Stories from Beijing · China

The World Meteorological Organization and China's National Climate Center have predicted the return of the El Niño climate pattern. This phenomenon follows a period where the China Meteorological Administration reported decreases in fish stocks and sudden disappearances of bird species in certain fishing grounds. Chief forecaster Zhi Rong of the National Climate Center explained the phenomenon results from interactions between ocean and atmospheric circulation. The report notes that El Niño is characterized by rising sea surface temperatures, whereas La Niña involves abnormally low temperatures. Sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are showing a continuous rising trend. While international meteorological agencies agree on the trend toward an El Niño state, predictions regarding the timing and intensity of the event vary.

A recent US intelligence assessment concludes that China does not intend to invade Taiwan in 2027. Beijing is currently facing domestic economic problems.

China's manufacturing PMI for April was 50.3%, indicating continued economic expansion. Large-scale enterprises have seen their PMI remain above the zero threshold for five consecutive months. Large, medium, and small-scale enterprises all reported PMIs within the expansion zone, with large enterprise PMIs remaining above the zero threshold for five consecutive months. Both large and small-to-medium enterprises are currently in expansion zones. The data was released on Thursday morning. China's composite Purchasing Managers' Index for April reported an output index of 50.1, a monthly decline of 0.4. The S&P Global China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 52.2 in April, exceeding market expectations. China's large enterprise PMI reached 50.2 percent, remaining above the zero-point threshold for the fifth consecutive month.

The regulations explicitly prohibit the transport of unmanned aircraft and their core components into Beijing administrative areas. The regulations aim to improve service functions and transit efficiency by shortening exchange paths. Beijing is enforcing new regulations on e-cigarette sales, with authorities continuing their crackdown. Beijing traffic authorities are implementing new regulations for non-motorized vehicles, including mandatory helmet use. Beijing is implementing new regulations requiring cyclists to wear helmets, with enforcement beginning on May 1st. Beijing is continuing its efforts to advance regulatory work in coordination with new rules, ensuring safety and order. New regulations require all drones sold and used in mainland China to be registered and activated through a system before flight.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has appointed Zhang Zhu as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. President Xi Jinping issued presidential decrees on April 30, 2026, announcing key leadership changes. According to Presidential Order No. The new appointments are set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The National People's Congress concluded a session in Beijing presided over by Chairman Zhao Leji. The session also approved revised Prison Laws and Social Assistance Laws. Zhao Leji presided over the closing meeting and delivered a speech regarding the legislative outcomes. The session approved revisions to the Prison Law and the Social Assistance Law. During the proceedings, the committee voted to remove Han Jun from the position of Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Ding Xuexiang discussed five key perspectives regarding the development of artificial intelligence in China. He said the necessity of independent innovation to address external constraints and consolidate leadership in core technologies.

Beijing has issued opinions to advance the development of protective elderly care services. The plan sets a target for urban and rural community elderly care facility coverage to reach at least 70% by 2030. The Dongcheng District in Beijing has launched the 'Breeze Terrace Plan' to integrate over 300 terrace spaces. Beijing's Xicheng District has been piloting home-based care beds for the elderly since 2019. Home care managers are using data to assess needs and develop personalized care plans for elderly residents.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the world is experiencing major changes unseen in a century. The dialogue addressed global energy price impacts and the need for political solutions to regional issues. Wang also advocated for the political resolution of hotspot issues to promote a more just and reasonable global governance system. Penny Wong stated that Australia supports the one-China policy and does not support Taiwan independence. She expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the Taiwan issue and noted the high level of economic interdependence between the two nations. Huang added that the economic complementarity between China and Australia benefits both nations. The Nikkei 225 index was reported at 59,250. Vice President Han Zheng stated in Beijing that the international system centered on the United Nations is facing severe impacts from current global shifts.

Corn futures prices have risen 6% over the past two months, reaching a one-year high.

A survey by the China Iron and Steel Association shows 60% of member companies expect steel demand to rise month-on-month in the second quarter. Several Chinese chip companies reported explosive revenue growth in their first-quarter earnings or business forecasts.