September
Xi Jinping's activities dominated the day's news. In the morning, reports focused on his visits to Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, emphasizing reform and innovation. By midday, attention shifted to Xi's speech at the 70th anniversary celebration of the National People's Congress. He stressed the importance of maintaining confidence in China's path, theory, system, and culture. Economic news revealed softer August figures, challenging China's growth targets. The US finalized its decision to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese goods. In international affairs, Premier Li Qiang strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia and UAE. A Beijing defense forum discussed the need for a new framework of talks between the US and China. The day concluded with reports on Chinese students joining the military as a path to university education.
Reports emerged early in the day of a second assassination attempt on former President Trump. The suspect's identity and motives were gradually revealed, with media noting anti-China sentiments. Chinese state media largely avoided the topic, focusing instead on Xi Jinping's recent activities and speeches, particularly regarding the Yellow River basin's development. Hong Kong saw significant legal developments, including the first conviction under the new security law for wearing a "seditious" T-shirt. Economic news highlighted the mid-autumn festival's boost to the catering industry and AI's impact on services. International relations were touched upon with discussions of France's China policy and German border controls. The day concluded with reports of a typhoon hitting Shanghai and military drills involving China's WZ-7 drone.
On September 17, 2024, UN Resolution 2758, concerning China and Taiwan, resurfaced as a topic of controversy. BBC Chinese reported on this multiple times throughout the day, indicating its significance. Simultaneously, Chinese state media focused on Mid-Autumn Festival sentiments, emphasizing national unity. Hong Kong's investment visa scheme verification progress was reported, alongside news of discounts for China's National Day. The South China Morning Post covered China's academic misconduct crackdown and speculated on Beijing's strategies regarding Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. Later in the day, discussions shifted to China's pension system and retirement age adjustments. VOA Chinese reported on U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and criticized China's delayed retirement policy.
The BRICS summit dominated morning headlines, with Turkey's interest in joining the Russia and China-led economic union sparking discussions. By midday, focus shifted to China's cultural heritage, with state media highlighting Xi Jinping's emphasis on cultural preservation. Afternoon reports revealed a 30% drop in new home sales during the Mid-Autumn Festival, signaling economic challenges. Tensions with the EU escalated as negotiations over electric vehicle tariffs stalled, with China's commerce minister expressing disappointment. The day concluded with concerns over potential trade wars, as the EU considered imposing tariffs on Chinese EVs. Meanwhile, China accused the US of shielding Israel and delaying peace in Gaza, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Federal Reserve's significant interest rate cut dominated China's economic news, with analysts discussing its impact on Hong Kong and other Asian economies. The rate cut led to yuan appreciation and positive movements in China's stock and bond markets. In response to mounting hidden debt, China issued strict warnings to struggling regions. The country also launched efforts to boost domestic demand and eyes sci-tech venture capital to drive industrial upgrades. In international relations, Japan protested the route taken by a Chinese aircraft carrier, while Malaysia's king visited China to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties. Hong Kong saw developments in national security law cases, including a jail sentence and a guilty plea. China also launched two BeiDou navigation satellites, emphasizing its technological advancements.
Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech at the 75th anniversary celebration of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), emphasizing its political advantages. This event dominated Chinese media coverage throughout the day. Concurrently, Xi held talks with Malaysia's king, strengthening bilateral ties. Economic news focused on the unexpected decision to leave key rates unchanged despite a US Federal Reserve cut. Hong Kong reported its first sedition convictions under the new security law, while concerns about the safety of Japanese nationals in China persisted following a recent attack on a child. The day also saw discussions on Taiwan's policies regarding cross-strait same-sex marriages and the death penalty, as well as updates on China's BeiDou satellite system and military technology exports.
21.09.2024
Saturday

Xi's Instructions Day

Xi Jinping issued important instructions on multiple fronts. He emphasized cultivating high-caliber cadres for Xinjiang on the 70th anniversary of the Central Party School's Xinjiang ethnic cadre training program. Xi also extended greetings to farmers and rural workers ahead of the farmers' harvest festival. Beijing Daily reported on Xi's efforts to unite more people around the Party. Economic news included discussions on securities firms' risk control indicators and Sichuan Trust's restructuring plan. International focus remained on the Quad leaders' meeting, with plans to expand joint Indo-Pacific maritime operations. Reports emerged of China potentially selling J-10C jets to Egypt. Domestic concerns included employment challenges and the need for elderly volunteers as the workforce shrinks and population ages.
Xi Jinping extended greetings ahead of the farmers' harvest festival, emphasizing rural development and agricultural prosperity. Diplomatic tensions surfaced as the Quad leaders met, with China viewing the group as inciting bloc confrontation. The assault on a Japanese boy in Shenzhen exacerbated Japan-China relations, causing anxiety among Japanese communities in China and potentially accelerating Japanese business departures. Taiwan heightened coastal security following mainland Chinese landings. Reports highlighted China's progress in academic research, particularly in medicine, narrowing the gap with the US. The job market's contraction forced Chinese graduates to lower career expectations. US concerns about China's technological advancements and potential "weaponization" were voiced by lawmakers and experts. The day concluded with discussions on China's digital surveillance in Tibet, reportedly surpassing that in Xinjiang.
23.09.2024
Monday

The day Xi urged space endeavors

Xi Jinping's meeting with representatives of the Chang'e-6 lunar mission dominated the day's news. In the morning, state media highlighted agricultural strength and harvest season. By midday, Xi's speech to the lunar mission team emerged as the central story, emphasizing accelerated progress in China's space endeavors. This event built on previous days' focus on technological advancement and national strength. In the afternoon, reports surfaced about investigations into Taiwan's 'internet army', connecting to ongoing cross-strait tensions. Economic news included discussions on job market challenges for graduates and age discrimination in the workplace. International coverage touched on EU-China trade tensions over electric vehicles and China's call for its citizens to evacuate Israel amid escalating Middle East conflicts.
24.09.2024
Tuesday

The day of economic stimulus

China unveiled a series of economic stimulus measures, focusing on the property market and stock market challenges. The government announced cuts to mortgage rates and bank reserve ratios to boost the sluggish economy. These policies, described as a "policy bazooka," aim to address ongoing economic concerns. Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping emphasized China's space ambitions, calling for accelerated progress in space endeavors. Hong Kong continued to face scrutiny, with discussions on increased oversight of social workers and the denial of early release for a former student leader. In international affairs, tensions persisted with the EU over electric vehicle tariffs, while a PLA South China Sea commander visited the US for the first time in over two years, signaling potential diplomatic engagement.
China's space ambitions and military prowess dominated the day's news. Multiple outlets reported on China's "six victories in six battles" in lunar exploration over two decades, emphasizing the nation's commitment to space exploration. Simultaneously, China's Defense Ministry announced the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean, capable of reaching the US mainland. This rare public disclosure of military operations signaled China's growing assertiveness. In diplomatic news, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged support to Iran amidst escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions. Domestically, Xi Jinping urged continuous promotion of ethnic unity across generations in a letter to representatives in Pu'er. Economic reports indicated a potential US Federal Reserve interest rate cut, impacting offshore yuan exchange rates.
The Chinese Communist Party's Politburo convened to analyze the current economic situation and arrange future work. Xi Jinping chaired the meeting, which emphasized the need to address difficulties while maintaining confidence. The Politburo called for increased efforts to stabilize the real estate market and boost the private economy. This meeting followed recent economic stimulus measures, including mortgage rate cuts. In Hong Kong, two former Stand News editors were sentenced in a landmark sedition case, highlighting ongoing press freedom concerns. China's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, its first in over 40 years, was reported to have been pre-notified to the US. The Hong Kong government disputed claims of declining academic freedom in the city.
Xi Jinping's speech at the National Ethnic Unity Progress Commendation Conference dominated the day's news. He emphasized building a Chinese national community and consolidating ethnic unity. This aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen national identity. Economic concerns persisted, with reports of mounting debt defaults in the construction industry and slowing industrial profit growth. The government's response included plans for fiscal loosening and consumption vouchers for the upcoming holiday. In Hong Kong, the sentencing of journalists for sedition drew international attention, while the approval of a new head for the Chinese University of Hong Kong marked a significant academic appointment. Chinese scientists reported progress in extracting lithium from seawater, potentially impacting energy technology. The day concluded with reports of Chinese markets responding positively to new policy plans.
Xi Jinping's focus on national unity and ethnic harmony dominated the morning news, with his letter to industrial workers and speech at the National Ethnic Unity Progress Commendation Conference. China's global positioning was evident in the afternoon, with reports on belt and road initiatives in Southeast Asia and the launch of a reusable satellite carrying Thai and Pakistani payloads. Tensions with the US persisted, as Blinken and Wang Yi met in New York, discussing Ukraine. Military developments included PLA drills near Scarborough Shoal and a missile intercept test near the Indian border. The day concluded with preparations for the 75th founding anniversary of the PRC, including Xi's planned tribute to fallen heroes, and the revelation of a lunar spacesuit, signaling China's ambitious space goals.
29.09.2024
Sunday

The Day of National Honors

China held a ceremony awarding its highest state honors, with President Xi Jinping presiding. The event, marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic, dominated state media coverage throughout the day. Xi awarded national medals and honorary titles, emphasizing the importance of building a strong China. The ceremony evolved from announcements to live broadcasts, culminating in Xi's speech calling for unity. Internationally, the assassination of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in Lebanon sparked concerns about Middle East stability, with China urging de-escalation. Economic issues persisted, with discussions on potential fiscal policies to meet growth targets. Reports also highlighted challenges faced by Chinese youth regarding marriage and property ownership, reflecting ongoing social and economic pressures.
China commemorated Martyrs' Day with Xi Jinping and other leaders paying tribute to fallen heroes. A ceremony for awarding national medals and honorary titles was held, with Xi delivering speeches emphasizing patriotism and national strength. The 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China was celebrated with a reception where Xi made important remarks. Economic news included a decline in the Caixin manufacturing PMI to 49.3, the lowest since August 2023. The government's stimulus package sparked optimism in the markets, with Chinese stocks surging. Xi's warnings against "separatists" across the Taiwan Strait were highlighted in his National Day speech. Reports of China-Russia joint Arctic coastguard missions emerged, signaling potential new shipping routes.
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