India-China Talks - Xi Meets Putin - Zhang Youxia Seeks New Models of Integrated Training - Central SoEs Pump $196 bln in Strategic Emerging Industries - Countering 'Taiwan Independence in Culture'
India-China Talks - Xi Meets Putin - Zhang Youxia Seeks New Models of Integrated Training - Central SoEs Pump $196 bln in Strategic Emerging Industries - Countering 'Taiwan Independence in Culture'
Hi folks,
Before we get to today’s edition, I wanted to point to something that I am looking forward to during the day. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping will be meeting for their first formal bilateral talks since October 2019. This comes after a deal was announced separately by both sides on the issues related to the standoff between the two forces in Eastern Ladakh.
For those interested, do check out my piece in the Indian Express yesterday discussing the deal and the many questions that remain. The piece is beyond the paywall. So I am attaching a PDF here for those who would like access.
If you are interested in a much deeper dive, do check out this report that I published earlier this month, with recommendations for Indian policy with regard to China.
Cheers,
Manoj
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Page 1: The front page today is dominated by Xi Jinping’s visit to and meetings in Kazan, Russia. He is accompanied by Cai Qi and Wang Yi.
First, let’s look at the report (English report) on Xi’s meeting with Vladimir Putin.
“Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have gone through ups and downs and explored the correct way for neighbouring major countries to get along with each other through ‘non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties’. The two sides have upheld the spirit of lasting good-neighbourliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and continued to deepen and expand comprehensive strategic cooperation and practical cooperation across various fields, injected strong impetus into the development, revitalization and modernization of the two countries, and made important contributions to enhancing the well-being of the Chinese and Russian people and safeguarding international fairness and justice. At present, the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, resulting in a fast-changing and turbulent international landscape, but the profound and lasting friendship between China and Russia will not change, nor will their sense of responsibility as major countries for the world and for the people. Despite complex and severe external challenges, bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade continues to advance, and large-scale joint projects remain stable in operation. The two sides should continue to promote the in-depth docking of BRI and the Eurasian Economic Union to provide dynamic support for promoting the high-quality development of their respective economies.” 习近平指出，今年是中俄建交75周年。75年来，中俄关系风雨兼程，探索出“不结盟、不对抗、不针对第三方”的相邻大国正确相处之道。双方秉持永久睦邻友好、全面战略协作、互利合作共赢精神，不断深化和拓展全面战略协作和各领域务实合作，为推动两国发展振兴和现代化建设注入强劲动力，为增进中俄人民福祉、维护国际公平正义作出重要贡献。当前，世界正处于百年未有之大变局，国际形势变乱交织，但中俄世代友好的深厚情谊不会变，济世为民的大国担当不会变。尽管面临复杂严峻的外部形势，两国贸易等各领域合作积极推进，大型合作项目稳定运营。双方要继续推动共建“一带一路”倡议和欧亚经济联盟深入对接，为促进各自经济高质量发展提供动力支撑.
Xi Jinping stressed that next year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major global powers, China and Russia should deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation, strengthen communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and the SCO, promote a correct view of World War II history, firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, and jointly maintain global strategic stability and international fairness and justice. Xi Jinping pointed out that the BRICS cooperation mechanism is the most important platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries and developing countries in the world today. China highly appreciates the work done by Russia as the chair country for this year’s BRICS Summit and looks forward to having in-depth discussions with BRICS leaders on the future development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, promoting consensus among all parties, sending positive signals of solidarity and cooperation, promoting strategic collaboration and practical cooperation in various fields among BRICS countries, and striving for more new opportunities for the Global South. 习近平强调，明年是联合国成立80周年，也是世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。作为联合国安理会常任理事国和世界主要大国，中俄要深化全面战略协作，密切在联合国、上海合作组织等多边框架内沟通协调，弘扬正确二战史观，坚定维护以联合国为核心的国际体系，共同维护全球战略稳定，维护国际公平正义。习近平指出，金砖合作机制是当今世界最重要的新兴市场国家和发展中国家团结合作平台。中方高度评价俄罗斯作为主席国为此次金砖国家领导人会晤所做工作，期待同金砖国家领导人深入探讨金砖合作机制未来发展，推动各方凝聚共识，传递团结合作的积极信号，推进金砖国家各领域战略协作和务实合作，为全球南方争取更多新机遇.
Putin reportedly said that the two sides had forged “a model for a new type of relationship between major countries.” He added that “Russia is also ready to maintain close high-level exchanges and strategic communication and coordination with China in international affairs, and work with China to uphold international fairness and justice as well as global strategic stability”.
Next, there’s a report on Xi’s meeting with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president. Xinhua says that Xi “called on China and Laos to forge a model for Belt and Road cooperation.”
“The two sides should continue to strengthen the development of the China-Laos Railway and promote the construction of the China-Laos Economic Corridor…As socialist comrades and brothers, the relations with Laos are of special importance in China’s neighborhood diplomacy, and the two countries have always stayed at the forefront of building a community with a shared future, Xi said, adding that regardless of how the international situation changes, China will always be a trustworthy friend and partner of Laos. China is advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development, while Laos is also entering a new stage of national development and revitalization, Xi said, noting that China is ready to work with Laos to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future to new heights. Xi said that China is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with Laos and continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. China is willing to import more high-quality agricultural products from Laos and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, culture and youth, Xi said. Congratulating Laos on successfully hosting the East Asian Leaders’ meetings on cooperation, Xi said he welcomes Laos’ active participation in BRICS cooperation. The two sides should strengthen multilateral coordination and collaboration to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the interests of developing countries, he said.”
Among other things, Sisoulith “reiterated that the Lao party and government will unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy, firmly support the Chinese government in defending its national core interests and support China's legitimate position on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Thanking China for its strong support for Laos in hosting the East Asian Leaders’ meetings on cooperation, Thongloun Sisoulith said Laos is willing to continue close cooperation with China in ASEAN and on other multilateral platforms.”
Also on the page is a brief report on Xi’s congratulatory message to Luong Cuong on his assuming office as Vietnamese president. Xinhua reports:
“Xi said that in recent years, he has maintained close strategic communication with Vietnamese leaders and jointly led China-Vietnam relations into a new era of building a community with a shared future of strategic significance. Noting that To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and then Vietnamese president, visited China in August, Xi said that he and Lam had in-depth talks and reached an important consensus on deepening the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Mentioning Cuong’s recent visit to China, Xi said that he and Cuong exchanged views on advancing China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation and agreed to approach China-Vietnam relations from a strategic perspective and give full play to the guiding role of leaders, so as to ensure that bilateral relations advance on the right track. Xi said the two sides should jointly implement the high-level consensus of the two parties and two countries and push for more practical results in the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation to boost the modernization processes of the two countries. China firmly supports Vietnam in pursuing a socialist path in line with its national conditions and in preparing for the 14th National Congress of the CPV, he added. Xi said he attaches great importance to developing China-Vietnam relations, and is ready to work with Cuong to guide and deepen the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future and bring more benefits to the two peoples.”
Finally, a report on the page informs that as per the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, central SoEs have invested 1.4 trillion yuan (about $196.6 billion) in strategic emerging industries during the first three quarters of the year. This is a year-on-year increase of 17.6% and accounts for nearly 40% of central SoEs total investment during this period. These investments mainly covered domains like new generation information technology, AI, aerospace, new energy, new materials, high-end equipment, biomedicine, quantum technology and other fields.
Data shows that from 2018 to 2023, the investment in strategic emerging industries by central SoEs increased from 0.7 trillion yuan to 2.18 trillion yuan, with the proportion of total investments rising from 12.8% to 35.2%. This represents a 204.8% increase in investment and an average annual growth rate of 24.97%, effectively promoting industrial upgrading and the integrated development of the industrial chain. 数据显示，2018年到2023年，中央企业战略性新兴产业投资规模由0.7万亿元增长至2.18万亿元，占全部投资比重由12.8%提升至35.2%，投资规模增长204.8%，年均增长率24.97%，有力带动产业结构升级和产业链融通发展.
Page 2: There’s a report on remarks by CMC Vice Chair Zhang Youxia at a meeting for combined military operations that was held from Sunday to Tuesday in Zhangjiakou, Hebei.
The report says that Zhang observed demonstration (best practices) exercises, nighttime live-fire drills, participated in discussions on integrated/combined training, and delivered a speech, emphasising the need to thoroughly study and implement Chairman Xi’s important instructions on strengthening military training, explore new models of integrated training, and blaze new paths for the generation of combat capabilities of the troops. 中共中央政治局委员、中央军委副主席张又侠出席会议，观摩示范课目演练和夜间实弹检验性演习，参加合成训练交流总结并讲话，强调要深入学习贯彻习主席关于加强军事训练的重要指示，探索合成训练新模式，蹚出部队作战能力生成新路径.
He pointed out that efforts must focus on achieving the centennial goal of building a strong military, aiming to form joint operational capabilities based on network information systems, and accelerating the construction of a new military training system and put great effort into innovative development of integrated training. There should be a strong emphasis on unit integration training, tactical coordination training, and adversarial verification training, continuously pushing integrated training practices to develop in a more realistic and in-depth manner. 张又侠指出，要聚焦实现建军一百年奋斗目标，瞄准形成基于网络信息体系的联合作战能力，加快构建新型军事训练体系，下大力抓好合成训练创新发展。要突出强化单元集成训、战术协同训、对抗检验训，不断推动合成训练实践走深走实.
He stressed the need to revise and improve training content in accordance with the military training outline, quickly cultivate a professional team proficient in integrated operations and training organisation, further standardise training management, improve the supporting conditions, and continuously deepen the training practice. It is crucial to ensure responsibility for training, improve institutional mechanisms, maintain a proper training conduct/atmosphere, and consolidate the collective strength to advance integrated training, striving to create a new era of realistic combat-oriented training. 张又侠强调，要结合军事训练大纲编修完善训练内容，抓紧培养懂合成、善组训的专业人才队伍，进一步规范训练组织，搞好保障条件配套，不断把训练实践引向深入。要压实抓训责任，健全制度机制，纯正训练风气，凝聚推进合成训练的整体合力，努力开创实战化训练新局面.
Also on the page is a report based on SAFE’s press briefing yesterday.
SAFE’s deputy director Li Hongyan said that in the first three quarters, China’s foreign exchange receipts and payments showed five main characteristics.
First, cross-border funds resumed net inflows
Second, foreign exchange settlement and sales tended to be basically balanced
Third, the recent settlement rate has risen in an orderly manner; the sales rate has remained stable with a slight decline; and businesses have maintained a rational attitude towards foreign exchange settlements and sales
Fourth, foreign exchange market transactions were relatively active
Fifth, the scale of foreign exchange reserves remained basically stable.
李红燕表示，前三季度，我国外汇收支状况主要呈现5个特点。一是跨境资金恢复净流入，二是结售汇趋向基本平衡，三是近期结汇率有序回升、售汇率稳中有降，企业结售汇意愿保持理性，四是外汇市场交易比较活跃，五是外汇储备规模保持基本稳定.
In the first half of the year, China's current account surplus was $93.7 billion, representing 1.1% of the GDP for the same period.
Looking ahead, China’s current account is expected to continue expanding while maintaining basic equilibrium, which will help sustain the stability of the balance of payments and the foreign exchange market, said Jia Ning, Director of the Balance of Payments Department at SAFE.
Li Hongyan also noted that foreign investment in domestic bonds continues to see a stable inflow, with a cumulative net increase of over $80 billion in the first three quarters of the year. She noted that foreign investment in domestic stocks has also significantly improved, adding that the proportion of foreign investment in the domestic stock and bond markets is around 3% to 4%. Authorities say they will continue to evaluate the international economic and financial situation, will carry out counter-cyclical adjustments, and will maintain stable operations of the foreign exchange market.
Page 3: The BRICS preview articles on the page don’t have anything substantive or different to say. Some other reports to note are as follows.
Qu Qingshan led a CPC delegation to Vietnam from October 19 to 22. He met with Le Hoai Trung, Chairman of the External Relation Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Thang, who is the president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Lai Xuan Mon from the CPV Central Committee's Commission for Propaganda and Education, and Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
Peng Qinghua, Vice Chair of the NPCSC, attended the opening ceremony of the seminar for parliamentarians from Central Asian and Pacific Island Countries in Beijing on October 22. More than 60 parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from 5 Central Asian countries and 9 Pacific Island countries participated in the seminar.
Finally, ILD chief Liu Jianchao met with a delegation from Russia. This was led by Vladimir Isakov, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and First Secretary of the Leninist Communist Youth League of the Russian Federation.
Page 4: There’s a report (English report) on personnel changes across certain ministries.
Hong Lei was appointed assistant minister of foreign affairs.
Qiao Yunfei was named deputy head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, while Guan Qiang and Lu Jin no longer serve in this position.
Chang Jin was appointed president of the University of Science and Technology of China, replacing Bao Xinhe, and no longer serves as vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Deng Xiaogang was removed from the post of vice minister of agricultural and rural affairs.
Sun Yuning no longer serves as deputy head of the General Administration of Customs of China
Page 6: There’s a report on Song Tao meeting with Liu Chao-Shiuan, President of Foundation of Chinese Culture for Sustainable Development who was in Beijing to participate in the first Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit. The report says:
Song said that “both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China, and Chinese culture is the spiritual root and home for compatriots on both sides. We support Taiwan’s cultural figures in countering ‘Taiwan independence in culture’, promoting spiritual harmony between compatriots on both sides, and strengthening confidence in Chinese culture. This will provide strong spiritual power for the comprehensive advancement of building a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation, creating new successes in the development of Chinese culture on the journey toward national reunification. Liu Chao-shuan said that Chinese culture is the most fundamental connection between the two sides, having already been internalised in the hearts of the Taiwanese people. The ‘de-Sinicization’ of Taiwan is worrying. He expressed hope for deepening cultural exchange and mutual understanding, carrying forward the values and wisdom of Chinese culture, and enhancing the foundation for peaceful cross-Strait development.” 两岸同属一个中国，中华文化是两岸同胞心灵的根脉和归属。支持台湾文化界人士共同反制“文化台独”，促进两岸同胞心灵契合，坚定中华文化自信，为全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业增添强大精神力量，在祖国统一进程中铸就中华文化新辉煌。刘兆玄表示，中华文化是两岸最根本的连结，已内化于台湾民众的心灵。台湾“去中国化”令人忧心。希望加强两岸文化交流，加深彼此了解，发扬中华文化的价值和智慧，增强两岸和平发展的基础.
Page 7: Two reports on people being taken down on corruption charges.
First, former vice-minister of justice Liu Zhiqiang has been expelled (related English report) from the Communist Party of China over serious violation of discipline and law. Liu “violated the Party’s political discipline, organizational discipline and integrity discipline.” The report also says that Liu “was not loyal to the Party and made efforts to resist the investigation. He was also found to have illegally accepted banquets, money, gifts and consumption cards, and took advantage of his positions to seek profits for others in matters such as business operation, project contracting, work promotion, and then accepted huge amounts of bribes in return, according to the commission.”
Second, Gao Peng, former vice mayor of Beijing, has been expelled (related English report) from Party and dismissed from public office for serious violations of Party disciplines and laws. Gao “seriously violated the Party’s political discipline, organisational discipline, integrity discipline and life discipline.” The report says: “The investigation revealed that Gao violated the Party’s frugality code by accepting banquet arrangements that could compromise the impartiality in performing duties, benefited others in official appointments, and illegally engaged in trading stocks. Gao was found to have abused his power to seek benefits for others in matters of job recruitment and promotion, business operation and project contracting, accepting huge amounts of money and property in return. He also neglected his duties, leading to serious damage to national interest, according to the anti-graft body. Gao's actions constituted serious duty-related malfeasance, the anti-graft body said, adding that he is also suspected of crimes of accepting bribes and neglecting duties.”