- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Nathanael Callan
Weekly Report 1|46 9.8.2018-9.14.2018
[Li Zhanshu in Pyongyang/REUTERS]
Highlights
Xi Jinping gave a speech on the national education system, stressing that the education system must uphold the leadership of the CCP (see Senior Leaders section). People’s Daily released an editorial and launched commentary series to explain the significance of his speech (see Propaganda section).
Xi Jinping attended the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok where he held meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (see Senior Leaders section).
Politburo Standing Committee Member Li Zhanshu attended the celebration of the DPRK’s 70th Anniversary in Pyongyang (see International Liaison Work section).
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping Attends National Education Conference and Stresses Adhering to Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Educational Development Path
9.11 A national education conference was held on 10 September in Beijing. Xi Jinping pointed out that “the 19th Party Congress has made important deployment on prioritizing developing education, accelerating educational modernization, and building a education strong country.” He stressed that “our education must treat cultivating the builders and successors of socialism as its fundamental mission” and “lead the students to love and support the CCP and to be determined in listening to and following the Party.” Xi highlighted that “[one] must strive to build an educational system that comprehensively cultivate morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetic sense, and value of work (德智体美劳).”
Li Keqiang (李克强) also gave a speech at the conference, stressing the need to “cultivate more innovative and high-quality talents.” Wang Yang (汪洋), Wang Huning (王沪宁), Zhao Leji (赵乐际), and Han Zheng (韩正) also attended the conference.
Xi Jinping Meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin
9.12 On the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met to discuss bilateral relations. In his remarks, Xi Jinping emphasized that this is the third meeting between the two leaders this year, demonstrating that both leaders view China-Russia relations as a priority.
Xi Jinping stressed that “China and Russia should deepen the joint construction of the Belt and Road and the Eurasian Economic Union, and expand cooperation over energy, agriculture, scientific and technological innovation, and finance.”
Xi also emphasized that as permanent members of the UN Security Council and as major emerging market countries, China and Russia “shoulder the heavy burden of safeguarding world peace and prosperity.” The two countries must “closely communicate and cooperate in the multilateral frameworks such as the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS” to “jointly oppose unilateralism and trade protectionism, and promote the construction of a new type of international relations and a community of shared future for mankind.”
Xi Jinping Attends Eastern Economic Forum
9.12 Xinhua reported on Xi Jinping’s speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok entitled “Sharing New Development Opportunities for the Far East and Creating a Bright New Future for Northeast Asia.” The speech emphasized China’s willingness to work with other countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and achieve coordinated development. He began his remarks by highlighting China’s active support and participation in Russia’s Far East cooperation efforts.
Xi called on participating countries to “enhance mutual trust and maintain regional peace,” “deepen cooperation and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results for all countries,” “learn from each other and consolidate the traditional friendship of the people,” and “focus on the long-term and achieve coordinated and comprehensive development.”
Xi Jinping Meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
9.12 Xi Jinping met with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Vladivostok, Russia.
According to Xinhua, Xi stated that “under the joint efforts of both sides, Sino-Japanese relations are heading onto a normal track and have an important opportunity for improved development.” He added that the two countries must “constructively manage and control differences,” stressing “Japan must appropriately handle sensitive issues such as history and Taiwan.”
Xi emphasized that “China and Japan should jointly promote the process of regional integration.” He called for both countries to “resolutely defend multilateralism, defend the free trade system and World Trade Organization rules, and promote the construction of an open world economy.”
Han Zheng Speaks at 15th China-ASEAN Exposition Opening Ceremony
9.12 Politburo Standing Committee Member and State Council Vice Premier Han Zheng (韩正) spoke at the opening ceremony of the 15th China-ASEAN Exposition and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, Guangxi. In his speech, Han stated that China and ASEAN are good neighbors, friends, and partners. In the five years since the Belt and Road Initiative was announced, he said, China-ASEAN strategic cooperation has become inseperably close. Among other remarks, Han also noted that this year is the 40th anniversary of China’s opening up and reform and that China and ASEAN have jointly entered into a new age of joint-development and joint-prosperity.
While in Guangxi, Han inspected several industrial and advanced technology corporations. Han stated that Guangxi must take the initiative to act and accomplish the new mission assigned by General Secretary Xi Jinping for Guangxi, the “three great orientations (三大定位).”
Propaganda Work
Guo Jiping: Personally Draw the Blueprint and Implement Cooperation
9.8 A commentary published under the People’s Daily’s pen name “Guo Jiping” (国纪平), which stands for “important commentary related to international affairs” (有关国际的重要评论) and authoritatively transmits the official positions of the People's Daily on matters of international affairs, maintained that China has achieved the “five don’ts” regarding cooperation with African countries, namely don’t interfere with African countries’ exploration of developmental paths that fit their national situation, don’t interfere with African internal affairs, don’t force its will on others, don’t attach political conditions to aid provided to Africa, and don’t seek political and personal profits from the investment to Africa, and established a “path of win-win cooperation” with Africa.
The article stressed that the “China-Africa relationship is a model of China uniting and cooperating with developing countries, providing an example for establishing a new type of international relations.” It concluded by stating that “building a tighter community of shared future for China and Africa... is an important implementation of Xi Jinping Diplomatic Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”
PD Commentator Series on Xi Jinping’s Keynote Speech at Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Opening Ceremony
People’s Daily
9.8-9.9 People’s Daily continued its commentator series supporting Xi Jinping’s 3 September keynote speech the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation from last week.
The fourth article reflected on the importance of the shift from the 2015 “Ten Major Cooperation Plans” (十大合作计划) to the 2018 “Eight Major Initiatives” (八大行动). It argued that this shift “embodied China and Africa’s resolute determination to comprehensively strengthen pragmatic cooperation in all domains” and “the cooperative ideals” behind China-Africa relations.
The fifth article focused on the significance of young people to friendly relations between China and Africa. It contended that “as China-Africa relations are a future-facing undertaking, [we] need generation after generation of ambitious Chinese and African youth to continue striving” for closer relations.
Zhong Sheng: Start a New Course of Regional Peace and Stability, Mutual Trust, and Cooperation
9.8 People’s Daily used its “Zhong Sheng” (钟声) column, which authoritatively transmits the official positions of People’s Daily on matters of international affairs, to comment on Xi Jinping’s participation in Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum this week. It stated that Xi’s decision to attend “continued the fine tradition of China and Russia supporting one another while hosting important events.”
The commentary declared that “at present, Sino-Russian relations are in their best period in history.” Russian President Vladimir Putin choosing China as the destination for his first state visit following his 2018 reelection, Xi conferring the first Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China upon Putin in June 2018, and ongoing bilateral cooperation in a variety of spheres were all cited as evidence of “the importance and distinctiveness” of the relationship.
The commentary concluded by claiming that “the high level of Sino-Russian relations benefits the people of both countries, can be called a model for harmonious coexistence between great powers and neighboring countries in the modern world, and makes an important contribution to promoting the construction of a new type of international relations and community of shared future for mankind.”
Zhong Sheng: Let Friendly Cooperation between China and North Korea Shine with New Energy
9.9 The commentary pen name “Zhong Sheng” stated that Li Zhanshu (栗战书)’s visit to North Korea as Xi Jinping’s special representative “fully demonstrated the great importance China attached to China-North Korean relationship under a new situation,” and that this arrangement “is helpful in safeguarding the region’s peace and stability.”
The article maintained that “Kim Jong Un has… taken a series of positive measures and achieved unprecedentedly remarkable achievements in developing economy and improving people’s livelihood.” It stressed that the “Chinese Party’s and state’s firm stances on devoting to consolidating the development of China-North Korean relations, Chinese people’s friendship with North Koreans, and China’s support to a socialist North Korea will not change, regardless how the international and regional situations change.”
PD Editorial: Establish an Education System that Satisfies the People
9.12 People’s Daily published an editorial stating that Xi Jinping’s speech at the national education conference is “an action guide for establishing well an education system that satisfies the people.” The editorial contributed the “remarkable achievements” in China’s education system in the past five years to the “strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core” and the “scientific guidance of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” It stressed that “education concerns the country’s development and the nation’s future” and that “the Party’s leadership over education must be firmly grasped.”
PD Commentator Series on Xi’s Speech at National Education Conference
People’s Daily
9.13-9.14 People’s Daily began a commentator series on Xi Jinping’s important speech at the national education conference.
The first article stressed that “only socialism can save China, and only socialism with Chinese characteristics can develop China and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” It maintained that “the competition between comprehensive national strength in today’s world is a competition between talents at its roots.” Therefore, “the need for education, scientific knowledge, and excellent talents for the development of the Party’s and the state’s undertaking has become more urgent than ever.”
The second article pointed out the “nine insistences” for advancing educational reform and development in China. These include insisting on the Party’s comprehensive leadership over educational work, treating establishing integrity and cultivating talent (立德树人) as the fundamental mission of education, prioritizing developing education, following the direction of socialism, rooting education in China (扎根中国大地办教育), centering on the people, deepening innovation in education, and taking serving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as the important task of education.
Zhong Sheng: Northeast Asian Cooperation Creates New Developmental Opportunities
9.13 People’s Daily’s “Zhong Sheng” column commented on Xi Jinping’s speech during the Eastern Economic Forum. It said that the speech “summarized the achievements of China’s support and participation in the cooperation with Russia in Far East and described a clear path for building a beautiful future for Northeast Asian region.”
It pointed out that, during the Forum, Russian President Putin expressed complete support for BRI, and Mongolian President Khaltmaa Battulga expressed willingness to advance Mongolia-China-Russian economic corridor. It stressed that “China will, as always, strive to build a harmonious and friendly environment and push for exchanges and dialogues between each country in the region based on the concept of peaceful development.”
Zhong Sheng: Pass on the Cause of Sino-Russian Friendship to Future Generations
9.14 People’s Daily’s “Zhong Sheng” column expanded upon a statement made by Xi Jinping at the Eastern Economic Forum on the continuation of friendly Sino-Russian relations through future generations (让中俄世代友好的伟大事业薪火相传). The article primarily highlights examples of Sino-Russian friendship over the last two decades: Russian medical support for children after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and the 2001 “Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation.”
The article concludes by emphasizing the role of Russian and Chinese youth in the construction of a community of shared future for mankind and how Russia and China will together initiate a bright future.
United Front Work
Wang Yang: Strengthen Strategic Thinking and the Fostering of an International Outlook, Develop the Unique Function of CPPCC for External Work Xinhua 9.10 Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) attended the 3rd collective study session of the CPPCC Party leadership group in Beijing. At the meeting, Wang pointed out that in interacting with “overseas friends,” the CPPCC must “take note of introducing the principles and propositions of China’s developmental path and participation in global governance.”
Wang also stated that the CPPCC must “introduce China’s political and institutional advantages, tell the China story well, and increase international society’s understanding and recognition of China.” State Administration for Religious Affairs Releases Measures for the Management of Internet Religious Information Services
Zhongguo Minzu Zongjiao Wang 9.10 The State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) released measures for the management of online religious information (互联网宗教信息服务管理办法) for public comment. The announced measures are the first such regulations on internet religious information services. Among other points, the new regulation stipulated that religious information services on the internet should “put into practice the core socialist system of values”, cannot “oppose leadership by the Communist Party of China” or “promote extremism, terrorism, ethnic separatism, or religious fanaticism.” Information services area also not allowed to “insight minors to participate in religious activities.”
Party Discipline
Yang Xiaodu Meets Macau Commission Against Corruption Commissioner
9.11 Politburo member, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Deputy Secretary and National Supervisory Commission (NSC) Director Yang Xiaodu (杨晓渡) met Macau Special Administrative Region Anti-Corruption Commissioner Zhang Yongchun (张永春) in Beijing. Yang stressed that “under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, CCDI and NSC will firmly implement Party Central Committee’s decisions and plans,” and that “[he] hopes Macau will strengthen its cooperation with mainland anti-corruption bodies.” Zhang praised the anti-corruption achievements that the mainland has made and expressed willingness to reinforce exchanges and cooperations.
China-Caribbean Conference on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation Held in Grenada
9.12 The China-Caribbean Conference on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation was held from 10 to 11 September in Grenada. CCDI Deputy Secretary and NSC Deputy Head Xu Lingyi (徐令义) attended the opening ceremony and said during his speech that “anti-corruption is a common task that all countries around the world face” and that “each side should strengthen political consensus and system construction, build a network of multilateral and bilateral cooperation... and establish a new order for international anti-corruption.”
High-level representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and 9 other Caribbean countries attended the Conference and released a joint statement with China.
Central Military Commission
Zhang Youxia and Wei Fenghe Respectively Meets with Iranian Defense Minister
9.8 PLA Daily reported that Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairmen Zhang Youxia (张又侠) and State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe (魏凤和) each met with Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami on 7 September. Zhang said during his meeting that “as always, [China] is willing to be mutually supportive with Iran on critical issues involving each other’s core interests” and that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is “helpful in safeguarding the peace and stability in the Middle Eastern region and the international nuclear non-proliferation system and should be implemented earnestly.”
Xu Qiliang Meets Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov
9.8 CMC Vice Chairmen Xu Qiliang (许其亮) met Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 7 September. During the meeting, Jeenbekov said that “China is Kyrgyzstan’s most reliable neighbor and partner” and that “[it is] willing to crack down on the ‘three evil forces’ (terrorism, separatism and extremism/三股势力) with China.” Xu said that "BRI has bonded the two countries’ people closely together” and that the “bilateral military exchanges have continued to expand.”
Comprehensively Deepening Reform
China is Still the Most Attractive Hotspot for Investment
9.11 At the 20th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (中国国际投资贸易洽谈会), the “World Investment Report 2018 (Chinese version)” (2018世界投资报告(中文版)) was officially released. The original report was put out by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and showed that foreign direct investment (FDI) into China reached an all-time high in 2017. China is the largest FDI recipient among developing countries, and the second largest FDI recipient in the world after the US. This was despite global FDI in 2017 contracting by 23%.
The Ministry of Commerce also released the “China Foreign Investment Report of 2018” (中国外商投资报告2018). The later report showed even with the rising trend of trade protectionism and anti-globalization, foreign capital use in China experienced a 2% year-on-year increase in 2017, and of the $136.32 billion USD of foreign capital invested $131.04 billion went to industries besides the financial sector. Utilizing foreign capital has realized steady positive progress for China’s economy, and steady steps towards a benign equilibrium. China’s FDI is a bright spot amid a sluggish international investment environment, and gives confidence to investors all over the world.
International Liaison Work
Li Zhanshu Visits North Korea for the Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the DPRK
International Department
9.8-9.10 At the invitation of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Xi Jinping’s special representative and Politburo Standing Committee member Li Zhanshu (栗战书) led a CCP delegation to the DPRK and participated in events celebrating the 70th anniversary of the DPRK's establishment.
Upon arriving in Pyongyang on 8 September, Li was met at the airport by WPK Vice Chairman and State Affairs Commission Vice Chairman Choe Ryong Hae. He also met with President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yong Nam that afternoon.
On 9 September, Li met with and delivered a letter from Xi Jinping to Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un.
In the letter, Xi emphasized that “the Party and government of China’s unswerving policy has always been protecting, consolidating, and developing well China-North Korea relations.” He also stated that “I am willing to work together with the Chairman to strengthen the planning and guidance of China-North Korea relations, implement well the important bilateral consensus, and promote the greater development of China-North Korea relations.”
While meeting with Kim, Li stressed that “Regardless of how international and regional circumstances change, the Party and government of China’s devotion to their firm position of consolidating and developing China-North Korea relations will not change, the Chinese people’s friendly camaraderie with the North Korean people will not change, and China’s support of socialist North Korea will not change.”
On 10 September, Li led the CCP delegation on a visit to the Sino-Korean Friendship Tower, where they paid their respects to the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army martyrs of the Korean War, and toured Pyongyang Teachers' University.
Before leaving the DPRK, Li also met with WPK Central Committee Vice Chairman Ri Su Yong and WPK Politburo alternate member and Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong.
International Department
9.10-9.12 At the invitation of the New Zealand Government, Politburo member and Party Secretary of Guangdong Province Li Xi (李希) led a CCP delegation to New Zealand. While there, he met with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, and Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff separately.
9.11 International Department Vice Minister Li Jun (李军) met with Bolivian Social Democratic Movement President and Santa Cruz Department Governor Rubén Armando Costas Aguilera.
9.11 Li Jun met with the Dominican Republic’s Minister for Regional Integration Policies and General Secretary of the United Left Movement Miguel Mejía.
9.11 Central Committee member and Party Secretary of Shanxi Province Luo Huining (骆惠宁) led a CCP delegation to Mauritius to meet with Militant Socialist Movement leader and Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
9.11-9.12 On 11 September, Li Jun met with the head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran Kamal Kharrazi.
International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) and Li Jun met with Kharazi the following day.
9.12 International Department Vice Minister Wang Yajun (王亚军) met with US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun.
9.12 Song Tao and Li Jun met with a United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) cadre study group led by PSUV Vice President Adán Chávez.
9.13 International Department Vice Minister Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with a Nepali Congress (NC) cadre study group led by NC Central Working Committee member Minendra Rijal.
9.13 Wang Yajun met with the Polish Ambassador to China Wojciech Zajaczkowski.
9.14 Song Tao and Li Jun met with Mexican National Regeneration Movement President Yeidckol Polevnsky Gurwitz.
9.14 Qian Hongshan met with a united English and Northern European political parties young cadre study group led by the Leader of the Council of the London Borough of Havering Damian White and Finnish Centre Party Women’s Organization Chair.
9.14 Qian Hongshan met with the Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armen Papikyan.
Organization Work
9.10 Liu Jianchao (刘建超) was appointed deputy director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office.
9.10 Qin Gang (秦刚) was appointed vice minister of Foreign Affairs.
9.12 Chen Gang (陈刚) and Song Jun (宋军) were appointed members of the Standing Committee of the China Association for Science and Technology.
9.13 Huang Wei (黄炜) was appointed deputy head of the State Grain and Reserves Administration.
9.13 Lin Shanqing (林山青) was appointed deputy head of the National Energy Administration.
9.13 Chen Jian (陈健) was appointed auditor general of the National Audit Office.