Foreign news
Top 10 China news stories selected by China Media Group in 2020
Editor’s note: The COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a year many will never forget. As the year draws to a close, China Media Group (CMG) takes a look back at China’s biggest news stories of the year. During 2020, China not only fought the pandemic and eliminated absolute poverty, but it also committed to further open up its economy while continuing its growth momentum. Here are CMG’s top 10 China news stories of 2020
Concerted efforts to beat COVID-19
The world still suffers from the global pandemic, with more than 80 million confirmed cases and more than 1.7 million deaths worldwide as of December 28.
After the virus was first reported in central China’s Wuhan City, a 76-day lockdown was imposed from January 23 to April 8. Meanwhile, China mobilized the whole nation’s manpower and resources to contain the outbreak in the city.
So far, China has established a regular epidemic prevention and control system and made vaccines available.
A new future with the 14th Five-Year Plan and the blueprint for 2035
Eliminating absolute poverty by the end of 2020
After 66 impoverished counties in southwest China’s Guizhou Province were declared to have eliminated absolute poverty on November 23, China has achieved the feat of removing all 832 counties previously listed as impoverished from the poverty list.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the remarkable progress in poverty alleviation work as China has lifted a total of nearly 100 million people out of poverty at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
In the next five years, efforts will be made to consolidate achievements in the fight against poverty and fully promote the strategy of rural vitalization, according to the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s proposed major social and economic development targets for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).
The proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Social and Economic Development (2021-2025) and Long-Range Objectives for 2035 were adopted during the fifth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on October 29, 2020.
This is the first time that China has set long-term objectives for the country to achieve socialist modernization by 2035.
The only economy realizing a positive growth in the world in 2020
China continues to be the only economy in the world to show positive growth in 2020 as its GDP is predicted to expand 1.9 percent in 2020, according to the latest economic outlook released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on October 13.
The output in both advanced economies and emerging and developing economies this year are forecast to remain below 2019 levels even next year, except for China, according to the report.
A new economic pattern in China known as “dual circulation” – domestic and international, promoting each other, with domestic circulation as the main body, helps maintain quality development of China’s economy.
Ready to embrace a higher level of opening up
The year 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the 30th anniversary of the Shanghai Pudong New Area. Thanks to the opening-up policy, Shenzhen SEZ has grown from a town to an international metropolitan with its economic output ranking fifth in Asian cities, and Shanghai Pudong New Area has become one of the world’s most active financial trading areas.
The third China International Import Expo concluded on November 10 with tentative deals worth $72.62 billion, up 2.1 percent from the last expo.
The long-awaited Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), covering nearly a third of the global population and about 30 percent of global GDP, was signed by its 15 members, including China and Japan, in Hanoi, November 15.
The first Civil Code since October 1, 1949
The National People’s Congress passed China’s first draft Civil Code on May 28.
The draft code consists of seven parts and 1,260 articles, including general provisions and sections on property, contracts, personality rights, marriage, and family, as well as inheritance and torts liability.
According to official data, a total of 1.02 million pieces of advice from around 425,000 people have been solicited during the compilation process.
The Civil Code will take effect on January 1, 2021.
Overcoming the most severe flooding since 1998
More than 74 million people in 28 provinces in China have suffered a serious flooding disaster during this year’s flooding season.
This is the most serious one since the severe flooding in 1998.
President Xi has called for all-out efforts in rescue and relief operations in flooded areas across the country and stressed that ensuring people’s lives and safety is a top priority.
The 70th anniversary of China’s participation in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea
China held a meeting on October 23 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) army entering the DPRK in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
President Xi hailed the historic significance of War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, saying it defied the invasion and expansion of imperialism and safeguarded the security of New China.
The war also safeguarded the peaceful lives of the Chinese people, stabilized the Korean Peninsula situation, and upheld peace in Asia and the world, Xi said.
Major scientific and technological breakthroughs, including first Mars exploration
China has made great achievements in scientific and technological areas, including manned space flight, moon exploration, supercomputer, and quantum communication.
On May 5, China launched its newly-developed heavy-lift rocket the Long March 5B.
China successfully launched its Mars probe Tianwen-1 from south China’s Hainan Province on July 23, 2020. It’s China’s first independent Mars mission.
China’s Chang’e-5 probe came back to Earth with 1,731 grams of moon samples on December 17.
National Security Law for Hong Kong
Chinese lawmakers on June 30 voted unanimously to adopt national security legislation for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a “resolute” effort taken by the central government that will make secession, subversion, and collusion with foreign forces illegal.
The national security law, which has 66 articles in six chapters, outlines the duties and government bodies of the HKSAR specifically designed to promote national security.
The law stipulates the important principles of the rule of law that the HKSAR should abide by in safeguarding national security, such as ensuring human rights protection.
Featured
Financing Health Futures: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda Turn to Tobacco and Telecom Taxes in Big Push Against Malaria
African leaders, parliamentarians, health experts, and development partners have renewed their commitment to ending malaria by 2030, with a bold call for domestic financing through innovative taxation on tobacco, alcohol, and telecom services to close critical funding gaps.
The discussions took center stage at the Big Push Against Malaria: Harnessing Africa’s Role high-level political engagement in Abuja, where Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda showcased new homegrown financing strategies aimed at reducing dependence on dwindling donor support.
Africa’s Heavy Burden
Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. In 2023, the world recorded 263 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths, with 94% of cases and 95% of deaths occurring in Africa. Nigeria alone accounted for 26.6% of global cases and 31% of deaths, according to the World Malaria Report 2024. Children under five remain the most vulnerable, making up 76% of deaths.
Despite progress — with Nigeria cutting malaria deaths by more than half since 2000 through insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatments, and the rollout of the new R21 malaria vaccine — leaders warned that global targets are off-track. The World Health Organization’s technical strategy for malaria (2016–2030) has stalled since 2017, with Africa unlikely to meet its 2025 and 2030 milestones without urgent action.
Taxing for Health Futures
The Nigerian Parliament’s Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) announced plans to fund malaria elimination through “sin taxes” and telecom levies.
According to the House Chair on ATM, Hon. Linda Ogar, a bill is underway to restructure the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) into a multi-disease agency that will address HIV, TB, and malaria.
The new financing mechanism proposes:
Taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and other luxury items
Dedicated levies on telecom airtime and mobile money transactions
A percentage of the nation’s consolidated revenue
“These resources will provide sustainable funding to strengthen health systems and accelerate malaria elimination,” Ogar said, stressing that Africa must stop relying solely on foreign donors. “We cannot continue to take two steps forward and five steps backward. Africa must begin to show the world that we are ready to solve our problems ourselves.”
Similar models are already being piloted in Ghana and Uganda, where levies on mobile money and telecoms are being redirected to finance health interventions. The Abuja meeting urged other African countries to adopt this approach as part of a continental framework for sustainable financing.
Leaders Call for Urgent Action
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized that while malaria is preventable and treatable, it still kills hundreds of thousands yearly due to funding shortfalls, climate change, insecticide resistance, and humanitarian crises.
“To truly defeat this disease, we must rethink, join forces, and mount a concerted ‘Big Push’. Funding gaps remain a major obstacle, and innovative domestic financing is the way forward,” Salako declared.
From the civil society front, grassroots representatives pledged to act as “foot soldiers”, demanding that communities have a seat at the decision-making table. The World Health Organization, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and other partners reaffirmed support but stressed the need for stronger political will and local ownership.
Private Sector and Global Support
Representing billionaire philanthropist Aliko Dangote, the Nigeria Malaria Council reiterated that private sector investment must complement government financing. Meanwhile, the Global Fund confirmed it has invested nearly $2 billion in Nigeria’s malaria response and committed an additional $500 million for 2024–2026, including support for local production of malaria drugs.
The Gates Foundation’s Uche Anaowu noted that while progress has slowed, malaria remains beatable:
“Smallpox is the only human disease ever eradicated. The question is — can malaria be next? I believe Africa has both the burden and the opportunity to lead the world in making that happen.”
Financing Health Futures: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda Turn to Tobacco and Telecom Taxes in Big Push Against Malaria
Abuja, Nigeria – African leaders, parliamentarians, health experts, and development partners have renewed their commitment to ending malaria by 2030, with a bold call for domestic financing through innovative taxation on tobacco, alcohol, and telecom services to close critical funding gaps.
The discussions took center stage at the Big Push Against Malaria: Harnessing Africa’s Role high-level political engagement in Abuja, where Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda showcased new homegrown financing strategies aimed at reducing dependence on dwindling donor support.
Africa’s Heavy Burden
Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. In 2023, the world recorded 263 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths, with 94% of cases and 95% of deaths occurring in Africa. Nigeria alone accounted for 26.6% of global cases and 31% of deaths, according to the World Malaria Report 2024. Children under five remain the most vulnerable, making up 76% of deaths.
Despite progress — with Nigeria cutting malaria deaths by more than half since 2000 through insecticide-treated nets, preventive treatments, and the rollout of the new R21 malaria vaccine — leaders warned that global targets are off-track. The World Health Organization’s technical strategy for malaria (2016–2030) has stalled since 2017, with Africa unlikely to meet its 2025 and 2030 milestones without urgent action.
Taxing for Health Futures
The Nigerian Parliament’s Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) announced plans to fund malaria elimination through “sin taxes” and telecom levies.
According to the House Chair on ATM, Hon. Linda Ogar, a bill is underway to restructure the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) into a multi-disease agency that will address HIV, TB, and malaria.
The new financing mechanism proposes:
Taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and other luxury items
Dedicated levies on telecom airtime and mobile money transactions
A percentage of the nation’s consolidated revenue
“These resources will provide sustainable funding to strengthen health systems and accelerate malaria elimination,” Ogar said, stressing that Africa must stop relying solely on foreign donors. “We cannot continue to take two steps forward and five steps backward. Africa must begin to show the world that we are ready to solve our problems ourselves.”
Similar models are already being piloted in Ghana and Uganda, where levies on mobile money and telecoms are being redirected to finance health interventions. The Abuja meeting urged other African countries to adopt this approach as part of a continental framework for sustainable financing.
Leaders Call for Urgent Action
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized that while malaria is preventable and treatable, it still kills hundreds of thousands yearly due to funding shortfalls, climate change, insecticide resistance, and humanitarian crises.
“To truly defeat this disease, we must rethink, join forces, and mount a concerted ‘Big Push’. Funding gaps remain a major obstacle, and innovative domestic financing is the way forward,” Salako declared.
From the civil society front, grassroots representatives pledged to act as “foot soldiers”, demanding that communities have a seat at the decision-making table. The World Health Organization, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and other partners reaffirmed support but stressed the need for stronger political will and local ownership.
Private Sector and Global Support
Representing billionaire philanthropist Aliko Dangote, the Nigeria Malaria Council reiterated that private sector investment must complement government financing. Meanwhile, the Global Fund confirmed it has invested nearly $2 billion in Nigeria’s malaria response and committed an additional $500 million for 2024–2026, including support for local production of malaria drugs.
The Gates Foundation’s Uche Anaowu noted that while progress has slowed, malaria remains beatable:
“Smallpox is the only human disease ever eradicated. The question is — can malaria be next? I believe Africa has both the burden and the opportunity to lead the world in making that happen.”
The Big Push: From Talk to Action
Speakers acknowledged that Africa has hosted too many malaria meetings without concrete outcomes. This time, however, leaders insisted the Abuja gathering must mark a turning point — from dependency to self-reliance.
With Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda setting the pace on tax-based health financing, the continent now faces the challenge of replicating and scaling up these models.
“Now that Africa is at a critical point, the need for a Big Push against malaria cannot be overemphasized. If we align political will, innovative financing, and community engagement, we can end malaria within our lifetime.”
Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda are pioneering a shift from donor dependence to domestic revenue mobilization via tobacco, alcohol, and telecom taxes — a model hailed as central to financing Africa’s health futures and ending malaria by 2030
Speakers acknowledged that Africa has hosted too many malaria meetings without concrete outcomes. This time, however, leaders insisted the Abuja gathering must mark a turning point — from dependency to self-reliance.
With Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda setting the pace on tax-based health financing, the continent now faces the challenge of replicating and scaling up these models.
“Now that Africa is at a critical point, the need for a Big Push against malaria cannot be overemphasized. If we align political will, innovative financing, and community engagement, we can end malaria within our lifetime.”
Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda are pioneering a shift from donor dependence to domestic revenue mobilization via tobacco, alcohol, and telecom taxes — a model hailed as central to financing Africa’s health futures and ending malaria by 2030
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