China-Brazil Ties - Xi's CELAC Commitments - The Curious Case of Death at a Banquet in Luoshan County
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
Page 1: The lead story today draws upon Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum. The full speech (English text) is available on Page 2. I’ll work with that. Xi first recounted the broad nature of the relationship between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries. For instance, he said:
Under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the two sides have implemented more than 200 infrastructure projects, creating over a million jobs. The China-LAC satellite cooperation program has set a model for high-tech South-South cooperation. The inauguration of Chancay Port in Peru has established a new land-and-sea connectivity link between Asia and Latin America. China has signed free trade agreements with Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Last year, trade between China and LAC countries exceeded US$500 billion for the first time, an increase of over 40 times from the beginning of this century.
China and LAC countries champion true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, advance global governance reform, and promote multipolarization of the world and greater democracy in international relations. We have worked together to address global challenges like climate change, and advance progress in global biodiversity governance. China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point common understanding on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which has been endorsed by more than 110 countries, contributing our wisdom and strength to resolving international hotspot issues.
He then added:
“The century-defining transformation is accelerating across the globe, with multiple risks compounding one another. Such developments make unity and cooperation among nations indispensable for safeguarding global peace and stability and for promoting global development and prosperity. There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars. Bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation. China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Independence and autonomy are our glorious tradition. Development and revitalization are our inherent right. And fairness and justice are our common pursuit. In the face of seething undercurrents of geopolitical and bloc confrontation and the surging tide of unilateralism and protectionism, China stands ready to join hands with our LAC partners to launch five programs that advance our shared development and revitalization, and contribute to a China-LAC community with a shared future.
The five programs are:
Solidarity Program: We must enhance exchanges in all fields, and strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues. In the next three years, to facilitate our exchanges on national governance best practices, China will invite 300 members from political parties of CELAC member states every year to visit China. China supports the efforts by LAC countries in increasing their influence on the multilateral stage. We will work with LAC countries to firmly safeguard the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, and to speak with one voice in international and regional affairs.
Development Program: China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Development Initiative. We will resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation. We should foster greater synergy between our development strategies, expand high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and bolster cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and food, and energy and minerals. We should expand cooperation in emerging areas such as clean energy, 5G telecommunications, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and carry out the China-LAC Science and Technology Partnership. China will increase imports of quality products from LAC countries, and encourage its enterprises to expand investment in the LAC region. We will provide a RMB66 billion yuan credit line to support LAC countries’ development.
Civilization Program: China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. We should uphold the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, and champion humanity’s common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. We should enhance China-LAC civilizational exchanges and mutual learning, including through a conference on China-LAC inter-civilizational dialogue. We should deepen cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation, and hold the Latin American and Caribbean Arts Season. We should strengthen exchanges and cooperation in cultural heritage fields such as joint archaeological projects, conservation and restoration of ancient and historic sites, and museum exhibitions. We should also carry out collaborative studies of ancient civilizations and enhance cooperation to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Peace Program: China will work with LAC countries to implement the Global Security Initiative. China supports the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the Declaration of Member States of the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean. The two sides should cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control and combating transnational organized crime so as to safeguard security and stability in the region. China will organize law enforcement training programs tailored to the needs of CELAC member states, and do our best to provide equipment assistance.
People-to-People Connectivity Program: In the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction professionals, and 1,000 funded placements through the Chinese Bridge program. We will initiate 300 ‘small and beautiful’ livelihood projects, actively promote vocational education cooperation programs such as Luban Workshop, and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education. We will also launch an exhibition of Chinese films and TV programs under The Bond, and work with LAC countries to translate and introduce 10 premium TV dramas and audiovisual programs annually to each other. China will host the China-LAC tourism dialogue with LAC countries. To facilitate friendly exchanges, China has decided to implement a visa exemption for five LAC countries as the first step, and will expand this policy coverage at proper times.
This meeting ended with a joint declaration and an action plan (2025-27). Both these documents are published on Page 2. I’m looking at some of the key outcomes in the action plan:
The two sides are willing to promote the establishment of a cooperation mechanism, resolve trade differences through constructive dialogue, properly manage trade frictions, and jointly deal with unilateral coercive measures that affect the economy, trade and investment. 双方愿推动建立合作机制，通过建设性对话解决贸易分歧，妥善管控贸易摩擦，共同应对影响经济、贸易和投资的单边强制措施.
Promote dialogue and cooperation between the Chinese side and Latin American countries as well as regional development banks, study the establishment of an equity investment cooperation fund, and encourage various financial institutions of both sides to further strengthen investment and financing cooperation in areas such as export-import credit and overseas investment. 推动中方同拉美各国及区域开发银行加强对话合作，研究设立股权投资合作基金，鼓励双方各类金融机构进一步加强进出口信贷、境外投资等领域的投融资合作.
Deepen cooperation in railway operation management training. Actively enhance the level of China-Latin America cooperation in transportation infrastructure and strengthen cooperation in areas such as roads, railways, bridges, ports and tunnels. Study the joint construction of friendly ports based on friendly cities to promote the facilitation of sea transportation of passengers and cargo; encourage and support airlines to increase routes and flights to further improve the level of air connectivity. （三）深化铁路运营管理培训合作。（四）积极提升中拉交通基础设施合作水平，加强公路、铁路、桥梁、港口、隧道等领域合作。（五）研究在友好城市基础上共建友好港，促进海运客货便利化；鼓励支持航空公司增开航线航班，进一步提升航空联通水平.
Promote cooperation between the two sides in the fields of communication equipment, big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, smart cities, Internet Plus, artificial intelligence applications, radio spectrum management, and educational informatisation, and explore the establishment of joint laboratories. 推动双方在通信设备、大数据、云计算、物联网、智慧城市、互联网+、人工智能应用、无线电频谱管理、教育信息化等领域开展合作，探索共建联合实验室.
Explore investment opportunities in energy transformation and advanced energy storage technology cooperation between the two sides, and help both sides jointly achieve green and low-carbon energy transformation…Deepen practical cooperation in multiple dimensions such as earth science research, prevention and control of geological disasters, and strengthen the joint training of geoscience talents between China and CELAC. 探索双方能源转型与先进储能技术合作投资机遇，助力双方共同实现能源绿色低碳转型...深化地球科学研究、地质灾害预防及治理等多维度务实合作，加强中国—拉共体地学人才联合培养.
Study the expansion of the scope of the mutual recognition agreement between China and CELAC member states on ‘Authorised Economic Operators’ (AEO), improve the level of customs facilitation, and promote bilateral trade. 研究扩大中国同拉共体成员国“经认证的经营者”（AEO）互认协议范围，提升通关便利化水平，促进双边贸易.
There’s a full section on things that they want to do in terms of media, tourism, news, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides “will combat all forms and manifestations of terrorism and its financing, and support CELAC member states in enhancing their counter-terrorism capacity. The two sides are willing to deepen dialogue and cooperation on combating all types of transnational organized crime.” 探讨双方反恐合作机遇。双方将打击一切形式和表现的恐怖主义及其融资活动，支持拉共体成员国提升反恐能力建设。双方愿就打击各类跨国组织犯罪深化对话合作.
“Deepen exchanges and dialogues on cyber security between China and Latin America, promote the establishment of a liaison mechanism between the national Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) of both sides, carry out practical cooperation in cross-border incident handling, information and experience sharing, and enhance the ability to coordinate responses to cyber security emergencies.” 深化中拉网络安全交流对话，推动双方国家级计算机应急响应组织（CERT）建立联系机制，开展跨境事件处置、信息经验共享等务实合作，提升网络安全突发事件协同应对能力.
Both sides are willing to evaluate cooperation in the fields of anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, combating illegal capital flows and asset recovery in accordance with their respective domestic laws and the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Actively study and negotiate the signing of law enforcement and judicial cooperation agreements such as the Treaty on Criminal Mutual Legal Assistance. 双方愿根据各自国内法律及《联合国反腐败公约》，评估在反腐败、反洗钱、打击非法资金流动及资产追回等领域合作。积极研究商签刑事司法协助条约等执法司法合作协定。
On the basis of respecting each other’s domestic laws and practices, expand the channels for the police departments of both sides to participate in each other’s training programs and mutual assistance in law enforcement. Promote experience exchange and training in combating wildlife smuggling, illegal mining and precious metals trade, human trafficking, smuggled immigrants, illegal arms trading and other fields. Explore cooperation models between China and Latin America in combating the production, consumption and trafficking of controlled drugs, and promote bilateral exchanges to effectively implement relevant international conventions. 在尊重各自国内法律和实践基础上，扩大双方警务部门参与对方培训项目及执法互助的渠道。推动打击野生动物走私、非法采矿与贵金属贸易、人口贩运、偷渡移民、非法武器买卖等领域的经验交流与培训。探索中拉在打击管制药品生产、消费及贩运方面的合作模式，推动双边交流以有效落实相关国际公约.
Explore the potential for cooperation in environmental policies, pollution prevention and control, bioeconomy, climate change response, biodiversity, personnel training and capacity building, and jointly promote low-carbon sustainable development. Explore the possibility of practical cooperation in marine science and technology, ecosystem restoration, marine observation and forecasting, disaster prevention and mitigation, integrated marine management, blue economy and sustainable marine economy. Carry out Antarctic scientific research cooperation, and explore the possibility of joint Antarctic scientific research through exchanges of scientific researchers and mutual use of research facilities and bases. 挖掘环境政策、污染防治、生物经济、气候变化应对、生物多样性、人员培训与能力建设等领域的合作潜力，共同推进低碳可持续发展。探索在海洋科技、生态系统修复、海洋观测预报、防灾减灾、综合海洋管理、蓝色经济及可持续海洋经济等领域开展务实合作的可能性。开展南极科研合作，通过科研人员交流及研究设施基地互用，探讨联合开展南极科考的可能性.
On digital cooperation, the document talks about 5G, AI, possible alignment on China’s proposed Global Digital Compact, cooperation on digital infrastructure and digital talent training.
On science and technology cooperation, the document says:
“Strengthen the construction of intergovernmental science and technology innovation cooperation mechanisms, promote mutual visits and exchanges between scientific researchers, and promote joint technical research that meets the actual needs of member states and reflects common interests. Hold a new China-LAC Science and Technology Innovation Forum. Explore the establishment of a China-LAC young scientist training program. Explore the joint construction of joint laboratories and support young scientists from Latin American and Caribbean countries to come to China for short-term scientific research. Strengthen the construction of China-Latin America Technology Transfer Center. Explore the possibility of cooperation in the field of sustainable development research such as biological improvement and sustainable soil utilisation. Deepen exchanges on the construction of China-Latin America Sustainable Food Innovation Center. Strengthen cooperation in the field of aerospace. According to the priorities and capabilities of each country, jointly hold the China-Latin America Beidou Cooperation Forum and jointly build the China-Latin America Beidou Application Cooperation Development Center. Continue to hold the China-Latin America Aerospace Cooperation Forum if all parties are willing and conditions permit.” （一）加强政府间科技创新合作机制建设，促进科研人员互访交流，推动符合成员国实际需求、体现共同利益的联合技术研究。（二）举办新一届中拉科技创新论坛。（三）探索设立中拉青年科学家培训计划。（四）探索共建联合实验室，支持拉美和加勒比国家青年科学家来华开展短期科研工作。（五）加强中拉技术转移中心建设。（六）探讨在生物改良、土壤可持续利用等可持续发展科研领域的合作可能。（七）深化中拉可持续粮食创新中心建设交流。（八）加强航天领域合作，根据各国优先事项和能力，共同举办中拉北斗合作论坛，共建中拉北斗应用合作发展中心。（九）在各方有意愿且条件允许情况下，继续举办中拉航天合作论坛.
The Annex of the document covers some of the commitments that Xi made in his speech:
Starting from 2025, China will invite 300 political party officials from CELAC member states to visit China every year and continue to hold the China-LAC Political Party Forum.
The Chinese government is willing to provide 66 billion yuan of credit to Latin America to support practical cooperation in various fields between China and Latin America.
China will provide 3,500 Chinese government scholarships and 10,000 training opportunities in China to CELAC member states from 2025 to 2027.
China will, from 2025 to 2027, provide CELAC member countries with 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships and 1,000 group spots for ‘Chinese Bridge’ summer (winter) camps in China, and will provide 30,000 copies of Chinese textbooks and teaching readers.
China is willing to invite more journalists from CELAC member states to visit China for short-term or medium-term visits, provide convenience for Latin American media journalists to stay in China, and provide 500 training opportunities for scholars, media and self-media from CELAC member states in China in the next three years.
China will provide 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction technical personnel from CELAC member states in the next three years.
China will carry out 300 ‘small but beautiful’ livelihood assistance projects in Latin American and Caribbean countries in the next three years.
Back to the front page, there’s a report on Xi’s engagement with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The report says:
Xi called on the two sides to “vigorously advance the construction of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, continuously deepen the alignment of development strategies, and jointly promote strengthened solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries. Xi stressed that China and Brazil should maintain strategic mutual trust, provide mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and strengthen exchange at all levels and in all respects. He called on the two countries to expand cooperation, deepen the effective alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Brazil’s development strategy, give full play to the role of the various cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in traditional fields such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, and expand new areas of cooperation in energy transition, aerospace, the digital economy and artificial intelligence. He said that China and Brazil should enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, provide more convenience for personnel exchanges between the two sides, and strengthen cooperation on culture, education, tourism, and media, and at the sub-national level. He emphasized that the two sides should adhere to multilateral coordination. As the biggest developing country in the Eastern and Western hemispheres respectively, they should enhance coordination and cooperation within multilateral mechanisms, uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, maintain the international economic and trade order, and resolutely oppose unilateralism, protectionism and bullying.”
The report adds:
“Lula said that Brazil and China respect each other and share a common destiny; the relationship between the two countries is unbreakable and cannot be disrupted or undermined by any external factors. Unlike other major powers, China has always sincerely and genuinely supported and helped Latin American countries, including Brazil, to achieve economic and social development. Brazil is willing to deepen strategic cooperation with China, promote the building of a Brazil-China community of shared future, and build a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world, setting an example for all countries. Brazil is willing to align its own development strategy with the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure, aerospace, and finance. Brazil also seeks to expand youth and cultural exchanges, and enhance interactions and friendly feelings between the two peoples. China’s achievements in poverty alleviation are admirable, and Brazil is willing to learn from China’s experience so that more people can escape poverty and hunger. Under the current circumstances, firmly defending multilateralism is of utmost importance; protectionism and the arbitrary imposition of tariffs cannot bring development and prosperity, but will only cause chaos. China’s firm stance in responding to global challenges gives strength and confidence to all countries. Brazil is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with China in international affairs, jointly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice. 卢拉表示，巴中相互尊重，命运与共，两国关系坚不可摧，不容任何外部因素的干扰破坏。与其他大国不同，中国始终真心诚意支持帮助包括巴西在内的拉美国家实现经济社会发展。巴方愿同中方深化战略合作，推动巴中命运共同体建设，建设一个更加公正、和平、繁荣的世界，为各国树立榜样。巴方愿对接自身发展战略和“一带一路”倡议，深化两国在经贸、基础设施、航天、金融等领域合作。扩大青年、文化交流，增进两国人民往来和友好感情。中国的脱贫成就令人钦佩，巴西愿学习借鉴中国经验，让更多人摆脱贫困和饥饿。当前形势下，坚定捍卫多边主义至关重要，保护主义、滥征关税无法带来发展繁荣，只会造成混乱，中方应对全球挑战的坚定态度给予各国力量和信心。巴方愿同中方加强在国际事务中的战略协作，共同维护全球南方共同利益，维护国际公平正义.
The two sides signed a joint statement on strengthening the construction of a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, and on jointly upholding multilateralism, as well as a joint statement on the Ukraine crisis. They also signed 20 cooperation documents in the fields of development strategy docking, science and technology, agriculture, digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, media, etc.
Let’s look at the joint statements. First, the statement on Ukraine says:
China and Brazil welcome the proposal made by President Vladimir Putin on May 10th to open negotiations for peace, as well as the positive manifestation of President Volodymyr Zelensky towards the same objective.
China and Brazil hope that direct dialogue between the parties begin as soon as possible, as this is the only way to end the conflict.
China and Brazil positively assess the recent signs of willingness for engagement and dialogue, and state their expectation that the parties can reach an understanding that will enable the start of fruitful negotiations that address the legitimate concerns of all parties. They consider necessary to find a political solution to the Ukraine crisis in its roots with a view to a fair and durable peace deal that is binding on all the parties concerned at the end.
Committed to this objective, in May 2024 Brazil and China called on all parties to create conditions for the resumption of dialogue, and, in September of the same year, both countries initiated the Group of Friends for Peace at the United Nations, which brings together countries from the Global South.
China and Brazil stand ready together with the Global South to continue supporting efforts to resolve the Crisis.
Next, the joint statement on strengthening the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet and jointly upholding multilateralism. Key excerpts:
Both sides “commit to promote investment and trade cooperation in priority areas such as industry, infrastructure, digital economy, sustainable minerals, civil aviation and energy transformation, and enhance the level of bilateral industrial chain and supply chain cooperation. They reiterate their determination to maintain the level of trade between the two countries under the current international situation.” 强调愿拓展贸易往来并推动其多元化发展，承诺在工业、基础设施、数字经济、可持续矿产、民用航空和能源转型等优先领域促进投资贸易合作，提高双边产业链供应链合作水平。重申有决心在当前国际形势下保持两国贸易水平.
It talks about the need to cooperate in “agricultural product trade, agricultural technology and food security”, promote linkages “between the two countries' scientific research institutions and agricultural enterprises, and promote scientific and technological innovation, including in the fields of biotechnology and social development.” 两国元首认为双方在农产品贸易及农业科技、粮食安全领域的合作富有活力，重申将长期致力于推动这一关键领域双边关系的发展，一致同意推动两国科研机构和农业企业加强合作，推动包括在生物技术和社会发展等领域的科技创新.
Both sides unanimously agreed to deepen cooperation in scientific and technological innovation in fields such as aerospace, energy transition, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, bioeconomy, and food security, to promote joint responses to global challenges. 双方一致同意深化航空航天、能源转型、人工智能、半导体、生物经济、粮食安全等领域科技创新合作，推动共同应对全球性挑战.
Brazil reaffirms its adherence to the one-China principle, recognizes that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China. Brazil supports China’s efforts to achieve peaceful reunification of the country. China highly appreciates this. 巴方重申坚持一个中国原则，承认世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府。巴方支持中国为实现国家和平统一所作努力。中方对此表示高度赞赏.
Brazil backed GDI, GSI and GCI, and the promotion of the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom for all mankind.
They “reaffirmed their determination to firmly uphold the international order with the United Nations at its core and based on international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.”
Both sides will work together to uphold multilateralism, defend international fairness and justice, oppose unilateralism, protectionism and hegemony, promote the development of the international order and international system in a more just and reasonable direction, and promote world multipolarization. The two heads of state advocate the building of a more inclusive and sustainable international order and the strengthening of the values of peace, development, fairness and justice. They unanimously agreed to continue to work together within the framework of international organizations or mechanisms such as the UN, the WTO, the G20, and the BRICS to promote the modernisation and reform of global governance institutions, not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, resolve disputes peacefully, abide by the UN Charter, and respect the territorial integrity of all countries. 双方将共同致力于维护多边主义，捍卫国际公平正义，反对单边主义、保护主义、霸权行径，推动国际秩序和国际体系朝着更加公正合理的方向发展，推动世界多极化。两国元首主张构建更加包容和可持续的国际秩序，强化和平、发展、公平、正义的价值观。一致同意继续在联合国、世贸组织、二十国集团、金砖国家等国际组织或机制框架内共同努力，推动全球治理机构现代化和改革，不干涉他国内政，和平解决争端，遵守联合国宪章，尊重各国领土完整.
Both sides support the reform of the UN and its Security Council to make them more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Security Council in order to properly respond to current global challenges. China attaches great importance to Brazil’s influence and role in regional and international affairs, and understands and supports Brazil’s desire to play a greater role in the United Nations and its Security Council. 双方支持对联合国及其安理会进行改革，使其更具民主性、代表性、有效性和高效性，提高发展中国家在安理会代表性，以妥善应对当前全球性挑战。中方高度重视巴西在地区和国际事务中的影响和作用，理解并支持巴西在联合国及其安理会发挥更大作用的愿望.
Both sides back the WTO and oppose “unilateralism and trade protectionism”. “As developing countries, they support strengthening the scale of WTO development and jointly work to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing members. In addition, it is emphasised that it is necessary to restore a fully operational dispute settlement mechanism accessible to all members as soon as possible. Both sides support the inclusion of the ‘Agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development’ and other achievements into the WTO legal framework as soon as possible. Finally, both sides will jointly support the achievement of practical results at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in March 2026. 2025年是世界贸易组织（世贸组织）成立30周年。双方欢迎世贸组织过去30年在促进经济一体化，推动开放、公平、透明、可预期、包容、平等、可持续和非歧视的贸易方面作出的重要贡献。承诺推动和维护以规则为基础、以世贸组织为核心的多边贸易体制。强调反对单边主义和贸易保护主义，维护全球产业链供应链的稳定、安全、畅通。双方支持世贸组织改革，作为发展中国家，支持强化世贸组织发展规模，共同为维护发展中成员合法权益作出努力。此外，强调尽快恢复一个全面运行、各成员可及的争端解决机制具有必要性。双方支持尽快将《促进发展的投资便利化协定》等成果纳入世贸组织法律框架。最后，双方将共同支持2026年3月举行的世贸组织第十四届部长级会议取得务实成果.
Both sides believe that there are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars, and protectionism should not be the answer to current challenges. Both sides are willing to jointly create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory international cooperation environment, maintain the vitality and momentum of global economic growth, and promote inclusive and inclusive economic globalization.双方认为关税战、贸易战没有赢家，保护主义不应成为应对当前挑战的答案。双方愿共同营造开放、包容、非歧视的国际合作环境，保持全球经济增长的活力与动力，推进普惠包容的经济全球化.
Brazil welcomes China’s Global AI Governance Initiative; they also agree that the UN should play “a leading role in global AI governance, promoting fair, sustainable and inclusive development of AI, and continuously bridging the digital divide and the intelligence divide”.
Both sides are willing to strengthen coordination of positions on enhancing global governance of cyberspace and combating online disinformation, and to promote the building of an open, secure, stable, accessible, peaceful, and interconnected cyberspace. 双方愿就加强网络空间全球治理、打击网络虚假信息加强立场协调，推动构建开放、安全、稳定、可及、和平、互通的网络空间.
China backs Brazil hosting the BRICS Summit and COP 30. Both of them back South Africa hosting the G20. Both agree on a “two-state solution” in the Middle East. On the Iran nuclear issue, Brazil backs “the joint statement of the China-Russia-Iran meeting in Beijing on the Iranian nuclear issue, as well as China’s five-point proposal.”
The PBOC and Brazil’s central bank also inked an MoU to:
“facilitate cooperation between China and Brazil in areas such as investment environments, financial technical exchange, financial infrastructure, local currencies and payments. The PBOC also renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the central bank of Brazil on the same day, with a total value of 190 billion yuan (about 26.39 billion dollars), or 157 billion reais. The agreement is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed upon mutual consent, it said. Another MOU was signed by the PBOC and Brazil's ministry of finance to promote cooperation between the two sides in areas such as financial markets, financing, and international financial and monetary policy coordination.”
Finally, on the front page, there’s a report on Xi congratulating Australian PM Anthony Albanese on his re-election.
Page 4: There’s an interesting report about a development in Henan Province. On March 21, in Xinyang City, Henan Province, the Luoshan County Party Committee and the County Party Committee Political and Legal Affairs Commission held a meeting to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 8-point central regulations. Remember, there’s a study campaign on this that’s currently underway.
The day after, Li Xianlin, member of the Standing Committee of the Luoshan County Party Committee and Secretary of the County Political and Legal Affairs Commission, held a banquet. And this was quite the party, with disastrous consequences. The report says:
“At noon on March 22, Li Xianlin organised a banquet that could affect the impartial execution of official duties. Ye Jinguang, Executive Deputy Secretary of the Xinyang Municipal Political and Legal Affairs Commission; Lin Zhiyou, Level-Three Investigator, Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group of the Xinyang Party Committee Political-Legal Affairs Commission; Bao Qian, Level-Four Investigator, Supervision and Inspection Division of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission; Zhang Yu, Director of the Safe Community Building Office; Duan Weiwei, Party Secretary and Chief Prosecutor of Luoshan County Procuratorate; and Wang Haiyang, Political Commissar of Luoshan County Public Security Bureau, gathered for a meal at a restaurant in Xinyang. Huang Jiacheng, Fang Jianbing, and Xia Yu, Deputy Secretaries of the Luoshan County Political and Legal Affairs Committee, also participated. Li Xianlin, Lin Zhiyou, Duan Weiwei, Wang Haiyang, and Xia Yu, five people in total, consumed 4 bottles of liquor together, and 1 person died in the afternoon of the same day after drinking. Afterward, the Luoshan County Political and Legal Affairs Committee submitted a report to the County Committee, concealing the drinking situation of the deceased personnel. Yu Guofang, Secretary of the County Committee, knew that the report was untrue but did not report it to the higher-level party organisation. To cover up the violations of drinking regulations and the death of 1 person, Li Xianlin and 4 others raised funds to compensate the family of the deceased. Part of these funds that Li Xianlin and Duan Weiwei raised were borrowed from individuals they managed.” 经查，3月21日，河南省信阳市罗山县委、县委政法委先后召开深入贯彻中央八项规定精神学习教育部署会，罗山县委常委、政法委书记李献林参加上述2个会议。3月22日中午，李献林组织可能影响公正执行公务的宴请，信阳市委政法委常务副书记叶金广，市纪委驻市委政法委纪检监察组三级调研员林志友，市委政法委督查督办科四级调研员鲍倩、平安创建科科长张玉，罗山县检察院党组书记、检察长段巍巍，罗山县公安局政委汪海洋在信阳市区某餐馆聚餐，罗山县委政法委副书记黄家成、方建兵、夏宇参加。李献林、林志友、段巍巍、汪海洋、夏宇5人共饮用4瓶白酒，1人饮酒后于当日下午死亡。事后，罗山县委政法委向县委报送报告，隐瞒死亡人员饮酒情况，县委书记余国芳明知该报告不实，但未向上级党组织报告。为掩盖违规饮酒、1人死亡事实，李献林等5人筹集资金给予死者家属补偿，其中李献林、段巍巍部分资金系向管理服务对象借用.
So what’s the fate of these merry men? Well most of them have lost their government positions, have been demoted with differing probationary periods or been given demerits and warnings. Li Xianlin is under investigation for disciplinary violations and will eventually get expelled from the Party and face imprisonment, it seems.
The article warns:
“This (incident) also reflects that some cadres have extremely weak political awareness, are extremely unclear about the firm determination and will of the Party Central Committee to advance comprehensive and strict Party governance, and are indifferent to the spirit of the Central Committee’s eight-point regulations, showing absolutely no sense of awe or restraint. For such problems, we must adhere to zero tolerance, strike as soon as they emerge, investigate and handle them strictly and quickly, make public announcements, and absolutely show no leniency.” 这也反映出一些干部政治意识极其淡薄，对党中央推进全面从严治党坚定决心和意志的认识极不清醒，对中央八项规定精神置若罔闻，毫无敬畏戒惧之心。对这类问题，必须坚持零容忍，露头就打、严查快处、公开通报，绝不姑息.
“Currently, the study and education campaign is being solidly carried out. Party organizations at all levels must effectively learn from such cases as warnings, deepen understanding, and advance the study, investigation, and rectification in an integrated way with strict standards and measures. They should organise Party members and cadres to thoroughly study and understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourse on strengthening the Party’s work style, clearly recognise the political harm of violations related to illegal eating and drinking, consciously struggle against erroneous ideas such as ‘small matters theory’ (小事小节论-that such issues/infractions are minor and can be overlooked), ‘development impact theory’ (影响发展论-that being too strict will hurt development and some thing are needed to be done go get development), and ‘industry exceptions theory’ (行业特殊论-that certain sectors or industries need different treatment because that’s just the way it is), and constantly enhance the political consciousness, ideological consciousness, and action consciousness of strictly implementing the spirit of the central 8-point regulations. They must earnestly identify problems and carry out concentrated rectification, exposing problems without concealment, addressing problems with genuine effort and firm measures, and dealing with violations related to illegal eating and drinking by taking real action, catching violations in progress, focusing on typical cases, and making public announcements. Disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies at all levels should take strictness as the top priority and enforce discipline with an iron face, and strictly investigate a number of cases of illegal eating and drinking during the period of study and education to create a powerful deterrent. It is necessary to adhere to the simultaneous investigation and treatment of both misconduct and corruption, thoroughly investigating corruption issues behind violations related to illegal eating and drinking and the unhealthy tendencies of illegal eating and drinking behind corruption issues…” 当前，学习教育正在扎实开展。各级党组织要切实以案为鉴、深化认识，以严的标准、严的措施一体推进学查改。要组织党员、干部深入学习领会习近平总书记关于加强党的作风建设的重要论述，清醒认识违规吃喝问题的政治危害，自觉同“小事小节论”、“影响发展论”、“行业特殊论”等错误思想作斗争，不断增强严格落实中央八项规定精神的政治自觉、思想自觉、行动自觉。要抓实问题查摆和集中整治，查找问题不遮不掩，整改问题动真碰硬，对违规吃喝问题动真格、抓现行、抓典型、抓通报。各级纪检监察机关要严字当头、铁面执纪，严查一批在学习教育期间顶风违规吃喝案例，形成有力震慑。要坚持风腐同查同治，深挖细查违规吃喝背后的腐败问题和腐败问题背后的吃喝歪风。要层层压实责任、层层传导压力，督促各级领导干部特别是“一把手”以身作则，带头抵制违规吃喝行为，坚决做到严于律己、严负其责、严管所辖，带动广大党员、干部不断培育良好党风政风。对推进学习教育不力、重点问题突出的地方和单位，及时派出督导组。对履行主体责任、监督责任不力导致问题多发的，既要坚决查处直接责任人，还要对负有领导责任的人员严肃问责，坚决遏制违规问题滋生蔓延.
Just to underscore how serious the issue is, there’s also a Zhong Yin commentary on the page making the same point drawing from this case. The commentary adds:
“Violations related to illegal eating and drinking are the ‘trigger’ for most disciplinary and legal violations, a ‘catalyst’ for corruption problems, and can easily evolve into political issues of forming cliques and gangs, economic issues of transferring benefits, as well as violations of regulations and discipline or even potential crimes like drunk driving and gambling. If the unhealthy trend of illegal eating and drinking is allowed to rebound and resurge, political cronyism, power rent-seeking, and dock culture (码头文化- referring to a culture of informal alliances, secret groups, power-broking etc.) will intensify, which will further pollute the political ecology and undermine social and public morality. Party members and cadres should fully recognise the recurrent and stubborn nature of work style problems, starting with controlling meals and drinks, being strict in self-cultivation, being cautious when alone and mindful of small matters, so that holding reverence in their hearts and maintaining discipline as a standard truly becomes a daily self-conscious practice.” 事实上，违规吃喝是大部分违纪违法行为的“导火索”，是腐败问题的“催化剂”，容易衍生出搞团团伙伙的政治问题，搞利益输送的经济问题及酒驾醉驾、赌博等违规违纪甚至可能违法犯罪问题。任由吃喝歪风反弹回潮，政治攀附、权力寻租、码头文化等愈演愈烈，还将污染政治生态，破坏社风民风。党员干部应充分认识作风问题的反复性和顽固性，从管住一顿饭、一杯酒做起，严以修身，慎独慎微，让心存敬畏、手握戒尺真正成为日常自觉.
Page 6: There’s a report on the release of the emblem for the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Another report details how and where the logo can be used. Global Times has an English report on this if you are interested.
Finally, two bits from outside the paper.
First, Xinhua reports:
“China has made it clear more than once that fentanyl is the U.S.’s problem, not China’s, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Tuesday. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when asked about details on the next stages of the trade talks with the United States and what talks are planned on the fentanyl issue given that the 20 percent tariffs linked to that remain in place. Lin said that China's competent authorities have released information on the China-U.S. high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs. ‘As for the fentanyl issue, China has made it clear more than once that fentanyl is the U.S.'s problem, not China’s. It’s the U.S.'s responsibility to solve the issue,’ Lin said. He added that despite the goodwill China has shown, the United States wrongly slapped tariffs on Chinese imports by citing the issue of fentanyl. The move has dealt a heavy blow to China-U.S. dialogue and cooperation on counternarcotics, and gravely hurt China's interests. ‘If the U.S. truly wants to cooperate with China, it should stop vilifying and shifting the blame on China, and seek dialogue with China based on equality, respect and mutual benefit,’ Lin said.”
Second, Beijing never lets a good crisis go to waste. For instance, here’s China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs announcing 27 new Chinese names for locations within the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This has been part of Chinese signalling and lawfare to support its undefined territorial claims. These were announced a day after the India-Pakistan ceasefire was agreed. The timing is not a coincidence.