Li Qiang Addresses The Press | China's 14th National People's Congress concluded on March 13 with the reshuffling of the State Council. After the closing, China's new Premier Li Qiang addressed the press, laying out the government’s plan for the next five years and seeking to reassure the private sector that has grown apprehensive following regulatory crackdowns. Li also acknowledged that accomplishing China's goal of achieving 5% GDP growth this year will be challenging. Observers note that the new government will focus on sustaining economic growth over the next five years and boosting technology and innovation.
Iran-Saudi Arabia Deal | In Beijing last week, China played a role in facilitating a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has resulted in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This agreement is a significant diplomatic achievement for China, given that Middle East diplomacy has traditionally been viewed as the domain of the United States or Russia. Some experts believe that China's political influence in the world is now beginning to match its economic clout.
Xi Plans to Travel to Moscow | Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Moscow as early as next week for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit coincides with Xi's efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which the U.S. government remains skeptical about. Following the meeting with Putin, President Xi is also expected to engage in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time.
