Xi Jinping Holds Telephone Conversation with Russian President Putin
On the afternoon of February 24, President Xi Jinping, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, held a telephone conversation.
President Xi highlighted that before the Chinese New Year, he and President Putin had a video meeting, during which they outlined the development of China-Russia relations for the entire year and strengthened coordination on a series of significant international and regional issues. Various departments of both countries are steadily advancing cooperation across multiple areas in accordance with the consensus they reached, including organizing activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. History and reality show us that China and Russia are irreplaceable good neighbors, true friends who stand by each other in times of difficulty, mutually supporting one another, and developing together. China-Russia relations possess strong endogenous momentum and unique strategic value; they are not aimed at third parties and are unaffected by external influences. The development strategies and diplomatic policies of the two countries are long-term in nature. Despite the shifting international landscape, China-Russia relations will continue to progress steadily, contributing to the revitalization of both nations and injecting stability and positive energy into international relations.
President Putin expressed that Russia highly values its relationship with China and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges with China in the new year, deepening practical cooperation, and jointly commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a long-term perspective and is not a temporary measure, unaffected by passing events or external factors. In the current situation, maintaining close communication between Russia and China is in line with the spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era and will send a positive signal about the stabilizing role that Russia and China can play in international affairs.
President Putin provided an update on the latest developments in Russian-U.S. interactions and Russia’s principled position on the Ukraine crisis, stating that Russia is committed to addressing the root causes of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and achieving a sustainable and lasting peace plan.
President Xi emphasized that at the outset of the escalation of the Ukraine crisis, he proposed the “Four Shoulds” as fundamental principles for resolving the crisis. In September last year, China, together with Brazil and several Global South countries, formed the “Friends of Peace” group on the Ukraine crisis to create a conducive atmosphere and accumulate conditions for a political resolution. China welcomes the positive efforts made by Russia and other parties to resolve the crisis.
Both sides agreed to continue communication and coordination through various means.
14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee Holds 14th Session in Beijing
On the morning of February 24, the 14th Session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) convened its first plenary meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, chaired by Chairman Zhao Leji.
The meeting heard a report from Xin Chunying, Chairman of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, on the draft amendments to the Private Economy Promotion Law. The second draft of the bill further reflects the Communist Party’s requirements for building a high-level socialist market economy system and optimizing the development environment for the private economy. It also includes provisions requiring the State Council and local governments at the county level or above to regularly report to their respective NPC Standing Committees on the development of the private economy; enriches and improves legal protections; and includes provisions on the role of industry associations and chambers of commerce in promoting the private economy.
To protect the country’s airspace sovereignty and civil aviation rights, ensure the safe and orderly conduct of civil aviation activities, and safeguard the legal rights and interests of all parties involved, the State Council proposed a draft revision of the Civil Aviation Law. On behalf of the State Council, Minister of Transport Liu Wei provided an explanation.
An important task of this Standing Committee meeting was to prepare for the upcoming 3rd session of the 14th NPC. The meeting reviewed the draft work report of the NPC Standing Committee and discussed the proposed agenda for the 3rd session of the 14th NPC, along with drafts of the Presidium and Secretary-General lists and the list of attendees.
The meeting also reviewed a report from Yang Xiaochao, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee’s Credentials Committee, on the qualifications of certain representatives, as well as various appointment and dismissal matters.
The 39th Chairman’s Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress Held, with Reports on Drafts and Proposals Reviewed, Chaired by Zhao Leji
The 39th Chairman’s Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress was held on the afternoon of February 24 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Zhao Leji.
The meeting heard reports from Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee, on the review of the draft agenda for the 3rd session of the 14th National People’s Congress, the draft lists for the Presidium and Secretary-General, the list of attendees, as well as the report on the qualifications of certain representatives and the review of appointment and dismissal proposals.
The Chairman’s Meeting decided to submit the aforementioned drafts and proposals for further review by the Standing Committee.
Deepening Rural Reform and Energizing Rural Revitalization
On February 24, the State Council Information Office held a press conference where officials from the Central Financial and Economic Commission and the Central Rural Work Leading Group provided insights into the Central No. 1 Document of this year, explaining efforts to deepen rural reform and advance comprehensive rural revitalization.
This year’s Central No. 1 Document marks the 13th consecutive document issued since the 18th Party Congress to guide “agriculture, rural areas, and farmers” (the “Three Rural Issues”). It reflects the Party’s ongoing high regard for rural work. The document sets a clear focus on advancing comprehensive rural revitalization and building a strong agricultural nation, offering a systematic blueprint for current and future rural work. The overall framework is summarized as “Two Continuals and Four Focuses.”
The “Two Continuals” refer to continuously enhancing the supply and security of important agricultural products, such as grain, and maintaining and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation. These are the fundamental tasks for advancing rural revitalization, ensuring national food security, and preventing mass poverty recurrence.
The “Four Focuses” emphasize the importance of: strengthening county-level industries that promote wealth, advancing rural construction, improving rural governance systems, and ensuring adequate resource allocation and optimization of systems. These are the key tasks for driving the full revitalization of rural areas.
Visiting Poverty-Alleviated Villages and the New Landscape of Rural Revitalization: Strengthening Talent Support for Rural Development
On the new journey of rural revitalization, localities are continuously refining policy support, strengthening skills training, and leveraging the talents in rural areas to drive revitalization.
In the vegetable greenhouses of Xiafan Village in Xiji County, Ningxia, returning entrepreneurs are providing guidance to local farmers. During the poverty alleviation efforts, Xiafan Village made full use of returning entrepreneurs and agricultural technicians to help establish an industrial structure focused on cool-season vegetables and beef cattle breeding. Since the beginning of the year, Xiafan Village has built more than 20 new vegetable greenhouses, helping villagers increase their income.
Including Xiafan Village, Xiji County now attracts more than 1,000 young people every year who return to start businesses. Some bring high-quality seedlings to boost crop yields, while others introduce advanced technologies to help modernize agriculture. In 2024, Xiji County organized nine supporting industry groups, establishing over 180 mentoring pairs and training more than 1,400 local “experts” and “talents.”
Rural revitalization hinges on human resources. Recently, Kashidai Village in Qinghai’s Haidong City held a ramen skills training session. During poverty alleviation, Kashidai Village leveraged the ramen industry as a key focus, utilizing the model of “skills development, talent return, and industry strengthening” to help lift people out of poverty while activating rural talent revitalization. As a leader in village prosperity, 43-year-old Ma Junhai is now also a ramen skills trainer.
With a skilled profession in hand, the villagers of Kashidai Village now operate over 150 ramen shops, with an average annual income of around 200,000 yuan per household. The village of Kashidai is part of Hualong County, where a model combining “training + employment + services” has established 23 village-level ramen training centers and an online training platform, the “Ramen Cloud Classroom,” serving over 10,000 people annually. The ramen industry has become a key source of wealth for the local community.
In the old eagle tea base of Yutian Village in Wuxi County, Chongqing, a bustling scene unfolds as experts from the Chongqing Institute of Forestry Science are guiding the transplanting of seedlings. Since 2019, Yutian Village, located deep in the Daba Mountains, has achieved complete poverty alleviation through industry and employment support. Over the past few years, various talent policies such as the Science and Technology Special Task Force and key rural revitalization support teams have been implemented, providing a solid talent base for rural revitalization and assisting in local industrial development.
China Achieves Annual Air Pollution Control Targets
According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, air quality across the nation improved in 2024, with the country successfully meeting all its air pollution control targets for the year.
The national air quality showed significant improvement in 2024. The concentration of PM2.5 dropped to 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter, a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. The proportion of days with good air quality rose to 87.2%, an increase of 1.7 percentage points. The percentage of days with severe or worse pollution decreased to 0.9%, a reduction of 0.7 percentage points. All three of these restrictive indicators surpassed the annual targets.
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment stated that efforts to combat air pollution in key regions, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Fenwei Plain, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region, will be intensified in 2025. The goal is to eliminate severe pollution events in these areas.
This year, the ministry will also encourage local governments to continue enhancing the performance classification of key industries, improve emergency emission reduction lists, enhance forecasting and early-warning capabilities, and further promote air quality improvement.
Marine Economy Shows Strong Growth, Surpassing 10 Trillion Yuan for the First Time
On February 24, the Ministry of Natural Resources released the 2024 China Marine Economy Statistical Bulletin. The report reveals that China’s marine economy reached a new milestone in 2024, surpassing 10 trillion yuan for the first time.
In 2024, the total value of China’s marine economy surged to 10.5438 trillion yuan, reflecting a 5.9% growth from the previous year, contributing 0.4 percentage points to national economic growth. Offshore wind power entered a new phase of large-scale and cluster development, with electricity generation from offshore wind farms increasing nearly 30% compared to the previous year, supporting the green and low-carbon development of the economy and society. Progress was also made in the construction of the “blue granary,” with the marine fishery industry generating a value of 488 billion yuan, a 4.0% increase from last year.
Additionally, the marine services industry played a significant role in driving the marine economy. In 2024, the added value of the marine services sector reached 6.2849 trillion yuan, contributing 3.6 percentage points to the growth of the marine economy. The growth rate of emerging marine industries was notably higher, surpassing the overall growth of marine GDP by 1.3 percentage points. China’s first 100-kilowatt pneumatic wave power generation equipment, Huaqing, was successfully launched, and the Fengjin tidal energy generator set achieved a cumulative grid connection of over 4.5 million kilowatt-hours.
Private Enterprises Accelerate Entry into Emerging Sectors
A number of private enterprises are rapidly entering new sectors, making forward-looking investments in next-generation artificial intelligence and other emerging industries. These companies are leading the charge with technological innovations, injecting strong momentum into high-quality economic development.
Recently, BYD announced it would invest 100 billion yuan in the intelligent mobility sector, accelerating the adoption of intelligent driving technologies. Alibaba Group, on February 24, revealed plans to invest over 380 billion yuan over the next three years to build cloud and AI hardware infrastructure.
From smart manufacturing to green technologies, and from the digital economy to biomedicine, private enterprises are becoming a key driving force behind China’s high-quality economic development. According to data, in 2024, China’s top 500 private enterprises held a total of 667,000 valid patents, a 9.4% year-on-year increase, demonstrating nearly double-digit growth.
This year, the government will further reduce barriers to market access for private enterprises, encouraging them to actively participate in key areas such as “new infrastructure” and “new industries.” By 2026, the government plans to focus on supporting the high-quality development of over 5,000 specialized and innovative “little giant” enterprises.
Technology Fuels Spring Plowing and Crop Management Across the Country
At present, various regions are seizing the farming season, leveraging technological advancements to efficiently advance spring plowing and crop management efforts.
Spring plowing preparations in the Northeast are progressing in an orderly fashion. In Jilin Province’s Da’an saline-alkali land improvement pilot site, fertilizing vehicles are dispersing organic fertilizers. This year, the local area is utilizing digitalized farmland management to enable real-time monitoring of the fertilization process, ensuring precision and efficiency. Jilin Province aims to develop 1.66 million acres of saline-alkali land and other reserve farmland resources this year.
In the South, rice seedling cultivation is accelerating. In areas such as Kaizhou District of Chongqing and Xingye in Guangxi, the sound of machinery fills the air as rice seedling workshops are busy. After processes like tray loading, soil spreading, watering, and seeding, trays of seedlings are produced rapidly, significantly enhancing the efficiency and quality of seedling preparation. This year, Guangdong is vigorously promoting centralized rice seedling cultivation, with a total seedling area exceeding 2 million acres. In Guangzhou, Guangdong, modernized seedling beds are managed by an intelligent IoT control system, ensuring that each seedling tray receives a uniform and appropriate amount of light, heat, and water to guarantee seedling quality.
Spring crop management is also underway across the country. In Henan, 85 million acres of wheat are gradually entering the green-up phase. In Hebi’s Qi County, fertilizing vehicles are applying supplementary fertilizer to the wheat. Using BeiDou satellite positioning, vehicle data is transmitted in real-time to a smart center, aiding farmers in scientifically managing their crops. In Xichong County, Sichuan, more than 200 plant protection drones are deployed to control pests and diseases in wheat fields, covering 50,000 acres per day—an efficient and convenient approach. In Huai’an, Jiangsu, farmers can upload real-time data of wheat growth to a digital platform via smartphones, allowing agricultural experts to provide timely guidance for field management.
Legislative Representatives and Their Stories: Wei Jun Focuses on Integrating Sports and Health for Nationwide Well-being
Wei Jun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and a teacher at Guangxi Sports Vocational College, has long been dedicated to promoting grassroots sports. Over the past year, during his research, he has continually explored new models to integrate physical exercise with health management at the grassroots level.
As the National Two Sessions approach, Wei Jun visited the Nanning Railway Cultural Palace to continue refining his proposal. He discovered that many elderly individuals suffering from chronic diseases are now using “exercise prescriptions” as part of their fitness routines. Under the guidance of doctors, they dynamically adjust their medication and exercise plans to reduce dependence on medications.
During last year’s Two Sessions, Wei Jun proposed the establishment of an exercise prescription system tailored to grassroots needs, to accelerate the construction of public fitness services at the grassroots level. This proposal received positive responses from the General Administration of Sport and the National Health Commission, and was selected as one of the “Top Proposals” for the 2024 CPPCC Annual Sessions.
In the past year, several regions, including Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Guangxi, have explored integrating physical exercise with health management systems at the grassroots level. Community health service centers are now equipped with professional exercise facilities, and experts issue “exercise prescriptions” to local residents, yielding positive results.
With the implementation of the Healthy China and National Fitness strategies, the slogan “exercise more, get sick less” has become a shared social value and an individual commitment. Through in-depth research, Wei Jun has identified a key challenge: the shortage of professionals to guide exercise interventions. To address this, Guangxi Sports Vocational College has introduced new courses to cultivate professionals who are skilled in both medicine and sports.
Cultural Industries Continue to Heat Up, Driving the Upgrading of Service Consumption
Since the beginning of this year, cultural industries such as film and tourism have been experiencing significant growth, driving the enhancement and upgrading of service consumption in China.
Although the Spring Festival holiday has long passed, the popularity of films during the holiday season remains high, with box office revenues consistently reaching new records. Many moviegoers have returned to large-screen theaters for a second or third viewing to experience ultra-clear, high-definition visuals. In Guiyang, a cinema has updated its IMAX-GT screen, the largest in Asia, and has topped the national box office for several consecutive days.
The rising film box office has not only boosted cinema attendance but also spurred various new activities, such as “movie-inspired travel” and “movie-themed dining,” which have generated new growth opportunities in the food and tourism sectors. Tourist destinations like Xi’an in Shaanxi, Yin Xu in Henan, and Lelun in Shandong have seen a significant uptick in visitor numbers. Data shows that searches for “hotels near cinemas” and “restaurants near cinemas” doubled during movie screenings.
The film boom has also fueled the growth of industries related to cultural innovation and creative products, such as collectible toys. For example, Nezha 2 has seen its peripheral products form a full industrial chain from creative IP to design, production, and retail. A licensed cultural enterprise in Hunan has set up a dedicated production line for Nezha merchandise, sending approximately 250,000 figurines nationwide every day.
Since the beginning of this year, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, ice and snow tourism, and other cultural consumption activities have continued to evolve. New cultural and tourism spaces featuring ultra-high-definition, immersive, and interactive experiences are expanding. Currently, the annual operating revenue of large-scale cultural enterprises in China has surpassed 14 trillion yuan.
Domestic Broadcast Highlights
2025 National Data Resources Statistical Survey Officially Launched
According to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics on February 24, the 2025 National Data Resources Statistical Survey has officially commenced. The survey covers categories such as public data, corporate data, financial data, and scientific data, and encompasses key areas including data production, storage, processing, circulation, and security. For the first time, the survey will also include the investment in and application outcomes of artificial intelligence in data resource development.
Largest Cross-Sea Bridge Project in Northeast China Launched
On February 24, the largest cross-sea bridge project in Northeast China—the Changhai Bridge project—was launched in Dalian, Liaoning. The project spans approximately 25.5 kilometers, connecting Changhai County and Pulandian District in Dalian. With a designed speed of 80 kilometers per hour, it will serve as the reserved cross-sea passage for National Highway G507. The bridge is scheduled for completion and opening in 2029, and once operational, it will provide significant support for the development of the region’s island areas.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Terminal 1 Upgraded and Reopened
On February 24, the upgraded Terminal 1 of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport was officially opened. With an annual passenger throughput capacity of 50 million, this renovation comprehensively enhances the terminal’s digital and intelligent services. Domestic flights by Sichuan Airlines and China Southern Airlines will now operate from this terminal.
Guangdong Lufeng Nuclear Power Project Begins Main Construction of Unit 1
On February 24, the main construction of Unit 1 of the Guangdong Lufeng Nuclear Power Project officially began. The project plans to build six nuclear power units, each with a capacity of one million kilowatts, featuring both the CAP1000 and the “Hualong One” third-generation nuclear reactor designs. Once all six units are operational, they will generate approximately 52 billion kilowatt-hours annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 42.69 million tons each year.
62nd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Opens in Hangzhou, Zhejiang
On February 24, the 62nd session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was inaugurated in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Representatives from over 130 member countries, observer organizations, and international bodies attended the session. The report produced from this meeting will provide authoritative reference for the global climate change field, offering crucial scientific evidence to assist governments in formulating climate policies and promoting international climate cooperation.
International News Highlights
Russia Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Command Centers; Ukraine Says It Repelled Multiple Russian Attacks
On February 23, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian forces launched offensives at multiple locations, destroying several Ukrainian electronic warfare stations, ammunition depots, and other targets. Russian forces also targeted Ukrainian command centers, drone operator training sites, and fuel storage facilities. In the Donetsk region, Russian forces gained control of two settlements.
Ukrainian authorities, on the same day, stated that fighting continues, with Ukrainian forces repelling multiple Russian attacks in areas including Kharkiv and Pokrovsk. Ukraine also reported that Russia deployed 267 drones in a large-scale attack on Ukraine, with over 100 of them being intercepted and shot down by Ukrainian forces.
President Putin States Military Operation Goals Are Being Achieved
Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on February 23 that Russia is successfully achieving the objectives of its special military operation. According to Russian media, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that Russia remains open to negotiations for resolving the Ukraine issue, emphasizing that the political will to initiate peace talks must not be obstructed.
Ukrainian President Zelensky Willing to Resign If Ukraine Joins NATO
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on February 23 that he would be willing to resign if Ukraine were to join NATO or achieve peace. Zelensky also mentioned that Ukraine is negotiating with the United States regarding a mineral resources agreement, and that security guarantees should be part of the agreement. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen clarified later that the agreement would not include “military security guarantees.”
European Council President Costa Says Ukraine and European Security at a Crucial Juncture
On February 23, European Council President Charles Michel declared that Ukraine and European security are at a decisive moment. He announced that the European Council will hold a special meeting on March 6 to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defense matters.
The United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council are set to convene on February 24 to discuss the situation in Ukraine and vote on relevant resolution drafts.
Israel Says It Is Ready to Resume Military Operations in Gaza; Hamas Refuses Negotiations Until Prisoner Release is Fulfilled
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on February 23 that the Israeli military is ready to resume intense combat in the Gaza Strip at any time. Hamas, on the same day, announced that it would not engage in any negotiations with Israel until Israel releases more than 600 Palestinian detainees, as per the ceasefire agreement.
Israel Announces Military Presence in West Bank Refugee Camps; Palestinians Condemn Israeli Aggression
On the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israeli forces are prepared to remain stationed in several Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank for the “next year.” Palestinian National Council Chairman Rawhi Fattouh condemned the Israeli military’s actions, calling them an act of aggression against the West Bank.
Israeli Military Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon; Hezbollah Leader Vows to Continue Resistance
On February 23, the Israeli military reported airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military also stated that it has lifted all restrictions on northern communities. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, speaking at the funeral of the group’s former leader, vowed to continue resistance, accusing Israel of violating the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement by failing to withdraw from five positions in southern Lebanon. On the same day, several Israeli fighter jets flew low over the funeral site.
Germany’s CDU Wins Federal Election
On the morning of February 24, the German Federal Election Commission released preliminary results for the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led with 28.6% of the vote, emerging as the winner. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came in second with 20.8%, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD), with current Chancellor Olaf Scholz as its candidate, secured 16.4% of the vote, ranking third. CDU candidate Friedrich Merz declared victory in the evening and stated that Europe must reduce its dependence on the United States and achieve “defense independence.” Since the CDU did not win a majority in the Bundestag, it will need to form a coalition with other parties. Merz expressed hope to establish a new government within eight weeks.
American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Rome
On February 23, American Airlines announced that one of its Boeing passenger jets, en route from New York to New Delhi, was diverted to Rome due to a potential security issue. The aircraft, carrying over 200 passengers, was inspected and cleared by local authorities, who confirmed that there was no security threat. The flight is scheduled to resume its journey to New Delhi on February 24. U.S. media reported that the flight had received a false bomb threat during its journey.