Third Round of Inspections Begin - Wang Yi's Indonesia Visit - Li Qiang on China's Foreign Trade - Shi Taifeng Calls on Pvt Sector to Fall in Line - 2024's Flood Situation 'Complicated & Severe'
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Friday, April 18, 2024.
Page 1: At the top of the page is a report on the beginning of the third round of inspections under the 20th Central Committee. 15 teams of disciplinary inspectors have been stationed at 34 economic work departments and financial agencies that are being inspected.
The report says that “the central inspection teams will thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on the Party's self-revolution. They will conscientiously implement the newly revised regulations on inspection work, adhere to the political positioning of inspections, comprehensively implement the guidelines for inspection work, taking the fundamental task of the two safeguards, and continuously strengthen political supervision. They will adhere to the central task and serve the overall situation, focus on implementing the important directives and instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the major policies of the Party Central Committee, keep a close eye on power and responsibilities, strengthen supervision of the top leaders, concentrate efforts on strengthening inspection and rectification, consistently promoting a strict tone, maintain a strict tone, strict measures and strict atmosphere throughout the process, and ensure effective political inspection to safeguard high-quality development.” 中央巡视组将深入学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想特别是习近平总书记关于党的自我革命的重要思想，认真贯彻新修订的巡视工作条例，坚守政治巡视定位，全面贯彻巡视工作方针，以“两个维护”为根本任务，持续强化政治监督。坚持围绕中心、服务大局，聚焦习近平总书记重要指示批示和党中央大政方针落实情况，紧盯权力和责任，加强对“一把手”的监督，在强化巡视整改上集中发力，把严的基调、严的措施、严的氛围传导下去、一贯到底，以有力政治巡视保障高质量发展.
Next, the report talks about what is required by the inspection teams:
accurately grasp the key points of inspections of economic work departments and financial agencies
thoroughly understand how the inspected organizations have implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and directives
how they have fulfilled their functions and responsibilities in promoting high-quality development, preventing and defusing major risks, promoting in-depth reform and high-quality opening up, maintaining comprehensive and strict Party governance,
how they have strengthened the construction of leadership teams, cadres and talent teams, and grassroots Party organizations
finally, thoroughly identify political deviations and promote resolution of outstanding issues
It is necessary to strengthen the supervision and inspection of the rectification of problems identified during inspections and audits, gain a deep understanding of the actual actions and effects of fulfilling rectification responsibilities and promoting problem solving, focus on identifying issues such as perfunctory rectification and false rectification, continuously sending clear signals to strengthen rectification efforts.各中央巡视组组长要求，要准确把握巡视经济工作部门和金融单位的重点，深入了解被巡视党组织贯彻落实习近平总书记重要讲话和重要指示批示精神，履行职能责任、推动高质量发展，防范化解重大风险，统筹推进深层次改革和高水平开放，纵深推进全面从严治党，加强领导班子、干部人才队伍和基层党组织建设等情况，深入查找政治偏差，推动解决突出问题。要加强对巡视、审计等监督发现问题整改情况的监督检查，深入了解履行整改责任、推动问题解决的实际行动和效果，重点查找敷衍整改、虚假整改等问题，持续释放强化整改的鲜明信号.
The inspection teams will stay at the units assigned to them for around three months, during which hotlines and mailboxes will be set up to solicit reports on the breach of discipline and other problems involving Party officials and personnel in key positions in these units. The inspectors are ready to receive complaints from the public until July 12, 2024.
The other lead story on the page is about the awarding of medals to the three astronauts who took part in the Shenzhou-16 crewed mission. Xinhua reports:
“Jing Haipeng was honored with a special-class aerospace achievement medal. Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao received third-class aerospace achievement medals and the honorary title of ‘Heroic Astronaut’. The awards were given by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission.”
Even in this announcement, the report mentions the importance of following Xi’s thought, the two establishments, the two safeguards and the four consciousnesses, and four self-confidences.
Third, there’s a report focussing on industrial growth in Q1 of 2024. It informs that in Q1,
The added value of industries above designated size increased by 6.1% year-on-year, 1.5 percentage points higher than the whole year of 2023, the highest value in eight quarters
industrial investment increased by 13.4% year-on-year
the added value of SMEs above designated size increased by 7.4% year-on-year
In terms of emerging sectors,
production of solar panels increased by 20.1% year-on-year
the production of polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon related to photovoltaics increased by more than 50%
hydrogen energy and new energy storage continue to expand
the market share of new energy vehicles exceeded 31%
the energy consumption of industrial units in traditional industries such as steel and non-ferrous metals continued to decline
Other data:
manufacturing investment increased by 9.9% year-on-year
automobile sales increased by 10.6% year-on-year
consumption of household appliances increased by 5.8% year-on-year
Next, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng meeting with San Francisco Mayor London Breed. Xinhua says:
“Han said he hopes Breed's visit will further promote bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, science and technology, create highlights in jointly meeting climate change challenges, increase personnel and cultural exchanges, enhance the friendship between the two peoples, and promote the sound and steady development of China-U.S. relations.”
Finally, there’s a report on Li Qiang touring booths of enterprises at the venue of the 135th session of the Canton Fair. Li stopped by the exhibitions by KingClean Electric Co Ltd (莱克电气), Skyworth (创维集团), Mevion Medical Systems 迈胜医疗, GAC Group (广汽集团), iFlytek, and Loncin Industries 隆鑫通用.
“Li affirmed that relevant enterprises have secured a place in fierce international competition through technological accumulation and product innovation. He encouraged enterprises to continuously enhance their independent research and development capabilities, promote digital, intelligent, and green transformation, accelerate the transition from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Created in China’, and strive to be pioneers and leaders in their industries. He pointed out the importance of fully utilizing the Canton Fair platform to continuously enhance the visibility and influence of Chinese brands, and promote the steady increase in the quality and quantity of foreign trade.” 李强肯定相关企业通过技术积累、产品创新，在激烈的国际竞争中占据一席之地。他勉励企业不断提升自主研发能力，推进数字化、智能化、绿色化转型，加快中国制造向中国创造转变，努力做所在行业的先行者、领跑者。他指出，要充分用好广交会平台，持续提升中国品牌的知名度和影响力，推动外贸质升量稳。李强还同各国采购商亲切交流，鼓励大家做促进中外合作的桥梁，推动中国和世界合作共赢.
He called on Canton Fair to promote the “expansion of China’s high-level opening up to the outside world and the promotion of the construction of an open world economy.”
Then, at a symposium with representatives of Canton Fair participating firms, Li said that “in recent years, faced with the adverse effects of sluggish world economic growth and the rise of trade protectionism, China’s foreign trade has shown strong resilience and competitiveness, which embodies the hard work of the vast number of foreign trade enterprises. It is hoped that foreign trade enterprises will work hard to further expand the international market, continuously improve product quality and added value, actively participate in the formulation of international standards, and take a new path of innovation, quality, and branding, thereby winning the market and the future through excellent technology, quality and service. Government departments should provide strong support, effective guidance, and high-quality services to foreign trade companies, so that companies can truly enjoy policy dividends, safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and they should serve as a strong backing for enterprises to explore markets and innovate development.” 在听取与会代表发言后，李强表示，近年来，面对世界经济增长乏力、贸易保护主义抬头等不利影响，我国外贸展现出很强的韧性和竞争力，其中凝聚着广大外贸企业的辛勤奋斗。希望外贸企业在进一步开拓国际市场、不断提升产品质量和附加值、积极参与国际标准制定上下功夫，走拼创新、拼品质、拼品牌的新路，靠过硬的技术、质量和服务赢得市场、赢得未来。政府部门要为外贸企业提供有力支持、有效指导、优质服务，让企业真正享受到政策红利，维护好企业合法权益，做企业开拓市场、创新发展的坚强后盾.
Representatives of the following firms were present at this symposium:
Midea Group (美的集团)
Beile Intelligent Technology (贝乐智能)
Senci Electric Machinery (神驰机电)
Hefei Jingsong Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. (井松智能)
Zhongxin Environmental Protection (众鑫环保)
Profit Cultural & Creative Corp. (德艺文创)
MLILY (梦百合家居)
Tianshan Wool & Textile Co., Ltd. (天山毛纺织等)
Page 2: There’s a report on Shi Taifeng’s visit to Hubei. Shi visited Wuhan and the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.
Shi visited:
colleges and universities to learn about the United Front work there
private enterprises to understand the situation of technological innovation and support for agriculture to enrich farmers
local neighborhoods to learn about new social classes and grassroots United Front work
villages and schools in minority areas to learn about the work of building a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation
石泰峰来到武汉市、恩施土家族苗族自治州，走进高等院校，了解高校统战工作；考察民营企业，了解科技创新、联农带农富农情况；走访街区、楼宇，了解新的社会阶层人士和基层统战工作情况；深入少数民族地区乡村、学校，了解铸牢中华民族共同体意识工作情况。
The report adds that Shi called to “focus on concentrating efforts to promote Chinese-style modernization; focus on the tasks required to solidify the main line of consciousness of the Chinese national community; strengthen the ideological and political guidance of non-Party intellectuals in colleges and universities; do a good job in the United Front work related to new social classes; guide people from the non-public sector of the economy to unify their thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee’s scientific judgment and decision-making arrangements on China’s development situation; and further boost confidence in development and better leverage the powerful magic weapon of the United Front.” 石泰峰表示，要着眼为推进中国式现代化凝心聚力，着力抓实抓细铸牢中华民族共同体意识主线要求各项任务，加强高校党外知识分子思想政治引领，做好新的社会阶层人士统战工作，引导民营经济人士把思想和行动统一到党中央关于我国发展形势的科学判断和决策部署上来，进一步提振发展信心，更好发挥统一战线强大法宝作用. (Comment: So, he is basically saying that we need to get the private sector to understand the government’s agenda. It’s not that we need to back the private sector to rekindle animal spirits, but rather just fall in line.)
Shi also participated in a symposium on improving the United Front system. He said that since the 18th Party Congress, “the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has focused on strengthening the Party’s overall leadership over United Front work, and strengthened the main responsibility of the Party committee (Party group) for United Front work in terms of leadership system and working mechanism.” He called for further “strengthening the Party's overall leadership throughout all areas and processes of United Front work.” 调研期间，石泰峰主持召开座谈会，围绕推动落实统战工作责任制听取意见建议。石泰峰表示，党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央着眼加强党对统战工作的全面领导，从领导体制、工作机制等方面强化党委（党组）统战工作主体责任。要深入学习领会习近平总书记关于党委（党组）落实统战工作责任制的重要要求，增强做好新时代统战工作的政治自觉、思想自觉、行动自觉，把加强党的全面领导贯穿统战工作各领域全过程.
Next, there’s a report on Zhang Guoqing’s remarks at a national conference on flood control and drought relief work. Xinhua reports:
“The flood control and drought relief situation this year is complicated and severe, Zhang told the conference, urging coordinated efforts to minimize disaster-induced damage and losses. He said efforts must be made to consolidate disaster prevention work, reduce disaster-induced damage further, and improve disaster relief provision capabilities. The flood control and drought relief command system should also be strengthened to guard against major flooding and drought”.
Third, there’s a report on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issuing a notice on cultivating the 6th batch of little giant enterprises. At the same time, it is launching the review work for the third batch of such enterprises.
“Up to now, China has cultivated a total of 124,000 specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative SMEs, including 12,000 ‘little giant’ enterprises. According to the notice, provincial-level specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative SMEs can apply for the sixth batch of ‘little giant’ enterprises…” 截至目前，我国已累计培育专精特新中小企业12.4万家，其中专精特新“小巨人”企业1.2万家。据通知，省级专精特新中小企业可提出第六批专精特新“小巨人”企业申请，各省、自治区、直辖市及计划单列市、新疆生产建设兵团中小企业主管部门负责组织企业初核推荐.
Page 3: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s visit to Indonesia. He met with President Joko Widodo. The Chinese readout says:
“President Joko Widodo has visited China eight times in 10 years, and President Xi Jinping met with President Joko Widodo 12 times. The two presidents reached important common understandings on upgrading China-Indonesia relations, opening a new chapter in the rapid development of bilateral relations, helping achieve fruitful outcomes in Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly leading bilateral relations into a new stage of building a community with a shared future. China highly appreciates Mr. President's historic contribution to the cause of China-Indonesia friendship and looks forward to working with Indonesia to advance bilateral relations to inherit the past and usher in the future for new and sustained development.”
“China is willing to carry forward the tradition of friendship with Indonesia, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen strategic coordination, and set an example of shared future, solidarity and coordination among developing countries. China firmly supports Indonesia in pursuing a path suited to its national conditions and realizing the ‘Golden Indonesia 2045’ vision, and joining hands on respective paths toward modernization with distinctive characteristics. China firmly supports the two countries in deepening practical cooperation, operating the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway at a high level, advancing major flagship projects such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor, and creating new growth areas for cooperation. China firmly supports Indonesia in playing its role as a major country, and strengthening coordination and cooperation between China and Indonesia, deepening China-ASEAN cooperation, keeping East Asia cooperation on the right track, and resisting various acts that create regional division and confrontation, so as to promote the building of a fairer and more equitable global governance system.”
During the visit, Wang also met with Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto and held talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. These are not covered in the paper. But the readouts are available on MoFA’s website.
The Chinese readout on Wang’s meeting with Prabowo says:
“Wang Yi said that Indonesia is a major developing country and an significant/landmark (标志) force within the Global South. China has always regarded Indonesia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and a reliable partner in global affairs. The unity and cooperation between China and Indonesia strengthens the power of global development, strengthens the power of peace and stability, and is an important driving force for world multipolarity. China is willing to work with Indonesia to build a higher level of strategic mutual trust, build a more comprehensive cooperation layout, support each other's modernization drive, and push the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. As both China and Indonesia are major developing countries, mutual trust and support between them ensures peace in Asia, provides hope for global development, and brightens the future of humanity. China supports Indonesia in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Indonesia to jointly safeguard the hard-won peace and stability in the region, ensuring that the region's future is truly in its own hands. It is necessary to promote equal and orderly world multipolarity and join hands in leading the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.” 王毅表示，印尼是发展中大国，是全球南方的标志性力量。中国始终把印尼作为周边外交的优先方向、全球事务的可靠伙伴。中印尼团结合作是全球发展力量的增强，是和平稳定力量的壮大，是世界多极化的重要动力。中方愿同印尼一道，打造更高水平战略互信，构建更加全面合作布局，助力各自现代化建设，推动两国全面战略伙伴关系不断迈上新台阶。中国和印尼同为发展中大国，双方相互信任、相互支持，亚洲的和平就有保障，全球的发展就有希望，人类的前途就更光明。中方支持印尼在国际和地区事务中发挥更大作用，愿同印尼加强协调配合，共同维护本地区来之不易的和平稳定大局，把地区的前途命运真正掌握在自己手中。要推动平等有序的世界多极化，携手走在构建人类命运共同体的前列。
Prabowo reportedly praised China for being a “good friend of Indonesia” and “always upholding justice in international and regional affairs and providing selfless assistance to developing countries.” 中国是印尼的好朋友。在发展对华关系方面，我同佐科总统意见高度一致，希望延续并不断推动两国更高水平战略合作，提升双边关系水平。中国一贯在国际地区事务中主持公道，为广大发展中国家提供无私帮助。印尼同中国加强协调合作，必将对地区和世界的稳定繁荣产生积极正面影响.
The readout of Wang’s meeting with FM Retno says:
“Wang Yi said that China supports Indonesia in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, appreciates the Indonesian government’s adherence to the one-China policy, and is willing to continue to firmly support each other's core interests with Indonesia. The two sides should strengthen the docking of development strategies…” He mentioned BRI, the Jakarta-Bandung High-speed Railway, RCEP, etc. 王毅表示，中国和印尼是传统友好邻邦。在习近平主席和佐科总统战略引领下，两国开启共建命运共同体新篇章。去年是中印尼命运共同体建设开局之年，习近平主席同佐科总统两次会晤，引领两国全面战略合作迈上新台阶。中印尼关系取得令人瞩目的巨大成就，关键在于坚持战略自主、坚持互信互助、坚持合作共赢、坚持公平正义，这是两国关系成功向前迈进最重要的经验。中方愿同印尼传承友好传统，深化战略互信，把握命运共同体建设这条主线，落实全面战略伙伴关系行动计划，推动两国关系承前启后，进入新的发展阶段。王毅说，中方支持印尼维护国家主权和领土完整，赞赏印尼政府坚持一个中国政策，愿同印尼继续坚定支持彼此核心利益。双方要加强发展战略对接，以高质量共建“一带一路”合作引领务实合作提质升级，擦亮雅万高铁这块“金字招牌”，加快推进“区域综合经济走廊”、“两国双园”建设。
Wang added: “China supports Chinese companies to invest in Indonesia and is willing to expand imports of high-quality Indonesian products based on market demand. It is hoped that Indonesia will maintain the stability and predictability of its bulk commodity export policy and create a good environment for Chinese companies. Wang Yi emphasized that with the joint efforts of countries in the region, Asia has maintained overall peace and development, and we must unite to continue to maintain this good situation. China is willing to work closely with Indonesia to jointly promote the high-quality development of China-ASEAN relations, jointly consolidate the ASEAN-led regional architecture, jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, jointly advance regional and global governance, safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote the building of an equal and orderly multipolarity.” 中方支持中国企业赴印尼投资兴业，愿根据市场需求扩大印尼优质产品进口。希望印尼保持大宗商品出口政策稳定性和可预见性，为中国企业营造良好环境。王毅强调，在地区国家共同努力下，亚洲总体保持和平发展大局，我们要团结一致，延续这一良好局面。中方愿同印尼密切协作，共同推动中国东盟关系高质量发展，共同巩固东盟主导的区域架构，共同维护南海和平稳定，共同推进地区和全球治理，捍卫国际公平正义，推动平等有序的世界多极化.
They discussed the Middle East situation and the South China Sea. Among other things, Retno said that Indonesia looks forward to working closely with China to continuously strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation, jointly combat telecommunications fraud and other transnational crimes, and promote greater development of bilateral relations.”
The two also held a press conference later. Wang’s remarks there were interesting:
Wang said that the two sides will use the 2+2 dialogue mechanism between foreign ministers and defense ministers as a platform to enhance political and security cooperation, and strengthen mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns. 以外长防长2+2对话机制为平台提升政治安全合作，在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定相互理解和支持.
They will continue to lead the Belt and Road international cooperation, expand cooperation in new productive forces such as the digital economy, and work together to promote sustainable development and economic transformation. 继续领跑“一带一路”国际合作，拓展数字经济等新质生产力合作，携手推进可持续发展和经济转型.
They will advocate inclusive economic globalization, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, oppose ‘decoupling and breaking chains’ and ‘small yards and high walls’, and jointly maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains. We must be highly vigilant against the piecing together of various ‘small circles’ in the region, oppose any attempts to create confrontation or bloc politics, and cherish and maintain the hard-won peace and stability in the region. 坚持发展优先，倡导普惠包容的经济全球化，反对单边主义和保护主义，反对“脱钩断链”“小院高墙”，共同维护产业链供应链稳定。高度警惕在本地区拼凑各种“小圈子”，反对任何制造集团对立和阵营对抗的图谋，珍惜和维护好本地区来之不易的和平稳定。
We are willing to continue to work with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, accelerate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and build the South China Sea into a sea of peace and cooperation. 我们愿意继续同其他东盟国家一道全面有效落实《南海各方行为宣言》，加快推进“南海行为准则”磋商，将南海建设成为和平、合作之海.
On the Middle East situation, Wang said that both sides “unanimously agreed that Security Council Resolution 2728 should be fully implemented, an unconditional and lasting ceasefire should be immediately realized, and civilians should be effectively protected. It is necessary to establish a humanitarian relief mechanism as soon as possible to ensure the rapid, safe, barrier-free and sustainable entry of humanitarian supplies into Gaza. We call on relevant parties to maintain calm and restraint, avoid escalation of the situation, and prevent the conflict from spilling over. China supports the Security Council's discussion and acceptance of Palestine becoming a full member of the United Nations as soon as possible, and advocates convening a larger, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference to formulate a timetable and road map for the implementation of the ‘two-state solution’.” 我们对巴以冲突造成的人道主义灾难深感痛心。一致认为，应全面执行安理会第2728号决议，立即实现无条件、持久停火，切实保护平民。要尽快建立人道救援机制，确保人道物资快速、安全、无障碍、可持续地进入加沙，呼吁有关方面保持冷静克制，避免局势升级，防止冲突外溢。中方支持安理会尽快讨论并接受巴勒斯坦成为联合国正式会员国，倡议召开更大规模、更具权威、更有实效的国际和会，就落实“两国方案”形成时间表和路线图.
In a response to a question during the press conference, Wang lashed out at the US on its position with regard to the conflict in Gaza.
This bit is covered in the paper today.
“The UN Security Council, in response to the calls of the international community, has been continuously deliberating on draft resolutions regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, only to be repeatedly vetoed by the United States. The UN Security Council has recently adopted Resolution 2728, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This time, the United States did not dare to continue standing against international moral principles and instead chose to abstain, yet claimed that this resolution was ‘non-binding’. This statement by the United States has astounded the world, once again exposing the hegemonic mentality of the United States. The United States employs international law as merely a tool that can be utilized at will or discarded when deemed unnecessary.”
“Wang Yi pointed out that every member state of the United Nations is well aware that the resolutions adopted by the Security Council in accordance with the UN Charter are binding and that all countries are obliged to abide by them, which is a serious commitment made by all countries when they joined the United Nations. The United States, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, should take the lead in abiding by UN Security Council resolutions. In response to the absurd claims made by the United States, the UN Secretariat has clearly emphasized that all Security Council resolutions are international laws and are legally binding. It is hoped that the United States will drop its sense of superiority and truly heed the voices of the international community. It is also advisable for U.S. officials to brush up on their basic knowledge of international law. The United States has consistently claimed to comply with ‘the rules-based international order’, but the most significant rules are the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including international legal norms such as UN Security Council resolutions. The Security Council, as the core of the world's collective security mechanism, should by no means be a tool manipulated by individual countries for geopolitical purposes, nor should it serve as a stage to pursue hegemony or power politics. There is no exception in the United Nations in complying with international laws including Security Council resolutions, and the United States holds no privileges in this regard. Wang Yi expressed hope that the United States will change its long-standing superiority complex, and work, as a member of the United Nations, along with other member states, to fulfill the due international responsibilities, support Resolution 2728, and achieve an overall ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at an early date, so as to save the Palestinian people from their sufferings”.
Next, there’s a brief report informing that ILD chief Liu Jianchao met with delegations of senior cadres from Nepal and Germany, in Beijing on Thursday. The Nepali delegation was led by Dev Prasad Gurung, the general secretary of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre). The German delegation, meanwhile, was led by Jens Spahn, the deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the German Bundestag. The German delegation also met with Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the NPCSC.
Finally, there’s a report (English report) on the first meeting this year of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative at the UN in New York. More than 100 people including permanent representatives and deputy representatives of more than 40 countries and officials from United Nations agencies attended the meeting. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, chaired the meeting.
Fu also spoke at the UNSC “high-level open debate on the Palestinian-Israeli issue”. He called for implementing the two-state solution and backed Palestine’s bid for UN membership. That vote has since failed, owing to the US’s veto.