The Archives Collection of Tang Honglu Well Stele of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), jointly compiled by Shanghai University's Research Centre for China's Overseas Cultural Relics, and the 714 volunteer association of the Dalian Guoyun Culture Promotion Association, was recently released. This collection systematically organizes the historical materials, rubbings, and images of the Tang Honglu Well Stele—the "top lost national treasure" taken to Japan—forming a complete chain of evidence and establishing an academic foundation for the artifact's recovery.

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen the country's regional emergency rescue centers and enhance emergency rescue operational capabilities to better safeguard people's lives and property.

Exchanges between legislative bodies are an important part of China-EU relations. To our knowledge, the delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection begins its visit to China today at the invitation of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday when asked to comment on the visit of a group of EU lawmakers to China from March 31 to April 2. It is the first such delegation to visit China in eight years.

An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on establishing and practicing a correct understanding of governance performance will be published on Wednesday.

China on Tuesday expressed deep regret over Iran's cultural relics and monuments that were damaged during the current US-Israel-Iran conflict.

The Chinese side has stressed on multiple occasions that a drawn-out conflict serves no one's interest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday in response to question regarding US President Donald Trump's claim that a deal with Iran on ending the Middle East conflict could be reached soon, while at the same time not ruling out ground operations as well as more strikes, including ones targeting power stations.

Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, said on Monday that her upcoming mainland trip will highlight a shared hope for peace.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, have invited Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, to visit the Chinese mainland from April 7 to 12, a CPC official announced on Monday, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, on Monday expressed her thanks and accepted the invitation to visit the Chinese mainland in April.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, have invited Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, to visit the Chinese mainland from April 7 to 12, a CPC official announced on Monday.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which sets out goals and measures for further deepening economic cooperation and exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, has drawn support from Taiwan people working and living on the mainland.

The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) lodged solemn representations with Consul General Julie Eadeh on Friday over US' interference in Hong Kong affairs, expressing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, the office announced on Saturday.

Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command stated, on March 25, PLANS 532 was conducting a routine patrol in the waters under China's jurisdiction near Zhubi Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao. Upon detecting a Philippine Navy ship, PLANS 532 initiated radio communications to remind the Philippine ship. Ignoring repeated radio reminders from the Chinese side, the Philippine ship 507, navigating on the port side of PLANS 532, adjusted its course to the starboard side before making a deliberate turn to the same direction, dangerously approaching PLANS 532 and disrupting its navigation. PLANS 532 then took professional and standardized moves, successfully avoiding an accident.

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting to deliberate on regulations on the work of local Party committees.

In response to a media inquiry regarding the comment on the former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) chairman Ko Wen-je, who was sentenced in the first instance to 17 years in prison and six years of deprivation of civil rights on Thursday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Thursday that the Lai Ching-te administration, in pursuit of political self-interest, have been blatantly manipulating the judiciary to suppress political dissent, implementing what she described as “green terror” and practicing a “those who follow will prosper, those who oppose will perish” approach.

Full text: Keynote speech by China's top legislator Zhao Leji at plenary of Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026

Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) chairman Ko Wen-je was found guilty by a court in Taipei in a corruption case on Thursday and sentenced to 17 years in prison, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Thursday.

In response to foreign media reports claiming that Hong Kong police can now demand phone or computer passwords from people suspected of breaching the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong, portraying the new rules as a “further crackdown on dissents,” a spokesperson from the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) told the Global Times on Thursday that the reports are misleading, noting that law enforcement officers must apply to the court for a warrant and obtain judicial approval before searching electronic devices such as mobile phones.

Asked to comment on reports that regarding South Korea's use of “China (Taiwan)” on its electronic entry card system, Taiwan regional authorities claimed that based on reciprocal principle, if South Korea does not provide a positive response to a request by March 31, they will change South Korea's designation on Taiwan region's arrival cards from “Republic of Korea” to “Korea (South),” Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that adhering to the one-China principle is both the right course of action and an inevitable trend.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday urged efforts to build the Xiong'an New Area in North China's Hebei Province into an innovation hub in the new era and a model of promoting high-quality development, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected the Xiong'an New Area on Monday, when he also chaired a symposium on further advancing the high-quality construction and development of the area. During the inspection, Xi viewed construction progress in the start-up zone and visited China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. and the Xiong'an campus of Beijing No. 4 High School to learn about the development of the Xiong'an New Area.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday urged efforts to build the Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province into an innovation hub in the new era and a model of promoting high-quality development.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday inspected the Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed creating new market opportunities through openness and technological progress, and upholding global market order through healthy and fair competition.

China's Ministry of Water Resources announced on Sunday, marking the 34th World Water Day, that the country has established the world's largest and most comprehensive water infrastructure network, covering 80.3 percent of the country's land area and supporting water allocation, flood control and ecological protection, the Global Times learned from the ministry's website.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2026 in Beijing on Sunday and delivered a keynote speech.

The US Congress on Friday hyped China's influence in Latin America at a hearing, claiming China's continued presence in the region will be constrained as Washington shifts its strategic focus to Latin America. Chinese analysts noted that such hype lays bare Washington's hegemonic nature to deprive Latin American countries of their independent choices, as well as its anxiety over its own weakness in competing with China for cooperation in the region.

The Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a plenary session on Thursday, during which it passed the bill for the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR.

China on Wednesday issued a guideline outlining arrangements for pilot work to extend rural land contracts by an additional 30 years upon the expiration of the second-round contracts.

Responding to a media inquiry regarding a Reuters report that a major US arms package for the Taiwan region, which includes advanced interceptor missiles, is ready for approval by US President Donald Trump and could be signed following his trip to China this month, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, stressed on Wednesday that China firmly opposes arms sales by relevant countries to China's Taiwan region, and this position is consistent and clear, Chinanews.com reported.

Editor's Note: 2026 marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). The outline of the Plan sets out the following development goals for the coming five years: significant achievements in high-quality development, substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, fresh breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively, notable cultural and ethical progress across society, further improvements in quality of life, major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative, and further advances in strengthening the national security shield.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Sunday sent a congratulatory message to the Chinese delegation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, commending the delegation for leading both the gold and overall medal tables.

An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on promoting the high-quality development of the marine economy will be published on Monday.

The following is the full text of the government work report delivered at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China on March 5, and approved on March 12.

John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Thursday that Hong Kong will actively align with the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan to contribute to further deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization.

The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held the closing meeting of its fourth session on Thursday. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders attended the meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xinhua News Agency reported. Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji delivered a speech at the closing meeting.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from teachers and students of the Chinese language class at an international school in France's Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, extending his best wishes to them as well as all the teachers and students of the school.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday voted to pass a resolution on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2025 and on the central and local budgets for 2026, and approved the central budget for 2026 at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday voted to pass a resolution on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 plan for national economic and social development, and approved the 2026 plan at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday voted to adopt the National Development Planning Law at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday voted to adopt the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday voted to adopt the Ecological and Environmental Code at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday approved the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Chinese lawmakers on Thursday passed a resolution on the government work report at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

The 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature, held the closing meeting of its fourth session on Thursday.

Following the UN Security Council's Wednesday vote on a draft resolution concerning the situation in the Middle East, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said in explanatory remarks that the draft resolution proposed by Russia reaffirms the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, urges all parties to immediately cease military actions, condemns all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and encourages all parties to return to the track of diplomatic negotiations. China welcomes and supports this, and was disappointed and regretful that the draft resolution was not adopted.

With a new development blueprint under review at the ongoing national legislative session, China is embracing a critical five-year period in an ambitious drive to basically modernize its vast population by 2035, on a scale unseen in human history.

The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, concluded its annual session on Wednesday morning, Xinhua News Agency reported.

China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday visited representatives of the press who covered the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, started its closing meeting on Wednesday morning.

CPPCC members attend group interview ahead of closing meeting of annual session

Lawmakers on Tuesday gathered again in groups to review the work reports of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate as well as law drafts during the ongoing "two sessions," bringing their first-hand observations from a grassroots perspective and ideas from their communications with the people into the process of legislation and governance.

China's national defense budget for 2026 has been set at 1.94 trillion yuan ($281 billion) under the country's general public budget, representing a 6.9 percent increase from last year's executed budget, with the central government accounting for 1.91 trillion yuan ($276 billion), a 7 percent rise, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, said on Tuesday.

During this year's "two sessions," Haji Akber Aisa, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, told the Global Times that he hopes the country will assist Xinjiang with policies for attracting high-level talent.

Renowned Chinese cloud computing and AI scholar Wang Jian, interviewed by the Global Times during the ongoing "two sessions," discussed the US power grid in the AI era and the competition between China and the US on AI.

The remains of Song Ping, a former senior official of the Communist Party of China and the state, were cremated in Beijing on Tuesday.

A report of the NPC Standing Committee on the work of the overhaul of laws and the proposed handling of certain laws and decisions was submitted for deliberation at the meeting. The work report summarized major achievements in 2025 while specified multiple key areas the Standing Committee will work on in 2026, which will provide crucial legislative guarantee for China's high-quality development amid fast-changing domestic and international environments, according to legal experts and lawmakers.

China's courts had concluded 9,326 cases involving crimes endangering cyber security over the past five years, an increase of 158.5 percent from the previous five-year period, according to a work report of the Supreme People's Court on Monday.

During the ongoing "two sessions", Ruan Xiangyan, a doctor and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, suggested building a notification system, especially at the grassroots level, to inform patients of any fertility risks before treatment.

In an interview with the Global Times on Monday regarding unleashing consumption potentials with the introduction of spring and autumn breaks for primary and secondary schools, Zhang Yi, a deputy to the National People's Congress and a member of the academic divisions of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that only by combining "consumption capacity" with "time available for consumption" can domestic demand be more effectively stimulated.

China opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext. Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, when asked to comment on Iran's new supreme leader and that the US President Donald Trump has threatened that the new Iranian supreme leader "would not last long."

China will strengthen research on legislation in artificial intelligence (AI) and other sectors, according to a report.

The fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress held its second plenary meeting on Monday.

The 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, held the third plenary meeting of the ongoing annual session on Sunday.

At China's 2026 two sessions, high-quality integration of culture and tourism remains a hot topic among the deputies of the National People's Congress and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). In recent years, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, boasting unique natural and cultural resources, has become a filming location for numerous film and television works.

The China Astronaut Research and Training Center is taking the lead in applying to establish a ground-based research facility for extraterrestrial survival to address the challenges of long-term human survival beyond Earth, Wang Yaping, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the first female taikonaut to enter China's space station, said on Saturday during a group discussion.

At the open group meeting of the Hainan delegation to the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, lawmaker Cai Qiang, who is also Secretary-General of South China's Hainan Provincial People's Government, described the development pace induced by the island-wide special customs operations in Hainan as "a rapid acceleration you feel when sitting in a moving car."

The third plenary meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2026.

The island of Taiwan has been Chinese territory since ancient times and is absolutely impossible to become any “country” in the past, present or future. We will never allow any individual or force to separate Taiwan from China, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during the press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

At a Sunday press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined China's consular efforts over the past year. These include handling more than 100 major emergencies involving Chinese citizens and institutions overseas, processing over 79,000 cases of consular protection and assistance, answering more than 600,000 calls to the 12308 consular hotline. He also noted that the ministry issued over 3,000 overseas safety alerts, and successfully rescued more than 50 of compatriots from kidnappings situations in Africa.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. At the press conference, Wang Yi briefed his take on how China views the current situation in Iran and the propositions for resolving the Iran issue as the US and Israel recently launched a military operation against Iran.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

The following are the schedules for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Sunday.

Over one third of China's major development targets for the 2026-2030 period will focus on resolving the pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most, an official told a press conference Saturday.

According to source, multiple Philippine aircraft recently illegally intruded into the territorial airspace over China's Huangyan Dao without the permission of the Chinese government. The Chinese People's Liberation Army organized naval and air forces to conduct tracking, monitoring, warning and expulsion in accordance with laws and regulations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday stressed fully leveraging the unique strengths of enhancing political loyalty in the military, and called for concerted efforts to advance the modernization of national defense and the armed forces in a steady and sustained manner.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Saturday attended a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

China's artificial intelligence (AI) technology can address the "essential demand" in key real-world scenarios, which constitutes the core competitiveness for us to expand globally. Looking ahead, we must also strive to take the lead in breakthroughs in foundational technological innovation, Liu Qingfeng, a deputy to 14th National People's Congress and chairman of Chinese tech firm iFLYTEK, told the Global Times on the sidelines of the ongoing "two sessions."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Senior Chinese leaders Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi on Friday attended deliberation at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and group discussions at the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed unswervingly following the path of health development with Chinese characteristics to ensure decisive progress in advancing the Healthy China Initiative during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

China's GDP is expected to grow by over 6 trillion yuan ($869.6 billion) in 2026, equivalent to the total annual GDP volume of a developed economy, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner, told a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Friday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's women of all ethnic groups and from all walks of life ahead of International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

President Xi Jinping on Friday visited national political advisors attending a joint group meeting at the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday urged major provincial economies to redouble efforts to gain experience in analyzing new situations and solving new problems.

Certain Taiwan media outlets on Thursday reported and touted a bill on space cooperation between the Taiwan region and the US that had passed the US Senate Commerce Committee.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with China News Service that Hong Kong will explore drafting its first five-year plan to better align with national development strategies, China News Service reported on Thursday. Lee came to Beijing to attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).

"With what kind of feeling am I attending? Full of hope!" Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a deputy from Hong Kong to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), told the Global Times on Thursday, noting that seeing the country continue to develop gives him hope for identifying new pathways for the future development for Hong Kong.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Thursday took part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's national legislature.

During the first group interview in the "Deputies' Passage" of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday morning, Wang Wenyi, an NPC deputy who is also a J-16 pilot from an aviation brigade of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, shared his experiences from frontline training.

The 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, opened its fourth session on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Ahead of the opening of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on Thursday, Qi Xiangdong, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of Chinese cybersecurity firm Qi An Xin Technology Group, said in an interview with the Global Times that it is not surprising that the US used the artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its strike against Iran.

China will open wider to the outside world, according to a government work report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation.

China on Thursday unveiled major development targets for the 2026-2030 period as a government work report was submitted to the country's top legislature for deliberation.

"We hope that the vast number of Taiwan compatriots clearly understand that 'Taiwan independence' is a dead end, external forces are unreliable, the process of reunification is unstoppable, and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' attempt to seek independence by relying on external forces is doomed to fail," said Zeng Liqun, a deputy from the Taiwan delegation to the 14th National People's Congress and executive director of the national federation of Taiwan compatriots, in an interview with the Global Times on Wednesday during the national "two sessions" - the annual meetings of China's top legislature and top political advisory body.

Since the security situation in Iran became tense, China has repeatedly made representations to relevant parties, urging all sides to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Iran and neighboring countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday's press briefing while responds to measures that the Chinese government has taken to protect Chinese citizens in Iran and neighboring countries.

When asked to comment on a reporter's question that the US and Israel have recently launched military operations against Iran, resulting in the deaths of its leaders, and that not long ago in Venezuela, the world witnessed the arrest of the president of a sovereign country, and that the US has long declared its intention to annex Greenland, a Danish territory in the Arctic Ocean. As unilateralism and the use of force in international relations grow increasingly rampant, the international community is deeply concerned about the collapse of the global governance system and the weakening role of the United Nations, Lou said that the Chinese side is highly concerned about the situation in Iran. Iran's national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China's top political advisory body, opened its annual session on Wednesday in Beijing.

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held a press conference on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session.

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held a press conference on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session. Lou Qinjian, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 14th NPC, briefed the press on the session.

Chinese lawmakers are set to formulate a law on childcare services this year aiming to channel more resources into people's livelihood sectors and boost consumption, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

China, US should respect each other, pursue peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation: spokesperson

The preparatory meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on Wednesday adopted the following agenda of the session:

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, will hold its annual session from March 5 to 12 in Beijing, a spokesperson for the session said on Wednesday.

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held a press conference on Wednesday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session.

Traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and the foreign exchange rate at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea on March 3, 2026. South Korean equities suffered their steepest ever one-day points decline on Tuesday, the Korean Economic Daily reported, as Middle East tensions stoked concern over the impact of rising energy costs. Photo: VCG

China adheres to promoting high-quality development and expanding high-level opening-up to the outside world. By developing itself while also benefiting the world, China remains the most stable, most reliable, and most positive force in a turbulent world, said Liu Jieyi, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

China's top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), will hold its annual session from March 4 to 11 in Beijing, a spokesperson for the session said on Tuesday.

The US has once again launched attacks against Iran during the negotiation process, which violates international law and the basic norms of international relations, leading to a sudden escalation of the situation in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in response to a question asking China's take on the Iranian nuclear issue, on which the Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi stated that the IAEA has not seen a systematic nuclear weapons program in Iran, and that other countries may have their own political considerations.

Check out our special coverage to explore more news of the Two Sessions 2026.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China's top political advisory body, held a press conference on Tuesday, one day before its annual session.

When China's annual "two sessions" convene in Beijing each spring, the discussions of national lawmakers and political advisors extend well beyond macroeconomic targets and national blueprints.

As the annual national "two sessions" approach, China is expected to send strong and fresh signals on pushing high-quality development, leveraging greater policy and reform support to ensure steady economic growth and social progress.

Tensions following military actions launched by US and Israel against Iran have prompted the Chinese embassies in Israel and Iran to open evacuation registration to Chinese nationals including compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao special administrative regions, and the island of Taiwan. The move has drawn attention from media and triggered discussion among netizens on the island.

China's annual “two sessions” of its top legislature and political advisory body are gearing up to convene this week. Some provincial deputies to the14th National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) gathered in their provincial capitals on Monday to prepare for departure to Beijing.

A book about how the Communist Party of China (CPC) secured victory in China's fight against poverty under the leadership of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has been published.

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, one day ahead of the opening of its annual session, according to an official statement on Monday.

The main agenda proposed for the upcoming fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, was unveiled on Sunday.

A total of 26,000 individuals turned themselves in to China's discipline inspection and supervision agencies in 2025, according to a work report from the country's top anti-graft body.

The Global Times learned from Tan Kai, president of the Iran Federation of Chinese Organizations, that Chinese nationals in Iran began evacuating on Saturday local time. So far, about 100 people have registered for evacuation. They are scattered across different parts of Iran and are expected to leave in an orderly manner via land border crossings that remain open.

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, with explosions rocking Tehran. Missiles hit University Street and the Jomhouri district, Fars News Agency reported, as smoke billowed across parts of the capital, according to Al Jazeera. Some Chinese nationals in the city told the Global Times that the blast site was just a four- to five-minute drive away from them and that communications were temporarily disrupted.

The Chinese Embassy in Israel on Saturday reminded Chinese nationals in the country to closely monitor developments and changes in the situation, remain highly vigilant, familiarize themselves in advance with nearby shelters and evacuation routes, and keep communication channels open at all times.

The US administration has delayed announcing a package of arms sales to the island of Taiwan worth billions of dollars ahead of US President Donald Trump's reported trip to China in early April, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing US officials, and confirmed previous media reports that the arms sale was in limbo.

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday said authorities are investigating the issue following reports that a relative of a "Taiwan independence" separatist allegedly profited from business activities on the mainland and provided political funding to the separatist.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to discuss a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development and a draft government work report to be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for review.

China is closely following the development of the situation in Iran. China consistently advocates for resolving issues through political and diplomatic means, and opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, said Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning at Thursday's press briefing, in response to a question that if the US launches an attack on Iran, will China support Iran alongside Russia?

Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, has had his fraud conviction in a Hong Kong Science Park-related case overturned on appeal. Lai is serving 20-year sentence in a separate national security case, according to local media reports on Thursday.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, asked senior Party officials to ensure a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Unease is reportedly spreading among Japanese companies after China on Tuesday placed 40 Japanese entities, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shipbuilding Co and Subaru Corp., on two restrictive lists in light of a growing trend of Japanese militarization, with major Japanese media outlets warning the move could deal a blow to affected firms.

China's position on the Ukraine issue has been open, clear and consistent — calling for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, and the promotion of peace talks and dialogue, Chinese envoy to the UN said at a conference on Tuesday marking the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The envoy also criticized the US for smearing China's role in the conflict in an attempt to provoke bloc confrontation and create division and antagonism.

A compilation of excerpts from discourses by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on establishing and practicing a correct understanding of what it means to perform well has been published by the Central Party Literature Press.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Monday sent a congratulatory message to the Chinese delegation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, commending the delegation for achieving its best-ever results in overseas Winter Olympic Games.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s Court of Appeal on Monday morning dismissed the appeals by 12 defendants prosecuted in the high-profile case of conspiracy to subvert state power who sought to overturn their convictions or have their sentences reduced, multiple Hong Kong media outlets reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended Spring Festival greetings at a reception in Beijing to usher in the Chinese New Year -- the Year of the Horse.

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders have visited or entrusted others to visit retired senior officials to extend greetings ahead of the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 17 this year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strengthening the strategic, forward-looking, and systematic layout of basic research and supporting scientists and researchers in delivering more original innovations.

The recent U.S. accusation of Chinese nuclear explosive tests is completely groundless, said Li Song, permanent representative of China to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, in an interview on Wednesday.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended festive greetings on Wednesday to people from non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, personages without party affiliation, and other members of the united front ahead of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reviewed the armed forces' combat readiness and ongoing operations and extended Spring Festival greetings to all service members of the country via video link in Beijing.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the EU to embark on an "economic revolution" and reduce dependence on the US and China, according to media reports. Chinese experts said that the remarks reflect the EU's anxiety amid a slew of challenges, but protectionist actions will not help address these woes.

The US House of Representatives has passed a new Taiwan-related bill directing the US administration to exclude the Chinese mainland from certain international financial institutions if its actions are deemed to "threaten security" of the island. The bill has been mocked by many netizens on the island as another attempt to extract more "protection fees" from Taiwan island. A mainland expert said on Wednesday that any attempt to exclude the Chinese mainland from international organizations and financial institutions are largely wishful thinking.

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed the Lai Ching-te authorities for their shameless act of groveling flattery toward Japan, criticizing them for disregarding the heinous crimes committed by Japan during its colonial rule over Taiwan and seizing the opportunity to spread pro-Japan fallacies.

A spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday urged the US to exercise prudence on the Taiwan question, in response to claims reportedly made by the US State Department regarding the region's so-called special defense budget.

There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a press conference on Wednesday.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited primary-level officials and residents in Beijing on Tuesday morning, prior to the Spring Festival.

​Certain countries and institutions used a judicial case in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to maliciously smear Hong Kong, denigrate the rule of law there, and interfere in China's internal affairs. China firmly opposes this and has lodged solemn representations with the relevant countries and institutions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday in response to statements issued by the US, the UK, Australia, the EU and others concerning the 20-year-imprisonment sentencing on anti-China riots instigator Jimmy Lai Chee-ying.

Premiered on China Central Television (CCTV) at the start of 2026, the historical drama Swords into Plowshares (Taiping nian), which centers on the turbulent Five Dynasties and Ten States (907-979), captures audiences in the Chinese mainland and across the Taiwan Straits.The Storm Media Group, among other Taiwan island media outlets, has reported on the drama. According to a commentator for the group, the series' release timing underscores that “peaceful reunification” remains the mainland's mainstream narrative for cross-Straits relations. The commentator described the drama as using the historical tale of “peaceful submission to the Song Dynasty” to convey a cultural and historical appeal for peaceful reunification today.

China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems." Please see the attachment for the document.

China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems,” according to the Xinhua News Agency.

China's State Council Information Office on Tuesday released a white paper titled "Hong Kong: Safeguarding China's National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems."

Both the Chinese Embassy in the UK and the Mission of China to the EU rejected the latest claims made by the British side and the EU External Action on the sentencing of anti-China riots instigator Jimmy Lai on Monday, urging the British and the European sides to stop interfering in China's internal affairs.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday stressed self-reliance in science and technology, hailing it as the "key" in building China into a great modern socialist country.

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs, will attend and address the opening session of the First APEC 2026 Senior Officials' Meeting in Guangzhou on Feb. 10, a foreign ministry spokesperson announced here on Monday.

“I would first like to point out that Jimmy Lai is a Chinese citizen,” said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Monday in response to a question about the latest sentencing in Lai's case, as well as the mention of Lai as a British national by the British prime minister during his visit to China, and the call by US President Donald Trump for China to release Lai.

In response to a question that following the announcement of Japan's election results, some posts on Chinese social media have expressed concerns about Japan's rightward shift, what's Chinese government's comment on this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that in the past, Japanese militarists led Japan into wars of aggression, committing heinous crimes against Asian neighbors and the world, and bringing profound disaster to the Japanese people as well. The lessons of history are profound.

Multiple central government's authorities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) expressed firm support on Monday for the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security and in lawfully handing down a sentence decision in the Jimmy Lai case after the High Court of the HKSAR on Monday morning sentenced Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, to 20 years in prison.

"Jimmy Lai is a Chinese national," said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Monday. Lai was the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong. His moves seriously breached the principles and bottom line of One Country, Two Systems, endanger national security and hurt Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and Hong Kong residents' wellbeing. There is every reason to bring him to justice, Lin said.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visited an information technology (IT) innovation park in Beijing on Monday morning.

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday morning sentenced Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, to 20 years in prison.

After the Financial Times (FT) reported on Friday that the US is compiling a large arms sale of Patriot missiles and other weapons for the island of Taiwan, various opposition parties on the island publicly criticized the regional leader, Lai Ching-te, questioning how much more financial burden he intends to impose on the residents of Taiwan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US is proposing the war be brought to an end before the start of this summer and is likely to apply pressure on the parties in line with that timeline, and suggested the push is linked to US domestic political dynamics, likely referring to the midterm elections scheduled for November 2026, The Kyiv Independent reported Saturday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended Spring Festival greetings to the country's military veterans.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday talked with US President Donald Trump over phone. President Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations. Taiwan is China's territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said. The US must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said, according to a readout from the Chinese foreign ministry.

China unveiled its "No. 1 central document" for 2026 on Tuesday, outlining plans to advance agricultural and rural modernization and to promote all-around rural revitalization.

Addressing the questions that since it has been one month since the US struck Venezuela and forcibly seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, how China assesses the current development, and what role China is playing in ensuring the release of Maduro and his wife, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that one month ago, the US brazenly carried out military strikes against Venezuela and forcibly seized President Maduro and his wife. Such hegemonic actions severely violate international law, infringe on Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean. China firmly opposes this.

The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council have issued approval for the spatial coordination plan for the modern capital metropolitan area (2023-2035), marking a major new step in deepening the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has emphasized efforts to leverage the country's comparative advantages, pursue progress while maintaining stability, and promote continuous breakthroughs in developing industries of the future.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday exchanged congratulations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune over the successful launch of an Algerian remote sensing satellite from Jiuquan in northwest China.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at the press conference that China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear, emphasizing "We have never added fuel to the fire, sought to profit from the situation, nor accepted shifting blame and evading responsibility," when asked whether China has been supporting Russia's production of ballistic missiles by providing equipment.

China once again urges Japan to abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and the commitments it has made, earnestly reflect and correct its course, and stop manipulating and acting recklessly on the Taiwan question, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, in response to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's latest remarks relating to Taiwan region on Tuesday.

Amid sliding public approval rating of her cabinet, ahead of Japan's lower house election campaign officially kicking off on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi claimed on Monday that she would "step down immediately" if the ruling coalition with Japan Innovation Party (JIP) fails to secure a majority, Jiji Press reported.

Being asked that the US Secretary of State Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kennedy Jr. issued a joint statement on January 23 announcing the US formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization, effective immediately and the US Department of Health and Human Services also claimed that at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, China had concealed information and refused to provide the WHO with the genetic sequences of early cases, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that since the outbreak of COVID-19, China has adhered to the principles of putting people and life first, working hand in hand with other nations to overcome the challenge.

China's defense ministry on Saturday announced that senior military officials Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli have been investigated for suspected serious discipline and law violations.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government strongly opposed on late Thursday the so-called resolution adopted by the European Parliament against Hong Kong, condemning the Parliament for using the Lai Chee-ying case to make baseless allegations about Hong Kong and smear the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO).

Argentine president Javier Milei said his country does not have to choose between the US and China as he appeared at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, according to the Telegraph.

Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed an order to promulgate regulations on work related to military theory.

European Parliament delays approval of EU-U.S. trade deal after Trump's Greenland tariff threats

When Ryan Chen walked confidently along a Los Angeles street carrying an Anta shopping bag and struck up a conversation with a US fan who works at Nike, he delivered his lines with calm certainty, exaggerated cadence and unmistakable drawl of US President Donald Trump.

In a world marked by intertwined turmoil, Asia is widely recognized as a high ground of global development and prosperity. This favorable situation has not come easily and deserves to be cherished, Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Peng Qing'en, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that the Lai Ching-te authorities have repeatedly exaggerated the so-called “mainland threat,” escalating cross-Straits confrontation and antagonism. He noted that such actions run counter to the mainstream public opinion on the island, which calls for peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits, are unpopular, and are bound to face opposition.

Taiwan's defense authorities have recently been mired in sustained public controversy over multiple arms procurements. A spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council stated that, in order to seek "independence" through military means, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are wantonly squandering the hard-earned money of Taiwan residents to purchase foreign weapons, while taking the opportunity to amass wealth and engage in corruption.

​China firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between countries that have diplomatic relations with China and the Taiwan region. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a widely recognized consensus of the international community, Peng Qing'en, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday at a regular press conference.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for solid efforts to secure a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday announced her plan to dissolve the House of Representatives on Jan. 23 for a snap general election set for Feb. 8.

In response to a question about how the situation of Chinese nationals being trapped in scam compounds in Cambodia has affected bilateral relations and what measures China expects Cambodia to take, as well as an inquiry to confirm the reports that many Chinese citizens who escaped such compounds were seen lining up outside the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens overseas.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday hailed the progress made in Canada-China relationship, saying the relationship that had been "distant and uncertain for nearly a decade" is now changing, following his four-day visit to China that yielded a series of trade and economic outcomes.

For us, to deal with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces is like catching a turtle in a jar, and all options that can punish the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces remain on the table, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), told at a press conference on Friday in response to a question about there are concerns in Taiwan that the mainland might follow what the US did to Venezuela to legitimize the use of force against the island.

Chinese President Xi Jinping received the credentials of 18 new ambassadors to China in Beijing on Friday.

Two videos comparing how law enforcement personnel interacting with people in China and the US posted recently on X by a US journalist has sparked discussion among netizens about differences in policing practices, and more broadly different law enforcement philosophy between the two countries after the ICE fatal shooting incident in the US has continued to trigger backlash in the US.

Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te, colluding with a few national degenerates and despicable individuals, has staged a farce and fabricated and spread fallacies of "Taiwan independence" separatism, which is utterly contemptible, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday. Zhu made the remarks in response to a question about a provocative visit to the Taiwan region by Shi Ping, a member of Japan's National Diet, which Lai falsely claimed proved the so-called notion that the "Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other," but was met with protests from Taiwan residents, who denounced Shi as a "traitor to the Chinese nation" and someone who has "forgotten his roots."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve the House of Representatives for a snap election at the outset of the regular Diet session scheduled to convene on January 23, Japanese media outlet Kyodo News reported on Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the matter.

The third episode of an annual anti-corruption documentary series produced by China's top anti-corruption watchdog will be aired on Tuesday, examining the bribery case involving Jiang Chaoliang, former Party secretary of CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and revealing that corruption not only targets officials but also extends to their family members.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday called for advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance with higher standards and more concrete measures.

In response to a question on whether there have been any Chinese casualties in the protests in Iran and whether China is calling on its citizens to leave the country, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at Monday's press briefing that China is closely following the situation in Iran and has not received any reports of Chinese citizens being injured or killed there. She added that China will spare no effort to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Iran.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from teachers and students of a U.S. youth education exchange delegation.

As Trump administration touted what he called "amazing military achievement" in the forcible seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, dissenting voices from multiple quarters have raised questions about the operation's legality. During a live interview on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called out when a CNN reporter asked, "How much does the [Venezuela] mission cost American taxpayers?"

Xi sends congratulatory letter to opening ceremony of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges

The Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership met on Thursday to hear a series of work reports from the leading Party members' groups of state institutions, including the top legislature, central government, top political advisory body, supreme court and supreme procuratorate.

Moscow on Wednesday condemned the United States for seizing a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic, following a pursuit that began off the coast of Venezuela. "In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in waters on the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states," Russia's Ministry of Transport said in a statement.

Trump confirms considering using U.S. military to take control of Greenland on "national security concerns"

US European Command said on Wednesday it had seized an oil tanker linked with Venezuela and registered as a Russian vessel in the North Altantic in an operation.

U.S. conducting operation to seize Venezuela-linked oil tanker in Atlantic: U.S. media

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung visited the historic site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai on Wednesday afternoon, drawing hundreds of Chinese and South Korean tourists and local residents.

Facts have proven that an increasing number of Taiwan compatriots have come to realize that "Taiwan independence" means war, that the Lai Ching-te authorities' stubborn pursuit of "independence" will only bring conflict and chaos to Taiwan, and that condoning or supporting "Taiwan independence" will only turn themselves and their families into cannon fodder, said Chen Binhua, a spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday.

In response to a question that how many people are currently on these lists of diehard Taiwan independence separatists and “Taiwan independence” henchmen and accomplices, and whether the mainland further step up punitive measures and bring them to justice while some public opinion on the island claiming that the mainland's punitive measures have had no substantive impact on these individuals and have instead become so-called “medals” for them to flaunt, a spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council said “Taiwan independence” elements are illegal criminals who seek to split the country and undermine cross-Straits relations.

​Two individuals in the island of Taiwan–Liu Shyh-fang and Cheng Ying-yao–have been listed as diehard “Taiwan independence” separatists and will be subject to punishment in accordance with the law, Chen Binhua, spokesperson from the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, announced on Wednesday.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the country's top legislator Zhao Leji met separately with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung in Beijing on Tuesday, as Lee continued his four-day state visit to China that began on Sunday.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores stood their first court trial on Monday morning local time, during which they pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges in the courtroom. Maduro's courtroom remarks garnered attention from the media and netizens alike. Some Chinese netizens argued that the US's string of actions was “motivated by Venezuela's oil interests,” while others challenged the trial's legitimacy, noting that the US had reduced the law to a mere empty facade.

Remarks on Venezuela by Ambassador Sun Lei, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Emergency Meeting

Editor's Note: At the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in North China's port city of Tianjin in September 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping formally proposed the Global Governance Initiative.

In the 19th installment of the special series “Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,” the Global Times (GT), along with the People's Daily Overseas Edition, continues to invite Chinese and foreign scholars, translators of Xi's works, practitioners with firsthand experience, and international readers to delve into the logical connections between the four global initiatives and the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, and to discuss their practical significance and contemporary value. In the 17th article of the "Scholars' Perspectives" column, the Global Times (GT) spoke with Xu Bu (Xu), President of Institute of International Development and Security Studies（IIDSS), Jiangsu University, former president of the China Institute of International Studies and former member of the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a state visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday.

Highlights of President Xi's 2026 New Year message

On New Year's Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2026 New Year message through China Media Group and the internet. The following is the full text of the message:

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday delivered his 2026 New Year message in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver his 2026 New Year message on Wednesday evening in Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday emphasized efforts to achieve a strong start for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) period.

India has extended an official invitation to China to participate in its weeklong 2026 AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Indian media reported, citing a senior government official. Analysts said the invitation reflects India's diplomatic push to engage a major player in global AI development.

China's top diplomat on Tuesday again slammed Japanese prime minister's erroneous remarks related to Taiwan, saying the incumbent Japanese leader "openly challenged China's territorial sovereignty, the historical conclusions of World War II, and the post-war international order."

The annual central rural work conference was held from Monday to Tuesday in Beijing, mapping out priorities for the country's rural work in 2026.

Venezuela on Monday issued a statement, rejecting the announcement by the US to carry out large scale arms sales to the island of Taiwan, reaffirming its unwavering adherence to the one-China principle and recognizing that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.

China called for upholding Yemen's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and hoped parties will put the Yemeni people's interests first and create conditions for restoring peace and tranquility in Yemen at an early date, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on the Taiwan question have exerted a major impact on China-Japan relations, former Japanese foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya, during an recent interview with a Japanese student journalist, emphasized that those in positions of responsibility for diplomacy should not shout loudly about a "Taiwan contingency" and unnecessarily heighten regional tensions, Japanese media reported Sunday.

Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Chinese Kuomintang Party (KMT), Taiwan's major opposition party, on Monday sharply criticized Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te for what she described as continuous provocations and erroneous cross-Straits policies, warning that they are driving Taiwan toward the brink of war and burdening the Taiwan people.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) concluded its 19th session Saturday in Beijing.

The "nuclear possession" rhetoric by an official responsible for security policy under the Sanae Takaichi administration continues to draw backlash. Former Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday once again criticized the rhetoric, according to Japanese media.

The draft environmental code, the draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and the draft law on national development planning will be submitted to the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) for further deliberation, according to a decision made by the NPC Standing Committee on Saturday.

The fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) has been suggested to start on March 4, 2026, in Beijing.

Chinese lawmakers on Saturday voted to adopt a law on the safety management of hazardous chemicals. The law, which was passed at a session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, will take effect on May 1, 2026.

Chinese lawmakers on Saturday voted to adopt a revision to the Foreign Trade Law. The revised law, which was passed at a session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, will take effect on March 1, 2026.

The National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China's national legislature, on Saturday decided to submit the draft of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development to the fourth annual session of the 14th NPC for review in March 2026.

The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) will open its fourth annual session in Beijing on March 5, 2026, according to a decision made by the NPC Standing Committee on Saturday.

A meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership has stressed efforts to steadfastly implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct.

With 60 votes in favor and 51 against, the legislative body in China's Taiwan region approved an impeachment proposal from opposition parties against regional leader Lai Ching-te on Friday. Following the formal initiation of the case against Lai, opposition parties in Taiwan also announced their planned timetable for the impeachment proceedings on the same day, according to Taiwan-based media reports.

The Thursday meeting underscores the CPC leadership's unwavering determination to press ahead with the anti-corruption campaign. As the fight against corruption in the new era remains complex and challenging, the continued crackdown on corruption sends a clear message that the high-pressure anti-corruption approach will remain firmly in place, said some experts reached by the Global Times on Thursday.

After the Chinese mainland's public security authorities issued wanted notice for two individuals from the island of Taiwan on the illegal smuggling case involving Hongtai 58 incident, the China Central Television (CCTV) reveal in a program aired on Thursday the truth behind the Hongtai 58 incident: an accident involving a smuggling ship was manipulated into a political conspiracy.

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee convened a meeting on Thursday to discuss and plan the Party's efforts to improve conduct, build integrity, and combat corruption for the year 2026.

Family members of Koreans forcibly conscripted by Japan during World War II have filed a lawsuit in South Korea, seeking the removal of the names of the deceased from the notorious Yasukuni Shrine that honors war criminals, civic groups said Tuesday, according to South Korean media.

When asked to comment on a draft report from the US Pentagon claims that China may have already deployed over 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles in its three newest missile silo fields and shows no willingness to engage in arms control negotiations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that he is not aware of the so-called internal report from the US.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for further efforts to formulate a draft outline of China's 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development.

Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Monday presented certificates of order to promote two military officers to the rank of general.

Both Cambodia and Thailand are important members of ASEAN, and China appreciates and supports ASEAN, particularly Malaysia's capacity to mediate. As a friend and close neighbor of both countries, China sincerely hopes that Cambodia and Thailand will, based on safeguarding peace and stability along their borders and the fundamental interests of their peoples, quickly achieve a ceasefire and restore peace, Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday in response to a question about the ongoing Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, regarding the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand.

China is making progress on the legislative process for the draft ecological environment code with the newly revised draft code submitted Monday to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for a new round of deliberations.

Peng Peiyun, a former Chinese state councilor and vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Ninth National People's Congress, died in Beijing at 6:26 a.m. Sunday following a battle with illness at the age of 96, an official statement has said.

Since taking office in March, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has notably departed from the approach of his predecessor Justin Trudeau, seeking to diversify Canada's diplomatic strategy amid increasingly strained relations with the United States. In an interview on Sunday, Carney expressed his intention to make new progress in Canada-China bilateral ties. However, he also publicly outlined what he described as "guardrails," security-related boundaries that he believes should guide engagement with China.

The reported claims that Japan should have nuclear weapons by a senior government official, who advises Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on security, continue to draw backlashes. The former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba commented on Saturday that acquiring nuclear weapons would "absolutely not benefit Japan," Japanese media reported.

China released new rules on Saturday to regulate pricing practices of internet platforms, a move aimed at fostering innovation and promoting the sound development of the platform economy.

Taiwan opposition lawmakers from the Chinese Kuomintang party (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) announced a plan to impeach the region's leader Lai Ching-te at a press conference held in Taipei on Friday, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Meanwhile, an online petition to impeach Lai has gathered more than 5 million signatures in less than 24 hours after release.

Taiwan opposition lawmakers from the Chinese Kuomintang party and Taiwan People's Party announced a plan to impeach the region's leader Lai Ching-te at a press conference held in Taipei on Friday.