Decoding Xi's Message for the Private Sector - Xi warns of Increasing & Severe Challenges Ahead - Tan Kefei on PLA Budget Priorities - PBSC Members' Engagements at Two Sessions
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Page 1: The big story on the page is about Xi Jinping’s meeting with national political advisors from the China National Democratic Construction Association and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. PBSC members Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Ding Xuexiang were part of the meeting.
The report says that “Xi emphasised that the CPC Central Committee has always adhered to Two Unwaverings and Three Haven’t Changed/Unchanged (三个没有变)* and has always regarded private enterprises and private entrepreneurs as belonging to its own family 民营企业家当作自己人. It is necessary to guide private enterprises and entrepreneurs to correctly understand the principles and policies of the CPC Central Committee, enhance their confidence, 轻装上阵 qīng zhuāng shàng zhèn** and seek bold development, and realise the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy.” 他强调，党中央始终坚持“两个毫不动摇”、“三个没有变”，始终把民营企业和民营企业家当作自己人。要引导民营企业和民营企业家正确理解党中央方针政策，增强信心、轻装上阵、大胆发展，实现民营经济健康发展、高质量发展.
*三个没有变 = the non-public sector’s status and functions in the country’s economic and social development have not changed, the principle and policies to unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the sector have not changed, and the principle and policies to provide a sound environment and more opportunities to the sector have not changed.
**轻装上阵 = Interesting phrase used. It implies not carrying heavy burdens/armours into battle. Sort of like shedding one’s burdens, even the ideological ones, when doing one’s task. This is really important messaging, and there is more below.
Six committee members including Zeng Yuqun, Xie Dong, Liu Zhendong, Chen Xiaoping, Xie Ru, and Sun Dongsheng spoke at the meeting. The topics discussed were occupying the commanding heights of the global new energy industry, financially supporting technological innovation, creating better conditions for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting the high-quality development of the platform economy, promoting the revitalisation of rural industries, and further exerting the advantages and vitality of the private economy. 联组会上，曾毓群、解冬、刘振东、陈小平、谢茹、孙东生等6位委员，围绕占领全球新能源产业制高点、金融支持科技创新、为中小企业发展创造更好条件、促进平台经济高质量发展、推动乡村产业振兴、进一步发挥民营经济优势和活力等作了发言.
The paragraphs following this discuss Xi’s comments in detail. He began by talking about 2022 being “an extremely important and critical year in the history of the Party and the country.” He said that “despite the turbulent international environment and the impact of multiple unexpected factors at home, through the united and tenacious struggle of all the people, we have accomplished several major events of great importance and long-term impact, and the cause of the Party and the country has achieved fruitful results.” The key achievements he mentioned are:
The 20th Party Congress
The Beijing Winter Olympics
COVID Control - China’s “death rate from COVID-19 has remained at the lowest level in the world, and we have achieved a major and decisive victory in epidemic prevention and control.” 我们动态优化调整防控政策措施，较短时间实现了疫情防控平稳转段，新冠病亡率保持在全球最低水平，取得疫情防控重大决定性胜利.
Stable prices amid high global inflation
GDP growth of 3%, “which is very high among the major economies in the world.”
In the next paragraph, Xi says that the past five years have been “extremely unusual and extraordinary.” “The external environment of China's development has changed dramatically/rapidly, and uncertainty and unpredictability have increased significantly. In particular, Western countries led by the United States have imposed all-round containment, blockade and suppression of China, which has presented unprecedented and severe challenges to China’s development. (Rare direct reference to the US by name by Xi.) At the same time, China has also faced multiple difficulties, such as repeated COVID-19 outbreaks and increasing downward pressure on the economy. Adhering to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, we have faced difficulties head on, responded calmly, have not succumbed to unhealthy influences, have not feared pressure, and have not sought refuge. China’s GDP has grown at an average annual rate of 5.2%; we won the battle against poverty as scheduled, building a well-off society in an all-round way, and achieved the first centennial goal, pushing the cause of the Party and the country to make great achievements that attracted worldwide attention, and pushing China onto a new journey of building a comprehensively modern socialist modern country. The achievements in the past five years are the result of the united struggle of the whole Party and the people of the whole country, and also embodies the contributions of the CPPCC members.” 习近平指出，党的十九大以来的5年，是极不寻常、极不平凡的5年。我国发展的外部环境急剧变化，不确定难预料因素显著增多，尤其是以美国为首的西方国家对我实施了全方位的遏制、围堵、打压，给我国发展带来前所未有的严峻挑战。同时国内也面临新冠疫情反复、经济下行压力增大等多重困难。我们坚持稳中求进工作总基调，迎难而上，沉着应对，不信邪、不怕压、不避难，国内生产总值年均增长5.2%，如期打赢脱贫攻坚战，全面建成小康社会，实现第一个百年奋斗目标，推动党和国家事业取得举世瞩目的重大成就，推动我国迈上全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程。5年来的成就，是全党全国人民团结奋斗的结果，也凝聚着广大政协委员的贡献.
He then added that “faced with profound and complex changes in the international and domestic environments, we must stay calm, maintain resolve, pursue progress while ensuring stability, take active steps, unite as one and have the courage to fight. To remain calm and maintain resolve implies calmly observing the profound changes in the international situation, calmly respond to all kinds of risks and challenges, accurately recognising changes, respond scientifically, actively seeking changes, optimising and adjusting tactics in a timely manner while maintaining strategic focus, never relaxing, not being afraid of various risks, and moving forward unswervingly towards the established strategic goals. Striving for progress while maintaining stability and acting positively means that the general direction should be stable, the principles and policies should be stable, and the strategic deployment should be stable. On the basis of maintaining the foundation and stabilising the position, we should make positive progress, and strive for the best results unceasingly. Unite as one and dare to fight. Strength comes from unity. Over the years, we have faced various risks and challenges one after another, and great battles have been fought one after another. Every battle has been fought through the united and tenacious struggle of all people. In the coming period, we will only face increasing risks and challenges and these will become increasingly severe. Only when all the people think and work in the same direction, pull together in times of trouble, unite as one, and be brave and good at fighting can we win new and greater victories.” 习近平强调，面对国际国内环境发生的深刻复杂变化，必须做到沉着冷静、保持定力，稳中求进、积极作为，团结一致、敢于斗争。沉着冷静、保持定力，就是要冷静观察国际局势的深刻变动，沉着应对各种风险挑战，既准确识变、科学应变、主动求变，及时优化调整战略策略，又保持战略定力，咬定青山不放松，不为各种风险所惧，朝着既定的战略目标，坚定不移向前进。稳中求进、积极作为，就是大方向要稳，方针政策要稳，战略部署要稳，在守住根基、稳住阵脚的基础上积极进取，不停步、能快则快，争取最好结果。团结一致、敢于斗争。力量源于团结。这些年来，我们面临的各种风险挑战接踵而至，大仗一个接一个，每一仗都是靠全体人民团结奋斗、顽强斗争闯过来的。未来一个时期，我们面临的风险挑战只会越来越多、越来越严峻。只有全体人民心往一处想、劲往一处使，同舟共济、众志成城，敢于斗争、善于斗争，才能不断夺取新的更大胜利. — Comment: This is such an important paragraph to read and understand. It tells us something about Xi’s worldview. Gone are the comments about peace being the trend of the times. There is nothing in here about championing economic globalisation. There is such a sense of threat. In addition, I thought the bit about adjusting tactics but maintaining strategic resolve is important for observers to keep in mind. I read this as there being no going back to the old ways of economic policy.
The next paragraph says that “the private economy is an important force for the Party to ensure long-term governance and unite and lead the people of the whole country to realise the second centennial goal and the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We have always regarded private enterprises and private entrepreneurs as belonging to our own family, lending support when they encounter difficulties and offering guidance when they encounter confusion. It is necessary to optimise the development environment of private enterprises, remove institutional barriers that restrict private enterprises from participating in market competition fairly, safeguard the property rights of private enterprises and the rights and interests of entrepreneurs in accordance with the law, ensure the equal treatment of private enterprises and state-owned enterprises institutionally and legally, encourage and support the development and growth of private economy and private enterprises, and boost market expectations and confidence. It is necessary to actively play the important role of private enterprises in stabilising employment and increasing incomes, adopt more effective measures to support the development of small, medium and micro enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households, and support platform enterprises to show their talents in creating employment, expanding consumption and international competition. Efforts should be made to put in place a cordial and clean relationship between government and business, solve the problems for private enterprises and entrepreneurs, let them 放开手脚 (fàng kāi shǒu jiǎo - cast off apprehensions/act with freedom), 轻装上阵 (qīng zhuāng shàng zhèn), and concentrate on development with single-minded dedication (专心致志 - zhuān xīn zhì zhì). It is necessary to strengthen ideological and political guidance, guide private enterprises and entrepreneurs to correctly understand the principles and policies of the CPC Central Committee like the Two Unswervings and Two Healthy, eliminate misgivings, lay down their burdens and pursue bold development.” 习近平指出，民营经济是我们党长期执政、团结带领全国人民实现“两个一百年”奋斗目标和中华民族伟大复兴中国梦的重要力量。我们始终把民营企业和民营企业家当作自己人，在民营企业遇到困难的时候给予支持，在民营企业遇到困惑的时候给予指导。要优化民营企业发展环境，破除制约民营企业公平参与市场竞争的制度障碍，依法维护民营企业产权和企业家权益，从制度和法律上把对国企民企平等对待的要求落下来，鼓励和支持民营经济和民营企业发展壮大，提振市场预期和信心。要积极发挥民营企业在稳就业、促增收中的重要作用，采取更有效的措施支持中小微企业和个体工商户发展，支持平台企业在创造就业、拓展消费、国际竞争中大显身手。要把构建亲清政商关系落到实处，为民营企业和民营企业家排忧解难，让他们放开手脚，轻装上阵，专心致志搞发展。要加强思想政治引领，引导民营企业和民营企业家正确理解党中央关于“两个毫不动摇”、“两个健康”的方针政策，消除顾虑，放下包袱，大胆发展. — Comment: Needless to say that this is a critical paragraph. I read in it criticism of regulators and communication, along with a call for greater support for the private sector. However, as the next paragraph tells us, this support is not a carte blanche or a return to the way things used to be. There will be greater regulation related to high-quality development and common prosperity. One example of the former is environmental regulation or directing capital in certain domains. On the latter, Xi actually is rather clear on labour policies, for instance. So, yes, this is a message of support for the private sector to make money. But that does not mean de-regulation.
He then added that “private enterprises should practise the new development concept, deeply grasp the shortcomings and challenges in the development of the private economy, change the development mode, adjust the industrial structure, change the growth impetus, adhere to the main business, strengthen the industry, and consciously take the path of high-quality development.” 民营企业要践行新发展理念，深刻把握民营经济发展存在的不足和面临的挑战，转变发展方式、调整产业结构、转换增长动力，坚守主业、做强实业，自觉走高质量发展路子. Capable and qualified private enterprises should strengthen independent innovation and play a greater role in promoting self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology and the fruitful transformation of scientific and technological achievements. It is necessary to stimulate the vitality of private capital investment, encourage and attract more private capital to participate in the construction of major national projects and key industrial and supply chain projects, and make greater contributions to building a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development. It is necessary to standardise and guide the healthy development of all kinds of capital according to law, effectively prevent and resolve systemic financial risks, and create an environment for fair competition and competitive development for enterprises of all types of ownership.” 习近平强调，高质量发展对民营经济发展提出了更高要求。民营企业要践行新发展理念，深刻把握民营经济发展存在的不足和面临的挑战，转变发展方式、调整产业结构、转换增长动力，坚守主业、做强实业，自觉走高质量发展路子。有能力、有条件的民营企业要加强自主创新，在推进科技自立自强和科技成果转化中发挥更大作用。要激发民间资本投资活力，鼓励和吸引更多民间资本参与国家重大工程、重点产业链供应链项目建设，为构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展作出更大贡献。要依法规范和引导各类资本健康发展，有效防范化解系统性金融风险，为各类所有制企业创造公平竞争、竞相发展的环境.
In the final paragraph, he talks about common prosperity, saying that “both state-owned enterprises and private enterprises are important forces to promote common prosperity, and must shoulder the social responsibility of promoting common prosperity.” 无论是国有企业还是民营企业，都是促进共同富裕的重要力量，都必须担负促进共同富裕的社会责任. Here’s how he argued this must be materialised by private enterprises:
Private entrepreneurs should strengthen their sense of family and country, consciously practise the people-centred development philosophy, and enhance their sense of responsibility and mission to promote common prosperity
They should actively build harmonious labour relations, promote the construction of a community of interests for all employees, and make the development achievements of the enterprise benefit all employees more fairly
They should operate in compliance with laws and regulations, carry forward the spirit of outstanding entrepreneurs, and become role models when it comes to patriotism, dedication, law-abiding operations, entrepreneurial innovation and giving back to society.
Inherit and carry forward the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation, actively participate in and set up charities — be rich and responsible, rich and righteous, and rich and caring.
民营企业家要增强家国情怀，自觉践行以人民为中心的发展思想，增强先富带后富、促进共同富裕的责任感和使命感。民营企业要在企业内部积极构建和谐劳动关系，推动构建全体员工利益共同体，让企业发展成果更公平惠及全体员工。民营企业和民营企业家要筑牢依法合规经营底线，弘扬优秀企业家精神，做爱国敬业、守法经营、创业创新、回报社会的典范。要继承和弘扬中华民族传统美德，积极参与和兴办社会公益慈善事业，做到富而有责、富而有义、富而有爱.
Also on the page is a story of the personal interactions that Xi had during this meeting. One of the interactions there is useful to note.
Zeng Yuqun, founder and chairman of the battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology, told Xi that it is important to “strengthen the protection of upstream mineral resources” given the “external dependence.”
Xi responded with agreement, saying that “‘stability’ is the lifeline. ‘Industrial development should be prudent and we must be prudent in formulating industrial policies. When you talk about upstream minerals, the stranglehold that some have on us is owing to upstream control. In developing overseas mineral resources, we must also have accurate expectations. It is necessary to seize opportunities and coordinate development and security’. Be prepared and earnest. Emerging industries are booming. I am happy about this but also have some concerns. What worries me is that there is a lot of bluster without any impact (大呼隆 dà hū lóng); at first, everyone rushes into action 先是一哄而起, and then everyone disperses in confusion 最后一哄而散. To participate in international competition, we must do a good job in overall planning. How big is the market? Where are the risks? It is necessary to prevent taking the path of sweeping everything before oneself and marching ahead deeply alone, only to be caught out wanting in the end. We must see that international competition is extremely fierce and the international struggle is changing. In the case of people playing a zero-sum game against us, we have to leave a way out for ourselves! 来自宁德时代的曾毓群委员，讲到战略性矿产资源的对外依存度，建议加强上游矿产资源保障. 习近平总书记深以为然。大发展之下，“稳”是生命线：“你们产业发展要稳慎，我们制定产业政策也要稳慎。你讲到上游矿产，人家对我们‘卡脖子’有些恰恰就是从上游开始的。发展海外矿产资源，也要有准确预期。既要抓住机遇，也要统筹好发展和安全.” 备豫不虞，语重心长。“新兴产业如火如荼。对这个事，亦喜亦忧。”“忧的是，就怕来个大呼隆，先是一哄而起，最后一哄而散。参与国际竞争，还要搞好统筹规划。市场有多大？风险在哪里？要防止一路所向披靡、孤军深入，最后却被人兜了底。要看到国际竞争异常激烈，国际斗争风云变幻。在人家对我们零和博弈情况下，还要给自己留条后路啊!” — Comment: This was tricky to translate, but I hope I’ve captured the essence of what Xi was saying. Happy to amend any errors.
\On the top of the page is a report on the second plenary session of the 14th NPC. This basically talks about presentation of reports. Xiao Jie detailed the Party and state institutions reform plan.
Finally, there’s a consolidated report (shorter Xinhua English report) on PBSC members Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attending group discussions with national political advisors on Monday. All of them once again effusively praised Xi’s leadership. So I am not capturing that bit in the summaries below.
Li Qiang participated in a group meeting of political advisors from the economic sector. Li emphasised Xi’s leadership, the two establishments, the two safeguards and Chinese-style modernisation. He added that “since the beginning of this year, China’s economic development has made a good start, but there are still many difficulties, challenges and uncertainties.” Efforts must be made to follow the guidelines of the Central Economic Work Conference to comprehensively implement the new development philosophy and earnestly promote high-quality development. Scientific and precise macro-policy must be applied and extra efforts must be made to ensure stable growth, employment and prices, as well as ensure a sound economic recovery and realize annual growth target. He added that it is necessary to “take comprehensive measures to expand effective demand, and better realise a system whereby demand drives supply and supply creates demand. We should vigorously advance reform and innovation, accelerate the building of a high-quality socialist market economy, and advance opening-up at a high level. We need to make coordinated efforts to prevent and manage risks and firmly safeguard against systemic risks.” 要综合施策扩大有效需求，更好实现需求牵引供给、供给创造需求。要大力推进改革创新，加快构建高水平社会主义市场经济体制，推进高水平对外开放。要统筹做好风险防范处置，牢牢守住不发生系统性风险底线.
Zhao Leji met with political advisors from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League and the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots. He said that the “achievements in the past five years and the great changes in the decade of the new era have fully demonstrated the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, the remarkable advantages of the system of Socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the majestic power of hundreds of millions of people uniting as one and struggling tenaciously under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.” 在认真听取陈星莺、张雪樵、吴国华等委员发言后，赵乐际指出，过去五年的成就和新时代十年的伟大变革，充分彰显了“两个确立”的决定性意义，彰显了中国特色社会主义制度的显著优越性，彰显了在中国共产党领导下亿万人民团结一心、顽强奋斗的磅礴力量. Zhao talked about Chinese-style modernisation. He “noted that the upcoming five years will be crucial for getting our efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects off to a good start. Zhao called on them to enhance their connection with the CPC, leverage the strengths of the country's new type of socialist political party system, coordinate efforts to promote democracy and unity, and create a powerful collective force for realizing the Chinese Dream.” He added: “It is necessary to implement the party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era, stand firm in political stance, give full play to its own advantages, resolutely oppose "independence" and promote reunification, and unswervingly push forward the great cause of the reunification of the motherland.” 要贯彻新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略，站稳政治立场，发挥自身优势，坚决反“独”促统，坚定不移推进祖国统一大业. — Comment: No peaceful reunification, it seems.
Wang Huning met with CPPCC delegates. He emphasised the two establishments, two safeguards, the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences, along with enhancing political judgement, understanding, and execution, and consciously maintaining a high degree of alignment with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in terms of ideology, politics, and actions. He added that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on strengthening and improving the work of the CPPCC, and maintaining CCP leadership.
Cai Qi participated in a group meeting of political advisors from the China Association for Science and Technology and the sector of science and technology. He, in particular, talked about the importance of having Xi at the helm and the guidance of Xi’s thought as being fundamental to achievements over the past five years. He then said: “It is necessary to be goal oriented and seek free exploration, deepen the reform of the science and technology system, strengthen basic research and tackle key problems in frontier fields, and accelerate the realisation of high-level science and technology self-reliance and self-improvement. It is necessary to give play to the leading role of national laboratories, support the development of new R&D institutions, strengthen the dominant position of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation, and promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. We should vigorously cultivate strategic scientists, world-class scientific and technological leaders and innovative teams, and do a good job in building a contingent of young scientific and technological talents. It is necessary to carry forward the spirit of scientists and foster a favourable atmosphere conducive to innovation and creation. It is necessary for the China Association for Science and Technology to perform the function of being a bridge, linking, uniting and driving the vast number of scientific and technological talents, and make greater contributions to the development of China’s scientific and technological undertakings.” 要坚持目标导向和自由探索两条腿走路，深化科技体制改革，加强基础研究和前沿领域攻关，加快实现高水平科技自立自强。要发挥国家实验室引领作用，支持新型研发机构发展，强化企业科技创新主体地位，促进科技成果转化。要大力培养战略科学家、一流科技领军人才和创新团队，抓好青年科技人才队伍建设。要弘扬科学家精神，形成有利于创新创造的良好风尚。要发挥科协桥梁纽带作用，更好团结带动广大科技工作者，为我国科技事业发展作出更大贡献.
Ding Xuexiang met with advisors from the environment and resources sectors. He too first praised Xi’s leadership, referring to the key slogans and then called on everyone to move ahead with “one heart and one mind.” Xinhua English summarises his other comments well: “He underscored the need to accelerate the economic and social development with a comprehensive green transformation, proactively and steadily work toward the targets of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, enhance capacity to ensure the supply of key energy resources, and sort out prominent ecological and environmental problems that directly affect people's lives.”
Finally, Li Xi met with advisors from the China Association for Promoting Democracy and the sector of press and publication. He too talked about Xi’s leadership and the hard-won achievements over the past five years, which he said also “embody the wisdom and hard work of the democratic parties and CPPCC members.” He called for continued support in this regard for Chinese-style modernisation. And he said: “On the new journey, the more complex the situation is and the more arduous the tasks are, the more necessary it is to unswervingly advance the Party's self-revolution and to provide a strong guarantee for making a good start in building a modern socialist country in all respects.”
Page 2: There’s another report of the responses of the political advisors who met with Xi during the meeting covered above. The first part of the report basically quotes Chen Xiaoping and Xie Dong calling for uniting behind Xi. In the second part, Liu Zhendong praises state support for small and medium enterprises, concluding that Xi’s comments act as a guide for their development. Liu also pledges “to build public technology service platforms in the future” to support digital transformation of SMEs.
In the third section, Zeng Yuqun praises the support for NEVs. Zeng says that this has enabled focus on core tech research. He mentions Xi’s remarks about tech self-reliance and self-improvement and says that his focus will be to “accelerate the popularisation and application of new technologies and new products, improve the resilience of the supply chain of the industrial chain, improve the ability to explore international markets, adapt to international rules, and lead international standards, improve the global competitiveness and reputation of Chinese manufacturing and Chinese brands, and make new contributions to promoting Chinese-style modernisation.” ”曾毓群委员说，“我们将按照总书记的重要讲话精神，加快新技术新产品推广应用，提升产业链供应链韧性，提高开拓国际市场、适应国际规则、引领国际标准的能力，提高中国制造和中国品牌的全球竞争力和美誉度，为推进中国式现代化作出新的贡献.”
The final section has individuals telling Xi how they are fulfilling goals like common prosperity, and demonstrating patriotism and dedication, etc. Xie Ru says that “after listening to the speech of the General Secretary, we are full of confidence in the development of the private economy, and at the same time feel that the burden on us is heavier…” ”谢茹委员说，“听了总书记的讲话，我们对民营经济的发展充满信心，同时也感到身上的担子更重了.
Next, there is a Zhong Yin commentary on the page. This basically reiterates the key points from Xi’s speech on the front page. It focuses on the bit about responding calmly and being resolute, adhering to strategy and adjusting tactics. It also talks about the role of the private sector in Chinese-style modernisation and the importance of common prosperity.
Next, there’s a PD commentary on the outcomes of the second plenary session of the 20th Central Committee, which was held in late February. Apart from the key slogans supporting Xi’s leadership, this commentary stresses on the following:
the “political construction” as “the fundamental construction of the Party.” This implies implementing the requirements of the 20th Party Congress, upholding and strengthening the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, improving the leadership system of the Party taking into account the overall situation and coordinating all parties, improving the implementation mechanism of major decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, improving the political judgement, understanding and execution of party organisations at all levels and party members…”
Ideological construction is the basic construction of the Party, and arming the whole Party with the Party’s innovative theory is the fundamental task of the Party’s ideological construction. 思想建设是党的基础性建设，用党的创新理论武装全党是党的思想建设的根本任务. This is about studying and understanding Xi’s thought.
The issue of work style is related to the life and death of the Party. This deals with corruption, the four winds and pursuing self-revolution.
The importance of research and hard work. In this regard, the article says that “it is necessary to strengthen the construction of leading bodies and cadres at all levels after the leadership transition, do a good job in ideological and political construction of leading bodies, strictly implement democratic centralism, constantly enhance the consciousness and firmness of implementing the party's theory, line, principles and policies, create a clean and honest political ecology, and form a vivid situation of unity and cooperation, courage to take responsibility, and perform good deeds.” 要加强换届后各级领导班子和干部队伍建设，抓好领导班子思想政治建设，严格执行民主集中制，不断增强贯彻落实党的理论和路线方针政策的自觉性和坚定性，营造风清气正的政治生态，形成团结协作、敢于担当、善作善成的生动局面. It also calls to “vigorously promote the style of seeking truth and being pragmatic and getting things done…”
Page 3: A report on He Lifeng, Ding Zhongli, Hao Mingjin, Cai Dafeng, and Wu Weihua meeting with delegations from different regions during the two sessions. They all basically reaffirmed Xi’s leadership and the achievements over the past five years, and called for working towards the goals outlined by the central leadership.
Also on the page is a report with comments from the four other members of the Central Military Commission. Li Shangfu, Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin all basically reaffirmed Xi’s leadership.
Li Shangfu said: “It is necessary to comprehensively strengthen military governance, improve the quality and efficiency of military training and preparedness, do a good job in military diplomacy, national defence mobilisation, and modern border, sea and air defence, consolidate and improve the integrated national strategic system and capabilities, and continuously create a new situation in national defence and military modernisation.” 要全面加强军事治理，提高练兵备战质效，抓好军事外交、国防动员和现代边海空防建设，巩固提高一体化国家战略体系和能力，不断开创国防和军队现代化新局面.
Liu Zhenli said: “In light of the actual situation of the armed forces, we should implement the spirit of the Two Sessions, study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on strengthening the military, and implement the Chairman Responsibility System with higher standards and stricter requirements; comprehensively strengthen military training and preparation for war, accelerate actual combat capabilities, resolutely and flexibly carry out military struggles, resolutely shape the security situation, curb crisis and conflict, and win local wars; comprehensively strengthen military governance, strengthen overall planning for war preparedness, deepen institutional innovation, and ensure that the centennial goal of the armed forces is achieved on schedule.” 要结合军队实际抓好两会精神贯彻落实，深入学习贯彻习近平强军思想，以更高标准、更严要求贯彻军委主席负责制；全面加强练兵备战，加快提高实战能力，坚定灵活开展军事斗争，坚决塑造安全态势、遏控危机冲突、打赢局部战争；全面加强军事治理，强化战建备统筹，深化制度机制创新，确保如期实现建军一百年奋斗目标.
Miao Hua talked about “comprehensive and strict governance” and self-revolution. He also said that “the whole Party and the whole army are extremely firm in their belief in supporting the Two Establishments and their confidence in advancing Chinese-style modernization is stronger.” Zhang Shengmin talked about using Xi’s thought to cast souls and promoting “specific political supervision.”
Finally, there’s a report on the comments by Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the PLA and PAP delegations at the Two Sessions. In terms of defence spending, Tan said the following:
Tan Kefei said that in 2023, the increased national defense expenditure will primarily used for the following:
First, in accordance with the 14th Five-Year Plan plan for military construction, comprehensively strengthening military training and combat preparedness, and consolidating and improving the integrated national strategic system and capabilities.
Second, accelerate the construction of modern logistics, implement major national defence technology and weapons and equipment projects, and accelerate the transformation of technology into combat effectiveness.
Third, consolidate and expand the achievements of national defence and military reforms, ensure reform measures in important areas and the implementation of urgently needed policies and systems, and improve the level of military governance.
Fourth, adapt to the level of the country's economic and social development, and continue to improve the work, training and living conditions of the troops.
谭克非说，2023年全国一般公共预算安排国防支出1.58万亿元，比上年执行数增长7.2%，其中：中央本级支出1.55万亿元，比上年执行数增长7.2%。增加的国防支出主要用于以下几个方面：一是按照军队建设“十四五”规划安排，全面加强练兵备战，巩固提高一体化国家战略体系和能力。二是加快建设现代化后勤，实施国防科技和武器装备重大工程，加速科技向战斗力转化。三是巩固拓展国防和军队改革成果，保障重要领域改革举措和急需政策制度实施，提高军事治理水平。四是与国家经济社会发展水平相适应，持续改善部队工作、训练和生活保障条件.
And that’s about it for the paper today. But also today, Foreign Minister Qin Gang held a press conference. You can watch the entire engagement below. I briefly followed what Xinhua has put out, and there’s a lot of direct criticism of the US. I’ll wait for the full text and do a deep-dive into Qin’s remarks tomorrow.