Senior Leaders Study Xi's CCDI Speech - Expanding BRI's Circle of Friends - Qin Gang in Africa: Oppose 'Hegemonic, High-handed, Bullying' - CPC Delegation visits Bangladesh
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy from the Thursday, January 12, 2023, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: At the top of the page is a commentary based on Xi’s speech at the CCDI plenary. It says that:
“Since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping as the core has continuously deepened its understanding of the laws of self-revolution, continuously promoted theoretical innovation, practical innovation and institutional innovation in Party building, and have achieved initial success in building a system of comprehensive and strict Party governance. In the past 10 years, we have
taken the Party’s political construction as the guide, adhered to the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the highest political principle, and continuously improved political awareness, political understanding and political execution of party organisations at all levels and Party members and cadres;
taken ideological construction as the basic construction of the Party, and unremittingly used Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era to cast souls and build cohesion;
adhered to the Party's organisational line in the new era, and enhanced the Party's political functions and organisational cohesion;
resolutely implemented the spirit of the eight central regulations, and used the spirit of nailing to correct the four winds to establish a new work style;
incorporated discipline construction into the overall layout of the Party's construction;
constantly improved scientific, institutionalised and standardised Party construction;
persisted in the fight against corruption and punishing evil with a thunderous force–the fight against corruption has won an overwhelming victory and has been fully consolidated
In 2022, the results of a public opinion survey jointly conducted by the National Supervisory Commission of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Bureau of Statistics showed that 97.4% of the people believed that the comprehensive and strict Party governance had been effective. This was 22.4% higher than that in 2012…” 党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央不断深化对自我革命规律的认识，不断推进党的建设理论创新、实践创新、制度创新，初步构建起全面从严治党体系。十年来，以党的政治建设为统领，坚持党中央集中统一领导是最高政治原则，持续提高各级党组织和党员干部政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力；把思想建设作为党的基础性建设，坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂；坚持新时代党的组织路线，增强党组织政治功能和组织力凝聚力；坚决落实中央八项规定精神，以钉钉子精神纠四风树新风；把纪律建设纳入党的建设总体布局，坚持纪严于法、纪在法前；把制度建设贯穿到党的各项建设之中，不断提高党的建设科学化、制度化、规范化水平；坚持以雷霆之势反腐惩恶，反腐败斗争取得压倒性胜利并全面巩固。2022年，中央纪委国家监委和国家统计局合作开展的民意调查结果显示，97.4%的群众认为全面从严治党卓有成效，比2012年提高了22.4%，99%的群众认为党中央正风肃纪反腐的举措体现了我们党彻底的自我革命精神.
The article later makes the point that “only by comprehensively and strictly governing the Party as a whole rather than locally, systematically rather than in piecemeal fashion, persistently rather than in brief spurts, with high standards rather than with generalisations, and comprehensively promoting the Party's self-purification, self-perfection, self-innovation and self-improvement, can the Party adhere to its original mission and always become the strong leadership core for the cause of Socialism with Chinese characteristics.” 只有整体地而不是局部地、系统地而不是零碎地、持久地而不是短暂地、高标准地而不是一般化地全面从严治党，全面推进党的自我净化、自我完善、自我革新、自我提高，才能使我们党坚守初心使命，始终成为中国特色社会主义事业的坚强领导核心.
This system of comprehensive and strict governance, the next paragraph adds, must focus on being rule-based; must have comprehensive coverage; must focus on the key minority in order to build a team of leading cadres, party members, and party organisations at all levels; and emphasise the primary responsibilities of party committees.
Below this commentary is a report on the enthusiastic responses of discipline inspection cadres to Xi’s speech.
Third, there’s a report on Li Keqiang presiding over a meeting of the Party Committee of the State Council. Li called for “studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech” at the CCDI plenary session. The report adds that the meeting emphasised the need to “deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences and achieve the Two Safeguards. It also called for unswervingly promoting comprehensive and strict Party governance along with the construction of a clean and honest government, and anti-corruption work, which should run through all aspects and the entire process of government work, and ensure the implementation of the decision-making and deployment of the 20th Party Congress.” 会议强调，要深入学习领会习近平总书记在中央纪委二次全会上的重要讲话精神，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，坚持不懈推进全面从严治党、党风廉政建设和反腐败，贯穿于政府工作各方面、全过程，保障党的二十大决策部署贯彻落实.
Then the meeting statement makes four points:
The Party Committee of the State Council and the Party Committees of various departments must always maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of ideology, politics, and actions, and vigorously promote the implementation of the Party Central Committee’s decision-making and deployment. Strengthen political supervision, make greater efforts to ensure specific, precise, and normalised supervision, and ensure the implementation of the Party's theory, lines, principles, and policies. 国务院党组和各部门党组（党委）要始终在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，有力推动党中央决策部署贯彻落实。加强政治监督，在具体化、精准化、常态化上下更大功夫，确保党的理论和路线方针政策落实落地.
Second, strengthen work style construction and pay close attention to the implementation of the eight central regulations. In this, the statement talks about the four winds, strict financial management by “controlling non-key and non-rigid expenditures” and avoiding a one size fits all approach or adding extra layer upon layer of control.
Third, fulfil responsibilities related to strict and comprehensive Party governance. “Take the lead in consciously studying party constitution, abiding by party constitution, implementing party constitution and safeguarding party constitution, conscientiously studying and implementing other party laws and regulations, and enhancing the sense of discipline and rules. Deepen the building of a clean and honest government and fight against corruption. Deepen reform in an all-round way, continue to push forward the reform related to ‘streamlining administration, delegating power, strengthening regulation and improving services’, strictly regulate fair and civilised law enforcement, reduce improper interference of power in microeconomic activities, and constantly eradicate the soil that breeds corruption. Focus on examining and approving key areas such as supervision, engineering construction, public resource transactions and key issues of people’s livelihood, and seriously investigate and deal with corruption.” 三是扎实履行全面从严治党主体责任。严负其责、严管所辖，带头自觉学习党章、遵守党章、贯彻党章、维护党章，自觉学习贯彻其他党内法规，增强纪律意识、规矩意识。深入推进党风廉政建设和反腐败。全面深化改革，持续推进“放管服”改革，严格规范公正文明执法，减少权力对微观经济活动的不当干预，不断铲除滋生腐败的土壤。聚焦审批监管、工程建设、公共资源交易等重点领域和民生重点事项，严肃查处腐败问题.
Comprehensively iImplement the new development concept, focus on promoting high-quality development, actively build a new development pattern, mobilise the enthusiasm of all parties, and combine practical and creative work. Solve difficult problems and do more practical things for the benefit of the people. At present, we should continue to do a good job in implementing a package of policies and continuous measures to stabilise the economy, maintain policy stability, vigorously promote reform and opening up, focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, and keep the economy running within a reasonable range. Ensure the supply of important livelihood commodities, medicines, and energy in a down-to-earth manner, and do a good job in helping those in need, and in safe production. 四是恪尽职守、担当作为。全面贯彻新发展理念，着力推动高质量发展，主动构建新发展格局，调动各方面积极性，结合实际创造性工作。解决好两难、多难问题，多做为民造福的实事。当前要继续抓好稳经济一揽子政策和接续措施落实，保持政策稳定性，大力推进改革开放，着力稳增长稳就业稳物价，保持经济运行在合理区间。抓实抓细重要民生商品、药品、能源等保供，做好困难人员救助帮扶、安全生产等工作.
PD says that Han Zheng, Sun Chunlan, Hu Chunhua, Liu He, Wei Fenghe, Wang Yong, Wang Yi, Xiao Jie and Zhao Kezhi were present at the meeting.
Fourth, there’s a report (English report) on legislators studying Xi’s CCDI speech. Li Zhanshu presided over this meeting. The meeting said that:
“We should thoroughly study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech, profoundly understand the decisive significance of Two Establishments, strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences and achieve the Two Safeguards, comprehensively implement the decision-making and deployments of the 20th Party Congress integrate General Secretary Xi Jinping’s strategic thought on the Party’s self-revolution into the whole process of building the National People's Congress, take the performance of the political responsibility of governing the party as the most fundamental political responsibility, and continue to improve discipline and fight against corruption, and constantly improve the quality and level of the party building work of the NPC.” 要深入学习领会习近平总书记重要讲话精神，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，全面贯彻落实党的二十大决策部署，把习近平总书记关于党的自我革命战略思想融入人大党的建设全过程，把履行管党治党政治责任作为最根本的政治担当，驰而不息正风肃纪反腐，不断提升人大党建工作质量和水平.
The meeting stressed that we should uphold the Party's overall leadership over the work of the NPC, especially the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee; at any time and under any circumstances we must adhere to the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the highest political principle, always maintain a high degree of consistency with the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core, and consciously consider and deploy the work of the NPC in the context of the overall work of the CPC Central Committee.” 会议强调，要坚持党对人大工作的全面领导特别是党中央集中统一领导，任何时候任何情况下都要坚持党中央集中统一领导这一最高政治原则，始终同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，自觉把人大工作放在党中央工作大局中考量和部署.
“We should persist in using Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era to cast souls and build cohesion, continue to work hard on learning, understanding and practising, work hard on creative implementation in the context of the realities, profoundly grasp the world outlook and methodology contained in the thought, and consciously use the standpoint, viewpoint and methods running through it to truly transform the scientific theory of the Party into a powerful force to guide practice and promote work, and promote the continuous development of the theory and practice of the people’s congress system.” 要坚持用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂，继续在学懂弄通做实上下功夫，在结合实际创造性贯彻落实上下功夫，深刻把握其中蕴含的世界观和方法论，自觉运用贯穿其中的立场观点方法，把党的科学理论真正转化为指导实践、推动工作的强大力量，推进人大制度理论和实践不断发展.
The final bit says that efforts should be made to improve the Party and state's oversight systems, enhance the supervision work of the people's congresses, ensure the full and effective enforcement of the Constitution and laws, and to see that people's rights and interests are protected and realized.
Next, there’s a report (English report) on the CPPCC National Committee discussing Xi’s CCDI speech. Wang Yang chaired this session. The messaging in this is largely the same, i.e., understand the significance of the two establishments, achieve the two safeguards and implement the key ideas from the speech.
Finally, there’s a report (English report) with data from the Ministry of Public Security on cars in China.
In 2022, China registered 34.78 million motor vehicles, bringing the national motor vehicle ownership to 417 million units. Of the newly registered motor vehicles, 23.23 million were cars. The total number of cars climbed to 319 million, an increase of 17.52 million or 5.81 percent over 2021.
The number of registered new energy vehicles in China hit 13.1 million by the end of 2022, an increase of over 67 percent year-on-year.
A total of 5.35 million NEVs were newly registered across the country in 2022, up more than 81 percent compared with the previous year and accounting for over 23 percent of all new automobile registrations.
Page 2: There’s a report on Li Keqiang’s remarks during a national video teleconference held by the State Council, discussing the need to strengthen accountability for work safety and step up the implementation of work safety measures. Xinhua English reports:
“The premier underlined efforts to enhance supervision and assessment and management of safety hazards in transportation, mines, construction, hazardous chemicals, firefighting and other key industries. Liu He, Chinese vice premier and head of the Work Safety Committee of the State Council, attended the teleconference with State Councilors Wang Yong and Zhao Kezhi, who are both deputy heads of the committee. Noting that the resumption of work and production, as well as the consumption revival are speeding up, bringing many uncertainties, the meeting urged related departments to remain clear-headed. It also highlighted the need to ensure work safety in every link, including the planning, construction, production and operation parts. Efforts should also be made to improve contingency plans and precautions during the Spring Festival holiday, the ‘two sessions,’ and other important time periods, according to the meeting.”
Page 3: There’s an article on BRI’s expanding ‘circle of friends’. I find it fascinating how people had been writing off BRI over the past couple of years. It’s not going away folks. Anyway, back to the article.
It says that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of BRI. So far in the year, China has renewed BRI MoUs with the Philippines and Turkmenistan. It adds:
“At present, 151 countries and 32 international organisations have signed more than 200 cooperation documents on the joint construction of BRI with China. On January 10, the World Bank released the latest Global Economic Prospects report, lowering the global economic growth forecast in 2023 to 1.7%, which is 1.3 percentage points lower than the forecast in June last year. Against the background of economic globalisation encountering headwinds and world economic recovery slumping, the joint construction of BRI will play an even more important role in promoting the economic growth of relevant countries and regions and promoting the common development of the world. According to a 2019 research report by the World Bank, if all transportation infrastructure projects under BRI are implemented, by 2030, this is expected to generate US$1.6 trillion in annual revenue for the world, accounting for 1.3% of the global economic aggregate. In the future, it will be the general trend for more countries to join hands in high-quality joint construction of BRI.” 目前已有151个国家、32个国际组织与中国签署200余份共建“一带一路”合作文件。1月10日，世界银行发布最新一期《全球经济展望》报告，将2023年全球经济增长预期下调至1.7%，较去年6月预测下调1.3个百分点。在经济全球化遭遇逆风、世界经济复苏陷入低迷的背景下，共建“一带一路”对促进有关国家和地区经济增长、推动全球共同发展的作用更加重要。世界银行2019年的研究报告显示，若共建“一带一路”框架下的交通基础设施项目全部得以实施，到2030年每年有望为全球产生1.6万亿美元的收益，占全球经济总量的1.3%。未来，更多国家携手高质量共建“一带一路”是大势所趋.
Later, the piece adds that while the BRI originated in China, its opportunities and achievements belong to the world. “Statistics show that from 2013 to 2021, China’s cumulative trade in goods with BRI countries was nearly $11 trillion, and two-way investment exceeded $230 billion. 数据显示，2013年至2021年，中国同“一带一路”沿线国家累计货物贸易额近11万亿美元、双向投资超过2300亿美元。The piece then offers a positive narrative around the infrastructure that’s being built – so we have roads of happiness 幸福路, bridges that link hearts 连心桥 and ports of prosperity 繁荣港 that are “boosters to narrow the development gap and engines to promote common prosperity, making new contributions to the improvement of people's livelihood and well-being in all countries.” 一条条“幸福路”、一座座“连心桥”、一个个“繁荣港”，成为缩小发展鸿沟的助推器、推动共同繁荣的发动机，为增进各国民生福祉作出了新贡献。
The next paragraph says that BRI is an “important public good” provided by China to improve global governance. It adds that BRI “emphasises seeking common ground while reserving differences and inclusiveness, and promotes the incremental reform of the existing international order and international rules.” 作为中国为完善全球治理提供的重要公共产品，高质量共建“一带一路”继承创新、主动作为，强调求同存异、兼容并蓄，促进现有国际秩序、国际规则增量改革.
The joint construction of BRI and its core concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits have been written into relevant documents of the United Nations, the G20, APEC and other regional organisations, and have become an important consensus on global governance. The establishment of multilateral development institutions and cooperation platforms such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Silk Road Fund has promoted the development of the global governance system in a more just and reasonable direction.” 作为中国为完善全球治理提供的重要公共产品，高质量共建“一带一路”继承创新、主动作为，强调求同存异、兼容并蓄，促进现有国际秩序、国际规则增量改革。共建“一带一路”倡议及其共商共建共享的核心理念被写入联合国、二十国集团、亚太经合组织以及其他区域组织等有关文件中，成为全球治理的重要共识。亚洲基础设施投资银行、丝路基金等多边开发机构和合作平台的设立，推动全球治理体系朝着更加公正合理的方向发展.
The piece ends by saying that this year, China will consider hosting the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to inject new impetus into global development and prosperity.
Next, in terms of the coverage of Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s visit to Africa, today PD covers him chairing the 8th China-AU Strategic Dialogue with AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. The English readout says:
Qing said that “China has always prioritized Africa in its diplomacy, and inheriting and carrying forward the China-Africa friendship has become a glorious tradition and defining feature of China's diplomacy. At present, China and the AU have maintained a sound momentum of cooperation, constantly enhanced political mutual trust and supported each other on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns. Qin Gang said, China will continue to be a development partner for common growth with Africa and work together to build a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. China has taken the lead in supporting the AU's admission to the G20, and supporting African countries' greater representation and voice at the UN Security Council and other international organizations to safeguard the common interests of developing countries. China will work with Africa to promote the common values of humanity and uphold true multilateralism.”
The readout adds that “Following the talks, the two sides signed cooperation documents, including the economic and technical agreement on the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and jointly attended the inauguration ceremony of the Africa CDC Headquarters.”
There’s more Xinhua coverage of Qin’s visit. I am sharing some reports below:
First, Qin attended a press conference with Faki. In it, he put forward four proposals on the development of China-Africa relations.
There is a need to speed up physical exchanges and sharing of visions between China and Africa. He talked about supporting South Africa’s BRICS presidency and Uganda in chairing the NAM summit.
China will continue to support the African Union in leading African countries on a development path suited to their national conditions
Greater efforts should be made to upgrade China-Africa cooperation, accelerating the implementation of the outcomes of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the FOCAC, continuing to expand trade with Africa, promoting high-quality development of China-Africa financing and investment cooperation, and broadening new drivers of growth in health, green development and digital economy to provide more support for Africa's economic and social development.
“Qin noted the need to firmly safeguard solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. He emphasized the imperative to uphold confidence and self-reliance, uphold the common values of humanity, oppose hegemonic, high-handed, bullying, and racially discriminatory acts, jointly uphold genuine multilateralism, promote democracy in international relations, raise the representation and voice of developing countries, especially African countries, at the United Nations Security Council and other international organizations, and work together to make the global governance system more just and equitable.”
Qin also talked about the debt-trap narrative. Xinhua reports:
“Qin cited data from the World Bank as saying that multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors hold nearly three-quarters of Africa's total external debt, adding that they could and should take more robust actions to relieve the debt burden of African countries. ‘China calls upon all parties concerned to contribute to alleviating Africa's debt burden in line with the principle of common actions and fair burden-sharing.’ Stressing that Africa's debt problem is essentially an issue of development, Qin said the solution to the problem requires addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes by means of debt treatment, so as to enhance Africa's independent and sustainable development capacity. He said China's financing cooperation with Africa is mainly in areas such as infrastructure construction and production capacity, with a view to enhancing Africa's capacity for independent and sustainable development. Qin emphasized that the so-called ‘debt trap’ is a narrative trap imposed on China and Africa, adding that only the African people are in the best position to say whether cooperative China-Africa projects contribute to the development of the continent and the improvement of people's livelihood.”
Moving on, there’s an interview with Michael Schumann, chairman of Germany’s Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade. He says that “to promote the recovery of the world economy, all parties should work together to eliminate trade barriers, strengthen infrastructure investment and improve connectivity.” He adds: “All parties should maintain dialogue, oppose politicising, instrumentalising and weaponising the world economy, and avoid international organisations and institutions being influenced by individual countries. "It is in the interests of Germany and Europe to strengthen cooperation with China, promote the reform of the global governance system and promote inclusive development.” “为了推动世界经济复苏，各方应共同努力，消除贸易壁垒，加强基础设施投资，改善互联互通。”舒曼认为，必须进一步加强国际合作，支持对联合国进行改革。各方应保持对话，反对将世界经济政治化、工具化、武器化，避免国际组织和机构被个别国家左右。“加强与中国的合作，推动全球治理体系变革，推动包容普惠发展，符合德国和欧洲的利益.”
“Sovereign states act in accordance with their own sovereignty, and are not compelled by orders from any other authority, and do not allow external interference. The practice of some Western countries in handling international affairs violates the basic norms of international relations and the trend of multi-polarisation in the world.” “主权国家根据自己的主权行事，不受任何其他权威的命令强制，也不容许外来干涉。个别西方国家处理国际事务的做法违背了国际关系基本准则和世界多极化趋势.”
He adds, and this, I agree with. “At present, Asian countries' economies are developing rapidly, and their international influence has significantly improved. They are hoping to participate more in the reform and development of the global governance system. Schumann said that western countries must recognise and accept this reality, listen carefully to the voices of Asian countries, and work with Asian countries to play a constructive role in promoting world peace and development.” 当前，亚洲国家经济迅速发展，国际影响力显著提高，希望更多地参与全球治理体系改革和建设。他表示，西方国家必须承认并接受这一现实，认真倾听亚洲国家的声音，与亚洲国家共同为促进世界和平发展发挥建设性作用.
The next bit I don’t entirely agree with: “China is committed to safeguarding the common interests of all mankind, and China's GDI is worthy of recognition.’ Schumann believes that international cooperation in international trade, digital economy, green transformation, anti-corruption and other fields is essential to promote global development. In recent years, China has made important achievements in digital transformation and sustainable development, and this experience is worth learning from.” “中国致力于维护全人类共同利益，中方提出的全球发展倡议值得肯定。”舒曼认为，国际贸易、数字经济、绿色转型、反腐败等领域的国际合作对促进全球发展至关重要。近年来，中国在数字化转型和可持续发展方面取得了重要成就，经验值得各方借鉴.
Next, there’s a report informing that the Boao Forum for Asia this year will be held in March. Xinhua reports that “the conference will incorporate various sideline sessions, with themes including economic development and security, tourism, urban green development, rural vitalization, healthcare, and technological innovation. It will also touch upon subjects such as global climate change and the construction of the Belt and Road.”
Finally, there’s a report (English report) informing that “a high-level delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has visited Bangladesh and held lectures in the country interpreting the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. The delegation led by deputy head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Chen Zhou ended a three-day visit to Bangladesh on Wednesday. During the visit, President of the ruling Awami League party Sheikh Hasina, who is also the Bangladeshi prime minister, and leaders of the country's major parties met with the Chinese delegation.”
Page 6: There’s a report (related English report) on the press briefing by the State Council's Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism. The NHC’s Mi Feng said that despite COVID-19 being downgraded to a Class B infectious disease, there are key institutions and key places which are still the focus of prevention and control. These include elderly care institutions, social welfare institutions and other places that have a large number of high-risk people and concentrated personnel, and where the risk of outbreaks is high. 国家卫健委新闻发言人、宣传司副司长米锋说，新冠病毒感染实施“乙类乙管”后，重点人群、重点机构、重点场所仍然是防控重点。养老机构、社会福利机构等场所高风险人群较多、人员集中，疫情传播风险大.
Some of the examples in the report are schools, shopping malls, supermarkets, farmers' markets, catering service units, medical institutions, etc. The report calls on the “relevant institutions and places should implement their own responsibility for prevention and control, including vaccination, self-protection, health monitoring, disinfection, ventilation and other measures.” 相关机构和场所应落实好单位防控责任和个人的疫苗接种、自我防护、健康监测、环境清洁消毒和通风换气等措施.
The officials also talked about preparations around the Spring Festival holidays and travel season.
Page 10: A report informing that the Beijing Municipal Procuratorate has built 70 big data legal supervision models relying on a data pool covering various areas of business for the procuratorate.