New PLARF Commander - CPEC's Next Phase - Xi on Tech Self-Reliance - New Nuclear Power Projects - State Council on Investment, Confidence & Housing - New Measures to Expand Consumption - 96th Army Day
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily's edition on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
Page 1: There’s a lot of Xi Jinping on the front page today. Let’s begin with the report on Xi presenting certificates of order to promote the commander of the rocket force Wang Houbin and its political commissar Xu Xisheng to the rank of general.
This is the first formal notification of Wang heading the PLARF. He was earlier the deputy commander of the PLAN. He replaces Li Yuchao, who SCMP reported last week had been facing a graft probe. The report had also mentioned Li’s deputies Zhang Zhenzhong and Liu Guangbin being probed.
“The investigation began some time after March, when Wei Fenghe retired as defence minister, according to one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the topic. Wei was the rocket force’s first commander, and was the first from the force or its predecessor, the Second Artillery Corps, to become defence minister. His appointment in 2018 was seen by many as a sign of Xi’s support for the force. “Almost all the senior generals [in the rocket force] had good reputations before their promotion. They became immoral after moving to Beijing headquarters, allowing them to have more chances to engage with defence-related enterprises,” said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the topic.”
Xu Xisheng, meanwhile, moves from the Southern Theatre Command.
Another SCMP report notes: “It is extremely rare for President Xi Jinping, the head of the CMC, to replace a fighting force’s commander and its political chief at the same time. However, a similar change was made to the People’s Armed Police in December 2014, months after it was announced that former security chief Zhou Yongkang had been accused of corruption…The decision to move Wang from the PLA Navy to the Rocket Force is unprecedented, but defence analysts said it reflected the PLA’s confidence in its hybrid warfare abilities. In recent years the PLA has been working to improve its air, land and sea-based nuclear systems – the so-called nuclear triad – as part of a drive to ensure all combat wings can operate together. “It’s not a problem for a naval commander to head the rocket force, because the PLA navy also needs to take care of strategic nuclear weapons,” said Zhou Chenming, a researcher with the Beijing-based Yuan Wang military science and technology think tank. “In today’s modern warfare, all senior commanders in the navy, ground and air force need to be trained [in hybrid warfare],” said Ni Lexiong, a military analyst at the Department of Political Science at Shanghai University of Political and Law. “Indeed, if the former Rocket Force senior commanders were ruined by collective corruption, it’s a wise decision to replace them with an ‘new blood’ leadership that will prevent future misconduct.”
Next, there’s a report on Xi replying to the paratroopers of a model airborne company. Xinhua reports:
“In the reply letter, Xi said he is pleased to learn about the progress the company has achieved and expressed the hope that the paratroopers remain committed to their mission, honor their fine tradition, boost their courage, sharpen their skills and make new contributions to the Party and the people. The company, known for a number of heroic model soldiers in its history including Huang Jiguang who sacrificed his life in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953), has accomplished a series of important missions and maintained its excellence for decades.”
Next, there’s a report on Xi’s letter to mark the 10 years of CPEC. Xinhua reports:
“Xi pointed out that CPEC is an important pioneering project of the Belt and Road cooperation. Since its launch in 2013, China and Pakistan have been advancing CPEC under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and have achieved a number of early harvests. This has added new impetus to the economic and social development of Pakistan and laid a good foundation for regional connectivity and integration, he said, adding that it is a vivid testament to the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan, and provides an important underpinning for building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Stressing that China and Pakistan will continue to improve overall planning and expand and deepen cooperation, Xi said no matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Pakistan. Xi added China and Pakistan will continue to work hand in hand and forge ahead in solidarity to carry forward the ironclad friendship, coordinate development and security, pursue cooperation of higher standards, broader scope and greater depth, and take the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to new heights, so as to make even greater contribution to peace and prosperity in the two countries and the broader region.”
As an aside, Pakistan and China on Monday signed six agreements to help undertake the second phase of CPEC. During the celebrations for CPEC’s 10th anniversary in Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the visiting He Lifeng the “lynchpin” in extending cooperation and support for CPEC in its early days and “very helpful” in ensuring the speedy operations of the project. Also, President Arif Alvi conferred Pakistan’s second-highest civil award, Hilal-i-Pakistan (Crescent of Pakistan) on He Lifeng.
The six documents covered by PTI’s report are:
Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reforms Commission Zhao Chenxin signed the document on the joint cooperation committee of CPEC as well as another agreement on the establishment of an expert exchange mechanism within the framework of the CPEC.
A document signed by the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security Zafar Hassan and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue to export dried chillies from Pakistan to China.
Member Planning of National Highway Authority Asim Amin and Pang signed the fourth document on the realignment of the Karakoram Highway Phase II project feasibility study.
The two sides also signed the MOU on the Industrial Workers' Exchange Programme through diplomatic channels and agreed to promote the strategic ML-1 rail upgradation project.
The report also says the following
“We are now entering the second phase of the CPEC which will envisage investments in sectors such as agriculture and information technology,” he (PM Sharif) said. He assured that Pakistan was ready to contribute towards Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of the shared destiny of progress and prosperity as he showed confidence that Pakistan would stand on its own feet. “We will emulate the Chinese model of development to achieve peace and prosperity in the country,” he said, adding that Pakistan and China enjoy a unique relationship. “We are all-weather friends, iron brothers and this friendship will continue and will not tolerate any obstacles in its way,” he said.” —
Comment: One must appreciate the flattery. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some frustration in Beijing about Pakistan not being able to “stand on its own feet.” It’s also worth noting that He Lifeng’s visit coincided with a terrible bomb attack targeting a political rally by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F in Bajaur. 54 people, including 23 children, have reportedly died in the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State. The cultural events planned for the CPEC 10th anniversary celebrations were cancelled owing to the attack. China’s foreign ministry responded saying: “We are deeply shocked by the attack…We mourn for the victims and extend our sympathy to their families and the people who are injured.”
Next, there’s a report on a new book on Xi Jinping Thought on Rule of Law being published. This is in a Q&A format, with 59 questions divided into seven parts.
And finally, there’s a report on Qiushi publishing Xi’s comments from the third Politburo study session from February this year. The Qiushi article says:
“Strengthening basic research is an urgent requirement for achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement, and it is the only way to build a world scientific and technological power…At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is advancing by leaps and bounds. Interdisciplinary integration is growing. The paradigm of scientific research is undergoing profound changes. The integration of science and technology with economic and social development is accelerating. The application cycle of basic research is significantly shortened, and international competition in basic research is moving to the forefront. To cope with international scientific and technological competition, achieve high-level self-reliance and self-improvement, promote the construction of a new development pattern, and achieve high-quality development, it is urgent for us to strengthen basic research and solve key technical problems from the source and the bottom.” 加强基础研究，是实现高水平科技自立自强的迫切要求，是建设世界科技强国的必由之路...当前，新一轮科技革命和产业变革深入发展，学科交叉融合不断推进，科学研究范式发生深刻变革，科学技术和经济社会发展加速渗透融合，基础研究转化周期明显缩短，国际科技竞争向基础前沿前移。应对国际科技竞争、实现高水平科技自立自强，推动构建新发展格局、实现高质量发展，迫切需要我们加强基础研究，从源头和底层解决关键技术问题.
The article then makes 6 points; I am not detailing them because they are basically the same as what I had covered back in February. I encourage you to read that report.
First, strengthen a forward-looking, strategic and systematic layout for fundamental/basic research.
Second, steadily increase the financial input for basic research
Third, jointly build a system of national laboratories with Chinese characteristics, develop research centers for basic disciplines, advance the deployment of new research information platforms, and form a strong backbone network for basic research
Fourth, strengthen the development of manpower to conduct basic research
Fifth, carry out extensive international cooperation in basic research. In this, he argues for building an international cooperation platform for basic research, setting up a global scientific research fund, making national science and technology programs more open to the outside world, and expanding and deepen joint scientific research with foreign countries on such global issues as climate change, energy security, biosecurity and the use of outer space..
Sixth, create an innovation ecosystem conducive to basic research - this is essentially about culture and the “scientific spirit of pursuing truth and scaling new heights.”
Last but not the least on the front page is a report on the executive meeting of the State Council. The meeting:
approved three nuclear power projects located in Ningde in Fujian Province, Xudapu in Liaoning Province, and Shidao Bay in Shandong Province; Reuters reports that total investment into the new units is estimated at 120 billion yuan ($16.74 billion). “Nuclear power accounts for just around 2.2%, or about 56 gigawatts, of China's total generation capacity, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. In 2020, China set out plans to increase total nuclear capacity to 70 GW by 2025.”
approved in principle a draft decision on extending the authorization for the State Council to carry out a pilot program that enables law practitioners from Hong Kong and Macao to practice in nine cities of Guangdong Province. The draft decision has been sent to the NPC for review.
“The meeting emphasised the need to deeply understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s scientific judgement on the economic situation, further unify thinking and strengthen confidence, effective implementation of the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and focus on strengthening the foundation and fostering new drivers in order to promote a sustained and positive economic recovery. It is necessary to strengthen the study of counter-cyclical adjustment and policy reserves, and introduce new policy measures to better reflect the pertinence, combination and coordination of macro policies. Efforts should be made to stimulate the vitality of private investment, accelerate the resolution of the problem of arrears of corporate accounts, and resolutely rectify arbitrary charges, fines and apportionment. It is necessary to invigorate the capital market and boost investor confidence. It is necessary to accelerate the cultivation and growth of strategic emerging industries, create new pillar industries, and enhance China’s competitiveness and influence in the global industrial and supply chains. It is necessary to adjust and optimize the real estate policy, introduce policies and measures conducive to the stable and healthy development of the real estate market according to different needs and cities, and accelerate the research and construction of a new development model of the real estate industry. It is necessary to attach great importance to doing a good job in employment, integrate and optimise employment and entrepreneurship policies, and vigorously tap employment growth points. It is necessary to further enhance the sense of responsibility and commitment, take the initiative, coordinate and effectively implement policies, and promote high-quality development to achieve new results.” 会议强调，要深刻领会习近平总书记关于经济形势的科学判断，进一步统一思想、坚定信心，切实抓好党中央决策部署贯彻落实，着力固本培元，推动经济持续回升向好。要加强逆周期调节和政策储备研究，相机出台新的政策举措，更好体现宏观政策的针对性、组合性和协同性。要着力激发民间投资活力，加快解决拖欠企业账款问题，坚决整治乱收费、乱罚款、乱摊派。要活跃资本市场，提振投资者信心。要加快培育壮大战略性新兴产业，打造新的支柱产业，增强我国在全球产业链供应链中的竞争力影响力。要调整优化房地产政策，根据不同需求、不同城市等推出有利于房地产市场平稳健康发展的政策举措，加快研究构建房地产业新发展模式。要高度重视做好就业工作，集成优化就业创业政策，大力挖掘就业增长点。要进一步增强责任意识、担当精神，主动、协同、高效抓好落实，推动高质量发展不断取得新成效.
“The meeting pointed out that making follow-up arrangements for the phased policies that expire this year and next year is of great significance for enterprises to stabilise expectations, boost confidence, and arrange investment and operation. 会议指出，对今明两年到期的阶段性政策作出后续安排，对于企业稳定预期、提振信心、安排好投资经营具有重要意义.
Page 2: There’s a report on the new Measures on Restoring and Expanding Consumption. There was a press briefing on this yesterday. There are 20 measures across six broad domains (full text).
Stabilize bulk consumption: This covers optimising restrictions on car purchases based on local conditions, facilitating the circulation of the second-hand car market, and strengthening financial support for automobile consumption. In addition, this talks about supporting NEV sales, building of charging infrastructure, and optimising new energy vehicle purchase tax reductions and exemptions. Support will be provided for rigid and improved housing demands, and efforts will be made to boost consumption in home decoration and furnishings, and electronic products. Expand the supply of affordable rental housing, and focus on solving the housing problems of new migrants, youth and other groups facing housing difficulties. Emphasis is paid to renovating and upgrading housing.
Expand service consumption: Guide all localities to optimise the relevant regulations on extending the business hours of catering establishments according to local conditions, support the sustained recovery of catering consumption and promote employment. Optimise the approval procedures for performance events and increase the supply of cultural, sports and leisure consumption. Gradually bring eligible ‘internet plus” medical services into the scope of medical insurance payment.
Promote rural consumption: The measures put forward policies such as promoting the consumption of green products in the countryside, improving rural e-commerce and express logistics distribution system. Vigorously develop rural tourism, encourage characteristic products to enter urban markets, encourage rural areas to meet more urban consumer demand, and increase rural residents' consumption power.
Expand new consumption: Enrich the application scenarios, accelerate the digital transformation of traditional consumption, promote the integration of the new generation of information technology with more consumption areas, and actively develop the green and low-carbon consumption market.
Improve consumption facilities: Effectively upgrade and improve consumption conditions, and help people to consume and shop more conveniently, quickly and comfortably.
Optimise the consumption environment: Carry out a comprehensive campaign to ensure safe consumption and improve service standards in key consumer areas. We will remove institutional obstacles and hidden barriers in an orderly manner, and continue to improve the long-term mechanism for promoting consumption.
一是稳定大宗消费。《措施》明确提出因地制宜优化汽车限购措施、畅通二手车市场流通、加强汽车消费金融支持。支持刚性和改善性住房需求，提升家装家居和电子产品消费。二是扩大服务消费。引导各地因地制宜优化餐饮场所延长营业时间相关规定，支持餐饮消费持续复苏并带动就业。优化演出赛事活动审批程序，增加文化体育休闲消费供给。逐步将符合条件的“互联网+”医疗服务纳入医保支付范围等。三是促进农村消费。《措施》提出开展绿色产品下乡、完善农村电子商务和快递物流配送体系等政策。大力发展乡村旅游、鼓励特色产品进城，推动乡村承接更多城镇消费需求，提高农村居民消费能力。四是拓展新型消费。丰富应用场景，加快传统消费数字化转型，推动新一代信息技术与更多消费领域融合应用，积极发展绿色低碳消费市场。五是完善消费设施。有效提升和改善消费条件，帮助群众更方便、快捷、舒心地消费和购物。六是优化消费环境。全面开展放心消费行动，完善重点消费领域服务标准。有序破除体制机制障碍和隐性壁垒，持续完善促进消费长效机制.
Next, there’s a report on the NDRC’s press briefing on the economic situation in H1.
“The meeting said that it is necessary to deepen understanding, strengthen confidence, and effectively unify thoughts with the analysis and judgement of the CPC Central Committee on the current economic situation, and fully understand that the national economy continues to recover, the overall recovery is improving, high-quality development is solidly advancing and the overall social situation remains stable. At the same time, we must face new difficulties and challenges, such as insufficient domestic demand, operating difficulties of some enterprises, hidden risks in some fields, and the complex and severe external environment. We must also deeply understand that China's economy is resilient, has great potential, and is full of vitality, and that the fundamentals of long-term improvement have not changed. The new development pattern is being accelerated and high-quality development is being promoted in an all-round way. The economy has a solid foundation and favourable conditions, which give us the confidence, conditions, and ability to promote continuous improvement in economic structure, sustainable enhancement of growth momentum, and continuous positive development trends.” 会议表示，要深化认识、坚定信心，切实把思想统一到党中央对当前经济形势的分析判断上来，充分看到国民经济持续恢复、总体回升向好，高质量发展扎实推进，社会大局保持稳定。同时，要正视国内需求不足、一些企业经营困难、部分领域存在风险隐患、外部环境复杂严峻等新的困难挑战，更要深刻认识到中国经济韧性强、潜力大、活力足，长期向好的基本面没有改变，新发展格局正在加快构建，高质量发展正在全面推进，经济发展具有良好支撑和有利条件，有信心、有条件、有能力推动经济结构持续向优、增长动能持续增强、发展态势持续向好.
It adds that going ahead policy research should adopt a macro perspective while focusing on micro-level implementation and focus out in-depth research and put forward targeted policy measures; planning should be comprehensive, implemented in stages, and regularly evaluated; Investment management should speed up the use of funds, form physical workload (ensure tangible outcomes) as soon as possible, and strengthen project reserves…下一步工作中，政策研究要坚持“宏观着眼、微观着手”，深入研究提出有针对性的政策举措；规划计划要整体性谋划、分阶段推进、常态化评估；投资管理要加快资金使用，尽快形成实物工作量，加强项目储备；经济体制改革要突出“牵一发而动全身”的改革、突出基层首创精神、突出重大改革措施落地见效；综合平衡要思考谋划事关全局的大事难事，协调各方推动急难险重任务落实。
The final paragraph talks about specific agenda items for H2:
intensify macroeconomic policy regulation, implement precise and effective macro-control measures, strengthen coordination and research reserves for macro policies, and effectively guide expectations.
promote consumption and investment expansion, promote the steady recovery and expansion of bulk consumption, promote the rapid growth of service consumption, activate private investment, give play to the guiding role of government investment, and release the demand potential in the process of promoting the coordinated development of regional urban and rural areas.
support the development of the real economy, accelerate the development of a modern industrial system, promote self-reliance in high-level science and technology, transform and upgrade traditional industries, accelerate the cultivation and expansion of strategic emerging industries, and take comprehensive measures to help enterprises reduce burdens and increase efficiency.
deepen reform and opening up, earnestly implement the ‘two unswervings’, continue to push forward the reform of key links, and accelerate the construction of a new system of open economy at a higher level.
consolidate the foundation of economic security, strengthen the stability and supply of grain and important agricultural products, enhance energy and resource security capabilities, promote the complementary, extension, and upgrading of industrial chains and supply chains, and effectively safeguard data security.
safeguard and improve people’s livelihood in development, do a good job in the employment of key groups such as college graduates, continue to increase residents’ income, and improve the level of public services and social security.
会议强调，党中央、国务院对下半年经济工作已经作了全面部署，要不折不扣抓好落实。要坚持稳字当头、稳中求进，突出“稳”、强化“进”、实现“好”，扎实推动发展改革工作取得新成效。一是加大宏观政策调控力度，精准有力实施宏观调控，强化宏观政策统筹协调和预研储备，扎实做好预期引导。二是促消费扩投资，促进大宗消费稳步恢复和扩大，推动服务消费保持较快增长，激活民间投资，发挥政府投资引导作用，释放推动区域城乡协调发展过程中的需求潜力。三是支持实体经济发展，加快现代化产业体系建设，推进高水平科技自立自强，推动传统产业改造升级，加快培育壮大战略性新兴产业，综合施策帮助企业减负增效。四是深化改革开放，切实落实“两个毫不动摇”，持续推进关键环节改革，加快建设更高水平开放型经济新体制。五是夯实经济安全根基，强化粮食和重要农产品稳产保供，加强能源资源安全保障能力建设，推动产业链供应链补链、延链、升链、建链，有力有效维护数据安全。六是在发展中保障和改善民生，加力做好高校毕业生等重点群体就业工作，持续促进居民增收，提高公共服务和社会保障水平.
Page 3: The China-Georgia and China-Guyana (English report) joint statements are published on the page. I covered the former yesterday. I’ll cover key excerpts from the latter below:
Both sides reaffirmed their respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support for their peoples’ choice of a development path suited to respective national conditions, based on the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and in keeping with the purposes of the United Nations Charter and international law. Guyanese side reiterated Guyana’s firm support for the one-China principle.
President Ali expressed gratitude to President Xi for China’s support in Guyana’s economic development, including in the area of infrastructure. Both sides committed to deepening economic ties, including enhanced trade and investment promotion, and to expanding cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, health, energy and education.
Guyanese side applauded China’s proposals of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. With reference to the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Twenty First Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, signed between the two sides on July 27, 2018, the Guyana side expressed willingness to discuss and conclude the Joint Action Plan on Promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Chinese side.
President Ali shared with the Chinese side his conviction that keen attention needed to be paid by both developed and developing countries in promoting food, climate and energy security for sustained development. Both sides noted that the Global Development Initiative was one framework that could support the implementation of this objective.
Recognizing the positive role of infrastructure development in generating economic growth and alleviating poverty, both sides agreed to expand collaboration in this area. Both sides agreed to investigate the prospects for collaboration in the development and construction of critical infrastructure projects, leveraging China’s experience, expertise and finance capacity…Both sides agreed to explore the possibility of expanding trade in a variety of industries, including agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and services.
Some other areas of cooperation mentioned are cultural, people-to-people cooperation, education, healthcare, renewable energy, climate resilience and adaptation, etc.
Another report on the page informs of Li Jianchao meeting with a visiting delegation from the Serbian Progressive Party.
Page 4: There’s a report on the reception held to mark the 96th army day. Defense Minister Li Shangfu spoke at the meeting.
“Li Shangfu said that in the new era and on the new journey, we must fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping thought on strengthening the army, and thoroughly implement the military strategy for the new era, comprehensively strengthen Party building in the army, comprehensively enhance military training and preparedness, comprehensively improve military governance, consolidate and enhance the integrated national strategic system and capabilities, unswervingly promote the great cause of the reunification of the motherland, achieve the goal of the army's centennial struggle as scheduled, and accelerate the transformation of the people's army into a world-class army. The Chinese military will faithfully implement the global security initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, continue to deepen international military exchanges and cooperation, and inject more certainty and positive energy into today’s troubled world.” 李尚福说，新时代新征程，我们要全面贯彻党的二十大精神，深入贯彻习近平强军思想，深入贯彻新时代军事战略方针，全面加强军队党的建设，全面加强练兵备战，全面加强军事治理，巩固提高一体化国家战略体系和能力，坚定不移推进祖国统一大业，如期实现建军一百年奋斗目标，加快把人民军队建成世界一流军队。中国军队将忠实践行习近平主席提出的全球安全倡议，持续深化国际军事交流合作，为变乱交织的当今世界注入更多确定性和正能量.
Also on the page is a long feature written for the occasion. I am not summarising this; it reiterates some of the key messages that we’ve repeatedly heard, such as “be firmly loyal to the core, support the core, maintain the core, and defend the core” and emphasis on combat-readiness, etc.
Page 8: There’s a report on rain and flooding in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, largely focussing on state response. The report’s brief summary is that “multiple places and departments launched emergency response, mobilised manpower and material resources, united as one, and carried out flood prevention and disaster relief work.”
Page 14: A report by the energy administration on the H1 situation this year.
Investment in key national energy projects increased 1 trillion yuan, up 23.9% year-on-year.
Exceeding 100 million kilowatts, the newly installed capacity of renewable energy accounted for 77% of the total installed capacity of new power generation
installed capacity of new energy storage is about 8.63 million kilowatts/17.72 million kWh – doubling in six months.
7月31日，国家能源局发布了几组上半年的数据：突破1万亿元，全国能源重点项目完成投资额同比增长23.9%；突破1亿千瓦，全国可再生能源新增装机占新增发电总装机的77%；实现半年翻番，新投运新型储能装机规模约863万千瓦/1772万千瓦时，相当于此前历年累计装机规模总和。
“In the first half of the year, the domestic output of raw coal, crude oil and natural gas increased steadily, growing by 4.4%, 2.1% and 5.4%, respectively. The installed capacity of power generation in China reached 2.71 billion kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of 10.8%; the international prices of coal, crude oil, and natural gas have significantly decreased by 30% to 50%, leading to a rapid increase in China's energy imports. At the same time, with the continuous advancement of large-scale wind and solar power bases, major hydropower projects, and pumped storage projects, renewable energy development has achieved new breakthroughs. By the end of the first half of the year, China’s cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy exceeded 1.3 billion kilowatts, reaching 1.322 billion kilowatts, an increase of 18.2% year-on-year, historically surpassing coal-fired power, accounting for about 48.8% of China’s total installed capacity. 上半年，国内原煤、原油、天然气产量稳步提高，同比分别增长4.4%、2.1%、5.4%；全国发电装机规模达到27.1亿千瓦，同比增长10.8%；国际煤炭、原油、天然气价格明显回落，降幅在三至五成，我国能源进口较快增长。与此同时，随着大型风电光伏基地、重大水电项目和抽水蓄能项目建设持续推进，可再生能源发展实现新突破。截至上半年，全国可再生能源装机突破13亿千瓦、达到13.22亿千瓦，同比增长18.2%，历史性超过煤电，约占我国总装机的48.8%。
In the first half of the year, the country added 22.99 million kW of wind power connected to the grid, including 21.89 million kW of onshore wind power and 1.1 million kW of offshore wind power. Nationwide, 78.42 million kW of photovoltaic power was newly connected to the grid, an increase of 154%, of which centralised photovoltaic power generation was 37.46 million kilowatts, up 234% year-on-year; distributed photovoltaic power generation was 40.96 million kilowatts, up 108% year-on-year. 具体看，上半年全国风电新增并网容量2299万千瓦，其中陆上风电2189万千瓦、海上风电110万千瓦。全国光伏新增并网7842万千瓦，同比增长154%，其中集中式光伏发电3746万千瓦，同比增长234%；分布式光伏发电4096万千瓦，同比增长108%.
By the end of June, the cumulative installed capacity of new energy storage projects has exceeded 17.33 million kilowatts/35.8 million kWh, with an average energy storage time of 2.1 hours. In the first half of the year, the newly put into operation installed capacity was about 8.63 million kilowatts/17.72 million kilowatt hours, equivalent to the sum of the accumulated installed capacity in previous years. 截至6月底，全国已建成投运新型储能项目累计装机规模超过1733万千瓦/3580万千瓦时，平均储能时长2.1小时。上半年，新投运装机规模约863万千瓦/1772万千瓦时，相当于此前历年累计装机规模总和.
Page 17: On the international page, there’s a report on the foreign ministry’s response to the blast in Pakistan and another brief report on the meeting between Palestinian factions in Egypt.