New Ideas Lead to New Journeys: Turning “Specialized, Refined, Unique, and Innovative” SMEs into the Driving Force of High-Quality Development
Specialized, refined, unique, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the high-quality development of manufacturing and key players in advancing the real economy. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that these enterprises should focus on their core businesses, perfect their craftsmanship, and play a pivotal role in enhancing the stability of industrial and supply chains, thus contributing significantly to economic and social progress. As the new year begins, energy surges across China, with local governments accelerating the establishment of efficient policy frameworks and service systems for these SMEs. The aim is to ensure that these specialized SMEs become the key contributors to high-quality growth.
Precise Identification and Steady Action – Imagine a vending zone where a humanoid robot is seamlessly grabbing and delivering products to customers. This cutting-edge technology comes from an SME in Haidian District, Beijing, specializing in advanced embodied robotic systems. Recently, the company has been testing its robots in production environments, exploring tasks like body control and heavy item handling. Despite being a relatively new company, it has already made groundbreaking innovations, thanks to continuous support from the local government in areas like talent acquisition and research and development services.
Across China, more than 140,000 specialized SMEs have emerged, including 14,600 “little giant” enterprises that excel in innovation and vitality. These companies are crucial to cultivating new forms of productive forces.
President Xi Jinping has consistently highlighted the importance of supporting these enterprises. He calls for efforts to create a conducive environment, intensify government support, and stimulate innovation. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Party Congress laid out a strategic roadmap for fostering these businesses. This year, regions across the country are accelerating the implementation of combined policy measures aimed at boosting innovation, improving collaboration, and optimizing the external environment to facilitate the growth of specialized SMEs.
Accelerating Integration into the Industrial Chain – Since the start of the year, Sichuan has hosted nearly 10 matchmaking events for SMEs, covering key sectors like AI, aerospace, new displays, and electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Jiangsu has implemented a unique “list and lead” mechanism where larger enterprises post challenges, and specialized SMEs compete to solve them. For example, a SME in Suzhou producing advanced fiber materials recently teamed up with an aerospace company to launch its products into space.
Boosting Innovation within SMEs – In Tianjin, specialized SMEs’ R&D teams are collaborating with universities and research institutions to create smarter industrial production lines. This collaboration has been made possible by Tianjin’s establishment of 17 innovation consortia that integrate diverse resources to help SMEs refine their expertise.
In Shanghai, policies to support specialized SMEs are being strengthened. This includes increasing funding for SMEs, raising the percentage of support for specialized businesses, and offering high-growth rewards to “little giants.” Furthermore, the city is pushing for banks to provide specialized loans to SMEs, totaling over 400 billion yuan.
This year, the central government is launching new initiatives to support the high-quality development of these businesses, promoting digital transformation and nurturing 100 national-level industry clusters.
Small Enterprises, Big Ambitions: “Little Giants” Unleash Big Energy – With greater support and unwavering confidence in their growth, these SMEs will continue to provide an endless source of internal growth for China’s economy, propelling high-quality development.
A Farewell to Comrade Zou Jiahua: A Legacy of Dedication
On February 20th, 2025, Comrade Zou Jiahua, an esteemed member of the Communist Party of China, a seasoned revolutionary, and a distinguished leader in China’s economic and defense sectors, was cremated at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing.
Having passed away at the age of 99 on February 16, 2025, Comrade Zou’s legacy is vast, with numerous contributions to the development of China’s socialist economy and legal system. Key political figures including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and former President Hu Jintao, along with other leaders, paid their respects and expressed condolences to his family.
Exploring New Horizons in Consumption: Boosting Domestic Demand and Market Vitality
On February 20th, the State Council held a special meeting on expanding domestic demand and enhancing consumption. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to align with President Xi’s strategy by focusing on policies that benefit people’s livelihoods and invigorate consumption. He highlighted the role of consumption in driving economic growth, emphasizing the need to unlock potential in various sectors, including services, technology, and niche markets. Strengthening these areas will boost the foundation of China’s economic development.
The government’s policy shift focuses on prioritizing consumption to enhance demand, streamline the economic cycle, and stimulate growth. Through comprehensive policy measures, China is poised to revitalize its consumer market, encouraging widespread engagement in driving economic growth.
Revitalizing Rural Areas: From Poverty Alleviation to Prosperity
Over 9.6 million people have been lifted out of poverty through resettlement programs across China. With the launch of rural revitalization, local governments continue to focus on creating job opportunities, preventing poverty relapse, and improving public services, providing a better life for residents.
In communities like the Jinpeng settlement in Shaanxi Province, new industries and standardized factories are springing up, providing employment for those displaced. These initiatives have successfully ensured the long-term stability of relocated communities.
Similarly, in Yunzhou District, Shanxi Province, once struggling villagers are now thriving thanks to new industries like the yellow flower industry. In 2024, the average income of villagers reached 21,600 yuan, reflecting the success of these efforts.
China Achieves a World First in Subsurface Oil and Gas Detection
On February 20th, China achieved a groundbreaking milestone in deep earth exploration with the successful drilling of the first ever ultra-deep, 10,000-meter exploration well—TaKe-1. This achievement marks the first discovery of oil and gas resources at such depths, setting the stage for future development of these resources.
The drilling process, involving extremely high pressures and temperatures, faced tremendous challenges, yet the team overcame them with exceptional expertise. This success has not only advanced China’s capabilities in deep resource exploration but also set several world records, paving the way for future deep-earth development.
Promoting High-Level Technological Innovation with Big Scientific Instruments
At the upcoming Two Sessions, National Committee member Shen Zhiqiang will propose ways to maximize the potential of China’s large scientific instruments to boost innovation. These instruments, such as the 40-meter radio telescopes in Tibet and Changbai Mountain, enable unprecedented advancements in astronomy and space exploration. Shen’s efforts contribute to China’s growing technological self-sufficiency, ensuring the nation’s scientific independence in critical sectors.
Recycling Old Goods to Boost Consumer Vitality
In line with the government’s push for sustainability, China has seen a substantial increase in the recycling and replacement of old goods. This trend is stimulating growth in related industries, with millions of consumers participating in programs to trade in old cars, electronics, and digital devices for new products. These efforts are invigorating consumer spending and contributing to economic recovery.
Noticias breves nacionales
“Three-Year Action Plan to Optimize the Consumption Environment” Released
Recently, five government departments, including the State Administration for Market Regulation, jointly issued the “Three-Year Action Plan to Optimize the Consumption Environment.” The plan outlines five key actions, aiming to enhance the quality of consumption supply, optimize consumption order, and improve consumer protection by 2027. Among the major initiatives is the development of trustworthy consumer outlets, online stores, and live-streaming platforms, alongside 1.5 million offline businesses with unconditional return and exchange policies.
“Regulations on Assisting Struggling Veterans” Issued
The Ministry of Veterans Affairs, together with six other departments, has recently issued the “Regulations on Assisting Struggling Veterans.” These regulations emphasize the need for regular home visits and assessments by veterans’ service centers, addressing the practical challenges faced by disadvantaged veterans. Additionally, medical institutions are now required to waive upfront hospitalization fees for eligible veterans in financial distress.
Tianwen-2 Space Probe Arrives at Launch Site, Set for Mid-Year Launch
On February 20, China’s Tianwen-2 space probe arrived at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, with the launch scheduled for the first half of 2025. The Tianwen-2 mission will carry out a series of tasks, including the flyby, sampling, and return of asteroid 2016 HO3, as well as flyby observations of comet 311P.
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport’s New T5 Terminal Officially Opens
On February 20, the T5 terminal at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport was officially opened. The terminal allows for both domestic and international passengers to depart from the same level, eliminating the need for floor transfers. Additionally, the terminal houses the world’s first on-site museum showcasing archaeological artifacts discovered during the airport’s construction phases.
Noticias internacionales breves
Russia Claims to Have Crossed into Ukrainian Territory, Ukraine Denies
On February 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian troops had crossed into Ukrainian territory near the Kursk region, advancing along the front lines. However, the Ukrainian Security and Defense Council, along with Ukrainian military officials, denied the claim, stating that Ukrainian forces are still holding their defensive positions in the Kursk region and thwarting Russian reconnaissance efforts.
Putin and Zelensky Discuss Peace Talks and Security Guarantees
In response to the US-Russia bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia, President Putin emphasized that future negotiations over the Ukraine issue will include both Russian and Ukrainian participation. On the same day, Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed hopes for security guarantees from NATO and the United States, aiming to bring an end to the war. Zelensky also reiterated that Ukraine would never compromise on territorial integrity or sovereignty.
France Hosts International Meeting on Ukraine
On February 19, France convened a meeting with leaders from several EU countries, Canada, and Norway to discuss the ongoing Ukraine crisis. French President Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of ensuring European peace and security. The European Union’s 27 member states have also reached an agreement on new sanctions against Russia, targeting aluminum imports, energy, and financial sectors.
German Automotive and Pharmaceutical Industries Oppose US Tariffs
The German Association of the Automotive Industry expressed concerns about the US’s proposed tariffs, calling them provocative and counterproductive. The association warned that these measures would harm the German automotive sector and raise costs for American consumers. Similarly, the German Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies Association raised alarms over the potential for new trade conflicts.
Arizona Plane Collision Claims Two Lives
On February 19, two small planes collided near Marana Airport in Tucson, Arizona, resulting in two fatalities. The planes, each carrying two passengers, collided in an area where there was no control tower. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Heavy Snow Disrupts Traffic in Niigata, Japan
On February 19, Niigata Prefecture in Japan experienced heavy snowfall, causing significant disruptions to transportation. In some areas, snow accumulation reached depths of three meters. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a snowstorm warning, forecasting continued severe weather in the region.