China-Vietnam Legislative Cooperation - New Inspections Target Key Central Ministries - Li Meets Experts & Entrepreneurs - Ren Ping Article on New Quality Productive Forces
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Tuesday, April 09, 2024.
Page 1: There’s a lot to cover on the front page today. First, Xi Jinping met with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue in Beijing. Xinhua says:
“Xi said the most distinctive feature of China-Vietnam relations is that the two sides are a like-minded pair bound by a common destiny, and ‘comrades-plus-brothers’ is the most vivid portrayal of the traditional friendship between the two parties and two countries. He urged joint efforts by the two sides to promote more achievements in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, better serve their respective modernization, further benefit the two peoples and make greater contributions to the global socialist cause. Amid the profound and complex changes in the international and regional landscape, it serves the common interest of China and Vietnam to safeguard the socialist system and maintain national stability and development, Xi said. He urged the two sides to foster a strong sense of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future based on a high level of mutual trust, consolidate the foundation for the vision with high-quality cooperation, and promote this vision with a high degree of political wisdom. China is willing to scale up the exchange of experience gained in governing both the Party and the country, facilitate the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, and increase exchanges between young people and sister cities, among others. It is hoped that the legislative bodies of the two sides will deepen exchanges and cooperation at all levels, strengthen mutual learning on legislative supervision experience, and play an important role in enhancing the friendship between the two peoples, Xi said.”
Vuong Dinh Hue reportedly said that China’s goal of “developing new quality productive forces, among others, are innovative moves of socialism and provide useful references for Vietnam.” He added that Vietnam believes that “China will surely comprehensively build a socialist modernized strong country as scheduled, and make important contributions to promoting world peace, stability, and development. Vietnam firmly adheres to the one-China policy, believing that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory, resolutely opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities, and considers Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet affairs as China's internal affairs. China will surely maintain long-term stability and prosperity.” (Comment: Interesting difference between the Chinese and English reports. The Chinese report says that Vietnam adheres to 一个中国政策 (one-China policy); the English one says one-China principle 一个中国原则) 今年中国两会确立发展新质生产力等目标，是社会主义的创新之举，为越南提供了有益参考。相信中国必将如期全面建成社会主义现代化强国，为促进世界的和平、稳定与发展作出重要贡献。越方坚定奉行一个中国政策，认为台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，坚决反对任何形式的“台独”分裂活动，香港、新疆、西藏事务也都是中国内政，中国必将保持长期稳定繁荣.
He also said that Vietnam adheres to an independent foreign policy and regards China as its top strategic priority in its foreign relations.
Also on the page is a report on Zhao Leji meeting Vuong Dinh Hue. Xinhua reports:
Zhao “said the two sides should adhere to high-level strategic guidance, support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns, enhance the docking of development strategies, advance cooperation under the frameworks of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, facilitate the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, deepen traditional friendship, increase cooperation in areas such as people's livelihoods, culture and tourism, and properly manage maritime differences.”
“Noting that the legislatures of the two countries have agreed to establish a joint committee between the NPC of China and the National Assembly of Vietnam, Zhao said the two sides should implement the relevant cooperation agreements, establish and make good use of the joint committee mechanism, strengthen friendly exchanges at all levels of the legislatures, learn from each other's experience in legislation, supervision and governance, and strengthen cooperation in multilateral parliamentary organizations to safeguard the common interests of the two countries and global fairness and justice.”
“Zhao briefed on the development of whole-process people's democracy in China, saying that China is willing to strengthen experience exchanges with Vietnam in building democracy and the rule of law, and firmly follow the socialist democratic path independently chosen by the two peoples.” (Comment: Yet people seem to argue that China is not interested in exporting aspects of its model of governance and development.)
Anyway, the meeting ended with an agreement between the NPC and the National Assembly of Vietnam, along with an agreement for cooperation between the two legislatures' offices.
The Vietnamese report on this meeting is much more detailed. It says that:
“Hue suggested that China facilitate the early establishment of Vietnam's trade promotion offices in Chengdu (Sichuan), Haikou (Hainan), and Nanjing (Jiangsu), continue to expand imports of Vietnamese goods and agricultural products, expedite negotiations and signing of a framework agreement on rice trade, effectively build smart border gates, improve customs clearance efficiency, and facilitate Vietnamese goods transit to third country via the Asia-Europe railway route. He wished that both sides would jointly build a new investment image of large, reputable and technologically advanced Chinese enterprises in Vietnam. He also emphasised the need for cooperation in resolving outstanding issues in certain cooperation projects, accelerating the progress of China’s non-refundable aid to Vietnam, and exploring collaboration on the construction of standard-gauge railway projects, including the Hanoi-Lao Cai, Hanoi-Quang Ninh, and Hanoi-Lang Son sections.”
“Touching on the cooperation between the two legislative bodies, Hue recommended they enhance delegation exchanges at all levels, share experience in parliamentary activities, perfect the Parties’ leadership method, build the socialist rule-of-law States, complete mechanisms and policies for socio-economic development, and strengthen the supervisory role of the legislative bodies in urging ministries, sectors and localities to carry out the signed documents and agreements. He said that the roles of the Vietnamese NA deputies, members of the Chinese National People’s Congress as well as members of the Vietnam – China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group should be promoted in popularising the bilateral friendship, consolidating consensus in the people, and building a sound social foundation for the bilateral relations.”
“The two leaders also exchanged views on issues at sea in an open and frank manner, and concurred to continue realising the common perceptions reached by the leaders of the two Parties and States as well as properly control disagreements to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea. Hue suggested both sides actively promote negotiation mechanisms at sea, implement agreements on the search and rescue work and set up hotlines to handle incidents arising from fishing activities towards soon signing a new fishery cooperation agreement in the Gulf of Tonkin, and work with ASEAN countries to accelerate negotiations for a practical, efficient and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Second, there’s a report on Xi meeting with Alain Merieux, President of the Merieux Foundation, and his wife Chantal in Beijing. Xinhua says:
“The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century and has entered a period of turmoil, Xi said, noting that human society not only has to deal with health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic but also geopolitical conflicts such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis. China has always called for an end to war, advocated peace and promoted efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said. Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, Xi said the friendship between the two countries has become ever stronger thanks to efforts from generation to generation. Xi said China cherishes its friendship with France and is willing to further strengthen high-level exchanges and cooperation with France to push bilateral relations to a higher level. He added that China and France have carried out productive cooperation in health and the Merieux Foundation is welcome to continue deepening cooperation with China.”
Third, there’s a report on Li Qiang attending a symposium with economic experts and entrepreneurs to solicit opinions on the current state of the economy and the work ahead. A bunch of experts spoke at the meeting:
Zhang Yuyan
Wu Ge
Peng Wensheng
Bai Chong'en
Gu Jie
Zhang Shaoming
Li Xiande
Jiang Yingwu
The report says that everyone believes that since the beginning of this year, China’s “economic performance has continued to rebound and improve. Although there are still many difficulties and challenges, positive factors in economic development are increasing and market confidence is increasing. Everyone analyzed the contradictions and problems existing in the current economic operation from different perspectives, and put forward opinions and suggestions for further improving macroeconomic policies and doing a good job in economic work.” 座谈会上，张宇燕、伍戈、彭文生、白重恩、顾捷、张少明、李仙德、姜英武等先后发言。大家认为，今年以来，面对复杂严峻的外部环境，我国经济运行延续回升向好态势。虽然困难挑战依然不少，但经济发展中的积极因素不断增多，市场信心增强。大家从不同角度分析了当前经济运行中存在的矛盾和问题，并对进一步完善宏观政策、做好经济工作提出了意见建议.
After this, Li Qiang spoke. He talked about the steps taken so far and then said:
“We must be clearly aware that the current external environment is increasingly complex, severe, and uncertain, and efforts need to be made to address the problems in economic operation. China’s development has a solid foundation, many advantages, and tremendous potential. The long-term positive trend will not change. We are confident and capable of maintaining sustained and healthy economic development.” 同时要清醒看到，当前外部环境复杂性、严峻性、不确定性上升，经济运行中存在的问题还需下功夫解决。我国发展具有坚实基础、诸多优势和巨大潜能，长期向好的趋势不会改变，我们有信心有能力保持经济持续健康发展.
Li added that “in order to consolidate and strengthen the positive trend of economic recovery, we must pay close attention to the implementation of the spirit of the CEWC and the Two Sessions, and promote the accelerated implementation and effectiveness of various deployments. It is necessary to continue to consolidate the foundation, adopt a balanced approach to ensuring steady growth and building momentum, give full play to the guiding role of policies, further stimulate the vitality of business entities, and enhance the endogenous power of development. It is necessary to strengthen the combination effect, enhance the consistency of macro policy orientation, and systematically solve some key and difficult issues. It is necessary to focus on precise policy implementation, seize the key point of scientific and technological innovation to promote industrial innovation and the prominent contradiction of insufficient effective demand, and improve the effectiveness of macro-policy transmission to micro-level implementation. We must resolutely stick to the bottom line and address both the symptoms and root causes to resolve risks in key areas. It is necessary to put people's livelihood work in a prominent position, view the issue of making up for people's livelihood shortcomings with a development mindset, and meticulously handle practical matters related to people's livelihood. 李强强调，巩固和增强经济回升向好态势，必须抓紧抓好中央经济工作会议和全国两会精神的细化落实，推动各项部署加快落地见效。要继续固本培元，统筹稳增长和增后劲，发挥政策引领作用，进一步激发经营主体活力，增强发展内生动力。要强化组合效应，增强宏观政策取向一致性，系统破解一些重点难点问题。要注重精准施策，抓住科技创新推动产业创新这个关键和有效需求不足这个突出矛盾，提升宏观政策向微观传导落地实效。要坚决守牢底线，标本兼治化解重点领域风险。要把民生工作摆到突出位置，以发展思维看待补民生短板问题，把民生实事一件件办好.
Li also “urged experts to contribute more wisdom to economic and social development and entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and development and to actively explore business opportunities.”
Next, there’s a report (English report) on Wang Huning’s comments at a seminar on environmental protection of the Yangtze River conducted by the central committees of the non-CPC political parties and people without party affiliation.
Wang said that “it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and the spirit of the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection, thoroughly understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on strengthening the ecological and environmental protection of the Yangtze River, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments and resolutely achieve the Two Safeguards, and do a good job in democratic supervision of ecological and environmental protection of the Yangtze River with a deep sense of responsibility and mission, so as to better promote the construction of a Beautiful China and serve the overall situation of Chinese-style modernization.” 他表示，要深入学习贯彻习近平生态文明思想和全国生态环境保护大会精神，学深悟透习近平总书记关于加强长江生态环境保护的重要论述，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义、坚决做到“两个维护”，以高度责任感和使命感做好长江生态环境保护民主监督工作，更好助推美丽中国建设、服务中国式现代化大局.
He added “carrying out democratic supervision of ecological and environmental protection in the Yangtze River is an important political task assigned by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to central committees of democratic parties and people without party affiliation.” 王沪宁表示，开展长江生态环境保护民主监督，是中共中央交给各民主党派中央、无党派人士的重要政治任务.
He further said that “it is necessary to closely follow the strategic plans of the high-quality development of the Yangtze Economic Belt made by the CPC Central Committee and continue to focus on key and difficult issues to carry out the democratic oversight. Relevant local Party committees and governments should provide support to the central committees of the non-CPC political parties and people without party affiliation when they carry out democratic oversight.”
Next, there’s a report on Li Xi’s comments during a meeting on national discipline inspection work.
He said that the revision of discipline inspection regulations was a “strong measure to improve the system of norms for the Party's self-revolution and to advance the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party.” He added that “it is necessary to uphold the centralized and unified leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee on inspection work, resolutely perform duties and carry out work in accordance with the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee, and firmly grasp the correct direction. Adhere to the positioning of political inspections, strictly enforce the Party's political discipline and political rules, focus on ‘国之大者’ to strengthen supervision and inspection, and ensure that the orders and prohibitions of the Party Central Committee are implemented…” 李希指出，党中央修订巡视工作条例，是完善党的自我革命制度规范体系、纵深推进全面从严治党的有力举措。要把学习贯彻条例与深刻领悟习近平总书记关于巡视工作的重要论述结合起来，与贯彻落实中央纪委三次全会部署结合起来，进一步增强做好新征程巡视工作的责任感使命感，不断提高巡视工作质量。要坚持习近平总书记和党中央对巡视工作的集中统一领导，坚决按照党中央部署要求履职尽责、开展工作，牢牢把握正确方向。坚持政治巡视定位，严明党的政治纪律和政治规矩，聚焦“国之大者”加强监督检查，保障党中央令行禁止。坚持全面贯彻巡视工作方针，在强化巡视整改上集中发力，用好巡视成果，推动标本兼治。坚持贯通协调、上下联动，充分发挥巡视综合监督作用，扎牢织密监督网。坚持依规依纪依法，健全科学严密、配套完备的巡视工作制度体系，加强巡视队伍建设，不断提升巡视工作规范化水平.
At this meeting, the third round of inspection was announced. This round of inspections will cover 34 targets.
Li emphasized that this round of inspection is the first after the promulgation of the newly-revised regulations on inspection work. It is necessary to strengthen organizational leadership, strictly enforce work requirements, and advance effectively and efficiently. It is necessary to accurately grasp the key points of inspections of economic work departments and financial units. Deeply understand the performance of the inspected organizations in fulfilling their functions and responsibilities; promoting high-quality development; preventing and resolving major risks; coordinating deep-seated reforms and high-level opening-up; comprehensively grasping the deepening of comprehensive and strict governance of the Party; the construction of leadership teams, cadres and talent teams, and grassroots party organizations; as well as the rectification of problems discovered by inspections, audits and other supervision; focus on identifying political deviations, promote the resolution of outstanding problems; and provide strong support for high-quality development. 李希强调，本轮巡视是新修订巡视工作条例颁布后的第一次巡视，要加强组织领导，严格工作要求，有力有效推进。要准确把握巡视经济工作部门和金融单位的重点，深入了解被巡视党组织履行职能责任、推动高质量发展，防范化解重大风险，统筹推进深层次改革和高水平开放等情况，全面掌握纵深推进全面从严治党，领导班子、干部人才队伍和基层党组织建设，以及巡视、审计等监督发现问题整改等情况，着力查找政治偏差，推动解决突出问题，为高质量发展提供有力保障.
The 34 targets for supervision are listed on Page 4. These include:
National Development and Reform Commission
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Natural Resources
Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Ministry of Commerce
People's Bank of China
National Audit Office
General Administration of Customs
State Administration of Taxation
State Administration for Market Regulation
National Financial Regulatory Administration
China Securities Regulatory Commission
National Bureau of Statistics
China National Intellectual Property Administration
National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration
National Energy Administration
National Forestry and Grassland Administration,
State Administration of Foreign Exchange,
All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives,
National Council for Social Security Fund
China Geological Survey
Shanghai Stock Exchange
Shenzhen Stock Exchange,
Export-Import Bank of China,
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Co., Ltd.,
Agricultural Bank of China Co., Ltd.,
Bank of China Co., Ltd.,
China Construction Bank Co., Ltd.,
Bank of Communications Co., Ltd.,
CITIC Group Co., Ltd.,
China Life Insurance (Group) Company,
China Taiping Insurance Group Co., Ltd.
China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation or Sinosure
Finally, there is a long Ren Ping article talking about the importance of new quality productive forces. The early bit is good to read to understand how Beijing views the world and its economic challenges and opportunities:
“After the 20th Party Congress, people of all ethnic groups across the country embarked on a new journey to comprehensively promote the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. This new historical starting point is also a major historical juncture. On the one hand, high-quality development has achieved remarkable results and has become the main theme of economic and social development. On the other hand, some factors that restrict high-quality development still persist. From the perspective of the external environment, the profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating in all directions, and the global economic recovery remains sluggish. Some countries are building ‘small yards and high fences’ and are engaged in ‘decoupling and breaking the chain’ in the fields of economy and science and technology. From the perspective of internal conditions, the traditional development model still relies heavily on land and natural resources, and the situation where some key core technologies are subject to others' control has not fundamentally changed. China needs to actively seize and make full use of opportunities for change to achieve high-quality economic and social development. Grasping the central task of the Party and the country in the new era and on the new journey and in the face of certain favorable conditions and restrictive factors for promoting high-quality development, how can one win the strategic initiative while dealing with crises, breaking through difficulties and adapting to changing situations? ‘Integrate scientific and technological innovation resources, lead the development of strategic emerging industries and future industries, and accelerate the formation of new quality productive forces’; ‘promote industrial innovation through scientific and technological innovation, especially disruptive and cutting-edge technologies to spawn new industries, new models, new kinetic energy, and develop new quality productivity’...” 党的二十大以后，全国各族人民迈上了以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的新征程。新的历史起点，也是重大历史关口。一方面，高质量发展取得明显成效，成为经济社会发展的主旋律。另一方面，部分制约高质量发展因素还依然存在。从外部环境看，百年变局全方位、深层次加速演进，全球经济复苏低迷，有的国家在经济、科技等领域筑“小院高墙”、搞“脱钩断链”。从内在条件看，传统的发展方式对土地、自然资源的依赖较重，一些领域关键核心技术受制于人的局面尚未根本改变，中国需要积极抢占和充分利用变革机遇，实现经济社会高质量发展。把握新时代新征程党和国家的中心任务，面对推动高质量发展的有利条件和制约因素，如何在化危机、闯难关、应变局中赢得战略主动？“整合科技创新资源，引领发展战略性新兴产业和未来产业，加快形成新质生产力”；“以科技创新推动产业创新，特别是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”;...
Another useful quote is:
“New quality productivity is an advanced productivity state in which innovation plays a leading role, breaks away from the traditional economic growth mode and productivity development path, has the characteristics of high technology, high efficiency and high quality, and conforms to the new development concept.” “新质生产力是创新起主导作用，摆脱传统经济增长方式、生产力发展路径，具有高科技、高效能、高质量特征，符合新发展理念的先进生产力质态.”
The article also informs that Xi’s speeches on this issue have “further enriched the connotation of Xi Jinping’s Economic Thought”.
The key point being made is that:
“If we grasp scientific and technological innovation, we will grasp the key to the overall development of our country. To develop new productive forces, we must vigorously promote scientific and technological innovation, fight for key core technologies, and enable original and disruptive scientific and technological innovations to emerge. The transformation of scientific and technological achievements into real productive forces is manifested in the emergence of new industries and the promotion of deep transformation and upgrading of industries. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that more attention should be paid to the in-depth integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.” 抓住了科技创新，就抓住了牵动我国发展全局的牛鼻子。发展新质生产力，必须大力推进科技创新，打好关键核心技术攻坚战，使原创性、颠覆性科技创新成果竞相涌现. 科技成果转化为现实生产力，表现形式为催生新产业、推动产业深度转型升级。习近平总书记强调，要更加重视科技创新和产业创新的深度融合.
It adds: “To develop new quality productive forces, we must lead industrial innovation with scientific and technological innovation, apply scientific and technological innovation outcomes to specific industries and industrial chains in a timely manner, lay out the industrial chain around the development of new quality productive forces, and accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into real productive forces.” 发展新质生产力，必须以科技创新引领产业创新，及时将科技创新成果应用到具体产业和产业链上，围绕发展新质生产力布局产业链，加快科技成果向现实生产力转化。
There’s also an emphasis in the article on “green and low-carbon development”. This is termed as the “the fundamental solution to ecological and environmental problems.” The article adds: “To develop new quality productive forces, we must strive to promote innovation in development methods, strengthen green technology innovation and the promotion and application of advanced green technologies, develop green and low-carbon industries and supply chains, and build a green and low-carbon circular economic system.” 绿色低碳发展是解决生态环境问题的治本之策。发展新质生产力，必须着力推进发展方式创新，强化绿色科技创新和先进绿色技术推广应用，发展绿色低碳产业和供应链，构建绿色低碳循环经济体系.
Another useful point is that: “Innovation, which is a distinctive feature of new quality productive forces, includes innovation at the technology and business model levels, as well as innovation at the management and institutional levels.” 作为新质生产力显著特点的创新，既包括技术和业态模式层面的创新，也包括管理和制度层面的创新.
The final section of the article warns against rushing in and bubbles and the need to proceed on the basis of actual conditions, establishing before breaking. The caution is this:
“To develop new productive forces, we must adhere to adapting measures to local conditions. If one seeks to pursue projects regardless of our own conditions and endowments, it will inevitably lead to a ‘stampede like rush, leading to a bubble’. It is necessary to grasp the relationship between ‘taking up and giving up’ (weighing ones options carefully on what to accept and what to let go), basing oneself on local realities; carefully analyze and make full use of its own conditions and advantages, selectively promote the development of new industries, new models, and new drivers, and know what to pursue and what not to pursue.” 发展新质生产力，必须坚持因地制宜。不问自身的条件禀赋什么项目都想上，结果必然是“一哄而上、泡沫化”。要把握好“取与舍”的关系，立足本地实际，精心分析并用好用足自身的条件和优势，有选择地推动新产业、新模式、新动能发展，做到有所为有所不为.
The final bit is really interesting because it says “:How should one prevent investment concentration and overcapacity in new tracks? How to avoid homogenized competition and redundant construction/infrastructure duplication? ‘Similarities and differences’ affect quality and effectiveness.” The answer to this is “Find the right positioning in the overall situation, and seek individuality in commonality.” 如何防止新赛道内出现投资扎堆、产能过剩？如何避免同质化竞争、重复建设？“同与异”，影响质与效。在大局中找准定位，在共性中寻找个性.
The example given is the IC sector.
“Shanghai Microelectronics has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of domestically produced lithography machines, leading to the realization of ‘China's Chips’. Fudan Research Institute in Jiashan, Zhejiang, specializes in the basic research and industrialization promotion of integrated circuits. Jiangsu-based Tongfu Microelectronics' sealing and testing technology has no generational differences when compared with world class entities…by pursuing a path of differentiated and diversified benign competition, ‘Made in China’ will accelerate its transition to ‘Intelligently Made in China’ i,e., “中国制造” becomes “中国智造”.” 上海微电子实现“中国芯”国产光刻机的重大突破，浙江嘉善复旦研究院主攻集成电路的基础研究和产业化推广，江苏通富微电子的封测技术与“国际一流”没有“代差”……走差异化、多元化的良性竞争路子，“中国制造”就会加速迈向“中国智造”。(Comment: It’s really interesting that this is the example being used, given that there has been so much reportage of wasted investment and rushing in when it comes to the semiconductor industry in China.)
The author then emphasizes the importance of pursuing classified guidance and not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Page 3: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Vietnamese Co-Chair of the Viet Nam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation Tran Luu Quang and his meeting with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. The readout doesn’t offer anything of particular value.
Also on the page is MoFA’s comment on the recent visit by ASEAN countries’ officials to China. Mao Ning said:
“Neighboring countries are China’s priority in its diplomacy. China and Southeast Asian countries are good neighbors, good friends and good partners with a shared future. China has engaged in friendly cooperation, enhanced mutual understanding and trust, and pursued common development and prosperity with neighboring countries in line with the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness guiding our neighborhood diplomacy put forward by President Xi Jinping. Last year, China and ASEAN were each other’s largest trading partners for the fourth consecutive year. In January and February this year, trade between China and ASEAN totaled RMB 993.2 billion, up by 8.1 percent. Southeast Asian countries are important partners for Belt and Road cooperation. A large number of cooperation projects, including the China-Laos Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” between China and Malaysia, have boosted economic growth and benefited the people in the region. Mutual visa exemption is realized between China and the three Southeast Asian countries of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Various events will be held during the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-People Exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and build closer bond between the peoples of the two sides. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. We stand ready to work with neighboring countries to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, practice the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, expand the convergence of interests, and jointly make Asia a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious home for us all.”
Finally, there’s a He Yin commentary, which argues that China’s new energy industry supports global green and low-carbon transformation. This, of course, has everything to do with say the EU’s anti-subsidy probe into Chinese EVs and the broader discussion among other states on Chinese dominance of certain key sectors like solar energy. However, the article does not mention any of this pushback.
It basically argues that:
“China’s new energy technologies provide significant support for global green and low-carbon transformation. After years of development, China now leads the world in many new energy technologies and equipment manufacturing. It has built the world's largest clean power supply system. Chinese new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products have injected new hope into the global response to climate change. From the world's first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine unit connected to the grid for power generation to the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant officially entering commercial operation, from new batteries with a single charge endurance of 1000 kilometers to the introduction of intelligent cabins with artificial intelligence models ... China’s new energy industry contributes wisdom and strength to the global energy transformation with its innovative advantages and excellent quality. The International Renewable Energy Agency report pointed out that in the past 10 years, the average LCOE of global wind power and photovoltaic power generation projects has dropped by more than 60% and 80% respectively, a large part of which is attributed to Chinese innovation, Chinese manufacturing, and Chinese engineering.” 中国新能源技术为全球绿色低碳转型提供重要助力。经过多年发展，中国多项新能源技术和装备制造水平已经全球领先，建成了世界上最大的清洁电力供应体系，新能源汽车、锂电池和光伏产品为全球应对气候变化注入了新的希望。从全球首台16兆瓦海上风电机组并网发电到全球首座第四代核电站正式投入商业运行，从充电一次续航1000公里的新型电池到引入人工智能大模型的智能座舱……中国新能源产业以创新优势和过硬品质为全球能源转型贡献智慧和力量。国际可再生能源署报告指出，过去10年，全球风电和光伏发电项目平均度电成本分别累计下降超过60%和80%，其中很大一部分归功于中国创新、中国制造、中国工程.
The article also argues that “China is advancing cooperation in the new energy industry chain in an orderly manner and building a new win-win model for green and low-carbon energy transformation.” This references solar energy investments in Denmark and Saudi Arabia. It also references Chinese-made electric buses being used in Rwanda and the building of a NEV facility in Thailand. The key argument is:
“Chinese enterprises’ overseas clean energy investments cover major fields such as wind power, photovoltaic power generation, and hydropower; these are helping other countries achieve carbon reduction goals, creating new industries and jobs, and promoting common development and prosperity.” 中国企业海外清洁能源投资涵盖风电、光伏发电、水电等主要领域，帮助其他国家实现减碳目标，创造了新的产业与就业，促进了共同发展繁荣。