- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Nathanael Callan
Weekly Report 1|32 5.26.2017-6.1.2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Xi Jinping gave a speech on “making China a great power in science and technology.” The speech and commentary expounding on it were widely promoted across Party media outlets. The speech called for independent innovation as the only way for China to “climb to the top of world science and technology,” yet also called for deepening international exchange in science and technology to create an open environment for innovation.
The CCP International Department held an event titled “The Story of the CCP: The Practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Guangdong,” intended to introduce the story of China’s reform and opening up to political parties from around the world. The event was attended by an estimated 500 party representatives of 200 political parties from 100 countries.
Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting that deliberated countryside revitalization and poverty alleviation. The Politburo ordered Party committees and governments at each level to increase their understanding of CCP ideology and genuinely implement the Party’s countryside revitalization strategy as a main priority.
SENIOR LEADERS
Wang Qishan Meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko
People’s Daily and Xinhua
5.24-29 Vice President Wang Qishan visited Russia on 24-26 May. He met with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on 24 May. Wang conveyed a message from Xi Jinping, emphasizing how Xi values China-Russia relations, cherishes his friendship with Putin, and looks forward to jointly planning for the further development of bilateral relations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Wang stressed China-Russia relations have established a model for relations between great powers in the modern world and made important contributions to safeguarding global strategic stability and pushing forward the building of a new type of international relations and a community of shared future for mankind. He also stated China resolutely supports Russia’s developmental revitalization and is ready to carry out strategic and long-term cooperation, upgrade the level and quality of practical cooperation, and realize deeper integration of interests with Russia. While in Russia, Wang also attended the 2018 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, met with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin and Russia-China Friendship Association Chairman Dmitry Mezentsev, and inspected the Baltic Pearl Project.
Wang visited Belarus on 27-29 May. He met with the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on 28 May. Wang stated Xi Jinping looks forward to Belarus’ participation in the upcoming SCO summit and meeting with Lukashenko again. He noted China and Belarus have established a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation. Wang praised the China-Belarus Industrial Park as a key project promoted by the leaders of both countries and called for working hard to turn it into a symbol of Belt and Road Initiative cooperation. He welcomed Belarus’ participation in the China International Import Expo. While in Belarus, Wang also met with the Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov.
Xi Jinping: Seize the Opportunity to Make China a Great Power in Science and Technology
5.28 Xi Jinping addressed the joint annual conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering. He emphasized China’s power, prosperity, and rejuvenation require the rapid development of science and technology and working hard to become the world’s primary center for science and innovation. Xi described the circumstances, challenges, and missions facing China as pressing. He advocated recognizing innovation as the primary impetus for development and giving priority to cultivating and rapidly developing strategic emerging industries, pushing forward the Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence’s deep integration with the economy, promoting fundamental changes in the manufacturing industry, and moving Chinese industries up the global value chain.
Xi stressed independent innovation is the only way for China to climb to the top of world science and technology. Yet, he also pointed out independent innovation is innovation in an open environment and called for deepening international exchange and cooperation in science and technology. Xi highlighted the win-win nature of such cooperation, underscoring how it will allow for joint responses to common challenges such as future development, food and energy security, public health, and climate change. He stated CCP leadership is the fundamental political guarantee of unceasing advancement in scientific and technological innovation with Chinese characteristics. Politburo Standing Committee members Li Keqiang, Wang Huning (王沪宁), and Han Zheng (韩正) also attended the conference.
Wang Yang Meets with Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
5.28 Politburo Standing Committee member and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) met with Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Alpha Barry at the Great Hall of the People. Wang conveyed Xi Jinping’s respects to President Blaise Compaoré and congratulations on the recent reestablishment of China-Burkina Faso relations. Wang stated the Burkinabe government’s recognition of the One-China principle is consistent with the trends of the times and consensus of the international community. He also invited Burkina Faso to participate in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September.
Xi Jinping Meets with Laotian President Bounnhang Vorachith
5.30 Xi Jinping met with the President of Laos and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Bounnhang Vorachith in Beijing. Both emphasized the need to push forward the construction of a community of shared future between China and Laos. Xi stressed China-Laos relations have entered a new stage of development. He also called for five actions, namely strengthening strategic communication, deepening practical cooperation, strengthening security cooperation, actively engaging in cultural exchange, and attaching importance to ecological protection, to consolidate the foundation of the consensus both countries have reached on a community of shared future. Following the meeting, Xi and Bounnhang attended a signing ceremony for cooperation documents. Xi Jinping Presides Over CCP Central Committee Politburo Meeting
5.31 General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting set to deliberate the “Countryside Revitalization Strategic Plan (2018-2022)” (乡村振兴战略规划 (2018-2022年)) and the “Three Year Plan Guiding Opinion for Winning the Poverty Alleviation Battle” (关于打赢脱贫攻坚战三年行动的指导意见). Among other points, the meeting jointly demanded that Party committees and governments at each level must increase their understanding of Party ideology and genuinely implement the countryside revitalization strategy as a main priority. All locales and all departments must integrate the countryside with the city, the meeting ordered. The Politburo stated that different methods must be applied to different locales in order to comply with the sentiments of villagers (村情民意).
PROPAGANDA WORK
Zhong Sheng: Eagerly Awaiting a “Big Reunion” between China and Africa
5.27 The commentary pen name “Zhong Sheng” (钟声), which stands for “Voice of China” and/or “Sounding the Alarm Bell” and authoritatively transmits the official positions of People’s Daily on matters of international affairs, praised Burkina Faso’s 26 May decision to reestablish diplomatic relations with China. The article noted the Gambia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Panama, and the Dominican Republic all have also either established or reestablished diplomatic relations with China since 2016, relishing how China’s list of friends keeps getting longer and describing this process as an irresistible trend (大势所趋). It maintained South-South cooperation is the essence of cooperation between China and Africa and stated Burkina Faso can now expect major developments in bilateral economic cooperation. In a likely reference to China’s desire to establish diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland) before the September Forum on China-Africa Cooperation--the last African country holding diplomatic relations with Taiwan--the article concluded by claiming China and Africa both look forward to holding a “big reunion” as soon as possible.
Commentator Article Series on Xi Jinping’s Speech on Science and Technology
People’s Daily
5.29-6.1 The People’s Daily published a series of commentator articles supporting Xi Jinping’s 28 May speech on science and technology at the joint annual conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering.
The first article called for accurately grasping the major trends in scientific and technological innovation and development and deeply analyzing the circumstances and duties facing China’s scientific and technological development. It cited advances in supercomputing and high-speed trains as evidence Chinese science and technology has experienced a historic, holistic, and structural change in recent years. Yet, the article also claimed the country’s science and technology still have prominent problems in urgent need of resolution, particularly the contrast between the new duties and requirements put forward during the 19th Party Congress and ill-suited aspects of outlook structure, innovative capabilities, resource allocation, and systematic policies. It ended by advocating closely uniting under the Central Committee with Xi as the core to realize the goal of becoming a great power in science and technology.
The second article described scientific and technological innovation as a strategic support needed for improving productive forces and comprehensive national power. It stated that, in today’s world, whoever leads in such innovation seizes the initiative and wins advantages. The article argued that, in the increasingly intense global competition for comprehensive national power, China has few options and refusing to pursue independent innovation is not one of them. It maintained national security can only be fundamentally guaranteed when core technologies are in China’s own hands. Yet, like Xi’s speech, the article also noted independent innovation means innovation in an open environment and advocated deepening international exchange and cooperation in science and technology.
The third article posited the flourishing of the nation and strength of the country respectively depend on the flourishing and strength of science and technology. It praised China’s scientific and technological strength and innovative capabilities for making notable progress since the 18th Party Congress. The article proposed taking aim at the frontline of the world’s science and technology and guiding the direction of scientific and technological development to ensure the advancement of scientific and technological innovation. It also recommended gearing scientific and technological innovation toward the economy’s main battlefield and country’s major requirements to help meet the same goal.
The fourth article highlighted the relationship between innovation and reform, likening the former to an engine and latter to an ignition system. As the systematic reform of China’s science and technology still face problems, such as an ineffective innovation system and scattered, duplicated, and inefficient innovative resources, it urged China to be brave enough to face difficulties and take risks. To deepen systematic reform, the article proposed adhering to the “dual drivers” (双轮驱动) of scientific and technological innovation and systematic innovation, strengthening national strategic scientific and technological strength, and upgrading the national innovation system’s effectiveness. It concluded with the observation that, only reformers advance, only innovators are strong, and only reforming innovators are victorious.
Zhong Sheng Series on the Upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting
People’s Daily
5.30-6.1 The People’s Daily published a series of articles under the commentary pen name “Zhong Sheng” (钟声) on the upcoming 9-10 June meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member state leaders in Qingdao. President Xi Jinping will preside over the meeting.
The first article discussed the “Shanghai spirit” (上海精神) of the organization and its role as a cohesive force since the organization was established. The “Shanghai Spirit” arouses in each member state positive joint-aspirations to cooperate, which has already become the spiritual bond between SCO member states to build a community of shared future and a harmonious homeland. The article noted that, due to the accession of Pakistan and India to member status in the SCO, the organization now represents the majority of earth’s people and territory; the commentary recognized the huge potential for the SCO under these circumstances. The commentary described the “Shanghai Spirit” as the binding force of such a large area and populace. Xi Jinping has also argued in favor of these points; the article noted how Xi Jinping actively advocated for the promotion of the “Shanghai Spirit” and other endeavors. Since becoming the chair country of the organization six months ago, China has uncovered great potential and promoted joint-cooperation. The commentary concluded with a recognition that today’s world is facing deeply complex changes; nations look forward to listening to the SCO as SCO member states look forward to jointly responding to challenges.
The second article discussed the significance of the SCO explicitly in terms of security. Without security, there is no development. The commentary noted that, at the time the SCO was established, transnational crime and drug trafficking were rampant in Central Asia. At the first summit meeting of the SCO, joint resolutions targeting these issues were passed. Since then, the SCO has held many bilateral and multilateral joint military exercises, built a shared intelligence network, and built a platform for collaboration for internet security; many international terrorists have been arrested and several hundred terror attacks have been prevented. Acknowledging the importance of security issues, the commentary declared that development is the “main key” (总钥匙) to resolving security issues. Quoting the Secretary General of SCO Rashid Alimov, the commentary stated that “the Belt and Road Initiative thus presents an important opportunity for SCO member states.” The commentary noted China, as a founding member of SCO, has always been an important promoter and contributor to regional security and cooperation. In 2014, Xi Jinping at the SCO summit meeting proposed “The SCO Convention on Countering Extremism” (上海合作组织反极端主义公约). The commentary concluded by recognizing that drafting new joint-security measures is one of several important topics for the upcoming talks in Qingdao; ‘SCO power’ (上合力量) is a powerful force for regional security and world peace.
The third article mainly discussed economic links between SCO member states. According to the author, economic cooperation already has become a main pillar and driving force of the SCO. The commentary noted that over 4.55 billion RMB of goods have been imported and 4.76 billion RMB of goods have exported from Qingdao to Russia, Kazakhstan, and five other SCO member states over the last four months. It observed that SCO member countries have approved economic resolutions, such as the “Program for Multilateral Cooperation in Trade and Economy of the SCO Member States” (上海合作组织成员国多边经贸合作纲要), alongside practical plans, customs agreements, agricultural exchanges, and international transportation routes. The commentary highlighted the influence of trade protectionism in contributing to uncertainty in the global economy. It described the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a major force in SCO economic cooperation. Besides the BRI, the commentary also referenced the China-Eurasian Economic Cooperation Fund (中国-欧亚经济合作基金). As of the end of 2017, China has invested 85.2 billion USD into SCO member states, and, from 2016 to 2017, China-SCO trade increased by 18.9%, resulting in 217.6 billion USD of imports and exports from China to other SCO member states. The commentary concluded by stating that to strive for joint development is a part of the Shanghai Spirit.
UNITED FRONT WORK
Central Leaders of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Meet with Inner Mongolia Branch Leadership Unity Journal
5.29 The chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) Cai Dafeng (蔡达峰) took part in a National People’s Congress law enforcement inspection in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. While there, he also met with members of the Inner Mongolia CAPD branch. Cai told CAPD members and cadres in Inner Mongolia that this year’s general mission for the CAPD is to earnestly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 19th Party Congress as well as to persist in educational activities regarding cooperation and ideology. He also pointed out that CAPD work in Inner Mongolia should focus more on high quality development, particularly in their poverty alleviation efforts and efforts in ensuring stability and national unity on the frontier.
China Christian Council Establishes a Leading Small Group on the Sinicization of Christianity
5.29 A weekly publication associated with China Ethnic News (中国民族报), Zongjiao Zhoukan (宗教周刊), reported that a leading small group on pushing forward the sinicization of Chinese Christianity was established on 22 May during a meeting of the China Christian Council (CCC). CCC President Reverend Gao Feng (高峰) asked the members of the leading small group to comprehensively understand the deep meaning of Xi’s words, “[we] must adhere to the direction of religious sinicization.” Attendees of the meeting think that the churches’ media should positively propagate, popularize, and promote the achievements of the sinicization of Christianity to demonstrate its significance to the healthy development of the churches.
Wang Yang Meets with Head of Taiwan’s United Daily News Group Xinhua
5.26 Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) met with the head of Taiwan’s United Daily News Group in Beijing. He emphasized that the Taiwan question is a great fundamental interest of the Chinese people. Wang noted that today’s cross-Strait relations are incredibly complicated and that both sides must persevere with the “1992 Consensus” that embodies the One-China Principle, promote peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and promote peaceful unification of the country.
Wang expressed his hope that United Daily News Group would be greatly beneficial for all the Chinese people and its reporting would comply with historical trends. He stated that it is the responsibility of media to insist on releasing positive energy (释放正能量), oppose Taiwan independence, speak well of “two shores, one family” (两岸一家亲), promote common cultural identity and mutual understanding, and bring about sensible agreements. Mobilization Meeting for Publication of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Volume II in National Minority Languages Held China Ethnic News
5.29 The Central Propaganda Department and State Ethnic Affairs Commission held a mobilization meeting for the publication of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Volume II in national minority languages in Beijing. Deputy heads from the Propaganda Department and State Ethnic Affairs Commission spoke at the meeting, establishing clear cut requirements for the task. Over 80 minority ethnic group experts participating in the translation work also attended the event. In order to satisfy the desires of the common people and party cadres of minority areas, the Propaganda Department and State Ethnic Affairs Commission proposed five work plans to translate the book into Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur, Kazakh, and Korean.
Meeting on Limiting the Construction of Large Outdoor Religious Statues Convened in Beijing State Administration for Religious Affairs
5.29 United Front Department deputy head and State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) director Wang Zuoan (王作安) spoke at a conference in Beijing convened to discuss limiting the construction of large outdoor religious statues. Officials from the religious affairs departments of every province and autonomous region also attended the conference. Wang and other members of the conference summarized recent efforts to limit construction and analyzed the main issues regarding the matter.
The Conference jointly demanded that every locale in China address the overbuilding of large outdoor religious statues in order to limit the commercialization of Buddhism and Daoism. It also requested locales incorporate an official schedule, clearly establish responsibility and pace for the task, work hard, and guarantee the completion of the task as scheduled.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization Worker Skill Exchange Camp Convened in Beijing Office of the National Committee of the Trade Union of Financial and Commercial Workers, Light Industry and Textile Workers, Tobacco Industry Workers
5.29 Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) Jiang Guangping (江广平) spoke at the opening ceremony of a gathering of representatives from the 18 member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The exchange is being held in order to promote the development of workers’ technical skills in SCO member countries. Representatives from the CCP International Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and State Administration of Radio and Television also attended the opening ceremony of the exchange.
In his remarks, Jiang expressed a desire to establish a long-term technical skill exchange mechanism and competition platform for the workers of SCO member states among other comments. He also expressed a desire to reinforce SCO worker exchanges under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
State Administration for Religious Affairs Promulgates New Regulation on Temporary Religious Sites United Front Work Department
6.1 The State Administration for Religious Affairs publicly announced “Measures for the Regulation, Examination and Approval of Temporary Places for Religious Activities”; the measures were originally decided upon on 22 February. The new measure provides specific implication guidelines for the approval process of a temporary worship site; the 35th article of the Regulations on Religious Affairs stated that religious groups in need of a temporary worship space can apply to the religious affairs department of their county government.
PARTY DISCIPLINE
Strengthen Supervision and Discipline Inspection to Provide Disciplinary Guarantee for Building an Ecological Civilization
5.29 Ministry of Ecological Environment CCDI unit head Wu Haiying (吴海英) highlighted the “seven musts” for ecological environment protection work during his interview with the CCDI. The first must is to clarify the concrete tasks for the Ministry’s Party committee and leadership to implement anti-corruption measures. The second is to establish a system for Party committee heads at basic levels to report to the Ministry’s disciplinary unit on their political ecological situation quarterly. The remaining requirements include reinforcing daily supervision, firmly opposing formalism and bureaucratism, and building a loyal, responsible, and honorable inspection cadre team. Wu said that the implementation of environmental law has always been a field that is prone to corruption and that they had put in considerable efforts to punish and build a system to conduct supervision and inspection work.
CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION (CMC)
Zhang Youxia: Provide Strong Political Guarantees and Disciplinary Support to Strengthen the Army
5.26 Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia (张又侠) attended a symposium on inspection work for the armed services and the People’s Armed Police Forces, where he stressed the necessity of deeply comprehending and resolutely carrying out Xi Jinping’s instructions on inspection work. He remarked that deepening discipline inspection of the armed services must focus on upholding the Party’s absolute leadership over the army, comprehensively strengthening Party building in the army, creating a “clean and upright” (风清气正) political ecology, promoting comprehensive and strict governance of the Party, and strengthening the political responsibility for managing and governing the Party. Zhang also said that the Party committees of army units must bear the responsibility for strengthening inspection work, and that Party committee secretaries must “do it themselves, really grasp it, strive and raise the sharpness and strength of inspection work.”
Xu Qiliang and Wei Fenghe Meet Mongolian Minister of Defense
5.25 CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang (许其亮) and CMC member and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe (魏凤和) separately met with the Mongolian Minister of Defense Nyamaa Enkhbold.
In Xu’s meeting, Xu said China is willing to work with Mongolia to implement the important consensus reached by Xi Jinping and Mongolia’s leaders to respect each other’s core interests, and to seize the Belt and Road Initiative and the “development road” strategy (“发展之路”战略). Xu expressed the hope that the two countries’ militaries could maintain senior level dialogue, deepen substantive cooperation, and foster strategic communication and strategic mutual trust. Enkhbold told Xu that Mongolia considers cooperation with China a diplomatic priority. Mongolia is willing to foster more strategic docking between the two countries.
In Wei’s meeting, Wei emphasised China’s peaceful diplomacy and the Chinese military’s willingness to cooperate with the Mongolian military on various international issues.
Wei Fenghe Meets with the Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Armed Forces
5.30 Wei Fenghe met the Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Armed Forces Othmar Commenda at the August 1st Building in Beijing. Both sides expressed a willingness to further deepen their military-to-military relations and cooperation.
COMPREHENSIVELY DEEPENING REFORM
Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Releases a Response to Statements from the White House
5.29 In a public statement, the Ministry of Commerce stated they were shocked by statements from the White House regarding imposition of tariffs, but such statements were not entirely unexpected though the White House’s statements run contrary to the consensus recently reached between Chinese and US negotiators. No matter what stance the US takes, China has confidence in its ability to protect the core interests of its country and people. China urges the US to act in accordance with the spirit of the joint statement.
In Response to China-US Economic and Trade Friction, China Must Stick to Basic Rationale of Reform and Opening-Up
5.30 In a commentary posted to Xinhua Net, head of the Department of International Investment of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of World Economics and Politics Zhang Ming (张明) advocated that despite the rapid change in the Trump administration’s handling of bilateral trade issues with China, the Chinese government should nevertheless adhere to “the basic principles of reform and opening up” (改革开放的基本逻辑). By doing so, China will accelerate domestic structural reforms, and promote prosperity in the global economy through its own rise.
Zhang explained that the White House statement on 29 May on imposing 25% tariffs on 50 billion USD worth of Chinese technology products was a serious violation of the consensus reached previously between Chinese and US negotiators. He expressed surprise that the US government would change its stance in such a short time, which he attributed to President Trump’s self-acclaimed “businessman mindset.” He cautioned that such a tactic is costing the US government’s international reputation and trust with other countries including its allies and with international organizations. The author also asserted that the intensified trade friction between China and the US is an inevitable test in the process of China’s rise, and that China should be prepared for an extended trade war much like the extended trade wars the US took part in after World War II with the European Union and Japan. Moreover, Zhang explained that Japan’s economic bubble and subsequent stagnation were closely related to its trade war with the US, and Zhang noted in particular the sharp appreciation of the yen against the dollar and loose monetary and credit policies.
China-US Economic and Trade Dialogue Holds Working Level Consultation
5.30 On the afternoon of 30 May, US representatives arrived for working level consultations in Beijing. In the next several days, over 50 officials on the US side will discuss the details of implementing the China-US joint consensus with officials on the Chinese side.
INTERNATIONAL LIAISON WORK
International Department Holds Event in Guangdong: “The Story of the CCP: Guangdong’s Practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”
5.27 The CCP International Department held an event titled “The Story of the CCP: Guangdong’s Practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” with the help of the Shenzhen Party committee, intended to introduce the story of China’s reform and opening up to political parties from around the world. The event was estimated to have been attended by more than 500 party representatives of over 200 political parties from over 100 countries. This is the first time such event was held outside of Beijing. Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Secretariat Nguyễn Xuân Thắng and Sergei Zheleznyak, the Deputy Secretary of the United Russia party general council, both delivered speeches during the meeting. According to Guangdong Party Secretary Li Xi (李希), the conference was held in Guangdong because it is an important “window for demonstrating the success of China’s reform and opening up.”
Addressing attendees, International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) emphasized that reform and opening up is the only way to promote the development of the country, and stated that the CCP is willing to share opportunities and seek common development with political parties of various countries.
Zhong Sheng: Strengthen Political Party Dialogue, Together Promote Civilizational Progress
5.29 The People’s Daily’s “Zhong Sheng” byline discussed the International Department’s conference in Shenzhen. The article detailed the enthusiasm of attendees for learning about China’s reform experience, arriving at the conference an hour early to visit an exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of Guangdong’s reform and opening up and thanking the CCP for sharing with them its experience in governing China. The article said the enthusiastic response from attendees is evidence of the urgent need for political party exchanges in the world today.
As the sources of political decision-making, representatives and guides of public opinion, political parties play an important role in the political life of a country, and are an important force in promoting the progress of human civilization. Therefore, China is actively setting up a political party exchange platform to explore the establishment of a “new type of political party relations” that seeks common ground, mutual respect, and mutual learning, in order to “earnestly undertake the building a community of shared future for mankind and open up avenues for the progress of human civilization.”
5.26 International Department Vice Minister Guo Yezhou (郭业州) met with a Pakistani delegation led by the special envoy of the Chairman of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz Sharif) and Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
5.26 Guo Yezhou met with a delegation headed by Deputy Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and advisor to the President of Sri Lanka Jagath Pushpakumara.
5.26 Guo Yezhou met with the special representative of the President of India’s Bharatiya Janata Party Anirban Ganguly.
5.26 International Department Vice Minister Li Jun (李军) met with the Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname Melvin Bouva.
5.26 Li Jun met with representatives of Uruguay’s Broad Front Confluence, National Party, and Colorado Party.
5.26 Song Tao met with a delegation led by Anand Sharma, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Department and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) of the Indian National Congress. Both sides expressed the desire for the two parties to bolster high-level exchanges, learn from each other’s experiences on party and state governance, and deepen cooperation at the local and global level.
5.27 Li Jun met with representatives from Brazilian political parties, including the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, Workers’ Party, Democratic Labour Party, and Communist Party.
5.27 Guo Yezhou met with a joint communist cadre study group composed of eight communist party leaders from the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Finland, and Sweden.
5.27 Guo Yezhou met with the cadre study group from the People's Democratic Party of Tajikistan (PDPT) led by deputy head of the PDPT Ranokhon Bobojoniyon.
5.27 Song Tao met with the General Secretary of the Mongolian People’s Party Dashzeveg Amarbayasgalan.
5.27 Song Tao met with the deputy secretary of the United Russia’s General Council Sergei Zheleznyak.
5.28 Li Jun met with the President of the Christian Democrat Organization of America Juan Carlos Latorre.
5.28 Li Jun met with the National Coordinator of Ideological Formation for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Jesús Faría.
5.28 Li Jun met with the First Vice President of the Bolivian Senate Lineth Guzman.
5.28 Li Jun met with Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean President and Dominican Liberation Party leader Manolo Pichardo, and leaders from the Dominican Revolutionary Party, Dominican Workers Party, and United Left Movement Party.
5.28 Guo Yezhou met with the Leader of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia and Chamber of Deputies of Czech Republic Parliament Vice President Vojtěch Filip.
5.28 Guo Yezhou met with German Communist Party leader Patrik Köbele.
5.28 Guo Yezhou met with Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy.
5.28 Guo Yezhou met with Standing Committee members of the Central Committee of the Nepal Communist Party Jhala Nath Khanal and Narayan Kaji Shrestha.
5.28 Li Jun met with leaders from Chile’s governing coalition, National Renewal Party vice chairman José Miguel Arellano and Secretary-General of the Independent Democratic Union of Chile Issa Kort.
5.28-5.29 Song Tao met with a Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) delegation led by the member of the CPV’s Secretariat and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Nguyễn Xuân Thắng. The next day, the delegation met with Central Organization Department head Chen Xi (陈希).
5.29 Central Propaganda Department Head Huang Kunming (黄坤明) met with foreign communist party leaders and representatives of the Mongolian People’s Party for the Special Symposium to Commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Karl Marx’s Birth.
5.29-5.31 Head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection’s discipline inspection group in the Organization Department Yu Hongqiu (喻红秋) led a CCP delegation to Bulgaria at the invitation of the GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria) party. While there, she met with Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly Emil Hristov and other party and governmental leaders.
5.30 Li Jun met with a delegation of cadres from left-wing political parties in Arab countries led by the Palestine Popular Struggle Front Secretary-General Ahmed Majdalani.
5.30 International Department Vice Minister Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with the Second President of Austria’s National Council Doris Bures.
5.31 Guo Yezhou met with a Papua New Guinean government joint cadre study group led by a deputy leader of People's National Congress Party.
5.31 Politburo Standing Committee member and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Secretary Zhao Leji (赵乐际) met with President of Laos and General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee Bounnhang Vorachith. Li Keqiang also met with Bounnhang later that same day.
ORGANIZATION WORK
5.31 Hu Jinglin (胡静林) was appointed head of the State Medical Insurance Administration.