Reports on the Performance of Key Political Figures to the Central Committee and General Secretary Xi Jinping
In accordance with the directives of the Central Committee, the members of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat, as well as key leaders of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the State Council, and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, including the party secretaries of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, are required to submit written annual reports on their work to the Central Committee and General Secretary Xi Jinping. Recently, relevant officials submitted their written reports on the work for 2024 in compliance with these regulations.
General Secretary Xi Jinping carefully reviewed the reports and issued important directives. He emphasized that this year marks the conclusion of the “14th Five-Year Plan” and is also a crucial year for further deepening reforms. The tasks of reform, development, and stability are heavy. It is essential to thoroughly study and implement the thoughts of socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party and the 2nd and 3rd plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee, strengthen the “Four Consciousnesses,” solidify the “Four Confidences,” and achieve the “Two Maintenances.” We must unwaveringly implement the policies and decisions of the Central Committee, promote the high-quality completion of the “14th Five-Year Plan” goals, and lay a solid foundation for a good start to the “15th Five-Year Plan.”
It is important to enhance political competence, remain calm in the face of domestic and international challenges, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully and accurately implement the new development concept, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, and push forward high-quality development. We must also deepen reforms, expand high-level opening-up, ensure economic recovery and improvement, and steadily improve the living standards of the people, ensuring social stability. Strengthening party discipline, enhancing ideological awareness, and establishing a correct view of achievements are also key. Strengthening research, strictly enforcing the central eight-point regulations, and conscientiously fulfilling political responsibilities related to party governance are paramount. We must focus on our responsibilities, maintain a hands-on approach, and effectively implement the Central Committee’s decisions as we embark on the new journey of advancing Chinese-style modernization.
Guided by New Thoughts, Advancing Toward a More Stable, Greener, and Efficient New Power System
General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to accelerate the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe, efficient, demand-synchronized, flexible, and intelligent new power system to drive the energy production and consumption revolution and ensure national energy security. At present, China is rapidly reforming its systems and mechanisms, accelerating the construction of a safer, greener, and more efficient new power system.
China’s power supply capacity is growing stronger by the day. In the southwest region, hydropower is transmitted over ultra-high voltage lines, reaching the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas more than 2,000 kilometers away in just seven milliseconds.
The latest data shows that in 2024, the country’s renewable energy generation has surpassed 3.4 trillion kilowatt-hours, exceeding the “14th Five-Year Plan” target ahead of schedule. Today, nearly 40% of the electricity we generate comes from clean energy. China has established the largest clean power generation system and the largest transmission network in the world, together forming the globe’s largest power supply system.
Meanwhile, new energy has emerged as the “main source” of power. The electric vehicle charging and internet data services industries are growing at over 20% annually, further challenging the traditional power system.
How can this world’s largest power supply system become even safer, greener, and more efficient?
General Secretary Xi Jinping’s strategic deployment to build a new power system addresses these challenges from the perspective of ecological civilization, national energy security, and sustainable development. He has visited energy bases and companies to emphasize the development of wind and solar power, balancing hydropower development with ecological conservation, and developing nuclear power safely and systematically. He has also called for rapid advancements in key technologies, core products, and the integration of new technologies, to ensure energy security.
From the beginning of this year, the development of clean energy bases, smart grids, and energy storage projects has accelerated.
Across China, the construction of nine major clean energy bases is progressing. In Gansu, a 700,000-kilowatt “solar thermal + photovoltaic” project is under construction, integrating solar thermal power with photovoltaic systems to maximize the use of solar resources.
At the same time, nine ultra-high voltage projects are being built, with the Longdong to Shandong ultra-high voltage direct current project expected to deliver more than half of its annual power from new energy sources.
The new power system must be smarter and more efficient. The “virtual power plant” technology in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Anhui is accelerating its deployment. As a “power manager,” it integrates distributed photovoltaics, charging stations, air conditioners, and other power loads in the grid, enabling flexible scheduling.
In Hunan, China’s first artificial intelligence “dispatcher” has started operations, using deep learning to analyze massive amounts of data and automatically identify anomalies in the power grid, making accurate decisions in real-time.
To stabilize the power generated by wind energy, energy storage construction is booming, with new technologies emerging. In Nanning, Guangxi, China’s first 100-megawatt sodium-ion battery storage station is expanding. In Rudong, Jiangsu, a 148-meter tall building has been constructed for gravity storage, housing more than 12,000 individual units, each weighing 25 tons.
This year, China’s first basic law on energy—the “Energy Law”—has officially come into effect. It prioritizes the development of renewable energy, enhancing the grid’s capacity to accept, allocate, and regulate renewable power, accelerating the creation of a new power system. By the end of this year, more than 60% of new power installations in the country will be in the form of new energy generation, further speeding up the energy transition. A greener, more stable, and more efficient new power system is rapidly taking shape, offering robust support for China’s energy security and economic development.
Li Qiang’s Research on the Technological Innovation Work of China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile Subsidiaries
On February 25, Li Qiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, conducted a research visit to China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile subsidiaries to inspect their technological innovation efforts. He emphasized the need to deeply implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discussions on building a strong technological nation. Focusing on emerging frontier fields, Li Qiang stressed the acceleration of technological innovation, striving to seize strategic advantages and take the initiative, using technological innovation to lead industrial innovation and better cultivate new productive forces to drive high-quality development.
Li Qiang first visited China Telecom’s Tianyi Cloud Technology Co., Ltd., where he was briefed on the construction of Tianyi Cloud and the development of quantum communication. Li pointed out that competition surrounding the new round of technological revolutions and industrial transformations is becoming increasingly intense. He stressed the importance of unwaveringly promoting independent innovation, advancing breakthrough and leading-edge technologies. It is crucial to push forward the integration of new technologies across various industries, injecting new momentum into industrial transformation and upgrading.
At Unicom Data Intelligence Co., Ltd., Li Qiang was briefed on the development of industrial internet and network security infrastructure. Li emphasized the need to focus on the deep integration of the digital economy with the real economy, strengthen the development of new infrastructure, leverage the exemplary role of leading enterprises, and implement actions to digitally empower small and medium-sized enterprises. This, he said, would expand new economic development opportunities through higher-quality value creation.
At the China Mobile Innovation Center, Li Qiang was briefed on 6G technology research, the development of computing power network scheduling platforms, and other key innovations. Li stated that while accelerating the large-scale application of 5G, efforts must also be directed at advancing 6G technology research and standard formulation, consolidating and expanding China’s leading advantages. He also emphasized the importance of optimizing the allocation of computing power resources, fostering wide access, and providing better services and support for private enterprises and SMEs.
During the research visit, Li Qiang held a discussion session. After listening to reports from responsible officials of China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile, he pointed out that the three companies must enhance their sense of responsibility and urgency. They should focus on innovation-driven development, strive for breakthroughs, and lay a solid foundation for strengthening, optimizing, and expanding their enterprises. This will provide stronger support for China’s goal of achieving technological self-reliance, expanding emerging industries, and strengthening future industries. Li also urged the companies to seize opportunities, actively develop next-generation information and communication technologies, promote the integration of “artificial intelligence +” with manufacturing, and enable digital transformation across various industries.
Li further called for sustained breakthroughs, focusing on weaknesses, increasing investment, and advancing key tasks. He stressed the need for deepened reforms to stimulate vitality and creativity among scientific and technological personnel. Additionally, he urged these companies to take the lead in collaborative innovation and industry cooperation, open up application scenarios, strengthen joint research and development, and build solid support to encourage the active participation of upstream and downstream enterprises, particularly SMEs. The goal is to continuously improve innovation efficiency, reduce innovation costs, and enhance innovation capabilities.
Zhang Guoqing and Wu Zhenglong participated in the research visit.
Wang Huning Chairs the 31st Chairman’s Meeting of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)
The 31st Chairman’s Meeting of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was held on February 26 in Beijing. Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPPCC, chaired the meeting and delivered a speech.
The meeting conveyed and discussed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s recent important speeches and directives. Wang Huning highlighted that the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, attaches great importance to the work of the CPPCC. Xi Jinping has made several important instructions and clear requirements recently, providing fundamental guidance for the work of the CPPCC. Wang stressed the importance of studying Xi Jinping’s speeches and directives in depth, with a focus on ensuring the comprehensive leadership of the Party over the CPPCC, fully understanding the decisive significance of the “two establishments” and resolutely achieving the “two safeguards.”
The meeting called for the implementation of Xi Jinping’s key speeches, including those delivered at the private sector symposium, to guide CPPCC members in conducting broad research and deep consultations on promoting the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy. This would encourage private enterprises to contribute to advancing Chinese-style modernization.
The meeting also called for the study and implementation of Xi Jinping’s speeches during his visit to Liaoning and his discussions with the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government on promoting the full revitalization of Northeast China. It urged further research on key issues and the formulation of valuable recommendations. Additionally, the meeting emphasized the importance of Xi Jinping’s speeches during his visits to grassroots workers and citizens ahead of the Chinese New Year, promoting the notion that the CPPCC serves the people and advocates for a people-centered approach.
The meeting reviewed and approved the list of executive chairpersons and hosts for the third plenary session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC and was briefed on preparations for the session. Wang Huning emphasized the need to adhere strictly to the instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping to ensure the correct political direction of the sessions, coordinate and organize effectively, enhance the role of CPPCC members, and improve the level of advisory and consensus-building work. He stressed the need to unite wisdom and strength, transmit confidence, and ensure the success of the meetings.
The meeting also approved a decision to revoke the membership of Xue Jingxia from the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC, which will be formally recognized at the 10th Standing Committee meeting.
The Chairman’s meeting held its first collective study session for 2025, focusing on “Promoting Rural Revitalization.” Han Jun, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, was invited to give a report.
CPPCC Vice Chairpersons Shen Yueyue, Wang Yong, Leung Chun-ying, and Su Hui delivered speeches on the study and implementation of Xi Jinping’s recent important speeches and instructions. CPPCC Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Wang Dongfeng also provided briefings on related topics.
2025 Cross-Strait Work Conference Held in Beijing, Wang Huning Attends and Delivers Speech
The 2025 Cross-Strait Work Conference was held in Beijing from February 25 to 26. Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended and delivered a speech. He emphasized the need to follow Xi Jinping’s Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the 2nd and 3rd plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee, and carry out Xi Jinping’s important discussions on Taiwan affairs and the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era. Wang stressed the importance of deeply understanding the decisive significance of the “Two Establishments,” resolutely safeguarding the “Two Maintenances,” and firmly controlling the direction and initiative of cross-strait relations, pushing forward the cause of national reunification.
Wang Huning further stated that China must uphold the One-China principle and the “1992 Consensus,” unite the vast majority of Taiwanese compatriots, firmly support the patriotic and unification forces on the island, and resolutely oppose “Taiwan independence” provocations, shaping the inevitable trend of the country’s reunification. Efforts should be made to promote cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, deepen cross-strait integration and development, and allow Taiwanese compatriots to share in the opportunities and benefits of China’s modernization. Additionally, Wang called for creating better conditions for Taiwanese youth to pursue their dreams on the mainland. He also highlighted the need to strongly oppose and curb external interference, consolidating the international consensus on the One-China principle. The leadership of the CPC Central Committee over Taiwan affairs must be strengthened to ensure the implementation of its decisions and plans.
Wang Yi presided over the meeting. Relevant officials from central government departments, military, and other areas also attended.
Wang Huning Meets with Speaker of the Mongolian State Great Hural
On February 26, Wang Huning, Chairman of the CPPCC, met with Gombojav Zandanshatar, Speaker of the Mongolian State Great Hural, in Beijing.
Wang Huning expressed that, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Khurelsukh, China and Mongolia have deepened exchanges and cooperation across various fields in recent years, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. China is willing to work with Mongolia to implement the consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, maintain the political foundation for bilateral relations, and actively advance the building of a China-Mongolia community with a shared future. The CPPCC is eager to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Mongolia to contribute positively to the continuous development of the China-Mongolia comprehensive strategic partnership.
Zandanshatar stated that Mongolia and China are permanent neighbors and good friends and partners. Developing friendly relations with China is Mongolia’s primary foreign policy goal. Mongolia supports China’s major initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China to achieve common development.
Hu Chunhua, Wang Dongfeng, and others attended the meeting.
Vice President Han Zheng Meets with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
On February 26, Vice President Han Zheng met with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, in Beijing.
Han Zheng noted that during the informal meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last November at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, both leaders set strategic guidance for the further development of China-New Zealand relations. Han pointed out that the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership has entered its second decade. China attaches great importance to the relationship and is willing to work with New Zealand to implement the important consensus reached by both countries’ leaders, follow the right direction, strengthen cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, and promote the sustained and stable development of their comprehensive strategic partnership. This will contribute to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in both countries and the region.
Peters emphasized that New Zealand values its relationship with China and is willing to be an active partner, strengthening dialogue, enhancing understanding, and deepening cooperation in trade and other areas to advance the bilateral relationship.
Guangdong Accelerates the Development of AI and Robotics Industry
Guangdong is vigorously promoting the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics industries, accelerating the creation of new high-tech, high-growth, and large-scale industrial pillars.
Shenzhen has recently launched several major projects focused on intelligent robotics technology. This year, the city will support enterprises leading or participating in national and provincial science and technology projects through models such as “Project Manager System” and “Banner-style Leadership System.” One robotics company has recently undertaken a significant national scientific project on the design and industrial application of a robot operating system. Through research and development, the team has successfully enabled various robots of different forms and types to work in collaboration.
This year, Guangdong introduced the “2025 Action Plan for Building a Modern Industrial System” and other policies, focusing on strengthening the industrial chain across model algorithms, core robotics components, advanced materials, and other areas. It also plans to deploy AI and robotics industry-academia-research platforms and accelerate the application and promotion of intelligent robots and key technologies in industrial manufacturing, home services, smart security, and other typical scenarios.
Comprehensive Extreme Conditions Experiment Facility Passes National Evaluation
On February 26, the National Major Scientific and Technological Infrastructure, the Comprehensive Extreme Conditions Experiment Facility located in Beijing’s Huairou Science City, successfully passed national evaluation. This large scientific facility can simulate extreme environments such as ultra-low temperatures, extreme pressures, and strong magnetic fields, while employing ultrafast light-field technology to observe novel physical phenomena that emerge under these extreme conditions. It will assist researchers in exploring the structural properties of matter under extreme conditions and provide a comprehensive experimental platform for research in physics, materials science, chemistry, biomedical fields, and more. The facility began its trial operations for global scientists and teams in early 2023, and over the past two years, it has contributed to many significant scientific discoveries in physics and other fields.
Representative’s Story: Weng Jianping – Promoting Quality Medical Resources to Enhance Local Healthcare Services
CPPCC member Weng Jianping, President of Anhui Medical University and a clinical doctor, has been actively contributing to the development of national regional medical centers. Over the past two years, he has focused on advocating for the extension of high-quality medical resources to improve healthcare accessibility for local communities.
Anhui Province, which has relatively weaker medical resources in the Yangtze River Delta, is a key area for the construction of national regional medical centers. With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field, Weng is particularly attuned to the difficulties faced by patients seeking medical care outside their regions. His proposals for the development of national regional medical centers have gained attention and support from relevant national departments.
Weng noted that the construction of talent pipelines is one of the most urgent issues in national regional medical centers. This year, Weng plans to propose adding comprehensive evaluation indicators for technical output contributions to retain talent. He will also suggest creating research data platforms to promote technological transfer and remote collaboration.
Domestic News Broadcast
Coordinated Development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei: Regional Foreign Trade Value Increases by 34.5% in 11 Years
Over the past 11 years since the implementation of the major national strategy for coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the region’s total foreign trade value has grown by 34.5%, from 3.74 trillion yuan in 2014 to 5.03 trillion yuan in 2024. In terms of exports, the high-tech manufacturing sector has shown strong momentum. In 2024, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region exported automobiles worth 94.03 billion yuan, mobile phones worth 72.76 billion yuan, and wind turbines worth 5.12 billion yuan.
National High-Tech Zones’ GDP Exceeds 19 Trillion Yuan in 2024
According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the GDP of national high-tech zones reached 19.3 trillion yuan in 2024, accounting for more than 14% of the national total. By the end of 2024, national high-tech zones housed 33% of the country’s high-tech enterprises, 46% of the “little giant” enterprises specialized in niche sectors, and 67% of unicorn companies, making them the core hubs for China’s advanced manufacturing clusters.
Financial Institutions Accelerate Spring Plowing Loan Disbursement
Since the beginning of this year, various financial institutions have accelerated the disbursement of funds to ensure smooth spring plowing preparations. Among them, China Agricultural Development Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have each provided loans exceeding 100 billion yuan, with a focus on supporting the production of agricultural materials such as fertilizers and seeds, as well as the construction of high-standard farmland.
Ministry of Ecology and Environment Launches Revision of the “Ambient Air Quality Standards”
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment has begun revising the “Ambient Air Quality Standards,” with plans to tighten key indicators such as PM2.5 and PM10. The current standards, implemented in 2016, have seen their guiding role diminish as air quality in China continues to improve.
Yangtze River Delta Ecological and Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone Defines 77 Key Annual Tasks
The key tasks for the Yangtze River Delta Ecological and Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone in 2025 were reviewed and approved today (February 26). The 77 tasks include establishing a cross-provincial joint review model for urban development boundary adjustments, preparing a second list of land guarantees for major projects in the demonstration zone, and promoting cross-region settlement of elderly care service subsidies.
Cybersecurity Authorities Conduct 11,159 Platform Interviews in 2024
According to the National Internet Information Office, in 2024, the national cybersecurity system took strict action against illegal online activities, conducting interviews with 11,159 websites and platforms. 585 websites were ordered to suspend certain functions or information updates, while 200 mobile apps were removed from stores. In collaboration with telecommunications authorities, licenses or records of illegal websites were canceled, and 10,946 illegal websites were shut down.
Three Gorges Hub Achieves Double Growth in Passenger and Cargo Traffic During Spring Festival Transport
According to the Three Gorges Group, during the Spring Festival transport period, both cargo and passenger traffic at the Three Gorges hub saw double growth. Cargo volume increased by 12.76% compared to the same period last year, while passenger traffic rose by 93.94%.
International News Broadcast
Russia Claims to Strike Ukrainian Military Airports and Infrastructure; Ukraine Reports Russian Attacks on Kyiv and Other Cities
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported today (February 26) that, from the night of February 25 to February 26, Russia’s air defense systems intercepted and downed over 100 Ukrainian drones in multiple locations, including the Krasnodar region. The Ministry also stated that on February 25, Russian forces targeted the infrastructure of Ukrainian military airports, drone production facilities, and temporary deployment points of Ukrainian forces.
On the Ukrainian side, it was reported that Russia launched an attack with 213 drones on Kyiv and other cities on the night of February 25, in addition to firing 7 cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defense systems shot down 6 of the missiles and 133 drones. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces engaged in heavy fighting with Russian troops in the directions of Kharkiv, Kupiansk, and Pokrovsk, successfully repelling several Russian assaults.
Russia Reaffirms Its Opposition to NATO and EU Military Presence in Ukraine
On February 25, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s position that the presence of NATO or EU military forces in Ukraine is completely unacceptable.
Peskov also emphasized the need for the restoration of diplomatic communications between Russia and the United States to address the Ukraine issue and pursue bilateral economic cooperation. He noted that the U.S. has taken a more balanced stance on the Ukraine issue, which Russia welcomes, but expressed concerns that the European Union has yet to show similar balance.
Ukrainian Parliament Passes Legislation Banning Elections During Wartime
On February 25, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) passed a resolution prohibiting elections during wartime. According to a statement from the Rada, Ukraine will hold elections only after “comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace” is guaranteed. Until then, President Zelensky must continue exercising his constitutional powers until the new president is inaugurated.
Israel Considers Extending Gaza Ceasefire; Hamas Declares Non-Negotiable Red Lines on Agreement
On February 25, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Haskel stated that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement could be extended in exchange for the release of Israeli captives held by the Palestinians. He also indicated that reaching an agreement on the second phase of the ceasefire in the coming days was unlikely, as further discussions were necessary.
Meanwhile, Hamas officials reiterated that while new proposals could be discussed, they would only accept them if Israel fulfilled all previously agreed terms, including halting military actions in Gaza and completely withdrawing from the region.
Additionally, Israel delayed the planned release of over 600 Palestinian detainees originally scheduled for February 22. In response, Hamas confirmed on the evening of February 25 that an agreement had been reached with Israel, stipulating that the release of Palestinian detainees would occur simultaneously with the return of bodies of Israeli captives held by Hamas. Israel has yet to respond to this claim.
Israel Launches Airstrikes on Southern Syria
On the evening of February 25, Syrian television reported that Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes on the Quneitra region and the Izra area in Daraa province in southern Syria. The Israeli military confirmed that multiple military targets in southern Syria were attacked. Earlier, Israel announced its decision to remain stationed indefinitely in the Golan Heights and demanded that Syria fully demilitarize southern Syria. In response, Syria’s National Dialogue Conference condemned the Israeli invasion of Syrian territory, a blatant violation of Syria’s national sovereignty, and called for an immediate and unconditional Israeli military withdrawal.
Iranian President Expresses Willingness to Strengthen Bilateral Relations with Russia
On February 25, Iranian President Raisi, during a meeting with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, emphasized the importance of continued and constructive engagement between the two countries. Raisi stated that both nations must accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements, particularly the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran. On regional matters, Raisi noted that both countries share common viewpoints and are enhancing regional and international cooperation through bilateral contacts and multilateral organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. Lavrov affirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing all agreements between the two nations.
UK Prime Minister Announces Increase in Defense Spending
On February 25, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that by 2027, the UK will increase its defense spending as a proportion of GDP from 2.3% to 2.5%, which will raise defense expenditure by approximately £13.4 billion. To fund this increase, the UK government plans to reduce foreign aid spending as a proportion of GDP from 0.5% to 0.3% by 2027. Sunak also stated that if the Labour Party wins the 2029 general election, defense spending will rise further to 3% of GDP.
US Consumer Confidence Index Declines in February
According to a report released by the Conference Board on February 25, the US Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 98.3 in February, a significant decline from 105.3 in January, marking the largest monthly drop since August 2021. Among the five components of the index, the consumer expectations index, which reflects short-term outlooks for income, business, and employment, fell to 72.9, dropping below the 80 threshold for the first time since June 2024. The report noted that a decline below 80 typically signals an impending recession.
US Southwest Airlines Flight Forced to Abort Landing in Chicago Due to Private Aircraft
On February 25, a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to abort its landing at Chicago Midway International Airport after a private aircraft unexpectedly entered the runway. Southwest Airlines confirmed that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft eventually performed a safe go-around and landed without incident. According to reports, the private plane had entered the runway without authorization, and the Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident.