Podcasts about national people

In the show's final hour, Kyle reacts to a list that has a lot of concerns surrounding the Panthers entering 2026, as Kyle explains how this year can go a long way to removing all doubt about the Panthers in the national airspace, but they have to back it up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early March, the PRC's National People's Congress passed a law titled the P.R.C. Law on the Promotion of Ethnic Unity and Progress. According to the government the law, which has been in development since 2023, the law "lays out the overall requirements, important principles, and responsibilities and duties of relevant entities concerning the promotion of ethnic unity and progress. It also outlines specific measures to build a common cultural home, facilitate interaction, exchanges, and integration, and promote shared prosperity and development."In this episode we do a close reaading of the letter of the law, and look at some of the analyses that have come out in support or condemnation of its contents. We'll also look at some of the wider academic discourse on the treatment, place and role of ehtnic minorities in the Chinese nation-building project, so that we can understand the law in its full context.Buy bookclub books here            Buy me a coffeeLatest Substack postLinks to everythingChapters (00:00) Introduction to the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law(12:25) The Letter of the Law(32:20) Initial reactions to and analyses of the law(48:48) Further discussion on ethnic minorities in ChinaSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod 

Meeting: Spain supports enhanced dialogue会晤：西班牙支持加强对话China and Spain expressed on Tuesday their commitment to advancing their ties with strategic resolve and vowed to work together to uphold multilateralism amid threats to the world order.4月14日，中国与西班牙表示将以战略定力推进双边关系发展，并誓言在世界秩序面临威胁之际携手维护多边主义。The pledges were made during talks between President Xi Jinping and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on a five-day official visit to Beijing — his fourth visit to China in four consecutive years. Sanchez will wrap up his tour on Wednesday.国家主席习近平与西班牙首相佩德罗·桑切斯在京举行会谈时作出上述承诺。这是桑切斯连续第四年访华，其为期五天的正式访问将于15日结束。Noting that today's turbulent world faces the struggle between right and might, Xi called on both China and Spain, as countries that value principle and moral integrity, to enhance communication, consolidate mutual trust and strengthen cooperation to oppose the world's regression to the "law of the jungle", and jointly uphold true multilateralism.习近平指出，当今动荡世界正面临公理与强权的较量，中国和西班牙作为有原则、讲道义的国家，应加强沟通、巩固互信、深化合作，反对世界倒回"丛林法则"，共同捍卫真正的多边主义。How a country approaches international law and the international order reflects its worldview, its conception of order and values, and its sense of responsibility, he said.习近平强调，如何对待国际法和国际秩序，反映的是一国的世界观、秩序观、价值观和责任观。He emphasized that both countries should safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based,on international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.双方应维护以联合国为核心的国际体系和以国际法为基础的国际秩序，推动实现平等有序的世界多极化、普惠包容的经济全球化，推动构建人类命运共同体。Regarding bilateral relations, Xi said that an important lesson from the steadily growing bilateral ties is that both sides have made the right decisions based on shared interests.谈及双边关系时，习近平表示，两国关系稳步发展的重要经验在于双方始终基于共同利益作出正确抉择。Facts have proved that deepening cooperation serves the interests of both peoples, and enhances the strength and confidence of both sides in pursuing a path of independence and self-reliance, he said.事实证明，深化合作既符合两国人民根本利益，也增强了双方走独立自主发展道路的底气与信心。Xi called for Beijing and Madrid to place the development of bilateral relations in an important position in their respective foreign policies and support each other in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.习近平呼吁双方要始终将发展中西关系置于彼此对外政策重要位置，相互支持对方捍卫国家主权和领土完整。He also called on the two countries to seize opportunities and seek innovation-driven development, enhance cooperation in fields such as trade, new energy and the intelligent economy, and encourage exchanges in culture, education, scientific research and sports.双方要把握机遇，共谋创新发展，加强贸易、新能源、智能经济等领域合作，鼓励文化、教育、科研、体育交流。Sanchez expressed willingness to communicate and coordinate with China to jointly address challenges such as those in international geopolitics, trade protectionism and climate change.桑切斯表示愿同中方密切沟通协作，共同应对国际地缘政治、贸易保护主义、气候变化等方面挑战。Spain opposes a new Cold War as well as attempts to decouple and sever supply chains, he said, adding that the country supports Europe and China in enhancing their communication, mutual understanding and cooperation.西班牙反对“新冷战”，反对“脱钩断链”，支持欧洲和中国增进沟通理解、加强合作。The sound development of European Union-China relations serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to global peace and stability, he said.桑切斯指出，欧中关系健康发展符合双方共同利益，也有利于世界和平稳定。Miguel Otero-Iglesias, a professor of practice of international political economy at Spain's IE University, said that Spain has always been pro-engagement and believes in openness, and that is why the European country has been pushing back against decoupling from China.西班牙IE大学实践教授、马德里埃尔卡诺皇家研究所高级分析师米格尔·奥特罗-伊格莱西亚斯认为，西班牙一贯主张接触开放，这正是其抵制对华脱钩的原因所在。Decoupling from China and containing China is a "strategic mistake", said Otero-Iglesias, who is also a senior analyst of international political economy at Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid.他直言对华脱钩遏制是"战略错误"。In a meeting with Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday, Sanchez said that Spain supports enhanced dialogue and communication between the EU and China, proper handling of economic and trade differences, and greater cooperation in trade and investment, and the country is willing to play an active role to this end.国务院总理李强同日会见桑切斯时，桑切斯表示西班牙支持欧中加强对话沟通、妥善处理经贸分歧、深化贸易投资合作，愿为此发挥积极作用。Li expressed China's readiness to work with Spain to expand and upgrade bilateral trade in a more balanced manner and strengthen cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles and transportation.李强表示中方愿与西班牙推动双边贸易更趋平衡发展，拓展新能源汽车、交通等领域合作。China is willing to work with the European nation to promote the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, and jointly build international green shipping corridors, Li added.共同推进中欧班列高质量发展，共建国际绿色航运走廊。After the meeting, Li and Sanchez witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents in areas including trade, education, and science and technology.会谈后，两国总理共同见证签署经贸、教育、科技、等领域多项合作文件。Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, also met with Sanchez on Tuesday.全国人大常委会委员长赵乐际亦于当日会见桑切斯。At a news conference on Tuesday, Sanchez said that bilateral political dialogue has been elevated to the highest level in 53 years.桑切斯在记者会上表示，双边政治对话已提升至五十三年来最高层级。He said the visit is also aimed at advancing a new, multipolar and more stable international order in which relations are built on mutual respect, pragmatism and a shared vision of prosperity.此访旨在推动构建以相互尊重、务实精神与共同繁荣愿景为基础的多极化、更稳定的国际新秩序。multilateralism /ˌmʌltiˈlætərəlɪzəm/多边主义inclusive /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/包容的；普惠的international geopolitics /ˌɪntərˈnæʃənəl ˌdʒiːoʊˈpɑlətɪks/国际地缘政治decouple and sever supply chains /diːˈkʌpəl ənd ˈsevər səˈplaɪ tʃeɪnz/脱钩断链pragmatism /ˈpræɡmətɪzəm/务实精神；实用主义

rWotD Episode 3252: Wang Guangying Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Monday, 30 March 2026, is Wang Guangying.Wang Guangying (Chinese: 王光英; pinyin: Wáng Guāngyīng; Wade–Giles: Wang Kuang-ying; August 1919 – 29 October 2018) was a Chinese entrepreneur and politician. He was one of the most prominent "red capitalists", a title bestowed on him by Premier Zhou Enlai. He founded Modern Chemical Works in the 1940s and served as Founding Chairman of China Everbright Group in the 1980s. His sister Wang Guangmei was the wife of President Liu Shaoqi, and for that connection he was persecuted and imprisoned during the Cultural Revolution, when Liu was ousted by Chairman Mao Zedong. Wang was rehabilitated after Mao's death and served as Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Vice Chairperson of the National People's Congress (NPC).This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:07 UTC on Monday, 30 March 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Wang Guangying on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Geraint.

Xiao Pa è una standupper comedian famosa in Cina, celebre per le sue battute contro il machismo della società cinese. A febbraio un suo post su Weibo, nel quale criticava in modo ironico la "dedizione" delle donne nei confronti dei maschi, è stato censurato dalla macchina di controllo del Partito comunista cinese. A Xiao Pa è stato poi impedito di continuare i suoi spettacoli dal vivo. La censura ha scatenato la solidarietà on line per Xiao Pa e le critiche nei confronti dei "cani", ovvero i censori. Per alcune tavole illustrate è stata usata l'AI Why China's One-Child Policy is a tragedy like no other | DOCUMENTARY DEEP DIVE - 12 agosto 2020 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUWxuhhuf3w Why younger Chinese are saying ‘I don't' to marriage - 5 gennaio 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD4N7af7utM Where CHINA Meets Central Asia

It's Thursday, March 19th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Chine Communists continue to harass the church China's National People's Congress passed the innocuously named “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress” last week.  The new law requires the enforcement of a strong sense of Chinese identity across society. This would continue China's suppression of religious and ethnic minorities. It would also affect social organizations and churches.  International Christian Concern noted, “Christian home churches are an attempt to escape government scrutiny, but even they are often raided and their members arrested on charges of working against the interests of the state.” China is ranked 17th on the Open Doors' World Watch List of the most oppressive countries to be a Christian.  Trump postpones trip to meet with Chinese President China will have to reschedule a meeting with the United States as the war in Iran continues. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will postpone his trip to Beijing. The trip was scheduled for the end of the month. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping plan to discuss trade tariffs. The trade war between the two countries has been on pause since last October.  Commenting on the postponement, President Trump said, “Because of the [Iran] war, I want to be here. I have to be here.” Israel killed Iran's top security official on Monday Israel killed Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, in a strike on Monday. Larijani was likely running the country since U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader last month. The recent war has lasted nearly three weeks so far. President Trump told reporters yesterday that America's involvement in the war may be ending soon.  Listen. TRUMP: “We're not ready to leave yet, but we'll be leaving in the near future. We'll be leaving in pretty much the very near future. But, right now, they've been decimated from every standpoint. We've had great support from countries in the Middle East. Great support. But we've had essentially no support from NATO.” Paul Ehrlich, father of population control, died Paul Ehrlich, known as the father of population control, died last Friday at the age of 93. The biology professor and population scientist wrote the 1968 book, The Population Bomb. Ehrlich falsely claimed population growth would cause widespread starvation. He promoted the murder of unborn babies and mass sterilization to stem the alleged tide of overpopulation.  His work inspired governments and organizations to push contraception, abortion, and sterilization on the world.  Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Scotland Parliament votes against legalized assisted suicide Scotland's Parliament voted Tuesday against a bill to legalize assisted suicide. The vote ends two years of national debate on the issue. Alisdair Hungerford-Morgan, Chief Executive of Right To Life UK, said, “This is a great victory for the most vulnerable in our society. They deserve protection and care, not a pathway to suicide. If this legislation had passed, countless vulnerable people would have been pressured or coerced into ending their lives.”  Moody Bible victorious in religious liberty case In the United States, a Christian college won its religious freedom case against the Chicago Board of Education. Previously, the city's public schools blocked The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago from participating in its student-teaching program. The college could only participate if it compromised its Christian hiring practices. The public schools backed down after the lawsuit.  Jeremiah Galus with Alliance Defending Freedom commented, “We're hopeful other public officials will take note that they can't inject themselves illegally and unconstitutionally into a religious non-profit's hiring practices.” YouVersion: No AI chatbots to answer theological questions And finally, a leading digital Bible platform is not implementing artificial intelligence chatbots for answering theological questions. The YouVersion Bible platform has over one billion downloads around the world.  YouVersion CEO Bobby Gruenewald told Christian Daily International that AI models are inaccurate. He said, “The best model with the best performance, with the most popular versions of the Bible that are most indexed, misquotes Scripture at least 15% of the time. Some of them as much as 60% of the time.” Unlike chatbots, God's Word is always accurate. Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of Earth, purified seven times.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, March 19th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

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. 

China's legislature this month set the nation's GDP growth target at 4.5 – 5%, the lowest since 1991, and also approved the country's new five year plan, which calls for higher quality growth with an emphasis on self-reliance and technological innovation, and pledges to promote domestic consumption and improve citizens' livelihoods. The National People's Congress also passed a new 'Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity', which among other things, enshrines the use of Mandarin in schools in ethnic minority-dominated regions. In this episode, Evelyn Cheng, senior correspondent for CNBC in Beijing, joins us to assess China's economic plans, while Christopher Mittelstaedt, Professor of Chinese politics at the University of Zurich, analyses the political implications of the Five Year Plan and the ethnic unity law.Photo credit: Gary Lee Todd / CC0 1.0For information about the SOAS China Institute Corporate Membership scheme, please contact SCI director Steve Tsang: steve.tsang@soas.ac.uk________________________________________The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and are not necessarily those of the SOAS China Institute.________________________________________SOAS China Institute (SCI)SCI BlogSCI on XSCI on LinkedInSCI on FacebookSCI on Instagram________________________________________Music credit: Sappheiros / CC BY 3.0

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.

We look at what China's latest “Two Sessions” reveal about the direction of the world's second-largest economy. With Beijing setting its lowest GDP growth target since 1991, the focus appears to be shifting from rapid expansion to stability in an increasingly uncertain global economy. We explore what that means for businesses, investors and young people trying to find work in China today.If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresenter: Rahul Tandon Producer: David CannBusiness Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.Each episode is a 17-minute, daily deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Canva, Melanie Perkins.(Picture: Chinese President Xi Jinping, centre right, and Premier Li Qiang, centre left, arrive at the closing session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People on the 12th of March 2026 in Beijing, China. Credit: Getty Images)

China has adopted three major pieces of legislation — the Ecological and Environmental Code, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, and the National Development Planning Law — at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the National People's Congress. The passage of these landmark laws has drawn widespread attention. Why move forward with them at the very start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period? Host Ge Anna is joined by Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor of Economics, the University of Leeds, currently a visiting professor at Peking University; Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Center for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), a Canadian Think Tank; Dr. Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

China's national legislature adopted on Thursday the Ecological and Environmental Code at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, opening a new chapter for systematic environmental governance.十四届全国人大四次会议闭幕会于周四表决通过《生态环境法典》，中国国家立法机关为系统性环境治理翻开崭新篇章。The compilation of the code was initiated in November 2023. The draft legislation underwent three rounds of deliberation by the NPC Standing Committee last year prior to its submission to the session.该法典编纂工作于 2023 年 11 月启动，草案在提请本次大会审议前，已于去年由全国人大常委会进行三次审议。Wang Canfa, a professor of environmental law at China University of Political Science and Law, hailed the adoption as "a significant event" in the country's advancement of ecological civilization.中国政法大学环境法教授王灿发称，法典的通过是我国推进生态文明建设的一件大事。"Compiling disparate environmental statutes into a comprehensive ecological and environmental code provides considerable advantages over the existing fragmented legislative framework," Wang said.王灿发表示，将分散的环境领域法律编纂为统一的生态环境法典，相较现行碎片化立法框架具有显著优势。Through systematic integration, the code can overcome the fragmentation, resolve conflicting rules, and eliminate redundant legislation inherent in separate laws, thereby establishing unified concepts, principles and core institutions, he said.他指出，通过系统性整合，法典能够破解单行法固有的碎片化、规则冲突、立法重复等问题，确立统一的理念、原则与核心制度。"It operationalizes the concept of holistic ecosystem protection and systematic governance, thereby fulfilling the imperatives of ecological civilization construction," Wang added.他补充道，法典将生态系统整体保护、系统治理理念落到实处，契合生态文明建设的现实需要。The professor said the code's dedication of an independent book to green and low-carbon development is a global precedent.该教授表示，法典设立绿色低碳发展专编，在全球范围内尚属首创。Currently, almost 20 ecological or environmental codes have been promulgated worldwide, with none of them including "green and low-carbon development" as a standalone section.目前世界上已有近二十部生态或环境法典，但均未将 “绿色低碳发展” 单独设编。He pointed out that the code's green and low-carbon development section will play a significant role in promoting China's climate process.他指出，法典中的绿色低碳发展编，将对推动我国应对气候变化进程发挥重要作用。While the goals of achieving peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality have been incorporated into the overall layout of the country's ecological civilization construction, Wang said that no specific law has yet been enacted for tackling climate change.王灿发说，尽管碳达峰、碳中和目标已纳入我国生态文明建设总体布局，但我国尚未出台专门应对气候变化的法律。He stressed that establishing the independent book can elevate the goals and climate response measures from policy objectives to binding legal institutions, ensuring a stable and law-governed green transition.他强调，设立专编可将相关目标与应对气候变化举措从政策导向上升为具有约束力的法律制度，保障绿色转型平稳、依法推进。"Green and low-carbon development is the fundamental solution to ecological and environmental problems," he stressed.他强调：“绿色低碳发展是解决生态环境问题的根本之策。”By creating the independent section, the code overcomes the shortcomings of past environmental legislation, moving beyond a narrow focus on pollution control to address problems at their source, he said.他表示，设立该专编弥补了以往环境立法的不足，从单纯聚焦污染防治转向从源头治理生态环境问题。Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu noted the remarkable achievements that the country has made in pollution control.生态环境部部长黄润秋介绍了我国在污染防治方面取得的显著成效。China saw the average proportion of days with heavy pollution drop by 25 percent to only 1 percent from 2021 to 2025. The proportion, however, still stood at 3 percent for some regions, including the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Huang said after the closing of the session.黄润秋在大会闭幕后表示，2021 至 2025 年，全国重度污染天数比例平均下降 25 个百分点，降至仅 1%；但包括京津冀在内的部分地区，这一比例仍为 3%。He stressed the importance of a systematic and source-driven approach to further bring down the proportion.他强调，要坚持系统治理、源头治理，进一步降低重度污染天数比例。The ministry will seize the favorable opportunities presented by the country's target of reaching peak carbon emissions before 2030 and the enactment of the code to advance the green and low-carbon transformation of the country's industrial, energy and transportation structures, as well as the development of new quality productive forces, in order to reduce pollutant emissions at the source.生态环境部将抓住 2030 年前碳达峰目标与法典出台的有利契机，推动产业、能源、交通结构绿色低碳转型和新质生产力发展，从源头减少污染物排放。Regarding marine pollution prevention and control, one of the sections of the code, Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou said the ministry has consistently adhered to strict control over new land reclamation projects, maintaining a natural coastline retention rate of over 35 percent.自然资源部部长关志鸥就法典中的海洋污染防治相关内容表示，该部始终严格管控新增围填海项目，全国自然海岸线保有率保持在 35% 以上。"Notably, a number of beautiful blue bays, scenic beaches and charming islands are becoming popular destinations for people seeking happiness and leisure," Guan said.关志鸥说：“一批美丽海湾、优质海滩、魅力海岛正成为人民群众乐享美好生活的网红打卡地。”ecological /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ 生态的environmental /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl/ 环境的codification /ˌkɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ 法典编纂low-carbon /ˌləʊ ˈkɑːbən/ 低碳的

AP's Huizhong Wu reports that China's National People's Congress is focusing on high tech and has passed an ethnic unity law.

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.

China's National People's Congress has concluded its annual session after approving several key laws and documents including the 15th Five-Year Plan (01:06). The China-Europe Railway Express handled over 3,500 freight trips in the first two months of the year, up over 30 percent (37:17). More merchant ships have come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran issues conditions for ending the war (21:03).

China is continuing to strengthen judicial protection for minors, maintaining a "zero tolerance" stance toward crimes against children while applying a balanced approach combining punishment, education and rehabilitation for juvenile offenders, according to work reports from the nation's top judicial authorities.根据中国最高司法机关的工作报告，中国正在持续加强未成年人司法保护，对侵害未成年人犯罪零容忍，同时对涉罪未成年人依法采取惩治、教育和感化相结合的平衡策略。Zhang Jun, president of the Supreme People's Court, and Ying Yong, prosecutor-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, presented their annual work reports on Monday at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for deliberation.最高人民法院院长张军、最高人民检察院检察长应勇9日分别在十四届全国人大四次会议上作年度工作报告，提请全国人大代表审议。According to the SPP report, prosecutions for crimes against minors and cases involving juvenile suspects both declined in 2025, falling 2.2 percent and 9.8 percent year-on-year, respectively — the first simultaneous drop in five years.根据最高检工作报告，2025年，检察机关起诉侵害未成年人犯罪和受理审查起诉未成年人犯罪同比分别下降2.2%和9.8%，为近五年首次“双下降”。Prosecutors charged 73,000 people last year for crimes infringing on minors' rights. Courts nationwide concluded 40,000 cases involving crimes against minors in 2025, down 1.8 percent from the previous year, and convicted 44,000 offenders.2025年，检察机关对侵害未成年人权益犯罪提起公诉7.3万人。全国法院审结侵害未成年人犯罪案件4万件，同比下降1.8%，判处罪犯4.4万人。Courts also barred 1,199 individuals from working in positions involving close contact with minors and imposed the death penalty in extremely serious cases involving severe harm to children.法院还对1199名实施侵害的犯罪分子判决终身禁止从事密切接触未成年人的工作，并在罪行极其严重的案件中依法适用死刑。For juvenile offenders, prosecutors continued to apply a policy combining punishment with education and rehabilitation. Prosecutors charged 56,000 minors, while 16,000 juveniles involved in minor offenses who showed remorse were granted conditional nonprosecution.对涉罪未成年人依法惩治、教育、感化、挽救，起诉5.6万人；对犯罪情节轻微、积极认罪悔罪的，附条件不起诉1.6万人。For particularly serious cases, authorities pursued accountability. The SPP approved the prosecution of 24 offenders ages 12 to 14 for severe violent crimes, underscoring that serious offenses must be punished, the report said.报告指出，对于情节特别恶劣的案件，司法机关依法追究责任。最高人民检察院依法核准追诉低龄未成年人（12至14岁）严重暴力犯罪24人，恶性犯罪必须惩治。According to an amendment to China's Criminal Law that took effect on March 1, 2021, children ages 12 to 14 can be held criminally liable for intentional homicide or intentional injury causing death or severe disability through particularly cruel means, subject to approval for prosecution by the SPP. The provision conditionally lowered the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 for particularly serious violent crimes.根据2021年3月1日起施行的刑法修正案，已满12周岁不满14周岁的未成年人，犯故意杀人、故意伤害罪，致人死亡或者以特别残忍手段致人重伤造成严重残疾，情节恶劣，经最高人民检察院核准追诉的，应当负刑事责任。该条款将特定严重暴力犯罪的刑事责任最低年龄由14岁有条件地降低至12岁。The SPC report said that courts continued to apply a balanced approach of strictness and leniency. A 14-year-old student who killed a classmate was sentenced to life imprisonment, while 2,356 juveniles convicted of serious violent crimes received prison terms of more than five years. At the same time, 5,822 minors who committed relatively minor offenses received more lenient punishment.最高法工作报告指出，法院坚持宽严相济的刑事政策。对杀害女同学的某14岁学生依法顶格判处无期徒刑，2356名实施严重暴力犯罪的未成年人被判处五年以上有期徒刑；同时，对5822名犯罪情节较轻的未成年人依法从宽处罚。Through a combination of education, rehabilitation and corrective measures, the previously rising trend in juvenile crime has been effectively curbed, the report said.报告称，通过教育、感化、挽救相结合的综合措施，未成年人犯罪高发势头得到有效遏制。Authorities have also strengthened a coordinated child protection system. Courts handled criminal, civil and administrative cases involving minors in an integrated manner to better align the country's "six protection" framework, which involves families, schools, society, the online sector, government departments and the judiciary.相关部门还加强了未成年人保护协同机制。法院对涉未成年人刑事、民事、行政案件实行"三审合一"融合办理，以更好对接国家的家庭、学校、社会、网络、政府、司法"六大保护"体系。Procuratorial authorities also worked with other agencies to improve systems for handling juvenile misconduct, including expanding specialized schools, strengthening graded intervention and correction mechanisms, and promoting policies such as mandatory reporting in cases involving minors and background checks for jobs involving close contact with children.检察机关还联合其他部门，完善未成年人罪错行为分级干预体系，包括推动专门学校建设扩面提质，强化分级干预矫治机制，以及推动落实侵害成年人案件强制报告、密切接触未成年人行业从业查询等制度。Yang Jianbo, director of the SPP's Law and Policy Research Office, said the simultaneous decline in crimes against minors and juvenile offenses sends a "positive signal", reflecting progress in both protecting minors and preventing youth crime.最高人民检察院法律政策研究室主任杨剑波表示，侵害未成年人犯罪与未成年人犯罪案件量同时下降释放了"积极信号"，反映出我国在未成年人保护和预防未成年人犯罪方面取得的进展。Yang said that prevention is a form of protection, and punishment can help rehabilitate juvenile offenders. Those whose crimes involve malicious intent or cause serious harm are punished in accordance with the law.杨剑波说，预防本身就是保护，惩治也是为了挽救。对于那些主观恶性深、危害严重的未成年人犯罪，必须依法予以惩处。rehabilitation /ˌriː(h)əˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən/ 挽救；改造（罪犯）prosecution /ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən/起诉；检举remorse /rɪˈmɔːs/悔恨；自责be held criminally liable /biː held ˈkrɪmɪnəli ˈlaɪəbəl/被追究刑事责任leniency /ˈliːniənsi/宽大；仁慈life imprisonment /laɪf ɪmˈprɪzənmənt/无期徒刑procuratorial authority /ˌprɒkjʊərəˈtɔːriəl ɔːˈθɒrəti/检察机关

China has set a 4.5 to 5 percent growth target at this year’s National People’s Congress, signaling a more pragmatic approach as the world’s second largest economy grapples with weak demand, property stress and deflationary pressures. At the same time, escalating tensions around Iran are raising questions about energy security, trade routes and the broader balance of power between China and the United States. Alicia García-Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis CIB, shares what the latest policy signals from Beijing mean for growth, markets and China’s role in an increasingly uncertain global economy. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital: Tool fully resonates with real market demand数字领域：这款AI工具完全契合真实市场需求An artificial intelligence-powered digital personal assistant developed by an Austria-born millennial inventor — and acquired by the United States-based company OpenAI — has taken the world by storm, sending Chinese tech giants into a scramble to launch localized versions of the open-source AI tool while prompting regulators to warn of potential security risks.人工智能驱动型数字化个人助理"OpenClaw"近期引爆全球科技圈。这款由奥地利出生的千禧一代发明家开发、后被美国企业开放人工智能研究中心（OpenAI）收购的AI工具，不仅引发中国科技巨头争相推出本土化版本，更促使监管部门就潜在安全风险发出预警提示。OpenClaw is an autonomous AI agent that runs on a user's machine, and unlike standard tools that wait for a prompt, it is capable of managing emails and controlling web browsers on its own to complete workflows, especially through various messaging apps. The digital agent's curious red lobster logo has led Chinese users to playfully refer to it as the "AI lobster".OpenClaw作为可在用户终端自主运行的AI智能体，与传统被动响应指令的工具不同，它能独立管理邮件、操控浏览器完成工作流程，尤其在各类即时通讯应用中表现突出。其标志性的红色龙虾标识被中国网友戏称为AI"龙虾"。Industry experts said that what started as a developer's experiment overseas has quickly evolved into a broader technology movement in China. They said that it outlines a different path for China's AI development, with key focus on building "small but capable" practical tools, rather than competing solely in terms of size and computing power.行业专家指出，这个源于海外开发者的实验性项目已在中国演变为广泛的技术革新浪潮。他们认为这为中国AI发展开辟了新路径：重点打造"小而精"的实用工具，而非单纯比拼模型规模和算力。On Monday, China's State-backed national supercomputing network joined the trend by announcing that OpenClaw services were connected to its major interactive workplace platforms, including ByteDance's Feishu and Tencent's WeCom. The network is known for its cost-effective use of large, high-performance digital models.3月9日，国家超算互联网平台宣布OpenClaw服务已接入字节跳动飞书、腾讯企业微信等主流协同办公平台。该平台以低成本调用高性能大模型著称。On the same day, Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings rolled out WorkBuddy, a full-scenario AI agent designed to integrate with Chinese workplace and messaging tools. Compatible with OpenClaw's core skills, WorkBuddy simplifies the process of setting up "AI lobster" into a one-minute configuration that seamlessly connects with popular apps such as QQ.同日，腾讯推出全场景AI智能体"WorkBuddy"，不仅兼容OpenClaw核心功能，更将配置流程简化至一分钟内，可无缝衔接QQ等国民级应用。Last week, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi announced that it has begun limited testing of miclaw, a mobile AI agent built on the company's proprietary model. The software is designed to integrate directly with Xiaomi's smartphone ecosystem, enabling tasks such as travel planning, schedule management and smart home control.上周，小米公司启动基于自研大模型的移动端AI智能体miclaw封闭测试，该应用深度整合至小米智能生态，可实现行程规划、日程管理及智能家居控制等功能。Zhou Hongyi, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, said on the sidelines of the ongoing two sessions that "AI lobster" has transformed intangible cloud software into a digital personal assistant that lives in a user's computer, and most important, it is incredibly easy to operate.第十四届全国政协委员、360集团创始人周鸿祎在两会间隙表示：""龙虾"把原来看不见摸不着的云上软件，变成了每个人在电脑里养的专属助手，而且操纵起来非常方便。""Historically, high-end AI models were the specialty of some tech giants and came with high operating costs. The 'AI lobster' breaks this monopoly and makes AI affordable and accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as individuals," said Zhou, who is also founder of the 360 Security Group."长期以来，高端AI模型往往掌握在少数巨头手中，且运行成本极高，AI"龙虾"的出现打破了这种垄断，让中小企业和个人开发者也能"玩得起、用得上"。"Last week, nearly 1,000 people gathered outside Tencent's headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, carrying their laptops in order to participate in a free OpenClaw installation event announced by the company.上周在腾讯深圳总部举办的免费OpenClaw安装活动，吸引了近千名用户携带笔记本电脑到场。On Chinese e-commerce platforms, remote OpenClaw installation services cost between 50 yuan and 300 yuan ($7 to $40), while the price tag for in-person services is around 500 yuan.国内电商平台上，远程安装服务价格在50-300元之间，上门服务则报价500元左右。Zhou Di, a professor at Hangzhou Dianzi University in Zhejiang province and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, noted that "AI lobster" has gained huge popularity in the Chinese market because it fully resonates with the real market demand for AI in the country.第十四届全国人大代表、杭州电子科技大学教授周迪指出："AI"龙虾"在中国市场爆火，这是技术发展必然性与市场需求的一次完美共振。""China develops AI differently than the US," he said. "China doesn't rely only on building bigger models that require huge computing power. Instead, it develops efficient and lightweight models, much like the 'AI lobster', allowing them to take root in vertical sectors, such as industrial inspection and medical diagnostics, to solve real-world problems.""中美AI发展路径存在差异，中国不仅追求大算力模型，更注重发展类似AI"龙虾"的高效的小型化、轻量化模型，使其在工业质检、医疗诊断等垂直场景中落地生根。"Nevertheless, the growing popularity of a foreign AI tool has raised concerns. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology warned that some OpenClaw installations could pose "extremely high" security risks.不过，外来AI工具的热潮也引发监管关注。工信部日前警示，部分OpenClaw安装包存在"极高"安全风险"If not configured properly, it will have the potential to expose sensitive data," the regulator said."若配置不当，极易引发信息泄露等安全问题。"take the world by storm /teɪk ðə wɜːld baɪ stɔːm/风靡全球AI agent /ˌeɪˈaɪ ˈeɪdʒənt/ AI智能体high-end /ˈhaɪ end/高端的resonates with /ˈrezəneɪts wɪð/引起共鸣lightweight models /ˈlaɪtweɪt ˈmɒdlz/轻量级模型

A report says China's top legislature has served and supported reform and development through high-quality legislation in the past year. The fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress held its second plenary meeting on Monday.

China's National People's Congress highlights its role in supporting reform and development through high-quality legislation and pledges to advance new laws on financial stability, state-owned assets, and AI (01:03). Chinese lawmakers review a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, aimed at strengthening legal support for development in ethnic minority regions (11:10). Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as the new supreme leader of Iran (20:52).

FM highlights significance of relations, emphasizes necessity of multipolarity外交部长王毅阐述中美关系重要性，强调多极化的必要性Calling 2026 a "big year" for China-United States relations, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that the agenda for bilateral high-level exchanges "is already on the table", and both sides need to "treat each other with sincerity and good faith". 3月8日，外交部长王毅在两会记者会上表示，今年是中美关系的“大年”，高层交往的议程已经摆在“桌面上”。双方应以诚相待，以信相交。"China is always committed and open. It is critical that the US side work in the same direction," Wang said at a news conference on the sidelines of the annual two sessions in Beijing.王毅外长表示："中方的态度始终是积极的，也是开放的，关键是美方也要相向而行。""What the two sides need to do now is to create a suitable environment, manage the differences that do exist, and remove unnecessary disruptions," he said.王毅外长强调："现在需要做的是，双方为此做出周全的准备，营造适宜的环境，管控存在的风险，排除不必要的干扰。"President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have been maintaining good interactions at the top level, the foreign minister noted.王毅外长表示，两国元首身体力行，在最高层次上保持了良好交往。The two leaders "have provided important strategic safeguards for the China-US relationship to improve and move forward, and they have brought the relationship back on an even keel after the ups and downs", he added.两国元首"为中美关系的改善发展提供了重要战略保障，也推动中美关系历经跌宕起伏实现了总体稳定。"When the two sides treat each other with sincerity and good faith, they will be able to lengthen the list of cooperation areas and shorten the list of problems, the minister said.王毅说，只要双方以诚相待，以信相交，我们就能不断拉长合作的清单，持续缩短问题的清单。Also, by doing so, the two sides can produce results that are satisfactory to both peoples, achieve a consensus that is welcomed by the whole world, and make 2026 "a landmark year of sound, steady and sustainable development of China-US relations", he added.王毅表示，通过这样的努力，就能在两国元首战略引领下，取得让两国人民都满意的成果，达成国际社会都欢迎的共识，让2026年成为中美关系走向健康、稳定、可持续发展的一个标志性年份。Regarding the ties' far-reaching and global implications, Wang said that "sliding into conflict or confrontation could drag the whole world down".王毅表示，中美关系牵动各方、影响全球，两国不打交道只会导致误解误判，走向冲突对抗更将殃及世界。"Neither side can remodel the other, but we can choose how we want to engage, that is, to commit to a spirit of mutual respect, to hold the bottom line of peaceful coexistence, and to strive for the prospect of win-win cooperation," he said.王毅指出："中美都是大国，都改变不了彼此，但可以改变相处方式。那就是秉持相互尊重的态度，守住和平共处的底线，争取合作共赢的前景"Chen Bo, president of the China Institute of International Studies, said Wang's comments "illustrate Beijing's proactive gesture in advancing ties with major countries and its goal to break new ground in seeking peaceful common growth".中国国际问题研究院院长陈波表示，王毅外长的讲话"表明了中国积极推动大国关系发展、努力在寻求和平发展方面开创新局面的姿态"。Whether China-US ties can take a solid step forward this year "largely depends on whether Washington will work toward the same goal with Beijing", she said.中美关系能否在今年迈出坚实的一步，"很大程度上取决于美方能否同中方相向而行"。Jia Qingguo, a professor and the director of Peking University's Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding, said, "As long as the US' overarching goal of seeking strategic competition against China remains unchanged, the US government will continue introducing hard-line policies targeting China, and in that case Beijing surely will respond."北京大学国际关系学院教授、北京大学中外人文交流研究基地主任贾庆国表示："只要美国对华战略竞争的总体目标不变，美国政府就会继续推出针对中国的强硬政策，在这种情况下，北京方面肯定会作出回应。""The two sides should step up communication and interactions at various levels", and through dialogue mechanisms of different levels and formats, the two sides can quickly clarify their positions when a problem arises, put it under control at its initial stage and avoid escalation, said Jia, who is also a deputy to the National People's Congress.作为全国人大代表，贾庆国指出："双方应加强各级别的沟通和互动。"他表示，通过不同层级和形式多样的对话机制，双方可以在问题出现时迅速阐明立场，在问题初期加以控制，避免事态升级。When asked whether Beijing accepts the "G2" concept, which suggests that the US and China co-manage global governance, Wang said that "we should not forget there are more than 190 countries on our planet".在被问及中方是否接受“中美共治”框架时，王毅外长表示：“我们不应忘记，这个星球上有190多个国家。”"The future of humanity will be forged through the collective efforts of all nations", and "multipolarity is what the international landscape should look like", he said.王毅说："人类未来一直由各国人民共同创造，多元共生才是人类社会本来的面貌，多极共存才是国际格局应有的样子。"He noted that, in history, great-power rivalry and bloc confrontation have invariably inflicted disaster and pain on humanity.王毅表示，回看历史，每一次大国争霸、阵营对抗，都给人类带来了灾难和痛苦。"Therefore, China will never take the beaten path of seeking hegemony as its strength grows, nor do we subscribe to the logic that the world can be run by major countries," he said.王毅说："为此，中国绝不走国强必霸的老路，也不认同“大国共治”的逻辑。"Wang stressed that building an equal and orderly multipolar world should be the common responsibility of all countries.王毅强调，建设平等有序的世界多极化应当是各国的共同责任。"With more resources and capabilities, major countries should be more generous, shoulder more responsibilities, and set an example of observing rules, honoring commitments and upholding international law," he added.王毅表示："大国拥有更多资源、更大能力，更应展现胸怀担当，带头守规矩、讲信用、遵法治。"When talking about the head-of-state diplomacy that Beijing has planned for this year, the minister said President Xi will host guests from various countries and "undertake several important visits abroad".在谈到今年中国元首外交重点时，王毅外长表示，习近平主席将在国内接待各方来宾，还将开展数起重要的出访。Xi will chair major diplomatic events hosted by China, including the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the second China-Arab States Summit, Wang said.王毅外长指出，习近平主席将主持亚太经合组织领导人非正式会议、第二届中国—阿拉伯国家峰会等重大主场外交。"Head-of-state diplomacy is bound to further advance China's relations with the world in a positive direction, open up new space for building a community with a shared future for humanity, and enable the Chinese nation to make new, greater contributions to world peace and development," he added.王毅表示："元首外交必将推动中国与世界的关系朝着更加积极的方向迈进，必将推动人类命运共同体建设开辟新的境界，必将推动中华民族为世界的和平与发展事业作出新的贡献。"Gao Fei, president of China Foreign Affairs University, said that "China's major-country diplomacy has entered a phase of yielding greater achievements" under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and head-of-state diplomacy.外交学院院长高飞表示，在习近平外交思想的指引下，在元首外交的引领下，"中国的大国外交已经进入到一个大有作为的新阶段"。"The country's diplomacy effectively secures its own development, facilitates world peace and stability, and spreads innovation, win-win spirit, inclusiveness and great morality," he added.中国的外交"有力地保障了中国自身的发展，促进了世界和平与稳定，始终传递着创新、共赢、包容和大义的积极力量"。bring the relationship back on an even keel /brɪŋ ðə rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp bæk ɒn ən ˈiːvən kiːl/使关系恢复稳定overarching /ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ/首要的；支配一切的hard-line policy /ˌhɑːdˈlaɪn ˈpɒləsi/强硬政策multipolarity /ˌmʌltɪpəʊˈlærəti/多极化great-power rivalry /ˌɡreɪt ˈpaʊə ˈraɪvəlri/大国竞争bloc confrontation /ˈblɒk ˌkɒnfrənˈteɪʃən/集团对抗take the beaten path of /teɪk ðə ˈbiːtn pɑːθ ɒv/走...的老路head-of-state diplomacy /ˌhed əv ˈsteɪt dɪˈpləʊməsi/元首外交major-country diplomacy /ˌmeɪdʒə ˈkʌntri dɪˈpləʊməsi/大国特色外交

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held his annual press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Congress in Beijing. What key signals does this press conference send about China's diplomatic priorities at a time of profound global uncertainty? Host Ge Anna is joined by Zha Daojiong, Professor of international political economy at the School of International Studies at Peking University; Andy Mok, Professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

China is stepping up efforts to promote the integration of culture and tourism and share its landscapes, culture, history and modern life with visitors from around the world, Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli said on Saturday.中国文化和旅游部部长孙业礼周六表示，中国正加大力度推动文旅融合，向全球游客展现中国的自然风光、文化、历史以及现代生活。Speaking at a news conference on people's livelihood during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, Sun said that authorities will continue improving the entire inbound tourism chain, including visa, border clearance, transportation, accommodation, catering and sightseeing services, to make traveling to China easier and more convenient.在全国最高立法机关 —— 第十四届全国人民代表大会第四次会议期间召开的民生新闻发布会上，孙业礼表示，有关部门将持续完善入境旅游全链条服务，涵盖签证、边检、交通、住宿、餐饮和观光等环节，让赴华旅行更加便捷易行。The measures aim to strengthen the global campaigns "Travel in China", "Shopping in China" and "Services in China", he added.他补充称，这些举措旨在强化 “畅游中国”“购物中国”“服务中国” 全球推广活动。In recent years, China has introduced a series of policies to boost inbound tourism. In 2025, inbound tourist trips exceeded 150 million, a year-on-year increase of over 17 percent, while inbound tourism spending surpassed $130 billion, up more than 40 percent year-on-year.近年来，中国出台一系列政策提振入境旅游。2025 年，入境游客量超 1.5 亿人次，同比增长超 17%；入境旅游消费超 1300 亿美元，同比增长超 40%。Visa facilitation has continued to expand, with unilateral visa-free access extended to citizens of 50 countries and visa-free transit policies covering 55 countries. Last year, more than 30 million foreign visitors entered China under visa-free policies.签证便利化持续推进，单方面免签政策惠及 50 个国家公民，55 个国家适用免签过境政策。去年，超 3000 万外国游客凭免签政策入境中国。"Taking a spontaneous trip to China has now become a real possibility," Sun said.孙业礼表示：“如今，来一场说走就走的中国之旅已成为现实。”Authorities have also improved payment services for overseas visitors by linking international bank cards to mobile payment platforms, expanding point-of-sale terminals and increasing currency exchange services to accommodate different payment habits.有关部门还优化了境外游客支付服务，将国际银行卡与移动支付平台对接，扩充销售终端，并增设货币兑换服务，以适配不同支付习惯。Mobile payments have expanded rapidly. Among visitors from countries such as Kazakhstan and Malaysia, more than 80 percent now use mobile payment services. Last year, the total value of mobile payment transactions among inbound tourists reached about 80 billion yuan ($11.6 billion).移动支付普及迅速。哈萨克斯坦、马来西亚等国来华游客中，超 80% 使用移动支付服务。去年，入境游客移动支付交易总额约 800 亿元人民币（合 116 亿美元）。Tax refund services have also become more convenient, with more service points and instant refund options available at some stores. As a result, foreign visitors are purchasing a wider range of Chinese products — from electronics such as smartphones, drones and virtual-reality devices to cultural and creative goods.退税服务也更便捷，新增服务网点，部分门店支持即时退税。由此，外国游客可选购的中国商品种类愈发丰富，涵盖智能手机、无人机、虚拟现实设备等电子产品，以及文创产品。Sun said that stronger promotion of China's tourism image has helped overseas visitors gain a deeper understanding of the country, while experiencing the Chinese lifestyle has become increasingly popular among international visitors.孙业礼表示，加大中国旅游形象推广力度，助力外国游客更深入了解中国，体验中国生活方式也成为国际游客的热门选择。At the same time, China is promoting deeper integration between culture and tourism to create new travel experiences and boost consumption. In 2025, domestic tourist trips exceeded 6.5 billion, up more than 16 percent year-on-year, while tourism spending reached 6.3 trillion yuan, an increase of 9.5 percent — setting records in both volume and spending.与此同时，中国推动文旅深度融合，打造新型旅游体验、刺激消费。2025 年，国内游客量超 65 亿人次，同比增长超 16%；旅游消费达 6.3 万亿元人民币，增长 9.5%，客流量与消费额均创历史新高。Sun said that tourism is becoming increasingly connected with sectors such as sports, commerce, agriculture and industry, while new technologies are helping develop innovative tourism products and services.孙业礼表示，旅游与体育、商贸、农业、工业等产业的关联度持续提升，新技术助力旅游产品与服务创新。"Tourism today is no longer only about visiting scenic spots. More and more travelers want to experience the local life and take part in cultural activities," he said.他说：“如今的旅游不再只是逛景点，越来越多游客希望体验当地生活、参与文化活动。”The ministry will encourage more travel programs linked to performances, intangible cultural heritage experiences and sporting events, while supporting new business models that combine tourism with other industries to create new growth opportunities, he added.他补充称，文旅部将鼓励推出更多演艺、非遗体验、体育赛事类旅游项目，同时支持旅游与其他产业融合的新业态，培育新的增长机遇。integration /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ 融合；整合facilitation /fəˌsɪlɪˈteɪʃn/ 便利化；促进transaction /trænˈzækʃn/ 交易；业务heritage /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ 遗产；传统

President Xi Jinping called on Thursday for provinces serving as China's economic powerhouses to pilot efforts in analyzing new circumstances and solving new problems, while stressing the need to develop new quality productive forces and promote common prosperity.The president, who represents Jiangsu province as a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, highlighted the imperative for China to cope with an even more complex environment and solve more deep-seated issues to accomplish targets and tasks set out in the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined a deliberation with his fellow deputies from Jiangsu, the nation's second-largest provincial-level economy.According to the government work report of the Jiangsu provincial government, the province's economy grew 5.3 percent year-on-year in 2025, with the absolute increase remaining the largest among all provincial-level regions in the country.During Thursday's deliberation, Xi spoke after six deputies shared their insights on issues such as advancing new industrialization, promoting the integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation, and accelerating breakthroughs in core technologies.The development of new quality productive forces is instrumental in advancing high-quality growth and enhancing economic competitiveness, Xi said, adding that Jiangsu should take the lead in this regard.He called for integrated efforts to promote education, science and technology and talent development, highlighting the need to secure new breakthroughs in strengthening original innovation, tackling key core technologies and securing the high ground in science and technology.New approaches should be explored to promote the integration of the innovation, industrial, capital and talent chains, and to accelerate the efficient commercialization and application of sci-tech achievements, he said.The president encouraged Jiangsu to make new progress in upgrading traditional industries, fostering and expanding emerging industries, and planning for future industries.Xi emphasized that only when major economic powerhouses maintain a strong foundation for growth and strong resilience against external shocks can they support the stability of the world's second-largest economy as a whole.According to data cited by Xinhua News Agency, China's top 10 provincial-level regions by gross domestic product accounted for 62.2 percent of the country's overall economic growth in 2025. These regions, including Guangdong, Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, helped boost the national growth rate by 3.1 percentage points, the data showed.The president said that Jiangsu should continue to strengthen economic resilience by improving its internal strengths, enhancing its own capabilities, and fully integrating into the unified national market.He called for taking steps to expand high-standard opening-up, actively explore global markets and better connect with the international economic cycle, adding that a mindset of responding to worst-case scenarios must be adopted in order to prevent various risks.Xi pointed out that Chinese modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all, and Jiangsu authorities should accurately grasp the new expectations of the people for a better life, as well as the evolving characteristics of work related to public well-being under the new circumstances.The province should proactively address key issues such as ensuring high-quality and adequate employment, increasing incomes for both urban and rural residents, and further improving the level of basic public services and social security, while exploring effective pathways to promote common prosperity, he added.Xi stressed that the more effective the Party's self-governance is, the stronger the guarantee will be for economic and social development.He called for steps to properly carry out the Party-wide education campaign to promote a sound understanding of governance performance.

Kia ora. Welcome to Friday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news bankrupt US/Israeli decisions to choose war over peaceful pressure are having global consequences. But first, the Federal Reserve Beige Book for February reported that overall US economic activity increased at a slight to moderate pace in seven of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, while the number of Districts reporting flat or declining activity increased from four in the prior period to five in the current period. This is not a review that found strong growth. US jobless claims rose last week by +18,000 from the prior week to 213,000 but most of that can be accounted for by seasonal factors. There are now 2.21 mln people on these benefits, similar to this time last year, but significantly higher than the 2024 levels. February announced job cuts were lower than in January, but together the first two months have been almost as high as the equivalent 2025 levels. This survey also tracks hiring plans and that is down more than -50% from last year. Tomorrow the February US non-farm payrolls will be released and analysts expect a low +59,000 gain. That would be half the +130,000 January level, itself historically low. According to AAA monitoring, average petrol prices (91) in the US are now US$3.25/gal (NZ$1.46L / AU$1.23/L) This is up +9% from US$2.98/gal a week ago, up from US$2.89/gal a month ago, or a +12.5% rise. US natural gas prices are up +7.2% over the same time-frame but to be fair are still very low. But in Europe, these prices are up +70% (in the UK) and up 53% (in Germany) for example. In India, natural gas prices have tripled for many users over the past few days. It is natural to wonder what Trump would say if the EU (or India) took unilateral actions that imposed similar cost jumps on the US. It is no longer safe to be a 'friend' of the US, or any country that pursues policies that "put me first". American policymakers are scrambling to assess a wide range of materials where access is at risk. And institutions more broadly are doing the same. We need to start keeping a closer eye on supply chain pressures. The NY Fed's February monitoring shows it elevated but nothing like the pandemic period, although not yet accounting for the current stresses. Taiwanese industrial production rose +28.5% in January from a year ago, no surprise given the export order data we have been noting. But it is their sharpest rise in at least a decade, probably longer. However, things are not positive for Taiwanese retail sales; they actually decreased in January. But this was entirely due to Chinese New Year falling in a different period this year. Singapore retail sales data for January also got twisted by the holiday timing. The Malaysian central bank kept its policy rate unchanged overnight at 2.75%, saying inflation there is well contained. But they are worried about Middle East conflict effects. China said it is lowering its growth target - slightly. Premier Li Qiang is set to announce a "around 4.5 to 5%" target while delivering the government work report, a key policy document, at the opening session of the National People's Congress later today. The departure from the "around 5%" growth target for the past three years signals the start of a period of slower expansion in China. A big focus is on stabilising their moribund real estate markets. 'Stabilising' will undoubtedly mean subsidies and incentives to unlock buyer interest in the sector again. That will be a hard ask, given the widespread pain still in recent memory. EU retail sales rose +2.3% in January, although slightly less in the Euro Area. In Australia, household spending rose +4.6% in January from a year ago, the slowest pace since late May, following a +5.0% rise in December. This was a smaller increase than expected. Global container freight rates, which had been falling every week in 2026 so far, turned +3% higher last week as the early signs of the Middle East pressures started to mount. Outbound China rates are up +10% for the week. However, they are still -23% lower than year-ago levels. It might be different when this week's data is released next week, of course. More currently, bulk cargo rates are up +6% for the week. Shipping traffic in the Straits of Hormuz has ceased altogether. (Live here.) And we should note ships outside the Strait are under attack too, so the conflict stresses are spreading. New Zealand and Australia have significant food exports into the Middle East region, and they are now disrupted. We noted the sharp rise in fertiliser costs yesterday and more broadly, that is bringing warnings of food shortage consequences. And as if these crises aren't enough, overshadowed is the Blue Owl private credit car crash in the US, and the wider concerns about their risky loans. Some insiders are now talking about a consequential "bank run" being caused by this. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.14%, up +6 bps from yesterday.  The price of gold will start today down -US$71 from yesterday at US$5076/oz. Silver is down -US$2 at US$82/oz today. American oil prices are up more than +US$5.50, up +7% in a day, at just under US$79.50/bbl, while the international Brent price is down the same to be now just on US$84.50/bbl. The Kiwi dollar is down -40 bps against the USD from yesterday, now just on 58.9 USc. Against the Aussie we are up +20 bps at 84.1 AUc. We are down -30 bps against the yen. Against the euro we are down -10 bps at 50.9 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today down -30 bps, now just over 62.6. The bitcoin price starts today at US$71,316 and down -2.6% from this time yesterday, although holding on to a large part of yesterday's rise. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been moderate at just on +/- 2.1%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again on Monday.

Gas prices have soared on the back of the war in the Middle East, and US president Donald Trump criticised some European nations for not being helpful in the conflict. Plus, the ongoing crisis is disrupting precious-metals trade, and China will unveil its five-year plan during the National People's Congress meeting on Thursday. Mentioned in this podcast:Trump threatens to cut trade with ‘terrible' Spain and calls Starmer ‘no Churchill'China's cadres advocate end to overtime to encourage people to have familiesBrussels urges calm as Iran crisis sends European gas prices soaringGold and silver flows disrupted as Iran conflict grounds flightsNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon and Saffeya Ahmed. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT's Global Head of Audio. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China's national legislature has set the agenda for its annual session this year. Deputies of the 14th National People's Congress will deliberate the government work report, and examine the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

China's "Two Sessions" is currently underway as policymakers map out the country's next stage of development amid global uncertainty. Deputies to the National People's Congress and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference will review the government's work report and 2026 budget, while also formulating the blueprint that will shape the 15th Five-Year Plan through 2030. How will this impact the world's second-largest economy and the wider international landscape?

When China's top political advisory body and legislature convene this week for their annual sessions, the major item on their agendas will be a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). The deeper story, however, lies in how these gatherings have evolved into a mechanism through which the country's leadership translates strategic vision into operational governance and concrete results.Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping has participated in deliberations and exchanges with National People's Congress deputies and members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee more than 60 times, guiding the trajectory of China's modernization.Xi's emphasis during these meetings on high-quality development, innovation-driven growth and people-centered governance has provided a consistent policy framework that has helped China navigate a volatile global environment while sustaining growth and stability.China's GDP surpassed 140 trillion yuan ($20.4 trillion) last year, amid supply-chain disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions — evidence of a system that has prioritized resilience and structural upgrading over short-term stimulus.What distinguishes Xi's engagement at the two sessions is its granular focus. Xi has communicated extensively with NPC deputies and CPPCC National Committee members on factory productivity, rural incomes, eldercare services, environmental remediation, talent cultivation, etc. This micro-to-macro feedback loop is effective in strengthening communications between the leadership and those from all walks of life. When a steel plant manager reports that digital upgrades have raised productivity, or a community social worker describes improved eldercare services following targeted policy guidance, these examples become data points in a broader effort to recalibrate national priorities toward quality, efficiency and equity in national social and economic development.A theme emerging from Xi's participation in these discussions is the primacy of high-quality development. His assertion that without high-quality development, there can be no socialist modernization reflects an understanding familiar to economists: growth that relies on diminishing returns, environmental degradation or excessive leverage is self-limiting. By urging authorities at various levels to develop new quality productive forces while upgrading traditional industries, the leadership has sought to promote technological diffusion and industrial modernization rather than premature deindustrialization.The results are visible in multiple sectors. Artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing are reshaping production models, while breakthroughs in materials science and power equipment are reducing dependence on foreign inputs. These developments suggest a pragmatic strategy to move up the value chain while preserving and optimizing the country's manufacturing base.Xi's calls to improve talent-training mechanisms and align education with economic needs reflect a recognition that human capital is the foundation for these endeavors. The development of national engineering academies, university technology transfer centers and industry-education partnerships indicates an attempt to institutionalize this linkage. In economic terms, China is trying to internalize the spillover benefits of innovation by embedding research, production and skills development within a unified policy ecosystem.Equally notable is the sustained focus on people's livelihoods. Xi's exchanges with farmers, migrant workers, grassroots civil servants and researchers on poverty alleviation, rural vitalization, employment and eldercare underscore the people-first principle of the country's public policies. The transformation of once-impoverished villages through infrastructure, e-commerce and eco-tourism, and the expansion of community-based services for the elderly, illustrate a shift from subsistence security to quality-of-life improvements. This aligns with the goal of advancing common prosperity — which balances efficiency with social fairness and justice.Environmental policy provides another lens through which to assess the modernization agenda. The concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets has been operationalized through nationwide ecological restoration, renewable energy deployment and desertification control. Regions once defined by environmental degradation are now experimenting with solar power, eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, suggesting that environmental stewardship is being integrated into local growth models rather than treated as an external constraint.Xi's engagement with the national lawmakers and political advisers at the two sessions since 2012 highlights the way in which the country aligns good governance with economic transformation and social welfare in pursuit of national modernization.

Day 5 - The ASX 200 fell another 176 points to 8901 (1.9%) as resources and banks came under pressure. Asian regional markets went into full panic mode with Korea down 11%, its largest move since the GFC. It had been a tear for some weeks and has now come undone. Resources were under serious pressure from the off. BHP down 3.5% with FMG off 3.0% and the gold miners down but not quite out. NST down 2.5% and EVN off 4.7%. Lithium stocks dropped, LTR down 3.2% and PLS off 1.3%. Copper stocks also falling hard, SFR down 2.9% and CSC down 2.2%. BSL bucked the trend as management said it was happy to chat to SGH! Uranium stocks dipped with PDN down 7.6% and BOE falling 8.4%. Oil and gas stocks were slightly lower, STO down 0.4%, BPT dipping 0.9% and VEA off 1.9%. WDS rose 0.9%.Banks fell after safe haven status was revoked today. CBA down 1.2% and MQG falling 2.5% as the Big Bank Basket dropped to $ (%). ANZ a big casualty off %. Other financials also eased, with insurers sloppy. QBE down % and MFG seeing profit taking off %. Industrials were generally weaker, WES continued to fall, CSL lost another 1.6% with COH down 3.5%. QAN dipped 2.7% and retail stocks fell. FLT down 1.1% and JBH off 1.7%. Tech managed to hold up with XRO up 2.0% and WTC flat. The All-Tech Index down 0.6%.In corporate news, EDV results underwhelmed off 3.5% and A1N jumped 4.4% as Kyle and Jackie seem to be heading for an expensive divorce!On the economic front, GDP came in slightly better than the RBA had forecast at 0.8%. China's National People's Congress in focus. Asian markets crushed, Korea off around 12%, Japan fell 3.9%, HK off 3.0% and China down 1.4%. 10-year yields jump to 4.75%US Futures down DJ off 216 pts and Nasdaq down 200.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

Is China's latest Five-Year Plan about to reset its economic model and tackle the imbalances weighing on both the domestic and global economy?Speculation always builds ahead of a new Five-Year Plan. But this time, the stakes feel higher. With growth slowing, debt risks lingering and external tensions elevated, could this Plan mark a genuine turning point?That is what Julian Evans-Pritchard will be watching for as the National People's Congress opens in Beijing on Thursday. On The Weekly Briefing, he joins Group Chief Economist Neil Shearing to talk to David Wilder about the outlook for China's domestic and external imbalances and to address the key questions, not least how this adjustment will proceed, how willing its trading partners will remain to absorb China's goods surplus and whether this all risks tipping the world into crisis?Elsewhere in the episode, Megan Fisher from our Commodities team revisits the cocoa price boom she had long warned was unsustainable. Now that prices have collapsed, she sifts through the fallout to explain what comes next and whether chocoholics are likely to see any relief.Events and analysis referenced in this episodeChina NPC Drop-In https://www.capitaleconomics.com/events/china-drop-key-takeaways-npc-and-new-five-year-planUK Spring Statement Drop-Inhttps://www.capitaleconomics.com/events/uk-drop-chancellors-spring-statement-fiscal-signals-political-risks-market-implicationsUS non-farm payrolls previewhttps://www.capitaleconomics.com/publications/us-employment-report-preview/health-care-likely-be-key-driver-payrolls-again

For 14 years, Li Nannan has devoted her life to elderly care in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province. By day, she's a head nurse, tending to residents' medical and daily needs. Each spring, she walks into the Great Hall of the People in Beijing as a deputy to the National People's Congress. Bridging caregiving and policymaking, Li strives to push for reforms to improve the country's aging society.

Journalists invited to cover the 2026 two sessionsChina is inviting journalists from home and abroad to cover the annual sessions of its national legislature and national political advisory body, as the media center for the two sessions is scheduled to open in Beijing on Feb 27, according to an official statement on Tuesday.中国政府周二发表声明称，将邀请国内外记者报道全国人大和全国政协年度会议。两会新闻中心定于2月27日在北京开放。The fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is set to begin on March 5, while the fourth session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee is scheduled to kick off on March 4.第十四届全国人民代表大会第四次会议定于3月5日开幕，而第十四届中国人民政治协商会议全国委员会第四次会议则定于3月4日召开。News coverage of the two sessions can be conducted through various methods, with a strong emphasis on on-site reporting, the statement noted, which was jointly issued by the general offices of the National People's Congress Committee and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.全国人大常委会办公厅和全国政协办公厅联合发布的声明指出，两会的新闻报道可通过多种方式进行，重点突出现场报道。Foreign journalists based in China who want to cover the sessions should submit their applications to the press center, while those overseas can apply through Chinese embassies or consulates in their respective countries, or via visa organizations authorized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the statement.根据声明，常驻中国的外国记者如需报道会议，应向新闻中心提交申请；海外记者可通过所在国的中国使领馆或经中国外交部授权的签证机构申请。Journalists from Hong Kong and Macao must submit their applications to the central government's liaison offices in these special administrative regions, while reporters from Taiwan should apply to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the statement added.声明补充道，香港和澳门记者须向中央政府驻这两个特别行政区的联络办公室提交申请，而台湾记者则应向国务院台湾事务办公室申请。The application deadline is Feb 3, and additional information about the two sessions can be found at www.npc.gov.cn .申请截止日期为2026年2月3日，有关两个会议的更多信息可访问：www.npc.gov.cn和www.cppcc.gov.cn两个网站。The two sessions, as China's biggest annual political event, usually begins in early March in Beijing. National lawmakers and political advisers gather to review the work reports of governmental and judicial authorities, deliberate on crucial economic and social issues, and participate in formulating or amending laws related to people's interests and the nation's development.全国两会作为中国每年最重要的政治活动，通常于三月初在北京开幕。全国人大代表和政协委员齐聚一堂，审议政府和司法机关的工作报告，商讨关乎国民经济和社会发展的重大议题，并参与制定或修订涉及民生福祉和国家发展的法律法规。

Mike Schopp and The Bulldog talk about what the National media thinks about the Bills heading into the playoffs.

China criticized the latest United States National Defense Authorization Act on Thursday, saying it blatantly interferes in China's internal affairs and sends a seriously wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.中国周四批评美国最新通过的《国防授权法案》，称该法案公然干涉中国内政，并向“台独”分裂势力释放出严重错误的信号。Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a news conference in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which was signed last week by US President Donald Trump.中国国防部新闻发言人张晓刚是在新闻发布会上就2026财年《国防授权法案》作出上述表态的。该法案已于上周由美国总统唐纳德·特朗普签署。The act includes multiple provisions related to China and allocates about $1 billion for the so-called "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative," aimed at enhancing arms sales to China's Taiwan region.该法案包含多项涉华条款，并拨款约10亿美元用于所谓的“台湾安全合作倡议”，旨在加强对中国台湾地区的武器出售。Zhang said the law constitutes blatant interference in China's internal affairs and gravely undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.张晓刚表示，该法案公然干涉中国内政，严重破坏台海地区的和平与稳定。He accused the US of reneging on its commitments by intensifying arms sales to Taiwan, noting that such actions will only embolden "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and push the Taiwan Strait closer to danger and war.他指责美方不断加大对台军售，背弃自身承诺，指出此类行为只会助长“台独”分裂势力的嚣张气焰，将台海局势推向更加危险甚至战争的边缘。Zhang also criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities for "sacrificing the interests of the Taiwan people" and allowing the US to "drain Taiwan dry" in pursuit of its own strategic goals.张晓刚还批评台湾民进党当局“牺牲台湾民众的利益”，纵容美国为实现自身战略目标而“榨干台湾”。"Attempts to use Taiwan to contain China are doomed to fail, and seeking 'independence' through force will only lead to self-destruction," Zhang said.“企图以台制华注定失败，妄图以武谋独只会自取灭亡。”张晓刚说。He urged the US to fully recognize the extreme sensitivity of the Taiwan question, strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and handle Taiwan-related affairs "as cautiously as possible".他敦促美方充分认识台湾问题的高度敏感性，严格恪守一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，以“极其谨慎的态度”处理涉台问题。The spokesman urged the US to stop arming Taiwan in any form and to safeguard overall China-US relations and bilateral military ties.这位发言人呼吁美方停止以任何形式武装台湾，切实维护中美关系大局和两国两军关系。Also on Thursday, Xu Dong, spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, expressed strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to the newly signed act.同日，全国人大外事委员会发言人许东也对该法案的签署表示强烈不满和坚决反对。Xu said the act continued a long-standing tone of containing China, hyped the so-called "China threat", and constituted blatant interference in China's internal affairs, seriously undermining China's core interests.许东表示，该法案延续了遏制中国的一贯基调，渲染所谓“中国威胁论”，公然干涉中国内政，严重损害中国核心利益。"We hope the US side views China's development and China-US relations objectively and rationally, and works with China to implement the important consensus reached in the meeting between the two countries' heads of state in Busan," Xu said.“我们希望美方客观理性看待中国发展和中美关系，与中方一道落实两国元首在釜山会晤中达成的重要共识。”许东说。"We strongly urge the US to abandon its zero-sum mentality and ideological bias, and to refrain from implementing the China-related negative provisions in the bill," he added.“我们强烈敦促美方摒弃零和思维和意识形态偏见，停止落实法案中涉华的消极条款。”他补充道。He warned that if the US insists on going its own way, China will take resolute measures in accordance with the law to firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests.他警告称，如果美方一意孤行，中方将依法采取坚决措施，坚定维护国家主权、安全和发展利益。During the news conference, defense spokesman Zhang also slammed Taiwan's regional leader Lai Ching-te for what he described as "kowtowing to the US" and recklessly pursuing militarization, calling him "an instigator of war".在新闻发布会上，张晓刚还抨击台湾地区领导人赖清德“对美卑躬屈膝”，肆意推进军事化，称其为“战争的煽动者”。Lai recently told the media that Taiwan must pursue "peace through strength" and reaffirmed what he called a "rock-solid" relationship with the US, alongside plans to push forward a $40 billion arms procurement.赖清德近日对媒体表示，台湾必须追求“以实力谋和平”，并重申其所谓与美国“坚如磐石”的关系，同时计划推进一项400亿美元的军购计划。Zhang said Taiwan's DPP authorities are colluding with external forces in a bid to pursue "Taiwan independence", which he called the root cause of rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.张晓刚表示，台湾民进党当局勾连外部势力，企图推动“台独”，这是当前台海紧张局势上升的根本原因。"Lai's unprincipled submission to the US and his reckless pursuit of militarization have turned him into nothing more than a pure destroyer of peace and an instigator of war," Zhang said.“赖清德毫无原则地向美国屈服、肆意推进军事化，使其沦为纯粹的和平破坏者和战争煽动者。”张晓刚说。"Lai now has the audacity to talk about 'peace' while arrogantly boasting about 'strength', a stance that is both delusional and self-deceiving," the spokesman added.这位发言人补充说：“赖清德一边狂妄鼓吹所谓‘实力'，一边却空谈‘和平'，这种立场既荒谬又自欺欺人。”"The trend toward national reunification is unstoppable," Zhang said. "Those who betray the nation and seek to split the country will ultimately be condemned by history."“国家统一的大势不可阻挡。”张晓刚说，“背叛民族、分裂国家的人终将被历史所唾弃。”blatantly interfere in/ˈbleɪtəntli ˌɪntəˈfɪə(r) ɪn/公然干涉reneg(e) on commitments/rɪˈnɪɡ ɒn kəˈmɪtmənts/背弃承诺arms sales/ɑːmz seɪlz/武器出售/军售three China-US joint communiques/θriː ˈdʒɔɪnt kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪz/中美三个联合公报zero-sum mentality/ˌzɪərəʊ sʌm menˈtæləti/零和思维militarization/ˌmɪlɪtəraɪˈzeɪʃn/军事化instigator of war/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪtə(r) əv wɔː/战争煽动者

The election of the eighth-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sunday marks another important moment in the SAR's steady advance toward high-quality democracy under the guiding principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong".香港特别行政区第八届立法会选举于周日举行，标志着香港在”爱国者治港”的指导原则下，朝着高质量民主稳步前进的又一重要时刻。This is the second LegCo election since the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress amended Hong Kong's electoral system in March 2021 to ensure the full and faithful implementation of the principle of Hong Kong should be governed by Hong Kong people, with patriots as the main body.这是自2021年3月全国人民代表大会常务委员会修订香港选举制度以来举行的第二次立法会选举，旨在确保全面准确贯彻”港人治港、爱国者担任主体”的原则。The improved electoral system has enabled the formation of a legislature that is broadly representative, politically inclusive and balanced in participation—characteristics that align with Hong Kong's actual circumstances and governance needs. The current LegCo consists of 90 seats, with 40 returned by the Election Committee constituency, 30 by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections. This structure, which has functioned smoothly since the reform was implemented, enhances both representation and efficiency, reflecting the interests of all segments of Hong Kong society and the SAR as a whole.经改进的选举制度使立法机构能够广泛代表社会各界，在政治上具有包容性，并在参与方面保持平衡——这些特点符合香港的实际情况和治理需求。现行立法会由90个席位组成，其中40席由选举委员会界别选举产生，30席由功能界别选举产生，20席由地方选区通过直接选举产生。自改革实施以来，这一架构运行顺畅，既增强了代表性又提高了效率，充分反映了香港社会各阶层及整个特别行政区的利益。This year's LegCo election is competitive. A total of 161 candidates—including senior academics, Olympic champions, managers of small and medium-sized enterprises, cultural workers, community organizers and rising professionals from innovation and technology sectors—are vying for the 90 seats. According to the Electoral Affairs Commission of Hong Kong, 51 nominations were received for geographical constituencies, 60 for functional constituencies, and 50 for the Election Committee constituency. That means competition is particularly strong in geographical constituencies, where 51 candidates are contesting 20 seats, ensuring that no one can "win easily" and that the LegCo election returns to its essence: selecting the virtuous and capable based on political platform, professionalism and service commitment.今年的立法会选举竞争激烈。共有161名候选人，包括资深学者、奥运冠军、中小企业管理者、文化工作者、社区组织者以及创新科技领域的新锐专业人士等，角逐90个席位。据香港选举事务委员会统计，地方选区收到51份提名，功能界别60份，选举委员会界别50份。这意味着地方选区的竞争尤为激烈，51名候选人角逐20个席位，使得无人能“轻松获胜”，使立法会选举回归本质：依据政治纲领、专业素养及服务承诺选拔贤能之士。More than 600 polling stations, including newly added ones at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint and Hong Kong International Airport, have made voting more convenient, further highlighting the people-oriented and pragmatic nature of Hong Kong's electoral arrangements.超过600个投票站，包括港珠澳大桥口岸和香港国际机场新增的投票站，使投票更加便捷，进一步彰显了香港选举安排以民为本、务实高效的特点。The broad diversity of candidates and political platforms—ranging from innovation and technology, finance, medical services and housing, to youth development, labor rights, district administration and integration into national strategies—demonstrates that the new electoral system not only upholds the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" but also provides a wider stage for patriots of different backgrounds to contribute fresh ideas and practical solutions. As LegCo President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen noted, the candidates' varied expertise will inject new dynamism into the legislature and bring a renewed vitality to policymaking.候选人和政治纲领的广泛多样性，从创新科技、金融、医疗服务和住房，到青年发展、劳工权益、地区行政和融入国家战略都表明新选举制度不仅坚持了“爱国者治港”的原则，也为不同背景的爱国人士提供了更广阔的舞台，让他们贡献新思路和切实可行的解决方案。正如立法会主席梁君彦所言，候选人多元化的专业背景将为立法机构注入新活力，为政策制定带来新气象。The election carries special significance in light of the recent deadly fire in Tai Po. Voters in the district, including those directly affected, said that participating in the election is an active commitment to rebuilding their homes and strengthening Hong Kong's resilience.鉴于近期大埔发生的致命火灾，此次选举具有特殊意义。该区选民，包括直接受灾者，表示参与选举是重建家园、增强香港韧性的积极承诺。Eric Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for the Hong Kong SAR government, stressed that electing capable and aspirational LegCo members is essential for post-disaster reconstruction and to maintaining the continuity and effectiveness of governance. From Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's repeated calls for civil servants to set an example, to large enterprises granting time off for employees to vote, and patriotic groups on the mainland organizing members to return to Hong Kong to cast their ballots, society's strong support has created an enthusiastic election atmosphere.香港特别行政区政府政务司司长陈国基强调，选举出有能力、有抱负的立法会议员，对灾后重建以及维持管治的连续性和有效性至关重要。从行政长官李家超多次呼吁公务员带头示范，到大型企业为员工安排投票假期，再到内地爱国团体组织成员返港投票，社会各界的鼎力支持营造出热烈的选举氛围。The four-year term of the eighth Legislative Council will largely overlap with the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) of the country. As Hong Kong enters a new stage of transitioning from stability to prosperity, the new LegCo will shoulder heavy responsibilities: accelerating economic transformation, improving people's livelihoods, strengthening district governance, advancing integration into national development, and ensuring that "one country, two systems" is steadily practiced for the long term.第八届立法会的四年任期将与国家第十五个五年规划（2026-2030年）的实施期基本重合。随着香港进入从稳定走向繁荣的新阶段，新一届立法会肩负着重大责任：加速经济转型、改善民生、加强地区治理、推进融入国家发展，并确保“一国两制”长期稳定实施。The design and improvement of Hong Kong's electoral system are purely internal affairs of China, and no foreign country has the right to interfere in them. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR summoned representatives of some overseas media in Hong Kong regarding recent false information and malicious smear campaigns surrounding the Tai Po fire and the LegCo election. This is a timely reminder that some external parties are still looking for opportunities to make trouble in the SAR despite the implementation of the National Security Law of Hong Kong.香港选举制度的设计和完善纯属中国内政，任何外国都无权干涉。中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区维护国家安全办公室就近期围绕大埔火灾及立法会选举的虚假信息和恶意抹黑活动，约见部分驻港海外媒体代表。这及时提醒我们，尽管香港《国家安全法》已实施，某些外部势力仍在寻找机会在特区制造事端。A fair, honest, safe and orderly election environment is indispensable for safeguarding the dignity of the electoral system and the rights of all voters. The SAR government has made it clear that it will resolutely crack down on illegal acts aimed at disrupting the election.一个公平、公正、安全、有序的选举环境，对维护选举制度的尊严和全体选民的权利至关重要。特区政府已明确表示，将坚决打击旨在破坏选举的违法行为。

On a wet October afternoon in Beijing, a group of teenage students gathered around a mediation table to discuss a potential court case. Some scrutinized "evidence bags" and debated "property allocation", while others consulted the Civil Code to confirm the validity of "wills".在一个阴雨绵绵的十月午后，北京的几名青少年学生围坐在调解桌旁，讨论一起潜在的法庭案件。有人仔细检查“证据袋”，有人争论“财产分配”，还有人查阅《民法典》来确认“遗嘱”的有效性。This was not an actual trial but an immersive legal workshop where students took on the roles of plaintiffs, defendants and judges to navigate an inheritance dispute.这并非真实审判，而是一场沉浸式法律工作坊，学生们分别扮演原告、被告和法官的角色，共同处理一起遗产纠纷。The session, centered on wills and property division, was part of an innovative initiative by Haidian District People's Court to make the law more relatable and accessible to young people.本次以遗嘱与财产分割为主题的讲座，是海淀区人民法院推出的一项创新举措，旨在让法律更贴近年轻人生活，更易于理解。Under the guidance of Sun Jiayun, who assists judges in case handling at the court, the students from Beijing 101 High School completed the workshop within an hour, learning not only about the legal validity of wills, but also judicial procedures such as court investigation, evidence exchange and statements.在北京一中学生的参与下，在法院协助法官处理案件的孙佳韵指导下，学生们仅用一小时便完成了工作坊课程。他们不仅学习了遗嘱的法律效力，还了解了法庭调查、证据交换和陈述等司法程序。Legal education in China is undergoing a transformation, and it now offers customized courses for different participants, according to Sun.孙佳韵指出，中国的法律教育正在经历转型，如今为不同参与者提供定制化课程。This transformation is a result of the implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, which emphasizes the need to focus on the effectiveness of legal education, particularly by strengthening law education for young people.这一转变源于习近平法治思想的贯彻实施，该思想强调必须注重法律教育的实效性，特别是加强青少年法律教育。On Monday and Tuesday, at a central conference on work related to overall law-based governance in Beijing, President Xi Jinping instructed that efforts should be intensified on advancing the rule of law across various sectors in the nation's modernization drive.周一和周二，在北京市召开的关于全面依法治国工作的中央会议上，习近平主席指示，要加大力度推进各领域依法治国工作，为国家现代化建设提供有力保障。Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for across-the-board efforts to ensure society-wide observance of the law.习近平同时担任中共中央总书记和中央军事委员会主席，他呼吁全社会共同努力，确保法律得到全面遵守。Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also underscored the priority of law-based governance, stressing the need to deepen the endeavor to build a law-abiding society.全国人大常委会委员长赵乐际也强调了依法治国的优先地位，指出必须深化依法治国、依法治党、依法治国、依法治民的实践。The meeting coincided with the fifth anniversary of the introduction of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, which requires upholding a people-centered approach in advancing the building of the rule of law, and continuously enhancing the legal awareness and literacy of the entire public.此次会议恰逢习近平法治思想提出五周年。习近平法治思想要求坚持以人民为中心推进法治建设，不断提高全社会的法律意识和法律素养。激发兴趣Sparking interestHan Chu, a sophomore from the high school, played the role of a "judge" that afternoon.该校高二学生韩储当天下午扮演了“评委”的角色。During the workshop, he listened carefully to the statements of classmates playing the plaintiff and defendant, verified the various items of evidence they provided, and frequently consulted the provisions related to wills in the Civil Code.在研讨课上，他认真聆听了扮演原告和被告的同学们的陈述，核实了他们提供的各类证据，并频繁查阅《民法典》中关于遗嘱的相关条款。The script, adapted from real cases, revolved around three siblings who brought their deceased parents' handwritten, printed and audio-recorded wills to court, with each claiming sole inheritance.该剧本改编自真实案例，围绕三兄妹展开——他们将父母生前手写、打印及录音遗嘱带至法庭，各自主张获得全部遗产继承权。Han, guided by Sun, concluded that all three wills had legal flaws in accordance with the code, ruling that the family's assets should be divided equally among the three children.韩储在孙佳韵的指导下认定，根据该法典，三份遗嘱均存在法律瑕疵，裁定该家族资产应由三名子女均分。"Not only was this activity incredibly interesting, but it truly helped me grasp legal concepts. I've gained a much deeper understanding of the law by taking part in the workshop," Han said.韩储说：“这项活动不仅极其有趣，更让我真正掌握了法律概念。通过参与研讨会，我对法律有了更深入的理解。”His classmate Hu Shihan said: "The activity felt much more real than just reading textbooks. By stepping into a character's shoes, I experienced the courtroom process firsthand, which let me understand what I learned in class."他的同学胡世涵（音译）说：“这次活动比单纯读教科书真实得多。通过扮演角色，我亲身体验了法庭流程，这让我真正理解了课堂上学到的知识。”Sun beamed with satisfaction at the students' engagement. "For young people, such an immersive method is key to providing legal education," she said. "Reading law books and observing trials used to feel distant. By becoming the judges and litigants involved, their engagement and understanding deepen."孙佳韵对学生们的投入感到十分满意。“对年轻人而言，这种沉浸式教学法是开展法律教育的关键，”她说道，“过去阅读法律书籍和旁听庭审总让人觉得遥不可及。而当他们亲身扮演法官和诉讼当事人时，参与度和理解力都会显著提升。”"Our primary goal was never just to teach them laws, but to ignite a genuine interest. After all, interest is the best teacher, and that's the most important foundation for any learning," Sun added.孙佳韵补充道：“我们的首要目标从来不只是传授法律知识，而是要点燃他们真正的兴趣。毕竟，兴趣是最好的老师，这也是任何学习最重要的基础。”简明语言Easy languageHowever, when educating the elderly, Sun uses a different set of materials — large fonts and case studies without legal jargon or complex provisions.然而，在为老年人提供教育时，孙佳韵采用了一套不同的材料——大字体和案例研究，避免使用法律术语或复杂条款。"The key of offering legal education to older people lies in plain language and everyday cases," she said after sharing the topics of a will and property allocation with seniors at Yanyuan community in Beijing's Haidian district.她在北京市海淀区燕园社区向长者讲解遗嘱与财产分配相关话题后如是说：“向老年人提供法律教育的关键在于使用通俗易懂的语言和日常案例。”Sun compared "making a will" to "cooking your own meal" in her course, explaining: "If you want to distribute your house and money according to your own ideas, you need to specify in the will who gets what and how much. It's like cooking for yourself — you decide what to eat and how much."孙佳韵在课程中将“立遗嘱”比作“自己做饭”，解释道：“若想按自己的想法分配房产和财产，就需要在遗嘱中明确指定谁获得什么以及多少份额。这就像自己做饭——你决定吃什么以及吃多少。”For statutory inheritance, she compared it to "ready-made meals", saying: "If you don't have specific ideas, the Civil Code will help you. It prepares 'meals' for you, which means your assets will be divided equally."对于法定继承，她将其比作“现成的套餐”，表示：“若无具体安排，民法典将为你提供指引。它为你准备了‘套餐'，意味着你的资产将被平均分配。”Zhang Dejun, 66, welcomed these comparisons. "They make it easier for me to understand the legal issues," she said. "At my age, it's natural to start thinking about making a will and distributing assets. The legal course is exactly what I need, and I've learned a lot."66岁的张德君（音译）对这些类比表示欢迎。“它们让我更容易理解法律问题，”她说，“到了我这个年纪，开始考虑立遗嘱和分配资产是很自然的。这门法律课程正是我需要的，我学到了很多。”Sun highlighted that when educating seniors, it is crucial to use language that they can easily understand. "They don't need the legal definition of a 'legacy support agreement', but they must understand the risks of not planning ahead."孙佳韵强调，在为老年人提供教育时，使用他们容易理解的语言至关重要。“他们不需要‘遗产支持协议'的法律定义，但必须明白不提前规划的风险。”定制化教育Tailored educationThanks to the tailored education, Qian Shuo, another judges' assistant from the Haidian court, said the public's overall legal awareness has been enhanced.海淀法院另一名法官助理钱硕表示，通过定制化教育培训，公众的整体法律意识得到了提升。"Many people coming to us are more knowledgeable. Instead of saying 'I don't know the law, but this is unfair', they can cite specific legal provisions and fight for their legitimate rights," she said.钱硕表示：“现在来找我们的人普遍更有法律知识。他们不再说‘我不懂法律，但这太不公平'，而是能援引具体法律条款来维护自身合法权益。”Official data shows that since 2021, the court's staff have visited more than 100 communities, schools and enterprises across the district, providing in-person legal education nearly 600 times.官方数据显示，自2021年以来，法院工作人员已走访全区100多个社区、学校和企业，开展现场法律宣讲近600次。The staff have stimulated the public's interest in the law through short videos, and helped build legal education centers in parks, libraries and technological compounds.工作人员通过短视频激发公众对法律的兴趣，并协助在公园、图书馆和科技园区建立法律教育中心。"Legal education is not a one-way street; it's a two-way interaction," said Fang Xu, who works for the court's litigation service center. "Through this process, I've learned to see things from the residents' perspectives and empathize with their conflicts, with deeper understanding about their legal demand."法院诉讼服务中心工作人员方旭（音译）表示：“法律教育不是单向灌输，而是双向互动。通过这个过程，我学会了站在居民角度看待问题，体察他们的矛盾冲突，对他们的法律诉求有了更深的理解。”In addition to face-to-face interactions, legal-based television dramas and films have also found audiences over the past few years, attracting millions of viewers and encouraging judicial workers to interpret legal issues on the screen.除面对面交流外，近年来以法律为主题的电视剧和电影也吸引了大量观众，数以百万计的观众通过荧幕了解法律问题，这促使司法工作者开始在影视作品中解读法律议题。Zhang Tongyu, from Beijing's Chaoyang District People's Court, has interpreted the laws involved in the relevant cases in No More Bets, a film about telecom fraud, providing an analysis of these related legal issues to the public.北京市朝阳区人民法院的张彤宇（音译）法官，就电信诈骗题材电影《别再赌了》中涉及的相关案件所适用的法律进行了阐释，向公众剖析了这些关联法律问题。According to a law on publicity and education regarding the rule of law, which took effect on Nov 1, legal education, as a lifelong education for citizens, should be incorporated into the national education system.根据11月1日生效的《法治宣传教育法》，法律教育作为公民的终身教育，应当纳入国家教育体系。The law stipulates that schools and internet platforms should provide stronger legal education for young people.法律规定，学校和互联网平台应加强对青少年的法律教育。Civil Code《民法典》judge and litigant法官和诉讼当事人legacy support agreement遗产支持协议

President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is willing to work with Spain to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership with greater strategic determination, dynamism and global influence, as he met with King Felipe VI of Spain, the first Spanish monarch to make a state visit to China in 18 years.The four-day trip, which started on Monday, comes as the highlight of a series of high-level interactions between the two countries, following a visit in April by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who made three visits to China in the past three years.Xi said that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Spain have always viewed and developed bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, respected and supported each other, and contributed to each other's success.This has set a model of pursuing amicable ties and common development by countries with different histories, cultures and social systems, Xi said.The Chinese president stressed that the two countries have played an important role in promoting openness and cooperation in the world and in upholding international fairness and justice.Xi lauded the remarkable contributions made by the Spanish royal family in developing China-Spain relations, and emphasized that King Felipe VI's visit is of great significance to the further advancement of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.Noting that China cherishes its traditional friendship with Spain and values Spain's unique role in international and regional affairs, Xi said both sides should further consolidate mutual support, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic guidance, and ensure that bilateral relations always stay on the right track.On practical cooperation, Xi said China is willing to import more quality products from Spain, explore the potential of cooperation in emerging areas, expand mutual investment, and build more signature projects.Xi called on the two countries to leverage their complementary strengths and jointly explore third-party markets such as Latin America.Statistics showed that bilateral trade volume between China and Spain exceeded $50 billion last year, while two-way investment surpassed $11 billion. China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union, while Spain is one of China's key trading partners within the EU.China and Spain should enhance exchanges in culture and education, and support each other in the operation of cultural and language institutions in each other's country, Xi said, adding that China will continue its visa-free policy for Spain to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Xi explained his vision on building a community with a shared future for humanity, saying he hopes that countries could rise above differences in social systems and ideologies, build consensus through dialogue and consultation, and work together to turn the aspirations of people around the world for a better life into reality.During the talks, the Spanish king expressed his pleasure in visiting China and praised the long-standing friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, as well as China's remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation and green development.He acknowledged the role of Chinese investment in fueling Spain's economic growth and green transition, and expressed Spain's willingness to strengthen its cooperation with China in the areas of economy, trade, technology and renewable energy.He said Spain and China share highly similar philosophies on many international affairs, and both support multilateralism and the settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation.Spain highly appreciates the four major global initiatives put forward by Xi, and is going to work with China to respond to uncertainties in the international situation with a view to upholding international trade order and promoting the steady development of the global economy, he said.Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 10 cooperation documents in areas including the economy and trade, science and technology, and education.Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji also met separately with King Felipe VI on Wednesday.Before traveling to Beijing, King Felipe VI visited Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where he attended a business forum on Tuesday.

People from both sides of the Taiwan Strait said that no separatist forces can erase the shared history and national identity that bind people across the Strait, as the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China was commemorated in Beijing.在北京纪念台湾光复80周年之际，海峡两岸同胞表示，任何分裂势力都无法抹去联结两岸同胞的共同历史与民族认同。A grand gathering celebrating the anniversary was held in Beijing on Saturday. It marked the first Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration, following an official designation on Friday by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.周六，北京举行纪念台湾光复80周年盛大集会。此前一日（周五），中国最高立法机关——第十四届全国人民代表大会常务委员会正式设立“台湾光复纪念日”，本次集会是该纪念日设立后的首次纪念活动。Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addressed the event, calling on compatriots on both sides of the Strait to work together to advance national reunification and to firmly oppose all forms of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.全国政协主席王沪宁在集会上发表讲话，呼吁海峡两岸同胞共同努力推进祖国统一大业，坚决反对任何形式的“台独”分裂活动。Wang stressed that the establishment of the commemoration day demonstrated the unwavering commitment of all Chinese people to uphold the one-China principle and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.王沪宁强调，设立“台湾光复纪念日”，彰显了全体中国人民坚定维护一个中国原则、捍卫国家主权和领土完整的不变决心。After the event, several guests from Taiwan said the commemoration had strengthened their confidence in the nation's eventual reunification.集会结束后，多位台湾嘉宾表示，此次纪念活动增强了他们对祖国最终实现统一的信心。Justin Lin Yifu, a Taiwan-born economist and professor at Peking University, said that Taiwan's restoration to China and the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) should be remembered by all Chinese people.出生于台湾的经济学家、北京大学教授林毅夫指出，台湾光复回归中国与中国人民抗日战争（1931-1945年）的胜利，是全体中国人民应当铭记的历史。"The course of history will not be altered by the obstruction of a small handful of people," he said, adding that the commemoration day strengthens pride in being Chinese.“历史进程不会因少数人的阻挠而改变，”林毅夫表示，“设立这一纪念日，进一步增强了我们的民族自豪感。”WuRong-yuan, chairperson of Taiwan's Labor Party, said the establishment of the commemoration day demonstrated to the world that commemorating Taiwan's restoration is the heartfelt, shared wish of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.台湾劳动党主席吴荣元表示，“台湾光复纪念日”的设立向世界表明，纪念台湾光复是海峡两岸同胞共同的深切心愿。"Our shared bonds and memories cannot be severed by any external forces or separatists," he emphasized.“我们之间的血脉联结与共同记忆，任何外部势力和分裂分子都无法割裂。”他强调道。Wu added that the decision provided strong legal and political support for all patriotic forces committed to advancing the cause of national reunification.吴荣元补充称，这一决定为所有致力于推进祖国统一事业的爱国力量提供了坚实的法律与政治支撑。On Oct 25, 1945, the ceremony to accept Japan's surrender in the Taiwan province of the China war theater of the Allied powers was held in Taipei. From that moment, Taiwan and the Penghu Islands were restored to China's sovereign jurisdiction.1945年10月25日，同盟国中国战区台湾省受降仪式在台北举行。自那一刻起，台湾及澎湖列岛重新回归中国主权管辖之下。Shaw Kai-ping, honorary president of the association for relatives of patriots in Taiwan who fought against Japanese aggression, said it was a great honor for Oct 25 to be established as a national commemoration day. Shaw's father and grandfather both took part in the resistance against Japanese occupation.台湾抗日爱国志士亲属联谊会荣誉会长萧开平表示，将10月25日设立为国家级纪念日，是一件意义重大的事。萧开平的父亲与祖父均曾参与反抗日本殖民统治的斗争。"This decision shows that the motherland has not forgotten the people of Taiwan, and that reunification is destined to be achieved," Shaw said.“这一决定表明，祖国没有忘记台湾同胞，统一大业注定实现。”萧开平说。Chi Hsing, honorary chairman of the Reunification Alliance Party in Taiwan, said he had long awaited the establishment of the commemoration day. "As the historical truth comes to light, more and more people are gaining a clearer understanding of what really happened," Chi said.台湾统一联盟党荣誉主席纪欣表示，她一直期盼“台湾光复纪念日”的设立。“随着历史真相的不断揭示，越来越多的人开始清晰了解当年的真实情况。”纪欣说。The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council hosted a reception in Beijing on Saturday, attended by guests from both Taiwan and the mainland who had participated in the earlier gathering.中共中央台湾工作办公室、国务院台湾事务办公室于周六在北京举办招待会，出席此前纪念集会的两岸嘉宾受邀参加。Song Tao, head of both offices, said at the reception that establishing the commemoration day on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration fully reflects the will of the people and the resolve of the nation.两办主任宋涛在招待会上表示，在台湾光复80周年之际设立这一纪念日，充分体现了人民的意愿与国家的决心。"We are confident in advancing the great cause of national reunification and enhancing the well-being of our Taiwan compatriots," Song said.“我们有信心推进祖国统一伟大事业，增进台湾同胞福祉。”宋涛说。Chi Hsing, publisher of The Observer magazine in Taiwan, said the decision reflects the shared aspirations of the vast majority of Taiwan compatriots.台湾《观察》杂志发行人纪欣表示，设立“台湾光复纪念日”的决定，反映了绝大多数台湾同胞的共同心声。"It will carry forward the patriotic tradition, reaffirm that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and inspire pride in being Chinese," she said.“这将传承爱国传统，重申海峡两岸同属一个中国，激发民族自豪感。”她说。Ji Bin, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, said the restoration of Taiwan is solid evidence of the Chinese government's resumption of sovereignty over Taiwan and a crucial link in the historical and legal chain of Taiwan being part of China.中华全国台湾同胞联谊会副会长纪斌指出，台湾光复是中国政府恢复对台湾行使主权的铁证，也是台湾作为中国一部分的历史与法律链条中的关键一环。"No matter how the Democratic Progressive Party and its politicians distort the truth of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, deny the achievements of the war victory, downplay or deny the historical significance of Taiwan's restoration, and collude with external forces to promote the fallacy of 'Taiwan's undetermined status', they cannot distort or undermine the historical and legal fact that Taiwan belongs to China," Ji said.“无论民进党及其政客如何歪曲抗日战争史实、否认抗战胜利成果、淡化甚至否定台湾光复的历史意义，勾结外部势力宣扬‘台湾地位未定论'谬论，都无法歪曲和改变台湾属于中国的历史与法律事实。”纪斌说。In Taipei, the memorial association of the Chinese war of resistance against Japanese aggression in Taiwan and the Chinese Kuomintang party jointly held a celebration on Saturday marking the anniversary of Taiwan's restoration.在台北，台湾抗日民族统一战线纪念会与中国国民党于周六联合举办台湾光复80周年纪念活动。Overseas Chinese from both sides of the Strait also celebrated the commemoration day in various forms. Chinese embassies in countries including the United States, Japan, Brazil and Indonesia held symposiums marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration on the day of commemoration.海外两岸侨胞也以多种形式庆祝这一纪念日。中国驻美国、日本、巴西、印度尼西亚等国的大使馆，均在纪念日当天举办台湾光复80周年座谈会。In New York City, hundreds of Chinese compatriots from both sides of the Strait gathered in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens borough on Friday to celebrate the anniversary.在纽约，数百名两岸同胞于周五齐聚皇后区法拉盛社区，共同庆祝台湾光复80周年。separatist/ˈseprətɪst/adj.分裂主义的，分离主义的sovereignty /ˈsɒvrənti/n.主权；最高统治权jurisdiction/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/n.管辖权，司法权

Two years ago, Taiwan bartender Danny Hsu brought his 12 years of mixology experience from Taichung, a city in China's Taiwan region, and opened Stirred Bar in the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a historical architectural complex in downtown Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province.两年前，中国台湾地区台中市的调酒师许丹尼（Danny Hsu）带着12年的调酒经验，在福建省会福州市中心的历史建筑群三坊七巷开设了“Stirred Bar”酒吧。Hsu enjoys experimentally incorporating fresh fruits, tea, coffee and even unexpected ingredients like vinegar and chili into his cocktails, conveying unique tastes and his understanding of life.许丹尼喜欢在调酒中尝试加入新鲜水果、茶、咖啡，甚至醋、辣椒等非常规原料，以此传递独特的口感和他对生活的理解。His latest creation is a cocktail symbolizing the fusion of cultures across the Taiwan Strait, blending full-bodied Kaoliang liquor, a specialty from Taiwan, with the gentle aroma of Fuzhou's jasmine tea.他最新创作的一款鸡尾酒象征着两岸文化融合，将台湾特产的醇厚高粱酒与福州茉莉花茶的淡雅香气相融合。"The fiery spirit meets the sweet jasmine flowers, just like the ongoing cross-Strait integration," he said.他表示：“浓烈的酒香邂逅清甜的茉莉，就像正在推进的两岸融合发展一样。”Oct 25 marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's retrocession. Since its return to the motherland in 1945, cross-Strait relations have experienced twists and turns, but integrated development has always been the main historical trend.10月25日是台湾光复80周年纪念日。自1945年回归祖国以来，两岸关系虽历经波折，但融合发展始终是历史主流。Fujian and Taiwan are connected by a single body of water, and share the same ancestry, culture and customs, with about 80 percent of Taiwan's population tracing its ancestry back to Fujian. Such closeness gives the coastal province an irreplaceable role in promoting peaceful cross-Strait development and reunification.福建与台湾隔海相望、同根同源、文化相通、习俗相近，约80%的台湾民众祖籍在福建。这种特殊的亲缘联系，让福建在推动两岸和平发展、促进祖国统一进程中具有不可替代的作用。Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has made three field trips to Fujian, consistently emphasizing cross-Strait integrated development.自2012年中国共产党第十八次全国代表大会以来，中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平已三次赴福建考察，始终强调推动两岸融合发展。In his latest tour to the province last year, Xi reiterated the call for Fujian to make greater progress in exploring the new path for cross-Strait integrated development.在去年最新一次福建考察中，习近平总书记再次强调，要推动福建在探索两岸融合发展新路上迈出更大步伐。Statistics showed that Fujian has become a top choice for a growing number of Taiwan businesspeople and young entrepreneurs, thanks to innovative integration policies.数据显示，得益于创新性的融合发展政策，福建已成为越来越多台商和台湾青年创业者的首选地之一。From January to August, Fujian saw 1,653 new enterprises funded by Taiwan investment, with $660 million in utilized capital from Taiwan, the highest among all mainland provinces, according to data from the provincial Taiwan affairs authority.福建省台办数据显示，今年1月至8月，福建新增台资企业1653家，实际使用台资6.6亿美元，两项数据均居大陆各省份首位。In the first eight months of this year, passenger traffic between Fujian and Taiwan surged 36.4 percent to 1.73 million trips, compared with the same period last year, while cross-Strait events saw 28,000 Taiwan participants, a 40 percent increase, data showed.数据还显示，今年前8个月，闽台旅客往来量达173万人次，同比增长36.4%；两岸各类交流活动中，台湾参与人数达2.8万人次，同比增长40%。Chen Lishuang, a deputy researcher at the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Modern Taiwan Studies, said the province has achieved notable results in economic cooperation and social integration with Taiwan through pilot policies.福建省社会科学院现代台湾研究所副研究员陈丽霜（音译）表示，福建通过一系列试点政策，在两岸经济合作与社会融合方面取得了显著成效。While working in Fujian for about 17 years, from 1985 to 2002, Xi attached great importance to Taiwan-related work, tirelessly promoting cooperation and cultivating affection between people on both sides of the Strait, Chen said.陈丽霜指出，1985年至2002年，习近平总书记在福建工作的17年间，高度重视对台工作，不懈推动两岸合作，增进两岸同胞情谊。In 1997, a 102-day tour of Taiwan by a statue of the sea goddess Mazu saw millions pay their respects to the deity across the island, becoming the longest and most influential cross-Strait exchange at the time.1997年，海神妈祖雕像赴台巡游102天，全台数百万民众前往瞻仰，成为当时持续时间最长、影响最广的两岸交流活动。In 2001, limited direct transportation, trade and postal services began between Fujian's coast and the islands of Jinmen and Matsu, administered by Taiwan, and this was warmly received. An exchange agreement signed later that year, by representatives from the two sides, included the one-China principle for the first time, causing a stir.2001年，福建沿海与台湾地区管辖的金门、马祖地区开启局部直接通航、通贸、通邮，受到两岸民众热烈欢迎。同年晚些时候，两岸代表签署的一项交流协议首次纳入一个中国原则，引发广泛关注。"Xi made many statements regarding work related to Taiwan from the historical perspective of achieving the peaceful reunification of the motherland, along with a series of forward-looking and strategic explorations and practices while working in Fujian," Chen said.陈丽霜表示：“在福建工作期间，习近平总书记从实现祖国和平统一的历史高度，就对台工作作出许多重要论述，并开展了一系列具有前瞻性、战略性的探索与实践。”The innovative concepts and practical advancements in Taiwan-related work proposed by Xi during his tenure in Fujian constitute an important source of his later significant discourse on Taiwan affairs, she said.她指出，习近平总书记在福建工作期间提出的对台工作创新理念和实践成果，是其后来关于台湾问题重要论述的重要思想源头。In his speech on the 40th anniversary of the issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, in January 2019, Xi emphasized the need to deepen integrated development between the two sides to lay a foundation for peaceful reunification.2019年1月，在全国人大常委会《告台湾同胞书》发表40周年纪念会上，习近平总书记强调，要深化两岸融合发展，为实现和平统一奠定坚实基础。"Just as loved ones wish each other well, we Chinese should help each other. We treat our compatriots in Taiwan as equals, and will continue paving the way for them to share first the mainland's development opportunities," Xi said.习近平总书记表示：“亲人之间，没有解不开的心结。两岸同胞是一家人，有困难就要互相帮助。我们始终把台湾同胞当作一家人，愿意继续率先同台湾同胞分享大陆发展机遇。”He called for enhanced connectivity in trade, infrastructure, energy and industry standards, suggesting initial projects such as supplying water, electricity and gas, and constructing sea-crossing bridges from Fujian to Jinmen and Matsu.总书记呼吁，要加强两岸贸易、基础设施、能源、产业标准等领域互联互通，提出从福建向金门、马祖供水供电供气，建设跨海大桥等先期项目。In 2023, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, announced plans to make Fujian a "demonstration zone" for the integrated development across the Strait, offering policies like infrastructure connectivity and incentives for Taiwan residents to create their careers.2023年，中共中央、国务院印发方案，决定支持福建建设海峡两岸融合发展示范区，推出基础设施互联互通、鼓励台湾同胞来闽就业创业等一系列政策举措。"Fujian's supportive policies for Taiwan compatriots have given me a real sense of belonging," said Lin Chun-ying, who operates a tea mountain company in suburban Fuzhou and exports high-mountain oolong tea to countries including the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.在福州郊区经营茶山企业、向英国、德国、日本等国出口高山乌龙茶的林春英（音译）表示：“福建对台湾同胞的扶持政策，让我真正有了归属感。”"My father often told me when I was a child that we are Chinese, because he was born on the mainland before my grandfather took him to Taiwan," Lin said. "My father said his mission was to bring us back to our motherland."林春英说：“小时候父亲常跟我说，我们是中国人。因为父亲出生在大陆，后来爷爷才带他去了台湾。父亲说，他的心愿就是带我们回到祖国母亲的怀抱。”Back in the 1990s, Lin and her father arrived in the provincial capital to clear a barren mountain to plant tea.上世纪90年代，林春英便和父亲来到福州，开垦荒山种植茶树。"Growing up, making and learning about tea in Fuzhou, I fell in love with Fuzhou's mountains," Lin said. She has now taken over management of the company from her father.“在福州长大，学着种茶、制茶，我早已爱上了这里的山山水水，”林春英说。如今，她已从父亲手中接过公司管理的重任。Wu Yongping, director at the Institute for Taiwan Studies at Tsinghua University, said that Taiwan lacks the economic hinterland for further development, given its limited population and small local market, but the mainland could offer it a much broader space for growth.清华大学台湾研究院院长巫永平表示，台湾人口有限、本地市场规模较小，缺乏进一步发展的经济腹地，而大陆能为其提供更广阔的发展空间。After the launch of reform and opening-up, Taiwan businesses that entered the mainland have contributed to the economy and have been beneficiaries as well, Wu said, adding that economic ties are a fundamental link of cross-Strait relations, so it's important to keep the link strong.巫永平指出，改革开放以来，进入大陆的台商不仅为大陆经济发展作出了贡献，自身也成为受益者。他强调，经济联系是两岸关系的重要基础，必须牢牢巩固这一纽带。Fujian's "demonstration zone" aims to ease the settlement of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland by leading efforts to overcome constraints on specific matters like obtaining phone cards, bank cards and residence permits, he said.他表示，福建建设“海峡两岸融合发展示范区”，旨在率先破解台湾同胞在大陆申领电话卡、银行卡、居住证等具体生活便利化问题，让台湾同胞在大陆生活更便捷。As a veteran Taiwan businesswoman developing on the mainland for decades, Lin has also become a facilitator for cross-Strait youth exchanges, sharing her experiences on employment and entrepreneurship in Fuzhou with young people from Taiwan.作为在大陆发展数十年的资深台商，林春英还成为两岸青年交流的桥梁，经常向台湾青年分享自己在福州就业创业的经验。She met her husband, who is from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in Shanghai in 2018. They now have two children and live in Fuzhou.2018年，林春英在上海结识了来自黑龙江哈尔滨的丈夫，如今两人已育有两个孩子，在福州定居生活。Taiwan compatriots in Fujiann.在福建的台湾同胞 /ˌtaɪˈwɑːn kəmˈpeɪtriəts ɪn ˈfuːdʒiːn/Taiwan businesspeople (investing in Fujian)n.（在福建投资的）台商/ˌtaɪˈwɑːn ˈbɪznɪsˌpiːpl (ɪnˈvestɪŋ ɪn ˈfuːdʒiːn)/

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will hold its 17th session in Beijing from September 8th to 12th, with lawmakers set to review draft laws, a package of amendments to existing laws and reports by the State Council.

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu unpacks the latest round of PLA purges officially released by the National People's Congress, including high-level Central Military Commission official Miao Hua, and what this means for CCP bureaucratic and cadre politics. Next, Miles forecasts the upcoming BRICS and QUAD summits, and the importance of collective dialogue to address current global security issues and ongoing conflicts. Lastly, Miles comments on the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Qingdao, including geopolitical analysis of the SCO's legitimacy among member nations and implications for the future of the organization under China's leadership.China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future.

Doc 1: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, A Student Demonstration of Sorts in Tiananmen Square (11/21/85) Doc 2: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Government Arrests Student Demonstrators (11/25/85) Doc 3: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, More Student Demonstrations (12/23/85) Doc 4: From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Student Demonstrations Update (12/24/86) Doc 5: IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 1-87, China: Student Demonstrations (01/02/87) Doc 6: IPAC Daily Intelligence Summary 10-87, China: Hu Yaobang Resigns (01/17/87) Doc 7: Memorandum of Conversation, [George Bush] Meeting with Wan Li, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Member of the Politburo, People's Republic of China (05/23/89) Doc 8: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/0289, China: Stalemate Continues Doc 9: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/03/89, China: Police Use Tear Gas on Crowds Doc 10: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 27: Martial Law with Chinese Characteristics (06/03/89) Doc 11: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 28: Ten to Fifteen Thousand Armed Troops Stopped at City Perimeter by Human and Bus Barricades (06/03/89) Doc 12: Cable, From: Department of State, Wash DC, To: U.S. Embassy Beijing, and All Diplomatic and Consular Posts, TFCHO1: SITREP 1, 1700 EDT (06/03/89) Doc 13: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/04/89, China: Troops Open Fire Doc 14: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 32 (06/04/89) Doc 15: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 33 (06/04/89) Doc 16: Cable, From: Department of State, Wash DC, To: U.S. Embassy Beijing, China Task Force Situation Report No. 3 (06/04/89) Doc 17: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/05/89, China: After the Bloodbath Doc 18: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 35 (06/05/89) Doc 19: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/06/89, China: Descent into Chaos Doc 20: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, TFCH01--SITREP No. 37 (06/06/89) Doc 21: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/07/89, China: Tense Standoff Continues Doc 22: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, TFCH01--SITREP No. 38 (06/07/89) Doc 23: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/9/89, China: Uneasy Calm Doc 24: Department of State Intelligence Brief, "Current Situation in China: Background and Prospects" (Ca. 06/10/89) Doc 25: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/10/89, China: Mixed Signals on Purge Doc 26: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, SITREP No. 49, (06/11/89) Doc 27: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/14/89, China: Back to Business, But Crackdown Continues Doc 28: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/15/89, China: Accusation over Fang Lizhi Doc 29: Secretary of State's Morning Summary for 06/21/89, China: Swift Justice Doc 30: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, Eyewitness Account of June 4 PLA Tank Crushing 11 Students and Related Early Morning Events in Tiananmen Square (06/22/89) Doc 31: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, What Happened on the Night of June 3/4? (06/22/89) Doc 32: Cable, From: U.S. Embassy Beijing, To: Department of State, Wash DC, TFCH01: SITREP No. 65 (06/27/89) Doc 33: State Department document entitled "Themes" (06/29/89) Doc 34: State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research, "Status Report on Situation in China as of 07/ 26/89" Doc 35: State Department Bureau of Intelligence and Research, "China: Aftermath of the Crisis" (07/27/89) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the BBC World Service: Asian stock markets have continued to fall as investors raise concerns about the detrimental impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a potential U.S. recession. Then, on the final day of the National People’s Congress, progress on artificial intelligence has been celebrated. And hackers allegedly linked to North Korea have cashed out at least $300 million of their record-breaking $1.5 billion heist from crypto company Bybit.

From the BBC World Service: Asian stock markets have continued to fall as investors raise concerns about the detrimental impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and a potential U.S. recession. Then, on the final day of the National People’s Congress, progress on artificial intelligence has been celebrated. And hackers allegedly linked to North Korea have cashed out at least $300 million of their record-breaking $1.5 billion heist from crypto company Bybit.

From the BBC World Service: Germany's future coalition partners want to relax its strict debt rules in order to boost the defense budget by billions of dollars. We hear more. Then, China announced a target of 5% economic growth this year at the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress. And, a group led by U.S. investment firm BlackRock looks to buy two key ports at the Panama Canal.

From the BBC World Service: Germany's future coalition partners want to relax its strict debt rules in order to boost the defense budget by billions of dollars. We hear more. Then, China announced a target of 5% economic growth this year at the annual meeting of the National People’s Congress. And, a group led by U.S. investment firm BlackRock looks to buy two key ports at the Panama Canal.