GDI, GSI & GCI's Implications for Cyberspace - 2023 Financial Street Forum - New Guideline for PPP Projects - Zhang Youxia Meets Putin - Wang Yi on Ocean Governance
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Thursday, November 09, 2023.
Page 1: The lead story on the page today covers Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the 2023 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit. This is really important to note because it basically enunciates the implications of GDI, GSI and GCI for cyberspace governance.
Xi said that during the 2015 summit, he had proposed four principles and five position points for global Internet governance and advocated the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace. This concept, he said, has been widely recognized by the international community and received a positive response.
He added that this “vision answers the questions of our times related to resolving the development deficit, addressing security challenges, and enhancing mutual learning between civilizations.” “The Internet has increasingly become a new driving force for development, a new domain for maintaining security, and a new platform for mutual learning among civilizations. Building a community with a shared future in cyberspace is not only an inevitable choice to answer the issues of the times, but also the common desire of the international community.” 当今世界变乱交织，百年变局加速演进，如何解决发展赤字、破解安全困境、加强文明互鉴，是我们共同面临的时代课题。互联网日益成为推动发展的新动能、维护安全的新疆域、文明互鉴的新平台，构建网络空间命运共同体既是回答时代课题的必然选择，也是国际社会的共同呼声。
“We advocate giving priority to development and building a more inclusive and prosperous cyberspace. Deepen international exchanges and cooperation in the digital field and accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. Accelerate the popularisation of information services, narrow the digital divide, protect and improve people’s livelihood in the development of the Internet, and allow more countries and people to share the fruits of Internet development.” 我们倡导发展优先，构建更加普惠繁荣的网络空间。深化数字领域国际交流合作，加速科技成果转化。加快信息化服务普及，缩小数字鸿沟，在互联网发展中保障和改善民生，让更多国家和人民共享互联网发展成果.
We advocate common security and the need to build a more peaceful and secure cyberspace. Respect network sovereignty and respect the Internet development paths and governance models of each country. We must abide by international rules in cyberspace and refrain from pursuing cyber hegemony. We will not engage in cyberspace camp confrontation or arms race. Deepen pragmatic cooperation on network security, effectively combat illegal and criminal activities on the Internet, and strengthen data security and personal information protection. Properly deal with the conflicts of rules, social risks and ethical challenges brought about by the development of science and technology. China is willing to work with all parties to implement the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative to promote the safe development of artificial intelligence. 我们倡导安危与共，构建更加和平安全的网络空间。尊重网络主权，尊重各国的互联网发展道路和治理模式。遵守网络空间国际规则，不搞网络霸权。不搞网络空间阵营对抗和军备竞赛。深化网络安全务实合作，有力打击网络违法犯罪行为，加强数据安全和个人信息保护。妥善应对科技发展带来的规则冲突、社会风险、伦理挑战。中方愿同各方携手落实《全球人工智能治理倡议》，促进人工智能安全发展.
We advocate mutual learning among civilizations and building a more equal and inclusive cyberspace. Strengthen online exchanges and dialogues to promote mutual understanding and exchanges among the people of all countries, promote inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations, and better promote the common values of all mankind. Strengthen the construction of a civilised Internet, promote the production and dissemination of high-quality online cultural products, fully demonstrate the outstanding achievements of human civilization, actively promote the inheritance and development of civilization, and jointly build an online spiritual home. 我们倡导文明互鉴，构建更加平等包容的网络空间。加强网上交流对话，促进各国人民相知相亲，推动不同文明包容共生，更好弘扬全人类共同价值。加强网络文明建设，促进优质网络文化产品生产传播，充分展示人类优秀文明成果，积极推动文明传承发展，共同建设网上精神家园.
Also on the page is a commentary based on Xi’s speech. The commentary reiterates that in the current period of turbulence, addressing the “development deficit, resolving the security dilemma, and strengthening mutual learning among civilizations are issues of the times that we all face.” In this context, “Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.” It adds that experience informs that “only by firmly practising true multilateralism, promoting the high-quality development of BRI, promoting the implementation of GDI, GSI and GCI, and promoting the construction of community of shared future for mankind, can we meet various global challenges and jointly create a better future for mankind.” 当今世界变乱交织，百年变局加速演进，如何解决发展赤字、破解安全困境、加强文明互鉴，是我们共同面临的时代课题。在此形势下，中国没有独善其身，而是同世界各国加强合作，共同探寻解决之道。习近平主席提出共建“一带一路”倡议、全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，就是希望和世界各国一道，实现经济发展，改善民生，互利共赢，让团结代替分裂、合作代替对抗、包容代替排他，共同建设持久和平、普遍安全、共同繁荣、开放包容、清洁美丽的世界。实践告诉我们，坚定践行真正的多边主义，推动共建“一带一路”更高质量、更高水平的新发展，推动落实全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，推动构建人类命运共同体，才能应对各种全球性挑战，共同创造人类更加美好的未来。
It adds:
“China's international cooperation in cyberspace in the new era, under the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, has made new achievements, achieved new breakthroughs and displayed a new atmosphere. Practice has fully proved that promoting the construction of a community with a shared future in cyberspace will provide abundant digital power for the construction of a community of shared future for mankind, build a solid security barrier, and build a broader consensus for cooperation. On the way forward, China will always uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and work with the international community to jointly build a more inclusive, peaceful, safe, equal and equitable cyberspace.” 新时代的中国网络空间国际合作，在构建网络空间命运共同体的愿景下，不断取得新成绩、实现新突破、展现新气象。实践充分证明，推动构建网络空间命运共同体，将为构建人类命运共同体提供充沛的数字化动力，构筑坚实的安全屏障，凝聚更广泛的合作共识。前进道路上，中国将始终秉持构建网络空间命运共同体理念，同国际社会一道，共同构建更加普惠繁荣、和平安全、平等包容的网络空间.
The next paragraph basically reiterates Xi’s message on development, arguing that “only by deepening international exchanges and cooperation in the digital field, accelerating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, accelerating the popularisation of information services, narrowing the digital divide, and ensuring and improving people’s livelihood in the development of the Internet can more countries and people share the fruits of Internet development.” 只有深化数字领域国际交流合作，加速科技成果转化，加快信息化服务普及，缩小数字鸿沟，在互联网发展中保障和改善民生，才能让更多国家和人民共享互联网发展成果.
The paragraph after this deals with security. It says: We must deeply understand that network security is a global challenge, and no country can stand alone/aloof. Maintaining network security is the common responsibility of the international community. At the same time, the principle of sovereign equality established by the Charter of the United Nations is the basic norm of contemporary international relations, which is also applicable to cyberspace…Only by respecting Internet sovereignty, observing international rules of cyberspace, deepening practical cooperation in cyber security, effectively cracking down on cyber crimes, and strengthening data security and personal information protection, can we properly deal with the conflicts of rules, social risks and ethical challenges brought about by scientific and technological development and better safeguard cyberspace security. 必须深刻认识到，网络安全是全球性挑战，没有哪个国家能够置身事外，维护网络安全是国际社会的共同责任。同时，《联合国宪章》确立的主权平等原则是当代国际关系的基本准则，同样适用于网络空间。习近平主席指出：“我们倡导安危与共，构建更加和平安全的网络空间。”只有尊重网络主权，遵守网络空间国际规则，深化网络安全务实合作，有力打击网络违法犯罪行为，加强数据安全和个人信息保护，才能妥善应对科技发展带来的规则冲突、社会风险、伦理挑战，更好维护网络空间安全.
The final point then reiterates Xi’s comments on the building of a civilised cyberspace and the production and dissemination of high-quality digital cultural products, etc.
Finally, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng attending the sixth Bloomberg New Economy Forum held in Singapore. Han said that considering the current global situation, President Xi Jinping has proposed building GDI, GSI, GCI and high-quality BRI, contributing “Chinese solutions to meet the common challenges of all mankind and build a better world.” Han then made three proposals:
First, promoting cooperation through openness. China will unswervingly promote high-level opening up to the outside world, is willing to provide more market opportunities and investment opportunities, and share the dividends of China's institutional opening up with companies from all over the world.
Second, China will continue to create more dynamics through innovation which is the driving force for the world economy to accelerate recovery and move forward steadily. China will make more efforts to share innovation achievements with other countries, jointly address the challenges of climate change and inject new momentum into world economic growth.
Third, persist in promoting development through peace. China is willing to work with other countries to safeguard world peace and security, seek common development and prosperity, and promote the construction of a community of shared future for mankind.
韩正提出三点倡议。一是坚持以开放促合作。中国将坚定不移地推进高水平对外开放，愿提供更多市场机遇、投资机遇，与各国企业共享中国制度型开放红利。二是坚持以创新谋动力。中国将与各国加强创新成果共享，共同应对气候变化挑战，为世界经济增长注入新动能。三是坚持以和平促发展。中国愿同各国一道，共同维护世界和平与安全，共谋发展与繁荣，推动构建人类命运共同体.
“On China-U.S. ties, Han noted that recent important high-level contacts between China and the United States have boosted the international community's positive expectations for future improvements in China-U.S. ties. China is willing to strengthen communication and dialogue with the U.S. side, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, properly manage differences between the two countries, and make joint efforts to address global challenges...”
The report adds that during the visit, Han met with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and other senior government officials. Xinhua also has a detailed report on Han’s meeting with Lee.
“Han Zheng said that leaders of the two countries elevated China-Singapore relations to an all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership in March this year, marking a milestone in the relationship between the two countries. Han said China will join hands with Singapore to build high-quality ‘Belt and Road’, work together to upgrade cooperation projects between the two countries, seek closer cooperation in people-to-people exchanges and communication, and make better use of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, so as to make new contributions to regional prosperity and stability. For his part, Lee said Singapore and China enjoy a profound traditional friendship, and Singapore is ready to cooperate with China in deepening the alignment of their development strategies. Lee added that Singapore will make greater efforts to ensure the success of a new round of bilateral cooperation mechanism meeting, and push all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership between the two countries to a new level.”
Page 2: There’s a report on the 2023 Financial Street Forum, with brief comments of officials being reported.
Beijing Secretary Yin Li talked about his priorities, which stem from the Central Financial Work Conference. These were:
Comprehensively improve the quality and efficiency of financial services to better meet the diverse financial needs of society
Actively deepen financial reform and opening up, and strive to improve the level of high-quality financial development
Firmly hold the bottom line of financial security, continue to modernise the financial governance system and governance capacity, accelerate the construction of a modern financial system with the characteristics of capital, create a more open and orderly financial development environment, and contribute to the promotion of high-quality financial development
全面提升金融服务质效，更好满足社会多元化金融需求；积极深化金融改革开放，着力提升金融高质量发展能级；牢牢守住金融安全底线，持续推进金融治理体系和治理能力现代化，加快建设具有首都特点的现代金融体系，营造更加开放有序的金融发展环境，为促进金融高质量发展贡献力量.
Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China and Director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, said:
Monetary policy will pay more attention to cross-cyclical and counter-cyclical adjustments, balance the relationship between short-term and long-term, stabilising growth and preventing risks, as well as internal and external balances; create a good monetary and financial environment to stabilise prices, promote economic growth, expand employment, and maintain the balance of international payments. In terms of promoting high-level two-way opening up of the financial industry, we must steadily and steadily advance the internationalization of the RMB, pragmatically promote international financial cooperation, and actively participate in international economic and financial governance. 中国人民银行行长、国家外汇局局长潘功胜表示，货币政策将更加注重跨周期和逆周期调节，平衡好短期与长期、稳增长与防风险、内部均衡与外部均衡的关系，为稳定物价、促进经济增长、扩大就业、维护国际收支平衡营造良好的货币金融环境. 在推动金融业高水平双向开放方面，要稳慎扎实推进人民币国际化，务实推进国际金融合作，积极参与国际经济金融治理.
Li Yunze, who is the director of National Administration of Financial Regulation, said that:
“Financial opening is an important driving force for the reform and development of my country's financial industry. We will accelerate the improvement of the pre-establishment national treatment plus negative list management model, further relax the market access requirements for foreign-invested institutions, continue to enhance the transparency, stability and predictability of financial systems and policies, and strive to create an institutional environment for prudent operations and fair competition.” 金融开放是我国金融业改革发展的重要动力。将加快完善准入前国民待遇加负面清单管理模式，进一步放宽外资机构市场准入要求，持续增强金融制度和政策的透明度、稳定性和可预期性，努力营造审慎经营和公平竞争的制度环境.
Yi Huiman, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, emphasised strengthening supervision and preventing risks.
Yi said that going ahead, the CSRC will “conscientiously implement the arrangements made at the Central Financial Work Conference, deeply understand the political and people-oriented nature of capital market regulation, comprehensively strengthen institutional regulation, behavioural regulation, functional regulation, penetration regulation, and continuous regulation, continuously improve the adaptability and pertinence of supervision, keep the risk bottom line firmly, maintain the smooth operation of the capital market, boost investor confidence, and take the path of modern capital market development with Chinese characteristics. 下一步将认真落实中央金融工作会议部署，深刻认识资本市场监管的政治性、人民性，全面强化机构监管、行为监管、功能监管、穿透式监管、持续监管，不断提升监管适应性、针对性，守牢风险底线，维护资本市场平稳运行，提振投资者信心，走好中国特色现代资本市场发展之路.
Xinhua president Fu Hua said that Xinhua “will thoroughly implement the spirit of the Central Financial Work Conference, continue to make good use of its unique advantages, provide authoritative interpretations for the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Economic Thought, build strong confidence in promoting high-quality financial development, and strengthen intellectual support for deepening the financial supply-side structural reform and build a bridge of cooperation to promote high-level financial opening up.” 新华社将深入贯彻落实中央金融工作会议精神，继续用好自身独特优势，为学习贯彻习近平经济思想提供权威解读，为推动金融高质量发展凝聚强大信心，为深化金融供给侧结构性改革加强智力支持，为推进金融高水平开放搭建合作桥梁.
Second, a report informing that the State Council approved and forwarded a guideline on November 8 to regulate the new mechanism of public-private partnerships (PPP), jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance. Xinhua says:
According to the guideline:
PPP projects should focus on user-paid projects, clarify the channels and methods of payment
The operational revenue of PPP projects should cover construction investment and operational costs with some investment returns
All PPP projects should adopt franchising format with defined asset ownerships in both construction and operation stages and clear rights, responsibilities and interests of all parties by contract
Projects in transportation, municipal administration, ecological protection and environment improvement, social programs, and new infrastructure will be given priority
The guideline also stressed that private enterprises will be given more support to participate in PPPs. For projects with strong public features, the equity ratio of private enterprises should be no less than 35 percent in principle.
Page 3: First, a report on CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia’s meeting with Vladimir Putin. Xinhua says:
Zhang said that “China is ready to work with Russia to jointly safeguard the two countries' interests and safeguard global and regional prosperity and stability…Zhang noted that the friendship between China and Russia has developed continuously and strengthened with time. This year, the two heads of state had two successful meetings and reached a series of important consensus, drawing a new blueprint for China-Russia relations. The sound relationship between the two militaries serves as an important symbol of the high level and particularity of China-Russia relations, he said, noting that in recent years the development of China-Russia military relations has maintained a strong momentum, with diversified highlights of cooperation in various fields. China is willing to work with Russia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further strengthen pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries, jointly safeguard the interests of the two countries, and safeguard the prosperity and stability of the world and the region, Zhang said.”
The report adds:
“Putin noted that the friendly relations between Russia and China are conducive to maintaining world and regional peace and stability, which is completely different from the kind of alliance during the Cold War. The Russian president hailed the fast development of bilateral economic and trade ties in recent years, saying the two countries have maintained close coordination on international multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS. Cooperation between the two militaries in various fields has developed with a sound momentum and achieved fruitful results, playing an important role in safeguarding the strategic security of the two countries, Putin said. Russia is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China, upgrade the level of practical cooperation and continuously push forward the in-depth development of bilateral relations between the two countries and the two militaries, the Russian president said.”
The Russian readout of the meeting has Putin saying:
“Russia and China are not seeking to create any military alliances using Cold War-era templates and have been maintaining constructive ties which have become a serious stability factor globally. We are also working on the economic front and have been quite effective in these efforts. There is positive momentum in our trade and economic ties, and we have been achieving the objectives we set for ourselves ahead of schedule. Russia and China are working together within international platforms and organisations, primarily the United Nations, while also paying adequate attention to our regional associations which are increasingly emerging as global platforms. I am referring to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. Next year, Russia will assume the BRICS chairmanship. We really hope that together with our Chinese friends we will promote the agenda that we deem most appropriate and which holds the biggest promise while considering the interests of all the countries in this association.”
“Of course, it is also worth pointing out that our military and military-technical cooperation are becoming increasingly important. As for military-technical cooperation, our efforts in high-tech sectors have emerged as a primary focus. I am referring to space, high-orbit assets, as well as the latest weapons and those which are in the pipeline – they will, no doubt, ensure strategic stability for both Russia and the People’s Republic of China.”
“We are witnessing attempts by some countries to expand their geographical reach. As strange as it sounds, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has been seeking to transcend its geography which, I believe, runs counter to its own statutory documents. The United States has been increasingly intent on drawing all its allied countries into causing tension to rise across Asia Pacific by setting up new military and political alliances with regional countries. Of course, the United States is guided in its efforts primarily by its own interests and, to call a spade a spade, its vested interests. Together with our friends, including and primarily the People’s Republic of China, we see through all this. Our response has been calm and balanced and consisted of strengthening our defence capabilities, including by holding joint naval and air force exercises. We hold them regularly, while constantly deepening our cooperation.”
Second, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot. Xinhua says:
Wang “said the Netherlands is the gateway of China-Europe cooperation, and relations between both countries have maintained a sound momentum, with bilateral exchanges in various fields having fully restarted after the pandemic. Dutch exports to China have increased rapidly, demonstrating the huge potential of bilateral cooperation. China appreciates the Netherlands for pursuing a positive policy toward China and stands ready to work with the Netherlands to give full play to the advantages of the bilateral comprehensive partnership that stresses openness and pragmatism, thoroughly plan bilateral exchanges at the next stage and further facilitate exchanges between the two peoples, so as to promote the sustained and steady development of bilateral ties, said Wang. Wang said he hoped the Netherlands will adhere to the spirit of independence, freedom and openness, follow international trade rules and uphold the spirit of contract, and join forces with China to promote bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, innovation and other fields, and maintain the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain.”
As per Xinhua, Slot said “China is the Netherlands' most important trading partner in Asia. The Netherlands is happy about the gradual resumption of bilateral exchanges at all levels since the start of this year, and is willing to work with China to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and push forward the open and pragmatic comprehensive cooperative partnership. The two sides also exchanged opinions on China-Europe relations. Wang said that there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and Europe, with consensuses far outweighing differences. China-Europe relations do not depend on and should not be interfered with by any third party. He said China is willing to work with the European side to stick to the bilateral partnership and promote the sustained, sound and stable development of China-Europe relations. He hoped that the Netherlands will continue to play a constructive role in this regard and jointly prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges between China and Europe.”
Third, there’s a report (English report) on Wang Yi’s fourth Symposium on Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance. Wang said that “China will uphold the concept of a maritime community with a shared future and work with the international community to build peaceful, prosperous and beautiful oceans shared by all countries.”
He made four proposals:
“First, there is a need to adhere to dialogue and consultation to safeguard maritime peace and tranquility. Attention should be paid to the legitimate concerns of all countries seriously while insisting on resolving disputes and conflicts through dialogue and consultation, he said, calling for strengthening regional security cooperation to build lasting maritime security with a solid foundation.
Second, China calls for adhering to fairness and justice and improving the ocean governance system. China will continue to fully participate in the formulation of ocean rules and the implementation of governance mechanisms within the United Nations framework, and it will fulfill its obligations under the international law of the sea, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, said Wang.
Third, it is necessary to prioritize ecological conservation and keep the ocean clean and beautiful. China is committed to a green and low-carbon development path and actively engages in addressing climate change, disaster prevention and reduction, Wang said, adding that the country opposes the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, making its own contribution to the global sustainable development of the ocean.
Fourth, China urges efforts to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation for maritime prosperity. On the basis of the principles of joint contribution and shared benefits, China will work with all parties to build the Maritime Silk Road with high quality and create a partnership of blue economy, Wang said, pledging to increase cooperation with other countries in the construction of marine infrastructure and maintain waterway security to continuously improve the level of maritime connectivity.”
Finally, there’s a report on Chinese aid to Nepal after the recent earthquake in that country. The aid was sent to Pokhara International Airport. Xinhua reported:
“Two Chinese cargo planes landed at the airport with 600 cotton tents and 4,600 blankets worth 5 million RMB yuan (690,000 U.S. dollars). Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song attended the handover ceremony.”
Page 6: There’s a report on the Central Propaganda Department, the Central Cyberspace Administration of China, National Radio and Television Administration and China Journalists Association hosting a forum themed Good Journalists Tell Good Stories. 124 “outstanding journalists” attended. This activity has been organised for 10 years. In that time, “more than 100,000 journalists have registered and participated. They have conducted speaking tours in 30 provinces and regions, organising over 110 discussion sessions in news agencies and journalism departments of universities.” 据介绍，“好记者讲好故事”活动举办10年来，先后有10多万名新闻工作者报名参加，赴30个省区市组织巡讲，在新闻单位和高校新闻院系举办110多场报告会.