China-Germany Green Partnership - Chinese Analysts' Assessment & Zhong Sheng Commentary on Blinken's Visit - China Wants Pak Army to Safeguard 'Domestic Stability' - Lin Songtian Interprets GCI
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily's edition on Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Page 1: At the top of the page is a report on Xi Jinping’s letter replying to Eric Domb, president and founder of the Pairi Daiza Zoo in Belgium. Xi had visited the zoo in 2014.
Xi wrote that “at present, China is actively promoting the Chinese-style modernization, which entails the harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and is implementing major biodiversity conservation projects. A large number of rare and endangered species have been effectively protected, and the giant panda’s status has gone from being ‘endangered’ to ‘vulnerable.’ China will unswervingly follow the path of high-quality development focussing on ecological priority, green and low carbon development. This will provide more opportunities for the world and make greater contributions to the progress of all mankind. The development of China-Belgium relations is inseparable from the long-term efforts and selfless dedication of friendly people from all walks of life in the two countries. I believe that you and other friendly people will continue to sow the seeds of friendship, attract more people, not least those of the younger generation, to actively participate in the cause of friendship so as to make new contributions to advancing China-Belgium and China-Europe relations.” 习近平强调，当前，中国正在积极推进人与自然和谐共生的中国式现代化，实施生物多样性保护重大工程，一大批珍稀濒危物种得到有效保护，大熊猫已从“濒危”降为“易危”等级。中国坚定不移走生态优先、绿色低碳的高质量发展之路，将为世界提供更多机遇，为全人类进步作出更大贡献。中比关系的发展，离不开两国各界友好人士的长期努力和无私奉献。相信你和其他友好人士将继续撒播友好的种子，吸引更多民众特别是青年一代踊跃投身友好事业，为中比、中欧关系发展作出新的贡献.
Next, a report (English report) on Premier Li Qiang and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz co-chairing the seventh round of China-Germany intergovernmental consultations in Berlin. Xinhua says that they heard reports on the progress of China-Germany cooperation in relevant fields from the heads of 22 departments including foreign affairs, economy and trade, industry, finance, justice, transport, education, science and technology, health, environmental protection and development.
“Li Qiang said that the consultation was efficient and pragmatic and achieved fruitful results. Under the current situation, China and Germany should work together more closely, make greater contributions to world peace and development, play the role of ‘stabilisers’ amid the changes taking place, and accelerate the construction of a community of shared future for mankind. The two sides should seize the opportunity of green transformation and promote the upgrading of cooperation. China proposes that China and Germany become ‘green partners’, strengthen communication and coordination on green and environmental issues, promote green energy technology development and industrial technology upgrading, and deepen cooperation in such fields as new energy vehicles, green finance, and third-party markets. We must adhere to a pragmatic and open attitude and better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. It is necessary to strengthen global economic governance cooperation, ensure the stability of the international industrial and supply chains, and promote the early recovery of the world economy.” 李强表示，此次磋商高效务实，取得丰硕成果。当前形势下，中德两国应当更加紧密地携手合作，为世界和平与发展作出更多贡献，在变局中发挥“稳定器”作用，加快构建人类命运共同体。双方要抓住绿色转型机遇，推动合作提质升级。中方倡议中德成为“绿色同行”伙伴，就绿色、环保等议题加强沟通协调，推动绿色能源科技研发、产业技术升级，深化新能源汽车、绿色金融、第三方市场等领域合作。要坚持务实开放态度，更好实现互利共赢。要加强全球经济治理合作，保障国际产业链供应链稳定，推动世界经济早日复苏.
As per the report, Scholz said that “the inter-governmental consultation mechanism reflects the special significance of the relations between the two countries. The German side is willing to maintain close communication with China on all issues between the two countries and to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, food security and debt problems. Germany has no intention to decouple from China, and is ready to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China to promote world development and prosperity.”
Some of the key outcomes:
The two sides agreed that bilateral cooperation is in their mutual interests. They agreed to “jointly maintain the stability of the global production and supply chains.”
The two sides also agreed to set up a dialogue and cooperation mechanism on climate change and green transition, hold the third China-Germany High Level Financial Dialogue as well as new editions of Sino-German Environmental Forum and health dialogue, and continue to deepen cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, investment, automobile manufacturing, high-tech, new energy, digital economy and humanities.
Bilateral cooperation documents were signed covering the fields of climate change response, innovation, advanced manufacturing and vocational education.
At the press briefing later, Li said that “he hopes the German side will continue to keep an open mind, uphold the independent policy, and properly handle relevant issues on the basis of international rules and in the principle of the spirit of contract. The two sides should vigorously promote the facilitation of personnel exchanges and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, he said. Li proposed tackling climate change as one of the guiding visions for China-Germany cooperation in the future, adding that the two countries should promote cooperation in green technology and industry, and explore the establishment of a rational and orderly division of labor in the green energy industry chain. Scholz said the German side welcomes China's development and prosperity, noting that Germany rejects all forms of decoupling and ‘de-risking’ is not ‘de-sinicization’. Germany is committed to developing stable relations with China and is willing to further strengthen bilateral exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and reach more cooperation consensus in addressing climate change and green development, he said, adding that Germany supports two-way investment and will provide a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest in Germany.”
Scanning through the German side’s readout, which is structured more like a news report covering the press briefing and developments. Anyway, I see some other key points too:
“Both countries also want to expand cooperation in the environmental sector . To this end, the German-Chinese environment forum will take place at the ministerial level at the beginning of November. A German-Chinese memorandum of understanding on electric and hydrogen mobility was also signed yesterday in order to continue the mutual professional exchange in the areas of safety, regulation and standardisation.”
On Ukraine, Scholz said that he had “appealed to the Chinese government to exert even greater influence on Russia.” The readout says that China has a “special responsibility/duty” in this case. It also reiterates that “it is important that China does not continue to deliver weapons to the aggressor Russia.” And it adds “One thing is clear: borders must endure; no country should regard other countries as its 'backyard' and try to use force to shift borders; Imperialism is never the solution”. The task now is to avoid a “frozen conflict”. Russia must withdraw its troops, otherwise a good peace will not come about.”
On economic ties, one of the things that Scholz said was: “We do not want to close ourselves off to one partner, but rather establish and expand balanced partnerships throughout Asia and beyond.” He also talked about getting German firms a “level playing field” in China
Scholz talked about holding the third high-level German-Chinese financial dialogue in Berlin this year.
On the visit, I recommend reading this FT report. One nugget from this: “In its annual report published on Tuesday, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, accused China of seeking to buy German companies with cutting-edge technology as a “gateway to political influence, espionage and sabotage”.
Also, some interesting reactions on Twitter below:
Anyway, Li and Scholz later attended (PD report) the 11th China-Germany Economic and Technical Cooperation Forum. More than 200 representatives from the Chinese and German economic and business communities attended the forum. The two leaders also attended a round table for more than 30 representatives of Chinese and German entrepreneurs.
Moving on, there’s a report on Wang Huning, who also chairs the CPPCC National Committee, speaking at a meeting discussing research work with regard to the recovery and expansion of consumption. The meeting focused on the achievements of research into the recovery and expansion of consumption. The research was carried out by the central committees of non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and representatives of personages without party affiliation.
Wang said that it is necessary to deeply understand that promoting consumption recovery and expansion is a necessary requirement for advancing Chinese-style modernization. It is an inevitable choice for achieving high-quality development and an inherent requirement for realising the annual economic development targets. It is important to conduct high-quality research and investigation in order to contribute to the recovery and expansion of consumption.” 他表示，要深刻认识恢复和扩大消费是推进中国式现代化的应有之义，是实现高质量发展的必然选择，是实现全年经济发展预期目标的内在要求，高质量开展考察调研，为恢复和扩大消费献计出力.
Also on the page is a report with data from the National Energy Administration. It informs that from January to May, the investment in power supply projects of major power generation companies in China was 238.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 62.5%. Among these:
solar power investment was 98.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 140.3%
wind power investment was 55.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 41.8%
nuclear power investment was 26.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 66.5%
Power grid projects completed an investment of 140 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.8%
As of the end of May, China’s cumulative installed power generation capacity was about 2.67 billion kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 10.3%. Among this
the installed capacity of solar power is about 450 million kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 38.4%
the installed capacity of wind power is about 380 million kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 12.7%
From January to May, China’s newly installed power generation capacity exceeded 110 million kilowatts, which was 57.56 million kilowatts more than the same period last year.
While on this, do check out this SCMP report. It informs that the NEA “projected last month that China’s maximum power load is likely to be 1,370 gigawatts (GW) this summer – an increase of about 800GW from last year – and could lead to a “tight balance” between power supply and demand in some areas. The country’s meteorological department also warned that rainfall in the Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing and Sichuan provinces will be 20 to 50 per cent less than last year, and regional droughts might occur to bring more uncertainty to China’s hydropower supply.”
Page 2: Two important pieces on the recent visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. First, there’s a report with brief assessments by Chinese analysts. The first section of the article says that following:
Su Xiaohui, Deputy Director and Associate Research Fellow of the Department for American Studies, CIIS, says that the “Sino-US relations are at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The root cause of this is that the American side has incorrect perceptions of China, which leads to a wrong China policy.” She wants the United States to “treat Sino-US relations with an attitude of responsibility towards history, people and the world; it must truly implement the consensus reached by the leaders in Bali, and regard the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation as the spirit, bottom line and goal that both sides should uphold.” 中国国际问题研究院美国研究所副所长苏晓晖表示，中美关系处在建交以来的最低谷，根源在于美方抱持错误的对华认知，导致错误的对华政策。中方对美政策始终保持连续性和稳定性，美方也应本着对历史、对人民、对世界负责的态度对待中美关系，把两国元首巴厘岛会晤共识真正落到实处，将相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢原则视为双方共同坚持的精神、共同守住的底线、共同追求的目标。
Wang Huiyao, President of Center for China and Globalization, says that the international community “does not want to see conflict and confrontation between the two countries, and does not want to take sides between China and the US, and is hoping for peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation between the two countries.” “The US side should meet China halfway and do more things that serve the interests of both sides and contribute to global peace and development.” 全球化智库理事长王辉耀认为，当前，国际社会普遍对中美关系现状感到担忧，不希望看到两国冲突对抗，不愿在中美之间选边站队，期盼中美和平共处、友好合作。美方应同中方相向而行，多做符合双方利益也有助于全球和平发展的事.
Ling Shengli from the China Foreign Affairs University says that the “downward spiral” in China-US ties “does not conform to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, nor does it conform to the common expectations of the international community.” He adds that Xi told Blinken that “China always hopes that China-US relations will be healthy and stable, and believes that the two major countries can overcome all difficulties and find the correct way to get along with each other, featuring mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. China and the US should take this as a fundamental basis and make joint efforts to stabilize the relationship between the two countries and return to the right track.” 外交学院国际关系研究所副所长凌胜利表示，过去一段时间，中美关系螺旋式下滑，这不符合两国人民根本利益，也不符合国际社会共同期待。习近平主席在会见布林肯时强调，中方始终希望中美关系能够健康稳定，相信两个大国能够排除万难，找到相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢的正确相处之道。中美双方应以此为根本遵循，共同为两国关系止跌企稳、重回正轨作出努力.
Cai Tongjuan, Deputy Director of Macro Research Department of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, says that implementing the consensus reached by the two leaders in Bali is an urgent task in order to stem the decline and stabilise China-US ties. “The U.S. side needs to implement relevant positive statements into actions, and work with China to promote the stability and long-term development of Sino-US. Relations.” 中国人民大学重阳金融研究院宏观研究部主任蔡彤娟表示，中美关系要止跌企稳，当务之急是把两国元首共识落到实处...接下来美方需要把有关积极表态落实到行动上，与中方一道推动中美关系行稳致远.
In section 2 of the article, Wang Huiyao, Ling Shengli and Cai Tongjuan offer a positive or rather hopeful appraisal of the outcomes of people-to-people exchanges, cultural and educational exchanges and flights. In the final section, scholars call on the US get it its perceptions and actions right.
“Competition between major powers does not conform to the trend of the times, let alone solve the problems faced by the United States and the challenges facing the world. China respects the interests of the United States and will not challenge or replace the United States. Similarly, the United States must also respect China and not harm China's legitimate rights and interests. Neither party can shape the other according to its own wishes, let alone deprive the other of its legitimate development rights.” 大国竞争不符合时代潮流，更解决不了美国自身的问题和世界面临的挑战。中国尊重美国的利益，不会去挑战和取代美国。同样，美国也要尊重中国，不要损害中国的正当权益。任何一方都不能按照自己的意愿塑造对方，更不能剥夺对方正当发展权利.
Su Xiaohui says that the US “needs to view China in an objective and rational way, work with China to maintain the political foundation of bilateral relations, calmly, professionally and rationally handle unexpected incidents. It should “stop hyping up the ‘China threat theory’, cancelling illegal unilateral sanctions against China, give up suppressing China's scientific and technological development, and refrain from willfully interfering in China's internal affairs. The US side must truly adhere to the One-China principle set out in the three China-US joint communiques, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and clearly oppose ‘Taiwan independence’. This is the right way for China and the US to get along.” 苏晓晖认为，美方需要客观理性地看待中国，与中方相向而行，维护好两国关系的政治基础，冷静、专业、理性处理意外偶发事件，包括停止炒作“中国威胁论”，取消对华非法单边制裁，放弃对中国科技发展打压，不得肆意干涉中国的内政。美方必须真正坚持中美三个联合公报确定的一个中国原则，尊重中国主权和领土完整，明确反对“台独”。这是中美之间正确的相处之道.
Ling Shengli says that during Blinken’s visit the “Chinese side reiterated its bottom line and red lines on core interests and major concerns. It also clarified its firm stance on issues such as Taiwan, democracy and human rights, ideological differences, and technological suppression, and put forward specific requirements. In order to bring China-US relations back to a healthy and stable track, it is necessary for the US side to deeply reflect and, together with China, jointly manage differences and avoid strategic miscalculations. In particular, it should respect China's core concerns, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and refrain from damaging China's sovereignty, security, and development interests under the guise of competition.” 布林肯访华期间，中方重申了在核心利益和重大关切问题上的底线红线，也在台湾、民主人权、道路制度、科技打压等问题上阐明了严正立场，提出了明确要求。为了使中美关系重回健康稳定轨道，美方有必要深刻反思，同中方一道，共同管控分歧、避免战略意外，尤其应尊重中方核心关切，停止干涉中国内政，停止以竞争为名损害中方主权、安全、发展利益.
Cai Tongjuan says that the US should “earnestly change its erroneous perception of China. It cannot seek dialogue and contact while containing and suppressing China.” “The US side should recognize that the Taiwan issue is at the core of China's core interests, the most significant issue in China-US relations, and the most prominent risk. China's stance on the Taiwan issue is consistent and clear. The US side should abide by the One-China principle and the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués, and truly fulfil its commitment not to support ‘Taiwan independence’. For stable development of China-US relations, the US side must stop challenging China's bottom line on the Taiwan issue.” 蔡彤娟表示，美方在作出较积极表态的同时也应切实改变错误对华认知，不能一面寻求对话接触，一面遏制打压中国。美方应认清，台湾问题是中国核心利益中的核心，是中美关系最重大的问题，也是最突出的风险。中方在台湾问题上的立场是一贯、明确的。美方应恪守一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，将不支持“台独”的承诺真正落到实处。中美关系要稳定发展，美方必须停止在台湾问题上挑战中方底线.
Next, there’s a Zhong Sheng commentary on the visit. In a nutshell, it says that “China will adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation in handling Sino-US relations. It is hoped that the US side will adopt a rational and pragmatic attitude, meet China halfway, work together, adhere to the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali, and implement relevant positive statements into actions to stabilise and improve Sino-US relations.”
It is interesting to note that this commentary talks about Xi’s decision to meet Blinken as having “fully demonstrated China’s responsibility as a major country to promote the stabilisation and improvement of Sino-US relations.”
“In November last year, the heads of state of China and the US held a successful meeting in Bali, Indonesia, which created a hard-won positive momentum for China-US relations to course-correct and return to the right track. However, since then, a series of wrong words and deeds by the US have disrupted the dialogue and cooperation agenda agreed between China and the US. Through this tortuous process, the international community has further seen that the serious deviation of American perception and positioning of China is the fundamental crux of the ongoing difficulties in China-US relations. The US insists on regarding China as its main rival and the biggest geopolitical challenge, which leads to its China policy completely deviating from the rational and healthy track.” 去年11月，中美两国元首在印度尼西亚巴厘岛成功举行会晤，为中美关系校准航向、重回正轨创造了来之不易的积极势头。然而，美方此后一系列错误言行导致中美双方商定的对话与合作议程受到干扰。透过这一曲折过程，国际社会进一步看到，美国对华认知和定位出现严重偏差，是当前中美关系困难不断的根本症结。美方执意把中国当成最主要对手和最大地缘政治挑战，导致其对华政策完全脱离了理性健康的正轨.
“Secretary Blinken’s visit comes at a critical juncture in China-US relations, where choices need to be made between dialogue and confrontation, cooperation and conflict. During the visit, the meetings and talks between the two sides were candid, in-depth and constructive. The Chinese side pointed out that the root cause of the downturn in China-US relations lies in the US side's erroneous perception of China and its misguided policies towards China. The US side should maintain an objective and rational understanding of China, move in the same direction as China, uphold the political foundation of China-US relations, handle unexpected incidents calmly, professionally, and rationally, jointly manage differences, and avoid strategic miscalculations. It should faithfully implement the consensus reached in Bali and promote the stabilisation and recovery of China-US relations, returning back to the right track. The two sides have reached some positive consensus and results, the most important of which is the agreement to jointly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali and return to the agenda set by the meeting.” — Comment: If you are interested, here is my coverage from November with the outcomes of the Bali meeting.
The next paragraph says that “China's reception of Secretary of State Blinken's visit fully demonstrates that China's policy towards the United States has always maintained continuity and stability, and that China is committed to building a stable, predictable and constructive Sino-US relationship. ”中方接待布林肯国务卿来访，充分表明中方对美政策始终保持连续性和稳定性，中方致力于构建稳定、可预期、建设性的中美关系。
“The Chinese people, like the American people, are self-respecting, self-confident and self-reliant people, and both have the right to pursue a better life. The common interests between the two countries should be taken seriously. The success of each country is an opportunity rather than a threat to the other. China always hopes that China-US relations will be healthy and stable, and believes that the two major countries can overcome all difficulties and find the correct way to get along with each other, featuring mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. This is an attitude that is truly responsible to history, to the people, and to the world.” 中国人民和美国人民一样，都是自尊自信自强的人民，都拥有追求美好生活的权利，两国之间存在的共同利益应该得到重视，各自取得成功对彼此都是机遇而非威胁。中方始终希望中美关系能够健康稳定，相信两个大国能够排除万难，找到相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢的正确相处之道。这是真正对历史、对人民、对世界负责的态度.
The next paragraph reiterates that major power competition is not the trend of the times; that the international community does not want to see conflict and confrontation between the two sides; that “China respects the interests of the United States and will not challenge or replace the United States. Similarly, the United States must also respect China and not harm its legitimate rights and interests”; that Taiwan is the core of China's core interests; and that the “US must abide by the one-China principle and and truly implement its commitment not to support ‘Taiwan independence’.
“Managing and stabilizing China-US relations is an ongoing process; it is a continuous process and a completed task. To fully unleash the positive effects of dialogue, we must act with genuine sincerity and actively implement the consensus and outcomes achieved through dialogue. We should not communicate for the sake of communication, still less say one thing and do another. China is committed to maintaining the stability of China-US relations, and the door to dialogue is always open. However, this commitment will never come at the expense of national interests. The US side has reaffirmed that it does not seek a ‘new Cold War’, does not seek to change China’s system, does not seek to oppose China by strengthening alliances, does not support ‘Taiwan independence,’ and has no intention of engaging in conflict with China. It is hoped that the US side will turn these words into actions.” 管控和稳定中美关系是一个持续不间断的进程，是进行时，不是过去时也没有完成时。要让对话充分释放积极效应，必须怀着真正的诚意，积极落实对话取得的共识和成果，不能为沟通而沟通，更不能说一套做一套。中方致力于维护中美关系稳定，对话的大门始终敞开，但决不会以牺牲国家利益为代价。美方重申不寻求“新冷战”、不寻求改变中国制度、不寻求通过强化盟友关系反对中国、不支持“台湾独立”、无意同中国发生冲突。希望美方说到做到。
During President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Blinken, there were blooming lotus (荷花-Héhuā) flowers on the scene. The lotus 荷 (Hé) is is homophonic with 和(Hé) harmony and 合 (Hé) unity/combination. 习近平主席会见布林肯国务卿的现场摆放着盛开的荷花，“荷”与“和”“合”谐音. Ergo, it is hoped that the US will adopt a rational and pragmatic attitude, meet China halfway…”
Two last bits on Blinken’s visit. Yang Tao from the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, put out the five agreements reached:
First, the two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached at the Bali meeting between the two heads of state, effectively manage and control differences, and promote dialogue, exchanges and cooperation.
Second, the two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges. Secretary of State Blinken invited State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang to visit the United States, and Qin Gang expressed his willingness to visit the United States at the convenience of both parties.
Third, the two sides agreed to continue to advance the consultation on the guiding principles of China-US relations.
Fourth, the two sides agreed to continue to advance the China-US Joint Working Group consultations to resolve specific issues in Sino-US relations.
Fifth, the two sides agreed to encourage the expansion of cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, actively discuss the increase of passenger flights between China and the United States, welcome more students, scholars, and business people from the other country to visit each other's countries, and provide support and convenience for this purpose.
一是双方同意共同落实两国元首巴厘岛会晤达成的重要共识，有效管控分歧，推进对话交流合作。二是双方同意保持高层交往。布林肯国务卿邀请秦刚国务委员兼外长访美，秦刚表示愿在双方方便时访美。三是双方同意继续推进中美关系指导原则磋商。四是双方同意继续推进中美联合工作组磋商，解决中美关系中的具体问题。五是双方同意鼓励扩大两国人文和教育交流，就增加中美之间客运航班进行积极探讨，欢迎更多对方国家学生、学者、工商界人士到彼此国家互访，并为此提供支持和便利.
NYT’s report on Biden’s comments on the balloon saga:
“President Biden said on Tuesday night that President Xi Jinping of China had been kept in the dark by his own government about the spy balloon that crossed into United States airspace this winter before being shot down by an American fighter jet. At a campaign fund-raiser in California, Mr. Biden set off into what appeared to be an unplanned riff about the incident that ruptured relations with China for months, revealing what United States intelligence agencies had learned about the internal confusion in Beijing during the incident. “The reason why Xi Jinping got very upset in terms of when I shot that balloon down with two boxcars full of spy equipment in it is he didn’t know it was there,” Mr. Biden told about 130 guests at the big-dollar event in a private Kentfield home. “No, I’m serious. That’s what’s a great embarrassment for dictators, when they didn’t know what happened.” Other U.S. officials were surprised on Tuesday night that the president would discuss the sensitive information in a public setting, but one official who has been briefed on the intelligence and spoke on condition of anonymity said Mr. Biden’s remarks accurately reflected the American government’s private assessment.”
Moving on, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Army Sahir Shamshad Mirza is in Beijing. He met with Qin Gang, CMC vice chair Zhang Youxia and ILD chief Liu Jianchao.
Zhang said that the “ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan is rock-solid and unbreakable. China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enrich and expand pragmatic cooperation, and work together to meet various global challenges. It is hoped that the two armies will continue to support each other strategically, promote the deepening of defense and security cooperation and jointly safeguard international and regional peace and stability.” 张又侠说，中巴“铁杆”情谊坚如磐石、牢不可破。中方愿同巴方共同落实好两国领导人达成的重要共识，充实拓展务实合作，携手应对各种全球性挑战。希望两军继续在战略上相互支持，推动防务安全合作走深走实，共同维护国际及地区和平稳定.
Sahir Shamshad Mirza said the Pakistani side will firmly support China's principles and stances on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong no matter how global and regional situations change.”
The report on the meeting with Qin Gang says: “Qin said the Pakistani army is a staunch defender and promoter of China-Pakistan friendship. He expressed the hope that the Pakistani military will continue to play its role as the anchor of stability by safeguarding domestic stability and contributing to the building of a China-Pakistan community of shared future. He also thanked the Pakistani army for its long-term efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. Sahir Shamshad Mirza said the Pakistani military will continue to make every effort to ensure bilateral cooperation including the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and safeguard the Belt and Road cooperation.”
— Comment: Very interesting reference there by Qin Gang on the issue of domestic stability. Tell us something about which power centre Beijing would like to see maintaining its stronghold in the domestic politics of Pakistan. So much for all the talk about democracy. Beijing appears to be publicly throwing its lot behind the Pakistani army to undo the public pressure that was built up following the protests that erupted after former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest in May. I recommend reading this article from The Hindu to understand how the armed forces are targeting Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party.
As an aside, China on Tuesday inked an agreement worth a whopping $4.8 billion with cash-strapped Pakistan to set up a 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant. PTI reports that “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing of the deal under which Beijing would build a 1,200-megawatt Chashma-V nuclear plant at Chashma in the Mianwali district of Punjab. In his address, Prime Minister Sharif termed the nuclear power plant agreement signing as a token of increasing economic cooperation between Pakistan and China and vowed to complete the project without any delay.” Do read Dawn’s report for more on Sharif’s comments, praising China and Xi for the support to Pakistan. Earlier, reports indicated that Pakistan had received $1 billion from China to shore up its forex reserves.
Page 3: There’s a report on Zhang Youxia’s comments during the armed forces’ basic training meeting in Tianjin from June 18 to 20th. He emphasised “the need to thoroughly implement Chairman Xi's important instructions on strengthening military training, accelerate the innovation of group training models, promote the transformation and upgrading of basic training, and lay a solid foundation for combat effectiveness in order to achieve the centenary goal of the armed forces.中共中央政治局委员、中央军委副主席张又侠出席会议，观摩各军兵种和武警部队典型课目，参加基础训练研讨交流，强调要深入贯彻习主席关于加强军事训练的重要指示，加快组训模式创新，推进基础训练转型升级，为实现建军一百年奋斗目标打牢战斗力根基。
“It is necessary to deepen the exploration of basic training methods in the new era, push forward specialised teaching, intensive group training, simulated training and standardised assessment, focus on improving the level of teaching and group training, further enrich and expand the methods and means of training, and promote the improvement and effectiveness of basic training. It is necessary to improve the training content system, adopt meticulous management, optimise training support conditions, build a talent pool for group training, strengthen the construction of training atmosphere, and establish a new pattern for the transformation and development of basic training.” 要深化探索新时代基础训练方式，推开专长化任教、集约化组训、模拟化训练、标准化考核，着力提高教学组训水平，进一步丰富拓展方法手段，推动基础训练提质增效。要健全训练内容体系，走开精细管理路子，优化训练保障条件，打造组训人才方阵，加强训练风气建设，构建基础训练转型发展新格局.
Another report on the page informs that China has 2.733 million 5G base stations, accounting for 60% of the world; 5G mobile phone users in the country reached 634 million as of April. It adds China “has now become the leading force in 5G standards; the number of 5G standard essential patent declarations from China accounts for 42.2% of the global patent declarations. It adds that 5G has been integrated into more than 60% of the national economy, smart manufacturing, smart medical care, smart education, digital government affairs... thousands of industries are changing because of this. 5G，已经融入超六成国民经济大类，智能制造、智慧医疗、智慧教育、数字政务……千行百业，正因此而发生变化.
Page 4: There’s a report on the Xi thought education campaign implementation at Peking University.
Page 9: There’s a long article by Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, on the Global Civilisation Initiative. He writes that:
“The Global Civilization Initiative is another significant initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, following the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative. It has enriched the theoretical support and implementation path for promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind and holds important contemporary value and historical significance.” 全球文明倡议是继共建“一带一路”倡议、全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议之后，习近平总书记提出的又一重大倡议，丰富了推动构建人类命运共同体的理论支撑和实现路径，具有重要的时代价值和历史意义.
“The Global Civilization Initiative focuses on addressing the common challenges of mankind and has strong guiding power. In today's world, the once-in-a-century changes are accelerating, multiple challenges and crises being superimposed, and the Cold War mentality continues to persist. In this environment, some countries are playing up geopolitics, inciting ideological and camp confrontation, and the theory of ‘superiority of civilizations’ and ‘clash of civilizations’ have emerged, seriously endangering world peace, stability, development and progress. Human society is today faced with various risks and challenges. General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed: ‘to meet common challenges and move towards a better future, we need both economic, scientific and technological strength and cultural and civilisational strength.’ Exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations are conducive to enhancing mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual trust among countries, people-to-people bonds and emotional connections, and laying the foundation for unity and cooperation. The Global Civilization Initiative directly addresses challenges and problems in the development of human civilization, and is of great significance to reducing conflicts and confrontation, promoting exchanges and cooperation among different civilizations, and building synergy to meet common challenges.” 全球文明倡议着眼应对全人类共同挑战，具有强大引领力。当今世界，百年变局加速演进，多重挑战和危机叠加，冷战思维阴霾不散，有的国家炒作地缘政治，煽动意识形态对立和阵营对抗，“文明优越论”“文明冲突论”沉渣泛起，严重危及世界和平稳定与发展进步，人类社会面临各种风险挑战。习近平总书记强调：“应对共同挑战、迈向美好未来，既需要经济科技力量，也需要文化文明力量。”不同文明交流互鉴，有利于增进各国相互理解、相互尊重、相互信任，促进民相亲、心相通，为团结协作奠定基础。全球文明倡议直面人类文明发展进程中的挑战和问题，对于减少冲突和对抗、促进不同文明交流合作、凝聚应对共同挑战的合力具有重大意义.
He adds that GCI is a theoretical innovation, which is a product of the CCP combining Marxism with the practical realities of China and the excellent traditional Chinese culture. It embodies and demonstrates China’s “viewpoint, wisdom and values”. He further says that GCI “is based on China's development practice and has a strong influence.” This is because:
“Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has embarked on a path of modernization with Chinese characteristics. In just a few decades, China has accomplished in industrialization what took developed countries hundreds of years, creating a new form of human civilization. The successful practice of Chinese-style modernization has shattered the misconception that ‘modernization equals Westernization’ and powerfully demonstrated that there is more than one path to modernization. Human civilization is diverse and colourful, and countries can embark on their own distinctive paths to modernization based on their cultural heritage and actual national conditions. Chinese-style modernization is rooted in China's national conditions while drawing on the experiences of other countries. It benefits the Chinese people and promotes the common development of countries worldwide. As a new form of human civilization, Chinese modernization and other civilizations around the world learn from each other and jointly draw a new picture of the modernization of human society in which a hundred flowers bloom. The GCI put forward on the basis of summing up the practical experience of Chinese modernization construction has strong credibility and influence.” 全球文明倡议立足中国发展实践，具有强大影响力。在中国共产党坚强领导下，中国走出中国式现代化道路，用几十年时间走完发达国家几百年走过的工业化历程，创造了人类文明新形态。中国式现代化的成功实践，打破了“现代化=西方化”的迷思，有力表明通往现代化的道路不止一条，人类文明是多样的、多彩的，各国能够基于自身文明传承和实际国情走出各具特色的现代化之路。中国式现代化既基于自身国情又借鉴各国经验，既造福中国人民又促进世界各国共同发展。作为人类文明新形态，中国式现代化与全球其他文明相互借鉴，共同绘就百花齐放的人类社会现代化新图景。在总结中国式现代化建设实践经验基础上提出的全球文明倡议，具有强大公信力、影响力.
Next, he details the four joint propositions/initiatives/objectives/advocacies under GCI:
jointly advocating for respecting the diversity of world civilizations: Under this, Lin argues that “no civilization should use its own yardstick to measure other civilizations, and any attempt to solve the differences between civilizations by coercive means will bring disastrous consequences to world civilization. Recognizing and respecting the diversity of civilizations is the basis for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. GCI advocates equality, mutual learning, dialogue and tolerance among civilizations, respecting the uniqueness and rationality of different civilizations, seeking common ground while reserving differences, seeking the convergence of ideas and interests, promoting mutual learning and understanding among different civilizations, breaking barriers and prejudices, and eliminating fears and conflicts.” 任何文明都不应用自己的尺度去衡量其他文明，任何试图用强制性手段来解决文明差异的做法都会给世界文明带来灾难性后果。承认文明多样性而予以尊重，是文明交流互鉴的基础。全球文明倡议主张坚持文明平等、互鉴、对话、包容，尊重不同文明的独特性、合理性，求同存异，寻求理念契合点、利益交汇点，促进不同文明相互学习和理解，破除隔阂和偏见、消除恐惧和冲突.
jointly advocating for the promotion of the common values of all mankind: Under this, Lin writes that “the common values of mankind transcend differences in ideology, social system and level of development. They reflect the greatest common denominator of the values held by people in countries around the world. They respond to the universal expectations and demands of people in all countries, and provide a value bond for the world to achieve lasting peace and common prosperity. GCI advocates that countries promote the common values of mankind, jointly follow the path of peaceful development, understand different civilizations' understanding of the meaning of values, and refrain from imposing their own values and models on others. Practice true multilateralism, oppose hegemonism, unilateralism and power politics, abandon the theory of ‘superiority of civilizations’ and ‘clash of civilizations’, and oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs in the name of democracy, freedom and human rights.” 全人类共同价值超越意识形态、社会制度和发展水平差异，反映世界各国人民价值理念的最大公约数，回应各国人民的普遍期待和诉求，为世界实现持久和平、共同繁荣提供了价值纽带。全球文明倡议主张各国弘扬全人类共同价值，共同走和平发展道路，理解不同文明对价值内涵的认识，不把自己的价值观和模式强加于人。践行真正的多边主义，反对霸权主义、单边主义和强权政治，摒弃“文明优越论”“文明冲突论”，反对以民主、自由、人权之名干涉别国内政。
jointly advocating the importance of civilization inheritance and innovation: Under this, he writes that Any civilization must keep pace with the times and constantly absorb the essence of the era. If it keeps itself isolated and confined to age-old conservative attitudes for a long time, it will inevitably decline. GCI advocates attaching importance to the inheritance and innovation of civilization and points out the direction for the sustainable development of human civilization. It is necessary to use innovation to increase the driving force for the development of civilization, activate the source of progress in civilization, carry out creative transformation and innovative development of excellent traditional cultures, be adept at good at letting go of the old and absorbing the new while maintaining the continuity of national cultural heritage, be good at drawing inspiration from the strengths of other civilizations to enrich one's own thinking, and constantly create civilisational achievements that span time and space and are full of eternal charm.” 任何一种文明都要与时偕行，不断吸纳时代精华。如果长期自我封闭、因循守旧，必将走向衰落。全球文明倡议倡导重视文明传承与创新，为人类文明永续发展指明方向。要用创新增添文明发展动力、激活文明进步的源头活水，对优秀传统文化进行创造性转化、创新性发展，善于从延续民族文化血脉中吐故纳新，善于以其他文明之优长启发自己的思维，不断创造出跨越时空、富有永恒魅力的文明成果. —
Comment: Points two and three are really interesting, and I would encourage everyone to read them together. Because these combine to tell us something (albeit vaguely) about the kind of values system underpinning the international order that Beijing prefers. At one level the argument is that one must appreciate diversity in civilisations and cultural practices and even perhaps preserve these. However, this need not imply a carte blanche, that everything is acceptable under the guise of diversity. As much as Beijing today might lash out at the idea of external interference on the issue of values and argue that one must allow civilisations to interpret the common values of humanity based on their heritage, it does not mean that it will necessarily be comfortable with any and all interpretations of these common values. For instance, “peaceful development”, mentioned earlier, is a factor that impinges on this. In other words, the external impact of one’s domestic policies based on the interpretation of these values matters and is ground for external pushback. Likewise, this line thought on innovation creates room for intervention or room to call for changes in practices and interpretations.
jointly advocating for the strengthening of international people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation. This is quite self-explanatory.
Later Lin writes:
“At present, China has established diplomatic relations with 182 countries, established more than 2,900 pairs of sister cities with more than 140 countries, and its circle of friends is constantly expanding. It is necessary to better promote non-governmental diplomacy, city diplomacy and public diplomacy, carry out non-governmental friendly exchanges with foreign countries in various fields, through multiple channels and at multiple levels, promote civilisational exchanges and mutual learning, and promote mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign people, and make due contributions to the implementation of GCI.” 目前，中国已经与182个国家建立了外交关系，同140多个国家建立了2900多对友好城市，朋友圈不断扩大。要更好推进民间外交、城市外交、公共外交，多领域、多渠道、多层次开展民间对外友好交流，促进文明交流互鉴，促进中外人民相知相亲，为践行全球文明倡议作出应有贡献.
In terms of city diplomacy, Lin calls for focussing on “exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health, media and youth” and “giving play to China’s advantages in digital economy, low-carbon environmental protection work and smart cities.” He adds: “extensively mobilise local and non-governmental resources, continue to use emotion, reason, and culture to promote friendship and people-to-people exchanges, and enhance the influence and appeal of our sister cities, so that GCI brings tangible benefits to people of all countries.” 广泛调动地方和民间资源，坚持以情感人、以理服人、以文载道，增强我国国际友城人文交流的影响力和感召力，让全球文明倡议给各国人民带来实实在在福祉。
On public diplomacy, he writes that: “It is important to extensively participate in the activities of international non-governmental organisations, enhance understanding and deepen friendship, spread the voice of China and tell China’s story well, and enhance the international community's knowledge and understanding of China's development achievements, development path, political system and values. On the basis of consolidating and optimising the existing bilateral and multilateral mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, we will build a new platforms and mechanisms, make full use of new media platforms and forms to actively and skillfully speak out, constantly enrich the connotation and channels of exchanges among civilizations, actively maintain and create a favourable international public opinion environment, and better serve Chinese-style modernization.” 要广泛参加国际非政府组织的活动，增进了解、深化友谊，传播好中国声音，讲好中国故事，增进国际社会对我国发展成就、发展道路、政治制度、价值理念等的认知和理解。在巩固优化现有双多边文明对话合作机制基础上构建新平台新机制，充分运用新媒体平台和形式积极发声、巧妙发声，不断丰富文明交流内涵和途径，积极维护和营造良好国际舆论环境，更好服务中国式现代化建设.