China's logistics sector showed renewed momentum in March, with activity rebounding across key industries and the official index returning to the expansion territory, according to data released on Thursday.
The Logistics Prosperity Index, published by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, rose to 51.5 percent in March, up 2.2 percentage points from February. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, marking the sector’s return to growth following a seasonal dip during the Spring Festival period.
The rebound was broad-based, with all major sub-indices improving. Rail, waterway, air transport, and courier services saw particularly strong increases, reflecting the rise in demand across both infrastructure-heavy and consumer-facing sectors.
Consumer spending showed continued momentum across both online and offline channels, driving a sharp rise in demand for last-mile delivery in urban areas. The business volume index for postal and express services climbed to 68.2 percent in March, up 1.9 percentage points from the previous month. Air cargo volumes also increased, supported by improved utilization of bellyhold space -- the freight-carrying compartment beneath the passenger cabin.
Forward-looking indicators also pointed to rising optimism. The business activity expectation index climbed to 55.2 percent in March, up 0.8 percentage points from February. Sectors such as air transport and express delivery remained in a high prosperity range, underlining expectations of sustained growth.
"The performance of the Logistics Prosperity Index shows that since early March, China's economy has continued to recover and gain momentum. Production across various industries has been resuming in an orderly manner, supply chain coordination becoming smoother, and overall logistics efficiency improved," said Liu Yuhang, director of the China Logistics Information Center.
China’s logistics index returns to expansion as demand rebounds in March
China’s logistics index returns to expansion as demand rebounds in March
A Japanese scholar on Friday called on people to remain vigilant against de facto constitutional amendments, as the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moves to advance constitutional amendments and ease military and security restrictions.
Japan's Constitution, which took effect in 1947, is often referred to as the pacifist constitution because its Article 9 renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from possessing "war potential."
However, according to local media reports, Takaichi is pursuing constitutional revision, seeking what would be the first-ever amendment to Japan's Constitution since it came into force.
Talking to China Media Group about the current political situation in Japan, Kenji Utsunomiya, former president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, warned that the "exclusively defense-oriented policy" under Article 9 is being undermined.
"Some have indeed voiced the opinion that Japan should go nuclear -- something not allowed under Article 9 of the Constitution. Yet those making such statements don't seem to face proper penalties. So, I believe the 'exclusively defense-oriented policy' under Article 9 is being gradually and substantively eroded and undermined. That's Japan's reality today," said Utsunomiya.
The scholar pointed out that recent moves by the Takaichi administration are all de facto constitutional amendments that could endanger peace.
"Regarding the government's lifting of a lethal weapons export ban, increasing the share of defense spending in GDP, and pushing for the establishment of a national intelligence committee, I believe it is necessary to conduct broader national discussions on these matters and to effectively organize opposition campaigns. However, even if we manage to block a formal constitutional amendment, it does not mean we are safe. Actually, a de facto constitutional amendment is already moving ahead. Therefore, we must remain even more vigilant about this," said Utsunomiya.
The Japanese government officially revised its guidelines to allow the export of lethal weapons on April 21.
Also in April, Japan's parliament approved the fiscal 2026 budget, with defense expenditures exceeding nine trillion yen (about 56.3 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time, a historic high.
Japan's House of Representatives on April 23 passed a bill to establish a national intelligence committee. The legislation is expected to be enacted after passing the House of Councillors, where approval is highly likely. Following its enactment, the Takaichi administration aims to launch the committee by summer, according to local media.
Japanese scholar warns of de facto constitutional amendments
