Wuhan City in central China's Hubei Province has introduced a series of new housing policies aimed at easing financing pressure and stimulating home purchases, particularly among families seeking to improve their living conditions.
On Tuesday, the city's Housing and Urban Renewal Bureau, in coordination with several other departments, announced that the maximum housing provident fund loan limit for families with dual contributors has been raised to 1.5 million yuan (about 206,897 U.S. dollars) for both first and second-home purchases.
To further increase borrowing capacity, the "debt service ratio" used in the loan calculation formula has been adjusted from 35 to 40 percent.
"I think the increase in the housing fund loan quota will be more beneficial for home-buyers looking to upgrade or change homes. First, they can borrow a larger amount, and second, the interest rates are inherently lower, which actually reduces their financial pressure," said Wang Wei, a home consultant at a residential project in Wuhan.
The notice also introduces adjustment to how loan eligibility is determined. From October 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, when families applying for housing provident fund loans purchase newly built commercial homes, any existing property currently listed for sale will not be counted toward the number of owned homes used for loan qualification.
In addition, between October 1 and December 31 this year, families purchasing their first newly built commercial home with a commercial loan in areas outside Wuhan's Third Ring Road will be eligible for an interest subsidy equal to 1 percent of the initial loan amount, capped at 20,000 yuan.
Wuhan unveils new housing policies to boost home purchases
The European Union（EU）and France have reaffirmed their support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland as concerns are growing over security in the Arctic following the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the strategically important island.
Speaking at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "Greenland belongs to its people, so it's up to Denmark and Greenland, and only to them, to decide on matters that are concerning Denmark and Greenland."
Noting that the EU is in contact with the Danish government, Von der Leyen stressed that security in the Arctic region is a key issue of concern to the EU.
Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament's political group leaders issued a statement, condemning the remarks made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland and terming them as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark.
They urged the EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland, and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone.
"External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said.
In a related development, a group of 23 lawmakers sent a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday, emphasizing that if the United States continues to threaten Denmark's autonomous territory, the European Parliament should suspend debates and votes on trade agreements with the United States.
Currently, the European Parliament is deliberating on removing most U.S. import tariffs and maintaining zero-tariff policies on U.S. lobster, with a vote scheduled for January 26 and 27.
Meanwhile, French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon, citing President Emmanuel Macron, warned on Wednesday that any infringement on Danish sovereignty over Greenland would trigger "unprecedented" consequences.
"If the sovereignty of a European ally were affected, the cascading consequences would be unprecedented," said Bregeon.
"we are closely monitoring the situation and will stand firmly with Denmark to defend its sovereignty," the spokeswoman said.
On the same day, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the need for serious consideration of recent U.S. signals concerning Greenland.
Lecornu reaffirmed France's "full solidarity with Denmark and the legitimate authorities of Greenland," adding that safeguarding the sovereignty of other countries is an important foundation for safeguarding one's own sovereignty.
Furthermore, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday that France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, calling the move a "political signal" over the strategic Danish territory.
The foreign minister said that the U.S. plan of buying Greenland is "absurd" and that this "blackmail" should stop.
He reiterated that France and Europe will continue to support Denmark.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island.
Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force.
EU, France reaffirm support for Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland
