The Politburo of the Central Committee convened a meeting on February 28 to deliberate on the draft Government Work Report that the State Council plans to submit for review at the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress. The session was presided over by General Secretary Xi Jinping.
The meeting noted that over the past year, with Comrade Xi Jinping at the helm, the Party Central Committee has exercised comprehensive oversight and maintained composure in the face of challenges, uniting and leading the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups in successfully achieving the principal objectives of socio-economic development. The national economy has performed steadily with measured advances, high-quality development has been robustly promoted, societal stability preserved, and a new, resolute stride taken toward Chinese-style modernization.
Emphasizing that this year marks the final stage of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the meeting stressed that effective governance requires operating under the unwavering leadership of the Party Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is imperative to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress and the resolutions of the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, in line with the directives of the Central Economic Work Conference. The strategy calls for upholding the fundamental principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, comprehensively embracing the new development philosophy, expediting the construction of a new development paradigm, and resolutely advancing high-quality growth. Additionally, it mandates deepening reforms across all fronts, expanding high-level openness, building a modern industrial system, better harmonizing development with security, enacting proactive macroeconomic policies, boosting domestic demand, fostering the integration of technological and industrial innovation, stabilizing the real estate and stock markets, and mitigating risks in critical sectors and from external shocks. All these measures aim to stabilize expectations, stimulate vitality, propel a sustained economic recovery, elevate the standard of living, preserve social harmony, and impeccably fulfill the targets of the 14th Five-Year Plan—thereby laying a robust foundation for a promising start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.
The meeting also addressed several other matters.
On the afternoon of February 28, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
President Xi underscored that China and Russia, as neighboring states with intertwined landscapes, are not only amicable neighbors but also steadfast friends whose bond has been forged through enduring trials. He mentioned that this year he has already held two exchanges with President Putin, during which they crafted a top-level design for the evolution of Sino-Russian relations and engaged in in-depth discussions on a host of significant international and regional issues. Notably, this year commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Great Patriotic War and the global anti-fascist war, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In this historically significant year, Sino-Russian relations are poised to embark on a series of pivotal initiatives. Both sides must maintain close communication at all levels, fully implement the consensus reached between President Xi and President Putin, and embody the enduring spirit of friendly neighborliness, comprehensive strategic partnership, and mutually beneficial cooperation that defines the new era of Sino-Russian relations. This entails continuously deepening strategic coordination and pragmatic collaboration to jointly foster national development and revitalization, while also enhancing coordination on international and regional matters, leveraging the influence of the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and reinforcing the global solidarity and cooperation among nations of the Global South.
Sergey Shoigu conveyed President Putin’s warm regards to President Xi, emphasizing that President Putin profoundly values the sincere friendship and close ties shared with President Xi. He noted that the relationship between Russia and China has reached an unprecedented level, is not aimed at any third party, and serves as a paradigm of great power relations on the world stage—characterized by mutual trust, equal dialogue, and strategic cooperation that advances the shared interests of both nations. The Russian side is committed to earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the two leaders and steadfastly strengthening cooperation with China. Moreover, he expressed deep appreciation for China’s persistent efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
Minister Wang Yi also participated in the meeting.
The People’s Sentiment of the General Secretary: Safeguarding the Welfare of Both the Elderly and Children Benefits Thousands of Households
This series report, The People’s Sentiment of the General Secretary, today (February 28) features Safeguarding the Welfare of Both the Elderly and Children Benefits Thousands of Households.
On the morning of February 14, the inaugural “Joyful Tour of the Yangtze River Delta” senior travel train of the year departed from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. It journeyed along the Hangzhou–Taiwan High-Speed Railway to Xinchang in Shengzhou, carrying elderly travelers on a well-timed, off-peak spring excursion. To ensure the utmost safety for these distinguished “silver generation” passengers, the train service enhanced its security rounds and provided continuous protection from professional onboard medical staff.
The well-being of both the elderly and the young touches the hearts of countless families and has long been a matter of deep concern for General Secretary Xi Jinping. He has repeatedly stressed that as our nation enters an aging society—with seniors enjoying increasingly longer lives—it is imperative to develop robust elder-care programs and industries. Equally, our children, regarded as our most precious treasures, must be nurtured and educated to ensure their physical and mental flourishing. Strengthening the social security system and enhancing services for both seniors and children are essential undertakings.
With the population aged 60 and above now exceeding 300 million, ensuring that our seniors enjoy a dignified and joyful retirement is paramount. The Central Economic Work Conference has advocated for the vigorous development of the “silver economy,” the expansion of community-supported home-based care, and the broadening of accessible elder-care services. To lay a firmer foundation for “secure support for the elderly,” local governments are diligently establishing a network of 15-minute service centers, thereby ensuring the stable well-being of our senior citizens. This year, building upon the establishment of 75,000 elder meal assistance centers, the state will further invest 300 million yuan to bolster these services, enabling more seniors to enjoy warm meals close to home. Meanwhile, the quality of care for seniors with disabilities continues to improve, with long-term care insurance alleviating the burden on families caring for 2.6 million disabled elders.
The stage for the elderly to contribute meaningfully to society is also expanding. Multiple government departments have launched the new-era “Silver Age Initiative,” creating platforms to match the supply and demand for elderly volunteers. An increasing number of seniors are lending their expertise to areas such as science education and rural revitalization, further enriching community life.
At present, the dynamism of the silver economy is flourishing. Innovative “smart+” elder-care scenarios are emerging, as intelligent management systems and remote security technologies steadily transition from concept to reality. In parallel, a burgeoning “industry-plus” model is taking shape, with sectors including real estate, healthcare, culture, and tourism pioneering integrated approaches with elder-care services.
Ensuring Nurturing Care for the Young
Guaranteeing that every child receives quality care is vital to inspiring a desire for life, addressing childcare challenges, and easing family burdens. According to the National Health Commission, there are approximately 30 million children under the age of three in our country, and over 30% of families with infants and toddlers are in need of childcare services. Through the implementation of major initiatives supporting the establishment of comprehensive childcare service centers, public childcare institutions, and affordable childcare spaces—along with central fiscal support for pilot projects in accessible childcare—the availability of such services has markedly improved for families in need. For instance, in Shanghai, a community-integrated childcare facility known as “Baby House” provides temporary and hourly care services that parents can conveniently book via mobile applications. Nationwide, nearly 100,000 institutions now offer childcare services, providing roughly 4.8 million childcare slots.
Not only must every child have access to nurturing care, but the quality of early education must also be elevated. Recently, the Ministry of Education designated 301 counties (cities and districts) as pilot regions for universal and inclusive preschool education. Numerous localities have enriched their educational environments to encourage children to explore and learn actively. This approach fosters healthy and joyful development through play and daily life, continually enhancing the quality of early education and public satisfaction.
Economic Performance in 2024: Steady Progress Amid Positive Developments
Today (February 28), the National Bureau of Statistics released the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Statistical Bulletin. Preliminary calculations indicate that in 2024, our country’s Gross Domestic Product reached 13,490.84 billion yuan—a 5.0% increase over the previous year—successfully meeting the primary socio-economic development goals.
In 2024, total grain production ascended to a new milestone, reaching approximately 706.5 million metric tons.
Emerging industries are thriving and new technologies are being widely adopted. In 2024, the value added by high-tech manufacturing constituted 16.3% of the output from large-scale industrial enterprises. Notably, the production of innovative products such as virtual reality devices, charging stations, and new energy vehicles surged by 59.4%, 58.7%, and 38.7%, respectively.
A novel pattern of high-level openness has also emerged. In 2024, the total value of goods imports and exports reached 43.8 trillion yuan—a record high—which marked the eighth consecutive year that our nation has maintained its position as the world’s largest trading country in terms of merchandise.
State Council Departments Adopt Over 5,000 Recommendations from the Two Sessions in 2024
On February 28, the State Council Information Office held its regular briefing to update on how State Council departments handled proposals and recommendations from National People’s Congress representatives and members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in 2024.
Throughout the year, State Council departments processed 8,783 proposals from National People’s Congress representatives and 4,813 proposals from CPPCC members, which accounted for 95.1% and 96.1% of all proposals, respectively—all completed within the designated timeframe.
During this process, departments concentrated their strengths and employed innovative approaches, enhancing communication throughout the entire lifecycle of proposal handling. As a result, over 5,000 recommendations from representatives and committee members were adopted, and more than 2,000 policy measures were introduced. These initiatives effectively addressed a host of critical issues related to reform, development, and the vital interests of the people, leading to significant progress in high-quality economic development, comprehensive reforms, the implementation of a science and education-driven national revitalization strategy, rural rejuvenation, and the enhancement of public welfare.
Domestic Broadcast News Flash
- Nationwide Surface Water Quality Continues to Improve in January
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment recently announced that in January the overall quality of surface water across the country was rated as “excellent,” reflecting improvements over the same period last year. Among the 1,642 major rivers monitored, 91.5% of the segments were classified as having superior (Classes I–III) water quality. Notably, the Yangtze River basin maintained an excellent rating, while the Yellow River basin exhibited good quality. - 24 Million Job Vacancies Announced Under the 2025 Spring Breeze Initiative
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, since the commencement of the 2025 Spring Breeze Initiative, a total of 34,000 recruitment events have been held nationwide, resulting in the announcement of 24 million job openings. Additionally, dedicated vehicles, trains, and chartered flights have completed 26,000 trips, transporting 820,000 workers. - State Council Safety Committee Launches Expert Guidance Services for Key Hazardous Chemical Counties
The Office of the State Council Safety Committee has recently initiated expert guidance services for 2025 in key counties managing hazardous chemicals. Focusing on critical tasks such as the oversight of major hazard sources, the program aims to assist grassroots entities and enterprises in identifying and rectifying safety production risks. This initiative currently covers 73 designated counties, with the first expert teams already dispatched to regions including Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. - Joint Enforcement of Spring Fishing Ban Begins in Key Inland Waterways
Effective at 0:00 on March 1, inland waterways—including the Pearl River, Huai River, Qiantang River, and Min River—will enter a four-month spring fishing ban. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs launched a coordinated enforcement campaign today (February 28) to rigorously clamp down on illegal fishing activities and the sale of unauthorized catches. - Chinese Entrepreneurial Delegation Secures Cooperation Intentions Across Multiple Sectors
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade recently organized eight rounds of entrepreneurial delegations to eight countries, including Kazakhstan, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. These exchanges, comprising 35 economic and trade events and hundreds of business negotiations, attracted participation from over 600 foreign enterprises and institutions and culminated in 33 preliminary cooperation agreements spanning finance, energy, automotive manufacturing, digital economy, and other fields. - Domestically Developed AG600 Amphibious Aircraft Completes Pre-Certification Flight Tests
The Aviation Industry Corporation of China announced today (February 28) that its indigenously developed large amphibious aircraft, the AG600, has successfully completed all pre-certification flight test subjects in Pucheng, Shaanxi, marking a crucial step toward obtaining its type certificate. Designed for specialized civil applications such as forest firefighting and maritime rescue, the AG600 represents a significant technological milestone. - Third Beijing AI Industry Innovation and Development Conference Held in Beijing
As part of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum series, the Third Beijing Artificial Intelligence Industry Innovation and Development Conference convened in Beijing today (February 28). Under the theme “Accelerating the Empowerment of AI Across Industries Through Breakthrough Innovation,” the event featured 56 pioneering AI enterprises and 2,442 related companies. A highlight was the launch of the Jingxi Zhigu Model Tuning Workshop, which aims to explore cutting-edge AI applications in education, healthcare, finance, and other critical sectors. - One-Year Anniversary of Segmented Management in Hengqin: “First-Line” Crossings Up Over 30%
Gongbei Customs reported that since the implementation of the segmented management policy in the Hengqin Guangdong–Macao Deep Cooperation Zone on March 1, 2024, “first-line” cross-border vehicle trips have exceeded 2.54 million and those of personnel have surpassed 23.8 million—both registering year-on-year increases of over 30%. Meanwhile, “second-line” outbound vehicle trips have reached 19.25 million, underscoring the steady realization of policy benefits. - Inner Mongolia Launches Integrated Campaign to Unify Desert-Edge Forest and Grass Belts
Today (February 28), Inner Mongolia launched a comprehensive campaign to unite the forest and grass belts along the edges of the Badain Jaran, Tengger, and Ulan Buh deserts. As a pivotal operation under the sixth phase of the “Three-North Shelterbelt” program, the project aims to construct 1,856 kilometers of sand-control barriers in the Hexi Corridor—at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert—and in the “G-shaped bend” of the Yellow River region by July, thereby seamlessly linking the three desert-edge belts. - Ten New Pilot Cities Announced for Comprehensive Electrification of Public Sector Vehicles
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with seven other departments, recently designated ten cities—including Tianjin, Yibin, and Xi’an—as pilot zones for the comprehensive electrification of public sector vehicles. The initiative, covering urban buses, taxis, and city logistics vehicles, is projected to add over 250,000 new energy vehicles and more than 240,000 charging stations by 2026. - Tibetan Communities Celebrate the Tibetan New Year
Today (February 28) marks the Tibetan New Year of the Wooden Snake. Tibetan communities, adorned in festive attire, have gathered to savor traditional delicacies, perform with indigenous musical instruments, and engage in lively Guozhuang dances. Numerous regions have also hosted vibrant cultural performances and a rich array of folk activities, collectively celebrating the occasion and ushering in auspicious blessings. - CCTV’s Artificial Intelligence Building Officially Inaugurated
Today (February 28), the Artificial Intelligence Building of China Central Television (CCTV) was officially inaugurated. This state-of-the-art facility consolidates CCTV’s leading-edge technologies and innovative achievements in artificial intelligence, providing robust support for content production and broadcasting model innovation. It will also accelerate the development of a national high-quality corpus, as well as CCTV’s AI media application platform and data center. Concurrently, the “CCTV Ting Media Large Model 2.0” was launched, accompanied by the release of the “CCTV Artificial Intelligence Development White Paper (2025 Edition).” - Exclusive Interview with Cook Islands Prime Minister Brown Airs Tonight on “High-End Interview”
Tonight (February 28), the “High-End Interview” program on CCTV News Channel will broadcast an exclusive interview with Cook Islands Prime Minister Brown. During the interview, Prime Minister Brown lauded the fruitful outcomes of his visit to China and expressed admiration for China’s remarkable developmental achievements, while also anticipating the deepening of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The program will also be available simultaneously on new media platforms such as CCTV News, Yangshipin, and CCTV.com. - China and Pakistan Sign Cooperation Agreement for Astronaut Selection and Training
In Islamabad today (February 28), the China Manned Space Engineering Office and the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Committee formally signed a Cooperation Agreement on the Selection and Training of Pakistani Astronauts to Participate in Chinese Space Station Missions. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese representatives attended the signing ceremony. This landmark agreement inaugurates a new chapter in Sino-Pakistani collaboration in manned spaceflight, marking the first step toward training foreign astronauts for missions aboard the Chinese Space Station—which is set to welcome its first international astronaut.
International Broadcast News Flash
Russia Claims to Strike Ukrainian Military Infrastructure, While Ukraine Reports Multi-Directional Engagements
On the 27th, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its air defense forces had downed several American-made guided munitions and over a hundred drones deployed by Ukrainian forces, targeting key military infrastructure—including a drone operator training facility. In addition, Russian troops secured a residential area in Kursk Oblast that same day. Ukrainian officials, however, reported that 88 engagements occurred along the frontlines in a single day, with Ukrainian forces clashing with Russian troops in areas including Kharkiv and Pokrovsk.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Asserts Framework Economic Agreement with Ukraine Is Finalized
On the 27th, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bensent declared that a framework economic agreement with Ukraine has been reached and that no further negotiations on the matter will be conducted. He added that on the 28th, Ukraine is scheduled to sign the accord with the United States—a comprehensive agreement covering strategic minerals, oil, natural gas, and critical infrastructure assets. Earlier that day, the Ukrainian government issued a decree authorizing either First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Svyrydenko or Foreign Minister Serbihka to sign the agreement on its behalf.
Russian President Alleges Western Elites Seek to Sabotage U.S.–Russia Dialogue
Delegations from the United States and Russia held bilateral discussions in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 27th; however, neither side issued any public statements following the talks. Later that day, during a meeting of the Federal Security Service, President Putin stated that Russia is in active contact with the new U.S. administration, with both parties committed to restoring bilateral relations and systematically addressing the multitude of issues accumulated during the evolution of the global order. He further asserted that certain Western elites remain determined to sustain global instability, thereby attempting to undermine the emerging U.S.–Russia dialogue.
Egypt Reports Stakeholders Have Initiated Consultations on a Gaza Ceasefire
Mediating the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Egypt announced on the 27th that delegations from Israel, Qatar, and other entities have arrived in Cairo to commence consultations regarding a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Foreign Minister Sar indicated on the same day that Israel had previously expressed its readiness to extend the ceasefire, with further details to be released once the delegations return from Egypt.
EU Leaders Rally in Response to U.S. Tariff Threats
In reaction to the U.S. government’s declaration that it will impose a 25% tariff on EU goods, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez stated on the 27th that the European Union will resolutely defend its interests and oppose any attempts to attack the European economy through unjust tariffs. On the same day, French Minister of Economy and Finance Lombard warned that should the U.S. implement additional tariffs, the EU will respond in kind. Addressing President Trump’s criticisms of the EU, Polish Prime Minister Tusk remarked that the Union was not founded for “extortion” but to “foster free and fair trade.” Moreover, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany cautioned on the 27th that U.S. tariff hikes would likely precipitate economic contractions in both the EU and the United States while exacerbating inflationary pressures.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Highlights Acute Shortage of Air Traffic Controllers
The Federal Aviation Administration recently announced a new recruitment drive to bolster its cadre of air traffic controllers and enhance aviation safety. On the 27th, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that the shortage of air traffic controllers has persisted for over a decade, necessitating urgent hiring and streamlined recruitment processes. Media reports indicate that the current number of FAA controllers is approximately 10% lower than in 2012—a situation unfolding amid a series of recent air accidents and mid-air incidents.
Czech Farmers Protest Against EU Agricultural Policies
On the 27th, Czech farmers mobilized hundreds of tractors nationwide in a large-scale demonstration to voice their discontent over the importation of food from non-EU countries. Several protests at border crossings led to significant traffic congestion. Since last year, farmers across various European nations have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest EU agricultural policies, particularly those perceived as favoring Ukrainian produce.