- Admin
Weekly Report 4|82 8.6.22-8.12.22
Highlights
United Front Work Department (UFWD) Head and Secretary of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party You Quan (尤权) conducted an inspection tour in Shandong. (See Senior Leaders section)
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) and State Council Information Office (SCIO) published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Issue and China’s Reunification Undertaking in the New Era.” (See Senior Leaders section)
People’s Daily compiled a history of Xi Jinping’s guidance of pandemic measures and economic stabilization this year, praising his leadership and the country’s successes in those areas. (See Propaganda Work section)
Senior Leaders
Condense Responsibility Measures, Remain Strictly On-Guard, and Use All Power to Grasp the Work of Flood Control, Disaster Reduction and Production Safety
8.9 State Councilor Wang Yong (王勇) conducted an inspection tour of Heilongjiang flood control and disaster reduction work. Wang emphasized that it is important to “deeply implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s guidance on flood control, disaster reduction, and safe production” and “deploy policies set by the Central Committee and State Council.” He continued by stating the importance of “always being prepared for emergencies” and “ensuring safety during flood season” in addition to “general social stability.” The article notes that the northeast is in “a key period for flood control,” with flooding in certain sections of the Songliao River Basin (松辽流域). Between 8 and 9 August, Wang toured Harbin (哈尔滨), Qiqihar (齐齐哈尔), and Daqing (大庆), among other locales, to inspect reservoirs, urban flood management engineering projects, the Songhua River (松花江), flood control efforts in the Nen River (嫩江), and renovation projects in flood control and drainage work in coastal cities. Wang stressed that there must be a “high degree of alert towards high water levels in rivers caused by continuous rain.” He also emphasized that plans to inspect embankments must be implemented, and that emergency rescue forces in weak spots and dangerous areas must be strengthened. Wang continued to stress that “important dangers such as pressure surges in pipelines or dam breaches must be immediately plugged and dealt with” and that there must be “firm prevention of precarious situations from expanding and becoming disasters.” He stressed that there must be “close monitoring of changes in rain and flooding, scientific control of water conservancy projects, and serious safety management of small and medium-sized reservoirs.” Wang continued by emphasizing the importance of doing a good job in “early warning and risk aversion, drainage in city and urban farms, rescue and relief work, and seriously preventing flooding caused by subsequent rain” to “minimize human casualties and disaster losses.” During his visit, Wang also inspected a “pipeline gas station” (燃气场站), petrochemical companies, and equipment manufacturing workshops to investigate workplace safety. He emphasized that “safety is number one, life comes first,” and that “there should be strict implementation of various safety regulations.” Wang stressed that there must also be further strengthening of the management of key industries and areas such as city gas, housing construction, and chemicals. Wang concluded by stating that there must be “a firm bottom line of no work accidents happening” and that all entities should “try their best to protect people’s lives, their assets, and their safety.”
You Quan: Deeply Study and Implement the Spirit of the Central Conference on United Work and Practically Protect Harmony and Stability in the Field of United Front Work
8.10-11 United Front Work Department (UFWD) Head and Secretary of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party You Quan (尤权) conducted an inspection tour in Shandong. There, he emphasized the importance of implementing the “spirit of the Central Conference on United Front Work” as an “important political task” (重要政治任务). You also highlighted the importance of creating a “positive environment for the opening of the 20th Party Congress.” During his visit, You visited the Huayin (槐荫), Lixia (历下), Licheng (历城), and Shizhong (市中) districts of Jinan to inspect “civilian-run enterprises” (民营企业) and “law firms” (律师事务所). You investigated the “situation of developing entrepreneurial innovation” in addition to “the situation of United Front work with people from new social stratas.” He also visited institutions that host religious activities to “understand the practical experience of adhering to the country’s direction of Sincizing religion (宗教中国化方向).” During his investigation, You also presided over a discussion on the hidden dangers and risks facing United Front work, and listened to suggestions put forward by United Front provincial-level officials. You stressed that it is important to “use the perspective of the Party and country’s general development” to “recognize the important meaning of doing a good job in preventing risks to United Front work, strengthening preparation for unexpected developments, adhering to bottom-line thinking, holding on to the will to fight (斗争意志), and strengthening fighting spirit (斗争本领).” He also emphasized that it important to “incrementally advance the adjustment and perfection of United Front policies, ensure harmonious stability in all areas of the United Front, and use practical actions to firmly defend the “two establishes” (两个确立) and achieve the “two defends” (两个维护). During his tour, You also visited the provincial committees of various democratic parties in addition to provincial-level United Front cadres.
"The Taiwan Issue and China’s Reunification Undertaking in the New Era" White Paper
8.10 The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) and State Council Information Office (SCIO) published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Issue and China’s Reunification Undertaking in the New Era.” The White Paper’s preamble began by calling reunification “the shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation (全体中华儿女), an inevitable requirement (必然要求) for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation (中华民族伟大复兴), and the determined task (历史任务) of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).” It said that recent years have also seen the “Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities” and “some external forces” (一些外部势力) obstruct this goal by pursuing “‘Taiwan independence’ splittist activities” and “use Taiwan to contain China” (以台制华) efforts in an attempt to “obstruct China’s realization of complete reunification and the Chinese nation’s stride toward great rejuvenation.” The White Paper’s first section argued for a historical and legal basis to China’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan. The second section discussed achievements of Mao Zedong (毛泽东), Deng Xiaoping (邓小平), Jiang Zemin (江泽民), and Hu Jintao (胡锦涛) regarding Taiwan, then summarized recent “major actions to lead the way in cross-Straits relations and realize China's peaceful reunification” such as supporting cross-Straits exchange and acting against “Taiwan independence.” The White Paper’s third section stated that reunification is necessary for national “rejuvenation”; that China is “closer” to and has “more confidence and capabilities” for both reunification and rejuvenation than ever before; and that the “Taiwan issue” is the product of “national weakness and chaos” and will “inevitably be resolved along with national rejuvenation.” It then stressed that China’s “development and progress” are a “key factor” in reunification, as this will increase China’s strength, influence, and appeal. The next subsections condemned the “DPP authorities” and “external forces,” including “some anti-China forces in the United States.”
The fourth section discussed efforts towards reunification in the “new journey in the new era.” It stressed “using peaceful means to realize the reunification of the motherland… is the CCP and Chinese government’s first choice for resolving the Taiwan issue” and that under a “One Country, Two Systems” model of reunification, Taiwan could maintain its “social system” and enjoy a “high degree of autonomy” (高度自治) after “peaceful reunification,” but political differences between the two sides of the Strait “cannot be passed down from generation to generation.” After discussing plans for developing cross-Strait relations, the White Paper noted that China “will not renounce the use of force” and “non-peaceful means would be the last choice taken under the circumstances of having no alternative, stressing the need for countermeasures in response to “external forces” or pro-“Taiwan independence” actions.” It also condemned recent trends in US-Taiwan relations and warned they would cause escalating tension in the Strait and risks to US-China relations. It then claimed that China has the “greatest patience and tolerance” to dispel Taiwanese people’s ideological and political concerns and will seek unity with them. The final section discussed the benefits of reunification, such as economic and cultural benefits for Taiwan, a “high degree of autonomy” for Taiwan as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), respect for Taiwan’s “social system and way of life” and “private property, religious beliefs, and lawful rights and interests,” a stronger sense of national identity and more self-confidence, and cultural, economic, and other benefits for the region and the world. The White Paper concluded by calling on people on both sides of the Strait to unite in favor of reunification and in opposition to Taiwan’s independence and external interference.
Avoid Duplication of Reporting and Subsidies: Three Ministries Including the Ministry of Science and Technology Further Strengthen [the] Management of National Science and Technology Projects
8.11 Xinhua reported that the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, and National Natural Science Foundation of China issued a “Notice on Further Strengthening and Holistically Planning Management of National Science and Technology Plans and Programs,” effective at the start of 2023. The notice will establish a joint investigation mechanism for various national science and technology initiatives to avoid redundancies and ensure the effective use of scientific researchers’ time. The notice called for national scientific plans to improve coordination, optimize the allocation of resources, avoid duplicate reporting and subsidies, improve efficiency of the innovation system, support China’s autonomy in the field, and lead socioeconomic development. For example, it called on the “relevant danwei” of such programs to not use the number of projects or amount of funding taken on by researchers as evaluation criteria, make project management more “scientific and rational,” use funding more effectively, and address practical issues. Scientific programs should foster the “spirit of science” and a “favorable scholarly environment” for innovation. The notice included specific provisions to address concerns with funding applications, clarify and optimize various science and technology plans, and improve the effectiveness of government funding and investments.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: The Popular Will Cannot be Violated, Playing with Fire Will Inevitably [Result in] Burning Oneself
8.6 A Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary in People’s Daily declared that China’s sanctions on Speaker Pelosi and her immediate family, cancellations and suspensions of various US-China talks, and “real combat joint training exercises on an unprecedented scale show that China has “the determination, means, and capabilities to safeguard national reunification and defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It added that these measures had allowed “meddling external forces and ‘Taiwan independence’ splittist forces” to have a “more personal experience” and “deeper understanding” of China’s warnings about “playing with fire.” It emphasized that the “US side has insisted on pushing ‘using Taiwan to contain China,'” and that the the United States’ “sinister provocation came first, and China’s legitimate defense came after.” Nobody therefore, “has the right to talk irresponsibly (说三道四) about China’s countermeasures.” The commentary contended that opposition to “US-Taiwan collusion” in general and Speaker Pelosi’s visit in particular is the opinion of the majority of Taiwan’s people, the Asia-Pacific region, and the international community. The commentary asserted that over 160 countries have recently “reaffirmed their adherence to the one-China principle, supported China’s firm protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pointed out that provocative actions by the United States have violated its own promises and the basic norms of international relations.” The commentary also referenced UN Secretary General António Guterres, stating that he had asserted that “all actions should be based” on the one-China principle. The commentary further noted that Speaker Pelosi’s visit to South Korea had began with a “cold reception” (冷遇) and alleged that her “sinister actions to disrupt the region” had “made herself into a hot potato (烫手山芋).” It then added that China is willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and greatest efforts but if meddling external forces and ‘Taiwan independence’ splittist elements provoke, compel, or even break through the red line, we will have no choice but to take resolute measures.” It concluded that “if any person, force, or country provokes trouble on the Taiwan issue in an attempt to delay China’s development and growth or obstruct the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation … inevitably, their head will be cleaved with blood pouring out.”
Jun Sheng Series: On Pelosi Scutting to Visit Taiwan
PLA Daily continued its series of Jun Sheng (均声) commentaries on Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
6 August’s commentary, titled “Going Against the Trend Does Not Enjoy Popular Support,” asserted that the international community had criticized Speaker Pelosi’s visit and expressed support for the one-China principle and China taking “all necessary measures” in response. It criticized the United States for attempting to “write off and hollow out (虚化掏空) the one-China policy” and blame China for tensions and asserted that the United States cannot use the “so-called ‘separation of powers’” as an excuse. The commentary objected to Secretary Blinken’s remarks calling on China to not exacerbate tensions, stressing that the United States is “the world’s greatest source of chaos.” It claimed the United States only brought disaster upon those countries it claimed to stand with, such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, and Speaker Pelosi’s trip was further proof of US “efforts to sow chaos in the world.” It declared that China will “firmly impose countermeasures and absolutely will not sit idly by as the United States plays the ‘Taiwan card’ to serve domestic politics and politicians’ selfish desires.” It concluded that China will “adopt all necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity” and that “the responsibility for all the consequences arising therefrom [will be borne] by the US side and ‘Taiwan independence’ splittist forces.”
“The Pandemic Must be Controlled, The Economy Must be Stabilized, Development Must be Secured”: A Record of Xi Jinping’s Leadership of Effectively Planning Both Pandemic Prevention and Control and Socioeconomic Development
8.9 A lengthy People’s Daily article compiled Xi Jinping’s guidance of pandemic measures and economic stabilization this year, praising the Central Committee led by Xi for guiding the country to achieve results in these areas and win the “historical initiative” for high-quality development despite resurgent waves of the pandemic, complexities in the international environment, and challenges to domestic reform, development, and stability. It particularly highlighted the 29 April Politburo meeting on economic stabilization. The article described the emergence and spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus as the nation’s greatest pandemic challenge since the initial Wuhan outbreak, but claimed that Xi Jinping personally took command, personally deployed policies, and united and led millions of Chinese people in the “war” for both economic stability and control of the pandemic. It noted economic pressures from a contraction of demand, supply shocks, and weakening forecasts, as well as shocks to China’s economic recovery, namely the resurgence of the pandemic in China and the Ukraine crisis. It then emphasized implementation of a responding slate of major economic policies under the leadership of the “Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core.” It particularly noted Xi’s stress on the importance of stabilizing market entities and stabilizing the production and supply chains. Highlighting indicators of China’s recovery, it concurred with Xi Jinping’s remark in a recent provincial- and ministry-level study session that China had protected the lives and health of its people to “the greatest extent” and achieved the “best results in the world” in simultaneously developing the economy and fighting the pandemic. The article then praised Xi Jinping’s “farsighted” approach to planning for security and “high-quality development,” highlighting measures intended to strengthen independence in innovation and technology, strengthen the construction of basic infrastructure, accelerate the building of a “new development pattern,” continue to drive reform and opening, and focus on security considerations, particularly concerning the security of food and energy supply. The article then stressed the importance of prioritizing peoples’ livelihoods (民生), citing Xi’s remarks on the topic and highlighting policies related to employment, consumer price stabilization, food and energy supply, and social assistance and subsidies. While noting in one sentence that the “foundation for recovery is still not stable, and effort must still be paid into stabilizing the economy,” the next section of the article highlighted China’s successful hosting of events like the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and a lengthy collection of metrics that illustrated continuously positive trends in the economy. The article concluded that despite the world undergoing “changes unseen in a century” (百年未有之大变局), “time and trends are on our side.”
People’s Daily Commentator: The Process of the Complete Reunification of the Motherland Cannot Be Stopped
8.11 People’s Daily published a front-page Commentator Article which discussed the recent White Paper released by the State Council Information Office and the Taiwan Affairs Office titled “The Taiwan Issue and China’s Reunification Undertaking in the New Era.” It referenced recent remarks delivered by Xi Jinping which stated “the Taiwan issue was produced by the weakness and chaos of the Chinese nation, and it must be resolved through national rejuvenation.” It also stated that the “improvements in the country’s development, particularly in the strength of its economy, science and technology, and national defense, have not only effectively contained ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activity and foreign interference but also provided vast space and enormous opportunities for cross-strait exchanges and cooperation.” The Commentator Article asserted that now “our foundation for solving the Taiwan question is more solid” and “our capability is stronger,” thus necessitating a “forceful push in the process of the motherland’s unification.” It stated that “we are closer to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation now than at any time in history” and that therefore, “we are also closer, more confident, and more capable of realizing the objective of the motherland’s re-unification.” The Commentator Article then stated that for some time, DPP authorities and “external forces” have sought to “use Taiwan to contain China” and prevent great rejuvenation from being realized, referencing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit to Taiwan as an example. It stated that “China’s government has adopted a series of forceful countermeasures to firmly defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” in response. These measures have been “widely supported by the legitimate forces of international society.” It then stated “public opinion cannot be violated, playing with fire will inevitably [result in] burning oneself” and that the “motherland’s unification is a historical wheel rolling forwards that no person or force can stop.” The Commentator Article also stated that “peaceful reunification in accordance with ‘One Country, Two Systems’ will improve China’s development” and “lay the foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” It would also “produce enormous opportunities for Taiwan’s economic and social development” and “bring real benefits to Taiwan compatriots and to peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and the world.”
International Liaison Work
8.8 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) separately met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Norway, Signe Brudeset; and Ambassador of Singapore, Lui Tick Yew.
8.10 Liu Jianchao met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Egypt, Mohamed al-Badry.
8.10 Liu Jianchao met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Israel, Irit Ben-Abba Vitale.
8.12 Liu Jianchao delivered a keynote speech at the International Civil Society Solidarity Conference on the Global Development Initiative. Liu stated that “General Secretary Xi Jinping’s proposal of a global development initiative has received favorable responses and participation from international society.” Liu emphasized that China is willing to cooperate with international civil society to “provide popular support for the implementation of global development initiatives.” Liu then stated that “through developing the forces of international civil society, we can push development issues back into the core of international agendas” and “advance people-centric development.” Liu went on to laud “Chinese-style modernization” (中国式现代), and stated that “China’s successes have provided the world’s countries and nations wishing to accelerate their development while simultaneously maintaining their autonomy with a completely new choice.” Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the event. Attendees of the conference included President of Togo Faure Gnassingbé, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, former Prime Minister of Ireland Dermot Ahern, former President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, and former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Organization Work
8.8 Sonny Au Chi-kwong (区志光) was appointed Secretary-General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of Hong Kong SAR.
8.10 Zhang Xingwang (张兴旺) was appointed Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
8.10 Huang Guo (黄果) was appointed Deputy Head of the National Medical Products Administration.