China-Maldives Joint Statement - 'Beautiful China' Guideline - Liu Jianchao's US Visit & China-US Talks - Wang Yi's Call with Melanie Joly - China's Auto Boom
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Friday, January 12, 2024.
Page 1: Let’s begin with brief news stories on the front page. First, there’s a report on Xi Jinping congratulating Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as Bangladeshi prime minister. Xinhua says:
“In his congratulatory message, Xi noted that China and Bangladesh are neighbors with traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 49 years ago, Xi said, the two countries have respected each other, treated each other as equals, and shared mutual benefits. Xi said China and Bangladesh have always supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and joined hands in advancing their respective paths of development and revitalization, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries. Xi recalled that he and Hasina met in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August last year, and reached an important consensus on developing China-Bangladesh relations. It is hoped that China and Bangladesh will work together to further implement the important consensus reached between the two sides, deepen political mutual trust, carry forward traditional friendship, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, enhance Belt and Road cooperation with high quality, and continuously push China-Bangladesh strategic cooperative partnership to new levels, Xi said.”
Next, there’s a consolidated report on Li Qiang and Zhao Leji’s meetings with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Xinhua’s report on Li’s meeting with him says:
“Li noted that the elevation of China-Maldives ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, announced by the two heads of state on Wednesday, opens a new chapter in bilateral relations. China is willing to work with the Maldives to follow the important strategic guidance of the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust, intensify friendly exchanges at all levels, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and constantly enrich the connotation of the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Li said. China is ready to further synergize its development strategies with the Maldives, take high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as a guide, continue to expand the breadth and depth of practical cooperation, and actively explore cooperation on industrial parks, the digital economy, marine fisheries, green and low-carbon development and other fields, said the premier, adding that the two sides should further strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges in education, sports and tourism to cement popular support for China-Maldives friendship. Muizzu noted that the visit to China is his first state visit since taking office, adding that the Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China policy, stands firmly with China, and firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China.”
The report on Zhao’s meeting with him basically emphasises “the NPC of China is willing to work with the People’s Majlis of the Maldives to strengthen exchanges at all levels, deepen the exchange of legislative experience and provide legal guarantee for bilateral cooperation.”
Let’s also look at the joint statement that was issued after Muizzu’s visit. Key excerpts:
The two sides share the view that as changes of the world, our times and history unfold, the strategic significance of China-Maldives relations has become more prominent. The two sides agree to elevate China-Maldives relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, better leverage the political guidance of high-level engagement, expand practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields, strengthen collaboration on international and multilateral affairs, enhance the well-being of the two peoples, and work toward a China-Maldives community with a shared future.
The two sides agree to maintain the momentum of high-level engagement, deepen political mutual trust, expand friendly interactions at all levels between governments, legislative bodies, political parties and social organizations of the two countries, and strengthen exchange of experience on governance.
The two sides agree to continue firmly supporting each other in safeguarding their respective core interests. China firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, respects and supports the Maldives' exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives. The Maldives is firmly committed to the one-China principle, recognizing that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Maldives opposes any statement or action that undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposes all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and will not develop any form of official relations with Taiwan. The Maldives opposes external interference in China's internal affairs under any pretext and supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification. (Comment: In all reports on the meetings Muizzu had, he was reported to have said that Maldives backs the one-China policy. But in the joint statement, it is the one-China principle. This is not a trivial thing.)
The Maldives highly appreciates the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind…The Maldives intends to join the Group of Friends of the GDI and work with other parties to promote practical cooperation in areas identified by the GDI, so as to create synergy for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The two sides agree to explore ways towards implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) in the efforts to deepen cooperation in law enforcement and jointly meet key challenges including those posed by traditional and non-traditional security challenges, to promote the development of bilateral relations and contribute to peace and stability at regional and global levels.
The two sides agree to focus on implementing the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) in the efforts to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation on improving people's well-being. The two sides intend to continue exchanges and cooperation in such areas as science and technology, culture, tourism, education, sports, civil aviation, personnel training, health, affairs related to women, youth and people with disabilities, press and publication, radio, film and television, people-to-people ties, and subnational cooperation.
Third, there’s a report informing that Li Qiang will be attending the WEF in Davos this time around. He will also visit Ireland.
Fourth, there’s a report informing that China’s automobile production and sales exceeded 30 million units for the first time in 2023. Production was 30.161 million units and sales, 30.094 million units, a year-on-year increase of 11.6% and 12%, respectively. 4.91 million cars were exported, a year-on-year increase of 57.9%. In 2023, China’s new energy vehicle production and sales were 9.587 million units and 9.495 million units, respectively, a year-on-year increase of 35.8% and 37.9%, respectively. NEV exports were 1.203 million units, a year-on-year increase of 77.6%.
Fifth, there is a report informing that China’s water conservancy investment reached a record high in 2023. Nearly 1.2 trillion yuan ($168.81 billion) was invested in the sector. 27,900 new water conservancy projects were started in 2023, up 11.5% year on year. Water conservancy projects created 2.74 million jobs.
Sixth, there’s a commentary discussing Xi’s speech at the CCDI plenary session. It says that
“The practice over the past year once again proves that the ‘Two Establishments’ are of decisive significance for our response to various risks and challenges, as well as for promoting the development of Chinese-style modernization. The comprehensive and strict governance of the Party is a great practice of self-revolution for the Party in the new era, and it is the necessary path for the Party to maintain vitality and embark on a new journey of examination.” 一年来的实践再次证明，“两个确立”对于我们应对各种风险挑战、推进中国式现代化建设具有决定性意义；全面从严治党是新时代党的自我革命的伟大实践，是党永葆生机活力、走好新的赶考之路的必由之路.
“To govern the country, it is imperative to first govern the Party; the prosperity of the Party leads to the strength of the nation. Turning the blade of the knife inward and scraping the poison off the bones; using strong medicine to cure ailments and strict measures to rectify chaos, since the new era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has incorporated the comprehensive and strict Party governance into the ‘Four Comprehensives’ strategic layout. With unprecedented courage and determination, it has advanced the construction of Party work style and clean government work, along with the anti-corruption struggle, making the Party stronger, more powerful, and more vibrant through revolutionary forging.” 治国必先治党，党兴才能国强。刀刃向内、刮骨疗毒，猛药祛疴、重典治乱，新时代以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央把全面从严治党纳入“四个全面”战略布局，以前所未有的勇气和定力推进党风廉政建设和反腐败斗争，使党在革命性锻造中更加坚强有力、更加充满活力.
It adds:
“Comprehensive and strict Party governance in the new era has made historic and ground-breaking achievements, while having an all-round and deep-seated impact. The fundamental reason for this lies in the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the helm and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on the Party’s self-revolution provide us with the second answer to break out of the historical cycles of rise and fall, marking a new height in our Party’s understanding of the laws of Marxist party construction and Communist Party governance, thereby guiding the century-old Party to embark on a new realm of self-revolution. On the new journey, we must thoroughly study, understand and fully implement this important thought, constantly eliminate all harmful factors that damage the Party's advanced nature and purity, and constantly eliminate all pathogens that erode the Party’s healthy body, so as to ensure that the Party will not deteriorate, change colour and flavour, and ensure that the Party will always remain a strong leadership core in the historical process of upholding and developing Socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.” 新时代全面从严治党取得了历史性、开创性成就，产生了全方位、深层次影响，根本在于有习近平总书记领航掌舵、有习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引。习近平总书记关于党的自我革命的重要思想，让我们找到了跳出治乱兴衰历史周期率的第二个答案，标志着我们党对马克思主义政党建设规律、共产党执政规律的认识达到新高度，指引百年大党开辟了自我革命的新境界. 新征程上，深入学习领会、全面贯彻落实这一重要思想，不断清除一切损害党的先进性和纯洁性的有害因素，不断清除一切侵蚀党的健康肌体的病原体，我们就一定能够确保党不变质、不变色、不变味，确保党在新时代坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的历史进程中始终成为坚强领导核心.
The piece then calls to firmly grasp the “九个以” and “implement self-revolution at each front and in every aspect in a concrete and thorough manner.”
Finally, there’s a full guideline to comprehensively promote the development of a ‘Beautiful China’. The document says that:
“On the new journey, it is imperative to place the construction of Beautiful China in a prominent position in the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation; maintain strategic determination in strengthening the construction of ecological civilization; and unswervingly follow the path of civilised development of production, affluent living, and good ecology, and build a beautiful homeland with blue skies, green lands, and clear waters.” 新征程上，必须把美丽中国建设摆在强国建设、民族复兴的突出位置，保持加强生态文明建设的战略定力，坚定不移走生产发展、生活富裕、生态良好的文明发展道路，建设天蓝、地绿、水清的美好家园.
It adds:
“By 2027, the development of green and low carbon development will be further promoted, the total discharge of major pollutants will be continuously reduced, the quality of ecological environment will be continuously improved, the pattern of land-space development and protection will be optimised, the service function of ecosystem will be continuously enhanced, the urban and rural living environment will be significantly improved, the national ecological security will be effectively guaranteed, and the ecological environment governance system will be more perfect, forming a number of practical models, and the construction of Beautiful China will achieve remarkable results.” 到2027年，绿色低碳发展深入推进，主要污染物排放总量持续减少，生态环境质量持续提升，国土空间开发保护格局得到优化，生态系统服务功能不断增强，城乡人居环境明显改善，国家生态安全有效保障，生态环境治理体系更加健全，形成一批实践样板，美丽中国建设成效显著.
“By 2035, a green production and lifestyle will be widely formed, carbon emissions will stabilise and decrease after reaching the peak, the ecological environment will be fundamentally improved, a new pattern of land-space development and protection will be fully formed, the stability of ecosystem diversity will be significantly improved, the national ecological security will be more stable, the modernization of ecological environment governance system and governance capacity will be basically realised, and the goal of Beautiful China will be basically realised. Looking forward to the middle of this century, the ecological civilization will be improved in an all-round way, the green development mode and lifestyle will be fully formed, key areas will be deeply decarbonized, the ecological environment will be healthy and beautiful, the ecological environment governance system and governance capacity will be fully modernised, completing the comprehensive construction of a beautiful China.” 到2035年，广泛形成绿色生产生活方式，碳排放达峰后稳中有降，生态环境根本好转，国土空间开发保护新格局全面形成，生态系统多样性稳定性持续性显著提升，国家生态安全更加稳固，生态环境治理体系和治理能力现代化基本实现，美丽中国目标基本实现。展望本世纪中叶，生态文明全面提升，绿色发展方式和生活方式全面形成，重点领域实现深度脱碳，生态环境健康优美，生态环境治理体系和治理能力现代化全面实现，美丽中国全面建成.
Section 3 says: Accelerate the green transformation of development methods. I am only focussing on very specific references from this.
Optimise the development and protection pattern of national land space. In this it says: “Adhere to the ecological protection red line, strengthen law enforcement supervision, and protection and restoration efforts to ensure that the area covered by the national ecological protection red line remains above 3.15 million square kilometres. Firmly adhere to the red line of 1.8 billion mu of arable land…By 2035, the retention rate of the mainland’s natural shoreline should not be less than 35%, and the ecological functions of the ecological protection red line should not decrease, and its nature should not change.” 坚守生态保护红线，强化执法监管和保护修复，使全国生态保护红线面积保持在315万平方公里以上。坚决守住18亿亩耕地红线，确保可以长期稳定利用的耕地不再减少...到2035年，大陆自然岸线保有率不低于35%，生态保护红线生态功能不降低、性质不改变.
Actively and steadily promote carbon peak and neutrality. In this, it says: “Insist on establishing first and then breaking, accelerate the planning and construction of a new energy system, and ensure energy security. Focus on controlling the consumption of fossil energy such as coal, strengthen the clean and efficient use of coal, vigorously develop non-fossil energy, and accelerate the construction of new power systems.” 坚持先立后破，加快规划建设新型能源体系，确保能源安全。重点控制煤炭等化石能源消费，加强煤炭清洁高效利用，大力发展非化石能源，加快构建新型电力系统. It also calls to build a “dual control of energy consumption system”; national greenhouse gas inventory; implement the methane emission control action plan and study and formulate other non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emission control action plans; and further develop the national carbon market with expanding industry coverage.
Promote green and low-carbon development in key areas. In this, the document says “strictly control access and resolutely curb the blind launch of high-energy-consuming, high-emission, low-level projects. Vigorously promote the upgrading of traditional industrial processes, technologies, and equipment, achieve green and low-carbon transformation, and implement clean production level improvement projects. Accelerate the energy-saving and carbon-reduction renovation of existing buildings and municipal infrastructure, and promote the large-scale development of ultra-low energy consumption and low-carbon buildings.” 严把准入关口，坚决遏制高耗能、高排放、低水平项目盲目上马。大力推进传统产业工艺、技术、装备升级，实现绿色低碳转型，实施清洁生产水平提升工程. 加快既有建筑和市政基础设施节能降碳改造，推动超低能耗、低碳建筑规模化发展. It also talks about the green transformation of railway stations, civilian airports, port terminals, logistics parks, etc, and large-scale application of ultra-low and near-zero emission vehicles. “By 2027, the proportion of new energy vehicles among newly added automobiles will strive to reach 45%; the old diesel locomotives will be basically eliminated…by 2035, the proportion of railway freight turnover to the total turnover is expected to reach around 25%.”
Promote the conservation and intensive utilisation of various resources. “By 2035, energy and water resource utilisation efficiency will reach the internationally advanced level.” 到2035年，能源和水资源利用效率达到国际先进水平.
Section 4 discusses efforts to prevent and control pollution.
First combat air pollution: In terms of goals, this says: “by 2027, the national average concentration of fine particulate matter will drop below 28 micrograms/cubic metre, and cities at all levels and above will strive to meet the standard; by 2035, the national fine particle concentration will drop below 25 micrograms/cubic metre.” 到2027年，全国细颗粒物平均浓度下降到28微克/立方米以下，各地级及以上城市力争达标；到2035年，全国细颗粒物浓度下降到25微克/立方米以下，实现空气常新、蓝天常在.
Second water pollution. “By 2027, the proportion of excellent surface water quality and coastal water quality nationwide is expected to reach around 90% and 83%, respectively. The completion rate of beautiful rivers, lakes, and bays is targeted to reach about 40%.” 到2027年，全国地表水水质、近岸海域水质优良比例分别达到90%、83%左右，美丽河湖、美丽海湾建成率达到40%左右...
Third, soil pollution. In this, the document says “by 2027, the safe utilisation rate of contaminated farmland will reach more than 94%, and the safe use of construction land will be effectively guaranteed; by 2035, the proportion of Class I-IV water at national groundwater control points will reach more than 80%, and soil environmental risks will be fully controlled.” 到2027年，受污染耕地安全利用率达到94%以上，建设用地安全利用得到有效保障；到2035年，地下水国控点位Ⅰ—Ⅳ类水比例达到80%以上，土壤环境风险得到全面管控.
Fourth, management of solid waste and new pollutants. “By 2027, the proportion of ‘zero-waste cities’ will reach 60%, and the intensity of solid waste production will drop significantly; by 2035, the construction of ‘zero-waste cities’ will achieve full coverage, and the eastern provinces will take the lead in building ‘zero-waste cities’ in the whole region, and the environmental risks of new pollutants will be effectively controlled.” 到2027年，“无废城市”建设比例达到60%，固体废物产生强度明显下降；到2035年，“无废城市”建设实现全覆盖，东部省份率先全域建成“无废城市”，新污染物环境风险得到有效管控. It also says: “deepen the comprehensive ban on the entry of "foreign garbage," strictly prevent all forms of solid waste smuggling, and disguised imports.” 深化全面禁止“洋垃圾”入境工作，严防各种形式固体废物走私和变相进口。
Section 5 talks about enhancing the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the ecosystem.
First, it talks about the national park ecosystem. It says: “Comprehensively promote the construction of a natural protected area system with national parks as the main body, and complete the integration and optimization of national natural protected areas. Implement the national natural ecological resources monitoring, evaluation and early warning project…Strictly supervise owners, developers and even regulators, promptly detect and investigate various incidents related to ecological damage, and resolutely put an end to formalism in ecological restoration…By 2035, the national park system will be basically completed. 全面推进以国家公园为主体的自然保护地体系建设，完成全国自然保护地整合优化。实施全国自然生态资源监测评价预警工程。加强生态保护修复监管制度建设，强化统一监管。严格对所有者、开发者乃至监管者的监管，及时发现和查处各类生态破坏事件，坚决杜绝生态修复中的形式主义.
Second, implement integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands and sand. “By 2035, the national forest coverage rate will increase to 26%, the soil and water conservation rate will increase to 75%, and the ecosystem will basically achieve a virtuous cycle.” 到2035年，全国森林覆盖率提高至26%，水土保持率提高至75%，生态系统基本实现良性循环.
Strengthen biodiversity protection. “By 2035, the land area of national nature reserves will account for no less than 18% of the total land area, and typical ecosystems, nationally protected wild animals and plants, and their habitats will be fully protected.” 到2035年，全国自然保护地陆域面积占陆域国土面积比例不低于18%，典型生态系统、国家重点保护野生动植物及其栖息地得到全面保护.
Section 6 talks about maintaining the bottom line of environmental security.
Improve the national ecological security system. Implement the overall national security concept; improve the coordination mechanism of national ecological security work; strengthen cooperation with economic security, resource security and other fields; improve the national ecological security legal system, strategic system, policy system and response management system; enhance the national ecological security risk assessment, monitoring and early warning, emergency response and disposal capabilities; and form a comprehensively linked, three-dimensional and efficient national ecological security protection system.” 健全国家生态安全体系。贯彻总体国家安全观，完善国家生态安全工作协调机制，加强与经济安全、资源安全等领域协作，健全国家生态安全法治体系、战略体系、政策体系、应对管理体系，提升国家生态安全风险研判评估、监测预警、应急应对和处置能力，形成全域联动、立体高效的国家生态安全防护体系.
Ensure nuclear and radiation safety. This talks about building a “modernised nuclear safety regulatory system that aligns with the development of China's nuclear industry. Reinforce safety management for the first and new nuclear reactors. Conduct regular safety assessments of operational facilities, and continuously implement improvements. Accelerate the decommissioning and remediation of old facilities and the treatment and disposal of historically accumulated radioactive waste. Strengthen the safety management of nuclear technology utilisation and electromagnetic radiation environments. Enhance monitoring and research on the marine radiation environment in China's jurisdictional waters, and improve risk warning, monitoring, and emergency response capabilities. Uphold independent innovation for safe development, strengthen key and foundational technological research and development in the nuclear safety field, and promote intelligent safety management.” 确保核与辐射安全。强化国家核安全工作协调机制统筹作用，构建严密的核安全责任体系，全面提高核安全监管能力，建设与我国核事业发展相适应的现代化核安全监管体系，推动核安全高质量发展。强化首堆新堆安全管理，定期开展运行设施安全评价并持续实施改进，加快老旧设施退役治理和历史遗留放射性废物处理处置，加强核技术利用安全管理和电磁辐射环境管理。加强我国管辖海域海洋辐射环境监测和研究，提升风险预警监测和应急响应能力。坚持自主创新安全发展，加强核安全领域关键性、基础性科技研发和智能化安全管理.
Strengthen biosecurity management. This calls to “strengthen environmental risk detection, identification, evaluation and monitoring of biotechnology and its products.” 加强生物技术及其产品的环境风险检测、识别、评价和监测. It also calls to “improve the germplasm resources protection and utilization system, and strengthen the protection and management of biological genetic resources.” 健全种质资源保护与利用体系，加强生物遗传资源保护和管理.
Respond to the adverse impacts and risks of climate change via adaptive and mitigation strategies.
Strengthen environmental risk management processes and systems.
The rest of the sections discuss creating model zones for building Beautiful China, a broad set of publicity actions, governance, finance, technology and supervision mechanisms and finally strengthening Party control over implementation.
Page 2: Foreign affairs-related news is covered on the page. First, let’s look at recent China-US engagements. Of course, ILD chief Liu Jianchao has been visiting the US. His full engagement with CFR is available here.
Some excerpts:
When talking about high-quality development and security, Liu said: “very often I’m asked the question, will China ignore development as it talks more about security? Indeed, China has highlighted the importance of security, just as other countries do. We believe high quality of development can only be achieved in a highly secure environment. But what we pursue is a balanced and positive interplay between security and development. We will never ignore development. And it holds the key to solving all the problems and challenges in China…China will remain committed to the policy and keep its door open. Going forward, China will continue to expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, and management to create a market-oriented, law-based business environment that meets the international standard. In the process, we will try to address the concerns of the American businesses, such as market access to the service sector, cross-border flow of data, and equal participation in government procurement. In the same mind, we hope that the United States keeps its market open and provides the Chinese companies with equitable, just, and non-discriminatory business environment as well. So another question is, will China become more inward looking as it talks more about self-reliance? China has accelerated efforts to foster a new development pattern that is focused on the domestic economy and features positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows. But let me be very clear, for domestic circulation to function well it does need stronger international cooperation, more foreign trade, and better use of FDI. We benefited from these in the past. and China’s first joint venture automobile company, Beijing Jeep, was in partnership with the United States. And the first wholly foreign-owned company, W.R. Grace & Co., was also from the United States. We understand that our success comes from not only our own hard work, but also the cooperation with the world. And we are determined to strengthen such cooperation.”
On the world order, he said: “Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have all along have a good record on peace. We have never provoked a conflict or war, or occupied a single inch of foreign land. President Xi Jinping reiterated during his recent visit to the United States that China will not fight a Cold War or a hot war with anyone. People in Asia have our own way of dealing with each other, which values peace above everything else and seeks peaceful solutions to all disputes. China does not seek to change the current international order, still less reinvent the wheel by creating a new international order. We are one of the builders of the current world order and have benefited from it. We’ll continue to uphold the international system, with the U.N. at its core, and the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations. The human community with a shared future is about an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. To build it, we have proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative as the strategic guidance, and the Belt and Road Initiative as a practicing platform. Colleagues, this year marks the forty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Looking back, we see that this relationship has brought tremendous benefits to our two peoples and other peoples in the world.”
“For China, the Taiwan question is at the very core of the core interests. It’s the red line that must be crossed and we take serious the statements of the United States not supporting Taiwan independence. And we hope that the U.S. side will honor this commitment. We should expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Mutually beneficial cooperation brings benefits to our two peoples and adds certainty to our relationship. This is what we have learned from the past forty-five years of interactions, and something we must continue in the future. Our two countries can cooperate on a wide range of areas from trade, agriculture, to law enforcement, and artificial intelligence. Take our corporation in fentanyl as an example…The success of COP-28 has once again proven that China and the United States can accomplish big and good things when working together.”
On China-Russia ties: “I think that really—it’s not really limited only to China and Russia. I think that one of the features of the global transformation would be the collective emergence of the developing powers. I mean, economic rise of the emerging economies, including China, Russia, India, Brazil. So I think that basically where we are talking about the transformation will be in the rise collectively of the emerging economies. So certainly, China and Russia are part of the transformation powers. So I think that the China-Russia relations is strong, and we really—enjoy a good neighborly relationship, and also very strong strategic partnership. So I think that the—such a relationship between China and Russia benefit not only Chinese and the Russians, because we do need each other, and we also work together to ensure that the international balance of power. And that will ensure the peace and stability on the Eurasian continent, and also the world at large. So I think that the—I think that the relationship is useful for the two countries, and also useful for the region and the world.”
On the Ukraine war: “I don’t believe that the—you know, you when you say that China supports the military operation on Ukraine, because we do believe that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country must be respected. And the in the context of the Ukraine crisis, I think there’s more than that. And the security concern of a country, in particular in this regard—in this context, Russia, must also be very well addressed. So I think in terms of sustained peace and stability in the world, I think that there should be a balance of addressing all the concerns of all the countries in the world.” “FROMAN: Does that mean you—that China urges Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory? LIU: I think that we do want to see an end. And I do believe that when we talk to the Russians, they are showing enthusiasm of having peace talks with Ukraine. So we support that.”
On Iran’s role in Israel-Hamas conflict: “I was visiting Iran about three or four weeks ago, where we were talking about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. And the—I believe that the Iranians were moving about this conflict in a very prudent way. They say—they were telling me that we were not involved in any kind of support of Hamas in the fight—in the attack on Israel. And they did not really know beforehand that the attack was going to happen. So they don’t—they did not really give any military support or even military advice to Hamas. So I think that they are being very, very prudent in this regard.”
On China-US ties: “I think that it’s really up for the United States to develop the kind of perception of China based on good understanding and direct understanding of China’s strategic intentions. China does grow, and it has the right to grow in strength. And so China will naturally become more powerful in terms of its economy, its military, and many others areas as well. But China’s intention is basically to deliver a better life for the Chinese people. So we don’t really have any hidden agenda. Overtaking the United States is not our goal. So if we have that in mind, the kind of mutually beneficial cooperation would be possible.”
Some other developments related to Liu’s visit.
He is expected to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken today, as per a VOA report.
In New York, he was part of a Track 1.5 Dialogue. John Thornton, co-chair of the Asia Society's Board of Trustees and Daniel Russel, former US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs also participated in the event.
Liu Jianchao also met with US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer. The US readout says that they had “candid” discussions. “The two sides discussed the ongoing implementation of key outcomes from the Summit, including the resumption of military-to-military communication and cooperation to combat illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking. The two sides also discussed global and regional security issues, including challenges in the Middle East, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and cross-Strait issues. Mr. Finer stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. Mr. Finer and Minister Liu reaffirmed support for continued high-level diplomacy and interactions between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.” The Chinese readout says that the two sides should “continue to maintain communication, exchanges and cooperation…The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues. Liu Jianchao elaborated on China's position on the Taiwan and South China Sea issues.”
While in New York, Liu also met with News Corporation CEO Robert Thomson. They exchanged in-depth views on the role of media in Sino-US relations, the impact of social media on public opinion, the development trend of artificial intelligence, and China’s new energy policy. Executives from Dow Jones, Wall Street Journal and Barron's attended the meeting.
Finally, Liu also met with former US officials and representatives from the finance and business community. The report says that “founder of Bridgewater Associates Ray Dalio, former U.S. treasury secretaries Robert Rubin and Timothy Geithner, and former U.S. undersecretary of state Robert Hormats, and others, joined the meeting.”
Now, let’s look at other China-US developments this week.
First, the 17th defense policy coordination talks between China and the US were held in Washington earlier this week. The last round was held in 2021.
The US readout says:
Michael S. Chase, deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, led the U.S. delegation in hosting Chinese army Maj. Gen. Song Yanchao, deputy director of China's Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation. The talks are designed, in part, to set the agenda for further exchanges between the U.S. and China for the remainder of the calendar year. U.S. defense officials said resuming the talks, which were once held annually, was an important step toward reopening lines of communication between the two sides…The meeting also provided a forum for the two sides to discuss regional and global security issues. During the discussion, Chase underscored the importance of maintaining operational safety across the region and ‘reaffirmed that the United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows,’ according to the meeting summary. Chase also underscored the United States' commitment to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region and across the globe…Last month, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. held talks with his Chinese military counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli, for the first time since Brown became chairman. In previewing this week's talks, a U.S. official welcomed both meetings as signs of progress, but said there is more work to do in reestablishing normal military-to-military communications.”
“The Chinese side expressed that China is willing to develop a sound and stable military-to-military relationship with the US side on the basis of equality and respect and work together to follow through the important consensus on military-to-military engagement reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in San Francisco. The US side needs to take China’s concerns seriously and do more things that contribute to the growth of the military-to-military relationship.”
“The Chinese side emphasised that China will not make any concession or compromise on the Taiwan question and demanded that the US side abide by the one-China principle, honor relevant commitments, stop arming Taiwan, and not support Taiwan independence. The Chinese side urged the US side to reduce military presence and provocation in the South China Sea and stop supporting provocative actions by certain country. The Chinese side underscored that the US side should fully recognize the root cause of maritime and air security issues, strictly discipline its troops on the ground, and stop manipulating and hyping-up relevant issues. The Chinese side also elaborated China's stern positions and concerns on issues concerning China's core interests and international hot-spot issues.”
Second, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao spoke to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Thursday. Xinhua reports: “The two sides conducted in-depth and pragmatic communication on economic and trade issues of respective concern, with a focus on the implementation of the important consensus reached between the two heads of state at the San Francisco meeting. Wang said that the San Francisco meeting pointed out the direction for the development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and the communication mechanism between the two commerce departments should play an active role in creating favorable conditions for enterprise cooperation. He highlighted solemn concern about the restrictions imposed by the United States on the export of lithography machines by third parties to China, the investigation into the supply chain of mature-process chips, and sanctions against and suppression of Chinese enterprises. The two sides also discussed the national security boundaries in the China-U.S. economic and trade fields.”
The American readout says: “the two discussed plans for an in-person meeting of the working group (to address commercial issues of concern). Secretary Raimondo also reiterated that national security is not negotiable and emphasized that the United States Government’s ‘small yard, high fence’ approach is not about containing China’s economic development. Rather, it aims to safeguard our national security and values without unduly limiting trade and investment.” — Comment: Yeah, Beijing simply doesn’t see it this way. But then, what are China’s options amid this American policy, than protest with lots of moral haranguing, coerce the ones you can, incentivise Western businesses (but balancing this with security is a challenge), and invest in domestic capacity.
Third, China’s Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong spoke to US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday. Xinhua reports that the key point of the dialogue was “setting up a working group and carrying out cooperation on drug control.” A tweet by Mayorkas said that “We discussed the opportunities to work together to combat fentanyl and online child sexual exploitation and abuse, and to advance other law enforcement priorities.”
Finally, do note this interaction during MoFA’s press briefing yesterday.
Reuters: I have two questions on the elections in Taiwan. First, US officials said yesterday that the White House will send an unofficial delegation to Taiwan after the elections. What’s China’s comment? Second, the US yesterday said that any interference in Taiwan elections should be opposed. Reports say this is a warning for China. What’s the Foreign Ministry’s response?
Mao Ning: There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. China firmly opposes the US having any form of official contact with the Taiwan region. The US needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, stop official contact with the Taiwan region and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. The US must not interfere in the elections in the Taiwan region in any form, or do anything harmful to China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. On your second question, the Taiwan question is China’s internal affairs. Elections in the Taiwan region are purely China’s internal affairs that brook no external interference. China deplores and strongly opposes the US’ unwarranted comments on Taiwan’s elections. I need to stress that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. We urge the US to abide by the one-China principle and stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, honor the commitment made by US leaders, stop interfering in elections in the Taiwan region in any form and stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces. China will take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”
Another somewhat related exchange is worth noting:
Beijing Youth Daily: It’s reported that Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino met with Miao-hung Hsie, representative of the “Taipei economic and cultural office in Argentina”, on December 26, 2023. Sources said that this marks the first time for Argentina’s Foreign Minister to set aside the one-China principle and have “inter-governmental” relations with Taiwan. What’s China’s comment?
Mao Ning: I noted relevant reports. Argentina has clarified to China that what you said is just hyping-up and reiterated that the government of Argentina values its relationship with China and will stay committed to the one-China principle. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina also made clarifications to local media outlets. I’d like to stress that Taiwan is part of China and upholding the one-China principle is widely held consensus of the international community. Over the past five decades and more since China and Argentina established diplomatic ties, successive Argentinian administrations have upheld the one-China principle. China stands ready to work with Argentina to deepen our political mutual trust and advance the steady growth of China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership.
Okay, moving away, there’s a report in PD today confirming that Wang Yi will be travelling to Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. This is the 34th year that China’s FM’s first foreign visit of the year is to Africa. And immediately after this, he will travel to Brazil and Jamaica.
Finally, there’s a report on Wang’s chat with his Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly. The readouts issued by the two sides are so different in tone and substance. Reading them gives the sense that two very different meetings were taking place. The Chinese readout of the meeting sounds a lot like Wang being gracious while still lecturing a contrite Canadian foreign minister. The Canadian readout does not directly touch upon the frayed nature of ties, but sounds a lot like Ottawa wanting to talk about pragmatic issues of cooperation and contestation.
Wang said that “both China and Canada are countries with important influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The two countries have neither historical rows nor realistic conflicts of interests, and share many common interests and enjoy complementary advantages, he said. Wang noted that the current challenging China-Canada relationship is not what China desires, nor is caused by China, while China is open to maintain contact and dialogue with Canada.”
“Wang put forward three points on improving and developing China-Canada relations:
Firstly, correct cognition. The root cause of the downturn of China-Canada relations in recent years is the serious deviation of the Canadian side's perception of China. China hopes that the Canadian side can objectively, rationally and correctly interpret China's domestic and foreign policies. China neither exports ideology nor challenges the international order, but has consistently upheld the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law. At the same time, China must firmly safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests and never allow the Chinese people to be deprived of their legitimate rights to development, Wang said.”
“Secondly, mutual respect. The differences in social systems and ideologies between China and Canada stem from their respective histories, cultures, national conditions and people's choices. The two sides should respect each other, engage in dialogue on an equal footing, increase trust, dispel misgivings and strengthen communication responsibly and constructively, so as not to let differences dominate bilateral relations, Wang said. He also urged the Canadian side to earnestly implement its commitment to the one-China policy, preserve the political foundation of China-Canada relations, and not send any wrong signal to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”
“Thirdly, win-win cooperation. China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, and Chinese-style modernization will surely bring important development opportunities to Canada and other countries in the world, Wang said. As promoters and beneficiaries of free trade, China and Canada should jointly oppose the politicization and pan-security of economic issues and create a fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for business development, he added.”
As per Xinhua, Joly said that “Canada is willing to bring bilateral relations back to the right track with a more open, practical and constructive attitude, and is willing to strengthen communication and dialogue with China…”
This is the Canadian readout.
“The Ministers exchanged views on a wide range of critical global and regional issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region. Minister Joly raised concrete priorities for forward collaboration, including fighting climate change and deepening our economic and people-to-people ties, for the benefit of citizens and businesses in both countries, and both ministers tasked their respective officials to advance next steps. Minister Joly highlighted that amidst an international security crisis, Canada will pursue pragmatic diplomacy. She reiterated that Canada will continue to uphold its interests and values, as described in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and defend the international rules-based order. Both Ministers highlighted that despite recent challenges in the bilateral relationship, it is important to keep communication channels open.”
Page 3: There is a report (English report) on new measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into China for business, education and tourism.
And that’s all that I thought was worth going through in the paper today.