios.这意味着，每花费1元（约0.14美元）购买演唱会门票，就能在周边消费场景中带动近7元的额外支出。In 2025 alone, major commercial events with audiences exceeding 5,000 people drove more than 220 billion yuan in ancillary spending — including on transportation, accommodation, dining, tourism and retail — beyond direct ticket revenue, as noted by the report.报告显示，仅2025年一年，单场观众超过5000人的大型商业演出活动，在门票直接收入之外，带动了超过2200亿元的周边消费，涵盖交通、住宿、餐饮、旅游和零售等领域。In Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, when pop superstar Jay Chou took the stage for three nights there last April, he did more than entertain tens of thousands of fans.去年4月，流行巨星周杰伦在广西南宁连开三场演唱会，不仅为数万名粉丝带来欢乐，更产生了显著的经济效益。The concerts attracted 141,800 ticketed attendees and about 28,000 fans who gathered outside the concert venue to revel in the atmosphere. Notably, 85 percent of attendees traveled from outside Nanning, said Nanning Weining Group, a State-owned enterprise that manages the city's cultural and tourism assets.据管理该市文旅资产的国企南宁威宁集团介绍，这三场演唱会共吸引了14.18万名购票观众，以及约2.8万名在场外聚集感受气氛的粉丝。其中，85%的观众来自南宁市外。The three concerts generated 1.26 billion yuan in citywide consumer spending. The figure offered a vivid illustration of how major cultural events produce ripple effects across hotels, restaurants, retail and transportation — far outstripping ticket sales alone.三场演唱会期间，全市消费者总支出达12.6亿元。这一数字生动地说明了大型文化活动对酒店、餐饮、零售和交通产生的连锁效应——其影响远超门票收入本身。China's live performance market reached 96.9 billion yuan in 2025 and is projected to surpass 100 billion yuan this year, said consultancy iiMedia Research.咨询机构艾媒咨询表示，2025年中国演出市场规模达到969亿元，预计今年将突破1000亿元。Generation Z has emerged as the driving force behind China's surging concert economy, with nearly 60 percent of young consumers willing to pay for emotional value — a trend that is reshaping consumption patterns, said Tian Lihui, dean of the institute of financial development at Nankai University.南开大学金融发展研究院院长田利辉指出，Z世代已成为中国火爆演唱会经济背后的驱动力，近60%的年轻消费者愿意为情绪价值买单——这一趋势正在重塑消费模式。Cities are increasingly structuring their policies to capture these spillovers. Zhejiang province, for example, has introduced tiered rewards this year for large-scale performances based on cumulative ticket sales, revenue scale, and — crucially — the percentage of attendees traveling from outside the province.各城市正纷纷制定政策，力图抓住这些溢出效应。例如，浙江省今年针对大型演出推出了分级奖补措施，依据累计售票额、收入规模以及——至关重要的——省外观众占比进行奖励。Events that choose Zhejiang as their sole China stop, or launch their national tours in the province, may qualify for even higher support tiers.若演出选择浙江作为全国唯一站，或在浙江启动全国巡演，还可获得更高等级的支持。Guangdong province has taken steps beyond the event itself. Under new measures, the province encourages the integration of performance tickets with broader tourism experiences. A single ticket could now offer discounted or free entry to scenic areas, museums and cultural sites, while also unlocking savings at hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.广东省则采取了超越演出本身的措施。根据新规，该省鼓励演出门票与更广泛的旅游体验相结合。一张门票现在可以附带景区、博物馆和文化场所的折扣或免费入场，同时还能在酒店、餐厅和零售店享受优惠。China's concert economy is rapidly emerging as a prime investment destination, with strong momentum in physical consumption drawing sustained capital deployment into the sector. Listed companies are accelerating their entry, providing powerful momentum for a comprehensive upgrade of the performing arts industry chain, according to industry data.中国的演唱会经济正迅速成为热门的投资领域，实物消费的强劲势头持续吸引资本布局该行业。行业数据显示，上市公司正加速入场，为演艺产业链的全面升级提供了强大动力。A report released in January by the Research Center for Culture and Creativity Finance at Tsinghua University's PBC School of Finance showed that financing activity in the cultural sector accelerated significantly in the first half of 2025. The number of financing deals increased 63.2 percent year-on-year, while total financing volume surged 88.9 percent.清华大学五道口金融学院文创金融研究中心1月发布的报告显示，2025年上半年，文化产业融资活动显著提速。融资笔数同比增长63.2%，融资总额飙升88.9%。catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/催化剂；促进因素ripple effect /ˈrɪpəl ɪˈfekt/连锁反应；涟漪效应multibillion /ˈmʌltiˌbɪljən/数十亿的cascade /kæˈskeɪd/瀑布般倾泻；串联ancillary spending /ænˈsɪləri ˈspendɪŋ/附带消费；辅助支出revel in the atmosphere /ˈrevəl ɪn ðə ˈætməsfɪər/沉浸在氛围中outstrip /ˌaʊtˈstrɪp/超过；超越tiered rewards /tɪəd rɪˈwɔːdz/分层奖励capital deployment /ˈkæpɪtəl dɪˈplɔɪmənt/资本配置

Sustained and solid efforts required to build a beautiful China咬定青山不放松，久久为功美中国President Xi Jinping called for mobilizing the whole society to participate in afforestation on Monday, urging sustained efforts to build a beautiful China and contribute to Chinese modernization.中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平3月30日在参加首都义务植树活动时强调，要组织动员全社会广泛参与植树造林，为山川大地增添锦绣，让中国式现代化的底色更加亮丽。Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while joining Beijing residents in a voluntary tree-planting activity in the capital's Changping district.习近平在北京市昌平区同干部群众一起参加义务植树活动。He stressed that a sound ecological environment is shared by all and requires the joint efforts of all.习近平强调，良好生态人人共享，也需要合力共建。This year marks the 45th anniversary of the nationwide voluntary tree-planting campaign. Xi has participated in the activity in Beijing every year since 2013.今年是全国义务植树活动开展45周年。自2013年以来，习近平每年都参加首都义务植树活动。By taking part in such activities, he encourages the whole society, especially young people, to promote ecological advancement so that China's environment improves further.他通过身体力行，鼓励全社会特别是青少年积极投身生态文明建设，推动中国生态环境持续改善。While planting saplings of different types of trees, Xi spoke with students taking part in the event and asked the children about their studies, daily lives, participation in labor and sports, and involvement in tree-planting activities.植树期间，习近平同参加活动的少先队员亲切交谈，询问他们的学习生活、劳动锻炼和参加植树情况。Emphasizing that young people, like saplings, are full of vitality and hope, he encouraged them to set ambitious goals from an early age, love knowledge, labor and nature, and strive for well-rounded development with sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills.他强调，青少年像小树苗一样充满活力和希望，要从小树立远大志向，爱知识、爱劳动、爱自然，德智体美劳全面发展，努力成长为栋梁之材。While speaking on-site to officials and members of the public, Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has seen sustained increases in both forest area and stock volume, as well as continuous reduction in desertified and sandy land areas. This has made it the country with the largest and fastest increase in greening in the world.习近平在现场听取干部群众代表发言后指出，党的十八大以来，我国森林面积和蓄积量持续“双增长”，荒漠化和沙化土地面积持续“双缩减”，是全球增绿最多最快的国家。Blue skies, green lands and clear waters have become the norm, he said, adding that the recent enactment of the Ecological and Environmental Code has further solidified the legal foundation for building a beautiful China.天蓝地绿水清已经成为常态。前不久，我国颁布生态环境法典，进一步筑牢了美丽中国建设的法治基石。Noting that afforestation is a crucial task in building a beautiful China, Xi urged sustained efforts to ensure the success of this initiative, which is beneficial to the nation and its people.习近平强调，植树造林是美丽中国建设的一项重要任务，要咬定青山不放松，立足当下、着眼长远、接力奋进，把这件利国利民的大事扎实做好。This year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. Xi said that under the new circumstances, advancing national land greening requires a greater focus on improving quality, fostering industry and benefiting the public.今年是“十五五”开局之年，习近平指出在新形势下推进国土绿化，要更加注重提质、兴业、利民。This involves a coordinated approach to tree planting and management, allowing ecological conservation and industrial development to reinforce each other, and fostering harmony between humanity and nature, he added.实现种与管共抓、生态与产业共促、人与自然共生。Xi called for utilizing green spaces in a coordinated manner, with planting tailored to local conditions.习近平要求，要统筹利用绿化空间，以地定绿、以水定绿，因地制宜做好增绿文章，宜树则树，宜草则草。Greater efforts are needed to enhance management and protection, conduct sustainable forest operations, effectively promote grassland conservation and restoration, and comprehensively improve the quality and function of forests and grasslands, he said.要下更大气力加强管护，分区分类开展森林可持续经营，有力有效推进草原保护修复，全面提升林草质量和功能，防火防虫护好绿化成果。He underlined the need to facilitate channels for realizing the value of ecological products, strengthen the forest and grassland industries, and simultaneously enhance both economic value and ecological benefits.习近平强调，要畅通生态产品价值转化渠道，壮大林草产业，同步提升经济价值和生态效益。It is also essential to advance urban and rural greening and beautification in tandem and make use of every available space to increase green areas in communities, so that the public's sense of ecological well-being is enhanced, Xi said.要协同推进城乡绿化美化，见缝插针增加群众身边的绿地，让城乡居民有更多的绿色获得感。mobilize the whole society /ˈmoʊbəlaɪz ðə hoʊl səˈsaɪəti/动员全社会afforestation /əˌfɔːrɪˈsteɪʃən/造林sound ecological environment /saʊnd ˌiːkəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/良好生态环境nationwide voluntary tree-planting /ˌneɪʃənˈwaɪd ˈvɑːlənteri ˈtriː ˌplæntɪŋ/全民义务植树sapling /ˈsæplɪŋ/树苗Ecological and Environmental Code /ˌiːkəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ənd ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəl koʊd/生态环境法典

Laurent and Gerard speak with Dr. Michal Meidan, Head of China Energy Research at the China Energy Research Programme at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, about the profound transformation reshaping China's energy system. At the heart of the discussion is the country's pivot from “molecules” to “electrons” — a structural shift from fossil fuels toward electrification powered by renewables, batteries, and electric mobility. This transition is not just about decarbonization; it represents a broader industrial and technological reconfiguration with global consequences. At the same time, China remains central to fossil fuel markets: it is the world's largest fossil fuel importer and is set to maintain that position for the rest of this decade and beyond.  Still the recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have vindicated China's energy policy of diversification, investment and strategic storage.  China's approach reflects a distinctive “dual track” model in which command-and-control planning coexists with market dynamics. Central government frameworks, including the recent 15th Five-Year Plan, set strategic direction, while provinces interpret and implement policy with varying degrees of alignment or competition. At times collaborative and at times antagonistic, the relationship between Beijing and local authorities shapes how targets are pursued and reported. China often reframes its narrative retrospectively, particularly where electric vehicles and battery production have dramatically surpassed official expectations, highlighting the interplay between state ambition and private-sector execution.  At the same time, the transition has been propelled by powerful entrepreneurial forces. Leaders such as Robin Zheng of CATL and Stella Li of BYD embody the “animal spirits” that have driven innovation and scale in batteries and electric vehicles. In many cases, private firms have exceeded policy goals, complicating simplistic narratives of top-down control and demonstrating how state guidance and commercial dynamism reinforce one another.  Energy security remains a central pillar of this strategy. The current Hormuz crisis as well as the power shortages of 2020–2022 have exposed vulnerabilities in China's system and reinforced the leadership's determination to build integrated domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imported fuels and critical materials. Industrial policy and energy policy are deeply intertwined, with electrification, renewables, and advanced manufacturing serving both resilience and competitiveness objectives. The drive for clean technology is therefore as much about strategic autonomy as it is about environmental stewardship.  Finally, the episode also addresses persistent misconceptions in Europe and the United States about China's system, challenging both exaggerated fears and wishful thinking. Understanding China's energy transition requires grappling with its internal tensions, strategic pragmatism, and the scale of its ambitions.  Oxford Institute https://www.oxfordenergy.org/publications/disruption-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-implications-for-chinas-energy-markets-and-policies/  Carbon Brief and Lauri Myllyvirta    15FYP coverage https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-what-does-chinas-15th-five-year-plan-mean-for-climate-change/  Latest on China emisisons https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-chinas-co2-emissions-have-now-been-flat-or-falling-for-21-months/  Impact on GDP https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-clean-energy-drove-more-than-a-third-of-chinas-gdp-growth-in-2025/

China's new development roadmap is shaping global opportunities in a time of uncertainty. What does China's next phase of growth mean for the world economy? And how can international partners engage in these emerging opportunities? In "China's Development Opportunities for the World," the special roundtable of The Hub, CGTN host Wang Guan sits down with Zhou Xing, head of Public Affairs at PwC China; Zhou Mi, senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation; Zha Daojiong, professor at Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development, at Peking University's School of International Studies; and John Milligan-Whyte, chairman of the America-China Partnership Foundation, to examine the global economic landscape as China advances its 15th Five-Year Plan, focusing on high-quality growth, stronger domestic demand, and the rise of new quality productive forces.

① It's time for the annual China Development Forum. Amid global turbulence, will China serve as a cornerstone of certainty for the world? (00:50) ② Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng has met a delegation of the US-China Business Council. What opportunities will China's 15th Five Year Plan offer to American companies? (13:46) ③ Iran has warned that power plants in countries hosting US bases would be considered legitimate targets if the US attacks Iran's power facilities. What stage is the war entering? (25:27) ④ The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States has adopted a declaration calling for an end to the economic blockade against Cuba. Is it realistic to have a dialogue between Cuba and the US on the basis of mutual respect? (33:17) ⑤ A new report of the World Meteorological Organization says the climate of the Earth is now more out of balance than at any point in recorded history. Is it coincidence that humanity has just endured the hottest decade on record? (43:21)

The China Development Forum is highlighting China's role as a key engine of global development as the country begins its 15th Five-Year Plan.

The 2026 China Development Forum has opened in Beijing. The forum highlights China's role as a key engine of global development as the country begins its 15th Five-Year Plan.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng says China's measures at opening up and high-quality development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period will bring international companies vast market opportunities.

The new draft of China's five year plan is here, and the news isn't all good for climate advocates. Although China vows to expand its gigantic “clean energy bases” in the plan, it has actually walked back some of its biggest climate goals since 2021. The new plan also contains a mysterious — and politically convenient — change to one of its most important emissions estimates.On this episode of Shift Key, Rob is joined by Lauri Myllyvirta, the lead analyst and co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and one of the world's top experts on Chinese emissions outside China. Rob and Lauri discuss whether China is creating a new kind of energy hegemony, what really drives the country's energy strategy, and how the new war in Iran could affect its plans.Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap News.You can find a full transcript of the episode here.Mentioned:Previously on Shift Key: Have China's Emissions Already Peaked?China's 15th Five-Year Plan — Implications for climate and energy transition, by Lauri Myllyvirta and Belinda SchäpeChina Can't Decide If It Wants to Be the World's First ‘Electrostate'--This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Accelerate your clean energy career with Yale's online certificate programs. Explore the 10-month Financing and Deploying Clean Energy program or the 5-month Clean and Equitable Energy Development program. Use referral code HeatMap26 and get your application in by the priority deadline for $500 off tuition to one of Yale's online certificate programs in clean energy. Learn more at cbey.yale.edu/online-learning-opportunities.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Pekingology, CSIS Senior Fellow Henrietta Levin is joined by Neil Thomas, Fellow on Chinese Politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis. They discuss the significance of China's recent "Two Sessions," where the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference come together with great pageantry to announce new policies. Neil unpacks the state of China's elite politics and purges, the highlights of the 15th Five-Year Plan, President Xi's conservative approach to policymaking, and who might rise to important roles during Xi's fourth term. 

① Turkmenistan's national leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is on a visit to China. How can the two sides align their development strategies and promote multilateralism? (00:54) ② Tehran is intensifying attacks on the Gulf region's energy facilities after Israel hit Iran's gas field. Does this mark a further escalation in hostilities? (13:24) ③ We explore the Chinese mainland's plans to facilitate cross-Strait exchange and cooperation during its 15th Five-Year-Plan period. (25:00) ④ AstraZeneca says it will build a cell therapy base and an innovation center in Shanghai. As biomedicine becomes an emerging pillar industry in China, how could rising foreign investment help accelerate the sector's development? (36:08) ⑤ Is eastern Congo closer to peace after a Washington meeting between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda? (45:50)

China is the world's largest emitter and dominates global production of green technology. A few days ago, the National People's Congress approved the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, China's main economic and policy blueprint for the period 2026–2030. What does the new plan say about China's climate and clean tech ambitions? And what does it reveal about China's broader geopolitical and foreign policy goals? To discuss this, Anna is joined by James Kynge (Senior Research Fellow for China in the World at Chatham House's Asia-Pacific Programme) and Lauri Myllyvirta (Lead Analyst at and Co-founder of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, CREA). Want to learn more? Please see: The expert comment 'China's Five Year Plan commits to economic resilience – as the Iran war exposes the fragility of global supply', by Dr Yu Jie (Senior Research Fellow on China, Chatham House). Available here. The article 'China's 5-Year-Plan: Latest draft shows emission targets out, clean energy targets in', by Bernice Lee (Distinguished Fellow, Chatham House). Available here. The article 'Can the West recover from China's hi-tech knockout blow?', by James Kynge (Senior Research Fellow for China in the World, Chatham House). Available here.

During a speech at a dialogue on China's development opportunities for the world, China's ambassador to the United States Xie Feng noted that 2026 is a big year for bilateral relations, and urged the U.S. to walk with China in the same direction, manage differences, and promote cooperation.

China has released a new five-year economic plan that projects GDP growth of around 4.5 percent in the coming year. That would be the country's slowest growth rate since its era of reforms began in the 1980s. Adam and Cameron dig in. Also on the show: The economics of St. Patrick's Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 12 March 2026, China approved its 15th Five-Year Plan, setting the country's economic and strategic direction through 2030.  In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan and Alicia García-Herrero sit down with Bert Hofman for a first assessment of the plan. They discuss its key priorities — from industrial policy and export-led technology growth to social policy and redistribution — and examine what Beijing's new blueprint means for the European economy. This episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics. ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe. Sign up now to receive it in your mailbox!

The US and Israeli attack on Iran coincided with what was already an eventful week in China, especially with the conclusion of the Two-Sessions of the National People's Congress and the publication of the draft 15th Five-Year Plan (15FYP) Outline. In today's podcast, Michal Meidan and Anders Hove dig into the implications of the new […] The post OIES Podcast – China, Iran and the Five-Year Plan appeared first on Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Chinese lawmakers have approved the government work report at the national legislature's annual session.

As Hong Kong approaches the 30th anniversary of its return to China, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has revealed that the city is exploring the development of its first-ever Five-Year Plan. The initiative is expected to focus on economic growth, improving livelihoods, and strengthening the city's global competitiveness, before undergoing public consultation. Why is Hong Kong considering a Five-Year Plan now? How would such a framework work in a city long known for its market-driven governance?

China says it has better protected the health and well-being of its people during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, making historic achievements.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says the military must achieve the centenary goal of building a strong armed force and advance the modernization of national defense and the military with high quality during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

We discuss how Ankara will position itself as regional attacks continue and hear from Iranians fleeing to Turkey. Then: China’s annual Two Sessions gathering begins in Beijing and Nepal prepares for its first election since youth-led protests toppled the government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil markets are rattled, Trump is escalating, and China is speaking out. In this episode of China Decode, Alice Han and James Kynge break down how China is responding after Trump's strikes on Iran — and what soaring oil prices mean for Beijing's energy security and global strategy. Is this about principle, protecting its oil lifeline, or quietly capitalizing on U.S. distraction? Then they turn to China's next Five-Year Plan and its aggressive push into AI and advanced manufacturing. Is Beijing accelerating economic decoupling for good? And finally, a fatal crash involving a Chinese EV sparks a nationwide safety rethink. Does this dent China's global EV ambitions — or make them stronger? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave is so bullish on the Giants, that he believes a Super Bowl will be won in the next five years. Do you agree with him? Plus, an edition of Cuddle, Marry, Trash! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave has a five-year plan for the Giants to get back to glory. Also, we run through the final Football Frenzy of the season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAO'S XENOPHOBIC REVOLUTION AND THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD Colleague Professor Sean McMeekin. Moving to China, McMeekin explains that Mao Zedong's ideology was a "bizarre melange" of Marxism, class envy, and intense xenophobia. Unlike European communists, Chinese communism was driven by a deep resentment of foreign imperialism. The conversation analyzes the catastrophe of the Great Leap Forward, where Maoattempted to surpass British economic output by collectivizing agriculture and creating "industrial armies"—an idea taken directly from the Communist Manifesto and Stalin's Five-Year Plans. This experiment resulted in the death of 40 to 45 million people. McMeekin notes that Mao ignored warnings from Soviet advisors to avoid their past mistakes, driven instead by a competitive desire to outdo the Soviets and a "fantasmagorical" hatred of foreign influence. NUMBER 5