High-end manufacturers, such as military-industrial enterprises, new energy firms, and medical device makers, outpaced others, leading earnings growth among China's A-share listed companies in the first half of 2025, according to a report from the China Association for Public Companies.
Net profits for new energy vehicle (NEV) companies surged over 30 percent, supported by the "trade-in" policy that has boosted both the productions and sales of NEVs, according to the report.
The home appliance industry also saw signs of growth, with revenue and net profit growth both exceeding nine percent.
Cultural consumption showed robust momentum, with gaming and cinema chains reporting revenue increases and net profit growth surpassing 70 percent.
Logistics activity remained strong, with five major listed courier firms posting a 10-percent rise in revenue, reflecting heightened consumer delivery activity.
New consumption patterns among younger population, such as pet-related products and IP-driven merchandise, fueled sharp gains for listed companies in the two sectors, which saw net profit growth of 40.29 percent and 54.90 percent, respectively.
Despite pressure caused by U.S. tariff hikes, Chinese listed firms demonstrated resilience in overseas markets, with international revenue reaching 4.9 trillion yuan (about 687.16 billion U.S. dollars), up 4.5 percent year on year, marking the third consecutive year of increased share in total earnings.
China's shipbuilding industry outperformed other global players, with export delivery value rising 38.6 percent. Listed shipbuilders reported a 23.42-percent increase in revenue and a staggering 135.33-percent jump in net profits.
Chinese internet giants accelerated their expansion into emerging markets, investing heavily in overseas warehousing. Their investment spending in the cross-border e-commerce rose more than 15 percent.
High-end manufacturing firms lead H1 2025 gains on stock market
The three astronauts of China's recently-returned Shenzhou-20 mission on Friday shared the experiences of their dramatic 204-day space mission, including detailing the emergency procedures which were implemented to bring them safely home after their return capsule was struck by space debris.
The trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie -- met with the press in Beijing on Friday afternoon, marking their first public appearance since returning to Earth in November.
When detailing the emergency response mechanisms which were enacted prior to their scheduled return, the astronauts explained that upon discovering a triangular crack on the spacecraft's viewport window, they immediately took photos for documentation and transmitted them to the ground team, who swiftly activated an emergency plan to get the trio home safely.
Experienced mission commander Chen Dong explained how the crew had complete faith in their colleagues on the ground to find a solution to these unforeseen circumstances which led to their return being delayed.
"First, we must trust the ground team, who would anticipate everything and develop the safest return plan for us. Second, we must believe in ourselves; as well-trained astronauts, we have the ability to manage various unexpected failures. I believe that with the collaboration of astronauts and researchers on the ground, our space home will surely go farther, more steadily, and for a longer time," he said.
Following their extended stay in space as a result of the debris incident, the Shenzhou-20 crew spent a total 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest duration by a single group of Chinese astronauts.
During their mission, they completed multiple payload operations, conducted extensive scientific experiments, and carried out four extravehicular activities.
"Our crew worked together with the ground team in unity and coordination, completing four extravehicular activities, several payload entry and exit tasks, and a large number of scientific experiments. It was a fulfilling yet challenging mission. The path to exploring the heavens is long and arduous, but I firmly believe that China's space missions will succeed," said Chen Zhongrui, a former air force pilot who was making his first spaceflight during the mission.
"From the ground to space, from learning to application, I have deeply felt the solid progress of Chinese space endeavors and the quiet dedication of countless personnel behind the scenes. In the future, I will accomplish each mission with full commitment, living up to the trust of the motherland and the people," said fellow astronaut Wang Jie, who was also making his debut spaceflight.
After returning to Earth on Nov 14, the trio successfully completed their isolation recovery and rehabilitation and will now resume normal training following health assessments.
The crew's return, originally scheduled for Nov 5, was postponed due to safety concerns, with the astronauts later using the return capsule belonging to their successor crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission to get back to Earth. China later launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft which will serve the future return of the crew now aboard the Tiangong Space Station.
Shenzhou-20 astronauts share experiences after safely returning from debris incident
