Third Plenum Previews - What has the CCDR Done since Party Congress? Xiplomacy with Bangladesh, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu - H1 Foreign Trade at 21.17 Trln Yuan - China-India & China-Russia Trade Grows
Before I get to today’s paper, let’s catch up with three leaders’ visits, which were covered in the paper on Saturday.
First, as per Xinhua, China and Bangladesh elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. There’s a bit of controversy around this visit, which I’ll get to later.
As per Xinhua, Xi said that:
“China and Bangladesh have always respected and supported each other, treated each other as equals and cooperated for win-win results since the establishment of diplomatic ties, setting an example of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries, especially among Global South countries…China cherishes the profound friendship forged by the older generation of leaders of the two countries and is willing to take the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in various fields, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership…He called on the two sides to promote the fine tradition of mutual support and deepen political mutual trust, noting that China supports Bangladesh in adhering to an independent foreign policy, pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions, safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and opposing any external interference. China hopes to share experience on governance and development policies with Bangladesh, strengthen the synergy of development strategies and deepen cooperation in economy, trade, investment and connectivity, Xi said. More Chinese enterprises are encouraged to enhance industrial investment cooperation with Bangladesh to promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains and help Bangladesh achieve national development, Xi noted. The two sides should make the China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges next year a success and promote exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, media and sports, he added. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to enhance coordination on international and regional affairs, strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, uphold the common values of humanity, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.”
As per the report, Hasina praised the “brilliant leadership of President Xi.” She also talked about expanding cooperation in “economy, trade, infrastructure and poverty alleviation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges in youth and culture.” Xinhua adds: “Bangladesh firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports China's position on the Taiwan question, resolutely opposes external interference in China's internal affairs and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests”.
The two sides issued a joint statement too. Key excerpts:
“The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and to mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns…The two sides stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond question and brooks no challenge. Bangladesh reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and its position that the Government of the People’s Republic of China represents the whole of China, and Taiwan is part of China, and Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
On BRI:
The Chinese side commended Bangladesh for being the first country in South Asia to join and taking part in the BRI. The two sides agreed to step up experience sharing on development planning and economic development policies, and further deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation under the principle of planning together, building together and benefiting together. The two sides will accelerate existing cooperation projects, continue to expand areas of cooperation and work toward more fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese side supported the Bangladesh side’s plan to implement the Southern Integrated Development Initiatives of Bangladesh, among others, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to help this region achieve balanced and sustainable development.
The two sides recognized the completion of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under Karnaphuli river, the Modernization of Telecommunication Network Project, Development of ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government Phase-III (Info-Sarker 3) and the Single Point Mooring (SPM) with Double Pipeline Project, and expressed satisfaction with the progress in major bilateral cooperation projects, such as the Padma Bridge Rail Link Project, the Project of Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under DPDC Area, the Power Grid Network Strengthening Project under PGCB, the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway and the Rajshahi Surface Water Treatment Plant Project.
The two sides agreed to push forward projects such as Expansion of Teletalk’s 4G Mobile Broadband Network up to Union Level, Procurement of New Vessels, Water Supply, Sanitation, Drainage, Solid Waste and Faecal Sludge Management for Small Size Pourashavas (Municipalities) in Bangladesh, and Sewage Collection System under Dasherkandi STP Catchment of Dhaka City. The Chinese side will encourage Chinese enterprises to take an active part in the construction of subways, metro rail and roads, oil and gas exploration, hospitals and water resources and sewage management projects in Bangladesh in a proper way. The two sides agreed to advance projects such as the Burn Unit in Chattogram Medical College Hospital, the No. 6 Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation, the No. 9 Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, and the National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh.
The Chinese side expressed readiness to continue providing assistance to Bangladesh to the best of its capacity and positively consider the possibility of building hospitals and bridges and renovating convention centers to support economic and social development of Bangladesh. The Chinese side will continue to provide support for training programs on human resources development of Bangladesh under the framework of ‘China Aid’.
On trade and investment:
The two sides agreed to “conclude the joint feasibility study on a China-Bangladesh free trade agreement, and launch formal negotiations as soon as possible.”
The document also talks about China welcoming more agricultural imports from Bangladesh and products of jute, leather, and aquatic products.
The Chinese side has expressed its support to continue the zero-tariff treatment on 98 percent of taxable items to Bangladesh for a transitional period beyond 2026 when Bangladesh will graduate from LDC status.
They also agreed to launch negotiations on upgrading the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement as soon as possible … “The Bangladesh side welcomes more investment from Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh in such areas as economic and industrial parks, oil and gas exploration, new energy, water resources and sewage management, garment and other manufacturing sectors, reiterates Bangladesh’s commitments to protecting the security and legitimate rights and interests of all foreign investments including the Chinese projects and personnel in Bangladesh.”
They talked about the use of local currency settlement in bilateral trade. “The Bangladesh side welcomes Chinese banks to establish branches in Bangladesh, and vice versa.”
Other areas:
The document talks about cooperation in the digital economy, agriculture, climate change, health, tourism, media, sports, education (particularly language learning), etc. The two sides agreed to establish a Luban Workshop in Bangladesh.
In terms of marine economy, the document says that “China will assist Bangladesh to cultivate more talents in marine affairs. The two sides agreed to hold the second round of maritime cooperation dialogue at an early date.”
“The Chinese side highly commended Bangladesh for joining the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia as an observer country, and looks forward to seeing Bangladesh become a member country at an early date, so that the two sides can, under the framework of the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of ancient civilization research, joint archaeological exploration, repair of historical sites, and exchanges between museums.”
“The two sides discussed various aspects of the Global Development Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping. The Chinese side is ready to share experience on GDI issues with the Bangladesh side. The Chinese side also presented the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) to the Bangladesh side to ensure peace, development and shared prosperity for all.”
On defence, the document merely stresses deepening “practical cooperation.”
The two sides share the view that the promotion and protection of human rights is a common cause of all humanity, and the rights to subsistence and development are basic human rights of paramount importance. The two sides support exchanges and cooperation on human rights among all countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect, advocate the common values of humanity, oppose politicization of human rights, and remain committed to jointly promoting sound progress in all aspects of the international human rights agenda.
On the Mideast issue, the document says that both sides agreed that “the fundamental way out of the ongoing grave crisis in Gaza lies in the implementation of the two-State solution and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. Relevant resolutions adopted by the U.N. Security Council are binding and should be enforced effectively to achieve immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire.”
On the Rohingya issue, the document says that “the two sides share the view that early repatriation is the only way to resolve the issue concerning the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar, who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. The two sides call on all parties in Myanmar to bridge their differences through dialogue and consultation and underscored the cessation of hostilities in Rakhine State as soon as possible.”
Now for the controversy. As per Indian daily The Economic Times (another report outside the paywall), Hasina cut short her visit to China by a day. This was because she was “upset” over issues of protocol and because the promised loan assistance deal did not materialise. Also, apparently, her conversation with Xi Jinping “did not last as long as she had anticipated” and Wang Yi did not meet her. She met with Xi, Li Qiang and Wang Huning.
“Hasina’s early return from China citing her daughter’s health has more to it than meets the eye. According to Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, China will provide economic assistance of 1 billion yuan ($137 million or Rs 11,52 crore) to Dhaka. The announcement was made by Li as he met Hasina. However, Dhaka was hoping for more. As per an Economic Times (ET) report, Hasina may have been “upset” over the less-than-promised financial assistance and the lack of “appropriate protocol” extended to her. Ahead of the Bangladeshi PM’s visit, China had promised $5 billion loan assistance to Dhaka but announced a package of just $100 million during Hasina’s trip.”
Anyway, let’s now look at Xi’s meeting with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands. Xinhua says:
“Noting that China regards the Solomon Islands as a good friend, good partner and good brother, Xi said China supports the Solomon Islands in pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions and in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Xi said China is ready to enhance strategic communication with the Solomon Islands to firmly support each other in safeguarding core interests and addressing major concerns, enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road cooperation and the development strategy of the Solomon Islands, deepen cooperation in areas such as rural development, medical services, infrastructure, sustainable development and climate change response, and work together to build a community with a shared future between the two countries in the new era, thereby bringing greater benefits to the two peoples. China has always been committed to an independent foreign policy of peace, and advocates that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, are equals, Xi noted. China’s friendly cooperation with the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries is a sincere effort to assist these island nations in achieving development, falls within the framework of South-South cooperation, and is part of the common development of the Global South, without targeting any third party or seeking any selfish gain, he said. China is willing to continue providing assistance within its capacity to help the Solomon Islands achieve development, strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum, and promote the common interests of developing countries, Xi added.”
As per Xinhua, Manele praised China for having “set an example for developing countries” and said that “China advocates the common values of humanity, upholds multilateralism, avoids forming exclusive cliques or playing geopolitical games, does not require other countries to take sides, and calls on the international community to strengthen unity and cooperation.”
He backed GDI, GSI and GCI, saying that they are “of great significance for small countries like the Solomon Islands.” He also said that the “Solomon Islands firmly adheres to the one-China principle, resolutely opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’, and firmly supports the Chinese government's efforts to achieve national reunification.”
Also note that Manele visited Fujian during this visit. Over 100 officers from the Solomon Islands have taken part in training programs in Fujian.
A joint statement was issued after the visit. Key excerpts:
“The two sides reiterated their staunch support for each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. The Chinese side firmly supports Solomon Islands in upholding its sovereignty and independence. Solomon Islands is firmly committed to the one-China principle, and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Solomon Islands firmly opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ in any form, firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to realize national reunification, and firmly supports China on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang, human rights, etc. Solomon Islands fully understands and supports China’s position on the South China Sea issue, and calls for peaceful negotiations and dialogue by parties involved.”
The document says that the two sides will “expand practical cooperation in a broad range of areas, including trade and investment, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, rural development, infrastructure, energy and minerals, information and communications technology, low-carbon and green development, digital economy, and disaster prevention and mitigation, and jointly safeguard the security of people, properties, major cooperation projects, critical infrastructure and businesses houses.”
“The two sides agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in such areas as culture, education, health including malaria eradication, sports, law enforcement, youth and media. The Chinese side will continue to provide government scholarships and various training opportunities for Solomon Islands, continue to send medical teams and police liaison teams to Solomon Islands, and continue to provide Solomon Islands with support in Chinese language teaching.”
Solomon Islands welcomes GDI, GSI and GCI.
“The two sides share the view that climate change is a global challenge that requires all countries to respond with joint efforts under the framework of multilateralism and in accordance with the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two sides will jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.”
“The two sides agreed to deepen practical maritime cooperation in such areas as ocean observation and forecasting, marine disaster prevention and mitigation, marine ecosystem protection and restoration, marine spatial planning, and blue economy. Develop a blue partnership, and promote the building of a maritime community with a shared future. The two sides reiterated their commitment to firmly upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, and call on relevant countries to fulfill international obligations and prudently handle issues such as the ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated water and cooperation on nuclear submarine.” (Comment: These are clearly shots targeting Japan and AUKUS.)
“The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the platforms and frameworks of the China-Pacific Island Countries Reserve of Emergency Supplies, climate response, poverty alleviation and development, disaster prevention and mitigation, Juncao technology, agriculture, and police training center.”
Third, let’s cover Xi’s meeting with Vanuatu PM Charlot Salwai. Xinhua says:
Xi said that Vanuatu was “a good friend and partner of China in the Pacific island region”. Both sides have “firmly supported each other on issues concerning core interests since the establishment of diplomatic relations 42 years ago.” He talked about BRI, and said that “China hopes to exchange state governance experience with Vanuatu, share development opportunities brought by Chinese modernization, and enhance the synergy of development strategies…China is ready to deepen practical cooperation with Vanuatu in infrastructure, economy, trade and investment, climate change and other fields, and encourages its enterprises to invest in Vanuatu, Xi noted. Xi emphasized that China is committed to equality among all countries, big or small, and adheres to the principle of combining justice with interests while prioritizing justice. China does not seek major-power competition or geopolitical spheres of influence. It does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or force them to take sides, he added. Noting that China is a promoter of and contributor to peaceful coexistence and common development in the Pacific island region, Xi said China is willing to continue providing assistance to the best of its ability for the economic and social development as well as improvement of people's livelihood of the island countries, thereby supporting them in accelerating their efforts to achieve independent and sustainable development goals.”
Salwai reportedly praised the “outstanding leadership of President Xi.” He added:
“The Vanuatu government firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and firmly supports China's position on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Xizang, human rights and the South China Sea, Salwai said. Vanuatu hopes to learn from China's experience in state governance, strengthen the alignment of development strategies with China, and promote practical cooperation in infrastructure, economy, trade and other fields.”
The two sides also issued a joint statement. The final few paragraphs are the exact same as the text in the statement with Solomon Islands. Key excerpts:
“The two sides reiterated their staunch support for each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. The Chinese side firmly supports Vanuatu in upholding its sovereignty and independence. Vanuatu firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Vanuatu firmly supports efforts by the Chinese government to realize national reunification, opposing “Taiwan independence”, and firmly recognises that issues relating to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang and human rights are internal matters for China to deal with. By the same token, Vanuatu fully understands and supports China’s position on the South China Sea issue, and calls for peaceful negotiations and dialogue by parties involved.”
The two sides will “expand practical cooperation in areas including land and maritime infrastructure, trade and investment, green and low-carbon development, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The Chinese side will continue to provide help within its capacity for Vanuatu’s endeavor to achieve independent and sustainable development, welcome more competitive specialty products of Vanuatu to enter the Chinese market, and encourage Chinese companies to invest and do business in Vanuatu. The two sides encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and investment.” (Also see: “Vanuatu Prime Minister asks Bank of China to open branch in Port Villa”)
“Vanuatu welcomes and supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative…The Chinese side welcomes the official participation of Vanuatu in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, and stands ready to take this opportunity to deepen relevant cooperation and forge synergy for accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
“The two sides agreed that climate change is a global challenge that requires all countries to respond with joint efforts under the framework of multilateralism and following the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two sides will jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.”
“The two sides agreed to deepen practical maritime cooperation in ocean observation and forecasting, marine disaster prevention and mitigation, marine ecosystem protection and restoration, marine spatial planning, blue economy and other fields, develop a blue partnership, and promote the building of a maritime community with a shared future. The two sides reiterated their commitment to firmly upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, and call on relevant countries to fulfill international obligations and prudently handle issues such as the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water and nuclear-powered submarine cooperation.”
Also on Sunday, there was a report on China’s goods trade in H1. Data show that in the first half of this year, the total value of China’s import and export of goods was 21.17 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%, exceeding 21 trillion yuan for the first time during the first half of a year. Exports were 12.13 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.9%; imports were 9.04 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.2%.
ASEAN was China’s largest trading partner (GAC data). Trade with ASEAN was around 3.36 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.5%, accounting for 15.9% of China’s total foreign trade.
Total trade with BRI countries was 10.03 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.2%.
Trade with the EU was 2.72 trillion yuan, down 0.7%.
Trade with the US was 2.29 trillion yuan, up 2.9%. In dollar terms, trade fell 0.2%.
Trade with the Republic of Korea was 1.13 trillion yuan, up 7.6%, driven by imports as exports fell 0.6%.
Trade with India was 479.53 billion yuan, up 5.9%. China’s exports were 406.82 billion yuan. In dollar terms, it was up 2.7%.
Trade with Russia was around 830 billion yuan, up 4.6%. China’s exports were 366.81 billion yuan. Imports were 463.14 billion
China exported 7.14 trillion yuan of mechanical and electrical products, up 8.2% year-on-year, accounting for nearly 60% of the total export value. Exports of automatic data processing equipment and components rose 10.3% year on year, integrated circuits increased by 25.6% and automobiles by 22.2%.
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Page 1: There is a long, long Ren Zhongping article on the page, previewing the Third Plenum, which kicked off today. The article argues that Xi has called on the Party to “consciously place reform in a more prominent position”. The second section of the article is basically a list of highlights of achievements, from poverty alleviation to the space program, automobile exports, industrial automation, etc.
The article argues that today China’s “development has a more solid material foundation and more complete institutional guarantees. The Chinese nation has ushered in a great leap from standing up, becoming rich to becoming strong, and the realisation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process…Since the new era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has promoted comprehensive deepening reforms with great political courage and wisdom, and scientifically answered a series of major questions such as why and how to comprehensively deepen reforms in the new era. Practice has fully proven that the ‘Two Establishments’ are the greatest certainty, greatest confidence, and greatest guarantee for the Party and the people to respond to all uncertainties. They are of decisive significance for us to address various risks and challenges and advance the construction of Chinese-style modernization.” 走向光明宏大的未来，我国发展具备了更为坚实的物质基础、更为完善的制度保证，中华民族迎来了从站起来、富起来到强起来的伟大飞跃，实现中华民族伟大复兴进入了不可逆转的历史进程。“我们推动的改革是全方位、深层次、根本性的，取得的成就是历史性、革命性、开创性的。”新时代以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央以巨大的政治勇气和智慧推进全面深化改革，科学回答了在新时代为什么要全面深化改革、怎样全面深化改革等一系列重大问题。实践充分证明，“两个确立”是党和人民应对一切不确定性的最大确定性、最大底气、最大保证，对于我们应对各种风险挑战、推进中国式现代化建设具有决定性意义.
The third section talks about how promoting reform requires putting the people at the centre and creating a better life for the people. This talks about poverty alleviation, building of a moderately prosperous society, improvements to education, social security, and medical and health systems, and systems like whole-process democracy and the Fengqiao Experience. The fourth section praises the Party and country for having been unique in taking bold steps, engaging in self-revolution and carrying out reform. It adds:
“Reform and opening up have profoundly changed the face of the Communist Party of China. The Party’s political leadership, ideological leadership, mass organisation, and social appeal have been continuously strengthened in the new era. With the core leadership role of the Party, it has gathered the tremendous power of unity and struggle. Today, the Communist Party of China has extremely strong leadership and has always been the most reliable backbone of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation.” 改革开放深刻改变了中国共产党的面貌，党的政治领导力、思想引领力、群众组织力、社会号召力在新时代不断增强。以党的领导核心作用凝聚团结奋斗的磅礴力量，今天的中国共产党具有无比坚强的领导力，始终是中国人民和中华民族最可靠的主心骨.
It adds: “A distinctive feature of the comprehensive deepening reform in the new era is that the Party’s leadership has been comprehensively strengthened, and the Party’s core leadership role in taking overall charge and coordinating all aspects has been fully exerted.” 新时代全面深化改革的一个鲜明特点，就是党的领导得到全面加强，党总揽全局、协调各方的领导核心作用充分发挥.
The fifth section is really interesting. It talks about China’s contribution to global growth and its connections with the outside world; it mentions BRI, GDI, GSI and GCI. This bit is what is noteworthy:
“‘’Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China’s successful experience in governance and its remarkable achievements have provided useful reference for developing countries’, said attendees at a reading meeting for ‘Xi Jinping: The Governance of China’ which was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in June. ‘Why is Chinese-style modernization so important to Brazil? Because China’s successful experience can be used as a reference for Brazil’, said Alexandre Padilha, who is in charge of the Secretariat of Institutional Affairs of the Brazilian Presidential Office during a seminar on ‘Chinese-style modernization and new opportunities in the world’ in March 2023…Today, the theory and practice of Chinese-style modernization have broken the myth that modernization is Westernization, and opened up a new path for mankind to move towards modernization; China’s unprecedented innovation has solved many problems in the development of human society and created a new form of human civilization.” “在习近平主席领导下，中国在治国理政方面的成功经验和取得的举世瞩目成就，为广大发展中国家提供了有益借鉴”，今年6月，《习近平谈治国理政》中塔读者会在塔吉克斯坦首都杜尚别成功举办，与会嘉宾这样表示。“为什么中国式现代化对巴西如此重要？因为中国的成功经验对巴西来说可资借鉴。”2023年3月，在巴西举行的一场“中国式现代化与世界新机遇”研讨会上，巴西总统府机构关系部国务秘书佩雷拉总结说... 今天，中国式现代化的理论和实践，打破了现代化就是西方化的迷思，开辟的是人类迈向现代化的新道路；来自中国前无古人的创举，破解了人类社会发展的诸多难题，开创的是人类文明新形态。
Another article on the page previews the plenum. Much of the article talks about the past 10 odd years. Towards the end, there are these points to look ahead:
To further comprehensively deepen reforms, it is necessary to further emancipate the mind, liberate and develop social productive forces, and unleash and enhance social vitality.
To further comprehensively deepen reforms, we must pay more attention to system integration, focus on key points, and pay more attention to the effectiveness of reform.
To further comprehensively deepen reforms, we must promote better adaptation between production relations and productive forces, superstructure and economic base, and national governance and social development. ——进一步全面深化改革，必须进一步解放思想、解放和发展社会生产力、解放和增强社会活力。——进一步全面深化改革，必须更加注重系统集成，更加注重突出重点，更加注重改革实效。——进一步全面深化改革，必须推动生产关系和生产力、上层建筑和经济基础、国家治理和社会发展更好相适应.
On the final point, this is a useful reminder: “Developing new quality productive forces is both a development proposition and a reform proposition. The key is to allow all kinds of advanced and high-quality production factors to flow smoothly to develop new quality productive forces through further comprehensive deepening reform. Since the 20th Party Congress, the Central Comprehensively Deepening Reforms Commission has held five meetings and reviewed and approved a number of major reform plans, including reforming the land management system and accelerating the formation of basic systems to support comprehensive innovation. These plans were aimed at optimising and adjusting production relations and superstructure.” 发展新质生产力，既是发展命题，也是改革命题。关键是通过进一步全面深化改革，让各类先进优质生产要素向发展新质生产力顺畅流动。党的二十大之后，中央深改委先后召开5次会议，审议通过了改革土地管理制度、加快形成支持全面创新的基础制度等多项重大改革方案，指向的正是生产关系和上层建筑的优化调整.
If you are interested in going back to the meetings of the Central Comprehensively Deepening Reforms Commission, I have put together an excel sheet, which I am making available. It lists the key documents that were approved at each of the five meetings held so far since the 20th Party Congress and has important key quotes from the readouts.
Page 3: There’s a report on MoFA’s reaction to the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. It said:
“China is following the shooting incident at the campaign rally of former US President Donald Trump. President Xi Jinping has expressed sympathies to former President Trump.”
And that’s about it from the paper today. These plenum previews are long and not necessarily terribly informative.
One story from outside the paper that I would like to also highlight is that China and Russia on Sunday kicked off a joint exercise coded ‘Exercise Joint Sea-2024’ at a military port in Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province. After the launch, the naval forces “carried out on-map military simulation and tactical coordination exercises. The exercise is divided into three stages, including the concentration of forces, planning at the harbor, and maritime drills.”