20th Congress set for Oct. 16 - What Makes a Model Civil Servant? - Internet Integrity Development Report - China-Philippines Ties - NPCSC Meeting
Hi folks, FYI: I won’t be doing the newsletter tomorrow owing to other commitments.
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Wednesday, August 31, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: The big story on the front page is on the announcement of the date for the 20th Party Congress. So the Politburo met on Tuesday to decide that the seventh plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee will be convened on October 9 in Beijing, which will be followed by the 20th Party Congress, which will be convened on October 16. Xinhua English has the full report:
“It was stressed at the meeting that the 20th CPC National Congress is a congress of great significance to be convened at a crucial moment, as the whole Party and the entire nation embark on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects, and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal. The congress will hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The 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 thoroughly review the international and domestic situations, comprehensively grasp the new requirements for the development of the cause of the Party and the country on the new journey in the new era, as well as the new expectations of the people. The congress will formulate action plans and major policies, mobilize all Party members and people from all ethnic groups across the country to firm up confidence in history, strengthen historical initiative, innovate on the basis of what has been done, and bravely charge ahead.”
“All Party members and people from all ethnic groups across the country will be mobilized to continue advancing the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy in a coordinated manner, pushing forward common prosperity for all, advancing the great new project of Party building, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. All Party members and people from all ethnic groups across the country will be mobilized to work together for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. A new CPC Central Committee and a new CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection will be elected at the congress.”
At the top of the page is the decision by the Central Committee and State Council commending model civil servants. It says:
“In the great journey of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, the majority of civil servants have thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, resolutely safeguarded General Secretary Xi Jinping’s position as the core of the CPC Central Committee and the whole party, resolutely safeguard the authority and centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, conscientiously implemented the decision-making arrangements of the Central Committee and the important instructions and instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, promoted the five-sphere integrated plan and the four-pronged comprehensive strategy, faithfully performed their duties and worked hard, made important contributions to winning the fight against poverty, building a comprehensively well-off society, thereby successfully achieving the first centennial goal and starting a new journey to achieve the second centennial goal…” 在新时代中国特色社会主义伟大征程中，广大公务员深入学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，坚决维护习近平总书记党中央的核心、全党的核心地位，坚决维护党中央权威和集中统一领导，认真贯彻落实党中央决策部署和习近平总书记重要指示批示精神，围绕统筹推进“五位一体”总体布局、协调推进“四个全面”战略布局，忠诚履职、努力工作，为打赢脱贫攻坚战、全面建成小康社会、胜利实现第一个百年奋斗目标，开启实现第二个百年奋斗目标新征程作出重要贡献，涌现出一大批人民满意的公务员和公务员集体.
The decision adds that those being commended have “deeply studied and carefully understood Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, strengthened their ideals and convictions, kept in mind their original mission, consciously practised the people-centred development philosophy, took the benefit of the people as their highest political achievement…” Towards the end, the document calls on civil servants to “unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and strengthen the four consciousnesses and the four self-confidences and achieve the two safeguards, keep in mind the mission and responsibility, have the courage to act, insist on being public servants, serving and satisfying the people…”
Also on the page is a report on Xi Jinping attending the event commending the model civil servants. Also in attendance were: Li Keqiang, Han Zheng, Wang Huning, Chen Xi, Ding Xuexiang, Hu Chunhua, Huang Kunming and Xiao Jie.
This thread below is a really useful reminder of what one needs to keep in mind when interpreting coverage and presence of individuals at such meetings.
In all, 397 individuals and 198 groups of civil servants were awarded. The report says that Han Zheng read out the decision and Wang Huning spoke at the event. He said that Xi’s attendance at the event “reflects the great importance” that he and the Party Central Committee attach to the development of civil servants. He added:
“On the new journey, civil servants must take the lead in having a clear-cut political stand, take the lead in learning, understanding and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthening the four consciousness and four self-confidences and achieving the two safeguards; they must always maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of political position, direction, principle, and path. It is necessary to take the lead in adhering to the people-centred approach, set an example of closely connecting with the masses, take the lead in implementing new development concept, set an example in promoting high-quality development, take the lead in observing the system and set an example for its implementation, and take the lead in moral cultivation and cultivating a clean and honest culture. It is necessary to strengthen the Party’s leadership over the work of civil servants, and strive to build a contingent of high-quality professional civil servants who can reassure the Party and satisfy the people.” 新征程上，广大公务员要带头旗帜鲜明讲政治，带头学懂弄通做实习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，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”，始终在政治立场、政治方向、政治原则、政治道路上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致。要带头坚持以人民为中心、做密切联系群众的表率，带头贯彻新发展理念、做推动高质量发展的表率，带头遵守制度、做制度执行的表率，带头立德修身、做涵养廉洁文化的表率。要加强党对公务员工作的领导，努力建设一支让党放心、让人民满意的高素质专业化公务员队伍.
There’s also a commentary on the page about the civil service role models. It reiterates the points made above.
Finally, there’s a report on the 36th session of the 13th NPCSC. Li Zhanshu delivered a report on the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Law. Xinhua English reports:
“The 13th NPC and its standing committee conducted law enforcement inspections on 10 laws and decisions on environmental protection, making contributions to fighting pollution and advancing ecological conservation, Li said. From March to June, the NPC Standing Committee launched an inspection of the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Law, Li said, adding that China's environmental protection endeavors have brought about historic, transformative, and sweeping changes. Noting that China's environmental pressure has not been fundamentally eased, and relevant laws have not been thoroughly enforced, Li called for efforts to adhere to a people-centered philosophy, improve the legal framework for environmental protection, and step up legal publicity and education.”
The draft law on telecom and online fraud and a draft revision to the Law on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products were deemed as relatively mature, implying that they will be adopted. The meeting also reviewed a draft revision to the Law on the Protection of Wildlife, a draft revision to the Counter-Espionage Law, and a draft law on ecological conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
NDRC Director He Lifeng reported on the implementation of the national economic and social development plan this year. He said that at present, the economy is generally recovering and is in reasonable range; production is gradually improving and prices have been stable; the protection of people's livelihood has been strengthened, and the overall stability of economic and social development has been maintained. The next step is to efficiently coordinate epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, further strengthen macro-policy synergy, improve the stability of industrial and supply chains and international competitiveness, intensify the implementation of innovation-driven development strategy, thoroughly implement the strategy of expanding domestic demand, comprehensively promote rural revitalisation, unswervingly deepen reform and opening-up, solidly promote regional coordinated development and new urbanisation, steadily promote comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development, further improve people’s livelihood and effectively prevent and resolve major risks. 受国务院委托，国家发展和改革委员会主任何立峰报告了今年以来国民经济和社会发展计划执行情况。他说，当前经济总体呈恢复发展态势，经济运行保持在合理区间，生产需求逐步改善，市场价格基本平稳，民生保障力度加大，保持了经济社会发展大局总体稳定。下一步要高效统筹疫情防控和经济社会发展工作，进一步增强宏观政策合力，提高产业链供应链稳定性和国际竞争力，加大创新驱动发展战略实施力度，深入实施扩大内需战略，全面推进乡村振兴，坚定不移深化改革扩大开放，扎实推进区域协调发展和新型城镇化建设，稳步推动经济社会发展全面绿色转型，进一步做好民生兜底保障工作，有效防范化解重大风险.
Minister of Finance Liu Kun reported on the budget implementation this year. He said that since the beginning of this year, the implementation of the budget has been generally stable, which has promoted the stabilisation and recovery of economic operation…the next step is to focus on the following work: implementing a proactive fiscal policy, strengthening financial support for major strategic tasks, effectively safeguarding people’s basic livelihood, strengthening local government debt management, further tightening financial discipline, and solidly rectifying the problems identified during audits. 受国务院委托，财政部部长刘昆报告了今年以来预算执行情况。他说，今年以来预算执行情况总体平稳，推动经济运行企稳回升，稳住了经济社会发展基本盘，保持了经济社会发展大局总体稳定。在此基础上，预算执行情况较好。报告介绍了国务院有关部门认真贯彻预算法和关于人大预算审查监督重点向支出预算和政策拓展的指导意见、落实十三届全国人大五次会议预算决议情况，提出下一步要重点做好以下工作：落实落细积极的财政政策，加强重大战略任务财力保障，切实保障基本民生，强化地方政府债务管理，进一步严肃财经纪律，扎实整改审计查出问题。
Page 2: A report based on a press conference discussing Zhejiang’s development. This is part of the press briefings around developments over the past decade in China. Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun was at the briefing. The report says:
Zhejiang’s GDP has reached 7 trillion yuan (about 1.02 trillion U.S. dollars) and its per capita GDP exceed 110,000 yuan in 2021
From 2012 to 2021, the incomes of both urban and rural residents in Zhejiang more than doubled, and the province's urbanisation rate increased from 63.2 percent to 72.7 percent.
In the past decade, the income gap between urban and rural residents has narrowed from 2.37 to 1.94. The difference between the highest and lowest income of local residents has been reduced from 1.76 in 2013 to 1.61, and the proportion of families with annual disposable income of 200,000-600,000 yuan has reached 30.6%.
The gross enrollment rate for higher education has increased from 49.5% to 64.8%.
The added value of the digital economy in Zhejiang accounts for 48.6% of the provincial GDP.
There are also reports on a similar press briefings, covering
improvements made (English report) over the decade in addressing workplace accidents and disaster prevention and relief
Page 3: A report with comments from the Chinese Amb. to Pakistan Nong Rong talking about supporting the country amid the floods. The report informs that China has dispatched two Y-20 large transport aircraft of the PLAAF on Tuesday carrying some 3,000 tents.
“Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said, at the material handover ceremony, that China and Pakistan are true friends and brothers, and the two countries have a fine tradition of helping each other and coping with major natural disasters. In the face of floods, China is standing with Pakistan to provide assistance to the affected people at the earliest.” 中国驻巴基斯坦大使农融在物资交接仪式上表示，中国和巴基斯坦是真正的朋友和兄弟，两国有着互帮互助、共同应对重大自然灾害的优良传统。面对洪灾，中国与巴基斯坦站在一起，第一时间为受灾民众提供帮助.
The report then provides details about the aid provided by the China Red Cross Society, Chinese enterprises, All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association, and Overseas Chinese Association in Lahore. Global Times reports that two more aircraft from China will carry another batch of humanitarian aid to Pakistan on Wednesday.
Next, there’s a report on ILD chief Liu Jianchao visiting the Philippines. Liu met with Speaker of the House of Representatives and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) President Martin Romualdez, former President and Senior Deputy Speaker of the House Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Imee Marcos, as well as Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III. He talked about the two countries agreeing “to usher in a ‘golden age’ in bilateral ties and work together for regional peace and development.”
Other reports inform that Liu had spoken about the possibility of joint oil and gas in South China Sea. He had said that “I hope that the discussions will continue. I hope both sides will demonstrate some kind of flexibility without prejudicing each other’s claims of their own positions so that the cooperation could happen.” The Philippines side says that it is studying the proposal. Last June, former Philippines foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. had said that discussions between the Philippines and China to jointly explore for oil and gas had been terminated.
CNN reports that Liu offered to assist the Philippines in improving its energy sector through advanced, but cheaper technology. He said that “this all depends on the national government strategy, policy of the Philippines. So that's why we need concrete ideas and suggestions from the Philippines on what you need and how we can move about this.”
Page 4: There’s a report on Huang Kunming’s comments at the China New Media Conference in Changsha. China Daily reports:
“Significant progress and achievements have been made in China's media integration since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, with the all-media system improving and the voice of the Party being disseminated to a broader audience, he said. More forceful measures need to be taken to promote integrated media development, he said. Centrally and provincially administered media outlets should make new progress in the sector, city-level media need to make strides in further integration, and county-level media need to improve their effectiveness and efficiency, he stressed. Media outlets should stick to the correct direction, focus on quality content, and promote and explain the strength and practice of the Party's innovative theories, Huang said. He also called for spurring the vitality of integrated development and building a clean and well-governed cyberspace featuring collaboration, participation and benefit-sharing.”
Page 6: There’s an article on the new Internet Integrity Development Annual Report, which was published after the recent Internet Civilisation Conference.
According to the Report, China's internet integrity construction presents five characteristics:
significantly strengthened regulation
accelerated and improved integrity mechanisms
publicity and education are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people,
social practices are rich and colourful
there have been clear results with regard to punishment for dishonesty
《报告》显示，我国网络诚信建设呈现五大特点：规范力度明显加大、诚信机制加快健全、宣传教育深入人心、社会实践丰富多彩、失信惩戒成效明显，我国网络诚信建设整体状况持续向好.
The five key challenges for the future are:
algorithm abuse
online fraud
unfair competition
uneven/mixed quality with regard to live-streaming
frequent fan circle chaos
《报告》指出，随着互联网新技术新模式新业态不断发展应用，网络诚信建设也面临新的问题挑战，主要表现在算法滥用、网络诈骗、不当竞争、直播领域良莠不齐、网络“饭圈”乱象频发等5个方面。
The document offers four suggestions on strengthening the construction of internet integrity from the perspective of ideological guidance, legal protection, system construction and supervision.
First, promote the standardisation of network integrity through laws, regulations and norms and by strengthening self-discipline.
Second, strengthen supervision in key areas like content, protection of personal information, governance of algorithm security, supervision of live streaming, etc.
Third, promote the construction of demonstration projects for the construction of network integrity. This is around establishing role models.
Fourth, establish a network professional quality training system.
Page 7: Three reports on senior officials being expelled from the Party and public office for disciplinary violations. I am also drawing from this consolidated English report from China Daily.
First, Sun Guoxiang, a former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Liaoning Provincial People's Congress, was expelled. The report says that:
“Sun instructed private business owners to give him money, which he used to bribe others in order to gain himself a promotion. He also accepted gifts and invitations to banquets that may have compromised his ability to perform his duties fairly, it said. He failed to confess his offenses in letters of inquiry from the Party…Sun also took advantage of his position to seek benefits for his relatives' business activities. He used his public power as a tool for personal gain, and to help people obtain bank loans and special funding, and he accepted a great deal of money and property in return. He was placed under investigation in June. His case will be transferred to procuratorial organs, along with the money and property he received.”
The report adds that Sun seriously violated the Party’s political discipline, organisational discipline, and integrity discipline.
Chen Jiadong, former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xiamen Municipal People's Congress in Fujian province, was also expelled.
“Chen abused his power for personal promotion, resisted organizational censorship and engaged in superstitious activities. He also took part in ‘image projects’ that wasted manpower and money, and he wrongfully accepted gifts, money and banquet invitations. Chen also appointed cadres based on favoritism and personal relations. He didn't disclose his misconduct in letters of inquiry, and he also failed to report personal matters as required. He also used his power to seek benefits for his relatives' business activities, to gain sexual favors, to interfere in construction projects and to gain profits for others in enterprise operations and project contracting. He accepted large amounts of money and property, embezzled State-owned assets, engaged in malpractice for personal gains and abused his power, resulting in heavy losses for the State, the statement said. Chen was placed under investigation in February. Procuratorial organs will take up his case and confiscate money and property that he received.”
Chen seriously violated the Party’s political discipline, organisational discipline, integrity discipline, work discipline and life discipline, the report says.
Finally, Huang Yi, former vice-chairman of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was expelled.
“Huang seriously deviated from the Party's united front work guidelines, policies and principles, seriously polluted the local political ecology and resisted censorship from the organization. He accepted gifts for a long time, and he attended banquets and private clubs that may have compromised his duties. Huang also failed to report personal issues as required, and did not disclose his misdeeds in Party talks and inquiries. Huang earned a lot of money through private lending and engaged in profit-making activities. He also took advantage of his positions to gain profits for others in personnel appointments, project contracting and project approvals. Like the other two officials, he, too, accepted a large amount of money and property, it said. He was put under investigation in March. His case and ill-gotten gains will be transferred to procuratorial organs.”
Huang Yi seriously violated the Party’s political discipline, organisational discipline, integrity discipline and life discipline, the report adds.