China remains confident to overcome global challenges in 2025

Let’s continue to explore the under-reported sides of news this week.

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What You May Have Missed This Week

1. Full text of President Xi Jinping's 2025 New Year address

“On New Year's eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year address through China Media Group and the Internet.”

Shanghai Yuyuan Lantern Festival is about to officially light up for the New Year, December 27, 2024. Photo: CFP

2. China's manufacturing PMI continues expansion in December

“China's manufacturing activity remained in the expansion range for a third consecutive month in December, with the official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) coming in at 50.1, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday.”

3. China's railway trips expected to hit 11.5 million on New Year's Day

“China's railway network is predicted to handle 11.5 million passenger trips on New Year's Day, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said Wednesday. The railway sector has added trains on busy routes, reinforced safety measures, and improved services to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience on the first day of 2025.”

4. Driver of Tesla Cybertruck killed in explosion outside Trump Las Vegas hotel ID’d as Army vet Matthew Livelsberger

“The driver of the Tesla Cybertruck who was killed when the vehicle exploded outside of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as a Colorado resident who served in the Army. Law enforcement sources confirmed to The Post that Matthew Livelsberger, 37, rented the electric pickup truck that went up in flames New Year’s Day in the valet area of the hotel.”

Photo: Alcides Antunes via REUTERS

5. New Orleans attacker did not act alone, FBI believes

“President Joe Biden says investigators are looking into whether the attack is possibly linked to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, also on Wednesday, but says ‘thus far, there is nothing to report.’”

Photo: Getty Images

6. Damaged black box from crashed South Korean plane will be sent to US for analysis as investigation ramps up

“The damaged flight data recorder from the Jeju Air passenger jet that crash-landed in South Korea will be sent to the United States for analysis, Seoul’s transport ministry said Wednesday, as bereaved families began visiting the crash site.”

Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

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Jingjing’s Highlights in This Week

1. Talk It Out With Li Jingjing 2024 Year-end Livestream

Discussing geopolitics with insightful content creators: Editor-in-chief of Geopolitical Economy Report Ben Norton, economist from Africa, Fadhel Kaboub, Korean-American geopolitical analyst KJ Noh and writer & artist Mimi Zhu.

2. Think BRICS - How China's System Transformed Lives

“Learn how China's unique system has transformed lives around the world, including the journey of famous journalist and YouTuber Li Jingjing. This video delves into the Belt and Road Initiative, shedding light on its impact in Latin America, particularly in the China-Brazil relationship, and its role in fostering economic growth and reducing poverty.”

Page Editor: Jin Yulin

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Call for Contributors!

I’ve added an “ Op-Ed” section to China Up Close. It’s an open platform I specifically designed to let everyone share their own perspectives with the world. Articles can be related to any topic as long as you’re highly passionate about it! Article length is recommended to be within 700 - 900 words.

If you have an idea for an Op-Ed, contact jjnewsletter@hotmail.com with a brief description of the article's focus.

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Jingjing’s Social Media Links

X: @Jingjing_Li YouTube: @Jingjing_Li Facebook: Talk it Out with Li Jingjing

TikTok: @iamlijingjing Reddit: r/NewsWithJingjing Instagram: @jj_ontheroad