China-Colombia Strategic Partnership - Gavin Newsom Visits Beijing - HuanYu Ping Commentary on Gaza Conflict - Li Qiang in Kyrgyzstan - Buddhist Association Must Study Xi's Thought
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
Page 1: Lots of actual news on the front page today. At the top of the page, we have two brief reports. The first one is on Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter (English report) to Daniel Noboa on his election as president of the Republic of Ecuador. The second is on Xi’s letter to the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, which I covered yesterday.
The key reports on the page, however, are on Xi’s meetings with visiting Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
First, the report on the meeting with Petro Urrego (English report) says:
Xi said that “China is willing to work with Colombia to promote the China-Colombia strategic partnership to better benefit the two peoples and inject positive energy into world peace and development. Xi Jinping profoundly elaborated on the essential connotation of Chinese-style modernization. Xi Jinping emphasized that China supports Colombia's independent exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions and the Colombian peace process. It hopes that Colombia will achieve a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable peace at an early date, and believes that China’s high-quality development and modernization process will bring new development opportunities to all countries in the world, including Colombia.” 中方愿同哥方一道，推动中哥战略伙伴关系更好造福两国人民，为世界和平和发展注入正能量。习近平深刻阐述中国式现代化的本质内涵。习近平强调，中方支持哥伦比亚独立自主探索符合本国国情的发展道路，支持哥伦比亚和平进程，希望哥伦比亚早日实现全面、持久、可持续和平，相信中国高质量发展和现代化进程将为包括哥伦比亚在内的世界各国带来发展新机遇。
China-Colombia relations are based on equality, mutual benefit and win-win results. Colombia is welcome to join the BRI family at an early date and achieve common development and prosperity. The two sides should make good use of the joint economic and trade committee mechanism, optimise the bilateral trade structure, and strengthen cooperation in information communications, digital economy and other fields. China encourages more high-quality products with Colombian characteristics to enter the Chinese market. Colombia is welcome to join the global clean energy partnership initiative proposed by China and share green development opportunities. The two sides should strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges such as Chinese language teaching, mutual visits of art groups, and tourism, and strengthen bilateral law enforcement cooperation in areas such as drug control and combating transnational crimes. It is hoped that Colombia will ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, enterprises, and institutions in Colombia. As developing countries, China and Colombia should strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. 中哥关系基于平等、互惠、共赢。欢迎哥伦比亚早日加入共建“一带一路”大家庭，实现共同发展繁荣。双方要用好经贸混委会机制，优化双边贸易结构，加强信息通信、数字经济等领域合作，中方鼓励更多哥伦比亚特色优质产品进入中国市场。欢迎哥方加入中方提出的全球清洁能源合作伙伴关系倡议，共享绿色发展机遇。双方要加强汉语教学、艺术团组互访、旅游等人文交流，加强禁毒、打击跨国犯罪等领域双边执法合作，希望哥方保障好在哥中国公民、企业、机构的安全。中哥同为发展中国家，双方要加强在国际事务中的沟通协作，维护发展中国家共同利益和国际公平正义.
Xi also said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and is willing to continue to support the regional integration process in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Petro said that Colombia attaches great importance to the BRI proposed by President Xi Jinping. After the establishment of the strategic partnership between Colombia and China, Colombia is willing to link its geographical advantages and development strategy with BRI, strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, clean energy and other fields, welcome Chinese enterprises to invest in Colombia, and promote a more balanced development of bilateral trade relations, which will help Colombia advance the domestic peace process, realise the peace, stability and employment growth that the people yearn for, and also enhance regional and global inter-connectivity. '哥方高度重视习近平主席提出的“一带一路”倡议。哥中建立战略伙伴关系之后，哥方愿将自身区位优势和发展战略同“一带一路”倡议对接，加强基础设施、清洁能源等领域合作，欢迎中国企业赴哥投资，推动双边贸易关系更加平衡发展，这有助于帮助哥伦比亚推进国内和平进程，实现人民渴望的和平稳定与就业增长，也将增强地区和世界的互联互通.
“Colombia is willing to maintain communication with China on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, among others, and push for a solution to stop the war and cool down the situation as soon as possible, said Petro, adding that Colombia welcomes the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China within multilateral mechanisms.”
Both sides signed deals covering industrial investment, trade, digital economy, green development, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture, inspection and quarantine and also issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership.
The statement is available on Page 3. Key excerpts:
“The two sides reaffirmed mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. The Colombian government reaffirms its adherence to the one-China principle, recognizes that the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. It firmly supports the Chinese government's efforts to achieve national reunification.” 双方重申相互尊重国家主权和领土完整，在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上相互理解和支持。哥伦比亚政府重申恪守一个中国原则，承认中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，坚定支持中国政府为实现国家统一所作的努力.
“The two sides expressed deep concern about the escalating conflict between Palestine and Israel and the resulting humanitarian crisis, and reiterated their calls on relevant parties to cease hostilities and end acts that harm civilians. At the same time, all parties are urged to abide by international law, especially international humanitarian law. Both sides believe that the top priority is to promote a ceasefire and an end to violence, protect civilians, prevent greater humanitarian disasters, and resume Palestinian-Israeli peace talks as soon as possible. They call for the convening of a peace conference to promote the early realization of peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.” 双方对巴勒斯坦和以色列冲突不断升级并引发人道主义危机深表关切，重申呼吁有关方面停止敌对，结束伤害平民的行为。同时，敦促各方遵守国际法，尤其是国际人道法。双方都认为当务之急是推动有关方面停火止暴，保护平民，防止发生更大的人道灾难，并尽快恢复巴以和谈，呼吁召开和平会议，推动巴勒斯坦和以色列两国早日实现和平共处.
“Colombia appreciates China’s comprehensive promotion of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization and believes that Chinese-style modernization provides new options for mankind to realise modernization.” 同时，哥方赞赏中方以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴，认为中国式现代化为人类实现现代化提供新选择.
Both sides welcome the signing of a protocol on the export of Colombian beef to China by relevant departments of the two countries. China welcomes more high-quality Colombian agricultural products that meet China’s inspection and quarantine standards to enter the Chinese market. 双方欢迎两国有关部门签署哥伦比亚牛肉输华议定书。中方欢迎更多符合中国检验检疫标准的哥伦比亚优质农产品进入中国市场。
The document talks about their intention to enhance cooperation in agriculture, animal husbandry and industrial investment.
“The two sides are willing to promote the establishment of a global clean energy partnership, strengthen cooperation in the field of fair/just energy transformation, support knowledge transfer and investment, and achieve diversification of the energy structure of power and renewable energy enterprises on both sides. China supports Colombia’s fair energy transition and industrialization policies.” 双方愿推动建立全球清洁能源合作伙伴关系，加强公正能源转型领域合作，支持知识转让和投资，实现双方电力、可再生能源企业能源结构的多元化。中方支持哥方公正能源转型和工业化政策。
The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of security, enhance the exchange of experience between the two militaries and police, and strengthen cooperation in personnel training and combating transnational crimes. 双方同意加强在安全领域的交流与合作，密切两军和警察经验交流，加强在人员培训、打击跨国犯罪等领域合作.
The document also talks about scientific exchanges focussing on young scientists; trilateral cooperation initiatives with partner countries in Africa and the Caribbean in promoting reindustrialization, especially in areas such as responding to natural disasters and agricultural issues; educational exchanges and government scholarships; cultural and personal exchanges, etc.
“Both sides agreed that it is very important to promote structural economic transformation to adapt to climate change, which should be closely integrated with the reform of the international financial architecture, and encourage development financing for environmental and climate investments to achieve fiscal sustainability in developing countries.” 双方一致认为，推动适应气候变化的结构性经济转型十分重要，应与国际金融架构改革紧密结合，鼓励为环境和气候投资提供发展融资，以实现发展中国家的财政可持续性.
Both sides agreed to explore the formation of investment and project portfolios in the three strategic areas of eco-tourism, sustainable production systems and rational energy transition to promote climate adaptation and resilience, decarbonization and biodiversity protection.”双方同意在生态旅游、可持续生产体系和合理的能源转型三大战略领域探讨形成投资和项目组合，以推进气候适应能力和韧性、脱碳和生物多样性保护。
Both sides will promote investment in infrastructure construction projects in the national and regional transportation sectors in Colombia. In the field of sustainable urban transport systems, especially in the railway sector, it is necessary to prioritize low-carbon emission options and use financing instruments that do not increase debt burdens, do not limit fiscal space, and help reduce debt levels.” 双方将推动对哥全国和地区交通领域基础设施建设项目投资。在可持续城市交通系统领域，特别是在铁路领域，要优先考虑低碳排放方案，并使用不增加债务负担、不限制财政空间、有助于降低债务水平的融资工具.
Colombia welcomes the GDI, GSI and GCI proposed by President Xi Jinping, and is willing to engage in dialogue with China on promoting these initiatives. 哥方欢迎习近平主席提出的全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，愿同中方就推进上述倡议开展对话。
The final few points say that “China and Colombia are both developing countries, share common interests and positions in international affairs, and will support each other in international affairs.” They reiterate support for the UN-centered system, multilateralism, opposition to interference in one’s internal affairs, WTO reforms, South-South cooperation, etc.
The report (English report) on Xi’s meeting with Gavin Newsom says:
“Noting that China and the United States, as the world's two largest economies, account for more than a third of the global economy and nearly a quarter of the world's population, and bilateral trade accounts for about a fifth of the global total, Xi said the interests of both sides are closely intertwined. Xi said that the achievements of China-U.S. relations have not come easily and should be cherished all the more. China's policy toward the United States is consistent, which is mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, Xi said, adding that China will continue to work in this direction and hopes that the United States will work with China in the same direction.”
“Xi recalled his experience of visiting California and introduced China's green transition and relevant local development, pointing out that the sound development of China-U.S. relations requires pooling the strength of all sides. The foundation of China-U.S. relations lies among the people, the hope is in the people, the future lies in the youth, and the vitality lies in sub-national areas, Xi said. Xi noted that he highly values and supports exchanges across various sectors and sub-national cooperation between China and the United States, and expressed the hope that Newsom's visit will enhance mutual understanding and play a positive role in expanding cooperation between China and California and promoting the sound and steady development of China-U.S. relations. China and the United States enjoy great potential for cooperation in the fields of promoting green development and addressing climate change. The two sides should strengthen cooperation in this aspect and make it a new highlight in the development of China-U.S. ties, said Xi.”
The PD report has a longer paragraph on Newsom’s comments. It says:
“Newsom said that China has made extraordinary achievements in development over the past few decades, especially in the field of new energy in recent years. No other bilateral relationship is more important than the one between the United States and China, and the U.S.-China relationship is vital to the future of the United States and bears on the well-being of its people. Local exchanges are an important part of U.S.-China relations. Historically, the Chinese have made important contributions to the construction of California, and California has always been an important gateway for the United States to cooperate with China. I agree with President Xi Jinping's principles for developing U.S.-China relations and am willing to promote closer exchanges and cooperation between California and China in the spirit of these principles, particularly in areas like climate change and new energy. California is willing to be a long-term, stable, and strong partner for China.” 纽森表示，过去几十年来，中国发展取得非凡成就，特别是近年来在新能源领域取得的成就令人赞叹。世界上没有任何其他国家关系比美中关系更加重要，美中关系事关美国的未来，也关乎人民的幸福。地方交往是美中关系的重要组成部分。历史上华人为加州建设作出过重要贡献，加州一直是美国对华合作的重要门户。我赞同习近平主席关于发展美中关系应该秉持的原则，愿本着同样精神推动加州加强对华交往交流，密切在气候变化、新能源等领域合作。加州愿做中国长期、稳定、强劲的合作伙伴.
While in Beijing, Newsom also met with Wang Yi (English report) and Vice President Han Zheng (English report).
Wang said that “Newsom's visit to China can be described as an ice-breaking trip to consolidate the foundation, sow hope, and open up the future. ‘Time and facts will prove that this visit is in line with the wishes of California people, the interests of the U.S. people, and the expectations of the international community’. Wang said the interests of China and the United States are closely intertwined. It is hoped that California will continue to take the lead in sub-national cooperation between China and the United States and play a constructive role in promoting the United States to view China's development and revitalization in an objective and friendly way and return to a rational and pragmatic policy toward China.”
The report adds Newsom said: “No matter how the situation changes, California will continue to be a reliable partner of China and stands ready to strengthen cooperation in climate change, innovation, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and other fields to promote mutual development and prosperity.”
Han said that “cooperation between Shanghai and California is a good example of sub-national exchanges between China and the United States, and has huge potential for future development… (he expressed) hope that Newsom's visit will inject positive energy into promoting bilateral exchanges and cooperation and improving China-U.S. relations.” The report adds:
“U.S.-China cooperation is not a zero-sum game, Newsom said, expressing his willingness to use this visit to further promote closer exchanges and cooperation between California and China in such fields as economy, trade, climate change and people-to-people exchanges, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.”
Next, there’s a report on Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, where he met with President Sadyr Japarov. Xinhua reports:
“Li said Kyrgyzstan is an important neighbor of China, adding that in May, President Xi Jinping and President Japarov lifted bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and jointly announced the building of a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future of good neighborliness and shared prosperity, which, as a milestone in the history of bilateral relations, has charted the course for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation…The Chinese side, Li said, is willing to deepen political mutual trust with the Kyrgyz side, always firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interest, further align their development strategies, deepen the integration of economic benefits, and continue to improve the quality and efficiency of bilateral cooperation. Li also called on both sides to maintain the stability of the industrial and supply chains, build a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm, and work for an early start of the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. He expects the two sides to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges on areas including tourism, women, youth and at the sub-national level, to promote the mutual understanding and amity between their people. Li also called on the two countries to continue to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation, so as to jointly safeguard a secure and stable development environment. The Chinese side is willing to reinforce communication and coordination with the Kyrgyz side on regional and international affairs, speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit, closely coordinate within such multilateral mechanisms as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and safeguard the common interest of developing countries and international equity and justice, he added.”
The report adds:
“Japarov said the Kyrgyz side firmly supports China on issues concerning China's core interests. Kyrgyzstan is willing to maintain close exchanges with China at all levels, strengthen good-neighborly friendship, promote the Belt and Road cooperation, and expand cooperation in economy and trade, interconnectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, among other fields. The Kyrgyz side stands ready to deepen cooperation with China within the framework of China-Central Asia cooperation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly combat the ‘three forces’ of terrorism, separatism and extremism, effectively address traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and promote regional security and development.”
Next, there’s a report on Ding Xuexiang’s comments at the opening of the new National Data Administration in Beijing. Ding said that the establishment of the NDA is a “major decision made by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core from an overall and strategic perspective. It is necessary to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council on data work; efforts need to be made to advance the planning and construction of a digital China, digital economy and digital society; advance the construction of fundamental data-related institutions and coordinate the integration, sharing, development and utilization of data resources to empower economic and social development. 丁薛祥强调，组建国家数据局，是以习近平同志为核心的党中央从全局和战略高度作出的重大决策。要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深入贯彻落实党中央和国务院关于数据工作的决策部署，统筹推进数字中国、数字经济、数字社会规划和建设，协调推进数据基础制度建设，统筹数据资源整合共享和开发利用，全面赋能经济社会发展。
“It is necessary to coordinate development and security, give full play to the role of data as a basic resource and an innovation engine, constantly make the digital economy stronger and better, promote the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, and provide strong support for building a new development pattern, a modern economic system, and new national competitive advantages.” 要统筹发展和安全，充分发挥数据的基础资源作用和创新引擎作用，不断做强做优做大数字经济，促进数字经济和实体经济深度融合，为构建新发展格局、建设现代化经济体系、构筑国家竞争新优势提供有力支撑.
Finally, there’s a report on Wang Huning meeting with leading members of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) on Wednesday. This is in the context of the BAC’s 70th anniversary.
Wang said that “the Chinese Buddhist community should thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and learn deeply and thoroughly understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important exposition on religious work, and unite and guide Buddhists and religious believers to contribute to the realisation of the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” 他表示，中国佛教界要深入学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想和党的二十大精神，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，学深悟透习近平总书记关于宗教工作的重要论述，团结引导佛教界人士和信教群众为实现中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦贡献力量.
He praised the BAC saying that over the past 70 years, it had held high the banner of patriotism and socialism, firmly supported the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the country’s socialist system, firmly listened to and obeyed the Party, firmly followed a path that is suited to a socialist society, actively participated in socialist modernization, and contributed wisdom and strength to the country's prosperity and national rejuvenation.”
Going ahead, he added, “the Buddhist community in China should adhere to the correct direction of ideological and political guidance, firmly grasp the requirements of the times of unity and struggle, guide Buddhist people and religious believers to inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism, constantly enhance their identification with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China and Socialism with Chinese characteristics, and build a strong sense of community of the Chinese nation. It is necessary to further promote the Sinicization of Buddhism in China, and consciously integrate socialist core values and fine traditional Chinese culture into its doctrines and thoughts. It is necessary to adhere to the comprehensive and strict administration of education and guide the teaching staff to abide by the law, observe the rules and regulations, and be honest and upright. Efforts should be made to strengthen the training of talents and build a contingent of teaching staff who are politically reliable, religiously accomplished, morally convincing and effective in critical situations. It is necessary to actively promote friendly exchanges of Buddhism with foreign countries and tell Chinese religious stories well.” 王沪宁表示，中国佛教协会成立70年来，高举爱国主义、社会主义旗帜，坚定拥护中国共产党领导和我国社会主义制度，坚定听党话、跟党走，坚定走与社会主义社会相适应的道路，积极参与社会主义现代化建设，为国家富强、民族复兴贡献了智慧和力量。王沪宁表示，在全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程上，中国佛教界要坚持思想政治引领正确方向，牢牢把握团结奋斗的时代要求，引导佛教界人士和信教群众继承和弘扬爱国优良传统，不断增进对伟大祖国、中华民族、中华文化、中国共产党、中国特色社会主义的认同，铸牢中华民族共同体意识。要深入推进我国佛教中国化，自觉在教义思想中融入社会主义核心价值观和中华优秀传统文化。要坚持全面从严治教，引导教职人员遵纪守法、遵规守戒、正信正行。要着力加强人才培养，建设一支政治上靠得住、宗教上有造诣、品德上能服众、关键时起作用的教职人员队伍。要积极推动佛教对外友好交流，讲好中国宗教故事.
Page 2: There are reports on the page around the election of the new leadership and plenary of the All-China Women’s Federation. I am not covering these. There’s also a Q&A with an official on the new Patriotic Education Law and a commentary on the law.
The commentary says that the law provides a “legal guarantee for inheriting and carrying forward the spirit of patriotism, and gathering the powerful force to comprehensively build a modern socialist country and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Since I covered the key aspects of the law yesterday, I am doing a brief summary of the key argument in the commentary.
The first few paragraphs stress the importance of patriotism as a “spiritual driving force” allowing China to “march forward bravely along the only correct path of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.” It adds that carrying out patriotic education is of “great and far-reaching significance” to the overall national goals and says that providing this a legal basis helps standardise and improve the effectiveness of patriotic education.
“To strengthen patriotic education in the new era, we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; adhere to the unity of patriotism, love for the Party and love for socialism; focus on safeguarding national unity and ethnic solidarity; take building a modern and powerful socialist country in an all-round way and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as a distinct theme; focus on cultivating new people of the times who are responsible for national rejuvenation; and strive to to cultivate patriotism, sharpen the ambition to strengthen the country, and practice serving the country, so as to gather majestic forces for the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation.” 新时代加强爱国主义教育，要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，坚持爱国和爱党、爱社会主义相统一，以维护国家统一和民族团结为着力点，把全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现中华民族伟大复兴作为鲜明主题，着眼培养担当民族复兴大任的时代新人，着力培养爱国之情、砥砺强国之志、实践报国之行，为强国建设、民族复兴凝聚起磅礴力量.
In the Q&A, there are some interesting bits. For instance, the official distils the key aspects of the law as follows:
First, it stipulates the leadership system and mechanism of patriotic education, making it clear that patriotic education adheres to the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and improves the work pattern of unified leadership, joint management, participation of all parties, and joint promotion.
Second, it emphasises that patriotic education is education for all people…
Third, it defines the principles that patriotic education should follow. These include an emphasis on unifying hearts and souls; on building and establishing the foundation; on ideological guidance, cultural cultivation and educational guidance; cultivation through practice, integration into daily life and paying attention to practical results. 三是，在爱国主义教育应遵循的原则上，着眼凝心聚魂，重在建设、以立为本，既强调思想引领、文化涵育、教育引导，又强调实践养成、融入日常、注重实效.
Fourth, it stipulates a content of patriotic education. I covered this yesterday.
Fifth, it calls to make full use of different resources and forms to carry out patriotic education.
Sixth, it clarifies the responsibilities of the competent authority for patriotic education in terms of guiding, supervising, and coordinating patriotic education work.
Page 3: There’s a report on Li Qiang’s meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Xinhua reports:
Li said that “China-Russia cooperation is not targeted at any third party, nor will it be disturbed by any third party…China is willing to work with Russia to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously deepen cooperation in various fields and push forward the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he added. China, Li said, is willing to further align its development strategies with Russia, promote synergy between the Belt and Road cooperation and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), maintain the growth momentum of cooperation on trade and investment, deepen cooperation in the field of energy, and enhance connectivity and trade liberalization and facilitation. China welcomes more high-quality Russian products into the Chinese market and supports enterprises from China and Russia in deepening cooperation on automobile manufacturing, the premier said. The two sides should jointly make the China-Russia years of culture a success and expand exchanges in education, regions and other fields, he added. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Russia within the SCO framework, promote in-depth cooperation in the industrial and supply chains, expand cooperation in industrial manufacturing, green development and digital economy, and provide new driving forces for regional economic growth, Li said.
Another report on the page covers Li’s meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov. Xinhua reports:
Li said that “both sides should well implement their medium- and long-term economic cooperation and trade exchange plan, and expand the trade scale and optimize their trade structure. China and Kyrgyzstan should speed up the construction of key projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway as well as port cooperation to enhance interconnectivity, Li said. The two countries should also expand cooperation in emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, digital economy, new energy vehicles, smart agriculture, and clean energy to foster new growth drivers, he said. The two sides should also deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in areas including medical care, education, and tourism to promote connectivity between the two peoples, he added.”
The report adds:
“Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China on Taiwan, Xinjiang-related, Xizang-related, and Hong Kong-related issues which concern China's core interests, and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, enhance connectivity, advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and further expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, tourism, education and culture, he added. The prime minister also said Kyrgyzstan supports the Global Security Initiative and other major initiatives proposed by China and would like to work with China to combat the ‘three forces’ and transnational organized crimes, deepen China-Central Asia cooperation, and jointly promote regional prosperity and stability. After the talks, Li and Japarov witnessed the signing of a number of documents regarding bilateral cooperation in neighboring regions, and on the digital economy, sub-national friendship, and infrastructure.”
Finally, there’s a report on Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy to the Middle East, visiting the UAE. He met with Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State to the UAE. The report cites him as saying:
“The current situation in Israel and Palestine is extremely grave, with the conflict leading to a large number of civilian casualties and aggravating the humanitarian crisis, about which China feels deeply saddened and concerned. The top priority is to cool down the situation, achieve a ceasefire and end the war, increase humanitarian relief efforts, and prevent the crisis from spilling over. China and the UAE share similar positions on the Palestinian issue and China is willing to strengthen coordination with the UAE in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations Security Council to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation in Palestine and preventing the conflict from expanding.” 当前巴以局势十分严峻，冲突导致大量平民伤亡，人道主义危机加剧，中方对此深感痛心和忧虑。当务之急是推动局势降温，实现停火止战，加大人道救援力度，避免危机外溢。中阿在巴勒斯坦问题上立场相近，中方愿同阿方在联合国安理会等多边场合加强协调，为推动巴以局势降温、防止冲突扩大发挥建设性作用.
At the UNSC, however, things have not moved forward. China Daily reports:
“China on Wednesday voted against a United Nations Security Council resolution on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, saying that it was ‘introduced in haste’ and does not address the crucial issue of a cease-fire. The draft resolution ‘does not reflect the world's strongest calls for a cease-fire and an end to the fighting’, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN. The latest resolution drafted by the United States condemned Hamas, expressed support for Israel and called for the release of all hostages. Russia and the United Arab Emirates also voted against the resolution.”
Zhang said: ‘China is by no means opposing the council taking actions. On the contrary, we have always strongly called for the council to play a responsible role. What we oppose is that the draft resolution is evasive on the most urgent issue of ending the hostility. It has never been able to call for an immediate cease-fire in clear and unambiguous terms,’ he said. “At this moment, cease-fire is not just a diplomatic term; it means the life and death of many civilians. If a council resolution is ambiguous on the question of war and peace and of life and death, it is not only irresponsible, but also extremely dangerous,’ Zhang said. ‘It is tantamount to paving the way for large-scale military actions and giving the green light to further escalation of war,’ he said.”
There is a HuanYu Ping commentary on the Israel-Palestine conflict on Page 17. It argues:
Since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Palestine, the escalating situation has captured the world's attention. The large-scale civilian casualties and the increasingly severe humanitarian crisis are testing the conscience of humanity. Currently, the conflict is still ongoing, lives are being lost, and the spillover effects are impacting regional peace and stability. The international community universally hopes that the parties to the conflict will cease fire and cease fighting as soon as possible, return to the track of negotiations, create opportunities for peace, and prevent a more serious humanitarian disaster from occurring. 巴以新一轮冲突爆发以来，不断升级的局势牵动全球视线，大规模平民伤亡和日益严重的人道危机考验人类良知。当前，战火仍在继续，生命还在逝去，外溢效应冲击地区和平稳定。国际社会普遍希望冲突当事方尽快停火止战，重回谈判轨道，为和平创造机会，避免酿成更严重的人道灾难.
In the past few days, the number of casualties caused by the conflict has continued to rise, and the living conditions of the people in Gaza are deteriorating by the day. An attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza Strip caused heavy casualties. Such acts of killing innocent lives must be unanimously opposed and condemned by the international community. Faced with a complex and extremely urgent situation, all parties must prioritise the value of human life and human conscience. Military operations should not go beyond self-defence, let alone impose collective punishment on a population. The protection of civilians in armed conflicts is a red line stipulated in international humanitarian law, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. Parties to the conflict should abide by international law and international humanitarian law, including ensuring the safety of civilians and detainees, opening humanitarian relief channels as soon as possible, and preventing a serious humanitarian catastrophe.” 连日来，冲突导致的伤亡人数持续上升，加沙民众的生存条件日趋恶化。加沙地带阿赫利阿拉伯医院遇袭，造成重大人员伤亡。此类残害无辜生命的行为必须受到国际社会的一致反对和谴责。面对错综复杂而又极其紧急的形势，各方必须将生命价值和人类良知摆在首位。军事行动不应超越自卫范围，更不应对民众施加集体惩罚。武装冲突中保护平民是国际人道法规定的红线，无差别使用武力不可接受。冲突当事方应当遵守国际法和国际人道法，包括保障平民和被扣押人员安全，尽快开辟人道救援通道，防止发生严重人道灾难。
The next bit argues that:
“The history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has repeatedly shown that there is no solution through military means, and responding to violence with violence only leads to a vicious cycle. At present, the parties involved in the conflict should exercise restraint, immediately cease hostilities, and seek dialogue. All relevant parties in the region should maintain calm and restraint, adhere to objectivity and impartiality, de-escalate the conflict, and prevent further impacts on regional and international security. The international community should take action to oppose any party’s actions that harm civilians and actively promote peace talks. The United Nations, especially the Security Council, should shoulder its responsibility, focus on humanitarian concerns, unequivocally call for a ceasefire and an end to fighting, and protect civilians, forming a binding international consensus. As long as the fighting continues, further violations of international humanitarian law will inevitably occur. Without a comprehensive ceasefire, no amount of humanitarian assistance will be of any help. If the current conflict in Gaza is allowed to drag on, the final outcome will not be a complete military victory for either side, but a larger-scale humanitarian disaster and a more serious crisis.” 巴以冲突的历史一再说明，军事手段没有出路，以暴易暴只会造成恶性循环。当前，冲突当事方应保持克制，立即停火止战，寻求对话。地区有关各方都应保持冷静克制，秉持客观公正，推动冲突降级，避免对地区和国际安全造成更大冲击。国际社会应当行动起来，反对任何一方伤害平民的行为，积极劝和促谈。联合国特别是安理会要切实负起责任，聚焦人道主义关切，明确要求停火止战，保护平民，形成有约束力的国际共识。只要战争仍在继续，就无法避免出现更多违反国际人道法的情况。如果没有全面停火，再多的人道援助也是杯水车薪。任由加沙当前战事延宕下去，最终结局不会是任何一方的军事完胜，而是更大范围的人道灾难、更严重的危机.
“At present, the international community expects the UN Security Council to play its role in de-escalating the conflict and preventing humanitarian crises. However, while certain major powers have paid lip-service to the notion that the Security Council should take the right actions, their voting positions on relevant draft resolutions casts doubt on their true purpose. In recent years, there have been many changes in the international landscape and the situation in the Middle East, and the situation has further strengthened the tendency of certain major powers to take sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This has resulted in the gradual marginalisation of the Palestinian issue, and United Nations resolutions have not been effectively implemented. This latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict serves as a painful reminder to the international community that the Palestinian issue remains at the core of the Middle East. Without a just and equitable resolution to this issue, lasting peace in the Middle East is impossible.” 当前，国际社会期待联合国安理会为推动冲突降温、防止人道危机发挥作用。然而，个别大国虽然口头上强调安理会应该采取正确的行动，但其对有关决议草案的投票立场却让外界怀疑其真正目的。近年来，国际格局和中东局势发生诸多变化，个别大国在巴以间拉偏架的态势进一步加强，导致巴勒斯坦问题逐渐被边缘化，联合国相关决议没有得到切实执行。此轮巴以冲突以一种惨痛的方式提醒国际社会，巴勒斯坦问题始终是中东问题的核心，如果这一问题得不到公正、合理解决，中东不可能实现持久和平.
In the next paragraph the author stresses on the importance of Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution, saying that the “fundamental reason” why the conflict continues to persist is because of the failure to establish a Palestinian state. The author adds that what needs to be done is to activate the “two-state solution” and “promote the formation of a timetable and road map for restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation.” 解决巴勒斯坦问题的根本之策是尽快激活“两国方案”，推动形成恢复巴勒斯坦民族合法权利的时间表和路线图. It adds “the ‘two-state solution’ recognized by the international community refers to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and enjoying full sovereignty.” 国际社会公认的“两国方案”，是指建立以1967年边界为基础、以东耶路撒冷为首都、享有完全主权的独立的巴勒斯坦国.
Later the author adds that China is standing on the “side of peace, justice, international law, the common aspiration of most countries, and human conscience” and “is communicating and coordinating with relevant parties to prevent the expansion of the war and avoid humanitarian disasters, and will continue to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip through the United Nations and bilateral channels.” 在巴勒斯坦问题上，中方始终站在和平一边，站在公道一边，站在国际法一边，站在大多数国家的共同愿望一边，站在人类良知一边。当前，中方正同有关各方沟通协调，阻止战火扩大、避免人道灾难，将继续通过联合国和双边渠道向加沙地带提供紧急人道主义援助.
Page 6: This page is dedicated to the outcomes of the investigation of a hospital fire in Beijing in April, which killed 29 people. I am not doing a detailed breakdown. But, SCMP reports that 41 officials have been held accountable. This includes Jin Wei, Beijing’s vice-mayor in charge of health, who was given an administrative warning.