Li warns against 'Small Circles' at East Asia Summit - Xi Thought & Education - Wang Yi to Australia: See China as 'Opportunity rather than a Threat' - NPC's Legislative Agenda
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily's edition on Friday, September 8, 2023.
Page 1: There’s a report (English report) on Xi Jinping signing a comprehensive document outlining specific measures for implementing the nation’s Law on Population and Family Planning. The document consists of 33 clauses that detail various aspects of military personnel's marital, pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care-related rights and benefits.
Some of the benefits mentioned in the PD report are service members are encouraged to consider marriage and parenthood ‘at appropriate ages’. A couple is permitted to have up to three children. There are new leave policies designed to facilitate service members to care for their newborns or only child. There are support measures for childcare and education, as well as provisions for childcare support services.
Second, the full decision awarding the three astronauts from the Shenzhou-15 crewed mission medals for their service to China’s space endeavours has been published on the page. Xinhua says, Fei Junlong was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu received third-class medals and the honorary title of ‘heroic astronauts’.”
Third, there’s a report on Li Qiang’s comments at the 18th East Asia Summit. I am going to go through his full speech, which is available on Page 3.
“In recent decades, East Asia has learned the painful lessons from wars and disputes, seized the opportunity of the times in the tide of economic globalisation, and firmly embarked on the right path of open development and win-win cooperation. This has transformed the fate of regional countries and their people, making East Asia an important engine for global development. Looking back on the journey so far, we deeply understand the challenges of development, the necessity of openness, and the value of peace, and we also personally understand the truth that unity leads to prosperity and division leads to decline. In the face of the current chaotic and intertwined international situation, East Asia has a hundred reasons to uphold cooperation and integration, and not a single reason to move towards division and confrontation.” 近几十年来，东亚正是从战乱纷争中吸取了惨痛教训，在经济全球化大潮中把握住时代机遇，坚定走上开放发展、合作共赢的正道坦途，才改变了地区国家和人民的命运，成为了促进世界发展的重要引擎。从过去一路走来，我们深知发展之不易、开放之必要、和平之珍贵，也切身体会到团结则兴、分裂则衰的道理。面对当前变乱交织的国际局势，东亚有一百个理由坚守合作与融合，而没有一个理由走向分裂和对抗.
He then made the following proposals:
“We need to give higher priority to promoting growth, and channel greater wisdom and effort into cooperation for development. We must adhere to economic globalization, continue to promote the construction of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, oppose protectionism and unilateralism, and maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains. We should take the opportunity to implement the new action plan of the East Asia Summit, strengthen cooperation in various fields such as energy, food, climate change, electric vehicles, poverty reduction, and the marine economy, and achieve common growth through collaboration.” 我们要把促进增长放在更优先位置，把更多智慧和力量用在谋合作促发展上。要坚持经济全球化，持续推动建设亚太自贸区，反对保护主义和单边主义，维护产业链供应链稳定畅通。要以落实东亚峰会新一期行动计划为契机，加强能源、粮食、气候变化、电动汽车、减贫、海洋经济等各领域合作，在合作中实现共同增长。
The East Asia Summit is a ‘strategic forum led by leaders’. We should uphold mutual respect, a friendly and candid attitude, and constructively exchange views on international and regional trends, and hotspot and difficult issues, and enhance mutual understanding and seek the greatest common denominator. China is willing to carry out more in-depth dialogue and cooperation with all parties to better promote the common values of all mankind and implement President Xi Jinping's GDI, GSI and GCI. On regional hotspot issues, China advocates that relevant parties find political solutions through dialogue and consultation. 东亚峰会是“领导人引领的战略论坛”，我们应当秉持相互尊重、友好坦诚态度，就国际地区大势、热点难点问题等建设性交换意见，增进对彼此了解和理解，寻求最大公约数。中方愿就更好弘扬全人类共同价值，落实习近平主席提出的全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议等，同各方开展更深入对话合作。在地区热点问题上，中方主张有关方通过对话协商，找到政治解决的办法.
Better leverage ASEAN's leading role to promote inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation. All members of the East Asia Summit are signatories of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Upholding principles such as ASEAN centrality, consensus through consultation, and non-interference in internal affairs is our common commitment and a valuable experience gained through decades of practice. We should continue to firmly maintain the regional cooperation framework led by ASEAN, uphold the brotherly spirit and fine traditions of mutual assistance and solidarity, and take into account the interests and demands of all parties to the greatest extent to achieve complementarity and cohesion. China resolutely opposes ‘discarding the original and starting anew’/reinventing the wheel (另起炉灶) or the formation of ‘small circles’ and does not want to see regional countries forced to choose sides at the expense of their own interests, getting entangled in unnecessary disputes. There are no winners in camp confrontation; mutual and beneficial cooperation is the aspiration of the people and the overall trend.” 三是更好发挥东盟主导作用，共促包容互利合作。东亚峰会成员都是《东南亚友好合作条约》签署方，坚持以东盟为中心、协商一致、不干涉内政等原则是我们的共同承诺，也是经过数十年实践检验的宝贵经验。我们要继续坚定维护由东盟主导的区域合作架构，弘扬守望相助、同舟共济的兄弟情谊和优良传统，最大程度兼顾各方诉求、包容各方利益，更好实现优势互补、凝聚合力。中方坚决反对“另起炉灶”、搞“小圈子”，更不希望看到地区国家被迫选边站队，以本国人民利益为代价，卷入无谓的纷争。阵营对抗没有赢家，互利合作才是人心所向、大势所趋。
Li then said “maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is the common aspiration of all parties and is in the best interest of the countries in the region. Since the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea more than 20 years ago, China and ASEAN countries have fully and effectively implemented it, insisted on peaceful settlement of disputes by countries directly concerned through consultation and negotiation, maintained self-restraint, deepened practical maritime cooperation, and maintained the overall stability of the South China Sea situation. Guided by the spirit of the Declaration, China and ASEAN countries are actively promoting the consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which will effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of all countries in the South China Sea. It is hoped that countries outside the region will fully respect the efforts made by countries in the region to negotiate the rules of the South China Sea and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and play a positive and constructive role in this regard.” 南海保持和平稳定是各方共同期盼，最符合地区国家共同利益。《南海各方行为宣言》签署20多年来，中国和东盟国家全面有效落实，坚持由直接当事国通过协商谈判和平解决争议，保持自我克制，深化海上务实合作，维护了南海局势的总体稳定。在《宣言》精神指引下，中国和东盟国家正积极推进“南海行为准则”磋商，达成后将有力保障各国在南海的合法权益。希望域外国家充分尊重地区国家为商谈南海规则、维护南海和平稳定作出的努力，为此发挥积极和建设性作用. — (Comment: So as per this, for Beijing, the code of conduct is only to protect the “legitimate rights and interests of all countries in the South China Sea”. But what about countries that have trade passing through the region? Or countries that have companies engaged in legitimate economic activity in the region?)
Li ended the speech by inviting everyone to the BRI forum next month and backing Laos as ASEAN chair.
Finally, there’s a report offering a recap of China’s developments in terms of education. This is a recap of the past five years, given that the last National Education Conference was held on September 10, 2018. I’m not doing a breakdown of the whole article, but do note these excerpts from the first section:
“Over the past five years, the education system has persevered in using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to forge souls and cultivate students, focusing on strengthening the education of socialist core values and striving to build an education system that comprehensively cultivates students with morality, intelligence, physical ability, aesthetic grounding and a hard-working spirit. Teachers and students across the board have displayed a spirited and upward-looking demeanour, as well as a firm determination to listen to the Party and follow the Party.” 5年来，教育系统坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想铸魂育人，着力加强社会主义核心价值观教育，努力构建德智体美劳全面培养的教育体系，广大师生展现出昂扬向上的精神风貌和听党话跟党走的坚定决心.
It adds: “advancing the incorporation of the Party’s innovative theories into textbooks, classrooms, and students’ minds is an inevitable requirement for fully implementing the Party’s educational policies, as well as a crucial step in fulfilling the fundamental task of fostering morality and cultivating talents. In recent years, the education system has worked hard to comprehensively grasp the situation and persist in shaping the character and nurture people by applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” 推进党的创新理论进教材、进课堂、进头脑是全面贯彻党的教育方针、坚持社会主义办学方向的必然要求，也是落实立德树人根本任务的关键环节。近年来，教育系统在全面把握上下功夫，坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想铸魂育人.
Ideological and political work in schools is not just one-line work, but should be comprehensive. Over the past five years, the integrated construction of ideological and political education in universities, middle schools and primary schools has continued to advance, and the ‘New Generation Soul Casting Project’ and ‘Great Ideological and Political Courses’ construction projects have been implemented in depth, and the concept of ‘making good use of the Great Ideological and Political Courses and integrating it with reality’ has taken root in people's hearts. 学校思想政治工作不是单纯一条线的工作，而应该是全方位的。5年来，大中小学思想政治教育一体化建设不断推进，“时代新人铸魂工程”“大思政课”建设工程等深入实施，“‘大思政课’我们要善用之，一定要跟现实结合起来”的理念已深入人心.
Page 3: First, there’s a report on Li Qiang meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Jakarta. Xinhua reports:
“Last November, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Albanese in Bali, Indonesia, reaching a series of important consensuses, Li noted. China-Australia relations, he said, have maintained a positive momentum of improvement thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides over the past year. Li also said that a sound and stable China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests and common aspirations of the two peoples. China is ready to work with Australia to restart and resume bilateral exchanges in various fields, and continue to promote institutional dialogue and consultation in such fields as diplomacy, economy and trade, education and consular affairs to provide solid support for the improvement and development of bilateral relations, said Li. Seeking common development through sharing opportunities, China will continue to advance high-level opening-up, providing a bigger market for Australia and other countries in the world, Li said, hoping that the Australian side will adopt an objective and fair attitude towards Chinese enterprises' investment and operation in Australia. He called on the two sides to properly handle divergences in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences as well as mutual benefit and win-win results, so as to promote the further improvement and development of bilateral relations, Li said. The Asia-Pacific region is the shared home for China and Australia and the Chinese side is willing to work with Australia to jointly safeguard peace and stability of the region, he added.”
Second, there’s a report on Li’s meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Xinhua reports:
Li said that “China is ready to work with South Korea to resist interference, meet each other halfway, and advance bilateral relations so as to reflect the changes of the times…During the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Bali last year, President Xi Jinping and President Yoon Suk-yeol had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations, Li said. Li also called on both sides to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, uphold the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties, and enhance mutual political trust, in order to better benefit the two peoples, and promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. The two sides should adhere to the general direction of good-neighborliness and friendship, continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and work together to cope with difficulties and challenges, said the Chinese premier. Li said China and South Korea should expand common interests, speed up the second phase of China-South Korea free trade agreement negotiations, and explore new growth areas of cooperation such as high-tech, green and low-carbon industries. China and South Korea should jointly maintain the stable and smooth operation of industrial and supply chains, continuously make the pie of cooperation bigger and better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, Li said. Li urged the two sides to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and safeguard the overall interests of bilateral relations. China has always supported reconciliation and cooperation between the two sides on the Korean Peninsula, has always advocated maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and will continue to promote peace talks, said Li.”
The report adds: “South Korea is ready to work with China to enhance communication and dialogue at all levels, deepen exchanges and cooperation in economy and trade, culture and other fields, practice multilateralism and free trade, promote the steady and sound development of bilateral relations, and foster world peace and prosperity, said Yoon. South Korea, he said, is willing to strengthen coordination with China and promote trilateral cooperation among South Korea, China, and Japan.”
Third, there’s a report on Li’s meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Xinhua reports:
Li said that “the world should jointly resist the practice of overstretching the concept of security and politicizing economic issues…The current international landscape is marked by change and disorder, and the grimmer the situation is, the more the international community needs to unite and work together to meet the challenges, said the Chinese premier. Li called on the international community to adopt the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and uphold the philosophy of open and inclusive development. Li said it is important to step up the reform of the global economic governance system and effectively increase the representation and voice of developing countries in international financial institutions. The Chinese premier urged the international community to actively yet prudently address the debt issue of developing countries based on the principle of joint action and fair burden-sharing. The international community should stick to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and steadily advance international cooperation on climate change in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, said Li. Li pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. In recent years, the Chinese president has successively put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, providing Chinese solutions for global development and governance, Li said. Li noted that China will continue to firmly support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs, and is ready to work with the UN to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Next, there are two reports of meetings by Wang Yi. First, Wang met with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez. Xinhua reports Wang said that:
“China and Venezuela have forged an unbreakable, ironclad friendship, and China firmly supports Venezuela in safeguarding its national independence and national dignity. China is ready to work with Venezuela to make good preparations for the next stage of high-level exchanges, make the 17th meeting of the high-level committee a success, and push for new progress in China-Venezuela cooperation, which will not only benefit the two peoples but also make new contributions to world peace and stability. Rodriguez said that Venezuela sincerely thanks China for its firm support for Venezuela's just cause of opposing unilateral sanctions and unreasonable blockades and supporting Venezuela in building an independent and dignified country. She believes that Venezuela-China relations will embrace an even brighter future. The Venezuelan side highly appreciates the series of significant global initiatives put forward by China and is willing to continue to strengthen international coordination and cooperation with China, Rodriguez said. It is an inevitable historical trend for developing countries to stride forward into the international arena, Wang said, adding that China will continue to stand firm with other developing countries and be their reliable partner for development and prosperity.”
Second, Wang met with an Australian delegation to the seventh session of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Thursday in Beijing. In the PD report, Wang is quoted as saying that “China maintains continuity and stability in its policy towards Australia and will continue to adhere to the important position of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia; it will work with Australia to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China-Australia relations. The twists and turns and difficulties that have occurred in the past few years cannot define the nature of bilateral relations, let alone hinder the pace of China-Australia cooperation.”
Xinhua reports that Wang said:
“the economies of the two countries are highly complementary, the people of the two countries are friendly to each other, and there are no disputes left over from history or major conflicts of interests between the two countries. ‘China will work with Australia to promote the sound, steady and sustainable development of China-Australia relations, bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional peace, stability and development,’ said Wang. He spoke highly of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue, saying that it has played a due role in deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation and enhancing friendship between the two sides. Wang called on the two sides to continuously make good use of this platform to enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the two peoples, and make new contributions and add positive energy to the improvement and development of China-Australia relations. Noting that the year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Australia, Wang said that this year the two sides stand at a new starting point of another 50 years. ‘Looking back at the past and looking forward to the future, if we look at bilateral relations with a 100-year horizon, the twists and turns in the past few years cannot define the nature of our bilateral relations, still less can they stop the pace of China-Australia cooperation,’ he said. Wang underlined that it is necessary for the two sides to draw useful experience and lessons from the setbacks in the bilateral relations. He urged the two sides to look at each other objectively, calmly and kindly, not interfere in each other's internal affairs, enhance mutual understanding through communication, and properly handle differences between each other. China and Australia should remain partners rather than rivals, Wang said, calling on Australia to recognize China's development as an opportunity rather than a threat. ‘We need to advance China-Australia relations independently and without any influence or interference from any third party,’ he said. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the two sides should make a fresh start again, comprehensively review cooperation in various fields, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang added.”
Also on the page are MoFA’s spokesperson’s comments confirming the Australian PM’s visit to China. And Mao Ning’s comments on the third BRI Forum. She said that “representatives from more than 90 countries have confirmed that they will attend the Forum. Among them are official representatives such as leaders and ministers of Belt and Road partner countries, as well as people representing the business community, think tanks and civil societies who have actively supported and participated in Belt and Road cooperation. Many heads and representatives from international organizations have also confirmed their attendance. We believe more cooperation partners will do so in the coming days.”
Some other brief reports on the page:
Vice Premier Liu Guozhong will visit North Korea, starting from today, to participate in celebrations for its 75th founding anniversary.
The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-North Korea Friendship Association held a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of North Korea's National Day in Beijing yesterday. Wang Yong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, attended.
Page 4: The full five-year legislative plan for NPCSC’s current term ending in 2028 has been produced in the paper, along with an explanation provided by an official. I would recommend going to the NPC Observer website for translation and explanation.
Also on the page is a report on Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing’s visit to Nyingchi and Lhasa in Tibet from Tuesday to Thursday. The report says that Zhang “emphasized that SoEs must thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions on Tibet work and the Party’s strategy for governing Tibet in the new era, closely adhere to the main line of forging a strong sense of the Chinese national community, strengthen their responsibilities, and continue to deepen support for Tibet, better promote long-term stability and high-quality development in Tibet and make greater contributions to building a new socialist modern Tibet.” 他强调，国资央企要深入贯彻习近平总书记关于西藏工作的重要指示精神和新时代党的治藏方略，紧扣铸牢中华民族共同体意识这一主线，强化责任担当，持续推动援藏工作走深走实，更好促进西藏长治久安和高质量发展，为建设社会主义现代化新西藏作出更大贡献.
The report adds that:
Zhang visited construction sites of major projects, such as energy and transportation projects, being undertaken by central enterprises. He inspected the progress of the projects and learned about production, operation, and employment conditions at central enterprise-supported projects and factories. He pointed out that in recent years, central SoEs have conscientiously implemented the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, pragmatically promoted various tasks to support Tibet, and made important contributions to promoting Tibet’s economic and social development. In the new era and on the new journey, it is important to continue to focus on the needs of Tibet and the expectations of the people, give full play to the advantages and expertise of central SoEs, and continue to improve the effectiveness of support for Tibet with greater intensity and more practical measures.” 5日至7日，张国清先后到林芝市、拉萨市，深入央企承建的能源、交通等重大工程项目施工现场实地察看建设进展，走进央企援藏项目、高原工业企业工厂车间了解生产经营、带动就业等情况，看望慰问央企援藏干部职工。他指出，近年来国资央企认真落实党中央决策部署，务实推进援藏各项工作，为促进西藏经济社会发展作出了重要贡献。新时代新征程上，要继续着眼西藏所需、群众所盼，充分发挥央企优势特长，以更大力度、更实举措不断提高援藏工作成效.
Xinhua English captures the next bit well:
“More efforts should be made to accelerate the construction of power, telecom and transportation infrastructure, support Tibet in fostering advantageous industries and accelerating its green transformation, and support Tibet in consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation. During the inspection, Zhang also examined workplace safety standards and measures to guard against geological disasters. As the region is vulnerable to flooding, landslides and debris flows, local authorities should comprehensively screen for hazards on construction sites and at tourist attractions to fend off and contain major disasters and accidents, Zhand added.”
Page 6: If you are interested, there’s a full page article detailing the key elements from the new book of Xi’s discourse on self-reliance and self-improvement through science and technology. The book compiles 50 texts, ranging from a period of March 2013 to December 2022. It was released in late May 2023.
The five sections in the article are:
Uphold and strengthen the Party’s overall leadership over science and technology undertakings
Adhere to technological self-reliance and self-improvement as a strategic support for national development
Unswervingly follow the path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics and accelerate the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy: In this, the article Xi is quoted as describing China’s “weak innovation capability” as the “Achilles' heel” of its economy. 创新能力不强，是我国这个经济大块头的“阿喀琉斯之踵”. Another important quote is: “General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasised that to accelerate the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, we must adhere to the frontiers of science and technology, the main battlefield of the economy, the major needs of the country, and the health of the people, and accelerate the realisation of high-level technological self-reliance and self-improvement.” 习近平总书记强调，加快实施创新驱动发展战略，必须坚持面向世界科技前沿、面向经济主战场、面向国家重大需求、面向人民生命健康，加快实现高水平科技自立自强. Xi also calls to “put the improvement of original innovation ability in a more prominent position and strive to achieve more breakthroughs from 0 to 1.” 特别是要把原始创新能力提升摆在更加突出的位置，努力实现更多“从0到1”的突破. He also calls for focussing on basic research, terming it “root cause” for many of China’s technological chokepoint problems.
Deepen the reform of the science and technology system and improve the overall effectiveness of the national innovation system
Implement the strategy of strengthening the country through talents
Page 17: The lead story on the international page talks about the disappointment in Hawaii with the US government’s response to the recent wildfires. I am not breaking this down because it is anyway a compilation of data from American news reports and government data. But what’s worth noting is that there is never such a critical public perspective reported about developments in China. Just contrast this story with the multitudes of reports on the recent floods in north China. Those reports were all about government efficiency and responsiveness and the courage and bravery of the rescuers along with gratitude of the public.
Next, there’s a Zhong Sheng commentary on Japan’s discharge of the Fukushima wastewater. This is the sixth such commentary in the series, criticising Japan for being arrogant and selfish and raising questions.
Next, there’s a report with remarks from China’s Ministry of Commerce in response to a written document Japan submitted to the World Trade Organization that called the suspension of imports “totally unacceptable.”
“MOC spokesperson He Yadong told a press conference that China took the emergency trade measures in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations as well as WTO rules. China has repeatedly made clear its solemn position on the issue of Japan's discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, and has expressed serious concerns and raised questions at relevant WTO meetings and at relevant occasions, He said. However, the Japanese government has unilaterally pushed through the discharge of the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, he added. China has always upheld the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and has always abided by WTO rules, He said. Japan should reflect upon its actions and immediately stop transferring the risks of nuclear contamination to the world, He said.”
Finally, there’s also a report on the 12th Meeting of the Cuba-China Joint Working Group of Biotech Cooperation. Xinhua reports:
“Wu Hao, China's secretary general of the National Development and Reform Commission, said that biotechnological collaboration is an essential platform for economic and commercial cooperation between the two sister nations, and is ‘a relationship of common interest and shared benefit.’ For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui said that bilateral cooperation in the field of biotechnology is a new chapter in the friendship between the Chinese and Cuban people. This cooperation ‘has achieved significant economic and social results benefiting the economies and people of both countries,’ he said. Running through Thursday, the meeting discusses foreign investment, regulatory frameworks, innovative business models, and intellectual property, according to organizers.”