China pledges to spend as US plans cuts, cross- strait conundrum: SCMP daily highlights

From China and the US’ contrasting views of future to mystery lithium levels in pregnant women, here’s a round-up from today’s China coverage

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Premier Li Qiang delivered his work report at the opening of the National People’s Congress in Beijing on Wednesday. A central theme was the need for government and the private sector to work together to spur growth. Photo: AP

Published: 9:15pm, 5 Mar 2025Updated: 10:00pm, 5 Mar 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. China pledges to spend more an hour before Donald Trump promises to cut back

Two starkly divergent views of the future were laid out on opposite sides of the Pacific on Wednesday, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged more aggressive spending to drive growth, while US President Donald Trump vowed to scale back the federal government to balance the books.

2. Trump tells Congress China can no longer ‘take advantage’ of weak US policies

US President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, outlining his administration’s latest trade measures against China, including new tariffs and a push for economic decoupling.

3. What does Beijing have in mind for Taiwan in 2025 after Ukraine shock?

Military action by Beijing to reunite Taiwan has long prompted forecasts about the timing of such a full-scale operation. For some – the answer is 2025.

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