Stories from Beijing · China

China has maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner for over ten consecutive years, according to Deputy Director Lan Shengbin of the China Customs. According to Chinese customs statistics, China-Africa trade volume reached a new historical high in 2025. The expansion includes moving from simple cultivation to processing, roasting, and packaging to create more jobs. Officials noted that these measures aim to extend industrial chains from planting to processing, roasting, and packaging. The implementation of zero-tariff measures is expected to increase coffee purchase volumes from Kenya to China. Market manager Caroline Giorgio of Otak Company stated the firm plans to use zero-tariff advantages via cross-border e-commerce platforms. The policy is intended to improve price competitiveness for Ethiopian coffee and promote industry standardization.

The Communist Party of China is marking its 105th anniversary during the first year of the 155th Five-Year Plan. Officials are calling on the labor force to promote the spirit of hard work and dedication to drive high-quality economic and social development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued greetings to the nation's laborers ahead of International Workers' Day. He noted that the working class has contributed significantly to the development of the party and the state through innovation and hard work. Xi said that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. He called for the promotion of the spirit of hard work and dedication to support high-quality social development. Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping issued greetings and condolences to the nation's labor force for International Workers' Day. He called for the laboring masses to remain united with the party during the development of Chinese-style modernization.

Trending discussions on Zhihu focus on the current situation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, which has entered its 62nd day. Current situation analysis regarding the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran as it reaches the 62-day mark.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Representative Greer held a video call with Chinese counterparts to discuss implementing consensus from the Busan summit. The officials discussed resolving economic and trade concerns and expanding material cooperation. China expressed serious concerns regarding recent US trade restrictions on China during the exchange. The conversation was described as candid, in-depth, and constructive. Both sides agreed to maintain stability and prepare for upcoming high-level interactions to manage differences. The parties discussed the upcoming summit between the two heads of state and previous communications to resolve mutual concerns and expand practical cooperation. Both sides agreed to utilize the China-US economic and trade working mechanism to manage differences and promote stable relations.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued formal working papers addressing the Yonah issue. This action marks a shift from routine diplomatic concern to formal policy action regarding Japanese security activities.

Chinese peacekeeping forces have cleared over 21,000 landmines and unexploded ordnance in Lebanon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Liberia.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the Taiwan issue concerns China's core interests and represents the largest risk factor in US-China relations. He said the need for the United States to honor its commitments and make correct decisions to build a strategic, constructive, and stable relationship. The remarks focused on expanding cooperation while managing points of regulatory divergence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib in Beijing on April 30. The two officials also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. The meeting also included an exchange of views regarding the situation in the Middle East. US Secretary of Defense Hegseth also addressed US-China relations during a House hearing on April 29.

China has completed a million-ton green steel production line using a new process that replaces coke with clean gas. The transition to clean gas instead of coke eliminates high-energy coking and sintering processes, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions at the source.

Alice Ho, daughter of late casino tycoon Stanley Ho, has chosen to remain at Tsinghua University to work in sustainable development education. She previously graduated with a master's degree from the institution in June 2022. He Chao Xin posted on social media that she has chosen to remain at the university to focus on sustainable development education after attending the Schwarzman College 10th anniversary ceremony.