Fengqiao Experience in the New Era - Inspections of 36 units find 'Integrity Risks' among Top Leaders - Balancing Economy & Environment in Chinese-style Modernisation - China-UAE Ties
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
Page 1: A bunch of reports on the front page today. First, Vice Premier He Lifeng attended a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China's first FTZ. Xi Jinping’s instructions to the meeting said:
“In the past ten years, each pilot trade zone has implemented the decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, emancipated their minds, maintained integrity and innovated, launched a large number of fundamental and pioneering reform and opening-up measures, and achieved many landmark and leading institutional innovations, effectively playing the role of being a comprehensive experimental platform for reform and opening up. On the new journey, on the basis of comprehensively summing up the 10 years of experience of developing FTZs, we should thoroughly implement the promotion strategy of the pilot FTZs, take the lead in breaking new ground and tackling difficulties, undertake broad and deep explorations, and strive to build higher level pilot FTZs. We must uphold the overall leadership of the Party, take high-level openness as the guide, take institutional innovation as the core, coordinate development and safety, meet international economic and trade rules with high standards, further promote institutional openness, strengthen overall planning and system integration of reform, and promote the innovative development of the whole industrial chain, so that the pilot FTZs can play a better demonstration role.” 十年来，各自贸试验区贯彻落实党中央决策部署，解放思想、守正创新，推出了一大批基础性、开创性改革开放举措，形成了许多标志性、引领性制度创新成果，有效发挥了改革开放综合试验平台作用。习近平强调，新征程上，要在全面总结十年建设经验基础上，深入实施自贸试验区提升战略，勇做开拓进取、攻坚克难的先锋，在更广领域、更深层次开展探索，努力建设更高水平自贸试验区。要坚持党的全面领导，坚持以高水平开放为引领、以制度创新为核心，统筹发展和安全，高标准对接国际经贸规则，深入推进制度型开放，加强改革整体谋划和系统集成，推动全产业链创新发展，让自贸试验区更好发挥示范作用。
Next, there’s a Zhong Yin commentary on Xi’s remarks in Zhejiang about the Fengqiao Experience. I recommend reading through China Media Project’s explanation of the history of the phrase Fengqiao Experience and what it describes. The article quotes Xi’s comment about the need to “further develop the ‘Fengqiao Experience’ in the new era, maintain the Party’s mass line, handle internal contradictions among the people correctly, firmly rely on the people, and resolve issues at the grassroots level and in their early stages.”
It adds that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi Jinping has “repeatedly” given instructions around developing the Fengqiao Experience. It adds that “the ‘Fengqiao Experience’ has enriched and developed further in the great practice of the new era, placing greater emphasis on the Party’s leadership, highlighting the rule of law thinking, emphasising scientific and technological support, and prioritising social participation, thereby continuing to demonstrate enduring charm.” 枫桥经验”在新时代伟大实践中丰富发展，更加强调党的领导、更加彰显法治思维、更加突出科技支撑、更加注重社会参与，展现出历久弥新的魅力.
“The reason why the Fengqiao Experience has maintained its vitality lies in the adherence to the fundamental principle of Party leadership, adherence to the fundamental position of being people-centered, adherence to the fundamental approach of comprehensive policy implementation, establishment of the fundamental concept of shifting the front line of control forward, and consolidation of the fundamental support of the grassroots foundation. The most important achievement and the most distinctive feature of the development of Maple Bridge Experience to this day has been the realisation of the unity of self-discipline and heteronomy-based discipline, rigidity and flexibility, body and mind management, human power and technology.” “枫桥经验”之所以永葆生机与活力，就在于坚持党的领导这一根本原则，坚守以人民为中心这一根本立场，坚持综合施策这一根本途径，树立关口前移这一根本理念，夯实基层基础这一根本支撑。“枫桥经验”发展到今天，最重要的成果和最鲜明的特色就是实现自律和他律、刚性和柔性、治身和治心、人力和科技相统一。
“The 20th Party Congress made arrangements for improving the social governance system and clearly stated that the Fengqiao Experience should be upheld and developed at the grassroots level of society in the new era. Chinese-style modernization is a great and arduous undertaking. All the people must be mobilized to unite into ‘a hard piece of steel’ under the banner of the Party — think together and work together, converging their efforts to create the magnificent force necessary for realizing the Chinese Dream. We must profoundly realize that social stability is the prerequisite for a strong country. Adhere to and develop the Fengqiao Experience in the new era, improve the mechanism for correctly handling contradictions among the people under the new situation, resolve problems at the grassroots level in time by nipping them in the bud, and ensure that people live and work in peace and contentment, social stability and order, and the country's long-term stability, so as to continuously write a new chapter in the two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, and create a stable, united, harmonious, and peaceful social environment for promoting Chinese-style modernization.” 治国安邦，重在基层。党的二十大对完善社会治理体系作出部署，明确提出“在社会基层坚持和发展新时代‘枫桥经验’”。中国式现代化是一项伟大而艰巨的事业，必须动员全体人民在党的旗帜下团结成“一块坚硬的钢铁”，心往一处想、劲往一处使，汇聚同心共圆中国梦的磅礴伟力。要深刻认识到，社会稳定是国家强盛的前提。坚持好、发展好新时代“枫桥经验”，完善正确处理新形势下人民内部矛盾机制，及时把问题解决在基层、化解在萌芽状态，确保人民安居乐业、社会安定有序、国家长治久安，才能不断书写经济快速发展和社会长期稳定两大奇迹新篇章，为推进中国式现代化创造安定团结、和谐稳定的社会环境.
“To adhere to and develop the Fengqiao Experience in the new era, we must implement the Party's mass line, consciously place the people-centred development philosophy in all aspects of work, understand and address the demands of the masses, and promptly resolve difficulties and contradictions faced by grassroots communities. It is necessary to correctly handle contradictions among the people, strengthen and improve the system for hearing and addressing the people's grievances/letters and visits, smoothen and standardise the channels for people to express their demands, coordinate their interests and safeguard their rights and interests, improve the grassroots governance platform with grid management, refined services and information support, improve the urban and rural community governance system, and constantly improve the ability to prevent and resolve contradictions among the people at the source. We should closely rely on the masses, fully leverage the fighting bastions role of grassroots Party organisations and their role in leading Party building, develop and strengthen the forces of mass prevention and control (community-based prevention and control), push the focus of social governance down to the grassroots level, build a social governance system of co-construction, co-governance and sharing, and build a social governance community in which everyone is responsible, conscientious and shares a share in benefits.” 坚持好、发展好新时代“枫桥经验”，必须贯彻落实党的群众路线，自觉把以人民为中心的发展思想贯穿到各项工作之中，把准群众诉求，及时解决基层群众的困难和矛盾。要正确处理人民内部矛盾，加强和改进人民信访工作，畅通和规范群众诉求表达、利益协调、权益保障通道，完善网格化管理、精细化服务、信息化支撑的基层治理平台，健全城乡社区治理体系，不断提高从源头上、根本上预防化解人民内部矛盾的能力水平。要紧紧依靠人民群众，充分发挥基层党组织战斗堡垒作用和党建引领作用，发展壮大群防群治力量，推动社会治理重心向基层下移，建设共建共治共享的社会治理制度，建设人人有责、人人尽责、人人享有的社会治理共同体。
Next, there’s a report on China’s central disciplinary inspection authorities giving feedback to 36 units during the first round of disciplinary inspections launched by the 20th Central Committee. These 36 units include 30 centrally-managed SoEs and five financial institutions along with the General Administration of Sport of China. You can find the full list of entities that underwent inspection here. 15 teams carried out the inspections. These began in April, as per my coverage earlier.
Anyway, the report says that the central inspection teams “informed the principal leaders of the inspected Party organisations about the outstanding problems found in the inspections and provided feedback on the inspection to the leadership team.” 根据中央巡视工作安排，各中央巡视组向被巡视党组织主要负责人通报了巡视发现的突出问题，并向领导班子反馈了巡视情况.
“The feedback pointed out that in recent years, in the face of the complex and severe external environment and the impact of the pandemic, medium-sized enterprises and financial enterprises have withstood the test and shouldered the heavy burden bravely, and made important contributions in winning the battle against poverty, promoting self-reliance and self-strengthening in high-level technology, building a new development pattern for services, promoting high-quality development, coordinating epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and making new progress in building a sports power.” 反馈指出，近年来，中管企业、金融企业面对复杂严峻的外部环境和疫情冲击影响，经受考验、勇挑重担，在打赢脱贫攻坚战、促进高水平科技自立自强、服务构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展、统筹疫情防控和经济社会发展等方面作出了重要贡献，体育强国建设取得新进展.
Then comes the criticism:
“Some have not fully implemented the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, lacking a deep understanding of their responsibilities and missions, and showing gaps in their performance and responsibilities. Some have not effectively coordinated development and security, with a weak sense of risk awareness and prevention and control mechanisms not being sound enough. In some cases, the responsibilities of Party management and governance are not fully implemented, with a diminishing transmission of pressure through layers and the strict tone not being implemented effectively; integrity risks in key positions such as ‘top leaders’ (一把手) are relatively prominent; the problems of ‘relying on one enterprise to feed another (靠企吃企)’ are common, issues related to the ‘four undesirable work styles’ are prominent, and violations of the spirit of the 8-point regulation still occur. Some leadership teams and cadres have weak links in terms of talent development, and the political functions of grassroots party organisations need to be strengthened.” 反馈严肃指出了国企、金融、体育领域存在的突出问题。有的落实党中央决策部署不到位，对肩负的职责使命认识不深刻，履职担当有差距；有的统筹发展和安全不到位，风险意识不强，防控机制不够健全；有的落实管党治党责任不到位，压力传导层层递减，贯彻严的基调不力，“一把手”等关键岗位廉洁风险比较突出，“靠企吃企”问题多发，“四风”问题突出，违反中央八项规定精神问题仍有发生；有的领导班子、干部人才队伍建设存在薄弱环节，基层党组织政治功能有待加强.
“The feedback requires that the units under inspection should undertke in in-depth study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, earnestly study and implement the important speech by General Secretary Xi Jinping when he received the report on the inspection, comprehensively implement the decisions of the 20th Party Congress, adhere to and strengthen the Party's leadership, firmly establish and practice the correct view of political achievements, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development concept, adhere to their functional positioning, focus on their primary responsibilities, and promote high-quality development. It is necessary to resolutely implement the political responsibility to prevent and resolve major risks, establish bottom-line thinking and extreme thinking, comprehensively sort out and investigate hidden risks, plug leaks and fill gaps, resolve risks and rectify deficiencies, and effectively safeguard national interests. It is necessary conscientiously implement the two responsibilities of comprehensive and strict Party governance, enhance the effectiveness of supervision over the ‘top leaders’, intensify the investigation and punishment with regard to corruption cases, seriously rectify and address the ‘four undesirable work styles’ problem, deepen reforms through case-based improvements and governance, and promote the principles of ‘dare not be corrupt, cannot be corrupt, do not want to be corrupt’. It is necessary to thoroughly implement the party's organizational line in the new era and effectively strengthen the construction of leadership teams, cadres and talent teams, and grassroots party organizations. 反馈要求，被巡视单位要深入学习习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，认真学习贯彻习近平总书记听取巡视情况汇报时的重要讲话精神，全面贯彻党的二十大部署，坚持和加强党的领导，牢固树立和践行正确政绩观，完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，坚守职能定位，聚焦主责主业，推动高质量发展。要坚决落实防范化解重大风险政治责任，树牢底线思维、极限思维，全面梳理排查风险隐患，堵漏补缺、化险挽损，切实维护好国家利益。要认真落实全面从严治党“两个责任”，增强对“一把手”监督实效，加大腐败案件查处力度，严肃纠治“四风”问题，深化以案促改、以案促治，一体推进不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐。要深入贯彻新时代党的组织路线，切实加强领导班子、干部人才队伍和基层党组织建设.
The feedback stressed the need to be strict and resolute in the rectification following the inspection, ensuring that the strict tone, strict measures, and a strict atmosphere are consistently maintained and implemented throughout the process. The inspected Party organisations should resolutely shoulder the political responsibility for rectification, and the ‘top leader’ is the first responsible person for rectification. Other members of the team should conscientiously perform the ‘one post, two responsibilities’. They should closely examine the feedback opinions, establish lists of issues, tasks, and responsibilities, integrate the problems identified during the inspection with the issues identified in the thematic education, and connect them with the issues left unaddressed in the previous inspection and rectification. The rectification process should be systematic and comprehensive, and ‘two safeguards’ should be practised through practical actions, demonstrating loyalty and commitment through the effectiveness of the rectification efforts. 反馈强调，要在巡视整改上较真碰硬，把严的基调、严的措施、严的氛围传导下去、一贯到底。被巡视党组织要坚决扛起整改政治责任，“一把手”是整改第一责任人，班子其他成员要认真履行“一岗双责”，严格对照反馈意见，建立问题清单、任务清单、责任清单，把巡视发现的问题与主题教育检视问题结合起来，与上次巡视整改不到位的问题结合起来，系统整改、一体整改，以实际行动践行“两个维护”，以整改成效体现忠诚担当.
The article ends by saying that “it is understood that the Central Leading Group for Inspection Work has also received clues reflecting the problems of some leading cadres, which have been transferred to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the State Supervision Commission, the Central Organization Department and other relevant parties for handling according to relevant regulations.” 据了解，中央巡视组还收到反映一些领导干部的问题线索，已按有关规定转中央纪委国家监委机关、中央组织部等有关方面处理.
Next, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng meeting with former US Treasury Secretary Han Zheng. Xinhua has a consolidated report on Han and Wang Yi’s meetings with Paulson. It says:
“Noting China-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world today, Han said the two countries, one being the biggest developing country and the other the biggest developed country, should enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, push forward the world's economic recovery together, and address global challenges. Han said China always follows the guiding principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation in dealing with relations with the United States. It is hoped that the U.S. side could work with China to bring the bilateral ties back to the track of sound and steady growth. Since the beginning of this year, China's economy has kept on a general rebound track. The Chinese side will continue to optimize economic structures, deepen reform and opening up, and achieve high-quality development, said Han. ‘We welcome more U.S. companies to invest and do business in China to share development opportunities together,’ Han added.”
“For his part, Paulson said he has confidence in the prospects of China's economic development. The U.S.-China relations have an important impact on the world. The two countries should maintain communication and dialogue, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and economic and trade cooperation, and jointly cope with global challenges such as climate change. Paulson also expressed willingness to continue playing a positive role in promoting the steady development of U.S.-China relations.
Wang Yi also “met with a delegation led by Paulson on the same day. Wang said the nosedive of China-U.S. relations does not meet the interests of the two peoples, the expectations of the international community, and the trend of the times. It is hoped that the United States will return to the rational and pragmatic track in its China policy, take concrete actions to lengthen the positive list and shorten the negative list, and work with China to explore ways of peaceful coexistence as two major countries. Paulson welcomed the recent resumption and maintenance of dialogue between the United States and China, adding the two sides should indeed find the right way to get along with each other, build mutual trust, and push for the steady improvement of U.S.-China relations.”
Finally, there’s a report informing that from January to August this year, the national railways completed fixed asset investment of 432 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.2%. This year, more than 3,000 km of new railway lines are expected to be put into operation across the country, including 2,500 km of high-speed railways.
Page 3: Today, the paper covers the China-Nepal joint statement and the white paper on building a community with a shared future for mankind. I covered both of these yesterday. Apart from this, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with COP28 United Arab Emirates President-Designate Sultan Al Jaber in Beijing on Tuesday. Xinhua says:
Wang said that “under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, relations between China and the UAE have maintained a momentum of sound and stable development. China is willing to continue to understand and support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality, expand areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, and push China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level, Wang said. Wang congratulated the UAE on joining the BRICS family as one of the first batches of new members, saying it will provide new vitality to BRICS cooperation and new prospects for China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership. As a comprehensive strategic partner of the UAE, China is glad to see the UAE play a greater role in international and regional affairs, said Wang. Wang introduced China's concept and practice of green and sustainable development, saying that China is an active advocate and a firm activist in tackling climate change. China fully supports the UAE in hosting the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai and stands ready to maintain close communication and cooperation with the UAE to ensure positive outcomes of the conference, promote the building of a fair and rational global climate governance system for win-win results, and safeguard the legitimate development rights of developing countries, Wang added.”
Jaber, also the UAE's special envoy for climate change, said that the UAE and China have solid mutual trust and a solid foundation for cooperation, and the UAE side is firmly committed to the comprehensive strategic partnership of long-term friendship between the two countries. The UAE highly appreciates China's vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, China's significant contribution to global sustainable development, and China's leadership in international cooperation on climate change, Jaber said. He thanked China for its strong support to the UAE in preparing for the Dubai Conference and said he looks forward to working with China to make the conference a historic success.”
Also on the page is a report on Peng Qinghua, Vice Chairman of the NPCSC leading a delegation to visit Botswana from September 24 to 26. The report says:
Peng said that “China is willing to work with Botswana to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance mutual political trust between the two sides, and continuously deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. The NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the National Assembly of Botswana and make positive contributions to the development of bilateral relations. Peng Qinghua introduced Chinese-style modernization, whole-process people’s democracy, and China’s economic and social development. Botswana said it would firmly adhere to the one-China policy, thanked China for its long-term support and assistance to Botswana, and said that it would work with China to carry out mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation and push bilateral relations to a higher level.” 中方愿同博方一道，落实好两国元首重要共识，增进双方政治互信，不断深化和拓展互利合作。中国全国人大愿同博国民议会加强交流合作，为两国关系发展作出积极贡献。彭清华介绍了中国式现代化、全过程人民民主、中国经济社会发展等情况。博方表示将坚定奉行一个中国政策，感谢中方长期以来对博支持和帮助，将同中方一道努力，开展互利共赢合作，推动双边关系迈向更高水平.
Page 4: Just one report to note. In August this year, a total of 8,644 cases of violations of the 8-point central regulations were investigated nationwide, and 12,258 individuals were subjected to criticism, education, assistance, or other measures. This included 1 provincial-level and ministerial-level cadre, 72 prefectural-level cadres, and 734 county-level cadres. Disciplinary and administrative actions were taken against 8,703 individuals. 通报显示，今年8月，全国共查处违反中央八项规定精神问题8644起，批评教育帮助和处理12258人（包括1名省部级干部、72名地厅级干部、734名县处级干部），给予党纪政务处分8703人.
Page 6: Today’s article from the Face to Face with Chinese-style Modernisation book is about the idea of building an ecological civilisation or maintaining harmony between man and nature. This is available for paid subscribers below.