- Admin
Weekly Report 5|11 3.11.23-3.17.23
Highlights
Xi Jinping attended a high-level dialogue between the Chinese Communist Party and the “world’s political parties” and delivered a speech titled “Joining Hands to Walk the Path of Modernization Together.” (See Senior Leaders section)
Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress. (See Senior Leaders section)
The General Office of the Central Military Commission (CMC) issued a notice requiring the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Armed Police (PAP) to seriously study and implement the “spirit” of the important speeches delivered by Xi Jinping at the plenary meeting of the delegations of the PLA and PAP. (See CMC section)
Senior Leaders
Zhao Leji Speech at First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress
3.14 People’s Daily published a speech delivered by Politburo Standing Committee member and 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chair Zhao Leji (赵乐际) at the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th NPC. In his speech, he declared that he “fully agrees with and supports” Xi Jinping’s important speech at the NPC and called for all delegates to “earnestly study, understand, and implement” Xi's speech. He noted that Xi was unanimously reelected as PRC President and Central Military Commission Chair, and this reflects the “common will of all NPC delegates and the common aspiration of the people of all ethnic groups in the country.” He then called for “resolutely supporting the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), consciously strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), strengthening the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).” He commended the NPC for the work done during the first session, declaring that it “fully demonstrated the advantages of “whole-process people’s democracy’ (全过程人民民主) and the strong vitality and remarkable superiority of the People’s Congress system.” He called for the NPC to implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, “adhere to the organic unity of the Party’s leadership, the people’s ownership of the country, and the rule of law,” promote the effective implementation of the goals and tasks set out by the 20th Party Congress, and contribute to the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country. He emphasized developing “whole-process people’s democracy” and ensuring that all democratic activities and supervision is conducted in accordance with the law to ensure that the full and effective implementation of the Constitution and the power of state organs and their staff are kept in check. In closing, he declared that “unity is strength, and struggle creates great achievements” and called for uniting more closely around the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, raising high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and adhering to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
Xi Jinping Delivers Important Speech at the Closing of the First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress
3.14 Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the conclusion of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress. He began by stating that China has faced many historical difficulties and that in modern times China was reduced to a “semi-colonial and semi-feudal society.” Xi asserted that China was the victim of bullying by foreign powers, languished under rampant division and frequent wars, and that the Chinese people were suffering profoundly. He proceeded to state that after the Chinese Communist Party was established it closely united the “entire country’s ethnic groups and people” to put an end to the century of “national humiliation” (民族耻辱), become “masters of their own destiny,” stand up and become strong, and enter the national rejuvenation of the Chinese nation into an “irreversible historical process.” He emphasized that from now until mid-century the “central task” of the entire Party and country’s people is to comprehensively construct a strong, modern socialist country and fully promote the national rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He stressed that the task now falls on “our generation” and stated the importance of proceeding from the “strategic deployments” made at the 20th Party Congress and coordinating promotion of the “Five-Sphere Integrated Plan” and “four comprehensives overall layout.” He highlighted the importance of “promoting high-quality development, completely, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the new development concept, accelerating the construction of a new development pattern, and fully implementing the strategy of rejuvenating the country through scientific education (科教兴国战略), the strategy of strengthening the country through human talent (人才强国战略), and the innovation-driven development strategy (创新驱动发展战略).” He emphasized “improving self-reliance and self-strengthening (自立自强) in science and technology,” promoting the transformation and improvement of industry, promoting green and low-carbon development, and continuously expanding the country’s economic, technological, and overall capabilities. He proceeded to emphasize “actively developing whole-process people’s democracy (全过程人民民主), adhering to the Party’s leadership,” and implementing a people-centered strategy of development. He stressed strengthening the provision of public services, resolving the concerns of the masses, and advancing “common prosperity” (共同富裕) for all people. He pointed out that security is the “foundation” of development and the “prerequisite” for stability. He emphasized implementing the overall national security concept, comprehensively advancing the modernization of national defense and the military, and building the people’s military into a “great wall of steel” (钢铁长城) that can “effectively defend the country’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
Next, he stressed the importance of “long-term prosperity and stability” in Hong Kong and Macao and not wavering from implementing “One Country, Two Systems” (一国两制). He proceeded to stress implementing the “Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era” in addition to upholding the “one-China principle” and the “1992 consensus.” He further emphasized firmly opposing external interference and “Taiwan independence” (台独) separatist activity. He then stated that “China’s development cannot be isolated from the world” and stated the importance of promoting “high-level external opening (对外开放)” and making use of the “global market and resources to develop ourselves.” He stated the importance of actively participating in the “systemic reform and construction of the global governance system” and implementing the “Global Development Initiative” (全球发展倡议) and the “Global Security Initiative” (全球安全倡议). Next, he emphasized that to “promote the construction of a strong country” it is important to uphold the “unified and centralized leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and Party Central Committee.” Lastly, he stated the importance of “daring to self-reform” and “not wavering from opposing corruption.”
Zhao Leji Visits News Media Workers Reporting on the National People’s Congress
3.15 Politburo Standing Committee member and 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chair Zhao Leji (赵乐际) visited journalists of major news outlets participating in the coverage of the first session of the 14th NPC. He stated that each news unit had “seriously implemented and followed through on the spirit of Xi Jinping’s important instructions” in their reporting and praised their “well-rounded” and “multi-angled” reporting. He stated that the National People’s Congress is an “important forum” to “unite thoughts, consolidate confidence, gather strength, and tell China’s story well.” He stated that it provides an “important window” that “displays China’s image.” Next, he emphasized that the most “major political achievement” made at the session was the unanimous election of Xi Jinping to the country’s chairmanship and the chairmanship of the Central Military Commission. He stated that news reports had successfully demonstrated the responsibility and demeanor of the “leader of a major power” and the “embrace of” and “love” for Xi Jinping among the “entire Party and country’s ethnic groups.” He proceeded to emphasize improving the accuracy and appeal of “publicity reports” (宣传报道), grasping well the “warming up” of pre-meeting reports, and doing a good job of reports on meeting processes. He also emphasized “innovating new reporting methods,” strengthening external outreach, and illustrating an image of China that is “trustable, loveable, and respectable.” He stressed that it is an important responsibility of “news media and news media work” to speak for the Party and people and report on the National Party Congress. He noted that there are 2.77 million deputies to people’s congresses at all levels and that they are the “root of the people, come from the people, and represent the people.” He stated that they constitute a “rich mine” (富矿) of news propaganda before emphasizing the importance of telling the story “whole-process people’s democracy” (全过程人民民主) and China well. Politburo members Li Shulei (李书磊) and Li Hongzhang (李鸿忠) accompanied Zhao during his visit.
Xi Jinping: Accelerate the Construction of an Agricultural Power and Promote the Modernization of Agricultural and Rural Areas
3.15 Qiushi published a speech by Xi Jinping delivered at the Central Conference on Rural Work held on 23-24 December, 2022, in which he summarized 2022’s “Three Rural Issues” (三农: agriculture, rural areas, and farmers) work and categorized his requirements for accelerating the construction of an agricultural power into six key points. First, “anchor the goal of building an agricultural power and earnestly do agricultural and rural work,” in which Xi emphasized the “Three Rural Issues” work should comprehensively promote rural revitalization over the next five years; basically realize agricultural modernization by 2035, and build an agricultural power by the middle of the century. He noted that without agricultural and rural modernization, socialist modernization would be incomplete. Second, “ensuring a stable and safe supply of food and important agricultural products is always the top priority for building an agricultural power,” in which Xi emphasized that “only by firmly grasping the initiative of food security can [China] secure the initiative of rejuvenating a strong country.” Third, “comprehensively promoting rural revitalization is an important task of building an agricultural power in the new era,” in which Xi emphasized not relaxing due to the achievements in “Three Rural Issues” work already gained, as well as comprehensively promoting the “five revitalizations” (五个振兴: industry, talent, culture, ecology, and organization). Fourth, “relying on the two-wheel drivers of science and technology and reform (科技和改革双轮驱动) to accelerate the construction of an agricultural power,” in which Xi noted that while China’s agricultural science and technology innovation has entered the “world’s first phalanx” (世界第一方阵), the “contribution rate” of “scientific and technological agricultural progress” still lags behind the world’s most advanced levels. Xi emphasized keeping an eye on the frontiers of the world’s agricultural science and technology, as well as being determined to give full play to China’s latecomer advantages and achieving “overtaking on curves” (弯道超车). Fifth, “vigorously promoting the construction of rural modernization,” in which Xi emphasized that building a livable, business-friendly, and beautiful countryside is the “proper meaning of building an agricultural power,” and China must promote agricultural modernization and rural modernization in an integrated manner. Sixth, “strengthen the Party’s overall leadership in accelerating the construction of an agricultural power,” in which Xi emphasized the Party’s leadership in the “Three Rural Issues” work, improving the leadership system and working mechanism, and providing a strong guarantee for accelerating the construction of an agricultural power.
Chairman Xi Jinping Delivers Keynote Speech at High-Level Dialogue Between the Chinese Communist Party and the World’s Political Parties
3.15 Xi Jinping attended a high-level dialogue between the Chinese Communist Party and the “world’s political parties” and delivered a speech titled “Joining Hands to Walk the Path of Modernization Together.” He emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party “always links its own destiny with the destiny of people from other countries” and will work assiduously to provide new opportunities for global development via “Chinese-style modernization.” He emphasized that all countries will face hardships in their path towards modernization and that in today’s world several challenges and risks are “intertwined.” He stated that the recovery of the world economy has proved difficult, the “development gap is continuously widening,” the “ecological environment” is deteriorating, and that the “Cold War mindset” persists. Next, he discussed five main points including upholding the concept of the “people above all else,” upholding the principle of independence and exploiting “diverse modernization paths,” establishing a sense of “positive innovation” and maintaining the modernization process, carrying forward the “spirit of the people” and strengthening “inclusion” of achievements related to modernization, and maintaining a positive attitude and firm leadership over modernization. He proceeded to state that “Chinese-style modernization” is the “only path” towards world harmony. He emphasized accelerating the construction of a “new development pattern,” continuously expanding high-level “external opening” (对外开放), and relaxing market access. He stated the importance of contributing “Chinese solutions” and “Chinese power” to close the gap between the Global North and South and realizing “common development.” He stressed that China is willing to work with political parties in other countries to promote “high-quality development” via the “Belt and Road Initiative” (一带一路) and foster “new drivers” for global development. Next, he emphasized that Chinese-style modernization does not “walk the old path of colonial plunder (殖民掠夺)” or the “crooked road” of hegemony. He emphasized that China will “defuse disputes” via cooperation and firmly oppose all forms of “hegemony and power politics” and create a “security pattern” that is fair and just. He stressed that the “world does not need a ‘new Cold War’ (新冷战)” and that provoking “splittism and confrontation under the banner of democracy” is in itself an affront to the “spirit of democracy.” He stated that regardless of what extent China develops to, it will never engage in hegemony or expansion.
Next, he proposed the Global Civilization Initiative (全球文明倡议). He proceeded to outline the Initiative, emphasizing that it entails “respecting the world’s civilizational diversity” and more “civilizational exchanges,” jointly carrying forward the “common values of humanity” and not imposing individual values and views onto others or engaging in ideological confrontation, jointly advocating both heritage and innovation, and strengthening international and people-to-people exchanges. He stated that China is willing to organize more dialogues and exchanges between political parties and work together to construct a “community of shared future for humankind” (人类命运共同体). Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi (蔡奇) and Politburo members Wang Yi (王毅), Yin Li (尹力), and Li Shulei (李书磊) also attended the dialogue.
Propaganda Work
People’s Daily Editorial: Striving Hard on a New Journey, Moving Forward Bravely Towards Rejuvenation
3.14 People’s Daily published an Editorial (社论) on the occasion of the closing of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), in which it reviewed key activities of the session and emphasized the importance of the Party’s leadership over the NPC and legislative work. The Editorial noted that the new leadership of state institutions elected and decided by the General Assembly has a “more optimized structure and enhanced vitality,” providing an “important organizational guarantee” for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The meeting reviewed achievements of the Party and country over the last five years, and approved the government work report and several other reports. All representatives agreed that the government work report embodies Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, and clarifies the overall requirements for socioeconomic development this year. The General Assembly deliberated and passed a decision on amending the Legislative Law (立法法), which the Editorial described as being important for strengthening the Party’s overall leadership over legislative work in the new era, upholding and developing “whole-process people’s democracy” (全过程人民民主), strengthening and improving legislative work, and improving the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics centered on the PRC Constitution. The Editorial noted that the reviewed and approved institutional reform plan of the State Council focuses on the transformation of government functions, accelerates the construction of a law-based government, and focuses on strengthening the optimization and adjustment of institutional responsibilities in key areas such as science and technology, financial supervision, data management, rural revitalization, intellectual property rights, and work related to aging. The Editorial then highlighted Xi Jinping’s closing speech, in which he emphasized that the leadership of the CCP and the Central Committee “shall centralize and unify leadership and effectively strengthen party building.” Xi also emphasized that “we must seize the day, strengthen historical self-confidence, strengthen historical initiative, adhere to integrity and innovation, maintain strategic determination,” and continue to “do one’s bit to help” (添砖加瓦) and “bring glory” (增光添彩) to the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.” The Editorial emphasized the importance of the people’s congress system, and noted that this system is a “fundamental political institutional arrangement that adheres to the leadership of the Party, the people being masters of their own affairs (人民当家作主), and the rule of law”; conforms to China’s national conditions and reality; embodies the nature of a socialist country; and guarantees the realization of the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Lastly, it called for “deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidating the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护),” working together to comprehensively build a modern socialist country, and comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
PLA Daily Editorial: Make Worthy Contributions to National Rejuvenation to Advance the Construction of a Strong Country
3.14 PLA Daily published an Editorial (社论) titled “Make Worthy Contributions to National Rejuvenation to Advance the Construction of a Strong Country.” It stated the importance of Xi Jinping's speech on 13 March and emphasized “consolidating historical self-confidence.” It further stressed uniting more closely around the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, upholding Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism for the New Era as guidance, and comprehensively implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress. It emphasized “comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and “uniting in struggle” (团结奋斗). It proceeded to emphasize that after China has become “rich” and “strong” and that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible “historical process.” It stated that on the “new journey” it is important to proceed according to the “strategic deployments” (战略部署) made at the 20th Party Congress and uphold coordination and promotion of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan (五位一体), the “four comprehensives” (四个全面), and accelerate the promotion of “Chinese-style modernization.” Next, it emphasized “completely, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the new development concept, accelerating the construction of a new development pattern, and continuously expanding the country’s economic strength, technological strength, and overall national strength.” It stressed the importance of “actively developing whole-process people’s democracy (全过程人民民主) and better coordinating development and security. It proceeded to discuss implementation of the “holistic approach to national security” (总体国家安全观), promoting the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” (一国两制), maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau, and not wavering from the “unification process of the motherland.” It further emphasized promoting a high degree of “external opening” (对外开放) and injecting “more stability and positive energy” into world development. Next, it stated that to promote the construction of a strong country it is necessary to adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, strengthen Party building, and maintain “sobriety and determination” in the face of challenges. It further stated the importance of “not wavering from opposing corruption” and always maintaining the unity of the Party. It proceeded to emphasize that the entire military must unite closer around the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, comprehensively and accurately learn and implement “Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army” (习近平强军思想), deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信) and achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).” It further emphasized implementing the CMC Chairman Responsibility System, comprehensively strengthening military training and war preparedness and military governance, and consolidating and improving the integration of national strategies, systems, and capabilities. Lastly, it stressed accelerating the modernization of national defense and the military to contribute to “national rejuvenation.”
Central Military Commission
The General Office of the Central Military Commission Issues a Notice on Requiring the People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police to Communicate and Learn the Spirit of the First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress
3.15 The General Office of the Central Military Commission (CMC) issued a notice requiring the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Armed Police (PAP) to seriously study and implement the “spirit” of the important speeches delivered by Xi Jinping at the plenary meeting of the delegations of the PLA and PAP. It emphasized that Xi’s speech focused on consolidating and improving the integration of national strategies, systems, and capabilities. It stressed “seriously grasping and learning the spirit of the meeting” and “fully recognizing that Chairman Xi’s unanimous election to the country’s Chairmanship and the Chairmanship of the Central Military Commission” is what the Party wants and is the “hope” of the people. It proceeded to emphasize “deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立),” going further in strengthening the Party’s core position, and “fully recognizing the important achievements consolidated by socioeconomic development over the past five years and the important measures from this year’s socioeconomic development.” It further stressed strengthening “confidence and determination” in promoting “Chinese-style modernization” and promoting the construction of a “socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics.” Next, it stated the importance of fully understanding the “importance” and “overall requirements” of institutional reforms to Party and state mechanisms and the necessity of understanding the “specific content” of the State Council’s institutional reforms. It proceeded to stress the importance of “realizing the goals set for the centenary of the military’s founding (建军一百年奋斗目标) as scheduled” and better coordinating “strategic deployments” for economic and national defense construction. It emphasized that studying the spirit of the meeting and Xi Jinping’s “important speeches” should be included in “theoretical study” by various Party groups, the ideological and political education of the military, and teaching and learning in universities. It stated the importance of uniting thoughts and actions with the “decision-making and deployments” of the Party Central Committee and Xi Jinping. It proceeded to emphasize “strengthening political leadership” and implementing more stringent requirements for implementation of the “CMC Chairman Responsibility System” (军委主席负责制). Lastly, it stressed “deepening war planning and preparedness,” continuously deepening reforms, paying attention to the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, bolstering the “effectiveness of military governance,” and promoting the modernization of national defense and the military.
Organizational Work
3.14 Zou Jiayi (邹加怡), Zhang Xiaoming (张晓明), Li Huidong (李惠东), Han Jianhua (韩建华), Zhang Maoyu (张茂于), Chen Xu (陈旭), Wu Weishan (吴为山), Sun Dongsheng (孙东生), He Zhimin (何志敏), Wang Lu (王路), Zhang Endi (张恩迪), Liu Zhengkui (刘政奎), Jiang Liping (江利平), and Qiu Xiaoping (邱小平) were appointed deputy secretaries-general to the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
3.15 Liu Junchen (刘俊臣), Guo Zhenhua (郭振华), He Xin (何新), Hu Xiaoli (胡晓犁), and Ouyang Changqiong (欧阳昌琼) were appointed secretaries-general of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress.
3.16 Li Fei (李飞) was appointed vice minister at the Ministry of Commerce.
International Work
3.16 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Assistant Head Zhu Rui (朱锐) attended the opening ceremony of an online training course for party members and cadres of Lebanon’s Progressive Socialist Party.
3.17 CCP/ID Deputy Head Chen Zhou (陈洲) attended and spoke at the third lecture of the World Sinology Forum co-hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and Beijing Language and Culture University.