Takeaways from India-China FMs Meeting - State Council Discusses Economic Policy - New Book on Xi's Military Thought - Xi's Leads Tibet Policy

Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Page 1: One of the lead reports today is about the publication of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces (IV). The report says

“To deepen the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, support all officers and soldiers thoroughly and systematically learn and understand Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Armed Forces, deeply grasp the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and strengthen the political consciousness, ideological consciousness, and action consciousness of safeguarding the core and obeying commands, the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission, with the approval of the Central Military Commission, organized the compilation and publication of ‘Xi Jinping On Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces (IV)’, which was officially published recently.” 为把学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想不断引向深入，帮助全军官兵原原本本、全面系统学习领会习近平强军思想，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，强化维护核心、听从指挥的政治自觉、思想自觉、行动自觉，经中央军委批准，军委政治工作部组织编印《习近平论强军兴军（四）》，日前正式出版发行.

The CMC has issued a notice calling for the “study and application of the book throughout the military, requiring all levels to meticulously organize and arrange the integration of the study of ‘Xi Jinping On Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces (IV)’ with the study of ‘Xi Jinping On Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces’, ‘Xi Jinping On Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces (II)’, ‘Xi Jinping On Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces (III)’, and the Outline for the Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Armed Forces (2023 Edition). Persist in studying the original works, learning the original texts, and comprehending the original principles; focus on linking with the historic achievements attained in the cause of strengthening the armed forces in the new era to appreciate the truth power and practical power, and better grasp the principles, theories, and philosophies contained therein. 中央军委近日发出通知，对全军学习使用作出部署，要求各级精心组织安排，把学习《习近平论强军兴军（四）》与学习《习近平论强军兴军》、《习近平论强军兴军（二）》、《习近平论强军兴军（三）》、《习近平强军思想学习纲要（2023年版）》等结合起来，持之以恒读原著、学原文、悟原理，注重联系新时代强军事业取得的历史性成就感悟真理力量和实践力量，更好掌握蕴含其中的道理学理哲理.

The study groups of Party committees, the theoretical training rotations of cadres, the ideological and political education of the troops, and the teaching of political theory in military academies must all take the study of Xi Jinping on Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Armed Forces (IV) as an important content, include it in study plans, and make effort on understanding thoroughly, mastering well, and putting into practice. It is necessary to integrate it with the concentrated carrying out of political rectification training, strengthen political tempering and ideological forging in the studying and comprehending of thought, further resolve well the fundamental ideological issues such as those of ideals and beliefs, Party spirit cultivation, official ethics and integrity, resolutely and effectively purify the political ecology, and consolidate the purity and glory of the people’s army. Leading cadres should take the lead in truly learning, understanding, believing, and applying the text, and should focus on using the results of their own learning to effectively publicise and guide officers and soldiers. Political work departments at all levels should strengthen guidance and supervision of learning. Theoretical workers should strengthen systematic research. Military news media should increase publicity efforts and vividly reflect the effectiveness of the troops’ learning and implementation, promoting in-depth and effective theoretical education. It is necessary to vigorously promote the study style of linking theory with practice, to establish firmly the orientation of testing study results by actual effectiveness, to earnestly transform study results into vivid practice of striving to break through and striving to strengthen the armed forces, to comprehensively raise the ability to fulfil the missions and tasks of the new era, and to greet the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army with outstanding achievements. 党委理论学习中心组学习、干部理论轮训、部队思想政治教育和院校政治理论教学，要把学习《习近平论强军兴军（四）》作为重要内容，列入学习计划，在学懂弄通做实上下功夫。要结合集中开展政治整训，在学悟思想中加强政治锻造、思想改造，进一步解决好理想信念、党性修养、官德人品等思想根子问题，坚决有力纯正政治生态，巩固人民军队纯洁光荣。领导干部要带头真学真懂真信真用，注重运用自身学习成果为官兵搞好宣讲辅导，各级政治工作部门要加强对学习的指导和督促检查，广大理论工作者要加强体系化学理化研究，军队新闻媒体要加大宣传力度、生动反映部队学习贯彻成效，推动理论武装走深走实。要大力弘扬理论联系实际的学风，立牢以实际成效检验学习成果的导向，切实把学习成效转化为奋力攻坚、奋斗强军的生动实践，全面提高履行新时代使命任务能力，以优异成绩迎接建军100周年。

The other main piece on the page is a feature article telling us that “General Secretary Xi Jinping has led Tibet to achieve all-round progress and historic achievements in all undertakings.” This section of the article is worth highlighting:

“To govern the country, one must govern the borders; to govern the borders, one must first stabilise Tibet. Since the 18th Party Congress, the situation and tasks facing Tibet work have undergone profound changes. A series of major issues requiring resolution have tested the wisdom and determination of the Party Central Committee in governing the country and developing Tibet. Based on profound consideration of Tibet’s long-term stability and high-quality development, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with far-sighted vision, assessing the situation and seizing the moment, standing at the height of the overall strategic picture, has personally steered and set the course for Tibet work, planning and laying out the blueprint. In March 2013, General Secretary Xi Jinping participated in the deliberation of the Tibet delegation at the First Session of the 12th NPC, emphasizing: ‘Tibet is an important national security barrier and ecological security barrier of our country, occupying an important position in the overall strategy of the Party and the country.’ From presiding over Politburo meetings of the CPC Central Committee to study Tibet work, to making important instructions such as ‘strengthening ethnic unity, building a beautiful Tibet’ and ‘building a beautiful and happy Tibet to jointly realise the dream of great rejuvenation’; from attending tea sessions with ethnic minority deputies and members during the NPC and CPPCC sessions, warmly engaging with comrades from Tibet, to sending congratulatory letters to the ‘2019 Tibet Development Forum’ and the ‘2023 Tibet Development Forum’; from repeatedly hearing special reports on Tibet work, to formulating a series of special preferential policies benefiting the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet…General Secretary Xi Jinping has always been deeply concerned about Tibet and has devoted considerable effort to achieving its long-term development. In the process of promoting the modernisation of Tibet’s governance system and governance capacity, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended the Sixth and Seventh Central Symposiums on Tibet Work and delivered important speeches, clearly putting forward the Party’s strategy for governing Tibet in the new era, stressing: ‘The Party’s strategy for governing Tibet in the new era is the fundamental guideline for doing Tibet work well, and it must be upheld over the long term and fully implemented.’ 治国必治边，治边先稳藏。党的十八大以来，西藏工作面临的形势和任务发生深刻变化。一系列需要谋断的重大问题，考验着党中央治国理政、经略西藏的智慧和魄力。基于对西藏长治久安和高质量发展的深刻思考，习近平总书记高瞻远瞩，审时度势，站在战略全局高度亲自为西藏工作把舵定向、谋篇布局。2013年3月，习近平总书记参加十二届全国人大一次会议西藏代表团审议，强调“西藏是我国重要的国家安全屏障和生态安全屏障，在党和国家战略全局中居于重要地位”。从主持中共中央政治局会议研究西藏工作，到作出“加强民族团结、建设美丽西藏”“建设美丽幸福西藏、共圆伟大复兴梦想”的重要指示；从出席全国两会少数民族代表委员茶话会，与来自西藏的同志亲切交流，到向“2019·中国西藏发展论坛”“2023·中国西藏发展论坛”致贺信；从多次专题听取西藏工作情况汇报，到制定惠及西藏各族人民的一系列特殊优惠政策……习近平总书记念兹在兹，为实现西藏长远发展倾注大量心血。在推动西藏治理体系和治理能力现代化的进程中，习近平总书记出席中央第六次、第七次西藏工作座谈会并发表重要讲话，鲜明提出新时代党的治藏方略，强调“新时代党的治藏方略是做好西藏工作的根本遵循，必须长期坚持、全面落实”。

Rooted in the practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the actual conditions of Tibet work, the Party’s strategy for governing Tibet in the new era profoundly reveals the internal laws of Tibet work, scientifically answers a series of directional, overall, and strategic issues, is the refined summation and innovative development of the successful experience of the Communist Party of China in leading the people in governing Tibet, stabilising Tibet, and developing Tibet, and is the concentrated embodiment of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era regarding Tibet work, providing the fundamental guideline for doing Tibet work well. 立足中国特色社会主义实践和西藏工作实际，新时代党的治藏方略深刻揭示了西藏工作的内在规律，科学回答了一系列方向性、全局性、战略性问题，是中国共产党领导人民治藏稳藏兴藏成功经验的总结提炼和创新发展，是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想关于西藏工作的集中体现，为做好西藏工作提供了根本遵循.

In July 2021, when inspecting Tibet, General Secretary Xi Jinping further emphasised: ‘we must fully implement the Party’s strategy for governing Tibet in the new era, adhere to the general tone of work of seeking progress while maintaining stability, be based on the new development stage, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development concept, serve and integrate into the new development pattern, promote high-quality development, strengthen construction of border areas, grasp well the four major tasks of stability, development, ecology, and strengthening the border, continuously achieve new accomplishments in promoting ecological protection and sustainable development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and strive to write a new chapter of long-term stability and high-quality development on the snowy plateau’.” 2021年7月，习近平总书记在西藏考察时进一步强调：“要全面贯彻新时代党的治藏方略，坚持稳中求进工作总基调，立足新发展阶段，完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，服务和融入新发展格局，推动高质量发展，加强边境地区建设，抓好稳定、发展、生态、强边四件大事，在推动青藏高原生态保护和可持续发展上不断取得新成就，奋力谱写雪域高原长治久安和高质量发展新篇章.”

On connectivity, the article informs that as of 2024, Tibet’s total road mileage and operating railway mileage reached 124,900 kilometers and 1,359 kilometers, respectively. There were 183 international and domestic air routes connecting to Tibet. The article also mentions the construction of the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River. So I guess this now links the project personally to Xi Jinping.

This bit towards the end is also significant:

“Forging a strong sense of community of the Chinese nation is the central theme of the Party’s ethnic work in the new era, and also the main focus of all work in ethnic minority areas. General Secretary Xi Jinping has spoken earnestly and with deep feeling, on many occasions urging the promotion of forging firmly the consciousness of the Chinese nation community. ‘The focus and emphasis of Tibet work must be on safeguarding national unity and strengthening ethnic unity’; ‘The 56 ethnic groups are pomegranate seeds, the Chinese nation is the whole pomegranate. We are one Chinese nation community, and must pull together in the same boat to stride toward the second centenary goal of struggle’; ‘It is necessary to strengthen ethnic exchanges, communication, and integration, continuously enhance the identification of all ethnic groups with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics, and lay a solid ideological foundation for ethnic unity’; the establishment of a model region for ethnic unity and progress has been proposed through local legislation, September of each year has been designated as ‘Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Month’, ethnic unity education has been brought into classrooms at all levels and types of schools, and exemplary collectives and individuals who have demonstrated ethnic unity and progress have been vigorously commended…Today, like pomegranate seeds, the ethnic groups in Tibet are closely united, engaging in exchanges and integration to forge a new chapter. The sense of community among the Chinese nation is constantly being forged, gathering an inexhaustible driving force for common struggle, prosperity, and development.” 习近平总书记感慨地说：“千年八廓街，是我们各民族建起来的八廓街”“我们中华民族的大家庭在这里其乐融融”。铸牢中华民族共同体意识是新时代党的民族工作的主线，也是民族地区各项工作的主线。习近平总书记言之殷殷、情之切切，在多个场合叮嘱推动铸牢中华民族共同体意识——“西藏工作的着眼点和着力点必须放到维护祖国统一、加强民族团结上来”；“56个民族是石榴籽，中华民族是整体的石榴。我们是一个中华民族共同体，要同舟共济迈向第二个百年奋斗目标”；“要加强民族交往交流交融，不断增强各族群众对伟大祖国、中华民族、中华文化、中国共产党、中国特色社会主义的认同，打牢民族团结的思想基础”；…………以地方立法形式提出民族团结进步模范区创建，每年9月定为自治区“民族团结进步宣传月”，让民族团结教育走进各级各类学校课堂，大力表彰民族团结进步模范集体和模范个人……如今，西藏各民族像石榴籽一样紧紧抱在一起，交往交流交融开新局，中华民族共同体意识不断铸牢，凝聚起共同团结奋斗、共同繁荣发展的不竭动力。

Next, there’s a report informing that Premier Li Qiang presided over the 9th plenary meeting of the State Council on Monday, thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech on the current economic situation and economic work. He stressed on the need to align thought and action with the Party Central Committee’s scientific assessment of the situation and its decisions and arrangements, consolidate and expand the momentum of economic recovery toward improvement, and strive to complete the annual economic and social development goals and tasks. 国务院总理李强8月18日主持召开国务院第九次全体会议，深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于当前经济形势和经济工作的重要讲话精神，强调要切实把思想和行动统一到党中央对形势的科学判断和决策部署上来，巩固拓展经济回升向好势头，努力完成全年经济社会发展目标任务.

Li Qiang pointed out that since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, all parties have worked together to overcome difficulties, resulting in steady economic growth and new achievements in high-quality development. It is necessary to maintain a comprehensive and dialectical understanding of the economic situation. We must recognise the hard-earned development achievements and the strong resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy, further strengthening our confidence. We must also recognise the risks and challenges facing the economy and the severe and complex external environment, remain calm and sober, actively address various uncertainties, make great efforts to ensure that certainties are firmly in place, fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, and strive for the best results through concrete actions. 李强指出，今年以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，各方面共同奋斗、克服困难，我国经济运行稳中有进，高质量发展取得新成效。要坚持全面、辩证地把握经济形势，既看到来之不易的发展成绩，看到我国经济所具有的强大韧性和活力，进一步坚定信心，又看到经济运行中面临的风险挑战，看到外部环境的严峻复杂，始终保持冷静清醒，积极应对各种不确定性，下大力气抓好确定的事，把党中央决策部署落实到位，用实实在在的行动争取最好的结果.

Li Qiang emphasised the need to further enhance the effectiveness of macroeconomic policy implementation, conduct in-depth assessments of policy implementation, strengthen policy targeting and effectiveness, promptly respond to market concerns, and stabilise market expectations. We must focus on key areas to strengthen the domestic circulation, using the inherent stability and long-term growth potential of the domestic circulation to offset the uncertainties of the international circulation. Continuously stimulate consumption potential, systematically clear restrictive measures in the consumption field, accelerate cultivation and strengthening of new growth points such as service consumption and new-type consumption. Increase efforts to expand effective investment, leverage the leading and driving role of major projects, adapt to demand changes by investing more in people and serving people's livelihood, and actively promote private investment. Deepen the construction of a unified national market and continuously unleash the dividends of this super-large market. Take effective measures to consolidate the stabilisation of the real estate market, promote the renovation of urban villages and dilapidated housing in conjunction with urban renewal, and adopt a multi-pronged approach to unleash demand for improvements. Enhance development momentum through deepening reform and opening up, promote the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, and stimulate the innovative and creative vitality of all types of business entities. Unswervingly expand high-level opening up, expand independent and unilateral opening up in an orderly manner, and innovate and develop digital trade and service trade. Make greater efforts to stabilise employment and safeguard people's livelihoods, expand channels for increasing employment and income, focus on public concerns and improve livelihood services, further strengthen disaster prevention, mitigation, relief, and production safety supervision, and ensure overall social stability. 李强强调，要进一步提升宏观政策实施效能，深入评估政策实施情况，增强政策针对性有效性，及时回应市场关切，稳定市场预期。要抓住关键着力点做强国内大循环，以国内大循环的内在稳定性和长期成长性对冲国际循环的不确定性。持续激发消费潜力，系统清理消费领域限制性措施，加快培育壮大服务消费、新型消费等新增长点。加力扩大有效投资，发挥重大工程引领带动作用，适应需求变化更多投资于人、服务于民生，积极促进民间投资。纵深推进全国统一大市场建设，不断释放超大规模市场红利。采取有力措施巩固房地产市场止跌回稳态势，结合城市更新推进城中村和危旧房改造，多管齐下释放改善性需求。要在深化改革开放中增强发展动力，推进科技创新和产业创新深度融合，激发各类经营主体的创新创造活力。坚定不移扩大高水平对外开放，有序扩大自主开放和单边开放，创新发展数字贸易、服务贸易。要更大力度稳定就业保障民生，拓宽就业增收渠道，聚焦群众关切提升民生服务，进一步加强防灾减灾救灾和安全生产监管，确保社会大局稳定.

Finally, there’s a Q&A article talking about measures to boost consumption. The most significant thing about this article is that it is indicative of how devoid of creativity consumption policy has become. The article basically says that the goods trade-in programme, saying that it has supported the sales of household appliances, audio-visual equipment, furniture, passenger car sales and smart devices, etc. It also talks about further steps to optimise implementation of this programme.

That’s about all that I found worthwhile in the paper. Beyond this, let me cover the readout from Wang Yi’s meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Wang said that “currently, the profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating their evolution, unilateral bullying practices are rampant, free trade and the international order face severe challenges. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, human society has come to a critical crossroads of deciding the future direction. China and India, as the two largest developing countries with a combined population of over 2.8 billion, should demonstrate a global vision and demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarisation and democratization of international relations. 王毅表示，当今世界，百年变局加速演进，单边霸凌行径大行其道，自由贸易和国际秩序面临严峻挑战。值此联合国成立80周年之际，人类社会走到了决定未来方向的关键路口。中印作为总人口超过28亿的两个最大发展中国家，理应展现天下情怀，体现大国担当，为最广大发展中国家联合自强作出表率，为推动世界多极化、国际关系民主化作出贡献.

Wang Yi said that the successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in Kazan has ushered in a new chapter in China-India relations. The two sides have earnestly implemented the consensus reached by their leaders, exchanges and dialogues at all levels have gradually resumed, peace and tranquility have been maintained in the border areas, and Indian pilgrims have resumed pilgrimages to the sacred mountains and lakes of China’s Xizang, demonstrating a positive trend in China-India relations returning to the main path of cooperation. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. Both sides should carefully draw on the lessons learned over the past 75 years, establish a correct strategic perceptions, view each other as partners and opportunities, rather than adversaries or threats, invest their respective precious resources in development and revitalization, and explore the correct path for neighbouring major countries to coexist based on mutual respect and trust, peaceful coexistence, common development, and win-win cooperation. 王毅表示，习近平主席同莫迪总理在喀山成功会晤，引领中印关系重启再出发。双方认真落实两国领导人达成的共识，各层级交往对话逐步恢复，边境地区维护和平安宁，印度香客重启中国西藏神山圣湖朝圣，中印关系呈现向合作主航道回归的积极态势。今年是中印建交75周年。双方要认真汲取75年来的经验教训，树立正确战略认知，视对方为伙伴和机遇，而不是对手或威胁，将各自宝贵资源投入到发展振兴上去，探索相邻大国互尊互信、和平共处、共谋发展、合作共赢的正确相处之道.

Wang Yi emphasised that China is willing to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work together with neighbouring countries, including India, to jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home. China and India should remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations, so that revitalisation processes of the two great eastern civilisations can be mutually beneficial, providing certainty and stability to Asia and the world at large. 王毅强调，中方愿秉持亲诚惠容、命运与共的理念方针，同包括印度在内的周边国家一道，共同建设和平、安宁、繁荣、美丽、友好“五大家园”。中印双方应坚定信心，相向而行，排除干扰，拓展合作，巩固中印关系改善势头，让两大东方文明的振兴进程相互促进、相互成就，为亚洲乃至世界提供最需要的确定性和稳定性.

“Jaishankar said that under the joint guidance of the leaders of the two countries, India-China relations have emerged from a low point and are continuously improving and developing, with exchanges and cooperation in various fields moving towards normalisation. He thanked China for facilitating Indian pilgrims’ pilgrimage to the sacred mountains and lakes in China’s Xizang. Improving strategic understanding between India and China is crucial. As the two largest developing countries, both India and China uphold multilateralism and are committed to promoting a fair and balanced multipolar world. They should also jointly safeguard the stability of the global economy. Maintaining a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking India-China relationship serves the interests of both countries. Taiwan is a part of China. India is willing to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust with China, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. India fully supports China in hosting the SCO Tianjin Summit and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China within multilateral fora such as the BRICS.” 苏杰生表示，在两国领导人共同指引下，印中关系走出低谷，不断改善发展，双方各领域交流合作迈向正常化。感谢中方为印度香客赴中国西藏神山圣湖朝圣提供便利。印中改善彼此战略认知十分重要。作为两个最大发展中国家，印中均坚持多边主义，致力于推动公平、平衡的世界多极化，也应共同维护世界经济的稳定性。印中关系保持稳定、合作和前瞻性，符合两国利益。台湾是中国的一部分。印方愿以两国建交75周年为契机，同中方深化政治互信，加强经贸等领域互利合作，增进人文交流，共同维护边境地区和平安宁。印方全力支持中方办好上合组织天津峰会，愿同中方在金砖等多边机制中加强协调合作.

As of this moment, there is no official Indian readout that is available.

But if one simply goes by the Chinese readout, there’s clearly a change in tone and scope of discussion from July, which is when the two men last met. Jaishankar had then visited China for the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting. For example:

• First, there was no specific talk about broader economic cooperation in the July readouts. In this one, Wang talks about the need to “remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations”. Jaishankar is reported to have talked about cooperation in “economy and trade”. He did not mention this as per the Chinese readout in July.

• Second, this Chinese readout has Jaishankar saying “Taiwan is a part of China”. India has not talked about the one-China policy publicly for nearly 15 years. I would, however, wait to see the Indian readout on this.

• Third, Wang Yi specifically calls India a “major power”. It’s not customary for the Chinese side to refer to India as a “major power.” In fact, this is a designation held specifically for the US, Russia and Europe. So I guess this is positive signalling from Beijing.

Anyway, Wang still has a couple of meetings to go in Delhi. Interesting times ahead.