China has been accelerating the construction of a high-quality charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, with coverage surpassing 97 percent of county-level regions, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA) on Monday.
The latest data reveals that by the end of March 2025, the number of charging piles in China had reached more than 13.7 million units, marking a 47.6 percent year-on-year increase. The figure includes 3.9 million public charging units and 9.8 million private units, said Zhang Xing, spokesman for the NEA, speaking at a press conference in Beijing.
"All provincial-level regions in the Chinese mainland, except for the Xizang Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, have achieved the goal of installing charging stations in all county-level regions, with the nationwide coverage rate of charging facilities reaching 97.31 percent. A total of 13 provincial-level regions have met the target of installing charging piles in all township-level regions, with the coverage rate of charging infrastructure reaching 76.91 percent," said the spokesman.
A total of 38,000 charging piles have been installed at expressway service areas across the country, covering 98 percent of the nationwide network, Zhang added.
The NEA is also preparing for the five-day May Day holiday, running from May 1 to 5, which is expected to spark a nationwide travel peak.
Zhang emphasized that to address public concerns about travel convenience during holidays, the administration is encouraging local governments and enterprises to focus on deploying high-power charging facilities at key locations, such as expressway service areas.
"As the May Day holiday approaches, the NEA has been guiding regions across the Chinese mainland to upgrade existing outdated charging facilities and install temporary charging equipment. At the same time, they are increasing the number of on-duty staff, ensuring early inspection and maintenance of equipment, and strengthening monitoring through digital platforms to guarantee that charging services during the May Day holiday will operate in a smooth, orderly, safe, reliable, regulated, and efficient manner," said Zhang.
China rapidly expands EV support infrastructure, surpassing 13 million charging piles
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
