China-Peru Joint Statement - Celebrating NEV Output Landmark - Funding Basic Research - Yin Hejun Outlines Sci-Tech Tasks - Philippines Sends Supplies to Grounded Ship - Scarborough Shoal Patrol

Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Page 1: Let’s start by covering Xi Jinping’s visit to Peru. The paper is lagging behind on developments. Today, it has carried Xi’s article published in Peruvian media (English report) outlet El Peruano. Xi called Peru a “‘neighbor’ of China across the Pacific Ocean”. He wrote:

“Peruvian thinker José Carlos Mariátegui once said, ‘Spiritually and materially, China is closer to us than Europe. The psychology of our people is more Asian than Western.’ This is the ‘code of civilization’ that explains the inseparable bond between immigrants of Chinese origin and the local people, forged through seamless integration and familial ties over the past 175 years.”

“Peru is one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. For over 50 years, our bilateral relations have been progressing steadily. Especially since the elevation of our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013, our ties have grown stronger and our practical cooperation fruitful, bringing tangible benefits to our peoples. In fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, China sent a medical expert team to Peru. We also provided vaccines and other medical supplies to the best of our ability. We have proven through concrete actions that China is a trustworthy friend that Peru can rely on in crucial moments. Peru is the first Latin American country to sign a package FTA with China. It is also among the first in Latin America to participate in cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. China has been Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market for 10 consecutive years. Last year, Peru's exports to China accounted for 36 percent of its total exports. Chinese businesses have an investment stock of about US$ 30 billion in Peru. The Las Bambas copper mine, a project with investment from Chinese enterprises, contributes to about 1 percent of Peru's GDP, creating tens of thousands of job opportunities. The Saúl Garrido Rosillo Hospital in Tumbes, a project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise, will serve over 100,000 local residents. The water project in the three districts of Lima will enable more than 400,000 people to access clean water and sanitation services.”

The article talks about the inauguration ceremony of Chancay Port, which Xi has already participated in along with the Peruvian president Dina Boluarte. In the article, Xi wrote that:

“This is not only an important project under Belt and Road cooperation, but also the first smart port in South America. The first phase of the project, when completed, will reduce the sea shipping time from Peru to China to 23 days, thus cutting logistics costs by at least 20 percent. It is expected to generate US$ 4.5 billion in yearly revenues for Peru and create over 8,000 direct jobs. The completion of Chancay Port will enable Peru to put in place a multi-dimensional, diverse and efficient network of connectivity spanning from coast to inland, from Peru to Latin America and further on to the Caribbean. It will also help build an Inca Trail of the New Era with Chancay Port as its starting point, thus boosting the overall development and integration of the region. The port's development plan also includes establishing animal rescue services to fulfill its social responsibility for the rescue and protection of penguins, seals, and birds and to improve the environment of wetlands, beaches, and habitats. It is thus very important that we work together to ensure the success of Chancay Port from construction through operation, so that the route from Chancay to Shanghai will lead China, Peru and Latin America to common development and prosperity.”

• Xi also promised that “China is also ready to launch in Peru more ‘small and beautiful’ livelihood cooperation projects, open more Luban Workshops and centers for Chinese language learning, and strengthen cooperation on vocational education. We will encourage Chinese companies to create more jobs and fulfill their social responsibilities in Peru, making our paisano friendship more tangible and beneficial.”

• He added: “We should take more measures to facilitate personnel exchanges to garner greater public support for our relations. We should enhance cooperation under the framework of the Ancient Civilizations Forum. We should explore the establishment of a global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilizations, and support their exchanges and mutual learning.”

• And said: “China is ready to join Peru in embracing a broader vision and grasping the underlying trends of our times from a long historical perspective to champion true multilateralism, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and build together a community with a shared future for mankind.”

Xi has already held talks with the Peruvian president. The detailed readout is awaited. But the joint statement following the talks is out. Key points:

• Both sides are satisfied with the fruitful results of the talks, which will deepen bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as infrastructure, energy, and mining. Both sides emphasize that the ‘Joint Action Plan 2024-2029’ has great significance for promoting the development of bilateral relations. Both sides commit to taking concrete actions to implement this plan. 双方对会谈取得丰硕成果感到满意，这将深化双方在基础设施、能源和矿业等战略领域的合作关系。双方强调，《2024年至2029年共同行动计划》对推动两国关系发展具有重要意义。双方承诺将采取具体行动落实这一计划.

• Both sides emphasized that China's development brings new cooperation opportunities for developing countries, including Peru. The Chinese side reiterated its support for Peru to follow an economic and social development path that suits its national conditions, and wished Peru success in achieving its related goals.秘方对中华人民共和国成立75周年表示最热烈的祝贺，赞赏中国在现代化进程中取得的进步。双方强调，中国发展为包括秘鲁在内的发展中国家带来新的合作机遇。中方重申支持秘方走符合本国国情的经济社会发展道路，祝愿秘方实现相关目标.

• Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and core interests of all countries. Peru reiterated its firm adherence to the one-China principle. 双方重申恪守《联合国宪章》的宗旨和原则，尊重各国国家主权、领土完整和核心利益。秘方重申坚定恪守一个中国原则.

• Both sides welcome the signing of the upgraded protocol of the China-Peru Free Trade Agreement during this visit. Both sides are willing to continue to promote trade and investment facilitation, strengthen customs inspection and quarantine cooperation, and increase trade in high value-added products. 双方欢迎在此访期间签署中秘自由贸易协定升级议定书。双方愿继续推动贸易投资便利化，加强海关检验检疫合作，增加高附加值产品贸易.

• Both sides emphasized the importance of bilateral mechanisms such as the China-Peru Strategic Dialogue on Economic Cooperation. The two sides held the fourth strategic dialogue on economic cooperation in October 2024, conducted effective dialogues in the field of investment, and exchanged experiences and practices on issues such as investment standardization and facilitation. 双方强调中秘经济合作战略对话等双边机制十分重要。双方于2024年10月举行第四次经济合作战略对话，在投资领域开展了有效对话，并就投资规范化、便利化等问题交流了经验和做法.

• The document talks about cooperation in large-scale infrastructure projects, and areas like circular economy, sustainable agriculture, industrial and supply chains, digital economy investment, and green development.

• Both sides welcomed Chinese airlines to establish air links between China and Peru through code sharing to cultivate the market for the opening of direct flights between the two countries. 双方欢迎中方航空公司通过代码共享方式建立中秘航空联系，为两国开通直航培育市场. — Just a note on this. Xi stopped over in Gran Canaria on his way to Peru.

• Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, digital transformation, talent exchange, technology transfer, and digital security, promoting the development of emerging technologies like AI, robotics, IoT, blockchain, data analytics, nanotechnology, and telemedicine. 双方同意加强数字经济、科技创新、数字化转型、科技人才交流、技术转移、数字安全等领域合作，推动人工智能、机器人、物联网、区块链、数据分析、纳米技术、远程医疗等指数型技术发展. The two sides “stressed that it is of great significance to strengthen cooperation in AI capacity building and enhance the digital competitiveness of all people, especially the vulnerable groups. During the life cycle of AI systems, special attention should be paid to respecting, protecting and promoting human rights, fundamental freedoms, human dignity, safeguarding personal privacy and data, and promoting diversity and inclusiveness.” 双方强调，加强人工智能能力建设合作、提高所有人特别是弱势群体的数字竞争力具有重要意义。在人工智能系统的生命周期内，要特别注意尊重、保护和促进人权、基本自由、人的尊严，保障个人隐私和数据，促进多样性和包容性.

• The document then talks about strengthening cultural, educational and tourism exchanges. China also committed to doing “small but beautiful cooperation projects in the field of people’s livelihood” and “provide economic and technical assistance to Peru within its capacity.”

• Both sides are willing to strengthen fishery cooperation, promote sustainable development of fisheries, cooperate to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and agree to strengthen communication and exchanges between the law enforcement agencies of both sides. 双方愿加强渔业合作，促进渔业可持续发展，合作打击非法、不报告、不管制捕捞，同意加强双方执法部门沟通交流.

• The next bits talk about their “commitment to multilateralism, safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law…”; support for “the open, transparent and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core” and decision to “jointly safeguard multilateralism and oppose protectionism”; and “willingness to continue to promote the construction of high-quality cooperation mechanisms in key areas such as economy, trade, investment, minerals, infrastructure, industry, finance, industry, agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, green development, blue economy, new infrastructure construction, renewable energy, digital economy and e-commerce.” This is under BRI.

• Peru welcomes China’s willingness to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and reiterates that this agreement has expanded and enriched trade exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region. 秘方欢迎中方加入《全面与进步跨太平洋伙伴关系协定》的意愿，重申这一协定扩大和丰富了亚太地区贸易往来.

• Peru positively evaluates the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. And it reaffirmed support for GDI. Interestingly, there is no mention of GSI or the Global AI Governance Initiative by China. Anyway, “China appreciated Peru’s joining the ‘Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative’ and invited Peru to join the Global Development Promotion Center Network.”

Next, there’s a Ren Ping article discussing that as of November 14, China’s new energy vehicles output exceeded 10 million for the first time. The article says that “this is an important node for China to move from a large automobile country to a powerful automobile country, marking a new stage of high-quality development for China’s new energy vehicle industry.” 11月14日，我国新能源汽车年产量首破1000万辆。这是我国从汽车大国迈向汽车强国的重要节点，标志着我国新能源汽车产业迎来高质量发展新阶段.

The report adds that:

Looking back. In 2012, the annual output was 13,000 vehicles. In 2018, the annual output reached 1 million. In 2024, the annual output is expected to reach 12 million vehicles. Looking at the world. In 2023, China’s new energy vehicle production and sales accounted for more than 60% of the global total, and the production and sales volume ranked first in the world for 9 consecutive years. 回首来路。2012年，年产1.3万辆。2018年，年产达到百万量级。2024年，年产预计1200万辆。放眼全球。2023年，中国新能源汽车产销量占全球比重超过60%，产销量连续9年位居全球第一.

The article adds that:

“the reason why the new energy vehicle industry has grown from small to large and from weak to strong is that technological innovation is the key variable. After the ‘Qilin’ battery and ‘Shenxing’ battery, CATL recently released the ‘Xiaoyao’ super range-extended hybrid battery. This is the world’s first range-extended hybrid battery with a pure electric range of over 400 km, featuring 4C ultra-fast charging capability. In recent years, China has made major breakthroughs in core technology paths such as plug-in hybrid, pure electric, and hydrogen fuel, and has a leading advantage in the three major technical fields of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, motors, and electronic controls. By driving industrial innovation with technological innovation and strategically arranging the industrial chain around the development of new-quality productive forces, China has significantly enhanced the resilience and security level of the supply and industrial chains. Over 1000 intelligent devices, over 3000 robots working intelligently in coordination, 100% automation of key processes ... Using intelligent production, Chongqing SERES super factory rolls off two new energy vehicles per minute. Behind China’s transition from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Intelligently Made in China’ is the ‘qualitative change’ brought by technological innovation. As of now, China has established 421 national-level intelligent manufacturing demonstration factories and built tens of thousands of provincial-level digital workshops and intelligent factories.” 新能源汽车产业之所以由小到大、由弱变强，科技创新是关键变量。继麒麟电池、神行电池之后，前不久宁德时代发布“骁遥”超级增混电池。这是全球首款纯电续航达到400公里以上，兼具4C超充功能的增混电池。近年来，我国在插电式混合动力、纯电动、氢燃料等核心技术路径上均取得重大突破，在电池、电机、电控等新能源汽车三大技术领域具有领先优势。以科技创新推动产业创新，围绕发展新质生产力布局产业链，有力提升产业链供应链韧性和安全水平。超1000台智能化设备，超3000台机器人智能协同，关键工序100%自动化……运用智能化生产，重庆赛力斯超级工厂一分钟下线两台新能源汽车。从中国制造迈向中国智造的背后，是技术创新带来的“质变”。截至目前，我国已累计培育421家国家级智能制造示范工厂，建成万余家省级数字化车间和智能工厂.

The article adds:

In order to promote Chinese-style modernization, technological innovation is the only way. The 2024 Global Innovation Index Report shows that China’s global innovation ranking has jumped to 11th place, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in innovation in the past 10 years. In the first three quarters of this year, investment in high-tech industries increased by 10.0% year-on-year, 6.6 percentage points higher than total investment, maintaining double-digit growth for 7 consecutive months. The added value of high-tech manufacturing increased by 9.1%, 3.3 percentage points faster than all industries above designated size. We have sufficient strength and great potential to develop new quality productive forces by using disruptive and cutting-edge technologies to spawn new industries, new models, and new momentum. We will continue to do a good job in innovation, promote the accelerated integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and achieve high-level scientific and technological self-reliance. The scientific and technological support for Chinese-style modernization will be stronger. 推进中国式现代化，科技创新是必由之路。《2024年全球创新指数报告》显示，中国在全球的创新力排名跃升至第十一位，是10年来创新力上升最快的经济体之一。今年前三季度，高技术产业投资同比增长10.0%，增速比全部投资高6.6个百分点，连续7个月保持两位数增长。高技术制造业增加值增长9.1%，增速快于全部规模以上工业3.3个百分点。以颠覆性技术和前沿技术催生新产业、新模式、新动能，发展新质生产力，我们实力足、潜力大。继续做好创新这篇大文章，推动科技创新和产业创新加快融合，实现高水平科技自立自强，中国式现代化的科技支撑力将更为强劲.

Later the article says:

“Developing new energy vehicles is a strategic choice to conform to the trend of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation and promote green and low-carbon development. Since the new era, with the new development concept as a strategic guide and the goal of meeting the diverse needs of the people through green and low-carbon smart products, new energy vehicles have strongly driven the real economy toward a path of green and low-carbon development. In the wave of green and low-carbon growth, new-quality productive forces and a broad range of consumers are ‘heading toward each other’ — a 2022 market survey showed that users under 40 years old accounted for as much as 84% of new energy vehicle users in China, with people under 30 making up nearly half. A survey in the second quarter of this year showed that 53.6% of Chinese consumers chose new energy vehicles, noticeably higher than the 36.2% who preferred fuel-powered vehicles … In the wave of green and low-carbon growth, we are seizing the historical opportunity of electrification, intelligence and green transformation, taking the lead in switching to a new track, and establishing new advantages in international competition. In the first three quarters of this year, China’s cumulative exports of new energy vehicles reached 928,000, an increase of 12.5% ​​year-on-year. This has not only met the needs of global consumers for high-quality products and services, but has also led the global transportation energy transformation and reform…Today, China’s high-quality production capacity of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, photovoltaic products, etc., has provided important support for the world's green development. China's green production capacity has not only enriched global supply, but also effectively helped developing countries achieve carbon reduction targets and contributed to global response to climate change. 发展新能源汽车，正是顺应新一轮科技革命和产业变革趋势、推动绿色低碳发展的战略选择。新时代以来，以新发展理念为战略指引，以绿色低碳智能产品满足人民多样化需求，新能源汽车有力推动实体经济迈上绿色低碳发展之路。在绿色低碳的大潮中，新质生产力与广大消费者实现“双向奔赴”——2022年一项市场调研显示，我国新能源汽车40岁以下用户占比高达84%，其中30岁以下人群又约占一半。今年二季度一项调查显示，我国消费者选择新能源汽车的比重超过一半，达到53.6%，明显高于选择燃油类汽车消费者36.2%的比重。坚持人口高质量发展同人民高品质生活紧密结合，不断为人民提供优质多样产品，扎实推进全体人民共同富裕，超大规模市场的深层优势和人口高质量发展的长期优势将叠加出我国经济长期向好的大势。在绿色低碳的大潮中，我们抓住电动化、智能化、绿色化转型的历史机遇，率先改换新赛道，形成了国际竞争新优势。今年前三季度，我国新能源汽车累计出口92.8万辆，同比增长12.5%，不仅满足了全球消费者对优质产品和服务的需求，更引领了全球交通能源转型与变革。前不久，彭博新闻社网站发表《中国无法削减根本没有发放的电动汽车补贴》一文，指出“尤其是比亚迪，它在大型汽车制造商当中的资本成本是最高的”，认为“在清洁技术竞赛中，中国是个令人生畏的竞争对手”。今天，中国电动汽车、锂电池、光伏产品等优质产能，为世界绿色发展提供了重要助力。中国的绿色产能不仅丰富了全球供给，也有力帮助发展中国家实现减碳目标，为全球应对气候变化作出贡献.

In contrast, reporting from the US indicates that President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is planning to kill the $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric-vehicle purchases as part of broader tax-reform legislation. Reuters’ report adds that:

“ending the tax credit could have grave implications for an already stalling U.S. EV transition. And yet representatives of Tesla - by far the nation's biggest EV maker - have told a Trump-transition committee they support ending the subsidy, said the two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, one of Trump’s biggest backers and the world’s richest person, said in July that killing the subsidy might slightly hurt Tesla sales but would be ‘devastating’ to its U.S. EV competitors, which include legacy automakers such as General Motors…Repealing the subsidy, a signature measure of Democratic President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is being discussed in meetings by an energy-policy transition team led by billionaire oilman Harold Hamm, founder of Continental Resources, and Republican North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, the two sources said…Trump campaigned on ending Biden’s ‘EV mandate’, without spelling out specific targeted policies. The energy-focused transition team has determined some of Biden's clean-energy policies will be tough to end because they are popular and already funneling money to Republican-dominated states, the sources said. The team views the consumer EV credit as an easy target, believing that eliminating it would get broad consensus in a Republican-controlled Congress. Trump could use the cost savings from killing the credit to help pay for the extension of trillions of dollars in tax cuts from his first term that are set to expire soon, the two sources said. Congressional Republicans plan to take up the broader tax bill as one of their first actions.”

Another report, meanwhile, quotes CATL’s Robin Zeng saying that the company would be open to invest in a plant in the US if Trump opens the door to Chinese investment in the electric-vehicle supply chain. The report adds:

“Trump wants to prevent Chinese auto imports but has said he remains open to Chinese automakers building vehicles in the United States. Trump told Reuters in an August interview: ‘We’re going to give incentives, and if China and other countries want to come here and sell the cars, they're going to build plants here, and they're going to hire our workers.’ Such comments have kept Zeng interested in a US expansion for CATL. ‘I do hope that in the future they are open to investments,’ he said.”

Next, there’s a report on Li Qiang signing a decree of the State Council, unveiling a set of revised regulations on the use of the national natural science fund. This will come into effect on January 1, 2025. The Regulations have 7 chapters and 45 articles.

The revisions primarily cover the following:

• The National Natural Science Foundation should adhere to the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, focus on the forefront of world science and technology, the main economic battlefield, major national needs, and people’s health and well-being. The Foundation is explicitly designated to fund basic research, support talent cultivation and team building, and follow the principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality. When determining funded projects, both free exploration and goal-oriented research should be encouraged.

• Second, improve the management system to adapt to new trends and requirements in the development of scientific and technological innovation. The responsibilities of the Fund’s management organization, relevant departments, and supporting units are specified. The Fund’s main source is defined as central budget allocations, while diverse funding sources are encouraged, supporting more societal forces to participate in basic research. Enterprises and other organizations are encouraged to invest and conduct joint funding, and a technology innovation cooperation mechanism is established. Information system construction will be strengthened, and mechanisms for information sharing on scientific integrity management and sharing of project results will be improved.

• Third, improve the funding system and leverage the Fund’s role in promoting basic research development. Expand the scope of host institutions—besides universities, scientific research institutions, and relevant public welfare institutions, other units that meet national regulations can register as host institutions. Clearly establish special funds for cultivating young scientific and technological talent, supporting young talents who have achieved outstanding results in science and technology fields and show obvious innovation potential. Optimise the application and review procedures for major original and interdisciplinary innovation projects, improve the Fund performance evaluation system, require regular evaluations, and adjust and improve policies, management, and budget arrangements based on evaluation results.

• Fourth, strengthen the construction of scientific research integrity systems and create a good innovation environment. Strengthen the review of scientific research integrity during the application and review stage of projects funded by the Fund, implement the requirements of scientific research integrity commitment, and stipulate that applicants, participants, supporting units, fund management agency staff, review experts, etc. should sign a scientific research integrity commitment letter, and implement joint punishment in accordance with relevant national regulations for individuals and organizations with serious scientific research integrity breaches.

一是坚持党中央集中统一领导，明确工作原则。强调国家自然科学基金工作坚持党中央集中统一领导，应当面向世界科技前沿、面向经济主战场、面向国家重大需求、面向人民生命健康。明确国家自然科学基金用于资助基础研究，支持人才培养和团队建设，遵循公开、公平、公正的原则。确定基金资助项目时既要鼓励自由探索，又要坚持目标导向。二是健全管理体制，适应科技创新发展新趋势新要求。规定基金管理机构、有关部门以及依托单位的工作责任。明确基金主要来源于中央预算拨款，同时鼓励多元化投入，支持更多社会力量参与基础研究，鼓励企业和其他组织投入资金开展联合资助，建立科技创新合作机制。加强信息化建设，完善科研诚信管理信息共享、基金资助项目成果共享等机制。三是完善资助制度，发挥基金促进基础研究发展的作用。扩大依托单位范围，除高等学校、科学研究机构、有关公益性机构以外，其他符合国家规定的单位可以注册成为依托单位。明确设立专项资金，用于培养青年科学技术人才，支持在科学技术领域取得突出成绩且具有明显创新潜力的青年人才。优化重大原创性、交叉学科创新等基金资助项目的申请与评审程序，完善基金绩效评价制度，要求定期开展评价，根据评价结果调整完善政策、改进管理、优化预算安排。四是加强科研诚信制度建设，营造良好创新环境。在基金资助项目申请与评审阶段强化科研诚信审核力度，落实科研诚信承诺要求，规定申请人、参与者、依托单位以及基金管理机构工作人员、评审专家等均应当签署科研诚信承诺书，并对有科研诚信严重失信行为的个人、组织，按照国家有关规定实施联合惩戒.

Finally, there’s a report on Ding Xuexiang’s visit to Azerbaijan, where he met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku. Xinhua reports Ding saying that:

“China is willing to work with Azerbaijan in the spirit of sincere mutual trust and mutual benefit to strengthen political guidance, deepen comprehensive cooperation, so as to achieve their respective development and revitalization goals … Ding also extended China’s congratulations on Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku and expressed China’s readiness to work with Azerbaijan to make joint contributions to the international efforts to build a beautiful planet and realize the sustainable development of the world. China values Azerbaijan’s significant role in international and regional affairs and is prepared to work with Azerbaijan to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, so as to promote building a community with a shared future for mankind, Ding said.”

He also met with Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev. Xinhua reports:

Ding said that “both sides should implement the key consensuses reached by the two leaders, firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Azerbaijan relations, to achieve shared development and prosperity, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Ding expressed China’s willingness to align the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Azerbaijan’s economic and social development strategies and enrich the strategic partnership with more practical cooperation outcomes. China seeks to strengthen trade and investment cooperation and enable more high-quality Azerbaijani products to enter the Chinese market, welcomes Azerbaijani businesses to invest and grow in China, and encourages and supports Chinese companies to invest and develop in Azerbaijan, Ding said. He noted that China actively adapts itself to the trend of green and low-carbon transition and continues to deepen energy cooperation. China strengthens connectivity to ensure the safe, stable, and smooth operation of China-Europe freight trains, and works with Azerbaijan and other countries along the route to build the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, Ding said. Ding called for enhancing cooperation in culture, education, science, tourism and other areas, facilitating personnel exchanges between the two countries, and promoting mutual understanding between the peoples. The two countries should strengthen mutual support and coordination in international and regional affairs to safeguard the shared interests of both countries and other developing nations, he added. Mustafayev said that Azerbaijan highly values the BRI proposed by Xi and was one of the first countries to formally support it. Noting that the relationship between Azerbaijan and China is strong and resilient, he said that Azerbaijan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to push for greater development of bilateral relations by further aligning development strategies with China, and deepening bilateral practical cooperation in trade, investment, energy, finance, people-to-people exchanges and other areas.”

Page 2: He Lifeng met with HSBC Group Chairman Mark Tucker. Xinhua reports that He said that “China welcomes more foreign financial institutions and long-term capital to invest and operate in China”. 

The report adds: “The vice premier said that China is making efforts to deepen the reform of its financial system, steadily expand institutional opening-up in its financial sector, and create a transparent, stable and predictable institutional environment, providing greater convenience for foreign enterprises to expand their business in China. Tucker said that HSBC Group is confident in the prospects of China’s economy and financial market, and will continue to expand its investment in China.”

Second, there’s a report on the 9th meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism. Chen Wenqing and Sergei Shoigu chaired this meeting. 

Xinhua reports that Chen said that in recent years, leaders of the two countries have reached a series of important consensuses on developing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, while bilateral relations have continued to develop at a high level. Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Chen said that China is ready to work with Russia to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for the steady and long-term development of China-Russia relations in the new era. Since the establishment of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism 11 years ago, relevant departments of the two countries have cooperated closely in safeguarding political security, anti-terrorism and judicial assistance, and achieved many practical results, Chen said. China is willing to deepen strategic communication with Russia, promote close coordination and cooperation between departments of the two sides, work together further in safeguarding political security, cybersecurity, Belt and Road security and combating transnational crimes, to better ensure the overall development and stability of the two countries, Chen added. Shoigu said that Russia is willing to comprehensively advance security and law-enforcement cooperation with China to better safeguard the security interests of both countries.”

Page 3: There’s a report on the gains from the trade-in policy with regard to household appliances. It says that “According to the State Administration for Market Regulation's monitoring of consumer goods data registered with commodity barcodes, from March 7 to November 7, China added 15.166 million new varieties of consumer goods, a year-on-year increase of 15.7%. Data shows that eight categories of household appliances - refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, computers, water heaters, household stoves, and range hoods - showed notable growth, adding a total of 102,000 new varieties, a year-on-year increase of 79%.” 市场监管总局对登记使用商品条码的消费品数据监测显示，3月7日至11月7日，我国消费品新增1516.6万种，同比增长15.7%。数据显示，冰箱、洗衣机、电视、空调、电脑、热水器、家用灶具和吸油烟机等8类家电产品数量增长突出，共新增10.2万种，同比增长79%.

• refrigerators added 11,000 new varieties, up 140.5% year-on-year

• washing machines added 5,000 new varieties, up 8.8% year-on-year

• air conditioners added 22,000 new varieties, up 156.8% year-on-year

• computers added 33,000 new varieties, up 67.7% year-on-year

• water heaters added 11,000 new varieties, up 187.2% year-on-year

• household stoves added 12,000 new varieties, up 120.4% year-on-year

• range hoods added 5,000 new varieties, up 257.3% year-on-year

• televisions added 3,000 new varieties, down 66.2% year-on-year

Page 7: There is a report informing that the number of college graduates in 2025 is expected to reach 12.22 million, an increase of 430,000 year-on-year. 

Another report informs that a total of 2.85 million housing units have been successfully delivered as of November 13 under the Chinese government’s efforts to guarantee smooth delivery, said the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development on Thursday.

China Daily has an English report with details. It says that:

“To ensure the completion of housing projects, local governments have adopted tailored and innovative approaches based on regional needs, such as streamlined business operations, incentivized bank financing, enhanced judicial support and differentiated disposal strategies, the ministry said. The efforts have been reinforced by the establishment of real estate financing coordination mechanisms in 297 cities, which has enabled banks to improve real estate loan processes and develop innovative financing solutions. As of Oct 31, loans for ‘white list’ projects had surpassed 3 trillion yuan ($414.2billion) in approvals, it said. The initiative has led to significant improvements in delivery rates across the country, with a slew of cities witnessing impressive results. As of Nov 13, 74 regions, including Shanghai; Chengde in Hebei province; Xuzhou in Jiangsu province; and Fujian, Gansu and Heilongjiang provinces reported delivery rates of over 80 percent, it said. In addition, 24 cities, such as Liupanshui in Guizhou province, Xiamen in Fujian and Ezhou in Hubei province, achieved delivery rates of above 90 percent, while for another six cities, including Xinyu in Jiangxi and Jinchang in Gansu, the figure reached 100 percent.”

Page 11: There’s an article by Minister of Science and Technology Yin Hejun. In the first section, he writes that:

• “We must give full play to the fundamental supporting role of scientific and technological innovation, accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, lead the construction of a modern industrial system, and provide strong impetus and support for high-quality development.” 我们要发挥科技创新的根本支撑作用，加快发展新质生产力，引领现代化产业体系建设，为高质量发展提供强劲推动力、支撑力.

• We must adhere to the strategic leading position of scientific and technological innovation, open up new fields and new tracks, seize the initiative in global scientific and technological competition, and win the initiative in the development of emerging industries and future industries. 我们必须坚持科技创新的战略先导地位，开辟新领域新赛道，在全球科技竞争中抢占先机，在新兴产业、未来产业发展中赢得主动权。

• At present, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with economic globalization facing headwinds. Some countries are building ‘small yards with high walls’, forcefully promoting ‘decoupling and breaking of chains’, and suppressing the development of China’s high-tech industries. We must accelerate the realization of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening, firmly holding the lifeline of technology and the initiative for development in our own hands. 当前，世界进入新的动荡变革期，经济全球化遭遇逆流，部分国家构筑“小院高墙”，强推“脱钩断链”，打压我国高科技产业发展。我们必须加快实现高水平科技自立自强，把科技命脉和发展主动权牢牢掌握在自己手中.

In the second section, he reiterates that scientific and technological innovation provides a strong material and technological foundation for China’s high-quality development. He then outlines some of China’s achievements.

From 2013 to 2023, the added value of China’s high-tech manufacturing industry above designated size grew by an average of 10.3% per year. In 2023, the added value of the ‘three new’ economy — centred on new industries, new formats and new business models as the core content — accounted for 17.73% of GDP, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from 2016. High-performance equipment, intelligent robots, additive manufacturing, laser manufacturing and other technologies have effectively taken ‘Made in China’ to a higher level. The C919 large aircraft has achieved commercial flight, there has been large-scale application of 5G technology, and the ‘new three items’ of foreign trade - new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products - are setting sail abroad. China has systematically mastered the complete set of high-speed rail construction technologies, becoming the world's only country capable of building and operating high-speed rail under various climatic environments and complex challenging geological conditions. Clean and efficient use of coal, new nuclear power, and ultra-high voltage power transmission are leading the world, while photovoltaic and wind power installed capacity, as well as energy storage and hydrogen production scale, rank first in the world. 科技创新和产业创新融合更加紧密。重大科技创新成果引领产业发展，2013—2023年，我国规模以上高技术制造业增加值年均增长10.3%。2023年以新产业、新业态、新商业模式为核心内容的“三新”经济增加值占GDP的比重为17.73%，比2016年提高2.4个百分点。高性能装备、智能机器人、增材制造、激光制造等技术有力推动“中国制造”迈向更高水平。C919大飞机实现商飞，5G率先实现规模化应用，新能源汽车、锂电池、光伏产品等外贸“新三样”扬帆出海。我国系统掌握高铁建造成套技术，成为世界上唯一能在各种气候环境和复杂艰险地质条件下建设和运营高铁的国家。煤炭清洁高效利用、新型核电、特高压输电走在世界前列，光伏、风电装机容量以及储能、制氢规模居世界首位.

Breakthroughs in key core technologies have upheld secure development. We have actively seized the commanding heights in strategic high-tech fields such as deep space, deep sea, and deep earth. The Beidou navigation system has achieved global operation, and a system of manned submersibles has been developed. The drilling depth of ‘Crust No. 1’ has exceeded 9,000 meters. The innovation and application of a number of key technologies and equipment have effectively guaranteed the construction of major national projects, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and the Sichuan-Tibet Railway. Scientific and technological innovation has achieved new results in ensuring national food security, with the area of ​​self-bred varieties of major crops exceeding 95%. 　关键核心技术突破为安全发展保驾护航。深空、深海、深地等战略高技术领域积极抢占科技制高点，北斗导航系统实现全球化运营，潜水器载人谱系化发展，“地壳一号”钻井深度超过9000米。一批关键技术和装备的创新、应用有力保障了港珠澳大桥、北京大兴国际机场、川藏铁路等国家重大工程建设。科技创新保障国家粮食安全取得新成效，主要农作物自主选育品种面积超过95%。

In the final section, the minister talks about the tasks going ahead. He writes:

• Strengthen R&D of key core technologies. Leverage the advantages of the new national system, and strive to break through the ‘chokepoint’ technologies in the fields of integrated circuits, industrial mother machines, advanced materials, basic software, and core seed sources. Accelerate the implementation of a number of strategic, overall and forward-looking national science and technology major projects, continue to implement major national science and technology projects, promote overall breakthroughs in key frontier science and technology fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cutting-edge semiconductors, life and health sciences, and new energy, and lead the direction of technological change. 加强关键核心技术攻关。发挥新型举国体制优势，着力突破集成电路、工业母机、先进材料、基础软件、核心种源等领域“卡脖子”技术。加快实施一批具有战略性全局性前瞻性的国家科技重大项目，接续实施国家科技重大专项，推动人工智能、量子科技、前沿半导体、生命健康、新能源等重点前沿科技领域实现整体突破，引领技术变革方向。

• Accelerate the cultivation and development of new quality productive forces. Focus on key common technologies, frontier leading technologies, modern engineering technologies, and disruptive technologies that support the modern industrial system. Strengthen technological innovation in fields such as new generation information technology, high-end equipment, biomedicine, new materials, and new energy. Promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries with new technologies, and actively cultivate emerging industries and future industries. Research and formulate policies related to scientific and technological achievement transformation in the new era, accelerate the layout and construction of a batch of concept verification and pilot verification platforms, improve the application policies for first (sets), first batches, and first versions, increase government procurement of independent innovation products, and accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into real productive forces. 　加快培育发展新质生产力。聚焦支撑现代化产业体系的关键共性技术、前沿引领技术、现代工程技术和颠覆性技术，强化新一代信息技术、高端装备、生物医药、新材料、新能源等领域的技术创新，推动新技术改造提升传统产业，积极培育新兴产业和未来产业。研究制定新时期科技成果转化相关政策，加快布局建设一批概念验证、中试验证平台，完善首台（套）、首批次、首版次应用政策，加大政府采购自主创新产品力度，加速推动科技成果向现实生产力转化.

• Comprehensively support high-quality social development. Accelerate the promotion of technological innovation in the fields of major disease prevention and treatment, drugs and medical devices, health of key populations, and inheritance of traditional Chinese medicine, thereby comprehensively supporting the construction of a Healthy China. Improve the quality of technical equipment in the fields of social security, infrastructure and production safety, and major disaster response, and support the construction of a Safe China. Accelerate the promotion of technical research and application of results in the fields of ecosystem protection and restoration, environmental health risk prevention and control, key regional river basin ecological protection, and climate change response, and support the realisation of the ‘dual carbon’ goals and the construction of a Beautiful China.　全面支撑社会高质量发展。加快推动重大疾病防治、药品与医疗器械、重点人群健康、中医药传承等领域技术创新，全面支撑健康中国建设。提升社会安全、基础设施和生产安全、重大灾害应对等领域技术装备水平，支撑平安中国建设。加快推进生态系统保护与修复、环境健康风险防控、重点区域流域生态保护、应对气候变化等领域技术攻关和成果应用，支撑“双碳”目标实现和美丽中国建设.

• Deepen the reform of the science and technology system. Strengthen the coordination of science and technology system reform and policies, shifting science and technology policies from isolated management of individual segments toward the construction of an efficient and collaborative policy system. Adhere to integrated reform of education, science and technology, and talent systems and mechanisms, improve the working mechanisms for talent cultivation, introduction, utilisation, and rational flow, cultivate more high-level science and technology talents in scientific research practice, and consolidate the talent foundation for high-quality development. 深入推进科技体制改革。加强科技体制改革和政策统筹，推动科技政策从各管一段向构建高效协同的政策体系转变。坚持教育科技人才体制机制一体改革，完善人才培养、引进、使用、合理流动的工作机制，在科研实践中培养造就更多高水平科技人才，为高质量发展夯实人才基础.

• Build an open and innovative environment with global competitiveness. Accelerate the implementation of global scientific research funds and support researchers from various countries to jointly overcome scientific and technological challenges. Implement more active, more open and more effective talent policies, increase the opening up of national science and technology plans, and attract more outstanding scientific and technological talents from all over the world to innovate and start businesses in China. Deepen the implementation of the Science and Technology Partnership Program and continue to promote the BRI scientific and technological innovation cooperation. Encourage the establishment of international science and technology organizations in China, actively participate in the formulation of international science and technology rules, and contribute more Chinese wisdom to global science and technology governance. 建设具有全球竞争力的开放创新环境。加快实施面向全球的科学研究基金，支持与各国科研人员共同攻克科技难题。实施更加积极、更加开放、更加有效的人才政策，加大国家科技计划对外开放力度，吸引更多全球优秀科技人才来华创新创业。深入实施科技伙伴计划，持续推进“一带一路”科技创新合作。鼓励在华设立国际科技组织，积极参与国际科技规则制定，为全球科技治理贡献更多中国智慧.

Finally, outside the paper, there are two statements from the China Coast Guard.

First, Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the China Coast Guard, said that on November 14, with China’s permission, the Philippines sent a civilian ship to deliver daily necessities to its warship that was illegally ‘grounded’ on Ren’ai Reef (Second Thomas Shoal). The CCG questioned and confirmed the Philippine ship and supervised the entire process. It is hoped that the Philippines will honour its commitment, move in the same direction as China, and jointly manage the maritime situation. The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands), including Ren’ai Reef, and its surrounding waters in accordance with the law. 中国海警局新闻发言人刘德军表示，11月14日，经中方允许，菲律宾派1艘民船对其非法“坐滩”仁爱礁军舰运送生活物资，中国海警对菲船只询问确认并全程监管。希望菲方信守承诺，同中方相向而行，共同管控好海上局势。中国海警将持续依法在包括仁爱礁在内的南沙群岛及其附近海域开展维权执法活动.

Second, CCG “conducted law enforcement patrols” on Thursday in the territorial waters and surrounding areas of Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea. “This rights protection patrol was carried out by the CCG in accordance with the law”. Global Times reported:

“The Chinese military on Wednesday conducted combat readiness patrols over the territorial waters and airspace of China’s Huangyan Dao and surrounding areas. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said the latest move, involving naval and air forces, was a lawful patrol activity. The patrols came after China released the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao on Sunday. ‘The patrols by the China Coast Guard and Chinese military demonstrate China's position of sovereignty in the maritime area through concrete actions,’ Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday. These patrols were also intended to uphold maritime order in the region, Chen said, noting that they aimed to regulate the management of the waters surrounding Huangyan Dao, signaling to the Philippines and the US that China would take corresponding law enforcement actions. ‘Through maritime patrols, China can effectively demonstrate and exercise its rights, thereby upholding its legitimate interests in the relevant waters,’ Chen said.”