The China Coast Guard (CCG) conducted law enforcement patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan island on Monday.
The patrols, conducted by CCG formations of vessels 2901, 1305, 1303 and 2102, are a practical action to lawfully enforce control over Taiwan island in accordance with the one-China principle.
On the same day, the Fujian Coast Guard also organized a formation of vessels to conduct comprehensive law enforcement patrols in the waters near the islands of Dongyin and Matsu, with the aim of testing its rapid response and emergency handling capabilities.
The Fujian Coast Guard patrols focused on exercises of verification and identification, boarding inspections, and control and expulsion operations.
The Dongyin and Matsu islands and their surrounding waters are an important fishing ground for fishermen from across the Taiwan Strait.
China Coast Guard patrols around Taiwan island
The dividend payouts distributed by Chinese A-share listed companies in 2024 had reached a record high of approximately 2.39 trillion yuan (330 billion U.S. dollars) as of December 23, marking an over 11 percent year-on-year increase, according to Wind Data.
The number of dividend-paying companies has significantly increased since May this year, particularly in the September to December period, when the number grew by more than 100 percent year on year.
In terms of the number of dividend-paying companies by industry, the top five sectors in 2024 are machinery and equipment, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, basic chemicals, electronics, and power equipment.
Meanwhile, in terms of total dividend amounts, the banking, petrochemical, food and beverage, non-bank financial, and telecommunications sectors rank in the top five.
"Many listed companies have set record-high dividend payouts this year. Improved operating performance and a relatively positive market trend have been the key factors enabling the companies to actively distribute dividends," said Yang Chao, chief strategy analyst at China Galaxy Securities.
Another noticeable trend of the A-share market in 2024 is the increased frequency of dividend payouts. According to data from the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, 481 dividend payouts were disclosed in the Shanghai bourse during the mid-year period, marking a 354 percent year-on-year increase, with some companies distributing dividends two to three times within the year.
Meanwhile, the Shenzhen bourse disclosed 464 dividend payouts, registering a 287 percent year-on-year increase. "Broadly defined mid-year dividends, including quarterly, semi-annual, and special dividends, differ from the traditional annual dividend model. Companies that distribute dividends more than once a year can optimize payout rhythms to provide tangible returns to investors, enhance investment appeal, and encourage long-term investment and holding," said Tian Lihui, dean with the Nankai University Institute of Finance and Development.
Dividend payouts of Chinese A-share listed firms hit record high of 2.39 trillion yuan
