Li Meets UAE's Sheikh Khaled - New Malicious Entity List added to Economic Warfare Toolkit - Strengthening Party Control over Industry Associations - Lavrov to Visit Beijing - Wang Yi-Ishaq Dar Call

Hi folks,

Before we get to today’s edition, I am sharing below an interview that my colleague Anushka and I did on our new book: Taming the Dragon: A Manifesto for a New Modus Vivendi with China. You can get your copy via Amazon.

Do give it a listen.

Here are the key reports and articles from the People’s Daily’s edition on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Page 1: Let’s begin with the report on Li Qiang’s meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi. Li said that China “is willing to continue moving forward together with the UAE side on the path of common development, strengthen communication and coordination, consolidate political mutual trust, promote China-UAE relations and cooperation to continuously reach new levels, achieve more practical results, and better realize mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.” 中方愿同阿方继续在共同发展的道路上结伴前行，加强沟通协调，筑牢政治互信，推动中阿关系与合作不断迈上新台阶，取得更多实际成果，更好实现互利共赢.

“Li pointed out that China stands ready to work with the UAE to consolidate the foundation of energy cooperation, expand cooperation in areas like energy storage, hydrogen energy, new energy vehicles and power batteries, and promote the green transformation of the two countries. Both sides should create more growth points for trade, Li said, adding that China is willing to import more high-quality products from the UAE and welcomes the UAE to actively participate in the ‘Big Market for All: Export to China’ activities, and make good use of platforms like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to enhance product promotion. Noting that China and the UAE have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of innovation and development, Li said that China welcomes the UAE to increase investment in China in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. He said that China supports the universities, research institutions and enterprises of the two countries in strengthening joint research and talent cultivation, and in jointly fostering and expanding emerging and future industries. The two sides can also enhance cooperation in areas including connectivity and finance, and continuously promote trade and investment facilitation, the premier added.”

“Li Qiang said that since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, the Chinese side has maintained close communication with all relevant parties and has been actively committed to promoting peace and ending the war. TChina stands ready to continue playing a constructive role and contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region. It is hoped that the UAE side will continue to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects in the UAE.” 李强表示，伊朗战事爆发以来，中方一直同有关各方密切沟通，积极致力于促和止战。中方愿进一步发挥建设性作用，为恢复海湾地区和平安宁作出贡献。希望阿方继续采取有力措施，保障在阿中国公民、机构和项目安全.

Xinhua adds:

“For his part, Sheikh Khaled said that China is an important comprehensive strategic partner and trusted friend of the UAE, and bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, mutual respect and common interests. He said the UAE attaches great importance to and prioritizes the development of relations with China in its foreign policy, and is willing to further intensify high-level exchanges with China, expand exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, energy, scientific and technological innovation, education, culture and other fields, to better serve the development of the two countries and the interests of the two peoples. Noting the current severe situation in the Middle East, the crown prince said China has always been committed to peacefully resolving disputes through political means and promoting harmonious coexistence among regional countries, which is highly appreciated by the UAE and other regional countries. The UAE looks forward to China continuing to play an important role in promoting regional peace and security, and is ready to take all necessary measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese citizens in the UAE, he added. After their talks, Li and Sheikh Khaled witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such areas as agriculture, science and technology, investment and traditional Chinese medicine.”

Next, there’s a brief report informing that Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will visit Turkmenistan, and attend the ground-breaking of the fourth phase of the Galkynysh gas field as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Special Representative.

Third, there’s a report on Zhao Leji meeting with Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee in Beijing. Xinhua says:

Zhao said that “China is willing to work with New Zealand to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote the development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. Zhao called on the two sides to deepen understanding and mutual trust, promote win-win results with a cooperative orientation, and respect each other’s core interests and major concerns. China is willing to deepen cooperation with New Zealand in traditional fields like agriculture, forestry, mechanical and electrical products, and explore the strengthening of cooperation in emerging fields such as digital economy, green transformation and artificial intelligence, to create more growth points for cooperation that meet the development needs of the two countries, he added. Zhao said the two sides should deepen friendly exchanges between the two peoples, especially the younger generation, and promote local exchanges. He also called on the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO). China’s NPC is ready to work with the New Zealand parliament to maintain multi-level and multi-field exchanges and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries, Zhao said. Zhao introduced the outline of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and its Ecological and Environmental Code, and welcomed more New Zealand enterprises to expand in the Chinese market. China is willing to carry out experience exchange and practical cooperation with New Zealand in eco-environmental legislation, green and low-carbon development, and climate change response, he said.”

Finally, the full guideline on promoting the deepening reform of industry associations and chambers of commerce is published in the paper today. This is a useful read. It offers some insight into one of the mechanisms of the command economy. There’s a clear political mandate for the associations, which range from promoting high-quality development, consolidation, dealing with involution-style competition, etc. The strengthening of the authority of the Party committee within these organisations is the key instrument to ensure that this mandate is adhered to.

The first key section of the document calls for upholding and strengthening Party leadership across these institutions.

• Accelerate the construction of a Party-building work pattern that combines vertical and horizontal linkages, coordinates top and bottom, and operates with effective synergy…

• Improve the quality of coverage of Party organizations and Party work, and improve mechanisms through which Party organizations play their role. Carry out actions to improve the quality of Party building in industry associations and chambers of commerce, advance the standardised and regularised construction of Party branches, and comprehensively consolidate the foundation of Party-building work. Party organizations of industry associations and chambers of commerce must strictly perform their duties in accordance with the Party Constitution and relevant intra-Party regulations, implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, strengthen the political responsibility of leading development, and rally and serve well the practitioners of the industry and field in question; they must strictly implement the responsibility system for ideological work, and effectively guard against and defuse risks involving the ideological domain. 提高党的组织和党的工作覆盖质量，健全党组织发挥作用机制。开展行业协会商会党建质量提升行动，推进党支部标准化规范化建设，全面夯实党建工作基础。行业协会商会党组织要严格按照党章和有关党内法规履行职责，贯彻落实党中央决策部署，强化引领发展的政治责任，把本行业本领域的从业人员凝聚服务好；严格落实意识形态工作责任制，有效防范化解涉意识形态领域风险.

• Strictly standardise leadership transitions in accordance with regulations, laws, and organisational charters; promote the effective participation of Party organizations within industry associations and chambers of commerce in decision-making regarding major matters, such as key personnel appointments; establish and improve mechanisms to ensure the timely rotation of governing councils and to provide reminders regarding the mandatory retirement of leaders upon reaching the prescribed age limit; standardise and refine the procedures for leadership transitions; intensify efforts to rectify irregularities and misconduct during leadership transitions; and increase the rigour of corrective actions and disciplinary measures taken against violations committed during leadership transitions. The social work departments of Party committees must prioritize political standards, strengthen political vetting, and conduct thorough reviews of candidates nominated for leadership positions. Establish and improve systems governing the nomination, review, public disclosure, oversight, and exit of leaders within industry associations and chambers of commerce. Promote a system of ‘dual entry and cross-holding of posts’, whereby Party members serving in management roles also serve as members of the Party organisation’s leadership team. Establish and improve systems for regular work reporting by principal responsible persons and for accountability. Strictly standardise the establishment of honorary positions for responsible persons. Strengthen supervision and management of responsible persons, and promptly adjust those who do not meet conditions or who are not competent or qualified.” 依规依法依章程严格规范换届，推动行业协会商会党组织有效参与重要人事安排等重大事项决策，建立健全理事会按期换届和负责人到龄督促提醒机制，规范和细化换届流程，加强换届乱象整治，加大对换届违规行为纠治和惩戒力度。党委社会工作部门要突出政治标准，强化政治把关，做好负责人人选审核工作。建立健全行业协会商会负责人提名、审核、公示、监督、退出等制度。推动党员管理层人员与党组织班子成员实行“双向进入、交叉任职”。建立健全主要负责人定期述职、责任追究制度。严格规范负责人名誉职务设置。加强对负责人的监督管理，对不符合条件以及不胜任、不称职等不适宜担任负责人的及时调整.

• Party organizations in industry associations and chambers of commerce must earnestly fulfill the principal responsibility for comprehensively and strictly governing the Party…Improve anti-corruption systems in industry associations and chambers of commerce, deepen the rectification of unhealthy tendencies and corruption issues, and promote in an integrated manner the mechanisms so that officials ‘do not dare to be corrupt, cannot be corrupt, and do not want to be corrupt’. 持续加大监督执纪力度。行业协会商会党组织要切实履行全面从严治党主体责任、内设纪检组织要切实履行监督责任，结合实际健全纪检工作机制。加强纪检工作规范化法治化正规化建设，建立和完善问题线索处置制度，严肃查处违反中央八项规定精神等违规违纪行为。完善行业协会商会反腐倡廉制度，深化整治不正之风和腐败问题，一体推进不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐.

The second section deals with operational issues, such as registration, financial management, internal structures of these institutions, etc. The section after this calls to “optimise the structural layout of industry associations and chambers of commerce”. In essence, this is a demand to structure the sector.

It calls to “optimize and consolidate industry associations and chambers of commerce characterized by overlapping business functions, excessively small organisational scales, overly fragmented sectoral divisions, or weak functional roles.” It also calls to “accelerate the exit process for industry associations and chambers of commerce that are dysfunctional, disrupt market order, operate in shrinking sectors, or have already fulfilled their original missions; prioritise the cultivation and development of industry associations and chambers of commerce that align with major national strategies and regional development positioning, meet the needs of industrial transformation and upgrading, and serve the development of new-quality productive forces; and actively support the establishment, in accordance with the law, of industry associations and chambers of commerce in fields such as strategic emerging industries, future industries, and green and low-carbon industries.” 优化结构布局。按照协同高效的原则，优化整合业务交叉重叠、机构规模过小、领域划分过细、功能作用较弱的行业协会商会。依法加快运转失灵、扰乱秩序、行业萎缩、宗旨任务已完成的行业协会商会退出；重点培育和优先发展契合国家重大战略和区域发展定位、适应产业转型升级需要、服务发展新质生产力的行业协会商会；积极支持在战略性新兴产业、未来产业、绿色低碳产业等领域依法设立行业协会商会.

The section following this covers the functions of industry associations and chambers of commerce. It outlines three primary functions. These are:

• Industry associations and chambers of commerce must establish and improve systems of industry self-discipline management and self-regulatory constraint mechanisms, and consciously resist ‘involution-style’ competition; formulate and organize the implementation of industry professional ethics norms; in accordance with the law, carry out industry credit evaluation work, improve the level of integrity building in the industry, and better maintain the order of industry development. For members who violate self-disciplinary rules, impose disciplinary measures such as circulation of notices, suspension, or cancellation of membership. Industry associations and chambers of commerce should actively leverage their role in resolving disputes and handling public grievances, and explore the establishment of specialized mediation organizations within their structures. 规范行业发展。行业协会商会要建立健全行业自律管理制度和自律约束机制，自觉抵制“内卷式”竞争；制定并组织实施行业职业道德规范，依法开展行业信用评价工作，提升行业诚信建设水平，更好维护行业发展秩序。对违反自律规则的会员，通过通报、暂停或者取消会员资格等方式进行惩戒。积极发挥行业协会商会在化解信访矛盾中的作用，探索在行业协会商会设立专业调解组织.

• Industry associations and chambers of commerce must guide members and practitioners to study and implement the Party’s theories, line, principles, and policies; promote the implementation of national development strategies and relevant industry-specific plans; and promote high-quality development of the industry. In accordance with the law, provide services such as information consultation, publicity and training, market expansion, and rights protection; and timely reflect the reasonable demands of members and the industry. They shall conduct in-depth research and surveys, compile industry statistics in compliance with the law, and strengthen the monitoring, forecasting, and risk early-warning capabilities regarding economic operations. They shall research, formulate, and implement high-quality group standards; promote the establishment of advanced industry standard systems; and actively participate in the research and formulation of industry-specific laws, regulations, policies, and plans, thereby better facilitating the promotion and application of new technologies and products. They shall build distinctive public service platforms to support the development of advanced industrial clusters. Furthermore, they shall proactively engage in initiatives related to comprehensive rural revitalisation, social governance, volunteer services, public welfare and charity, food safety, and emergency rescue operations. 拓展服务功能。行业协会商会要引导会员和从业人员学习贯彻党的理论和路线方针政策，推动落实国家发展战略和相关行业专项规划，促进行业高质量发展。依法提供信息咨询、宣传培训、市场拓展、权益保护等服务，及时反映会员和行业合理诉求。深入开展调查研究，依法开展行业统计，加强经济运行监测预测和风险预警。研究制定并实施高质量的团体标准，推动行业先进标准体系建设，积极参与行业法律法规和政策、规划等研究制定，更好促进新技术新产品推广应用。打造品牌性公共服务平台，助力先进产业集群发展。主动参与乡村全面振兴、社会治理、志愿服务、公益慈善、食品安全、应急救援等工作.

• Industry associations and chambers of commerce, especially national-level ones, must actively participate in relevant international exchanges and cooperation as well as in the formulation of international standards and international rules, and promote mutual recognition between domestic standards, certification, and accreditation and international systems. Participate in or promote the establishment of international economic and trade dialogue mechanisms, and serve in building international supply–procurement matching platforms. Guide and promote enterprises in the industry to actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative as well as in the global industrial division of labour and cooperation. 参与国际交流与合作。行业协会商会特别是全国性行业协会商会要积极参与相关国际交流与合作以及国际标准、国际规则制定，推动国内标准、认证认可与国际互认。参加或者推动建立国际经贸对话机制，服务搭建国际供采对接平台。引导和推动行业企业积极参与共建“一带一路”以及全球产业分工和合作.

Page 2: There’s a brief report on the new Regulations on Countering Improper Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Laws. Xinhua reports:

“The regulations, consisting of 20 articles, take effect upon publication. According to the rules, such extraterritorial jurisdiction measures refer to actions taken by a foreign country that violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations and that harm China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, or the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and organizations. The rules also stipulate that the Chinese government has the authority to take countermeasures in response to such actions. They also state that the Chinese government has the authority to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction over relevant conduct if a sufficient nexus exists. The regulations establish a system of a malicious entity list targeting foreign organizations and individuals that promote or participate in the implementation of a foreign state’s unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction measures. The regulations also state that no organization or individual shall enforce or assist in enforcing such unlawful jurisdiction measures. The regulations state that Chinese citizens and organizations affected by unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction measures may file lawsuits against those enforcing them, and that government authorities will provide guidance and support for such legal actions.”

The Geopolitics Substack provides a translation of the full text, which is available on Page 11; the post also contains a Q&A with a relevant official on the issue. I am going to go with that.

Some key points:

Article 3: “The People’s Republic of China adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace, opposes hegemonism and power politics, and opposes any country interfering in China’s internal affairs under any pretext or in any manner. Where a foreign state, in violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, adopts improper extraterritorial measures that endanger China’s sovereignty, security, or development interests, or harm the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens or organizations, the Chinese government has the right to take corresponding measures.”

Article 4: “In accordance with the laws of the People’s Republic of China, treaties concluded or acceded to by the People’s Republic of China, or on the basis of reciprocity, the Chinese government has the right to exercise extraterritorial jurisdiction over acts that have an appropriate connection with China, so as to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests and protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and organizations. Where the Chinese government exercises jurisdiction over relevant acts pursuant to the preceding paragraph, and a foreign state also asserts jurisdiction over the same acts, the parties may resolve the matter, on the basis of compliance with international law and the basic norms governing international relations, through treaties, diplomatic channels, or consultations between competent authorities.”

Article 5 says that the State Council shall “establish and improve a working mechanism for responding to improper extraterritorial application of foreign laws…”

Article 6 “The department in charge of rule of law under the State Council, together with other relevant authorities, shall carry out the identification of improper extraterritorial measures, and may conduct investigations and external consultations. Relevant organizations and individuals may submit proposals to initiate such identification work. In conducting identification, the following factors shall be comprehensively considered:

• (1) Whether the measure violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations;

• (2) Whether there is an appropriate connection between the conduct subject to extraterritorial jurisdiction and the foreign state concerned;

• (3) Whether it endangers China’s sovereignty, security, or development interests, or harms the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens or organizations;

• (4) Other relevant factors.

Where a measure is identified as constituting improper extraterritorial application of foreign laws, the department in charge of rule of law under the State Council may make an announcement to that effect. No organization or individual may execute or assist in executing such measures. Where, under special circumstances, a Chinese citizen or organization must execute or assist in executing such measures, it shall apply to the said department, provide relevant facts and reasons, and specify the scope. Upon approval through the working mechanism, such execution or assistance may be permitted within a specified scope.”

Article 8 talks about the establishment of a Malicious Entity List. Some of the measures that can be taken are:

• “(1) Refusal to issue visas, denial of entry, cancellation of visas, orders to leave within a time limit, repatriation, or deportation;

• (2) Cancellation or restriction of qualifications for work, stay, or residence in China;

• (3) Seizure, impoundment, or freezing of movable property, immovable property, and other types of assets within China;

• (4) Prohibition or restriction on Chinese organizations and individuals from providing data or personal information, or engaging in transactions or cooperation;

• (5) Prohibition or restriction on import and export activities related to China;

• (6) Prohibition or restriction on investment in China;

• (7) Prohibition or restriction on the entry of products, transportation tools, etc.;

• (8) Fines;

• (9) Other necessary measures.

The above measures may also apply to organizations actually controlled by, or established or operated with the participation of, listed entities or individuals.”

Subsequent articles also offer steps that one can take to ensure remedial measures.

Page 3: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The readout says:

“Dar provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s mediation efforts regarding talks between Iran and the United States. He expressed gratitude for China’s efforts to promote peace and affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to maintain close communication and coordination with China, working together to play a constructive role in achieving regional peace.” 达尔全面介绍了巴方斡旋伊朗与美国接谈情况，感谢中方促和努力，愿同中方密切沟通协作，共同为实现地区和平发挥积极作用.

Wang Yi reiterated the Chinese side’s principled position, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in facilitating a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran and hosting the Islamabad talks, noting that it had played a fair and balanced mediating role. Wang Yi stated that the current ceasefire situation is extremely fragile and that the regional situation is at a critical juncture. The urgent priority is to make every effort to avoid a resumption of hostilities and to maintain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire. The international community should continue to intensify efforts to persuade peace and promote talks, and clearly oppose any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate confrontation. The five-point initiative by China and Pakistan on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East reflects a consensus in the international community on promoting peace and can still serve as a direction for efforts to resolve the issue. The Chinese side welcomes Pakistan playing a greater role and is willing to work with Pakistan and the international community to continue making positive contributions toward the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.” 王毅重申中方原则立场，赞赏巴方促成美伊临时停火并主办伊斯兰堡会谈，发挥了公正平衡的斡旋作用。王毅表示，当前停火局面十分脆弱，地区局势处于关键转折阶段。当务之急是全力避免战端重启，保持来之不易停火势头。国际社会应继续加大劝和促谈努力，旗帜鲜明反对任何破坏停火、升级对抗的行径。中国和巴基斯坦关于恢复海湾和中东地区和平稳定的五点倡议，体现了国际社会促和共识，仍可成为解决问题的努力方向。中方乐见巴方发挥更大作用，愿同包括巴方在内国际社会一道，继续为早日恢复中东地区和平稳定作出积极贡献.

Next, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the UAE to China. Xinhua says:

Driven by the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, Wang said, adding that the visit of the crown prince is a significant event in bilateral relations, and that this visit will further enhance China-UAE strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

“Wang expounded on China’s principled position on the current situation in the Middle East, stating that China fully understands the legitimate security concerns of Gulf Arab states and supports the UAE in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz does not conform to the common interests of the international community and achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way to resolve the issue. China has been committed to promoting ceasefire and ending hostilities, and is willing to work with the international community, including the UAE, to help restore peace and tranquility to the Middle East as soon as possible.” 王毅阐述中方对当前中东局势原则立场，表示中方完全理解海湾阿拉伯国家合理安全关切，支持阿联酋维护国家主权、安全和正当权益。封锁霍尔木兹海峡不符合国际社会共同利益，通过政治外交手段实现全面持久停火才是解决问题的根本之道。中国一直积极致力于促和止战，愿同包括阿在内的国际社会共同努力，推动中东局势尽早重回和平安宁.

Third, there’s a report informing that Sergei Lavrov will be visiting China today and tomorrow. Xinhua says:

“Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing that during this visit, the foreign ministers of the two countries will exchange views and coordinate positions on the development of bilateral ties, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual concern. Noting that China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners of coordination for a new era, Guo pointed out that in recent years, the two countries have steadily deepened their permanent good-neighborly friendship, expanded comprehensive strategic coordination, adhered to mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintained close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. ‘The two sides have made important contributions to promoting an equitable and orderly multipolar world, reforming and improving global governance, and safeguarding international fairness and justice,’ said Guo.”

Also on the page we learn that Vietnam’s To Lam is visiting Beijing; also in town is Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, who is meeting Xi today.

Page 10: There’s a brief report on the publication of the new National Security Education Reader for Primary and Secondary School Students. The report says that this is an authoritative textbook for carrying out national security education and systematically studying the Overall National Security Concept in primary and secondary schools and vocational schools nationwide.

Page 11: There are three reports of corruption-related takedowns.

• First, Wu Lan, a former senior legislator in Hunan province, has been expelled (English report) from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office. Wu violated political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, and life discipline.

• Second, Jiang Duntao, former vice-mayor of Chongqing city, has been expelled (English report) from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office. Jiang violated the Party’s political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, work discipline, and life discipline.

• Third, Han Zhanwu, the former deputy head of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, has been expelled (English report) from the Communist Party of China and removed from public office. Han seriously violated the Party’s organizational discipline, integrity discipline, and life discipline.