CMC on Studying Political Army Building in New Era - Wang's Global South Message at BRICS Meet - Li Qiang's Saudi Visit
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Page 1: Xi Jinping is on an inspection tour to Shaanxi and Gansu. But that is not what’s been covered in the paper today. We’ll get a consolidated report once the visit ends. Instead, there is a report on Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the SCO forum on women, and his message to Abdelmadjid Tebboune, congratulating him on his reelection as president of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Another report informs that a book compiling Xi’s discourses on the political building of the armed forces has been published. The book contains a total of 89 manuscripts. The CMC has called to “carefully organise the study and use of” the book. The CMC has called for the incorporation of the collection “into the theoretical study sessions of party committees, the ideological and political education of the troops, and the teaching of political theory in military academies. It should be prominently featured as important content in the organization of specialized political cadre training at various levels. 要把学习《选编》纳入党委理论学习中心组学习、部队思想政治教育和院校政治理论教学，分层次组织干部理论培训轮训、政治干部专题培训等要把这一教材作为重要内容突出出来.
Theory workers should thoroughly study and comprehend Chairman Xi’s important expositions on political army building in the new era, and strengthen research and interpretation of the strategy for political army building in the new era. Military news media should do a good job in news propaganda. Leading cadres should use their own study results to effectively conduct lectures and guidance for grassroots officers and soldiers, creating a strong atmosphere for learning and implementation. We must enhance the consciousness and thoroughness of ideological transformation, insisting that senior cadres receive education first and genuinely, focusing on solving ideological root problems, strengthening ideals and beliefs, and solidifying loyalty to the Party. 广大理论工作者要深入学习领会习主席关于新时代政治建军重要论述，加强对新时代政治建军方略的研究阐释，军队新闻媒体要搞好新闻宣传，领导干部要运用自身学习成果搞好对基层官兵的宣讲辅导，浓厚学习贯彻氛围。要增强思想改造的自觉性和彻底性，坚持高级干部先受教育、真受教育，着力解决思想根子问题，坚定理想信念、铸牢对党忠诚.
Next, there’s a report on Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and co-chaired the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee with him.
Li “highlighted that under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders, China and Saudi Arabia have maintained mutual respect, trust, and benefit, as well as mutual learning and understanding. The bilateral relationship has developed comprehensively, rapidly, and deeply, with fruitful results in various areas of cooperation. China is willing to firmly support each other with Saudi Arabia and work towards mutual achievements, firmly regard each other’s development as an important opportunity, and further strengthening the role of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee, with the aim of advancing bilateral relations to new heights and continuously improving the well-being of both peoples, said the premier. China and Saudi Arabia, as major developing countries, share extensive common interests. China is willing to work closely with Saudi Arabia and advance together on the path of development, said Li. He called on both sides to further expand bilateral trade, deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and infrastructure, explore collaboration in emerging fields like new energy, information and communication, and the digital and green economies, while encouraging their respective companies to invest in each other's countries and working together to maintain global industrial and supply chain stability. He urged both sides to successfully organize the China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture in 2025, advance cooperation in culture, think tanks, education, media, non-governmental and people-to-people exchanges, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries. China supports Saudi Arabia in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is ready to enhance multilateral coordination with Saudi Arabia, foster unity and cooperation among Asian nations, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, and promote global governance in a more just and reasonable direction, Li said.”
As per the report, Mohammed bin Salman said that the two sides share “similar positions and bearing common responsibilities on international and regional issues, Saudi Arabia and China adhere to the principles of respecting other nations' sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, he said. Saudi Arabia highly appreciates China’s just stance on the Palestinian issue and is ready to collaborate closely with China on international multilateral affairs, contributing to the maintenance of regional and global peace, security, and stability.”
During the visit, the two sides signed several bilateral cooperation documents on technical and vocational training, meteorology, and other areas.
On page 3, there’s a report (English report) on Li’s meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community including Saudi Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, ACWA Power, and the Ajlan & Bros Holding Group. Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, and representatives from the China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) joint investment commission also attended the meeting.
Li told them that China is “pushing forward the digital, intelligent, and green transformation and upgrading its industries. Technological innovation in such fields as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and bio-medicine remains vibrant, which will create new economic growth drivers and foster numerous high-growth companies, Li said. This will provide broader market opportunities and investment prospects for businesses from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Li said, encouraging more Saudi enterprises to visit China and better share the dividends of China's development.”
Also: “He encouraged Saudi companies to expand and strengthen cooperation with China in traditional sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and trade, while enhancing cooperation in emerging and future industries like the digital and green economies.”
He added: “China will further relax market access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, accelerate the opening of service sectors like telecommunications, and provide robust support for foreign enterprises, helping them establish a stronger presence in the country and achieve success in China.”
Also on the page, there’s a report (English report) on Li meeting with Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. The big call was to speed up the FTA negotiations process between China and the GCC.
“Li said China stands ready to steadily advance cooperation in the five priority areas put forward at the China-GCC Summit. Li called on both sides to further deepen cooperation in energy, investment, innovation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges, expand cooperation in information and communications, digital economy, and green development, and jointly foster new momentum for the development of both sides. Li said China is ready to strengthen policy coordination with the GCC through such mechanisms as the China-GCC Strategic Dialogue. China supports regional countries in resolving differences through dialogue and consultation to achieve lasting good-neighborliness and friendship.”
Next, there’s a report on Zhao Leji’s comments at a lawmakers’ symposium held on the sidelines of an NPC Standing Committee session.
“The reason why the People’s Congress system has such strong vitality and remarkable advantages lies in its deep roots among the people. Deputies to the People’s Congresses are elected through democratic processes, come from among the people, are rooted in the people, and maintain close ties with the people. They faithfully represent the interests and will of the people in exercising state power, which is a distinctive feature and unique advantage of the People’s Congress system. Over the past 70 years, as the people’s congress system has been continuously improved, the system of deputies has also been strengthened, providing support and guarantees for deputies to perform their duties according to law and to maintain contact with the public. Since the 18th Party Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed great emphasis on the role of deputies, comprehensively strengthening leadership over the work of deputies. The mechanisms and systems for deputies to connect with the people have been further improved, channels have become smoother, and the effectiveness of their work has been continuously enhanced.” 人民代表大会制度之所以具有强大生命力和显著优越性，关键在于深深植根于人民之中。人大代表由民主选举产生，来自人民、扎根人民，与人民保持密切联系，忠实代表人民的利益和意志参加行使国家权力，这是人民代表大会制度的鲜明特点和独特优势。70年来，随着人民代表大会制度的完善发展，人大代表制度不断健全，为代表依法履职、联系群众提供了支持和保障。党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央高度重视发挥代表作用，全面加强对代表工作的领导，代表联系群众的制度机制进一步完善、渠道更加畅通、实效不断增强.
Xinhua English summarises the rest of it well:
“Deputies should listen to the people and reflect their perspectives on major issues of public concern, particularly in relation to social and economic development, Zhao said. He called on the deputies to gather public suggestions on the work of people’s congresses, including legislation and supervision, and to incorporate these suggestions into their proposals to address relevant issues through legal and institutional means. Zhao urged the deputies to perform their duties in line with the arrangements of the standing committees of people’s congresses. He encouraged them to make full use of local legislative outreach offices, deputy liaison offices, websites and mobile platforms to maintain regular contact with the public. He also stressed the importance of listening to deputies’ suggestions and opinions, and of summarizing experience to improve their work mechanisms and strengthen their capabilities.”
Next, there’s a report on Ding Xuexiang’s remarks at the third Belt and Road High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property. Xinhua reports:
“Efforts should be made to support high-quality IP creation, better implement international sci-tech cooperation initiatives, advance the sharing of data and information resources, and improve the quality and efficiency of IP examination, he said. Ding called for joint efforts to implement high-level IP protection, crack down on various infringement activities in accordance with the law, promote the mutual recognition and protection of geographical indications on a larger scale, promote IP protection in data and e-commerce, and create a favorable environment for innovation. The vice premier highlighted the cooperation on promoting the efficient use of patents, trademarks, geographical indications and copyrights, to support an innovative economy and the development of new quality productive forces. China is committed to promoting efficient global IP governance, adhering to true multilateralism, and encouraging the global IP governance system to progress in a fairer and more reasonable way, he noted.”
Page 2: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s comments at the BRICS meeting on security affairs or the BRICS NSAs meeting. I am going to cover the different meetings and statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
First, Wang said (English report) “in the face of current security challenges, BRICS should adopt a long-term perspective, demonstrate a more open attitude, and cooperate more closely to jointly address security threats and resolve security dilemmas, so as to inject positive energy into the turbulent international situation and make new contributions to building a world of lasting peace and universal security”.
He then put forward four points:
“Firstly, be implementers of peaceful coexistence. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. BRICS should lead by example in practicing peaceful coexistence, strengthening solidarity and coordination and upholding independence, and take the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind. It is essential to adhere to a holistic approach to national security, systematically advance political, economic, cultural and social security, and firmly grasp the initiative of safeguarding national security, in a bid to ensure real security for the people.
Secondly, be builders of multilateralism. Guided by true multilateralism, BRICS should advocate abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, practice the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, uphold dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win rather than zero-sum outcomes. Using the UN's 2024 Summit Of The Future as an opportunity, BRICS should jointly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and support the UN in playing a greater role in international security affairs. Exceptionalism and double standards should be rejected, and any words or deeds that undermine the UN's authority or negate the binding force of Security Council resolutions should be firmly resisted.
Thirdly, be promoters of political settlement. BRICS should resolutely promote the political settlement of hotspot issues, uphold the principle of indivisible security, respect each other’s legitimate concerns, seek common ground while shelving differences in dialogues, work with each other in the same direction in negotiations, and turn hostility into friendship. Regarding the prolonged spillover of the Ukraine crisis, China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus, which received widespread positive responses. BRICS partners are encouraged to support and participate in this initiative to amplify the rational, balanced and constructive voices within the international community and build more consensus for a political settlement to the crisis. Regarding the Gaza conflict, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible, unblock humanitarian aid corridors, and return to the right track of the two-state solution as soon as possible.
Fourthly, be defenders of fairness and justice. BRICS should speak for justice and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Upholding the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, BRICS should make the global governance system more just and equitable, effectively enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South to ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules for every country. BRICS should strengthen the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and balance development and security to ensure that AI always serves the progress of human civilization.”
He added that “China stands ready to work with BRICS partners to fully implement the Global Security Initiative”.
Next, there’s a report (English report) on Wang’s comments during the meeting’s work reviewing the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and the Cybersecurity Working Group. Wang again made four points:
First, adhere to the correct principles. Advocate a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and forge a new path for security. Support the United Nations in playing a central coordinating role in global counter-terrorism cooperation, and resist ‘double standards’ and politicization and instrumentalization of counter-terrorism issues. Promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable internet governance system reflecting the will and interests of most countries, achieving resource sharing, joint responsibility, and cooperative governance, and ensuring the sharing of digital dividends.
Second, strengthen practical cooperation. China fully affirms the results of the Counter-Terrorism and Cybersecurity Working Group and is willing to work with all parties to earnestly implement the ‘BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy’ and ‘Action Plan’ to create a model for international counter-terrorism cooperation. China invites BRICS counter-terrorism officials to visit Xinjiang again and supports the signing of an MoU on BRICS cybersecurity cooperation.
Third, demonstrate the spirit of solidarity. BRICS countries should fully leverage the positive effects of the ‘BRICS+’ model, unite a broader range of countries with the BRICS spirit, share experiences and practices, expand dialogue and cooperation, provide capacity-building support, and continuously consolidate the common positions and actions of the Global South on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.
Fourth, improve global governance. Promote the implementation of GSI, adhere to the principle of consultation, joint construction and sharing, and establish a fair, reasonable and effective global security governance system centered on the United Nations. Jointly promote the implementation of the Global Data Security Initiative and the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative, and gather BRICS forces to improve global security governance. Strengthen multilateral coordination, deeply participate in the formulation of rules in areas such as counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, enhance the voice and influence of BRICS countries, and safeguard common interests.
一是坚持正确理念。倡导共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，走出一条新型安全之路。支持联合国在全球反恐合作中发挥中心协调作用，抵制在反恐问题上搞“双重标准”和政治化、工具化图谋。推动构建更加公正合理、反映大多数国家意愿和利益的互联网治理体系，实现资源共享、责任共担、合作共治，共享数字红利。二是加强务实合作。中方充分肯定反恐和网络安全工作组成果，愿同各方一道认真落实《金砖国家反恐战略》和《行动计划》，为国际反恐合作打造样板。中方邀请金砖国家反恐官员再次赴新疆地区参访，支持商签金砖网络安全合作谅解备忘录。三是体现团结精神。充分发挥“金砖+”模式的积极效应，以金砖精神团结更广泛国家，分享经验做法，拓展对话合作,提供能力建设支持，不断夯实“全球南方”反恐和网络安全共同立场、共同行动。四是完善全球治理。推进落实全球安全倡议，坚持共商共建共享原则，建立以联合国为中心、公正合理有效的全球安全治理体系。共同推动《全球数据安全倡议》和《全球人工智能治理倡议》落地见效，为完善全球安全治理汇聚金砖力量。加强多边协调，深入参与反恐、网络安全等领域规则制定，提升金砖国家话语权和影响力，维护共同利益。
Next, there’s a report on Wang’s meeting with Youssef Alaa El-Deen, secretary general of the Egyptian National Security Council. Xinhua says:
“China is ready to collaborate with Egypt and other BRICS partners to steadily advance greater BRICS cooperation, create an important platform for South-South cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries while defending international fairness and justice, Wang said … El-Deen expressed his pleasure in Egypt’s participation in the BRICS mechanism for the first time as a full member and thanked China for its valuable support. He affirmed the strong mutual trust and solid relations between Egypt and China … Both sides exchanged views on the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine crisis. El-Deen spoke highly of China’s efforts in promoting reconciliation among Palestinian factions and commended China's efforts to mediate and promote peace talks. Both sides expressed their willingness to work together in calling for a ceasefire and end to hostilities in Gaza as soon as possible and seeking a fundamental and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue. They also agreed to enhance communication and collaboration on the Ukraine issue to jointly promote a political resolution to the crisis.”
Next, the report on Wang’s meeting with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin says:
Wang said that “China appreciates Serbia’s adherence to friendship with China and its firm support for China in safeguarding its core interests. China firmly supports Serbia in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will continue to uphold justice and defend justice in the international arena.” Vulin said that Serbia highly appreciates China’s adherence to principles and equal treatment of people in international affairs, thanks China for its long-term valuable support, and hopes to learn from China’s successful experience and promote more achievements in cooperation between Serbia and China in various fields.” 王毅说，习近平主席不久前对塞尔维亚进行国事访问，取得丰硕成果。两国元首建立了牢固互信，达成广泛共识，引领中塞关系迈上构建命运共同体的新征程。中方愿同塞方落实好两国元首重要共识，不断深化中塞互利合作。中方赞赏塞方坚持对华友好，坚定支持中方维护核心利益。我们也同样坚定支持塞维护主权独立和领土完整，将继续在国际上主持公道，捍卫正义。武林表示，习近平主席对塞成功进行历史性国事访问，推动两国关系在新时代更加强劲稳固，引领塞中从铁杆朋友成为命运共同体。塞方高度赞赏中方在国际事务中坚持原则、平等待人，感谢中方长期以来的宝贵支持，期盼借鉴中方成功经验，推动塞中各领域合作取得更多成果.
Next, the report on Wang’s meeting with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, says that:
Wang said that “China and Brazil are vital stabilizing forces and major developing countries, and will contribute more to the world's peace, stability and development. China is ready to further boost strategic collaboration with Brazil, improve political mutual trust, broaden mutually beneficial cooperation, and elevate bilateral ties to new highs, Wang said. For his part, Amorim stated that Brazil and China have maintained close communication, consolidated mutual trust and effective collaboration. Brazil is willing to work with China to prepare for the next stage of important high-level interactions between the two countries and to promote the further development of bilateral relations, Amorim said. The two sides expressed the willingness to join hands with BRICS partners to make common voices and safeguard common interests, so as to achieve more outcomes of greater BRICS cooperation. The two officials also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, saying more countries are welcome to get united and gather more international consensus to stop war and promote peace”.
Finally, there’s a report on BRICS countries holding a security dialogue with countries from the Global South. The MoFA report says that in attendance were representatives from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Serbia, Turkey, Laos, Vietnam, Bahrain, Mauritania, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and other countries.
Wang Yi said that the international security situation is becoming increasingly complex, geopolitical competition is intensifying, hotspot issues are emerging one after another, the arms race continues to escalate, Cold War mentality is resurfacing, and non-traditional security challenges are emerging in an endless stream. The people of all countries have a stronger yearning for peace and security, and the call for unity and cooperation is more urgent. The cause of world peace and development cannot be separated from the support and participation of all progressive forces. Entering the new century, the ‘Global South’ has grown significantly, which is the trend of historical development and the hope of the century of change. Faced with a world intertwined with changes and chaos, the ‘Global South’ should bravely stand at the forefront of the tide, take initiative, and contribute positive energy to building a world of lasting peace and universal security.”王毅说，国际安全形势日趋复杂，地缘竞争愈发激烈，热点问题此起彼伏，军备竞赛持续升级，冷战思维沉渣泛起，非传统安全挑战层出不穷。各国人民对和平安全的向往更加强烈，对团结合作的呼声更为迫切。世界和平与发展事业离不开一切进步力量的支持参与。进入新世纪，“全球南方”声势卓然壮大，这是历史发展潮流所趋，是百年变局希望所在。面对变乱交织的世界，“全球南方”应当勇立潮头，主动作为，为建设持久和平、普遍安全的世界贡献积极力量。中方提出四点主张.
He then proposed four points:
First, we must adhere to dialogue and cooperation. Adhere to the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, respect the legitimate security concerns of all parties, adhere to the general direction of political settlement, resolve disputes through dialogue, resolve differences through consultation, and promote security through cooperation. We must firmly oppose all acts of hegemony, bullying, and power politics, as well as bloc confrontation and military coercion.
Second, we must consolidate the solid foundation for development. We should work together to bring development back to the center of the international agenda, revitalize global development partnerships, share development opportunities and outcomes, and achieve common prosperity. We must resist the counter-currents of ‘small yards with high walls’ and ‘decoupling and breaking chains’, oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the legitimate development rights of the ‘Global South’, and ensure that no country is left behind on the path to modernization.
Third, we must promote solidarity and mutual assistance. We should help each other on the path to development, closely coordinate in international affairs, support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns, unite and speak with one voice on principles concerning the common interests of the ‘Global South’ and the future and destiny of mankind, win respect on the international stage, enhance influence, and gain a greater voice.
Fourth, we must demonstrate openness and inclusiveness. We should jointly advocate respect for the diversity of civilizations, promote the common values of all mankind, promote the peaceful coexistence and common prosperity of different civilizations, different systems, and different paths, and make the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations a bond for maintaining world peace. We must firmly resist a few countries from imposing their will on others, turning values into a tool to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, or even a weapon to incite confrontation.
一要坚持对话合作。秉持共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，尊重各方合理安全关切，坚持政治解决大方向，以对话解争端，以协商化分歧，以合作促安全。旗帜鲜明反对一切霸权霸道霸凌行径，反对阵营对抗和军事胁迫。二要夯实发展之基。携手推动发展重回国际议程中心位置，重振全球发展伙伴关系，共享发展机遇和成果，实现共同繁荣。抵制“小院高墙”“脱钩断链”等逆流，反对各种形式的单边主义和保护主义，维护“全球南方”正当发展权益，不让任何国家在现代化道路上掉队。三要弘扬团结互助。在发展道路上互帮互助，在国际事务中密切协调，在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上相互支持，在关乎“全球南方”共同利益和人类前途命运的原则问题上团结发声，在国际舞台上赢得尊重，提升影响，获得更大发言权。四要彰显开放包容。共同倡导尊重文明多样性，弘扬全人类共同价值，推动不同文明、不同制度、不同道路和平共处、共生共荣，让文明交流互鉴成为维护世界和平的纽带。坚决抵制少数国家将自己的意志强加于人，把价值观变为干涉别国内政的工具，甚至变为煽动对抗的武器。
The report concludes with Wang saying that:
“BRICS countries and the ‘Global South’ have natural emotional bonds and broad common interests. China supports the BRICS to open its doors to seek development and open its arms to promote cooperation. We welcome more like-minded southern partners to join the BRICS family, and jointly become a stabilising force for maintaining peace, a backbone force for open development, a constructive force for global governance, and a promoting force for mutual learning among civilizations, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.” 王毅强调，金砖国家与“全球南方”拥有天然情感纽带和广泛共同利益。中方支持金砖敞开大门谋发展，张开怀抱促合作，欢迎更多志同道合的南方伙伴加入金砖大家庭，共同做维护和平的稳定力量、开放发展的中坚力量、全球治理的建设力量、文明互鉴的促进力量，携手构建人类命运共同体。
Anyway, back to PD, there’s a report (English report) on the first China-Latin America human rights roundtable being held in Brazil. The report says that more than 120 senior officials, experts and scholars from China and LAC countries, as well as representatives of social organizations, think tanks and media, discussed cooperation on human rights development while building consensus at the event.
Finally, there’s a report on the third China-Pacific Island Countries Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement Capabilities and Police Cooperation. Wang Xiaohong addressed this gathering in Fuzhou. Xinhua reports:
“Wang said China is ready to work together with all parties to focus on establishing friendlier cooperative relationships, adopting more efficient modes of cooperation, and building a more professional law enforcement team. He also called for writing a new chapter of mutually beneficial law-enforcement and security cooperation to promote the construction of a closer community with a shared future between China and the Pacific Island countries. Representatives from Vanuatu, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea and Samoa delivered speeches. Ahead of the dialogue, Wang met with officials from Fiji and the Solomon Islands.”
Page 4: Briefs on the reports presented to the NPCSC meeting are published on the page.
First, Xiang Libin’s report the implementation of the national economic and social development plan had the following key points:
The main macroeconomic indicators were in line with expectations. For instance, H1 GDP growth has been 5% year-on-year. From January to July, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 5.9%, fixed asset investment increased by 3.6%, and the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 3.5%.
From January to July, investment in high-tech industries and investment in technological transformation in manufacturing increased by 10.4% and 10.9% year-on-year, respectively, 6.8 and 7.3 percentage points higher than the overall investment growth rate, respectively.
In H1, the average concentration of fine particulate matter in cities at or above the prefecture level nationwide decreased by 2.9% year-on-year; energy consumption intensity continued to decline.
From January to July,8.26 million new jobs were created in urban areas, an increase of 200,000 year-on-year
In H1, the per capita disposable income of residents increased by 5.3% in real terms.
报告强调了国民经济和社会发展突出表现：一是主要宏观指标符合预期。上半年，国内生产总值（GDP）同比增长5%，前7个月规模以上工业增加值增长5.9%，固定资产投资增长3.6%，社会消费品零售总额增长3.5%。二是高质量发展态势向好。科技创新引领作用增强，新质生产力加快发展，绿色低碳发展步伐加快，经济结构优化升级。新动能加快成长壮大，前7个月高技术产业投资、制造业技术改造投资同比分别增长10.4%、10.9%，分别比投资整体增速高6.8个、7.3个百分点。环境质量继续改善，上半年全国地级及以上城市细颗粒物平均浓度同比下降2.9%；能耗强度继续下降。三是民生保障继续改善。前7个月城镇新增就业826万人，同比多增20万人；上半年居民人均可支配收入实际增长5.3%.
The key tasks for H2 are:
the accelerating the implementation of key reform measures
focus on promoting high-quality development
exert greater efforts in macroeconomic policies
expand domestic demand with a focus on boosting consumption
take multiple measures to increase efforts to stabilise foreign trade and foreign investment
continue to prevent and resolve risks in key areas
coordinate the promotion of comprehensive rural revitalization and new urbanisation
deeply promote the implementation of major regional strategies
steadily advance green and low-carbon development
increased efforts to protect and improve people’s livelihood.
Second, Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an’s report on budget execution has the following key points:
China’s economic operation has been generally stable and has made progress since the beginning of the year, laying the foundation for fiscal revenue. However, the foundation for economic recovery is not yet solid. Factors such as the continued decline in industrial producer prices and the revenue-reducing effects of policies from last year have constrained the recovery of fiscal revenue. From January to July, the national general public budget revenue was 13.5663 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 2.6%.
From January to July, the central general public budget revenue was 5.9745 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 6.4%. Local general public budget revenue was 7.5918 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 0.6%.
From the perspective of revenue composition, tax revenue nationwide from January to July was 11.124 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 5.4%. Non-tax revenue nationwide was 2.4423 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12%. Among them, revenue from the paid use of state-owned resources (assets) increased by 12.4%.
From January to July, national general public budget expenditure was 15.5463 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.5%. Among them, central-level expenditure increased by 9.3%, and local expenditure increased by 1.5%.
Page 7: A few reports on disciplinary actions being taken.
Li Xiangang, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws.
Liu Yuejin, former commissioner for counter-terrorism at the Ministry of Public Security, has been expelled from the Party for serious violations of Party disciplines and laws, the country's top anti-graft watchdogs announced on Wednesday. Liu, also a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, once occupied a position at the vice-ministerial level.
Li Yong, former general manager of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, has been expelled from the Party for serious violations of Party disciplines and laws.