- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Brock Erdahl
Weekly Report 2|47 9.21.2014-9.27.2019
Highlights
Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting to review proposed new guidelines for patriotic education and the work of the CCP’s party schools. He also presided over a Politburo collective study session on the development of the national governance system and legal system (see Senior Leaders section).
Xi Jinping also spoke at the central CPPCC work conference to commemorate the CPPCC’s 70th anniversary and laid out eight new requirements for the CPPCC’s work (see United Front section).
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping Visits “Great Journey, Glorious Accomplishment: Grand Exhibition on the Achievements Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the PRC”
9.23 Xi Jinping along with the entire Politburo Standing Committee visited the “Great Journey, Glorious Accomplishment: Grand Exhibition on the Achievements Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of the PRC.” The exhibition showcased the path to establish and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics and to construct a modern socialist country.
Xi emphasized that throughout the past 70 years, the CCP remained true to their original aspiration, kept the mission firmly in mind, united and led the people to surmount untold dangers and difficulties, created a splendid history of human miracles, and the Chinese nation achieved a tremendous leap forward, that it stood up, grew rich, and became strong.
He also mentioned that China needs to propagate the New China's course of development, glorious achievements, and invaluable experiences to encourage the whole party and people to unite closely around the Central Committee, hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, unite as one and forge ahead with determination to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, achieve the great victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, realize the China Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and achieve the people’s aspirations for a better life.
Xi Jinping Presides over Politburo Meeting on the “Outline on the Implementation of Patriotic Education For the New Era” and “Regulations on the Work of Communist Party Schools”
9.24 Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting to deliberate on the “Outline on the Implementation of Patriotic Education for the New Era” and “Regulations on the Work of Communist Party Schools.”
Because “patriotism is the core spirit of the Chinese people,” the Politburo concluded, issuing an implementation guideline for patriotic education in the new era is highly significant for “leading the people to enhance their great patriotic spirit and to struggle tirelessly to realize the China Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
On the subject of party schools, the Politburo also pointed out that the key to the performance of the party schools in the new era lies in “maintaining ‘Party’ as the party schools’ last name,” strict school governance, and quality education. The meeting requested party committees at all levels fully understand the importance of the work of party schools, carry out the duties of school management, and advance organizational leadership on implementing the regulations.
Xi Jinping at 17th Politburo Collective Study Session: Continue Going Down the Correct Path Opened Up by the Party and the People, Unceasingly Carry Out the Modernization of the National Governance System and Governance Capabilities
9.24 Xi Jinping presided over the seventeenth collective study session of the Politburo on the subject of “Forming and Developing New China’s Governance and Legal Systems.” As Xi delineated, the purpose of this collective study session was “to review the Party-led advancement of the governance and legal systems since the founding of New China, to sum up the achievements and experiences, to contemplate the great questions of [how to] maintain and improve the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, [and how to] advance the modernization of the national governance and legal systems.”
Xi evaluated socialism with Chinese characteristics as a “pragmatic, useful, and efficient institutional system.” Thus, China has to maintain confidence in its path, theory, system, and culture, and continue adhering to, implementing, improving, and developing the governance and legal systems under socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Xi called upon party members and seniors to “strengthen the implementation and supervision of the system and to translate the advantage of the Chinese institutional system into efficient governance.” He also emphasized reinforcing theoretical research under socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: The Correct Decision that Conforms to the Historical Trend
9.22 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) article, which authoritatively conveys the paper’s views on foreign affairs, to discuss the Solomon Islands’ establishment of diplomatic relations with the PRC. The article noted that “in recent years, São Tomé and Príncipe, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso, El Salvador, and many other countries have established or re-established diplomatic relations with China, [and] recently the Solomon Islands and Kiribati have successively within a week made the decision to recognize the One China Principle and sever so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with the Taiwan authorities.” It criticized “individual forces that make thoughtless remarks [on the subject] and try to interfere in other countries’ independently-decided internal and external affairs with a rude and unreasonable attitude,” arguing that the Solomons’ decision was in line with the country’s own interests, including trade and Belt and Road infrastructure construction.
The article insisted that China treats all developing countries equally, and that its “cooperation with Pacific island nations is open and transparent, does not attach any political conditions, does not target any third parties, does not strive for any personal gain or so-called ‘sphere of influence,’ can withstand the test of time and history, and can withstand the judgment of the international community.” It also said China understands Pacific island nations’ special concern over climate change and will aid them as much as possible, including “pushing for the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement and promoting global green, low-carbon, sustainable development.”
Wang Yi: Write a Gorgeous Chapter for Major Power Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics Era
9.23 People’s Daily published an article by Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of New China.
In the first part of the article, Wang reviewed the progress of Chinese diplomacy since the founding of the PRC. Throughout the past 70 years, he wrote, Chinese diplomacy has been a “promoter of national development, a constructor of world peace, a contributor to global cooperation, and a protector of the international order.” Chinese diplomacy has improved China’s external environment, protected national sovereignty, made strides in international cooperation, enhanced China’s international standing, and strengthened the influence of Chinese diplomatic thought.
Next, Wang illustrated the characteristics of Chinese diplomacy. He emphasized that “Major Power Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics” entering the new era has important theoretical and practical implications for the victory of Chinese diplomacy. He stressed that the leadership of the CCP is the soul, independence and autonomy are the cornerstone, concern for the common good of humanity is the heart, equity and justice is the commitment, a win-win outcome is the pursuit, and serving Chinese people is the goal of Chinese diplomacy.
Lastly, Wang laid out his vision for the future of Chinese diplomacy. Facing numerous opportunities and challenges ahead, China needs to coordinate between domestic and international situations, and improve risk management and challenge prevention, uphold peaceful development, build global partnerships, maintain the high quality of the Belt and Road Initiative, lead global governance reform, and protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Guo Jiping: China and the World Amidst Major Change
9.25 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), published a commentary article reviewing that major accomplishments of China and changes in the world over the 70 years since the PRC was founded. It said that in the modern era, China has “conformed to the historical trend, shouldered the responsibility of a great power, resolutely made itself a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, [and] a protector of the international order, [and] become a constant stabilizing force in the midst of great changes [in the world].” The rest of the article was divided into eight sections.
The first section described the international situation as “interwoven with turmoil”: “the international order long dominated by Western countries is being impacted, the development of global multipolarity is accelerating, and large numbers of emerging markets and developing countries are collectively [experiencing an] unprecedented rise. American commentator [Fareed] Zakaria [called this era] ‘The Rise of the Rest.’” “The anxiety of some traditional Western powers has intensified...geopolitical games have clearly risen, and unilateralism and protectionism are shocking the global political system.” The shift in the “kinetic energy of economic growth” from old to new has produced some pains, while “a new technological revolution and industrial transformation has brought unprecedentedly intense competition. Human society once again stands at a crossroads.” Concurrently with all these changes, China has seen its best development period ever, increasing its international influence and appeal.
The second section called China a “staunch force for the protection of world peace and development” that “uses peaceful means to develop itself and uses its own development to protect peace,” citing its promotion of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and arguing that China has “held high the flag of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit” and “promoted the construction of a new type of international system” and of “a community of shared future for mankind.” It emphasized that China’s commitment to “walk the path of peaceful development” is not just rhetoric but a “solemn promise moving into the future.”
The third section focused on the material benefit China brings to the world, namely in the form of “using pragmatic cooperation to promote chain development” through linkages created by the Belt and Road Initiative across Eurasia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. It argued that this was China’s response to the contradictions of inadequate or unequal growth and development.
The fourth section responded to the concern that China intends to “overthrow the international order,” calling this perception a “mistaken view” that “misjudges China’s development logic and the era’s development trends.” As a counterargument, it cited Xi Jinping’s “solemn vow” that China is a “participant in, builder of, and contributor to” the international system, as well as a beneficiary of it.
The fifth section argued that the future of the world remains undetermined and depends on human decisions. “[If we] persist in dialogue and consultation, [we will] build a world of lasting peace; [if we] persist in joint discussion, joint construction and joint sharing, [we will] build a world of widespread security; [if we] persist in win-win cooperation, [we will] build a world of common prosperity; [if we] persist in mutual exchange, [we will] build an open and tolerant world; [if we] persist in green low-carbon [activities], [we will] build a clean and beautiful world.” It said that Xi Jinping’s answer to the current turbulent situation has “built a fine blueprint for building a community of shared future for mankind.”
The sixth section said the fundamental reason for China’s “glorious accomplishments” in the past 70 years was that it “walked down a development path that suited itself.” “China’s visionaries began to use Marxism as a tool to survey and transform the country’s destiny, and guide the Chinese people out of the endless night. Since Reform and Opening Up, socialism with Chinese characteristics has unceasingly improved and developed, [China’s] comprehensive national power steadily increased, [and] the people’s living standard unceasingly improved.” It also said that China aims to create a platform for the exchange and joint development of different development models.
The seventh section said that China is trying to determine how it will view and handle its relations with the world. It stressed that “seeking cooperation and valuing exchange” is the “keyword” to how the international community understands China’s worldview, and that China’s development is part of the “endeavor for the progress of all humankind.” China’s success depends on the world’s success, and the world’s success will benefit from China’s success.
The eighth section said that today’s China is still in a “running” state, and it will “work tirelessly to provide even more Chinese wisdom and Chinese plans to solve humanity’s shared problems and build a community of shared future for mankind.”
United Front Work
Xi Jinping Gives Speech at Central CPPCC Work Meeting Which Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary
9.21 On 20 September, Xi Jinping gave a speech on the 70th anniversary celebration of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at a central CPPCC work meeting. In the speech, he congratulated the CPPCC on the anniversary and laid out eight new requirements of CPPCC work that the Party put forward since the 18th National Congress:
to strengthen the party’s leadership over CPPCC work.
to “accurately grasp the nature of the CPPCC”: a united front organization that serves as “an important channel for socialist deliberative democracy.” Xi urged the CPPCC to “adhere to its nature and unswervingly walk the path of socialist political development with Chinese characteristics.”
to play the role of an expert consultative organ, which Xi said is a particular characteristic and distinct advantage of China’s socialist democracy.
to “persist in and improve China’s new type of party system,” which includes “creating conditions for the [non-Communist] democratic parties and non-party faction to better play a role in the CPPCC.”
to “extensively consolidate the people’s will and power,” strengthening ideological and political guidance while consolidating a broad consensus and finding the “greatest common factor.”
to perform its duties focused on the core tasks of the Party and state, which includes helping to achieve the two centenary goals and to solve problems of unequal and inadequate development, among other things.
to serve and improve the people’s well-being, and listen to and reflect the desires of the masses.
to “use the spirit of reform and innovation to carry forward the capacity-building of [the CPPCC’s] performance.”
People’s Daily further publicized Xi’s speech with a series of commentator articles (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5).
Wang Yang Presides Over CPPCC National Committee 27th Chairpersons’ Meeting People’s Daily
9.25 Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) presided over the CPPCC’s 27th Chairpersons’ Meeting in Beijing. Attendees discussed the study and implementation of the recently-held central CPPCC work meeting, which coincided with the CPPCC’s 70th anniversary. They agreed that that meeting was an important opportunity to “remain true to the original aspirations, consolidate consensus, determine the nature [of CPPCC work] and bestow capabilities, and clarify responsibilities,” and that Xi Jinping’ speech at that conference would serve as a guiding document, having indicated the direction for the strengthening and improvement of CPPCC work. In a speech, Wang Yang stressed that implementing the spirit of the work conference must become the chief political task of CPPCC organizations and cadres at all levels. He urged members to “constantly sum up experiences, explore patterns, develop innovation, and seek practical results.”
Xi Jinping Emphasizes All Ethnic Groups Striving Together for Common Prosperity and Development
9.27 Xi Jinping attended the National Ethnic Unity and Progress Award Ceremony, which honored exemplary groups and figures. The entire Politburo Standing Committee was present.
During the ceremony, Xi Jinping delivered a speech and emphasized that facing complicated domestic and international situations, all ethnic groups should join together to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Xi discussed the importance of achieving a moderately prosperous society in ethnic minority areas, constructing a spiritual homeland based on core socialist values shared by the whole Chinese nation, foster exchange and interaction among the various ethnic groups, ensure equality of people of all ethnicities under the law. Xi called on party committees at all levels to prioritize work related to ethnic minorities.
International Liaison Work
9.20-9.21 At the invitation of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), International Department Head Song Tao (宋涛) led a CCP delegation to Jakarta, Indonesia.
On 20 September, Song met with Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) General Chairman Prabowo Subianto.
That same day, Song attended a welcoming banquet with former President and PDI-P General Chairwoman Megawati Sukarnoputri.
That same day, Song also met with President Joko Widodo.
On 21 September, Song met with Minister of Industry and Party of Functional Groups (Golkar) General Chairman Airlangga Hartarto.
9.23 International Department Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with Australian Labor Party Deputy Leader and Shadow Minister for Defence Richard Marles.
9.23-9.24 At the invitation of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN), Song Tao led a CCP delegation to Kathmandu, Nepal.
On 23 September, Song delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of a “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” promotional meeting and CCP-CPN theoretical discussion seminar. Over 200 CPN Central Committee members, including Prime Minister and CPN Co-chairman K. P. Sharma Oli and CPN Co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, were in attendance.
That same day, Song also met with Prime Minister and CPN Co-chairman K.P. Sharma Oli.
On 24 September, Song met with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
That same day, Song met with CPN Co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
That same day, Song met with Nepali President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.
9.24 International Department Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with Croatian Ambassador to China Dario Mihelin.
9.25 Qian Hongshan met with a United Russia Sverdlovsk Oblast Regional Branch delegation led by United Russia Sverdlovsk Oblast Regional Branch Secretary and Sverdlovsk Oblast Legislative Assembly Deputy Chairman Viktor Sheptiy.
9.25 International Department Deputy Head Wang Yajun (王亚军) met with Vietnamese Ambassador to China Đặng Minh Khôi.
9.25 Guo Yezhou met with Norwegian Ambassador to China Signe Brudeset.
9.25 Guo Yezhou met with former British First Secretary of State Lord Mandelson.
9.26 Guo Yezhou met with Zimbabwean Ambassador to China Martin Chedondo.
Organization Work
9.24 Xiang Bin (向斌) was appointed a member of the State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office’s party leadership group.