HOT TOPICS
China rejects U.S. trade probes over ‘excess capacity’
China firmly opposes any form of unilateral tariff measures and considers the narrative of overcapacity a false proposition used as a pretext for political manipulation, the Ministry of Commerce said. The remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of two new trade investigations into the “excess industrial capacity” of 16 major trading partners, including China. The ministry reiterated its consistent and clear stance on handling bilateral economic and trade issues.
PBOC pledges ‘accommodative’ policy
The People’s Bank of China will build a scientific and prudent monetary policy framework, continue to implement an “appropriately accommodative” monetary policy, and step up cross-cyclical and counter-cyclical adjustments, Governor Pan Gongsheng said at a meeting with economic and financial experts on Thursday.
Optimizing business environment
The Ministry of Justice’s legislative work this year will focus on optimizing the business environment, addressing local protectionism, unjustified market entry barriers, and the so-called involution-style competition, Minister He Rong said Thursday. The government will draft regulations for building a unified national market and accelerate legislative research in areas such as artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy, she added.
Cambricon swings to profit in 2025
Chinese artificial intelligence chipmaker Cambricon Technologies Corp. Ltd. reported a net profit of 2.1 billion yuan ($305 million) for 2025, turning a profit from losses a year earlier, according to a Thursday exchange filing. Revenue surged 453.2% year-on-year to 6.5 billion yuan. The company plans to distribute a total of 632 million yuan in cash dividends.
Iran warns of continued Hormuz Strait closure
Iran will not abandon its quest for revenge and will continue to employ strategic measures, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the country’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday in his first public address. He warned that new fronts could be opened if necessary and called on neighboring countries to close military bases used by the U.S. The strikes will target only military facilities and not the neighboring nations themselves, he said, stressing that Iran still hopes to maintain friendly regional relations.
NEWS SUMMARY
Domestic
China’s 14th National People’s Congress concluded its fourth session in Beijing, approving key documents including the government work report and the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
The Ministry of Finance added a new expenditure category for funds raised through ultra-long special treasury bonds.
China’s passenger vehicle sales reached 1.04 million units in February, down 25.9% year-on-year, according to the China Passenger Car Association.
Domestic sales of electric two-wheelers declined significantly in February as the ban on vehicles under older manufacturing standards disrupted market rhythms.
Companies
Jacobio Pharmaceuticals Group Co. Ltd. expects to turn a profit in 2026 as an impending $100 million upfront payment from a licensing deal boosts its balance sheet.
Pop Mart International Group Ltd. saw its new Sanrio-themed Labubu blind boxes sell out within seconds of release.
International
China and the U.S. are maintaining communication regarding interactions between the two countries’ heads of state, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The global oil market is experiencing its largest supply disruption in history due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel issued an urgent advisory urging Chinese citizens in northern Israel to evacuate to safer areas immediately and step up security precautions.
