Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Page 1: The full new “Regulations on Ecological Environmental Protection Supervision Work” is published in the paper today. These were approved by the Politburo on March 31, 2025, and issued on April 28. I think it’s useful to summarise this document to understand bureaucratic structures, reporting mechanisms, processes and policy objectives.
Article 2 informs that “ecological and environmental protection inspection work shall be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” and calls to “fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization”.
Article 4 informs that under the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, a two-level ecological and environmental protection supervision system shall be implemented at the central and provincial, autonomous region and municipal level. The Central Ecological and Environmental Protection System shall organise and conduct comprehensive supervision on the performance of ecological civilisation construction and ecological and environmental protection responsibilities of provincial, autonomous region and municipal party committees and governments, relevant departments of the State Council and relevant central enterprises. 第四条 在党中央集中统一领导下，实行中央和省、自治区、直辖市两级生态环境保护督察制度。 中央生态环境保护督察对省、自治区、直辖市党委和政府，国务院有关部门以及有关中央企业等履行生态文明建设和生态环境保护责任组织开展全面督察.
Article 5 says that a Central Ecological and Environmental Protection Supervision Leading Group (中央生态环境保护督察工作领导小组) shall be established to carry out its work under the leadership of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and its Standing Committee. 第六条 中央生态环境保护督察工作领导小组负责统筹协调、指导督促中央生态环境保护督察工作。主要职责是：
The main responsibilities of this group are:
Studying, implementing, and carrying out Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, implementing the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council on comprehensively promoting the construction of a Beautiful China, strengthening ecological civilisation construction and ecological environmental protection, and researching and deploying central ecological and environmental protection inspection work;
Reporting relevant situations of the central ecological and environmental protection inspection work to the Party Central Committee and the State Council;
Studying and discussing institutional norms, plans and programs, inspection reports, etc., related to central ecological and environmental protection inspection;
Hearing work situation reports from the Office of the Leading Group;
Studying and discussing other important matters in central ecological and environmental protection inspection work;
Handling other matters assigned by the Party Central Committee.
第六条 中央生态环境保护督察工作领导小组负责统筹协调、指导督促中央生态环境保护督察工作。主要职责是： （一）学习贯彻落实习近平生态文明思想，贯彻落实党中央、国务院关于全面推进美丽中国建设、加强生态文明建设和生态环境保护的决策部署，研究部署中央生态环境保护督察工作； （二）向党中央、国务院报告中央生态环境保护督察工作等有关情况； （三）研究讨论中央生态环境保护督察制度规范、规划计划、督察报告等； （四）听取领导小组办公室有关工作情况汇报； （五）研究讨论中央生态环境保护督察工作中的其他重要事项； （六）办理党中央交办的其他事项.
The Office of the Central Ecological and Environmental Protection Supervision Leading Group will be located in the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. 第七条 中央生态环境保护督察工作领导小组办公室设在生态环境部，负责领导小组的日常工作，承担中央生态环境保护督察的组织实施等工作.
Article 8 provides the mandate to establish Central Ecological and Environmental Protection Inspection Teams (中央生态环境保护督察组). The job of the teams is t:
Carry out inspections
Report on inspections to the Leading Group
Put together of typical cases, clue lists and case files related to ecological and environmental damage accountability
Provide feedback to those inspected and participate in promoting inspection rectification and application of results
Educate, manage and supervise the cadres of the supervision group
Or any other matter assigned by the Leading Group
Article 14 explains what’s the scope of supervision:
Study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, and the implementation of the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council regarding the construction of ecological civilization and the protection of the ecological environment;
Implementation of intra-Party regulations, laws and regulations, policy systems, standards and norms, plans and programs, and major reform tasks related to ecological and environmental protection;
Promotion and implementation of the principles of ‘shared responsibility of Party and government’ and ‘dual responsibility for one post’ in ecological and environmental protection;
Implementation of ecological and environmental protection requirements in the execution of major regional strategies;
Work related to the construction of a Beautiful China, such as environmental pollution prevention and control, green transformation of development mode, ecological protection and restoration, and promotion of carbon peak and carbon neutrality;
Rectification of problems reported by the central ecological environment protection inspection and the construction of a long-term mechanism
Handling of prominent ecological and environmental problems strongly reflected by the people;
Other ecological and environmental protection matters that require inspection
第十四条 中央生态环境保护督察的主要内容包括： （一）学习贯彻落实习近平生态文明思想，贯彻落实党中央、国务院关于生态文明建设和生态环境保护的决策部署情况； （二）生态环境保护党内法规、法律法规、政策制度、标准规范、规划计划、重大改革任务的贯彻落实情况； （三）生态环境保护“党政同责”和“一岗双责”推进落实情况； （四）区域重大战略实施中生态环境保护要求落实情况； （五）环境污染防治、发展方式绿色转型、生态保护修复、推进碳达峰碳中和等美丽中国建设方面工作情况； （六）中央生态环境保护督察反馈问题整改及长效机制建设情况； （七）人民群众反映强烈的突出生态环境问题及处理情况； （八）其他需要督察的生态环境保护事项.
Articles 16-30 detail the process of investigation and the nature of rectification. I am not summarising these.
Article 31 authorises inspection units to transfer information to the CCDI and NSC, the Central Organization Department, and the Party Committee of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.
Article 32 empowers the Central Organization Department to use the inspection results and relevant information on the inspection rectification work as important bases for the assessment and evaluation, selection and appointment, management and supervision, and commendation and reward of Party and government leadership groups and relevant leading cadres. 第三十二条 中央组织部按照干部管理权限，将督察结果和督察整改工作有关情况作为党政领导班子和有关领导干部考核评价、选拔任用、管理监督、表彰奖励的重要依据，加强督察结果在干部管理工作中的运用.
Article 33 says that for matters discovered during the inspection that require the carrying out of ecological and environmental damage compensation work, they shall be transferred to the governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government to pursue claims and recovery in accordance with relevant regulations; for matters that require the initiation of public interest litigation, they shall be transferred to procuratorial organs or other authorised organs for handling according to law. For matters discovered during the inspection that are related to disciplinary violations, legal violations, or crimes, they shall be transferred, in accordance with relevant regulations, to disciplinary inspection and supervision organs or judicial organs for handling in accordance with rules, discipline, and law. 第三十三条 对督察发现需要开展生态环境损害赔偿工作的，移送省、自治区、直辖市政府依照有关规定索赔追偿；需要提起公益诉讼的，移送检察机关等有权机关依法处理。 对督察发现涉嫌违纪违法犯罪的，按照有关规定移送纪检监察机关或者司法机关依规依纪依法处理.
Articles 35 to 41 talk about discipline issues for the inspection units. Article 40 warns them about:
Failure to carry out inspections in accordance with work requirements, resulting in the failure to discover important ecological and environmental problems that should have been discovered;
Failure to report the inspection situation truthfully, concealing, distorting, or fabricating facts;
Disclosing information such as state secrets, work secrets, and commercial secrets related to the inspection work;
Exceeding authority or not carrying out inspection work in accordance with the prescribed procedures, resulting in adverse consequences;
Using the authority of inspection work to seek personal gain or seek improper benefits for others;
Other acts that violate the discipline of inspection work.
（一）不按照工作要求开展督察，导致应当发现的重要生态环境问题没有发现；（二）不如实报告督察情况，隐瞒、歪曲、捏造事实；（三）泄露与督察工作相关的国家秘密、工作秘密、商业秘密等未公开信息；（四）工作中超越权限或者不按照规定程序开展督察工作，造成不良后果；（五）利用督察工作的便利谋取私利或者为他人谋取不正当利益；（六）其他违反督察工作纪律的行为.
Also on the page, there’s a brief report (English report) on Li Xi meeting Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing.
Another report on the page informs that “China purchased a total of 345 million metric tons of 2024 autumn grain by the end of April, according to data released by the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration.” China Daily’s report informs that this is “one of the highest levels in recent years.”
“Autumn grain purchases in China mainly cover mid- and late-season rice, corn and soybeans. The peak purchasing season runs from mid-September of the harvest year through the end of April the following year. Autumn grain typically accounts for about three-quarters of the country's total annual grain purchases, contributing to a critical part of the food procurement efforts, the administration said.”
Page 2: I covered China-US trade talks in yesterday’s edition. Today, the joint statement (English text) is published in the paper. It says:
“The Parties commit to take the following actions by May 14, 2025: The United States will (i) modify the application of the additional ad valorem rate of duty on articles of China (including articles of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region) set forth in Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025, by suspending 24 percentage points of that rate for an initial period of 90 days, while retaining the remaining ad valorem rate of 10 percent on those articles pursuant to the terms of said Order; and (ii) removing the modified additional ad valorem rates of duty on those articles imposed by Executive Order 14259 of April 8, 2025 and Executive Order 14266 of April 9, 2025.
China will (i) modify accordingly the application of the additional ad valorem rate of duty on articles of the United States set forth in Announcement of the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council No. 4 of 2025, by suspending 24 percentage points of that rate for an initial period of 90 days, while retaining the remaining additional ad valorem rate of 10 percent on those articles, and removing the modified additional ad valorem rates of duty on those articles imposed by Announcement of the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council No. 5 of 2025 and Announcement of the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council No. 6 of 2025; and (ii) adopt all necessary administrative measures to suspend or remove the non-tariff countermeasures taken against the United States since April 2, 2025.
After taking the aforementioned actions, the Parties will establish a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations. The representative from the Chinese side for these discussions will be He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council, and the representatives from the U.S. side will be Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, and Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative. These discussions may be conducted alternately in China and the United States, or a third country upon agreement of the Parties. As required, the two sides may conduct working-level consultations on relevant economic and trade issues.”
NYT’s report summarises this:
“In a joint statement, the countries said they would suspend their respective tariffs for 90 days while they negotiate. Under the agreement, the United States would reduce the tariff on Chinese imports to 30 percent from its current 145 percent, while China would lower its import duty on American goods to 10 percent from 125 percent.”
CNBC reports that “The new 30% rate is the sum of the 20% duty Trump imposed early in his second term over alleged Chinese failures to curb fentanyl flows and the 10% universal tariff he has applied to nearly all foreign imports.”
WSJ’s report adds: “The U.S. tariff on many Chinese products will be higher than 30%. U.S. duties on steel, aluminum and autos remain in place, as do some earlier tariffs on certain Chinese goods imposed during President Trump’s first term in office and that of former President Joe Biden.”
There’s a Zhong Sheng commentary in the paper today, saying that talks in Geneva were “candid, in-depth and constructive, and important consensus was reached and substantial progress was made.” On the tariff reductions, this is an interesting description of the calculation.
“This round of high-level China-U.S. economic and trade talks achieved substantive progress, with a significant reduction in bilateral tariff levels: the U.S. side canceled a total of 91% of additional tariffs, and the Chinese side correspondingly canceled 91% of counter-tariffs; the U.S. side suspended the implementation of 24% of ‘reciprocal tariffs’, and the Chinese side correspondingly suspended the implementation of 24% of counter-tariffs.” 本次中美经贸高层会谈取得实质性进展，大幅降低双边关税水平，美方取消了共计91%的加征关税，中方相应取消了91%的反制关税；美方暂停实施24%的“对等关税”，中方也相应暂停实施24%的反制关税.
As two major countries at different stages of development and with different economic systems, it is normal for China and the United States to have differences and frictions in economic and trade cooperation. The key is to be guided by the important consensus of the two heads of state, and based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, to find proper ways to resolve issues through equal dialogue and consultation. After decades of development, the supply chains, industrial chains, and value chains of China and the United States have become intertwined and deeply embedded with each other. The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. Confrontation, conflict, and trade wars do not serve the interests of either China or the US. From restrictions on US agricultural exports to global supply chain disruptions, from increased business costs to rising consumer prices, the negative spillover effects of trade wars affect the stability and confidence of global markets. International observers have repeatedly voiced rational opinions that ‘no one can benefit from trade wars, tariff policies will cause lose-lose outcomes’ and ‘protectionism leads nowhere, and win-win cooperation is what people desire’. The results achieved in this high-level China-US economic and trade dialogue demonstrate that equal dialogue and consultation is the correct path to resolve differences between the two sides, which is in line with the need for China and the US to continue exploring the right way for two major countries to get along. 作为发展阶段、经济制度不同的两个大国，中美双方在经贸合作中出现分歧和摩擦是正常的，关键要以两国元首重要共识为指引，本着相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢的原则，通过平等对话协商，找到妥善解决问题的办法。历经几十年发展，中美供应链、产业链、价值链相互交融、深度互嵌。中美经贸关系的本质是互利共赢，对抗冲突、打贸易战不符合中美任何一方的利益。从美国农产品出口受限到全球供应链震荡，从企业成本推高到消费者物价上涨，贸易战的负面外溢效应波及全球市场的稳定与信心。国际人士一再发出“没有人能从贸易战当中获益，关税政策会造成‘双输’”“保护主义没有出路，合作共赢是人心所向”的理性声音。本次中美经贸高层会谈取得的成果表明，平等对话协商是解决双方分歧的正确道路，符合中美继续探寻两个大国正确相处之道的需要.
It also calls the talks “a good starting point” but adds that “to fundamentally solve the problems, the US side needs to thoroughly correct the erroneous practice of unilateral tariff increases, continuously strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and work with China to actively implement the important consensus reached during the phone call between the leaders of the two countries on January 17 this year…” 这是一个好的起点，但要从根本上解决问题，还需要美方彻底纠正单边加税的错误做法，不断加强互利合作，和中方一道积极落实今年1月17日两国元首通话重要共识，本着相互开放、持续沟通、合作和相互尊重的精神，继续推进相关工作.
“The significance of the China-US economic and trade talks in Geneva lies not only in the specific outcomes reached, but more importantly in the reaffirmation by both sides of the path of resolving differences through equal dialogue and consultation. The road ahead might not be smooth, but China is willing to work together with the US side, using this round of high-level China-US economic and trade talks as a good foundation, to continue advancing with a pragmatic attitude toward problem-solving, maintain the momentum of dialogue, deeply explore cooperation potential, extend the list of cooperative projects, enlarge the scope of cooperation, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-US economic and trade relations, to benefit the people of both countries and the world.” 中美日内瓦经贸会谈的意义不仅在于达成的具体成果，更在于中美双方重新确认了平等对话协商解决分歧的路径。未来之路也许并不平坦，但中方愿同美方一道，以此次中美经贸高层会谈为良好基础，继续以解决问题的务实态度，保持对话势头，深挖合作潜力，拉长合作清单，做大合作蛋糕，推动中美经贸关系健康稳定发展，造福两国和世界人民.
Two other reports on the page are about Wang Yi’s meetings.
First, Wang met with some foreign ministers and representatives of the participating countries of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing. Xinhua says:
“When meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Wang said that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel held a fruitful and important meeting in Moscow, charting the course for further progress in China-Cuba relations. China will continue to support Cuba in its just struggle to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity and oppose blockade and sanctions, and advance the building of the China-Cuba community with a shared future to achieve new progress continuously. Rodriguez expressed heartfelt gratitude for China’s firm support to Cuba in opposing the blockade and sanctions, as well as its valuable assistance in helping Cuba overcome economic difficulties. Cuba will continue to steadfastly uphold the one-China principle and work with China to fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their meeting in Moscow, Rodriguez said.
When meeting with Uruguayan foreign minister Mario Lubetkin, Wang said that China is willing to work with Uruguay to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Uruguay comprehensive strategic partnership with stronger political mutual trust, higher-level mutually beneficial cooperation and closer multilateral collaboration. Lubetkin said that Uruguay highly appreciates the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi, supports free trade and is willing to jointly practice multilateralism, adding that the Uruguayan side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the ‘one country, two systems’ policy.
When meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo, Wang said that President Xi and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte paid mutual visits last year, noting that China is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the China-Peru comprehensive strategic partnership to continuously reach new heights. The two heads of state jointly announced the opening of Chancay Port, which has become a symbol of promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and accelerating their development and revitalization, Wang said, adding that China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Peru in various fields. Schialer said that Peru firmly abides by the one-China principle, looks forward to deepening all-round cooperation with China in politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture and so on, and is willing to jointly build Chancay Port Industrial Park, further promote free trade cooperation between the two countries, and speed up the negotiation and signing of double taxation avoidance agreements.
During the meeting with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, Wang said that President Xi held a fruitful meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Moscow, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the next stage. China firmly supports the solidarity and self-strengthening of regional countries and is willing to work with Venezuela and other Latin American countries to oppose hegemonic and bullying move and safeguard international justice, Wang added. Noting that Venezuela is satisfied and proud of the establishment of all-weather strategic partnership between Venezuela and China and the important achievements in cooperation in various fields, Gil said that China plays an important role in safeguarding international rules such as the UN Charter, and Venezuela firmly supports China's just position.
When meeting with Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, Wang said that China is willing to work with Guyana, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, explore cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy and green economy, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in healthcare, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges. China will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Guyana, and help Guyana upgrade its industries and achieve economic self-reliance, Wang added. Noting that Guyana regards China as a reliable good friend, Todd said that Guyana is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and welcomes more Chinese investment, Guyana appreciates China’s leadership in improving global governance and is willing to jointly adhere to multilateralism and safeguard international law and international rules.
When meeting with presidential adviser of Nicaragua Laureano Ortega Murillo and minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, Wang said that China is willing to work with Nicaragua to consolidate high-level mutual trust, continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Nicaragua, and give priority to implementing cooperation projects conducive to Nicaragua’s accelerated independent development. China support its enterprises to invest and do business in Nicaragua, and believes that Nicaragua will continue to adhere to friendly relations with China and provide a favorable business environment, Wang added. Laureano said that Nicaragua firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes unilateral acts of imposing excessive tariffs, noting that Nicaragua firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi which contribute to global peace, security, stability and development.
When meeting with Colombian foreign minister Laura Sarabia, Wang congratulated Colombia on taking over the rotating presidency of the China-CELAC Forum, saying that China has always viewed China-Colombia relations from a strategic height and a long-term perspective and is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to carry out cooperation on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative. Sarabia expressed her gratitude to China for its support of Colombia’s peace process and efforts to explore diversified development. She said that Colombia is willing to join the Belt and Road Initiative and promote more tangible results in bilateral cooperation and looks forward to China increasing investment in Colombia.”
Second, Wang met with foreign ministers and representatives of the Caribbean countries visiting to attend the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
Wang told them that “looking forward to the future, the two sides should deepen political mutual trust and continue to support each other on issues concerning respective core interests. The two sides should advance practical cooperation, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and help Caribbean countries accelerate self-driven development. To promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, Wang added, China will provide more government scholarships and training opportunities. The two sides should strengthen multilateral cooperation and build a more just and equitable global governance system. China will continue to provide assistance to Caribbean countries in dealing with climate change and support Caribbean countries in playing a greater role in international affairs.”
If you are interested, there’s an article by Wang Yi on Page 6 previewing the China-CELAC Forum.
The first section details the scope of cooperation. Some key excerpts:
Both sides firmly take into account each other’s core interests and major concerns, and resolutely support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras have successively established or resumed diplomatic relations with China; the one-China principle has become a consensus among an increasing number of countries in the region. As of now, China has established different types of partnerships with 16 countries in the region. Among them, a community of shared future has been established with Cuba, and the relationship with Brazil has been defined as ‘a China–Brazil community of shared future for building a more just world and a more sustainable planet. The ‘golden content’ of China–Latin America relations continues to rise. 互信基础更加牢固。双方坚定照顾彼此核心利益和重大关切，坚决支持对方捍卫主权和领土完整。巴拿马、多米尼加、萨尔瓦多、尼加拉瓜、洪都拉斯相继同中国建交复交，一个中国原则成为越来越多地区国家的共识。截至目前，中国已同地区中的16国建立了不同类型的伙伴关系。其中，同古巴建立命运共同体，同巴西关系确定为“构建更公正世界和更可持续星球的中巴命运共同体”，中拉关系“含金量”不断提升.
More than 20 countries have strengthened the alignment of development strategies with China under the framework of BRI. In 2024, the trade volume between China and Latin America reached a historic $518.4 billion, doubling that of ten years ago. China has maintained its position as the second largest trading partner of Latin America and the Caribbean for many years. China has implemented more than 200 infrastructure projects in the region… 合作成果更加丰硕。地区国家普遍支持“全球发展倡议”，20多国在“一带一路”合作框架下同中国加强发展战略对接。2024年中拉贸易额达到历史性的5184亿美元，较十年前翻了一番，中国连续多年保持拉美和加勒比第二大贸易伙伴国地位。中国在地区累计实施200多个基建工程，落地众多产能合作项目，提供上百万个就业岗位。中国在所有建交国中开展民生援助项目，中资企业积极履行社会责任，有力推动当地的工业化进程和经济社会发展，打造互利共赢的“中拉样板”.
The China-Latin America Civilization Dialogue Forum has been successfully held for seven sessions. China has provided Latin America with a total of 17,000 government scholarships and 13,000 training opportunities in China, signed 26 cooperation documents in the field of education with 19 countries in the region, and established 68 Confucius Institutes or Confucius Classrooms in 26 countries in the region. Many countries in the region have designated the Spring Festival as a legal holiday. China has also implemented a 240-hour transit visa-free policy for many Latin American countries. China-Latin America cultural exchanges are becoming increasingly close, and the people’s mutual understanding and goodwill continue to improve. 文明互鉴更加深入。拉方普遍认同“全球文明倡议”，中拉文明对话论坛已成功举办七届。中方累计向拉方提供了1.7万个政府奖学金和1.3万个来华培训名额，同地区19国签署26份教育领域合作文件，在地区26国设有68所孔子学院或孔子课堂。地区多国将春节定为法定节日。中国还对拉美多国实施240小时过境免签政策，中拉人文交流日益密切，民众相互了解和好感度持续提升.
The second section frames China-Latin America cooperation within the broader context of the rise of the Global South. Other key points:
“China-Latin America cooperation is an inevitable choice for achieving world modernisation…. (they) are among the countries and regions with the greatest growth potential and development vitality. China–Latin America solidarity and cooperation, creating a trans-Pacific mega-market of 2 billion people, will provide inexhaustible momentum for the respective development and revitalisation of China and Latin America, and give them confidence and strength to face any blackmail or suppression without fear.” 中拉团结合作，打造20亿人口量级跨太平洋超级大市场，将为中拉各自发展振兴提供不竭动力，为中拉无惧任何讹诈打压提供信心底气.
China–Latin America cooperation is an inevitable choice for upholding fairness and justice for humankind. China advocates consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits, in sharp contrast to hegemonic and bullying behaviour. China’s investment in Latin America and the Caribbean does not come with any political conditions, aligns with the needs of the Latin American side, and ‘empowers’ their development. In contrast, the actions of certain major powers in Latin America bring only ‘negative energy’. Who is truly a trustworthy friend of Latin America and the Caribbean, and who can be a long-term cooperative partner, is clear at a glance. 中拉合作是维护人类公道正义的必然选择。中国主张共商共建共享，同霸道霸凌行径形成鲜明对比。中国对拉美和加勒比地区投资不附带任何政治条件，符合拉方需求，为拉方发展“赋能”。反观个别大国，在拉美地区所作所为带来的只有“负能”。谁才是拉美和加勒比国家可以信赖的朋友，谁才是能够长期合作的伙伴，一目了然.
China–Latin America cooperation is an inevitable choice in pursuit of a shared future. China and Latin America have supported each other in anti-imperialist and anti-colonial struggles and the fight for national liberation, supported each other’s exploration of development paths suited to their national conditions, and through deepening cooperation, have provided mutual development momentum. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Latin America made every effort to assist each other. History and facts have repeatedly proven that building a China–Latin America community with a shared future is a heartfelt and sincere two-way journey, and is expressed in real and concrete actions. 中拉合作是追求命运与共的必然选择。中拉相互支持对方反帝反殖、争取民族解放的斗争，相互支持对方探索符合本国国情的发展道路，通过深化合作相互输送发展动力。新冠疫情期间，中拉双方倾力互助。历史和事实一再证明，构建中拉命运共同体是真情实意的双向奔赴，是实实在在的具体行动.
In the final section, Wang puts forth a five-point agenda for future cooperation:
“At present, the international situation is marked by intertwined changes and chaos. The cause of peace and development faces challenges, the fundamental concepts of international cooperation are being eroded, and uncertain and unstable factors in the international environment are increasing day by day. In particular, certain major powers pursue a ‘country first’ approach, attempting to loot/seize by force (攫取) the development achievements of China, Latin America and other 'Global South' countries, delaying or even interrupting the modernisation process of China and Latin America. Modernisation is the legitimate right of all peoples, not the private patent of a few countries. Turning back the wheel of history does not win people's hearts, and hegemonism has no future. In the face of risks and challenges, China and Latin America must stand on the right side of history, on the side of fairness and justice, safeguard their respective development achievements, continue to walk hand in hand on the journey of modernisation, and promote the building of a China–Latin America community with a shared future. 当前，国际形势变乱交织，和平与发展事业面临挑战，国际合作基本理念遭受侵蚀，国际环境中的不确定不稳定因素日益增多。特别是个别大国奉行“本国优先”，企图攫取中拉等“全球南方”国家发展成果，迟滞甚至打断中拉的现代化进程。现代化是各国人民的正当权利，不是少数国家的私有专利。开历史倒车不得人心，霸凌强权没有前途。面对风险挑战，中拉双方要站在历史正确一边，站在公平正义一边，维护好各自发展成果，在实现现代化征程上继续携手同行，推动构建中拉命运共同体.
We must defend independence and autonomy. Without autonomy, development is out of the question, and development gains are hard to sustain. Latin American and Caribbean countries have proposed that they should not only gain political sovereignty and independence, but also achieve true independence in economy and culture. China deeply agrees with this and is willing to work with Latin America to continue to firmly support each other in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, oppose all forms of interference in internal affairs, and promote the democratisation of international relations.
We must maintain peace and security. China is the only major country that has written the path of peaceful development into its constitution. The CELAC summit has repeatedly reiterated that Latin America and the Caribbean are ‘peace zones’. As international forces for peace, China and Latin America should practice a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, support the peaceful settlement of disputes, oppose building their own security on the basis of the insecurity of other countries, oppose the use of force or the threat of force, and oppose the generalisation of the concept of security.
We must realise development and revitalisation. Achieving modernisation is the common ideal and pursuit of the peoples of China and Latin America. Both sides must deepen alignment of development strategies, strengthen top-level planning, and transmit development momentum to each other. We must weave tighter connectivity networks, improve the level of trade and investment facilitation, and cultivate the China–Latin America mega-market. We must deepen production capacity cooperation, jointly safeguard the stability of industrial and supply chains, expand cooperation in high-tech and cutting-edge fields and talent training, and achieve leapfrog development together. China will also implement more ‘small yet beautiful’ livelihood projects to increase the people’s sense of gain.
We must uphold multilateralism. Multilateralism is an important cornerstone of the post-war international order. China and Latin America must practice true multilateralism, firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. Together, we oppose unilateralism, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, jointly advocate for an equal and orderly multi-polar world, and promote inclusive and beneficial economic globalisation, injecting more stability and positive energy into global development.
We must deepen solidarity and cooperation. CELAC is committed to realizing the vision of ‘great unity of Latin American and Caribbean peoples.’ The CELAC Havana Summit adopted a ‘Special Declaration on Supporting the Establishment of the China–CELAC Forum.’ The China–CELAC Forum carries the friendly sentiments of both sides and must be promoted toward better development, providing more momentum for China–Latin America relations and for the regional integration of Latin America and the Caribbean.
我们要捍卫独立自主。没有自主，发展便无从谈起，发展成果也难以为继。拉美和加勒比国家提出不仅要获得政治主权独立，还要实现经济文化等真正独立。中方对此深表赞同，愿同拉方一道，继续坚定支持对方探索符合本国国情的发展道路，反对各种形式的干涉内政行径，推动国际关系实现民主化。我们要维护和平安全。中国是唯一将坚持和平发展道路写入宪法的大国，拉共体峰会多次重申拉美和加勒比为“和平区”。作为国际和平力量，中拉双方应践行共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，支持和平解决争端，反对把本国安全建立在他国不安全基础之上，反对使用武力或以武力相威胁，反对泛化安全概念。我们要实现发展振兴。实现现代化是中拉人民共同的理想和追求。双方要深化发展战略对接，加强顶层规划，互相输送发展动能。要织密联通网络，提升贸易投资便利化水平，培育好中拉大市场。要深化产能合作，共同维护产业链供应链稳定，加大高精尖新领域合作和人才培养，共同实现跨越式发展。中方还将实施更多“小而美”民生工程，提高普通民众的获得感。我们要坚持多边主义。多边主义是战后国际秩序的重要基石。中拉双方要践行真正的多边主义，坚定维护以联合国为核心的国际体系和以国际法为基础的国际秩序，维护发展中国家正当合法权益。共同反对单边主义，维护以世界贸易组织为核心的多边贸易体制。共同倡导平等有序的世界多极化、普惠包容的经济全球化，为世界发展注入更多稳定性和正能量。我们要深化团结合作。拉共体致力于实现“拉美和加勒比人民大团结”愿景。拉共体哈瓦那峰会通过《关于支持建立中拉论坛的特别声明》。中拉论坛承载着双方的友好情谊，要推动中拉论坛更好发展，为中拉关系及拉美和加勒比地区一体化建设提供更多动力.
Finally, there’s an interview with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He talks about deepening ties with China in “trade, technology, climate change, public health and other fields.”
In the report, Lula says that bilateral trade volume has grown from over $5 billion in 2003 to over $180 billion in 2024. “Lula believes that there is still great potential in cooperation between the two countries, and bilateral trade volume will continue to rise. He stated that Brazil is undergoing large-scale infrastructure construction, but it is still far from meeting development needs. Brazil will actively attract more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Brazil, and promote the implementation of more cooperative projects. Lula especially pointed out that Brazil is willing to continue advancing cooperation on the China–Brazil Earth Resources Satellite Program, strengthen cooperation with China in high-tech fields such as aerospace and AI, and actively promote the better use of artificial intelligence for the benefit of all humanity.” “巴中两国合作不断深化，双边贸易额已从2003年的50多亿美元增长至2024年的1800多亿美元。”卢拉认为，两国合作还有巨大潜力，双边贸易额还将上升。他表示，巴西正在进行大规模基础设施建设，但仍远远不足以满足发展需求。巴西将积极吸引更多中国企业来巴投资兴业，促进更多合作项目落地。卢拉特别指出，巴西愿继续推进巴中地球资源卫星项目合作，与中国加强在航天、人工智能等高科技领域合作，积极推动人工智能更好造福全人类.
“‘Free trade can help avoid many of the conflicts happening in today’s world.’ Lula said that Brazil firmly supports multilateralism and free trade, and admires China’s firm stance in opposing unreasonable ‘reciprocal tariffs’. He said the world should jointly resist power politics and unilateralist practices. Lula said Brazil is willing to work together with China to jointly uphold the multilateral trade system with the WTO at its core, safeguard international rules and order, strengthen the construction of the BRICS mechanism, and promote the global governance system to develop in a more just and reasonable direction.” “自由贸易可以帮助避免当今世界发生的许多冲突。”卢拉表示，巴方坚定支持多边主义和自由贸易，钦佩中国反对不合理“对等关税”的坚定立场，全球应共同抵制强权政治和单边主义做法。卢拉说，巴西愿同中方一道，携手维护以世贸组织为核心的多边贸易体制，维护国际规则和秩序，加强金砖机制建设，推动全球治理体系朝着更加公正合理的方向发展.
He said that Brazil this year will host the BRICS meeting and COP30. The report then adds:
“What the world needs now is not recession, war, and conflict, but peace, patience, investment, and development, so that people all over the world can live with dignity.” Lula said that Brazil will continue to work together with China to support a greater role for the UN in global affairs, uphold true multilateralism, and oppose unilateralism and power politics. As both Brazil and China are countries of the Global South, they can promote reforms in major UN institutions, enhance the representation and voice of Global South countries, jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and work together to meet common challenges. In terms of global security, Brazil is willing to continue playing a constructive role with China in promoting a political solution to the Ukraine crisis.” “现在的世界不需要衰退、战争、冲突，需要的是和平、耐心、投资与发展，让全世界人民都能生活得有尊严。”卢拉表示，巴西将继续与中国一道，支持联合国在全球事务中发挥更大作用，维护真正的多边主义，反对单边主义和强权政治。巴中同为全球南方国家，可以推进联合国主要机构改革，使全球南方国家更具代表性和发言权，共同维护发展中国家正当权益，携手应对共同挑战。在全球安全方面，巴西愿与中国一起，继续为推动政治解决乌克兰危机发挥建设性作用.
Page 3: Just one report to note, i.e., that as of May 11, 2025, the number of applications for the automobile ‘old-for-new’ subsidy reached 3.225 million, among which 1.035 million were for scrapping and renewal, and 2.19 million were for trade-in renewal.
From January to April, domestic retail sales of passenger cars reached 6.918 million units, a year-on-year increase of 9%. According to commercial big data monitoring, in April, sales revenue of automobile-related products by key monitored retail enterprises increased by 1.9% year-on-year.
Since 2025, NEVs have accounted for over 53% of the vehicles in the automobile ‘old-for-new’ program. From January to April, cumulative retail sales of new energy passenger cars reached 3.342 million units, a year-on-year increase of 37%, with a market penetration rate of 48.4%, an increase of 0.8 percentage points over the full year of 2024.
From January to April, the number of scrapped vehicles recycled reached 2.767 million units, a year-on-year increase of 65%.
Page 4: There’s a report on the publication of the new national security white paper. The full text is published in the paper today. Rather than simply excerpt it, I am going to take my time to read through this and do a detailed analytical post over the next few days.