Xi Jinping: Empowering Private Enterprises for a Bright Future
On the morning of the 17th, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended a symposium on private enterprises in Beijing. During his important speech, Xi emphasized the vast prospects and great potential of the private economy in China. He stated that the time is right for private businesses and entrepreneurs to shine, and that now is a moment of unprecedented opportunity for them to make their mark.
Xi pointed out that the CPC and the government have always upheld clear and consistent policies toward the development of the private economy, which are now firmly incorporated into the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. These policies will remain unchanged and continue to be implemented. In the new era, the development of the private economy has immense potential. Entrepreneurs should unite their thoughts, strengthen their confidence, and contribute to the healthy, high-quality development of the sector. He urged private business owners to embrace national aspirations, focus on development, operate lawfully and ethically, and work towards common prosperity, contributing to China’s modernization in a truly Chinese way.
Present at the symposium were Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council; Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier; and Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Wang also chaired the meeting.
At the meeting, six prominent leaders of private enterprises took the floor to share their views and suggestions on how to foster the growth of the private economy in light of new challenges. Among them were Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei; Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD; Liu Yonghao, Chairman of New Hope Group; Yu Renrong, Chairman of Weir Semiconductor; Wang Xingxing, CEO of Yushu Technology; and Lei Jun, Chairman of Xiaomi.
Following these remarks, Xi Jinping delivered another important speech, highlighting the critical role private enterprises have played in China’s reform and opening-up. Over the years, both the theoretical understanding and practical policies surrounding the private economy have evolved, but always in alignment with the nation’s development goals. The government has remained unwavering in its commitment to the socialist market economy, fostering both public and private sectors.
Xi further emphasized that the private economy has grown to a significant scale and is now a pillar of the nation’s economic development. The foundation for the high-quality growth of this sector is solid. China’s increasing production capacity, rising living standards, and deepening reforms, especially in education and technology, present tremendous new opportunities for private businesses. The country’s vast consumer market—home to over 1.4 billion people—offers unparalleled potential. Meanwhile, the strengths of China’s socialist system continue to provide robust support for private enterprise.
Acknowledging the challenges that private businesses currently face, Xi stated that these obstacles are largely temporary and specific, not systemic or permanent. They are issues that can be overcome, and the path forward remains clear. He urged private business owners to remain optimistic and resolute, focusing on long-term development and embracing the spirit of determination and resilience.
Xi also underscored the importance of translating policies into concrete actions to support the private economy. The government must eliminate barriers to equal participation in market competition, remove obstacles to fair use of production factors, and make serious efforts to resolve issues related to financing difficulties for private enterprises. Addressing overdue payments and tackling excessive fees, fines, and inspections were also key priorities. Xi made it clear that while the private sector will be protected under the law, all businesses must abide by regulations—there will be no exceptions.
Furthermore, Xi emphasized that the driving force behind enterprise development lies within the businesses themselves. Private enterprises and their leaders should remain passionate about innovation and national progress. They must focus on high-quality growth, strengthen their core competencies, and invest in research and development to stay competitive. The pursuit of excellence should be paired with a commitment to social responsibility—building harmonious labor relations, protecting the environment, and contributing to charitable causes.
Wang Huning, while chairing the meeting, expressed his agreement with Xi Jinping’s remarks, acknowledging the significant achievements of the private sector and its crucial role in the country’s economic and social development. He stressed the importance of recognizing both the opportunities and challenges the private economy faces and urged everyone to implement the policies laid out by the government with unwavering determination.
The meeting also saw the participation of government officials from relevant departments, representatives from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and other leaders from the private sector.
Legislative Preparations for China’s National People’s Congress: Key Decisions and Initiatives
On the afternoon of February 17th, the 38th Chairman’s meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting was chaired by Zhao Leji (Zhao Lèjì), Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC. During the session, it was decided that the 14th NPC Standing Committee’s 14th meeting will be held from February 24th to 25th in Beijing.
One of the primary tasks for this upcoming meeting is preparing for the 3rd session of the 14th National People’s Congress. The Chairman’s meeting recommended that the Standing Committee review the work report draft of the NPC Standing Committee and also consider several motions, including one for the proposed agenda of the 3rd NPC session, another for the proposed list of the NPC Presidium and Secretary-General, and one regarding the list of attendees for the 3rd NPC session.
Additional agenda items for the 14th NPC Standing Committee’s meeting include reviewing the draft of the Private Economy Promotion Law, reviewing the State Council’s proposal for the revision of the Civil Aviation Law, and considering reports on the qualifications of individual NPC representatives and various appointment-related matters.
The Chairman’s meeting also reviewed a draft of the Fiscal Budget Procedure for documentation and checked the report on the 2024 petition work of the NPC.
During the meeting, Liu Qi (Liú Qí), the Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee, reported on the draft agenda and schedule for the 14th NPC Standing Committee’s upcoming session, along with the draft agenda, schedule, presidium, secretary-general’s list, and attendee list for the 3rd session of the 14th NPC. Other vice-secretaries and heads of related committees and research offices also reported on various agenda items.
Representative Stories: Zhuo Changli: Enhancing Public Well-being Through “Elderly and Child” Care
As the 2025 National Two Sessions approach, Zhuo Changli—a representative of the NPC from Shandong—has garnered attention for her long-standing work in the domestic service industry and her focus on issues surrounding the elderly (“yī lǎo” 一老) and young children (“yī xiǎo” 一小). With over 20 years in the industry, Zhuo’s efforts to address the needs of these demographics have been transformative.
Recently, after the Spring Festival, Zhuo visited Wang Miaomiao’s home in Jinan. As a working mother of two young children—one in elementary school and one just over a year old—Wang shared her concerns about finding a qualified and versatile domestic worker to help with childcare and household tasks. Zhuo discovered that this concern was not isolated. In 2024, Shandong’s population reached nearly 101 million, with about 11.18 million people over 70 and nearly 2 million infants aged 0-3, many of whom require care. The national shortage of domestic service workers exceeds 20 million.
Zhuo’s efforts were instrumental in bringing forward the 2024 proposal to strengthen the integration of industry and education in the domestic service sector. In response, the Ministry of Education pledged to enhance the training system for domestic workers, collaborating with vocational schools and businesses. Shandong Province also pushed forward policies to build secondary colleges and training bases, benefiting more than 200,000 service providers and students in 2024, improving services for families with elderly members and young children.
This year at the National Two Sessions, Zhuo will continue advocating for more robust support systems for elderly and child care, with new suggestions ranging from rural worker training to consumption subsidies for families with young children or elderly members.
China’s Light Industry Shows Strong Growth Trends
In 2024, China’s light industry saw rapid production growth, a steadily expanding market for both domestic and international trade, and an optimized industrial structure, all contributing significantly to economic stability.
According to the China Light Industry Federation’s latest data, revenue from light industry enterprises above designated size reached 23 trillion yuan, an increase of 2% from the previous year. Profits surged by 8.3%, with 55 out of 91 major light industry products seeing production growth, notably in consumer goods like home appliances, driven by policies encouraging trade-in programs for old items.
Alongside these domestic boosts, the light industry also saw a 3.6% increase in exports, with 13 out of 21 major sectors experiencing growth. The industry’s export resilience signals continued momentum for the future.
New Business Registration Management Guidelines
In a bid to streamline the registration process for businesses moving across regions, the State Administration for Market Regulation and the National Archives Administration recently unveiled the “Business Entity Registration File Management Measures.” The new guidelines simplify the procedures for businesses that wish to relocate by eliminating redundant applications and allowing for online processing of registration transfers. This reform, effective March 20th, is expected to foster a more dynamic business environment.
Seizing the Moment for Spring Farming: Regions Across China Push Ahead with Seasonal Agricultural Production
The spring season holds the key to the entire year. Right now, the country is bustling with spring field management and planting activities, all working towards the goal of a bumper harvest for the year ahead.
As wheat fields begin to green, major wheat-producing areas are seizing the opportunity to manage the spring crops. In Henan (Hénán), agricultural technicians are going deep into the fields to ensure that productivity-boosting techniques are properly implemented. In Zhoukou (Zhōukǒu), Dan County (Dān Chéng), technicians are guiding farmers to apply green-up fertilizers to stimulate crop growth and enhance seedling quality. In Shandong (Shāndōng), over 60 million acres of winter wheat are greening up, and in Liaocheng (Liáochéng), Guancheng County (Guānxiàn), farmers are using drones and other advanced equipment for pest and disease control, ensuring stable yields. Meanwhile, in Anhui (Ānhuī), where more than 43 million acres of wheat are entering a critical growth phase, local authorities have introduced new technologies such as multispectral camera-equipped drones to monitor crop health in real-time, providing data to help save water, reduce fertilizer use, and increase yields.
In Jiangsu (Jiāngsū), following a drier winter, many reservoirs have begun releasing water to ensure proper irrigation for spring crops. Local technical guidance and precise fertilization, along with water-saving irrigation measures, are being implemented to protect crops and ensure their growth.
The groundwork for the year’s food production is already being laid. In Guangdong (Guǎngdōng) and Guangxi (Guǎngxī), early rice planting has begun, and Guangdong has further streamlined the rice-seeding process by establishing 70 new centralized seedling nurseries, significantly improving production efficiency. In the Northwest, agricultural departments in Gansu (Gānsù) and Ningxia (Níngxià) have been busy organizing the distribution of fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds to stabilize the supply chain for spring farming. In Hunan (Húnán), machinery service teams have been organized in the Dongting Lake area (Dòngtíng Hú), offering repair and maintenance services to farmers, along with a subsidy policy to support farm machinery upgrades and replacements.
Zou Jiahua, Distinguished Communist Party Leader, Passes Away
On February 16, 2025, Zou Jiahua (Zōu Jiāhuá), an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China, a loyal revolutionary, and a key figure in China’s economic and defense industries, passed away at the age of 99 in Beijing. Zou was a member of the 14th Central Political Bureau of the CPC, former Vice Premier of the State Council, and former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National People’s Congress. His contributions to China’s economic development, national defense, and legal framework have left a profound legacy.
2025.2.17.Domestic News Briefs
Schools Across China Kick Off Spring Semester for 2025
This week, schools across the nation are opening their doors for the 2025 spring semester. Nine provinces, including Beijing (Běijīng), Guangdong (Guǎngdōng), and Hebei (Héběi), as well as several cities like Wenzhou (Wēnzhōu) in Zhejiang (Zhèjiāng) and Zhijin (Zhījīn) in Guizhou (Guìzhōu), have issued new guidelines that mandate a daily physical education class, two hours of exercise, and 15-minute breaks between lessons for all primary and secondary school students.
17 Government Agencies Launch Special Service Initiative for SMEs
In a bid to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), 17 government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), have jointly launched a one-year service campaign. The initiative will focus on five key areas: policy support for enterprises, creating a vibrant business environment, innovation and technology enhancements, talent development, and legal protections to help reduce costs and improve efficiency for SMEs.
Over 22,000 Recruitment Events Held in the 2025 Spring Recruitment Campaign
Since its launch in mid-January 2025, the Spring Recruitment Campaign has seen a remarkable 22,000 job fairs held nationwide, offering 15 million job opportunities. Special transportation services have been arranged, helping 370,000 workers travel to their new jobs across the country.
Charging Infrastructure Surpasses 13 Million Units Nationwide
The number of charging stations in China continues to climb, with the total reaching an impressive 13.21 million by the end of January 2025. This marks a 49.1% increase compared to last year, effectively supporting the rapid growth of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the country.
China to Implement Electronic Certificates for Domestic Fishing Vessels
Starting March 1, 2025, China will roll out electronic certificates for domestic fishing vessels, covering essential documentation such as ownership registration, nationality certificates, and fishing permits. This move aims to streamline operations and modernize the fisheries sector.
Jiangsu Leads with RCEP Export Certificates in January
In January 2025, Nanjing Customs (Nánjīng Hǎiguān) issued 11,300 RCEP certificates for exports, valued at 3.4 billion yuan (approximately $490 million). This marked a 13.14% year-on-year increase in certificate issuance and secured Jiangsu‘s position as the national leader in export certificate values.
Inaugural Flight of Xi’an-Yulin Low-Altitude Logistics Route Takes Off
On February 16, 2025, a groundbreaking low-altitude logistics flight route connecting Yulin (Yúlín) to Xi’an (Xī’ān) successfully completed its maiden voyage. The 540-kilometer journey was completed in under three hours, cutting travel time by over 70% compared to traditional ground transportation. This new route will operate three round trips per week, offering a total of six flights.
Tianjin to Revamp 80 “Pocket Parks” This Year
This year, Tianjin (Tiānjīn) plans to upgrade and renovate 80 pocket parks. These small urban parks will feature fitness equipment, leisure facilities, and cultural exhibits, transforming them into multifunctional public spaces that combine aesthetics, recreation, and community engagement. The first batch of parks is set to begin construction by the end of March.
Chinese Box Office Crosses 20 Billion Yuan in 2025
As of February 16, 2025, China’s film industry has surpassed 20 billion yuan in box office revenue for the year, setting a new record for the fastest to reach this milestone. “Nezha 2” (Nàzhā 2) led the pack with more than 12 billion yuan in earnings, while other films like “Detective Chinatown 1900” and “Fengshen Part II” also achieved strong box office numbers, showcasing a pattern of one dominant hit and several strong contenders.
“Travel China with Movies” Campaign Kicks Off
In a joint effort by the National Film Administration and China Central Television (CCTV), the “Travel China with Movies” campaign officially launched on February 17, 2025. This initiative leverages the global popularity of Chinese films and the recent relaxation of visa policies to attract more international tourists to experience China’s rich cultural heritage firsthand.
Yellow River Welcomes Migratory Birds on Their Northern Journey
With warmer weather sweeping in, the first batch of northern-bound migratory birds has arrived in the Uhu section of the Yellow River (Huáng Hé) in Inner Mongolia (Nèi Měnggǒu). Thousands of birds, including red-crested pochards and mallards, have stopped to rest and refuel. In recent years, the city of Uhu (Wūhuī) has ramped up its ecological restoration efforts, making the area a crucial stop for over 60 species of migratory birds every year.
2025.2.17.International News Briefs
Russia Claims Multiple Offensives, Ukraine Aims to Disrupt Russian Plans
On February 16, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced that Russian forces had successfully repelled Ukrainian offensives in areas such as Kharkiv (Hā’ěr Kèfū), Donetsk (Dùnècíkè), Zaporizhzhia (Zhābóluózhé), and Kherson (Hè’ěr Sōng), while launching several offensives of their own. Russian forces reportedly destroyed a significant amount of Ukrainian military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, and self-propelled artillery, while their air defense units downed 50 Ukrainian drones.
In response, Ukraine’s Armed Forces General Staff reported that the frontlines remained tense, and Ukrainian forces were actively trying to disrupt Russia’s offensive plans. Ukraine also claimed to have targeted Russian personnel and military equipment concentration zones.
According to several media outlets, representatives from both the United States and Russia are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on February 18, 2025, for talks on the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Wittekov, stated that he would join U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan for the discussions in Riyadh.
Russia to Defend Its Interests in Future Ukraine Talks
In an interview published on February 16, 2025, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia would defend its national interests in any upcoming negotiations on Ukraine, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump could visit Russia if both countries agree on the matter. Peskov highlighted that recent phone talks between the Russian and U.S. Presidents sent a message that dialogue and peace are preferable to war. However, he also reminded the world that Russia would not forget how the West had previously deceived it and would stand firm in future discussions.
In a related development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed on February 16 that Britain was ready to send troops to Ukraine if necessary to ensure the security of both Ukraine and Europe. Starmer and other European leaders are set for urgent talks in Paris on February 17, 2025 to address the ongoing crisis.
Israel Strikes Rafah, Claims It Targeted Palestinian Militants
On February 16, 2025, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched an airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, using drones to target civilian gatherings. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left several others injured. The IDF later claimed that earlier in the day, they had targeted Palestinian militants who were approaching Israeli military positions in Gaza.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, condemned the airstrikes, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. On the same day, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Israeli negotiators would travel to Cairo, Egypt, on February 17 to discuss the continuation of the ceasefire’s first phase.
Israel Receives U.S. Heavy MK-84 Bombs
On February 16, 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed the receipt of a large batch of MK-84 bombs from the United States, marking a significant military supply. This batch of 1,800 bombs is considered one of the largest shipments of heavy bombs to Israel. The U.S. has long been Israel’s primary weapons supplier, though it had temporarily suspended the delivery of heavy bombs last year. The new administration in the U.S. lifted this restriction in January 2025.
Munich Security Conference Ends with Concerns Over U.S. Remarks
The Munich Security Conference, a major annual event, concluded on February 16, 2025, with its chairman, Christoph Heusgen, expressing concern over remarks made by U.S. Vice President Vance. Heusgen warned that Europe should not be sidelined in the increasingly multipolar world, and he called for a return to foundational principles such as the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Vance had previously commented on the changing nature of U.S.-Europe relations, criticizing issues such as European democracy and immigration.
UK Unveils Steel Industry Plan to Counter U.S. Tariffs
On February 16, 2025, the UK Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy released a new plan aimed at supporting the country’s steel industry in the face of U.S. tariffs. The plan focuses on enhancing the global competitiveness of the UK’s steel sector, particularly in response to the U.S. imposition of a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, which has been criticized for increasing costs for American consumers and weakening trade ties between the U.S. and the UK.
India Hit by Two Earthquakes in New Delhi and Bihar
On the morning of February 17, 2025, India’s National Center for Seismology reported that New Delhi experienced a 4.0 magnitude earthquake at 5:35 AM local time, with a depth of 5 kilometers. The tremor was felt across the capital and surrounding regions. Hours later, another 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Siwan (Sīwān) in Bihar (Bǐhār), northern India. There have been no immediate reports of casualties from either quake.
Storms Batter U.S. States, Power Outages Affect Hundreds of Thousands
A powerful storm system continued to ravage parts of the U.S. on February 16, hitting states like Georgia (Jiāzhōu), Kentucky (Kěntǎjī), and Tennessee (Tiānāxī) with severe winds and heavy rainfall. Reports indicate at least 10 deaths and more than 100 million people being placed under weather alerts. As of the morning of February 17, 400,000 households across the U.S. were still without power due to the storm’s devastation.