China-Switzerland Ties - Xi's 12 Musts for United Front Work - Wang Yi's Assessment of Foreign Affairs Work Conference's Outcomes
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Page 1: At the top of the page is a brief report on Xi Jinping congratulating new Danish King Frederik X on his accession to the throne. Next, there’s a report on Li Qiang’s meeting with Swiss President Viola Amherd. Xinhua says:
Li said that “China is ready to work with Switzerland to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further consolidate the foundation of political mutual trust and carry forward the cooperative spirit of ‘equality, innovation and mutual benefit’. China stands ready to continue to push for closer high-level exchanges with Switzerland, better play the role of the dialogue and cooperation mechanism between the two governments, and accelerate the resumption of exchanges at various levels and in diverse fields, Li said. Both sides should explore more converging interests, bolster cooperation in free trade, customs and other fields, and foster and strengthen new growth areas of cooperation in green development, finance and digital economy, thereby elevating and upgrading bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he noted. Li also expressed the hope that the Swiss side will continue to provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises in Switzerland. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Switzerland in the fields of cultural relics, education, youth and sports, said Li. Li called on the two sides to closely communicate and coordinate within multilateral mechanisms such as those within the United Nations, strengthen cooperation in the fields of connectivity infrastructure financing, international development assistance and climate change response, and jointly make positive contributions to the cause of world peace and development.”
In terms of outcomes, the two sides said that
they have completed the joint feasibility study on upgrading the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement and agreed to support the early launch of formal FTA upgrade negotiations
will hold a new round of China-Switzerland strategic dialogue of foreign minister level, working group meetings on finance and energy, education policy dialogue, as well as consultations on UN Security Council affairs within this year.
China will grant unilateral visa-free treatment to Switzerland, and the Swiss side will provide more visa facilitation for Chinese citizens as well as Chinese enterprises investing in Switzerland.
They also signed economic and trade cooperation agreements.
Third, there’s an article informing that Qiushi has published Xi Jinping’s article on United Front work. This was the speech he delivered at the Central United Front Work Conference on July 29, 2022. In the speech, Xi had put forward 12 “musts”. These are:
We must give full play to the role of the United Front as an important means: “The United Front is an important magic weapon for the Party to overcome enemies, govern and rejuvenate the country. It is an important magic weapon for uniting all Chinese people at home and abroad to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and must be persisted with for a long time. Currently, United Front work is not outdated or unimportant; on the contrary, it is even more significant. The historical position of the Party, the domestic and international situation it faces, and the missions it undertakes have undergone certain major changes. The greater the changes, the more important it is to develop and carry out United Front work effectively.” 统一战线是党克敌制胜、执政兴国的重要法宝，是团结海内外全体中华儿女实现中华民族伟大复兴的重要法宝，必须长期坚持。现在，统战工作不是过时了、不重要了，而是更重要了。党所处的历史方位、所面临的内外形势、所肩负的使命任务发生了某些重大变化，越是变化大，越是要把统一战线发展好、把统战工作开展好.
We must secure support of the people and pool strength for our cause: Gaining people's support and an advantage in strength is vital to the success of the cause of the Party and the people, and represents the number one consideration in politics. Great unity and solidarity are what United Front work tries to achieve as it is essentially about winning people’s support and pooling strength. This is a major issue that the Party must make great efforts to address in governing the country. 人心向背、力量对比是决定党和人民事业成败的关键，是最大的政治。统战工作的本质要求是大团结大联合，解决的就是人心和力量问题。这是党治国理政必须下大气力解决好的重大问题。
We must strike the right balance between commonality and diversity: It is crucial to stay committed to the principle of seeking common ground while setting aside differences, carry on the fine tradition of remaining united while staying open to criticism (团结—批评—团结), seek commonality while respecting diversity, and as a result, expand common ground and achieve the greatest possible convergence of interests. 关键是要坚持求同存异，发扬“团结—批评—团结”的优良传统，在尊重多样性中寻求一致性，找到最大公约数、画出最大同心圆.
We must uphold, develop and improve China’s new model of political party system: “The United Front must adhere to the leadership of the CPC, while also promoting new developments in multi-party cooperation, achieving new heights in ideological consensus, and demonstrating new achievements in fulfilling responsibilities. All democratic parties should act as good advisers, assistants, and colleagues to the CPC. They should strive to be politically steadfast, organizationally solid, effective in fulfilling duties, with good work style, and become sound participants in the system of Socialism with Chinese characteristics.” 统一战线必须坚持中国共产党领导，同时推动多党合作展现新气象、思想共识取得新提高、履职尽责展现新作为。各民主党派要做中国共产党的好参谋、好帮手、好同事，努力成为政治坚定、组织坚实、履职有力、作风优良、制度健全的中国特色社会主义参政党.
We must make fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation the main task in the Party's work related to ethnic affairs: “The sense of community of the Chinese nation is the foundation of national unity. We must unswervingly follow the correct path of solving ethnic issues with Chinese characteristics, promote all ethnic groups to firmly identify with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics. Guide people of all ethnic groups to firmly establish the concept of community that shares weal and woe, shared honour and disgrace, shared life and death, and a shared destiny.” 中华民族共同体意识是民族团结之本。要坚定不移走中国特色解决民族问题的正确道路，推动各民族坚定对伟大祖国、中华民族、中华文化、中国共产党、中国特色社会主义的高度认同，引导各族群众牢固树立休戚与共、荣辱与共、生死与共、命运与共的共同体理念.
We must develop religions in the Chinese context: “Comprehensively implement the Party’s theories, principles and policies on religious work in the new era; adhere to the principles of protecting legal activities, stopping illegal ones, curbing extremism, resisting infiltration, and cracking down on crimes; improve the level of legalisation of religious work; support the religious community in comprehensively and strictly governing religious affairs; and actively guide religion to adapt to socialist society.” 全面贯彻新时代党的宗教工作理论和方针政策，坚持保护合法、制止非法、遏制极端、抵御渗透、打击犯罪，提高宗教工作法治化水平，支持宗教界全面从严治教，积极引导宗教与社会主义社会相适应.
We must foster close bonds with non-CPC intellectuals and personages from new social strata: “Working with non-Party intellectuals is an important aspect of the United Front. In handling the work with non-Party intellectuals, full respect is a prerequisite, strengthened guidance is crucial, and enabling their contributions is the ultimate goal. The new social strata individuals are builders of the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics, and they must be organised to strengthen guidance and play their role.” 党外知识分子工作是统一战线重要工作。做好党外知识分子工作，充分尊重是前提，加强引导是关键，发挥作用是目的。新的社会阶层人士是中国特色社会主义事业的建设者，要把他们组织起来，加强引导、发挥作用。
We must facilitate the healthy growth of the non-public sector of the economy and encourage those working in this sector to achieve success: “Promoting the healthy development of the non-public economy and the healthy growth of people in the non-public economy is a major economic issue as well as a major political issue. It is necessary to carry out in-depth education on ideals and beliefs, promote the establishment of a close and clean relationship between the government and the business sector, facilitate the high-quality development of the private economy, and guide individuals in the non-public sector to become qualified builders of the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics.” 促进非公有制经济健康发展和非公有制经济人士健康成长是重大经济问题，也是重大政治问题。要深入开展理想信念教育，推动构建亲清政商关系，促进民营经济高质量发展，引导非公有制经济人士做合格的中国特色社会主义事业建设者.
We must exert the role of united front work to win hearts and minds of people in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese: “Develop and strengthen patriotic forces in Hong Kong and Macao, enhance the national consciousness and patriotism among Hong Kong and Macao residents, safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, and ensure the steady and long-term implementation of ‘one country, two systems’. Implement the Party’s overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era, develop and strengthen Taiwan’s patriotic unification forces, oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist acts, and promote the complete reunification of the motherland. Focusing on the theme of working together to share the Chinese dream, we actively guide overseas Chinese and overseas Chinese who have returned and their family members to devote themselves to the modernization of the motherland and the cause of peaceful reunification.” 发展壮大爱国爱港、爱国爱澳力量，增强香港同胞、澳门同胞国家意识和爱国精神，维护香港、澳门长期繁荣稳定，确保“一国两制”实践行稳致远。贯彻新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略，发展壮大台湾爱国统一力量，反对“台独”分裂行径，推进祖国完全统一。围绕凝心聚力同圆共享中国梦的主题，积极引导海外侨胞和归侨侨眷致力于祖国现代化建设与和平统一大业.
We must strengthen the ranks of non-CPC representative figures: “It is our Party’s consistent policy to cultivate and employ non-Party representatives. It is necessary to strengthen training, enhance qualifications, use them scientifically, and enable them to play a better role. Efforts should be focused on cultivating a group of non-Party representatives who can closely cooperate with our Party.” 培养使用党外代表人士是我们党的一贯政策。要加强培养、提高素质，科学使用、发挥作用，着力培养一批同我们党亲密合作的党外代表人士。
We must grasp the laws governing united front work: “It is necessary to strengthen solidarity and connections with people outside the Party (党外人士), adhere to the principle of respecting, safeguarding, and taking care of the interests of allies; treat them with sincerity, appeal to their emotions, explain with reason, and support them with practical actions. Truly win the respect and approval of non-Party individuals, forging a large group of non-Party friends who are sincere and share joys and sorrows with the Party.” 要加强同党外人士的团结联系，坚持尊重、维护、照顾同盟者利益的原则，待之以诚、动之以情、晓之以理、助之以实，真正赢得党外人士尊重和认同，为党交一大批肝胆相照的党外朋友.
We must enhance the Party's overall leadership over united front work: “It is necessary to ensure the Party's overall leadership over the United Front work. United Front work is the work of the entire Party, requiring the full attention and collective efforts of all Party members. It is essential to establish a pattern of United Front work where the Party committee provides unified leadership, the United Front department takes the lead in coordination, and relevant departments each fulfil their responsibilities.” 统一战线是党领导的统一战线，要确保党对统战工作全面领导。统战工作是全党的工作，必须全党重视、大家共同来做，构建党委统一领导、统战部门牵头协调、有关方面各负其责的大统战工作格局.
Next, there is a report on Zhao Leji’s inspection tour to Tianjin to solicit opinions on the draft work report of the NPCSC. The report says that Zhao listened to eight representatives from different fields at a seminar held on Monday. It also has Zhao saying that in preparing the report, the NPCSC had twice solicited written opinions from the People's Congresses of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.
Other things that Zhao said as per the report:
It is necessary to uphold the Party’s overall leadership over the work of the NPC, especially the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and consciously use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to arm minds, guide practice, and promote work to ensure the correct political direction of the work of the NPC.
It is necessary to base ourselves on the functions and responsibilities of the NPC, focus on the central tasks and serve the overall situation, identify the role and tasks of the NPC in promoting high-quality development and promoting Chinese-style modernization, strive to make progress while maintaining stability, and promote the high-quality development of the NPC’s work, and provide legal guarantee for promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation.
It is necessary to adhere to the people-centred approach, develop whole-process people’s democracy, conduct extensive surveys and research, improve the working mechanism for absorbing public opinion and gathering people’s wisdom, and consolidate the public opinion foundation for the work of the NPC.
It is necessary to adhere to the principle of seeking truth from facts, maintain integrity and innovation, adhere to a systematic perspective and holistic thinking, and carry out various tasks in a coordinated, timely, systematic, and orderly manner. People’s congresses at all levels should work together, answering common questions and working in the same direction, to collectively carry out the work of the people's congresses in the new era effectively.
要坚持党对人大工作的全面领导特别是党中央集中统一领导，自觉用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想武装头脑、指导实践、推动工作，确保人大工作正确政治方向。要立足人大职能职责，围绕中心、服务大局，找准人大在推动高质量发展、推进中国式现代化中的定位和任务，稳中求进推动人大工作高质量发展，为推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业提供法治保障。要坚持以人民为中心，发展全过程人民民主，大兴调查研究，健全吸纳民意、汇集民智工作机制，夯实人大工作的民意基础。要坚持实事求是、守正创新，坚持系统观念、整体思维，因需、应时、统筹、有序开展各项工作，各级人大同题共答、同向发力，共同做好新时代人大工作.
Finally, there is a report on the State Council’s new guideline to strengthen the “silver” economy. The document puts out 26 measures across four aspects. Xinhua reports:
“Prioritizing the well-being of its senior citizens, the country must improve food and health care services for the population and expedite the development of elderly care institutions, according to the guideline. It anticipates the establishment of around ten industrial parks to develop the silver economy nationwide, urging efforts to cultivate industry leaders and stimulate senior citizen consumption. Efforts should also focus on nurturing new business models related to smart health and elderly care, as exemplified by the development of nursing and housekeeping robots, along with biotechnologies that help alleviate age-related illnesses, the guideline says. Financial institutions are encouraged to launch more products for senior citizens and increase support for developing elderly care facilities and programs.”
Page 3: On the foreign affairs page today, the paper has published the two joint statements issued on the Palestine issue, which I covered yesterday. Also, we have the report on Nauru switching recognition away from Taiwan to the PRC.
“CCTV: The government of the Republic of Nauru officially announced its decision to recognize the one-China principle, break the so-called “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan authorities and seek to reestablish diplomatic ties with China. What’s your comment?
Mao Ning: As an independent sovereign country, the Republic of Nauru announced that it recognizes the one-China principle, breaks the so-called “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan authorities and seeks to reestablish diplomatic ties with China. China appreciates and welcomes the decision of the government of the Republic of Nauru. There is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. It’s what has been affirmed in Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly and is a prevailing consensus among the international community. China has established diplomatic relations with 182 countries on the basis of the one-China principle. The Nauru government’s decision of reestablishing diplomatic ties with China once again shows that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and where the arc of history bends. China stands ready to work with Nauru to open new chapters of our bilateral relations on the basis of the one-China principle.”
Some reactions:
Taiwan’s presidential office said that China has for a long time been suppressing Taiwan's diplomatic space but that cannot hinder the will of Taiwan's people to go out into the world. Deputy foreign minister Tien Chung-kwang accused China of poaching Nauru with “economic” incentives. “China actively reached out to Nauru politicians and used economic aids to induce the country to switch diplomatic recognition,” he said as quoted by AFP.
AFR reports: “Taiwan’s semi-official Central News Agency quoted an anonymous Taiwanese official blaming Nauru’s switch in part on Taiwan baulking at a request for an extra $125 million. The report said Nauru had sought the funding to fill a shortfall caused by the temporary closure of the Australia-funded regional processing centre, where successive governments have sent asylum seekers as part of hardline border protection policies. A government source in Taiwan told The Australian Financial Review on Tuesday the report was accurate. However, Australian sources said the centre was never closed and Australian taxpayers continues to fund it so it can be used in the event of a surge of boat arrivals…In the report, the Taiwan official said Taiwan’s government felt it could not afford the money for the centre by itself but had to yet to make a formal response to Nauru’s request. In the meantime, China agreed to make up the shortfall, allowing it to ‘ambush’ Taiwan. ‘We cannot waste taxpayer money. I would say the RPC project is the straw that broke the camel’s back,’ the official was quoted as saying. Asked whether Nauru had asked for Australian financial support to stick with Taiwan, (Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat) Conroy replied: ‘They had no conversations with us about that particular matter switching diplomatic recognition, other than giving a heads-up that a decision had been made’.”
The US State Department said that Nauru’s decision was a “sovereign decision, it is nonetheless a disappointing one.”
While on the issue of Taiwan, do check out this comment by MoFA on the possibility of foreign delegations visiting Taiwan.
“China News Service: According to media reports in Taiwan, the US, Japan and several European countries said that they plan to send delegations to the Taiwan region to “express congratulations” following the elections. What’s the Foreign Ministry’s comment?
Mao Ning: The elections of the Taiwan region are China’s internal affairs. Regardless of the result, the basic fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China will not be changed. The one-China principle is the political premise on which China establishes and develops diplomatic relations with other countries, a universally recognized basic norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community. Anyone in the international community who violates the one-China principle is interfering in China’s internal affairs and infringing upon China’s sovereignty, and will face the joint opposition of the Chinese people and the international community. China deplores and strongly opposes relevant countries’ wrong practices violating the one-China principle, including issuing statements and “expressing congratulations”. We’ve lodged serious démarches. I noted that following the elections in the Taiwan region, many countries and international organizations have publicly reiterated their commitment to the one-China principle, expressed opposition to “Taiwan independence” in any form and supported China’s reunification. This is the voice of justice and peace from the international community. We believe that the international community will continue to adhere to the one-China principle, and support the Chinese people’s just cause of opposing “Taiwan independence” separatism and striving to achieve national reunification.”
Page 17: There’s a report on 50 students successfully graduating from the 2023 Luban Workshop in Djibouti. The Djibouti Luban Workshop is the first Luban Workshop that was launched in Africa. It was inaugurated in March 2019. It currently offers four majors: railway engineering technology, railway operation management, commerce and logistics.
Although it’s not in the paper today, I am covering below the reports from Wang Yi visit to Tunisia. There, he met with Tunisian President Kais Saied in Tunis and Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar on Monday. The report on Wang’s meeting with President Saied has the Tunisian leader saying:
“Although Tunisia and China are far apart, our friendship is strong and our people are close to each other. We are grateful to China for its long-term and valuable support in helping Tunisia achieve national development and improve people's livelihood. Tunisia will continue to actively participate in the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", learn from China's successful experience, and promote modernization with Tunisian characteristics. Tunisia will uphold the one-China principle, abide by UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and support China in exercising sovereignty over all its territory.” 突中两国虽然相距遥远，但友谊牢固、人民相亲，感谢中方长期以来的宝贵支持，助力突尼斯实现国家发展、民生改善。突尼斯将继续积极参与共建“一带一路”，借鉴中国成功经验，推进具有突尼斯特色的现代化。突方恪守一个中国原则和联大2758号决议，支持中国在全部国土上行使主权.
Wang Yi said that over the years, “the most important experience (in bilateral ties) is that the two countries have trusted each other and carried out mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual trust and equal treatment…China thanks Tunisia for its support on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns. China also firmly supports Tunisia in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and national dignity, exploring a development path in line with its own national conditions, and independently advancing the national reform process. China is willing to consolidate political mutual trust between the two sides, deepen cooperation in various fields, and accelerate our respective development and revitalization.”
Xinhua English captures the next bit well:
“The world today is afflicted with uncertainty and instability as well as rampant unilateralism, power politics and hegemony, said Wang, noting that China opposes the imposition of one's own values, opposes the transformation of other countries according to one's own standards, and opposes the interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and democracy. China is willing to strengthen unity and coordination with Tunisia to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, to promote economic globalization featuring equal, orderly global multipolarity and inclusiveness. Saied said that the history of colonialism cannot be repeated and the world cannot return to unipolar hegemony. Tunisia opposes double standards and interference in other countries' internal affairs under the banner of democracy and human rights. ‘The series of important global initiatives proposed by President Xi demonstrate China's cultural heritage and global vision,’ Saied said, expressing willingness to work with China and other developing countries to safeguard common values of mankind, defend international fairness and justice, and build a community with a shared future.”
In his chat with Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar, Wang said that:
“the two sides should continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, provide a solid foundation and inject strong impetus into bilateral relations. Wang Yi said that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era provides fundamental guidance for us to comprehensively promote the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. China’s development in the new era also provides a useful reference point for countries around the world that hope to accelerate development while maintaining their own independence. We will promote world modernization through Chinese-style modernization, and are willing to share governance experience with Tunisia and support Tunisia in enhancing its independent development capabilities and achieving common development and prosperity.” 双方要继续在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定相互支持，为双边关系提供坚实基础，注入强劲动力。王毅表示，习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为我们以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业提供了根本遵循。新时代中国的发展也为世界上既希望加快发展又坚持自身独立性的国家提供了有益借鉴。我们将以中国式现代化推进世界现代化，愿同突方分享治国理政经验，支持突尼斯增强自主发展能力，实现共同发展和繁荣。
Ammar said that:
“Tunisia and China share extensive common interests and the same values. The political foundation of bilateral relations is solid, the momentum of development is good, and the results of cooperation are exciting. Tunisia cherishes the friendship between Tunisia and China, sincerely thanks and will always remember China's support and assistance. I would like to reiterate that Tunisia has always firmly adhered to the one-China principle and is willing to work with China to promote bilateral relations to achieve new and greater development.”
Both sides agreed to “strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance the strategic connotation of bilateral relations, and expand all-round cooperation” and “strengthen unity and coordination to jointly defend the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and promote international fairness and justice.” “The two sides also exchanged views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and agreed to continue to jointly support the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights.”
阿马尔表示，突中两国有着广泛共同利益和相同价值理念，双边关系政治基础牢固，发展势头良好，合作成果令人振奋。突方珍视突中友好，衷心感谢并永远铭记中国的支持和帮助。我愿重申，突方始终坚定奉行一个中国原则，愿同中方携手推动双边关系不断取得新的更大发展。双方一致认为中突关系前景广阔，将加强高层交往，提升双边关系战略内涵，拓展全方位合作。双方将加强团结协作，共同捍卫发展中国家正当权益，维护不干涉内政原则，促进国际公平正义。双方还就巴以冲突交换了意见，一致表示将继续共同支持巴勒斯坦人民恢复民族合法权利的正义事业。
Finally, Qiushi’s latest edition also published Wang Yi’s article on interpreting the spirit of the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference, which was held in December. I am doing a detailed breakdown below. This is available for paid subscribers.