On January 15, 2025, State Grid Corp. of China announced plans to boost investments to a record level, aiming to support the increasing renewable energy generation in the country. The largest power network operator in China, responsible for about 80% of the nation's grid, is set to invest over 650 billion yuan (approximately $89 billion) this year, up from last year's planned expenditure of 600 billion yuan.
In a separate development, China and the Philippines are currently engaged in discussions regarding their ongoing South China Sea dispute. Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reported that preparatory talks are taking place in Xiamen, with a formal meeting between vice ministers scheduled for Thursday. This comes amid rising tensions related to Beijing's large vessel presence in the contested waters.