Pushing GSI & GDI - Xi & the Three Rurals - Middle East Security Forum - Gates Foundation & GDI - Taiwan Policy Under Xi - The 10 Persistences - Xu Shicheng on US Role in Venezuelan Politics
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Thursday, September 22, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: At the top of the page is a report about Xi Jinping’s letter to the commemorative event for the International Day of Peace 2022. This was held in Beijing. The theme of the event was “Acting on the Global Security Initiative to Maintain World Peace and Stability.” It would be useful to read transcripts of the discussion, if these are available. Anyway, Xinhua reports:
“In his letter, Xi noted that at present, the international security situation is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. ‘At this important historical juncture, I put forward the Global Security Initiative, call on all countries to uphold the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and take seriously the legitimate security concerns of all countries,’ Xi said. China also advocates that all countries should resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding peace, follow the path of peaceful development, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.”
The other top story is about Xi’s instructions to a seminar on the reform of national defence and the armed forces, which was held in Beijing on Wednesday.
The report says that Xi emphasised that since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission have comprehensively implemented the strategy of reforming and strengthening the army with unprecedented determination and strength; long-standing systemic obstructions, structural incongruities and policy issues in the development of national defence and the armed forces have been resolved, while historical achievements have been made in deepening the reform of national defence and the armed forces. The people's army has a new system, a new structure, a new pattern and a new look. 中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平作出重要指示。他强调，党的十八大以来，党中央和中央军委以前所未有的决心和力度，全面实施改革强军战略，深入破解长期制约国防和军队建设的体制性障碍、结构性矛盾、政策性问题，深化国防和军队改革取得历史性成就，人民军队体制一新、结构一新、格局一新、面貌一新.
It is necessary to conscientiously sum up the successful experience of reform, grasp the requirements of the new situation and tasks, focus on preparing for war, be brave in pioneering and innovating, do a solid job in the implementation of the established reform tasks, strengthen the follow-up reform planning, strive to create a new situation of reforming and strengthening the army, and provide a powerful impetus for the realisation of the centennial goal of building the army. 要认真总结运用改革成功经验，把握新的形势和任务要求，聚焦备战打仗，勇于开拓创新，扎实抓好既定改革任务落实，加强后续改革筹划，奋力开创改革强军新局面，为实现建军一百年奋斗目标提供强大动力.
The report said that the meeting studied Xi’s instructions. CMC vice chairs Xu Qiliang and Zhang Youxia also spoke at the event.
Third, there’s a very long piece on Xi Jinping’s attachment/work related to the 三农 - three rurals, i.e., the development of agriculture, rural areas and farmers. I am not particularly interested in the article, but some of it I just can't help sharing. That’s because this piece is basically an attempt at the following:
to underscore Xi as someone who has experienced hardship and understands the challenges of people in poor areas and poverty
to argue that Xi has taken those experiences to heart and as an administrator, he always maintained a close relationship with the people; his door, so to say, was always open
as general secretary too “the people's yearning for a better life” is what animates him everyday, and in this sense, there are “trivial matters” from Xi’s perspective, be it poverty alleviation, healthcare access, education, food and food security, protection of farmland, the overall imbalance between urban and rural development, the desire to achieve common prosperity, and so on.
The piece basically touches on all of the above. But what I’d like to share below is how the article begins talking about why Xi has such a perspective. The piece traces Xi’s feels with regard to the 三农 back to his time as a 16-year-old in Liangjiahe, during the Cultural Revolution.
“‘No matter where I go, I will always be the son of the Yellow Earth.’ The General Secretary described those hard years of lifelong lessons in this manner.” The piece says that Xi was touched by the “miserable” condition of the farmers at the time. “During his years in Liangjiahe, he worked in the fields, pulled coal, dammed and picked dung. In the eyes of his fellow villagers, he was a ‘hard-working young man’ who had done all kinds of work and suffered all kinds of hardships. As the village party secretary of Liangjiahe, he led the villagers to build the first biogas digester in Shaanxi, drilled irrigation wells, and set up an iron industry club and a sewing club. In just over a year, the impoverished small mountain village was revitalised. Coming out of the ‘poor nest’, I understood well the suffering of the villagers and felt the pain of being poor. ‘Everywhere I go, I have to see the countryside; it is the reflection of the most basic living conditions of our people’. In Zhengding, Hebei, I travelled all over the countryside. ‘I often put a table on the street, and I called everyone to come over. If you have anything, please talk to me’.” “无论我走到哪里，永远是黄土地的儿子。”总书记这样描述那段艰苦却受益终生的岁月。50多年前，不满16岁的习近平来到陕北高原当知青，在延川县梁家河大队一干7年。那会儿，当地老百姓常说：“肥正月，瘦二月，半死不活三四月。”青年习近平大为触动，“感觉农民怎么这么苦啊。”种地、拉煤、打坝、挑粪，在梁家河的岁月，这位乡亲们眼中“吃苦耐劳的好后生”，什么活儿都干过，啥苦都吃过。担任梁家河村支书，他带领村民修了陕西第一座沼气池，打了灌溉井，办了铁业社、缝纫社，短短一年多，贫穷的小山村焕发生机。从“穷窝窝”里走出来，深知乡亲们的苦，读得懂锅里的穷，感受得到受穷的痛，“每到一个地方，我都要看看乡村，乡村是我们人民最基本生活情况的反映。”在河北正定，跑遍所有农村，“常常把一张桌子摆在大街上，吆喝大家过来，有什么事就找我说说.”
Fourth, a report on Wang Qishan’s comments at the International Day of Peace 2022 commemorative event. Wang said that “China is ready to work with the international community to jointly implement the Global Security Initiative.” He called GSI a “Chinese solution to eliminate the peace deficit and resolve the security dilemma.”
“All countries need to practice mutual respect, enhance solidarity and coordination, respect others' national security, sovereignty and development interests, and refrain from interfering in others' internal affairs, Wang said in his keynote speech. ‘We should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, share weal and woe, and safeguard common security,’ Wang said. He also called for dialogue and consultation to achieve peaceful coexistence, and unequivocal support for all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crisis. ‘We need to work together to improve global governance, firmly oppose hegemony and bullying, practice true multilateralism, safeguard world peace and stability, and promote the development and prosperity of all countries,’ Wang said. Pointing out that peace is the common cause of mankind, Wang said China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and continue to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order.”
Fifth, a report on a meeting of the CPPCC National Committee to discuss the regulations on work regarding political consultation. Xinhua reports Wang Yang’s comments as follows:
“Having studied the regulations for three months, political advisors have recognized that efforts should be made to more effectively turn the Party's propositions, principles and policies into a broad consensus among political parties and people from all ethnic groups and walks of life who participated in the people's political consultative conferences, he said. The leading Party members groups of the CPPCC should consciously implement the Party's leadership over political consultation at people's political consultative conferences, he said. Wang stressed the importance of efforts to improve education and training, regulate the CPPCC's consultation procedures, and enhance capacity building, so as to ensure that the CPC Central Committee's policies and decisions regarding political consultation are faithfully implemented.”
Page 3: Let’s begin with the report on Wang Yi chairing the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative. Xinhua reports that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the meeting via video link, and the meeting was attended by nearly 40 foreign ministers and heads of international agencies.
Xinhua adds Wang as saying that:
“The group has become an important force for solidarity, coordination and common development, he said, adding it has also become an effective platform for common consultation on the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In June, President Xi presided over the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, announced 32 important measures taken by China to implement the GDI, and worked with leaders of other countries to put development back to the center on the international agenda, injecting strong impetus into accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, Wang said. He said China is ready to strengthen strategic synergy with UN development agencies, and work with the other countries of the Group of Friends to take seven more steps to implement the 2030 Agenda. In specific, China and the other countries of the Group of Friends will release a list of the first 50 projects within the pool of GDI projects, which cover such areas as poverty reduction, food security, and industrialization, advance a special action on promoting food production, promote the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership, advance cooperation on ‘Smart Customs, Smart Borders, Smart Connectivity,’ initiate a global alliance of digital education, launch the Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative jointly with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, and announce that China will share data obtained from its satellite SDGSAT-1 launched in November 2021 with the world.”
The report adds:
“Wang also called on the international community to make joint efforts to advance the GDI, putting forward a three-point proposal in this respect, including to promote greater coordination and efficiency, and strengthen the leading role of the UN development system, to uphold extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and pool collective wisdom and strength, and to champion inclusiveness and common progress, and reinvigorate global development partnerships. China will continue to share development opportunities with countries around the world and achieve common progress for all mankind, Wang said, adding that China will also stand firmly with other developing countries to make every effort to promote the implementation of the GDI and to jointly build a better community with a shared future for mankind. On behalf of the Chinese government, Wang presented to the UN six sets of data products for global sustainable development, including data on global arable land and forest.”
While on GDI, MoFA’s press conference referenced a recent CSIS event discussing the initiative. This has been covered in the paper today. Here’s the exchange:
CCTV: The CSIS, a US think tank, recently held an online seminar on the new Global Development Initiative. Some experts said at the meeting that the Global Development Initiative (GDI) is framed around accelerating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It can help all parties pool strength, increase the efficiency of the use of development resources and can form synergy with developing countries’ development strategies. The experts also noted that the West should not “throw the baby out with the bath water” when it comes to the GDI, but engage with China through communication and coordination to ensure that the initiative can truly play its part. What is China’s comment?
Wang Wenbin: I have noted the relevant reports. We appreciate the experts’ objective and fair view of the GDI. A year ago today, President Xi Jinping put forward the GDI at the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Over the past year, the GDI has encouraged the international community to take the issue of development seriously once again and reaffirm its commitment to realizing the sustainable development goals on schedule. The GDI has put forward a viable pathway, created a cooperation platform, and pooled development resources to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and responded to the most pressing challenges to development. Over the past year, the number of countries and international organizations supporting the GDI has grown to more than 100, and the Group of Friends of the GDI on the UN platform now has more than 60 member states. China has been working with other countries in actively following through on the pragmatic steps to achieve the 32 deliverables of the High-level Dialogue on Global Development to advance GDI cooperation and has achieved many early harvests. We launched an International NGOs Network for Poverty Reduction Cooperation, which is joined by organizations from 17 countries and regions already as the first batch. We are working with 150 institutions from nearly 40 countries and regions to jointly establish a World Technical and Vocational Education and Training League. The Group of Friends has made clear the joint proposition on food security at the UNGA. The China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Cooperation Center has been established. China has conducted joint production of COVID vaccines with 13 countries, including nine members of the Group of Friends. We have provided training for more than 40,000 people in developing countries through 1,000 capacity-building programs. The GDI is centered around the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and is led by practical cooperation programs in key areas. It seeks better alignment with the UN and attaches importance to the role of the UN development system. It is dedicated to forging greater synergy with the development process of regions, subregions and country blocs, pooling and leveraging resources, and better serving the actual development needs of developing countries. In line with the GDI’s spirit of open and inclusive partnership, we welcome partners including developed countries’ participation in cooperation under the initiative to jointly bring global development to a new height, and forge the broadest synergy possible to meet all sustainable development goals on schedule.
Next, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s proposals at the second Middle East Security Forum. Xinhua reports that Wang “said the Global Security Initiative is of great significance to peace and stability in the Middle East as it clearly outlines how to achieve common security for all countries. China is ready to seize the opportunity of implementing the Global Security Initiative and work with Middle Eastern countries and the broader international community to build up the new security framework in the Middle East, Wang said. Wang proposed:
upholding the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security
making clear that Middle Eastern countries play a leading role
abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter
and strengthening regional security dialogue”
Next, there’s an article by Mark Suzman from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on GDI. He writes about the global challenges related to food security. He argues that in the world today, the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate change, natural disasters and structural poverty are increasingly intertwined, with some 828 million people in the world facing hunger in 2021, and 50 million people in 45 countries being only one step away from famine. He adds that this is the case despite global food production being enough to feed everyone on the planet.
He adds: “it is necessary for countries to give generously, but we should focus more on helping relevant countries to strengthen capacity building and finally get rid of dependence on external assistance. Therefore, we must change the existing way of thinking about food security and seek fundamental solutions.” 从某种意义上说，各国慷慨解囊固然必要，但我们更应着眼于帮助相关国家加强能力建设，最终摆脱对外部援助的依赖。因此，我们必须改变应对粮食安全问题的既有思路，寻求根本的解决之道.
In this context, he talks about GDI, saying that:
The Global Development Initiative covers many key areas of cooperation, such as poverty reduction and food security, which are well aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a special emphasis on inclusiveness and innovation. Based on the Gates Foundation's work in global health and development over the past two decades, I wholeheartedly agree. 全球发展倡议涵盖减贫、粮食安全等与联合国2030年可持续发展议程十分契合的诸多重点合作领域，并且尤其强调普惠包容与创新驱动。基于盖茨基金会过去20多年来在全球健康与发展领域的实践，我对此表示由衷的认同.
He then talks about the recent Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Report; and says that:
“Human intelligence has unlimited potential, and the role of disruptive innovation is incalculable. The success of Chinese agricultural scientists in breeding new rice varieties for decades is a prominent example. Related innovations have helped feed about 20% of the world's population, and helped China achieve the poverty reduction goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule.” 人类的聪明才智具有无限潜力，颠覆性创新发挥的作用难以估量。中国农业科学家数十年来在水稻新品种繁育方面取得的成功就是一个突出例子。相关创新帮助养活了全球约20%的人口，助力中国提前实现了联合国2030年可持续发展议程的减贫目标.
He adds that he believes GDI will promote “inclusive innovation.” He then mentions China pledging an additional $1 billion to the $3 billion already committed by China to the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. He argues that “these measures will help to further expand international cooperation in poverty reduction and food security, which is worth looking forward to.” 今天，全球农业领域需要更多普惠创新的突破，全球发展倡议将为此提供强大支持。今年6月，中国宣布将加大对全球发展合作的资源投入，把南南合作援助基金整合升级为“全球发展和南南合作基金”，并在30亿美元基础上增资10亿美元。这些举措有助于进一步拓展减贫和粮食安全等领域的国际合作，十分值得期待.
At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July this year, China called on all parties to support the Consultative Organisation on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and cooperation in agricultural science, technology and innovation, and reduce restrictions on high-tech exchanges. This proposal will help increase global food security and reduce extreme poverty. 今年7月，中方在二十国集团外长会上呼吁各方支持国际农业研究磋商组织及各国农业科技创新合作，减少高新科技交流限制。这一主张有助于提升全球粮食安全水平，减少极端贫困.
He later talks about the Gates Foundation’s work in China, which I am not covering. But he added this on GDI.
“The Global Development Initiative was launched a year ago. I look forward to the initiative becoming an international platform for exchanges, mutual learning and consensus building, supporting and promoting inclusive innovation in agriculture, and injecting new impetus into the realisation of the relevant goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” 全球发展倡议已提出一年，我热切期待该倡议成为各方交流互鉴、凝聚共识的国际平台，支持并推动农业领域普惠创新，为实现联合国2030年可持续发展议程相关目标注入新的动力.
Finally, there’s an interview with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He doesn’t say anything that I thought was particularly interesting. But he backs GSI, GDI and BRI.
Page 4: There’s a report based on a press conference on Taiwan policy. Chen Yuanfeng, deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said that:
“Since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has grasped the historical trend and promoted cross-strait political exchanges on the basis of adhering to the ‘1992 Consensus’ and opposing ‘Taiwan independence’, and has made historic achievements.” 党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央把握历史大势，在坚持“九二共识”、反对“台独”的共同政治基础上推动两岸政治交往，取得了历史性成就.
“In the past ten years, cross-strait political exchanges have made historic breakthroughs. Chen said that we have promoted the first meeting and direct dialogue between leaders of the two sides across the strait since 1949, and raised cross-strait exchanges and interactions to a new height, achieving a new milestone in the development of cross-strait relations. The departments in charge of cross-strait affairs have established a normalised communication mechanism on the basis of common politics, and the heads of the two departments have exchanged visits and opened hotlines. 十年中，两岸政治交往取得历史性突破。陈元丰介绍，我们推动实现1949年以来两岸领导人首次会晤、直接对话沟通，将两岸交流互动提升到新高度，成为两岸关系发展道路上一座新的里程碑。双方两岸事务主管部门在共同政治基础上建立常态化联系沟通机制，两部门负责人实现互访、开通热线.
Qiu Kaiming, director of the Research Bureau of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, talked about the Xi- Ma Ying-jeou meeting in 2015. He said that “the two sides reached a consensus on the theme of promoting the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and striving for national rejuvenation, and have consolidated and deepened the key position and role of the ‘92 Consensus’ as the common political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, which was widely affirmed and highly praised by compatriots on both sides of the strait and the international community.” 中共中央台办研究局局长仇开明介绍，双方围绕推进两岸关系和平发展，致力民族复兴的主题达成共识，巩固深化“九二共识”作为两岸关系和平发展共同政治基础的关键地位和作用，得到了两岸同胞和国际社会的广泛肯定和高度评价. --– This is basically what Beijing says the DPP is not respecting.
In the past 10 years, cross-strait dialogue and consultation have formed a new situation. Chen said that we have adhered to the one-China principle and the ‘1992 Consensus’, encouraged inter-party exchanges between political parties on both sides of the strait, conducted dialogue and consultation with relevant political parties, groups and people in Taiwan Province on cross-strait relations and the future of the nation, reached a number of consensuses and issue joint initiatives, and worked together with all sectors of society in Taiwan Province to explore the ‘two systems’ plan. 十年中，两岸对话协商形成新局面。陈元丰说，我们坚持一个中国原则和“九二共识”，推进两岸政党党际交流，与台湾有关政党、团体和人士就两岸关系与民族未来开展对话协商，达成多项共识并发表共同倡议，与台湾社会各界共同努力探索“两制”台湾方案.
Global Times’ English report summarises some of the next bit well.
“During the conference, Chen summarized progress in cross-Straits exchange, in aspects including dialogue between political parties and leaders and exchanges between the people, policies and measures to ensure the well-being of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland, and the strengthening of economic and trade ties. According to Chen, trade across the Straits was $160.03 billion in 2011 and by 2021, it had doubled to $328.34 billion. ‘The Chinese mainland remains Taiwan's largest export market, largest source of trade surplus, and largest destination for investment by Taiwan businessmen.’ It is worth noting that the achievements summarized by Chen came amid a deterioration in cross-Straits relations, especially after the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. Chen said that the mainland is growing more powerful in striking against Taiwan secessionism and foreign interference, with a firmer will and determination to achieve national reunification. ‘The historical trend of the reunification of the motherland cannot be changed by any force's obstruction or destruction.’
The GT report then quotes Zhang Wensheng, a deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University as saying that “the prospect of peaceful reunification still exists and it is not as pessimistic as Western media depicts, despite external intervention in the Taiwan question…The attraction of the Chinese mainland to Taiwan people is growing with the mainland's development, Zhang said.”
Since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core has persisted in grasping the overall situation of cross-strait relations from the perspective of the overall interests of the Chinese nation, properly responding to the changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait, taking strong actions, resolutely cracking down on all kinds of provocations for ‘independence’, resolutely curbing the interference of external forces, effectively deterring and defeating the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist acts, and firmly grasping the initiative in cross-strait relations. 党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚持从中华民族整体利益的高度把握两岸关系大局，妥善应对台海局势变化，采取有力行动，坚决打击遏制各种谋“独”挑衅，坚决遏制外部势力干涉，有效地震慑并挫败了“台独”分裂行径，牢牢把握两岸关系主导权和主动权.
Over the past decade, the general trend of opposing ‘independence’ and promoting reunification has been continuously strengthened. ‘Taiwan independence is a dead end and will only put Taiwan Province compatriots in danger’. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, said that the Taiwan Province issue concerns the core interests of the country and the national feelings of the Chinese people. Attempts by external forces to use the Taiwan Province issue to obstruct China’s development and reunification will only end in failure. We are willing to create a broad space for peaceful reunification, but we will never leave any space for any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities. No one should underestimate the Chinese people’s strong determination, firm will and strong ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 十年来，反“独”促统大势不断增强。“‘台独’是绝路，只会把台湾同胞推入险境。”中共中央台办新闻发言人朱凤莲说，台湾问题事关国家核心利益和中国人民民族感情，外部势力企图利用台湾问题阻挠中国发展和统一，只会以失败告终。我们愿意为和平统一创造广阔空间，但绝不为任何形式的“台独”分裂活动留下任何空间。任何人都不要低估中国人民捍卫国家主权和领土完整的坚强决心、坚定意志、强大能力.
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Ma Xiaoguang then spoke about the idea of a ‘one country, two systems’ formulation for Taiwan. PD says that “after reunification, the specific implementation form of ‘one country, two systems’ in Taiwan Province will fully consider the actual situation in Taiwan Province, fully absorb opinions and suggestions from people from all sectors on both sides of the strait, and fully consider the interests and feelings of Taiwan Province compatriots. The peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits in accordance with ‘one country, two systems’ will bring tangible benefits to Taiwan Province’s economic and social development and Taiwan Province compatriots.” 和平统一后，“一国两制”在台湾的具体实现形式会充分考虑台湾现实情况，会充分吸收两岸各界意见和建议，会充分照顾到台湾同胞利益和感情。按照“一国两制”实现两岸和平统一，将给台湾经济社会发展和广大台湾同胞带来实实在在的好处.
Chen Yuanfeng then said that in the current environment the goal of national reunification is “facing a new situation.” Despite that, this is an “irreversible historical process”, with “time, momentum and righteousness of reunification are on the side of the Chinese mainland.” “In the new era, we are stronger in opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists and foreign interference, and our will and determination to realise the reunification of the motherland are firmer. Obstruction and sabotage by any forces cannot change the historical trend of the reunification of the motherland.” “当前，在国内国际两个大局都发生深刻复杂变化的时代背景下，推进祖国完全统一面临着新的形势。”陈元丰强调，实现中华民族伟大复兴进入不可逆转的历史进程。统一的时、势、义始终在祖国大陆这一边。新时代我们反对“台独”分裂和外来干涉的力量更强，实现祖国统一的意志和决心更加坚定。任何势力的阻挠破坏，都无法改变祖国统一的历史大势.
Second, there’s a report on United Front chief You Quan’s comments at the handing of Overseas Chinese Contribution Award. He said that:
Quan especially hopes that the overseas Chinese talents will unite their patriotism, ambition to strengthen the country and their devotion to serve the country, and work to solve problems and do their duty for the country.” He wants their support in regard to key core technologies and chokepoint technologies, accurately and comprehensively implementing the new development concept, build a new development pattern, assist with the high-quality development of the economy; and actively participate in the construction of BRI, and help tell Chinese stories well, promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign cultures and civilisations, and make new contributions to the construction of Community of Shared Future for Mankind. 尤权希望广大侨界人才把爱国之情、强国之志、报国之行统一起来，在为国分忧、为国解难、为国尽责方面体现新面貌；坚持面向世界科技前沿、面向国家重大战略，在破解“卡脖子”关键核心技术方面推出新成果；完整准确全面贯彻新发展理念，服务构建新发展格局，助力经济高质量发展，在应变局、育先机、开新局方面展现新作为；积极参与“一带一路”建设，讲好中国故事，促进中外文化文明交流互鉴，在推动构建人类命运共同体方面作出新贡献.
Page 9: On the theory page, the lead article is by the Beijing Research Centre on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This piece basically talks about the 10 Persistences that constitute Xi Jinping Thought. These were the 10 points listed in the third historical resolution. The piece calls to “use these together as an important ideological weapon to master the historical initiative.”
The piece says that “in the course of the Party’s century of struggle, the reason why it has always been able to grasp the historical initiative lies in its unique advantages. From ‘upholding the Party's leadership’ to ‘persisting in self-revolution’, the historical experience of ‘Ten Persistences’ profoundly reveal the unique advantages of the Party.” 始终注重发挥自身独特优势。在百年奋斗历程中，我们党之所以能够始终掌握历史主动，根本在于党自身所具有的独特优势。从“坚持党的领导”到“坚持自我革命”，“十个坚持”历史经验深刻揭示了我们党自身所具有的独特优势.
Going forward, the piece calls for:
Always upholding the leadership of the Party; this entails understanding the significance of the Two Establishments, strengthening the four consciousness and four self-confidence and achieving the two safeguards. It also implies implementing the Party’s leadership in all areas and links of the Party and the country’s undertakings.
Always consolidating the ideological foundation; this entails fully implementing Xi’s thought and making “great efforts to learn, understand and practice” it. 在新时代新征程上坚持和运用“十个坚持”历史经验，要全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，在学懂弄通做实上下功夫，更加自觉地坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，奋力夺取全面建设社会主义现代化国家新胜利.
Pursuing stated development goals
Invigorating the spirit of historical initiative; “we must be brave in carrying out the great struggle with many new historical characteristics, grasp the historical characteristics of the new great struggle, carry forward the struggle spirit, grasp the struggle direction, grasp the struggle initiative, strengthen the struggle will, master the struggle laws, enhance the struggle skills, and constantly win new victories in the great struggle in the new era.” 在新的赶考之路上坚持和运用“十个坚持”历史经验，牢牢掌握历史主动，必须勇于进行具有许多新的历史特点的伟大斗争，把握新的伟大斗争的历史特点，发扬斗争精神，把握斗争方向，把握斗争主动权，坚定斗争意志，掌握斗争规律，增强斗争本领，不断夺取新时代伟大斗争的新胜利。
Always maintain the advanced nature and purity of the party; i.e., “constantly eliminate all factors that damage the party's advanced nature and purity, and constantly eliminate all viruses that erode the healthy body of the party, so as to ensure that the party will always become a strong leadership core in the historical process of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.” 在新的赶考之路上牢牢掌握历史主动，必须坚持和运用“十个坚持”历史经验，不断清除一切损害党的先进性和纯洁性的因素，不断清除一切侵蚀党的健康肌体的病毒，确保党在新时代坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的历史进程中始终成为坚强领导核心.
Page 10: There’s a piece by the Shanghai Research Centre on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, drawing on Xi’s speech in July to leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels. The piece focuses on Xi’s comments about maintaining a sense of sobriety, focussing on the original mission, not being taken in by one’s achievements, and ensuring that there is skill upgradation among cadres in order to improve governance.
This is what Xinhua had reported Xi as saying during the conference:
“The CPC is the world's largest Marxist ruling party. To strengthen its governing position and retain people's sincere support, the Party must always keep sober-minded and determined on the journey. CPC members must stay vigilant against the long-term nature of the tests confronting the Party as they relate to governance, reform and opening up, the market economy, and the external environment, and against the dangers of losing drive, lacking competence, becoming disengaged from the people, and succumbing to inaction and corruption.”
Anyway, the piece emphasises this point. But it also says this:
“As the largest party in the world, no external force can bring us down, only we ourselves bring out our demise. Under the conditions of long-term governance, there are always various factors that weaken the advanced nature of the Party and damage its purity; there are all kinds of dangers that violate the original intention and mission and shake the foundation of the Party. General Secretary Xi Jinping warned the whole party: ‘It is not easy to be vigilant in times of peace and maintain the spirit of hard work that existed during the early stages of an endeavour when you have achieved success. It is not easy to be frugal and restrained after assuming power and maintain the sense of respect that existed in the beginning. It is not easy to strictly control officials, prevent corruption and abstain from extravagance during the time of peace, and it is not easy to follow the trend and conform to the will of the people in times of change’.” The piece then calls for basically being sober-minded and ensuring that one does all this not-easy-to-do things. 作为世界第一大党，没有什么外力能够打倒我们，能够打倒我们的只有我们自己。在长期执政条件下，各种弱化党的先进性、损害党的纯洁性的因素无时不有，各种违背初心和使命、动摇党的根基的危险无处不在。习近平总书记告诫全党：“功成名就时做到居安思危、保持创业初期那种励精图治的精神状态不容易，执掌政权后做到节俭内敛、敬终如始不容易，承平时期严以治吏、防腐戒奢不容易，重大变革关头顺乎潮流、顺应民心不容易。”新的赶考之路上，越是取得成绩的时候，越是要永葆“赶考”的清醒和坚定，保持高度的历史清醒，积极主动、未雨绸缪，见微知著、防微杜渐，不断清除一切侵蚀党的健康肌体的病毒，永葆马克思主义政党本色.
The piece also adds that national rejuvenation will take more than drum beating and gong clanging. It requires one to not tolerate the status quo, rest on one’s laurels, let alone slack off and do nothing. What is needed is a constant “sense of urgency, the drive to seize the day, and a fighting spirit” of marching ahead and taking action despite difficulties. 中华民族伟大复兴绝不是轻轻松松、敲锣打鼓就能实现的，走好新的赶考之路，容不得安于现状、固步自封，更不能精神懈怠、无所作为，必须始终保持奋发有为的“赶考”状态。要以坐不住的紧迫感、只争朝夕的干劲和越是艰险越向前的斗争精神，干事创业、担当作为.
Page 17: Xu Shicheng from CASS writes about the US’ role in Venezuelan politics. This is the third piece in the series on colour revolutions. He writes that for more than 20 years, the US government has always regarded the Venezuelan government as a thorn in its side and a thorn in its flesh, and tried every means possible to instigate a colour revolution in an attempt to subvert/overthrow the Venezuelan left-wing regime.
Xu blames the National Endowment for Democracy for supporting anti-government protesters and says that in early 2002, Venezuela’s opposition and a small group of anti-government soldiers, backed by the United States, staged an attempted coup against the then president Hugo Chavez.
Xu then says that in early 2014, the US supported the Venezuelan opposition in mass and violent protests. According to statistics, the National Endowment for Democracy and USAID provided a total of $14 million to Venezuelan opposition groups in 2013-2014. In February 2014, the Venezuelan government ordered the expulsion of three American diplomats, accusing them of subversive activities under the cover of providing scholarships and visas to Venezuelan university students who took part in the protests. 2014年初，美国又支持委反对派举行大规模暴力抗议活动。有统计显示，2013—2014年，美国国家民主基金会和美国国际开发署总计向委反对派组织提供了1400万美元的资助。2014年2月，委政府下令驱逐3名美国外交官，指控他们以向参加抗议活动的委大学生提供奖学金和办理赴美签证为掩护，从事颠覆活动.
The Xu blames the US for an assistanation attempt targeting Nicolas Maduro on August 4, 2018; he then talks about the entire Juan Guaidó saga and later accuses the US of waging an “economic war against Venezuela, announcing a series of sanctions, blockades and embargoes.”
“According to statistics, between between 2017 and 2022, more than 500 sanctions were imposed on Venezuelan companies and state companies related to oil and gold exports. In January, 2019, the US Treasury Department announced sanctions against oil companies in an attempt to cut off the economic lifeline and foreign exchange sources of the Commission. On August 5, 2019, President Trump signed an executive order to freeze all the assets of the Venexuelan government in the US. On August 5, 2019, President Trump signed an executive order freezing all Venezuelan government assets in the United States. In April 2020, in the name of ‘drug control’, the US sent warships near Venezuela’s territorial waters to impose a naval blockade and military threat against Venezuela. In June of the same year, the US announced sanctions against four shipping companies that transported crude oil.” 近年来，美国对委内瑞拉发动经济战，宣布一系列制裁、封锁、禁运措施。据统计，2017年至2022年间，在石油和黄金出口方面，委内瑞拉的企业和国有公司共受到500多项制裁。2019年1月，美国财政部宣布制裁委石油公司，企图掐断委经济命脉和外汇来源。2019年8月5日，特朗普签署行政令，冻结委政府在美国境内全部资产。2020年4月，美国以“禁毒”为名向委领海附近派遣军舰，对委实施海上封锁和军事威胁。同年6月，美国宣布制裁运送委原油的4家航运公司.
The piece ends by referencing comments by John Bolton earlier this year on the US planning coup d’etat in other countries, with a reference to the failure of such an attempt in Venezuela in 2019. Xu ends by calling colour revolutions a “political drug”, “a great social plague” and “a serious threat to world peace and stability. 美国策动的“颜色革命”是当代世界的政治毒品，是危害极大的社会瘟疫，严重危害世界和平稳定.