【Epoch Times March 5, 2026】Epoch Times provides readers with a daily selection of must-read articles:
1.
The CCP is accused of struggling to sustain by filling the gap in the medical insurance fund with lottery funds.
With the accelerating aging population in China and the continuous rise in medical expenses, the pressure on the CCP’s medical insurance fund continues to grow. Several interviewees pointed out that although the medical insurance fund still shows a surplus on the books, the contradiction between income and expenditure in some areas is intensifying. Some regions have begun to supplement the medical insurance fund with new sources of funding, including transferring funds from the lottery public welfare fund. However, due to the decrease in the number of people buying lottery tickets in recent years, some analysts believe this method is unsustainable.
2.
Hassan Nasrallah is killed, sparking controversy over remarks by CCP scholar Li Yi.
The United States and Israel launched a joint strike against Iran, resulting in the annihilation of Iran’s Supreme Leader Hassan Nasrallah and dozens of senior Iranian officials, which startled China, known for its anti-American stance. Li Yi, a consistent critic of the U.S. and commonly referred to as the “advisor to the CCP,” made shocking remarks once again.
3.
“Hu Xijin’s video markedly taken offline,” after the U.S. and Israel recently carried out military operations against Iran, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The incident has shocked the world and once again made the comments of various so-called experts, scholars, and internet celebrities from mainland China the focus of public opinion. Netizens mock: “Whoever Hu Xijin supports, dies,” and the most recent victim is Hassan Nasrallah.
4.
CCP Consulate-General in France asked to cancel Taiwan-related performances, drawing condemnation.
On March 3, the mayor of Strasbourg, a city in eastern France, revealed that a Taiwan-themed stage play sparked a controversy due to a letter from the CCP’s consulate in the region. She pointed out that such interference in cultural activities is “extremely serious” and openly expressed strong condemnation.
5.
With no hope of a comeback after being completely blacklisted, Zhao Wei self-comforts by posting a message.
Chinese actress Zhao Wei has been absent from the entertainment industry for nearly four years since being listed as an untrustworthy artist. Lately, she has occasionally made appearances on social media, possibly testing the waters for a comeback. On the night of March 2, she updated her personal Weibo account, sharing rare side-profile photos with her mask down, and self-comforted by saying, “Everything will pass, it doesn’t matter, go with the flow.”
6.
Former Hong Kong official on trial for shadow law enforcement for the CCP in the UK.
The case of Chung Biu Yuen, former manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, and his associates accused of engaging in espionage activities has entered the trial phase. On March 4, the court released evidence of Chung Biu Yuen and his associates performing “shadow policing” for the Hong Kong authorities in the UK, allegedly disregarding UK laws and enforcing their own.
7.
Strait of Hormuz under control, China’s vital commodities face dilemma.
On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military strike against Iran, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike. Twenty-four hours later, Iran announced comprehensive control over the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 20% of the world’s maritime oil transport routes are affected.
8.
CCP veteran Song Ping passes away.
During the convening of the two sessions of the CCP, veteran Song Ping passed away at the age of 109.
9.
Controversy over Chinese fiber optic project suspends power transfer in Chile.
Jose Antonio Kast, the newly elected president of Chile, announced on March 3 that he would suspend the power transfer with current president Gabriel Boric because he could not trust some critical information received, including a submarine fiber optic project in cooperation with China.
10.
Chinese media hype brain-dead delivery man organ donation, analyzed as covering up organ harvesting crimes.
Recently, the Hangzhou Daily reported that Ou Chaochao, a 34-year-old delivery man from Yiwu, Zhejiang, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on January 15 and was declared brain dead after rescue efforts. With the consent of his parents, his seven organs and two corneas were donated and successfully transplanted to nine people. Wang Zhiyuan, chairman of “Investigation International,” told Epoch Times that the report contains serious false information, believing it is covering up CCP organ harvesting crimes and deceiving the public.
11.
Three national-level officials absent from the CPPCC opening, former Guangxi secretary Chen Wu at high risk.
The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference opened on the afternoon of March 4, 2026; three current vice-national-level officials, Political Bureau member Ma Xingrui, CPPCC Vice Chairman Chen Wu, and National People’s Congress Alternate Chairman Hao Mingjin, were absent from the opening ceremony. The three have been continuously absent from recent high-level CCP meetings.
12.
CCP releases a report on military CPPCC members’ performance without mentioning names.
As the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference began, the Chinese military media published the “Comprehensive Summary of Military CPPCC Members’ Performance in 2025.” Unlike in the past, this year’s report did not mention the names of the CPPCC members, using substitutes such as “some.” Analysts believe this is a move to cover up the disgrace of the many military CPPCC members who have fallen from grace.
13.
U.S. Treasury Secretary: Over half of China’s energy comes from the Middle East.
On Wednesday, March 4, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the impact of disruptions in Persian Gulf oil supply on China, stating that over 50% of China’s energy comes from that region.
14.
47 CPPCC members absent from the opening session, including 5 lieutenant generals and 3 major generals.
The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference opened on the afternoon of March 4, 2026, with 47 CPPCC members unusually absent, including 8 members who are permanent military members, including 5 lieutenant generals and 3 major generals. In the past three years, 43 CPPCC members have had their qualifications publicly revoked.
15.
Analysis: How China, isolated, challenges the United States.
This year, the U.S. detained Maduro, took back the Panama Canal ports, and bombarded Iran with Israel, all displaying the indirect confrontation between the U.S. and China. The U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran not only exposed the vulnerability of China’s air defense systems but also signaled the collapse of Beijing’s “Belt and Road” and “strategic partnership.”