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Five key developments in China this week (July 5–11, 2025)

President Xi Jinping Visited Shanxi Province, Advocating Economic Modernization

From July 7 to 8, President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection tour in Shanxi Province, where he underscored the imperative of transforming the resource-dependent economy and advancing modernization. In Yangquan City, he observed operations at a valve manufacturing plant and assessed the progress of industrial innovation within the region. Furthermore, President Xi Jinping paid tribute to the heroes of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, visiting the memorial commemorating the Hundred Regiments Offensive.

Premier Li Qiang Participated in BRICS Summit in Brazil and Visited Egypt

From July 7 to 8, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, where he articulated opposition to protectionism and unilateral measures. On the sidelines of the summit, agreements were signed between China and Brazil in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and space technology. Premier Li Qiang also held discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

On July 9, Premier Li Qiang arrived in Egypt, where he met with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Prime Minister Mostafa Kemal Madbouly, and Speaker of Parliament Hanafy Ali Gebali. He called for enhanced strategic coordination and support for the "Belt and Road" initiative. Additionally, Premier Li expressed support for the unity and development of Arab nations during a meeting with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

First Meeting Between Chinese and U.S. Foreign Ministers Amid Tariff Disputes; Strengthening China-ASEAN Ties

On July 11, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Malaysia on the sidelines of ASEAN events. This marked their first in-person meeting since Secretary Rubio's appointment.

On July 10, during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Wang Yi highlighted the successes of mutually beneficial cooperation and endorsed the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. At the ASEAN+3 (China, Japan, South Korea) meeting, he urged participating countries to continue regional integration. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also conducted separate bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Russia, Japan, and other ASEAN member states.

China's Economy Projected to Exceed $19.5 Trillion by End of 14th Five-Year Plan

According to Zheng Shanjie, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, by the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), China's economic output is expected to surpass 140 trillion yuan (approximately $19.5 trillion). During this period, China has achieved breakthroughs in key technologies, establishing 26 of the world's top 100 scientific and technological innovation clusters and over 460,000 high-tech enterprises.

Record Growth in China's Automobile Production and Sales in First Half

According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, over 15 million vehicles were produced and sold in the country during the first half of 2025, including robust growth in the New Energy Vehicles (NEV) segment. Chinese automobile exports also demonstrated positive momentum, and it is anticipated that automakers will significantly increase overseas shipments in the coming years due to expansion into global markets.

ORIENT

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