China’s answer to ‘drill, baby, drill’, top scientist dies: SCMP daily highlights

From Zhao Leji’s absence at the ‘two sessions’ closing to China’s energy security, here’s a round-up from today’s China coverage

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China has been accelerating the development of renewable energy sources – a move that is in line with its goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Pictured is a solar farm in Dunhuang, China. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:15pm, 11 Mar 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. Why was China’s No 3 official Zhao Leji missing at the end of ‘two sessions’?

Zhao Leji, the third most senior official in China’s ruling Communist Party and chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, was absent from the closing of the country’s top legislature on Tuesday.

2. Why China’s energy supply is ‘secure’ amid Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ push

China has consolidated its energy security through a targeted strategy of diversifying imports, and US President Donald Trump’s embrace of fossil fuel production with a “drill, baby, drill” mentality could serve to lower global prices – potentially good news for China as the world’s largest importer of crude and natural gas – according to an influential energy expert in Beijing.

3. Will China’s science and tech breakthroughs help it challenge US dominance?

As state media proclaims China the new heavyweight in scientific research, others warn gaps and weaknesses must be addressed.