- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Brock Erdahl
Weekly Report: 1|30 5.12.2018-5.18.2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ministry of Civil Affairs published an 28 April 2018 notification requiring social organizations to add content on Party building and core socialist values to their charters to its website, noting social organizations are an important front in Party work and mass work.
Xi Jinping presided over the first meeting of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, emphasizing the centralized leadership of the Party over foreign affairs work and the Commission’s role as a coordinator and promoter of innovation in diplomatic theories and implementation.
Vice President Wang Qishan met US representatives for the 10th US-China CEO and Former Senior Officials’ Dialogue in Zhongnanhai. Wang said that an equal and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship is the “ballast” of the US-China relationship.
Days after the US moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, International Department Minister Song Tao met with representatives of Palestine’s Fatah and pledged the CCP’s support.
SENIOR LEADERS
Li Zhanshu Makes Official Visits to Ethiopia and Mozambique
Xinhua
5.9-12 Politburo Standing Committee member and National People’s Congress Standing Committee chairman Li Zhanshu (栗战书) paid an official visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 9-12 May. While there, he separately met with President Mulatu Teshome, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Muferiat Kamil and Speaker of the House of Federation Keria Ibrahim. During the meeting with Mulatu, Li stated China-Ethiopia relations have entered the new stage of a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation. While meeting with Abiy, Li claimed China should link its own development with that of Africa and described China-Ethiopia cooperation as a model for China-Africa and South-South cooperation. The two also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents. During the meeting with Muferiat and Keria, Li declared China is willing to work with the Parliament of Ethiopia to continuously optimize the legal environment for practical cooperation. Li also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian parliament.
Li also met with the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Thomas Kwesi Quartey at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa on 11 May. Li noted that, as China aims to achieve its two centenary goals and the AU pursues Agenda 2063, there is tremendous potential for China-Africa cooperation. He stated China is willing to advance practical cooperation with African countries, including under the Belt and Road Initiative and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation frameworks. He also said China will support the AU in guiding Africa toward integration, play a bigger role in regional and international affairs, and protect Africa’s unity and common interests.
Li paid an official visit to Maputo, Mozambique on 12-15 May. While there, he separately met with President Filipe Nyusi and Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic Verónica Macamo. During the meeting with Nyusi, Li noted China and Mozambique have a deep friendship rooted in struggle against imperialism and colonialism that was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2016. He also called for giving play to the “three big advantages” (political mutual trust, complementary economics, and people’s friendship) and “three big platforms” (Belt and Road Initiative, Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries) in China-Mozambique relations. While in Mozambique, Li also attended a forum for executives of Chinese companies operating in Africa, the opening ceremony for the 2018 joint conference of Confucius Institutes in Africa, and cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Mozambique-China Cultural Center.
Xi Jinping Sends Letter to Conferences on 10th Anniversary of Wenchuan Earthquake and Continental Earthquakes
5.12 Xi Jinping sent a letter to the International Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the Wenchuan Earthquake and the Fourth International Conference on Continental Earthquakes. The letter indicated that, under the CCP’s leadership, the restoration and reconstruction work in the areas affected by the earthquake had achieved results that attracted worldwide attention and provided the international community with useful experience and insight into carrying out such work following disasters. It called for the international community to work together to scientifically understand the laws of the causes of disasters, effectively reduce the risks of disasters, and realize the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.
According to reports, government officials shut down unauthorized memorial services commemorating the anniversary and beat a journalist covering the event.
Wang Yi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hold Talks
5.13 Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) held talks with Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif in Beijing. Wang stated China is working to maintain the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as it is the result of hard-won multilateralism and has contributed to the international non-proliferation system and regional peace and stability. He indicated that, going forward, China will continue communicating and coordinating with the relevant countries. Zarif expressed appreciation for China’s position on the JCPOA.
Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang Holds Talks with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
5.14-15 Li Keqiang held talks with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Keith Rowley in Beijing on 14 May. Li noted Trinidad and Tobago is China’s biggest trading partner among Anglophone countries in the Caribbean. He indicated China is willing to link up with the country under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and advance cooperation in infrastructure construction, energy, finance, and agriculture. Li stressed China-Latin America and China-Caribbean cooperation is an important component of South-South cooperation, adding such cooperation not only accords with common interests but also safeguards regional and world stability and prosperity.
Xi Jinping met with Rowley the following day. Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office Director Yang Jiechi (杨洁篪), Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅), and National Development and Reform Commission Chairman He Lifeng (何立峰) also participated in the meeting. Xi reiterated the point Li made about working with Trinidad and Tobago under the BRI framework. He added China and Trinidad and Tobago should maintain close communication and cooperation in addressing climate change and other major world problems as well as China will continue speaking out for justice for Caribbean countries at multilateral venues and hopes Trinidad and Tobago will play an active role in promoting China’s cooperation with Caribbean and Latin American countries.
Xi Jinping Meets with Newly Elected Chairman of the Boao Forum Ban Ki-moon
5.14-15 Xi Jinping met with the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and newly elected Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Chairman Ban Ki-moon on 15 May. Yang Jiechi and Wang Yi also participated in the meeting. Xi pointed out BFA’s development and China’s reform and opening have reciprocally affected and accompanied one another. He also referenced his 2018 BFA speech to emphasize economic globalization is an irreversible trend of the times, the destinies of all the world’s countries are closely linked, and the problems stemming from economic globalization must be solved with multilateral coordination rather than diehard conservative attitudes (因循守旧). Wang also held a separate meeting with Ban on 14 May.
Liu He Leads China Delegation to the United States
Xinhua
5.15 At the invitation of the US government, Xi Jinping’s special envoy, leader of the China-US Comprehensive Economic Dialogue (中美全面经济对话), and Vice Premier Liu He (刘鹤) led a delegation to Washington, DC. The delegation included People's Bank of China Governor Yi Gang (易纲), National Development and Reform Commission Deputy Director Ning Jizhe (宁吉喆), Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission Deputy Director Liao Min (廖岷), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zheng Zeguang (郑泽光), Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Luo Wen (罗文), Vice Minister of Finance Zhu Guangyao (朱光耀), Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun (韩俊), and Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen (王受文) among others.
Xi Jinping Presides Over the First Central Foreign Affairs Commission Meeting
5.15 Xi Jinping presided over the first meeting of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and gave an important speech. Xi emphasized reinforcing the centralized and unified leadership of the Party over foreign affairs work, accurately grasping the current development of the international situation, and opening up a new phase in Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics. Xi stressed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an important platform to implement building a community of a shared future for mankind and local governments should also promote foreign affairs work. He said the Central Foreign Affairs Commission should act as a coordinator and promote innovation in diplomatic theories and implementation. Politburo standing committee members Li Keqiang (李克强), Wang Huning (王沪宁), and Han Zheng (韩正), and Vice President and Commission member Wang Qishan (王岐山) attended the meeting. Wang Qishan’s attendance and inclusion in the Commission is said to demonstrate his important role in the formulation of China’s foreign policy.
Wang Qishan Meets US Representatives at the US-China CEO and Former Senior Officials’ Dialogue
5.15 Vice President Wang Qishan (王岐山) met US representatives for the 10th US-China CEO and Former Senior Officials’ Dialogue in Zhongnanhai. Wang said that an equal and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship is the “ballast” (压舱石) of the US-China relationship. Both sides should enhance mutual understanding, increase trust, and resolve differences through dialogues and negotiation. China will deepen its reform further, expand opening up, and improve its trade and investment environment. US representatives said that a good US-China relationship is beneficial to the stable development of both countries’ and the world’s economies. The US business community will continue pushing for communication and exchanges between the two countries.
Xi Jinping Meets WPK Friendship Visiting Group
5.16 Xi Jinping met with a Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) friendship visiting group led by WPK Politburo member and Central Committee vice chairman Pak Thae Song. Pak first sent Kim Jong Un’s regards to Xi. Xi pointed out China supports improving the relationship between the North and South, pushing for North Korea-US dialogue, and realizing the denuclearization of the peninsula. He added China supports North Korea developing its economy and improving the livelihood of its people. Pak said Kim had tasked this friendship visiting group with visiting China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the CCP and WPK and learn from China’s experiences in economic construction and reform and opening up. Politburo standing committee member Wang Huning (王沪宁) also attended the meeting.
PROPAGANDA WORK
Let Marxism Emit Brighter Rays of Truth in China
5.15 The Qiushi Journal published a commentator article on Xi Jinping’s speech commemorating the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth. The article praised Xi’s speech for scientifically summarizing the progress and results of the Party guiding the people’s creativity in pushing Marxism toward sinification as well as adhering to and developing the requirements of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. It contended that, no matter how the times change or science progresses, Marxism will still illustrate the might of scientific ideology and hold the high ground in truth and morality. The article noted Marxism has served as the guiding ideology and theoretical foundation of the CCP from the start though it has always been imbued with theoretical innovation. It ended by describing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics as the newest result of Marxism’s sinification.
Adhere to Open Development, Deepen Win-Win Cooperation, Join Hands to Build a Community of Shared Future for Mankind
5.15 Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Baodong (李保东) published an article on China’s “ community of shared future for mankind” (人类命运共同体) concept. He described it as a Chinese contribution to global governance, embodiment of the organic integration of the China Dream and World Dream, and demonstration of China’s dedication to assuming great power responsibility for building a better world. Li argued the concept shows China is continuing to adhere to a mutually beneficial strategy of openness and seeking to use its own development to promote the common development of all countries. He criticized protectionism and isolationism as dead ends that not only provide no help for the development of one’s own country but also have a negative influence over the world economy and urged great powers to use their strength and influence to create favorable conditions for the common development of mankind.
Reform and Opening Was the First Great Awakening in Our Party’s History
5.15 Head of the Party History Research Center Qu Qingshan (曲青山) published an article commemorating the 40th anniversary of reform and opening. He described this policy as a crucial move in determining the destiny of modern China and great awakening originating in the character of the CCP, fundamental principles of Marxist epistemology, and historic role of the people. Qu credited reform and opening with promoting Marxism’s sinification and accelerating the pace of the Party’s theoretical innovations. He argued this policy is still underway and vowed it will be carried out to the end.
Tax Cooperation Promotes Win-Win Sharing Under BRI
5.14 State Administration of Taxation head Wang Jun (王军) attended the opening ceremony of a conference on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) tax cooperation in Astana, Kazakhstan. During his speech, Wang said that, as of April 2018, China’s taxation departments have established cooperative relationships with 25 international organizations and regional taxation organizations, created bilateral taxation cooperation mechanisms with 117 countries and regions, signed agreements on taxation with 54 BRI countries and regions, and released 75 country guidelines for investment and taxation. Improved taxation systems for business will facilitate businesses’ “going out” (走出去) and “coming in” (引进来) and increase expectations for having bilateral investment.
UNITED FRONT WORK
Western Returned Scholars Association Conducts Conference on “Consolidating Foreign Returned Talent to Assist Poverty Alleviation”
5.14 The Western Returned Scholars Association (WRSA) held a conference entitled “Consolidating Foreign Returned Talent to Assist Poverty Alleviation” in Chengdu this week. The conference was presided over by WRSA Party Secretary Wang Pijun (王丕君), who addressed attendees about how the WRSA must focus on the Party’s central task of poverty alleviation. Deputy Governor of the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou province Li Jie (李杰) told the gathering that western returned scholars will attach great importance to poverty alleviation in Qianxinan and organize seminars that gather overseas returnees and assist in poverty reduction. He discussed plans to utilize western returned talent in a new beer production company located in Qianxinan as well as in exhibitions and other activities related to poverty reduction.
Ministry of Civil Affairs: Notification on Adding Party Building and Core Socialist Values to Social Organizations’ Charters
5.14 The Ministry of Civil Affairs published an 28 April 2018 notification requiring social organizations to add content on Party building and core socialist values to their charters on its website. The section on Party building should read: “In accordance with provisions in the Constitution of the Communist Party of China, this group (foundation, center, institute, etc.) will set up a Communist Party of China organization, carry out Party activities, and provide the necessary conditions for Party organization activities.” The section on core socialist values should read: “Abide by the constitution, law, statutes, and state policy, put core socialist values into practice, and abide by socialist morality and customs.” The notification justified these changes by noting social organizations are an important front in Party work and mass work.
All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots Visits the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification in Hungary
5.15 An All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots (ACFTC/全国台联) delegation led by ACFTC President Huang Zhixian (黄智贤) traveled to Hungary to meet with the Hungarian China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification (中国统促会). They heard a report on the council’s activities from its president Zeng Yugen (曾玉根). Activities included organizing the Chinese community in Hungary to celebrate the 70th anniversary of China’s victory in World War II, commemorate the 70th anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation from Japanese rule, and commemorate Sun Yatsen’s 150th birthday as well as an event to support Taiwan policy as articulated at this year’s Two Sessions. Zeng vowed that his organization would continue to hold high the banner of patriotism and act as a catalyst for national reunification. Huang praised the group’s efforts and articulated his hope that the council would strengthen its cooperation with the ACFTC.
You Quan Meets with Federation of Hong Kong Industries Group
5.17 United Front Work Department Head You Quan (尤权) met with a Federation of Hong Kong Industries Group (FHKI) visiting Beijing. He indicated the Central Committee attaches great importance to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability as well as the city’s role in the overall national strategic situation. He expressed hope the FHKI would uphold love for both China and Hong Kong, fully support the Chief Executive of Hong Kong and Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and actively promote Hong Kong’s integration into the overall national development situation.
PARTY DISCIPLINE
Zhao Leji: Unswervingly Deepen Political Inspection to Maintain Xi Jinping as the Core and the Central Committee’s Authority
5.14 Politburo Standing Committee member, Central Commission for Discipline Inspection secretary, and Central Leading Group for Inspection Work leader Zhao Leji (赵乐际) attended a meeting on promoting the implementation of the “Central Inspection Work Plan (2018-2022)” in Chengdu. During a speech, Zhao emphasized maintaining Xi Jinping’s core status and the Central Committee’s authority and centralized and unified leadership is the “guiding principle” and “soul” of inspection work for a new era. He called for thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping thought on inspection work and adhering to the inspection work guidelines of “finding problems, inspiring intimidation, promoting reform, and advancing development.” The leaders of the provincial and municipal leading small groups for inspection work from Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Xinjiang also made speeches at the event while those from Guizhou, Tibet, Qinghai, Ningxia, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps submitted written reports.
Four Key Terms to Understand the Supervision Commission
5.14 A member of Beijing’s commission for discipline inspection and supervision commission argued the city’s more than a year-long experience as a pilot area for national supervision system reform has demonstrated four key terms are essential to understanding and implementing the Supervision Law. The first is “according to the law” (依法) since, as mechanisms of anti-corruption work, supervision commissions must adhere to and reinforce the Party’s leadership and strictly abide by the constitution and law while carrying out their responsibilities. Second, “independence” (独立) because supervision commissions and their supervisory authority must be independent to prevent outside interference and influence. Third, “rapport” (配合) since the work of supervision commissions is inseparable from the assistance of people’s courts, procuratorates, the public security bureau, and other administrative departments. Fourth, “checks” (制约) because only constant improvement of the self- and external supervision systems can ensure the supervisory authority effectively moves along the track of the rule of law.
China and ASEAN Exchange Ideas on Anti-Corruption Cooperation
5.16 Central Commission for Discipline Inspection standing committee member and National Supervision Commission member Ling Ji (凌激) met with leading cadres from ASEAN member countries’ diplomatic missions in China to exchange ideas on promoting and implementing the China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Comprehensively Strengthening Effective Anti-Corruption Cooperation. Both sides unanimously agreed to use the establishment of China’s National Supervision Commission as an opportunity to push China-ASEAN anti-corruption cooperation to a new level.
CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION (CMC)
Xi Jinping: Assiduously Build A High-Quality Military Science Research Institution to Provide a Strong Support to Realizing the Party’s Strong Military Goal in a New Era
5.16 Xi Jinping inspected the PLA Academy of Military Science (中国人民解放军军事科学院) and emphasized during his visit that military science is an important force for guiding military implementation and leading military reform. He pointed out that the innovation of military theory should be centered around warfare to establish an advanced operational theory system with Chinese military’s characteristics that fits the pattern of modern warfare. In addition, Xi emphasized realizing breakthroughs in core technologies as soon as possible, strictly ruling the Party, and unwaveringly preserving the Party’s absolute leadership over the military. Xu Qiliang (许其亮), Zhang Youxia (张又侠), Wei Fenghe (魏凤和), Li Zuocheng (李作成), Miao Hua (苗华), and Zhang Shengmin (张升民) all attended the visit.
COMPREHENSIVELY DEEPENING REFORM
Xi Jinping Presides over the Second Meeting of the Central Commission for Deepening Overall Reform
5.11 During the second meeting of the Central Commission for Deepening Overall Reform, Commission head Xi Jinping emphasized thoroughly planning local institutional reform to ensure its deployment and implementation at the central and local levels are connected. The meeting stressed local Party committees should strengthen their leadership over institutional reform work and ensure ideological and political work permeates the whole course of reform. In addition, the meeting pointed out reinforcing the restrictions on the debt level of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is an important measure for implementing the spirit of the 19th Party Congress as it applies to lowering SOEs’ leverage ratio and preventing risks caused by SOE’s debt. Deputy heads of the Commission Wang Huning (王沪宁) and Han Zheng (韩正) attended the meeting.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Praise for Positive American Position on ZTE Corp.
5.14 When asked about President Trump’s tweets regarding his request that the Department of Commerce resolve the issues around telecommunications company ZTE Corporation (中兴公司) at a regularly scheduled press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang (陆慷) stated China praises the positive developments in the US attitude towards ZTE and China is in close communication with the US on further details. Lu mentioned Vice Premier Liu He’s (刘鹤) visit to the US this week and stated China is willing to make a joint effort with the US to promote positive trends and constructive results in the ongoing trade and economic consultations.
Economic Daily: Realizing the Mutually Beneficial “Win-Win” Benefits from Expanded Opening
Economic Daily
5.16 Economic Daily reporter Lin Huocan (林火灿) wrote an opinion piece on the importance of foreign capital in fueling China’s economic growth. After alluding to Xi Jinping’s commitment to openness during his speech at the Boao Forum for Asia, Lin applauded the many multinational corporations that contributed to China’s economic development through necessary funding, advanced technology, and management experience during the past 40 years of reform and opening. With this backdrop, the entry of foreign capital into China’s market will enhance opportunities for local companies to participate in international economic competition. Lin also drew a connection with the Belt and Road Initiative and the large increase in trade between China and BRI participating nations compared with China’s foreign trade overall. Lin also stressed the importance of China’s transition from “high-speed to high-quality growth” (高速增长转向高质量发展), the promotion of China’s technological progress, and supply-side structural reform (供给侧结构性改革). Lin concluded by saying China’s development is an opportunity for the world and that China is both a beneficiary and contributor to economic globalization.
INTERNATIONAL LIAISON WORK
5.11-15 Politburo member and Beijing Party Committee Secretary Cai Qi (蔡奇) led a CCP delegation on a friendly visit to the United Kingdom. While there, he separately met with the Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington, Duke of York Prince Andrew, Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn, First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party Nicola Sturgeon, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. He also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements for trade and science and technology.
5.14 International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) met with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party Aloysio Nunes.
5.14 Song Tao met with a Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) friendship visiting group led by WPK Politburo member and Central Committee vice chairman Pak Thae Song. International Department Vice Ministers Xu Luping (徐绿平), Li Jun (李军), Wang Yajun (王亚军), and Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) and International Department Assistant Minister Shen Beili (沈蓓莉) also participated in the meeting.
5.15 Song Tao met with a Fatah delegation from Palestine led by Fatah Central Committee member Abbas Zaki, in which he promised that the CCP would continue to support the Middle East peace process and the Palestinians’ just struggle for legal rights. Li Jun also participated in the meeting. Song and Zaki signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the CCP and Fatah after the meeting concluded. Politburo member Wang Chen (王晨) also met with the Fatah delegation a day before Song Tao’s meeting.
ORGANIZATION WORK
5.15 Li Zhangze (李章泽) was appointed deputy director of the State Commission Office for Public Sector Reform.
5.15 Sun Zhiyang (孙志洋) and Lei Ping (雷平) were appointed deputy general managers of the FAW Group Corporation and members of the standing committee of its Party committee.
5.15 Major General Cai Yongzhong (蔡永中) was appointed political commissar of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.
5.15 Shu Gequn (舒歌群) was appointed secretary of the University of Science and Technology of China’s Party committee.
5.16 Sui Jun (隋军) was appointed member of the Party leadership group of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.
5.17 Yang Qingshan (杨庆山) was appointed secretary of Nankai University’s Party committee.
5.17 Zhang Jun (张军) and Zhang Hanhui (张汉晖) were appointed assistant ministers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5.17 Fan Weiping (范卫平) was appointed deputy bureau chief of the State Administration of Radio and Television and a member of its Party leadership group.