China This Week: Five things you need to know (Apr. 19-25, 2025)
One Step Closer to China: A weekly dispatch from Beijing every Friday with insights you don't want to miss.
Editor's Notes: It has been a busy week for Chinese diplomacy, as the Azerbaijani and Kenyan presidents paid state visits to China and deepened cooperation. China reiterated that tariff and trade wars have no winners. Highlights also include China's further opening-up through a shortened Market Access "Negative List" and growing international cooperation in space exploration. And a special shout-out – happy 76th birthday to the Chinese PLA Navy!
1. China, Azerbaijan Elevate Ties and Boost "Middle Corridor" Cooperation Linking Eurasia
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Beijing on April 23. The two leaders upgraded bilateral ties from a strategic partnership signed in 2024 to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The countries signed a mutual visa exemption agreement to strengthen cross-border exchanges and agreed to enhance the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), known as the "Middle Corridor" – a key transport artery linking China and Europe.
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2. China, Kenya Elevate ties, Oppose "New Hegemonic Tactics" and Tariff Barriers
On April 24, China and Kenya elevated their relationship to a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era, following talks between President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing. Xi emphasized that tariffs and trade wars have no winners, adding that China is not a troublemaker, but will not flinch when trouble comes its way. The two countries voiced opposition to "new hegemonic tactics" such as illegal unilateral sanctions, tariff barriers, and technological blockades.
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3. China Shortens Market Access "Negative List," Opens More Sectors to Investors
On April 24, China released the Negative List for Market Access (2025 Edition) (《市场准入负面清单（2025年版）》), lowering entry barriers for all types of enterprises. Compared to the 2022 version, the new list cuts the number of restricted items from 117 to 106. Relaxations include sectors like new telecom services, TV drama production, pharmaceutical distribution and forest seed imports. The updated list also features better integration with other regulatory frameworks.
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4. Shenzhou-20 Launch Features Life Science Experiments and Global Collaboration
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship on April 24 at 5:17 p.m., sending astronauts Chen Dong (陈冬), Chen Zhongrui (陈中瑞) and Wang Jie (王杰) to the China Space Station for a six-month mission. The crew will conduct three new life science experiments involving zebrafish, planarians, and streptomyces. According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), a Pakistani astronaut will join a future mission as a payload specialist.
Read more:
China successfully launches Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship; mission features technical improvements and new life science experiments -Global Times-
China National Space Administration unveils 10 selected international cooperation projects for Chang’e-8 lunar probe mission -Global Times
Pakistani astronaut to be part of Chinese space mission -Dawn-
5. PLA Navy Marks 76 Years with Largest Open-ship Event Yet
On April 23, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy celebrated its 76th anniversary, continuing its transformation into a world-class maritime force. Over 30 active-duty vessels were opened to the public in more than 10 cities in late April – the largest and most diverse public display ever held by the Navy. According to the Defense Ministry, the PLA Navy plays a key role in maritime peace, stability, and international security cooperation.
Read more:
Chinese navy marks 76th anniversary on march to world-class force safeguarding peace -China’s State Council Information Office-
Open Ship Day activities held to celebrate PLAN's 76th founding anniversary -China Military Online-
PLA Navy celebrates 76th anniversary, 'highlighted by advanced warships, drills in past year' -Global Times-
Stay tuned for more updates on China's political, economic, and cultural landscapes.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. All sources are publicly available and subject to change.
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