The second plenary meeting of the NPC dominated state media coverage, with Xi's attendance heavily emphasized across synchronized reporting. Morning coverage revealed Xi's "mobilization order" at the PLA and Armed Police Force delegations, connecting to yesterday's five-year military development plan amid Australia-directed naval exercises.
Demographic challenges emerged through reports of village mergers in six provinces including Henan and Shandong, suggesting population decline despite official narratives. International Women's Day received substantial state media attention, while trade tensions continued with China imposing retaliatory tariffs on Canadian food products months after Ottawa's levies.
Afternoon reporting highlighted China's Supreme Court adding AI protections to its 2025 agenda, alongside coverage of AI expert Tingwen Huang's return after decades abroad - connecting to previous days' focus on technology sovereignty. An environmental controversy emerged regarding high-voltage power lines causing crane deaths in migratory routes.