- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Nathanael Callan
Weekly Report 1|45 8.31.2018-9.7.2018
[Xi Jinping at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation/ Xinhua]
Highlights
At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing this week, Xi Jinping announced “Eight Major Initiatives” (八大行动) for creating a closer community of shared future for China and Africa over the next three years (see Senior Leaders section). Party media focused on promoting Xi’s speech through a commentator series and special columns (see Propaganda section).
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission (NSC) established a “guest supervisor system” which brings in outside supervisors to monitor the CCDI and NSC (see Party Discipline section).
The CMC releases its “Decision on Strengthening Party Building in the Armed Forces in the New Era” (see CMC section).
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping Meets with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
9.2 Xi Jinping met with the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Beijing.
According to Xinhua, Xi argued that “the world needs multilateralism and a strong United Nations even more than in the past” since “unilateralism and protectionism have reared their heads and attacked the international order and global governance system.” He emphasized that “China’s determination to comprehensively deepen reform will not change” and “we are willing to use practical actions to drive all parties to jointly adhere to trade liberalization and facilitation and construct an open world economy.”
Xi also described China-Africa cooperation as “cooperation between kindred spirit developing countries” (发展中国家心心相印的合作) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as “a model of South-South cooperation.” He elaborated that “We do not affix any political conditions or pursue any special benefits. We make unremitting efforts and do work well only if we are sure that it is advantageous to African countries and people.”
Xi Jinping Delivers Keynote Speech at Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Opening Ceremony
9.3 Xi Jinping delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, in which he advocated for the creation of a “community of shared future” for China and Africa. He outlined six benefits of this community, namely assuming joint responsibility, pursuing win-win cooperation, sharing happiness, enjoying cultural prosperity, enjoying common security, and promoting harmony between humankind and the environment, and “establishing a model for promoting a community of shared future for mankind.”
Xi indicated that China, in close coordination with African countries, plans to carry out “Eight Major Initiatives” (八大行动) for creating a closer community of shared future for China and Africa over the next three years. These initiatives encompass industrial advancement, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity building, health and sanitation, people-to-people exchange, and peace and security. Xi stated that China will make $60 billion in financing available for promoting their smooth implementation.
Additionally, Xi announced that China will “forgive the debt held by Africa’s least developed countries, heavily indebted and impoverished countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing countries that have diplomatic relations with China that is in the form of no-interest loans due to be repaid to the Chinese government by the end of 2018.”
Xi Jinping: China Does Not Build Vanity Projects in Africa
9.4 The Ministry of Commerce published a summary of a Nigerian newspaper’s story on Xi Jinping’s remarks at a 3 September meeting for Chinese and African business leaders. According to the story, Xi stated that “China does not build ‘vanity projects’ in Africa” and “builds infrastructure that can eliminate development bottlenecks” instead.
Xi indicated that “China will not interfere in Africa’s internal affairs and also will not impose its will on Africa.” He also insisted that “Chinese companies in Africa must start to shoulder social responsibilities, respect local cultures and customs, attach importance to cultivating a corporate reputation, pay greater attention to personnel training and improving the living conditions of local residents, and attach greater importance to environmental protection and resource conservation.”
Wang Yang Attends Reception at North Korean Embassy in Beijing for 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the DPRK
Xinhua 9.7 Politburo Standing Committee Member Wang Yang (汪洋) attended a reception at North Korea’s diplomatic mission in Beijing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. At the reception, Wang expressed that “under the leadership of Chairman Kim Il Sung, General Secretary Kim Jong Il, Leader Kim Jong Un, and the Workers’ Party of Korea, the North Korean people have resolutely defended the independence of the motherland and have made great achievements in the construction of socialist undertakings.” Among other points, Wang noted that “in recent years, the supreme leaders of (China and North Korea) have held three important meetings, which have opened up a new chapter in Sino-North Korean relations.”
Propaganda Work
Guo Jiping: Sing the Melody of China-Africa Win-Win Joint Development
9.1 A commentary published under the People’s Daily’s pen name “Guo Jiping” (国纪平), which stands for “important commentary on 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, described the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on 3 and 4 September as the “new starting point and new journey of building a tighter community of shared future for China and Africa.”
The commentary emphasized the long history of China-African friendship, referring to Chinese aid to West Africa in 2014 for Ebola and Africa’s donation of over USD 10 million to China after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. It stressed that “compared to how the West colonized and interfered with Africa, China’s relations with Africa have shown fundamental differences” and that “the motive of China-African cooperation is to support Africa and [create] win-win cooperation.”
PD Commentator Series on Learning from Xi Jinping’s Important Speech at the BRI Symposium
People’s Daily
9.1-9.2 People’s Daily continued its commentator series on Xi’s speech at the BRI Symposium from last week. The fourth article emphasized that, from now on, BRI should focus on painting a “meticulous painting” (工笔画) and pushing for high-quality development. Major projects such as infrastructure and industrial capacity cooperation should be the focus. Key issues such as major projects, financial support, investment environment, risk management, and security guarantee need to be solved to complete well this “meticulous painting” of BRI.
The fifth article stressed that “understanding must be deepened,” “thought must be unified,” and that “all regions and departments must earnestly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s plans and clear requirements.”
PD Commentator Series on Learning and Implementing the Spirit of Xi Jinping’s Important Speech at the Propaganda and Ideology Work Conference
People’s Daily
9.1-9.5 Continuing last week’s series, the People’s Daily published its fifth commentator article on Xi’s speech at the propaganda and ideology work conference. The article pointed out that “influential works widely recognized by the people are still not enough, and the supply of literature and art products to grassroots level and rural areas remain insufficient even with a considerable increase in our country’s literature and art production.” Additionally, it emphasized that “literary and art workers should establish correct views on history, nation, country, and culture.”
The sixth article stressed the importance of external dissemination work, saying that “the power of dissemination determines [one’s] influence and the power of discourse decides [who has the] initiative.”
The seventh article maintained that “propaganda and ideology work is a political work” and that “the Party’s comprehensive leadership over propaganda and ideology work must be strengthened.”
The eighth article focused on building a team for propaganda and ideology work, while the ninth article highlighted the importance of innovation in propaganda and ideology work.
Qiushi: Recognize the Truth of the “State Capitalism” Problem
9.1 An article published in the Qiushi Journal under the pen name “Qiu Shi” (秋石), used by the Qiushi Editorial Board to convey the theoretical positions of the CCP Central Committee, condemned the labeling of the Chinese economy as “state capitalism” to justify the US trade war on China. The article pointed out that the concept of “state capitalism” indicates “the state’s control over enterprises” and “the country’s supervision and adjustment on the development of a capitalist economy.” The article stated that many have categorized state capitalism and laissez-faire capitalism into two completely opposite forms of capitalism. However, in reality, “ a so-called pure free-market economy and laissez-faire capitalism never actually exist.” It called the US “the birthplace and headquarters of modern trade protectionism.”
It also stressed that the goal of people who support the state capitalism argument is to create a public opinion that will contain developing economies, especially China’s. The article concluded that the CCP has led the Chinese people on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and it will not take the path of “state capitalism.”
Zhong Sheng: Start a New Journey in China-Africa Unity and Cooperation
9.3 People’s Daily used its Zhong Sheng (钟声) column, which authoritatively transmits the opinions of the People’s Daily on matters of international affairs, to discuss the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It said that Xi Jinping will announce new cooperative measures between China and Africa on the Summit and that “the frequent high-level interaction has established a solid political foundation for China-African cooperation.”
The article concluded by saying that “the Beijing Summit will again demonstrate the strong vitality of China-Africa unity and cooperation, help promote the good momentum of developing countries’ overall development, concentrate the power of justice that promote peaceful development in the international community, and use building a tighter community of shared future for China and Africa as an opportunity to promote building a community of shared future for mankind.”
PD Commentator Series on Xi Jinping’s Keynote Speech at Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Opening Ceremony
People’s Daily
9.5-9.7 People’s Daily published a 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.
The first article stressed the mutually beneficial nature of China-Africa cooperation. It not only declared that “the 21st century is Asia’s century and also Africa’s century” but also stated that “China needs Africa, and Africa also needs China” to realize economic development and national rejuvenation.
The second article emphasized that “China takes making bigger contributions to mankind as its mission.” It specified that “China will actively participate in global governance” and “China insists on following the path of open flows and win-win cooperation, resolutely defends the open world economy and multilateral trade system, and opposes protectionism and unilateralism.”
The third article called for jointly creating a closer community of shared future for China and Africa. It argued that this effort “will surely be a success” and “the future of China-Africa relations will surely be more beautiful” if the people of China and Africa “are united and of one mind, have common interests, and join hands to forge ahead.”
United Front Work
CPPCC National Committee Convenes Bi-Weekly Consultative Meeting
9.3 The 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee convened its 9th bi-weekly consultative meeting in Beijing. CPPCC National Committee chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) attended and spoke at the meeting. In his speech, Wang Yang emphasised that to “establish a socialist, modernized, and strong country, thousands upon thousands of skilled workers are needed.” Among other points, Wang stated that they must “study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on promoting the spirit of model workers and artisan spirit”; workers should be urged to “give rise to the China Dream” through their work.
You Quan Meets with Pro-Beijing Hong Kong Party Delegation in Beijing
9.4 United Front Work Department Head You Quan (尤权) met with a delegation of the pro-Beijing Hong Kong party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), in Beijing. At the meeting, You pointed out that DAB is a standard bearer for Hong Kong’s patriotic political groups. You expressed hope that DAB hold fast to their original intentions (坚守初心) and that they work hard to promote the unity of the patriotic and pro Hong Kong groups (爱国爱港阵营).
China Buddhist Association Holds Commemoration Event for the 73rd Anniversary of the End of the Second Sino-Japanese War
9.5 The Buddhist Association of China held a religious ceremony in Beijing entitled “Commemorating the 73rd Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan and World War Against Fascism, Pray for World Peace.” Buddhist Association of China Vice President Yan Jue (演觉) pointed out that the ceremony was “engraving history in one’s memory, commemorating martyrs, and praying for world peace.”
Party Discipline
CCDI and NSC Decide to Establish a Guest Supervisor System
9.3 The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission (NSC) released measures for the work of NSC guest supervisors (国家监察委员会特约监察员工作办法) on 24 August. The measures establish the new “guest supervisor system” and regulate the terms, duties, rights, and obligations of the guest supervisors.
According to the measures, guest supervisors will mainly be hired from the National People’s Congress for part-time supervisory work. Their duties primarily include supervising discipline inspection and supervision personnel, providing suggestions on improving discipline inspection and supervision work, and participating in the NSC research.
CCDI Releases a Notice on Conscientiously Studying and Implementing the Regulations of the CCP on Disciplinary Actions
9.5 CCDI recently released a notice on conscientiously studying and implementing the Regulations of the CCP on Disciplinary Actions (关于认真学习贯彻中国共产党纪律处分条例的通知). The notice urged the discipline inspection and supervision system to “fully recognize the great significance of the revised Regulations,” “earnestly reinforce the self-consciousness and firmness to learn and implement [the Regulations],” “treat the ‘two defends’ as the fundamental political tasks,” “take effective measures to ensure the learning of the Regulations are implemented,” and “to be the role model that learn and implement the Regulations.” The revised CCP Regulations on Disciplinary Actions will come into effect on 1 October 2018.
Central Military Commission
Wei Fenghe Meets Singaporean Chief of Defense Force
9.5 State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe (魏凤和) met with Singaporean Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat at the CMC’s August 1st Building (八一大楼). Wei said during the meeting that “both sides should… reinforce cooperation under the BRI framework and continue to build well the ‘Southbound Passage’(南向通道) that is constructed by the two countries.” Ong expressed that “[Singapore] is willing to expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation in national defense with China, tighten high-level interaction, and improve mutual strategic trust.”
CMC Releases Its Decision on Strengthening Party Building in the Armed Forces in the New Era
9.6 The Central Military Commission (CMC) recently released its Decision on Strengthening Party Building in the Armed Forces in the New Era (关于加强新时代军队党的建设的决定), demanding the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Armed Police Force deeply implement the spirit of the 19th Party Congress and Xi Jinping’s important speech at the CMC Party Building Conference. The decision emphasized the importance of “strengthening the Party’s absolute leadership over the military,” “treating preparing and fighting wars as the first priority of the Party Committee,” and “firmly winning the tough battle of building a clean government and combating corruption.”
Comprehensively Deepening Reform
Banks are Approved to “Underwrite” Local Debt, But Weighted Risk Not Yet Adjusted
9.5 According to a story in China Business News, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (中国银保监会) privately issued the “Notice of the General Office of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission on Commercial Banks’ Underwriting of Local Government Bonds” (中国银保监会办公厅关于商业银行承销地方政府债券有关事项的通知). The notice changes procedures for issuing and redeeming government bonds so as to be managed by provincial governments rather than the Ministry of Finance as they had been previously. Notably, banks that had been capped at underwriting no more than 20% of bonds no longer need to apply this rule towards local government bonds, and local government bond underwriting caps will be set on the basis of local debts. “The national debt is treated as a general deposit, and there is no such ratio of 20%,” explained an anonymous person from a joint stock commercial bank.
The policy should encourage banks to favor purchasing local government debt, which will increase the demand for local debt. Li Honghan (李虹含) from Renmin University, told reporters government bonds are considered risk-free. However, the new notice is not the same as one previously circulated on local debt weighted risk adjustments. Local debt risks are expected to be reduced to zero in the near future, which will further the attractiveness of local debt. The article noted that though these two notices have been confirmed by professionals close to regulatory authorities, neither have yet been issued publicly.
International Liaison Work
9.1 International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) and Vice Minister Li Jun (李军) met with the President of South Sudan and Sudan People's Liberation Movement Chairman Salva Kiir Mayardit.
9.1 Song Tao and International Department Vice Minister Xu Lüping (徐绿平) met with the President of Botswana and Botswana Democratic Party Chairman Mokgweetsi Masisi.
9.1 Song Tao met with the President of the Seychelles Danny Faure.
9.1 Xu Lüping met with a Jubilee Party of Kenya (JPK) delegation led by JPK Secretary-General Raphael Tuju.
9.2 Song Tao met with the President of Burkina Faso Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.
9.2 Song Tao and Xu Lüping met with the President of Djibouti and People's Rally for Progress Leader Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.
9.2 Song Tao and Xu Lüping met with the President of Kenya and Jubilee Party of Kenya Leader Uhuru Kenyatta.
9.3 Song Tao and Li Jun met with the President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.
9.4 Song Tao and International Department Vice Minister Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with an Indian delegation led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das.
Politburo member and Central Propaganda Department head Huang Kunming (黄坤明) also met with the delegation the same day.
9.5 Song Tao, Xu Lüping, and CCP Central Party School Vice President Huang Xianqi (黄宪起) met with the third 2018 Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) high-level cadre study group, which was led by CPV Central Committee member and Party Committee of the Central Agencies Block Secretary Sơn Minh Thắng.
9.5 Song Tao and Xu Lüping met with the President of Togo Faure Gnassingbé.
9.6 Li Jun met with a Norwegian Storting Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence delegation led by Standing Committee Chairwoman Anniken Huitfeldt.
9.6 International Department Vice Minister Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with an Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) cadre study group led by PDI-P Human Development and Culture Division Board Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira.
9.6-9.7 Politburo member, Central Commission on Discipline Inspection Deputy Secretary, and National Supervisory Commission Director Yang Xiaodu (杨晓渡) met with Norwegian Labour Party leader Jonas Gahr Støre.
The following day Song Tao and Li Jun also met with Støre.
9.6-9.7 Politburo Standing Committee member and 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) and CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairman Xia Baolong (夏宝龙) met with a Japanese Komeito Party delegation led by Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi.
The following day Song Tao and International Department Vice Minister Wang Yajun (王亚军) also met with the delegation.
Organization Work
9.1 He Xiaorong (贺小荣) was appointed president of the Second Circuit Court of the Supreme People’s Court.
9.1 Tan Xuguang (谭旭光) was appointed chairman of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group and secretary of its party committee.
9.3 Wan Lijun (万立骏) was elected chairman of the 10th All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.
9.3 Luo Dongchuan (罗东川) was appointed vice president of the Supreme People’s Court and a member of its Adjudicative Committee.
9.3 Meng Qinghai (孟庆海) was appointed vice chairman of the 9th National Committee of the China Association for Science and Technology and secretary of its Standing Committee’s Secretariat.
9.4 Xu Jianpei (徐建培) was appointed vice chairman of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
9.4 Liu Dawei (刘大为) was appointed deputy head of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration.
9.5 Luo Xi (罗熹) was appointed chairman of China Taiping Insurance Group and secretary of its party committee.