Politburo Discusses Inspections & China's Approach to WTO - Understanding the 'Common values of Mankind' Pitch - Wang Yi on EU's EVs Probe - Chinese-style Modernisation & National Security
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Page 1: Two key reports on the front page today. The first one is about the Politburo meeting to deliberate the report from the first round of inspections under the 20th Central Committee covering 36 units. It says:
The first round of inspections “persisted with upholding integrity and innovation, promoted the concretization, precision, and normalisation of political supervision, and sent a clear signal that the strict Party governance and the Party’s self-revolution are an ongoing journey. Practice has proved that inspections are an effective way to find and promote the solution of problems, and we must continue to make efforts and push forward in depth. 二十届中央第一轮巡视坚持守正创新，推进政治监督具体化、精准化、常态化，释放了全面从严治党永远在路上、党的自我革命永远在路上的鲜明信号。实践证明，巡视是发现和推动解决问题的有效方式，要持续发力、纵深推进.
The results of the first round of disciplinary inspections showed that Party building and self-governance had been strengthened in the state-owned enterprises, finance and sports sectors, but there remain some problems. We must carry forward strictness of tone, strict measures, and an atmosphere of strictness consistently; urge the inspected party organisations, especially the main responsible comrades, to earnestly assume their responsibilities; and strictly implement rectification and reform, combine inspection and rectification with the study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and resolutely achieve the Two Safeguards. 会议指出，从巡视看，国有企业、金融、体育领域党的建设、全面从严治党得到加强，各项工作取得新成效，但也存在一些问题。要把严的基调、严的措施、严的氛围传导下去、一贯到底，督促被巡视党组织特别是主要负责同志切实担起责任，从严从实抓好整改，把巡视整改与学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想主题教育结合起来，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，坚决做到“两个维护”.
The meeting stressed that it is necessary to take the inspections as an opportunity to further strengthen the Party’s overall leadership, urge the inspected Party units to improve their political positions, earnestly perform the duties and missions entrusted by the Central Committee, continuously enhance the core functions and competitiveness of state-owned enterprises, consolidate the important material and political foundation of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, enhance the efforts of financial enterprises to serve the real economy and national strategy, and promote high-quality development. 会议强调，要以巡视整改为契机，进一步加强党的全面领导，督促被巡视党组织提高政治站位，认真履行党中央赋予的职责使命，不断增强国有企业核心功能和核心竞争力，夯实中国特色社会主义的重要物质基础和政治基础，加大金融企业服务实体经济和国家战略力度，推动高质量发展.
It is necessary to coordinate development and security, establish bottom-line thinking (worst-case scenarios as per Xinhua) and extreme thinking (extreme-case scenarios as per Xinhua), take effective measures to prevent and resolve major risks, and firmly maintain the bottom line of security. 要统筹发展和安全，树牢底线思维、极限思维，采取有力措施防范化解重大风险，牢牢守住安全底线.
“It is necessary to advance the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party to a deeper level, tighten the responsibilities of the Party committee (Party group) secretary as the first responsible person, the ‘one post, two responsibilities’ of the leading group members, and the supervisory responsibilities of disciplinary and inspection agencies. It is necessary to focus on strengthening the supervision of ‘top leaders’ at all levels, intensify anti-corruption efforts in SoEs and the financial sector, deeply rectify the ‘four undesirable work styles’, deepen reforms through the use of specific cases and promote governance through such cases, simultaneously advance the principle of ‘dare not be corrupt, cannot be corrupt, do not want to be corrupt’. It is necessary to conscientiously implement the party's organisational line in the new era and strengthen the construction of leadership teams, cadres and talent teams, and grassroots party organisations. It is necessary to make full use of the inspection results, deepen reforms, improve systems, promote source control, and promote treatment of both symptoms and root causes. 要推动全面从严治党向纵深发展，压紧压实党委（党组）书记第一责任人责任、领导班子成员“一岗双责”、纪检监察机构监督责任，突出加强对各级“一把手”的监督，加大国有企业、金融领域反腐败力度，深入纠治“四风”，深化以案促改、以案促治，一体推进不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐。要认真贯彻新时代党的组织路线，加强领导班子建设、干部人才队伍建设和基层党组织建设。要综合用好巡视成果，深化改革、完善制度，推进源头治理，促进标本兼治.
Next, there’s a report on the group study session of the Politburo, which focussed on WTO reform. The report says that Xi Jinping said that “the WTO is an important pillar of multilateralism and an important stage for global economic governance.” “It is a common consensus and a general trend to implement necessary reforms of the WTO.”
“We must better coordinate domestic and international situations and better coordinate development and security; deeply understand the importance and urgency of participating in the reform of the WTO. With a more active historical responsibility and creative spirit, we must fully participate in the reform of the WTO and the adjustment of international economic and trade rules, and promote in-depth reform and high-quality development with high-level opening up.” 我们要从更好统筹国内国际两个大局、更好统筹发展和安全的高度，深刻认识参与世界贸易组织改革的重要性和紧迫性，以更加积极的历史担当和创造精神，全面参与世界贸易组织改革和国际经贸规则调整，以高水平对外开放促进深层次改革、高质量发展.
Gu Xueming, director of the Research Institute of the Ministry of Commerce, spoke at the meeting.
“In his speech, Xi pointed out that joining the WTO is a milestone in China’s opening up. In just over 20 years, China’s total trade in goods has increased by 11 times, with it becoming the world's largest trading country in goods and a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions, contributing nearly 30% to global economic growth on average annually. China's relationship with the WTO has undergone a historic transformation. It has gradually grown from a passive recipient of and an active adapter to international economic and trade rules, to an important participant. The facts demonstrate that China's accession to the WTO has not only accelerated its own development but has also benefited the global community. This significant decision has proven to be entirely correct.” 习近平在听取讲解和讨论后发表了重要讲话。他指出，加入世界贸易组织是我国对外开放的里程碑。短短20余年间，我国货物贸易总额增长了11倍，成为全球第一货物贸易大国、140多个国家和地区的主要贸易伙伴，对全球经济增长的年均贡献率近30%。我国同世界贸易组织的关系发生了历史性变化，从国际经贸规则的被动接受者和主动接轨者，逐步成长为重要参与者。事实表明，我国加入世界贸易组织不仅加快了自身发展，也惠及全球，这个重大决策是完全正确的.
“Xi Jinping emphasised that in order to participate in the reform of the WTO, we must firmly safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the multilateral trading system with the WTO as the core, and actively promote the restoration of the normal operation of the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism. It is necessary to firmly stand on the right side of history, adhere to the general direction of economic globalization, take a clear-cut stand for free trade and true multilateralism, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, oppose politicization, weaponization and securitisation of economic and trade issues, and promote the construction of an open world economy. We must uphold the concept of the community of shared future for mankind, improve and refine China's plan for comprehensive and in-depth participation in the reform of the WTO. Resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, including China.” 习近平强调，参与世界贸易组织改革，要坚定维护以世界贸易组织为核心的多边贸易体制权威性和有效性，积极推动恢复世界贸易组织争端解决机制正常运转。要坚定站在历史正确一边，坚持经济全球化大方向，旗帜鲜明主张自由贸易和真正的多边主义，反对单边主义、保护主义，反对将经贸问题政治化、武器化、泛安全化，推动建设开放型世界经济。要秉持人类命运共同体理念，完善细化全面深入参与世界贸易组织改革的中国方案。坚决维护包括我国在内的广大发展中国家的合法权益。
In the next paragraph, Xi is quoted as saying that reform and opening up has been an “important magic weapon” for China’s modernization drive to continuously achieve new achievements. “We must continue to do a good job in reforming ourselves, not only expanding the door to opening up, but also stabilising the path of reform.” 今年是改革开放45周年，要继续做好自身改革这篇大文章，既扩大开放之门，又将改革之路走稳.
“We must be more proactive in aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, steadily expand institutional opening up such as rules, regulations, management, and standards, accelerate the creation of new highlands for opening up, build a new higher-level open economic system, and accelerate the construction of a new development pattern. It is necessary to actively foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, and take the opportunity to promote our accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economic Partnership Agreement (DEPA) in order to further unleash import potential, broaden market access, promote the deepening of multilateral and bilateral cooperation, and enhance attractiveness to foreign investment. Accelerate the building of a trading powerhouse by upgrading goods trade, innovating in services trade, and developing digital trade. Taking digital greening as the direction, further enhance the status of international division of labour and move towards the high end of the global value chain. At the same time, we must pay attention to safeguarding national economic security.” 要更加主动对接高标准国际经贸规则，稳步扩大规则、规制、管理、标准等制度型开放，加快打造对外开放新高地，建设更高水平开放型经济新体制，加快构建新发展格局。要积极营造市场化、法治化、国际化一流营商环境，以推动加入《全面与进步跨太平洋伙伴关系协定》和《数字经济伙伴关系协定》为契机，进一步激发进口潜力、放宽市场准入、推动多边和双边合作深入发展，增强对外资的吸引力。要加快建设贸易强国，升级货物贸易，创新服务贸易，发展数字贸易，以数字化绿色化为方向，进一步提升国际分工地位，向全球价值链中高端迈进。同时，要注意维护国家经济安全. — (Comment: The fundamental problem, however, is this. How do you coordinate security and this desire for openness? Increasingly, this is what has proven challenging. And if security is the “bottom line”, then opening is bound to suffer.)
“Xi Jinping emphasized the need to cultivate strong capabilities to effectively manage high-level external opening up. He stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations and research, summarising and utilising the successful experiences of China's open development, and strategically, systematically, and foresightedly planning open initiatives. It is essential to fully grasp new situations and issues in the international economic and trade domain, so as to develop a clear understanding, have effective strategies, and take decisive actions. China should enhance its ability to use international rules to safeguard its development interests and accelerate the formation of a high-level, professional team for external opening that is politically resolute, highly skilled, and maintains a good work ethic. There should be a coordinated approach to balancing openness and security, safeguard security and advance rights and interests through struggle, seeking cooperation and striving for win-win outcomes.” 习近平强调，要练就驾驭高水平对外开放的过硬本领。大兴调查研究，总结用好我国开放发展的成功经验，加强对开放工作的战略性、系统性、前瞻性谋划，把国际经贸领域的新情况新问题摸准吃透，做到心中有数、手中有策、行动有力。提高运用国际规则维护我国发展权益能力，加快打造一支政治过硬、本领高强、作风优良的高水平专业化对外开放工作队伍。统筹开放与安全，在斗争中维护安全、增进权益，谋求合作、争取共赢. — (Comment: This is a very interesting paragraph. There is obviously dissatisfaction with the quality of the current set of personnel. The call for coordinated actions and the emphasis on security and struggle underscores that as much as Xi says that he opposes securitisation of trade, he is also acknowledging that this is the trend and is seeking the securitisation of China’s trade and opening up.)
Next, there’s a Zhong Yin commentary, the first in a new series. This one focuses on this bit from Xi’s comments during his visit to Zhejiang:
“Establish a correct view of political achievements, adhere to making scientific decisions based on reality, persist in taking a long-term view and lay a solid foundation, persist in doing practical things, strive for practical results, and prevent formalism and bureaucracy.”
“It says that since the beginning of this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasised the importance of establishing a correct view of political achievements on many occasions, pointing out that ‘firmly establish the view on political achievements for the benefit of the people, adhere to the people-centered development philosophy, and adhere to high-quality development’ and demanding that ‘correcting formalism and bureaucracy must be placed in a more prominent position’. This is aimed at ensuring the correct orientation of action among Party cadres and officials, boosting their motivation to work, and forming a joint force in their endeavours. Firmly establish and practise the correct view of political performance, continuously improve the ability to promote high-quality development, serve the people, and prevent and resolve risks, and forge ahead with enthusiasm on a new journey and build a new era.” 今年以来，总书记在多个场合强调树立正确政绩观，指出“树牢造福人民的政绩观，坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，坚持高质量发展”，要求“把纠治形式主义、官僚主义摆在更加突出的位置”，正是要推动广大党员干部匡正干的导向、增强干的动力、形成干的合力，牢固树立和践行正确政绩观，不断提高推动高质量发展本领、服务群众本领、防范化解风险本领，以满腔热忱奋进新征程、建功新时代.
The article calls to persist in proceeding from reality. It adds that “acting according to the rules and regulations are the principles that Party cadres must adhere to.” “Chinese-style modernization is the largest modernization in human history, but also the most difficult modernization. We cannot aim too high or be overly ambitious, nor can we stick to old ways. We must fully consider factors such as the size of our population and the significant disparities in the level of development between urban and rural areas in China. It is crucial to adhere to a practical and realistic approach based on facts and truth. Only by doing so can we make steady progress in this pioneering endeavour, unlike anything that has come before. It is necessary to plan our work based on reality, so that the ideas, policies and plans put forward conform to the actual situation, objective laws and scientific spirit, and implement the decision-making and deployment of the CPC Central Committee with creative work. It is important to resist the urge to rush and get things done quickly, overcome the mindset of impatience and impetuousness, which eyes quick success and quick results; do not set unrealistic goals or engage in blind comparisons disconnected from reality; instead, solidly carry out the construction of modernization in a down to earth manner.” 坚持一切从实际出发，是我们想问题、作决策、办事情的出发点和落脚点。按规律办事、按规矩做事，是党员干部必须坚守的原则。中国式现代化是人类历史上规模最大的现代化，也是难度最大的现代化。既不能好高骛远，也不能因循守旧，充分考虑人口基数问题，考虑我国城乡区域发展水平差异大等实际，坚持实事求是、求真务实，才能一步一个脚印推进前无古人的开创性事业。要从实际出发谋划事业和工作，使提出的点子、政策、方案符合实际情况、符合客观规律、符合科学精神，以创造性工作把党中央决策部署落到实处。要克服大干快上的冲动，把急功近利、急于出成绩等浮躁心理、急躁心态都压下来，不定不切实际的目标，不搞脱离实际的盲目攀比，扎扎实实、踏踏实实地搞现代化建设.
“Scientific decision-making and creative responses are the fundamental methods to turn crises into opportunities. Enhancing the ability to address practical issues is an urgent need for dealing with complex situations and accomplishing challenging tasks. To achieve scientific decision-making, we must first have a strategic vision, have farsightedness and think deeply, identify the correct strategic position within the overall national context, and be good at integrating the work of regions and departments into the great chess game of the cause of the Party and the country (broader context of national work and goals), so that the achievements in one domain contributes not only locally but also strengthens the overall national situation.” 科学决策和创造性应对是化危为机的根本方法，提高解决实际问题能力是应对复杂形势、完成艰巨任务的迫切需要。做到科学决策，首先要有战略眼光，看得远、想得深，找准在全国大局中的战略定位，善于把地区和部门的工作融入党和国家事业大棋局，做到既为一域争光、更为全局添彩.
“Investigation and research are the basis for planning and the way to achieve success. Without investigation, there is no right to speak, let alone decision-making power. Investigation and research must be regarded as a basic skill, and we must go deep into the grassroots, the masses, and reality to truly understand the situation, pinpoint the problems, and propose practical measures to address them. It is necessary to conduct in-depth research and comprehensive analysis, listen to opinions from various sources, proactively reach out to the people and ask about their opinions and needs, so as to make decisions in line with the actual situation and avoid making hasty decisions without careful thought and reckless actions. Important decision-making plans, especially important policy measures involving the vital interests of the masses, it is important to solicit opinions from the masses extensively.” 调查研究是谋事之基、成事之道。没有调查，就没有发言权，更没有决策权。要把调查研究作为基本功，深入基层、深入群众、深入实际，真正把情况摸清、把问题找准、把对策提实。要深入研究、综合分析，多方听取意见，自觉问计于民、问需于民，使决策符合实际情况，防止拍脑袋决策、拍胸脯蛮干。重要决策方案，特别是涉及群众切身利益的重要政策措施，要广泛听取群众意见。
Page 2: There’s a report on industrial profits rebounding in August. China Daily has an English report on this. It says:
“Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Wednesday that China's industrial profits rebounded in August for the first time in more than a year, adding to signs that the economy had bottomed out. Industrial enterprises with annual revenue of at least 20 million yuan ($2.7 million) each saw their total profits jump 17.2 percent year-on-year in August after a 6.7 percent decline in July.” The report adds:
“Yu Weining, a statistician at the NBS, attributed the improvement in industrial profits to the steady rebound in industrial production and improved corporate profitability with a series of stimulus measures gradually taking effect. In the January-August period, industrial firms' profits fell 11.7 percent year-on-year to 4.66 trillion yuan, narrowing from the 15.5 percent drop in the first seven months, the bureau said. ‘Looking ahead, the decline in industrial profits will continue to narrow in the first nine months given the improvement in producer prices and the base effect,’ said Zheng Houcheng, chief macro economist at Yingda Securities. ‘While industrial companies still face pressures amid lackluster demand, a series of recently released supportive measures, such as tax and fee reductions and boosting technological innovation, will significantly strengthen the market confidence and benefit companies' future development,’ said Ding Yue, deputy general manager at Zolix, a Beijing-based supplier of optical instruments. He said that as the producer price index is poised to rebound from the bottom gradually, declines in industrial profits will further narrow in the near future. NBS data showed China's industrial output jumped 4.5 percent in August, up from a 3.7 percent increase in July. And China's August producer price index, which gauges factory-gate prices, was down 3 percent from a year earlier after the 4.4 percent annual contraction seen in July. "Recent data suggests that the economy likely bottomed out in July, and that activity is indeed now moving in the right direction," said Louise Loo, lead economist at British think tank Oxford Economics. She added that her team, therefore, maintained its China growth forecast for 2023 at 5.1 percent, expecting GDP growth to pick up pace in the third and fourth quarters. While most hard macro data is now on a firmer footing than in July, Loo said there remain two lingering areas of weakness — property and sentiment. ‘Data on sentiment remains subdued, reflecting the extent of the confidence crisis among homebuyers, consumers, and investors, notwithstanding the cyclical support to activity from stimulus’.”
Page 3: First, there’s an article with responses from Chinese scholars. The first section has comments from
Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University
Su Xiaohui, from the China Institute of International Studies
Chen Dongxiao, president of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies
Chen Shuguang, deputy dean of the School of Marxism at the Central Party School
All of them basically praise the concept of the community of shared future for mankind. There is nothing analytically useful about their remarks.
In the second section, Chen Bo, president of the China Institute of International Studies, says that this concept presents “a bright future and a beautiful vision” but that this vision will not come about on its own and will need the actions and cooperation of all countries in the world. “Over the past decade, China has taken the lead in putting forward the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. These initiatives have taken root and delivered benefits to all parties. ‘Through participation in these initiatives, an increasing number of countries and people have come to realize that building a community of shared future for mankind transcends selfish egoism and protectionism, breaks free from the hegemonic thinking of certain countries, and aligns with the common interests of all humanity’.” 10年来，中国率先行动，先后提出共建“一带一路”、全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，推动这些倡议落地生根、惠及各方。“通过参与这些实践，越来越多国家和人民认识到，构建人类命运共同体超越了利己主义和保护主义，打破了个别国家唯我独尊的霸权思维，符合全人类共同利益.”
Su Xiaohui builds on this to argue that: “‘The new era calls for new ideas. The ideas put forward by China are based on long-term practice, a thorough understanding of the laws of history, and a comprehensive reflection on global issues. They are full of vitality’. He added that building a community with a shared future for mankind is China’s wisdom in handling contemporary international relations based on the general trend of world peace and development, and provides a comprehensive solution to the current problems facing mankind.” “新时代呼唤新理念。中国提出的理念是基于长期实践，基于对历史规律的把握，是对全球问题全面深思的成果，富有生命力。”苏晓晖表示，构建人类命运共同体是从世界和平与发展的大势出发处理当代国际关系的中国智慧，为当前人类面临的难题提供了综合性解决方案.
Chen Peiyong, deputy dean of the School of Marxism at Peking University, adds that the three initiatives “complement each other” and have “become an important basis for building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
In the final section, Wu Xinbo argues that the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind is rooted in China’s excellent traditional culture, and that China has actively used its own resources and strength to promote cooperation at the bilateral to multilateral and regional to global levels.
Chen Shuguang ends the article by saying that “‘Only when the world does well can China do well; and when China does well, the world will do even better’. To build a community with a shared future for mankind, China will continue to play the role of a responsible major country and actively participate in leading the reform of the global governance system. Chen added that facing the future, China will continue to contribute to world peace and tranquillity, to the common development of the world, to the exchanges and mutual learning of world civilizations, and to work with people of all countries in the world to promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind and join hands to build a better future. world, and strive to contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to improving global governance.” “世界好，中国才能好；中国好，世界才更好。构建人类命运共同体，中国将继续发挥负责任大国作用，积极参与引领全球治理体系变革。”陈曙光表示，面向未来，中国将一如既往为世界和平安宁作贡献，一如既往为世界共同发展作贡献，一如既往为世界文明交流互鉴作贡献，同世界各国人民一道，推动构建人类命运共同体，携手建设更加美好的世界，努力为完善全球治理贡献中国智慧、中国力量.
Next, there’s a Huan Yuping commentary on the concept of the common values of mankind. The article says that Xi introduced this concept during his UNGA speech on September 28, 2015. The six common values are: peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom.
The first section of the commentary says:
“Throughout the world, countries have different histories, cultures, systems, and development levels, but peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom are the common values pursued by people of all countries…Peace and development are the common cause of people of all countries, the foundation for mankind to pursue all other values and goals, and an important condition for improving people’s well-being; fairness and justice are the common ideals of the people of all countries and reflect the normative requirements for the establishment of virtuous/sound and reasonable order within and among countries; democracy and freedom are the common pursuit of the people of all countries and the common right, not the exclusive right of some people. It is an important symbol of the progress of human civilization. 纵观全球，各国历史、文化、制度、发展水平不尽相同，但和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由是各国人民共同的价值追求。全人类共同价值的六大要素贯通了个人、国家、世界多个层面，蕴含着不同文明对价值内涵和价值实现的共通点。和平与发展是各国人民的共同事业，是人类追求一切其他价值目标的基础所在，是增进人民福祉的重要条件；公平正义是各国人民的共同理想，反映在一国内部以及国家间建立良性合理秩序的规范性要求；民主自由是各国人民的共同追求，是共同权利而非某些人的专利，是人类文明进步的重要标志.
Only by being guided by the common values of all mankind can we promote the development and progress of human society. Some major Western countries have long regarded their own values as ‘advanced’ values and the values of other countries and other civilizations as ‘backward’ values, and are keen on exporting and expanding their values to the outside world. After the end of the Cold War, the so-called ‘end of history theory’ became very popular, which is a manifestation of this arrogance. Today, some major Western countries deliberately exaggerate the false narrative of so-called ‘democracy versus authoritarianism’, which is also a new variant of this hegemony of values. Different from this wrong practice of self-centeredness and binary opposition on issues of values, the common values of all mankind transcend the barriers of civilizations, countries, systems, and parties, concisely summarises the basic value consensus of all mankind, and has been widely recognized by the international community. Promoting the common values of all mankind, such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, has been incorporated into the joint statements between China and many countries. 以全人类共同价值为指引，才能推动人类社会发展进步。个别西方大国长期将自身价值观视为“先进”价值观，将其他国家、其他文明的价值观视为“落后”价值观，热衷于对外搞价值观输出扩张。冷战结束后，所谓“历史终结论”一度甚嚣尘上，即是这种傲慢心理的体现。今天，个别西方大国刻意渲染所谓“民主对抗威权”虚假叙事，亦是这种价值观霸权的新变种。与这种在价值观问题上搞自我中心和二元对立的错误做法不同，全人类共同价值超越文明、国别、制度、党派的藩篱，凝练概括全人类的基本价值共识，得到了国际社会的广泛认同。弘扬和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由的全人类共同价值，已写入中国和许多国家的联合声明.
The second section of the article says that:
“History and reality both demonstrate that promoting binary opposition and uniformity on the issue of values will only lead to disasters. Embracing common values with an open and inclusive spirit can promote the development and progress of human society. The common values of mankind are inherently inclusive; we advocate maintaining a broad-minded understanding of the value interpretations of different civilizations, respecting the exploration paths of the people of different countries for these realising values, and concretely and realistically embodying the common values of all mankind in the practice of realising the interests of one’s own people.” 历史和现实共同说明，在价值观问题上搞二元对立、一元化只会制造灾难，以开放包容精神拥抱共同价值才能推动人类社会发展进步。全人类共同价值具有内在的包容性，倡导以宽广胸怀理解不同文明对价值内涵的认识，尊重不同国家人民对价值实现路径的探索，把全人类共同价值具体地、现实地体现到实现本国人民利益的实践中去.
To carry forward the common values of all mankind, we must advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations…Diversity is the charm of human civilization and the source of vitality and momentum for global development. There are no superior or inferior or good or bad civilizations; they differ in terms of their characteristics and regions. Only through exchanges can they integrate, and only through integration can we make progress. Only through exchanges among civilizations to transcend estrangement, mutual learning among civilizations to transcend clashes of civilizations, and tolerance among civilizations to transcend ideas of civilizational superiority can we promote the continuous development and progress of civilizations and paint a grand picture of human history. 弘扬全人类共同价值，就要倡导文明交流互鉴。各美其美，美美与共。多样性是人类文明的魅力所在，更是世界发展的活力和动力之源。文明没有高下、优劣之分，只有特色、地域之别，只有在交流中才能融合，在融合中才能进步。以文明交流超越文明隔阂、文明互鉴超越文明冲突、文明包容超越文明优越，才能推动文明不断发展进步，绘就人类历史的宏伟画卷.
“To carry forward the common values of all mankind, we must oppose ideological confrontation…Ideological confrontation does not conform to the development trend of the times. In order to assess whether a country's social system is good or not and whether its development model is feasible, practice offers the most convincing yardstick and people hold the most persuasive voice. Only by adhering to the principle of ‘harmony amid differences’, respecting different social systems, treating each other as equals, not interfering in other countries' internal affairs, and not exporting ideologies can we eliminate barriers and misunderstandings through sincere dialogue and achieve common progress through inclusiveness.” 弘扬全人类共同价值，就要反对意识形态对抗。和实生物，同则不继。意识形态对抗不符合时代发展潮流。评判一国社会制度好不好、发展模式行不行，实践最有说服力，人民最有发言权。只有秉持“和而不同”的相处之道，尊重不同社会制度，平等相待，不干涉别国内政，不搞意识形态输出，才能以真诚对话消弭隔阂与误解，以兼容并蓄实现共同进步.
The final section says that the world is undergoing “a period of new turmoil and transformation”, “significant adjustments, divisions, and restructuring” and this is resulting in an “increase in uncertainties, instability, and unpredictable factors.” “Only by adhering to the common values of all mankind as a guide can we clarify what to insist on and what to oppose at this critical moment of historical development, and push the wheel of history forward towards a bright future.” 当前，世界进入新的动荡变革期，正在经历大调整、大分化、大重组，不确定、不稳定、难预料因素增多。坚持以全人类共同价值为指引，才能在历史发展的关键当口明确该坚持什么、反对什么，推动历史车轮向着光明的前途前进.
It points to developmental challenges and then adds:
“Only by carrying forward the common values of all mankind can we build the broadest international consensus and promote the improvement of global governance. In order to achieve peace and development, the international community should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, foster a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, respect all countries' right to development, bring development back to the core of the international agenda, and jointly foster new drivers of global development. In order to achieve fairness and justice, we need to strive for equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules. International rules should be written and upheld by all in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and the representation and voice of countries in the Global South in international affairs should be increased. In order to realise democracy and freedom, the international community must respect and support the independent choices of development paths by people of all countries, support countries in exploring democratic development paths based on their own national conditions, and jointly enrich and develop human political civilization.” 弘扬全人类共同价值，才能凝聚最广泛的国际共识，推动完善全球治理。为了实现和平与发展，国际社会要遵循联合国宪章的宗旨和原则，树立共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，要尊重各国发展权利，推动发展问题重回国际议程的核心，共同培育全球发展新动能。为了实现公平正义，要争取权利平等、机会平等、规则平等，国际规则要依据联合国宪章宗旨和原则，由大家共同书写、共同维护，要进一步提升全球南方国家在国际事务中的代表性和话语权。为了实现民主自由，国际社会要尊重和支持各国人民对发展道路的自主选择，支持各国根据本国国情探索民主发展之路，共同丰富发展人类政治文明.
“Only by promoting the common values of mankind can we achieve the broadest international solidarity and jointly address global challenges. In recent years, in order to maintain hegemony, certain Western powers have used ideology and values as tools to suppress other countries and promote geostrategy, in an attempt to drag the world into a ‘New Cold War’. In the face of this grave risk, the international community should jointly oppose the Cold War mentality and confrontation between camps, oppose ‘decoupling and breaking chains’ and building ‘small yards and walls’, and work together to promote peace and development; jointly oppose the packaging of ‘family/group rules’ into international rules, oppose the impact of ‘small circles’ on true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard fairness and justice; jointly oppose interference and hegemony in the name of democracy, oppose interference and sabotage of countries' independent choice of development path, and vigorously defend democracy and freedom.” 弘扬全人类共同价值，才能实现最广泛的国际团结，共同应对全球挑战。近年来，个别西方大国为了维护霸权，将意识形态和价值观作为打压他国、推进地缘战略的工具，企图将世界拖入“新冷战”。面对这一严峻风险，国际社会要共同反对冷战思维和阵营对抗，反对“脱钩断链”和“小院高墙”，汇聚合力促进和平与发展；要共同反对将“家法帮规”包装成国际规则，反对以“小圈子”冲击真正的多边主义，坚定维护公平正义；要共同反对打着民主旗号对外搞干涉、行霸权，反对干扰破坏各国自主选择发展道路，有力捍卫民主自由.
Next, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s conversation with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The report says that:
“China welcomes Hungary to attend the third BRI International Cooperation Forum, and stands ready to take this opportunity with Hungary to enhance mutual trust and friendship, make new strategic plans and inject new strong impetus into the future development of China-Hungary relations. China is willing to work with Hungary to ensure the successful construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway project and jointly set a model for China-Hungary practical cooperation. 中方欢迎匈方出席第三届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛，愿同匈方以此为契机，增进互信与友谊，为中匈关系下一步发展作出新的战略规划，注入新的强劲动力。中方愿同匈方一道，把匈塞铁路项目建设好，共同打造中匈务实合作样板.
“Wang Yi said that the EU's anti-subsidy investigation of Chinese electric vehicles violates the basic rules of international trade and is likely to disrupt the global auto industry chain and supply chain. China is committed to green, low-carbon and sustainable development, which is in line with the development direction of the EU. China and the EU are partners, not rivals. The promotion of manufacturing depends on fair competition, not protectionism. It is hoped that Hungary will continue to push the EU to adopt a more active and open cooperation policy with China, work with China to practise genuine multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, and promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.” 王毅表示，欧盟对中国电动汽车采取反补贴调查有违国际贸易基本规则，很可能扰乱全球汽车产业链供应链。中方坚持走绿色、低碳、可持续发展道路，与欧盟发展方向完全一致。中欧是伙伴而不是对手。制造业的提升要靠公平竞争，而不是保护主义。希望匈方继续推动欧盟采取更为积极开放的对华合作政策，和中方共同践行真正的多边主义，维护以联合国为核心的国际体系，推动中欧关系健康稳定发展.
Szijjarto said that Hungary will participate in the BRI forum, will “make solid progress in the construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway” and “strongly opposes ‘decoupling’ from China, hopes for close cooperation between the EU and China, and does not support any measures taken by the EU that are not conducive to fair competition and cooperation.” “Hungary appreciates China's efforts to achieve peace in Europe and hopes that China will continue to play a positive role in this regard.” 匈方强烈反对与中国“脱钩”，希望欧中紧密合作，不支持欧盟采取任何不利于公平竞争与合作的举措。匈方赞赏中方为欧洲实现和平作出的努力，希中方继续为此发挥积极作用.
Next, there’s a report on Yin Li, Beijing Party Secretary meeting with Dinh Tien Dung, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam and secretary of the Hanoi Municipal Communist Party of Vietnam Committee, in Beijing. Yin said:
“China and Vietnam are good comrades and good partners who share the same vision and destiny, and the strategic guidance of the general secretaries of their two parties is the strongest possible guarantee for the steady and long-term development of China-Vietnam relations. It is hoped that the two sides will take this meeting as an opportunity to work together in implementing the important consensus reached by the general secretaries of the two parties, deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two capital cities, and promote the construction of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, he said.”
Finally, there’s a report on the 4th China-Germany high-level security dialogue in Berlin. Chen Wenqing, who heads the Political and Legal Affairs Commission for Political and Legal Affairs, led the delegation from the Chinese side. As per Xinhua, the dialogue entailed “candid and in-depth talks on such topics as counter-terrorism, cyberspace and economy, and combating organized crimes, and resulted in consensus and achievements.”
“China has always attached great importance to and actively supported law enforcement and security cooperation between the two countries, Chen said, adding that the China-Germany high-level security dialogue mechanism has contributed to safeguarding the common security interests of both countries. Acting on the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, China stands ready to work with Germany to further strengthen law enforcement and security dialogue and exchanges to enrich and consolidate the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership, and make positive contributions to building a community of universal security. Chen expressed the hope that China and Germany will join hands to give full play to the strategic guidance role of the high-level security dialogue and effectively implement the cooperation consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in security fields. Calling for strengthening top-level design, highlighting strategic coordination and improving cooperation mechanisms, Chen said both sides should focus on real threats, pay attention to potential risks and promote cooperation and innovative development. He also called for promoting mutual trust, dispelling doubts, and striving to inject stability and certainty into the development of bilateral relations.”
Page 6: Today’s article from the Face to Face with Chinese-style Modernisation book deals with the issue of national security. This is available below for paid subscribers.