China

时政微观察丨为人民出政绩 以实干出政绩

China Daily | Local Language | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

On January 20, 2026, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to deepen the study and implementation of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, aiming to unify thinking and concentrate efforts to ensure a successful start to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan prioritizes economic development-centered, high-quality growth amid a complex environment of risks and opportunities. Xi stressed the importance of leadership at all levels improving political judgment and execution, noting the Party Central Committee’s unified leadership is essential for steady and successful economic progress.

The seminar for provincial- and ministerial-level leading cadres underscored adhering to the Party’s major strategies, policies, and economic tasks outlined in the 2025 Central Economic Work Conference. Initial 2026 measures include national subsidies, green consumption promotion, and expanded government financing guarantees to stimulate market vitality and support business entities. Xi highlighted the need for localities to pursue sustainable development tailored to their unique resources and conditions, advocating against one-size-fits-all approaches by encouraging efforts aligned with comparative advantages and local realities.

Xi called for a correct view of performance focused on tangible achievements that benefit the people, emphasizing that success is measured by public satisfaction and improvements in livelihoods. The Party prioritizes practical work that addresses the urgent needs of the population, from ecological protection along the Yangtze River to child-raising subsidies and major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing public services and living environments. Local and central plans must align strategically while remaining adaptable to local circumstances to ensure effective implementation.

In the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, authorities are tasked with anchoring targets in concrete actions, with solid results serving to establish momentum for the broader goals of building Chinese-style modernization. The leadership underscores that practical work and execution are paramount for political success and the continued prosperity of the people.

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.

Xinhua | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Natural Disasters

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Qiaojia County in Yunnan Province, China, on Monday evening at 7:32 p.m., occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake damaged over 1,900 residential houses and eight school buildings, mostly causing minor cracks. No casualties or building collapses were reported.

The earthquake also caused significant infrastructure damage, including 466 slope collapses and rockfalls on roads, 483 road surface damages, and 19 mountain fissures that do not threaten residential safety or public transportation. Additionally, 544 water conservancy facilities, 270 production water cellars or pools, and 178 water supply pipeline locations were damaged.

Local authorities have relocated and accommodated 334 residents from 147 households, ensuring their basic needs such as food, water, heating, and shelter. Post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts are planned as the next step. The China Earthquake Administration activated a Level-III emergency response and sent teams to assist with relief efforts.