Liu Jieyi on Taiwan Policy - Wang Yi in Philippines - Shenzhen's New Smart Cars Regulation - Environmental Inspections - State Council on Budget Audits
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Thursday, July 7, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: There’s nothing in the paper about the current surge of COVID-19 infections in the country. There’s a lockdown in Xi’an, where officials said on Tuesday that Businesses, schools and restaurants in Xi’an are closed for one week. Beijing is introducing a vaccine mandate for public places - such as libraries, museums, cinemas, art galleries, sports and fitness venues, entertainment venues or any crowded places, except restaurants and the public transport - from July 11. This is the first-ever such case. The new requirement is an addition to the existing one for Beijing residents - they need to get tested every three days and show a negative result to enter most public venues. In Shanghai too, there is a fresh cluster linked to a karaoke bar.
I think this by the EIU makes a lot of sense in terms of the possible direction of China’s zero-COVID policy. It’s not going away, but there are tweaks being made.
Anyway, none of this gets any space in the paper today.
The story on the top of the page is about science and technology development in Hubei. It says that in the first half of the year, the turnover of technology contracts in Hubei was 159.957 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 72.58%. The report says that Hubei is home to 30 state key laboratories, 130 universities, more than 3,600 scientific research institutions, and more than 1.6 million university students. In recent years, the province has focussed on key technologies, with enterprises being the main body. It has strengthened linkages between enterprises, education, research and application and transformed scientific and educational advantages into innovation advantages and development advantages.
The report says that Hubei has focussed on fields like “optoelectronic science, aerospace science and technology, and biological breeding.” Some of the institutions mentioned in the piece are: “Wuhan Huagong Laser Engineering Co.,Ltd,” which is a subsidiary of HGLaser Engineering Co., Ltd; Huazhong University of Science and Technology; and Huazhong Agricultural University.
Next, there’s a very long article about environmental inspections and building an ecological civilisation. There was a press conference on this on Wednesday, which shared more data. The point being made in this feature is similar to the one I covered yesterday, i.e., that unprecedented efforts have been made in this direction under Xi, and that building an ecological civilisation is going to remain a key aspect of China’s future development model.
One data point to emphasis this, is the following excerpt from the third history resolution:
“We have carried out central government environmental inspections, strictly investigated and prosecuted a number of major representative cases of ecological damage, and addressed a number of environmental problems that have aroused strong public concern.”
The article says that environmental inspections, which began in 2015, are a “major institutional arrangement for the Party Central Committee and the State Council to promote the construction of ecological civilisation; it is also a major reform measure.”
Anyway, I am turning to Xinhua English’s report from yesterday’s press conference for some of the data points that were shared:
Chinese central authorities started the scrutiny in late 2015 and finished the first round of inspections in vast local regions by 2018. The second-round inspections expanded its coverage to over 30 provincial-level regions, two government departments, and six centrally administered state-owned enterprises from 2019 to the first half of 2022.
So far, 95 percent of the 3,294 problems revealed in the first round of scrutiny and its review period have been rectified, and half of the 1,227 issues already found in the second round of inspections have also been solved, Vice Minister of Ecology and Environment Zhai Qing said.
China accepted and handled 287,000 complaints from the public during the inspections and has made 285,000 rectifications so far.
These inspections have a particular focus on typical problems. Some 262 cases have been released to the public, of which nearly half relate to pollution and weak links in environmental infrastructure, and 33.2 percent are in the field of ecology and sustainable development.
There’s also a commentary on the page, which makes the argument that the key to promoting green development and building an ecological civilisation is establishing rules and regulations; it is important to protect the ecological environment with the strictest system and the strictest rule of law.生态文明建设是关乎中华民族永续发展的根本大计. 推动绿色发展，建设生态文明，重在建章立制，用最严格的制度、最严密的法治保护生态环境.
Third, there’s a report (English report) on the executive meeting of the State Council. Two key issues were discussed. The first item being reported on is the rectification of problems discovered through the audits of central budget execution and other fiscal revenues and expenditures. What was proposed was:
Make a list of the problems found in the audits and inform the concerned parties; ensure that the parties concerned should assume responsibility to ensure that the problems are rectified properly. All these parties need to carry out a review and formulate plans for rectification as soon as possible. Audit rectification will be incorporated into the State Council’s major supervision. The article promises strict punishment in case of “refusal to rectify, perfunctory rectification, and false rectification.” The results of the rectification should be reported to the State Council by the end of September, and will be made public after it is reported to the NPCSC. 一要对审计查出的问题列出清单，印发有关方面。各有关地方、部门和单位要负起整改主体责任，逐条制定方案尽快整改，适时开展“回头看”，确保整改到位。将审计整改纳入国务院大督查。对整改情况开展专项审计，坚决查处拒不整改、敷衍整改、虚假整改等问题。整改结果9月底前报国务院，并在向全国人大常委会报告后向社会公开.
Severe punishments should be applied to those people and actions that are vile in nature, in accordance with the law; such cases and individuals should be dealt with to offer an example to others. 二要对性质恶劣的依法严肃惩处，既处理事又处理人，以儆效尤.
address both the symptoms and root causes
“efforts must be made to ensure that policies like tax refunds, tax and fee cuts, and inclusive financing, are fully implemented…Acts such as tax-refund fraud should be cracked down on, while funds to ensure people’s livelihoods, such as pensions, medical care, education and social assistance, should be spent in a safe and regulated way.”
Governments at all levels should tighten their belts. There should be strict financial discipline and reduction of non-urgent and non-rigid expenditures, funds that are inefficient or have long remained unused should be recovered in accordance with regulations, strictly prohibit illegal construction of buildings, vanity projects, extravagance and waste, etc., and more funds should be freed up to keep market entities and employment stable and ensure people’s livelihoods.五要坚持政府过紧日子。严肃财经纪律，严格落实压减非急需非刚性支出，对低效和沉淀资金按规定收回，严禁违规建设楼堂馆所、搞政绩工程形象工程、铺张浪费等，腾出更多资金用于稳市场主体稳就业保民生.
The second paragraph is captured well in this Xinhua English story:
The meeting noted the need to implement macro policies to good effect and continue advancing the reform of government functions to further energize market players, so as to keep overall economic performance stable. In promoting law-based and service-oriented governance, steps will be taken to develop digital government and improve internet-empowered government service. These steps are designed to bolster the momentum for market entities to start businesses and grow, and are critical for making government services more efficient amid the development of an information society…The meeting called for orderly expanding the application of electronic licenses and certificates on the basis of ensuring information security…Electronic business licenses will be used on a broader scale in high-frequency business activities such as accessing the market, paying taxes, financing, tendering and bidding, and progress will be made in the simultaneous issuance of electronic seals and electronic business licenses, in order to lower institutional transaction costs. Information sharing across departments and regions will be enhanced, so that electronic business licenses, among others, can be more broadly recognized. Several cities will be selected to pilot the electronic application of ID cards in accordance with laws and regulations. Experience will be summed up and problems will be identified and addressed in a timely manner, and relevant laws and regulations will be improved…The meeting highlighted the imperative to firmly safeguard information security. Regulations on security management will be improved, and capacity for security protection will be enhanced to protect personal data and trade secrets in accordance with law. Such efforts are aimed at making the application of electronic licenses and certificates secure, reliable, convenient and efficient, so that people and enterprises can get things done with ease and comfort. Various misconducts, such as unlawful use and overuse of personal or corporate data in violation of their rights and interests will be investigated and seriously handled in line with laws and regulations.
Fourth, there’s a report on Li Zhanshu’s chat with Tanzila Narbayeva, chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan. Xinhua reports:
“He noted that further enhancing political mutual trust and strengthening mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns is necessary for the development of China-Uzbekistan relations. Uzbekistan has consistently supported China's stand on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as in the fight against the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, and China appreciates that, Li said. He added that China will, as always, firmly support Uzbekistan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and in its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to implement the Global Security Initiative, so as to jointly safeguard regional security and stability, Li said. He said that China also appreciates Uzbekistan's support for the Global Development Initiative and looks forward to working with Uzbekistan and the international community to implement the outcomes of the High-level Dialogue on Global Development held on June 24.”
Interesting timing for this call, given the recent protests in the autonomous Karakalpakstan region of the country. AFP reports that “the size of the protest was unusually large for Central Asia, and prompted Uzbek authorities to decree a month-long state of emergency in the impoverished western region.” The report also informs that “the Kremlin said that President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday spoke by telephone with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and ‘expressed support for the efforts of the leadership of Uzbekistan to stabilise the situation in Karakalpakstan’.”
Page 3: There’s a report about Wang Yi’s visit to the Philippines, where he met with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos. Xinhua reports that Marcos said:
“China is the Philippines' largest trading partner and most important development partner, and both sides have initiated fruitful cooperation in all fields. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to supply vaccines and protective materials to the Philippines, said Marcos, adding that China has actively supported the "Build Build Build" program and greatly helped the Philippines in improving its basic infrastructure. The Philippines hopes to continue pushing forward bilateral cooperation with China in politics, economy and trade, education, culture and other areas, so as to enrich the connotation of their comprehensive strategic cooperation, Marcos said. He said the Philippines pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, and always adheres to the one-China policy. The South China Sea issue is not the mainstream of the Philippines-China relationship and should not become an obstacle to bilateral cooperation. The Philippines is willing to carry out candid communication with the Chinese side to find a friendly solution to the issue, which is the right way for the two countries to get along, Marcos said.”
On Wang’s comments, the report says that:
“China-Philippines relations are at a new starting point and China is ready to work with the Philippine side to keep the general direction of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Both sides remain committed to becoming good neighbors that help each other, good relatives that share mutual understanding and close bonds, and good partners that pursue cooperation and win-win results, so as to push for the upgrading of their cooperation and usher in a ‘golden age’ in bilateral relations, Wang said. While expressing China’s firm support for the new Philippine government, Wang said China is willing to engage with the Philippines to conduct cooperation in the four key areas of agriculture, infrastructure, energy, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, help the Philippines accelerate its development and revitalization, and bring about greater benefits to the Philippine people. Wang stressed that cooperation between China and the Philippines far outweighs their maritime differences, and any difference between the two countries cannot define their relations, nor will it hinder their cooperation. China and the Philippines should enhance dialogue and communication and properly handle sensitive issues so as to let maritime cooperation be the main tone of their discussion and handling of maritime affairs, he said. Wang said the two countries should make the building of good neighbors, good friends and good partners as the new consensus between the two peoples.”
Wang also met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Luis Enrique Manalo. Xinhua reports that Manalo said that the Philippines believes that the problem involving islands and reefs in the South China Sea should be settled through diplomatic means and peaceful consultations with a view to jointly safeguarding peace and stability there…Wang said the two sides should always properly handle the maritime issues from a strategic and overarching perspective, giving the issues a proper position in bilateral relations. The two sides should also work to steadily advance joint development in the South China Sea, accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, expand maritime cooperation to increase mutual benefit and win-win results…”
Second, there’s a brief report about ILD chief Liu Jianchao’s chat with the chief of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, Le Hoai Trung. VNA’s report has more details:
“Trung also exchanged views with his Chinese counterpart on specific cooperation measures between the two Parties in the coming time, including implementing land border agreements to facilitate cross-border trade activities, and enhancing peace and cooperation in the East Sea. He also thanked the CPC Central Committee’s International Liaison Department for its provision of medical equipment and supplies for Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Liu, for his part, spoke highly of Vietnam's achievements in Party building, socio-economic development, and anti-corruption work. The two sides spotlighted the positive development of the relationship between the two Parties and countries, saying that this was reflected by regular exchanges and meetings between their senior leaders; and cooperation among ministries, sectors and localities of the two nations. They agreed to continue realising the common perceptions of high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries; and work closely to contribute to promoting the implementation of bilateral cooperation plans, including maintaining high-level exchanges and meetings; organising theoretical seminars between the two Parties; and strengthening cooperation in training cadres and connections between ministries, sectors and local Party committees of the two countries.”
Third, a report about a discussion at the sidelines of the UNHRC, with 18 scholars and experts from China, Kyrgyzstan, Britain, Uzbekistan, Laos, New Zealand and Rwanda, discussing the topic: “governing ethnic affairs according to law and safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of ethnic minorities.” This was sponsored by China Ethnic Minorities’ Association for External Exchanges and was hosted by South-Central University for Nationalities.
“The delegates agreed that China is a unified, multi-ethnic country, which adheres to the principle of universality of human rights in combination with China’s reality, and that it is committed to promoting economic and social development, improving people’s well-being, strengthening the protection of human rights by law, promoting social fairness and justice, and safeguarding the rights of ethnic minorities according to law, which provides an important reference point for the international community to manage ethnic affairs and makes important contributions to the development of international human rights.” 与会代表一致认为，中国是一个统一的多民族国家，坚持把人权的普遍性原则与中国实际相结合，致力于推动经济社会发展，增进人民福祉，加强人权法治保障，促进社会公平正义，依法保障少数民族各项权利，为国际社会治理民族事务提供了重要参考，为国际人权事业发展作出了重要贡献.
Fourth, a report with a Kenyan think tank chief praising the BRICS and China’s approach to multilateralism. He also praises China’s contributions as the chair of the BRICS.
Page 9: The lead article on the theory page is by the head of the Taiwan Affairs Office, Liu Jieyi. This excellent thread below by Neil Thomas based on his new piece in Nikkei Asian Review with Richard McGregor tells us that Liu could be in line to take Yang Jiechi’s position.
Anyway, in his article, Liu’s talks about the importance of grasping the “Party’s overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era” and advancing “the process of national reunification.” He says that since the 18th Party Congress, CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core “has comprehensively promoted innovation in the theory and practice of Taiwan work” and “continuously strengthened the momentum towards complete reunification of the motherland.” 党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央全面推进对台工作理论和实践创新，牢牢把握两岸关系主导权和主动权，不断强化祖国完全统一的时和势。新时代新征程上，我们要深入学习贯彻新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略，奋力推进祖国统一进程.
In the first section, Liu says that the Party has put forward five major policy proposals for promoting the peaceful reunification in the new era”
It has clarified that “adhering to and improving the ‘one country, two systems’ system and promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland are important aspects of adhering to and improving the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and promoting the modernisation of the national governance system and governance capacity.”
It has emphasised that “based on the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, it is important to accurately grasp the historical trend, effectively control the complex situation along the Taiwan Strait, firmly grasp the leading role and initiative in cross-strait relations, and lead the development of cross-strait relations in the right direction.”
The first meeting and direct dialogue and communication between leaders of both sides across the Taiwan Straits since 1949 — the 2015 meeting between Xi and Ma Ying-jeou in Singapore — made historic breakthroughs and set new milestones. The piece mentions the One-China principle and the 1992 Consensus in this context, saying that important steps have been taken to promote cross-strait dialogue and consultation.
Adhering to the idea that both sides across the strait represent one family, the Party has sought to “deepen the cross-strait integration and development, continuously enhance the well-being of Taiwan Province compatriots, and gather a mighty force in order to jointly facilitate the move towards peaceful reunification.”
The Party has “strengthened the general trend of opposing ‘independence’ and promoting reunification, resolutely curbing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist acts and interference by external forces, firmly defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and consolidating and expanding the recognition of the one-China principle across the international community.”
中国特色社会主义新时代，我们党把握两岸关系时代变化，丰富和发展国家统一理论和对台方针政策，确立坚持“一国两制”和推进祖国统一基本方略，提出新时代推进祖国和平统一的五项重大政策主张，明确坚持和完善“一国两制”制度体系、推进祖国和平统一是坚持和完善中国特色社会主义制度、推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化的重要内容，提出新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略。立足中华民族根本利益，准确把握历史大势，有效驾驭台海复杂局面，牢牢把握两岸关系主导权和主动权，引领两岸关系发展正确方向。推动实现1949年以来两岸领导人首次会晤、直接对话沟通，取得历史性突破，树立新的里程碑。坚持一个中国原则和“九二共识”，推动两岸各界对话协商迈出重要步伐。秉持“两岸一家亲”理念，不断深化两岸融合发展，持续增进台湾同胞福祉，广泛汇聚共同迈向和平统一的磅礴伟力。强化塑造反“独”促统大势，坚决遏制“台独”分裂行径和外部势力干涉，坚定捍卫国家主权和领土完整，巩固和发展国际社会一个中国格局.
In the second section, he says that since the 18th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has “coordinated the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the great changes in the world unseen in a century, accurately grasped the developments and changes in the domestic and international situations, delivered a series of important expositions and instructions, put forward a series of new concepts, new ideas and new strategies, established the Party’s overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era, and provided the fundamental guideline and action plan for the Taiwan-related work. To do a good job with regard to the Taiwan affairs in the new era, we must fully implement the Party's overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era.党的十八大以来，习近平总书记统筹中华民族伟大复兴战略全局和世界百年未有之大变局，准确把握国内外形势发展变化，就对台工作发表一系列重要论述，作出一系列重要指示和批示，提出一系列新理念新思想新战略，形成新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略，为对台工作提供了根本遵循和行动纲领。做好新时代对台工作，必须全面贯彻落实新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略.
He then makes the following points about the Party’s overall strategy and action plan:
“No individual or force can stop the historical trend of building a strong country, national rejuvenation, and cross-strait reunification. Time, momentum, and justice when it comes to addressing the Taiwan issue have always been on the side of the forces that advocate reunification. Resolving the Taiwan issue and realising the reunification of the motherland is an inevitable requirement for realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the new era. We must properly manage the overall situation, focus on preventing and resolving major risks and hidden dangers in the Taiwan Strait, firmly push forward the resolution of the Taiwan issue, and create a favourable environment in the Taiwan Strait for national rejuvenation. Our growing comprehensive strength and remarkable systemic advantages have enhanced the efficiency when it comes to Taiwan-related work, pushing forward the process of reunification of the motherland. 国家强大、民族复兴、两岸统一的历史大势，任何人、任何势力都无法阻挡。解决台湾问题的时、势、义始终在主张统一的力量这一边。解决台湾问题、实现祖国统一，是新时代实现中华民族伟大复兴的必然要求。我们妥善运筹大局大势，着力防范化解台海重大风险隐患，坚定推进解决台湾问题，为实现民族复兴营造有利台海环境。我们日益增长的综合实力、显著的制度优势持续转化为对台工作效能，推动祖国统一进程向前迈进.
“‘Peaceful reunification and one country, two systems’ is the basic policy for resolving the Taiwan issue and the best way to achieve national reunification.” “和平统一、一国两制”是解决台湾问题的基本方针，也是实现国家统一的最佳方式. We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and best efforts and actively explore the ‘two systems’ plan for Taiwan, so as to create a broad space for peaceful reunification. We, however, do not promise to renounce the use of force and reserve the option of taking all necessary measures, with the aim of safeguarding the prospect of peaceful reunification of the motherland and the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, including Taiwan Province compatriots. 我们愿意以最大诚意、尽最大努力争取和平统一前景，积极探索“两制”台湾方案，为和平统一创造广阔空间。我们不承诺放弃使用武力，保留采取一切必要措施的选项，目的是维护祖国和平统一的前景，维护包括台湾同胞在内的中华民族根本利益.
“The ‘1992 Consensus’, which embodies the one-China principle, clearly defines the fundamental nature of cross-strait relations. Its core is that both sides across the Taiwan Strait belong to one China and work together to seek national reunification. This is the key to ensuring the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the basis and condition for our exchanges with political parties in Taiwan. We resolutely oppose any words and deeds that distort, deny and slander the ‘1992 Consensus’ and its core essence, and on the political basis of adhering to the ‘1992 Consensus’ and opposing ‘Taiwan independence,’ we urge all sectors of society on both sides of the strait to jointly discuss cross-strait relations and the future of the nation.” 体现一个中国原则的“九二共识”明确界定了两岸关系的根本性质，核心是海峡两岸同属一个中国、共同努力谋求国家统一，这是确保两岸关系和平发展的关键，是我们同台湾各政党开展交往的基础和条件。我们坚决反对任何曲解、否定和污蔑“九二共识”及其核心要义的言行，并在坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”的政治基础上，推动两岸各界共同探讨两岸关系和民族未来.
The next point talks about sharing development opportunities with folks across the strait. “Deepening cross-strait integration and development is an important way to build a cross-strait community with a shared future and consolidate the foundation for peaceful reunification.”
The next point says that the issue of Taiwan is “China’s internal affair, and no external interference is allowed. We will resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, and will never allow any individual, organisation, or political party to separate any piece of Chinese territory from China at any time and in any form. We will resolutely crack down on Taiwan independence separatist acts and severely punish Taiwan independence diehards, according to law. We resolutely counter external forces playing the ‘Taiwan card’ and resolutely oppose any external interference. Provocations by the Taiwan independence separatist forces or the interference by external forces will simply end in complete failure. No one should underestimate the strength of our determination, our firm will and the strength of our ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”台湾问题是中国的内政，不容任何外来干涉。我们坚决捍卫国家主权、安全、发展利益，绝不允许任何人、任何组织、任何政党、在任何时候、以任何形式、把任何一块中国领土从中国分裂出去。我们坚决打击“台独”分裂行径，依法严惩“台独”顽固分子。我们坚决反制外部势力打“台湾牌”，坚决反对任何外来干涉。无论“台独”分裂势力挑衅还是外部势力干涉，都只能以彻底失败告终。任何人都不要低估我们捍卫国家主权和领土完整的坚强决心、坚定意志、强大能力。
The final section of the article is where Liu makes the big pitch to the boss, appreciating his thought and leadership. I guess this, more than anything else, indicates that Liu is in line for a promotion.
He says that the Party’s overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era is an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He adds that Xi Jinping has examined the Taiwan question from a broad historical perspective, thereby revealing the historical law based on the experiences of previous Chinese dynasties that unity generates strength whereas division is bound to lead to chaos. Examining the rise and fall of the Chinese nation, he has drawn the important conclusion that the Taiwan question arose owing to China’s national weakness and internal chaos; but it will certainly culminate with national rejuvenation. 习近平总书记以宏阔历史视野审视台湾问题，从中国历代分合治乱中揭示统则强、分必乱的历史规律，从近代中华民族兴衰中作出台湾问题因民族弱乱而产生、必将随着民族复兴而终结的重要论断，指明统一大势，展现历史主动.
He adds that Xi’s thought points out that realising the complete reunification of the motherland is an inevitable requirement for realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This has clarified the historical orientation of Taiwan affairs work in the new era and given national reunification a new connotation of the times…solving the Taiwan issue and realising the complete reunification of the motherland are the unswerving historical tasks before the Communist Party of China…提出实现祖国完全统一是实现中华民族伟大复兴的必然要求，明确新时代对台工作历史方位，赋予国家统一新的时代内涵...强调解决台湾问题、实现祖国完全统一是中国共产党矢志不渝的历史任务，着力塑造祖国必须统一、也必然统一的历史大势.
He says that Xi’s thought has opened up a new theoretical approach when it comes to reunification. His ideas have adhered to and developed our Party’s thinking on the Taiwan issue but are also “original and contemporary.” 习近平总书记提出一系列新思想新论述，坚持和发展了我们党解决台湾问题的思想，富有原创性和时代性.
So for instance, Xi’s thought has:
creatively put forward the idea of the Chinese dream that compatriots on both sides of the strait can work towards; this provides a spiritual banner for unity. 新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略创造性提出两岸同胞共圆中国梦，树立了凝心聚力实现统一的精神旗帜；
put forward the general trend of opposing independence and promoting reunification, with the main theme of this approach being that “we are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity and best efforts, but we will never leave any space for various forms of Taiwan independence separatist activities; this has clarified the path towards and the bottom line for achieving reunification. 提出强化反“独”促统大势，揭示了在新时代推进祖国统一进程的主轴主线；提出愿意以最大诚意、尽最大努力争取和平统一的前景，但绝不为各种形式的“台独”分裂活动留下任何空间，明确了实现统一的方式和底线.
put forward the idea that people on both sides of the strait constitute a family; this “embodies the ideological connotation” of Taiwan work.
proposed the idea of a community with a shared future for both sides of the strait
proposed of ‘one country, two systems’ for Taiwan
put forward the concept of cross-strait democratic consultation
Page 10: A report informing us that the MIIT has launched a new campaign involving 100 special activities being held to promote consumption. This will run from July to September, with events being held in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and other places. These activities will focus on 10 major industries, including clothing, furniture, household appliances, hardware, washing, dairy products, healthcare for the elderly, consumer electronics, etc. The aim is to support “hundreds of enterprises to promote 10,000 pieces of high-quality consumer goods. Through the combination of online and offline and the linkage between urban and rural areas, 10,000 pieces of fine products will be promoted into 10,000 homes.”
Next, a report about the approval of the feasibility study for the Beijing Section Line 22 or the Pinggu line of the Beijing subway. The line is expected to be operational by 2025.
Third, a really interesting development (Global Times’ report and China Daily’s report) in Shenzhen, where the city has cleared a new regulation for smart and connected vehicles. Here are some key points:
Smart and networked cars need to be registered with traffic authorities before they can get on the road.
The regulation classifies autonomous vehicles into three types: conditional autonomous driving, highly autonomous driving, and fully autonomous driving.
Conditionally autonomous and highly autonomous vehicles must have manual driving modes and corresponding devices, and be equipped with drivers.
Fully autonomous vehicles are permitted, after registration, only in areas and sections designated by traffic authorities.
Under the new regulation, intelligent connected vehicles are required to pack an external indicator light that must be turned on in self-driving mode to serve as a safety signal for other vehicles and passengers.
On issues of liability, GT reports:
“The regulation provides that drivers will bear responsibility in the event of traffic breaches and liabilities if they are seated in the cockpit. For entirely driverless vehicles, if violations or accidents occur when the self-driving system is in control with no human driver in the cockpit, the car owner and operator will in principle be liable for the violation or accident, but the penalties won't be factored into the driver violation point system. Furthermore, if an accident is attributed to vehicle defects, the driver or car owner is entitled to file for compensation with carmakers and vendors after fulfilling their penalty obligations.”
In addition, the new ordinance also urges smart car firms to create data security management systems and privacy protection plans, and also to locate data storage servers within China.