Shandong develops integrated commercial space industry anchored in offshore launches

By Li Rui, People’s Daily

At the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port in Haiyang, Yantai, east China’s Shandong province, a rocket can move from final assembly to the launch site in just two hours — an efficiency achieved through strategic industrial planning rather than a technological coincidence.

How long does it take to transport a rocket from the factory floor to its launch site? At the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port in Haiyang, Yantai, east China’s Shandong province, the process now takes just two hours. This remarkable efficiency is the result of a carefully planned industrial framework supporting commercial space development. 

As the global commercial space industry becomes a new frontier of global technological competition and industrial transformation, Shandong province, traditionally a manufacturing stronghold, is positioning itself as a rising force. Through coordinated regional development and integrated capabilities, the province is building a comprehensive, full-chain commercial space ecosystem.

The province entered the spotlight in June 2019, when China completed its first-ever offshore rocket launch in the Yellow Sea, with Haiyang Port serving as the mission’s support harbor. Seizing the opportunity, Yantai launched the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port to establish a dedicated offshore launch base.

“Haiyang Port combines favorable natural conditions with a strong industrial base, making it well-suited for regular offshore launches,” said Wang Xiaoming, assistant general manager of the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port Group. Located on the Yellow Sea, the area benefits from stable meteorological conditions and flexible launch windows, enabling a wide range of orbital missions, including low-inclination and sun-synchronous orbits. More importantly, Yantai’s strong marine engineering and equipment manufacturing capabilities provide essential industrial support for aerospace operations.

To address key challenges in the aerospace industry, such as long production cycles, limited launch capacity, and high costs, the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port adopted a focused industrial attraction strategy early in its development. Efforts have centered on building reliable offshore launch infrastructure, attracting leading research and manufacturing enterprises, and establishing a supporting industrial ecosystem that spans rocket production, satellite development, and data applications.

“This ‘point-to-area’ approach has expanded our scope beyond launch services to encompass upstream R&D and manufacturing of rockets and satellites, as well as downstream aerospace information services,” said Zhang Hua, deputy general manager of the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port Group. “Our ultimate objective is to establish a fully integrated commercial space ecosystem.”

At the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port, a six-kilometer “Aerospace Avenue” stretches east to west, serving not only as a road but as the industrial backbone of the zone. It connects key facilities, including rocket assembly and testing centers, a satellite industrial park, a data application center, and the offshore launch wharf.

“Under an integrated model that co-locates port and manufacturing facilities, and combines production with launch operations, rockets can be transported from the final assembly building to a dedicated dock in just over ten minutes, where they are seamlessly loaded onto the launch vessel,” said Teng Yao, chief engineer of the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port Group. 

This model overturns the traditional approach, in which rockets are transported over long distances, disassembled and reassembled, significantly reducing both logistical risks and operational costs.

As China’s first and currently only commercial offshore launch home port, the Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port has completed more than 20 offshore launches, deploying over 130 satellites into orbit. This capability has helped catalyze the formation of a commercial space industry cluster centered on rocket manufacturing, satellite applications, and advanced supporting industries. To date, the port has attracted 30 aerospace-related projects with a combined investment exceeding 32 billion yuan ($4.55 billion). 

In Jinan, the provincial capital, Shandong has established its first intelligent satellite manufacturing line at the Jinan satellite AIT (assembly, integration, and testing) industrial base. In this highly automated facility, guided vehicle transport satellite components to a six-axis robotic armthat assembles them with precision. Dubbed a “space embroiderer” for its accuracy, the system is capable of producing up to 100 satellites annually, each weighing 500 kilograms. The facility was developed by Jigang Group, which transitioned from steelmaking to high-end manufacturing after shutting down its steel operations eight years ago.

Jigang Group’s transformation leverages its deep industrial manufacturing heritage. To overcome the shortage of specialized talent for satellite production, the local government worked closely with the company to implement targeted recruitment policies, providing a strong foundation for rapid development.

This transition exemplifies Shandong’s coordinated approach to commercial space development. Anchored by offshore launch capabilities, the province is cultivating a differentiated yet industrial layout: Yantai focuses on offshore launches and rocket manufacturing; Jinan and Tai’an concentrate on liquid-fueled rocket development, testing, and satellite R&D and applications; while Qingdao specializes in measurement, tracking, and control systems, as well as marine remote sensing, supporting both national initiatives and commercial satellite constellations.

By 2027, Shandong is expected to have established a relatively complete commercial space industrial chain, with the capacity to produce 100 launch vehicles and 150 commercial satellites annually. The province’s commercial space industry is projected to reach 50 billion yuan by then.

China, US taking practical actions to shoulder responsibilities as major countries

By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

During this past year of shifting global dynamics, China-US economic and trade interactions have consistently drawn worldwide attention. 

From initial trade tensions to renewed negotiations, and from apparent impasses to the restoration of equal-footing dialogue, the trajectory of bilateral economic relations offers profound insights into how the world’s two largest economies should navigate their relationship amid shifting global currents.

International relations are inherently complex.Navigating turbulent waters requires wisdom and responsibility; maintaining strategic stability during periods of global uncertainty demands visionary leadership.  

A big-picture perspective is indispensable–details naturally align when viewed through this broader lens. China has consistently approached U.S. relations with this forward-looking, responsibility-driven framework.

When trade tensions threatened global economic stability, head-of-state diplomacy between China and the United States played a pivotal role as a stabilizing anchor, helping recalibrate the direction of bilateral relations. 

Through phone calls and in-person meetings, the two leaders engaged in in-depth exchanges and reached important consensus on managing differences and resolving disputes. This provided strategic direction while injecting much-needed certainty into an unstable international landscape.

Guided by these high-level agreements, working teams from both sides conducted five rounds of consultations, gradually building shared understanding and advancing problem-solving. Experience has demonstrated that framing China-U.S. relations solely through the lens of “competition” or “confrontation” represents both a misinterpretation of bilateral dynamics and a departure from reality. Such narratives not only hinder issue resolution but risk creating more serious challenges for both countries and the world at large.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. In that life-and-death struggle over the future of humanity, China and the United States once fought side by side, making major contributions to the defense of peace and justice and helping save human civilization in its darkest hour. History offers a clear lesson: for shared responsibilities and a shared future, China and the United States can and should work together.

As the times evolve, the weight of China-US cooperation has only deepened. The relationship between the two countries not only shapes the global strategic landscape, but also affects the pulse of the world economy and the livelihoods of people across nations. 

The dynamics of China-U.S. trade vividly demonstrate how bilateral relations create international ripple effects. Even subtle changes in China-US economic and trade relations can send ripples through the world economy, spreading rapidly across borders — from production lines in Southeast Asia to traders in Latin America, and from international financial markets to global industrial and supply chains.

Beneath these ripples lies a fundamental question about our era’s trajectory: Will we accumulate risks through confrontation or build consensus through dialogue? Will we deepen divisions amid turmoil or achieve shared prosperity through cooperation?

How China and the United States manage their relationship will directly determine humanity’s collective future. This defining question of our age demands responsible statesmanship from both nations—a reality that continues to underscore its vital importance.

At this pivotal historical juncture, the world expects China and the United States to make responsible choices that promote global peace and development. 

When meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan in October this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that the world today is confronted with many tough problems, and China and the United States can jointly shoulder their responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of the two countries and the whole world. Trump also said that the two countries can get many great things done for the world.

As two major countries with extensive shared interests, China and the United States can continue to deliver benefits for each other and the world by properly managing differences and focusing on cooperation.

China has always responded to people’s concerns, and pursued the larger interests of all countries. The recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan(2026-2030) clearly call for opening China wider to the outside world, promoting the innovative development of trade, and expanding two-way investment cooperation.

These measures will open up broader prospects for win-win cooperation between China and all partners, including the United States. It is hoped that the US side will move in the same direction with China, shoulder the responsibilities of a major country through concrete actions, and bring greater confidence in development to the international community.

When China and the United States cooperate, the world enjoys stability; when they confront each other, the world suffers uncertainty. Major countries should act in a manner befitting their status, demonstrating broad-mindedness and a strong sense of responsibility.

In the face of new circumstances and challenges, both sides should prioritize the interests of their peoples and the long-term well-being of the world. By opening their doors wider, broadening the path of cooperation, sending clearer signals of stability, and working together, they can contribute stronger, more constructive impetus to global efforts addressing shared challenges.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

Key words reveal vitality of China

By Li Jie

In 2025, China’s economy has continued to move forward under pressure while advancing toward higher quality and greater innovation. A closer look at a series of key words offers a vivid sense of the vitality and momentum driving China’s economic development.

Trade-In Programs 

Since the beginning of the year, China has expanded and strengthened its large-scale equipment upgrade and consumer goods trade-in programs. According to data from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, from January to November, consumer goods trade-in program generated more than 2.5 trillion yuan ($355.69 billion) in related sales.

The program has benefitted over 360 million transactions nationwide, including more than 11.2 million vehicles, over 128 million household appliances, and more than 90 million digital products such as smartphones, as well as over 120 million items of home decoration and kitchen-and-bathroom products.

Beyond stimulating consumption, trade-in policies have accelerated consumption upgrading, with growing demand for greener, smarter, and higher-quality products. From January to November, production and sales of new energy vehicles reached 14.907 million and 14.78 million units respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 31.4 percent and 31.2 percent.

New Consumption Scenarios

Across China, innovative consumption scenarios are reshaping everyday experiences. 

In Shandong province, former industrial sites have been transformed into science education and interactive cultural tourism destinations featuring immersive theatrical experiences.

In Guizhou province, expressway service areas are evolving from simple rest stops into multifunctional consumption hubs.

Integrated and scenario-based innovations are offering consumers more personalized experiences. The rapidly growing nighttime economy, for example, is shifting from traditional food- and shopping-centered night markets to comprehensive nighttime cultural and tourism zones that blend culture, travel, and entertainment.

China’s National Development and Reform Commission noted that advances in tech products, digital technology, and artificial intelligence are continuously giving rise to new business models and scenarios. Immersive and experience-oriented consumption formats are expanding, while e-commerce, livestream commerce, and online entertainment continue to thrive, unlocking vast consumption potential in the years ahead.

Robots

Experts believe that humanoid robots could become the next disruptive product after smartphones and new energy vehicles, with broad applications in household services, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.

Backed by strong industrial foundations and a robust innovation ecosystem, China’s robotics industry has expanded rapidly. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that from 2020 to 2024, revenue in China’s robotics sector rose from 106.1 billion yuan to 237.89 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 22.4 percent. Industrial robot output increased from 212,000 units to 556,000 units, growing at an average annual rate of 27.3 percent. China has firmly established itself as the world’s largest producer of robots.

“Village-Branded” Cultural and Sports Events

In Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, the grassroots football tournament known as the “Village Super League” has brought renewed vitality to local development. Similar “village-branded” events are now flourishing nationwide, including village basketball leagues, village fashion shows, village concerts, and village galas, offering a vivid glimpse into the diversity and dynamism of rural China.

As cultural and sports activities spread across the countryside, more people are choosing to reconnect with rural life, natural landscapes, and agricultural experiences. Behind the popularity of these “village-branded” events lies the vast potential of China’s county-level markets. From January to November, retail sales of consumer goods in counties, townships, and rural areas accounted for 38.7 percent of the national total.

“Silver-Hair” Tourism Trains

Recently, a special tourism train carrying more than 700 senior travelers from Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning province, arrived in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan province, opening a 15-day “winter escape” tour.

Across China, customized tourism trains are being introduced with flexible routes and attentive services tailored to senior travelers. Facilities such as lighting, handrails, seating, and restrooms have been upgraded to better meet seniors’ needs, making travel safer and more comfortable.

By the end of 2024, China’s population aged 60 and above reached 310.31 million, accounting for 22 percent of the total population, while average life expectancy rose to 79.0 years. Senior travelers now represent more than 20 percent of all domestic tourists. As local governments continue to develop age-friendly tourism products and routes, the silver-hair tourism market is expected to unlock even greater potential.

Shopping in China

From ice and snow experiences in northeast China to tropical vacations in Hainan province, from in-depth tours of the Yangtze River Delta to scenic routes across northwest China, foreign visitors are exploring China in increasingly diverse ways.

On Dec. 17, 2024, China extended its existing 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies to a unified 240-hour stay. The policy now applies to travelers from 55 countries. Simplified visa procedures, longer visa-free stays, and more efficient border clearance have made spontaneous travel to China far more accessible.

According to the China’s National Immigration Administration, since the extension of visa-free stays, 40.6 million foreign nationals had entered China via various ports nationwide as of December 16, up 27.2 percent year on year. The number of travelers eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit increased by 60.8 percent compared with the period before the policy adjustment.

Many foreign social media influencers advise travelers to China to bring an extra suitcase. From smart goggles and virtual reality devices to drones, high-quality and competitively priced Chinese-made products have won widespread popularity among overseas visitors. As of the end of August, China had more than 10,000 tax refund stores catering to foreign visitors, three times the number at the end of 2024, with tax refund volumes surging sharply in the first three quarters.

World must guard against resurgence of Japanese militarism

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Japan, as a defeated nation in World War II, should have engaged in deep reflection on the grave crimes committed by militarism. 

Yet some individuals and forces in Japan continue to intensify efforts to distort historical facts, whitewash wartime atrocities, and even overturn established judgments on Japan’s war of aggression. More alarmingly, there are attempts to rehabilitate militarist ideologies. 

Such actions directly contradict the international community’s shared understanding of history, gravely violate international consensus and human conscience, seriously endanger regional and global peace and stability, and challengethe postwar international order.

In early November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi publicly claimed during a Diet session that a so-called “Taiwan contingency” could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” allowing Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense. 

This marks the first time since Japan’s defeat in 1945 that a sitting leader has formally advanced the notion that “a contingency for Taiwan is a contingency for Japan” while linking it to the exercise of the right of collective self-defense.

It is also the first time Japan has expressed ambitions to intervene militarily in the Taiwan question and the first time Japan has issued a threat of force against China.

The term “survival-threatening situation” evokes historical rhetoric used by Japanese militarism. Historically, when pursuing expansion, Japanese militarists habitually portrayed Japan as an oppressed nation with no alternative, distorting facts to mobilize domestic support. Once conditions permitted, they launched wars without regard for opponents, consequences, declarations, or means. Militarist mindset continues to enable reckless statements and actions by Japan’s current leadership.

Japanese militarism drove Japan’s wars of aggression and remains the ideological foundation for postwar right-wing forces. 

Since modern times, toxic elements of emperor-centered nationalism, Bushido, and Shinto were systematically exploited and reshaped by Japanese ruling class. This was further combined with problematic Western ideologies like social Darwinism to serve militarist ambitions.

Given militarism’s devastating legacy, postwar arrangements explicitly deprived Japan of war-making rights and sought to institutionally eliminate foundations for renewed aggression. 

However, Japan never conducted a thorough reckoning with its militarist past. Over eight decades, right-wing politicians have cloaked militarism as “democracy,” “rule of law,” and “security,” fabricating a self-contradictory logic of “new militarism.” 

Politically, they have steadily hollowed out the Pacifist Constitution and accelerated the rightward drift of society. Militarily, under the pretext of “self-defense,” they have pursued unchecked arms expansion. Culturally, they have promoted historical revisionism, attempting to indoctrinate younger generations through distorted education. Diplomatically, while posturing as a “regional security guardian,” they have repeatedly stirred up disputes.

This so-called “new militarism” has severely damaged China-Japan relations, undermined regional stability, and caused tangible harm to Japan and its citizens. 

Japan bears heavy and undeniable historical responsibility regarding the Taiwan question. Through the four political documents between China and japan, Japan has made clear political commitments on Taiwan. The remarks and actions of Takaichi disregard these established commitments and seriously erode the political foundation of mutual trust between China and Japan. 

Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, pointed out that Takaichi’s adherence to historical revisionism contradicts Japan’s stated desire to normalize relations with Russia, given its repeated anti-Russian rhetoric. As Japan’s defense budget hits new highs for 2026, Japanese citizens have angrily labeled the resulting tax hikes and cuts to social spending as a “life-shortening military expansion.”

The erroneous remarks and actions by Takaichi and others are by no means isolated incidents. In recent years, Japan has increased its defense spending for thirteen consecutive years, loosened restrictions on the exercise of collective self-defense, repeatedly eased controls on arms exports, pursued so-called “counterstrike capabilities,” and even sought to revise the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. 

Step by step, these moves hollow out the provisions concerning Japan set forth in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, while violating commitments enshrined in Japan’s constitution. “New militarism” is posing a real and growing threat to global peace and development.

If such conduct is not corrected, it risks setting a dangerous precedent for other countries, potentially encouraging other actors to challenge established international rules and order. This would fundamentally undermine global governance structures and erode core principles of international relations such as sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs, with far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability.

The “lingering specter” of Japanese militarism is a real and urgent danger. Should Japan persist on this misguided path, all countries and peoples committed to justice have the right to re-examine Japan’s historical crimes and the responsibility to firmly prevent the revival of militarism. This is a shared bottom line for the international community in safeguarding the postwar international order and a fundamental test of whether Japan itself can sustain peaceful development.

Due Process Is Not Optional: Why the National Assembly’s Authentication of the Tax Reform Acts Upholds Law, Order, and Democratic Integrity

By Philip Agbese

In every constitutional democracy, the legitimacy of law does not rest on sentiment or speed, but on process. Laws derive their authority not merely from political will or popular approval, but from scrupulous adherence to the procedures laid down by the Constitution and statute. It is against this background that recent public commentary surrounding the authentication, assent, and gazetting of key tax reform legislation must be understood, and properly situated within Nigeria’s constitutional order.

The National Assembly, as the custodian of legislative authority, has responded not with defensiveness or evasion, but with institutional sobriety. The leadership of both Chambers has activated the very safeguards that give law its moral and legal force: verification, certification, and transparency. This is not an act of weakness. It is the essence of legislative strength.

The press release issued by the Management of the National Assembly makes this point unambiguously. Faced with questions relating to the harmonisation, assent, and gazetting of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025, the legislature chose the path of constitutional due diligence rather than public polemics . That choice deserves commendation.

At the heart of the matter is the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. This statute exists for a simple but profound reason: to ensure that what is passed by the legislature, assented to by the President, and published for public reliance is the same text. Authentication is not an optional bureaucratic ritual; it is the bridge between legislative intent and legal certainty. Without it, the integrity of the statute book itself would be compromised.

The steps undertaken by the National Assembly, as illustrated in the published authentication process, reflect long-established parliamentary practice. From the preparation of the certified true copy of the Bill after enactment, through compilation and certification of the schedule of Bills for assent, to gazetting and official publication, each stage serves a distinct constitutional purpose. Collectively, they form a chain of custody for the law. Break that chain, and legal chaos follows.

Crucially, the leadership has been careful to clarify that the ongoing internal review does not concede any defect in legislative authority, nor does it encroach upon the functions of the Executive or Judiciary. It is an internal, administrative exercise aimed at clarity, accuracy, and the sanctity of the legislative record . In constitutional terms, this is precisely how a mature legislature should behave: correcting its own processes where necessary, without grandstanding or blame-shifting.

There is also a moral dimension that should not be overlooked. Tax legislation affects every citizen, every business, and the fiscal stability of the state. Such laws must command confidence. When the legislature demonstrates that it is willing to pause, verify, and certify before insisting on finality, it reinforces public trust. Due process is not the enemy of reform; it is the condition that makes reform legitimate and durable.

The legal effect of this approach is equally important. Official gazetting and the issuance of certified true copies provide courts, regulators, investors, and citizens with an authoritative text upon which rights and obligations can safely be based. In an era where disputes often turn on the precise wording of statutes, the insistence on authentication is not pedantry. It is prudence.

Those urging haste over process should reflect on comparative experience. In established democracies, legislatures routinely delay commencement, correct clerical inconsistencies, and re-certify statutes to protect the integrity of the legal order. Nigeria is not being exceptional; it is being orthodox.

Ultimately, the National Assembly’s actions reaffirm a deeper constitutional principle: that law is greater than politics, and procedure is the guardian of substance. By acting within the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, Standing Orders, and established parliamentary conventions, the leadership has shown fidelity not just to power, but to responsibility.

In defending due diligence, the National Assembly is defending the rule of law itself. That is not merely legal correctness. It is a democratic virtue.

Agbese LLB[UK], LLM [UK], MBA[UK] is the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives.

Reps Minority Caucus Demands Suspension of Tax Reform Laws Amid Allegations of Fraudulent Alterations

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind calls for a full investigation into alleged fraudulent alterations to the recently enacted tax reform laws, warning Nigerians to disregard any versions of the statutes circulating without proper authentication by the Clerk to the National Assembly and the President’s signature.

In a press release issued on Sunday, December 28, 2025, signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda, Minority Whip Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C., PhD, Deputy Minority Leader Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, the caucus expressed deep consternation over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.

The caucus described the allegations — that the laws were unlawfully altered after passage by both chambers and assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — as grave and deserving of urgent scrutiny.

The matter gained prominence when a member raised the issue during a recent plenary session, prompting the House to inaugurate a high-powered committee to probe the claims of fraudulent alterations, improper gazetting, and the circulation of tampered versions to the public.

“We are also aware that this issue has been raised by a member of the House of Representatives during one of our recent plenaries, following which the House inaugurated a high-powered committee to investigate the allegations,” the release stated.

“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives will stand with the entire House to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this illegality are exposed and the culprits brought to book in the interest of justice for all Nigerians.”

The caucus emphasised that the National Assembly remains the custodian of the authentic copies of all laws passed by the legislature.

It stressed that legitimate gazetting procedures begin with the Clerk to the National Assembly transmitting the official versions to the appropriate federal agency for publication.

“We are aware of the legitimate procedures towards the gazetting of laws, and it starts with the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) transmitting the actual copies of the laws to the relevant federal agency that gazettes all government documents,” the statement continued.

“The National Assembly is always the custodian of the genuine documents of the laws of the federation that have been passed.”

The Minority Caucus urged the public and businesses to reject any purported versions of the tax laws lacking the signatures of the CNA and the President, describing such documents as fake and an assault on legislative independence.

“Any attempt to foist fake laws on Nigerians is an attack on the independence and constitutional role of the National Assembly in safeguarding our democracy,” the release warned.

“The Caucus will unconditionally protect the independence of the Legislature and our democracy.”

The caucus called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend implementation of the tax reform laws until the ongoing investigations are concluded and full clarity is established on the authentic texts.

“Consequently, we call on the government to suspend the implementation of the tax laws until investigations are concluded and there is clarity and certainty of the law to be implemented,” the statement read.

“Moreover, Nigerians and the business community are entitled to copies of the laws that they are expected to obey.”

The caucus expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, appealing to him to heed the call for suspension and transparency.

“We count on Mr. President’s democratic credentials to be responsive and responsible and heed to this call,” it concluded.

The release ended with a blessing for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the signatures of the four principal officers of the Minority Caucus.

Terrorism financing: Group to mobilise One Million Match Against Malami’s Release from detention, wants former AGF sentenced to death by hanging

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Corruption (CATC) has announced plans to mobilize a one-million-man march to protest any attempt to release former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami from EFCC detention, demanding instead that he be sentenced to death by hanging for allegedly enabling terrorism financing through massive money laundering.

In a statement signed by Dr. Hassan Adebayo, the group’s spokesperson, Malami was branded a “traitor in high office” whose actions have directly fueled terrorism, cost countless innocent lives, and betrayed the nation.

“Abubakar Malami, as AGF, turned his position into a criminal enterprise, laundering billions to arm terrorists and destabilize Nigeria while chasing a presidential ambition he later abandoned,” Adebayo stated.

“His alleged laundering of over N1 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between 2022 and 2025 is not mere corruption—it is blood money that has killed Nigerians and left families in perpetual grief.”

Adebayo pointed to the EFCC’s 16-count charge, accusing Malami, his son, and associate Bashir Asabe of concealing and disguising illicit funds used to acquire luxury properties worth billions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.

“He allegedly N500 million to buy a duplex in Maitama, retained N600 million as cash collateral for loans, and conspired to acquire assets in Jabi, Asokoro, and Gwarimpa—all funded by proceeds of crime that supported terrorism,” he said.

“While families buried loved ones killed by insurgents, Malami was busy buying mansions and plotting his political future on the blood of the innocent.”

The group condemned Malami’s role in allegedly acquiring over 41 properties traced to ₦212 billion in illicit funds.

“He disguised N1.36 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd, concealed N700 million for Hamonia Hotels, and laundered money for Rayhaan Hotels—all while presiding over the Ministry of Justice meant to protect Nigerians,” Adebayo charged.

“He turned the AGF office into a safe haven for terrorists and their financiers, ensuring that while our soldiers fought with limited resources, criminals like him thrived.”

Adebayo highlighted the human toll. “Every naira he allegedly laundered is a life lost, a family destroyed, a community terrorized. His betrayal is unforgivable, and the pain he inflicted on Nigerian families is irreparable,” he said.

The group warned against any bail or release, calling for the harshest punishment.

“We demand not just conviction but death by hanging for Malami—the ultimate penalty for a man who armed terrorists with laundered billions while holding the nation’s highest legal office,” Adebayo declared.

Adebayo concluded, “Abubakar Malami is a principal architect of insecurity. His actions—from laundering billions in Abuja to acquiring illicit properties nationwide—prove he prioritized personal greed and political ambition over the lives of Nigerians.

“He must face the gallows to send a message that betrayal of this magnitude will never be tolerated.”

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network Names Bagudu as Best Performing Minister, NCC EVC as Best Performing Agency Head

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network has named Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, as the Best Performing Minister of the Year and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the Best Performing Agency Head.

The group said it came to this conclusion after a careful review of key promoters and stakeholders championing Mr. President’s ideological and developmental agenda.

It noted that Minister Bagudu came out tops for his outstanding contributions, loyalty, and strategic leadership in steering Nigeria’s fiscal policy and economic planning throughout 2025.

In a statement signed by Opialu Fabian Opialu, Bagudu was described as a “towering figure” whose tireless efforts have significantly advanced the Renewed Hope vision in economic stabilization and growth.

“Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu exemplifies the Renewed Hope vision through his relentless commitment to macroeconomic stability and inclusive development,” Opialu stated.

“His oversight of the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 budget has driven bold reforms, resulting in four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and renewed investor confidence.”

Opialu highlighted Bagudu’s role in revising the National Development Plan and coordinating poverty reduction strategies.

“Bagudu has led effective implementation of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy across states, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture,” he added.

He further praised Bagudu’s global engagements and sector synergies. “As Minister, Bagudu has championed partnerships, such as with Germany for the $1 trillion economy goal, and emphasized clean energy investments requiring $410 billion for net-zero by 2060, proving the administration’s commitment to sustainable prosperity,” Opialu said.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network also recognized Dr. Aminu Maida as the Best Performing Agency Head for his contributions to digital innovation and telecommunications advancement.

“Dr. Aminu Maida’s efforts have elevated the NCC to among the top best-performing government agencies in 2025, creating a robust environment essential for economic progress under President Tinubu,” Opialu noted.

“Under Maida’s stewardship, the NCC has advanced data-driven regulation through the Quality of Experience Crowdsourcing Project and committed to broadband expansion and transparency,” he said.

Opialu concluded, “Both Bagudu and Maida are not just supporters; they are principled architects of the Renewed Hope agenda.

“Their actions—from steering economic policies to advancing digital infrastructure—demonstrate rock-solid commitment to President Tinubu’s transformative national project.”

Young farmer in SW China cultivates carbon-neutral rice, contributing to China’s green goals

By Li Kaixuan, People’s Daily

In the serene fields of Qionglai, southwest China’s Sichuan province, a young farmer’s meticulous record-keeping is doing more than tracking harvests, but meticulously documenting the carbon footprint of every grain. What began as a personal experiment in low-carbon farming has now turned into the production of certified “carbon-neutral rice,” offering a promising insight into the future of sustainable agriculture.

Huang Xin, a university-educated “new farmer” from Qionglai, recently observed with pride as boxes of “Ranyi rice” were prepared for delivery. Back in September, following a successful harvest, Huang organized a blind tasting at the fields, where a variety of rice samples were presented to a panel of local villagers and agricultural experts. The “Ranyi rice,” distinguished by its delicate texture and low carbon emissions, emerged as the unanimous favorite.

However, this rice represents more than just superior taste. This year, “Ranyi rice” underwent rigorous carbon footprint assessment and received certification as a carbon-neutral product from the Sichuan United Environmental Exchange, officially earning the distinction of “carbon-neutral rice.”

Why is it important for rice to be carbon-neutral?

For Huang, a local of Qionglai who returned to farming after completing his university studies, the project was about introducing innovation into traditional agriculture. As the green, low-carbon movement gained momentum, he saw an opportunity to produce rice in a sustainable manner, benefiting both the environment and China’s broader “dual carbon” goals.

Initially, Huang faced skepticism. When he presented his idea to Zhang Kaiguo, general manager of Sichuan-based Guotan Tech, Zhang expressed doubt. “Achieving carbon neutrality for an agricultural product is no simple task,” Zhang remarked.

The primary challenge, Zhang explained, lies in the complexity of carbon footprint accounting, which involves measuring the total greenhouse gas emissions and removals over a product’s entire life cycle. “In industrial operations, the calculation process is relatively straightforward, thanks to mature production data systems. However, agriculture is often non-standardized, relying heavily on personal experience. Accurate accounting requires detailed records of every farming activity and its associated emissions,” Zhang explained, acknowledging that such meticulous record-keeping is beyond the capabilities of many farmers.

Undeterred, Huang decided to persist. “I already kept records of agricultural inputs for economic purposes. Now I simply added a ‘low-carbon account,'” he explained, resolving to meet Zhang’s high standards.

The process was demanding: tracking began with the transportation of seeds and extended across more than 10 stages, including planting, field management, harvesting, and processing. In total, over 15 types of detailed data were required just for plot mapping alone. “Every detail had to be documented: fertilizer use per unit area, fuel consumption for machinery, and more,” Huang recalled. Each activity was meticulously logged with the oversight of relevant staff and third-party certifiers.

In spring this year, Huang cultivated 200 mu (approximately 13 hectares) of nationally certified premium rice, reviving the local “Ranyi rice” variety. As the seedlings matured, his “low-carbon ledger” became thicker.

Reducing emissions for sustainable rice cultivation

While record-keeping was vital, the question remained: how could carbon-neutral rice be effectively grown? The solution lay in reducing emissions.

“Chemical fertilizers and pesticides contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions,” Huang noted. To mitigate this, he adopted a hybrid approach, using bio-organic fertilizer alongside organic-inorganic compound fertilizers. “Bio-organic fertilizer can replace some chemical fertilizers, reducing both indirect emissions from production and transport, as well as methane emissions from rice paddies,” explained Huang.

In certain field corners, he placed paper bags containing trichogramma wasp eggs, a natural predator of the rice stem borer. “Using insects for pest control proved even more effective than expected,” he said.

By harvest time, carbon footprint assessments of the 200 mu of rice paddy revealed that the full life-cycle carbon emissions of “Ranyi rice” totaled 946.54 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilogram, nearly 50 percent lower than conventionally grown rice. Huang selected 20 tons of rice for carbon offsetting through the Sichuan United Environmental Exchange’s platform, securing its carbon-neutral certification. The journey of this single grain of rice to carbon neutrality has successfully reached its destination.

“With this certification, the rice now carries a green ‘ID card,'” Huang said. He designed special packaging for “Ranyi rice,” which includes a QR code that provides consumers with  full transparency regarding the product’s carbon footprint.

This year, the transition to carbon-neutral rice has brought tangible benefits to Huang’s farm: soil fertility has improved, and the quality of the produce has been enhanced. In Qionglai, several near-zero-carbon zones and carbon-neutral agricultural products are emerging, as the region embraces the green, low-carbon philosophy, injecting new vitality into its agricultural development.

Why is China actively expanding voluntary opening up?

By Luo Shanshan, People’s Daily

On Dec. 18, China launched island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). As of Nov. 10, China had extended its unilateral visa-exemption arrangements for 48 countries. In an era of rising global protectionism, why is China choosing to further expand voluntary opening up?

Let’s start with the Hainan FTP.

Starting Dec. 18, 2025, Hainan has launched island-wide special customs operations, allowing freer entry of overseas goods, expanding zero-tariff coverage, and introducing more business-friendly measures. This initiative will significantly ease the entry and exit of people, goods, capital and data across Hainan, enhancing its position as a hub of global exchange.

What has expanded opening up brought?

The results are evident in Hainan’s development. Since the release of an overall plan for the development of the Hainan FTP in June 2020, Hainan has attracted102.5 billion yuan ($14.56 billion) in foreign investment, with an average annual growth rate of 14.6 percent. Additionally, trade in goods and services increased by average rates of 31.3 percent and 32.3 percent respectively, while the province’s economic openness reached 35 percent. With the formal launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan is well-positioned to seize new opportunities for growth and global integration.

Looking back at China’s reform and opening-up process, the use of opening up to drive reform and development has been a key factor behind the country’s continued progress and achievements.

By the end of 2024, the number of foreign-funded companies in China had grown to nearly 1.24 million, with almost 700,000 foreign trade companies engaging in import and export activities. Foreign trade and foreign investment have directly or indirectly created jobs for more than 200 million people. In November this year, China’s actual foreign direct investment jumped 26.1 percent year on year.

In today’s increasingly turbulent and complex international environment, where protectionist tendencies are on the rise, expanding opening up has become more challenging. This requires a dynamic balance between opening up and ensuring security. The key to achieving this balance lies in China’s approach to voluntary opening up.

Voluntary opening up is a defining feature of China’s high-level opening up in the new era. It is an approach driven by China’s own development needs while also fostering constructive interaction with the rest of the world. This method involves a measured, well-defined and multi-tiered approach, tailored to the specific needs of different industries and sectors. Central to voluntary opening up is the notion of initiating openness on China’s own terms, emphasizing cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Voluntary opening up is neither driven solely by reciprocity nor by external pressure. Rather, it is rooted in China’s modernization efforts and founded on principles of independence and self-reliance.

China has enacted a series of voluntary opening up policies, including the promotion of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the expansion of pilot free trade zones, and the establishment of platforms such as the China International Import Expo. Furthermore, China has granted zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, while steadily expanding the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry.

These efforts not only support China’s domestic development, but also bring tangible benefits to the wider world.

The level of opening up is closely linked to the depth of reform and the stage of economic development, with each reinforcing the other in a virtuous cycle. Deeper reform and higher-quality development enhance a country’s capacity to open up further, while broader opening up drives continued reform and fosters better development outcomes.

Today, China is home to the world’s largest middle-income group, offering vast market potential and growth prospects. It has a complete industrial system with more than 200 mature industrial clusters, as well as a large pool of highly skilled workers and entrepreneurs. 

These advantages provide China with substantial capacity to engage proactively with international markets and shape a favorable external environment, thereby gaining a competitive edge in economic development and international competition.

Expanding voluntary opening up serves a dual purpose: domestically, it strengthens China’s capacity to harness opening up as a driver of reform and development; internationally, it enhances China’s role in promoting global cooperation and win-win outcomes. This strategic approach benefits both China and the broader international community.