Politburo Meeting Signals Economic Easing - Wang Yi's Diplomacy in New York - Guidelines to Implement Employment-first Policy - Song Tao Meets KMT's Sean Lien - Quad Summit & China
Just as I was about to publish, Xinhua has published a report stating that Xi Jinping has today chaired a meeting of the Politburo to study and assess the current economic situation and deploy the next phase of economic work.
Since the beginning of this year, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has united and led the people of all ethnic groups in the country to overcome difficulties and respond calmly, enhance macroeconomic regulation, focus on deepening reform and opening up, expand domestic demand, and optimize the economic structure. Consequently, the overall economic operation has been stable and steady, new quality productive forces have developed steadily, people’s livelihood security has been solid, positive progress has been made in preventing and resolving risks in key areas, high-quality development has been solidly promoted, and the overall social situation remains stable. 会议认为，今年以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央团结带领全国各族人民攻坚克难、沉着应对，加大宏观调控力度，着力深化改革开放、扩大国内需求、优化经济结构，经济运行总体平稳、稳中有进，新质生产力稳步发展，民生保障扎实有力，防范化解重点领域风险取得积极进展，高质量发展扎实推进，社会大局保持稳定.
The meeting pointed out that the fundamentals of China’s economy and favorable conditions, such as a vast market, strong economic resilience and great potential have not changed. At the same time, some new situations and problems have emerged in the current economic operation. It is necessary to look at the current economic situation comprehensively, objectively and calmly, face up to difficulties, strengthen confidence, and effectively enhance the sense of responsibility and urgency to do a good job in economic work. We must focus on key points, take the initiative, effectively implement existing policies, intensify efforts to introduce incremental policies, further improve the pertinence and effectiveness of policy measures, and strive to complete the annual economic and social development goals and tasks. 会议指出，我国经济的基本面及市场广阔、经济韧性强、潜力大等有利条件并未改变。同时，当前经济运行出现一些新的情况和问题。要全面客观冷静看待当前经济形势，正视困难、坚定信心，切实增强做好经济工作的责任感和紧迫感。要抓住重点、主动作为，有效落实存量政策，加力推出增量政策，进一步提高政策措施的针对性、有效性，努力完成全年经济社会发展目标任务.
The next paragraph has specific policy points. It says:
The meeting emphasised the need to increase counter-cyclical adjustment of fiscal and monetary policies, ensure necessary fiscal expenditures, and effectively carry out the ‘three guarantees’ work at the grassroots level.
It is necessary to issue and use ultra-long-term special treasury bonds and local government special bonds to better leverage the driving role of government investment.
It is necessary to lower the reserve requirement ratio and implement substantial interest rate cuts.
It is necessary to promote the real estate market to stop falling and stabilize, strictly control the increase in commercial housing construction, optimize the stock, and improve the quality, increase the loan issuance for ‘white list’ projects, and support the revitalization of idle land. It is necessary to respond to the concerns of the people, adjust the housing purchase restriction policy, reduce the interest rate of existing mortgage loans, speed up the improvement of land, fiscal and taxation, and financial policies, and promote the construction of a new model of real estate development.
It is necessary to strive to boost the capital market, vigorously guide medium- and long-term funds to enter the market, and clear the bottlenecks hindering social security, insurance, and wealth management funds from entering the market.
It is necessary to support the merger and reorganization of listed companies, steadily advance the reform of public funds, and study and introduce policies and measures to protect small and medium-sized investors.
会议强调，要加大财政货币政策逆周期调节力度，保证必要的财政支出，切实做好基层“三保”工作。要发行使用好超长期特别国债和地方政府专项债，更好发挥政府投资带动作用。要降低存款准备金率，实施有力度的降息。要促进房地产市场止跌回稳，对商品房建设要严控增量、优化存量、提高质量，加大“白名单”项目贷款投放力度，支持盘活存量闲置土地。要回应群众关切，调整住房限购政策，降低存量房贷利率，抓紧完善土地、财税、金融等政策，推动构建房地产发展新模式。要努力提振资本市场，大力引导中长期资金入市，打通社保、保险、理财等资金入市堵点。要支持上市公司并购重组，稳步推进公募基金改革，研究出台保护中小投资者的政策措施。
Note: This tells us clearly that we should expect more stimulus measures. The PBOC recently cut the rate of the medium-term lending facility to 2% from 2.3%. Bloomberg had earlier reported that the cut to the MLF rate is a prelude to more significant measures. Pan had also said that the central bank would cut the amount of cash banks have to hold in reserve - known as reserve requirement ratios (RRR). The RRR will initially be cut by half a percentage point, in a move expected to free up about 1 trillion yuan ($142bn; £106bn). BBC reported that further measures aimed to boost China's crisis-hit property market include cutting interest rates for existing mortgages and lowering minimum down payments on all types of homes to 15%.
Anyway, the next paragraph of the Xinhua report says:
The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to help enterprises overcome difficulties and further standardise the law enforcement and supervision behaviours related to enterprises. It is necessary to introduce a law to promote the private economy and create a good environment for the development of the non-public economy. It is necessary to combine promoting consumption with benefiting people's livelihood, promote income increases for middle and low-income groups, and upgrade consumption structure. It is necessary to cultivate new consumption formats. It is necessary to support and standardise the development of the elderly care and childcare industries by social forces, and speed up the improvement of the policy system for fertility support. It is necessary to increase efforts to attract and stabilise investment, promptly advance and implement reform measures such as foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, further optimise building a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalised. 会议指出，要帮助企业渡过难关，进一步规范涉企执法、监管行为。要出台民营经济促进法，为非公有制经济发展营造良好环境。要把促消费和惠民生结合起来，促进中低收入群体增收，提升消费结构。要培育新型消费业态。要支持和规范社会力量发展养老、托育产业，抓紧完善生育支持政策体系。要加大引资稳资力度，抓紧推进和实施制造业领域外资准入等改革措施，进一步优化市场化、法治化、国际化一流营商环境.
The meeting also called to implement the employment-first policy, “strengthen assistance to low-income individuals”, ensure the supply and price stability of important materials such as food, water, electricity, gas, and heating, and support grain production and farmers.
The final paragraph calls for complete policy implementation by all regions, departments and cadres, and says that economically developed provinces should take the lead and better play a leading and supporting role.
Also, before we get to the edition, let me share my discussion with Aditya Ramanathan on the recent Quad Summit for our All Things Policy podcast.
Also, you can check out my new piece today in Money Control discussing how Beijing reacted and how Chinese media and analysts discussed the Quad summit.
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Page 1: There’s a report on Xi Jinping’s letter to people of various ethnic groups in Pu’er, Yunnan province, calling on them to bear in mind forging the sense of community for the Chinese nation to promote ethnic unity and progress. This was in reply to a letter by the descendants of the representatives from diverse ethnic groups who erected a monument in 1951 in Pu’er and made a solemn pledge to stay united and follow the leadership of the Party.
In his letter, Xi said that the Chinese nation is a “big family where 56 ethnic groups love and care for each other”. Xi added that “I hope you will carry forward the glorious traditions of your ancestors” and “let the story of national unity be passed down from generation to generation. People of all ethnic groups must bear in mind the sense of community of the Chinese nation and integrate it into their blood, jointly defend the territory of the motherland, and build a beautiful homeland, so that the flower of national unity and progress will bloom even more brilliantly.” 中华民族是一个大家庭，五十六个民族就是相亲相爱的一家人。希望你们发扬先辈光荣传统，更好续写誓词碑故事，让民族团结的佳话代代相传。各族人民都要把中华民族共同体意识牢记心间、融入血液，共守祖国疆土、共建美好家园，让民族团结进步之花越开越绚烂.
Next, there’s a brief report on the entire PBSC attending the funeral of Ren Jianxin, a former senior CPC leader and former president of the Supreme People’s Court. Ren died aged 99 and his remains were laid to rest at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.
Moving on, the paper today carries the new guidelines on implementing the employment-first strategy. The document comes at a time when the jobless rate for people in China ages 16 to 24, and not in school, rose to 18.8% last month. That’s up from 17.1% in July, and 13.2% in June.
The first key section deals with employment and development linkages. This section makes five points:
Strengthen the employment-first orientation of macroeconomic regulation. “Make high-quality and full employment a priority goal for economic and social development, incorporate it into national economic and social development plans, and promote the synergy of fiscal, monetary, industrial, price, and employment policies to enhance the employment-driving power of development. Improve the employment impact assessment mechanism, simultaneously conduct job creation and unemployment risk assessments when formulating major policies, determining major projects, and planning major productive forces, to construct an employment-friendly development model.” 强化宏观调控就业优先导向。把高质量充分就业作为经济社会发展优先目标，纳入国民经济和社会发展规划，促进财政、货币、产业、价格、就业等政策协同发力，提高发展的就业带动力。健全就业影响评估机制，重大政策制定、重大项目确定、重大生产力布局要同步开展岗位创造、失业风险评估，构建就业友好型发展方式.
Enhance the employment synergy of the modern industrial system. Develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions, transform and upgrade traditional industries, cultivate and strengthen emerging industries, plan and build future industries, accelerate the development of advanced manufacturing clusters, and strive to create more high-quality job opportunities. Promote the integrated development of producer services, accelerate the diversification of consumer services, and expand employment capacity in the tertiary industry. Deeply implement the rural revitalization strategy, develop modern agriculture, improve agricultural labour productivity, and enhance the attractiveness of agricultural employment. 增强现代化产业体系就业协同性。因地制宜发展新质生产力，改造提升传统产业，培育壮大新兴产业，布局建设未来产业，加快发展先进制造业集群，努力创造更多高质量就业岗位。推进生产性服务业融合发展，加快生活性服务业多样化发展，扩大第三产业就业容量。深入实施乡村振兴战略，发展现代农业，提高农业劳动生产率，增强农业就业吸引力.
Support various business entities in stabilizing and expanding employment. Give full play to the leading role of state-owned enterprises in employment, and comprehensively use fiscal support, tax incentives, financial support, social security and other policies to guide various entities to better fulfill their social responsibilities of stabilizing and expanding employment. Support the development of industries and enterprises with strong employment absorption capacity. For business entities with good employment demonstration effects, prioritize land use plans and provide preferential employment support services under equal conditions. 支持各类经营主体稳岗扩岗。发挥国有企业就业引领作用，综合运用财政支持、税收优惠、金融支持、社会保障等政策，引导各类主体更好履行稳岗扩岗社会责任。支持发展吸纳就业能力强的产业和企业，对就业示范效应好的经营主体，同等条件下优先保障建设用地计划，优先提供用工支持服务.
Enhance the employment carrying capacity of regional coordinated development. Deeply implement the regional coordinated development strategy and major regional strategies, and accelerate the formation of a number of employment clusters and growth poles with integrated services, connected policies, and smooth channels. Guide the orderly transfer of capital, technology, and labour-intensive industries from the east to the central and western regions, and from central cities to the hinterland. Increase policy support for old revolutionary areas, border regions, and resource-depleted areas to promote balanced employment development across regions. 提升区域协调发展就业承载力。深入实施区域协调发展战略、区域重大战略，加快形成一批服务融通、政策贯通、渠道畅通的就业集聚区和增长极。引导资金、技术、劳动密集型产业从东部向中西部、从中心城市向腹地有序转移，加大对革命老区、边境地区、资源枯竭地区等政策倾斜，促进区域间就业均衡发展.
Cultivate new momentum for employment expansion and quality improvement. Expand new employment space for the digital economy, vigorously promote industrial digitization and digital industrialization, support the healthy development of the platform economy, and effectively manage job mining and career transitions in digital transformation. Increase new green employment opportunities, actively develop green industries such as energy conservation and carbon reduction, environmental protection, ecological protection, restoration and utilization, and promote the synergy and efficiency of green development and employment growth. Open up new areas of health care employment, develop the silver economy, promote the deep integration of health and elderly care, tourism, leisure, food and other industries, and give birth to new employment growth points. 培育就业扩容提质新动能。拓展数字经济就业新空间，大力推进产业数字化、数字产业化，支持平台经济健康发展，做好数字转型中的岗位挖潜、职业转换。增加绿色就业新机会，积极发展节能降碳、环境保护、生态保护修复和利用等绿色产业，推动绿色发展和就业增长协同增效。开辟康养就业新领域，发展银发经济，促进健康与养老、旅游、休闲、食品等产业深度融合，催生新的就业增长点.
Section three deals with the steps to resolve structural employment contradictions. It makes three points:
Better match talent demand with education supply
Improve the lifelong vocational skills training system
Expand growth channels for skilled personnel
The next section deals with support that needs to be provided for the employment of key groups. This includes college graduates and youth, retired military personnel, rural labour, those engaged in supporting self-employment and flexible employment, and individuals facing difficulties, i.e., older workers, people with disabilities, and the long-term unemployed.
Later the document also talks about steps to be taken to protect workers’ rights. This talks about the need to carry out “reforms in household registration, employment services, and personnel records, removing unreasonable restrictions and discrimination in employment based on region, status, gender, age, etc., and facilitating social mobility.” 保障平等就业权利。坚决破除影响劳动力、人才流动的体制机制障碍，同步推进户籍、用人、档案等服务改革，消除地域、身份、性别、年龄等影响平等就业的不合理限制和就业歧视，畅通社会流动渠道。It also mentions support for women and the disabled, along with protecting rights like remuneration, vacation, safety and health.
It adds:
“Promote employers and employees to participate in social insurance according to law. Improve the social security system for flexible employment personnel, migrant workers, and new forms of employment. Completely remove household registration restrictions for participating in social insurance at the place of employment. Promote unemployment insurance, industrial injury insurance and housing accumulation fund to cover professional workers widely. Improve the linkage mechanism between employment and unemployment insurance and minimum living security. Pay unemployment insurance benefits according to regulations, provide layered and classified social assistance, and adjust and improve the gradual withdrawal period of minimum living security and employment cost deduction regulations. 扩大社会保障覆盖面。推动用人单位及职工依法参加社会保险，健全灵活就业人员、农民工、新就业形态人员社会保障制度，全面取消在就业地参保户籍限制。推动失业保险、工伤保险、住房公积金向职业劳动者广覆盖。完善就业与失业保险、最低生活保障联动机制，按规定兑现失业保险待遇，提供分层分类社会救助，调整完善低保渐退期限和就业成本扣减规定。
Next, there’s a report on Ding Xuexiang meeting with leaders from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos who are visiting Nanning to attend the 21st China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit. Xinhua says:
In his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Vietnam Ho Duc Phoc, Ding said:
“China is ready to work with Vietnam in accordance with the strategic direction set by the leaders of the two parties and the two countries to consolidate political mutual trust, enhance the synergy of development strategies, advance infrastructure connectivity, upgrade economic, trade and investment cooperation, cement public support, and push forward the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Speaking highly of China’s great development achievements, Ho Duc Phoc said Vietnam is willing to work with China to push for more results in practical cooperation in various fields to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples.”
In meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia Vongsey Vissoth, Ding said:
“China is willing to work with Cambodia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance the synergy between the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and Cambodia's development strategies, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green development and digital economy, encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Cambodia, implement more projects that benefit local people, and push the development of bilateral relations to a new level. Vongsey Vissoth said Cambodia firmly pursues a friendly policy toward China and is willing to work with China to enrich the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework, and join hands to build a Cambodia-China community with a shared future.”
When meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, Ding noted:
this year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and China is willing to work with Laos, under the guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation, accelerate the construction of major projects, set a new benchmark for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and work together to advance the process of national modernization. Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said Laos attaches great importance to the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future, and is willing to strengthen high-level interactions with China, deepen practical cooperation and push for long-lasting Laos-China friendly relations.”
Page 2: Let’s look at Wang Yi’s engagements in New York. First, he addressed the UNGA. He mentioned GDI, GSI and GCI and then said:
In this changing and turbulent world, new risks and challenges keep cropping up. No country can stay unaffected. Greater solidarity and cooperation of the international community is not a choice, but a must. Countries should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and settle disputes through dialogue, resolve differences through consultation and enhance security through cooperation. Major countries, in particular, should lead by example. They should break geopolitical circles by pursuing the greater good, rise above bloc confrontation with a broad vision for mutual prosperity, and serve as propellers for world solidarity and anchors for international peace.
Countries need to share development opportunities and pursue win-win cooperation. We need to follow a people-centered development philosophy and advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, so as to deliver the fruits of development to our people and ensure common prosperity for all countries. A winner-takes-all approach is a sure way to lose the whole game, and the ‘small yard with high fences’ would only imprison the builder and tear the world apart.
We need to build an equal and orderly multipolar world, and defend the U.N.-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. We need to strengthen the authority of international rule of law, reject the law of the jungle where the strong bully the weak, oppose acts of hegemonism such as unilateral sanctions, protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, promote greater democracy in international relations, and uphold international fairness and justice.
We need to keep abreast with the times, push back the frontier and explore new practices, and make global governance more just and equitable. China supports the U.N. in serving as the main channel in AI governance, and will propose the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. In particular, we need to encourage the young people to bring out their creativity and contribute their share to the advancement of humankind.
Next, Wang met with several other foreign ministers. I cannot cover all the meetings. So, I am going to pick on the one’s I am interested in.
First, the readout (English report) on Wang’s meeting with the EU’s Josep Borrell says:
“Strengthening cooperation between China and the EU benefits both sides and aligns with their fundamental and long-term interests, and meets the expectations of the international community, said Wang. In a world marked by turmoil and interwoven challenges, China and the EU should enhance mutual trust and close cooperation, respect and learn from each other, and contribute to the stability of the international and regional situation and the development and progress of mankind, said Wang. It is hoped that the EU will adhere to its strategic autonomy, eliminate external interference and promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, said Wang. Borrell, for his part, said that China’s rise is an unstoppable historical trend. China is already a strong country and will continue to grow stronger. The world needs China and Europe should strengthen cooperation with China. The world is not peaceful as challenges are growing and conflicts keep cropping up, and countries need to work together to maintain peace and security, said Borrell.”
On Ukraine, Wang said that “China has always adhered to an objective and fair stance on the Ukrainian crisis, and is committed to cooling the situation and never giving up its efforts for peace. If anyone continues to accuse China, they are doing so with ulterior motives, trying to shift responsibility onto China with hidden agendas.”
Second, the readout from Wang’s meeting with Australian FM Penny Wong says:
“Wang Yi said that China-Australia relations have made positive progress. Premier Li Qiang’s successful visit to Australia in June injected new impetus into the development of China-Australia relations. The two sides have resumed a series of dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, China has implemented unilateral visa exemption for Australia, local and cultural exchanges between the two countries have become more active, and Adelaide Zoo will welcome a new pair of giant pandas this year. The improvement of China-Australia relations has been welcomed and supported by all sectors within the two countries. This is the result of the two sides moving towards each other and working together, and it also shows that the healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations is the common expectation of the two peoples. The two sides should continue to build a more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership. At the same time, the two sides should grasp the problems existing in bilateral exchanges, not define China-Australia relations by differences, not replace the mainstream of mutually beneficial cooperation with negative information, and not let negative thinking interfere with the improvement and development of bilateral relations. It is hoped that Australia will work with China to ensure that China-Australia relations continue to move along the right track and achieve more results.” 王毅表示，中澳关系取得积极进展。李强总理6月成功访澳，为中澳关系发展注入新的动力。双方重启了一系列对话合作机制，中方对澳实施单方面免签，两国地方和人文交往更加活跃，阿德莱德动物园年内将迎来新一对大熊猫。中澳关系的改善得到两国各界的欢迎支持，这是双方相向而行、共同努力的结果，也说明中澳关系健康稳定发展是两国人民的共同期待。双方应继续打造更加成熟稳定、更加富有成果的全面战略伙伴关系。同时，双方要把握好双边交往中存在的问题，不能以分歧定义中澳关系，不能用消极信息取代互利合作的主流，不能让负面思维干扰两国关系改善发展。希望澳方同中方一道，确保中澳关系继续沿着正确轨道取得更多成果.
Wong reportedly said that Australia is “willing to work with China to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, promote educational exchanges, jointly address climate change, conduct constructive communication on issues of disagreement, and promote the stable development of bilateral relations”. She also reiterated Australia’s one-China policy. 黄英贤表示，澳中关系对两国、对地区都很重要，我们愿同中方共同努力，加强经贸合作，促进教育交流，共同应对气候变化，就存在分歧的问题开展建设性沟通，推动两国关系稳定发展。澳方坚持一个中国政策没有变化。世界面临不少挑战，乌克兰危机、加沙冲突威胁和平与安全。中国作为安理会常任理事国，具有重要影响力，澳方愿同中方加强协调，维护联合国权威，促进世界的和平稳定与繁荣.
The Australian side shared her opening remarks during the meeting. Do note this framing: “China’s size and weight, as a great power and permanent member of the UN Security Council, make your country central to global challenges, from climate to health. And it is in all of our interests for China to play a constructive role in the international system that is inclusive and representative.”
Also note this from Penny Wong’s press briefing in New York.
Question:... “Was that brought up by your Chinese counterpart and what do you have to say about that?
Foreign Minister: Well, certainly the Quad is something we have discussed in this and other bilaterals. I've explained to Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Australia is engaged in the Quad just as we engage in all other forums in pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity. And that's what we work with partners to achieve.
Third, the report on Wang’s meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock says:
“Politicizing economic and trade issues and abusing tariff measures would serve no one's interests, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his German counterpart…calling on Berlin and the European Union (EU) to instead resort to dialogue and consultations to resolve trade disputes with China. Judging from the nearly half-century history since China and the EU established diplomatic relations, enhancing bilateral cooperation is in both side's interests and conducive to world stability, Wang said, stressing that the foundation for China-EU relations is mutually beneficial cooperation, and that the highly complementary nature of the two economies means economic cooperation between China and the EU can result in outcomes that exceed a simple adding-up of their respective economic output. Whereas, politicizing economic and trade issues between China and the EU while slashing tariffs on Chinese imports would serve no one's interests, nor would such actions work to the benefit of the green transition of the world economy, Wang remarked, expressing the hope that Germany and the EU will stick to open cooperation, continue to hold dialogue and consultations with China, properly handle related issues, and jointly uphold international trade rules and a fair environment for competition. On China-Germany relations, Wang noted the strategic plan drawn up by leaders of the two countries, coupled with frequent high-level interactions since the start of the year. He said China-Germany economic and trade cooperation has maintained at a high level, which is an indication of the mutually beneficial and strategic nature of bilateral ties. Many German companies have seized the opportunities presented by China pursuing modernization, deepening all-round reforms and promoting high-quality opening up, Wang said. German companies actively cultivating the Chinese market has led to Germany's investment in China reaching a new record high in the first half of the year, he added. As the world's second and third largest economies, China and Germany can benefit from each other's development, jointly contribute to world peace and prosperity and instill stability to the world, Wang said.”
Fourth, the report (English report) on Wang’s meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib says:
Wang said that “China has been closely following the latest developments in the region, especially the recent explosions of communication devices across Lebanon, and is firmly opposed to indiscriminate attacks against civilians, he said. Force does not equate to rightness and violence against violence will not solve the problems in the Middle East, Wang said, adding that China strongly condemns any action that violates the basic norms governing international relations. The current situation is a manifestation of the spillover effect of the conflicts in Gaza, and China calls for realizing a ‘permanent ceasefire and comprehensive withdrawal of troops’ and ensuring an effective implementation of ‘the two-state solution,’ he said. Wang voiced hope that the Lebanese side will take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens in Lebanon.”
Wang also said that “China firmly supports Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity. No matter how the situation changes, China will stand on the side of justice and Arab brothers including Lebanon.”
Fifth, the report on Wang’s meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa says that:
Wang said that it is the common responsibility of both sides to comprehensively promote the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan. It is hoped that Japan will work with China to grasp the correct direction of bilateral relations, implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote the healthy and stable development of Sino-Japanese relations. Kamikawa said that Japan values its relationship with China. In the face of rising risks and challenges in the international situation, Japan and China should maintain communication and dialogue at all levels and in all fields, including negotiating solutions to the nuclear wastewater issue, and jointly safeguarding regional peace and development. The important foundation of bilateral relations lies in the exchanges between the people. It is hoped that China will properly handle the attack on the Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen and ensure the safety of Japanese in China. 王毅表示，全面推进中日战略互惠关系，是双方的共同责任。希望日方同中方相向而行，把握两国关系正确方向，把两国领导人的共识落到实处，推动中日关系健康稳定发展。上川阳子表示，日方重视日中关系。面对国际形势中不断上升的风险挑战，日中应保持各领域、各层次沟通对话，包括协商解决好核污染水问题，共同维护地区和平与发展。两国关系的重要基础在于民众之间的交往，希望中方妥善处理日本学生在深圳遇袭击事件，保障在华日本人的安全.
On the wastewater issue, Wang said that “since Japan has agreed to accept long-term international monitoring arrangements and independent sampling and monitoring by relevant countries, including China, it should follow through on its commitments and avoid unnecessary complications. China will investigate and handle the individual case of the Japanese schoolboy attack in Shenzhen in accordance with the law, and will continue to ensure the safety of all foreign citizens in China. Japan should view this matter calmly and rationally, avoiding politicization and escalation.” 王毅强调，中方反对日本福岛核污染水排海理所当然。日本既然同意接受长期国际监测安排和中国等利益攸关国独立取样监测，就应该说到做到，不要节外生枝。中方将依法调查处理深圳日本学生遇袭这起个案，也将一如既往依法保障所有在华外国公民的安全，日方应当冷静理性看待，避免政治化和扩大化.
Apart from all this, do note that China yesterday tested an ICBM after many, many, many years. The Ministry of National Defense said that “the missile fell into expected sea areas, adding that this was a routine arrangement in the annual training plan and relevant countries had been notified in advance. The launch tested weaponry performance and military training effectiveness and achieved desired goals.”
Do read this report on Japanese statements related to the ICBM test.
“The Japanese government Wednesday heightened its surveillance over possible further Chinese military activities, following Beijing’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile the same day. Although the missile was not found to have flown over Japan or damaged Japan-linked ships, Tokyo is rushing to assess China's intentions and future actions as the Chinese military is stepping up its movements around Japan. ‘There have been no reports of damage to Japan-related ships,’ Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters in the city of Saitama, north of Tokyo, Wednesday afternoon. ‘We will continue gathering and analyzing information on Chinese military movements and implement all available surveillance measures.’ The Japan Coast Guard received a notification from Chinese authorities Monday regarding planned ‘falling space debris.’ In response, it issued navigation warnings for three locations--waters northwest of the Philippine island of Luzon, waters east of the island and waters in the South Pacific--between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday. China’s ICBM is believed to have flown over the sites. The Defense Ministry said the missile has not been reported to have flown over Japan.”
Meanwhile, a Japanese warship cruised for the first time to assert its freedom of navigation through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, just a week after a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan. AFP reports that “the Sazanami destroyer made the passage on Wednesday (September 25, 2024) at the same time as navy vessels from Australia and New Zealand…Last week, China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, accompanied by two destroyers. Tokyo said the ships entered its contiguous zone -- an area up to 24 nautical miles from the Japanese coast -- and called the incident ‘totally unacceptable’, while China said it had complied with international law.”
Sixth, the readout from Wang’s meeting with Indonesia’s Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan says that:
“China is willing to work with Indonesia to follow the strategic guidance of the heads of state, continue to deepen all-round strategic cooperation, promote the construction of a community with a shared future to a new level, help each other's modernization process, bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, and make greater contributions to regional and global prosperity and stability. Wang Yi said that at an important juncture of bilateral relations that connects the past and the future, China looks forward to working with Indonesia to maintain close high-level exchanges, continue to grasp the general direction of bilateral relations from a strategic height, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Indonesia at a high level.” He further called to “improve the level of economic, trade and investment cooperation, operate the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway with high quality, and make it a path of development and a road to happiness that carries the friendship between China and Indonesia. Jointly resist unilateralism and protectionism, uphold win-win, multi-win, and common-win outcomes, avoid forming exclusive small circles, and oppose the politicization of economic and trade issues. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, and China is willing to work with Indonesia to hold commemorative activities, promoting solidarity and cooperation among the ‘Global South’.” 中方愿同印尼一道，遵循元首战略引领，持续深化全方位战略合作，推动命运共同体建设不断迈上新台阶，助力各自现代化进程，为两国人民带来更多福祉，为地区和全球繁荣稳定作出更大贡献。王毅说，在双边关系承上启下、继往开来的重要节点，中方期待同印尼一道，保持高层密切交往，继续从战略高度把握两国关系大方向，高水平推进中印尼命运共同体建设。提升经贸投资合作水平，高质量运营雅万高铁，使之成为承载中印尼友好情谊的发展路、幸福路。共同抵制单边主义、保护主义，坚持双赢、多赢、共赢，不搞封闭小圈子，反对经贸问题政治化。明年是万隆会议70周年，中方愿配合印尼举办好纪念活动，促进“全球南方”的团结合作.
Seventh, the readout from Wang’s meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says that:
Wang said that “China-Serbia friendship has deep public support. China is willing to work with Serbia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly defend the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia, and solidly promote the construction of a community with a shared future for China and Serbia in the new era. On the Kosovo issue, China firmly supports Serbia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and opposes some countries’ double standards on territorial sovereignty issues.” 中塞友好有着深厚民意基础。中方愿同塞方一道，落实好两国元首达成的重要共识，坚定捍卫中塞铁杆友谊，扎实推进新时代中塞命运共同体建设。在科索沃问题上，中方坚定支持塞尔维亚维护国家主权和领土完整，捍卫自身正当权益，反对一些国家在领土主权问题上搞双重标准.
Eighth, the readout (English report) from Wang’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says:
Wang said “China has always viewed its relationship with Iran from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to advance practical cooperation across various fields, supporting the development of both nations. China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity, and opposes external interference in Iran’s internal affairs and exerting sanctions and pressure on the country…The foreign minister said both China and Iran are committed to pursuing independent development paths, firmly upholding international fairness and justice, and should work together to protect the legitimate rights of developing countries, promote multipolarity in the world, and democratize international relations. On the issue of the Israel-Palestine conflict, China will continue to uphold justice, pushing for a ceasefire and an end to the war, according to Wang. China supports Iran, Saudi Arabia and other regional countries in continuing to improve their relations, resolving regional security issues through unity and cooperation, and taking the Middle East's destiny into their own hands, he added. China also supports the unity of Arab and Islamic countries in voicing a stronger position and working towards achieving lasting peace in the Middle East as soon as possible, Wang said.”
Among other things, Pezeshkian said that “Iran hopes that China will play an even greater role in promoting a ceasefire, ending the war, and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.”
Ninth, there’s a report on Wang’s comments during the Security Council high-level meeting on the situation in Ukraine. Xinhua reports that Wang put forward three points:
Firstly, it is necessary to enhance the sense of crisis in cooling down the situation. Weapons of mass destruction should not be used, nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes such as nuclear power plants should not be attacked, and civilians and civilian facilities should not be targeted, the envoy said.
Secondly, it is necessary to enhance the sense of responsibility in promoting peace talks. Dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukrainian crisis, he noted, urging the international community to seize the current opportunity to form joint efforts to promote peace talks.
Thirdly, it is necessary to enhance the sense of urgency in managing spillovers. China calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation on energy, finance, trade, food security and the protection of key infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines, so as to jointly maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, Wang said.
China is not a creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party concerned, the top Chinese diplomat noted. China has always sided with peace, and maintained contact with all parties, including Russia and Ukraine, he added. Warning that any attempt to blame, attack or smear China on the Ukraine issue is irresponsible and will not succeed, Wang called on the international community to join hands to uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.”
Tenth, during a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and multiple countries’ foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Wang lashed out at the US and defended China’s human rights record.
“The United States and a few other countries used the Xinjiang issue to attack and smear China's human rights situation. Nearly 80 countries, including the majority of Muslim countries, read out a joint statement on the spot in support of China, and more than 20 countries expressed their support for China's just position in different ways, clearly opposing the politicization of human rights issues and interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. The clear voices of more than 100 countries fully demonstrate that the political manipulation of a few countries such as the United States has become increasingly unpopular.”
“Wang pointed out that such action of the United States and its followers once again exposed their double standards on human rights issues to the world. People cannot help but ask: if the United States is so concerned about the human rights of Muslims, why does it continuously provoke or support wars in regions like the Middle East, causing numerous innocent Muslim casualties? Why does it turn a blind eye to the historical injustices faced by the Arab people and not support Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations? Why does it fail to play its due role in achieving a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal from Gaza? Wang Yi said that the majority of Muslim countries have long seen through the tricks of the United States and know that the United States is just using human rights as a cover to interfere in the internal affairs of China and developing countries. More than 100 developing countries, including Muslim countries, clearly supported China at the Human Rights Council, not only to safeguard China's legitimate rights, but also to safeguard international fairness and justice, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and safeguard the basic principle of non-interference in internal affairs of international relations.” 中共中央政治局委员、外交部长王毅在纽约会见联合国人权高专以及多国外长时表示，9月24日，在日内瓦举行的联合国人权理事会上，美国等少数国家借涉疆问题攻击抹黑中国人权状况。包括广大穆斯林国家在内的近80个国家当场宣读力挺中国的共同发言，还有20多个国家以不同方式表态，支持中方的正义立场，明确反对将人权问题政治化，反对以人权为借口干涉别国内政。100多个国家发出的清晰声音充分说明，美国等少数国家的政治操弄已经越来越不得人心。王毅指出，美国等少数国家的做法再次向世人暴露了什么是双重标准。大家不禁要问，美国如此关心穆斯林的人权，为何不断在中东等地区挑起或支持战争，造成大量无辜穆斯林民众伤亡？为何对阿拉伯人民的历史不公视而不见，不支持巴勒斯坦成为联合国正式会员国？为何不为实现加沙永久停火、全面撤军发挥应有作用？王毅表示，广大穆斯林国家早已看穿了美国的伎俩，清楚美国不过是以人权为幌子，企图干涉中国和发展中国家内政。包括穆斯林国家在内100多个发展中国家在人权理事会上明确支持中方，不仅是为了维护中方的正当权利，更是为了维护国际公平正义，维护发展中国家共同权益，维护不干涉内政这一国际关系基本准则。
Finally, meeting Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, Wang said that China supports Slovenia assuming the rotating chair of the United Nations Security Council this month, is willing to work with the Slovenian side to implement true multilateralism, uphold the authority of the United Nations and the Security Council, and promote international peace and security. He added that “China has decided to grant visa-free entry to the people of Slovenia.”
Moving on, ILD chief Liu Jianchao has just been on a visit to Germany. Two big events were the first strategic dialogue between the CPC and the Social Democratic Party of Germany, the 13th party dialogue between the CPC and the Christian Democratic Union of Germany.
Page 6: There’s a report on Song Tao, who heads the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, meeting with Sean Lien, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party, in Liaoning Province.
Song said:
“We will always keep the well-being of Taiwan compatriots in mind, take the lead in sharing the development opportunities of Chinese-style modernization with Taiwan compatriots, and share the fruits of development and progress of the mainland. Continue to improve systems and policies that promote cross-strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, deepen integrated development across the strait, and comprehensively advance the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. We are willing to continue promoting cross-strait exchanges and cooperation with the Kuomintang on the common political foundation of adhering to the ‘1992 Consensus’ and opposing ‘Taiwan independence’. We will oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and external interference, seeking peace for the Taiwan Strait, welfare for compatriots, reunification for the country, and rejuvenation for the nation.” 宋涛表示，我们将全面贯彻落实习近平总书记对台工作重要讲话精神和中共二十届三中全会精神，始终以台湾同胞福祉为念，率先同台湾同胞分享中国式现代化发展机遇，共享祖国大陆发展进步成果。持续完善促进两岸经济文化交流合作制度和政策，深化两岸融合发展，以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业。愿同中国国民党在坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”共同政治基础上，持续推动两岸交流合作，反对“台独”分裂和外来干涉，为台海谋和平、为同胞谋福祉、为国家谋统一、为民族谋复兴.
Lien said that based on the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing ‘Taiwan independence’, the KMT will continue to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields, safeguard peace and stability across the Strait, and create more benefits for people on both sides of the Strait.
Page 17: There’s a report on the 10+3 Industrial Chain and Supply Chain Docking Conference in Nanning. The report says that about 400 representatives from governments, business associations and enterprises of ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea attended the event. It just goes to show that for all the decoupling and de-risking, businesses are adapting and new networks are being created.