China and Peru have set a good example of solidarity and cooperation between countries with different systems and cultures, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his talks with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte in Lima on Thursday.
Xi arrived in the Peruvian capital earlier in the day to attend the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to the Latin American country at the invitation of Boluarte.
"This is my third visit to Peru. Last year we met for the first time in San Francisco and this year you paid a visit to China, so I have met with you, Ms. President, three times within one year. I was strongly touched by the Peruvian people's friendship with the Chinese people and felt warm in my heart as soon as I set foot on the beautiful land of Peru. Both China and Peru are ancient civilizations. The profound accumulation of ancient civilizations has endowed China and Peru with wisdom and broad-mindedness and enabled us to see clearly the direction of history, follow the trend of the times, and persevere in treating each other as equals and pursuing mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual learning, thus setting a good example of solidarity and cooperation between countries with different sizes, systems and cultures," said Xi.
"Your Excellency President Xi Jinping, your visit marks the opening of a new chapter for our bilateral relations that have lasted for 53 years. We have steadfastly maintained the relations through the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership and Belt and Road cooperation. President Xi, your visit symbolizes the bond of friendship and cooperation between us and represents our firm commitment to jointly pursuing prosperity and development," said Boluarte.
Xi praises China-Peru ties as model for solidarity, cross-cultural cooperation
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
