Breakdown and Analysis of Lavrov's Visit to China - Xi Meets Micronesia President - China-Bahamas Cooperation - Promoting Red Culture
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Page 1: Let’s begin with the report on Xi Jinping’s meeting with President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley W. Simina.
“Xi said that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The two countries have always respected each other, treated each other as equals, and engaged in friendly cooperation and mutual benefit, which has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples. China supports the Federated States of Micronesia in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, following a development path that is in line with its national conditions, revitalizing the economy and improving people's livelihood. China is willing to work with the Federated States of Micronesia to take the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as a new starting point, maintain exchanges and dialogues at all levels, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and push bilateral relations to a new level. Both sides should adhere to the political positioning of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, uphold the cooperation principle of mutual benefit, win-win results, and common development, accelerate the advancement of cooperation under BRI, strengthen cooperation in infrastructure projects, and enhance culture, health, education, sub-national and people-to-people exchanges. More young people from the Federated States of Micronesia are welcome to come to China for further studies…” 习近平指出，今年是中密建交35周年。两国始终相互尊重、平等相待，友好合作、互利共赢，增进了两国人民福祉。中方支持密方维护国家主权和独立，走符合本国国情的发展道路，振兴经济和改善民生。中方愿同密方一道，以两国建交35周年为新起点，保持各层级交流对话，加强各领域互利合作，推动中密关系迈上新台阶。双方要坚守两国全面战略伙伴关系的政治定位，坚持互利共赢、共同发展的合作基调，加快推进共建“一带一路”合作，加强基础设施项目合作，密切文化、卫生、教育、地方等人文交流。欢迎更多密克罗尼西亚联邦青年来华深造.
“China is willing to provide the Federated States of Micronesia with assistance in addressing climate change and carry out capacity-building training within the framework of South-South cooperation. It is also willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum, jointly practice multilateralism, and safeguard fairness and justice…China's relationship with island countries is based on mutual assistance within the framework of South-South cooperation, and it is neither targeted at any third party nor should it be interfered with by any third party. China maintains that any country seeking to develop relations with Pacific island countries should honor their independent choices, put development first, and adhere to openness and inclusiveness. Island countries have the right to choose a development path that suits their own national conditions and to carry out friendly cooperation with all development partners. China is willing to continue to provide support to the development of island countries to the best of its ability and carry out trilateral or multi-party cooperation.” 中方愿在南南合作框架内向密方提供应对气候变化援助、开展能力建设培训。加强在联合国、太平洋岛国论坛等多边框架内协调配合，共同践行多边主义，维护公道正义。习近平指出，中国同太平洋岛国有着悠久的交往历史，深厚的人民友谊，共同的发展需要。中方发展同岛国关系，是南南合作框架内的互帮互助，既不针对第三方，也不应该受到第三方干扰。中方主张，各国在发展同太平洋岛国关系时，应该坚持岛国自主、坚持发展为先、坚持开放包容。岛国有权选择符合自身国情的发展道路，有权同所有发展伙伴开展友好合作。中方愿继续为岛国发展提供力所能及的支持，开展三方或多方合作。(Comment: Isn’t it fascinating how Xi is outlining parameters for other countries in regard to what they should do if they have to cooperate with Island states?)
As per Xinhua, “Simina said Micronesia acknowledges that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang. The Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by President Xi, are of great significance to helping developing countries achieve common development and promoting world peace, stability and prosperity, Simina said. Simina thanked China for its valuable assistance to Micronesia and other Pacific island countries for their economic and social development over the years, and expressed his willingness to deepen cooperation in agriculture, fishery, economy and trade, investment, tourism and digital economy under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly address climate change. China's cooperation with the Pacific island countries is conducive to regional peace and development, and Micronesia will continue to promote such cooperation, Simina said.”
The two sides signed cooperation documents on the Belt and Road Initiative, green development, agriculture, health care, infrastructure, development cooperation and other fields. A joint statement will also be issued subsequently.
Lavrov’s Visit Breakdown:
Second, there’s a report on Xi’s meeting with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov. Xinhua reports:
“Xi said China and Russia have embarked on a new path of harmonious coexistence and win-win cooperation between major countries and neighbors, which has benefited the two countries and their peoples and contributed wisdom and strength to international fairness and justice. ‘President Putin and I have agreed to continue to maintain close exchanges to ensure the smooth and steady development of China-Russia relations. The two sides should take the opportunity of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the China-Russia Years of Culture to fully implement the important consensus reached by President Putin and me,’ he said. Xi stressed that China supports the Russian people in following a development path that suits their national conditions, and supports Russia in combating terrorism and maintaining social security and stability. China always attaches great importance to the development of China-Russia relations, and stands ready to strengthen bilateral communication with Russia and enhance multilateral strategic coordination in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xi said. He added that the two countries will show more responsibility, unite countries in the Global South in the spirit of equality, openness, transparency and inclusiveness, promote the reform of the global governance system, and vigorously lead the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
As per Xinhua, Lavrov told Xi that “Russia's foreign policy is to comprehensively consolidate and upgrade relations with China, and the smooth reelection of President Putin guarantees the continuity of Russia-China relations.”
While on Lavrov’s visit, let me cover the readouts of his meeting and press briefing with Wang Yi.
“Wang Yi stated that China warmly congratulates President Putin on his re-election with a high number of votes, reaffirming that the support from the people is the greatest confidence, and the strength of the people is the driving force behind Russia's progress. China will continue to support Russia in achieving development and revitalization under President Putin's leadership, and support the Russian people in choosing their development path independently.” 王毅表示，中方对普京总统高票当选连任再次表示热烈祝贺，人民的支持是最大的底气，人民的力量是俄罗斯前行的动力。中方将继续支持俄罗斯在普京总统领导下实现发展振兴，支持俄罗斯人民自主选择发展道路.
Wang added that ties had forged ahead amid ups and downs over the past 75 years.
“Based on the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties, both sides have adhered to permanent good-neighborliness and friendship, deepened comprehensive strategic cooperation, and forged a new paradigm of major-country relations entirely different from the Cold War era. This relationship holds irreplaceable value in maintaining global strategic stability and promoting cooperation among emerging powers. Maintaining and developing China-Russia relations is not only an inevitable choice for China and Russia as two major neighboring countries, but also fully conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples.” 王毅说，中俄建交75年来，两国关系历经风雨，砥砺前行。双方在不结盟、不对抗、不针对第三方的基础上，坚持永久睦邻友好，深化全面战略协作，打造了一种完全不同于冷战时期的大国关系新范式，对维护全球战略稳定、推动新兴大国合作都具有不可替代的重要价值。维护好、发展好中俄关系，既是中俄作为两大邻国的必然选择，也完全符合两国人民根本利益.
Wang also said that “heads of state diplomacy is the fundamental guarantee for the stability and long-term development of China-Russia relations. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era continues to operate at a high level. The public opinion foundation for the ever-lasting friendship has become increasingly solid, and mutually beneficial cooperation has shown broad prospects. China is willing to work with Russia, in accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state, to give full play to the unique advantages of the China-Russia high-level exchange mechanism, strengthen the alignment of the two countries’ development plans, and promote practical cooperation in various fields. The two sides should take the opportunity of Russia taking over the rotating chairmanship of the BRICS this year and China taking over the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the second half of the year to strengthen the coordination and strategic collaboration between the two countries on multilateral platforms, practice true multilateralism, and promote more fair and reasonable global governance, effectively promote an equal and orderly world multipolarization and democratization of international relations, resolutely oppose all unilateralism and hegemony, and push the world towards a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.” 王毅强调，元首外交是中俄关系行稳致远的根本保障。在习近平主席和普京总统的战略引领下，中俄新时代全面战略协作伙伴关系持续高位运行，世代友好的民意基础日益牢固，互利合作展现出广阔前景。中方愿同俄方一道，按照两国元首达成的共识，发挥好中俄高层交往机制的独特优势，加强两国发展规划对接，推动各领域务实合作。双方要以俄方今年担任金砖国家轮值主席国和中方将在下半年接任上海合作组织轮值主席国为契机，加强两国在多边平台的协同配合和战略协作，践行真正的多边主义，推动更加公正合理的全球治理，切实推进平等有序的世界多极化和国际关系民主化，坚决反对一切单边主义和霸权行径，推动世界走向和平、安全、繁荣、进步的光明前景.
As per the readout, Lavrov thanked China for its valuable support for Russia’s presidential election. He added that “owing to the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented high level and continue to move forward, surpassing the old Cold War military alliance. Russia will continue the tradition of Russia-China friendship and comprehensively strengthen cooperation with China.” He affirmed support for the one-China principle, and deeper people to people cooperation. He also said that Russia supports GSI and “is willing to deepen cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS, SCO, the United Nations, and the G20 to promote the establishment of a more just and democratic international order.” 拉夫罗夫感谢中方对俄总统选举给予宝贵支持，表示俄中关系建立在互相尊重、平等合作和可信赖对话的基础上。得益于两国元首的战略引领，俄中关系达到前所未有的高水平并继续向前发展，超越冷战军事同盟。俄将延续俄中友好传统，全面加强对华合作。俄方恪守一个中国原则，愿同中方一道，保持高层密切交往，深化经贸等领域务实合作，共同办好俄中文化年和两国建交75周年纪念活动，增进影视、体育等人文交流。俄方支持全球安全倡议，愿同中方在金砖国家、上合组织、联合国、二十国集团等多边平台深化合作，推动建立更加公正、更加民主化的国际秩序.
They also discussed “Ukraine, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the situation in the Asia-Pacific region” and signed a 2024 consultation plan between the two foreign ministries.
Wang and Lavrov also participated in a joint press briefing. MoFA’s readout has Wang saying that when it comes to international hotspot issues, “as a responsible major country, China always proceeds from the merits of the matter itself and decides its position independently. At the same time, as a force for peace and stability, China insists on playing a constructive role in world affairs, never adding fuel to the fire or profiting from it.” 王毅表示，作为负责任大国，中方始终从事情本身的是非曲直出发，独立自主地决定自己的立场。同时，作为和平的力量、稳定的力量，中方在世界事务中坚持发挥建设性作用，从不火上浇油，从不从中渔利。
Wang then outlined China’s approach to hotspot issues:
First, uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and uphold international law and the basic norms of international relations.
Second, regard peace as the most important thing, and actively call on the parties concerned to resolve conflicts through dialogue and consultation
Third, properly accommodate the legitimate concerns of all parties and seek sustainable solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes.
Fourth, adhere to true multilateralism and oppose any ‘small circles’ that engage in opposing camps, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. NATO should not extend its reach into our shared home. Any words or actions of division and confrontation have no place or future in the Asia-Pacific region.
王毅说，中方处理热点问题的出发点，一是维护联合国宪章宗旨和原则，维护国际法和国际关系基本准则。二是以和为贵，积极劝和促谈，推动当事方通过对话协调化解分歧。三是妥善照顾各方合理关切，寻求标本兼治、可持续的解决方案。四是坚持真正的多边主义，反对任何搞阵营对立的“小圈子”，在亚太地区尤其如此。北约不应该把手伸向我们的共同家园，任何分裂对抗的言行在亚太地区都没有市场和未来。
On Ukraine, he said that China “hopes to see a ceasefire and an end to the war as soon as possible. China supports the timely convening of an international conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation by all parties, and a fair discussion of all peace options, whether it is Track I or Track II.” 王毅指出，在乌克兰问题上，中方的根本遵循是习近平主席提出的“四个应该”，希望看到尽快停火止战。中方支持适时召开俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与，公平讨论所有和平方案的国际会议，无论是一轨，还是二轨，都可以探讨。
He added: “On the Palestinian-Israeli issue, the resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council are binding and should be effectively implemented to achieve an unconditional and lasting ceasefire immediately. China supports the United Nations Security Council in discussing and accepting Palestine as a full member of the United Nations as soon as possible, supports the Palestinian people in achieving an independent state, and calls for the resumption of dialogue for a ‘two-state solution’ to achieve peaceful coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations and lasting peace in the Middle East.” 在巴以问题上，联合国安理会通过的决议具有约束力，应当得到有效执行，立即实现无条件和持久的停火。中方支持联合国安理会尽快讨论并接受巴勒斯坦成为联合国正式成员国，支持巴勒斯坦人民实现独立建国，呼吁重启“两国方案”，实现阿拉伯，犹太民族和平共处和中东地区的持久和平.
Wang also backed Russia in its fight against terrorism. He added: “The international community should resolutely combat all forms of terrorism with a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude, firmly support the efforts of all parties to maintain national security and stability, strengthen international anti-terrorism cooperation, coordinate development and security, and eliminate the breeding ground for terrorism.” 国际社会应当以“零容忍”态度坚决打击一切形式的恐怖主义，坚定支持各方维护国家安全稳定的努力，加强国际反恐合作，统筹发展和安全，消除滋生恐怖主义的土壤.
Another readout from the press briefing has Wang outlining the ‘Five Constants/Always/Principles’ 五个始终 of China-Russia ties.
First, always follow the strategic guidance of heads of state diplomacy
Second, always adhere to the principle of ‘non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties.’
Third, always stay on the right course on major matters of principle. “As permanent members of the UNSC and major emerging powers, China and Russia must stand unequivocally on the side of historical progress and fairness and justice, actively respond to the universal aspirations and legitimate concerns of people of all countries, and advocate that all countries pursue dialogue rather than confrontation, and partnership rather than alliance. The two sides should establish a new path for state-to-state relations, oppose all hegemonic and bullying behaviors, oppose the Cold War mentality and incitement of division and confrontation, and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.” 双方要始终在大是大非面前坚守正道。中俄两国作为联合国安理会常任理事国和主要新兴大国，要旗帜鲜明站在历史进步一边，站在公平正义一边，积极呼应各国人民的普遍愿望和正当关切，倡导各国走对话不对抗、结伴不结盟的国与国交往新路，反对一切霸权霸道霸凌行径，反对冷战思维和挑动分裂对抗，积极推动构建人类命运共同体.
Fourth, always pursue mutual benefits and win-win results in cooperation. China and Russia should continue to advocate inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and foster new drivers of global development and progress.
Fifth, always promote the building of an equal and orderly multipolar world. “Both China and Russia believe that the current major changes in the world are accelerating and the ‘Global South’ is gaining momentum. We must adhere to the equality of all countries, large or small, oppose hegemonism and power politics, oppose the monopoly of international affairs by a few countries, and effectively promote the democratization of international relations. China and Russia both support the core position of the United Nations in the global governance system, and the two sides will further strengthen international cooperation. This year Russia serves as the chairman of the BRICS, and China will take over the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization during this year. The two sides will support each other's presidencies and light up the ‘Southern Moment’ in global governance.” 双方要始终推动平等有序的世界多极化。中俄都认为，当前世界大变局正在加速演进，“全球南方”声势卓然壮大，必须坚持大小国家一律平等，反对霸权主义和强权政治，反对少数国家垄断国际事务，切实推进国际关系民主化。中俄都支持联合国在全球治理体系中的核心地位，双方将进一步加强国际协作。今年俄方担任金砖国家主席国，年内中方将接任上海合作组织轮值主席国。双方将相互支持彼此主席国工作，点亮全球治理的“南方时刻”。
Let me now look at the Russian readouts. In his opening remarks to Wang, Lavrov said that the elections in Russia took place amid “significant external pressure from the West and a surge in terrorist attacks by the Kiev regime.” “As you mentioned, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping was one of the first to extend congratulations to President-elect Vladimir Putin. We express our gratitude to our Chinese friends for their support in upholding the sovereign rights of Russians as enshrined in the Constitution. The election outcomes underscored the profound trust that the Russian people place in their leader and his domestic and foreign policies. This includes our commitment to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership with China.”
He said that ties with China are at “an unprecedented level.” He added:
“Our strategic partnership is founded upon the principles of respectful, equitable, and trust-based dialogue, along with mutual support on issues related to the core interests of both countries. As repeatedly stated by our leaders, our cooperation has outmatched the military-political alliance of the Cold War era and is not aimed against any third country. The proximity and, in most cases, convergence of Russia and China’s foreign policy approaches to solving the key problems of the modern age are laying the foundation for enhancing strategic coordination on the global scale. Cooperation in international affairs enables us to address common tasks more efficiently both at home and abroad. As you said, Mr Minister, we are currently focused on shaping a more just multipolar international order and on promoting inclusive and constructive cooperation formats, such as BRICS and the SCO. Also, we are working to consolidate the nations of the Global South to ensure greater fairness and equality in global affairs.”
The readout of Lavrov’s comments at the press conference says:
“We focused on the schedule of top-level contacts, because the leaders’ diplomacy is, without any exaggeration, the central element of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction. It is thanks to the leaders’ diplomacy in the first place that our bilateral relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level and continue to develop dynamically amid a very challenging situation in the world. As I said, the focus was on the schedule of top-level contacts and the upcoming meetings between our leaders on the sidelines of various international events, including the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October, and the SCO Summit in Astana in June. There will certainly be other opportunities for maintaining our regular political dialogue.”
“The issues we are addressing in the economy, trade, investment, and innovative technology are directly related to the effort to establish a fair multipolar world order free from diktat, hegemony, and neo-colonial and colonial practices, which are being used to the utmost extent by the United States and the rest of the collective West that has bowed without question to Washington’s will. China and Russia will continue to defend the need to rectify this situation in international economic relations and to be committed to democratising these relations and returning to the principles that were proclaimed a while ago and consist in the requirement to respect the market processes, fair competition, inviolability of property, presumption of innocence, and much more, which the West is flouting in the grossest of manners by its practical steps expressed in imposing illegal sanctions on a number of states, including Russia. But they are beginning to use the same policy with regard to the People’s Republic of China, including in a bid to restrict its economic and technological development capabilities, or, speaking plainly, to get rid of a rival.”
Lavrov also talked about events commemorating the 75th anniversary of bilateral ties and the 80th anniversary of “Victory over German Nazism and Japanese militarism next year.”
On BRICS, he said that “Given Russia’s current BRICS chairmanship, much attention was paid to the future of the alliance with more members to join it, the establishment of a new category of partner nations, and the general agenda of the upcoming summit in Kazan scheduled for October. The Council of Foreign Ministers will meet in Nizhny Novgorod in June. Mr Wang Yi confirmed his participation in it.”
On SCO, he said that “in June, the People’s Republic of China will replace Kazakhstan as the SCO chair. There are promising opportunities to align the SCO agendas for advancing this vast Eurasian region with the BRICS programmes, which advocate similar ideals and principles on a global scale. This alignment serves to advance the interests of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, especially amid the declining Western globalisation model which lost almost all of its credibility. Of course, we also addressed bilateral cooperation across other platforms, such as the UN, the G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). We have close, mutually beneficial, and productive ties in each of the above organizations.”
On Ukraine, he said: “we are grateful to our Chinese friends for their unbiased, balanced position and their readiness to play a positive role in the political and diplomatic settlement. The well-known ‘12 points’ that China put forward in 2023 clearly articulate the need, first, to take into account the root causes of this conflict, and second, in efforts to resolve it, to seek to eliminate these causes, first and foremost, in the context of ensuring equal and indivisible security, including in Europe and in the entire world. Chinese friends make it clear that it is necessary to take into account the legitimate concerns of all parties involved, first and foremost their security. In this context, my Chinese colleagues and I have confirmed the conclusion about the futility of any international efforts that do not take into account Russia's position but completely ignore it and promote an absolutely empty, ultimatum-like ‘Zelensky's peace formula’, and are therefore completely detached from reality.”
On Asia-Pacific, he said: “We spoke at length about the tasks of ensuring security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region against the background of the US policy of creating closed military-political alliances with a limited set of members. They have a blatant anti-Chinese and anti-Russian bias and, among other things, are aimed at breaking the security architecture that has been developed for many decades around ASEAN according to the very formats that this Association has offered to its partners, which are based on inclusiveness, consensus, mutual respect and rejection of unilateral actions. All this does not suit the United States and its allies. They, as I said, are promoting bloc approaches here and declaring the need to introduce the North Atlantic Alliance into the region.”
He called Taiwan “an integral part of China” and “an internal affair of the People's Republic of China.” He also said that they talked about the Korean peninsula, the “Middle East settlement and what is happening around the Gaza Strip”, saying that “we also have common positions here, which we defend at the UN Security Council.”
And this is interesting: “In a broader context, we exchanged views on the prospect of forming a new security structure in Eurasia against the background of the complete stagnation and self-destruction of Euro-Atlantic mechanisms.”
Just to add on this last bit, responding to a question, Lavrov said:
“The West has proved that the system of the international financial and economic ties that it created and offered to the rest of the world is unreliable, because the West can at any moment punish anyone who disagrees with its neocolonial policy. These processes are underway in almost all spheres of public life, including the economy and security. We share our focus on strengthening security in Eurasia. For a long time now, there has been a Euro-Atlantic security entity in the form of NATO and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. They have crossed themselves out from the list of relevant organisations that can be used to conduct meaningful talks and to agree on things based on a balance of interests. Considering this, forming Eurasian security is an issue that needs to be addressed. President Vladimir Putin mentioned this in his address to the Federal Assembly. We have agreed with our Chinese friends to begin a dialogue on this matter and involve other like-minded countries.”
(Comment: There is a lot to unpack from all the material above. But let me share a few unstructured thoughts.
First, the strategic convergences between the two administrations is evident. They both seem to recognise the US and the broader West as the common challenge, and seek “multipolarization and democratization of international relations” while opposing “all unilateralism and hegemony.” Their common opposition to NATO, and its extension to the Asia-Pacific region is a reflection of this. They both also see countries in the Global South and instruments such as BRICS and SCO as useful tools to advance this objective. Essentially, if you think of international relations as a card game, then while India and countries in the Global South want a voice at the table, Russia and China seem to want to run the table.
Second, on Ukraine, it seems like Lavrov is saying the quiet part aloud for Beijing. Essentially, he took it upon himself to interpret the Chinese 12-point-plan. Contrast his interpretation with Wang Yi saying that the first principle in dealing with hotspot issues is to “uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and uphold international law and the basic norms of international relations.” In this case, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are primary issues. But as per Lavrov’s interpretation, what matters first are “root causes”, i.e., NATO and the European security architecture, and Russian security concerns.
Third, it is no surprise that both sides see great value in the relationship. But do note the emphasis on Putin and Xi Jinping’s personal leadership. Wang said that “heads of state diplomacy is the fundamental guarantee for the stability and long-term development of China-Russia relations.” Lavrov said that this was the “central element of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.” I wonder if this is also indicative of concerns around long-term stability and lack of depth in political support for the relationship. It is no secret that there are several voices within China who have been critical of Beijing’s backing of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Also, do note that Wang talked about how the current relationship provides “a new paradigm of major-country relations entirely different from the Cold War era,” while Lavrov said that “our cooperation has outmatched the military-political alliance of the Cold War era.” These can mean two very different things. Also, it means that the commitments and expectations are different when compared to a formal alliance.
Fourth, I am obviously curious to learn more about this “new security structure in Eurasia” that Lavrov is talking about. There was nothing in Wang’s comments that reflected this objective.
Fifth, I am not entirely sure that Beijing is sold on the idea that the “Western globalization model” needs to be done away with. Despite the recent challenges and the need to ensure greater security and develop alternatives, China has deep stake in keeping supply chains open and ensuring market access. Heck, Chinese leaders spend a great amount of time talking about the need to maintain economic globalization and free trade. Russia, on the other hands, finds itself cast out and its urgencies and priorities might not echo Beijing’s. The paragraph in which Lavrov talks about “international economic relations” and charges the West of applying “the same policy” as used against Russia “in a bid to restrict its economic and technological development capabilities” sounds like an effort to push Beijing further down the securitisation path.
Finally, from an Indian perspective, it is critical to keep a close eye on Russian-Chinese coordination in the Asia-Pacific. Lavrov’s comments that the two sides discussed “US policy of creating closed military-political alliances with a limited set of members”, arguing that these have “a blatant anti-Chinese and anti-Russian bias” and are “aimed at breaking the security architecture that has been developed for many decades” should be taken seriously. This is not just about AUKUS but also the Quad and perhaps even formats like I2U2. In addition, the coordination between Russia and China at BRICS and SCO presents challenges for Indian policy. The closer the two get, the deeper the challenge for Indian policymakers.
Okay, back to the front page now. There’s a report on Xi and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, honorary president of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) and Brazilian president, sending congratulatory letters separately to the 7th theory seminar of the CPC and the PT, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday. Xinhua reports that in his letter,
Xi said that “the seminar focused on strengthening the ruling party building and exploring the path to modernization, which is timely and of great significance to strengthening the capacity building of the ruling parties of the two countries and exploring the modernization paths suited for their own national conditions. Xi also noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the China-Brazil diplomatic ties and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the CPC-PT relations. The CPC is willing to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with the PT on governance, and promote party building and national development, so as to make greater contributions to the continuous development of China-Brazil relations in the new era and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.”
Next, there’s a report on Xi’s letter to the ‘Falcon Commando Unit’, an elite police brigade focussed on counter-terrorism. Xi called on them “to build themselves into a world-class counter-terrorism special forces brigade, which always stands ready to make new contributions to the Party and the people.”
Next, there’s a report on Zhao Leji meeting with parliamentarians from the Bahamas. Xinhua says that:
Zhao expressed “high appreciation for the Bahamas' firm adherence to the one-China principle”.
He welcomed “the Bahamas to join the Belt and Road Initiative at an early date” and expressed “hope that the Bahamas would join the ‘three global initiatives’.”
He said that China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with the Bahamas in addressing climate change.
He talked about exchanges with the House of Assembly and Senate of the Bahamian parliament on governance. The aim is to “create a sound legal environment for the two countries to strengthen trade and investment cooperation and expand personnel exchanges, strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.”
Next, there’s a report on Wang Huning meeting with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue. Wang said that “the CPPCC National Committee stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee to contribute to the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries.”
Finally, there’s a report on Han Zheng meeting with Singapore's deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat. “Han said China is willing to work with Singapore to maintain close exchanges at all levels, make full use of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation on science and technology innovation, carry out high-level cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and make further contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.”
Page 3: There are some brief stories to note. First, ILD Vice Minister, Li Mingxiang led a CCP delegation to visit Rwanda. There are no real details about the discussions in the report. Second, there is a report informing that Zhao Leji will travel to North Korea from April 11 to 13th on a “goodwill visit” and to attend the opening ceremony of the ‘China-North Korea Friendship Year’.
Page 6: There’s a report on the Communist Youth League has held a propaganda activity at the China Youth University of Political Studies (中央团校) to promote stories of youth “defending the country and guarding the border”.
“At the event, 10 outstanding young representatives from Sansha, Hainan, Jilin, Yunnan, Tibet, and Xinjiang told touching stories about their participation in defending the country and guarding the border.” 活动现场，来自海南三沙和吉林、云南、西藏、新疆的10位优秀青年代表，讲述了自己参与卫国戍边的感人故事，表达了“清澈的爱、只为中国”的时代强音.
The report says that there will be more such activities now at universities and enterprises.
Page 9: I am not doing a deep dive, but the lead article on the page is about the profound importance of promoting Red Culture. It calls to “protect and utilize red resources well, strengthen revolutionary traditions and patriotic education, guide the broad masses of cadres and people to carry forward fine traditions, carry forward the red gene, and practice core socialist values…”
“Red culture is an advanced culture created and acclimated by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China in the great practice of revolution, construction and reform. It contains the powerful spiritual strength that guides our Party and people to strengthen their beliefs, convictions, and confidence, to overcome all enemies, difficulties, and obstacles, and to achieve all victories.” 红色文化是中国共产党领导中国人民在革命、建设和改革的伟大实践中创造积累的先进文化，蕴含着指引我们党和人民增强信仰、信念、信心，战胜一切强敌、克服一切困难、夺取一切胜利的强大精神力量.
The author also says that “Marxism is the ideological soul of red culture,” and “putting the people first is the fundamental position of red culture.” In addition, the author argues that “the fundamental guarantee for building a powerful socialist cultural country is to uphold the Party’s leadership. Red culture contains the answers to why we uphold the Party’s leadership and how to uphold the Party’s leadership.”