China

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedEconomic Growth

China's 2025 GDP growth demonstrated resilience amid global uncertainties, reflecting the early effects of a strategic economic rebalancing under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Policymakers are shifting focus from pursuing headline growth figures to enhancing economic stability and balance by expanding domestic demand, investing in human capital, and promoting innovation. This approach prioritizes long-term resilience through targeted support rather than broad stimulus measures.

The central bank's recent cautious monetary easing and planned increased fiscal spending for 2026 underscore the government's commitment to sustainable development. Fiscal resources will be directed towards consumption, human capital investment, and livelihood protection, balancing current needs with medium- and long-term financial sustainability. External observers see this as a sign of China's strategic transformation toward economic maturity.

Structural rebalancing is central to the new economic direction, with domestic consumption and technological advancement replacing traditional growth drivers like investment and exports. The government plans to release a domestic demand expansion strategy for 2026-2030, emphasizing sectors such as elderly care, green technology, and cultural tourism. Innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, is expected to enhance productivity and drive future growth.

A strong emphasis is placed on investing in people, viewing human capital as essential to sustainable growth and innovation. Policies aim to increase household incomes, stabilize and improve employment quality, and leverage China’s vast pool of STEM graduates to transition from a "population dividend" to a "talent dividend." This focus on intrinsic economic stability through rebalancing is poised to shape China's development trajectory amid global complexities in 2026 and beyond.

中方重申：日本根本没有资格要求“入常”

Xinhua | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Sun Lei, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, stated that Japan lacks the qualifications to demand permanent membership on the UN Security Council. He argued that Japan cannot shoulder the responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security or win the trust of the international community.

Sun Lei highlighted that the Security Council is central to the international collective security mechanism and recalled the Tokyo Trials that punished Japanese war criminals and upheld international justice. However, he claimed that Japanese militarism has resurfaced in new forms through efforts to deny historical crimes such as the Nanjing Massacre and the forcible conscription of "comfort women," revision of history textbooks, and visits by Japanese leaders to Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of militarism. He also pointed to remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, support for nuclear armament, and moves to revise Japan's security policies as evidence of attempts to revive militarism, posing threats to regional and global peace.

Sun Lei emphasized that a country showing no remorse for historical crimes and violating international norms cannot be entrusted with the responsibilities of maintaining peace and security or seek permanent Security Council membership.

Regarding Security Council reform, China supports necessary and reasonable reforms aimed at enhancing the Council's authority and efficiency, particularly emphasizing the increased representation and voice of developing countries. He urged for a comprehensive resolution to fundamental reform issues through a “package” solution during the current intergovernmental negotiations.

China Daily | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

Chinese private firms are increasingly embedding themselves in Southeast Asia through comprehensive investments in industrial development, infrastructure, and workforce training. Zhenshi Holding Group, a diversified Chinese industrial firm, has established the Indonesia Huabao Industrial Park in Morowali, Central Sulawesi, which serves as a key example of this trend. The park integrates nickel-iron smelting and related industries with supporting infrastructure such as power facilities, roads, housing, and ports, transforming undeveloped land into a significant industrial hub.

Local employment is a central focus, with Indonesian workers making up over 91 percent of Huabao’s workforce, totaling 2,555 on-site employees and 8,217 including affiliated projects. The company has invested heavily in workforce development, providing thousands of training hours and skill-building programs in vocational, leadership, and digital areas, including Mandarin language courses tailored for the workplace. These efforts have earned recognition from local government and business associations for contributions to employment and human resource development.

Zhenshi’s investment strategy extends beyond manufacturing to stimulating local supply chains, infrastructural improvements, and community development. The park has developed over 300 suppliers, including Indonesian firms, and invested $10 million to expand Morowali’s airport, enhancing regional transport capacity. Ongoing social responsibility projects cover infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and economic support, reflecting a broader shift in Chinese overseas investment towards industrial upgrading and sustainable local engagement.

Southeast Asia is a growing priority for Chinese firms aiming to diversify supply chains and markets, with over 6,500 Chinese companies investing directly in ASEAN countries. Indonesia’s large market and rich nickel reserves make it particularly attractive amid growing electric vehicle and new materials industries. The China-ASEAN economic relationship remains strong, bolstered by trade agreements such as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol.

For Zhenshi, the Indonesian experience has shifted its overseas approach from isolated projects to integrated industrial platforms that promote long-term regional development. The Huabao Industrial Park exemplifies how Chinese private enterprises are positioning themselves as enduring partners in Southeast Asia’s economic growth.