On October 15, state media broadcast a report on various developments in China, highlighting topics such as space science, inter-province power trading markets, the 136th Canton Fair, and the preservation of traditional villages. Despite global challenges, China’s economic fundamentals, vast market potential, resilience, and capacity for high-quality development remain strong and advantageous.

In a recent press conference, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Space Administration, and the China Manned Space Engineering Office jointly unveiled the “National Space Science Medium and Long-term Development Plan (2024-2050).” A representative from the Chinese Academy of Sciences noted that China’s space endeavors have seen remarkable achievements in recent years, propelling space science into an accelerated phase of innovative growth. This plan, the first of its kind for national space science, will guide the deployment of space science tasks and research initiatives for the foreseeable future. The strategy outlines three stages of development leading up to 2050 and identifies five major scientific themes—extreme cosmos, panoramic sun-earth views, habitable planets—along with 17 prioritized areas, including gravitational wave detection and solar system exploration.

Regarding planetary exploration, officials shared plans for upcoming missions. The Chang’e 7 and 8 lunar missions are in the pipeline, as well as the development of an international lunar research station. Additionally, the Tianwen 2, 3, and 4 missions will target near-Earth asteroids and Mars, while also studying the evolution of Jupiter and its moons.

On the energy front, as of October 15, the inter-province power trading market officially commenced operations. This new market allows power producers and consumers to trade electricity on a day-ahead or real-time basis, promoting efficient utilization across provinces. Initiated in January 2022 as a trial, it has seen participation from over 6,000 entities and facilitated more than 880 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity traded, with clean energy accounting for over 44% of transactions.

Meanwhile, the 136th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou on October 15, showcasing an impressive 1.55 million square meters of exhibition space, with over 30,000 companies participating. This year’s fair features a record number of new enterprises, products, and technologies, highlighting advancements in digital and low-carbon solutions. The first phase of the exhibition revolves around advanced manufacturing, with numerous release events planned, reflecting a significant increase from past editions.

Finally, in terms of cultural heritage, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development reported noteworthy progress in the protection of traditional villages. A total of 8,155 villages have been documented for protection across six batches, establishing a multi-tiered system of preservation. The goal is to enhance protection measures, incorporate traditional villages into China’s cultural identity framework, and continue efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions within these communities.

In addition, the first central enterprise headquarters has officially opened in the Xiong’an New Area, with the China Satellite Network Group being the pioneer organization to set up in this region, marking a significant step in fostering local economic development. Moreover, a collaborative action for the joint protection of migratory bird pathways has been initiated by five provinces, emphasizing a commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity.