China's social electricity consumption, a key barometer of economic activity, climbed 9.0 percent year on year in the first four months of 2024, according to the National Development and Reform Commission at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Specifically, from January to April, power consumption by primary, secondary and tertiary sectors increased 10.1 percent, 7.5 percent, and 13.5 percent, respectively, spokesman Li Chao said.
China's residential power usage registered a year-on-year increase of 10.8 percent from January to April, he said.
In breakdown by regions, electricity consumption in provincial-level regions grew over 10 percent.
In April, social electricity consumption climbed 7.0 percent year on year.
From January to April, China's power generation of industrial enterprises above the designated size was 2.9329 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh), an increase of 6.1 percent year-on-year. Power generation in April was 690.1 billion kWh, up 3.1 percent.
From January to April, the National Development and Reform Commission approved 50 fixed asset investment projects, with a total investment of 320.7 billion yuan (about 45.17 billion U.S. dollars), mainly in high-tech and water conservancy industries. Among them, 20 fixed asset investment projects were approved in April, with a total investment of 115.2 billion yuan (about 16.22 billion U.S. dollars).
China's social electricity consumption up 9 pct in Jan-April
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
