China Archives - FutureSoch

China pledges to buy $17b in US agricultural products over three years

May 18, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: China has pledged to purchase $17 billion worth of agricultural products from the United States over the next three years, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.

The commitment was made during a meeting last week between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The White House said the new $17 billion pledge does not include a previous commitment made in October 2025 to purchase U.S. soybeans.

The fact sheet also confirmed remarks by China’s foreign minister regarding plans to establish a U.S.-China Board of Trade and a U.S.-China Board of Investment to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House following his trip to China that major trade agreements had been reached and that relations between Washington and Beijing were “excellent.”

The announcement marks another sign of improving trade ties between the world’s two largest economies after years of tariff disputes and economic tensions.

Pakistan Navy commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China

April 30, 2026 by Newsdesk

The Pakistan Navy marked a major milestone with the commissioning of its first Hangor-class submarine in China, in a ceremony attended by Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, as the chief guest.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari described the commissioning of the Hangor submarine as a historic step in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization journey.

He emphasized that Pakistan possesses the full capability to defend its sovereignty, safeguard maritime interests, and protect vital economic corridors.

Speaking at the event, Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions to key sea lanes pose serious risks to global trade and energy supply.

He noted that the Hangor-class submarines will play a crucial role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of critical maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.

The Naval Chief also recalled that during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the earlier Hangor submarine made history by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink a naval vessel.

He added that the new Hangor-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art air-independent propulsion systems, advanced sonar technologies, stealth features, and extended underwater endurance.

ISPR stated that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine represents a new chapter in the longstanding and deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the country’s top military leadership extended congratulations to the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this significant milestone.

Pakistan, China discuss Middle East situation and peace efforts in high-level meeting

April 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, during which discussions were held on the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace.

The meeting in Islamabad focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. The prime minister expressed pride in Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China and said that close cooperation with Chinese leadership would continue to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed good wishes for the Chinese President and Premier, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

The Chinese ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting lasting peace in the region and reiterated the commitment of both countries to further strengthen their longstanding friendship.

Survey: 36% Europeans view US as greater threat than China

April 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

BRUSSELS: A new survey has revealed that 36% of Europeans consider the United States a bigger threat than China, amid criticism of anti-Europe statements by US President Donald Trump.

The poll, conducted across six European countries including Germany, found that 36% of respondents identified the US as a threat, compared to 29% who viewed China as a greater concern.

According to the “EuroPulse” survey, the perception was particularly strong in Spain, where 51% of respondents considered the US a threat. Similar views were recorded in Italy (46%), Belgium (42%), and Germany (30%).

In France, 37% of participants saw the US as a threat, while a higher 43% viewed China in that light.

Meanwhile, in Poland, only 13% of respondents identified the US as a threat, compared to 37% who pointed to China.

The findings highlight shifting geopolitical perceptions in Europe amid evolving global political dynamics.

China passes legislation authorizing response to foreign economic actions

April 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

Beijing: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a new law aimed at strengthening the country’s sovereignty, national security, and economic interests, according to state media reports.

The legislation, which consists of 20 provisions, has come into immediate effect.

Under the new law, China will take retaliatory measures against any country or entity that takes actions targeting its economic interests, citizens, or institutions.

The law is designed to formalize countermeasures in response to perceived external pressure.

It also provides for the creation of a list identifying foreign individuals and organizations involved in actions deemed harmful to China.

The Chinese government will be authorized to implement countermeasures against those included in the list.

Officials say the law is intended to protect national interests and ensure a structured response to external economic and political challenges.

Trump urges China, Japan to help secure Strait of Hormuz

March 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

US President Donald Trump has once again called on China, Japan and other countries to help ensure the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Trump said US forces were rapidly dismantling Iran’s defense systems and had sunk boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that only about one percent of US oil shipments pass through the strait, while a much larger share of oil for countries like China and Japan travels through the strategic waterway.

Trump said around 90 percent of China’s oil imports and 95 percent of Japan’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, along with about 35 percent of South Korea’s oil, urging these countries to send naval fleets to help secure the route.

The US president claimed that Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks had dropped by about 90 percent, adding that more than 100 Iranian naval vessels had been destroyed and the country’s naval forces severely weakened. He said over 7,000 commercial and military targets had been struck in Iran.

Trump also stated that US forces had destroyed 30 vessels allegedly used to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, though he acknowledged it could not be confirmed with certainty whether Iran had actually laid mines there.

He further claimed that Iran’s naval and air defenses had been effectively neutralized, including the destruction of multiple military targets on Kharg Island. However, he added that Iranian oil facilities had not yet been targeted, though “all options remain open.”

Trump criticized some countries for not showing enough enthusiasm in assisting US efforts in the strait, saying the United States had protected many of them from external threats for decades.

The US president also said Iran had expressed interest in negotiations but that Washington was not ready for talks at the moment. He added that Iran’s nuclear program had suffered a “decisive blow” through an operation he referred to as “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Trump also claimed that he had warned about Osama bin Laden before the September 11 attacks, suggesting the tragedy might have been prevented if his warnings had been heeded.

China urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to pursue ceasefire

March 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

BEIJING: China has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to move toward an immediate ceasefire and resolve their differences through dialogue.

According to a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke via telephone with Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Wang highlighted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is actively engaged in mediation efforts between the two countries.

The Chinese minister expressed hope that both Pakistan and Afghanistan would exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions.

The spokesperson added that China has urged both sides to hold bilateral talks promptly and emphasized the importance of dialogue to resolve disputes.

China reaffirmed its commitment to continue playing an active role in reducing tensions between the two nations.

China pledges to build “Childbirth-Friendly Society” amid declining population

March 5, 2026 by Newsdesk

Beijing: China has announced a five-year plan to create a “childbirth-friendly society”, addressing concerns over employment, education, healthcare, income, and overall family support, according to an official government report released Thursday.

Authorities said they will improve population services and respond proactively to the challenges of an ageing population by promoting high-quality, full employment, enhancing income distribution, and refining the social security system.

The government also aims to foster positive attitudes toward marriage and childbearing and provide expanded housing support for families with children.

China’s population fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with the birth rate hitting a record low, raising concerns among experts about further decline. Policymakers have made population planning a key part of the country’s economic strategy.

Beijing is expected to spend around 180 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) in 2026 on measures to boost births, including the national child subsidy and ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for women during pregnancy, covering medical expenses such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The government will continue to expand childcare subsidies and trials for subsidized childcare services, while improving support for women in early pregnancy and reproductive health, including better prevention and treatment of birth defects. Education policies will also be enhanced, with free preschool programs and increased secondary school places, backed by government spending exceeding 4% of GDP.

China faces a rapidly ageing population, with the number of people aged 60 and above projected to reach 400 million by 2035, roughly equal to the combined populations of the US and Italy. Authorities plan to boost the “silver economy”, particularly in rural areas, expanding elderly care services, pensions, and wellness programs.

China has already raised retirement ages, requiring men to work until 63 (up from 60) and women until 58 (up from 55), as the country seeks to manage the economic impact of a shrinking workforce while supporting both young families and the elderly.

This initiative reflects China’s dual challenge of reversing population decline while ensuring sustainable economic growth amid demographic pressures.

China offers constructive role to calm Pakistan-Afghanistan dispute

February 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: China, Russia, Qatar, and Iran have offered to mediate amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the situation and stated that China is ready to play a constructive role, using diplomatic channels to mediate the dispute.

Both Qatar and Iran have similarly offered to facilitate dialogue between the two neighbors. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged that differences be resolved through talks and pledged Iran’s full support in enabling the dialogue.

Russia’s Foreign Minister also stated that if requested, Moscow is willing to consider mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over the recent tensions and urged both countries to fulfil their obligations under international law.

China sets new world record with 22.13 km highway tunnel in Guizhou

February 9, 2026 by Newsdesk

China has achieved a historic milestone in construction, completing a 22.13-kilometer-long highway tunnel, setting a new world record in infrastructure.

According to Chinese news agencies, the massive tunnel was built through the challenging mountainous terrain of Guizhou Province, transforming travel in the region. What once took hours along dangerous and winding mountain roads can now be covered in a fraction of the time.

While Norway’s Lærdal Tunnel still holds prominence at 24.5 km, the new Chinese tunnel is specifically designed for high-speed express traffic, allowing a continuous flow of vehicles and trucks.

Externally, the tunnel entrance may appear simple, but engineering teams worked for years, excavating from both ends and ensuring millimeter-precision alignment.

Where possible, giant boring machines were used; for harder rock, controlled blasting and traditional drilling techniques were employed.

This engineering feat not only sets a record but also redefines the possibilities of modern infrastructure in challenging geography, reducing travel time and boosting regional connectivity.