Takeaways from Indian FM's Statement on Ties with China - Nepal's Oli Meets Xi - New Book on Xi's Thought on Culture - Panchen Lama's Tibet Visit - Wang on US Ties: Ball's in Trump's Court
Hi folks,
I am beginning today’s edition with a look at India-China relations. Yesterday Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a statement in Parliament on “recent developments in the India China border areas and their implications for our overall bilateral relations”. Before I detail the text, let me offer a few takeaways:
First, it is really good to finally have such a statement from the government in Parliament. This is really important for informed discussion and debate within India about the nature of the situation along the border with China and the broader outlook from New Delhi’s perspective. It is also important to build political consensus across party lines on China policy.
Second, on disengagement from friction points, Jaishankar was clear that this was India’s “immediate priority” and that it has been “achieved in full”. However, it is important to note that he does not say that this implies a return to normalcy in ties. In fact, Jaishankar reiterated that “we are clear that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas is a pre-requisite for the development of our ties. In the coming days, we will be discussing both de-escalation as well as effective management of our activities in the border areas.”
Third, in describing what disengagement entails, Jaishankar addressed the issue of the creation of buffer zones at several friction points. To me, his comments in this regard essentially seemed to suggest their acceptance by New Delhi. In that sense, the status quo has changed and is accepted as a new status quo. For instance, he said that “steps of a temporary and limited nature” that have been worked out in other places “can be revisited as the situation demands.” This seems to imply that the current situation does not demand this effort. Jaishankar seemed to justify this position by arguing that “in the past, earlier Governments have agreed to a range of steps to defuse situations that have arisen at different times, including offers on our side to create de-militarized zones, limited non-patrolling zones, relocation or withdrawal of posts, disengagement of troops and dismantlement of structures.”
Fourth, towards the end, the EAM discussed India’s border infrastructure building effort. To me, this was an important point being made, and I hope it is signalling that the agreement with Beijing in Ladakh does not entail any commitment from the Indian side to curtail or scale down border infrastructure development.
Fifth, he ended with this bit: “The conclusion of the disengagement phase now allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement in a calibrated manner, keeping our national security interests first and foremost.” This is extremely important from my perspective, since it is indicative of the significance of security considerations in different dimensions of ties with China going forward, particularly when it comes to economic ties.
Anyway, below are key excerpts from the speech, and the full video if you would like to watch.
“The House is cognizant of the fact that China is in illegal occupation of 38,000 Sq. kms. of Indian territory in Aksai Chin as a result of the 1962 conflict and the events that preceded it. Furthermore, Pakistan illegally ceded 5180 Sq. kms. of Indian territory to China in 1963, which had been under its occupation since 1948. India and China have held talks for multiple decades to resolve the boundary issue. While there is a Line of Actual Control (LAC), it does not have a common understanding in some areas. We remain committed to engaging with China through bilateral discussions to arrive at a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for a boundary settlement. Hon’ble Members would recall that the amassing of a large number of troops by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April/May 2020 resulted in face offs with our forces at a number of points. The situation also led to disruption of patrolling activities. It is to the credit of our armed forces that despite logistical challenges and the then-prevailing Covid situation, they were able to counter-deploy rapidly and effectively.”
He termed China’s actions in 2020 as an “unprecedented disruption” to a process of building ties which began in 1988.
He added: “The situation arising after our counter-deployment in 2020 called for multiple set of responses. The immediate priority was to ensure disengagement from friction points so that there would be no further untoward incidents or clashes. This Sir, has been fully achieved as I will explain. The next priority will be to consider de-escalation, that would address the massing of troops along the LAC with associated accompaniments. It is also evident that the management of the border areas will require further attention in the light of our recent experiences. In all of this, we were and we remain very clear that the three key principles must be observed in all circumstances: (i) both sides should strictly respect and observe the LAC, (ii) neither side should attempt to unilaterally alter the status quo, and (iii) agreements and understandings reached in the past must be fully abided by in their entirety.”
Jaishankar then highlighted the diplomatic effort in negotiating with China since the standoff of 2020.
“Throughout this period, Hon’ble Members would also be aware that Government has maintained that India-China relations cannot be normal in the absence of peace and tranquility in the border areas. The combination of a firm and principled stance on the situation in the border areas as well as our clearly articulated approach to the totality of our ties have been the foundation of our engagement with China for the last four years. We have been very clear that the restoration of peace and tranquility would be the basis for the rest of the relationship to move forward. Since 2020, our engagement was therefore focused on that objective. This took place at various levels, involving different arms of the government. I myself have had meetings with my Chinese counterpart, as indeed has my senior colleague, Raksha Mantri ji. Our NSA has also engaged his Chinese counterpart, both being the Special Representatives on the boundary question. More detailed discussions were conducted by the Working Mechanism for Cooperation and Coordination (WMCC) at the diplomatic level. Its military counterpart was the Senior Highest Military Commanders meeting (SHMC) mechanism. The interactions were naturally very tightly coordinated with the combined presence in the negotiations of both diplomatic and military officials. Since June 2020, 17 meetings of the WMCC and 21 rounds of SHMC have taken place.”
“In this background, I would like to inform the House today about the agreement reached on 21 October, 2024 regarding Depsang and Demchok. The twin considerations of an unstable local situation and an impacted bilateral relationship were clearly the drivers for these recent endeavors. These two areas have been the focus of our discussions in both WMCC and SHMC with the Chinese side since September 2022, when the last disengagement agreement was concluded at Hot Springs area. In the lead up to the October 21 agreement, I had discussed both the specific disengagement issue as well as the larger relationship with my Chinese counterpart in Astana on 4 July and Vientiane on 25 July. Our National Security Advisor and his Chinese counterpart also met in St. Petersburg on 12 September. The problem in these two areas pertained primarily to obstructions of our long-standing patrolling activity. In Demchok, there was also the question of access by our nomadic population to traditional grazing grounds, as well as to sites of significance to the local people. As a result of this recent understanding arrived at after intensive negotiations, resumption of patrolling to the traditional areas is underway. It was initially tested by sending out patrols for verification of disengagement on the ground and is being followed up by regular activities as per the agreed understanding. Following the October 21 understanding, Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping had a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan on October 23. They welcomed the understanding and directed the Foreign Ministers to meet and stabilize and rebuild the relationship. The Special Representatives are also to oversee the management of peace and tranquility besides exploring a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.”
This is how he explained the completion of disengagement.
“Through you I would like to inform the House, that disengagement has now been achieved in full in Eastern Ladakh through a step by step process, culminating in Depsang and Demchok. With the task of disengagement completed, it is now our expectation that discussions would commence in regard to the remaining issues that we had placed on the agenda. For the benefit of Hon’ble Members, I would also flag for your attention the previous positions articulated by the Government in Parliament previously on this issue. On 15 September, 2020, Raksha Mantri ji had made a detailed statement on Chinese attempts to transgress the LAC and the appropriate response given by our armed forces. On 11 February, 2021, Raksha Mantri ji again briefed the House about our disengagement agreement in the North and South banks of the Pangong Lake. Thereafter, in August 2021, a third phase of disengagement took place in the area of Gogra, whereby troops would henceforth be in their respective bases. The next step took place in September 2022, pertaining to the Hot Springs area. Again, forward deployments ceased in a phased, coordinated and verified manner, resulting in the return of troops to their respective areas. The most recent October 21, 2024 agreement comes in the wake of the earlier ones. It completes the first phase of what we had agreed to in Moscow in September 2020.”
“As Members are aware, there is a long history of frictions, transgressions and face offs in several sectors of the India-China border. This goes back to Barahoti from 1954, to Longju in 1959, to Sumdorong Chu from 1986-1995 and Depsang in 2013, amongst others. In the past, earlier Governments have agreed to a range of steps to defuse situations that have arisen at different times, including offers on our side to create de-militarized zones, limited non-patrolling zones, relocation or withdrawal of posts, disengagement of troops and dismantlement of structures. Different locations have seen different solutions being examined. Where the October 21 understanding is concerned, our objective has been to ensure patrolling as in the past to the relevant patrolling points, as well as resumption of grazing by our civilians as per longstanding practice. This is indeed what we have agreed upon in regard to Depsang and Demchok. In a few other places where friction occurred in 2020, steps of a temporary and limited nature were worked out, based on local conditions, to obviate the possibility of further friction. This, I must stress, applies to both sides and can be revisited as the situation demands. In that sense, our stance has been resolute and firm and serves our national interest fully.”
“In that context, the House would also recognize that there has been a significant improvement in the border infrastructure which has made such effective counter-deployment possible. This is reflected, amongst others, in the increase of border infrastructure allocations in the last decade. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) alone has incurred three times the expenditure level of what it was a decade ago. Whether it is the length of the road networks, of bridges or of the number of tunnels, there has been a substantial increase over the earlier period. Notable milestones in recent years include the Atal Tunnel to Lahul Spiti, the Sela and Nechiphu Tunnels to Tawang, the Umlingla Pass road in Southern Ladakh and the extended opening of the Zojila Axis. Work is progressing on some strategically important roads and air fields in Ladakh. The adoption of new technologies in high altitude, remote, inaccessible and permafrost areas has also been significant. All of this reflects the Government’s firm commitment to protecting our borders and ensuring that our armed forces get the facilities and the logistical support that they deserve.”
He ended with this: “We are clear that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas is a pre-requisite for the development of our ties. In the coming days, we will be discussing both de-escalation as well as effective management of our activities in the border areas. The conclusion of the disengagement phase now allows us to consider other aspects of our bilateral engagement in a calibrated manner, keeping our national security interests first and foremost. In my recent meeting with FM Wang Yi, we reached an understanding that the Special Representatives and the Foreign Secretary level mechanisms will be convening soon.”
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Wednesday, December 04, 2024.
Page 1: The entire front page today is dedicated to Xi Jinping. The top story is about Xi’s meeting with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Xinhua reports:
“Expressing appreciation for Oli’s firm commitment to promoting friendship between the two sides over a long period of time, Xi said China and Nepal, linked by the same mountains and rivers, are good neighbors, good friends and good partners, and bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development. Noting that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said China places Nepal in an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is willing to work with Nepal to consolidate their traditional friendship and push for new progress in advancing the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.”
“Stressing that China respects Nepal’s choice to follow a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi said that China supports Nepal in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is ready to work with Nepal to consolidate strategic mutual trust and provide staunch support on issues concerning each other's core interests, he added. Xi expressed China’s willingness to deepen pragmatic cooperation with Nepal, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and strengthen cooperation in such fields as ports, transportation, power grids and communication. China is ready to continue offering assistance to Nepal’s economic and social development within its capacity, and to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Nepal, Xi said. He noted that China supports Nepal’s declaration of 2025 as Nepal Visit Year in China, and welcomes Nepali friends to travel to China for business, tourism and study. China is willing to strengthen coordination with Nepal within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, with the aim of defending the common interests of developing countries, Xi said.”
Oli reportedly praised China’s achievements as “a miracle in the history of human progress”. He also rather conspicuously said: “there are no problems, only friendship, between Nepal and China”. Right, that’s what you say when you have a friend with no problems. He also thanked China for its “assistance” and “valuable support to Nepal, helping it transform from a ‘landlocked country’ to a ‘land-linked country’.” He added:
“Tibet and Taiwan are both inseparable parts of China’s territory. Nepal firmly adheres to the one-China principle, does not allow any force to use Nepal’s territory to engage in anti-China activities and undermine China’s interests, and opposes any foreign interference in China’s internal affairs. The series of important initiatives proposed by China, such as the Global Development Initiative, are conducive to humanity’s joint response to the current complex international situation and global challenges. Nepal is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South.”
奥利表示，在习近平主席英明领导下，中国取得巨大发展成就，堪称人类进步史中的奇迹，作为中国的朋友，尼方深感骄傲，倍受鼓舞，希望学习借鉴中国成功经验，实现自身发展繁荣。尼中之间只有友谊，没有问题，两国关系基于友好、平等和尊重。感谢中方雪中送炭，为尼泊尔提供各种宝贵支持，帮助尼泊尔从“陆锁国”变成“陆联国”。尼方愿继续积极参与共建“一带一路”，欢迎更多中国企业赴尼投资，深化各领域务实合作。西藏和台湾都是中国领土不可分割的一部分，尼方坚定不移恪守一个中国原则，不允许任何势力利用尼泊尔领土从事反华活动，损害中国利益，反对任何外国干涉中国内政。中方提出的全球发展倡议等系列重要倡议，有利于人类共同应对当前复杂国际形势和全球性挑战，尼方愿同中方加强多边协作，维护全球南方共同利益.
Oli also met with Premier Li Qiang and NPC chief Zhao Leji. Xinhua’s report on Li’s meeting with Oli says:
“Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 70 years ago, China-Nepal relations have maintained sound and steady development. In 2019, in particular, the bilateral relationship was elevated to the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity, which has driven the vigorous expansion of exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two sides and brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. Li said China is willing to work with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust, push for the deeper development of relations and cooperation, and build an even closer China-Nepal community with a shared future. China firmly supports Nepal in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to enhance the synergy of development strategies with Nepal, leverage the leading role of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in bilateral cooperation, actively expand two-way trade and investment, and strengthen connectivity at ports, roads, railways and airlines, Li said. He said China encourages competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Nepal and is willing to import more quality products from Nepal. Li called on the two sides to deepen people-to-people exchanges and sub-national cooperation. China supports Nepal in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Nepal on multilateral arenas, Li said.”
Xinhua’s report on the Zhao and Oli meeting says:
Zhao said that “China and Nepal have treated each other with respect and equality, engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation, and have set a good example of friendly coexistence between countries with different social systems and sizes. Zhao said that China is willing to work with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, expand high-level strategic cooperation, and advance the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity. He added that the NPC of China is willing to strengthen exchange at all levels with the Nepali Parliament, share legislative experience, and provide legal guarantees for pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.”
The two sides also issued a joint statement (English text) after the visit. Key excerpts:
“The two sides reaffirmed their staunch support for each other on issues involving their core interests and major concerns. Recalling the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758, Nepal reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, recognizing that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Nepal firmly supports China’s efforts to achieve its national reunification and opposes ‘Taiwan independence’. The Nepali side reiterated that Xizang affairs are internal affairs of China, and that it will never allow any separatist activities against China on Nepal’s soil. The Chinese side reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of forging friendship and partnership in the neighborhood. China firmly supports Nepal in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respects and supports Nepal’s independent choice of political and social system, and development path that suit its national conditions.”
“The two sides expressed their readiness to sign the MoU on building the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network and the Framework for Belt and Road Cooperation between the two Governments as soon as possible. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening connectivity between the two countries in such areas as ports, roads, railways, aviation, power grids and telecommunication, to help Nepal transform from a land-locked country to a land-linked country. The two sides agreed to jointly advance the fourth phase of the China-aided Araniko Highway maintenance project and the Hilsa-Simikot Road project, implement the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project， and welcome the signing of the Letters of Exchange for the Approval of the China-aid Project of Feasibility Study for the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel. While promoting the project of repairing the Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi Highway, both sides agreed to expedite the removal of obstacles along the highway and its subsequent construction, and share the view that these projects will enhance the level of connectivity between the two countries.”
On the Koshi Economic Corridor, Gandaki Economic Corridor and Karnali Economic Corridor, “the two sides agreed to expedite the construction of related projects.”
The two sides applauded the smooth and orderly operation of the Jilong/Keyrung-Rasuwagadhi port, the Zhangmu-Kodari port, the Pulan-Yari port and the Lizi-Nechung (Korala, Mustang) port. They welcomed the full resumption and normal operation of 14 traditional China-Nepal border trade points in 2024 that have been pivotal in promoting bilateral trade and making the livelihood of border residents of both the countries easier. Based on this, the Nepali side requested the Chinese side to consider the possibility of opening more bilateral and international ports. The Chinese side will facilitate the construction of the China-aided Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) and Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Korala, Mustang. The two sides expressed willingness to steadily advance the feasibility study of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway, and planned to hold the 9th Working Meeting on China-Nepal Railway Cooperation. The Chinese side will continue to help Nepal train professionals in the field of railway. The two sides value the development of civil aviation ties between China and Nepal, and support and encourage air transport enterprises of both sides to open air routes and flights between Chinese cities and Nepali cities such as Pokhara and Lumbini in light of market demand, so as to facilitate bilateral economic and trade ties and two-way travel.
The two sides will continue to leverage the platform of the China-Nepal Energy Joint Implementation Mechanism, deepen cooperation in energy and explore exchanges in new energy. The two sides are ready to expedite the feasibility study of the China-aided Jilong/Keyrung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime 220KV Cross-Border Power Transmission Line. The two sides agreed to continue to support the cooperation between telecommunication operators of the two countries and to carry out maintenance and expansion projects related to cross-border land cables. The Nepali side requested the Chinese side to expedite the works of further developing Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, and construct a sports stadium in Damak, Jhapa and Amargadhi City Hall Complex in Dadeldhura.
The two sides welcomed the signing of the MoU on Trade Promotion Cooperation, and will further strengthen trade exchanges to elevate the scale and level of two-way trade…The two sides agreed to sign the Project Development Agreement of China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park as soon as possible, in order to promote the early start of construction and operation of the industrial park.
China welcomes Nepal to further expand the export of high-quality agricultural products such as Nepali haylage, plant-derived medicinal materials, and tea to China.
The document also talks about health, disaster relief and poverty alleviation cooperation projects.
“The two sides share the view that the China-Nepal border has long been demarcated, and serves as a bond of friendship and a bridge of cooperation between the two countries. The two sides agreed to undertake joint inspection of China-Nepal boundary, and work for early entry into force of the Agreement Between China and Nepal on the Boundary Management System. The two sides agreed to continue consultations on the protocol on establishing a three-tiered boundary contact system, so as to elevate the level of border management and cooperation between the two countries.”
“The two sides share the view that law enforcement cooperation is an important component of bilateral cooperation, and are prepared to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their law enforcement agencies. China is willing to provide support for Nepal to the best of its capacity through capacity building, including trainings in the field of combating cyber crimes, and assistance of police supplies.”
Next, there’s a report (English report) on Xi’s meeting with Cambodian People’s Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Beijing. The report says:
Xi said China has always regarded Cambodia as a high priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is willing to work together with Cambodia to build a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. The two sides should first firmly support each other and consolidate their ironclad friendship. China will firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests. Second, we should deepen exchanges and mutual learning and jointly seek development and revitalization. The Communist Party of China is willing to strengthen strategic communication and cadre training cooperation with the Cambodian People's Party to help Cambodia explore a development path that suits its national conditions. Third, the two sides should seize opportunities to make new progress in win-win cooperation. China is ready to work with the Cambodian side to implement the new version of the action plan for a community with a shared future as the main line, continuously enrich the ‘Diamond Hexagon’ cooperation framework, formulate cooperation plans for the ‘Industrial Development Corridor’ and the ‘Fish and Rice Corridor’, promote the implementation of key cooperation projects, and help build a high-quality connection between BRI and Cambodia’s ‘Five-Corner Strategy’.” 习近平表示，中柬铁杆友谊成色十足，完全符合两国人民共同利益。中方始终将柬埔寨作为周边外交重点方向，愿同柬方携手打造高质量、高水平、高标准的新时代中柬命运共同体。双方一要坚定相互支持，巩固铁杆友谊。中方将坚定支持柬埔寨维护国家主权、安全、发展利益。二要深化交流互鉴，共谋发展振兴。中国共产党愿同柬埔寨人民党加强战略沟通和干部培训合作，助力柬埔寨探索符合本国国情的发展道路。三要把握合作机遇，开拓共赢新局。中方愿同柬方以落实新版命运共同体行动计划为主线，不断充实“钻石六边”合作架构，制定“工业发展走廊”和“鱼米走廊”合作规划，推动重点合作项目落地见效，助力共建“一带一路”倡议和柬埔寨“五角战略”高质量对接.
Xi added: “Against the backdrop of an international landscape fraught with instability, change and various global challenges, Xi said, China will continue to support Cambodia in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and help boost the strength of the Global South. Xi expressed China’s support for ASEAN to adhere to its strategic autonomy and its opposition to external forces introducing the Cold War mentality into the region. China is willing to work with Cambodia to firmly maintain the resolve of staying true to the chosen path and unwavering in aspirations, enhance bottom-line thinking, strengthen collaboration and coordination, and jointly address various risks. 习近平指出，当前，国际形势变乱交织，全球性挑战层出不穷，考验着各国的应对和选择。中柬两国都致力于做世界的和平力量、发展力量、进步力量。中方将继续支持柬埔寨在国际和地区事务中发挥更大作用，壮大“全球南方”力量，支持东盟坚持战略自主，维护中心地位，坚决反对外部势力将冷战思维引入本地区，坚定不移推动东盟一体化和共同体建设。中方愿同柬方坚定道不改、志不变的决心，增强底线思维，加强协作和配合，共同应对各种风险.
Hun Sen reportedly said that “the Cambodia-China community of shared future is in the common interests of both sides. Cambodia thanks China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to Cambodia’s political, economic and social development. China is Cambodia’s most trusted friend. Friendship with China is a firm political consensus of the Cambodian People’s Party and will not undergo any changes with intergenerational leadership transitions in Cambodia. Cambodia will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle, support China in safeguarding its core interests, and is willing to work with China to comprehensively strengthen party-to-party exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and strengthen youth and cultural exchanges to better benefit the two peoples. Cambodia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on international and regional affairs.” 洪森表示，柬中友谊由双方老一辈领导人共同确立，经受了历史和时间考验，柬中命运共同体符合双方共同利益。柬方感谢中方长期以来为柬政治经济社会发展提供的宝贵支持和帮助，中国是柬最信任的朋友。对华友好是柬人民党坚定政治共识，不会因柬领导层代际交接发生任何变化。柬方将继续坚定奉行一个中国原则，支持中方维护核心利益，愿同中方全面加强党际交往，深化政治互信，促进各领域务实合作，密切青年、人文交流，更好造福两国人民。柬方愿同中方加强国际地区事务协调配合.
Next, there’s a report on Xi’s congratulatory letter to the Understanding China conference in Guangzhou. Xinhua reports:
“Xi said in the letter that to understand China, one needs to understand China’s efforts to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. China is building a high-standard socialist market economy at a faster pace, steadily expanding institutional opening up, taking the initiative to align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and actively fostering a transparent, stable and predictable institutional environment, Xi said. The Chinese modernization endeavor meets the aspiration of 1.4 billion people for a better life and will make new and greater contributions to world peace and development, Xi said. Stressing that changes unseen in a century are unfolding rapidly in today's world, Xi said countries around the world face new risks and challenges as well as new development opportunities and prospects. Xi said China looks forward to working with all other countries to create an enabling environment and conditions for development, tackle the many difficulties and challenges, and facilitate the modernization of all countries featuring peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity, in a bid to write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
There’s also a report on Xi’s letter to the World TCM conference.
But more interestingly, there’s a report on the publication of the outline for studying Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. This has been published by the Central Propaganda Department. Xinhua says in 68,000 Chinese characters over 14 chapters, the outline systematically expounds on the essence, connotation and requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, fully reflecting the original contribution of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in the realm of culture.”
The PD report informs that: Xi Jinping Thought on Culture systematically “addresses the major questions of what kind of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics to uphold and develop in the new era, and how to uphold and develop it. It deeply elaborates on the status and role, objectives and tasks, principles and guidelines, strategic paths, and practical requirements of cultural development in the new era. It serves as a theoretical summary of the Party’s practical experience in leading cultural development in the new era, represents a significant achievement in adhering to the ‘two integrations’ and advancing innovation in Marxist cultural theory, and constitutes a scientific system that unifies essence and application. It constitutes the cultural chapter of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and provides a powerful ideological weapon and scientific action guide for doing well in propaganda, ideological, and cultural work in the new era and new journey, and for promoting cultural prosperity and building a culturally strong country.” 习近平文化思想系统回答了新时代坚持和发展什么样的中国特色社会主义文化、怎样坚持和发展中国特色社会主义文化的重大课题，深刻阐述了新时代文化建设的地位作用、目标任务、方针原则、战略路径、实践要求，是新时代党领导文化建设实践经验的理论总结，是坚持“两个结合”、推进马克思主义文化理论创新的重大成果，是明体达用、体用贯通的科学体系，构成了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的文化篇，为做好新时代新征程宣传思想文化工作、推动文化繁荣、建设文化强国提供了强大思想武器和科学行动指南.
The Propaganda Department also issued a notice calling on Party Committees at all levels to:
“persistently use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to arm minds, guide practice, and advance work. They should organize Party members to carefully read the original text, study the original work, and grasp the original principles, delving deeply into understanding the core essence, spiritual substance, rich connotations, and practical requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, striving to master the Marxist standpoints, viewpoints, and methods running through it, continuously deepening understanding, and comprehensively grasping it. They should incorporate the ‘Outline’ into learning plans, making it an important content of the Party committee’s theoretical learning center’s group study work, cadre training, and Party member learning. Efforts should be made to bring Xi Jinping Thought on Culture into textbooks, classrooms, and students’ minds. They should adhere to studying originally and systematically, combining it with reality and focusing on key points, learning through analogy and integrating comprehensively, becoming more consciously guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Culture in solving practical problems, continuously improving the ability and level of grasping cultural development laws and promoting cultural strong country construction, truly achieving the unity of learning, thinking, and application, and knowledge, belief, and action.” 各级党委（党组）要坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想武装头脑、指导实践、推动工作。要组织党员认真读原著、学原文、悟原理，深入学习领会习近平文化思想的核心要义、精神实质、丰富内涵、实践要求，努力掌握贯穿其中的马克思主义立场观点方法，不断深化认识，全面理解把握。要把《纲要》纳入学习计划，作为党委（党组）理论学习中心组学习、干部培训、党员学习的重要内容，推动习近平文化思想进教材、进课堂、进学生头脑。要坚持原原本本、深入系统学，结合实际、聚焦重点学，触类旁通、融会贯通学，更加自觉用习近平文化思想指导解决实际问题，不断提高把握文化发展规律、推动文化强国建设的能力和水平，切实做到学思用贯通、知信行统一.
They should, through extensive learning, propaganda, and interpretation work, guide Party members, cadres, and the masses to further understand, comprehend, and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, thereby more profoundly understanding the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, enhancing the ‘four consciousnesses’ and ‘four confidences’, and achieving the ‘two safeguards’, consciously maintaining high degree of alignment in thought, politics, and action with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, forging ahead with determination and innovation, working hard and courageously, striving to create a new situation in propaganda, ideological, and cultural work, and working hard to comprehensively advance the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation through the Chinese-style modernization.” 要通过广泛的学习宣传阐释工作，引导广大党员、干部、群众进一步学懂弄通做实习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，深入学习贯彻习近平文化思想，更加深刻领悟“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”，自觉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，锐意进取、守正创新，埋头苦干、勇毅前行，奋力开创宣传思想文化工作新局面，为以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业而努力奋斗.
Finally, there’s a commentary drawing on Xi’s speech on BRI. Much of it doesn’t add anything new. But I thought this was useful in terms of how the commentary department summarises the achievements of BRI.
“We have used the joint construction of BRI as a practical platform to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, establishing bilateral and regional communities of shared future with multiple countries and regions, and making the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. We have signed BRI cooperation documents with over 150 countries and more than 30 international organizations, continuously expanding our network of cooperative partnerships. We have advanced regional openness, focusing on optimizing the regional opening-up layout, achieving mutual promotion and co-development between coastal opening and inland border opening, forming a comprehensive opening-up pattern of interconnected inland and maritime, east-west mutual assistance. From signing 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, to steadily expanding a high-standard global free trade zone network, from continuously reducing the negative list for foreign investment access to granting zero-tariff treatment for 100% of product categories from the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China…through the joint construction of BRI, China’s doors to the outside world are opening wider, and new horizons for open development are constantly being explored.” 我们以共建“一带一路”为实践平台推动构建人类命运共同体，同多个国家和地区构建双边及区域性命运共同体，使构建人类命运共同体理念深入人心。和150多个国家、30多个国际组织签署共建“一带一路”合作文件，不断扩大合作伙伴关系网。深入推进区域开放，着力优化区域开放布局，实现了沿海开放与内陆沿边开放相互促进、共同发展，形成了陆海内外联动、东西双向互济的全面开放格局。从与30个国家和地区签署23个自贸协定，到稳步扩大面向全球的高标准自由贸易区网络，从持续缩减外资准入负面清单，到给予所有同中国建交的最不发达国家100%税目产品零关税待遇……通过共建“一带一路”，我国对外开放的大门越开越大，开放发展不断开辟新天地.
It ends with this:
In today’s world, where changes and turmoil are intertwined and the transformations unseen in a century are accelerating, human society once again stands at a historical crossroads. By maintaining strategic confidence in the belief that ‘time and momentum are on our side’, preserving the strategic steadiness of ‘remaining calm amidst chaotic clouds’, and unwaveringly advancing the high-quality joint construction of BRI, we can continuously expand the development space for Chinese-style modernization and make greater contributions to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.” 当今世界变乱交织，百年变局加速演进，人类社会又一次站在历史的十字路口。坚定“时与势在我们一边”的战略自信，保持“乱云飞渡仍从容”的战略定力，坚定不移推进高质量共建“一带一路”，定能不断拓展中国式现代化发展空间，为推动构建人类命运共同体作出更大贡献.
Page 2: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with a delegation led by Susan Elliott, president and chief executive officer of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP). Xinhua reports:
Wang said that “China hopes that the incoming U.S. administration will properly handle its first steps in China-U.S. relations …Wang said that China’s foreign policy, including its U.S. policy, has maintained its stability and continuity, which shows its determination and credibility as a major country. China will always improve and develop its relations with the United States in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, no matter what changes take place in the United States, Wang said.”
“Wang quoted remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping on China's expectation of the Sino-U.S. relations in the future during his meeting last month with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru. China’s goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged; its commitment to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation as principles for handling China-U.S. relations remains unchanged; its position of resolutely safeguarding China’s sovereignty, security and development interests remains unchanged; and its desire to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American peoples remains unchanged, Wang said.
“He pointed out that the future direction of China-U.S. relations depends on the choice of the U.S. side, and expressed the hope that the U.S. side will work with China to meet each other halfway. The United States must not waver in developing steady relations with China, Wang said. He urged the U.S. side to do more to stabilize bilateral relations and expressed the hope that the incoming U.S. administration will handle its first steps in China-U.S. relations properly. The United States must have the correct strategic perception. Noting that China's development and revitalization is inevitable, Wang said China has no intention to challenge or replace the United States, while the U.S. side should not be obsessed with winning the competition against China. Wang called for continued dialogue, saying that dialogue may not solve all the problems, but will help promote mutual understanding, avoid miscalculations and advance cooperation. The United States must not cross the bottom lines and red lines in bilateral relations, Wang said. He pointed out that the Taiwan question falls under China's internal affairs, and the United States should honor its commitment to the one-China principle and respect the development path chosen by the Chinese people, as well as their legitimate right to development. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries must not be reversed, Wang said.”
“He added that China will continue to support and facilitate the exchange of personnel between the two countries, and welcomes more U.S. nationals from all walks of life to visit and seek exchange in China.”
Next, there’s a report on He Lifeng meeting with Frédéric Oudéa, chairman of the board of directors of French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi. Xinhua reports He as saying that:
“It is hoped that more French and European companies will continue to develop their business operations in China and share its development opportunities…He said that economic and trade cooperation between China, France, and the broader European continent has many converging interests and strong complementarities, providing broad space for development. China is continuously opening up to the outside world at a high level and building a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, He said, welcoming more French and European companies, including Sanofi Group, to continue to develop in China and share its development opportunities.”
Third, there’s a very brief report on the 3rd China-Arab States Young Politicians Forum, which Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the NPCSC, attended.
Page 3: There are reports on Zhao Leji and Wang Huning meeting with the speaker of the Parliament of Nauru Marcus Stephen. Wang told him that “the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru is another testament that the one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community and conforms to the trend of the times. The important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries in March this year provides strategic guidance for both sides to enhance bilateral relations and practical cooperation, he said. China is willing to work with Nauru to implement the leaders' important consensus and continue to promote the development of bilateral relations, Wang added, stressing that the CPPCC will make contributions in this regard. Stephen said Nauru firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and thanks China for its assistance.”
Zhao reportedly said that:
“China will work with Nauru to deliver on the important common understandings between the two heads of state, and create a bright future for bilateral relations based on equality, mutual respect, win-win cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness…He said that the one-China principle is a universally recognized basic norm in international relations, and also the political foundation and prerequisite for China to develop its relations with other countries. It is hoped and believed that Nauru will continue to abide by the one-China principle, firmly support China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities, Zhao said, China will firmly support Nauru in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and in exploring a development path in line with its own national conditions, he said. He said that China's NPC is willing to expand multi-level exchanges in various fields with Nauru's parliament, and welcomes parliamentarians of Nauru to participate in seminars hosted by the NPC for representatives from Pacific island countries, Zhao added.”
Page 5: There’s a report on Panchen Gyaincain Norbu concluding 5 months of study, research, and religious activities in Tibet. The report says that during his stay in Tibet, the Panchen Lama visited the implementation site of the Nanshan Park greening project in Lhasa, the Shigatse Economic Development Zone, the Lizi Port and other places to investigate and study, and learn about the construction and development of the socialist modernized new Tibet. He visited the former site of the Zhadong Special Committee, a red education base. He also visited a centralized support service center for the extremely poor in Zhongba County, Shigatse, and farmers in Nyingchi.
He also presided over a series of work meetings of the Tibet Branch of the Buddhist Association of China. He held a seminar on the interpretation of Tibetan Buddhist doctrines, and visited a bunch of monasteries.
As per the report, he “held extensive discussions and exchanges with the Tibetan Buddhist community, encouraging monks to study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech during his inspection in Tibet, forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture, adhere to the direction of the sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism, promote the adaptation of Tibetan Buddhism to socialist society, and make new contributions to the long-term stability and high-quality development of Tibet.” 班禅还主持召开了中国佛教协会西藏分会系列工作会议，召开藏传佛教教义阐释研讨会，走访西藏佛学院和大昭寺、扎什伦布寺、功德林寺、康玛寺、塔巴寺、孝登寺等寺庙，与藏传佛教界进行广泛座谈交流，勉励僧众学习贯彻习近平总书记在西藏考察时的重要讲话精神，铸牢中华民族共同体意识，弘扬中华优秀传统文化，坚持藏传佛教中国化方向，推进藏传佛教与社会主义社会相适应，为西藏长治久安和高质量发展作出新贡献.