China maintains reasonable, steady defense spending growth: spokesperson

A Chinese military spokesperson says the country's defense spending has maintained reasonable and steady growth over the past years.

Wu Qian is the spokesperson for the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Force at the national legislature's annual session.

He said China's defense spending remains low in terms of the spending's share in GDP and national fiscal expenditures compared to major military powers like the United States.

The spokesperson added that the Chinese military faces tough challenges in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China's defense budget this year in the central government expenditures will be nearly 1.8 trillion yuan or 250 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 7.2-percent growth on a yearly basis.

China's average life expectancy reaches 79 years in 2024: official

A Chinese health official says the country's average life expectancy reached 79 years in 2024.

Lei Haichao is the head of the National Health Commission.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session.

The figure ranked fourth among the 53 upper- and middle-income countries surveyed, and 10th among G20 members.

Minister Lu Zhiyuan of Civil Affairs outlined key measures to reform and develop elderly care services in China.

China's employment market off to a good start this year: minister

A Chinese official says the country's employment has got off to a good start this year, as indicated by the situation in the first two months.

Human Resources and Social Security Minister Wang Xiaoping made the remarks on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session.

Wang added that China will roll out a new round of policies this year to support the employment of young people, including college graduates.

The country will also help labor-intensive industries boost employment during their industrial transformation and upgrading.

It will strengthen service training and support for elder migrant workers to promote employment and increase their income.

China will resolutely stabilize real estate market: minister

A Chinese official says the country will restore stability in the real estate market.

Housing and Urban-Rural Development Minister Ni Hong made the remarks on the sidelines of the national legislature's annual session.

He said they will provide strong financing support for eligible housing projects and ensure timely delivery of homes to buyers.

Nearly 280-thousand residential communities have been renovated in China since 2019, benefiting 120 million people.

China, Iran and Russia to conduct joint naval exercise in March

The Chinese, Iranian and Russian navies will conduct a joint exercise this month.

The "Security Belt-2025" exercise will take place in areas near the Iranian port of Chabahar.

The Chinese fleet includes a destroyer and a supply ship.

The exercise plan includes drills on striking maritime targets, damage control and joint search and rescue.

The aim is to strengthen military mutual trust and foster cooperation among the naval forces of the participating countries.