New Ideas Lead the New Journey: Promoting High-Quality Development of Water Conservancy to Safeguard China’s Water Security
General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized the goal of comprehensively enhancing water security capabilities. The focus should be on optimizing the water resource allocation system and improving the flood prevention and disaster reduction system in river basins. This requires balancing existing and incremental resources, strengthening interconnectivity, and accelerating the construction of the national water network’s main framework and major arteries. With the arrival of the new year, major water conservancy projects are advancing at an accelerated pace, contributing to high-quality economic development.
Recently, the North Juhe River Regulation and Storage Project in Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, has been under intense construction, with nearly a hundred machines operating day and night. Once completed, the project will provide a flood storage capacity of 70 million cubic meters. This will not only improve Zhuozhou’s flood prevention standards but also provide strong support for the overall flood prevention system of the Haihe River Basin.
China faces a shortage of water resources, uneven distribution, and frequent water and drought disasters. It is one of the countries with the heaviest water management tasks in the world, making the construction of water conservancy infrastructure a long and challenging process.
General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly chaired meetings on water conservancy work, issuing a series of important instructions regarding ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, water security, flood and drought prevention, and major water projects. Xi proposed the water management strategy of “prioritizing water conservation, spatial balance, system governance, and dual efforts.” He emphasized that in advancing Chinese-style modernization, water resource issues must be considered. Cities, land, population, and production should all be planned according to water availability, and industries for water conservation should be developed.
Following three consecutive years of investment in water conservancy surpassing one trillion yuan, China continues to intensify the construction of water projects this year. Investment will focus on flood control projects, key national water network projects, water ecological environment governance, hydrological infrastructure, and digital twin technologies.
Focusing on the flood control system in river basins, this year, the Yangtze River Basin will begin implementing the reinforcement of key levees in Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake, as well as promoting the construction of flood retention areas.
Meanwhile, the Danjiangkou Reservoir project in Yichang, Hubei Province, is progressing rapidly. The sixth section of the tunnel has already been dug over 60 meters and is expected to complete its excavation task within the year. In the Yellow River Basin, a key node in the national water network—the Guxian Water Conservancy Hub—is under construction. Sixty-three pieces of machinery are operating around the clock with more than 200 workers on-site. Currently, the excavation of diversion tunnels is entering a critical phase, with the main tunnel construction set to begin in March, aiming for the complete tunneling by 2025.
Focusing on the new round of efforts to increase grain production capacity, this year, China is accelerating the modernization of over 150 large and medium-sized irrigation districts.
In the Xinyu River irrigation district in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, a newly built digital twin platform accurately monitors every pump station facility within the district and customizes scientific irrigation plans for farmers.
This year, China will further improve rural water supply security systems, accelerate the construction of county-level smart management service platforms, and strive to achieve a nationwide rural tap water coverage rate of 96% by the end of 2025.
To ensure the smooth implementation of water conservancy projects, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party has proposed more specific requirements for the reform of water investment and financing. This year, China will expand diverse financing channels, including long-term special national bonds, local government bonds, and financial policies to support water conservancy.
Rivers and lakes are surging with vitality. Across China, large-scale water projects involving tunnel construction and the sprawling modern irrigation channels are providing strong water security support for the comprehensive building of a socialist modern country.
Revisiting Poverty Alleviation Villages
A New Vision for Rural Revitalization and Prosperity
The “Three Regions and Three Provinces” (the western, southwestern, and northwestern areas) were once key national poverty-stricken regions. During the battle against poverty, these areas focused their efforts on overcoming challenges and successfully joined the rest of the nation in achieving a moderately prosperous society. Now, in the new journey towards rural revitalization, these regions continue their dedicated efforts, strengthening safeguards to prevent a return to poverty, while taking multiple measures to promote industries that uplift the local population and secure their ongoing happiness.
In Azinai Baza Village, located in Jiya Township, Hetian City, Xinjiang, the rhythmic sound of looms fills the air as villagers weave exquisite silk. Situated on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Azinai Baza Village was historically impoverished but has now broken free from poverty due to targeted assistance and a strategy combining “employment + industry.” As the village moves towards rural revitalization, it firmly holds the line against any large-scale return to poverty, implementing “one household, one plan” for monitoring at-risk individuals, and joining forces with neighboring villages to expand the silk industry.
Today, the village has developed a complete industrial chain that spans from silk extraction, dyeing, and weaving to clothing and physical store sales, with products reaching customers nationwide. Last year, the average per capita net income for villagers exceeded 19,000 yuan. One of the residents, Bu Wei Zuo Ri Han Maitihu, who has been working at a local silk enterprise as a sales representative and product promoter, has seen her income rise year by year. She has set new goals for herself this year.
In Bulingou Village in Linxia, Gansu Province, houses are well-arranged, and a rapid transit road runs through the village. In October of last year, a newly built livestock farm opened, and Mahabibu, who had been working outside for many years, returned to work in his hometown.
Bulingou Village, once ecologically fragile and with poor infrastructure, has seen its livestock industry take root with the help of both central and local support. Additionally, industrial workshops from eastern regions have been set up in the village. After shaking off poverty, the village remains committed to the principle of “poverty alleviation does not end with lifting the label”—maintaining responsibility, policies, aid, and supervision even after the poverty status is removed. They continue to support farmers who are still under monitoring.
In Xigu Village in Yuxi County, Sichuan Province, local embroiderers are currently busy fulfilling orders for new designs in Yi embroidery.
Xigu Village, nestled in a high mountain valley, had no industry due to its remote location. During the poverty alleviation period, the village focused on addressing infrastructure shortcomings, and today, the area has undergone a remarkable transformation. At the same time, the village has developed a unique tourism industry, with hiking trails, viewing platforms, and the revival of Yi embroidery skills into a local industry that has lifted people out of poverty and generated income. Last year, the average per capita net income for villagers exceeded 23,000 yuan. The village is now planning to further enhance its tourism infrastructure, with new visitor centers and agricultural experience service centers expected to open by April.
Accelerating the Growth of New Productive Forces in Different Regions
Since the start of the year, regions across China have been actively cultivating and expanding new productive forces tailored to local conditions, injecting strong innovative momentum into high-quality development.
In the Lingang New Area of Shanghai, several major projects have been signed, covering cutting-edge fields such as data economy, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and biomedicine, with a total investment of 42.8 billion yuan. Among these is China Telecom’s Lingang Information Park, which will build a supercomputing center capable of supporting the training of large artificial intelligence models with trillions of parameters.
In Chengdu, Sichuan, a series of major projects have been signed, including those related to low-altitude economy, commercial aerospace, and large aircraft manufacturing and services, with total investment agreements exceeding 51.9 billion yuan. In Qinghai, the “Green Electricity and Smart Computing Integration Demonstration Base Project” is being established in Xining, aiming to build a comprehensive computing power system integrating “computing power, platforms, data, models, and applications.”
Comprehensive Layout of Future Industries
This year, Jilin Province will focus on adapting to the new energy system and the new power system, expanding hydrogen storage applications, and driving the development of the new energy industry, with an investment exceeding 130 billion yuan. Guangxi will focus on advanced materials and high-end equipment manufacturing, aiming to establish ten major pilot platforms and three regional laboratories, with a target of increasing R&D investment by over 10%. Guangdong Province, leveraging its strengths in electromechanical and digital technologies, will accelerate development in artificial intelligence and robotics, promoting the application and demonstration of smart robots in industrial manufacturing, home services, and smart logistics.
Foreign Financial Institutions See China’s Innovation Breakthroughs
Several foreign institutions believe China is making continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation and is building a more complete industrial chain, which will further enhance its international competitiveness.
Morgan Stanley recently upgraded its MSCI China Index rating, citing strong competition from Chinese companies in artificial intelligence, with technology-intensive enterprises expected to see dual growth in profitability and returns, supported by recent technological breakthroughs.
Goldman Sachs’ research report is optimistic about China’s development prospects in data, cloud services, and software and applications.
A report from Loup Ventures also predicts that China’s long-term innovation capabilities will yield more technological breakthroughs, providing increased investment opportunities.
Additionally, foreign financial institutions are increasing their research on Chinese companies. Recent reports from institutions such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, HSBC, Schroders, Deutsche Bank, and BNP Paribas show that they have been conducting frequent research on A-share listed companies across various sectors including electric vehicles, consumer goods, and home appliances.
According to a report from the International Financial Association, foreign investors were active in acquiring Chinese assets in January, with foreign net purchases of Chinese stocks and bonds exceeding 10 billion USD.
Stories of Delegates and Committee Members: He Dan’s Efforts to Improve the Care System for Disabled Elderly and Revitalize the Silver Economy
The happiness of countless families is tied to elder care, and He Dan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has conducted research on improving the care system for disabled elderly individuals, promoting the integration of medical and elderly care, and developing the silver economy. She plans to present related proposals at this year’s Two Sessions.
Shijingshan District in Beijing is a pilot area for China’s long-term care insurance system. After the Spring Festival holiday, He Dan visited local medical insurance bureaus, care institutions, and homes of disabled elderly individuals to conduct research on elderly care. One of the residents, 71-year-old Ren Sizhu, who became disabled due to a stroke, has been cared for by his wife and has been receiving long-term care insurance since 2021.
This year, He Dan intends to propose suggestions on accelerating the inter-provincial integration of long-term care insurance and enhancing caregiver training. Over the past year, she visited Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Guizhou, and other regions for research and communicated frequently with the National Health Commission and the Ministry of Civil Affairs. She has suggested in her reports and proposals to speed up the top-level design of long-term care insurance systems, expand its implementation scope, and has received attention from the relevant departments.
Medical services are also a critical need for elderly people, especially those in advanced age. Last year, the government introduced a series of policies to strengthen the integration of medical and elderly care. At this year’s Two Sessions, He Dan plans to propose suggestions on how to break down departmental barriers at the community level and integrate medical resources.
Aging presents both challenges and opportunities. In the past year, a series of policy measures, such as the “Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy and Enhancing the Welfare of the Elderly,” were introduced to promote the silver economy. Just before the Two Sessions, He Dan visited Shanghai to conduct on-site research on tourism businesses and community colleges, planning to propose recommendations for improving policies that align with delayed retirement and further developing the silver economy.
114 Provincial Regional Medical Centers Established Nationwide
According to the National Health Commission, since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan, 114 provincial-level regional medical centers have been established nationwide. These centers are designed to guide the transfer of high-quality medical resources from provincial capitals and mega-cities to regions with limited medical access, creating “hubs” for medical services within provinces. These centers will focus on diagnosing and treating difficult and critical diseases, cultivating clinical technical experts and leading figures, and driving regional medical technology development. Special centers for chest pain, stroke, trauma, respiratory diseases, cancer treatment, and chronic disease management will be enhanced, extending high-quality medical resources closer to the public and alleviating the challenges of cross-province medical treatment.
Cultural China: Technology Assists in the Protection and Utilization of Ancient Texts
China’s vast and ancient classical texts are a treasure trove of the wisdom, spirit, cultural heritage, and enduring power of the Chinese nation. Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the second batch of National Ancient Books Restoration Centers, marking significant progress in the protection, restoration, and resource utilization of ancient texts. Today, in this “Cultural China” segment, we explore how these institutions are using modern technological methods to assist in the protection, restoration, and comprehensive use of ancient texts, ensuring these precious cultural artifacts continue to thrive and contribute to our heritage.
The Ancient Books Protection Center of the Shaanxi Provincial Library uses various technological methods to aid in the restoration, detection, paper repairs, and dyeing processes. They have successfully completed the rescue restoration of the precious ancient text Guqin Tushu Jicheng. As the largest and most comprehensive multi-volume reference work in China’s history, Guqin Tushu Jicheng spans over 1,000 volumes and 40,000 leaves, encompassing subjects like astronomy, geography, history, philosophy, economics, and politics. Known as the “Chinese Encyclopedia” of its time, it holds monumental cultural and historical value, comparable to other grand works like the Yongle Encyclopedia and Siku Quanshu.
Due to their age, many ancient texts’ paper materials become brittle, hard, and prone to damage. Thus, replicating the paper used in historical texts is critical to restoration efforts. Fudan University’s Institute of Ancient Chinese Books Protection has developed an ultra-thin repair paper, weighing only 1.6 grams per square meter, which closely resembles the paper used during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the restoration process, experts use this paper to fill in missing sections of the ancient texts, seamlessly connecting it with the original material.
Digital technology also allows the contents of these ancient books to become more accessible and easier to understand. Recently, the Capital Library launched its Ancient Books Digital Resource Platform. Through the database, readers can learn about aspects such as “versions” and “bindings,” compare different handwriting styles of the same Chinese characters across various editions, and in “Ancient Texts Parallel Reading,” view real-time conversions of ancient texts into simplified Chinese and horizontal format with sentence breaks. Using AI and 3D technology, the Capital Library has also digitized works such as Peony Pavilion and Tiangong Kaiwu, showcasing the deep Chinese art and wisdom contained within these ancient books in a more tangible and immersive way for readers.
Domestic Broadcast News
“Regulations for the Development and Management of Government Financing Guarantees” to be Enforced Starting March 1
On the 21st, six government departments, including the Ministry of Finance, issued the “Regulations for the Development and Management of Government Financing Guarantees,” which will come into effect on March 1. According to the regulations, government financing guarantee institutions should focus on providing financing guarantees for small and micro enterprises with a single guarantee amount of 10 million yuan or less, as well as businesses in agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. The proportion of guarantees for small enterprises and agricultural businesses should ideally not be less than 80% of the total guarantee amount.
2025 Agricultural Machinery Scrap and Replacement Subsidies Expanded
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration issued a notification regarding the implementation of this year’s agricultural machinery scrap and replacement subsidy policy. New items such as field operation monitoring terminals, plant protection drones, and dryers are now included in the scope of the subsidy, with provinces able to determine specific categories based on their local conditions. The upper limit for the number of agricultural machinery types eligible for subsidies has increased from six to twelve.
China to Continue Expanding Regenerated Rice Planting Area in 2025
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China will continue to expand the regenerated rice planting area this year. A comprehensive list of issues related to the regenerated rice industry chain, including varieties, agricultural machinery, and technology, will be developed to guide local areas in optimizing production. The goal is to add approximately 10 million mu (about 6.67 million acres) to the national regenerated rice area by 2030.
China Securities Regulatory Commission to Support Private Enterprises in Stock and Bond Financing
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) recently emphasized the importance of supporting private enterprises in stock and bond financing in line with the realities of the capital market. The commission aims to improve the multi-tiered market system, cultivate patient capital, and attract more outstanding private enterprises to develop through the capital market. The CSRC also plans to address outstanding debts owed by private listed companies and work with relevant departments to provide financing support to real estate companies while managing the risks of bond defaults, ensuring the implementation of policies that foster private economic development.
Over 130 Billion Yuan Expected to be Invested in Yangtze River Delta Railway Construction in 2025
According to China Railway Shanghai Bureau, investment in railway construction in the Yangtze River Delta region is expected to exceed 130 billion yuan in 2025. Key projects, including the Huai-Su-Beng Intercity Railway, Ning-Huai Intercity Railway, and Jin-Jian Railway, will continue to progress steadily. Four projects, including the Hangzhou-Qui High-Speed Railway and Zhenjiang East Freight Yard, are planned to be completed and put into operation.
139 Investment Projects Signed in Heilongjiang
On February 22, 139 investment cooperation projects were signed in Yabuli, Heilongjiang, with a total investment of over 100 billion yuan. The projects cover a wide range of industries, including digital economy, winter sports economy, biotechnology, energy, and high-end equipment. These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the high-quality development of Heilongjiang’s economy.
More Than 5 Million Hong Kong and Macao License Plates Cross Through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge
According to statistics from Gongbei Customs, since the implementation of the “Hong Kong Vehicles Northward” and “Macao Vehicles Northward” policies in 2023, the number of cross-border vehicles with Hong Kong and Macao license plates passing through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has surpassed 5 million by February 22. The “one-stop” vehicle clearance system has been continuously optimized, with the average clearance time for passenger cars now under 60 seconds.
January Marks a Strong Start for China-Laos Railway Cross-Border Cargo and Passenger Transport
In January, the China-Laos Railway saw a 7% year-on-year increase in imports and exports, totaling 478,000 tons. Cross-border passenger traffic reached 29,000, representing a 63% growth from the previous year. The number of countries and regions sending passengers expanded to 112, marking a successful “opening month” for cross-border freight and passenger transport.
“Nezha 2” Officially Released in Hong Kong and Macao
Starting today, February 22, the film Nezha: The Magic Child’s Sea Adventures is officially being screened in more than 60 cinemas in Hong Kong and Macao. Due to high pre-sale demand, local cinemas have increased the number of screenings from the initially planned 500 to over 800, setting a new record in the film history of both regions.
Swan Migration Begins at Swan Lake National Wetland Park in Henan
As temperatures gradually rise, thousands of overwintering swans have begun their northward migration from the Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park in Sanmenxia, Henan, heading to their breeding grounds in the north. The park is home to 279 species of wild birds, making it a key conservation site for migratory birds.
International News Update
Russia Claims Control Over Two Settlements, Ukraine Reports Multiple Russian Airstrikes
On February 21, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian forces had gained control of two settlements in the Donetsk region. The Russian military also targeted Ukrainian oil and gas facilities and military industrial infrastructure using precision weapons.
On the same day, the Ukrainian military reported 53 combat engagements in frontline areas, with Ukrainian forces holding their ground and repelling Russian advances. Additionally, Ukrainian forces continued operations in the Russian-occupied region of Kursk. Ukraine also stated that Russia launched an attack with 160 drones and two missiles on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Odesa.
Russia Expresses Openness to Peace Talks; Ukraine Seeks Just and Lasting Peace
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, affirmed on February 21 that Russia’s stance on resolving the Ukraine crisis through peaceful negotiations remained unchanged. Russia’s goals are aligned with its national security and interests, and Russia is prepared to achieve these objectives through dialogue. Peskov also stated that continuing to fund the war was both erroneous and futile.
On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukraine is striving for a just and lasting peace, rather than a temporary ceasefire.
US President Announces Near Signing of Minerals Agreement with Ukraine; Ukraine Expresses Concern Over Security Guarantees
On February 21, US President Donald Trump revealed that the United States and Ukraine were very close to finalizing an agreement worth hundreds of billions of dollars concerning Ukrainian mineral resources. Ukrainian officials confirmed that both nations were drafting the agreement, with Ukraine emphasizing fair profit distribution and security guarantees. Earlier, President Zelensky had stated that any agreement related to Ukrainian minerals must be backed by security assurances from the US.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the US and Ukraine may sign the agreement as early as February 22. Other media outlets reported that US negotiators were pressuring Ukraine over access to its critical mineral resources, threatening to cut off Ukraine’s access to the Starlink satellite communication service.
Russian Foreign Minister Criticizes Western Sanctions
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking in Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 21, stated that recent US-Russia discussions did not include any mention of lifting sanctions on Russia. He criticized Western sanctions as a severe violation of their own economic principles, including fair competition and free market mechanisms. Lavrov further emphasized that while obstacles should not be placed in the way of Western companies re-entering the Russian market, Russia would ensure that such processes would not pose risks to its economy.
Palestine Condemns Israeli Military Action in West Bank
On February 21, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that Israeli forces had shot and killed two Palestinian children in the Jenin refugee camp and southern Hebron in the West Bank. The same day, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israeli military actions in the West Bank, calling it “a continuation of the aggression against the Palestinian people.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, during his visit to the Tulkarem refugee camp in the West Bank, stated that Israeli forces were conducting military operations targeting Palestinian militants in the area. Israel has also increased its military presence in the region.
Market Concerns Over Tariff Policies Lead to Decline in Key Economic Indicators
On February 21, data from the University of Michigan showed that US consumer confidence in February dropped to a final value of 64.7, down from an initial reading of 67.8 and significantly lower than January’s 71.7, marking the lowest level since November 2023. Similarly, S&P Global’s report revealed that the US Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index for February fell to 50.4, down from 52.7 in January. Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that businesses were increasingly worried about the potential impacts of the US government’s tariff adjustments and fiscal policy changes. As a result of these economic indicators, all three major US stock indexes saw significant declines on February 21.
German Service Industry Workers Go on Strike
On February 21, Germany’s service sector union organized a strike that disrupted public transport in Berlin, including the metro, trams, and most bus services. Waste collection was also delayed, and workers from the energy and water supply sectors joined the strike. The union stated that the strike would likely expand further. In recent weeks, Germany has experienced multiple strikes, with some participants holding large protests in Berlin.
Heavy Snowfall Hits Japan’s Honshu Island
Due to a strong cold front, heavy snowfall affected several regions of Japan’s Honshu Island between February 21 and 22. In Aomori Prefecture, snow accumulation reached nearly 5 meters in some areas, and parts of Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures saw over 3 meters of snow. Reports indicated that the region of Ishikawa, which had experienced a 7.6-magnitude earthquake last year, was also impacted by the snowfall. Japan’s meteorological department has urged residents to remain vigilant to prevent snow from causing further damage to buildings already weakened by the earthquake. Snowfall is expected to intensify and continue until midday the following day.