Key Party & State Organs Report to Xi - Politburo Standing Committee Meets on Tibet Quake Work - GSI Agenda: China Pledges RMB 1 billion in Military Aid for Africa
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Friday, January 10, 2025.
Page 1: One of the top reports today is about the Politburo Standing Committee meeting to listen to the work reports of the Party Groups of the NPCSC, the State Council, the CPPC NC, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and the work report of the Central Secretariat. Xi Jinping presided over the meeting and delivered a speech.
The meeting noted that “upholding the Party’s overall leadership is the country’s greatest political advantage and that the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee is the fundamental reason for achieving continuous victories.” It said that the Party Central Committee listening to the work reports from each of these institutions is “an important institutional arrangement for adhering to and strengthening the overall leadership of the Party and the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee.” “Practice has proven that this important institutional arrangement is very necessary and must be adhered to in the long term, for fully exercising the Party’s role as the leadership core in overall planning and coordinating all parties, implementing Party leadership in all fields, aspects, and links of Party and state affairs, and ensuring unity in objectives, unity in pace, and formation of combined strength.” 会议指出，坚持党的全面领导，是我们的最大政治优势。坚持党中央集中统一领导，是我们不断取得胜利的根本所在。党中央听取全国人大常委会、国务院、全国政协、最高人民法院、最高人民检察院党组工作汇报和中央书记处工作报告，是坚持和加强党的全面领导和党中央集中统一领导的重要制度安排。实践证明，这一重要制度安排对于充分发挥党总揽全局、协调各方的领导核心作用，把党的领导落实到党和国家事业各领域各方面各环节，确保目标一致、步调一致、形成合力，是十分必要的，必须长期坚持下去.
The meeting believes that in the past year, the Party groups of the NPC SC, the State Council, the CPPCC National Committee, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate have adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, firmly safeguarded the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, conscientiously implemented the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, firmly established the orientation of focussing on practical work, strengthened mission responsibility, fulfilled duties and responsibilities, strengthened the construction of the Party groups themselves, and conscientiously fulfilled the main responsibility of comprehensive and strict Party governance. These efforts have led to new progress in various areas of work, making fresh contributions to comprehensively advancing the construction of a strong nation and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernisation. 会议认为，过去一年，全国人大常委会、国务院、全国政协、最高人民法院、最高人民检察院党组坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，坚定维护党中央权威和集中统一领导，认真贯彻落实党的二十大和二十届二中、三中全会精神，牢固树立实干为先的导向，强化使命担当、扎实履职尽责，加强党组自身建设，认真履行全面从严治党主体责任，各方面工作取得新进展，为以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业作出新贡献.
The meeting believed that in the past year, under the leadership of the Politburo and the Politburo Standing Committee, the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee fulfilled its duties and took positive actions; it has carried out substantial work in promoting the implementation of the relevant decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, strengthening the construction of Party regulations, guiding the construction and reform of mass organizations, and rectifying formalism to reduce the burden on the grassroots. 会议认为，过去一年，在中央政治局、中央政治局常委会领导下，中央书记处履职尽责、积极作为，在推动党中央有关决策部署落实、加强党内法规建设、指导群团组织建设和改革、整治形式主义为基层减负等方面做了大量工作.
The meeting emphasized that this year is the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan and an important year for further comprehensively deepening reform. The Party Groups of the NPC SC, the State Council, CPPCC National Committee, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate should take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, deeply understand the decisive significance of Two Establishments, strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences, and achieve Two Safeguards, adhere to the the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the highest political principle, establish and practice a correct view of political achievements, prioritize action, work with vigor, tackle challenges head-on, ensure the Party Central Committee’s decisions and deployments are effectively implemented, and demonstrate new responsibility and new accomplishments on the new journey of fully advancing Chinese-style modernization. 会议强调，今年是“十四五”规划收官之年，也是进一步全面深化改革的重要一年。全国人大常委会、国务院、全国政协、最高人民法院、最高人民检察院党组要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻落实党的二十大和二十届二中、三中全会精神，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，坚持党中央集中统一领导这个最高政治原则，树立和践行正确政绩观，坚持干字当头，奋发有为、攻坚克难，确保党中央各项决策部署落到实处，在全面推进中国式现代化的新征程上展现新担当新作为。
The meeting further emphasized that in the new year, the Central Secretariat must align with the arrangements and requirements of the Politburo and its Standing Committee, fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 20th Central Committee, and focus on its own responsibilities. It must enhance its political capabilities, prioritize the implementation of key tasks such as intra-Party regulations, the construction and reform of mass organizations, and addressing formalism to reduce burdens on the grassroots. Additionally, it must rigorously strengthen its self-construction and complete all tasks assigned by the Party Central Committee with high quality. 会议强调，新的一年里，中央书记处要围绕中央政治局、中央政治局常委会部署要求，全面贯彻落实党的二十大和二十届二中、三中全会精神，立足自身职责，增强政治能力，抓好党内法规、群团组织建设和改革、整治形式主义为基层减负等重点工作落实，从严加强自身建设，高质量完成党中央交办的各项任务.
The other top story is about the meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee “to study and arrange disaster relief following a 6.8-magnitude quake” that struck Tibet earlier this week. Xi Jinping “presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.”
The report says that since the earthquake, “under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, relevant localities and departments have responded swiftly and organized effectively, Party members, cadres, and the masses have worked together in solidarity, especially the national comprehensive fire and rescue teams, the PLA, the Armed Police Force, and central enterprises, overcoming the challenges of extreme cold and oxygen deficiency, racing against time to rescue trapped individuals, thereby minimising casualties to the greatest extent possible, and ensuring smooth functioning of earthquake relief efforts.” 会议指出，西藏定日6.8级地震发生以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，有关地方和部门反应迅速、组织有力，广大党员干部群众团结奋战，特别是国家综合性消防救援队伍、解放军、武警部队和央企等救援力量，克服高寒缺氧困难，争分夺秒搜救被困人员，最大限度减少人员伤亡，抗震救灾总体顺利.
The meeting stressed that the earthquake relief work is now at a critical stage and there should be no slackening. It is necessary to make more meticulous efforts to decisively win this tough battle against earthquake relief and disaster recovery. It is necessary to continue rescue and post-disaster follow-up work. It is necessary to organize medical experts for consultations to fully treat the injured. It is necessary to secure the basic living needs of affected people with care and empathy, while coordinating temporary housing and transitional housing arrangements to ensure the affected people stay warm through the winter. It is necessary to speed up post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, speed up the repair of infrastructure and the clearing of debris, and restore the normal production and living order in the disaster area as soon as possible. It is necessary to do a good job in social stability, promptly investigate and resolve all kinds of contradictions and disputes, and do a good job in releasing authoritative information. It is necessary to further improve the earthquake resistance and earthquake disaster response capabilities of houses and infrastructure in key areas, and make all kinds of emergency preparations. 会议强调，现在抗震救灾工作处在关键阶段，不能有丝毫松懈。要把工作做得更细一些，坚决打赢抗震救灾这场硬仗。要继续开展救援善后工作。要组织医疗专家会诊，全力救治受伤人员。要用心用情保障受灾群众基本生活，统筹好临时安置和过渡期安置，确保受灾群众温暖过冬。要加快灾后恢复重建，抓紧做好基础设施修复和废墟清理工作，尽快恢复灾区正常生产生活秩序。要切实做好社会稳定工作，及时排查化解各类矛盾纠纷，做好权威信息发布。要进一步提高重点地区房屋、基础设施抗震能力和地震灾害应对能力，做好各项应急准备.
The meeting also called on officials at all levels to remain steadfast on the front line and spare no effort in fulfilling their duties. It also discussed other matters.
Also on the page is a report with details of the relief and rescue work. More reports are available on Page 4. Some data points from the report:
the earthquake had caused 126 deaths and around 61,500 people are affected
more than 15,000 people from the national comprehensive fire rescue team, the People's Liberation Army, the armed police force, public security officers and social emergency rescue forces have carried out search and rescue in the epicenter area
a total of 224 resettlement sites have been set up in the disaster-stricken areas, more than 12,000 tents have been put up, and 47,500 people have been resettled
more than 12,000 heaters, more than 3,000 electric blankets and other supplies have been delivered and distributed
the supply of relief supplies is sufficient and the basic lives of the people are guaranteed
electricity and communications in the disaster-stricken areas have been basically restored, national and provincial trunk roads have all been opened, damaged sections of rural roads have resumed normal traffic, and railway services from Lhasa to Shigatse have resumed operation
medical institutions at all levels admitted a total of 337 injured people, with 246 being discharged after treatment
西藏定日6.8级地震抗震救灾工作新闻发布会透露：截至9日6时，地震已造成126人遇难，受灾群众人数约6.15万人。连日来，国家综合性消防救援队伍、解放军、武警部队、公安干警及社会应急救援力量1.5万余人在震中区域开展搜救。受灾地区共设置安置点224个，搭建帐篷1.2万余顶，安置受灾群众4.75万人；1.2万余个加热器、3000余床电热毯等物资已陆续运抵并发放。目前，在社会各界帮助下，救援物资供应充足，群众基本生活得到保障。经过全力抢修，受灾地区电力、通信已基本恢复，国省干道已全部抢通，农村受损路段恢复正常通行，拉萨到日喀则的铁路服务恢复运行.
Next, there’s a report (English report) on the whole bunch of new ambassadorial appointments.
Deng Li has been appointed ambassador to France and Monaco, replacing Lu Shaye.
Xiao Junzheng has been appointed ambassador to Israel, replacing Cai Run.
Zhang Wei has been appointed ambassador to Benin, replacing Peng Jingtao.
Dai Bing has been appointed ambassador to the Republic of Korea, replacing Xing Haiming.
Jiang Xuebin has been appointed ambassador to Türkiye, replacing Liu Shaobin.
Lyu Jian has been appointed ambassador to Oman, replacing Li Lingbing.
Dong Guangli has been appointed ambassador to Algeria, replacing Li Jian.
Tang Zhongdong has been appointed ambassador to Mauritania, replacing Li Baijun.
Guo Haiyan has been appointed ambassador to Kenya, replacing Zhou Pingjian.
Han Chunlin has been appointed ambassador to Kazakhstan, replacing Zhang Xiao.
Liu Jiangping has been appointed ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, replacing Du Dewen.
Li Fan has been appointed ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, replacing Ji Ping.
Finally, there’s a commentary drawing from the CCDI plenary’s outcomes. The commentary says that currently China is in a critical period.
“How to turn the grand blueprint of Chinese-style modernisation into a beautiful reality? How to ensure that the Party always remains the strong leadership core of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics? The key to answering these major questions is to persist in governing the Party with the spirit of reform and strict standards, deepen the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party, and carry out the Party’s great self-revolution to the end.” 当前，身处中国式现代化建设的关键时期，摆在我们面前的是更加艰巨繁重的任务，是绕不开、躲不过的各种风险挑战。如何把中国式现代化的宏伟蓝图变为美好现实？如何确保党始终成为中国特色社会主义事业的坚强领导核心？回答好这些重大课题，关键就是坚持用改革精神和严的标准管党治党，把全面从严治党引向深入，把党的伟大自我革命进行到底.
History and practice have repeatedly proved that the unity of the Party is the life of the Party, and the strong and powerful leadership of the Party Central Committee is the fundamental guarantee for us to overcome all difficulties and risks. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasised that ‘maintaining a high degree of alignment with the Party Central Committee must be carried out in words and deeds’. This is not only an intrinsic requirement for ensuring the Party’s unity and cohesion but also an urgent necessity for overcoming challenges and seizing the initiative. In the new era and on the new journey, we must unremittingly use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to unite our hearts and forge our souls, promote political supervision to focus on specific issues, pursue precise results, and implement it as regular practice, ensuring that the whole Party maintains a high degree of unity with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core in terms of thought, politics, and actions and ensuring that all decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee are effectively implemented, and work together to promote reform and promote high-quality development. 历史和实践反复证明，党的团结统一是党的生命，党中央坚强有力领导是我们战胜一切困难和风险的根本保证。习近平总书记强调：“同党中央保持高度一致必须说到做到。”这既是确保党的团结统一的内在要求，也是我们战胜挑战、赢得主动的迫切需要。新时代新征程，要坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂，推进政治监督向具体聚焦、向精准问效、向常态落实，确保全党在思想上、政治上、行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，确保党中央各项决策部署落地见效，合力推动改革攻坚、促进高质量发展.
The commentary then calls for strict self-discipline. It says that “strengthening the Party’s discipline is an ongoing task. Only by establishing a normalised and long-term discipline education mechanism, strictly enforcing the Party's discipline, and accurately applying the ‘four forms’ can we guide Party members and cadres to transform external restraint into self-discipline, internalizing it as a subconscious standard for daily words and actions. The Party’s discipline and the pursuit of reform and innovation are inherently unified. The Party’s discipline not only serves as a tool for education and constraint but also provides protection and encouragement. It is both an ‘incantation for control’ and a ‘protective talisman’. Efforts must unify strict management and supervision with encouragement for taking responsibility, enabling cadres to pursue reform and innovation while adhering to rules and discipline.” 同时要认识到，加强党的纪律建设是一项经常性工作，建立常态化长效化的纪律教育机制，严格执行党的纪律，准确运用“四种形态”，才能引导党员、干部把他律转化为自律，内化为日用而不觉的言行准则。党的纪律和干事创业是内在统一的，党的纪律既有教育约束功能，又有保障激励作用，既是“紧箍咒”，更是“护身符”。要把从严管理监督和鼓励担当作为统一起来，使干部在遵规守纪中改革创新、干事创业。
The next bit calls for a focus on top leaders and for all institutions to fulfill their responsibilities.
Page 2: There’s a report with some useful data on the RCEP. It says that:
“In 2023, the total trade volume within the RCEP region reached $5.6 trillion, and the region’s greenfield investment attraction amounted to 2.2 times that of 2021 … Since the implementation of RCEP, the share of goods trade between China and RCEP members in China’s total import and export volume has remained above 30%; in 2023, it reached 12.7 trillion yuan, an increase of 6.3% compared to 2021. From January to November 2024, it reached 12 trillion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 4.4%.” 2023年，RCEP区域贸易总额达5.6万亿美元；区域吸引绿地投资金额达2021年的2.2倍。有效巩固我国外贸基本盘。RCEP生效以来，我国与RCEP成员的货物贸易占我国进出口总额的比重保持在30%以上；2023年达到12.7万亿元，比2021年增长6.3%。2024年1月至11月已达12万亿元，同比增长4.4%.
Page 3: The paper just has a brief report on Wang Yi meeting Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So I am going to look at the foreign ministry’s website for readouts. The Chinese readout on the Wang-Tinubu meeting says:
“Wang Yi said that last September, His Excellency paid a successful state visit to China and jointly announced with President Xi Jinping that they would build a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Nigeria, achieving a new leap in bilateral relations. China and Nigeria have always respected each other and treated each other as equals. Mutual understanding and mutual support on issues of core interests, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation on the road of development and revitalization, the relationship between the two countries is at the forefront of China-Africa relations. Wang Yi said that he was very happy to see Nigeria’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ on the road of development, played an important role in regional peace, and became a stabilizing force in Africa. He believes that under His Excellency’s leadership, Nigeria’s national development will achieve greater achievements. China-Nigeria relations have gone beyond the bilateral scope. The two sides should promote the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and work together to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, and play a demonstration role in the solidarity and cooperation of the Global South.” 王毅转达习近平主席对提努布的亲切问候和新年祝福。王毅说，去年9月阁下对华进行成功国事访问，同习近平主席共同宣布将建设中尼全面战略伙伴关系，实现两国关系新的飞跃。中尼始终相互尊重、平等相待。在核心利益问题上相互理解、相互支持，在发展振兴道路上互惠互利、合作共赢，两国关系走在中非关系前列。王毅说，很高兴看到尼日利亚在发展道路上“重燃希望”，为地区和平发挥重要作用，成为非洲地区一支稳定性力量。相信在阁下领导下，尼日利亚国家发展将取得更大成就。中尼关系已超越双边范畴，双方要推动两国全面战略伙伴关系不断向前发展，更要携手建设新时代全天候中非命运共同体，为全球南方团结合作发挥示范作用.
He added: “China appreciates Nigeria’s adherence to the one-China principle, supports Nigeria in taking a development path that suits its national conditions, supports Nigeria in combating terrorism, maintaining regional peace and stability, and supports Nigeria in playing a greater role on the international stage.” 中方赞赏尼方恪守一个中国原则，支持尼方走出符合本国国情的发展道路，支持尼方打击恐怖主义，维护地区和平稳定，支持尼日利亚在国际舞台上发挥更大作用.
Tinubu reportedly said that “the friendship between Nigeria and China is unbreakable.” He added that he has “appointed the Director-General for the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to coordinate and promote cooperation with China. China has important international influence, and hopes that China will support Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.” 为此，我专门任命了尼中全面战略伙伴关系总干事，负责协调和推进对华合作。中国具有重要国际影响力，希望中方支持尼日利亚在国际地区事务中发挥更大作用.
The Chinese readout (English report) of Wang’s meeting with Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar says:
Wang said that “China has always viewed the development of China-Nigeria relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Nigeria. Nigeria, as a major African country with global influence and an important member of the Global South, plays an irreplaceable role in Africa’s pursuit of peace and development.”
The report adds:
Wang “called on both countries to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results in their development and revitalization processes. China is ready to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and advance the 10 partnership action plans in Nigeria, paving the way for new progress in bilateral relations, Wang said. He emphasized China’s willingness to align Belt and Road cooperation and the 10 partnership action plans with the priority areas of Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda. By leveraging traditional strengths in infrastructure development, expanding trade and financial collaboration and creating new highlights in investment cooperation, China aims to deepen practical ties with Nigeria, Wang stated. He also urged Nigeria to safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and personnel operating in the country. China appreciates Nigeria's support for its three major global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, Wang noted. He reiterated China’s unwavering support for Africa in advocating for climate justice at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Wang added that China is ready to strengthen coordination with Nigeria and other African countries on climate change issues to protect the development interests of the Global South.”
Among other things, Tuggar reportedly “expressed admiration for China’s remarkable achievements in economic development and technological innovation, praised its global influence and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation to create a brighter future for their people. He also reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering adherence to the one-China principle and pledged continued support for China’s stance on the international stage, emphasizing that it is the right thing to do.”
Wang and Tuggar later met the press. In that interaction, Wang talked about China being ready to work with African countries to implement the GSI. He added:
“China firmly supports Africans in solving African problems in an African way. The African people are the real masters of this continent, and they have the wisdom, ability and right to solve their own problems. China opposes external forces interfering in the internal affairs of African countries in any form, supports the African Union and various sub-regional organizations to play a constructive role, supports African powers to strengthen leading actions, promote the resolution of problems and differences through dialogue and consultation, and resolve hot-spot issues through political means.” 中国将坚定支持非洲人以非洲方式解决非洲问题。非洲人民才是这片大陆真正的主人，完全有智慧、有能力也有权利解决好自己的问题。中方反对外部势力以任何形式干涉非洲国家的内政，支持非盟和各次区域组织发挥建设性作用，支持非洲的大国加强引领性行动，推动通过对话协商化解矛盾分歧，通过政治途径解决热点问题.
“China will firmly support Africa in strengthening its capacity building for peace and security. It will establish a partnership with Africa to implement the Global Security Initiative, build a demonstration zone for cooperation under the initiative, promote the security partnership action, provide RMB 1 billion in grants in military assistance to Africa, and help African countries train 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police law enforcement personnel. China will also continue to support the construction of the African Standby Force and rapid response units, and support African countries in peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations. China will firmly support Africa in safeguarding its legitimate interests. China will practice genuine multilateralism and will not allow hegemonism and power politics to disrupt Africa. China’s vote in the United Nations Security Council will always belong to Africa, and China will continue to speak out for the reasonable demands of African countries in multilateral forums. As the second-largest contributor to peacekeeping, China will continue to support United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa. China will firmly support Africa in promoting security through development. We are willing to carry out 10 major partnership actions with Africa, make good use of the RMB 360 billion in funding support announced at the FOCAC summit, deepen cooperation in various fields, help African countries eliminate the soil of insecurity, and achieve long-term peace and stability through development and revitalization. Nigeria, as a major African country and the rotating chair of ECOWAS, plays an important role in maintaining peace in West Africa and the Sahel region. China supports Nigeria in uniting regional countries, adhering to unity and self-reliance, gathering strength through reconciliation, promoting security through development, and maintaining regional peace and stability. China is also willing to make its best efforts to this end. 中国将坚定支持非洲加强和平安全能力建设。将同非方建立落实全球安全倡议伙伴关系，打造倡议合作示范区，推进安全共筑伙伴行动，向非方提供10亿元人民币无偿军事援助，帮助非洲国家培训6000名军队人才和1000名警务执法人员。中方还将继续支持非洲常备军和快速反应部队建设，支持非洲国家开展维和反恐行动。中国将坚定支持非洲维护自身正当利益。践行真正的多边主义，不允许霸权主义和强权政治在非洲兴风作浪。中方在联合国安理会的一票永远属于非洲，将一如既往在多边场合为非洲国家合理诉求仗义执言。作为第二大维和捐款国，中方将继续支持联合国在非洲的维和行动。中国将坚定支持非洲通过发展促进安全。愿同非方共同开展十大伙伴行动，利用好峰会宣布的3600亿元人民币额度资金支持，深化各领域合作，助力非洲国家消除不安全的土壤，以发展振兴实现长治久安。尼日利亚是非洲大国和西共体轮值主席国，在维护西非和萨赫勒地区和平方面发挥着重要作用。中方支持尼日利亚团结地区国家，坚持联合自强，以和解聚合力，以发展促安全，维护好地区和平稳定。中方也愿为此作出力所能及的贡献.
Another report (English report) on the page informs that Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell will pay an official visit to China from January 11 to 17.
One other report to note, although it’s not in the paper today.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has said that the EU’s practices in its foreign subsidy investigations against Chinese enterprises have constituted trade and investment barriers. The announcement followed the conclusion of a six-month probe, which was initiated at the request of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products.
“Under its foreign subsidies regulation, the EU has conducted preliminary, in-depth and raid investigations into Chinese companies in sectors such as locomotives, photovoltaics, wind power and security check equipment, said the ministry when initiating the probe into trade and investment barriers last July. The EU’s investigations involved unreasonable practices that violated the World Trade Organization's core principles, including non-discrimination, the ministry said, citing stakeholders who participated in the probe. The stakeholders believe that the EU's investigations consisted of inappropriate penalties and unreasonable time constraints, and lacked procedural transparency and legitimacy, according to the ministry. The probe found that during the investigations, regulations were ‘selectively enforced’ and the criteria used to determine foreign subsidies were vague. It also noted that the scope of the EU’s investigations was overly broad, placing an ‘immense burden’ on the companies, and that key concepts, such as market distortion, were defined in a ‘subjective and arbitrary’ manner. Such investigations have harmed trade and investment between China and the EU by restricting Chinese companies’ products, services and investments from entering the EU market, thereby damaging the competitiveness of relevant Chinese companies and products, the ministry said. The probe results revealed that Chinese enterprises have incurred significant economic losses, both directly and indirectly, due to the EU's investigations, including approximately 7.6 billion yuan (about 1.06 billion U.S. dollars) in abandoned bidding projects, with other affected projects valued at over 8 billion yuan.”
It adds: “The ministry will take measures, including bilateral consultations, to urge the European side to adjust or change relevant practices in order to ensure an open, fair, just, non-discriminatory and predictable environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Europe.”