Li Stresses that Finance Must Serve Real Economy - Wang Yi's SCO Pitch - Russia-China to Discuss GSI - Taiwan Affairs Office: 'We Must Counteract & Punish' DPP
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Page 1: It’s again quite a slow news day on the front page. There are two reports about Xi Jinping’s congratulatory messages to Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova on her assuming office as president of North Macedonia and Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno on his election as president of the Republic of Chad.
There’s a report on Li Qiang’s instructions on local financial work. This is in his capacity as head of the Central Financial Commission. The instructions were delivered at a national conference of the directors of the offices of financial commissions under local Party committees, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday.
Li said:
It is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Central Financial Work Conference, adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee on financial work, and unswervingly follow the path of financial development with Chinese characteristics. 要深入学习贯彻中央金融工作会议精神，坚持党中央对金融工作的集中统一领导，坚定不移走中国特色金融发展之路.
It is necessary to adhere to the fundamental purpose of financial services of serving the real economy, do a good job in the ‘five major financial tasks’ (i.e., technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance and digital finance), coordinate financial opening and security, and accelerate the construction of a modern financial system with Chinese characteristics. 要坚持金融服务实体经济的根本宗旨，做好金融“五篇大文章”，统筹金融开放和安全，加快建设中国特色现代金融体系.
It is necessary to complete the reform tasks of the local financial management system as scheduled, accelerate the formation of synergy between the central and local governments, strengthen the daily supervision of local financial institutions, firmly adhere to the bottom line of ensuring that there are no systemic financial risks, and use high-quality financial development to contribute to the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation. 要如期完成地方金融管理体制改革任务，加快形成央地工作合力，强化地方金融机构日常监管，牢牢守住不发生系统性金融风险的底线，以金融高质量发展助力强国建设、民族复兴伟业.
He Lifeng, who is the director of the Office of the Central Financial Commission, spoke at the meeting. He said:
At present, it is necessary to coordinate the strict prevention and control of intertwined risks such as real estate risks, local government debt risks, and risks of local small and medium-sized financial institutions, and severely crack down on illegal financial activities.
It is necessary to comprehensively strengthen the supervision of local financial organisations and coordinate the strengthening of supervision of small and medium-sized financial institutions.
It is necessary to identify the entry points for enhancing financial support for the real economy, intensifying support for major strategies, key areas and weak links, and promoting the high-quality development of the financial sector.
It is necessary to effectively strengthen the construction of local Party committees' financial offices, fully complete institutional reform tasks, implement the Party's leadership over financial work, actively build model agencies, vigorously promote a financial culture with Chinese characteristics, focus on the implementation of tasks, and efficiently fulfil responsibilities.
当前，要统筹做好房地产风险、地方政府债务风险、地方中小金融机构风险等相互交织风险的严防严控，严厉打击非法金融活动。要全面加强地方金融组织监管，协同强化中小金融机构监管。要找准金融支持实体经济切入点着力点，加大对重大战略、重点领域和薄弱环节的支持，着力促进经济社会高质量发展，并在这一过程中实现金融自身高质量发展。要切实加强地方党委金融办自身建设，全面完成机构改革任务，把加强党对金融工作的领导落到实处，积极打造模范机关，大力弘扬中国特色金融文化，狠抓工作落实，高效履行职责.
Page 2: There’s an article on SoE reform tasks. There is some useful data in there that I can highlight:
In 2023, the R&D investment of central SoEs reached 1.1 trillion yuan, exceeding 1 trillion yuan for two consecutive years. In the first quarter of 2024, the fixed asset investment of central SoEs increased by 10.4% year-on-year and the annualised labour productivity of all employees increased by 5.1%...
Sun Yongcai, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of CRRC Group, informs that the organisation is working on incentives to attract scientific and technological talents. These include competitive salaries, a separate payroll, etc. He says that there are 50 medium- and long-term incentive plans that have been established across all subsidiary levels, covering more than 8,000 people. “我们正在着力推进骨干科技人才工资总额单列、薪酬保护等措施，提升薪酬水平市场竞争力。”中国中车集团党委书记、董事长孙永才介绍，目前已确定全级次子公司50个中长期激励计划，激励方案覆盖8000余人.
In 2023, central enterprises completed fixed asset investment (including real estate) of 5.09 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.4%. Among them, investment in strategic emerging industries was 2.18 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 32.1%. 2023年，中央企业累计完成固定资产投资（含房地产）5.09万亿元、同比增长11.4%，其中，战略性新兴产业完成投资2.18万亿元、同比增长32.1%.
Page 3: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s comments at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting. I’ll cover the speech available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Wang began his remarks by condoling the recent deaths of the Iranian president and foreign minister. He then said that:
“Currently, the once-in-a-century changes in the world are accelerating, and the international situation is undergoing a turbulent transformation . A few countries are pursuing hegemony and power politics, forming small circles, setting unofficial rules, engaging in interference and suppression, promoting ‘decoupling and breaking of chains’ and are even fanning the flames of the ‘three evil forces’ in the region. The aim of this is to suppress the strategic autonomy of the ‘Global South’ and block the path to revitalization for emerging markets and developing countries. The more chaotic the world becomes, the more we must adhere to the ‘Shanghai Spirit’, hold on in the right direction, and make the SCO more effective in safeguarding common interests, addressing various challenges, and defending fairness and justice.” 当前，百年变局加速演进，国际形势动荡变革。少数国家奉行霸权强权，拉小圈子，立潜规则，搞干涉打压、“脱钩断链”，甚至对地区“三股势力”推波助澜，目的就是企图压制“全球南方”战略自主，封堵新兴市场和发展中国家的振兴之路。世界越是变乱交织，我们越要坚守“上海精神”，把准正确方向，通过进一步做实、做强上合组织，更有效维护共同利益，应对各种挑战，捍卫公平正义.
Wang then made five points:
First, we must adhere to strategic autonomy and maintain unity and collaboration. In this, Wang said that it is necessary to “jointly maintain a good situation of unity and cooperation, respect each other’s core interests, resolve conflicts and differences through dialogue, firmly hold the future and destiny of our countries and the peaceful development of the region in our own hands, and never allow external forces to turn this region into a geopolitical arena. The Taiwan issue is at the core of China's core interests, and ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities are the most destructive factor when it comes to maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait. The outrageous behaviour of Lai Ching-te and others in betraying the nation and our ancestors is disgraceful. But regardless of how hard they try, nothing can stop China from finally achieving complete reunification; Taiwan will return to the embrace of the motherland. All ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists will be nailed to the pillar of shame in history. The SCO member states proceed from safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, adhere to the basic norms of international relations, and firmly adhere to the one-China principle. China appreciates this position. I believe that everyone will continue to support the Chinese people's just cause of opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and striving for national reunification.” 第一，我们要坚持战略自主，保持团结协作。独立自主是本地区国家的文明基因，讲信修睦是上合组织伙伴的长远选择。我们要共同维护团结协作的良好局面，尊重彼此核心利益，对话解决矛盾分歧，把本国的前途命运、地区的和平发展牢牢掌握在自己手中，绝不允许外部势力把本地区变成地缘政治的角斗场。台湾问题是中国核心利益中的核心，“台独”分裂活动是台海和平最大的破坏性因素。赖清德之流背叛民族和祖先的丑行令人不齿。但无论他们如何折腾，都阻挡不了中国终将实现完全统一，台湾必将回归祖国的怀抱。所有“台独”分裂分子都将被钉在历史的耻辱柱上。上合组织成员国从维护各国主权和领土完整出发，本着国际关系基本准则，坚定恪守一个中国原则，中方表示赞赏。相信大家会继续支持中国人民反对“台独”分裂活动、争取国家统一的正义事业.
Second, share security responsibilities and lift cooperation to higher levels. In this, Wang said that “common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security should become the norm in this region.” “China is willing to work with all parties to improve the SCO’s mechanism for responding to security threats and challenges, deepen exchanges and cooperation in strategy, defense, law enforcement, information, and biosecurity, and enhance the overall security level of the region.” …共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全应该成为本地区的常态。中方愿同各方完善本组织应对安全威胁与挑战机制，深化战略、防务、执法、信息、生物安全交流合作，提升本地区整体安全水平. On terrorism, he said that there was a need to “strengthen intelligence exchanges, joint operations, and personnel training. As the rotating chairman of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure’s Council, China will host a series of activities and looks forward to the active participation of all parties.” Wang added that “terrorist forces entrenched” in Afghanistan still pose a threat to the region. He called to “engage in dialogue with Afghanistan and guide it to achieve stable governance, focus on development, resolutely fight terrorism, maintain good neighbourliness and friendship, and achieve long-term peace and stability at an early date.” 为此，我们要进一步加强情报交流、联合行动、人员培训。中方作为地区反恐怖机构理事会轮值主席国，将主办一系列活动，期待各方积极参与。阿富汗是上合组织重要近邻。盘踞在那一带的各类恐怖势力仍然对本地区和平安宁构成威胁。我们要继续同阿富汗接触对话，引导阿富汗稳健施政、聚焦发展、坚决打恐、睦邻友好，早日实现长治久安. Mentioning the Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, he called to use GSI as a guide to promote peace talks.
Third, pursue inclusive and win-win cooperation and empower joint development. In this, he said: “We must adhere to the direction of regional integrated development; continuously promote trade facilitation, connectivity, local currency settlement, and cooperation in financing mechanism construction; implement more cooperation projects in the fields of agriculture, poverty reduction, innovation and entrepreneurship, and green development; further stimulate the momentum of multilateral cooperation; enhance the weight of the organization in the global economy…” 我们要坚持区域融合发展方向，持续推进贸易便利化、互联互通、本币结算、融资机制建设合作，在农业、减贫、创新创业、绿色发展等领域实施更多合作项目，进一步激发多边合作动力，增强本组织在全球经济版图中的分量，实现双赢、多赢、共赢. He talked about BRI in this context.
Fourth, he called to embrace openness and inclusiveness and deepen exchanges and mutual learning. Under this, he called to expand cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, health, sports, women, youth, media and other fields.
Towards the end, Wang said that “the SCO should remain open and accept more like-minded international partners to make the "SCO family" more representative, inclusive and dynamic. In this process, the participation of more Asian countries will contribute more to the development of the organisation.” 中方建议本组织要保持开放性，接纳更多志同道合的国际伙伴，让“上合大家庭”更具代表性、更显包容性、更有生机活力。在此过程中，更多亚洲国家的加入将对本组织的发展贡献更多力量.
For the institution, Wang called to improve the “organization's operating mechanism, optimize and improve the format of leaders' meetings, rules of procedure, and the construction of permanent institutions.”
While in Astana, Wang also met with his counterparts from Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
Let me cover the readouts from these meetings:
First, Wang met with Sergei Lavrov. The readout mentions the recent joint statement between Xi and Putin. “Wang Yi said that both sides should prepare well for bilateral exchanges within the year, continue to strengthen mutual support, consolidate the foundation of cooperation, and safeguard the security and stability of the shared surrounding areas of China and Russia.” 王毅说，双方要筹备好年内双边交往，继续加大相互支持，稳固合作基本盘，维护好中俄共同周边的安全稳定. He then talked about Lai’s inauguration in Taiwan, thanking Russia for its support on the Taiwan issue. “I believe that Russia will continue to provide China with firm support on issues involving China's core interests,” he said.
On the SCO, he said “China is willing to work closely with Russia and work with other member states to stabilize the direction of the SCO, jointly safeguard regional security, stability, and development, and promote global governance in a more fair and reasonable direction.” 中方愿同俄方密切协作，同其他成员国一道，把稳上合组织的前进方向，共同维护好地区安全、稳定、发展大局，推动全球治理朝着更加公正合理的方向发展.
Two key points that Lavrov is reported to have made:
“On the Taiwan issue, Russia supports China in achieving national reunification. This position is very clear. The Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping is of great significance to maintaining world peace. Russia is willing to actively discuss with China practical measures to implement this important initiative.” 在台湾问题上，俄方支持中国实现国家统一，这一立场非常明确。习近平主席提出的全球安全倡议对维护世界和平意义重大，俄方愿同中方积极探讨落实这一重要倡议的实际举措.
Second, Wang’s meeting with Belarusian foreign minister Sergei Aleinik. Wang said that Xi and Lukashenko have “established profound friendship and solid mutual trust.” “In 2022, the relationship between the two countries was upgraded to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership, placing each other in a more important position in their respective diplomatic perspectives.” 王毅说，两国元首建立了深厚友谊和牢固互信，共同引领中白关系驶入快车道。2022年，两国关系提升至全天候全面战略伙伴关系，将彼此放在各自外交全局中更加重要位置.
Wang added:
“China appreciates Belarus' firm adherence to the one-China principle and its valuable support for China on issues involving Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and other issues involving China's core interests. China also supports the Belarusian people in pursuing a development path of their own choosing, and opposes external forces interfering in Belarus’ internal affairs and illegal unilateral sanctions by the United States and the West. China and Belarus support each other on international and multilateral platforms, which not only helps safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of both sides, but also safeguards the basic norms of international relations and international fairness and justice. The two sides should strengthen collaboration in international and regional mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS, and jointly promote the implementation of the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping. China is willing to continue to be a reliable partner of strong support with Belarus.” 王毅表示，中方赞赏白方坚定奉行一个中国原则，在涉疆、涉藏、涉港等涉及中方核心利益问题上给予中方宝贵支持。中方同样支持白俄罗斯人民走自主选择的发展道路，反对外部势力干涉白方内政，反对美西方非法单边制裁。中白在国际和多边平台相互支持，不仅有利于维护双方正当权益，也是在维护国际关系基本准则和国际公平正义。双方要在联合国、上合组织、金砖国家等国际地区机制中加强协作，共同推动习近平主席提出的三大全球倡议落实落地。中方愿同白方继续做可靠的伙伴、坚强的依托.
Among other things, Aleinik is reported to have said that “Belarus actively supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping because they align with our views on the development of human society and help promote a just and orderly multipolar world.” 白方积极支持习近平主席提出的三大全球倡议，因为这符合我们对人类社会发展的看法，有利于推动公正有序的多极化。
Third, Wang’s meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev. The readout says:
Wang said that “the two sides should continue to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, aiming to build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future, leverage the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen political mutual trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and maintain generational friendship, thereby enriching China-Kyrgyzstan relations with more contemporary significance.” 双方要继续落实好两国元首共识，以构建中吉命运共同体为目标，以高质量共建“一带一路”为抓手，深化政治互信，拓展互利合作，赓续世代友好，为中吉关系注入更加丰富的时代内涵.
Wang added that China “appreciates Kyrgyzstan's adherence to the one-China principle and its immediate support for China's position after the election in Taiwan. China is willing to expand economic and trade cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, expand connectivity, intensify people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and build a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future through practical actions.” 赞赏吉方恪守一个中国原则，在中国台湾地区选举后，第一时间发声支持中方立场。中方愿同吉方扩大经贸合作，拓展互联互通，密切人文交流，以实际行动构建中吉命运共同体.
Kulubaev is quoted as saying that “Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to relations with China, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and firmly supports China on issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.” 吉方高度重视对华关系，坚定恪守一个中国原则，在涉疆、涉藏、涉港等问题上坚定支持中方。He added “the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is of important strategic significance. It is hoped that the three countries will sign an intergovernmental agreement as soon as possible and start railway construction as soon as possible.” 中吉乌铁路具有重要战略意义，希望三国尽快签署政府间协议，早日启动铁路建设. “President Xi Jinping’s proposal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, reflects the call of the times. Kyrgyzstan is willing to work with China to implement this important concept and the three major global initiatives.” 习近平主席提出构建人类命运共同体，体现了时代呼声，吉方愿同中方共同践行这一重要理念和三大全球倡议.
Fourth, Wang’s meeting with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. Wang said that “the most important feature of China-Uzbekistan relations is the profound friendship between the heads of state, and the most important driving force is the strategic guidance of the heads of state’s diplomacy”. He then talked about strengthening cooperation across four areas:
First, firmly support each other. China will continue to support Uzbekistan in safeguarding its national interests, advancing its development strategies, and playing a greater role in international affairs. We appreciate Uzbekistan’s adherence to the one-China principle and believe that Uzbekistan will continue to firmly support China on issues related to China's core interests.
Second, promote economic and trade cooperation. The substantial growth in bilateral trade volume in the first quarter of this year has set a good precedent. We need to study and introduce more measures for trade facilitation, strengthen connectivity, and further enhance the level of cooperation.
Third, safeguard common security. It is necessary to strengthen cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism, drug control, and combating transnational crimes, increase anti-interference and anti-infiltration cooperation, and never allow external forces to disrupt Central Asia.
Fourth, deepen generational friendship, expand cultural exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges, promote friendly relations between provinces and states, and create a comprehensive and three-dimensional pattern of exchanges and cooperation…
王毅说，中乌关系最重要特征是元首之间的深厚友谊，最重要动力是元首外交的战略引领。中方对中乌关系发展充满信心，愿重点从四个方面强化合作：一是坚定相互支持。中方将一如既往支持乌方维护国家利益，推进国家发展战略，支持乌方在国际事务中发挥更大作用。我们赞赏乌方恪守一个中国原则，相信乌方在涉及中方核心利益问题上将继续旗帜鲜明支持中方。二是力促经贸合作。今年一季度两国贸易额大幅增长，开了个好头，要研究出台更多贸易便利化措施，加强互联互通，进一步提升合作水平。三是维护共同安全。强化反恐、禁毒、打击跨国犯罪等领域合作，加大反干涉、反渗透合作，决不允许域外势力祸乱中亚。四是深耕世代友好，扩大人文交流、便利人员往来，推动省州市结好，打造从中央到地方、从政府到民间、从沿海到内陆的全覆盖、立体化交流合作格局.
Finally, Wang met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mahdi Safari, where he expressed condolences and sympathy over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Page 4: Once again, the entire page is dedicated to statements related to the Taiwan issue. There’s a separate report on Wang Yi’s comments, which I have covered above. There is a report on certain foreign governments reiterating their support for the one-China principle. You can read an English version from MoFA.
Another report talks about Wang Wenbin’s comments on lawmakers and former political figures from some countries congratulating Lai.
“China strongly opposes official interaction of any form between China’s Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China. This position is consistent and clear. The wrongful words and actions of a handful of countries and political figures violate the one-China principle and basic norms governing international relations, constitute blatant interference in China’s internal affairs, undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, and damage the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China strongly condemns those words and actions. The one-China principle is the political foundation and prerequisite for China to grow ties with other countries. The definition of the one-China principle is very clear, that is, there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. We ask relevant countries and politicians to stop their political manipulation on the Taiwan question, stop sending any wrong signal to the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists, and stop those wrongdoings that breach its credibility among the international community and hollow out the one-China principle. As I have said, over the past few days, political leaders and people from various sectors in many countries have reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle and firm support for China’s just cause of opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and striving for national reunification. The world has spoken up for justice. This once again demonstrates that the international community’s abiding commitment to the one-China principle is unshakable, the one-China principle must not be violated and the historical trend of China’s reunification cannot be reversed. To use Taiwan to contain China is to play with fire and will definitely backfire. China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its interests.”
Next, there’s a report on MoFA’s comment on Antony Blinken congratulating Lai.
“What the US has done seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, and breaches its political commitment to maintaining only cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the Taiwan region. This sends a seriously wrong signal to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces. China deplores and opposes it, and has made serious protests to the US. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests and is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. China firmly opposes official interaction in any form between Taiwan and the US and opposes US interference in Taiwan affairs in any form or under any pretext. We urge the US to correct its wrongdoing at once, act on President Biden’s commitment of not supporting ‘Taiwan independence’, ‘two Chinas’ or ‘one China, one Taiwan’ and not using Taiwan as a tool to contain China, stop fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle, stop emboldening and supporting ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in any form and stop disrupting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. ‘Taiwan independence’ leads nowhere and anyone who connives at and supports ‘Taiwan independence’ is doomed to failure. No external interference can hold back the trend toward China’s reunification. Any attempt to challenge the one-China principle and endanger China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with China’s resolute response.”
Finally, there’s a comment (English report) from the Taiwan Affairs Office’s Chen Binhua, who said that
“Lai Ching-te made a confession of ‘Taiwan independence’ in his speech…Lai's speech was full of hostility, provocation, lies and deception…he trumpeted separatist fallacies such as ‘sovereign independence’, ‘non-subordination between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits,’ and ‘self-determination of Taiwan residents’... This is pedalling the ‘two states theory’ and pursuing ‘Taiwan independence’. This indicates that from the very beginning of taking office, he is eagerly revealing the true intention of ‘Taiwan independence’. This attitude is extremely risky and radical. It must be pointed out that Taiwan has belonged to China since ancient times, with clear historical latitude and clear legal facts.” 陈斌华说，台湾地区领导人在讲话中，刻意包装、欲盖弥彰地宣称“中华民国台湾是一个主权独立的国家”“中华民国与中华人民共和国互不隶属”、台湾是“我们国家的名称”。这是在贩卖“两国论”、搞“台独正名”，表明其上任伊始就迫不及待露出“台独”真面目，态度极为猖狂，主张更加激进。必须指出的是，台湾自古属于中国，历史经纬清晰、法理事实清楚.
He added that Lai “Mainland China and Taiwan belong to the same China, and Taiwan is part of China. This is the true status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Not only did he fail to address the fundamental question of the nature of cross-Straits relations, but he also attempted to change the nature of the relations, which poses a serious challenge to the one-China principle.” 大陆与台湾同属一个中国，台湾是中国的一部分，这是真正的台海现状。台湾地区领导人不仅没有回答两岸关系性质这一根本问题，而且妄图改变两岸关系性质。这是对一个中国原则的严重挑衅.
Chen picked on this line from Lai’s speech – “The future of the Republic of China Taiwan will be decided by its 23 million people.” — to say that Lai used the ‘self-determination of Taiwan residents’ to hide his ‘Taiwan independence’ ambitions. 陈斌华表示，台湾地区领导人在讲话中，鼓吹“中华民国台湾的未来，由二千三百万人民共同决定”，以“台湾住民自决”来包藏“台独”野心.
He picked on these bits from the speech — “Taiwan is strategically positioned in the first island chain, and what affects us here affects global geopolitical development”; his remark of Taiwan being an “important link in the global chain of democracies”; and the remark about Taiwan being a “key player in supply chains for global democracies” — to say that this is “nothing more than begging external forces to support and encourage them in their ‘independence’ provocations and demonstrating a determination to act as a ‘pawn’ and ‘vanguard’ for external forces to contain China's development. 陈斌华说，台湾地区领导人在讲话中，自吹自擂台湾“位居‘第一岛链’的战略位置”，是“‘世界民主链’的亮点”“全球民主供应链的关键”“世界的台湾”，无非是想乞求外部势力为其谋“独”挑衅撑腰打气，更加死心塌地充当外部势力遏制中国发展的“马前卒”和“急先锋”。
“No matter how much he fawns on external forces and seeks their support, he will always be a pawn,” Chen noted, adding that the “pawn” will inevitably become a discarded piece because “Taiwan independence” is a dead end and the attempts to seek independence by inviting in external forces will only backfire. “Compatriots on both sides of the Straits are Chinese and belong to the Chinese nation. No one desires more than we do to achieve national reunification through peaceful means,” Chen said. “However, in response to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' collusion with external forces to provoke and seek independence, we must counteract and punish them,” he added. Lai's attempts to incite “anti-China” sentiments and pursue “independence” by force will only push Taiwan into a dangerous situation of military conflict, Chen said.”
Page 15: There’s yet another Zhong Sheng commentary criticising US “protectionism” in the new energy sector and pushing back against the overcapacity argument. There’s no new point being made.
Finally, there’s some coverage of India in the paper. This is basically a report citing a report of the World Inequality Lab, which concluded that as of March 2023, the richest 1% of India's population controls 40.1% of the country's wealth, and their income has reached 22.6% of the country's total income. The report also talks about the hunger challenge that India faces.