Chinese tech start-up DeepSeek is shaking the US' AI sector with its open-source approach and low-cost models, drawing curiosity and significant coverage from US media and AI forums about how this Chinese company has produced competitive AI systems comparable to those developed by US tech giants, all while navigating the strict semiconductor restrictions imposed by the US government on China. The Global Times on Saturday talked to the company and several AI industrial observers to illustrate the phenomenon behind.

"China's cheap, open AI model DeepSeek thrills scientists," Nature wrote three days after a large language model called DeepSeek-R1 was released by the Chinese company on January 20. Its performance on certain tasks in chemistry, mathematics and coding is on par with that of OpenAI's o1, the Nature report said. 

"How China's new AI model DeepSeek is threatening US dominance," a CNBC report on Friday emphasized concerns over DeepSeek's impact on US dominance in AI. It wrote that "a little-known AI lab out of China has ignited panic throughout Silicon Valley after releasing AI models that can outperform America's best despite being built more cheaply and with less-powerful chips."

A New York Times report wrote "The company built a cheaper, competitive chatbot with fewer high-end computer chips than US behemoths like Google and OpenAI, showing the limits of chip export control," in a report titled "How Chinese AI Start-Up DeepSeek Is Competing With Silicon Valley Giants."

Attention on the Hangzhou-based startup began in December of last year following the launch of its large-scale AI model, "DeepSeek-V3." This new model quickly gained traction among AI enthusiasts, sparking discussions that transcended borders and made their way to international social media platforms and tech forums.

As of press time, there was no official response from the team, which media widely seen as "a mysterious team" that rarely spoke to media and overtly present themselves.

When asked to comment on the external attention surrounding DeepSeek's development of a free, open-source large language model on Saturday, DeepSeek informed the Global Times that it could not provide additional information at this time. They recommended referring to the technical report for a better understanding of its model.

According to a notice released by DeepSeek in an open communication group, the company stated that it "does not engage in external project cooperation, nor does it provide privatization deployment and related support services." Additionally, DeepSeek emphasized that it will concentrate on research and development to develop more advanced models, encouraging everyone to "please look forward to it."

"DeepSeek's technological approach challenges the US's dominance and monopoly in AI technology, proving that US' chip restrictions have been ineffective," Li Baiyang, an associate professor of intelligence studies with Nanjing University, told the Global Times on Saturday, in explanation why DeepSeek has ignited wide attention from not only China but the Silicon Valley in the US.

The US is currently seeking to uphold its dominance in the field of artificial intelligence through various policies and administrative regulations, with a focus on safeguarding its edge in computational and algorithmic capabilities, the expert said. 

Tian Feng, former dean of the Intelligence Industry Research Institute at Chinese AI software giant SenseTime, described DeepSeek's ability to achieve impressive generative results with lower training costs, along with its complete open-source approach to technology and foundational models as a move likely to "redefine the development rules for AI."

It demonstrates comparable advantages to OpenAI's o1 model, along with a training cost of only about $6 million for its V3 model— about one-tenth of what Meta invests in comparable AI models, Tian told the Global Times on Saturday.

NVIDIA Senior Research Manager Jim Fan said on X that "We are living in a timeline where a non-US company is keeping the original mission of OpenAI alive - truly open, frontier research that empowers all. "

According to an anonymous post on Teamblind, a forum for verified Big Tech employees, Meta's AI department is feeling the pressure, according to a report by media outlet The Decoder. The post wrote that Meta is "in panic mode. Engineers are moving frantically to dissect DeepSeek and copy anything and everything we can from it."

Meta's Mark Zuckerberg took to Facebook recently to outline his company's response, saying that in 2025, Meta aims to develop an AI assistant that can serve more than a billion people. "This will be a defining year for AI," Zuckerberg wrote, according to the The Decoder report.

The approach taken by the Chinese tech start-up has put unprecedented pressure on US AI companies, as it is likely to attract more users and developers globally to participate in high-end AI development, which may weaken the market share and influence of American AI companies, according to Tian.

The US stringent measures guard against China in the field of AI, covering various aspects such as chips, talent, computing power, algorithms, and data, and it can be said that "no means are being spared in their sanctions," Li Baiyang said. 

However, how China's AI innovates testifies its minimal impact, instead, such restrictions have caused many American companies to miss opportunities for collaborative development with China's industrial innovation, Li Baiyang said. 

The New York Times, as mentioned above, left the question of China-US competition in AI open-ended. It wrote that "If the best open source technologies come from China, they argue, US developers will build their systems atop those technologies. In the long-run, China could emerge as a central player in AI innovation globally."

Li Baiyang said DeepSeek's open-source technological route applications embody China's inclusive and accessible mindset, which is of great significance for strengthening the ecosystem of China's AI industry.

"China can achieve significant breakthroughs by pursuing our own path, as long as we continue to innovate," Tian said. 

US President Donald Trump recently announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure investment in the US. Three top tech firms will create a new company, called Stargate, to grow artificial intelligence infrastructure in the US, according to CNN. 

The healthy competition between China and the US in AI depends on the US attitude.  As the two leading powers in the global AI field, China and the US compete in the AI industry, but there is also significant room for cooperation, especially in AI governance, Li Baiyang added. 

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri county, Xigaze, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region caused varying degrees of damage to temples in the epicenter region. Monks and nuns in these temples, like other residents, received care and rescue efforts amid the merciless natural disaster. During a recent visit to the earthquake-stricken area in Dingri county, the Global Times observed monks and nuns actively participating in the protection of historical relics in the affected temples. They also went temporary shelters to provide emotional and spiritual support to the grief-stricken and anxious victims.
"After the earthquake, some vloggers took advantage of our focus on earthquake relief to secretly visit Zongbu Temple, a local nunnery in Chamco township. They filmed videos, alleging that the temple was damaged but left unattended. They also falsely claimed that injured nuns were left without assistance. These are completely rumors, which made me very angry," Ngawang Tsering, deputy director of the SangKar Chosde Monastery management committee, told the Global Times. He explained that immediately after the January 7 earthquake, he sought assistance from the Dingri county government and rushed to Zongbu Temple with local residents to conduct rescue operations. After firefighters, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and other emergency rescue forces arrived in Chamco township, they treated Zongbu Temple as a key rescue point and carried out simultaneous relief work across other disaster-stricken areas in the township. "Injured nuns were also promptly sent to the hospital by ambulance. Unharmed nuns were brought to the monastery management committee for care. They were properly resettled," he emphasized.

Nun Chodron from Zongbu Temple was the first to escape when the earthquake struck. In an interview with the Global Times, she said that Zongbu Temple, located halfway up a mountain in Gadan village, Chamco township, suffered damage during the quake. "Only some 10 minutes after the earthquake, staff from the monastery management committee and residents of the township drove up the mountain to rescue us. Shortly after, firefighting and military personnel arrived. I truly didn't expect them to reach us so quickly. Without their swift rescue, one trapped nun among us might not have survived," she recalled.
The Global Times has learned that currently, the four injured nuns in the temple are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in Xigaze city and Dingri county. Meanwhile, those in good conditions have been settled in a temporary shelter next to the monastery's management committee. During the visit, the Global Times found that these shelters are stocked with cotton-padded shoes, blankets, thick clothing, instant noodles, bottled water, and fresh produce, ensuring the basic needs of affected monks and nuns are fully met.
Tsering Wangdu, director of the SangKar Chosde Monastery management committee, explained to the Global Times that after the earthquake struck on the morning of January 7, monks and nuns from both Zongbu Temple and SangKar Chosde Monastery were relocated to a temporary shelter next to the monastery's management committee by that afternoon. By 9 am the following day, government departments had urgently dispatched eight prefabricated houses, and rescue teams completed the construction of all the prefabricated houses by around 5 pm that same day. Basic living supplies and equipment, including vegetables, tsampa, butter, bowls, and cooking utensils, were also provided that day. "If we need any living supplies, we only need to request them from the government departments, and within two to three hours, rescue personnel will deliver everything we need. Our monks and nuns have received meticulous care and attention from the Party and the government," Tsering Wangdu told the Global Times.
After ensuring the proper resettlement of monks and nuns affected by the earthquake, protecting the valuable historical relics within the temples from further damage or theft became a speicial task for local government officials and monastery management committee staff. According to the committee staff, the SangKar Chosde Monastery, which has a history of over 500 years, is a key cultural relic protection site in Xizang region. Zongbu Temple, with a history of more than 400 years, is similarly recognized as a key cultural relic protection site in Xigaze city. Both temples house numerous historical artifacts, including statues, thangkas, murals, and scriptures, all of which hold immense artistic and historical value. Any damage or theft of these relics would result in significant losses. Therefore, the Dingri county government and the monastery management committee implemented temporary lockdown measures at both temples, establishing targeted protections for these invaluable relics.

"Zongbu Temple sustained damage during the earthquake. With aftershocks continuing in the disaster area, it is challenging for us to enter the temple for inspections or to carry out protection efforts. As a precaution, we established a checkpoint at the base of the mountain where the temple is located. Police officers, temple management staff, monks, and nuns are stationed there in 24 hours to prevent unauthorized personnel or vehicles from entering. Once the situation stabilizes, we will begin rescue efforts for the relics. For the less-damaged SangKar Chosde Monastery, we have removed all valuable relics and securely stored them under the supervision of personnel assigned by the Dingri county's public security bureau. Our monastery management committee has also dispatched officials and enlisted monks and nuns to help safeguard these relics," said Ngawang Tsering.

In the face of cruel natural disasters, the monks and nuns who have been rescued can also become helpers and provide help to the needy people with the heart of helping the world and the people. Tsering Wangdu said that after the earthquake, some affected residents requested the assistance of monks and nuns to handle funeral arrangements for the victims, chanting scriptures for the deceased and praying for blessings for the living. To meet these requests, we organized the resettled monks and nuns into groups and dispatched them to various villages in Chamco township to provide assistance to affected residents, he said.

"In this earthquake, more than 100 people lost their lives, and Chamco township was one of the hardest-hit areas. We quickly allocated monks and nuns to conduct funeral services for the victims in different villages," said Thubten, a monk in SangKar Chosde Monastery. "The Party and the government have provided sufficient living guarantees for all affected people, including monks and nuns. As religious figures, we have a responsibility to comfort the victims' families and provide emotional support to believers in such moments of sudden natural disaster."

"We followed traditional customs to conduct funeral rites for the victims and offered timely comfort to their families. In performing the religious ceremonies for the deceased, we spared no effort to ensure they rest in peace. For the living, we provided solace and encouragement, inspiring them to remain confident in the future. We assured them they need not worry about their livelihoods because the Party and the government will always care and help us," said Thubten.

In 2024, over 35,000 cases hindering border management were investigated in China, with more than 79,000 criminal suspects apprehended and 906 criminal gangs dismantled, according to the latest data released by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday, CCTV News reported.

Among them, 328 major and significant cases were placed under special supervision and 518 key fugitives targeted in the special operation against serious crimes against border management were successfully apprehended, said the NIA.

The immigration authorities have also taken stringent measures to crack down on illegal activities related to firearms, explosives, drug trafficking, and smuggling in border areas, according to the report.

A total of 494 drug cases involving 653 individuals were uncovered. Among them, there were 105 cases involving over 10 kilograms of drugs, with a total of 7.8 tons of various drugs seized, along with more than 2,000 firearms and over 100,000 rounds of ammunition confiscated.

In order to strengthen safeguards for the security and stability of the national borders, the NIA has implemented multiple specialized measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The NIA has coordinated with immigration management departments across China to advance a special operation aimed at severely cracking down on crimes related to border management, so as to form a strong deterrent against prominent cross-border crimes.

Between June and October 2024, immigration authorities deployed 104,000 police and auxiliary officers, while also mobilizing 85,000 community and social volunteers to conduct a summer security crackdown and rectification operation, according to the NIA.

By doing so, a number of individuals involved in ongoing criminal activities were apprehended, and several dangerous security factors were eliminated.

The NIA has continued to strengthen efforts to address illegal employment, entry, and residence by foreigners in China. 

China has deployed public security's exit and entry management bureaus nationwide to maintain rigorous oversight in investigating and handling such cases, with a focus on key areas, industries, and locations. 

The bureaus have closely monitored activities such as organizing illegal entry, employment, and marriage fraud involving foreigners, and are cracking down on crimes involving trafficking and fraudulent marriage of foreign women.

When asked to comment on One Voice Children's Choir from the US, who performed the Chinese song "As Your Wish" at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing with the video of this performance going viral on social media and garnering over 1 million likes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the huge popularity of this video shows once again that more people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the US are what the people want and support.

In November 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced in San Francisco that China is ready to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. Under this initiative, a total of over 16,000 young Americans have been to China on exchange and study programs in 2024. They made new friends, learned a new language, experienced the Chinese culture, and had a glimpse of a modern China, Guo said.

"The key to state-to-state relations lies in close bonds between peoples. We hope the seeds of China-US friendship will take root and sprout, rain or shine, and more and more young envoys of friendship will write new chapters of a stable, sound and sustained China-US relationship," the spokesperson said.

The chorus members sang casually "As Your Wish" in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Temple of Heaven on January 9. The scene was recorded by passersby and quickly went viral on social media platforms.

One Voice founder and conductor Masa Fukuda expressed in an exclusive interview with the Global Times that he felt "very, very honored" to receive so much attention. He stated that "everyone in the choir had a wonderful experience in China." Fukuda believes that despite cultural differences, everyone can relate to the same messages.

A "20-kilometer oxygen supply zone" has been established for troops of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command stationed at an altitude of 5,380 meters in the region, which helps significantly improve soldiers' access to oxygen, according to a report published by the PLA Daily on Monday.

The regiment under the Hotan Military sub-command of the PLA Xinjiang Military Command is stationed on the Karakoram Plateau at 5,000 meters above sea level, with the oxygen content less than 40 percent of that on the plain.

In recent years, to better support the soldiers stationed on the plateau, high altitude frontier defense posts have been equipped with oxygen production cabins, pressurized oxygen chambers, and portable oxygen cylinders or individual oxygen generators. 

A soldier shared with the PLA Daily that oxygen supply methods have been continuously upgraded over the years. He recounted hearing that when his squad leader first arrived at a defense post many years ago, oxygen supplies were scarce, and only soldiers in critical condition could use bottled oxygen. Today, his company benefits from a sufficient and easily accessible oxygen supply. 

He noted that in 2010, the fifth-generation barracks were already equipped with bedside oxygen systems. Soldiers could inhale oxygen for at least an hour daily during midday rest or after lights out, helping to increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream in a static environment.

In 2016, the unit introduced an oxygen-enriched indoor training facility. Built with an air-membrane structure, the facility was equipped with heating, humidifiers, and oxygen generators, providing functions such as oxygen enrichment, pressurization, temperature control, and humidification. 

Additionally, the oxygen-enriched indoor training facility featured fitness equipment such as treadmills and spin bikes, along with dedicated training areas, enabling soldiers to enhance their oxygen intake through exercise.

In 2020, an oxygen production cabins was established at the border defense company, allowing the simultaneous refilling of multiple high-concentration oxygen bottles. This eliminated the need for soldiers to travel over 100 kilometers to refill oxygen supplies, according to the PLA Daily report.

The oxygen therapy chamber, which set up in 2021, can seat eight plateau border guards at one time and enable them to breathe oxygen under normal atmospheric pressure or slightly higher pressure when entering into the chamber, which helps eliminate the adverse reaction because of hypoxia and low air pressure on plateau, and prevents mountain sickness.

"Compared with self-inhalation of oxygen, the chamber provides more controllable, targeted and scientific health care functions," Liu Wei, a military doctor, told the PLA Daily.

With better support for the oxygen demand of the plateau troops, the incidence of altitude sickness has significantly decreased, which has contributed to the promotion of the plateau troops' combat capabilities, the China Military Online reported on December 31.

According to the Health Bureau of the CMC Logistic Support Department, as next steps, they will extend the pilot installation and usage of newly developed equipment such as small oxygen generators and individual oxygen supply devices for use on plateaus, and continue to improve the oxygen production and supply support technology. With these efforts, the oxygen demand of the troops for war preparation and fighting will be better satisfied, the report said. 

On Tuesday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand said on its official WeChat account that according to notifications from Thai side, a Chinese citizen surnamed Wang was successfully rescued on Tuesday afternoon local time. The Chinese Embassy and consulates in Thailand expressed gratitude to the Thai government and other relevant parties for their efforts and effective work in this matter, as stated by the Chinese Embassy.

According to reports from CGTN, actor Wang Xing has been received in Thailand. The Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai said that the local immigration bureau has informed the consulate that they have received Wang and are currently conducting relevant inquiries in accordance with regulations.

In response to Bloomberg's report that Chinese hackers targeted the Philippine government and stole sensitive data as part of a years-long campaign, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stated on Wednesday that it is worth noting that the report linked the hacking attacks to the South China Sea issue and mentioned that the US and others have provided technical support to the Philippines. 

Therefore, who is the mastermind behind the hyping, and who is using cyber issues to stir up regional tensions and seek geopolitical gains? The answer is self-evident, according to the embassy.

China's position on hacking issues has been consistent and clear. We firmly oppose and combat hacking attacks in accordance with the law, and we further oppose unfounded accusations and the smear campaign motivated by geopolitical purposes, the embassy said.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command released a music video titled "Zhong Guo Ren (Chinese People in English)" on its official WeChat account in celebration of the New Year on Wednesday, showing the determination, will and ability of officers and soldiers in the theater to stay vigilant, remain ready to fight at any time and resolutely safeguard the reunification of the motherland.

Military expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times on Wednesday that the video clip for the first time combined the images of combat readiness of troops from various services in the PLA Eastern Theater Command, as well as those of multiple military exercises around Taiwan island. It highlighted images of new equipment such as the “ginkgo leaf” and the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, which shows that the PLA can resolutely fight back and thwart any attempt for “Taiwan independence,” and will never allow any forces to split the island of Taiwan from China's sovereign territory.

In November 2024, Andy Lau sang "Chinese People" at a concert in Taipei and received a warm response, but was attacked by the “green camp” on the island. In response, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the song was composed by a musician from Taiwan, and with iconic lyrics that include “Hand in hand, no division between you and me, moving forward with pride, let the world know we are all Chinese.” The song not only received a warm response from the audience, but also aroused widespread resonance among Chinese people at home and abroad. Certain politicians from “green camp” in Taiwan have forgotten their roots, attempting to politicize and disrupt normal musical exchanges, which has been met with strong criticism.

Experts said that the PLA Eastern Theater Command specially selected the "Chinese People” as the theme song for the music video, showing that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are Chinese people. The video clip also demonstrates a scene of teachers and students from universities in the Chinese mainland visiting Taiwan and being warmly welcomed, reflecting the deep friendship between compatriots across the Straits. These scenes of harmonious coexistence also convey a signal that the Chinese mainland hopes that the majority of Taiwan compatriots can see the true face of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and work together with mainland compatriots to promote the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Zhang said that the video shows no matter if it is on workdays or holidays, troops are always on high alert and in a state of combat readiness to fight at any time. Through the video, the Chinese people can rest assured about the determination and ability of the PLA to defend the country, suppress secession, and safeguard national unity and security. 

“In 2024, the PLA Eastern Theater Command carried out a large number of combat readiness tasks to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. For example, the scene of the J-16 and foreign military’s P-8A patrol aircraft in the same picture shows that the Eastern Theater Command troops can effectively detect and respond to external threats. In addition, the ‘Joint Sword’ series of exercises demonstrated the Eastern Theater Command’s resolute response to the provocations of the collusion between “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external forces, and its determination to resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity,” Zhang noted.

Elaborating on the meaning of the appearance of the “ginkgo leaf” and the Type 076 amphibious assault ship among other advanced equipment in the video, Zhang said that by the end of 2024, China had displayed a series of advanced national defense equipment, representing the advanced level of national defense science and technology and the improvement of naval and air combat capabilities. 

The video attracted particular public attention because it also featured pictures of a bird and a ginkgo leaf. Media on the island of Taiwan claimed that they are metaphors for the PLA’s sixth-generation stealth fighter jet. In the evening of December 26, social media account of Defense Times shared an image of a ginkgo leaf with a caption that says “Ginkgo has turned yellow. It really looks like a leaf.” This is seen as an ambiguous tacit approval of the public’s speculation about China’s “sixth-generation fighter jet.” Recently, many netizens speculated that China has tested two different types of suspected “sixth-generation fighter jet” prototypes based on videos and photos circulating on social media. One of them uses a delta-wing tailless design resembling to a ginkgo leaf, while the other looks similar to the bird that appeared in the music video.

Zhang said that the new-type military aircraft, heatedly discussed online and dubbed by the outside world as a sixth-generation fighter jet, have powerful stealth performance, high cruise speed and advanced avionics system, and is at the world's leading level.

Advanced weapons and equipment such as the newly launched Type 076 large amphibious assault ship also appeared in the video. “They demonstrate the ability of the PLA to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, which makes the Chinese people feel proud and excited, and also makes forces with ill intentions toward China feel uneasy, Zhang said.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command’s release of the video on the first day of the New Year also issued a stern warning to the separatist forces of "Taiwan independence." Zhang noted that since August 2022, the PLA Eastern Theater Command has responded strongly to the provocations of "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and their collusion with external forces to seek “independence.” 

"Through these exercises, it can be seen that the PLA has formulated a complete combat plan and has strong combat capabilities, including reconnaissance and early warning, sea assault, air superiority and combat capabilities, as well as land strike capabilities. For potential provocations of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces, the PLA can resolutely fight back," Zhang said.

The Chinese side of Mount Qomolangma received 13,764 foreign tourists in 2024 -- more than twice the number recorded in 2023 -- a notable sign of booming international tourism following China's relaxation of its visa policies.

According to the bureau of culture and tourism of Tingri County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, where the northern base camp of the world's highest peak is located, these tourists are mainly from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Germany and France.

China has provided unilateral visa-free access to travelers from 38 countries -- allowing stays of up to 30 days. In terms of visa-free transit, the country has extended the permitted stay period for eligible foreign travelers from the previous either 72 hours or 144 hours to 240 hours, which is likely to attract more international tourists in the new year.

Dmitry Afonin, a tourist from Belarus, visited the Mount Qomolangma scenic area with his friends in late 2024. He said transportation and accommodation had both proven to be very convenient in Xizang.

"We spotted blue sheep along the way. The ecology here is well-protected," he added.

Xizang in 2023 lifted travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic period and reopened to international tourists. In the same year, the scenic area at Mount Qomolangma saw about 6,500 foreign tourists.

Tashi Dondrup, head of Tingri County, said thanks to the region's further opening up, it will be even more convenient for global tourists to visit Mount Qomolangma.

Located at the China-Nepal border, Mount Qomolangma reaches an altitude of more than 8,840 meters, with its northern section located in Xizang.  

As the clock ticked into 2025, several Chinese localities launched a new wave of major projects, with an emphasis on strategic emerging industries and technological innovation which underlines development of new quality productive forces.

Chinese analysts said that the rapid advancement of projects offers a strong start to this year's economic development. The swift progress of projects can quickly generate tangible output, effectively driving investment growth and providing robust support for stable economic growth. It also stands to boost confidence and expectations for the first quarter's economic performance.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for efforts to ensure the effective implementation of policies and secure a good start for this year's economic development during his inspection tour in the city of Jinan in East China's Shandong Province, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

While conducting the tour on Thursday, Li also stressed the need for efforts to implement policies as early as possible, seek rapid progress with projects and ensure that the measures yield tangible results.

Launch of major projects in multiple regions

At the beginning of 2025, the Yangtze River Delta region in East China launched a new wave of projects, focusing on strategic emerging industries and accelerating innovation, according to Shanghai Securities News.

On Thursday, the first working day of 2025, East China's Anhui Province held a meeting to kick off its first batch of 622 major projects this year, with a total investment of 405.75 billion yuan ($55.44 billion). There are 344 projects related to emerging industries, accounting for 55.3 percent of the total, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang Province initiated 40 projects at the beginning of 2025, the largest being a solar energy project with investment totaling 7.24 billion yuan. Other major projects include a 5.89 billion yuan electric-vehicle supply chain innovation park and a 5 billion yuan auto parts production base, China Media Group reported.

In Shanghai's Yangpu district, 100 major projects were scheduled for 2025, including industrial development and urban renewal, according to the official website of Yangpu district government.

Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province launched a significant project launch event on Thursday, featuring 77 major projects totaling 77.5 billion yuan, covering various sectors. A total of 41.9 billion yuan has been invested in projects such as new energy, new materials, biomedicine, machinery and equipment, and the marine economy, according to the official website of the Xiamen municipal government.

In Wenchang, South China's Hainan Province, 23 projects were initiated with a total investment of 5.15 billion yuan, including key developments to promote the rocket and satellite industry cluster in the city, according to the official website of Hainan provincial government.

The beginning of this year has seen a surge in major projects across various regions, characterized by rapid progress and substantial investment scales. This trend reflects the unwavering confidence and determination of local governments and enterprises to drive economic development, as they take proactive measures to foster high-quality growth, Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Friday.

"Among the newly launched projects, we are seeing a significant emphasis on technological innovation and strategic emerging industries, which underlines development for new quality productive forces. This shift toward forward-looking initiatives not only enhances the competitiveness and innovation capabilities of local industries but also creates new growth opportunities for sustainable economic development," Wang added.

Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin School of Administration, told the Global Times on Friday that these projects can generate a significant multiplier effect, effectively stimulate economic growth and foster the development of related industries.

"In this critical period of economic restructuring and transformation, these major projects often focus on emerging industries, and will play a vital role in promoting green development and facilitating economic transformation," Cong said, noting the progress is expected to enhance confidence and expectations for the economic growth in the first quarter this year.

In the first three quarters of 2024, China's fixed-asset investment rose 3.4 percent, spurred by vibrant capital influx into high-tech industries. Investment in the high-tech sector has seen rapid growth, while green industries, including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products, maintained double-digit increases, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

China will increase investment in major projects and expand the scope of trade-in programs in 2025, according to a press conference held by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, on Friday.

The NDRC said that projects supported by the 700 billion yuan ultra-long special treasury bonds for 2024 have mostly commenced, while investments exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan have been completed. Additionally, the project list for approximately 100 billion yuan for 2025 has been issued ahead of schedule.

The NDRC said it will further focus on improving investment efficiency, and effectively leverage the key role of investment in 2025.

Among these efforts, China will increase the issuance scale of the ultra-long special treasury bonds, expand the scope to support the implementation of major national strategies and build up security capacity in key areas, and further increase the proportion of government bond funds allocated to projects, according to the NDRC.

Broaden trade-in programs

The NDRC also said that China will increase the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds to broaden coverage and raise subsidy levels for large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins this year.

Subsidies will be implemented for the purchase of new digital products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches, offering financial incentives for individual purchases of these devices.

Furthermore, the incentive levels for replacing new-energy city buses and upgrading power batteries, the updating of agricultural machinery, and the replacement of household furnishings and decorations are set to rise.

Looking ahead to 2025, China's expansive consumer market advantages remain steadfast and the consumer market is projected to sustain steady growth, the NDRC said.

Yang Delong, chief economist at Shenzhen-based First Seafront Fund told the Global Times on Friday that it shows that the policies are continuously being strengthened, and once again sends a positive signal of China's commitment to boosting high-quality economic growth.

"It is expected that more policies supporting economic growth will be implemented by 2025," Yang said.