China maps out development goals for 2025 as Two Sessions draw to close

China has concluded its annual political season, passing key national economic and social development plans for the year ahead and beyond (01:08). China's rising dominance in the field of artificial intelligence was a major theme at the Two Sessions meetings (09:42). Officials from Ukraine and the U.S. are meeting in Saudi Arabia to seek a way to end Ukraine's conflict with Russia (16:33).

China's top political advisors have concluded their annual session after approving many national development recommendations (01:10).Top lawmakers in China say promotion of the private sector will continue to be crucial for development and tech innovation (15:51). Israel has cut electricity in Gaza to put pressure on Hamas to release more hostages, a move which Hamas calls a blackmail attempt (22:43).

Huang Chengde has conducted field trips along the Yellow River nearly every year since 1997. From the river source to its estuary, he’s explored almost every part of the river and encouraged many people to join him in the collective effort to protect the Yellow River.

The Chinese FM reaffirms Beijing’s commitment to peaceful development and pledges to provide certainty in an uncertain world(1:04). Artificial intelligence and smart solutions are reshaping China’s senior care industry(12:47). The U.S. president has suspended his 25-percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, at least temporarily(21:36).

Hongguang New Village is one of a dozen settlements located at the mouth of the Yellow River. In this episode, we get a glimpse of how lives have been changing in places where fishing is still very much alive against the backdrop of a world of digital transformation.

China says it is fully confident in achieving the economic growth target of around five percent as there is solid foundation and support for the economy(1:12). Trade tensions are a major topic at the Two Sessions meetings in Beijing, with experts saying China is resilient and can navigate these challenges(11:18). The World Trade Organization says Canada has formally requested a hearing regarding U.S. tariffs enacted this week(19:39).

Deep in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, children from herders’ families lead a life far different from the tech-linked world. At an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, and with winter temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees Celsius, the teachers and students there strive for their dreams with love, resilience, and devotion.

China has set its GDP growth target for this year at around five percent, as the country’s national legislature started its annual session in Beijing (1:06). Chinese authorities at the local level are ramping up efforts to help businesses expand globally (11:17). Beijing has put levies on many U.S. goods in response to Washington’s latest tariffs targeting China (19:00).

The Mu Us Desert, one of the four major deserts along the Yellow River, was once a lifeless expanse. Now, it’s turning green, thanks to decades-long efforts by the locals to combat desertification. In this episode, we meet a centenarian who spent his life planting trees in Jingbian, the first county in Shaanxi Province to stop discharging silt into the Yellow River.

The NPC spokesperson says China has a huge market and a complete industrial system, ensuring sufficient flexibility to navigate various risks and challenges (05:02). The “Two Sessions” have drawn attention from thousands of journalists from home and abroad (10:30). China has responded to U.S. tariffs that took effect on Tuesday with retaliatory levies of up to 15 percent on a range of American goods (20:05).