China's Neighbourhood Diplomacy - Patriotic Education Law Passed - Qin Gang & Li Shangfu Sacked - Wang Yi: Gaza Needs 'Security, Food & Medicine, Rather Than War' - Optimism on China-US Ties

Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Page 1: Yesterday, I covered Xi Jinping’s message to the symposium held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy. Today, this is at the top of the front page, along with a document on Page 6 that was released after the meeting. The document “Outlook on China's Foreign Policy on Its Neighborhood In the New Era” is available in English. I am doing brief excerpts below. 

The key takeaway is that Beijing is clearly positioning its vision of Asia as an alternative to what it says is the US’ Cold War mentality. This is not really a vision of multipolarity in Asia. Rather this is a vision based on norms that Beijing is articulating. Or rather, China is at the centre of this new order in Asia. In order to do so, Beijing is leaning heavily on the narrative of Asian values as being distinct. This is not new, but still noteworthy. Also noteworthy are references to shelving differences. It’s quite something that Beijing keeps offering this proposition while continuing to coerce India on the boundary and intensifying friction with the Philippines in the South China Sea. One of the remarkable bits about this document is the use of language that sounds rather positive to veil threats. This is the most stark in the language around Taiwan. But is also evident in the proposition of a binary choice for Asian countries.

Anyway, the document says:

“The neighborhood is where China survives and thrives and the foundation of its development and prosperity. As a member of the Asian family and a responsible major country, China attaches great importance to neighborhood diplomacy, always prioritizes the neighborhood on its diplomatic agenda, and remains committed to promoting regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.  Outlook on China’s Foreign Policy on Its Neighborhood in the New Era, based on the assessment and overview of the current situation and future trends in Asia, comprehensively outlines the achievements, policies, visions and objectives of China’s neighborhood diplomacy, and declares China’s commitment to the path of peaceful development, to promoting development of the neighborhood through its own development, to working with regional countries to advance modernization, to jointly building a community with a shared future among neighboring countries and to realizing the vision of a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious Asia in the new era.”

Section one discusses Asia’s challenges and opportunities. It says that Asia has “remained generally stable in the past few decades”, and has enjoyed growth and prosperity. But then adds:

“Meanwhile, global governance is in dysfunction; Cold War mentality is resurfacing; unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism run rampant; multiple risks in such fields as energy, food, finance, industrial and supply chains and climate change are having greater impact on Asia. Asia also faces challenges such as uneven economic growth, and pronounced security and governance issues. Some countries have intensified efforts to build regional military alliances; the Korean Peninsula issue remains complicated and intractable; Afghanistan faces numerous challenges in its reconstruction; terrorism, natural disasters and other non-traditional security threats persist. There are two opposite propositions and trends concerning the future of Asia. One advocates open regionalism, true multilateralism, a development-first approach, mutually beneficial cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, integrated development, and pursuit of common development in harmony. The other represents a relapse into the Cold War mentality and exclusive clubs, and attempts to draw lines based on values, politicize economic issues, divide the region into different security blocs, and stoke division and confrontation…The right choice for Asia should be openness, solidarity, cooperation, justice and harmony rather than isolation, division, confrontation, hegemony and zero-sum approach…Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the sure path to a prosperous and better Asia and the world.” — 

The second section deals with China’s ties with its neighbours. Key excerpts:

• “As of the date of this document’s release, China has established diverse and substantive partnerships, cooperative relations and strategic relations of mutual benefit with 28 neighboring countries and ASEAN. China has reached common understandings with Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan on building a community with a shared future, and has agreed with the five Mekong countries to build a community with a shared future among Lancang-Mekong countries, and announced with the five Central Asian countries the decision to build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future. China has resolved historical boundary issues with 12 neighbors on land through negotiations and signed the treaties of good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation with nine neighboring countries. China has signed and ratified the Protocol to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia, respects Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status, became the first to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and is fully prepared to sign the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty at any time.”

• “China is the largest trading partner of 18 neighboring countries…China has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with 24 neighboring countries…China has initiated the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund to provide financial support for infrastructure projects.”

• The document highlights mechanisms such as SCO, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, China + C5, ASEAN-centered East Asia cooperation, APEC and China-Japan-ROK cooperation; the document also talks about China’s proposals on the Korean Peninsula issue and Afghanistan. The section ends with this:

“The remarkable progress made in Asia is attributable to the joint efforts of China and neighboring countries, and need to be cherished. China’s development would not be possible without a peaceful and stable neighboring environment. The development of China and that of neighboring countries complement and reinforce each other. China’s development will bring major opportunities and long-term benefits to countries across Asia, and will make even greater contributions to peace and development in the region.”

The third section discusses the concepts and propositions underpinning China’s neighbourhood diplomacy in the new era. It says:

“Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China will maintain the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy, adhere to the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighbors, and act on the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. China is committed to good neighborliness, good faith and amity; believes in sincerity and mutual assistance; pursues mutual benefit and win-win cooperation; advocates inclusiveness and mutual learning, and seeks common ground while shelving differences. China will endeavor to further the political relations, strengthen the economic bonds, deepen security cooperation and foster even closer cultural ties with neighboring countries, in a bid to further advance the building of a community with a shared future among neighboring countries. China will foster a new type of international relations, and work with regional countries to deepen partnerships featuring equality, openness and cooperation. China firmly defends its sovereignty, security and development interests, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, respects the development path and social system chosen independently by the people of each country, and does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. China upholds equality between countries regardless of their size, promotes the unity and cooperation of the Global South, upholds the common interests of developing countries, and works to raise the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs. China promotes coordination and sound interactions among major countries, and pursues major-country relationships that feature peaceful coexistence, overall stability and balanced development. China and the United States should, on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, engage in sound interactions in the Asia-Pacific and contribute positive energy to regional stability and development.”

The key concepts it articulates are:

• Chinese modernization provides a new choice for developing countries to explore their modernization pathways. China will seek to develop itself while safeguarding regional peace and development, keep creating new opportunities for neighboring countries with China’s new development.”

• China will stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work with regional countries to maintain regional peace and stability. China rejects the Cold War mentality, unilateralism, group politics and bloc confrontation. China attaches importance to the legitimate security concerns of all countries, upholds the principle of indivisible security, seeks to build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and follows a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win over zero-sum together with regional countries…

• China will firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law…and works with neighboring countries to foster Asian values centered on peace, cooperation, inclusiveness and integration and promote the unity, development and revitalization of Asia. China advocates inclusiveness, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations that pursue harmony without uniformity and live together in diversity, as well as the Asian Way of mutual respect and consensus building…We firmly support ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture…

• “China will resolutely take forward the endeavor of national reunification, firmly oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities in any form, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We appreciate Asian countries’ commitment to the one-China principle. The more unequivocal we are on upholding the one-China principle and the more forceful our measures are to forestall separation, the greater possibility there is to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and uphold peace and prosperity in the region.” (Comment: So in a rather roundabout manner, Beijing is basically saying that if you want peace, accede to our view on this issue and adhere to the one-China principle (not policy). This is quite a stark warning to Asian countries.)

Finally, there’s a section titled: “New Vision for the ‘Asian Century’ in the New Era. Key points:

• The document talks about a desire to “cultivate long-term good-neighborliness and friendship, expand common ground while shelving and resolving differences, address differences and disputes between countries peacefully. It mentions the need to “actively advance consultations and conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” and to “properly address maritime disagreements and differences through dialogue.”

• It talks about managing “regional security affairs with a coordinated approach.” In this, the document highlights  economic and financial security cooperation, counterterrorism, deradicalization and fighting cross-border crimes, and cooperation on nuclear facilities, cyberspace, outer space and polar regions, along with public health, biosecurity and food and energy security.

• In terms of economic engagement, the document says that “China will further expand trade with regional countries, increase imports from neighboring countries, and improve customs clearance facilitation. China will continue to promote the process of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). China stands ready to negotiate high-standard free trade agreements with more regional countries, improve the regional free trade network, and build a common big market.” In addition, it talks about cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, bio-medicine and modern energy.

• The next point is around green and sustainable development.

• “It is important to extract nutrients from the millennia-long Asian civilization, to help forge the collective identity of the Asian value, way and tradition, expand people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in the region, and cement popular support for good-neighborliness. More measures need to be introduced to facilitate traveling. China will strengthen cooperation in vocational education, higher education and mutual recognition of educational certificates, provide more government scholarships and scholarships for various universities and majors for neighboring countries, and facilitate the traveling of international students. We will continue to promote exchanges in the fields of culture, arts, youth, tourism, localities, media, think tanks and non-governmental organizations, and strengthen cooperation on Asia’s cultural and sports industry.”

• “We will work together to build Global Development Initiative pilot zone featuring more equitable, balanced and inclusive development partnership, Global Security Initiative pilot zone featuring an Asian pathway of security defined by planning together, building together and benefiting together, and Global Civilization Initiative pilot zone that boosts people-to-people exchanges and the mutual learning, harmonious coexistence of civilizations.”

• It ends with: China will take an active part in East Asia cooperation, China-Central Asia mechanism, SCO, BRICS, APEC, Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and other multilateral mechanisms and organizations, and strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum, Indian Ocean Rim Association and other regional organizations, in a bid to jointly promote the connectivity, stability and development of Asia, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean regions.

Back to the front page, there’s a report on Xi’s congratulatory letter to the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce on its 70th founding anniversary. Xi wrote:

“I hope that the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce will thoroughly study and implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party, and earnestly shoulder the mission and tasks entrusted by the Party in the new era and on the new journey; will work hard to strengthen ideological and political guidance, promote the healthy development of the non-public economy and the healthy growth of people in the non-public economy, and solidly promote the high-quality development of the private economy; will boost confidence, unite people’s hearts, unite the majority of private economic personnel more closely around the Party, and continuously create new prospects for the development of the federation. I hope that the majority of private economic professionals will effectively implement the new development concept, vigorously promote entrepreneurship, strive to become models of patriotism, dedication, law-abiding businesses, entrepreneurship and innovation, and give back to society, and contribute to the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country and the comprehensive promotion of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” 希望工商联深入学习贯彻新时代中国特色社会主义思想和党的二十大精神，切实担负起新时代新征程党赋予的使命任务，在加强思想政治引领、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、扎实推动民营经济高质量发展上下功夫，提振信心、凝聚人心，把广大民营经济人士更加紧密地团结在党的周围，不断开创工商联事业发展新局面。希望广大民营经济人士切实贯彻新发展理念，大力弘扬企业家精神，争做爱国敬业、守法经营、创业创新、回报社会的典范，为全面建设社会主义现代化国家、全面推进中华民族伟大复兴贡献力量.

Wang Huning attended the gathering celebrating the anniversary. He said that Xi’s letter had “expressed expectations and set forth clear requirements for people in the non-public sector, which has provided the fundamental guideline for conducting relevant work in the new era and promoting the healthy development of the non-public economy.” He added:

“On the new journey, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce must be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, firmly grasp the central tasks of the Party and the country in the new era and on the new journey, adhere to the principles of trust, unity, service, guidance and education, perform their duties closely around the work of promoting the ‘two healthy’ 两个健康 initiative, and concentrate on building a socialist modern country in an all-round way. It is necessary to strengthen ideological and political guidance, guide the majority of private economic personnel to unswervingly listen to and obey the Party, consciously become models of patriotism, dedication, law-abiding businesses, entrepreneurship and innovation, and give back to society, and become qualified builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is necessary to promote the high-quality development of the private economy, guide private enterprises to implement the new development concept completely, accurately and comprehensively, actively participate in building a new development pattern, stick to their main business and strengthen their industry. It is necessary to guide the majority of private economic personnel to practise the people-centred development philosophy and promote private enterprises to fulfil their social responsibilities and better benefit the people…” 新征程上，工商联要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻落实党的二十大精神，牢牢把握新时代新征程党和国家中心任务，坚持信任、团结、服务、引导、教育的方针，紧紧围绕促进“两个健康”的工作履职尽责，为全面建设社会主义现代化国家凝心聚力、担当作为。要加强思想政治引领，引导广大民营经济人士坚定不移听党话、跟党走，自觉做爱国敬业、守法经营、创业创新、回报社会的典范，做合格的中国特色社会主义事业建设者。要推动民营经济高质量发展，引导民营企业完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，积极参与构建新发展格局，坚守主业、做强实业。要引导广大民营经济人士践行以人民为中心的发展思想，推动民营企业履行社会责任、更好为民造福。要坚持政治建会、团结立会、服务兴会、改革强会，始终保持和增强政治性、先进性、群众性，更好发挥工商联桥梁纽带和助手作用.

Next, there’s a report on Premier Li Qiang arriving in Bishkek to attend the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states and pay an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. Xinhua reports:

“China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen political and strategic mutual trust, create more new highlights and new benchmarks for cooperation, and enrich the China-Kyrgyzstan friendship with more connotation of the times,’ Li said during a brief meeting with Japarov at the airport. The Chinese side looks forward to working with other SCO members to jointly carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, and inject new impetus into regional peace, stability and development, he added. Li said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Kyrgyzstan have always been working in solidarity, helping each other, cooperating based on mutual benefits and win-win results, and have made fruitful achievements in various areas, as well as achieved close and highly efficient coordination on international affairs. China and Kyrgyzstan are truly good neighbors, good friends, good partners and good brothers, Li said. ‘The goal of my visit to Kyrgyzstan is to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation, deepen friendship, and promote peace,’ he said.”

Next, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng meeting with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in Beijing. Xinhua says:

Han said that “the two countries have promoted positive progress in bilateral ties in recent years, following the resumption of boundary negotiations. Strengthening that friendship and expanding cooperation are in the fundamental interests of the two countries and in the expectations of the two peoples. ‘China always respects Bhutan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all fields, expand practical cooperation on the economy, trade, culture and tourism, and accelerate the boundary demarcation process and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bhutan to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples,’ Han said. Tandi Dorji said that the Bhutanese government attaches great importance to the development of relations with China and abides firmly by the one-China principle. Both sides have firm determination and a sincere desire to demarcate their boundaries and establish diplomatic relations at an early date. Bhutan is willing to maintain the sound momentum of cooperation with China in all fields and push for the greater development of bilateral ties.”

The 25th round of boundary talks between Bhutan and China ended this week too. There was a joint statement that was issued (Chinese text). It says:

“The two sides held in-depth discussions on the boundary negotiations and noted the progress made through a series of Expert Group Meetings since the 24th Round of Boundary Talks in 2016. The two leaders of the delegations commended the Expert Group for the work done and agreed to build on the positive momentum. During the talks, the two leaders of the delegations signed the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Responsibilities and Functions of the Joint Technical Team (JTT) on the Delimitation and Demarcation of the Bhutan-China Boundary. The JTT was established during the 13th Expert Group Meeting to assist the Expert Group in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Three-Step Roadmap. The two sides agreed to continue working together to simultaneously push forward the implementation of all the steps of the Three-Step Roadmap. The discussions were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere in keeping with the ties of friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and China. The two sides also exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.”

Next, there’s a report (English report) on the 14th NPCSC’s sixth meeting. Some really important decisions taken:

• Qin Gang has been removed from his post as state councillor

• Li Shangfu has been removed from the defense minister, state councillor and CMC positions

• Wang Zhigang has been replaced by Yin Hejun as the new minister of science and technology

• Liu Kun has been replaced by Lan Fo’an as the new finance minister

• Liu Shaoyun was appointed as the head of the military court of the PLA

• A revised Marine Environment Protection Law has been adopted

• The Patriotic Education Law has been adopted (Full Text)

• They adopted a decision for the State Council to increase the issuance of government bonds and adjust the central budgets for 2023, and a decision to authorize the State Council to approve in advance the ceilings on some newly-incurred local government debts. (Xinhua reports that this will result in the issue of issue bonds worth 1 trillion yuan (about 139.3 billion U.S. dollars) in the fourth quarter to support the rebuilding of disaster-hit areas and raise the country's disaster relief capabilities. The bonds will be transferred to local governments. A total of 500 billion yuan will be used this year, and another 500 billion yuan will be carried over to next year…The funds will be utilized in eight major areas, including rebuilding disaster-hit areas, key flood control projects, natural disaster emergency capacity improvement, and urban drainage and waterlogging prevention and control. The issuing of bonds will widen the country's 2023 budget deficit ratio to around 3.8 percent from 3 percent.)

• Lawmakers ratified a treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons between China and Colombia and an extradition treaty with Mauritius

• Lawmakers ratified the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime

• Lawmakers ratified the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the Secretariat, its Personnel and Representatives of Members of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia

• The meeting approved China’s signing of the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation

Finally, there’s a new commentary series starting today, discussing the state of the Chinese economy. This one discusses Q3 data and says

“Confidence comes from a dialectical understanding of economic fundamentals. To objectively assess the overall situation of China's economic operation, we must look at both speed and quality. Since the beginning of this year, China’s economy has withstood the downward pressure brought by external risks and challenges and multiple domestic factors, and its growth has stabilised and rebounded. In the first three quarters, China’s GDP grew by 5.2% year-on-year, ranking among the best among the world's major economies. It is particularly important to point out that the year-on-year growth rate in the third quarter was 4.9%, which was slightly lower than that in the second quarter. This was mainly because of the base number of last year. If the base effect is deducted, the two-year average growth rate in the third quarter of this year is 4.4%, which is 1.1 percentage points faster than the two-year average growth rate in the second quarter. In addition, the quarter-on-quarter growth rate in the third quarter was also 0.8 percentage points faster than that in the second quarter. There is inertia in the economic operation, and we believe that the trend of stabilisation and recovery will sustain in the fourth quarter. While growth continues to recover, prices in China have remained generally stable, the employment situation has improved, foreign trade is better than expected, corporate profit growth has improved, and high-quality development has been solidly advanced. Facts have proved that amid the complex and severe external environment of sluggish world economic recovery and still high global inflation, the Chinese economy has demonstrated strong resilience, potential and vitality, and remains the ballast and stabiliser of global economic growth.” 信心来自对经济基本面的辩证认识。客观看待中国经济运行整体态势，既要看速度，也要看质量. 今年以来，我国经济顶住了来自外部的风险挑战和国内多重因素交织叠加带来的下行压力，增长企稳回升. 前三季度，我国国内生产总值5.2%的同比增长，在世界主要经济体中名列前茅. 特别需要指出的是，三季度同比增长4.9%，比二季度有所回落，这主要是受去年基数影响. 如果扣除基数影响，今年三季度的两年平均增速是4.4%，比二季度的两年平均增速加快了1.1个百分点. 此外，三季度的环比增速也比二季度加快0.8个百分点。经济运行是有惯性的，我们相信四季度还会保持企稳回升的态势。增长持续恢复向好的同时，我国物价总体平稳，就业形势好转，外贸好于预期，企业利润增长改善，高质量发展扎实推进. 事实证明，在世界经济复苏乏力、全球通胀水平仍然较高等复杂严峻的外部环境下，中国经济展现强大韧性、潜力和活力，依然是全球经济增长的压舱石和稳定器.

The next paragraph emphasises taking a long-term and historical perspective on the evolution of the Chinese economy. It says: “Judging from international experience, after the economy reaches a certain scale, industrial upgrading and transformation and development are generally accompanied by a slowdown in growth. As the world’s second largest economy, China’s total economic output exceeded 120 trillion yuan last year, and the increment corresponding to each one percentage point increase is roughly equivalent to 2.1 percentage points 10 years ago. Looking at the development process, China's economy has always grown by overcoming challenges…especially in the new era, when facing the risks of wading through the rapids, the hardships of climbing steep slopes, and the challenges of breaking through barriers, we have responded calmly and with determination. The cause of the Party and the country has made historic achievements and changes, high-quality development has made great strides, and China's economic strength has achieved a historic leap.” 从国际经验来看，在经济体量达到一定规模后，产业升级和转型发展一般都伴随着增速放缓。作为世界第二大经济体，去年中国经济总量已逾120万亿元，每增长一个百分点对应的增量，大致相当于10年前的2.1个百分点...从发展历程来看，中国经济从来都是在战胜挑战中发展、在风雨洗礼中成长、在历经考验中壮大。特别是新时代以来，面对涉滩之险、爬坡之艰、闯关之难，我们沉着应对、奋发有为，党和国家事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革，高质量发展阔步前行，我国经济实力实现历史性跃升。

This bit ends with a call for boosting confidence. It adds:

“Confidence comes from a deep insight into the superiority of the system. Since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core, all localities and departments have better coordinated the overall domestic and international situations, better coordinated epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and better coordinated development and security, thereby creating a miracle in the history of human civilization whereby a large, populous country has successfully emerged dealing with pandemic. In the wave-like development and tortuous progress of China’s economy, consumption upgrading’s momentum is obvious, regional coordination momentum has been enhanced, and innovation vitality has been thriving. This fully demonstrates that the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core on economic work is completely correct, and fully demonstrates our Party’s exceptional wisdom and skillful capabilities to control the socialist market economy amid a complex and volatile environment. Facing the future, we should implement the new development concept completely, accurately and comprehensively, firmly grasp the primary task of high-quality development and the strategic task of building a new development pattern, actively adapt to and lead a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, accelerate the realisation of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, and implement the series of strategic arrangements of the CPC Central Committee on scientific and technological innovation…” 信心来自对制度优越性的深刻洞察。今年以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，各地区各部门更好统筹国内国际两个大局，更好统筹疫情防控和经济社会发展，更好统筹发展和安全，我们创造了人类文明史上人口大国成功走出疫情大流行的奇迹，我国经济在波浪式发展、曲折式前进中消费升级势头明显、区域协调动力增强、创新活力不断释放。这充分表明以习近平同志为核心的党中央关于经济工作的决策部署是完全正确的，充分彰显了我们党在复杂多变的局面下驾驭社会主义市场经济的高超智慧和娴熟能力。面向未来，完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，牢牢把握高质量发展这个首要任务和构建新发展格局这个战略任务，积极主动适应和引领新一轮科技革命和产业变革，加快实现高水平科技自立自强，把党中央关于科技创新的一系列战略部署落到实处，我们完全有能力不断塑造发展新动能新优势，牢牢掌握发展的主动权.

The article ends by reiterating that the “fundamentals of China's long-term economic growth have not changed and will not change.”

Page 2: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s comments at the symposium held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy.

“Wang Yi emphasised that the key to Asia's future lies in handling its own affairs well. The key to Asia's revitalization lies in the united efforts of regional countries. China is comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization, which will surely bring lasting dividends to countries around the world, especially its Asian neighbours, provide more opportunities, and inject inexhaustible power. China will uphold the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, deepen friendly cooperation and integration of interests with neighbouring countries, jointly build an Asian homeland of peace, tranquillity, prosperity, beauty, and friendly coexistence, and contribute more wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for Asia and a community with a shared future for mankind.” 王毅强调，亚洲的未来，关键在做好自己的事情。亚洲的振兴，关键在地区国家团结奋斗。中国正在以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴，必将为世界各国特别是亚洲邻国带来持久红利，提供更多机遇，注入不竭动力。中方将秉持亲诚惠容理念，深化同周边国家友好合作和利益融合，共同构建和平安宁、繁荣美丽、友好共生的亚洲家园，为构建亚洲命运共同体和人类命运共同体贡献更多智慧和力量.

He then put forward four suggestions:

• First, adhere to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and build a BRI demonstration zone.

• Second, persist in seeking common development and create a pioneer area for GDI.

• Third, persist in working together and build an experimental zone for GSI.

• Fourth, adhere to Asian values and build a model zone for GCI

王毅就此提出四点建议：一是坚持共商共建共享，打造“一带一路”示范区。二是坚持共谋发展，打造全球发展倡议先行区。三是坚持和衷共济，打造全球安全倡议实验区。四是坚持亚洲价值，打造全球文明倡议首善区。

In terms of the attendees, we had:

• Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan

• Prime Minister of Mongolia

• Prime Minister of Nepal

• Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia

• Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda

• Former Prime Minister of South Korea Lee Hae-chan

• Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan

• Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Zhang Ming

A couple of other stories to note. First, Wang Yi will be visiting (English report) the United States from Oct. 26 to 28. While on the subject, Xi sent a congratulatory message to the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.  Xi said “that under the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, China is willing to work with the U.S. side to advance mutually beneficial cooperation, properly manage differences, and make joint efforts to meet global challenges, contribute to each other's progress and push for common prosperity so as to deliver benefits to both countries and the whole world.”

Second, yesterday, I covered Wang Yi’s call with the Israeli foreign minister. Today, the paper covers that along with Wang’s call with Palestinian FM Riyad Al-Maliki. The readout says:

Al-Maliki is quoted as thanking China. He adds: “Palestine calls for an immediate ceasefire, delivering relief goods to the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and treating the injured. Riyad Al-Maliki expressed the hope that with the help of the international community, the Palestinian question can be solved at the root, and an independent state of Palestine be established.”

“Wang Yi said that China deeply sympathizes with the Palestine people’s plight, especially the people in Gaza. China strongly condemns and opposes all acts that harm civilians and violate international law, and calls for an immediate ceasefire to ensure the most basic survival needs of the people in the Gaza. The United Nations (UN) Security Council should earnestly shoulder its responsibilities, and the international community must take action right away. Countries outside the region, especially major countries, should take an objective and just position and play a constructive role in de-escalating the crisis. Wang Yi said that what the people of Gaza need the most is security, food and medicine, rather than war, weaponry and ammunition. What the Gaza Strip needs the most is efforts to end the fighting and promote peace, rather than geopolitical calculations.”

“China has provided emergency humanitarian assistance through both the Palestinian National Authority and UN agencies, and will continue to provide in-kind assistance in accordance with the needs of the people in Gaza. Wang Yi said that the only way out of the Palestinian question is to implement the two-state solution and ensure the Palestinian people's right to subsistence and statehood and their right to return to their homes. China calls for convening a more authoritative, broad-based and effective international peace conference as soon as possible to realize the early resumption of peace talks between Palestine and Israel, and to formulate a specific timetable and road-map to this end. China has been working for a ceasefire and end of violence and calling for restoration of peace. China will continue to stand on the side of international fairness and justice, and make relentless efforts with the international community for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question at an early date.”

Page 3: There’s a report with data from the Ministry of Finance. It informs:

“China's general public budget revenue increased 8.9 percent year on year to 16.67 trillion yuan (2.32 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of 2023. The central government collected 7.59 trillion yuan in revenue, up 8.5 percent year on year, and local governments saw revenue increase 9.1 percent to 9.08 trillion yuan. Tax revenue totaled 13.91 trillion yuan in the first nine months, up 11.9 percent year on year. Tuesday's data also shows that general public budget spending expanded 3.9 percent year on year to 19.79 trillion yuan in the first nine months.”

In addition to this, Reuters reports:

“China’s government land sales revenue fell for a 21st month in September, data from the finance ministry showed on Tuesday, adding to the woes of local governments already struggling with mounting debt repayments. Land sales revenues in September fell 21.3% from a year earlier, after falling 22.2% the previous month, according to Reuters calculations based on the ministry’s data. For the January-September period, sales were down 19.8% from a year earlier to 3.0875 trillion yuan ($422.42 billion).”

Page 4: All the decisions taken during the NPCSC session are published on this page. This includes a list of personnel changes within the NPCSC.

Page 5: The text of the Patriotic Education Law is published on the page. Article 6 covers the content of patriotic education. This encompasses the theories and thoughts of all top leaders; the four histories; understanding of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and the “major achievements, historical experiences, and vivid practices” of the Party’s leadership of the people; cultural education covering traditional culture, revolutionary culture and advanced socialist culture; national symbols; cultural heritage; awareness of constitution and laws, and concepts of national unity and ethnic solidarity, national security, and defense; and deeds of heroes, martyrs, and exemplary individuals.

Article 15 onward the law talks about all the organisations that must teach patriotic education. 

The state shall incorporate patriotism education into the national education system. Schools at all levels and of all types shall integrate patriotic education throughout the entire educational process, carry out and teach ideological and political theory courses well, and integrate patriotic education content into various subjects and teaching materials. 第十五条  国家将爱国主义教育纳入国民教育体系。各级各类学校应当将爱国主义教育贯穿学校教育全过程，办好、讲好思想政治理论课，并将爱国主义教育内容融入各类学科和教材中.

Article 16 talks about the need for schools to combine classroom teaching with extracurricular practice. Article 17 calls on parents or guardians of minors to “integrate love for the motherland into family education, support and cooperate with schools in carrying out patriotic education and teaching activities, and guide and encourage minors to participate in social activities related to patriotic education.” 第十七条  未成年人的父母或者其他监护人应当把热爱祖国融入家庭教育，支持、配合学校开展爱国主义教育教学活动，引导、鼓励未成年人参加爱国主义教育社会活动.

Article 18 calls for strengthening patriotic education for state officials; Article 19 calls on enterprises and social institutions to do so too; Article 21 covers industry associations, chambers of commerce and other social groups; Article 22 covers religious groups, religious schools, and religious activity venues; and Article 23 calls for strengthening education around one country, two systems and “principles and policies for promoting the reunification of the motherland”.

Finally, Article 37 is important. It says:

“All citizens and organisations should promote the spirit of patriotism, consciously safeguard national security, honour, and interests, and shall not engage in the following actions:

• Insulting the national flag, national anthem, and national emblem or other behaviour that damages the dignity of the national flag, national anthem, and national emblem; 

• Distorting, vilifying, blaspheming, or denying the deeds and spirit of heroes and martyrs

• Propagandizing, glorifying or denying wars of aggression, acts of aggression and massacres; 

• Occupying, damaging, or defacing patriotic education facilities; 

• Other behaviours prohibited by laws and administrative regulations.”

第三十七条  任何公民和组织都应当弘扬爱国主义精神，自觉维护国家安全、荣誉和利益，不得有下列行为： （一）侮辱国旗、国歌、国徽或者其他有损国旗、国歌、国徽尊严的行为； （二）歪曲、丑化、亵渎、否定英雄烈士事迹和精神； （三）宣扬、美化、否认侵略战争、侵略行为和屠杀惨案； （四）侵占、破坏、污损爱国主义教育设施； （五）法律、行政法规禁止的其他行为。

Page 14: The full white paper on the Development of China's Distant-Water Fisheries is published in the paper. You can read the English version here.