The Yangtze River Delta, one of China's most economically vibrant regions, saw its import and export value reaching new historical highs in the first two months of this year as the region further strengthened its international competitiveness in high-tech products.
According to the latest customs data, the total import and export value of the Yangtze River Delta region in the first two months of this year reached 2.5 trillion yuan (about 344.9 billion U.S. dollars), outpacing the national growth rate by 2.3 percentage points. The region's share of China's total foreign trade rose to 38.2 percent, underscoring its continued role as a pillar of the nation's foreign trade.
Among the highlights, integrated circuit exports amounted to 75.77 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.8 percent. The export of high-tech products reached 347.67 billion yuan, growing by 6.7 percent compared to last year. Meanwhile, industrial robot exports saw an impressive jump of 48.3 percent, totaling 650 million yuan. These robots now account for more than half of China's total industrial robot exports, reaching 51.6 percent and are being sold to 82 countries and regions worldwide.
"Currently, the Yangtze River Delta region has formed a development trend of concentrated growth across the entire industrial chain of domestic robots. The export share of high-tech products -- an advantageous industry in the region -- continues to grow. This not only reflects our country's constant upgrading within the global industrial chain, but also provides a solid foundation for the high-quality development of the regional economy," said Li Jirong, an official with Shanghai Customs.
In the first two months of this year, the region saw steady growth in trade with ASEAN countries, nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Additionally, the region's high-quality business environment and well-established industrial supply chains have created favorable conditions for the growth of private enterprises. These enterprises have been actively exploring opportunities in digital transformation, brand development, and international expansion, which has effectively contributed to the acceleration of export growth.
In the first two months of this year, private enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta reported an import and export value of 1.39 trillion yuan, accounting for 37.6 percent of the total import and export value of private enterprises nationwide, highlighting their growing role as a key force in driving the region's foreign trade development.
China's Yangtze River Delta sees vigorous growth in foreign trade
China's push toward a greener future is once again in the spotlight at this year's annual political "two sessions", as lawmakers are reviewing a draft ecological environment code, a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive legal framework for ecological protection.
The draft code was submitted on March 5 to the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, for deliberation.
Once adopted, it will become China's second formal statutory code, after the Civil Code, which was adopted in 2020.
The rule of law has been continuously strengthened to support the country's green progress. China already has more than 30 laws related to environmental protection, along with over 100 sets of administrative regulations and more than 1,000 sets of local rules.
The latest legislative move comes amid China's historic gains in ecological conservation over the past decade or so. Championing green development, the country has recorded the world's fastest growth in forest resources and afforestation, led globally in renewable energy development, and achieved one of the fastest national reductions in energy intensity worldwide.
The 1,242-article draft has five chapters, covering areas including pollution control, ecological protection, and green and low-carbon development.
Scholars involved in drafting the legislation say the code goes beyond broad legal principles. It is also designed to address environmental issues that affect people's daily lives.
"Electric vehicles are becoming very common in China. My family has one. We all think it environment-friendly. But have you ever thought about this question: how do we deal with the first generation of EV batteries after they expire a few years later? The same goes for wind turbine blades and solar panels," said Ding Lin, assistant professor of the Renmin University of China.
China's environmental progress has drawn global attention in recent years, from improving air quality to expanding renewable energy. Yet amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, some observers have questioned whether the country will maintain the same pace of green transition.
"Last year during the COP30, even some friends who are very familiar with China asked me whether China will continue its green development path. I told them we have gradually worked out new policies. We have a very clear direction and goal. In a world full of uncertainties, we are providing the most certainty," said Wang Yi, an NPC deputy from east China's Zhejiang Province and professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
In a country pursuing modernization, taking the time to codify environmental laws sends a clear message: economic growth and environmental protection are not a trade-off to be managed, but a commitment to be upheld. For China, a beautiful environment is not a luxury for the future, it is a right for the present, and a responsibility to the next generation.
"This code reflects China's vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. It shows how development and environmental protection can move forward together," said Lyu Zhongmei, vice chair of the NPC Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee.
China will accelerate the green transition across the board and cut carbon dioxide emissions per unit of the GDP by a total of 17 percent in the 2026-2030 period, according to a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development submitted to the NPC for deliberation on March 5.
Chinese lawmakers review draft ecological environment code in major green legislative push
