China-Bangladesh Ties Upgraded - More PLA Generals Sacked - 3rd Round of Goods Trade-in Bonds Issued - Ding Visits Xinjiang - Audit Finds Diversion of Rural Revitalisation Funds
In this edition, I am covering some of the reports from the past 48 hours that were significant.
First, Xi Jinping met with Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman. The readout says:
“The two leaders jointly announced the decision to build a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, elevating bilateral relations to a higher level.” With this, my map of CCD network has grown to add Bangladesh. You can check out the full website with all the details here:
“President Xi Jinping noted that China has all along attached great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and stayed true to the policy of good-neighborliness and friendship toward all the people of Bangladesh. No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the overall direction of China-Bangladesh friendly relations, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbor, and good partner of Bangladesh. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Looking back over its history, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in emerging from poverty and weakness and blazing a path of Chinese modernization. The strength lies in independence and self-reliance, and in keeping the future of national development and progress firmly in our own hands. China supports Bangladesh in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting foreign interference. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to increase exchanges of governance experience, enhance ties at all levels, deepen strategic communication, strengthen political mutual trust, and continue to support each other on issues concerning the respective core interests and major concerns of the two countries.”
(Note: When the Chinese leader says something like this, basically, he seems to be saying that we will work with you so that you can become independent and self-reliant, and the pathway to that is deeper engagement with China and learning from the Chinese model of governance. In other words, he’s saying that the pathway to become independent is increasing Bangladesh’s dependence on Beijing.)
“President Xi Jinping emphasized that China adheres to the policy of fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood and the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. It will continue to provide neighboring countries with new opportunities and fresh dynamism as the country grows. China supports the new government of Bangladesh in its governance efforts, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further align development strategies, exchange development experience, make sound plans for the orderly cooperation in priority areas, explore cooperation potential in green and low-carbon development, digital economy, information technology, and artificial intelligence, conduct exchanges in healthcare, culture and education and at subnational levels, and advance the development of the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor for greater regional connectivity. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Bangladesh within multilateral frameworks including the U.N., so as to jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and better uphold the legitimate rights and common interests of the two countries and the interests of the Global South.”
As per the Chinese readout, Tarique Rahman offered much praise for Xi Jinping and China. He also backed the one-China Principle, the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives, and BRI. He added: “Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great development achievements, and Chinese modernization is an example for Bangladesh to learn from.”
The joint communique issued after the talks said:
The two sides agreed to set up a mechanism for strategic dialogue between foreign ministers. The two sides agreed to explore 2+2 dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defense.
The two sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. They stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no question or challenge. Bangladesh reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, and recognized that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Bangladesh resolutely opposed any form of ‘Taiwan independence’, firmly supported efforts of the Chinese government in achieving national reunification. China reaffirmed its policy of good neighborliness toward all people of Bangladesh, firmly supported Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respected the choice of the people of Bangladesh for an independent development path suited to their national conditions.
China will strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, e-commerce, industrial and supply chains, and investment, in order to upgrade its export capacity and jointly uphold the multilateral trading system. Bangladesh appreciated China for the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, and will foster a favorable environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh. The two sides agreed to jointly advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in such areas as connectivity, scientific and technological innovation, information and communications, green energy, photovoltaic technology, disaster prevention and mitigation, and addressing climate change. Both sides agreed to explore newer options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between China and Bangladesh.
The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in such areas as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, and river dredging, and related technology sharing. The Chinese side will provide support and help within its capacity to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), and support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study of the project and relevant work. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs.
The two sides agreed to deepen defense cooperation including exchanges, visits and training. Both sides agreed to maintain mutual understanding and engagement on U.N. peacekeeping affairs.
China will continue to provide Bangladeshi students with opportunities to study in China. The two sides agreed to deepen practical cooperation in such areas as public health and traditional medicine. Bangladesh welcomed and appreciated Chinese cooperation at subnational levels such as Yunnan Province in medical and health care.
Bangladesh appreciated and supported the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the series of Global Initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and stood ready to carry out cooperation with China. China supported Bangladesh in playing a greater role in multilateral institutions such as the U.N., and supported Bangladesh to participate in the BRICS and the application of Bangladesh to become the partner of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The two sides expressed readiness to continue promoting multilateral cooperation in the region and welcome more countries in the region to join in the process.
Both sides agreed that it is essential to firmly uphold the outcomes of the victory of World War II and oppose any attempts for fascistic and militaristic revival. The two sides expressed support for the postwar international order established by the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and other international legal documents including the U.N. Charter.
During the visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation documents in sectors including development cooperation, human resources cooperation, agriculture, education, trade and investment and media cooperation.
Reporting in Bangladeshi press says that 17 MoUs were signed between the two sides during this visit. 13 of these were signed between ministries of the two governments; three MoUs were signed between the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and various stakeholders in China; and one MoU was signed on a political party-to-political party basis.
The Daily Star said that this visit:
“marked an expansion of bilateral ties beyond traditional economic cooperation into regional diplomacy, connectivity, defence dialogue and geopolitical coordination.”
It added: “Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the visit had created a ‘new blueprint’ for sustainable cooperation and announced that China had pledged around $300 million in grant assistance.”
The two sides “signed an MoU under China’s flagship Global Development Initiative (GDI) to cooperate in education, healthcare, human resources development and the teaching of Mandarin in Bangladeshi schools.”
“Bangladesh currently faces a large trade imbalance with China, its largest trading partner. Bilateral trade is worth $24 billion annually, but Bangladesh exports only about $1 billion.”
“Mahdi Amin said the two sides discussed relocating Chinese factories to Bangladesh in sectors where the country has an adequate labour force and technical capability. The move is expected to create jobs, increase production capacity and help Bangladesh integrate more deeply into Asian supply chains. Chinese companies also expressed interest in investing in roads, railways, bridges, green energy, digital technology and industrial infrastructure. Tarique urged quicker implementation of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, Chattogram, alongside the expansion of the Mongla Economic Zone. The two sides also agreed to accelerate the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port and discussed plans to modernise Chattogram Port as a regional logistics hub.”
China agreed to support Bangladesh’s Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, along with broader cooperation in flood prevention, river dredging, hydrological forecasting and irrigation systems. Bangladesh has long struggled with water shortages during the dry season and flooding during the monsoon, particularly in northern districts dependent on the Teesta river. The Teesta water-sharing agreement between Bangladesh and India has remained unresolved since 2011 due to opposition from West Bengal. Following years of limited progress, Bangladesh sought Chinese support for the restoration project. Chinese experts have already conducted feasibility studies. Bangladeshi officials stressed that the project falls entirely within Bangladesh’s territory and is not directed against any third country. Responding to Indian concerns, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China-Bangladesh cooperation ‘does not target any third party’. China also offered technical training for Bangladeshi experts in river management, flood control and inland water transport systems.”
Xi also met with Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen. The readout says:
“Xi Jinping stressed that the international and regional situation is currently undergoing complex and profound changes, and that China and Cambodia should join hands to demonstrate a sense of responsibility amid the changing landscape and to hold to the right path amid the turbulence, injecting greater stability into regional peace and development.
First, strengthen the foundation of strategic mutual trust. Both sides should draw strength from history and, building on past achievements, make further progress by raising the level of mutual trust to a new height. China is willing to deepen inter-party exchanges with Cambodia, strengthen exchanges of experience in governing the party and the country, and jointly improve the parties’ governance capacity.
Second, steadily follow the path of development and rejuvenation. Both sides should promote substantive progress in the ‘Industrial Development Corridor’ and the ‘Fish and Rice Corridor’. They should fully unleash the potential of the China–Cambodia FTA, ensure that the outcomes of practical cooperation better benefit the people’s livelihood, and continuously consolidate the popular foundation of China–Cambodia friendship.
Third, safeguard the long-term peace and stability of each country. China is willing to establish a security partnership with Cambodia. China highly appreciates Cambodia’s determination and actions in cracking down on telecommunications and online fraud, and is willing to continue making sustained efforts together with Cambodia to completely eradicate this ‘malignant tumor’ of telecom fraud.
Fourth, build a model of strategic coordination. China appreciates Cambodia’s steadfast adherence to the One-China principle, and its being among the first to support the major concepts and initiatives proposed by China. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Cambodia, so as to better safeguard the fundamental state of good-neighbourly friendship in the region and the overall direction of cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
习近平强调，当前，国际和地区形势发生复杂深刻变化，中柬两国应该携手在变局中显担当、在乱象中守正道，为地区和平发展注入更多稳定性。一要筑牢战略互信根基。双方要从历史中汲取力量，百尺竿头更进一步，将互信水平提升到新高度。中方愿同柬方深化党际交往，加强治党治国经验交流，共同提高党的执政能力。二要走稳发展振兴之路。双方要推动“工业发展走廊”和“鱼米走廊”取得实质性进展。要充分释放中柬自由贸易协定潜能，推动务实合作成果更好惠及民生，不断夯实中柬友好的民意基础。三要维护各自国家长治久安。中方愿同柬方建立安全伙伴关系。中方高度赞赏柬方清剿电信网络诈骗的决心和行动，愿同柬方一道持续发力，彻底铲除电诈“毒瘤”。四要打造战略协作典范。中方赞赏柬方恪守一个中国原则，并率先对中方提出的重大理念和倡议予以支持。中方愿同柬方加强协调和配合，更好维护地区睦邻友好的基本面和合作共赢的大方向.
Moving on, the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC concluded its 23rd session on Friday. As per the report: the meeting adopted the newly revised Trademark Law, as well as the Decision on Amending the Certified Public Accountants Law; and decided to remove Guan Zhi’ou from the post of Minister of Natural Resources.
The meeting voted to adopt the Decision of the NPCSC s on Authorizing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Exercise Jurisdiction over the Hong Kong Port Area of Huanggang Port and the Relevant Extended Areas.
The meeting voted to adopt the Resolution of the NPCSC on Approving the 2025 Central Final Accounts, thereby approving the 2025 central final accounts.
The meeting voted to adopt the Report of the NPCSC’S Credentials Committee on the Qualifications of Individual Deputies.
The meeting appointed Wang Zhonglin as Vice Chairman of the NPC Environment and Resources Protection Committee, and Zeng Ping as Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPCSC.
Next, there’s a report on the list of removals from the NPC:
Fei Gaoyun
Guo Yonghang
Hu Henghua
Li Yunze
Hou Jianguo
Huang Wei
Ma Xingrui
Xu Xueqiang
Wang Kangping
Li Fengbiao
Yin Hongxing
Guo Puxiao
Zhang Minghua
Li Lanxiang
Zhang Anjiang
SCMP’s reporting on this says:
“There had already been indications that some of the dismissed People’s Liberation Army commanders were under investigation. General Xu Xueqiang, from the Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department, missed a major party meeting in October. Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Wang Kangping, from the Eastern Theatre Command, did attend the meeting but was passed over for promotion to full membership of the party’s Central Committee. Another one of those dismissed, Lieutenant General Yin Hongxing, the political commissar of the Tibet Military Command, was missing when Xi carried out a surprise inspection in the western region last August. The other three commanders removed on Friday were General Li Fengbiao, the political commissar of the Western Theatre Command; General Guo Puxiao, the political commissar of the air force; and Lieutenant General Zhang Minghua, from the cyberspace force.”
The other legislators who were removed included Ma Xingrui, a former member of the Politburo and party boss of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and his protege Guo Yonghang, the former Guangzhou party secretary…Li Yunze, the former director of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, has also been removed from the legislature.”
Moving on, there’s a report informing that the NDRC along with the Ministry of Finance has allocated this year’s third batch of ultra-long-term special treasury bond funds—62.5 billion yuan—to support the goods trade-in programme. As of June 20, sales from the consumer-goods trade-in program had exceeded 1 trillion yuan, with the leverage ratio of subsidy funds rising from 1:7.8 in 2025 to 1:10.3.
The first two batches of allocation were done in December 2025 and April 2026. Each of these were 62.5 billion yuan.
Next, do check out this report on a joint statement that Jia Guide, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland made on behalf of 20 countries at the UNHRC.
The statement sought to “expose and condemn the hegemonic practice of unilateral tariff under the pretext of ‘forced labour’. The Joint Statement pointed out that the eradication of poverty hinges on safeguarding everyone’s right to work and the right to development. We firmly oppose forced labour. At the same time, we are also seriously concerned about, and firmly oppose, the imposition of additional duties on other economies on the basis of unilateral accusations alleging a failure to curb imports of goods produced with so-called forced labour. The arbitrary imposition of tariff under the guise of so-called anti-forced labour measures will only infringe upon the right to development and the right to decent work of hardworking workers. Such practices can only destabilize global industrial supply chains and undermine collective efforts to eradicate poverty. The Joint Statement emphasized that we urge relevant countries to respect facts, refrain from politicizing trade issues and weaponizing human rights, uphold the international economic and trading order and contribute to global development through tangible actions. The Joint Statement received wide support, with Russia, Pakistan, Venezuela, Sudan, Cambodia and many other countries cosponsoring it, and many developing countries echoing its position in their national remarks.”
Another report that I want to highlight has this useful data point:
“Today, specialised, refined, differentiated, and innovative SMEs are flourishing: our country has cumulatively cultivated 17,600 specialised and new ‘little giant’ enterprises, more than 140,000 specialised and new SMEs, and more than 600,000 technology-based and innovative SMEs.” 如今，专精特新中小企业蓬勃生长：我国已累计培育专精特新“小巨人”企业1.76万家、专精特新中小企业超14万家、科技和创新型中小企业超60万家.
Next, Ding Xuexiang visited Xinjiang. The report says:
“Ding Xuexiang visited the China-Europe Railway Express (Urumqi) Assembly Center to investigate and study matters such as advancing the construction of the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt. He pointed out that the China-Europe Railway Express has created a new pattern of Asia-Europe international transport and brought enormous opportunities for Xinjiang’s development.It is necessary to leverage its geographical advantages, deepen economic and trade cooperation with peripheral countries, strive to build a golden Asia-Europe corridor and a bridgehead for opening up toward the west, and play a greater role in promoting the domestic and international dual circulation. It is necessary to actively develop multimodal transportation, strengthen digital and intelligent empowerment, and improve the quality of services provided by the China-Europe Railway Express. It is necessary to steadily expand the scale of operations and the scope of destinations served, prevent and defuse various risks and hidden dangers, and maintain the safe, stable, and unimpeded operation of the railway services. 丁薛祥来到中欧班列（乌鲁木齐）集结中心，调研推进丝绸之路经济带核心区建设等情况。他指出，中欧班列开创了亚欧国际运输新格局，给新疆发展带来巨大机遇。要发挥区位优势，深化同周边国家经贸合作，着力打造亚欧黄金通道和向西开放的桥头堡，在促进国内国际双循环中发挥更大作用。积极发展多式联运，加强数智赋能，提高中欧班列服务品质。稳步扩大开行规模和通达范围，防范化解各种风险隐患，保持班列安全稳定畅通运行.
With the peak summer energy consumption period approaching, Ding Xuexiang visited the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Energy Big Data Center, where he carefully learned about work related to ensuring energy supply and the transmission of electricity generated in Xinjiang to other regions. He emphasised that Xinjiang is rich in coal, oil and gas, wind, and solar resources. It is necessary to do a good job in energy production and supply, strengthen dispatching and management, effectively meet local energy demand, and provide strong support for the nation’s efforts to meet peak summer electricity demand. Efforts should be made to solidly advance the construction of a national strategic guarantee base for energy resources, to scientifically plan and lay out the development of new energy and the channels for transmitting Xinjiang’s electricity outward, and to achieve the smooth transmission and full absorption of clean electricity. While investigating energy conservation and carbon reduction in key sectors at Xinjiang Bayi Iron and Steel Group, Ding Xuexiang stressed that achieving the ‘dual carbon’ goals is a major national strategic decision, and that it is necessary to step up the research, development, and promotion of advanced technologies and to promote the green transformation of industrial development. 夏季用能高峰临近，丁薛祥走进国网新疆电力能源大数据中心，仔细了解能源保供和疆电外送等工作。他强调，新疆煤炭、油气、风光资源丰富，要抓好能源生产供应，加强调度管理，有效满足本地用能需求，有力支撑全国迎峰度夏。扎实推进全国能源资源战略保障基地建设，科学规划布局新能源发展和疆电外送通道，实现清洁电力顺畅输送、充分消纳。在新疆八一钢铁集团调研重点领域节能降碳时，丁薛祥强调，实现“双碳”目标是国家重大战略决策，要加大先进技术研发和推广力度，促进产业发展绿色转型.
Ding Xuexiang traveled to Xinjiang University and Xinjiang Institute of Light Industry Technology to investigate matters such as the development of higher education in ethnic minority regions. He stressed that General Secretary Xi Jinping had profoundly pointed out that, in maintaining social stability in Xinjiang and achieving lasting peace and stability, the fundamental factor lies in people and the key lies in education. It is necessary to persist unremittingly in using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to forge souls and educate people, implement the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education, and forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Based on resource endowments, it is necessary to promote the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent, to deepen the integration of industry and education, and to support the development of new-quality productive forces. College graduates are an important force in invigorating Xinjiang and securing the border; it is necessary to strengthen employment education, guidance, and services, and encourage more graduates to take root in Xinjiang and make contributions in Xinjiang. 丁薛祥前往新疆大学、新疆轻工职业技术学院，调研民族地区高等教育发展等情况。他强调，习近平总书记深刻指出，维护新疆社会稳定、实现长治久安，根本在人，关键在教育。要坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想铸魂育人，落实立德树人根本任务，铸牢中华民族共同体意识。立足资源禀赋，推动教育科技人才一体发展，深化产教融合，支持发展新质生产力。高校毕业生是兴疆固边的重要力量，要加强就业教育和指导服务，鼓励更多毕业生扎根新疆、建功新疆.
While visiting the themed achievement exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Ding Xuexiang pointed out that the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core established the Party’s strategy for governing Xinjiang in the new era, propelling Xinjiang’s economic and social development to achieve all-round progress and historic accomplishments. He expressed the hope that Xinjiang would keep firmly in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping’s entrustment, firmly grasp the overall goal of the work in Xinjiang, strive to do all areas of work even better from a new starting point, and usher in an even brighter tomorrow for Xinjiang. 在参观新疆维吾尔自治区成立70周年主题成就展时，丁薛祥指出，以习近平同志为核心的党中央确立新时代党的治疆方略，推动新疆经济社会发展取得全方位进步和历史性成就。希望新疆牢记习近平总书记嘱托，紧紧扭住新疆工作总目标，在新起点上努力把各项工作做得更好，开创新疆更加美好的明天.
Finally, three brief reports:
There’s a report informing that “Chinese and Russian militaries conducted their 11th joint strategic air patrol in relevant airspace over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western part of the Pacific Ocean on Saturday.”
Another report says that China and several Central Asian countries are planning to develop a satellite constellation to share remote-sensing data and tackle common threats, such as earthquakes, agricultural pests and glacial floods. The tech cooperation agreement was signed on Thursday at the 9th China-Eurasia Expo held in Urumqi. Called ‘Tianwu Constellation’, the space-based monitoring network will comprise an initial system of five satellites, according to scientists involved in the project.
There’s a report informing that at least 56 county-level governments diverted 27.948 billion yuan (approximately $3.9 billion) intended for agriculture and rural revitalization programs to repay debt and finance other government expenditures…Another 51 counties allegedly transferred 19.41 billion yuan to state-owned enterprises, village collectives, and other accounts, effectively moving the funds outside normal budget oversight before reallocating them.
(AI-use disclaimer: AI tools were used to assist with search and translations.)