The situation in the Middle East is rapidly escalating

On February 28, 2026, the security risks in the Middle East continued to rise, with the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and others withdrawing non essential personnel from Iran and Israel, and multiple countries issuing travel bans. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds citizens not to travel to Iran temporarily and to evacuate personnel in Iran as soon as possible. Regional tensions have pushed up international energy prices, and global market risk aversion has intensified.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Risk preparation for forward foreign exchange sales starting from March 2nd

The People's Bank of China announced that from March 2, 2026, the foreign exchange risk reserve ratio for forward foreign exchange sales business will be reduced from 20% to 0. This move will significantly reduce the cost of currency hedging for foreign trade enterprises, support the stable development of the real economy, promote the smooth operation of the foreign exchange market, and release the policy intention of stabilizing foreign trade and expectations.Editor/Bian Wenjun

The Hungarian section of the Hungary Serbia Railway has opened for freight transportation

At around midnight on February 27, 2026, a freight train departed from the Ferenc train station in Budapest, marking the official start of freight transportation on the Hungarian section of the Hungary Serbia Railway. The Hungary Serbia Railway is a brand project of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, which was jointly witnessed and launched by the prime ministers of China, Hungary, and Serbia in 2013. The opening of freight transportation this time is an important milestone in the construction of the project.Editor/Gao Xue

Bolivian military plane crash resulting in 15 deaths and 30 injuries

On February 27, 2026, a Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff in El Alto, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 30 injuries. The Bolivian fire department has confirmed this casualty figure. After the accident, El Alto International Airport was temporarily closed. The rescue work is still ongoing at present.Editor/Gao Xue

Mauritius announces suspension of diplomatic relations with Maldives

On February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade of Mauritius issued a statement announcing the suspension of all diplomatic relations with the Maldives effective immediately. This move is due to the Maldives government no longer recognizing Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and opposing the relevant agreements between Mauritius and the United Kingdom. This decision reflects Mauritius' commitment to safeguarding national interests and adhering to the principle of sovereignty.Editor/Gao Xue

Uzbekistan Thermal Power Company's foreign investment performance exceeds expectations

The JSC thermal power plant in Uzbekistan has disclosed its performance for 2025, with a foreign investment project execution rate of 131.7%. The company is accelerating the optimization of its energy structure, with the proportion of newly added modern units rising to 51%. Through cooperation with international capital and enterprises in China, Türkiye, Spain and other countries, 18 major projects with a total value of 3.27 billion US dollars were implemented. Fitch has confirmed its rating as "BB", which is on par with Uzbekistan's sovereign rating.Editor/Gao Xue

Chinese gas turbines win billions of orders from Russia

By the end of 2025, Russian energy giant Novatek will order 20 GT-25000 gas turbines from China, with a total contract value exceeding 10 billion yuan. The localization rate of this type of gas turbine has reached 100%, breaking the market monopoly of Europe and America that lasted for more than 80 years.Editor/Gao Xue

China Tianying Vietnam Waste to Energy Project Expansion Approved

On February 24, 2026, China Tianying Co., Ltd. announced that its controlling subsidiary, Hanoi Tianyu Environmental Protection Energy Co., Ltd., has been approved to invest in the expansion of the second phase of the Shuoshan Waste to Energy Plant in Hanoi, Vietnam. The total investment of the project is 220 million US dollars, which will add a daily processing capacity of 1600 tons and a power generation capacity of 45MW. After the expansion is completed, the total processing capacity of the power plant will reach 5600 tons/day.Editor/Gao Xue

The direct flight route from Shanghai to Tashkent will open in Marc

On February 25, 2026, it was announced that China Eastern Airlines will open a direct flight route from Shanghai to Tashkent on March 30, with 4 flights per week (1, 2, 4, 6). Departure from Pudong at 13:40 and arrival in Tashkent at 18:40; The return flight departs at 20:20 and returns to Shanghai at 06:15 the next day. This route is the second direct flight route between China and Ukraine after Xi'an Tashkent. Combined with the visa free policies of the two countries, it will significantly improve the efficiency of economic, trade, cultural and tourism exchanges between Central Asia and the Yangtze River Delta.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Kyrgyzstan's vegetable imports from China to increase by 58% by 2025

On February 25, 2026, according to data from the Kyrgyzstan National Statistical Committee, the country's imports of vegetables from China reached 7.2 thousand tons in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 58%; The import amount was 6.9 million US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 64%. China has become the main source of growth for Kyrgyzstan's vegetable imports, with Uzbekistan and Iran ranking second and third respectively. The data shows that the sources of vegetable imports in Kyrgyzstan are becoming increasingly diversified.Editor/Gao Xue

Egypt approves Kemet Group's 2GWh energy storage project

On February 23, 2026, the Egyptian government officially approved four large-scale renewable energy projects of Kemet, a large local integrated industrial group, including 2.72GW of photovoltaic and 2GWh of energy storage, expected to be completed by 2027. Kemet promises to implement localization plans to support the development of Egypt's local renewable energy equipment and materials industry. It is reported that on January 18, 2026, Chinese energy storage battery manufacturer Chu Neng New Energy signed a cooperation agreement with Kemet to build an energy storage battery factory in Egypt, further deepening cooperation between China and Egypt in the field of new energy.Editor/Yang Meiling

Türkiye's energy storage giant enters the Romanian market

Recently, YESS Power, an energy storage brand of Topkap ı End ü stri Group in Türkiye, announced its official entry into the Romanian market. The confidence for this expansion comes from the recently delivered Novaci 30MW/60MWh energy storage system in North Macedonia, the largest solar energy storage power station in the Western Balkans. This project is integrated with a 55MW photovoltaic power station and is the first large-scale project of its kind in North Macedonia, with an annual power generation of 85GWh, which can meet the electricity needs of 30000 households. It is worth noting that the power station is located adjacent to the traditional coal-fired power base REK Bitola, indicating that the energy structure in the region is accelerating its transition from coal to clean and flexible.Editor/Yang Meiling

The first phase of the Ma Dong Railway project is fully connected to the track

The first phase of the China Communications Construction Ma Dong Railway project (from Kota Bharu to Ermao) has completed the full track laying. The CEO of the Malaysian Railway Connection Company, Dawes, stated that this is an important milestone that demonstrates China's professional capabilities. Track laying will start in December 2023 and complete 519 kilometers in 25 months. The overall progress of the project exceeds 90% and will enter the system integration and operation preparation stage.Editor/Gao Xue

The core section of the UAE high-speed railway has been awarded the contract

The civil engineering and station design and construction contract for the first phase of the UAE high-speed rail network has been officially awarded. The total investment of the project is about 57 billion yuan. Several international consortia led by enterprises from the United Arab Emirates, India, Türkiye and other countries have won the bid for Abu Dhabi and Dubai sections respectively. The project is scheduled to be completed and opened to traffic by 2030, marking a crucial progress in the construction of the Middle East high-speed rail network.Editor/Gao Xue

Wangneng Environment invests in waste to energy generation in Uzbekistan

Wangneng Environment announced an investment of 173 million US dollars to build a waste to energy plant in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The project processes 1500 tons of garbage per day and adopts a 30-year franchise model, with revenue coming from processing fees and electricity sales. The company said that the fierce competition in the domestic market slowed down, which was a key step to expand the overseas market and echoed the the Belt and Road cooperation framework.Editor/Gao Xue

New progress in the world's largest green hydrogen project in Western Australia

The Western Australia Green Energy Centre project, led by Intercontinental Energy, has announced new progress. This project is the world's largest planned 70 gigawatt wind solar green hydrogen complex. Chinese company Sany Group and several Korean companies have been invited to participate in the feasibility study of the first phase of the 6-GW project. The first phase of the project is expected to produce 330000 tons of green hydrogen annually, with the goal of completing investment decisions before 2029. The final planned annual production capacity of the project is 3.5 million tons of green hydrogen, with a total construction period of about 30 years.Editor/Gao Xue

Australia: 120 gigawatt hours of energy storage can provide 98.5% renewable energy supply

The latest simulation study shows that the Australian national electricity market can achieve nearly 100% renewable energy supply with only 24 gigawatts/120 gigawatt hours of energy storage, of which renewable energy accounts for 98.5% and the remaining 1.5% is supplemented by other energy sources. This simulation is based on actual electricity data since August 2021, scaling wind and photovoltaic power generation to 60% and 45% of annual demand, respectively, and utilizing existing hydropower synergy balance. The estimated power supply cost is $126 per megawatt hour, which is equivalent to the wholesale electricity price level in the past five years.Editor/Yang Meiling

Spain's 20GW solar silicon wafer factory is about to start construction

Spanish company Tresca recently announced that it will lead the construction of Sunwafes' planned 20GW solar silicon wafer super factory in Spain, with the core goal of accelerating the landing of local production capacity, optimizing green production processes, and driving the growth of high skilled local jobs. Editor/Cheng Liting

Implementation of the new policy for localizing Tanzania's mining industry

In 2026, Tanzania's new mining policy officially came into effect, requiring that 20 key mining materials must be provided by local enterprises. The authorities have launched the construction of 21 manufacturing factories at the abandoned Buz Waji gold mine site, gradually replacing imports. This measure forces international suppliers to change their original pure export model, and Chinese enterprises need to turn to local production and supply through technology joint ventures and other means to cope with supply chain restructuring.Editor/Gao Xue

Laos 230kV Bamon 2-Napia power transmission and transformation project starts construction

Recently, the 230 kV Bameng 2-Napia power transmission and transformation project in Laos, jointly constructed by Hubei Engineering Company and Shanghai Electric Power Construction Company, has officially started construction. The project is located in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, with a planned total length of approximately 183 kilometers. The construction includes the construction of a new 230 kV transmission line and supporting substation project.Editor/Cheng Liting

Zhiguang Electric Secures Congo Mining Microgrid Order

Guangzhou Zhiguang Electric Co., Ltd. recently signed three cooperation agreements with Vinmart Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the photovoltaic storage microgrid project. The projects are located in the three major mining areas of the country and will use customized containerized energy storage systems from Zhiguang Electric. The system adopts an integrated design, integrating core intelligent control units such as PCS, BMS, EMS, etc., supporting full system pre installation and rapid on-site deployment, which can meet the strict requirements of mining areas for construction efficiency and operational reliability.Editor/Yang Meiling

Uzbekistan | Fergana Oblast deepens cooperation with China

The vice governor of Fergana State of Uzbekistan said that the state was becoming a promising export hub in Central Asia, and had deep cooperation with leading Chinese enterprises such as Huawei and BYD in high-tech and manufacturing industries. China Investment Special Working Group is set up in 19 cities and towns in the prefecture to provide full process services from enterprise registration to operation, and create an efficient docking platform for the "the Belt and Road" economic and trade cooperation.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Ethiopia | Ayesha Wind Power Project put into operation

The Addis Ababa wind power project, constructed by Chinese enterprises, has been put into operation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy and Djibouti President Guelleh attended the ceremony. The project will alleviate local power shortages and assist Ethiopia's energy transformation. At the same time, the main line of Ethiopia IR Highway Upgrading and Reconstruction Project contracted by China Railway Third Engineering Group Co., Ltd. was opened to traffic, improving regional traffic and adding more achievements to the "the Belt and Road" infrastructure cooperation in Africa.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Algeria | Africa's first desert heavy-duty railway opens

he first desert heavy haul railway in Africa, the Western Algeria Railway Mining Line, has been fully opened, with a total length of 950 kilometers, of which 575 kilometers were constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation. The railway has a maximum carrying capacity of 17000 tons and can transport 50 million tons of iron ore annually. It will also operate two-way passenger trains, injecting new momentum into the connectivity and economic development of southwestern Afghanistan, and becoming a benchmark for China Arab infrastructure cooperation.Editor/Bian Wenjun

Brussels Airport Light Rail Line Project Launched in Belgium

The first phase of the Brussels Airport Light Rail Line project in Belgium has been launched, which will build a new 12 kilometer line connecting the northern part of Brussels with Zafentyre Airport. It is planned to be opened by the end of 2030, with a total travel time of about 30 minutes. The route serves areas such as Schalke and Everl, and the airport has an airport terminal building Technics、 Da Vinci made three stops and crossed the ring road through a tunnel, setting up stations in places such as Caligulan. The city center section will be connected to the existing light rail network Line 62 near NATO. The project requires the construction of approximately 4 kilometers of track, including a 300 meter Brussels section, with a total investment of 240 million euros and an estimated daily passenger flow of 10000 people, to be operated by Stib. Editor/Cheng Liting

Infrastructure construction accelerates in six African countries

On February 1, 2026, the East and South African Trade and Development Bank announced the completion of a $250 million syndicated loan expansion agreement for Mota Engil Africa. The funds will be used to support major infrastructure projects in six countries including Angola, Nigeria, and Rwanda, including the Lobito Railway Corridor in Angola and the Kano Railway in Nigeria. The availability of funds coincides with the golden period of construction in many African countries, which will directly drive the project into a high-speed construction phase and alleviate the financial pressure on the supply chain. As a joint venture of China Communications Construction Corporation, Mota Engil's hybrid model has been recognized by international financial institutions and has brought supply chain and cooperation opportunities for Chinese enterprises to participate in regional projects.Editor/Gao Xue

Enery secures € 2.5 billion financing to launch Romanian solar storage project

In mid January 2026, independent renewable energy developer Enery made two advances in the Central and Eastern European markets. The company has successfully completed a long-term combination financing of over 250 million euros, which will be used to support the development of 300MW photovoltaic and 100MW energy storage projects in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. At the same time, its Ogrezeni photovoltaic energy storage hybrid project in Romania was officially launched, with a total scale of 761MWp photovoltaic and over 1GWh energy storage. It is expected to be connected to the grid in the summer of 2027 and become a leading project of its kind in Europe, aiming to enhance the flexibility of the regional power grid and drive the local economy.Editor/Gao Xue

Ambassador visits Kazakhstan to inspect workshop

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Han Chunlin visited Almaty University of Logistics and Transportation to inspect its Luban Workshop. Ambassador Han listened to the introduction and affirmed the role of the school in promoting education cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the Luban Workshop is an important measure to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and should play a demonstrative role in deepening vocational education cooperation and effectively benefiting the people of both countries.Editor/Gao Xue

Customs and taxation system launches large-scale restructuring

At the beginning of the 15th Five Year Plan in 2026, the customs and taxation systems will undergo a large-scale restructuring, with data networking and functional coordination as the core to deepen reforms. This restructuring integrates regulatory resources from both parties, promotes measures such as electronic data networking verification, breaks down information barriers, simplifies customs clearance and tax payment processes, and focuses on rectifying "tax havens" and illegal tax practices. By optimizing the tax management system and law enforcement coordination, the convenience of cross-border trade will be further improved, and institutional guarantees will be established for the construction of a unified national market.Editor/Bian Wenjun

All 13 passengers survived the beach crash of a passenger plane

On January 27th local time, a Cessna 208 aircraft operated by Indonesia's Smart Air Airlines experienced engine failure while flying on the Nabire to Kaimana route. The pilot urgently grounded the aircraft on a beach near Nabire airport. After the accident, the crew quickly organized evacuation, and the on-site rescue responded in a timely manner. All 13 passengers and 2 crew members on board safely escaped without any reports of serious injuries or fatalities. At present, relevant departments are collecting details of the accident, and the specific cause of the malfunction is subject to further investigation and verification.Editor/Bian Wenjun