GMT EIGHT - Economy&politics - China

Chinese Railway: In the first quarter, the number of China-Europe freight trains running and the volume of goods sent increased by 29% and 22% respectively year-on-year.

In the first quarter of this year, the railway department continued to deepen domestic and international coordination and cooperation, strengthen the organization of China-Europe freight trains, improve the quality and efficiency of cross-border logistics services. The China-Europe freight trains have operated a total of 5460 trains and transported 546,000 containers, an increase of 29% and 22% respectively compared to the same period last year, showing a good trend of both quantity and quality.

Two departments: Carry out the implementation of urban renewal actions supported by central fiscal funds in 2026.

On April 16, the General Office of the Ministry of Finance and the General Office of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued a notice on carrying out the implementation of the central government's financial support for urban renewal actions in 2026.

The National Internet Information Office continues to rectify chaos in online financial information.

Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China, together with relevant departments, has lawfully disposed of a batch of accounts that publicly recommend individual stocks, induce joining stock recommendation groups, and sell illegal stock recommendation software.

State Administration for Market Regulation: Strengthen the supervision of CCC certification and regulate the market order of CCC certification.

On April 16, the State Administration for Market Regulation held a special press conference on strict mandatory product certification supervision.

National Bureau of Statistics: The capacity utilization rate of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide in the first quarter of 2026 was 73.6%.

In the first quarter of 2026, the capacity utilization rate of large-scale industrial enterprises nationwide was 73.6%, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points from the previous quarter and a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the same period last year.

National Bureau of Statistics: In March, the production of crude oil in large-scale industries was 19.07 million tons, and crude oil processing changed from growth to decline.

In March, the production scale of industrial raw coal remained stable, crude oil production continued to grow, the growth rate of natural gas production accelerated, and electricity production showed stable growth.

National Bureau of Statistics: Per capita disposable income of residents in the first quarter was 12,782 yuan, a nominal increase of 4.9% year-on-year.

In the first quarter, the national per capita disposable income of residents was 12,782 yuan, a nominal increase of 4.9% over the same period last year, and a real increase of 4.0% after deducting price factors.

National Bureau of Statistics: The total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 1.7% in March 2026.

In March, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 4.1616 trillion yuan, an increase of 1.7% year-on-year.

National Bureau of Statistics: National fixed-asset investment in the first quarter of 1027.08 billion yuan, an increase of 1.7 percent year-on-year.

In the first three months, the national fixed asset investment reached 10,270.8 billion yuan, an increase of 1.7% year-on-year.

National Bureau of Statistics: From January to March, the national real estate development investment was 1.772 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 11.2%.

On April 16, the National Bureau of Statistics released data showing that from January to March, the total real estate development investment in China was 1.772 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 11.2% (calculated according to comparable terms), which was 0.1 percentage points larger than in January and February; of which residential investment was 1.3531 trillion yuan, a decrease of 11.0%, with the decrease extending by 0.3 percentage points.

National Bureau of Statistics: The added value of large-scale industries increased by 5.7% in March 2026.

In March, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 5.7% year-on-year (the growth rate of value added is the actual growth rate excluding price factors). From a month-on-month perspective, in March, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 0.28% compared to the previous month.

National Bureau of Statistics: In March, the prices of commercial residential properties in first-tier cities increased on a month-on-month basis, while the month-on-month decline in second and third-tier cities narrowed or remained the same.

In March 2026, among 70 large and medium-sized cities, the sales prices of commercial residential properties in first-tier cities rose month-on-month, while the month-on-month decline in second and third-tier cities narrowed or remained the same. The number of cities where the sales prices of new commercial residential properties and second-hand residential properties increased month-on-month both increased compared to the previous month.

State Post Bureau: China's express delivery development index in March was 410.9, a year-on-year increase of 2.4%.

On April 16, the State Post Bureau released the China Express Development Index Report for March 2026.

The General Office of the State Council issued the "Opinions on Deepening the Reform of the Investment Approval System"

The General Office of the State Council recently issued the "Opinions on Deepening the Reform of the Investment Approval System".

Three departments: Expand the employment space in counties and townships and tap into the employment potential in consumption areas such as the first share economy, ice and snow economy, and inbound economy.

Recently, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued the "Opinions on Coordinating the Urban and Rural Employment Policy System".

State Administration of Foreign Exchange: In March, banks put together a total of 1.8889 trillion RMB in foreign exchange, and sold 1.7786 trillion RMB.

On April 15, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange released statistics showing that in March 2026, banks settled foreign exchange transactions totaling 188.89 billion RMB and sold foreign currency worth 177.86 billion RMB.

Two departments: the leverage ratio of foreign loans for wholly foreign-owned banks, Sino-foreign joint venture banks, and foreign bank branches in China is being increased from 0.5 to 1.5.

On April 15th, the People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange issued a notice regarding the adjustment of overseas lending business of banking financial institutions.

National Railway Administration: In the first quarter, the national railway has accumulated a 5.5% year-on-year growth in passenger traffic.

According to the National Railway Administration, in the first quarter, the national railway accumulated a total of 1.133 billion passengers, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%; and completed a total of 1.281 billion tons of freight transport, a year-on-year increase of 2.2%.

National Energy Administration: Accelerating institutional reforms to promote innovation in mechanisms such as hydrogen energy trading and green certification.

On April 10th, the National Energy Administration held a meeting to advance the work of regional pilot projects for hydrogen energy in the energy sector.

As the US and Iran restart negotiations, Trump says the Iranian conflict is "close to an end".

The U.S. President Trump said in an interview with American media on the 14th that the conflict with Iran is "coming to an end."

Central Bank: Will conduct 500 billion yuan 6-month reverse repurchase operations.

Announcement from the People's Bank of China: In order to maintain the liquidity of the banking system, on April 15, 2026, the People's Bank of China will conduct 500 billion yuan of reverse repurchase operations through fixed quantity, interest rate bidding, and multi-price bid-winning methods.

Ministry of Commerce and China Exim Bank jointly issue document: Make full and effective use of export-import credit tools to ensure comprehensive import service support throughout the entire chain.

Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and the Export-Import Bank of China jointly issued a notice on strengthening export credit support and serving the good start of high-quality development of commerce in the "13th Five-Year Plan" period.

General Office of the State Council issued the "Several Opinions on Improving the Drug Pricing Mechanism."

Recently, the General Office of the State Council issued "Several Opinions on Improving the Drug Pricing Mechanism".

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding the British government's lack of support for the use of Ming Yang Smart Energy's wind turbine products.

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce responded to questions from reporters about the UK government not supporting the use of Mingyang Intelligent's wind turbine products.

National Bureau of Statistics: Prices of 30 products rose, 18 fell, and 2 remained stable in early April.

In early April 2026, compared to late March, prices of 30 products rose, 18 fell, and 2 remained unchanged. Among them, the price of live pigs (hybrid) was 9.1 yuan per kilogram, a decrease of 4.2% compared to the previous month.

Central Bank: M2 balance at the end of March was 353.86 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.5%.

On April 13th, the People's Bank of China released the financial statistics report for the first quarter of 2026.

Ministry of Transport: Promote the establishment of a mechanism for the coordinated adjustment of oil prices and freight rates on online freight platforms.

On April 13th, the Ministry of Transport issued a notice on promoting the establishment of a mechanism for coordinated adjustment of oil and freight prices on online freight platforms.

The Cyberspace Administration of China has issued the "Notice on Strengthening the Standardized Management of Online Live Streaming Tips" and answered questions from reporters.

Recently, the General Office of the Cyberspace Administration of China issued a "Notice on Strengthening the Standardized Management of Online Live Broadcasting Rewards" (hereinafter referred to as the "Notice"). The relevant person in charge of the Cyberspace Administration's General Office of Internet Comprehensive Governance answered questions from reporters on issues related to the "Notice".

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology: Organizing the preparation of a panoramic view and transformation roadmap for key industries in "Artificial Intelligence + Quality" application.

On April 13th, the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a notice on the quality work of industry and information technology in 2026.

Wansi: The US and Iran have not reached a consensus yet, will return to the US.

On the 12th, Vice President Pence held a press conference in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, stating that the US has not reached a consensus with Iran and will return to the United States.

Cyberspace Administration of China and the National Railway Administration jointly hold talks with third-party platforms: must not interfere with the operation of the railway 12306 platform.

The Cyberspace Administration of China and the National Railway Administration jointly held talks with 7 third-party internet platforms involved in the sale of train tickets, requiring the platforms to comply with relevant laws and regulations on cybersecurity, and not to interfere with or jeopardize the safe and stable operation of the railway's 12306 platform.

The State Internet Information Office and two other departments have issued the "Management Methods for Internet Security Labels".

If the product producer forges, uses fake internet security certification, or utilizes internet security certification for false advertising, the filing organization should revoke the internet security certification filing of the related products, publicly announce the violations of the product producer, and stop accepting their product filings for one year from the date of the announcement.

The State Administration for Market Regulation has approved the release of a batch of important national standards related to smart connected cars, brain-computer interfaces, etc.

In emerging fields, the release of 18 national standards such as intelligent connected vehicles, semiconductor devices, brain-machine interfaces, and BeiDou chips helps promote high-quality development in cutting-edge technology areas. The release of 8 national standards such as lithium-ion batteries, mobile power supplies, and industrial power systems strengthens the safety guarantee of electricity use.

North Exchange is seeking public opinions on the revision of trading rules: it is planning to add fixed-price trading arrangements after trading hours.

On April 10th, the Beijing Stock Exchange solicited public opinions on revising trading rules.

Shanghai Stock Exchange: The price limit ratio of the risk warning stocks on the main board will be adjusted from 5% to 10%

Recently, the Shanghai Stock Exchange drafted the "Trading Rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (Draft for Solicitation of Comments)" and is now seeking public opinions on relevant matters.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange: Adding a fourth set of standards will help expand the coverage of the Growth Enterprise Board and further enhance market attractiveness.

Recently, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange solicited public opinions on the first batch of supporting business rules to deepen the reform of the ChiNext board and answered questions from journalists.

Supporting third-party nomination of independent directors, pursuing excessive executive compensation, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has launched a special action on the governance of listed companies.

The action focuses on eight aspects. This includes improving the capability of board secretaries, supporting the nomination of independent directors by third parties, supporting special audits by audit committees, supervising fraudulent companies to recover excessive executive performance bonuses, urging major shareholders to return misappropriated funds, supporting the exercise of voting rights by the Investor Service Center, guiding eligible listed companies to strengthen the integration of business and financial systems, and organizing training on the "Listed Company Governance Guidelines".

Ministry of Finance: Imposes administrative penalties on 30 individuals including Zhongxing Caiguanghua.

On April 10, the Ministry of Finance made an administrative penalty decision against Zhongxing Caiguanghua.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission has legally punished the audit firm Zhongxing Caiguanghua in the Dongxu Group.

Next, I will continue to firmly implement the regulatory requirements of being "long-toothed and thorny", emphasizing strict supervision and control. I will continue to increase efforts to investigate and crack down on financial fraud in the capital market and the lack of diligence by audit firms, in order to maintain the stable operation of the capital market and protect the legitimate rights and interests of investors to provide strong support for the high-quality development of the capital market.

The second batch of 62.5 billion yuan of ultra-long-term special national bonds to support consumption goods in exchange for old ones has been allocated recently.

Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission, together with the Ministry of Finance, promptly issued the second batch of 62.5 billion yuan of ultra-long-term special national bonds to local governments, in order to support local governments to continue to implement the policy of replacing old consumer goods with new ones in a stable and orderly manner.

In the first quarter, 185 million people entered and exited the country, an increase of 13.5% year-on-year.

The National Immigration Administration released the main data on immigration management in the first quarter of 2026 on April 10th.

National Bureau of Statistics: CPI rose year-on-year in March, while PPI reversed from a decline to an increase.

Dong Lijuan, chief statistician of the Urban Division of the National Bureau of Statistics, interprets the CPI and PPI data for March 2026.

National Bureau of Statistics: in March, the year-on-year increase in PPI was 0.5%, and the increase from the previous month was 1.0%.

On April 10, the National Bureau of Statistics issued a document stating that in March 2026, the year-on-year rise in the ex-factory prices of industrial producers nationwide turned from a 0.9% decrease last month to a 0.5% increase.

National Bureau of Statistics: CPI rose 1.0% year-on-year in March, a decrease of 0.7% month-on-month.

On April 10, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed that in March 2026, the national consumer price index rose by 1.0% year-on-year.

Iran's Supreme Leader's latest statement

The Supreme Leader of Iran has put forward three proposals.

The General Office of the State Council issues "Several Measures to Accelerate the Construction of a Graded Diagnosis and Treatment System".

On April 9th, the General Office of the State Council issued a notice on "Several Measures to Accelerate the Construction of a Graded Diagnosis and Treatment System".

Three departments are guiding platform enterprises to implement the "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules" to resolutely curb vicious price competition.

On April 8th, the General Administration of Market Supervision, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Cyberspace Administration of China and other three departments jointly held a guidance meeting on price compliance for internet platforms, guiding internet platform companies to implement the "Internet Platform Pricing Behavior Rules" (hereinafter referred to as the "Rules") requirements, and exercise their main responsibilities to standardize price competition behavior. The "Rules" will be officially implemented from April 10th.

Ministry of Commerce: China has always maintained an open attitude towards the signing of bilateral economic and trade arrangements between China and the EU.

On April 9th, the Ministry of Commerce held its routine press conference.

Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan deletes posts on Iranian delegation arriving in Islamabad.

The Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan deleted the post about the Iranian delegation arriving in Islamabad.

China Railway: In the first quarter, the national railway carried 1.133 billion passengers, an increase of 5.5% compared to the same period last year.

In the first quarter of 2026, the national railway group adhered to the development ideology centered on the people, strengthened passenger transportation organization, accurately allocated transportation capacity relying on the advantages of the road network, continuously deepened the construction of passenger brand and improved service quality, leading and creating new demand with high-quality passenger transportation products, continuously improving service quality, and presenting a good growth trend in passenger flow. The national railways have accumulated 1.133 billion passengers, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%.

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