- Admin
Weekly Report 5|16 4.21.23-4.28.23
Highlights
Xi Jinping accepted the credentials of more than 70 Ambassadors to the PRC, including that of US Ambassador to the PRC Nicholas Burns. (See Senior Leaders section)
Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his request during which the two leaders “exchanged opinions” on China-Ukraine relations and the “Ukraine crisis.” (See Senior Leaders section)
Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting to analyze the “current economic situation” and “economic work.” (See Senior Leaders section)
Senior Leaders
Philippine President Marcos Meets With Qin Gang
4.23 State Councilor Foreign Minister Qin Gang (秦刚) met with the President of the Philippines Marcos. For his part, Marcos emphasized that for a long time China and the Philippines have shared close relations and that bilateral cooperation has produced fruitful results. Allegedly, he stated that the “Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair” and that the Philippines would always abide by the “one -China policy” (一个中国政策). Marcos emphasized that the Philippines would uphold its independence and not “choose sides” and additionally stressed “properly handling maritime issues” so as to not allow them to “interfere with bilateral relations.” For his part, Qin emphasized that diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines have “fully proved that mutual respect, friendly interactions, trustworthiness, and mutually beneficial cooperation is in the fundamental interest of both sides” and that both “positive and negative” experiences should be learnt from. Qin stressed that “confronting a new situation and new challenges,” both sides must “grasp” the “accurate direction” of bilateral relations and engage in deep communication and mutual trust while “overcoming difficulties.” Qin referenced President Marcos’ visit to China at the start of the year and referenced the joint statement between the two sides affirming that the two countries should be “good neighbors” and “good relatives.” Qin expressed his hope that the Philippines can grasp the “general historical trend,” focus on the “overall situation of regional peace and stability,” and proceed from the “fundamental interests” of both peoples. Qin stressed “prudently handling issues involving Taiwan” and the South China Sea, responding to China’s “legitimate concerns” (正当关切), and respecting China’s “sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.” Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of the Philippines' adhering to its “commitment” of “strategic autonomy” and to not “choose sides.” Lastly, he stated that China would continue improving maritime communication mechanisms to better “manage and control the situation” between the two countries.
Xi Jinping Accepts Credentials of Foreign Ambassadors to China
4.24 Xi Jinping accepted the credentials of more than 70 Ambassadors to the PRC, including that of US Ambassador to the PRC Nicholas Burns. After the ceremony where credentials were presented, Xi Jinping delivered a speech to all envoys. He began by asking all envoys to convey his best wishes to their respective leaders and people and emphasized that China is willing to deepen its friendship with the people of other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. He emphasized “expanding mutually beneficial cooperation” and promoting the “unceasing, forward development of bilateral relations.” He expressed his wish that all envoys develop a “comprehensive, deep understanding of China” and serve as “envoys of friendship” and “bridges for cooperation.” He emphasized that the Chinese government would provide support and make it convenient for envoys to perform their duties. He proceeded to state that for the past three years “China has upheld the people above all else, life above all else, and has walked an extraordinary historical path of fighting the pandemic.” He stated that during this process, China received the “sincere help” of many countries and nations and that China has also used “practical actions to fully support the global fight against the pandemic.” Next, he emphasized that China has begun a “new journey” towards “comprehensively constructing a modern, socialist country” and will comprehensively promote the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” through “Chinese-style modernization.” He stressed that China would adhere to a “path of peaceful development” and uphold the basic national policy of “external opening” (对外开放). Furthermore, China will pursue a “open strategy (开放战略) of mutual, win-win” cooperation and provide more opportunities for the world via its own development. He stated that China will work with the international community to promote the implementation of the “Global Development Initiative” (全球发展倡议), “Global Security Initiative” (全球安全倡议), and “Global Civilization Initiative” (全球文明倡议). Lastly, he stated that China would “advocate the common values of all humankind,” emphasized “jointly confronting all kinds of global challenges, and highlighted continuously advancing towards constructing a “community of shared future for humankind” (人类命运共同体).
Xi Jinping Speaks on the Phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
4.26 Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his request during which the two leaders “exchanged opinions” on China-Ukraine relations and the “Ukraine crisis.” He stated that China-Ukraine relations have been through 31 years of development and have reached the level of a “strategic partnership” (战略伙伴) that has supported “development and rejuvenation” (发展振兴) in both countries. He expressed his appreciation to Zelenskyy for “repeatedly expressing emphasis on the development of China-Ukraine relations and cooperation with China” and expressed his thanks to him for providing “considerable assistance” in the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Ukraine last year. He stated that “mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity” is the “political basis” (政治基础) of China-Ukraine relations. He emphasized that both sides should focus on the future and uphold a long-term perspective when viewing and planning bilateral relations. He stressed continuing the “tradition” of “sincerity and mutual respect” between the two countries and promoting the “forward development of the China-Ukraine strategic partnership.” He stated that “the Chinese side’s will to develop China-Ukraine relations has been consistent and clear” and that regardless of how the international situation changes China is willing to advance “mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries. He proceeded to emphasize that the “complex development (复杂演变) of the Ukraine crisis” has had a significant impact on the international situation and that China has always “stood on the side of peace.” He stressed that China’s “core position” (核心立场) is to promote peace talks and that he had sequentially put forward the “four shoulds” (四个应该), the “four commons” (四个共同) and the “three points of thinking” (三点思考) to this end. He stated that China has, on this basis, issued the document on “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.” Next, he emphasized that China is not the “creator” of or the party involved in the Ukraine Crisis and that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and responsible major country, China would not “observe the fire from the other side” (隔岸观火) nor “add fuel to the fire” (拱火浇油). Moreover, it would not take advantage of the opportunity to accrue any profit. He proceeded to emphasize that “dialogue and negotiation is the only way forward” and that “nuclear war has no winners.” He stated that on the “nuclear issue,” all sides must maintain “calmness and restraint”and “jointly manage and control the crisis.” He emphasized that now that “rational thinking” from each side has increased it is important to “grasp” the opportunity to accumulate “favorable conditions” for a political resolution of the crisis. He expressed hope that all sides in the Ukraine crisis would engage in deep reflection and use dialogue to achieve “long-term peace and stability” in Europe. He stressed that China would persist in urging peace talks to accelerate the end of the war and undergo individual efforts to bring about a “return to peace.” Lastly, he stated that China will dispatch a special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs to visit Ukraine and other countries to engage in “deep communication” about a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis and that it is willing to continue providing “humanitarian assistance” to Ukraine.
50th Anniversary of Cooperation between China and the World Intellectual Property Organization and Propaganda Week Main Event Held in Beijing; Ding Xuexiang Read Congratulatory Letter by Xi Jinping and Delivered a Speech
4.26 Politburo Standing Committee Member Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥) delivered a speech and read a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping at the 50th Anniversary of the Cooperation between China and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the main event of the Propaganda Week held in Beijing. He pointed out that Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter “fully reflects the great importance attached to intellectual property work,” and noted that in the ten years of the new era, China has “placed intellectual property protection in a more prominent position; introduced a series of major policies, actions, and plans; implemented a strict intellectual property protection system; achieved historic achievements in intellectual property rights development; and embarked on a path of intellectual property rights development with Chinese characteristics.” He emphasized that China will “comprehensively strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights; accelerate the construction of a ‘major intellectual property country’ (知识产权强国); stimulate the innovation vitality of the whole society; promote the construction of a new development pattern (新发展格局); and strive to achieve high-quality development (高质量发展).” He stated that China will also improve policies such as patent and trademark examination; strictly protect intellectual property rights according to the law; improve the administrative and judicial protection systems; strengthen the entire chain of intellectual property rights protection; create a market environment for fair competition; focus on promoting the transfer and transformation of intellectual property rights; support the innovation and development of the real economy. Lastly, Ding stated that China is willing to establish a closer cooperative relationship with the WIPO, jointly promote international intellectual property cooperation, and “make new contributions to the prosperity and progress of mankind.” He put forward three suggestions: First, jointly improve the global governance of intellectual property rights, firmly maintain the multilateral system of intellectual property rights with the WIPO as the core, and promote the development of the global intellectual property rights governance system in a more just and reasonable direction. Second, jointly promote the efficient creation and use of intellectual property rights, adhere to the principles of openness, inclusiveness, balance and inclusiveness, and promote international exchanges and cooperation in intellectual property rights. Third, jointly promote international cooperation in intellectual property protection, severely crack down on various intellectual property infringements in accordance with the law, promote equal protection of intellectual property rights, and carry out technical exchanges and cooperation on the basis of market-oriented and rule-of-law principles.
Li Qiang: Efforts Should be made to Enhance the Endogenous Development Momentum of Border Areas and Consolidate and Expand the Achievements of Poverty Alleviation
4.26 On an inspection tour of Guangxi and Yunnan, Politburo Standing Committee Member and State Council Premier Li Qiang (李强) discussed the need to carry out in-depth study and implementation of thematic education of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, closely focus on the primary task (首要任务) of high-quality development (高质量发展) and the strategic task (战略任务) of building a new development pattern (新发展格局). He emphasized striving to enhance the endogenous development momentum (内生发展动力) of border areas, consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation, and better realize the “rejuvenation of the border and the enrichment of the people in the promotion of high-quality development.” He stressed that the key to rejuvenating the border and enriching the people is to enhance endogenous development momentum (内生发展动力) and called for “actively serving the new development pattern”; giving full play to comparative advantages; strengthening policy coordination; and accelerating the introduction of high-quality projects. He further emphasized that carrying out thematic education is a major measure to implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, and that it is necessary to resolutely implement the decision-making and deployments of the Central Committee; focus on “building the soul through study (以学铸魂), increasing wisdom through study (以学增智), strengthening the tightening of discipline through study (以学正风), and promoting performance through study (以学促干).” Moreover, he highlighted the importance of thematic education being “in-depth and solid” and “ensuring that there are tangible results in transforming the subjective world (主观世界) and the objective world (客观世界).” Lastly, he called for grasping the world outlook and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; “truly learning the skills of Marxism”; strengthening the ideological foundation of supporting the “two establishes” (两个确立) and achieving the “two defends” (两个维护); doing well in all aspects of socioeconomic development; and using the new results of promoting high-quality development to test the results of thematic education.
Xi Jinping Presides Over a Politburo Meeting to Analyze and Study the Current Economic Situation and Economic Work
4.28 Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting to analyze the “current economic situation” and “economic work.” The meeting emphasized that since this year, under the “firm leadership” of the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, each region and department has been better able to coordinate the domestic and international situations. Furthermore, there has been better coordination of the relationship between “pandemic prevention and control” and “socioeconomic development” and that between “development and security.” It stated that China had achieved “major, decisive victories” in fighting the pandemic and that the economy and society have fully recovered and resumed “normalized operations.” It emphasized that “macroeconomic policies” have been put first and that the “triple pressures” (三重压力) of “shrinking demand, supply shocks, and weakened expectations” have been eased. Moreover, economic growth has been more robust than expected and “market demand” is gradually recovering. It emphasized, however, that current economic operations are “mainly restorative” and that “endogenous power” (内生动力) is still not strong, demand is still not sufficient, and economic upgrades are confronting “new obstacles.” It proceeded to stress the importance of studying and implementing the “thematic education” of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and “earnestly implementing” the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference. It emphasized adhering to the “general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability (稳中求进),” fully, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the “new development concept,” accelerating the construction of a “new development pattern,” comprehensively deepening “reform and opening,” and uniting “policy effectiveness” with the “stimulation of vitality” among business entities. It highlighted coordinating the “continuous improvement of social expectations” and the “continued defusing of risks and hidden dangers (风险隐患).” Next, it emphasized that in order to accelerate the construction of a “modern industrial system” supported by the “real economy” it is necessary to accelerate “breakthroughs in areas of shortcomings” and become stronger in areas where the country possesses advantages. It stated the importance of “self-reliance and self-strengthening” (自立自强) and “consolidating and expanding the development advantages” of constructing “new-energy vehicles” in addition to accelerating the advancement of “charging piles” (充电桩) and energy storage solutions. It further called for supporting electric grid transformation, prioritizing the development of “artificial intelligence” (人工智能), and paying attention to “risk prevention.” It proceeded to state that the “recovery and expansion of demand” is the key to continued recovery of the economy. It emphasized a more effective, proactive “fiscal policy” (财政政策) and a more accurate, robust “monetary policy” (货币政策). It stressed increasing the income of both urban and rural residents, improving the “consumption environment,” and giving full play to the “leading role” of “government investment” and “policy incentives” to effectively stimulate private investment.
Next, the meeting emphasized upholding the “two unswervings” (两个毫不动摇) and removing legal obstacles and “hidden barriers” impacting fair competition between enterprises and “common development.” It stressed that “all businesses must comply with the law” and encouraged leading enterprises to “explore and innovate.” It further emphasized “expanding a high level of external opening (对外开放)” and promoting the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities. It stressed that attracting foreign investment should be put in a “more important position” and emphasized supporting the integration of pilot free-trade zones and free-trade ports with high-standard economic and trade rules. Furthermore, it stated that it is necessary to coordinate reforms of medium and small-sized banks and insurance companies, adhere to the position that houses are for living in and not for speculation, and promote the “healthy and stable development” of the real estate market. It is also important to construct affordable housing, strengthen government debt management at the local level, “strictly control new, hidden debts,” and “continue to do a good job in pandemic prevention and control work.” It proceeded to emphasize expanding “employment pathways” for university graduates, stabilizing employment of “key groups” such as migrant workers, guaranteeing energy supply, and consolidating and expanding achievements related to “poverty alleviation.” Lastly, it emphasized ensuring food production and the supply of important agricultural products, comprehensively advancing “rural revitalization” (乡村振兴), and strengthening ecological governance.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: Japan Should Not Go Further and Further Down the Road of Military Expansion
4.26 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary emphasizing that Japan’s “obsession” with seeking self-interest has intensified regional tensions. It stated that Japan has recently engaged in the “wrong words and deeds” and has consequently damaged its relations with neighboring countries. It noted the joint statement released at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Japan and how it “interfered in China’s internal affairs” and “smeared and attacked” China. It criticized Japanese politicians for “continuously throwing out the wrong remarks” on the Taiwan issue and emphasized that Japan’s “words and deeds” are “strategically short-sighted, politically wrong, and diplomatically unwise.” It stated that Japan has “brought wolves into the house” (引狼入室) and that its foreign policy is undergoing a dangerous transformation. It noted that new security policy documents promulgated by Tokyo call for Japan to have “counterattack capabilities” (反击能力) including against enemy bases and criticized Japan for increasing defense spending. It stated that Japan has “completely departed from the peaceful concept” in its Constitution and that it has “inverted black and white” on issues such as “Taiwan, the Diaoyu Islands, and the South China Sea.” Moreover, it criticized Tokyo for investing and developing new types of missiles. It proceeded to state that Japan has sought to cooperate with the US in its “Indo-Pacific strategy” (印太战略) and even tried to introduce NATO into the Asia-Pacific and that this is a “serious strategic loss.” It stated that the US would always seek to defend its own “hegemonic interests” in its relations with Japan and asserted that the US has previously launched “seven trade and financial wars” against Japan, imposed tariffs on it, and even declared Japanese companies such as Toyota a national security threat against the US. It stated that historically, Japan has been engaged with the idea of “leaving Asia and entering Europe” (脱亚入欧) and that its ultimate decision to go down the path of militarism resulted in disaster for the peoples of all countries in the region and “consequences difficult to bear” for the Japanese people. It stated that now, countries in the region are worried that Japan is repeating history through its military expansion. It proceeded to emphasize that bilateral relations are critical to regional peace and stability but that “some forces” in Japan have wrongly followed the United States in provoking China on “core issues.” Lastly, it stated that only by reflecting on itself and its words and deeds, and persisting in walking a path of “peaceful development,” can Japan win back the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.
Discipline and Inspection
Li Xi: Give Full Play to the Role of Discipline Inspection and Supervision Organs to Provide a Strong Guarantee for Deepening the Reform of Party and State Institutions
4.25 Politburo Standing Committee Member and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Head Li Xi (李希) spoke at the fourth collective study session of the 20th Standing Committee of the CCDI. He emphasized that discipline and inspection organs should “deeply study and comprehend Xi Jinping’s important discussions on deepening reforms in Party and state institutions,” closely unite “ideology and action” with the deployments of the Party Central Committee, 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). He stressed “accurately grasping the major significance of reforming institutions” and enabling reforms to play their role in “promoting the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities.” He emphasized that deepening the reforms of Party and state institutions is an “important measure” to implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and that the reforms are guided by “strengthening the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee.” He stated that the reforms will promote firmer adherence to the “two establishes” (两个确立) and emphasized optimizing “function configuration,” improving “institutional mechanisms,” and making “operations and management” more effective. He stressed that discipline and inspection organs must earnestly fulfill their responsibilities and ensure that “where the Party Central Committee’s decision deployments go, political supervision (政治监督) will follow.” He emphasized that it is necessary to “strengthen supervision and inspection” and strictly enforce “organization discipline, financial discipline, and confidentiality discipline” to ensure that reforms are not subject to any interference and that all tasks are completed smoothly. Lastly, he stressed promoting the “materialization, proceduralization, and institutionalization of the dual leadership system” and going further in promoting improvements in the Party’s “internal supervision system.”
International Work
4.25 Chinese Communist Party International Department (CCP/ID) Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with a delegation of members of Sri Lankan political parties led by Chairman of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Youth Wing and State Minister of Power and Energy, D.V. Chanaka.
4.26 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) delivered a keynote speech at the third China-Pacific Islands Countries Political Party Dialogue led by Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice, Samiu Vaipulu.
4.26 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) attended the opening ceremony of the Global Civilization Initiative Symposium.
Organizational Work
4.28 He Yang (何洋) was appointed Deputy Director of the National Energy Administration.
4.28 Tang Fanglin (唐芳林) was appointed Deputy Director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
4.28 Luo Yongqiang (罗永强) and Zhou Tian (周天) were appointed Deputy Directors of the National Fire and Rescue Administration.
4.28 Dou Xiankang (窦贤康) was appointed President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Lu Jianhua (陆建华), Zhang Xuemin (张学敏), Jiang Song (江松), Yu Jihong (于吉红), Han Yu (韩宇), and Lan Yujie (兰玉杰) were appointed vice presidents of the Foundation.