Li Meets Major Platform Cos - Strengthening Veterans Affairs Work - Sparring with NATO - Developed Countries Failing on Climate Finance - China-Russia-Indonesia Meeting - Xi Thought on Food Security
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily's edition on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Page 1: Let’s begin with a report on Xi Jinping signing an order to commend two “outstanding military units and two individuals.” Xinhua reports:
“An office of the CMC equipment development department and a unit of Troop 92730 of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) were given first-class merit citations. Zhang Xiongwei, a professor with the Army Engineering University of PLA, and Zhang Jianning, a senior neurosurgery doctor and professor at the Chinese PLA General Hospital, were given third-class merit citations in defense-related science and technology.”
Next, there’s a report on the CMC issuing a circular commending model units and individual models for their dedication to the goal of strengthening the armed forces. The circular pointed out that the entire army has resolutely implemented the decision-making and deployment of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and Chairman Xi; it has been guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army and the military strategic guidelines for the new era; focusing on achieving the Party's goal of strengthening the army in the new era, it has made deep progress in political building, reform, strengthening the army through science and technology, strengthening the army with talents, governing the army according to law; through the practice of struggle, improving war-preparedness/combat readiness, and military construction, the armed forces have undergone historic changes and made historic achievements, producing a large number of advanced models.” 通报指出，全军部队坚决贯彻党中央、中央军委和习主席决策部署，以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深入贯彻习近平强军思想，深入贯彻新时代军事战略方针，围绕实现党在新时代的强军目标，深入推进政治建军、改革强军、科技强军、人才强军、依法治军，边斗争、边备战、边建设，在推动强军事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革的实践中，涌现出一大批先进典型.
The circular calls for the entire armed forces to follow the example of the commended units and individuals, fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on strengthening the armed forces, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences, achieve two upholds, and implement the Chairman Responsibility System. 通报号召，全军部队要以受表彰的单位和个人为榜样，全面贯彻党的二十大精神，深入贯彻习近平强军思想，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”，贯彻军委主席负责制.
Next, there’s a report (English report) on Li Qiang meeting with representatives from the country’s major platform operators, “listening to their opinions and suggestions on promoting the well-regulated, healthy, and sustainable platform-economy development.”
Some Background: This came after late last week, Chinese regulators imposed a 7.12 billion yuan ($985 million) fine on Ant Group. PBOC said that most of the outstanding problems in the financial business of so-called platform companies, such as Ant Group, have been rectified. The central bank’s job is now “normalized supervision.”
The PD report informs that: “Representatives from Meituan, Xiaohongshu, Haizhi, Huolala, Alibaba Cloud, XCMG, Douyin, and Zhaopin delivered comments. Representatives from companies such as Pinduoduo, JD.com, Ouye Yunshang, BOSS Zhipin, CASICloud, and COSMOPlat submitted written statements.” 座谈会上，美团、小红书、海智在线、货拉拉、阿里云、徐工汉云、抖音、智联招聘等企业负责人先后发言，拼多多、京东、欧冶云商、BOSS直聘、航天云网、卡奥斯等企业负责人提交了书面发言.
Then “Li Qiang pointed out that the platform economy has emerged in the tide of historical development, providing new space for expanding demand, a new engine for innovative development, a new channel for employment and entrepreneurship, and new support for public services. Its position and role in overall development have become increasingly prominent.”
Li added that the platform economy will have a more significant role as the country embarks on a new journey to build itself into a modern socialist country. He hoped that the majority of platform companies will look forward with firm confidence, cultivate their ‘internal strength/内功’ and work hard to overcome the ‘growing pains’, demonstrating their leadership in development, employment creation, and international competition. It is necessary to continue to promote innovation breakthroughs, focus on key core technologies such as the underlying technology, increase investment in research and development, and open up more new fields and new tracks. It is necessary to empower the development of the real economy, further stimulate the potential of domestic demand by optimizing the development of the consumer internet platforms to further stimulate domestic demand potential, and effectively drive the joint innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises through the vigorous development of the industrial Internet platform. It is necessary to actively fulfil social responsibilities, while strengthening the industry’s self-discipline and compliance operations, and maintain a sound ecological environment for platforms, and strive to expand new employment based on the platform, and actively participate in social public welfare undertakings. Efforts should be made to enhance international competitiveness, dare to compete on the international stage, and promote more ‘Made in China’ and ‘Services from China’ to go global. Li Qiang hoped that everyone would vigorously promote the spirit of outstanding entrepreneurship, maintain a keen sense of the market, and the courage to take risks, constantly writing new chapters in the development of their enterprises.” 李强指出，在全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程上，平台经济大有可为。他希望广大平台企业坚定信心向前看、练好“内功”加油干，努力破解“成长的烦恼”，在引领发展、创造就业、国际竞争中大显身手。要持续推动创新突破，围绕底层技术等关键核心技术，加大研发投入，开辟更多新领域新赛道。要赋能实体经济发展，通过优化发展消费互联网平台进一步激发内需潜力，通过大力发展工业互联网平台有效带动中小企业联动创新。要积极履行社会责任，在加强行业自律、合规经营，维护平台良好生态环境的同时，努力扩大基于平台的新就业，积极投身社会公益事业。要加快提升国际竞争力，敢于在国际大舞台上打拼，带动更多中国制造、中国服务走出国门。希望大家大力弘扬优秀企业家精神，保持对市场的敏锐感知和敢拼敢闯的干劲，不断谱写企业发展新篇章.
The report adds:
“Li Qiang emphasized that governments at all levels should strive to create a market environment for fair competition, improve policies such as investment access and security assessment of new technologies and new businesses, governments should optimize the transparent and predictable regulatory systems to reduce the compliance costs of those enterprises and promote the sound development of the industry. It is necessary to establish and improve regular communication mechanisms with platform enterprises, promptly understand their problems and demands, and improve relevant policies and measures to promote the well-regulated, healthy, and sustainable development of the platform economy.”
Comment: To me, this is all in line with the policy agenda. There is no returning to the past. While reassuring platform companies, Li Qiang is not talking about the profit-motive being the driving factor for them His remarks are essentially around aligning platform companies in line with broader national priorities and the market system that the Party wants to build. In terms of regulation, there is a new regulatory architecture that has been built and will continue to evolve in like with priorities like fair competition, security, focus on real economy, etc. This will sustain. The emphasis is not on a roll-back of regulation but rather on predictability, communication and transparency, which is useful considering the events of the past few years.
Moving on, there’s a report on Wang Huning’s comments at a meeting on integrated urban-rural development and rural revitalization in Beijing.
Xinhua reports that Wang called for “efforts should be made to conduct in-depth investigation and research on significant challenges of rural areas and agriculture and on practical issues put forward by farmers, Wang said, encouraging members of the CPPCC National Committee to offer advice and suggestions. More should be done to improve people's well-being and bolster rural revitalization across the board.”
Next, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng meeting with US representatives attending the 14th round of dialogue between Chinese and US business leaders and former senior officials in Beijing.
“Han Zheng said that China and the United States are the world's top two economies, and the Sino-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. The key to promoting the healthy and stable development of Sino-US relations is to implement the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping into action. Competition is everywhere in today's world, but it should be healthy competition that promotes win-win results, rather than a zero-sum game. China will unswervingly promote reform and opening up, and welcomes companies from all over the world, including the United States, to deeply explore the Chinese market and contribute to maintaining the stability and smoothness of the global industrial and supply chains and promoting the development of the world economy.” 韩正表示，中美两国是全球前两大经济体，中美关系是世界最重要的双边关系。推动中美关系健康稳定发展，关键是要把习近平主席提出的相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢原则落实到行动上。当今世界竞争无处不在，但应是促进共赢的良性竞争，而不是你输我赢的零和博弈。中国将坚定不移推进改革开放，欢迎包括美国在内的各国企业深耕中国市场，为维护全球产业链供应链稳定畅通、推动世界经济发展作出贡献.
“The American representatives said that the US and China have close economic and trade ties, and the current difficulties and uncertainties are worrying. They said that the United States business community is willing to continue to expand cooperation with China and play an active role to promote the sound and steady development of bilateral relations.” 美方代表表示，美中经贸关系紧密，当前面临的困难和不确定性令人担忧。美国企业界愿继续扩大与中国合作，积极发挥桥梁纽带作用，推动美中关系健康稳定发展.
Next, there’s a report (English report) on China’s shipbuilding industry. It says that the industry’s output hit 21.13 million deadweight tonnes (dwt) in H1 2023, increasing 14.2 percent year on year and accounting for 49.6 percent of the world’s total. New orders, another major indicator of the shipbuilding industry, rose 67.7 percent year on year to 37.67 million dwt, with a global market share of 72.6 percent. The sector's holding orders totaled 123.77 million dwt at the end of June, expanding 20.5 percent year on year. The volume represented 53.2 percent of the global market share.
Finally, there is a report on the preliminary plan released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Wednesday. It says that China plans to land its taikonauts on the moon before 2030 to carry out scientific exploration. Xinhua reported:
“The plan is to launch two carrier rockets to send a lunar lander and a manned spacecraft to a lunar orbit, respectively. The craft and lunar lander will rendezvous and dock with each other, and then taikonauts will enter the lander. As the lunar lander descends and arrives at the preset area on the lunar surface, taikonauts will carry out scientific tasks and collect samples. After completing the planned tasks, taikonauts will return to the lander, which will lift them back to the lunar orbit to dock with their spacecraft. In the final step, the spacecraft will fly taikonauts back to Earth with lunar samples.”
Page 2: There’s a report on comments by State Councillor Shen Yiqin during her visit to Shanxi to investigate veterans affairs work.
She visited Taiyuan City and Datong City, travelling to veterans’ service centers, veterans’ hospitals, memorial facilities, retired military personnel centers, and martyr memorial facilities, learning about the situation related to provision of services and support for veterans, employment and entrepreneurship, preferential treatment and allowances, management of retired military personnel services, and the role of martyr memorial facilities. She also visited and extended greetings to veterans, recipients of preferential treatment, and representatives of martyrs' families. 谌贻琴先后来到太原市、大同市，实地调研退役军人服务中心（站）、优抚医院、光荣院、军休所、烈士纪念设施等，了解退役军人服务保障、就业创业、优待抚恤、军休服务管理、烈士纪念设施作用发挥情况，看望慰问退役军人、优抚对象和烈士遗属代表.
“Shen Yiqin emphasized that all relevant departments in various regions should put the work of retired military personnel in a prominent position, improve and perfect the organization and management system, operational system and policy system related to veterans affairs, strengthen coordination among all parties, and effectively enhance organizational support capabilities. It is necessary to broaden the employment and resettlement channels for retired military personnel, increase support for employment and entrepreneurship, and make overall plans for service guarantee, preferential treatment and pensions, assistance in difficulties, protection of rights and interests, and commendation of heroes. With August 1 approaching, she called for efforts to ensure the success of the ‘double support’ work, widely publicize the advanced deeds of veterans, and create a strong atmosphere throughout society that respects the military profession and respects veterans. It is important to fully leverage the advantages of veterans' talents and allow them to display their talents and make contributions in different positions, better serving the economic and social development, as well as national defense and military construction.” 谌贻琴强调，各地区各有关部门要把退役军人工作摆在突出重要位置，健全完善退役军人事务组织管理体系、工作运行体系、政策制度体系，加强各方面协同配合，切实增强组织保障能力。要拓宽退役军人就业安置渠道，加大就业创业支持力度，统筹做好服务保障、优待抚恤、困难帮扶、权益维护、英烈褒扬等工作。“八一”快到了，她要求有关方面做好双拥工作，广泛宣传退役军人先进事迹，在全社会营造尊崇军人职业、尊重退役军人的浓厚氛围。要充分发挥退役军人人才优势，让他们在不同岗位上施展才华、发挥作用，更好服务经济社会发展、服务国防和军队建设.
Next, there’s a report informing that from January to June, investment in water conservancy projects totaled 525.4 billion yuan (about $73.2 billion), up 18.1 percent year on year. In the first half of this year, 17,600 new water conservancy projects were started, including 24 major projects. These had an investment scale of 720.8 billion yuan, 3,707 more than the same period last year, and an investment scale of 111.3 billion yuan more. Water conservancy projects in H1 created over 1.38 million jobs.
Finally, there’s a report on the 2023 China New Media Conference in Changsha, Hunan. Propaganda chief Li Shulei attended the conference. More than 800 people, including representatives of central and local government departments, news organizations, online platforms and universities and institutions, attended the conference.
The report says:
“The participants at the conference believe that this year marks the 10th anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on accelerating the integration and development of traditional and emerging media. Over the years, the news front has thoroughly implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions, continuously expanded the field of all-media, witnessed the emergence of phenomenal integrated media products, and the voice of the Party has been spreading online in a broader, more extensive and more profound manner, and the integrated development of media had seen notable achievements.” 与会嘉宾认为，今年是习近平总书记作出“加快传统媒体和新兴媒体融合发展”重要指示10周年。这些年，新闻战线深入贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示精神，全媒体阵地不断拓展，现象级融媒体产品不断涌现，党的声音通过网络渠道传得更开、更广、更深入，媒体融合发展取得显著成效.
It adds that the 20th Party Congress has put forward clear requirements for strengthening the construction of the all-media communication system and shaping a new pattern of mainstream public opinion. It is the glorious responsibility of journalists to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, shoulder the new cultural mission, and build the modern civilization of the Chinese nation. 与会嘉宾表示，党的二十大擘画了以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的宏伟蓝图，对加强全媒体传播体系建设、塑造主流舆论新格局提出明确要求。深入贯彻党的二十大精神，担负起新的文化使命，建设中华民族现代文明，是新闻工作者的光荣责任.
“On the new journey, it is important to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, grasp the correct orientation, promote the main force to advance on the main battlefield, continuously create a favourable online ecosystem, further advance the development of media integration, enhance the dissemination power, guiding power, influence, and credibility of mainstream public opinion, and provide strong public opinion support for building a prosperous country and national rejuvenation.” 新征程上，要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，把握正确方向导向，推动主力军挺进主战场，持续营造良好网络生态，推动媒体融合发展再上新台阶，提高主流舆论传播力、引导力、影响力、公信力，为强国建设、民族复兴提供有力舆论支持.
Page 3: First, there’s a report on Wang Yi meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta. Xinhua reports:
“Wang noted that the world is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century, which features sluggish world economic recovery and rising geopolitical tensions, but it is an unstoppable trend to pursue peace, development and cooperation. Countries need to strengthen solidarity and coordination, practice true multilateralism and jointly address risks and challenges, in a bid to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said. As a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China backs the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation structure and supports ASEAN countries in keeping East Asia cooperation in the correct direction, as well as their efforts to accelerate the building of the ASEAN Community, Wang added. Lavrov and Marsudi shared their views on the current international and regional situation. They believed that the meeting is a beneficial attempt to hold trilateral dialogues and exchanges, representing their consensus regarding the maintenance of ASEAN's centrality and the ASEAN Way. They also agreed to maintain communication on this matter. The three sides exchanged views on food and energy security, noting that global governance should be improved to ensure smooth supply chains as well as food and energy security of developing countries.”
Second, there’s a report (English report) on Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong’s meeting with Anthony Veke, minister of police, national security and correctional services of Solomon Islands, in Beijing.
Wang said “China is ready to work with Solomon Islands to promote police and law enforcement cooperation, in order to make due contributions to the development of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries…Veke said that Solomon Islands is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on police and law enforcement, and push forward bilateral relations.”
Next, there’s a Zhong Sheng commentary, which calls on the “international community should jointly promote the establishment of a fair and effective global mechanism for addressing climate change.” The key to this is for developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities.
It says that “recently UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that ‘if we persist in delaying the key measures that are needed, I think we are entering a catastrophic situation.’ However, developed countries have long failed to face up to their responsibilities and have been slow to fulfil relevant commitments, leading to the "undermining" of the current climate agenda, which has increasingly aroused dissatisfaction from the international community, especially developing countries.” 最近一段时间，全球多地遭遇极端天气。联合国秘书长古特雷斯警告：“如果我们继续拖延所需采取的关键措施，我认为我们将步入一种灾难性局面。”然而，发达国家长期不正视其责任，迟迟不兑现有关承诺，导致当前气候议程“遭到破坏”，日益引起国际社会尤其是广大发展中国家的不满.
“Developed countries have historical responsibilities, legal obligations, and moral duties when it comes to climate change, while developing countries are the greatest victims of climate change. A recent study conducted by the University of Leeds in the UK, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, revealed that approximately 90% of the excess carbon emissions globally originate from developed countries such as the US. However, developed countries are merely chanting slogans while shifting their responsibilities and obligations onto developing countries. This completely violates the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities explicitly stated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.” 发达国家在气候变化问题上负有历史责任、法律义务和道义责任，发展中国家是气候变化问题最大的受害者。英国《自然·可持续发展》杂志不久前刊发由英国利兹大学等开展的最新研究显示，全球约90%的过量碳排放源自美国等发达国家。然而，发达国家只是不断高喊口号，同时向发展中国家转嫁其责任义务。这完全违背了《联合国气候变化框架公约》及其《巴黎协定》明确的共同但有区别的责任原则.
“Developing countries have not seen sufficient sincerity from developed countries in addressing climate change. Climate finance is crucial for tackling climate change. According to the explicit provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, developed countries have clear responsibilities and obligations to contribute funds, while developing countries' contributions are voluntary. The latest research conducted by the University of Leeds indicates that developed countries should pay a total of $170 trillion in compensation to low-carbon emitting countries to ensure the achievement of climate change-related goals. Secretary-General Guterres has said that by 2030, the financial needs of developing countries for climate change mitigation and adaptation will soar to $340 billion per year. Faced with such a large funding gap, the developed countries have not even fulfilled their commitment made 14 years ago to provide 100 billion US dollars of climate funds to developing countries every year by 2020, and their road map of doubling global adaptation funds is still unclear.” 广大发展中国家并没有看到发达国家应对气候变化的足够诚意。气候融资是应对气候变化的关键。根据《联合国气候变化框架公约》及其《巴黎协定》的明确规定，发达国家负有明确的出资责任和义务，发展中国家是自愿出资。英国利兹大学等开展的最新研究显示，发达国家应向低碳排放国家支付总计170万亿美元的补偿金，以确保应对气候变化的相关目标可以实现。古特雷斯表示，到2030年，发展中国家在应对气候变化方面的资金需求将飙升至每年3400亿美元。面对如此大的资金缺口，发达国家却连14年前作出的2020年前每年向发展中国家提供1000亿美元气候资金的承诺都未兑现，其承诺的全球适应资金翻倍的路线图仍不明朗.
In recent years, climate policies in some developed countries have regressed, and fossil fuel energy consumption and carbon emissions have increased instead of decreasing. This has affected the global climate governance process. The US government repeatedly claims to be ‘transparent’,’ ‘responsible’, and ‘respectful of international rules’, but it has consistently lacked a consistent, transparent, responsible policy on climate change. It has even failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and temporarily withdrew from the Paris Agreement, becoming a disruptor in global climate governance. Under the pretext of promoting its own energy transition, the US has implemented various unfair laws and administrative measures, investing hundreds of billions of dollars in providing substantial subsidies to its domestic manufacturing industry while imposing trade barriers on green industries in other countries, thereby obstructing the development pathways for developing countries to access green technology. These actions blatantly violate WTO rules, disrupt global green supply chains, and undermine the efforts of countries to achieve sustainable development goals, running counter to the collective efforts of the international community in addressing climate change.” 近年来，一些发达国家气候政策出现倒退，化石能源消费和碳排放不减反增，影响全球气候治理进程。美国政府反复说要“透明”“负责”“尊重国际规则”，却一直缺少连续、一致、透明、负责任的应对气候变化政策，甚至未批准《京都议定书》，一度退出《巴黎协定》，成为全球气候治理的搅局者。美国还以推动本国能源转型为借口，通过各种不公平法案和行政举措，投入数千亿美元为本国制造业提供高额补贴，同时针对别国的绿色产业大搞贸易壁垒，掐断发展中国家获得绿色技术的路径。这些行为公然违反世贸组织规则，扰乱全球绿色产业链和供应链，破坏各国实现可持续发展目标的努力，与国际社会应对气候变化的集体努力背道而驰.
“China is a practitioner of ecological civilization and an active participant in climate governance. China has announced its targets for carbon peak and neutrality, achieving the highest reduction in carbon intensity in the world in the shortest amount of time. China is steadily advancing energy structure adjustments, leading the world in wind power and solar power installations and generation, and ranking first globally in the production and sales of new energy vehicles. A recent report by Bloomberg pointed out that in terms of the most crucial indicator for our climate future – the speed of replacing fossil fuels with clean energy – China is becoming one of the leaders. China not only adheres to the path of green development itself but also continues to deepen South-South cooperation in addressing climate change. Under the framework of the green BRI and South-South cooperation, China has done its utmost to support and assist other developing countries in addressing climate change.” 中国是生态文明的践行者，也是气候治理的行动派。中国宣布了碳达峰碳中和目标，将完成全球最高碳排放强度降幅，用全球历史上最短的时间实现从碳达峰到碳中和。中国稳步推进能源结构调整，风电、光伏装机量、发电量均居世界第一，新能源汽车产销量居全球之首。彭博社日前的报道指出，就对我们气候未来最重要的指标——采用清洁能源取代化石燃料的速度而言，中国正成为领导者之一。中国不仅自身坚持走绿色发展道路，还持续深化应对气候变化南南合作，在绿色“一带一路”和南南合作框架下，尽己所能为其他发展中国家应对气候变化提供支持和帮助.
Page 6: If you are interested, the page carries excerpts from the new book with Xi’s thoughts on food security. I am not translating this, but highlighting this if you would like to bookmark it to read through at convenience and understand the thinking behind related policies. One key quote from this is:
“General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that agriculture is vital for ensuring the safety of life and survival, and it is of utmost importance for national security. Only by strengthening agriculture can we fully guarantee food security, have the confidence and strategic initiative to maintain stability, respond to challenges, and open up new prospects. At present, risks and uncertainties in the global food industrial chain and supply chain are increasing, and the pattern of tight balance between food supply and demand in China will not change for a long time. When it comes to food security, there is no room for complacency and carelessness. We cannot afford to think that with industrialization, the problem of food is now dispensable, and we should not expect to rely on the international market to solve it. If we cannot ensure our own food supply, we will be at the mercy of others. We must always prioritize food security, adhere to the national strategy of relying on ourselves, relying on domestic resources, ensuring production capacity, moderate imports, and technological support.” 习近平总书记指出，农业保的是生命安全、生存安全，是极端重要的国家安全。只有农业强起来，粮食安全有完全保障，我们稳大局、应变局、开新局才有充足底气和战略主动。当前，全球粮食产业链供应链不确定风险增加，我国粮食供求紧平衡的格局长期不会改变。在粮食安全这个问题上不能有丝毫麻痹大意，不能认为进入工业化，吃饭问题就可有可无，也不要指望依靠国际市场来解决。如果我们端不稳自己的饭碗，就会受制于人。要始终绷紧粮食安全这根弦，始终坚持以我为主、立足国内、确保产能、适度进口、科技支撑的国家粮食安全战略.
Page 10: There’s a report on MoFA’s comments following the NATO summit. The PRC-related elements in the NATO communique said:
“23. The People’s Republic of China’s stated ambitions and coercive policies challenge our interests, security and values. The PRC employs a broad range of political, economic, and military tools to increase its global footprint and project power, while remaining opaque about its strategy, intentions and military build-up. The PRC’s malicious hybrid and cyber operations and its confrontational rhetoric and disinformation target Allies and harm Alliance security. The PRC seeks to control key technological and industrial sectors, critical infrastructure, and strategic materials and supply chains. It uses its economic leverage to create strategic dependencies and enhance its influence. It strives to subvert the rules-based international order, including in the space, cyber and maritime domains.
24. We remain open to constructive engagement with the PRC, including to build reciprocal transparency, with a view to safeguarding the Alliance’s security interests. We are working together responsibly, as Allies, to address the systemic challenges posed by the PRC to Euro-Atlantic security and ensure NATO’s enduring ability to guarantee the defence and security of Allies. We are boosting our shared awareness, enhancing our resilience and preparedness, and protecting against the PRC’s coercive tactics and efforts to divide the Alliance. We will stand up for our shared values and the rules-based international order, including freedom of navigation.
25. The deepening strategic partnership between the PRC and Russia and their mutually reinforcing attempts to undercut the rules-based international order run counter to our values and interests. We call on the PRC to play a constructive role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to abstain from supporting Russia’s war effort in any way, to cease amplifying Russia’s false narrative blaming Ukraine and NATO for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We particularly call on the PRC to act responsibly and refrain from providing any lethal aid to Russia.”
55. “The PRC is rapidly expanding and diversifying its nuclear arsenal with more warheads and a larger number of sophisticated delivery systems to establish a nuclear triad, while failing to engage in meaningful transparency or good faith efforts to achieve nuclear arms control or risk reduction. We oppose any attempt to produce or support the production of plutonium for military programmes under the guise of civilian programmes, which undermines the objectives of the NPT. We urge the PRC to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and to promote stability through greater transparency with regard to its nuclear weapon policies, plans and capabilities.”
85. The Indo-Pacific is important for NATO, given that developments in that region can directly affect Euro-Atlantic security. We welcome the contribution of our partners in the Asia-Pacific region – Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea – to security in the Euro-Atlantic, including their commitment to supporting Ukraine. We will further strengthen our dialogue and cooperation to tackle our shared security challenges, including on cyber defence, technology and hybrid, underpinned by our shared commitment to upholding international law and the rules-based international order.
TASS: Yesterday, NATO released the Vilnius Summit Communiqué, which said that “the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia and their mutually reinforcing attempts to undercut the rules-based international order run counter to our values and interests.” What’s China’s response?
Wang Wenbin: The China-Russia relationship is built on the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and no-targeting of any third party. It rises above the model of military and political alliance in the Cold War era and provides a model for major-country relations. This is fundamentally different from the exclusive groupings and bloc confrontation practiced by some NATO countries. We urge NATO to stop making groundless accusations and provocative rhetoric targeting China, quit the outdated Cold War mentality, ditch the wrongdoing of seeking absolute security. We have seen what NATO has done to Europe, and NATO must not seek to sow chaos here in the Asia-Pacific or elsewhere in the world.”
Beijing Youth Daily: According to reports, the NATO Vilnius Summit Communiqué said that China “is rapidly expanding and diversifying its nuclear arsenal with more warheads and a larger number of sophisticated delivery systems” and lacks “transparency”. The communiqué urges China to “engage in strategic risk reduction discussions” and to “promote stability through greater transparency” with regard to nuclear. What’s China’s comment?
Wang Wenbin: NATO, as a military alliance, is known to have the largest and most powerful nuclear arsenal in the world, and yet it irresponsibly accuses China of posing nuclear threats and does so through megaphone diplomacy. This is simply wrong and hypocritical. China is gravely concerned and strongly opposed to this. China has always been extremely prudent and responsible about nuclear weapon issues. China is committed to a defensive nuclear strategy and keeps our nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security. We never had the intent to engage in nuclear arms race. China follows a policy of “no first use” of nuclear weapons at any time and under any circumstances and has committed unconditionally to not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones. China is the only nuclear weapon state to have adopted such a policy. Would any NATO member states make such a commitment? The international community has more reasons to be concerned over NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement, through which NATO maintains the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. Certain member states are accelerating the modernization of their nuclear power, strengthening the so-called “extended deterrence” and heightening the risk of nuclear proliferation and conflict. If NATO members are truly interested in reducing strategic risk and safeguarding strategic stability, they should lower the role of nuclear weapons in national and collective security policies, promote strategic stability with concrete actions and uphold international and regional peace and security.”
In response to a question about NATO’s criticism of China’s coercive policies and NATO’s interest in the Indo-Pacific, MoFA said:
“What’s said in the NATO communiqué is a complete opposite of the truth and the product of Cold War mentality and ideological bias. China strongly opposes it. More than 30 years after the Cold War ended, its legacy NATO remains trapped in a zero-sum mindset and views the world as opposing blocs. Despite the global community’s call for peace, development, and common progress, NATO continues to act against the prevailing trend and seek to turn back the wheel of history. The world will not welcome this. NATO claims to be a regional organization. Why then is NATO reaching beyond its geographical scope laid down in its treaty, and making its foray into the Asia Pacific at a faster pace? NATO claims to be a defensive alliance. Why then is NATO encouraging member states to ramp up military budget, keep crossing the line and expanding the mandate, and stoke confrontation in the Asia Pacific? NATO claims to defend a “rules-based international order”, but it has been ignoring international law and basic norms governing international relations and interfering in other countries’ internal affairs. NATO has taken part in various wars and acted as a scaremonger on security issues, as if the world needed any more instability. NATO has been piecing together exclusive blocs and promoting group politics to intensify ideological and bloc confrontation. China is a force for world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a source of public good. China is committed to the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations that stem from the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China has the best record on peace and security. We have never invaded any country or engaged in any proxy war. We have never conducted global military operations, threatened other countries with force, exported ideology or interfered in other countries’ internal affairs. We do not set up or participate in military groups and oppose the use of force or threat of force in international relations. How would such a China pose “systemic challenges” to NATO? The prosperity and stability that the Asia-Pacific has long enjoyed depends on the mutual respect, open cooperation, mutual benefit and the ability to properly resolve differences among regional countries. NATO’s foray into the Asia-Pacific will only stir up tension and lead to bloc confrontation and even a “new Cold War” in this region. Asia-Pacific countries do not welcome it and many NATO states do not approve of it. The Asia-Pacific does not need an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO.” We urge NATO to immediately stop smearing and lying about China. NATO must abandon the outdated Cold War mentality and zero-sum mindset, renounce its blind faith in military might and misguided practice of seeking absolute security, halt the dangerous attempt to destabilize Europe and the Asia-Pacific and stop finding pretext for its continuous expansion. We urge NATO to play a constructive role for world peace and stability.”
Another report (English report) on the page informs that Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, has called for the early release of the results of a country-specific investigation into the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion.
The lead story on the page, however, basically argues that the US economy is facing increasing downward pressure. Some key points mentioned are:
“data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce showed that in the first quarter of this year, the U.S. real GDP grew at an annual rate of 2%, down 0.6% from the fourth quarter of last year”
“data released by the Institute for Supply Management, the US manufacturing PMI in June was 46, down 0.9 percentage points from May. According to a Reuters report, the US manufacturing PMI has been in the shrinking range for eight consecutive months, the longest period since the 2008 international financial crisis, "showing the deepening of manufacturing shrinkage."
“according to a recent report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, in the first quarter of 2023, U.S. household debt hit a new record, with total debt reaching $17.05 trillion, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.9%”
“in the past six months, high commodity prices have led nearly 80% of consumers to cut back on non-essential items”