The Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Opened in Beijing
With a spirit of unity and collective resolve, a majestic new chapter is being written as fresh milestones are set for this era. On the afternoon of the 4th, the Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC commenced at the Great Hall of the People. Over 2,000 members of the CPPCC will carry out their duties in line with the strategic decisions of the CPC Central Committee, steadfastly aligning with the nation’s primary tasks. They will actively engage in policy discussions and proposal-making, forging broad consensus and pooling the wisdom and strength needed to advance national rejuvenation and realize Chinese-style modernization.
In the vibrant embrace of a March Beijing, the season of spring was in full bloom. The Grand Auditorium of the Great Hall of the People shone resplendently under brilliant lighting, while an atmosphere of solemnity and jubilation pervaded the hall. The emblem of the CPPCC was prominently displayed at the center of the podium, flanked by ten radiant red flags.
Out of 2,154 members expected to attend, 2,110 were present—satisfying the required quorum. Seated in the front row were CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning and Vice Chairpersons Shi Taifeng, Hu Chunhua, Shen Yueyue, Wang Yong, Zhou Qiang, Papala Gelerangjie, He Houhua, Leung Chun-ying, Bateer, Su Hui, Shao Hong, Gao Yunlong, Chen Wu, Mu Hong, Xian Hui, Wang Dongfeng, Jiang Xinzhi, Jiang Zuojuan, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin, and Yang Zhen.
Also in attendance at the podium were national Party and State leaders—including Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng—who offered their felicitations on the convening of the session.
At 3:00 PM, Vice Chairperson Shi Taifeng formally declared the session open, prompting all to stand and sing the National Anthem of the People’s Republic of China.
The meeting commenced with the adoption of the session’s agenda, followed by a report on the work of the past year delivered by Chairman Wang Huning on behalf of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC.
Wang Huning remarked that 2024 marks both the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and a critical year for achieving the objectives of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Under the steadfast leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at its core, the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups have navigated challenges with composure and implemented comprehensive strategies, successfully fulfilling the year’s major economic and social targets. These significant achievements in Chinese-style modernization have further reinforced the determination and confidence to secure new victories in this era of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Reviewing the CPPCC’s work over the past year, Wang noted that 2024 also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC’s founding. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important address at the 75th-anniversary celebration provided clear direction and fundamental guidance for the CPPCC’s development in the new era. Under the robust leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the National Committee and its Standing Committee have adhered to Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. They have deeply internalized the decisive significance of the “Two Establishes,” strengthened the “Four Consciousnesses,” fortified the “Four Confidences,” and ensured the “Two Safeguards.” In full compliance with the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and its subsequent plenary sessions, they have seamlessly integrated Party leadership, the united front, and consultative democracy. By steadfastly upholding the fundamental nature and orientation of the CPPCC and focusing on the central tasks of the Party and the nation, they remain devoted to serving the people. Embracing a spirit of reform and innovation, they have enhanced their capacity for effective governance—integrating the Party’s leadership into every facet of CPPCC work and placing utmost priority on studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s landmark speech. This has deepened their understanding of his vital ideas on strengthening and refining CPPCC work, enabling them to offer proposals on further comprehensive reform and the advancement of Chinese-style modernization, while actively harnessing the foundational role of specialized committees and inspiring the initiative, proactivity, and creativity of its members.
Wang Huning further stated that 2025 will be the concluding year of the 14th Five-Year Plan and a pivotal year for deepening comprehensive reforms. The CPPCC must continue to be guided by Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and its subsequent plenary sessions, as well as General Secretary Xi Jinping’s address at the CPPCC’s 75th-anniversary celebration. In doing so, the CPPCC will assume its political responsibility to implement the decisions of the CPC Central Committee and mobilize the wisdom and strength of Chinese compatriots at home and abroad. By steadfastly focusing on central tasks and serving the overall national interest, the CPPCC will help achieve the high-quality objectives of the 14th Five-Year Plan and lay a solid foundation for a promising start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Emphasizing the need to uphold the comprehensive leadership of the Communist Party over the CPPCC, Wang stressed that the organization must continue to deepen the ideological armament with the Party’s innovative theories, reinforce political and ideological guidance, and foster wide consensus. By centering its deliberations on advancing Chinese-style modernization and enhancing the consultative democratic mechanism, while cultivating unwavering confidence in ultimate success, the CPPCC is poised to galvanize collective strength and propel its work in the new era to unprecedented heights. This will further solidify the shared ideological and political foundation of unity and struggle, thereby uniting hearts, forging consensus, and gathering wisdom and strength in support of Chinese-style modernization.
Vice Chairman Jiang Zuojuan, representing the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC, reported on the progress of proposal work since the Second Session of the 14th CPPCC. Since that session, a total of 6,019 proposals have been submitted—of which 5,091 have been approved for further action—with 99.9% already addressed. Centered on advancing Chinese-style modernization, deepening comprehensive reforms, promoting high-quality development, and maintaining social harmony and stability, many of these proposals have evolved into concrete policy measures embedded in relevant development plans, laws, regulations, and institutional frameworks, thereby underscoring their substantial impact.
Other prominent leaders seated on the podium included Ma Xingrui, Wang Yi, Yin Li, Liu Guozhong, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Zhang Youxia, Zhang Guoqing, Chen Wenqing, Chen Jining, Chen Min’er, Yuan Jiajun, Huang Kunming, Liu Jingguo, Wang Xiaohong, Wang Dongming, Xiao Jie, Zheng Jianbang, Ding Zhongli, Hao Mingjin, Cai Dafeng, He Wei, Wu Weihua, Tie Ning, Peng Qinghua, Zhang Qingwei, Losang Jiangcun, Xuekelaiti Zaker, Wu Zhenglong, Chen Yiqin, Zhang Jun, Ying Yong, among others.
In addition, responsible colleagues from the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and relevant departments of the State Council attended the opening ceremony by invitation. Foreign diplomats accredited to China and overseas Chinese were also invited to participate.
CCTV Commentary: Uniting Hearts and Minds, Taking Decisive Action, and Advancing Together – Heartfelt Congratulations on the Inauguration of the National Two Sessions
Today, March 4, our channel broadcast the CCTV commentary titled “Uniting Hearts and Minds, Taking Decisive Action, and Advancing Together – Heartfelt Congratulations on the Inauguration of the National Two Sessions.”
Preparatory Meeting of the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress
On the morning of March 4, the preparatory meeting for the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Chaired by Zhao Leji, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, the meeting elected the session’s presidium and secretary-general, and ratified the meeting’s agenda. Out of 2,929 current NPC representatives, 2,893 had registered with the secretariat by March 3. On the day of the preparatory meeting, 2,872 representatives were in attendance while 57 were absent, thereby meeting the quorum requirements.
Zhao Leji announced that, as decided at the 13th Meeting of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress is scheduled to convene on March 5, 2025, with all preparatory work fully in place. He emphasized that the guiding ideology for this session is to adhere to Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and its subsequent plenary sessions, and deeply appreciate the decisive significance of the “Two Establishes.” Enhancing the “Four Consciousnesses,” solidifying the “Four Confidences,” and ensuring the “Two Safeguards” will be paramount. The session will steadfastly integrate Party leadership, the people’s democratic rule, and the rule of law; further develop the whole-process people’s democracy; and focus sharply on the central tasks of the Party and the nation. In discharging their constitutional and legal duties, representatives are expected to complete the session’s tasks with resounding success, thereby mobilizing the entire nation to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee—with Xi Jinping at its core—reinforcing confidence, consolidating unity, and forging ahead vigorously in the pursuit of building a modern socialist powerhouse, achieving the second centenary goal, and propelling the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization.
By vote, the preparatory meeting elected a 176-member presidium for the Third Session of the 14th NPC, with Li Hongzhong appointed as the secretary-general. In accordance with the approved agenda, the session will review the government work report; examine both the execution report for the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the draft for the 2025 plan; scrutinize the reports on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2024 alongside the draft budgets for 2025; deliberate on the proposal from the NPC Standing Committee to review the “Law on the Election of Representatives to the National People’s Congress and Local People’s Congresses (Amendment Draft)”; and consider the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. Vice Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee—Li Hongzhong, Wang Dongming, Xiao Jie, Zheng Jianbang, Ding Zhongli, Hao Mingjin, Cai Dafeng, He Wei, Wu Weihua, Tie Ning, Peng Qinghua, Zhang Qingwei, Losang Jiangcun, and Xuekelaiti Zaker—as well as Secretary-General Liu Qi, attended the meeting.
First Meeting of the Presidium of the Third Session of the 14th NPC: Agenda and Session Details
On the morning of March 4, the presidium of the Third Session of the 14th NPC convened its first meeting at the Great Hall of the People, with Zhao Leji presiding. Of the 176 presidium members expected, 175 were present, satisfying the required quorum. The meeting first elected the presidium’s executive chair—a role designated for the NPC Standing Committee Chairman, Vice Chairpersons, and the Secretary-General—to convene and preside over presidium meetings.
The meeting then approved the agenda for the Third Session, establishing that the session will open on the morning of March 5 and adjourn on the afternoon of March 11, spanning a duration of seven days. In accordance with the NPC’s procedural rules, the presidium’s first meeting also elected several members to serve as the executive chairs for each plenary session. By vote, the assembly selected the executive chairs for the plenary meetings. Furthermore, the meeting resolved to appoint Liu Qi, Liu Juncheng, Xin Chunying, Lou Qinjian, Kong Shaoxun, and Wang Yang as the session’s deputy secretaries-general, with Lou Qinjian concurrently designated as the spokesperson. Finally, it was decided by vote that the deadline for submitting proposals by representatives during the session is 12:00 noon on March 8. During the session, the NPC Secretariat will study the proposals submitted by delegations and individual representatives, formulate recommendations, and report them to the presidium for final decisions.
41st Meeting of the Chairpersons of the 14th NPC Standing Committee
On the morning of the 4th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the 41st meeting of the Chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress was convened under the chairmanship of Chair Zhao Leji. The assembly heard a report from Liu Qi, Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee, on the review status of the draft lists for the presidium and secretary-general as well as the draft agenda for the Third Session of the 14th NPC. It was resolved that both drafts would be submitted for election and vote at the preparatory meeting of the Third Session. Later on the afternoon and evening of the 3rd, the delegations attending the Third Session held meetings to review these draft materials.
Live Broadcast of the Opening Ceremony of the Third Session of the 14th NPC
The Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress is scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM on March 5 in Beijing, with Premier Li Qiang set to deliver the government work report. In celebration of this momentous event, live broadcasts will be provided by various channels under China Central Television—including the Comprehensive, News, Chinese International, and all foreign language channels, as well as the 4K Ultra HD channel. Simultaneously, live coverage will be available on radio frequencies such as China National Radio’s “China Voice”, “Greater Bay Area Voice”, and China International Broadcasting’s Global News Service, while key new media platforms including CCTV News, Central Video, and CCTV.com will stream the proceedings concurrently.
People’s Daily Editorial: “Uniting Hearts and Minds to Forge New Horizons for Reform and Development – Hearty Congratulations on the Opening of the Third Session of the 14th NPC”
The People’s Daily is set to publish an editorial on March 5 entitled “Uniting Hearts and Minds to Forge New Horizons for Reform and Development – Hearty Congratulations on the Opening of the Third Session of the 14th NPC.” The editorial emphasizes that the People’s Congress system is a formidable institution capable of uniting the strength of the entire populace to drive Chinese-style modernization. By heeding the voices of the people, harnessing collective wisdom, and responding to public aspirations, this system’s inherent advantages can be fully leveraged to amass the formidable force necessary for advancing Chinese-style modernization.
Press Conference of the Third Session of the 14th NPC
On March 4, the Third Session of the 14th NPC held a press conference. Spokesperson Lou Qinjian announced that the session will open on the morning of March 5 and adjourn on the afternoon of March 11, spanning a total of seven days. The agenda will include, among other items, the review of the government work report and an examination of the execution of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan alongside the draft for 2025. In responding to reporters’ inquiries, Lou Qinjian noted that over the past year the 14th NPC and its Standing Committee reviewed 39 legislative proposals, of which 24 were adopted—comprising the enactment of six new laws, the amendment of 14 laws, and four decisions on significant legal and policy issues, addressing areas such as energy, value-added taxation, and the regulation of rural collective economic organizations. The spokesperson further fielded questions from both domestic and international journalists regarding accelerating technological innovation, promoting the development of the private sector, and enhancing cooperation with Global South countries.
Inauguration of the “Member Channel” at the First Session of the 14th CPPCC Third Session
Today, March 4, witnessed the inauguration of the “Member Channel” at the Third Session of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Eight CPPCC members participated in a collective interview with reporters. Reflecting on the extraordinary achievements of China’s economy over the past year, CPPCC member Ma Jiantang remarked that in 2024 the national economy stabilized and improved, high-quality development advanced steadily, and the major economic and social objectives were triumphantly achieved, underscoring the formidable resilience of a major economic power.
CPPCC member Huang Miansong highlighted that in recent years, as China’s commitment to ecological civilization has deepened, remarkable improvements in environmental quality have been realized, the environmental protection industry has flourished, and the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” has become deeply ingrained in public consciousness.
Meanwhile, CPPCC member Zhou Lan, a long-time advocate for urban renewal, noted that over 66,000 urban renewal projects have been executed nationwide, revitalizing 250,000 aging residential communities and directly benefiting more than 100 million citizens.
During today’s “Member Channel,” CPPCC members Yan Jianbing, Zhao Hong, Qiao Hong, Jin Li, and Lin Songtian also addressed reporters’ questions on critical issues such as food security, the development of innovative pharmaceuticals and medical devices, the robotics industry, the burgeoning silver economy, and collaborative initiatives under the Belt and Road framework.
February Sees Orderly Recovery in Logistics Demand, with Market Expectations Remaining Robust
On March 4, the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing released its Logistics Industry Prosperity Index for February. In the wake of the Spring Festival, logistics demand has been steadily unleashed, with physical logistics volume indices showing a marked increase. The New Orders Index for February registered at 50.6%, up 0.7 percentage points month-on-month. Additionally, the activity levels within the multimodal transport and postal & express e-commerce sectors have continued to surge, with overall business volume indices reaching impressive levels of 55.6% and 66.3%, respectively.
Moreover, the core business profit index of the logistics industry rose by 0.3 percentage points on a month-on-month basis. In particular, the profitability of small and micro enterprises—primarily driven by the private sector—has maintained its stability and even improved modestly, reflecting an overall enhancement in operational conditions. Looking ahead, the Business Activity Expectations Index for February stood at 54.4%, well above average, with indices in railway and air transport even surpassing the industry mean.
China’s R&D Expenditure Grows by 8.3% in 2024
According to preliminary calculations by the National Bureau of Statistics, total expenditure on research and experimental development in China reached 3.613 trillion yuan in 2024—an 8.3% increase over the previous year—securing its position as the world’s second-largest spender in this domain. In tandem with this steady growth in scale, the intensity of R&D investment (measured as a percentage of GDP) rose to 2.68%, up by 0.10 percentage points from the prior year. This increment slightly exceeds the average annual improvement observed since the 13th Five-Year Plan, thereby reflecting a persistent upward trend. Furthermore, spending on basic research witnessed robust growth, with funding rising by 10.5% year-on-year to 249.7 billion yuan in 2024. Significant progress has been achieved in the development of major scientific installations and key technological infrastructures, yielding a series of groundbreaking original achievements in fields such as quantum technology, life sciences, materials science, and space science.
China Files WTO Complaint Over Additional U.S. Tariff Measures
On March 3 (Eastern Time), the United States announced an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products destined for the U.S., citing issues including those related to fentanyl. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce declared on March 4 that these unilateral tariff impositions flagrantly violate World Trade Organization rules and undermine the very foundation of Sino-U.S. economic and trade cooperation. In response, China has formally lodged a complaint against these new tariff measures under the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism. Concurrently, the Ministry of Commerce issued Announcement No. 13 of 2025, placing fifteen U.S. entities—including Laidos Company—on its export control list, thereby prohibiting the export of dual-use items to them. In a related development, the mechanism governing the Unreliable Entity List issued Announcement No. 5 of 2025, designating ten U.S. entities as unreliable and barring them from engaging in import-export activities with China or making new investments. Announcement No. 6 of 2025 further prohibits the export of gene sequencing instruments from the U.S. to China by the company Yina.
Additional Tariffs on U.S.-Origin Imports Effective March 10
On March 4, the Tariff Commission of the State Council announced that, effective March 10, additional tariffs would be imposed on certain U.S.-origin products. Specifically, a 15% tariff will be levied on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, while a 10% tariff will be imposed on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
State Council Information Office Releases White Paper on China’s Fentanyl Control
On March 4, the State Council Information Office published a white paper entitled “China’s Control of Fentanyl and Related Substances,” which provides a comprehensive overview of China’s regulatory framework and the achievements in controlling fentanyl and its analogues, while sharing its innovative experiences. The white paper underscores that, in recent years, China has accorded high priority to the regulation of fentanyl-related substances—strictly controlling fentanyl-based medications, rigorously preventing substance abuse, and resolutely cracking down on smuggling, production, and trafficking of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals, thereby achieving significant results. China has also intensified international cooperation in drug control, working closely with nations including the United States to address issues related to fentanyl and its precursors. In fulfilling its international obligations in drug control, China adheres to principles of shared responsibility and balanced cooperation, advocates mutual assistance and collective benefit, and opposes finger-pointing and the shirking of responsibility. While steadfastly advancing its domestic drug control efforts, China remains resolute in upholding the current international drug control system, actively participating in key global decisions, and contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the worldwide governance of drug-related challenges.
Domestic Broadcast News Flash
Central Propaganda Department Designates the Tenth Batch of National Lei Feng Exemplars in the Workplace
Recently, the Central Propaganda Department announced the designation of the tenth cohort of National Lei Feng Exemplars in the Workplace. This prestigious honor, awarded to a total of 100 recipients (including both collectives and individuals), predominantly recognizes outstanding contributors from enterprises, rural communities, government agencies, schools, neighborhoods, hospitals, and the armed forces. These honorees have excelled in their respective roles, making significant contributions on the job while actively embodying the spirit of Lei Feng and crafting new, inspiring narratives for the modern era.
China’s Warehouse Index Continues Its Expansion in February
Released on March 4, the February China Warehouse Index registered at 50.2%, firmly maintaining its position in the expansionary zone. In the wake of the Spring Festival, the brisk release of post-holiday infrastructure investment demand has driven vigorous storage needs for bulk commodities such as steel, non-ferrous metals, and machinery. Correspondingly, the New Orders Index remains in the expansionary range. Notably, the warehouse facility utilization index reached 52.5% in February, marking a three-month high.
Remarkable Sales Revenue Growth for “Little Giant” Enterprises in 2024
According to the latest data from the State Taxation Administration, specialized and innovative “Little Giant” enterprises continued their robust development in 2024, with sales revenue growth outpacing the national average by 2.1 percentage points. Specifically, “Little Giant” firms in the manufacturing, digital economy, and high-tech sectors achieved sales revenue increases of 3.2%, 9.4%, and 9.6%, respectively, while their total export value grew by 12.1% year-over-year.
Over 1 Million Electric Bicycles Exchanged in the First Two Months
The Ministry of Commerce reported that in the first two months of this year, the nationwide electric bicycle exchange program reached 1,019,000 units, spurring new vehicle sales amounting to 2.66 billion yuan. Since the program’s launch last year, it has stimulated approximately 6.4 billion yuan in new vehicle sales, with participation from more than 40,000 retail outlets across the country.
China’s “Zu Chongzhi-3” Quantum Computing Prototype Sets a New World Record
In Anhui Province, the superconducting quantum computing prototype “Zu Chongzhi-3,” developed collaboratively by the University of Science and Technology of China and other institutions, was unveiled to great acclaim. This state-of-the-art machine processes specific problems at speeds approximately 10 trillion times faster than the fastest conventional supercomputer—solving in roughly 100 seconds tasks that would otherwise require an estimated 6 billion years. This breakthrough eclipses previously reported international benchmarks, establishing a new pinnacle for the superiority of superconducting quantum computing systems.
Launch of the 2025 National Urban Joint Recruitment Spring Session for College Graduates
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has announced the commencement of the 2025 National Urban Joint Recruitment Spring Session for College Graduates. The inaugural phase features 85 specialized service events—including both online and offline recruitment fairs, cross-regional touring job expos, and live-streamed recruitment sessions—designed to provide targeted and diversified employment support for new graduates.
National Cultural Heritage Administration Receives 41 Repatriated Cultural Relics and Artworks in New York
In the early hours of March 4 (Beijing time), the National Cultural Heritage Administration took custody of 41 cultural relics and artworks at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York. The collection, which includes items such as a bronze “money tree” with its ceramic base, a plain ceramic ding, and a lidded bronze vessel among other ceramics, jades, and bronzes, spans from the Neolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. These artifacts, renowned for their diverse categories and exquisite craftsmanship, hold considerable historical, artistic, and scientific value and were illegally exported from China. To date, through successful Sino–U.S. cooperation, 20 batches comprising 594 sets of such cultural relics have been repatriated to China.
International Broadcast News Flash
Multinational Optimism Over China’s High-Quality Development Initiatives Bolstering Bilateral Cooperation and Shared Prosperity
Numerous international figures have expressed optimism that China’s Two Sessions not only chart the nation’s future development but also open up myriad opportunities for enhanced cooperation with China, ultimately fostering global collective growth. Observers note that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has achieved remarkable advancements across economic, social, and other sectors—especially in its unprecedented strides toward green and digital transformations.
Russian Claims on Ukrainian Military Airports; Ukraine Reports Repelling Multiple Russian Offensives
On the 3rd, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces had targeted key infrastructures at Ukrainian military airports—including drone production workshops, storage facilities, and assembly areas for troops and equipment—across 139 regions, as part of its ongoing deep-strike operations against Ukrainian defenses. In contrast, the Ukrainian General Staff reported on the same day that Ukrainian forces had successfully repelled several Russian offensives along the Pokrovsk and Ruskursk axes. Ukrainian officials further alleged that Russian troops are attempting to breach the border near Sumy Oblast in an effort to sever Ukraine’s logistical supply lines.
U.S. Media Reports Suspension of All Military Aid to Ukraine
On the 3rd, several American media outlets, citing White House officials, reported that President Trump had ordered a suspension of all military assistance to Ukraine until he is convinced that Ukraine’s leadership demonstrates genuine commitment toward a peace agreement with Russia. The White House has yet to issue an official response. Reports indicate that the suspension encompasses military equipment valued at over $1 billion. Ukrainian Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Melezhko asserted on March 4 that this measure is intended to coerce Ukraine into surrender. Meanwhile, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Peskov remarked on the same day that the London Summit’s decision to continue military support for Ukraine is not aimed at achieving peace but rather at perpetuating the conflict, noting emerging divisions among Western nations on the Ukraine issue.
U.S. Imposes Additional Tariffs on Mexico and Canada, Prompting Retaliatory Measures
On the 3rd, President Trump announced that a new 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada would take effect on the 4th. That day, the major indices on the New York Stock Exchange experienced a sharp decline at the close of trading, with the Nasdaq Composite Index falling by as much as 2.64%. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau declared on the 3rd that starting on the 4th, Canada would levy a 25% tariff on U.S. goods valued at 155 billion Canadian dollars. Additionally, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that, as a countermeasure to the U.S. tariffs, the province is prepared to directly cut off power supplies to several U.S. states and to cease exporting nickel to the United States. Mexican President Obrador also announced on the 3rd that the Mexican government has devised plans to counter these measures.
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