20th Congress Election - Delegates 'Must Understand & Implement Xi's Thought' - Wang Yi's UNGA Speech - Ren Lixuan on Xi's Leadership & China's Modernisation - US & Georgia's 'Rose Revolution'
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Monday, September 26, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily
Page 1: It’s been an amusing and entertaining 48 hours of China-watching. The only coup-related thought that I have to offer is that if you added a couple of songs to the story, it has the potential to be a really engaging Bollywood movie.
Let’s begin with the report (Xinhua’s English report) on the election of the 2,296 delegates to the 20th Party Congress. The full list of delegates has been published in the paper. All the key leaders, including Xi Jinping, are in the list. The first sentence of the report says:
“Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the election of delegates to the 20th Party Congress has been successfully completed.” 在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，党的二十大代表选举工作已经顺利完成.
Xinhua reports: “Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the delegates were elected in accordance with the Party Constitution, the CPC Central Committee's requirements, adopting methods required by the CPC Central Committee, the statement said. The process upheld the Party's nature and purpose, adhered to and enhanced the Party's overall leadership, and fully embodied intraparty democracy, it added.”
The report adds that the elected delegates “meet the requirements stipulated by the CPC Central Committee, are highly-qualified ideologically and politically, possess and demonstrate good work styles and moral conduct, are competent in discussing state affairs, and have made remarkable achievements in their work.”
Next, there’s a front page editorial on the election of the delegates. Last night, Xinhua put out an English report pre-empting the editorial. It says that:
“The upcoming 20th Party Congress is a meeting of great significance being held at a critical moment when the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups are embarking on a new journey to build a comprehensively socialist modern country and marching towards the second centennial goal.” The Congress “will scientifically plan the objectives, tasks and major policies for the development of the cause of the Party and the country in the next five years or beyond; it is crucial to building on past successes to advance the cause of the Party and the country, to the future of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; it is an event of great significance to uniting and galvanizing people of all ethnic groups in their endeavour to achieve new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics” 即将召开的党的二十大，是在全党全国各族人民迈上全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程、向第二个百年奋斗目标进军的关键时刻召开的一次十分重要的大会，将科学谋划未来5年乃至更长时期党和国家事业发展的目标任务和大政方针，事关党和国家事业继往开来，事关中国特色社会主义前途命运，事关中华民族伟大复兴，对团结和激励全国各族人民为夺取中国特色社会主义新胜利而奋斗具有十分重大的意义.
The editorial then calls on the delegates to:
take the lead to deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen the ‘four consciousness’ and ‘four self-confidence’, in order to achieve the two safeguards; study and implement the spirit of the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the symposium for leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels on July 26; study, understand and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era;' organically combine Party history study with understanding ideas around strengthening Party spirit; strengthen ideals and beliefs, continuously enhance political judgement, understanding, and execution, and maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of ideology, politics, and actions. 要带头深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，学习贯彻7月26日习近平总书记在省部级主要领导干部专题研讨班上重要讲话精神，学懂弄通做实习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，把学党史和悟思想、强党性有机结合起来，坚定理想信念，不断增强政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力，在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致；
take the lead and resolutely implement the Party’s line, principles and policies, hold the 国之大者 in mind, firmly grasp the central task of the Party in the new era and on the new journey, implement the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy, carry forward the spirit of responsibility and struggle, and concentrate on doing your own thing well based on your own hard work and dedication; 带头坚决执行党的路线方针政策，心怀“国之大者”，牢牢把握新时代新征程党的中心任务，落实“五位一体”总体布局和“四个全面”战略布局要求，发扬担当和斗争精神，立足本职拼搏奉献，集中精力把自己的事情做好;
take the lead in the party's fundamental purpose, carry forward the great spirit of Party building…keep in close contact with and serve the masses, do practical things and solve difficult problems with heart and soul, and…always share a common destiny with the people; 带头坚持党的根本宗旨，弘扬伟大建党精神，树牢群众观点，站稳人民立场，密切联系服务群众，用心用情用力办实事解难题，始终同人民同呼吸、共命运、心连心；
take the lead in abiding by the Party Constitution, Party rules and regulations and national laws and regulations, practise the core socialist values and the requirements of ‘three stricts and three earnests’, be brave in self-revolution, take the initiative to accept supervision…” 带头遵守党章党规党纪和国家法律法规，践行社会主义核心价值观和“三严三实”要求，勇于自我革命、主动接受监督，清白做人、干净做事，努力提高觉悟、加强修养、改进作风，树立良好形象；
take the lead in the mass line, give full play to our advantages, conduct in-depth investigations and studies, collect and reflect the voices and suggestions of the broad masses of Party members and masses, and provide scientific basis for the decision-making of the CPC Central Committee. 带头走好群众路线，发挥自身优势，深入调查研究，把广大党员群众的心声和建议收集起来、反映上来，为党中央决策提供科学依据.
Xinhua’s English report summarises the next bit of the article well.
“The 20th CPC National Congress will take stock of the Party's work over the past five years, as well as major achievements and valuable experience of the Party's Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in uniting and leading the whole Party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era…The congress will also formulate action plans and major policies and elect new central leadership. During the congress, delegates will hear and deliberate a report by the 19th CPC Central Committee and deliberate a report by the 19th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The delegates will convey the opinions and demands of Party members and the general public, discuss and decide on the Party's major issues, and elect a new CPC Central Committee and a new CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. All delegates, according to the article, should earnestly participate in each item on the agenda with a strong sense of political responsibility and historical mission, as well as full enthusiasm and high morale. It is firmly believed that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and through the concerted efforts of all the delegates, the 20th CPC National Congress will be a congress of unity, victory and endeavor…”
Next, there’s a long, long feature article talking about Xi Jinping’s leadership in terms of forging the Party’s ideological and political consciousness, the anti-corruption campaign, containment of COVID-19, poverty alleviation, etc.
The piece begins by talking about the importance of maintaining a greater sense of awareness with regard to challenges while also maintaining a sense of sobriety and firmness dealing with tests. The piece quotes several of Xi’s earlier comments. In particular, it picks up his remarks from the symposium for leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels on July 26, arguing that the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is in a critical period,” and that the the tasks of reform, development and stability, internal affairs, foreign affairs, national defence, and governance of the party, the country, and the army are unprecedented.” Basically, the point being emphasised is that despite the Party’s achievements, there must be no laxity, and that the comprehensive and strict governance of the party is the only way forward.
Also importantly, in this regard, political construction is the fundamental construction of the Party. In addition, this is what the piece says regarding ideological construction, which is not a one-time-thing because strengthening ideals and beliefs requires constant practice. It adds that “firmness of ideals and beliefs comes from theoretical sobriety.” In this context, the article talks about the publication of the Study Outline on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the work done by cadres to study and understand the ideology through the book.
Then the piece talks about the anti-corruption campaign under Xi. Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou, Sun Zhengcai, Ling Jihua, and others were investigated and punished. The Party Central Committee punishes corruption with a zero-tolerance attitude. There is no 丹书铁券/Dān shū tiě quàn (certificate of privilege) to exonerate anyone, and no one enjoys princely privileges (Tiě màozi wáng/铁帽子王). “Tigers should be taken down when they show their heads, flies should be swatted when they fly around, and foxes should be chased no matter how far they are.” 查处周永康、薄熙来、郭伯雄、徐才厚、孙政才、令计划等一大批腐败分子，党中央以零容忍态度惩治腐败，谁也没有免罪的“丹书铁券”，谁也不是“铁帽子王”。“老虎”露头就要打，“苍蝇”乱飞就要拍，“狐狸”再远也要追.
The next section of the piece talks about COVID-19 containment and poverty alleviation. It says that why has our Party been able to lead the people to win the battle against poverty and create another miracle that shines in the annals of history? The fundamental reason is that the revolutionary forging of the Communist Party of China has bestowed it with an incomparably strong leadership. 为什么我们党能够带领人民打赢脱贫攻坚战，创造了又一个彪炳史册的人间奇迹？最根本的原因就是经过革命性锻造的中国共产党具有无比坚强的领导力.
The final section talks about what is needed going further in taking the tests in the new era and on the new journey.
First, “the entire Party should deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, constantly strengthen the four consciousness and four self-confidences, in order to achieve the two safeguards; maintain a high degree of alignment with with the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core in ideology, politics and action, and consciously becomes a firm believer and faithful practitioner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” 如何走好新的赶考之路？根本就在于全党要深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，不断增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，自觉做习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的坚定信仰者和忠实实践者.
Second, adhere to the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly. 就是要坚持全心全意为人民服务的根本宗旨...
Third, “the whole Party must strengthen the sense of hardship, adhere to the bottom line thinking, strengthen the will to fight, strengthen the struggle skills…” 全党必须增强忧患意识，坚持底线思维，坚定斗争意志，增强斗争本领，以正确的战略策略应变局、育新机、开新局，依靠顽强斗争打开事业发展新天地.
Page 3: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s speech at the UNGA (full English text). Some key excerpts from the speech:
“Peace is crucial for our future and it underpins common security of all countries. Turbulence and war can only open Pandora’s box, and he who instigates a proxy war can easily burn his own hands. Pursuing one’s own absolute security can only undermine global strategic stability. We should remain committed to addressing differences through peaceful means and resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.” – This is about US policy rather than anything else.
“We should place development at the center of the international agenda, build international consensus on promoting development, and uphold all countries’ legitimate right to development. We should foster new drivers for global development, forge a global development partnership, and see that everyone in every country benefits more from the fruits of development in a more equitable way.” — This, among other things, is fundamentally related to concerns around industrial and supply chain disruptions impacting China’s development. The next point further emphasises this.
“Protectionism can only boomerang and decoupling and supply chain disruption will hurt both those who practice them and others. We should stay true to openness and inclusiveness and tear down fences and barriers that hinder the free flow of factors of production. We should uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core and endeavor to build an open world economy.”
“It is only natural that countries sometimes have problems and differences among them, but they should increase mutual understanding on the basis of equality and respect. We should engage in dialogue, consultation and win-win cooperation, and reject conflict, coercion and zero-sum game. We should jointly oppose group politics and bloc confrontation.”
“mankind must pursue an inclusive path if it is to achieve modernization. Peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom are common values of humanity. Differences in systems should not be used as an excuse to create division; still less should democracy and human rights be used as tools or weapons to achieve political ends. We should stand against drawing lines on ideological grounds, and we should work together to expand common ground and convergence of interests to promote world peace and development.”
“Major international issues should be handled by all countries, and international rules should be drawn up by all countries together. No country is above others, and no country should abuse its power to bully other sovereign countries. We should promote and practice true multilateralism, promote equality of all countries in terms of rights, rules and opportunities, and build a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, equity and justice, and win-win cooperation.”
In the second part of the speech, Wang talks about GSI, GDI and talks about China as “a defender of the international order.”
“China abides by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has made relentless efforts to protect and strengthen its human rights. At the same time, China is firmly against attempts to politicize human rights and has worked to advance the healthy development of international human rights cooperation. As a member of the developing world, China will forever stand together with other developing countries. We are heartened to see the rapid progress achieved by the developing world in recent years, and we will continue to speak up for other developing countries, help them overcome difficulties and fully support efforts in raising the representation and say of developing countries in international affairs. Developing countries are no longer the “silent majority” in international and multilateral processes. With stronger solidarity among ourselves, we China and other developing countries have spoken out for justice, and we have become a pillar of promoting development cooperation and safeguarding equity and justice.”
He then talked about China as a “provider of public goods,” i.e., vaccine diplomacy, BRI, the initiative on global food security, etc. And finally, he spoke about China as a mediator in hotspot issues.
“China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis. The pressing priority is to restore peace through negotiation. To achieve a fundamental solution, it is important to address the legitimate security concerns of all parties concerned and build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. We call on all parties concerned to keep the crisis from spilling over and protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.”
“The Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue. Justice is already late in coming, but it must not be absent. The two-state solution is crucial for upholding fairness and justice. China will continue to support the Palestinian people in pursuing their just cause of restoring legitimate national rights.”
“To resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, it is important to address its root cause. We need to follow the dual-track approach and take phased and synchronized steps. We should jointly uphold peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation.”
“Afghanistan is in a critical transition from chaos to order. The right way forward is to put in place an inclusive political framework and adopt moderate policies. The goal should be to resume economic growth and improve people’s lives. To achieve this goal, Afghanistan should combat terrorism and integrate itself into the region. A small number of countries have arbitrarily imposed unilateral sanctions, cut off development aid and frozen lawful assets of other countries. This is an unacceptable practice that must be corrected.”
“China firmly supports the Cuban people in their just struggle to defend their sovereignty and oppose external interference and blockade.”
“The abuse of guns is becoming an increasingly serious problem across the world. Here, I announce that China has decided to launch its domestic procedure to ratify the UN’s Firearms Protocol, a step that will contribute to strengthening global cooperation on gun control and closing the security deficit.”
Wang then talked about the importance of the one-China principle, before he ended with a reference to the 20th Party Congress.
He said: “China will continue to endeavor to achieve peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and greatest efforts. To realize this goal, we must combat ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities with the firmest resolve and take the most forceful steps to repulse interference by external groups. Only by resolutely forestalling in accordance with the law separatist activities can we forge a true foundation for peaceful reunification. Only when China is completely reunified can there be enduring peace across the Taiwan Strait. Any scheme to interfere in China’s internal affairs is bound to meet the strong opposition of all us Chinese, and any move to obstruct China’s cause of reunification is bound to be crushed by the wheels of history.”
Some other readouts of key meetings by Wang Yi over the weekend; there were many others that I am not covering below.
Meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken: Wang said that “the Taiwan question is at the heart of China's core interests, and is of paramount importance to the Chinese people.” He said that US actions had run counter to its commitments on the issue. “These all have sent a truly wrong and dangerous signal.” He added: “The Chinese side's position on resolving the Taiwan question is consistent and clear, and we will continue to adhere to the fundamental guidelines of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems. Peaceful resolution cannot coexist with Taiwan independence. The more rampant Taiwan independence separatist activities are, the less likely peaceful resolution is. To truly maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, the United States must unequivocally oppose and curb any Taiwan independence activities.”
Wang added that he hoped “the U.S. side will adjust its perception of China, reflect on and change its China policy featuring containment and suppression, and the U.S. side will not attempt to deal with the Chinese people from a position of strength, try to suppress China's development, or wantonly engage in unilateral hegemony. The U.S. side should create a favorable environment for the two sides to resume normal exchanges, and steer China-U.S. relations back on the track of sound and steady development.” The report adds that Blinken “reaffirmed that the U.S. side does not seek a new Cold War, (has not) changed its one-China policy and does not support ‘Taiwan independence’. The two sides also had an exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine, among others.”
While on China-US ties, you can also read Wang Yi’s Asia Society speech on the subject.
Meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: “Wang Yi expressed the hope that NATO could understand the current international situation in an objective and calm manner, not simply drawing a line based on ‘political correctness’. In terms of peace and security, China has the best record among major countries. Expansion is not in the genes of China. We have never invaded other countries or conducted a proxy war. China has no interest in seeking spheres of influence, exporting its ideology, interfering in other countries' internal affairs or participating in military blocs. China has written the path of peaceful development into its law and hopes NATO could see China in a reasonable and correct way. China is willing to promote necessary cooperation with NATO on global issues and contribute to peace and stability. Wang Yi also elaborated on China's consistent position and constructive role in promoting peace talks on the Ukraine issue, saying that the two sides should explore the establishment of a balanced, effective and sustainable Europe security framework to ensure long-term stability in Europe.”
Meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong: “Wang Yi expressed, the Chinese side appreciates the Australian side for reaffirming its commitment to the one-China policy. The two sides should meet each other halfway, uphold a more positive mindset, send more positive signals, tell more stories of win-win cooperation, and carry out more people-to-people and cultural exchanges and exchanges at sub-national levels, to create a favorable environment for the sound development of China-Australia relations. Wang Yi stressed, the Chinese side firmly supports trade liberalization and facilitation, and is committed to fostering an economic system of opening-up of higher standards, and building an open world economy. All parties should carry forward the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, abide by international law and the basic norms governing international relations, and play the central role of the United Nations.”
Meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock: Xinhua reports that Wang told her “given that there's no fundamental conflict of interests between the two countries, they should enhance communication and deepen mutual understanding” and make “adequate preparation for the high-level exchanges and intergovernmental consultations, comprehensively reviewing various areas of cooperation and laying out the development of bilateral ties in the next 50 years. Under current circumstances, it is of great significance to further strengthen the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said, adding that the Chinese side is ready to work with Germany to honor their due responsibilities and obligations as major countries, so as to make joint contributions to peace and development. For her part, Baerbock said Germany adheres to the one-China policy, and attaches great importance to maintaining high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields with China. Describing China as a globally important force, Baerbock said Germany appreciates China's ambitious emission reduction target, and its exemplary role in tackling climate change. Germany, she said, is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in green transition and innovative development, and take the lead in such fields as achieving the goal of the Paris climate accord and jointly tackling global challenges.”
BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: “Wang called on BRICS countries to firmly resist decoupling, severing supply chains and creating barriers in science and technology, and work towards building an open world economy, so as to achieve stronger, greener, and healthier global development. Given that multilateralism is hit hard by power politics and unilateral hegemony, and various forms of pseudo-multilateralism are even more bewildering, Wang said the BRICS countries should take the lead in upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguarding the authority of the United Nations and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and following the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, so as to jointly make the international order more fair and equitable. The BRICS countries should focus on their long-term development and practical needs, actively respond to the expectations of various parties, and steadily advance the process of BRICS membership expansion, Wang said.”
Page 4: The Propaganda Department has published a list of the “most beautiful grassroots police” 最美基层民警 recognising model workers in a bit to publicise their deeds. This is being done “in order to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping’s Thought of Rule of Law and General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on public security work in the new era, to vigorously carry forward the great spirit of party building, and to inspire public security workers to forge ahead on the new journey and make contributions to a new era.” 为深入学习贯彻习近平法治思想和习近平总书记关于新时代公安工作的重要论述、重要训词精神，大力弘扬伟大建党精神，激励广大公安民警奋进新征程、建功新时代，中央宣传部、公安部近日向全社会宣传发布2022“最美基层民警”先进事迹.
The report ends with this:
“The majority of public security officials and police officers have expressed the desire to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences and achieve two safeguards. Take ‘the most beautiful grassroots police’ as exemplars, keep in mind the original mission, strengthen the mission; resolutely be loyal to the party, serve the people, enforce the law fairly and strictly; go all out to prevent risks, ensure safety, safeguard stability and promote development; resolutely defend political security, fully safeguard social stability, earnestly safeguard people’s peace, and greet the 20th Congress of the Party with practical actions.” 广大公安民警纷纷表示，要更加紧密地团结在以习近平同志为核心的党中央周围，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，以“最美基层民警”为榜样，牢记初心使命，强化使命担当，坚决做到对党忠诚、服务人民、执法公正、纪律严明，全力以赴防风险、保安全、护稳定、促发展，坚决捍卫政治安全，全力维护社会安定，切实保障人民安宁，以实际行动迎接党的二十大胜利召开. — All of this stuff makes the coup talk over the weekend seem all the more absurd. And then of course, is what’s on page 9.
Page 9: The theory page today has a big Ren Lixuan commentary, which is part of a new series discussing why the CCP and the Chinese people must be confident about the future.
The opening bit says that “since the 18th Party Congress, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, and under the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the cause of the party and the country has achieved historic achievements and undergone historic changes, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. Today, the whole party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country are in high spirits and marching towards the second centennial goal of building a comprehensively modern socialist country. ‘In today's world, if any political party, country or nation can be confident, the Communist Party of China, the People's Republic of China and the Chinese nation have the most reason to be confident’.” 党的十八大以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引下，党和国家事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革，中华民族伟大复兴进入了不可逆转的历史进程。今天，全党全国各族人民正在意气风发向着全面建成社会主义现代化强国的第二个百年奋斗目标迈进。“当今世界，要说哪个政党、哪个国家、哪个民族能够自信的话，那中国共产党、中华人民共和国、中华民族是最有理由自信的.”
The first section of the article talks about the need to be confident in the path of Socialism with Chinese characteristics, which “is the only way to realise the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” It adds that “since the 18th Party Congress, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and under the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics has become broader and wider and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has shown unprecedentedly bright prospects.” 坚定的道路自信，来自伟大的社会变革，来自丰硕的实践成果。党的十八大以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引下，中国特色社会主义道路越走越宽广，中华民族伟大复兴展现出前所未有的光明前景.
The piece talks about China’s unprecedented growth, which has never been seen before in human history. It talks about China as a large developing country with a population of more than 1.4 billion that, within a few decades, has completed the industrialisation process that developed countries took hundreds of years to go through. In doing so, it has shattered the myth that modernisation is westernisation. 而一个拥有14亿多人口的发展中大国用短短几十年时间就走完发达国家几百年走过的工业化历程，从“现代化的迟到国”跃升为“世界现代化的增长极”，这在人类历史上从未有过；走出一条现代化新道路，彻底打破“现代化就是西方化”的迷思，更是人类历史上的伟大创举.
The piece then talks about the creation and pursuit of the path of Chinese-style modernisation. This, the piece says, comprises five key features:
It is the modernisation of a large population
It is a modernisation that entails the common prosperity for all people and adheres to people-centred development philosophy, consciously and actively seeks to address the gaps in regional and urban-rural development and gap in income distribution, along with promoting social fairness and justice, to gradually realise common prosperity for all people
It is a modernisation in harmony with material civilisation and spiritual civilisation
It is a modernisation of harmonious coexistence between man and nature
It is a modernisation that takes the path of peaceful development
But beyond all this:
“Chinese-style modernisation is socialist modernisation led by the CCP. It has solved many problems in the development of human society. It has abandoned the old Western path of modernisation, which has been capital-centred and polarised and based on materialistic expansion and external expansion and plunder. In doing so, it has expanded the way for developing countries to modernise, and provided a Chinese solution for mankind to explore a better social system. The formation and development of the Chinese-style modernisation path, and the promotion and expansion of Chinese-style modernisation, demonstrate the great advantages of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and are of great value and significance to China and the world.” 中国式现代化是中国共产党领导的社会主义现代化，破解了人类社会发展的诸多难题，摒弃了西方以资本为中心的现代化、两极分化的现代化、物质主义膨胀的现代化、对外扩张掠夺的现代化老路，拓展了发展中国家走向现代化的途径，为人类对更好社会制度的探索提供了中国方案。中国式现代化道路的形成和发展，中国式现代化的推进和拓展，彰显了中国特色社会主义道路的巨大优越性，对中国和世界都具有重大价值和意义。--- Quick thought: Now let’s go back and read Wang Yi telling NATO’s Secretary General that China isn’t interested in exporting its ideology.
The next paragraph argues that this Chinese path has basically led to the creation of a “new form of civilisation.”
“This is a new form of civilisation that activates the strong vitality of Chinese civilisation, breaks through the binary opposition between tradition and modernity in western civilisation, attaches importance to excavating the essence of more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation, combines the promotion of excellent Chinese traditional culture with Marxist standpoint, perspectives and methods, promotes the creative transformation and innovative development of Chinese excellent traditional culture, continuously integrates into modern Chinese cultural system, and nourishes the spiritual world of contemporary Chinese people. This is a new form of civilisation that emphasises solidarity and harmony in the world. It insists on transcending the estrangement of civilisations through mutual exchanges, transcending the conflicts between civilisations through mutual learning, and transcending the notion of superiority of civilisations through the idea of coexistence among civilisations, making significant contributions to the prosperity and development of human civilisation. The new form of human civilisation created by our Party under the leadership of the people is another great cultural creation of the Chinese nation. It shines a dazzling light in the annals of human civilisation and stands at the forefront of the trend of progress of world civilisations.” 这是激活中华文明强大生命力的文明新形态，打破了西方文明关于传统—现代的二元对立，重视挖掘5000多年中华文明中的精华，把弘扬优秀传统文化同马克思主义立场观点方法结合起来，推动中华优秀传统文化创造性转化、创新性发展，不断融入中国现代文化体系之中，滋养当代中国人的精神世界。这是和衷共济、天下大同的文明新形态，坚持以文明交流超越文明隔阂、以文明互鉴超越文明冲突、以文明共存超越文明优越，为人类文明繁荣发展作出重大贡献。我们党领导人民创造的人类文明新形态，是中华民族又一次伟大的文明创造，在人类文明谱系中放射出耀眼的光芒，走在世界文明进步潮流的前列.
The second section of the article talks about understanding the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and what are its key aspects that must be pursued/maintained:
The Party leadership and the unified and centralised leadership of the Party Central Committee with Xi as the core
The unity of the theoretical logic of scientific socialism and the historical logic of Chinese social development, i.e., that socialism with Chinese characteristics has emerged owing to practical exploration and the logic of the historical transformation of China since the mid-1800s
That the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics not only defines the goals but also provides a roadmap for pursuing those goals and aligns with the will and interests of the people; the paragraph on this essentially talks about “people-centred development philosophy” and common prosperity
The unity of promoting Chinese civilisation and promoting the common values of all mankind.
“The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is an endogenous path that inherits China’s historical and cultural traditions, is based on China’s unique national conditions, and focuses on solving China’s problems…The excellent traditional Chinese culture is the crystallisation and essence of the wisdom of the Chinese civilisation, and is the root and soul of the Chinese nation. The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core leads the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country to adhere to integrity and innovation, promote the adaptation of Chinese fine traditional culture to socialist society, enhance the vitality of Chinese civilisation, and demonstrate distinctive Chinese characteristics; at the same time, we should carry forward the common values of all mankind, such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, extensively draw lessons from all outstanding achievements of the world civilisation, seek wisdom and nutrition from different civilisations, and make socialism with Chinese characteristics stand at the forefront of the development of human civilisation.” 中国特色社会主义道路是传承中国历史文化传统、立足中国独特国情、着眼解决中国问题而内生出来的道路。中华优秀传统文化是中华文明的智慧结晶和精华所在，是中华民族的根和魂。以习近平同志为核心的党中央带领全党全国各族人民，坚持守正创新，推动中华优秀传统文化同社会主义社会相适应，增强中华文明生机活力，彰显鲜明中国特色；同时，弘扬和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由的全人类共同价值，广泛借鉴世界一切优秀文明成果，从不同文明中寻求智慧、汲取营养，让中国特色社会主义挺立人类文明发展潮头.
“Today's China is not only China's China, but also Asia's China and the world's China. In the 10 years of the new era, we have adhered to the concepts of equality and mutual trust, inclusiveness and mutual learning, win-win cooperation, and common development, promoted the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, promoted the joint construction of high-quality development of BRI, and promoted the implementation of GDI and GSI. We should not only develop ourselves by maintaining world peace, but also safeguard world peace through our own development; join hands with all progressive forces in the world and strive to contribute wisdom and strength to the progress of human civilisation. It is precisely because of the unity of adhering to the promotion of Chinese civilisation and the promotion of the common values of all mankind that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics has become wider, which will not only help better develop China but also bring greater benefits to the world.” 今日之中国，不仅是中国之中国，而且是亚洲之中国、世界之中国。新时代10年，我们坚持平等互信、包容互鉴、合作共赢、共同发展的理念，推动构建人类命运共同体，推动共建“一带一路”高质量发展，推动落实全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议，既通过维护世界和平发展自己，又通过自身发展维护世界和平，同世界上一切进步力量携手前进，努力为人类文明进步贡献智慧和力量。正是因为坚持弘扬中华文明和弘扬全人类共同价值相统一，中国特色社会主义道路越走越宽广，既更好发展自身，又更大造福世界.
The final section talks about what must be done in the new era.
The first thing to do is “unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, strengthen our self-confidence in our path, and realise the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.” 我们要更加紧密地团结在以习近平同志为核心的党中央周围，全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，更加坚定道路自信，沿着中国特色社会主义道路实现中华民族伟大复兴.
Also: “Resolutely safeguarding the core of the CPC Central Committee and the whole party is the key for the Party to gather consensus and make decisive choices at important moments, and it is also an important guarantee for the Party’s unity and victory.” 坚决维护党中央的核心、全党的核心是党在重大时刻凝聚共识、果断抉择的关键，是党团结统一、胜利前进的重要保证.
And then: “On the way forward, we must deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences, achieve the two safeguards; consciously be a firm believer and faithful practitioner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee in all work; 前进道路上，我们要深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，自觉做习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的坚定信仰者、忠实实践者，在各项工作中坚决贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示精神和党中央决策部署；
Also, maintain a sense of sobriety and firmness in dealing with the challenges ahead, and “as long as we unswervingly adhere to the Party’s overall leadership, safeguard the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralised and unified leadership, we will certainly be able to ensure that the whole Party and the whole country possesses strong political cohesion for unity and struggle, develops self-confidence, gather the powerful forces for upholding integrity, innovating and overcoming difficulties together, and form the most reliable backbone of all the people when the storm strikes.” 只要坚定不移坚持党的全面领导、维护党中央权威和集中统一领导，我们就一定能够确保全党全国拥有团结奋斗的强大政治凝聚力、发展自信心，集聚起守正创新、共克时艰的强大力量，形成风雨来袭时全体人民最可靠的主心骨.
The piece then talks about current challenges being more complex than ever in the past and says that: “As long as we persist in independence and self-reliance, unswervingly follow our own path, strengthen our will and ability for struggle, respond to situations and cultivate new opportunities through correct tactics and strategies, we will surely be able to firmly hold the destiny of China’s development in our own hands and open up new horizons for our cause through tenacious struggle. 只要我们坚持独立自主、自力更生，坚定不移走自己的路，坚定斗争意志，增强斗争本领，以正确的战略策略应变局、育新机、开新局，就一定能把中国发展进步的命运牢牢掌握在自己手中，依靠顽强斗争打开事业发展新天地.
In terms of future economic policy, the piece adds that “we must insist that development is the top priority and solidly promote common prosperity.” 更加坚定道路自信，就要坚持发展是第一要务，扎实推动共同富裕. So basically, the cake needs to be made bigger but also shared better.
“On the way forward, we should implement the new development concept completely, accurately and comprehensively, speed up the construction of a new development pattern, and strive to promote high-quality development; adhere to the people-centred development philosophy, consciously and proactively narrow the gap between regions, urban and rural areas and incomes, so that the development results can benefit all people more fairly, constantly enhance people's sense of gain, happiness and security, and promote common prosperity through high-quality development.” 前进道路上，我们要完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，加快构建新发展格局，着力推动高质量发展；坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，自觉主动缩小地区、城乡和收入差距，让发展成果更多更公平惠及全体人民，不断增强人民群众获得感、幸福感、安全感，在高质量发展中促进共同富裕.
Page 15: There’s a Zhong Sheng commentary picking up on the point that China has decided to launch its domestic procedure to ratify the UN’s Firearms Protocol. It says that:
With a high sense of responsibility and mission, China has always adhered to strict control over firearms and explosives, and cracked down on firearms crimes. The Chinese government has taken comprehensive and systematic measures to address both the symptoms and root causes, and has always maintained ‘zero tolerance’ for illegal and criminal activities involving firearms…After long-term unremitting efforts, China has made remarkable achievements in gun control, becoming one of the safest countries in the world with the fewest violent crimes involving guns. China is firmly opposed to the illegal manufacture and trafficking of firearms and actively supports the international multilateral process of light arms control. China has always taken a prudent and responsible attitude towards military exports, strictly abides by its international obligations and does not transfer firearms to non-state actors…” — Quick thought: Of course, the experience of insurgencies in the northeast of India, along with the arming of rebel groups in Myanmar, tell a very different story.
Anyway, the piece adds: “governments of all countries should clarify their own responsibilities, strengthen domestic gun control, and improve international coordination and cooperation. For a long time, the United States has not only had the largest number of private guns in the world, but also has had a serious domestic gun violence problem. It is also one of the world's largest sources of smuggled guns. The US has also refused to accede to the Firearms Protocol and other international legal instruments on gun control, and withdrew from the Arms Trade Treaty, seriously undermining the international community’s multilateral efforts to regulate the trade in conventional arms. Due to the ineffective gun control policies in the United States, thousands of American-made guns are exported abroad through illegal channels, causing serious social problems in the countries neighbouring the United States. The international community urgently hopes that the United States will take responsible measures on gun control.” 各国政府都应明确自身责任，加强国内枪支管控，提升国际协调合作。长期以来，美国不仅私人拥枪数量全球第一、国内枪支暴力问题严重，也是世界最大走私枪支来源国之一。美国还拒绝加入《枪支议定书》等国际控枪法律文书，撤销签署《武器贸易条约》，严重冲击国际社会规范常规武器贸易的多边努力。由于美国枪支管控不力，成千上万美制枪支经非法渠道输出国外，在美国周边国家引发严重社会问题。国际社会迫切希望美国在控枪问题上拿出负责任举措.
Finally, there’s the fifth piece in the colour revolutions series. This one, written by Su Chang from the The Institute of East European, Russian and Central Asian Studies at CASS, is about the US’ role in Georgia’s ‘Rose Revolution’. This dates back to 2003, with the resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze and emergence of Mikheil Saakashvili as the leader of the country. The claim here is that the US put pressure on Shevardnadze to resign after a disputed election and took the lead in recognising Saakashvili as the victor.
The piece says that the US achieved this “regime change” by deploying a number of tools.
First, statistics show that from 1992 to 2002, the ‘democracy aid’ provided by the United States to Georgia reached $1 billion. Then there was the exertion of influence through NGOs like the National Endowment for Democracy and the Soros Foundation, which established domestic organisations in Georgia. “During elections, these organisations mobilised the masses, provided transportation support, and distributed event expenses; they concocted and ran smear attacks against the government, provided evidence of electoral ‘fraud’, stoking dissatisfaction and opposition; and they worked among powerful groups/networks and young students, inciting them to carry out a ‘revolution’. During the November 2003 parliamentary elections, the Soros Foundation and the American Association for Democracy in International Affairs provided more than $50 million to the Georgian opposition to help recruit people from across the country to protest in the capital Tbilisi.” 一是借助大量有美国政府背景的西方非政府组织、本土非政府组织对格鲁吉亚政治局势进行干预。苏联解体后，美国向欧亚国家推销所谓西方“民主方案”，试图影响有关国家政局。格鲁吉亚是其中的重点影响对象。有统计显示，1992—2002年间，美国向格鲁吉亚提供的“民主援助”资金达到10亿美元。美国国家民主基金会和索罗斯基金会等西方非政府组织成立了3个格鲁吉亚本土非政府组织联合体：非政府组织大会、非政府组织协调委员会和格鲁吉亚联合联盟。每逢选举，这些组织就大肆动员群众、提供交通工具、发放活动费用；炮制和渲染对政府的抹黑言论，提供选举“舞弊”证据，激起群众的不满和反对情绪；在强力部门和青年学生中做工作，煽动其进行“革命”。在2003年11月议会选举期间，索罗斯基金会和美国国际事务民主协会向格鲁吉亚反对派提供了5000多万美元，资助其从全国各地招募群众到首都第比利斯举行抗议活动.
Second, the US cultivated pro-American political elites and groups. Here again, the key point is that funding and aid by American groups comes with political conditions. Third, the US supported “the so-called free and independent media” and basically invited Georgian media personnel to visit the United States and provided substantial support to media organisations and practitioners,” essentially converting them into “information vassals for the United States and other western countries.” The argument is that these Georgian commentators and journalists often “lacked an understanding of their own national conditions” and “blindly accepted the so-called American democratic values.” 三是长期在当地扶持所谓自由独立媒体，向民众鼓吹美式民主，争夺舆论阵地。美国通过非政府组织邀请格鲁吉亚媒体人到美国考察，向媒体机构和从业人员提供大量支持。一些媒体从业人员甚至直接为西方媒体兼职工作，这些人中的很大一部分对本国国情缺乏了解，一味接受所谓美式民主价值观，沦为美国等西方国家的“信息附庸”.
“This led to the political turmoil in Georgia, when some in the media gave up their objective viewpoint and abused the social mobilisational function and capability of the media, isolating and vilifying the ruling authorities.” The specific example given is of TV station Rustavi 2, which “cooperated with the opposition during the sensitive period of the presidential and parliamentary elections, inciting people's emotions and influencing voters' decision-making.” 这导致格鲁吉亚在发生政治动荡时，部分媒体放弃了客观立场，滥用社会动员功能，孤立和丑化执政当局。例如格鲁吉亚私营电视台“鲁斯塔维 2”在总统和议会选举的敏感时期，与反对派进行合作，煽动民众情绪，影响选民决策，对形势发展起到了推波助澜作用.
The article then claims that the revolution did not bring peace or prosperity to Georgia. In 2007, under Saakashvili, 38.8 percent of Georgians lived below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. In terms of security, Saakashvili expressed his hope to join NATO and build a ‘NATO-standard’ military base after taking office. The contradiction between Georgia and Russia intensified, and the separation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia became more serious. In August 2008, conflict broke out between Georgia and Russia, the relationship between the two countries broke down, and geopolitical conflict in Eurasia further intensified.” 世界银行的数据显示，在萨卡什维利执政的2007年，38.8%的格鲁吉亚人生活在贫困线以下。安全上，萨卡什维利上台后表示希望加入北约，修建“北约标准”的军事基地，格鲁吉亚与俄罗斯的矛盾不断激化，阿布哈兹、南奥塞梯等地分离问题更加严重。2008年8月，格俄爆发冲突，两国关系破裂，欧亚地区的地缘政治冲突进一步加剧.