Chinese congress considers proposal to gradually raise retirement age

SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee has begun reviewing several bills, including a proposal to gradually increase the retirement age. This development, reported by Xinhua News Agency, is seen as aligning with international trends and addressing China's changing demographics and socioeconomic landscape. Experts suggest this adjustment could maximize the potential of China's increasingly educated population, helping t

September 11, 2024

China's foreign trade sees steady growth in first eight months of this year

SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - China's total merchandise trade amounted to 28.58 trillion yuan ($4.02 trillion) in the first eight months of 2024, reflecting a 6 percent year-on-year increase, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Tuesday, showing continued steady growth. Exports reached 16.45 trillion yuan, a 6.9 percent rise, while imports grew by 4.7 percent to 12.13 trillion yuan. This resulted in a trade surplus of 4.32 trillion yuan, whi

September 11, 2024

China, Russia to hold joint naval, air drills near Japan this September

SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - China and Russia are set to conduct a joint naval and air exercise in the East Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk this September, continuing a series of collaborative drills aimed at strengthening military cooperation, analysts said on Monday. According to China's Ministry of National Defense, the Russian military will dispatch naval and air forces for the Northern/Interaction-2024 exercise, organized by China as part of an annual plan and mutual agreement

September 10, 2024

Chinese leader meets with prime ministers of Norway, Spain, emphasizing free trade

SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping held separate meetings on Monday with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Analysts suggest these high-level interactions highlight joint efforts between China and European nations to tackle challenges and maintain stable relations despite differences. They also demonstrate a strong commitment to cooperation and mutual benefits

September 10, 2024

Chinese navy engages in extensive maritime activities with southeast Asian nations

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (AJP) -The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has recently been involved in a series of naval interactions with various ASEAN countries, the PLA Navy said last Saturday. These activities, which include joint exercises and ship visits, are seen by experts as strengthening regional security cooperation, particularly in light of tensions involving the Philippines. A joint flotilla exercise between China and Singapore, named Exercise Cooperation 2024, conclud

September 9, 2024

China and Mongolia pledge to strengthen bilateral relations

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (AJP) -Chinese Vice President Han Zheng recently concluded a three-day diplomatic visit to Mongolia from last Saturday to Monday, following his attendance at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia. During his stay in Ulan Bator, Han engaged in high-level meetings with Mongolian leaders, including Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene, President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, and Parliament Speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral coo

September 9, 2024

China reveals plan for pioneering near-earth asteroid defense mission

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) -China announced on Thursday its conceptual plan for its first near-Earth asteroid defense mission, emphasizing the need for comprehensive international cooperation in asteroid defense. This initiative demonstrates China's commitment as a responsible space power in addressing potential threats to human safety posed by near-Earth asteroids. The mission, scheduled for around 2030, aims to closely observe an asteroid before altering its orbit through impact,

September 6, 2024

China increases support for trade-in programs to stimulate economic growth

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (AJP) -A recent report revealed on Thursday that Chinese regions are intensifying efforts to boost consumption through expanded policy support, including direct financial incentives for consumer goods trade-ins and corporate equipment upgrades. These measures align with a national initiative to strengthen domestic demand as the economy recovers. The increased focus on consumption comes as domestic spending, despite its vast potential, faces ongoing pressure while pl

September 6, 2024

Chinese vice president meets with Putin in far east Russia

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (AJP) -Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on Wednesday in a far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. Han relayed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Putin, highlighting the continued high-level operation of China-Russia relations under the leaders' strategic guidance, especially as the countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties. Han expressed China's optimism about future cooperation between t

September 5, 2024

China strengthens ties with Africa in pursuit of modernization

SEOUL, Sept. 5 (AJP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday praised the exemplary nature of China-Africa relations as African leaders gathered in Beijing for a significant summit aimed at enhancing partnerships. Xi and his spouse, Peng Liyuan, welcomed international guests with a banquet ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. Xi emphasized that the China-Africa community's shared future is grounded in long-standing friendship, which continues

September 5, 2024