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THIS WEEK:

Xi delivers New Year message, new plan to tackle aging crisis, undersea cable damaged by ship near Taiwan, Beijing triumphs over air pollution, and respiratory diseases spark concern

1. Xi New Year Message

What Happened: In a New Year message, Xi Jinping said that China had faced “winds and rains” but also “rainbows” in 2024 and would encounter “uncertainties” in 2025. He also asserted that the Chinese Dream — which he has championed since coming to power in 2012 — “may be far away and difficult,” but it “will definitely come true.”

Why It Matters: Xi’s acknowledgment that achieving the Chinese Dream will be a long, hard road suggests that he recognizes the limits of his power and is preparing for the challenges ahead. Being more candid may also be a strategic move to preserve his authority or perhaps even create an opportunity for a graceful exit.

By Lobsang Tsering, Senior Research Associate, Center for China Analysis

Learn More: Members of China’s urban middle class are tuning out official ideology and turning to religion and spirituality in search of moral guidance and self-realization, as explored in CCA Fellow John Osburg’s newest paper.

2. New Plan to Tackle Aging Crisis

What Happened: A new State Council directive prioritizes the use of AI-powered robots for companionship and health monitoring as part of efforts to address China’s aging crisis. Local governments in Beijing, Wuhan, and Shanghai are already deploying robots for elder care and have set guidelines for their safe use.

Why It Matters: It remains to be seen whether humanoid robots can find acceptance in a society that values family caregiving. The outcome may influence how other nations address age-related issues: success might position China as a leader in elder care technology, while failure could underscore the complexities of applying technological solutions to deeply human matters.

By Lizzi C. Lee, Fellow on Chinese Economy, Center for China Analysis (@wstv_lizzi)

Learn More: Research Associate Patrick Beyrer and Senior Fellow Bob T. Li described the serious challenges facing China’s healthcare sector in their essay for China 2025: What to Watch.

3. Chinese Vessel Reportedly Cuts Undersea Cable near Taiwan

What Happened: Taiwanese authorities are investigating a Chinese-owned cargo ship suspected of damaging the undersea Trans-Pacific Express Cable, which connects to South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States. Communications were quickly rerouted after the damage was detected.

Why It Matters: Sabotage of undersea fiber-optic cables has become a topic of global concern. In November, two cables in the Baltic Sea were severed, prompting Swedish, Finnish, and Lithuanian officials to detain a Chinese-flagged commercial ship for weeks over its possible involvement.

By Lyle J. Morris, Senior Fellow on Foreign Policy and National Security, Center for China Analysis (@LyleJMorris)

Learn More: Explore the Taiwan Policy Database to gain insights into the complexities of cross-strait relations from the perspectives of Taiwan, China, and the United States.

4. Beijing Triumphs over Air Pollution

What Happened: Beijing announced that from January to November 2024, the city had 259 good air quality days, a 13-day increase from 2023. There were only two heavy pollution days, the lowest number ever recorded and a significant reduction from the 58 logged in 2013.

Why It Matters: Specific measures driven by China’s commitment to energy transition — such as upgrading enterprise emission standards and promoting new energy vehicles — have helped Beijing clear the air. China is seeing improvement nationwide but still has much to do to meet World Health Organization air quality standards.

By Taylah Bland, Fellow on Climate and the Environment, Center for China Analysis (@Taylahbland)

China’s success in improving its air quality is the outcome of the alignment of political will, public sentiment, and the economic opportunities arising from the energy transition. – Li Shuo, Director of China Climate Hub and CCA Senior Fellow

Learn More: Read “Four Lessons From 30 Years of U.S.-China Climate Cooperation” by Taylah and ASPI’s Betty Wang.

5. Spike in Respiratory Disease Sparks Concern

What Happened: Reports that patients suffering from contagious respiratory infections are crowding Chinese hospitals — five years after the emergence of COVID-19 — have raised concerns about the potential for another pandemic. Chinese officials claim that these diseases are less severe than they were last year, while global health experts note that a spike is normal during the winter months.

Why It Matters: China’s three-year struggle with COVID-19 severely damaged the leadership’s credibility and exposed structural problems in the country’s healthcare system. This latest disease outbreak has rekindled concerns about the government’s ability to manage serious health crises in a transparent and accountable manner. To dispel these doubts, a greater measure of openness and candor will be essential.

By G.A. Donovan, Fellow on Chinese Society and Political Economy, Center for China Analysis (@GA_DonovanASPI)

Learn More: G.A. explained why “COVID-19’s Impact on Chinese Society Will Linger” in the Center for China Analysis report China 2025: What To Watch.