China's exports up 7.2 percent in January-June

China's exports rose by 7.2 percent year on year to 13 trillion yuan (about 1.81 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2025, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Monday.

China's total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms rose to 21.79 trillion yuan (3.04 trillion U.S. dollars) between January and June, up 2.9 percent year on year, the data showed.

"Despite the continuous increase in external pressure and challenges since the beginning of this year, China's exports have maintained a steady growth momentum. The country's export volume exceeded 13 trillion yuan (1.81 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first half of the year -- a record high, with a relatively fast year on year growth of 7.2 percent," said Lyu Daliang, director of the GAC's Department of Statistics and Analysis at a press conference in Beijing.

"Overall, China's exports grew steadily in the first half of the year. The confidence lies in its complete industrial system, driven by in-depth integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, which, essentially, has been constantly providing high-quality supplies to meet the demands of the international market. We are confident that China's exports will continue to forge ahead in the next period regardless of challenges. After the storm will come the rainbow," he said.

China's exports up 7.2 percent in January-June

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.

The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.

"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.

"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.

ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle