- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Calvin Blackburn
Weekly Report 3|47 9.19.2020-9.26.2020
Highlights
Xi Jinping visited Hunan, where he promoted the 14th Five-year Plan and met with grassroots leaders (see Senior Leaders section).
Senior Leaders
In Hunan, Xi Jinping Promotes Charging Ahead with High Quality Development: To Compose A Hunan Story of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era
9.19 On an inspection tour in Hunan, Xi Jinping described the importance of implementing central Party policy, persisting in making progress while ensuring stability, implementing the new development concept, persisting in structural reform, achieving a moderately prosperous society, decisively winning the battle against poverty, putting effort into creating a major and advanced national manufacturing industry, possessing core competitive strength and science and technology and innovation, charging ahead with high quality development, “promoting the ‘rise of Central China’ and the ‘Yangtze River Economic Belt’, and “composing a Hunan story of socialism with Chinese characteristics of a new era.”
Xi expounded on the importance of “fusing culture with science and technology” and the necessity of “concentrating large numbers of talented individuals.” The present day and the future marked the beginning of a new era, Xi stated. It is necessary to respond to transformation with “precise knowledge,” “scientific knowledge,” and to “take the initiative” in order “to activate high quality development.” It is essential to “optimize and upgrade industry.” Xi described the necessity of expanding effective investment, to (create) a prosperous consumer economy, to take the initiative on a “national service opening strategy,” to advance joint construction projects in the Belt and Road Initiative,” and “to promote innovative foreign trade.”
Xi explained that “(we) must persist in the development of outstanding agriculture and villages,” “to promote the ‘revitalization of townships’ strategy,” to firmly establish the importance of environmental policy, and to bring about new action to achieve an “ecological civilization.” Xi noted that “(we) must persist in the guiding principle of people-centered development,” “(we) must also manage well” all of the people’s “misfortunes, concerns, and expectations.” Xi concluded that it is essential to “provide guiding education for Party members and cadres, to develop revolutionary traditions, and to pass on ‘red genes.’”
Xi Jinping Gives Speech at Forum of Grassroots Representatives– Emphasized Strengthening of Top-Level Planning and to Seek the People’s Advice – to Promote the ‘Fourteenth Five Year’ Plan in Accordance with the People’s Thinking and Expectations”
9.19 During his inspection of Hunan, Xi Jinping attended a forum for grassroots representatives held in Changsha and delivered a speech to promote the Fourteenth Five Year Plan (2021-2025). “We are striving to meet the people’s aspiration for a fine life,” Xi noted in his speech. The successful implementation of the Fourteenth Five Year Plan, he explained, requires “unification of top-level planning and consultation with the people”.
Xi stated that the “guiding philosophy” of the Fourteenth Five Year Plan should be the people and he emphasized that all must “persist in people-oriented development.” The plan must prioritize “high quality development” which “bears fruit for the people to share,” and which “supplements the people’s livelihoods.” “If grassroots Party organizations are strong and grassroots political power is consolidated, then socialism with Chinese characteristics will be stable,” Xi added. The speech also expounded on the importance of improving grassroots governance.
Xi explained that the achievement of the “moderately prosperous society” is not an “end-point” but rather the beginning of a “new way of life” and a “new struggle.” The “masses of the people contain abundant wisdom and unlimited creativity.” Xi called on the representatives to mobilize the peoples’ zeal, initiative, and creativity. At the forum Xi listened to the ideas and suggestions from a number of representatives of Hunan’s grassroots organizations.
Xi firmly stressed that the “developments of socialist China” and the nations’ accomplishments are not a “divine gift” or “charity from others;” it was made possible due to the “hard work,” “wisdom,” and “valor” of the “masses of the people” “under the leadership of the Party.”
Propaganda Work
He Yin Series: Focusing on the Chinese Military’s 30 Years of Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations
People's Daily
People’s Daily published a series under the He Yin (和音) byline highlighting the Chinese military’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations. The series was published after the State Council Information Office (SCIO) released a white paper titled “China’s Armed Forces: 30 Years of Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations.”
The first He Yin commentary, titled “To Campaign for World Peace,” outlined China’s main contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, stating that “China’s armed forces are a key force in UN peacekeeping operations” and noting that in 30 years, China has “participated in 25 UN peacekeeping operations and has cumulatively dispatched more than 40,000 peacekeeping officers and soldiers.” It mentioned that “[China] is the second largest contributing and fee paying country to UN peacekeeping, and the largest troop contributor out of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.” The commentary stated the multiple accomplishments of China’s armed forces, such as supervising ceasefires, stabilizing situations, protecting civilians, and spreading hope in war-torn areas. It concluded by saying that “China is willing to work hand in hand with all peace-loving countries to let the light of peace and justice illuminate every corner of the world.”
The second commentary, titled “Bring the World More Confidence and Hope,” also highlighted quotes from UN officials lauding China’s contributions. The commentary said that “China has taken real action to fulfill its solemn commitment to safeguard world peace, and has made important contributions to UN peacekeeping operations.” It quoted praise of China’s contributions from multiple UN officials, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the 74th UN General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, and Military Adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations Lieutenant General Carlos Humberto Loitey. It concluded by quoting the white paper: “China’s armed forces will continue as always to support UN peacekeeping operations, fulfill their solemn commitments to safeguard peace, bring more confidence to conflict areas, and let local people see greater hope.”
The third He Yin commentary, titled “Promote the Construction of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind,” discussed China’s contributions to peacekeeping operations in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Lebanon. In Lebanon, for example, China’s peacekeeping operations included “organiz[ing] the opening of Chinese culture and language courses, spreading China’s ‘peaceful culture.’” The commentary stated that “China’s active participation in UN peacekeeping operations is an integral part of working hand in hand with every country to promote the construction of a community of shared future for mankind.” It concluded by stating, “regardless of how the unstable international situation fluctuates, China will work together with all peace-loving countries to resolutely defend and practice multilateralism.”
Zhong Sheng: Who Is Ultimately Overthrowing the Existing System of Rules and Regulations?
9.19 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary on the US disrupting the global order with its “America First” policy. The commentary criticized “some US politicians” for “making the false accusation that ‘China tries to overthrow the existing system of rules and regulations,’” asserting that the US was pursuing “America First” instead of a globalist approach. It also criticized the US’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change and the WHO, as well as its “incitement of trade disputes.” It quoted Council of Foreign Relations President Richard Haass’ recent Foreign Affairs article criticizing the US’ withdrawal from multilateral agreements and distancing from allies, pointing out that he stated that “[the US] is seen not just as less attractive and capable but also as less reliable.” The commentary also accused the US of “abus[ing] the name of national security to use national resources to defame and attack, encircle and incept private enterprises in China, including Huawei, ByteDance, and Tencent. In essence, with government power it bullies other countries enterprises and tramples on business regulations.” It warned, “for some US politicians to replace globalism with ‘America First’ as their creed is essentially [an act of] placing political needs and selfish interests above the consensus of the era, fairness, and justice. [They] will inevitably eat their own bitter fruit.”
Zhong Sheng: The Chinese Side’s Position on China-US Relations Is Consistent
9.20 People’s Daily published the eighth Zhong Sheng commentary in its series on “Correctly Viewing and Properly Handling China-US Relations.” The commentary stated that “Although some US politicians, due to Cold War thinking and ideological prejudice, think up every possible method to contain China’s development and unscrupulously obstruct China-US contact, China resolutely stands on the correct side of history, steady and calm, unhurried and self-confident.” It criticized “extreme anti-China US politicians” for “wantonly vilifying and attacking the CCP and China’s political system,” “suppressing Chinese companies,” restricting Chinese media in the US, and “illegally detaining” Chinese scholars. The commentary also stated that “some US politicians stand on the wrong side of history, ceaselessly carrying out clumsy performances, fantasizing that they can change China with lies and big sticks, but ultimately it turns out that [the US] is like an ant trying to shake a big tree (蚍蜉撼树) or a mantis trying to stop a chariot (螳臂当车).” Asserting that China had never succumbed to US pressure, it declared, “China has no intention of challenging or supplanting the US or of engaging in an all-around confrontation with the US, but China absolutely will not swallow bitter fruit that harms its core interests.” The commentary asserted that China had always pursued a policy toward the US of “non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.” It concluded, “The US side should come to an objective and rational understanding of China, formulate a reasonable and pragmatic China policy, and take actions beneficial to the return of bilateral relations to the right track.”
Zhong Sheng: China’s Internal Affairs Do Not Allow for Any Foreign Interference
9.21 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng commentary that focused on US relations with Taiwan. After mentioning the two recent high-level US delegations sent to Taiwan and stating China’s objection to any official exchanges, the commentary stated that “the Chinese side has repeatedly urged the American side to prudently handle the Taiwan issue, not to conduct any official government exchanges or contacts with Taiwan, and not to send any wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ splittist forces, in order to avoid disturbing and damaging the overall situation of China-US relations.” It also accused the US of “strongly play[ing] the ‘Taiwan card’ (台湾牌)” citing arms sales and the visits of government officials as “prominent manifestations.” It asserted, “to challenge the one-China principle on the Taiwan issue is to be the enemy of 1.4 billion Chinese people.” The commentary concluded by “strongly advis[ing] the US side to fully recognize the highly sensitive nature of the Taiwan issue, scrupulously abide by the One-China Principle and the provisions of the China-US Three Joint Communiques, immediately stop official government exchanges between the US and Taiwan, and prudently handle the Taiwan issue so as to avoid serious harm to China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
United Front Work
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Convenes Thematic Consultation on Fully Realizing the Role of Cultural Construction in the Implementation of the Rural Revitalization Strategy
9.19 On 18 September, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convened a thematic consultation on “Fully Realizing the Role of Cultural Construction in the Implementation of the Rural Revitalization Strategy.” Over 100 individuals from political consultative conferences at the national and local level participated in the video meeting at the CPPCC venue as well as at the branch venues in Anhui, Hunan, and Guizhou.
Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) attended and gave remarks. Wang said “[we] must earnestly study and comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important arguments on the the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, fully recognize the guiding and driving role of cultural construction in rural revitalization,” and “appropriately manage the relationship between traditional and modern culture, the overall plan and local adaptations, government guidance and participation from the masses.”
Politburo Standing Committee Member and Propaganda Department Director Huang Kunming also attended the meeting and gave remarks. In his comments, Huang said “propaganda and culture departments [must] earnestly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important arguments on propaganda and ideological work and promoting rural revitalization, vigorously promoting Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism With Chinese Characteristics for a New Era entering villages, the grassroots, and the minds of the farmers,” and added “[we must] devote our efforts to strengthening protecting and passing on rural culture and civilization, thoroughly advancing the establishment of rural communal culture and the construction of socialist core values.”
International Liaison Work
Song Tao to Latin American Politicians: Building a Beautiful World Away from Poverty and Sharing Prosperity
9.22 International Department Head Song Tao (宋涛) delivered remarks to Latin American political leaders at a conference in Guiyang, Guizhou on “The Chinese Communist Party Story – The Path of Xi Jinping’s Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era Philosophy in Guizhou.” The theme of the conference, Song indicated, is the “decisive battle against poverty.” Song explained that the elimination of poverty is an “ancient and yearned for ideal of humankind.” The “happiness of the Chinese people” and the “revitalization of the Chinese nation” are the objectives of the Party; the Party achieved “humankind’s greatest success in uplifting people from poverty, Song added.” “China still has 55 million impoverished people”, and the “sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic made the (task of the elimination of poverty) utterly arduous”. Song added that “Xi had said that by the end of this year that rural poverty would be eliminated completely,” and that “the Party Central Committee has made a solemn promise to the people,” so (poverty elimination) “must be achieved on schedule.”
Song contended that “under the Party’s leadership, the economy had recovered to a GDP growth rate of 3.2% in the second quarter of this year,” and that China has “taken the initiative in global growth among major economies.” China, Song explained, “has sufficient policy guarantees, capital, and work capacity to eliminate poverty, and we are absolutely confident we will eliminate poverty by the end of the year.”
Chinese poverty alleviation, Song noted, “is an important component of global poverty alleviation, and by eliminating poverty by the end of the year China will complete a U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goal.” China is willing, Song added, “to extend help in the form of China’s experience and programs for poverty alleviation to all nations,” and to Latin American nations in particular.
9.20 International Department Head Song Tao (宋涛) went to Xiamen and participated in the China-Philippine ruling party talks with Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (Philippine Democratic Party–People’s Power/PDP–Laban) President and Philippine Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chair Aquilino Martin de la Llana Pimentel III.
9.21 International Department Assistant Head Li Mingxiang (李明祥) participated in the opening of a three-day webinar for Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) cadres. Other participants included FRELIMO Central Committee Secretariat Secretary of Organization Alcido Nguenha and over 20 mid- and high-level FRELIMO cadres.
9.22 International Department Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with French Ambassador to China Laurent Bili.
9.23 Qian Hongshan met with Moldovan Ambassador to China Dumitru Braghiș.
9.24 International Department Assistant Minister Zhu Rui (朱锐) participated in the opening of a two-day webinar for Turkish Patriotic Party (VATAN) cadres. Other participants included VATAN Chair Doğu Perinçek and over 60 mid- and high-level VATAN cadres and youth representatives.
9.25 Zhu Rui held a video call with Communist Party of Israel (Maki) Secretary General Adel Amer.
Organization Work
9.21 Gao Hongjun (高鸿钧) was appointed vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.