China-Portugal Ties - Banking on Sports Consumption - What Changes are Expected in Cybersecurity Law & Foreign Trade Law - Xi's Letter to Kim
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Page 1: Let’s begin with the report on Xi Jinping meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. Xinhua says:
“Xi said both China and Portugal are nations with a long history and rich culture, and the two peoples share the character traits of being open, inclusive, enterprising and self-reliant, adding that the two sides have appropriately resolved the Macao issue through friendly consultations. Xi said in recent years, the two countries have achieved fruitful outcomes in cooperation across various fields, setting a model of mutual respect and mutual benefit for countries with different social systems and national conditions. Noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Portugal, steer the bilateral relations in the right direction, make the good relations even better, and contribute more to the prosperity and progress of the two countries and the world through solidarity and cooperation. Xi called on the two sides to carry forward the traditional friendship, maintain mutual trust and support, deepen the alignment of development strategies, and expand practical cooperation in areas such as innovation, green development, maritime affairs and healthcare. He noted that the two sides should give full play to Macao's unique role as a bridge and make good use of mechanisms like the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes at a higher level. They should also encourage exchanges in culture, education, tourism and scientific research, as well as deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, he added. ‘The more turbulent the international landscape becomes, the greater the need for China and Europe to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation,’ Xi said, expressing the hope that Portugal will work with China to uphold the orientation of the China-EU partnership and promote the sustained, stable and healthy development of China-EU relations. Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN), Xi stressed that China is ready to work closely with Portugal in multilateral affairs to jointly practice true multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the UN and the free trade system, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.”
As per the readout, Montenegro said that:
“Portugal will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and will never forget the valuable support and assistance provided by China during Portugal’s most difficult economic period. Portugal is firmly committed to deepening friendly cooperation between Portugal and China and looks forward to enhancing political mutual trust, strengthening economic and trade ties, increasing two-way investment, and deepening cooperation in energy, finance, health, water conservancy, and other areas with China, to further promote the development of bilateral relations. China plays a vital role in international affairs. Portugal agrees with the important concepts underlying President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, stands ready to jointly uphold multilateralism, and welcomes China’s greater contribution to improving the global governance system. China is an irreplaceable partner of Europe, and Portugal is willing to play an active role in promoting the healthy and stable development of EU-China relations.” 葡方将继续奉行一个中国政策，不会忘记中方在葡经济最困难时期给予的宝贵支持帮助。葡方坚定致力于深化葡中友好合作，期待同中方增进政治互信，密切经贸联系，加强双向投资，深化能源、金融、卫生、水利等方面合作，推动两国关系继续向前发展。中国在国际事务中发挥着至关重要作用，葡方赞同习近平主席提出的全球治理倡议蕴含的重要理念，愿共同维护多边主义，乐见中方为完善全球治理体系作出更大贡献。中国是欧洲不可替代的合作伙伴，葡方愿为推动欧中关系健康稳定发展发挥积极作用.
Montenegro also met with Li Qiang. The report says:
“Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Portugal, continue to jointly build BRI with high quality, make good use of mechanisms such as the Strategic Dialogue, the Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, and the China-Portuguese Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum to promote the optimised and balanced development of bilateral trade, tap the potential in emerging areas such as the digital economy and the green economy, create more growth points for cooperation, and support enterprises from both countries to jointly explore third-party markets.” 李强指出，中方愿同葡方加强发展战略对接，继续高质量共建“一带一路”，用好战略对话、经贸混委会、中国—葡语国家经贸合作论坛等机制，推动双边贸易优化平衡发展，在数字经济、绿色经济等新兴领域深挖潜力，打造更多合作增长点，支持两国企业联手开拓第三方市场.
“China is willing to import more high-quality agricultural and food products from Portugal, encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Portugal, and hope Portugal will create a favourable business environment. The two sides should also further facilitate personnel exchanges, unleash the vitality of the tourism economy, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the people-to-people exchanges, including between universities, on language education, digital education, and youth development. Currently, unilateralism and protectionism are severely impacting the international order. As two major global powers, China and Europe should strengthen coordination and jointly address the situation. It is hoped that Portugal will urge and guide the EU to uphold the China-EU partnership, adopt a proactive and pragmatic policy toward China, and work with China to safeguard free trade and uphold the common interests of China and Europe.” 中方愿进口葡更多优质农食产品，鼓励更多中国企业赴葡投资，希望葡方营造良好营商环境。双方还要进一步便利人员往来，释放旅游经济活力，加强高校、语言教学、数字教育、青少年等人文领域交流合作。当前，单边主义、保护主义行径严重冲击国际秩序，中欧作为全球两大力量，应当加强协调，共同应对。希望葡方推动引导欧盟坚持中欧伙伴定位，采取积极、务实对华政策，同中方一道维护自由贸易，维护中欧共同利益.
Among other things, Montenegro reportedly said:
“Portugal welcomes Chinese companies to invest and do business in Portugal and hopes to actively expand trilateral cooperation with China. Portugal is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, jointly oppose protectionism, and safeguard open and fair free trade. Portugal supports enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China and is willing to play a constructive role in this regard.” 葡方欢迎中国企业赴葡投资兴业，希与中方积极拓展三方合作。葡方愿同中方加强在联合国等多边平台的沟通协调，共同反对保护主义，维护开放公平的自由贸易。葡方支持欧中加强对话合作，愿为此发挥建设性作用.
At the top of the page, there’s a report on Xi’s letter to eight rural teachers ahead of Teachers’ Day. Xi wrote:
“I hope you will continue to uphold the original aspiration of education, constantly improve your teaching and nurturing skills, care for and guide children’s healthy growth with care and affection, and strive to cultivate more socialist builders and successors who have sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills, making new contributions to promoting rural revitalisation and building a strong nation through education.” 教育大计，教师为本。希望你们继续坚守教育初心，不断提高教书育人本领，用心用情呵护引导孩子们健康成长，努力培养出更多德智体美劳全面发展的社会主义建设者和接班人，为推进乡村振兴、建设教育强国作出新的贡献.
As per the report, this letter was sent to teachers who are part of the Special-Post Teachers Program, a central government-funded initiative that has sent about 1.18 million college graduates to teach in rural areas of central and western China since 2006. The program has covered over 30,000 schools, spanning more than 1,000 counties in 22 provincial-level regions.
Li Qiang also issued instructions “on doing the work of special-post teachers well, pointing out that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s reply letter to representatives of special-post teachers fully embodies the concern and importance that the Party Central Committee attaches to teachers. The broad ranks of teachers and education workers must uphold Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, vigorously carry forward the spirit of educators, comprehensively implement the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education, go to the places where the motherland and the people most need, impart knowledge, teach skills, and nurture people, and contribute greater strength to the building of an education-strong country.” 中共中央政治局常委、国务院总理李强对做好特岗教师工作作出批示指出，习近平总书记给全国特岗教师代表回信，充分体现了党中央对教师队伍的关心和重视。广大教师和教育工作者要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，大力弘扬教育家精神，全面落实立德树人根本任务，到祖国和人民最需要的地方传道授业、教书育人，为教育强国建设贡献更大力量.
Next, there’s a brief report on Xi congratulating Kim Jong Un on North Korea’s 77th founding anniversary.
In his letter, Xi wrote:
“Over the past 77 years, the WPK has united and led the people in the DPRK to forge ahead unremittingly and promote the continuous development of all socialist undertakings in the country. In recent years, under the leadership of the WPK headed by Comrade General Secretary Kim, the people in the DPRK have strived hard to fulfill the goals and tasks set out at the 8th Congress of the WPK, and have achieved many gratifying accomplishments, Xi said. Xi expressed his belief that the people in the DPRK will greet the WPK’s 9th Congress with high spirits and outstanding achievements, and open a new chapter in the cause of building DPRK-style socialism.”
“Stressing that China and the DPRK are traditional friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi said that it has always been the steadfast strategic guideline for the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop well China-DPRK ties. Noting that a few days ago, Kim came to China to attend the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that he met Kim again to jointly plan a blueprint for the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries. Xi said the Chinese side stands ready to enhance strategic communication, maintain close exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK, and join hands to promote China-DPRK friendship and the socialist cause of the two countries, so as to make greater contributions to peace and development in the region and the world at large.”
Next, there’s a report on China’s lawmakers discussing the draft environmental code. Zhao Leji called for more “suggestions for the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code”, along with the need to “build legislative consensus, and improve the quality of legislation.”
After listening to the views of the attendees, Zhao said that “since the 18th Party Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has stressed on ecological civilisation development as a fundamental priority for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, planning and promoting a series of groundbreaking initiatives that have led to historic, transformative, and overall changes in China’s ecological civilisation development. Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilisation has taken root in the hearts of the people and has become a fundamental guideline for building a Beautiful China, increasingly manifesting truth power in the practice of Chinese-style modernisation advancing harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. People’s Congress deputies and officials should earnestly study and comprehend Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilisation, deeply grasping the new concepts, ideas, and strategies, such as ‘lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,’ ‘a good ecological environment is the most universal welfare for people's livelihood’, and ‘protecting the ecological environment with the strictest systems and the most stringent rule of law’, and ensure their implementation in their duties and work.” 座谈会上，代表们围绕深入学习贯彻习近平生态文明思想，结合编纂生态环境法典作了发言，提出意见建议。赵乐际认真倾听，同代表深入交流。他说，党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央把生态文明建设作为关系中华民族永续发展的根本大计，谋划推进一系列开创性工作，引领我国生态文明建设发生历史性、转折性、全局性变化。习近平生态文明思想深入人心，成为美丽中国建设的根本遵循，在推进人与自然和谐共生的中国式现代化实践中日益彰显真理力量。人大代表、人大干部要认真学习领悟习近平生态文明思想，深刻领会绿水青山就是金山银山、良好生态环境是最普惠的民生福祉、用最严格制度最严密法治保护生态环境等一系列新理念新思想新战略，结合履职和工作实际抓好落实.
Zhao Leji pointed out that compiling the Ecological Environment Code is a major legislative task determined by the Party Central Committee. The Standing Committee previously reviewed the draft Ecological Environment Code in its entirety. This meeting is reviewing the draft General Provisions, the draft section on Ecological Protection, and the draft section on Green and Low-Carbon Development of the Ecological and Environmental Code. The Standing Committee adheres to democratic and open legislation, soliciting public opinion on the draft code and collecting feedback through the representative work information platform. He expressed hope that representatives will continue to offer suggestions and advice for the compilation of the Ecological Environment Code. 赵乐际指出，编纂生态环境法典是党中央确定的重大立法任务。此前常委会会议整体审议了生态环境法典草案，本次会议安排审议总则编草案、生态保护编草案、绿色低碳发展编草案。常委会坚持民主立法、开门立法，法典草案向社会公开征求意见，并通过代表工作信息化平台征集意见。希望代表继续为编纂生态环境法典建言献策.
He also told the attendees that: “Participating in legislative work places high demands on deputies’ political standing, theoretical knowledge, and ability to perform their duties. They must thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Rule of Law and General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on upholding and improving the people’s congress system. Focusing on implementing the Party Central Committee’s major policies and guidelines and fully implementing the Constitution and laws, they must consciously exercise their rights and perform their duties based on the overall situation and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people. During the session, conscientiously participate in deliberations and voting, put forward bills and proposals on legislation and amendment of laws; during the recess period, according to arrangements, attend Standing Committee meetings in a non-voting capacity, raise opinions and suggestions on draft laws, and actively take part in legislative research, argumentation, evaluation, and other work. It is necessary to maintain close ties with the people, gain a broad understanding of social conditions and public opinion, leverage our professional expertise, and reflect practical requirements and public expectations in proposals, suggestions, and deliberation speeches. It is necessary to cooperate in carrying out publicity, interpretation, and law popularization work concerning the entire process of legislation, and tell the story of legislation and the people’s congress from the perspective of a representative.” 赵乐际强调，发挥人大代表在立法工作中的作用，是践行全过程人民民主的必然要求。参与立法工作，对代表的政治站位、理论水平和履职能力提出很高要求。要深入学习贯彻习近平法治思想、习近平总书记关于坚持和完善人民代表大会制度的重要思想，围绕贯彻落实党中央大政方针和全面实施宪法法律，自觉从大局和全局出发、从最广大人民根本利益出发行使权利、履行职责。大会期间，认真参加审议和表决，提出关于立法修法的议案、建议；闭会期间，根据安排列席常委会会议，对法案提出意见建议，积极参与立法调研、论证、评估等工作。要保持同人民群众的密切联系，广泛了解社情民意，注重发挥专业特长，把实践要求、人民期盼反映到议案、建议和审议发言中。要配合做好立法全过程宣传解读和普法工作，从代表角度讲好立法故事、人大故事.
Finally, there’s a report on Han Zheng’s remarks at the 2025 Global Energy Interconnection Conference in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
Han made a four-point proposal on global energy development. This included:
First, jointly promote green and low-carbon energy transformation. This includes deepening cooperation in renewable energy generation, grid interconnection, smart energy, and other areas, and promoting the effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.
Second, jointly promote innovation in energy technology. Jointly conduct research and development of clean energy utilisation technologies, and promote the deep integration and development of energy and electricity with modern information, new materials, advanced manufacturing and other fields.
Third, jointly promote sustainable energy development, strengthen cooperation on energy accessibility, and help developing countries improve their energy security capabilities and levels.
Fourth, jointly promote cooperation in energy resources and production capacity. Promote cross-border and cross-regional energy infrastructure connectivity to achieve complementary advantages and mutual benefit.
一是共同推动能源绿色低碳转型。深化可再生能源发电、电网互联、智慧能源等领域合作，促进《联合国气候变化框架公约》及其《巴黎协定》有效落实。二是共同推动能源技术创新。联合开展能源清洁化利用技术研发，推动能源电力与现代信息、新材料、先进制造等领域技术深度融合发展。三是共同推动能源可持续发展。加强能源可及性合作，帮助发展中国家提高能源保障能力和水平。四是共同推动能源资源和产能合作。推动跨国、跨区域能源基础设施联通，实现优势互补、互利共赢.
Page 2: There’s a report informing that the Techo International Airport in Cambodia, which was built at a cost of around $2 billion, has opened for operations.
Page 4: There’s a report on the deliberations on the different laws that are being reviewed during the ongoing NPCSC session. Let me capture some of the interesting details.
For instance:
The draft amendment to the Cybersecurity Law consists of nine articles. Regarding legal liability for failure to fulfill legal obligations to protect network security operations, the draft differentiates between serious situations, such as large-scale data leaks and partial loss of function of critical information infrastructure, and especially serious circumstances, such as the loss of primary functionality of critical information infrastructure. Referencing relevant provisions of the Data Security Law, the draft amendment increases fines. Furthermore, it adds legal liability for the sale or provision of critical network equipment and specialised cybersecurity products that have not undergone security certification, security testing, or have failed security certification or security testing. In addition, it refines penalties for violations of regulations in conducting cybersecurity certification, testing, risk assessments, or disclosing cybersecurity information to the public. 网络安全法修正草案共9条。在完善不依法履行网络运行安全保护义务行为的法律责任方面，修正草案区分造成大量数据泄露、关键信息基础设施丧失局部功能等严重情形，以及造成关键信息基础设施丧失主要功能等特别严重情形，参照数据安全法有关规定，提高罚款幅度。同时，对销售或者提供未经安全认证、安全检测或者安全认证不合格、安全检测不符合要求的网络关键设备和网络安全专用产品的行为，增加规定法律责任。与此同时，对违反规定开展网络安全认证、检测、风险评估等活动或者向社会发布网络安全信息的行为，完善处置处罚措施.
The draft amendment refines the legal liability for acts of failing to perform, in accordance with the law, the obligation of handling illegal information. Drawing on recent law enforcement practices, it improves penalties for network operators who fail to take appropriate measures in accordance with the law upon discovering illegal online information, or fail to take appropriate measures in accordance with the requirements of relevant departments. Penalties will be increased for violations that cause particularly serious impacts or consequences. In addition, the draft amendments streamline the legal liability for acts such as infringement of personal information rights and interests, adding provisions for lighter, reduced, or no administrative penalties. 修正草案完善不依法履行违法信息处置义务行为的法律责任，结合近年来执法实践，对网络运营者发现网络违法信息未依法采取相应处置措施，或者不按照有关部门的要求采取相应处置措施的行为，完善处置处罚措施；对造成特别严重影响、特别严重后果的违法情形，加大处罚力度。此外，修正草案还做好侵害个人信息权益等行为法律责任的衔接，增加从轻、减轻或者不予行政处罚的规定.
With regard to the draft revisions to the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language
In standardising the use of foreign languages and scripts, the amendment clarifies that ‘international exhibitions, international conferences and other events held within the territory that truly need to use foreign languages and scripts should simultaneously use the national common language and script.’ It also adds regulatory requirements for the use of language and script in cyberspace, clarifying that the national common language and script used on government-sponsored or public service internet information platforms must comply with national norms and standards. 修订草案在规范外国语言文字使用方面，明确“在境内举办的国际展览、国际会议等确需使用外国语言文字的，应当同时使用国家通用语言文字”。增加对网络空间用语用字的规范要求，明确政府主办的或者提供社会公共服务的互联网信息平台中使用的国家通用语言文字应当符合国家的规范和标准.
The draft amendment clarifies that people’s governments at or above the county level should incorporate language and script development into relevant national economic and social development plans and include funding for language and script work in their respective budgets. It also stipulates that the state will strengthen the conditions and guarantees for promoting the popularisation of the national common language and script in ethnic minority areas, rural areas, and remote areas. The draft amendment designates the third week of September each year as National Common Language and Script Promotion and Publicity Week. 修订草案明确，县级以上人民政府应当将语言文字事业纳入国民经济和社会发展相关规划，将语言文字工作所需经费列入本级预算，并规定国家加强民族地区、农村和边远地区推广普及国家通用语言文字的条件保障。修订草案将每年9月的第三周确定为国家通用语言文字推广普及宣传周.
The draft revision further clarifies the regulations for industry-specific supervisory departments to manage and supervise language and script work within their respective sectors. It also includes a separate chapter on legal responsibilities, specifies the law enforcement authorities, and details penalties. For violations of this law that interfere with others’ learning and use of the standard Chinese language and script, the following provision has been added: ‘If such acts constitute violations of public security management, they shall be subject to public security management penalties in accordance with the law; if such acts constitute crimes, they shall be held criminally liable in accordance with the law.’ In addition, the draft revision further regulates the use of language and characters in areas of public concern, such as public service sectors, public places and facilities, and online audio-visual programs. 修订草案进一步明确行业主管部门管理和监督本行业语言文字工作的规定。将法律责任单设一章，明确执法部门，细化处罚措施。对违反本法规定，干涉他人学习和使用国家通用语言文字的，增加规定“构成违反治安管理行为的，依法给予治安管理处罚；构成犯罪的，依法追究刑事责任”。此外，修订草案还对社会关注的公共服务行业、公共场所和设施、网络视听节目等方面的用语用字作了进一步规范.
On the revision to the of Foreign Trade Law, the report says:
“The draft revision consists of 11 chapters and 80 articles. It stipulates in its legislative purpose that ‘maintaining national sovereignty, security, and development interests’ is the key, and adds that foreign trade work should adhere to serving the country’s economic and social development.”
Also: “Regarding optimising the environment for foreign trade development, the draft revisions clarify that the state will strengthen intellectual property protection related to foreign trade, improving the intellectual property compliance and risk management capabilities of foreign trade operators. A trade adjustment assistance system will be established to stabilize the industrial chain and supply chain. Professional service agencies will be encouraged to improve their service networks and provide high-quality professional services to foreign trade operators. Provisions will also be made for establishing and improving a diversified mechanism for resolving foreign trade disputes.” 在优化对外贸易发展环境方面，修订草案明确国家加强与对外贸易有关的知识产权保护，提升对外贸易经营者知识产权合规水平和风险应对能力。建立贸易调整援助制度，稳定产业链供应链。鼓励专业服务机构完善服务网络，为对外贸易经营者提供高质量专业服务，并对建立健全对外贸易纠纷多元化解决机制等作出规定.
“In addition, the draft revisions enrich and improve the legal toolbox for foreign trade disputes and supplement and enhance corresponding countermeasures. For example, foreign individuals or organizations that endanger China’s sovereignty, security, or development interests may face countermeasures such as prohibiting or restricting their foreign trade. It also stipulates that no individual or organisation shall provide support, assistance, or facilitation for circumventing countermeasures. Violators will be dealt with and punished in accordance with the law. 此外，修订草案丰富完善对外斗争法律工具箱，补充完善相应反制措施。比如，对有危害我国主权、安全、发展利益等情形的境外个人、组织，规定可以采取禁止或限制其进行与我国有关的对外贸易等反制措施；规定任何个人、组织不得为规避反制措施的行为提供支持、协助、便利，对违反规定的，依法予以处理、处罚等.
Although it’s not covered in this report, another Xinhua piece informs of the deliberations related to the draft law aimed at promoting ethnic unity and progress. This is currently in its first reading. The report says:
“The law is intended to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, pool strength for advancing Chinese modernization, and promote common prosperity and development of all ethnic groups, according to an explanatory document of the draft. The draft lays out measures to encourage interaction, exchange and integration among different ethnic groups. It calls for initiatives such as harmonious integrated habitation among various ethnic groups, education in schools, youth exchanges, cultural and sports programs, and tourism. To advance shared prosperity and development, the draft also emphasizes strengthening infrastructure, industries and public services, while safeguarding natural resources and protecting the environment.”
Page 6: There’s a report on the new guideline on boosting sports consumption and the high-quality development of the sports industry. The document proposes that by 2030, the total scale of the sports industry will exceed 7 trillion yuan.
A Xinhua report says:
“The guidelines outline 20 measures in six fields, including those related to the expansion of the supply of sports products and events, the boosting of sports consumption, support for sports businesses, and the cultivation of new growth drivers in relevant industries. Specific measures include those to develop the outdoor sports industry, boost the snow-and-ice economy, upgrade sports equipment, expand consumer scenarios, and strengthen collaboration across the sector. The guidelines also urge efforts to improve the digitalization of sports industries, and to step up support for talent, financing and services in those industries.”
Another Xinhua’s English report captures further details. It says:
By 2030, the nation aims to build around 100 high-quality outdoor sports destinations—which will be equipped with comprehensive facilities that can provide high-quality services and host diverse sports events…support will be given to regions with superior resource endowments and solid sectoral development to build world-class outdoor sports destinations.
The government will also encourage financial institutions to increase credit support for outdoor sports business entities and attract more private capital to jointly develop the outdoor sports industry.