How can China stay confident and overcome challenges in 2025?
Jan 1, 2025
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Einar Tangen is a Senior Fellow at the Taihe Institute, while Han Hua co-founded the Beijing Club for International Dialogue. They delve into Xi Jinping's New Year address, underlining China's proactive policies for 2025 amidst global challenges. The conversation shifts to China’s booming ice and snow economy, which could reach 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027, driving winter tourism and youth engagement. Lastly, Dr. Zhang Xin discusses the fallout from halted Russian gas exports to Europe, highlighting its implications for regional energy security in an unsettled geopolitical climate.
President Xi Jinping's New Year address highlights the necessity for confidence and proactive policies to ensure China's economic growth in 2025.
The rise of China's ice and snow economy is transforming winter tourism, projected to be valued at 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027, creating new employment opportunities.
Deep dives
China's Economic Confidence
President Xi Jinping’s New Year address emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in China's economy. He pledged to implement proactive policies in 2025 to ensure continued growth, highlighting the projected GDP growth of over 130 trillion yuan by 2024. Xi stressed the need for unity and resilience in facing both domestic and international challenges, calling on citizens to work hard while being optimistic about future prospects. This message comes as China wraps up its 14th five-year plan and prepares to embark on a new one focused on sustainable and high-quality development.
Ice and Snow Economy's Role in Winter Tourism
China's ice and snow economy is becoming a significant driver of winter tourism, with places like Harbin emerging as prime destinations. The government aims to develop this sector, targeting an industry value of 1.2 trillion yuan by 2027, which underscores the economic potential of winter tourism. Events and promotions related to ice and snow sports are enhancing the local economy and providing employment opportunities. This growth is crucial for balancing economic activity across different regions, particularly between the highly developed coastal areas and their less affluent northern counterparts.
Challenges in Energy Supply for Europe
The European Union has officially ended its reliance on Russian gas transit across Ukraine, a move that may lead to price shocks and energy shortages during the winter months. Despite efforts to diversify energy sources, the abrupt end of gas supplies could have severe consequences for countries that previously depended on this arrangement. The symbolic significance of this transition marks a shift in Europe-Russia relations, signaling the end of a long-standing energy interdependence. Implications for countries like Slovakia, which heavily relied on Russian gas, highlight the complexities of regional energy security.
Reduction of French Military Presence in West Africa
Côte d'Ivoire's decision to withdraw French military forces signifies a broader trend among West African nations seeking to redefine post-colonial relationships. This move reflects growing nationalism and a desire for sovereignty, as many citizens increasingly reject foreign military presence that symbolizes historical control. Other nations in the region, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, have also sought to reduce French influence, indicating a shift toward regional collaboration for security solutions. Instead of relying on foreign military forces, African countries are exploring local partnerships to address security challenges more sustainably.
① We are joined by Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow of Taihe Institute, and Han Hua, Secretary General of Beijing Club for International Dialogue, for a closer look at the key messages from Xi Jinping’s New Year address.(00:54)
② How is ice and snow economy driving winter tourism in China? (25:31)
③ Russian gas has stopped flowing to EU states via Ukraine after a five-year deal expired. We explore its strategic and symbolic impact for the whole of Europe. (35:12)
④ Cote d'Ivoire has announced that French troops will withdraw from the country, ending a decades-long military presence. What has led to the West African nation’s decision? (45:47)
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