Road ahead for China’s jobseekers, C919 usage soars: SCMP daily highlights

From C919 handling the Lunar New Year travel surge to hidden connections in our brains, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage

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Businesses in China are reporting a lower interest in recruiting job candidates, citing reduced demand and the need for budget cuts. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Published: 9:16pm, 24 Feb 2025

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1. China’s jobseekers face laborious 2025 as businesses pull back on hiring

Many traditional manufacturing companies are continuing to tighten budgets and downsize. But even as some firms steel themselves for a tough 2025 and put a pause on hiring, demand for overseas positions and the film industry is on the rise.

2. China calls for post-war Gaza plans to be sped up in talks with Egypt

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said rebuilding and governance plans for post-war Gaza should be accelerated during talks with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty. In a phone call on Saturday, Wang also reaffirmed Beijing’s continued support for Palestinians to govern Gaza and the two-state solution.

3. Political theorist Daniel A. Bell reflects on how China melds Confucius and Marx

In this interview, Bell shares his views on the links between the ruling Communist Party’s guiding philosophy and Confucianism, as well as the fight against corruption and his outlook for the future of Chinese politics.