2025 CMG Financial Forum focuses on new momentum in new era

The 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Financial Forum was held in Beijing on Sunday, as China prepares to enter its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Under the theme of "New Era, New Momentum, New Strides," the forum brought together guests from government agencies, international organizations, research institutions and enterprises to share their insights on how to promote high-quality development and advance Chinese modernization more effectively and steadily over the next five years.

A thematic sub-forum centered on new potential for consumption growth was held in the afternoon. The relevant programs will be broadcast successively on CMG's finance channel in the coming days.

The 2025 edition of the CMG Financial Forum marks the 16th time that the country's flagship broadcaster has held this event.

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.