National Security Education Day - China-Suriname Ties - Iran-Israel Tensions - He Lifeng Calls to Accelerate Property Financing - New Coal Capacity Reserve System - Backing the NEV Sector
Hi folks,
I am doing a slightly different edition today, catching up on some developments from the weekend first and then covering the daily edition.
Today is National Security Education Day in China. Do make sure to check out the coverage of that in the paper, particularly the report highlighting typical cases for creating nat-sec awareness.
Cheers,
Manoj
Let’s begin with China’s official reaction to the Iranian attack on Israel. MoFA said:
“China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. There should be no more delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and the conflict must end now. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region.”
Also, do note the statement by China’s Dai Bing at the UNSC:
“Since the breakout of Gaza conflict, the international community has deplored the unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and made strong demands for an immediate ceasefire to end the hostilities. It has also expressed grave concerns about how a prolonged conflict would exacerbate the tensions in the region with serious compounding spillover effects. On April 1, Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in loss of several Iranian personnel and severe destruction to the premises. This is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature. A moment ago, Secretary-General António Guterres briefed us on the escalation that happened on April 13, over which China expresses deep concern. We have also noted that Iran stated that its military action was in response to Israel’s aggression against its diplomatic premises and the matter can be deemed concluded. China calls on relevant parties to exercise maximum calm and restraint and resolve their differences and disputes in accordance with the purposes of the UN Charter and international law to prevent further escalations.”
He also called for “implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728” and “the full implementation of the two-State solution.”
A key development in regard to the events of yesterday was the role of regional actors. While Qatar and Kuwait reportedly refused the use of their air space to the US, Saudi Arabia and Jordan seem to have been more supportive.
Moving on, over the weekend, Xi Jinping met with President of Suriname Chandrikapersad Santokhi. Xinhua says:
Xi said that “China is willing to work with Suriname to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen economic and trade cooperation, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, step up international coordination, and push for a closer China-Suriname strategic cooperative partnership to better benefit the two peoples. Xi stressed that China highly appreciates Suriname's friendship and its firm support for China on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns. He added that China also firmly supports Suriname in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence and independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. China is willing to continue to understand and support each other with Suriname, maintain high-level exchanges, increase friendly exchanges between various departments, legislative bodies and political parties, and enhance the exchange of experience in governance, according to Xi. ‘China welcomes more high-quality and distinctive Surinamese products to enter the Chinese market, and stands ready to deepen cooperation with Suriname on joint Belt and Road construction, enhance synergy of development strategies, and expand cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure construction and digital economy to bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples,’ Xi said.”
“Noting that Suriname is one of the countries with the largest number of overseas Chinese in the Caribbean and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to mark the Chinese New Year as an official holiday, Xi said the two sides should continue to encourage cultural and people-to-people exchanges, facilitate personnel exchanges, and jointly build Confucius Institutes. The two countries should strengthen sub-national cooperation and constantly enrich the content of bilateral exchanges and cooperation, he added. Xi said China is ready to work with Suriname and other developing countries to strengthen multilateral coordination, solidarity and cooperation, safeguard common interests, achieve common development and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. China attaches importance to developing relations with Caribbean countries, supports Caribbean countries in seeking prosperity and development and improving people's well-being, and stands ready to continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of countries in the region, Xi said.”
Santokhi reportedly said that “Suriname supports the important initiatives proposed by China, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, which are of great significance in upholding multilateralism and promoting world peace and sustainable development, and stands ready to advance coordination with China to jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
The two sides inked deals “on economy, trade, investment, green development, digital economy, education and other fields.” The joint statement between the two sides says:
“Both sides reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, support for their peoples’ independent choice of a development path suited to their respective national conditions, and mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. Suriname remains firmly committed to the one-China principle, against any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ and stated that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and supports the efforts of the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.”
“The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of exchanges at the leadership and other levels, expand exchanges and cooperation between government departments, legislatures, political parties and at the subnational levels, strengthen the exchanges and cooperation across various levels of social and youth organizations, enterprises and financial institutions, media outlets, and academic institutions, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.”
Suriname praised BRI and then there was this: “Both sides welcomed the agreed minutes of the debt restructuring arrangement at the technical level, with the aim to administratively conclude the process of debt restructuring at the earliest.”
(Comment: So, it is noteworthy that this agreement was not formalized. In March, Reuters had quoted Suriname’s Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin as saying that they had come to a “good agreement” to rework $483 million debt - $125 million of which is in arrears - and the deal will be signed during the April visit by the President. In fact, in November 2023, Reuters had reported the debt amount at $540 million, with $130 million in arrears. Ramdin had then visited China in the hopes of striking a deal. He had then flagged two issues: “There are two remaining issues. One is the maturity rate - the term of the loan - as we need more time, so it fits within the debt sustainability framework of the International Monetary Fund... and the other is to seek a reduction in interest rate.” The report had added: “‘With China, we are aiming for a similar deal as we have received with India, for instance,’ Ramdin explained. In June, Suriname agreed to repay the approximately $39 million it owes India within 15.5 or 20.5 years, depending on the type of loan, with a maximum annual fixed-interest rate of 1.20%. Suriname needs to a secure a deal with China, the largest of its bilateral creditors, to help it improve its international credit rating so that it can attract fresh foreign funds for its oil and gas industries, Ramdin said, adding that he saw "good opportunities" for Chinese firms in these sectors once policymakers have shored up the economy.”)
“The two sides call for easier access for developing countries to climate finance to implement mitigation and adaptation policies.”
“China and Suriname strive to make their relationship an example of friendship and cooperation between countries of different sizes and national conditions. The Suriname side highly commends the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by President Xi Jinping and supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. The two sides will enhance cooperation within the framework of the relevant initiatives and play a positive role in promoting the cause of peace and development of humankind.”
“Both sides called on the international community to practice true multilateralism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, preserve the international order underpinned by international law, uphold the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, support the United Nations in playing a central role in international affairs, and work for the development and improvement of the global governance system.”
“Both sides emphasized the importance and necessity of keeping the global industrial and supply chains stable and smooth, and advocated for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”
Both sides agreed that “U.N. Security Council reform should increase the representation and voice of developing countries on a priority basis…”
“Suriname will actively engage in the development of the China-CELAC Forum to promote the overall cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries.”
Next, let’s look at the report on the State Council's executive meeting. Key discussion points were:
the work related to accelerating the rise of the central region: For this, the remedy proposed was to make “more efforts should be made to promote deep integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, strengthen regional coordination, and promote in-depth reform and high-level opening up…”
measures to improve the long-term mechanism for resolving payment arrears to enterprises: In this regard, the report says that “resolving payment arrears to enterprises is related to the improvement of the business environment, the overall situation of economic recovery, and the image and credibility of the government, the meeting urged efforts to promote a current special action on debt clearance and establish a sound long-term mechanism.”
hearing reports about energy conservation and carbon reduction work: In this regard, the meeting approved the 2024-2025 Energy Saving and Carbon Reduction Action Plan and the Work Plan to Accelerate the Construction of Dual Control System of Carbon Emissions.
rectification of potential safety hazards in electric moped scooters: In this regard, the report says that fire accidents caused by electric bicycles have increased rapidly in recent years, seriously threatening the safety of people’s lives and property. It, therefore, calls for “comprehensively improving the safety level of production, sales, use, parking, charging and recycling of electric moped scooters”. In addition, “vigorously promote the construction of charging facilities, battery replacement initiatives, and enhance safety supervision.”
Finally, Kim Jong Un made it to the front page of the paper on Sunday, as he met with the visiting Zhao Leji. Xinhua reports:
“Zhao pointed out that the China-DPRK friendship, established and cultivated meticulously by the elder generations of revolutionists of both parties and both countries, has withstood various tests of the changing international situation and is an invaluable asset of the two countries. Zhao said that the CPC and the Chinese government have always treated the China-DPRK relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, and it is China's unwavering policy to maintain, consolidate and develop the China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations. China is willing to work with the DPRK, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both parties and both countries, to promote bilateral practical and mutually beneficial cooperation to attain new achievements, continue to strongly support each other and safeguard the shared interests of the two countries, he said…China is willing to intensify coordination in development and deepen bilateral cooperation with the DPRK, and to continuously enrich China-DPRK relations…”
This picture is quite something:
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Page 1: On the front page, we have a commentary marking the 9th National Security Education Day. The commentary says that over the past few days several regions and departments have held activities around national security education, discussing the comprehensive national security concept. The article says:
“On April 15, 2014, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over the first meeting of the Central National Security Commission. From the strategic perspective of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, combining Marxist national security theory with contemporary China’s security practice and China's fine traditional strategic culture, he creatively put forward the comprehensive national security concept…General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discourses on the comprehensive National Security Concept has elevated our Party's understanding of national security to new heights and realms, providing fundamental principles and action guidelines for national security work in the new era.” 2014年4月15日，习近平总书记主持召开中央国家安全委员会第一次会议，从新时代坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的战略高度，把马克思主义国家安全理论和当代中国安全实践、中华优秀传统战略文化结合起来，创造性提出了总体国家安全观。指出“国家安全是安邦定国的重要基石，维护国家安全是全国各族人民根本利益所在”，强调“坚持以人民安全为宗旨、以政治安全为根本、以经济安全为基础、以军事科技文化社会安全为保障、以促进国际安全为依托”，习近平总书记关于总体国家安全观的重要论述，把我们党对国家安全的认识提升到了新的高度和境界，为新时代国家安全工作提供了根本遵循和行动指南.
If you are interested in understanding the comprehensive national security concept, I highly recommend going through this report by MERICS.
“Since the beginning of the new era, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have implemented the comprehensive national security concept, leading to comprehensive strengthening of national security. We have successfully withstood challenges and tests from various aspects such as politics, economy, ideology, and nature. From the establishment of the Central National Security Commission and the formulation and promulgation of a series of laws and regulations in the field of national security, the national security leadership system, legal system, strategic system, and policy system have been continuously improved to effectively prevent and resolve various risks and challenges. We have resisted and counteracted extreme external efforts of suppression and containment, and safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests with firm determination and quality … China’s national security work has made historic achievements and undergone historic changes, demonstrating the scientific value and practical power of the comprehensive national security concept, and the path of national security with Chinese characteristics is getting wider and broader.” 新时代以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，我们贯彻总体国家安全观，国家安全得到全面加强，经受住了来自政治、经济、意识形态、自然界等方面的风险挑战考验。从成立中央国家安全委员会、制定出台一系列国家安全领域法律法规，国家安全领导体制和法治体系、战略体系、政策体系不断完善，到有效防范化解各类风险挑战，顶住和反击外部极端打压遏制，以坚定的意志品质维护国家主权、安全、发展利益……国家安全工作取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革，彰显了总体国家安全观的科学价值和实践伟力，中国特色国家安全道路越走越宽广.
Then, in the context of the tasks outlined after the 20th Party Congress, the article says:
“Chinese-style modernization is an unprecedented and pioneering endeavor, and it is also a grand undertaking that is full of risks and challenges, requiring arduous efforts. Consequently, we must unswervingly implement the comprehensive national security concept, integrate the maintenance of national security throughout all aspects of the Party and the state’s work, and ensure national security and social stability. Only then can we firmly control the destiny of our country’s development and progress in our own hands. At present, the national security issues we are facing have become significantly more complex and arduous.
It is necessary to accelerate the modernization of the national security system and capabilities, pay more attention to synergy and efficiency, rule of law thinking, scientific and technological empowerment, and grassroots foundation, and promote the organic integration and linkages of all aspects.
It is necessary to firmly grasp the primary task of high-quality development, adhere to the mutually-beneficial interaction of high-quality development and high-quality security, promote high-quality security through high-quality development and ensure high-quality development through high-quality security, and achieve a dynamic balance and mutually reinforcing complementarity between development and security.
It is necessary to adhere to the principle that all national security is for the people and depends on the people, consolidate the social foundation for national security, and gather strong forces to safeguard national security.”
中国式现代化是前无古人的开创性事业，也是一项充满风险挑战、需要付出艰辛努力的宏伟事业。为此，必须坚定不移贯彻总体国家安全观，把维护国家安全贯穿党和国家工作各方面全过程，确保国家安全和社会稳定，才能把我国发展进步的命运牢牢掌握在自己手中。当前我们所面临的国家安全问题的复杂程度、艰巨程度明显加大。要加快推进国家安全体系和能力现代化，更加注重协同高效、法治思维、科技赋能、基层基础，推动各方面建设有机衔接、联动集成；牢牢把握高质量发展这个首要任务，坚持高质量发展和高水平安全良性互动，以高质量发展促进高水平安全，以高水平安全保障高质量发展，实现发展和安全动态平衡、相得益彰；坚持国家安全一切为了人民、一切依靠人民，夯实国家安全的社会基础，汇聚起维护国家安全的强大力量。
If you want to read more on this, on Page 9, there’s an article by the Comprehensive National Security Concept Research Center. It basically points to developments across four domains:
The national security leadership system. In this context, it talks about the establishment of the CNSC, which led to the “strengthening of the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over national security work, the unswerving implementation of the chairman responsibility system of the Central National Security Commission, and ensured that the promotion of national security work has achieved a historic transformation from decentralization to centralization, from slowness to efficiency, and from passivity to proactiveness.” It also mentions the passing of the Regulations on the Leadership of the Communist Party of China on National Security Work and the Regulations on the National Security Responsibility System of Party Committees (Party Groups). 国家安全领导体制更加完善。我们成立中央国家安全委员会，建立集中统一、高效权威的国家安全领导体制，坚持党中央对国家安全工作的集中统一领导，坚定不移贯彻中央国家安全委员会主席负责制，推动国家安全工作实现了从分散到集中、迟缓到高效、被动到主动的历史性变革。出台《党委（党组）国家安全责任制规定》《中国共产党领导国家安全工作条例》等，明确各级党委（党组）维护国家安全的主体责任，从制度上有力强化党对国家安全工作的绝对领导，确保党中央关于国家安全工作的决策部署落到实处.
National security-related legislative work. This mentions new laws such as the national security law, counterespionage law, anti-terrorism law, law on the management of domestic activities of overseas NGOs cyber security law, national intelligence law, nuclear safety law, anti-foreign sanctions law, data security law, etc. It also mentions setting up of Unreliable Entities List and the Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures. 国家安全法治保障更加有效。以新的国家安全法为引领，反间谍法、反恐怖主义法、境外非政府组织境内活动管理法、网络安全法、国家情报法、核安全法、反外国制裁法、数据安全法等国家安全立法纷纷出台，国家安全法律制度体系加速构建，为依法捍卫国家安全提供了充分法律依据。针对干涉内政、非法制裁、“长臂管辖”等危害国家安全的突出问题，及时出台《不可靠实体清单规定》《阻断外国法律与措施不当域外适用办法》等，作出细化规定，为坚决维护国家主权、安全、发展利益提供更有效的法治保障.
Efforts to build the public defense line, i.e., nat-sec education and propaganda efforts.
Successful management of risks and challenges. In this, the article talks about maintenance of development and social stability. They add “we have withstood and counteracted external extreme suppression and containment. With regard to a series of major issues such as those related to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, the South China Sea, human rights, and others, we have dared to fight and fought well, winning one tough battle after another. We have Properly respondED to major emergencies such as epidemics and disasters, promote high-quality development while ensuring safety, and firmly maintain the bottom line of preventing systemic risks. Breakthroughs have been made in emerging national security fields such as biosecurity, cyberspace, data, and artificial intelligence security, helping to maintain the overall stability of national security…China's viability, competitiveness, development and sustainability have been continuously enhanced, making it one of the most secure countries in the world.” 成功应对一系列重大风险挑战。十年来，总体国家安全观指引我们有效破解国家安全面临的各种难题，经受住来自政治、经济、意识形态、自然界等方面的风险挑战考验，续写经济快速发展和社会长期稳定两大奇迹新篇章。我们顶住和反击外部极端打压遏制，在涉港、涉台、涉疆、涉藏、涉海、人权等一系列重大问题上，敢斗善斗，打赢了一场又一场硬仗。妥善应对疫情、灾害等重大突发事件，在确保安全的同时推动高质量发展，牢牢守住不发生系统性风险的底线。在生物安全、网络数据人工智能安全等新兴国家安全领域取得突破性进展，助力保持国家安全大局稳定……我国生存力、竞争力、发展力、持续力不断增强，成为世界上最有安全感的国家之一.
On Page 11, there is a report on the typical cases discussed by national security agencies so that the public can “strengthen their national security awareness and improve their risk prevention capabilities. These include:
First, a March 2023 case of “illegal collection and theft of state secrets in the rare earth sector by a foreign non-ferrous metal company.” Basically, the case is one where a Chinese employee of a foreign firm is enticed with monetary regards. This person then reaches out to a Chinese employee of a Chinese firm “for information on rare earth purchase and storage details by offering monetary rewards as bait.” This transaction takes place, and then subsequently, both the Chinese nationals are prosecuted in November 2023. 叶某某为境外某有色金属公司上海分公司的中国籍员工，成某为国内某稀土公司副总经理。在一次商业合作中，叶某某结识了成某。叶某某所供职的境外某有色金属公司外籍员工，让叶某某以提供金钱报酬为诱饵，私下向成某索要有关稀土收储明细等信息。成某在明知相关内容严禁对外提供的情况下，为谋取私利，仍将工作掌握的稀土收储品类、数量、价格等发送给叶某某，收取对方给予的大量报酬。经国家保密部门鉴定，成某向境外提供的内容涉及7项机密级国家秘密。犯罪嫌疑人对犯罪事实供认不讳。2023年11月，江西省南昌市中级人民法院对叶某某、成某分别作出判决.
Second, the report informs that since 2023, national security agencies, together with meteorological and security departments, have carried out special management of foreign-related meteorological detection nationwide. They have investigated over 10 overseas meteorological equipment agents and inspected more than 3,000 foreign-related meteorological stations. It was discovered that hundreds of illegal foreign-related meteorological detection stations transmit meteorological data overseas in real time. These were widely distributed across over 20 provinces, posing national security risks. Some of these illegal foreign-related meteorological detection stations have their detection projects directly funded by foreign governments. Some observation points are set up around sensitive locations such as military units and military-industrial enterprises for altitude calibration and GPS positioning. Some even transmit data to foreign official meteorological agencies in real-time for long periods, at high frequencies, and from multiple locations, serving foreign national security and meteorological monitoring purposes. 2023年以来，国家安全机关会同气象、保密部门在全国范围依法开展涉外气象探测专项治理，调查境外气象设备代理商10余家，检查涉外气象站点3000余个，发现数百个非法涉外气象探测站点实时向境外传输气象数据，广泛分布在20多个省份，造成国家安全风险隐患。这些非法涉外气象探测站点，有的探测项目受境外政府直接资助，部分观测点设立在军事单位、军工企业等敏感场所周边，进行海拔核准和GPS定位；有的甚至长时间、高频次、多点位实时传输至外国官方气象机构，服务于外国国土安全和气象监测.
Third, the report talks about espionage in regard to food security. It says that some foreign companies and research and consulting firms do everything possible to steal China’s grain-related data and grain germplasm resources. Some steal high-quality animal and plant germplasm and other important national strategic resources; some illegally collect soil, meteorological, food production and other types of data; and some use a legal cover to carry out illegal activities, employing methods such as research, consulting and public relations to explore sensitive information in the agricultural and grain sectors...in recent years, foreign intelligence agencies have also continued to increase their penetration into China's grain sector, and have stolen important scientific research information, which has caused harm to the core competitiveness of China's rice seed industry and food security. 一些境外公司、调查咨询机构千方百计窃取我国涉粮数据、粮食种质资源。他们当中，有的窃取我国优质动植物种质等国家重要战略资源；有的非法采集土壤、气象、粮食生产等各类数据；有的通过合法掩护非法的方式，采用调查咨询、公关拉拢等手段打探农业粮食领域涉密敏感信息……近年来，境外间谍情报机关也持续加大对我国粮食领域渗透力度，大肆窃取重要科研情报，给我国水稻种业核心竞争力与粮食安全造成危害。一些境外公司、调查咨询机构千方百计窃取我国涉粮数据、粮食种质资源。他们当中，有的窃取我国优质动植物种质等国家重要战略资源；有的非法采集土壤、气象、粮食生产等各类数据；有的通过合法掩护非法的方式，采用调查咨询、公关拉拢等手段打探农业粮食领域涉密敏感信息……近年来，境外间谍情报机关也持续加大对我国粮食领域渗透力度，大肆窃取重要科研情报，给我国水稻种业核心竞争力与粮食安全造成危害. It adds that from 2022, 11 companies and over 100 people have been probed and prosecuted. “National security organs have reminded that safeguarding germplasm resources and ensuring food security are the due meaning and essential responsibility of implementing the comprehensive national security concept and advancing the struggle in non-traditional security fields. Relevant enterprises, institutions, and research organizations, while conducting scientific and technological research, enhancing independent research and development capabilities, and improving China's international competitiveness in germplasm resources, should also implement their responsibilities for counter-espionage security, and enhance confidentiality measures; science and technology workers should effectively enhance their awareness of national security during foreign exchanges and interactions, firmly establish bottom-line thinking, guard against cooption and subversion by overseas forces, and not provide opportunities for overseas spy intelligence agencies to exploit and take advantage of them.” 国家安全机关提示，守护种质资源，保障粮食安全，是贯彻落实总体国家安全观、推进非传统安全领域斗争的应有之义、应尽之责。相关企事业单位和科研机构，在开展科技攻关、增强自主研发能力、提高我国种源国际竞争力的同时，要落实好反间谍安全防范责任，增强保密防范措施；广大科技工作者在对外交流交往中，要切实增强国家安全意识，坚决树牢底线思维，防范境外势力的拉拢策反活动，不给境外间谍情报机关可乘之机。
Fourth, the article talks about ideological security. It says that “in recent years, overseas anti-China hostile forces have exploited the Internet and other channels to vigorously conduct ideological ‘psychological warfare’, against people in the country, distorting and sensationalizing domestic hot events. A small number of young students, who lack worldly experience, were incited and bewitched, accidentally falling into a trap and being coerced into taking part in hostile activities, thereby becoming ‘pawns’ for anti-China hostile forces abroad.”维护意识形态安全是坚持总体国家安全观的重要举措。近年来，境外反华敌对势力利用互联网等渠道大肆对境内人员开展意识形态“攻心战”，歪曲炒作境内热点事件。少数涉世未深的青年学生受到煽动蛊惑，不慎落入陷阱，被裹挟参与敌对活动，成为境外反华敌对势力的“棋子” With regard to the case, the report says: “Recently, national security organs successfully detected a typical case of an overseas anti-China political party soliciting students from a certain university to participate in activities, effectively combating the infiltration and subversion activities of overseas anti-China forces, and promptly eliminating the hidden risks and hazards.” The case mentioned is of a student identified as Song, who registered online with an “overseas anti-China political party”. Song apparently “received instructions from members of the organization on the party platform and on participating in anti-China activities and fundraising”. He also visited “overseas anti-China websites for a long time, and provided negative video materials related to China for related websites.” In July 2023, Song was given a warning and administrative penalty, the report says. 日前，国家安全机关成功侦破了一起境外反华政党拉拢某高校学生参与活动的典型案件，有力打击了境外反华势力的渗透策反活动，及时消除了风险隐患。宋某是国内某高校学生，出于猎奇心理，通过网络报名成为境外某反华政党志愿者，并接收该组织成员向其发送的该党政纲和参加反华活动及拉票筹款等指令。宋某还长期浏览境外反华网站，并为相关网站提供涉华负面影像素材。2023年7月，在缜密侦查固定证据的基础上，国家安全机关依法对宋某进行行政询问，根据反间谍法相关规定，予以宋某警告并出具行政处罚决定书。经批评教育，宋某对自己的行为表达了诚恳悔过，承诺今后不再从事类似活动. Another case mentioned is of someone identified as Fu, who worked for a foreign firm and obstructed the work of national security organs.
Next, there’s a report that in 2023, China’s import and export volume was estimated at $5.94, maintaining the country’s status as the largest country in goods trade for 7 consecutive years. It adds that as per the WTO, global exports in 2023 totaled $23.8 trillion, down 4.6%, falling after two consecutive years of growth in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, China’s exports were estimated at $3.38 trillion, with an international market share of 14.2%, the same as in 2022; China's imports were$2.56 trillion, with an international market share of 10.6%, slightly lower than in 2022.
Finally, there’s a long Ren Ping article celebrating the rise of China’s automobile, particularly NEV, sector. I am not doing a detailed breakdown, but sharing below some excerpts:
The manufacturing industry is the foundation/bedrock of a nation and the basis for national strength. The automobile industry is an important symbol of the country's manufacturing strength. 制造业是立国之本、强国之基。汽车产业是国家制造实力的重要标志.
“From an unknown to a global leader, the rapid rise of Chinese automobiles in the new era, especially new energy vehicles, is important to transform and upgrade traditional industries, actively promote high-end, intelligent and green industries, and cultivate and strengthen emerging industries to achieve overtaking in new fields and new tracks.” 从名不见经传到全球领先，新时代中国汽车特别是新能源汽车的快速崛起，重要的在于既改造提升传统产业，积极促进产业高端化、智能化、绿色化，又培育壮大新兴产业，在新领域新赛道实现超车.
BYD gets special mention and praise. In the top 20 global sales rankings of new energy vehicle models in 2023, Chinese brands accounted for as many as 16 models. 2023年全球新能源车型前20位销量排名中，中国品牌高达16款。
The article credits China’s “increasingly mature industrial chain system” for the advancement of its automobile industry, and adds that the “the leap-forward development of the automobile industry has made significant contributions to driving related industries and stimulating employment.”
The article then stresses on China’s advantages in lithium batteries. Ultra-fast charging, long endurance, and high safety batteries are the key demands of consumers. In this context, CATL gets praised as the “chain leader” 链主, who has “seized the commanding heights of the supply chain” when it comes to lithium batteries. 2011年以来，以宁德时代为代表的战略性新兴产业加速落地。在产业变革和技术发展驱动下，宁德时代发力锂电池，抢占供应链制高点，成为新能源行业尤其是电池领域的一大产业“链主”.
In 2023, Chinese companies accounted for 6 of the top 10 power battery companies in the world in terms of vehicle installation volume. 2023年，全球装车量前10名的动力电池企业中，中国企业占据6席.
The article says: “70% of lithium resources rely on imports, and it is difficult to simultaneously meet the large-scale storage needs of transportation, smart grids, and renewable energy...It is therefore important to open up new tracks, developing battery systems that are not subject to resource limitations — In 2023, CATL launched the first generation of sodium-ion battery cells; in 2024, the first large-capacity sodium-ion battery energy storage system in China was successfully developed...Continuous breakthroughs in battery technology have profoundly demonstrated that ‘whoever seizes the opportunity of technological innovation and takes the first step in technological innovation will be able to take the lead and gain advantages’. Mastering a large number of key core technologies, the development of new energy vehicles in China confirms that: technological innovation is the core element of developing new quality productive forces, and it is the source of strength for high-quality development; we have full confidence, advantages and capabilities to win the battle when it comes to key core technologies.” 70%的锂资源依赖进口，且难以同时满足交通、智能电网和可再生能源大规模储能需求……开辟新赛道，开发不受资源限制的电池体系——2023年，宁德时代第一代钠离子电池电芯首发落地；2024年，全国首套大容量钠离子电池储能系统成功研制……电池技术的不断突破深刻表明，“谁牵住了科技创新这个牛鼻子，谁走好了科技创新这步先手棋，谁就能占领先机、赢得优势”。掌握一大批关键核心技术，我国新能源汽车的发展从一个侧面印证：科技创新是发展新质生产力的核心要素，是高质量发展的动力之源；打赢关键核心技术攻坚战，我们完全有信心、有优势、有能力.
Page 2: A report on He Lifeng’s remarks on China’s real estate sector during his visit to Zhengzhou, Henan. He called to:
“accelerate the implementation of the urban real estate financing coordination mechanism to achieve tangible results. Actively provide financial support to compliant real estate projects that meet the ‘white list’ requirements, ensuring that ‘all eligible projects receive loans’. Ensure that projects are completed and delivered on time, effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of home buyers, stabilize expectations, and promote the stable and healthy development of the real estate market.” 何立峰强调，要认真学习贯彻习近平总书记重要指示精神和党中央国务院决策部署，进一步认识做好房地产工作的重要性，加快推进城市房地产融资协调机制落地见效，对符合“白名单”要求的合规房地产项目要积极给予资金支持，做到“应贷尽贷”，保障项目按时建成交付，切实保障购房人的合法权益，稳定预期，促进房地产市场平稳健康发展.
He said that great changes have taken place in the supply and demand relationship in China's real estate market, stressing the needs to speed up nurturing a new model for the sector's development, particularly the 三大工程, i.e., construction of affordable housing, the renewal of urban villages, and the development of dual-use public infrastructure. He added: “Efforts should be made to resolve the bottlenecks in the implementation of the urban real estate financing coordination mechanism, strengthen supervision of projects under construction, ensure project financing, and ensure construction quality and on-time delivery. It is necessary to optimize the ‘white list’ system for compliant real estate projects, ensuring that ‘all eligible projects are included’. For projects included in the ‘white list’, financial institutions should optimize the loan approval and disbursement process, speed up lending, and support the completion of projects. For projects that do not meet the requirements of the ‘white list’, we will promptly come up with targeted solutions. For development loans and pre-sale housing funds, it is necessary to optimize account management and fund supervision, ensure closed-loop operation and strictly prevent illegal diversion of funds.” 何立峰指出，我国房地产市场供求关系已经发生重大变化，要加快构建房地产发展新模式，抓好保障性住房、城中村改造、“平急两用”公共基础设施“三大工程”建设，抓紧解决城市房地产融资协调机制落实的堵点卡点，加强在建项目监管，保障项目融资，确保建设质量和按时交付。要健全合规房地产项目“白名单”制度，“能进尽进”。对纳入“白名单”的项目，金融机构要优化贷款审批和发放流程，加快放款速度，支持项目建设竣工。对暂不符合“白名单”要求的项目，抓紧拿出有针对性的解决方案。对开发贷款和预售房款，要优化账户管理和资金监管，确保封闭运行，严防违规挪用.
He then added:
Relevant central departments should promptly improve and refine relevant policies and strengthen coordination and guidance.
City governments must resolutely assume the main responsibility for maintaining the stable and healthy development of the local real estate market, make good use of their autonomy in real estate regulation, and adjust and optimize real estate policies according to local conditions.
Financial institutions must effectively implement relevant policies and meet the reasonable financing needs of real estate enterprises of different ownerships without discrimination.
Real estate companies must fulfill their due responsibilities to prevent risks and ensure delivery in a timely manner, accelerate the transformation of the development model, and strive to achieve high-quality development.
何立峰要求，中央有关部门要抓紧完善细化相关政策，加强协调指导。城市政府要坚决扛起维护本地房地产市场平稳健康发展的主体责任，用好房地产调控自主权，因地制宜调整优化房地产政策。金融机构要切实落实相关政策，一视同仁满足不同所有制房地产企业合理融资需求。房地产企业要落实防风险、保交付的应尽责任，加快发展模式转型，努力实现高质量发展.
For additional context, “Chinese banks have approved a total of 469 billion yuan of bank credit to 1,979 property projects eligible for financing as of end-March.” A Bloomberg report says that Chinese private developers face a $553 billion funding gap to complete pre-sold homes, as per a research report by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. So the gap between demand and supply of capital remains huge.
Anyway, a recent Bloomberg report adds:
“A number of Chinese state banks are making their strongest effort yet to encourage credit officers to approve loans for developers, in a bid to heed the government’s call to prop up the embattled real estate market. State lenders including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. are telling the officers they won’t be held responsible if property loans eventually turn non-performing, people familiar with the matter said. The directives — aimed at addressing one of the biggest hurdles to funding cash-strapped developers — underscore the tricky balancing act faced by banks as they try to follow Beijing’s calls for support while protecting their own balance sheets. It’s unclear whether the assurances will lead to a jump in lending, given staff are also being reminded to conduct due diligence and ensure loans are used as intended, the people said. Previously, loan officers could face a pay cut or be denied promotion for issuing a loan that turns sour.”
Another report on the page informs that China plans to establish a coal capacity reserve system by 2027. Xinhua says:
“By 2030, the country will strive to attain a yearly coal capacity reserve of 300 million tonnes that are dispatchable and improve the capacity and flexibility of coal supplies, according to a document jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration (NEA). The establishment of the coal capacity reserve system will enable the rapid release of coal production capacity in extreme situations, such as severe fluctuations in the international energy market, adverse weather conditions, and dramatic changes in supply and demand stability, guaranteeing sufficient coal supply in these circumstances, according to an official with the NEA. The system can also better leverage coal-fired power's underpinning role in power generation, promote the high-quality development of new energy, and facilitate the green and low-carbon transformation of the energy industry, the official added. Coal has long been China's mainstay fuel. China mined 4.66 billion tonnes of coal last year, up 2.9 percent from the previous year, reaching a record high.”
Third, there’s a report on the ‘Action Plan for Promoting the Replacement of Old Consumer Goods with New Ones’. This is one part of China’s consumption-boosting efforts.
The plan proposes to accelerate the elimination of passenger cars with emission standards of China 3 and below by 2025, and further increase the market share of high-efficiency and energy-saving home appliances;
By 2025, the recycling volume of scrapped cars will increase by 50% compared with 2023, and the recycling volume of used household appliances will increase by 15% compared with 2023;
By 2027, the recycling volume of scrapped cars will double compared with 2023, the transaction volume of second-hand cars will increase by 45% compared with 2023, and the recycling volume of used household appliances will increase by 30% compared with 2023.
方案提出，通过加大政策引导支持力度，力争到2025年，实现国三及以下排放标准乘用车加快淘汰，高效节能家电市场占有率进一步提升；报废汽车回收量较2023年增长50%，废旧家电回收量较2023年增长15%；到2027年，报废汽车回收量较2023年增加一倍，二手车交易量较2023年增长45%，废旧家电回收量较2023年增长30%。
Page 3: There’s a report informing that Goldman Sachs has raised China’s GDP growth forecast for the year from 4.8% to 5.0%, while Citigroup has raised it from 4.6% to 5.0%. Although the report doesn’t mention it, Morgan Stanley also lifted its 2024 growth forecast, to 4.8% from 4.2%. Bloomberg’s report on this says:
“‘Recent China macro data have been solid,’ Goldman’s economists wrote in the note, adding that the manufacturing data ‘suggests the Chinese economy found a local bottom in late 2023 and is on the way up’.”
Page 15: There is a report on a press conference held by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products in Brussels, asking the EU “to remain objective, fair and transparent in its investigation of Chinese electric vehicles”.