The day Xi called for national unity

Xi Jinping's speech at the National Ethnic Unity Progress Commendation Conference dominated the day's news. He emphasized building a Chinese national community and consolidating ethnic unity. This aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen national identity. Economic concerns persisted, with reports of mounting debt defaults in the construction industry and slowing industrial profit growth. The government's response included plans for fiscal loosening and consumption vouchers for the upcoming holiday. In Hong Kong, the sentencing of journalists for sedition drew international attention, while the approval of a new head for the Chinese University of Hong Kong marked a significant academic appointment. Chinese scientists reported progress in extracting lithium from seawater, potentially impacting energy technology. The day concluded with reports of Chinese markets responding positively to new policy plans.