Latest news with #14thFive-YearPlan
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
No threat to India from upper Brahmaputra mega dam project, says China
China on Wednesday defended the launch of its massive hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra river in the environmentally sensitive Tibetan region, asserting that the project poses no threat to India or Bangladesh, both downstream countries the river flows through. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a briefing that the dam 'will not have any negative impact on the downstream regions'. He added that China has maintained communication with India and Bangladesh on the matter, and that it continues to share hydrological data and cooperate on flood prevention and disaster relief. The project, which is being developed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Nyingchi City — close to Arunachal Pradesh — was formally announced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Saturday. The river, called Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, flows into India as the Brahmaputra and subsequently into Bangladesh. India is reportedly keeping a close watch on what could become the world's largest hydropower station. The dam is projected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually — more than the total yearly consumption of the United Kingdom. Why is China building a dam near Arunachal Pradesh? Beijing has positioned the dam as a key component of its green energy ambitions. Incorporated in China's 14th Five-Year Plan and long-term development blueprint through 2035, the project is intended to bolster clean energy production, reduce carbon emissions, and address climate change. According to a Reuters report, the dam could produce as much electricity in a year as the UK consumes. Chinese officials also claim that the project will provide flood control benefits, stimulate infrastructure growth, generate employment, and act as an economic booster for sectors such as construction and equipment manufacturing. With an estimated cost of $167 billion to $170 billion (around 1.2 trillion yuan), it is expected to support China's bond markets and reinforce its energy security goals. Why is India worried about the Chinese dam? India has expressed serious concern over the strategic and environmental implications of the project. Officials in New Delhi worry that China's upstream control of a critical transnational river could give it the ability to manipulate water flow — using it as a geopolitical tool in times of conflict. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has described the project as a 'ticking water bomb' and an existential threat. 'The issue is that China cannot be trusted. No one knows what they might do,' Khandu said in an interview earlier this month. He also noted that China is not party to any international water-sharing treaty that might have imposed regulatory checks. Experts in India fear that, aside from power generation, the dam could enable China to hold or release large volumes of water — potentially causing artificial floods in Indian territory. Guo, however, emphasised that the project aims to improve the lives of local communities while contributing to climate goals. 'In the planning, design and construction of the hydro projects, China strictly adheres to top-level industrial standards to ensure full ecological protection,' he said.
Malaysia Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
China strengthens disability support systems in 14th Five-Year Plan period
BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Millions of people living with disabilities have seen their lives improve as China made major strides in accessibility, inclusion and support during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). At a press conference held in Beijing on Tuesday, senior officials from the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF) outlined the major achievements in disability support during the period and shared new goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). "The enrollment rate of children and adolescents with disabilities in compulsory education in China has reached 97 percent, with over 30,000 disabled students entering universities each year," said Cheng Kai, chairman of the CDPF, at the press conference. The next five-year plan is set to prioritize high-quality development in the disability sector, according to the press conference. LEARNING AND EARNING According to Cheng, China's education system for individuals with disabilities has undergone further improvement. Currently, 75,800 students with disabilities study in secondary vocational schools nationwide, while 59,800 attend regular high schools. Li Dongmei, vice chair of the federation, noted that a special campaign was launched to equip school campuses with assistive devices, benefiting nearly 100,000 students with disabilities. Standardized textbooks have been developed for special schools, as well as sign-language textbooks for nine subjects. Financially, in 2025, the per capita subsidy for students with disabilities receiving compulsory education was increased to more than 7,000 yuan (about 980 U.S. dollars) per year. Those whose families have financial difficulties are eligible to receive 12 years of free education from primary school to senior high school. With stronger educational and financial support, individuals with disabilities are better equipped to enter the workforce. The annual net income of families with disabled members in China grew at an average rate of 6.9 percent per year from 2020 to 2023, roughly matching the pace of the country's GDP growth, according to Cheng. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, more than 400,000 persons with disabilities were newly employed every year, Li said. The employment rate of the disabled population grew by nearly 5 percentage points. BETTER ACCESS, BETTER CARE The participation rate of persons with disabilities in China's basic medical insurance has remained above 95 percent. Meanwhile, over 90 percent of persons with disabilities in China are covered by basic pension insurance for both urban and rural residents, said Cheng. By June 2025, living allowances for the disabled in financial difficulty and nursing subsidies for the severely disabled had benefited 11.88 million and 16.4 million, respectively. A total of 10.5 million persons with disabilities are covered by the country's subsistence allowance system, Cheng added. Public services have also been enhanced to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. A nationwide campaign for barrier-free home renovations benefited 1.28 million households with severely disabled members during the period, surpassing the original target of 1.1 million, Cheng said. China is also exploring the use of advanced technologies such as smart bionic hands and guide robots to improve the well-being of persons with disabilities, ensuring that scientific and technological progress benefits this community. Zhou Changkui, chairperson of the Board of Executive Directors of the CDPF, said that the federation and some other governmental departments have jointly issued a guiding document to promote the use of technology in supporting persons with disabilities. It is also collaborating with universities, research institutes and high-tech companies to boost the development of relevant technologies and industries. TOWARD A FAIRER, SMARTER FUTURE As China charts a path for the 15th Five-Year Plan, the emphasis on high-quality development in the disability sector remains central, with a focus on stronger support systems and innovation-driven solutions. A key focus will be improving livelihood security for persons with disabilities. Efforts will include refining basic, inclusive, and guaranteed social protection systems, as well as better support for persons with disabilities in rural areas, said Zhou. Public services will also see significant upgrades. Zhou noted that long-term care for the severely disabled and rehabilitation programs for children with autism will be expanded in the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Zhou said that to safeguard equal rights, China will revise and step up enforcement of key disability-related laws. Enhanced legal services and stronger judicial protections will help ensure that persons with disabilities can fully enjoy fairness and justice. Moreover, during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue to promote the application of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to serve persons with disabilities, and ensure that advanced technologies better meet their needs, according to Zhou. The plan will also highlight cultural and spiritual wellbeing. Community-based sports and cultural programs will be expanded, while greater support will be extended to persons with disabilities in artistic creation and cultural industries. As Zhou emphasized, achieving a better life for people living with disabilities means enriching both body and spirit.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Explained: China's mega dam on Brahmaputra and India's downstream risks
China has reportedly begun constructing what it is calling the world's largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, just across the Line of Actual Control from Arunachal Pradesh. Situated in Medog (Metok) County and near Mainling/Nyingchi, the dam will be a series of five cascade hydroelectric stations, collectively known as the Medog or Yarlung Tsangpo mega-dam. When completed, which is projected for the 2030s, it will connect to China's power grid as the river flows south to Arunachal Pradesh and through India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra. Why is China building a dam near Arunachal Pradesh? The Chinese government describes the project as an integral part of its clean energy and climate objectives. The project is incorporated in China's 14th Five-Year Plan and long-term development plans up to 2035. The dam project aims to produce electricity, which would be equivalent to the entire United Kingdom's needs in one year, according to the Reuters report. Beyond renewable energy targets, the project may also serve flood-control functions and act as a stimulus for domestic investment, infrastructure growth, and jobs. What will be the benefits for China? The expected scale of power generation is massive. The combined annual output is projected at 300 billion kWh, far surpassing the Three Gorges Dam, and covering roughly the yearly electricity consumption of the UK. With an estimated cost between $167 billion and $170 billion (1.2 trillion yuan), the project is expected to boost Chinese construction, equipment, and bond markets. Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute to China's carbon-cutting goals and may provide downstream flood mitigation. Meanwhile, control over a major tributary will provide China the geopolitical leverage and potential influence over transboundary water flows. Why is India worried? India is worried that China's upstream control of the Brahmaputra's waters could allow China to control water levels as a tactical weapon of sorts. Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal, called the dam a "ticking water bomb" and a threat to life. His concerns stem from Beijing not having signed up to any international river-sharing agreements and not knowing what its future plans might be. The risks downstream include reduced flow (the sediment captured is critically important to irrigation), problems with the ecosystem, and more extreme dry seasons. There are also significant risks, including floods, from sudden discharge of water in the case of planned storage (for electricity generation, for example) or accidents (including maintenance issues and emergencies). All of which is concerning for India's north-east. Additionally, the project stretches across a seismically active Himalayan gorge — which heightens landslide, flood, and ecological hazard, potentially devastating downstream regions. Does it challenge India's geopolitical position? This project is near a contested territory in Arunachal Pradesh. India is concerned that China's unilateral actions could redefine control over shared water resources and geopolitical influence. Flow reduction could impair drinking water, crop yields, and riverine ecosystems in Assam and beyond. With increased dependence on a dam controlled by China, India may find itself politically constrained. Additionally, the project risks militarising water policy in an already fragile Himalayan border context. How is India responding to China's dam construction? To counter China's influence, India is fast-tracking hydropower in Arunachal. Plans include the 11,000 MW Upper-Siang Multipurpose Project (SUMP) at a cost of around Rs 1.5 trillion, with a reservoir capacity of 9.2 billion cubic metres, likely to strengthen India's water rights under international norms. Additional projects like Subansiri Lower (2,000 MW) and Dibang (2,880 MW, tallest concrete gravity dam) are under various stages of planning and construction. India relies on the 2006 Expert-Level Mechanism, through which China shares real-time flood-season hydrological data for Brahmaputra and Sutlej. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has publicly stated that despite concerns, there's no immediate threat—citing the river's multiple sources, including Bhutan and local rainfall. Conversely, organisations in Arunachal like SIFF and ex-CM Nabam Tuki, along with student bodies in Assam, have pressed for thorough impact reviews, transparency, and the declaration of Assam's flood issues as a national emergency. How has the world responded to China's action? Bangladesh has raised questions about a reduction in water supply and flow variability. However, China states the project is expected to have no negative effects on countries downstream. Meanwhile, environmental organisations have raised concerns regarding the dam's potential to influence a sensitive ecological zone, highlighting the potential for earthquakes and other natural disasters, given its location in the Himalayas. While India and Bangladesh have formally raised the issue with China, there has been little overt international censure or coordinated global diplomatic response so far. The project is seen as an extension of China's broader infrastructure and strategic ambitions rather than a direct provocation warranting sanctions or collective action. Moreover, the lack of enforceable worldwide agreements on rivers permits China to move ahead without any serious accountability from the rest of the world. For India, this is a multi-faceted challenge. The downstream risks for India include everything from water shortages to environmental damage, along with border tensions. As a response, India is increasing hydropower and flood control investment plans, while also utilising diplomatic engagement, data-sharing, and political mobilisation as diverse strategies to stake its own claims.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
China sets its sights on export boost
China will intensify efforts to advance high-quality trade development, deepen international cooperation and bolster innovation to further boost exports during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, the country's top commerce official said on Friday. Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said these measures will foster an open, cooperative and mutually beneficial global trading landscape that promotes shared development. Wang said that despite external pressures, China further cemented its position as a major global trading nation, with notable progress in high-quality development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). The country's foreign trade reached $6.16 trillion in 2024, up 32.4 percent from 2020, maintaining its position as the world's largest trading nation for the eighth consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. "Chinese exporters have shown remarkable resilience, actively adapting to changes and driving transformation," he said, adding that they are accelerating product upgrades, especially by enhancing technological content, while also expanding into new markets and channels, and exploring innovative business models. The commerce minister said that China's foreign trade-related production and supply chains have become more complete, flexible and efficient, reinforcing the country's ability to navigate external uncertainties and laying a solid foundation for sustained and high-quality trade growth. Noting that any attempt to forcibly "decouple" economic and trade ties between China and the United States is destined to fail, Wang said the bilateral economic relationship has endured fluctuations, with cooperation remaining anchored in economic fundamentals and reflecting the shared interests and expectations of people in both countries. As economic globalization has encountered mounting challenges and unilateralism and protectionism have continued to rise in recent years, China International Trade Representative Li Chenggang said that the world's economic order and governance system have come under significant strain. In response, China has reaffirmed its commitment to the multilateral trading system and has worked to expand its network of high-standard free trade agreements, advancing both multilateral and regional cooperation in parallel, said Li, who is also vice-minister of commerce. "In addition to completing negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement earlier this year, China has also incorporated rules on emerging sectors such as the digital and green economy into its trade negotiations," he added. Reflecting China's broader commitment to high-standard opening-up, foreign investment has also played a key role in supporting the country's economic development. China utilized a total of $708.73 billion in foreign investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period by the end of June this year, reaching the target set in the national commerce development plan six months ahead of schedule. Ling Ji, vice-minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, said that foreign-invested companies have contributed one-third of China's foreign trade and one-quarter of its industrial added value, while creating over 30 million jobs, making a significant contribution to the country's economic development. In a renewed push to draw more global capital, China on Friday introduced 12 targeted measures to encourage foreign companies to reinvest in the Chinese market and boost the effective use of foreign investment. The new policy, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and six other government bodies, said that China will support eligible foreign-invested companies reinvesting profits domestically through flexible land use, tax incentives, streamlined procedures, financial support and improved services to encourage high-quality foreign reinvestment projects. Jiangsu Mobis Automotive Parts Co Ltd, an automobile lamp and airbag manufacturer and subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Mobis Co in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, has strengthened its earning capacity since joining the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program in 2024, with support from the local government. The AEO program, promoted by the World Customs Organization, fosters partnerships between customs authorities and businesses to enhance supply chain security and streamline global trade through simplified procedures. "Since joining the program, we have expanded to become a global supplier of components to more automakers in Japan and Southeast Asia," said Zheng Yinyin, a manager at the company's foreign trade unit. The company, which employs more than 1,000 people, saw its exports soar 44.5 percent year-on-year to 430 million yuan ($60 million) between January and June, data from Nanjing Customs showed. - China Daily/ANN
Asia News Network
3 days ago
- Business
- Asia News Network
China's 15th five-year plan to see enhanced innovation, deepened international cooperation
July 21, 2025 BEIJING – China will intensify efforts to advance high-quality trade development, deepen international cooperation and bolster innovation to further boost exports during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, the country's top commerce official said on Friday. Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said these measures will foster an open, cooperative and mutually beneficial global trading landscape that promotes shared development. Wang said that despite external pressures, China further cemented its position as a major global trading nation, with notable progress in high-quality development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25). The country's foreign trade reached $6.16 trillion in 2024, up 32.4 percent from 2020, maintaining its position as the world's largest trading nation for the eighth consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. 'Chinese exporters have shown remarkable resilience, actively adapting to changes and driving transformation,' he said, adding that they are accelerating product upgrades, especially by enhancing technological content, while also expanding into new markets and channels, and exploring innovative business models. The commerce minister said that China's foreign trade-related production and supply chains have become more complete, flexible and efficient, reinforcing the country's ability to navigate external uncertainties and laying a solid foundation for sustained and high-quality trade growth. Noting that any attempt to forcibly 'decouple' economic and trade ties between China and the United States is destined to fail, Wang said the bilateral economic relationship has endured fluctuations, with cooperation remaining anchored in economic fundamentals and reflecting the shared interests and expectations of people in both countries. As economic globalization has encountered mounting challenges and unilateralism and protectionism have continued to rise in recent years, China International Trade Representative Li Chenggang said that the world's economic order and governance system have come under significant strain. In response, China has reaffirmed its commitment to the multilateral trading system and has worked to expand its network of high-standard free trade agreements, advancing both multilateral and regional cooperation in parallel, said Li, who is also vice-minister of commerce. 'In addition to completing negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement earlier this year, China has also incorporated rules on emerging sectors such as the digital and green economy into its trade negotiations,' he added. Reflecting China's broader commitment to high-standard opening-up, foreign investment has also played a key role in supporting the country's economic development. China utilized a total of $708.73 billion in foreign investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period by the end of June this year, reaching the target set in the national commerce development plan six months ahead of schedule. Ling Ji, vice-minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, said that foreign-invested companies have contributed one-third of China's foreign trade and one-quarter of its industrial added value, while creating over 30 million jobs, making a significant contribution to the country's economic development. In a renewed push to draw more global capital, China on Friday introduced 12 targeted measures to encourage foreign companies to reinvest in the Chinese market and boost the effective use of foreign investment. The new policy, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and six other government bodies, said that China will support eligible foreign-invested companies reinvesting profits domestically through flexible land use, tax incentives, streamlined procedures, financial support and improved services to encourage high-quality foreign reinvestment projects. Jiangsu Mobis Automotive Parts Co Ltd, an automobile lamp and airbag manufacturer and subsidiary of South Korea's Hyundai Mobis Co in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, has strengthened its earning capacity since joining the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program in 2024, with support from the local government. The AEO program, promoted by the World Customs Organization, fosters partnerships between customs authorities and businesses to enhance supply chain security and streamline global trade through simplified procedures. 'Since joining the program, we have expanded to become a global supplier of components to more automakers in Japan and Southeast Asia,' said Zheng Yinyin, a manager at the company's foreign trade unit. The company, which employs more than 1,000 people, saw its exports soar 44.5 percent year-on-year to 430 million yuan ($60 million) between January and June, data from Nanjing Customs showed.
