China’s Success in Strengthening Poverty Alleviation Outcomes
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China’s efforts to consolidate and expand the results of poverty alleviation while transitioning toward rural revitalization have yielded positive outcomes. Notably, the country has successfully avoided widespread poverty recurrence.
Since the transition period began, over 5.4 million individuals in poverty-stricken areas have stabilized and eliminated the risk of falling back into poverty. Support measures for the remaining monitoring targets have also been implemented, ensuring that the risks are generally manageable. The central government has allocated a total of 673.1 billion yuan (about 93 billion USD) in transition funding, promoting sustainable industrial development, increasing the employment scale of former poverty-stricken laborers, and ensuring that rural residents’ per capita disposable income in poverty-stricken counties has grown at a rate higher than the national average for four consecutive years.
This year marks the final year of the five-year transition period, during which local governments and departments will leverage big data information systems to optimize and refine monitoring and support mechanisms aimed at preventing the recurrence of poverty.
In terms of industrial support, efforts are being made to fully develop county-level specialty industries, particularly focusing on the improvement of agricultural product processing, storage, preservation, and cold chain logistics. In terms of employment support, targeted actions to prevent poverty through employment are ongoing, including labor cooperation between eastern and western regions, public welfare jobs in rural areas, and employment assistance workshops. These efforts aim to stabilize the employment of more than 30 million people.
For the 160 key counties receiving support for rural revitalization, as well as 35,000 resettlement areas for relocated populations, efforts to provide support continue to intensify, ensuring that the bottom line against large-scale poverty recurrence remains secure.
Accelerating Infrastructure Development in Western China
This year, a number of major infrastructure projects in Western China have been moving forward at an accelerated pace.
With the principle of “development through open transport,” significant efforts are being made to establish the new land and sea transport corridor in the region. One such project is the construction of the Guangxi section of the Huangtung-Baise Railway, a key artery of the West’s new transport route. More than 2,800 workers are engaged in this project, striving to complete the construction of 33 tunnels by mid-year. The Huang-Bai Railway is expected to be operational by 2028, providing a convenient transport link from northern Guizhou to the northern Gulf of Guangxi.
The country’s major water conservancy projects are also progressing rapidly. In Yunnan, the Honghe section of the Dianzhong Water Diversion Project is accelerating. This water diversion project, the largest of its kind under construction in China, will span over 664 kilometers once completed, greatly improving water access for over 11 million people in central Yunnan.
In terms of new infrastructure, the development of digital technologies is accelerating in Western China. The Qīngyáng (庆阳) Data Center Cluster, part of the “Eastern Data, Western Computing” initiative, is now operational, with over 31,000 standard server racks installed and a total computing power reaching 50 petaflops (P). This is expected to expand to 100 petaflops by the end of this year, serving the computing needs of key regions like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
A Cultural Revival through “Village” Initiatives
In recent years, a wave of grassroots cultural events—such as “Village Basketball” (村BA), “Village Super League” (村超), and “Village New Year’s Eve” (村晚)—has been sweeping through rural areas, igniting interest in local culture. One such case is the transformation of Rongjiang County in Guizhou, where the “Village Super League” has become a cultural sensation, integrating local intangible cultural heritage, traditional clothing, and regional cuisine into sports events. The result has been a surge in tourism revenue, reaching over 10 billion yuan in the past year.
However, as noted by NPC delegate Méng Àijūn (蒙爱军), for these events to continue thriving, a refined “Sports + Intangible Heritage” model needs further development. Méng, during his research, visited Baibei Village, which, just a decade ago, was a remote impoverished area but is now benefiting from increased tourist traffic due to its connection to the “Village Super League.”
At the same time, Méng emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting traditional cultures to infuse vitality into rural revitalization. His proposal for the 2023 National People’s Congress aims to further elevate rural cultural brands, encouraging a modern take on ancient traditions.
Tourism in Post-Holiday Period Remains Hot
As the Chinese New Year holiday ends, many travelers are opting for off-peak vacations, keeping the tourism market vibrant. According to online tourism platforms, ticket and hotel bookings are still high, with an increasing trend for off-peak travel.
Popular destinations include Harbin in the Northeast, where the Ice and Snow Festival continues to draw crowds. In Hainan, classic water activities like dragon boat rides in Yalong Bay remain in high demand. Meanwhile, in Sanya, post-holiday occupancy rates for boutique guesthouses have hit 90%.
Interestingly, the elderly population, or the “silver generation,” is now a leading force in post-holiday tourism. There has been a 34% increase in bookings from travelers aged 60 and above, highlighting the growing appeal of cultural and natural experiences.
A Booming Auto Market Amid New Policies
Typically a slow period for car sales, the Chinese New Year holiday has seen a surge in the automobile market this year, thanks to the expansion of the “trade-in for new” subsidy policies. According to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, January saw a 3.3% increase in production and a 0.8% increase in sales, with electric vehicles showing a remarkable 29% growth in both production and sales.
Artificial Intelligence Industry Booms Nationwide
Across China, the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is rapidly expanding. In Chengdu, a leading robotics firm is testing AI applications at a frenetic pace, from robotic arms sorting items to humanoid robots climbing stairs. As part of the “Smart East, Data West” initiative, Chengdu has established over 60 AI-related innovation platforms, and the city’s AI industry is expected to exceed 100 billion yuan by 2024.
Not only in Chengdu but across the country, cities like Dongguan, Henan, and Chongqing are actively promoting AI integration in manufacturing and other industries. This push reflects China’s broader commitment to leveraging AI technologies to drive innovation and economic growth.
2025.2.18 Domestic News Broadcast Highlights
Documentary Film “Your Voice” Hits Theaters Today
The documentary film “Your Voice”, produced and co-financed by China Central Television (CCTV), officially opens to the public nationwide today (February 18). The film focuses on Beijing’s “Jie Su Ji Ban” (接诉即办) system, a service that efficiently handles public complaints and requests. Through the flow of service tickets on Beijing’s 12345 hotline, the film ties together various public welfare scenarios, such as the renovation of old residential neighborhoods, to tell the story of how “China’s Governance” plays out in Beijing. On its opening day, “Your Voice” was shown in 270 theaters across the capital.
New Action Plan for High-Quality Development of New Energy Storage Manufacturing Released
A new action plan for the high-quality development of the new energy storage manufacturing sector was jointly issued by eight government departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The plan outlines steps to accelerate the iteration of technologies such as lithium batteries, support disruptive technological innovations, and enhance the supply of high-end products. By 2027, China aims to gain a competitive international edge in the entire new energy storage manufacturing value chain.
China Launches New Batch of “Public Data Application Demonstration Scenarios”
The National Data Bureau has announced the launch of a new batch of “Public Data Application Demonstration Scenarios,” which will be implemented across 13 provinces in Eastern, Central, and Western China. The initiative focuses on integrating multi-source data to support the development of areas such as second-hand car transactions, efficient use of new energy, and guiding tourists at cultural and tourist attractions. The move is expected to foster the growth of new industries, business models, and market trends.
China Strengthens Protection of Major Heritage Sites and Land Use
The National Cultural Heritage Administration, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs have jointly issued a notice emphasizing the need to enhance planning and land use protection for major heritage sites. The guidelines aim to strike a balance between cultural preservation and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the protection of arable land while adjusting the boundaries of permanent basic farmland around major heritage sites to optimize land use.
Chinese Scientists Discover High-Temperature Superconductivity of Nickel Oxides at Normal Pressure
A research team led by Academician Xué Qíkūn (薛其坤) has announced a groundbreaking discovery on February 18: the team has achieved high-temperature superconductivity in nickel oxide materials under normal atmospheric pressure. Previously, nickel-based materials only demonstrated superconductivity under extremely high pressure conditions, over 100,000 times the atmospheric pressure. This discovery opens new avenues for research in the high-temperature superconductivity field.
Chongqing-Kunming High-Speed Rail’s Luozehe Bridge Completes Main Pillar Construction
On February 18, the main pillar construction of the Luozehe Bridge along the Chongqing-Kunming High-Speed Railway was completed. The bridge is expected to be fully connected later this year. The entire high-speed rail line, approximately 700 kilometers long, is projected to be operational by December 2026, cutting the travel time from Chongqing to Kunming from five hours to just about two hours.
CCTV Hosts Special Screening of “Ne Zha 2” at UN Headquarters in New York
On February 17, CCTV held a special screening event of the animated film Ne Zha 2 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event, titled “Ne Zha at the UN,” saw over 150 diplomats, UN officials, and media representatives from various countries in attendance.
Poyang Lake Migratory Birds Prepare for Northern Migration
Poyang Lake, a key wintering and stopover site on the East Asia-Australasia migratory flyway, has seen large numbers of migratory birds gathering as they prepare for their northern journey. This winter, over 700,000 waterfowl were counted during local monitoring efforts. In order to ensure the safety and proper feeding of these birds, authorities have launched joint enforcement and routine patrols across multiple departments.
2025.2.18 International News Highlights
Russia Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Military Ports; Ukraine Says It’s Halting Russian Advances
On February 17, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces had gained control of a settlement near Kharkiv (Hā’ěr kè fū, 哈尔科夫) and had launched strikes on Ukrainian military airfields, port infrastructure, and drone manufacturing workshops. In response, Ukraine announced that fighting in the areas of Kharkiv and Pokrovsk (Bō kè luō fū sī kè, 波克罗夫斯克) was ongoing, with Ukrainian forces taking all necessary measures to halt the Russian advance.
International Oil Pipeline Attacked by Drones in Russia
On February 17, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (Lǐ hǎi Guǎngdào Jítuán Gōngsī, 里海管道集团公司) reported that a drone attack had targeted one of its oil pumping stations in southern Russia, causing a reduction in the pipeline’s oil flow. Russian media speculated that the attack was carried out by Ukrainian forces, though Ukraine has yet to respond. The pipeline connects Kazakhstan and Russia, playing a critical role in regional energy transport.
Bilateral Talks Between Russia and the U.S. on Ukraine in Saudi Arabia
On February 18, a significant diplomatic meeting took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between Russian and U.S. representatives. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Assistant Yuri Ushakov, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, along with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, were among the key attendees. The talks primarily focused on how to initiate peace negotiations concerning Ukraine and the logistics of a potential meeting between the Russian and American leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Zé lián sī jī, 泽连斯基) stated that any outcomes from negotiations excluding Ukraine would not be recognized by Kyiv.
European Leaders Meet to Discuss Ukraine and Regional Security
On February 17, leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain convened in Paris for an emergency meeting to discuss the evolving situation in Ukraine and broader European collective security. No joint statement was released following the discussions, but reports suggest that there was significant disagreement among the leaders on whether to send troops to Ukraine.
China’s Representative Expresses Support for Peace Efforts
On February 17, during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine, China’s representative expressed optimism about the upcoming pivotal moment for negotiations on the Ukrainian crisis. China welcomed all peace-oriented efforts, including the consensus reached between the U.S. and Russia on starting peace talks. The Chinese delegate emphasized that all parties involved must participate in the negotiations to achieve a fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement. Furthermore, China stressed that Europe, being at the heart of the crisis, must play a crucial role in fostering peace, with a call for a balanced, sustainable security framework for long-term stability in the region.
Israel’s Defense Minister Proposes Plan for Palestinian Evacuation from Gaza
On February 17, Israel’s Defense Minister, Benny Gantz, proposed the creation of a dedicated agency to encourage Palestinians to “voluntarily leave” the Gaza Strip. On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated support for U.S. President Trump’s plan to “take control of” and “empty” the Gaza Strip. However, Jordanian King Abdullah II expressed strong opposition to any forced migration of Palestinians, aligning with Palestinian and international condemnation of the U.S. initiative.
Germany’s Central Bank Warns of Inflation Risks from U.S. Tariff Policies
On February 17, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann warned that Germany, being an export-driven economy, would suffer significant losses due to changes in U.S. tariff policies. Moreover, he cautioned that U.S. protectionist measures would have adverse effects on the American economy, reducing purchasing power and raising production costs, which would negate the competitive advantage of U.S. products. Weidmann also indicated that such tariff actions could further drive up U.S. inflation.
Delta Airlines Flight Crash-Lands in Toronto, 18 Injured
On February 17, a Delta Airlines plane, a Bombardier CRJ-900, crashed while attempting to land at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. The aircraft flipped over, injuring 18 people. The flight had departed from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was carrying 80 passengers. Canadian media reports indicated that the crash occurred during strong winds and snow squalls, with gusts exceeding 60 km/h. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the incident.
Kentucky Floods and Severe Weather Continue to Impact the U.S.
Severe weather conditions, including storms, continue to affect Kentucky, Virginia, and other parts of the U.S. As of February 17, the adverse weather has claimed 14 lives. In Kentucky, more than 300 roads have been affected by flooding, and over 17,000 utility customers are without water. Meteorologists predict that starting on February 18, the state will experience further temperature drops and snowfall, which could complicate the ongoing disaster recovery efforts