Weekly Report 5|19 5.12.23-5.19.23
Highlights
Qiushi published a speech Xi Jinping delivered on March 30, 2023 on carrying out thematic education at the fourth collective study session of the Politburo of the 20th Central Committee. (See Senior Leaders section)
Xi Jinping listened to the work report of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government, and emphasized that Shaanxi “must be brave in promoting Chinese-style modernization.” (See Senior Leaders section)
People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) article titled “Being an Accomplice and Accessory of Economic Coercion Will Only Harm Everyone and Oneself” that criticized G7 countries for engaging in “economic coercion.” (See Propaganda Work section)
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki
5.15 Xi Jinping met with the President of Eritrea Isaias Afwerki at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During the meeting, Xi stressed that they are “confronting an international situation full of instability and uncertainty” and that therefore the “good development” of “China-Eritrea relations” is not only compatible with the common and long-term interests of both countries but also has “major significance” for safeguarding regional peace and international fairness and justice. Xi emphasized that China appreciates Eritrea’s long-term upholding of an “independent and autonomous foreign policy” and that it firmly supports Eritrea in exploring a “development path” that is compatible with its own national conditions. He stressed that he firmly supports Eritrea “defending its sovereignty, security, and development interests” and opposes “external interference” in Eritrea’s internal affairs and the imposition of “unilateral sanctions” (单边制裁). He proceeded to emphasize that China is willing to exchange experience in “state governance” with Eritrea, jointly oppose “unilateralism and bullying,” and safeguard the “common interests” of the vast majority of developing countries. He stated that China is willing to utilize “frameworks and platforms” such as the “Belt and Road Initiative” (一带一路), the “Forum on China-Africa Cooperation” (中非合作论坛), among others, to promote “mutually beneficial cooperation.” Next, he stressed that China encourages Chinese-funded enterprises to bolster investment in Eritrea and that it is willing to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction, telecommunications, agriculture, mining, fishing, and other areas. He emphasized that under the “new situation,” it is more important than ever for China and Africa to strengthen “united cooperation.” Lastly, he stressed that China would provide more opportunities for Africa through “Chinese-style modernization” and will work to promote a “China-Africa community of shared future” (中非命运共同体).
Xi Jinping Speech at the Fourth Collective Study Session of the Politburo of the 20th Central Committee
5.16 Qiushi published a speech Xi Jinping delivered on March 30, 2023 on carrying out thematic education at the fourth collective study session of the Politburo of the 20th Central Committee. In his speech, he emphasized four key points. First, Xi emphasized that studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (hereafter Xi Jinping Thought) is the “fundamental requirement” to create a new situation on the new era and new journey. He noted that only through “strong theory” can the Party have a “clear direction, unity of hearts, and confidence,” and called for the Party to “create history and achieve brilliance” by insisting on arming the whole party with the latest achievements of Marxism and carrying out thematic education throughout the Party. Xi stated that “every time the Party’s theoretical innovation (理论创新) advances, the theoretical arming (理论武装) must follow suit,” and that while achievements in theoretical innovation have been made over the previous ten years,theoretical arming still faces a number of obstacles. Second, Xi emphasized “grasping the scientific system and essence of [Xi Jinping] Thought” He noted that the Party’s theoretical innovation process consists of “summarizing experience, exploring the unknown, and discovering the truth,” and is a process of “grasping the internal relationship between things, revealing objective laws, and predicting the inevitable trend of the development of things.” He stated that Xi Jinping Thought is closely focused on answering “how to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, what kind of modern socialist power to build, and what kind of long-term ruling Marxist political party to build,” as well as “other major issues of the times.” He noted that the 20th Party Congress Report “clearly pointed out” that the main content of [Xi Jinping] Thought is summarized in the “ten definites” (十个明确), “fourteen adherences” (十四个坚持), and the “thirteen areas of achievement” (十三个方面成就), and called for the Party to not only “study and master” these concepts, but to also “grasp the scientific system of this Thought as a whole.” He noted that new ideas, thoughts, and strategies must be understood within the entire scientific system to avoid “fragmentation (碎片化) and one-sidedness (片面性).” He cautioned that some leading cadres “do not judge the situation accurately, do not take the initiative to deal with risks, and deal with complex and contradictory issues” and these issues are “closely related to the failure to grasp the essence of the Party’s innovative theory.”
Third, Xi called for “carry[ing] forward the fine style of integrating theory with practice.” He stated that the “degree to which a theory is realized in a country is dependent on the degree to which the theory meets the needs of reality” and the validity of the theory’s role is dependent on “how deeply the theory is put into practice.” Xi declared that the purpose of learning [Xi Jinping] Thought is “all about application,” as well as to turn this Thought into a “powerful ideological weapon for transforming the subjective world and the objective world.” It is only when cadres “put [their] own thoughts, work, and responsibilities in, can [they] truly understand the power of truth (真理力量) and practical power (实践伟力).” Fourth, Xi called for comrades of the Politburo of the Central Committee to “set an example in thematic education.” He called for “taking the lead in inspecting and rectifying problems”; closely integrating new situations, new tasks, and new responsibilities; organically integrating learning, investigation, and reform; correctly treating and consciously accepting supervision inside and outside the Party; “earnestly carrying out criticism and self-discipline”; focusing on solving problems from “the root of ideology and institutional mechanisms”; and winning the trust of the people with the “actual results of rectifications.”
Xi Jinping: Focus on the Overall Situation of the Country, Give Full Play to its Own Advantages, Clarify the Main Direction of Attack, and Strive to Write the Shaanxi Chapter of Chinese-Style Modernization
5.17 Xi Jinping listened to the work report of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government, and emphasized that Shaanxi “must be brave in promoting Chinese-style modernization.” He called for Shaanxi to “take the lead” and “strive to catch up, dare to surpass, and play a demonstrating role in the western region.” He emphasized the importance of fully, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the new development concept (新发展理念), closely focusing on the primary task of high-quality development (高质量发展), and actively integrating into and serving the construction of the new development pattern (新发展格局). Next, he stressed striving to achieve new breakthroughs in self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology; building a modern industrial system; promoting coordinated development of urban and rural areas; expanding high-level opening to the outside world; strengthening ecological and environmental protection; and striving to write the Shaanxi chapter of Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化). In building a modern industrial system, Xi emphasized consolidating Shaanxi’s leading position in traditional advantageous industries while having the courage to open up new fields and new tracks to cultivate new competitive advantages. He called for accelerating the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries into high-end, intelligent, and green industries, cultivating and strengthening emerging strategic industries, and actively developing the digital economy and modern service industries. Xi emphasized focusing on national strategic needs and the frontiers of international competition; implementing major national science and technology projects; achieving breakthroughs in more key, core technologies; creating more “important instruments of the state” (国之重器); strengthening the dominant position of scientific and technological innovation enterprises; promoting the deep integration of the innovation chain, industrial chain, capital chain, and talent chain; and building comprehensive national science and technological innovation centers in Xi’an. Later, he emphasized promoting new urbanization construction and improving municipal public facilities, continuing to develop the countryside, and more deeply integrating into the overall pattern of the “Belt and Road Initiative” (一带一路).
Lastly, he put forward three points on promoting the thematic education of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. First, he called for improving their political ability, being good at thinking about problems, making decisions, doing things from the standpoint of the Party and the people, preventing political risks, and “truly becom[ing] politically sensible people.” Second, Xi called for improving their thinking ability, transforming their world outlook, methodology, standpoints and methods through Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the “master key” (总钥匙) to researching and solving problems. Third, he called for improving practical ability, integrating theory with practice, comprehensively grasping the new ideas, thoughts, and strategies of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, serving the masses, and “preventing and resolving risks.” Politburo Standing Committee Member Cai Qi (蔡奇) attended the briefing and accompanied Xi’s investigation.
During Inspection in Shandong, Li Qiang Emphasizes Strengthening and Optimizing the Real Economy, Focusing on Expanding Domestic and External Demand, and Promoting Continued Recovery of Economic Operations
5.18 Politburo Standing Committee Member and State Council Premier Li Qiang (李强) conducted an investigation in Shandong. He emphasized that it is necessary to deeply implement the decision-making and deployments of the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core in order to do a good job with “current economic work.” He stressed accelerating the construction of the “real economy” (实体经济) and supporting the “modern industrial system,” taking more “targeted measures” (对性措施) to expand domestic demand and stabilize external demand, and promoting economic recovery. In Weifang, he visited the offices of design and manufacturing companies such as Weichai Group and Goertek Group where he toured workshops and laboratories. He emphasized that it is necessary to advance the development of “advanced manufacturing clusters,” make plans for upgrading “traditional industries,” and cultivate stronger “strategic, emerging industries.” He also visited an “auto city” where he learned about sales of electric vehicles and the situation in the countryside. He stated that the market for electric vehicles is huge and that the “consumption potential” (消费潜力) of “new energy vehicles” should be released. In Qingdao, he visited a trade cooperation demonstration zone and emphasized the importance of international cooperation via the “Belt and Road Initiative” (一带一路). He then visited the offices of the Haier Group and Hisense Group where he stressed creating more “competitive products” and further developing their presence in domestic and international markets. Next, he presided over a symposium where he listened to speeches by representatives of different departments in Shandong. He emphasized that the key to promoting economic recovery is to strengthen “confidence in development” and stated the importance of doing things that inject certainty. He stressed focusing on “manufacturing, innovation, and integration,” creating demand with “high-quality supply,” and supporting the creation of more “consumption hotspots” (消费热点). He emphasized accelerating the development of “new modes” of foreign trade and stressed exerting greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign capital. Lastly, he stressed thinking of ways to stabilize “international market share,” defusing major risks in important areas, and creating a positive environment for economic development.
Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui Visits Ukraine
5.18 Between 16 and 17 May, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui (李辉) visited Ukraine and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two sides “exchanged opinions” on a political resolution to the Ukraine Crisis and China-Ukraine relations. The two sides agreed that the phone call between Xi Jinping and President Zelenskyy held not long ago pointed out the direction of “the development of China-Ukraine relations.” They affirmed that both sides should engage in “mutual respect” and that “mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries should continue to advance forward. Li discussed China’s position on a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis and emphasized that the “four shoulds” (四个应该), “four commons” (四个共同), and “three considerations” (三点思考) are the fundamental principles of China’s political resolution to the Ukraine Crisis. He stated that there is no “silver bullet” (灵丹妙药) for defusing the crisis and that all parties must “start from themselves, build up mutual trust, and create the negotiations for the cessation of the war and negotiations.” He proceeded to emphasize that based on the document on “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis,” China is willing to advocate for the international community to help end the war in the quickest manner possible and restore peace. Lastly, he stated that China has always played a constructive role in alleviating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine “in its own way” and will continue to try its best to provide Ukraine assistance.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Yin: Comprehensively Understanding and Accurately Viewing the New Situation of the Country’s Population Development
5.15 People’s Daily published a Zhong Yin commentary on supporting Chinese-style modernization through high-quality population development. It started by emphasizing that the “population issue” has been a long-term, strategic issue facing the country. It noted that Xi Jinping recently presided over the first meeting of the 20th Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission to study the issue of how to support “Chinese-style modernization” using high-quality population development. The meeting pointed out that currently, the country’s population development is facing issues related to a “declining birthrate (少子化), aging population, and differences in population growth between regions.” Next, it emphasized that the 20th Party Congress had drawn up a “grand blueprint” for advancing “Chinese-style modernization” through promoting the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” It stated that “Chinese-style modernization” is “modernization with a large population” and that the scale of China’s population surpasses the “combined populations of developing countries.” It proceeded to state that since the 18th Party Congress, the “Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core” has highly prioritized the population issue and noted that it has made “major decisions” to adjust and improve “reproductive policies” (生育政策) in a timely manner. It stressed that there have been “remarkable results” achieved in various work areas and emphasized that to realize “socialist modernization” it is necessary to to comprehensively improve “population quality” (人口素质). It proceeded to stress that the “population changes according to socioeconomic development” and noted several challenges related to “planning well for long-term population development.” It noted that there has been a “blatant slowdown” in China’s population growth rate, that “fertility levels” (生育水平) continue to decline, and that the “degree of aging (龄化程度) has deepened.” It emphasized that this was a common problem confronted by developing countries and that when facing the “new situation” it is necessary to “actively and effectively confront risks and challenges” and grasp the “strategic initiative” (战略主动) of economic and social development. Next, it emphasized strengthening judgment of and research and analysis into the situation. It stated that China continues to enjoy advantages in its “ultra-large scale domestic market” and “abundant human resources,” and that China’s “demographic dividend” (人口红利) has not disappeared while its “talent dividend” (人才红利) is currently taking shape. It emphasized that improvements in “population quality” going into the future will lead to a “transformation in the mode of economic development, industrial structure (产业结构) upgrading, and an increase in total factor productivity (全要素生产率).” Lastly, it stressed that “on the new journey” it is important to “strengthen the strategic position and fundamental role of population development” and emphasized that “the coordinated and sustainable development of the economy, society, and resource environment” provides a “firm basis and lasting momentum” for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the “Chinese dream.”
Zhong Sheng: Being an Accomplice and Accessory of Economic Coercion Will Only Harm Everyone and Oneself
5.17 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) article titled “Being an Accomplice and Accessory of Economic Coercion Will Only Harm Everyone and Oneself” that criticized G7 countries for engaging in economic coercion. It emphasized that under the “blackmail and instigation” of the United States, the G7 has interfered in China’s internal affairs and made “irresponsible accusations” against China. It stated that the G7 no longer maintains the “international order” and is actually the “destroyer” of it. It stated that the US intentionally regards China as an “imaginary enemy” (假想敌) and that it is engaging in “containment and suppression” against it by roping in its allies to encircle China. It emphasized that the G7 has previously made irresponsible remarks on issues such as “Hong Kong, Xinjiang, human rights, the East China Sea, South China Sea, and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait” and that it has advocated a “false narrative” (虚假叙事) of “democracy against authoritarianism” to incite confrontation. It stressed that the G7 is now a “hegemonic minion” (霸权仆从) of the US. It stated that the G7 claims to maintain the “international order based on the rule of law” but that it “blatantly challenges the core of the post-war international order.” It emphasized that the “return of Taiwan to China” is an important part of the post-war international order as stated by the “Cairo Declaration” (开罗宣言) and “Potsdam Declaration” (波茨坦公告) and that the G7 has forgotten about them. It proceeded to state that the G7 declared that it would jointly confront “economic coercion” (经济胁迫) but that it virtually ignores “economic coercion” by the US. It criticized the US for engaging in “unilateral sanctions” (单边制裁) and noted that it has imposed them on more than 40 countries of the world affecting nearly half the world’s population. It stated that even G7 countries have been subject to “economic coercion and bullying” by the US, noting that companies such as Japan’s Toshiba and Germany’s Siemens have been the victims of “suppression” by the US. It stressed that China is a “victim” of US economic coercion and that it has always firmly opposed economic coercion by other countries. It emphasized that G7 countries should discuss economic coercion by the US if it wants to talk about the topic, and that they should not be “accomplices and accessories” to US economic coercion. Next, it stated that the G7 has discussed the issue of “economic security” (经济安保) but that it has allowed and even encouraged the US to “decouple and break chains” (脱钩断链) thus perpetuating risks to global economic recovery. It emphasized that the US has “abused export control measures,” intensified restrictions on normal economic and trade cooperation between American companies and China, and “coerced” allies into adopting the same practices. It emphasized that this “seriously destroys the international economic and trade order” and disrupts the stability of the global industrial and supply chain.” Lastly, it stated that G7 countries should understand that engaging in “small cliques” (小圈子) to contain and suppress other countries and provoke “camp confrontation” (阵营对立) is against the general trend of the times, namely openness and inclusiveness, and that harming others will only result in “harming oneself.”
United Front Work Department
Shi Taifeng: Implement the United Front Work Responsibility System and Make Better Use of the Powerful Magic Weapon of the United Front
5.14 Politburo Member and United Front Work Department Head Shi Taifeng (石泰峰) conducted an investigation tour in Zhejiang Province (浙江), where he emphasized thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, firmly upholding the “two establishes” (两个确立), resolutely achieving the “two defends” (两个维护), constantly improving the structure of United Front Work, implementing the United Front Work Responsibility System (统战工作责任制), and making better use of the powerful magic weapon of the patriotic United Front in the new era. Shi first visited Fenghua District (奉化区) and Yinzhou District (鄞州区) of Ningbo City (宁波市) as well as Linhai City (临海市) and Luqiao District (路桥区) of Taizhou City (台州市). At these locations, he visited religious schools and religious activity centers as well as industrial parks and private enterprises, where he learned about the sinicization of religion in China; “investigated United Front work with new social classes, online United Front Work, and the development of the private economy”; and learned about United Front grassroots work and thematic education work. During the investigation, Shi presided over a symposium to listen to opinions and suggestions regarding United Front work and emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen the Party’s comprehensive leadership over united front work and consolidate the responsibility of the party committee for United Front work. Moreover, it is necessary to clarify major principles, key tasks, and work standards of the Party committee’s United Front work; effectively implement the party’s will and propositions in all aspects of United Front work; encourage and support the grassroots to explore innovative ways and means; and promote the characteristics and refined development of grassroots United Front work. Lastly, he pointed out that the united front system should closely follow the goals, tasks, and requirements of the Central Committee on thematic education and make real efforts in inspection and rectification so as to continue to promote in-depth thematic education.
Discipline and Inspection
During Fujian Inspection, Li Xi Emphasizes Deeply Carrying Out Thematic Education and Education Rectification to Inject Strong Momentum Behind the High-Quality Development of Discipline Inspection and Supervision Work
5.19 Between 16 and 19 May, Politburo Standing Committee Member and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Head Li Xi (李希) conducted an investigation in Fujian. He emphasized “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), and achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).” He stressed deeply carrying out study and implementation of “thematic education” on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a new era, doing a good job with “educating and rectifying” CCDI cadres, and deeply promoting the “high-quality development” of discipline and inspection work. During his investigation, he pointed out that Xi Jinping had worked in Fujian for 17 years and that Xi has proposed a “series of important theories and major practices” related to the “economy, governance, culture, society, ecological civilization, and Party construction” especially as it pertains to strict governance of the Party. He emphasized that the Party’s “self-revolution” (自我革命) has enabled “in-depth exploration and practice,” played a role in creating “precious spiritual wealth (精神财富),” and provided “important guidance” for resolving the unique challenges confronted by a large Party. He emphasized that it is necessary to deeply learn “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” with “reverence, emotion, faith, and a sense of responsibility” and do a good job with “deepening, internalizing, and transforming work.” He stressed actually transforming achievements from studying into “firm ideals” (坚定理想) and creating a high degree of consciousness in the Party. During his investigation, he visited the Fujian Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and listened to various opinions and suggestions. He stated that carrying out thematic education and “education rectification” (教育整顿) is a major decision-making deployment on part of the Party Central Committee and Xi Jinping and that they constitute “important political tasks” for the disciplinary inspection system. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of promoting determination to “not dare to be corrupt, be unable to engage in corruption, and not want to be corrupt” and “strengthening guidance and supervision specifically and accurately.”
Organization Work
5.15 Cong Liang (丛亮) was appointed Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission.
5.15 Wang Gang (王刚) was appointed Vice Minister of Transport.
5.15 Cao Shumin (曹淑敏) was appointed Director of the State Administration of Radio and Television.
5.19 Li Yunze (李云泽) was appointed head of the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA). Cao Yu (曹宇), Zhou Liang (周亮), Xiao Yuanqi (肖远企), and Cong Lin (丛林) were appointed deputy heads.
5.19 Zhang Jiasheng (张家胜) was appointed deputy head of the General Administration of Sport of China.
5.19 Huang Jinsheng (黄锦生) was appointed head of the National Mine Safety Administration.
5.19 Lei Ping (雷平) was appointed deputy head of the National Medical Products Administration.
International Work
5.17 Chinese Communist Party International Department (CCP/ID) Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) delivered a speech at the Belt and Road Forum for Interconnected Land-Sea Development 2023 in Chongqing.
5.18 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with the former Prime Minister of Romania, Adrian Nâstase.
5.18 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with the General Secretary of the Portuguese Communist Party, Paulo Raimundo.
5.19 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation of Malta, Keith Azzopardi Tanti.
5.19 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with the Chair of the Board of the Great Britain China Centre, Martin Davidson.
5.19 CCP/ID Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with the General Secretary of the Portuguese Communist Party, Paulo Raimundo.
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