Typical Cases of the Violation of China's 8-Point Discipline Regulations
Also in this edition: China & Kenya Upgrade Ties - China's Defense Ministry's Taiwan Warnings - Special Action to Support Trade amid US Tariffs - China had 1.045 Million Invention Patents in 2024
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Page 1: The lead report is on Xi Jinping’s engagement with Kenyan President William Ruto. The report says that the two agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to establish the China-Kenya community of shared future in the new era. This, it says, is a “strategic choice for both sides”. “China is willing to work with Kenya to create an example in the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and lead the development of China-Africa relations and the forging of solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries.”
Xi said: “China and Kenya should continue to firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, firmly support each other in exploring development paths that suit their respective national conditions, and deepen exchanges of experience in state governance.” Xi said that it is essential for both sides to “strengthen regular policy communication, promote high-level connectivity, promote sustainable trade, explore diversified financial flows, continue generations of friendship and people-to-people exchanges, and become leaders in high-quality joint construction of BRI.” Xi added that “China’s supersized market has always kept its door open to high-quality products from Kenya. China encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Kenya.”
As important members of the Global South, China and Kenya should firmly defend the international system with the UN at its core with practical actions, promote extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit in global governance, and practice true multilateralism, promote the construction of an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalisation, and promote the world towards a bright prospect of peace, security, prosperity and progress.
习近平强调，构建命运共同体是相互尊重、平等相待、互利共赢、“同球共济”的大道正途。中肯双方要继续坚定支持彼此维护国家主权、安全、发展利益，坚定支持彼此探索符合本国国情的发展道路，深化治国理政经验交流，做现代化道路上的同行者和真朋友。共建“一带一路”是两国合作的亮丽名片，要加强常态化政策沟通，推动高水平互联互通，促进可持续贸易畅通，探讨多元化资金融通，赓续世代友好民心相通，做高质量共建“一带一路”的引领者。中国超大规模市场始终对肯尼亚优质产品敞开大门，中方鼓励更多有实力的中国企业赴肯投资兴业。作为全球南方重要成员，中肯两国要以实际行动坚定捍卫以联合国为核心的国际体系，推动共商共建共享的全球治理，践行真正的多边主义，推动构建平等有序的世界多极化、普惠包容的经济全球化，推动世界走向和平、安全、繁荣、进步的光明前景。
Xi promised that China “the fundamental purpose of China-Africa cooperation for win-win results and common development will not change” despite broader global changes. He also said that China would be “trustworthy and resolute in its actions”, working to achieve more early results of the Beijing FOCAC Summit
The report adds:
“Xi Jinping emphasised that there are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars. China does not stir up trouble, but it is not afraid of trouble. China is willing to work together with countries around the world, through unity and cooperation, to respond to various challenges, safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests, uphold international trade rules, and maintain international fairness and justice.” 习近平强调，关税战、贸易战没有赢家。中国不惹事也不怕事，愿同世界各国一道，通过团结合作应对各种挑战，维护自身正当权益，维护国际贸易规则，维护国际公平正义.
Among other things, Ruto reportedly said: “Trade wars undermine the existing international rules and order. Kenya appreciates China’s role as a stabiliser in the current volatile situation and China's efforts to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries. Kenya is willing to work with China to uphold and practice multilateralism.” 贸易战破坏现有国际规则和秩序。肯方赞赏中国在当前动荡局势中发挥稳定器作用，维护全球南方国家正当权益。肯方愿同中方共同坚持和践行多边主义.
The two sides signed 20 deals in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, new and high technology, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, economy and trade, and media.
They also issued a joint statement, which is available on Page 2 (English text).
Key excerpts from that document are:
“The two sides agreed that, in a world undergoing changes unseen in a century, important visions and proposals，including building a community with a shared future for mankind, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), are gaining influence and appeal. Amid change and turbulence, it is important to promote extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit in global governance, shape a fairer and more equitable international order, and resolutely reject the law of the jungle, hegemonism, power politics and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism. This is an important part of the Global South’s endeavor to build strength through unity. Both sides are committed to bringing more stability to the world with the certainty in China-Africa unity and cooperation. The two sides will be a steadfast force for safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and defending the multilateral system, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly contribute to developing a community with a shared future for mankind.”
“The two sides firmly support each other’s independent choice of development paths suited to their own national conditions. They reaffirmed their solid mutual support on issues pertaining to each other’s core interests and major concerns and resolutely oppose external oppression and interference. Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and recognizes that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Kenya resolutely opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ and supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang are China’s internal affairs, as observed in international law and the non-interference principle.”
The two sides will “enhance and upgrade practical cooperation, ensure the safety and security of personnel and institutions working on bilateral projects.”
“The two sides will make active efforts toward signing framework agreement on economic partnership for common development or free trade agreement to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional support for trade and investment between the two countries.”
“The two sides will drive the integrated development of infrastructure and industries through implementing major projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, promote the development of growth circles for China-Africa industrial cooperation and work together to build a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development. The two sides are ready to institutionalize cooperation between their railway authorities, deepen exchanges and cooperation in the railway sector and promote infrastructure connectivity. The two sides will actively consider launching direct flights between their capitals in line with market principles.”
“China “will support Chinese financial institutions in setting up branches in Kenya…China is ready to explore cooperation with Kenya on panda bonds in compliance with market rules and relevant laws and regulations.”
On GDI, the document says:
China appreciates Kenya’s participation in the Group of Friends of the GDI. The two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, food security, green development, and the blue economy.
The two sides will further strengthen cooperation in such areas as industry, agriculture, higher education, vocational education and human resource training. Kenya will learn from China’s invaluable experience in rural poverty alleviation and other sectors. The Chinese side supports investment in Kenya’s sustainable and modern agriculture and agroprocessing.
China welcomes Kenya in joining the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-building. The Kenyan side appreciates the Global AI Governance Initiative and Global Initiative on Data Security proposed by China.
The last point is about working together with regard to the challenges related to climate change.
On GSI, the document says:
Apparently, there is a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation under the GSI.
China firmly supports the AU in promoting solidarity among African countries to actively address regional security challenges and mediate regional conflicts and disputes. The Chinese side speaks highly of Kenya’s efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. Kenya appreciates the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa put forward by China, and is ready to continue working with China to bring this vision into reality, strengthen communication and coordination on African hotspot issues, and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and security in Africa.
The two sides agreed to further enhance exchanges at all levels in the field of peace and security, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as personnel training, defense industry and trade, counterterrorism, and joint exercises and training.
The two sides will actively negotiate and sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between their law enforcement agencies, establish cooperation mechanisms, and work more closely on combating transnational crimes including human trafficking, drug smuggling, telecoms fraud, cybercrime, illicit arms and wildlife trade, illegal fishing, environmental crime and money laundering, and on building law enforcement capacity, in a joint effort to safeguard the security interests of the two countries and their peoples.
The GCI section says:
Apart from tourism, the document talks about deeper cooperation in “such areas as science and technology, culture, tourism, women, youth, sports and media” and “radio, television, newspaper and online media.” It says that the two sides will “fully leverage the role of legislative and civil friendship groups and other organizations, and work toward setting up a China Cultural Center in Kenya to deepen mutual understanding and tighten the bond between their peoples.”
“The two sides will build consensus on visions through experience-sharing. The two sides will strengthen education exchanges and cooperation, actively promote Chinese language education and support the development of language and vocational education platforms in Kenya including the Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops, as well as exchanges and cooperation between think tanks and joint scientific and academic research between Chinese and Kenyan universities. China will continue to provide to the Kenyan side scholarships and training opportunities in China.”
The final section of the document talks about working with the Global South. It says:
“The two sides will strengthen coordination and cooperation within the U.N. and other multilateral frameworks to make global governance more just and equitable. The two sides welcome the adoption by the U.N. General Assembly of the U.N. Convention Against Cybercrime and agreed to work together for the early entry into force of the Convention to strengthen international cooperation in combating cybercrime.”
The two sides are committed to enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South in the international system. The two sides will continue to stand by the core values and basic principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO), support the WTO to make necessary update of its rules through investment facilitation for development among other joint statement initiatives, firmly oppose new hegemonic tools such as unlawful unilateral sanctions, decoupling, tariff barriers and technology blockade, and call for reform of the international financial system to make it more inclusive and equitable, improvement of the development financing for developing countries, and promotion of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation with a view to realizing prosperity for all.
The document talks about promoting UNSC reform, “increasing the representation of developing countries, African countries in particular…”
“The two sides believe that the two-State solution is the only way to resolve the question of Palestine and that Gaza is an inseparable part of the Palestinian territory. Both sides firmly support the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and oppose the forced transfer of people in Gaza.”
“The two sides believe that the development of human rights should be people-centered, and each country has the right to independently choose the path of human rights development that suits its own reality. The two sides believe that countries should conduct dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and stand against politicizing, instrumentalizing and applying double standards to human rights issues.”
Back to the front page, there’s a brief report (English report) on Wang Huning meeting Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, vice president and secretary general of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee. Also on the page is a brief report (English report) on Vice President Han Zheng meeting his Venezuelan counterpart Delcy Rodriguez in Beijing.
Next, there’s a report on a meeting of the secretaries-general of Party committees and governments across China in Beijing. Cai Qi spoke at the meeting. The report says:
“The meeting emphasised that it is necessary to be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and the Second and Third Plenums of the 20th Central Committee, deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions on the work of the General Office, deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments,’ and serve as the vanguard of the ‘Two Safeguards.’ It is necessary to accurately grasp the new situation, new tasks, and new requirements facing the General Office work at present, continuously strengthen arming everyone with the Party’s innovative theory, resolutely safeguard the authority of the Party Central Committee and its centralised and unified leadership, implement the system of requesting instructions and reporting on major issues, further strengthen the role of political gatekeeping, continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of implementation, and better promote the landing and effectiveness of the Party Central Committee’s decisions and deployments. It is necessary to solidly carry out in-depth study and education on implementing the spirit of the central 8-point regulations, take the lead in implementing the spirit of the regulations and their implementation rules, and continuously rectify formalism to reduce burdens on the grassroots. General Offices at all levels should deeply practice the ‘Five Persistences’, take the lead in strengthening their own construction, further improve the political capability and professional quality of the General Office, enhance the level of ‘Three Services’ work, and build exemplary organs that the Party can trust and the people can be satisfied with, so as to make due contributions to comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation. Secretaries-General of Party committees and governments and directors of General Offices should enhance their sense of mission and responsibility, forge a solid work style, and serve as good advisors and assistants.” 会议强调，要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻落实党的二十大和二十届二中、三中全会精神，深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于办公厅工作重要指示精神，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，当好“两个维护”排头兵。要准确把握当前办公厅工作面临的新形势新任务新要求，持续强化党的创新理论武装，坚决维护党中央权威和集中统一领导，落实重大事项请示报告制度，进一步强化政治把关作用，不断提升抓落实的质量和效果，更好推动党中央决策部署落地见效。要扎实开展深入贯彻中央八项规定精神学习教育，带头落实中央八项规定及其实施细则精神，持续整治形式主义为基层减负。各级办公厅要深入践行“五个坚持”，带头加强自身建设，进一步提高办公厅政治能力、业务素质，提升“三服务”工作水平，建设让党放心、让人民满意的模范机关，为以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业作出应有贡献。党委和政府秘书长、办公厅主任要增强使命担当，锤炼过硬作风，当好参谋助手.
Finally, there’s a report on the launch of the Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship. The ship has successfully docked at the radial port of the Tianhe core module of the Tiangong space station. During their time, the three-member crew carry out multiple experiments and applications in the fields of space life and human body research, microgravity physical science, space new technology, etc., conduct multiple extravehicular activities, and complete tasks such as the installation of space station debris protection devices, installation and recovery of extravehicular payloads and extravehicular platform equipment. 在空间站工作生活期间，神舟二十号航天员乘组将在空间生命与人体研究、微重力物理科学、空间新技术等领域开展多项实（试）验与应用，进行多次出舱活动，完成空间站碎片防护装置安装、舱外载荷和舱外平台设备安装与回收等任务.
Page 2: There’s a report on Wang Yi meeting with the Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
Wang said that “said that as firm supporters of multilateralism and free trade, China and Switzerland should work together to address the challenges of deglobalization, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, and maintain the international economic and trade order, as well as the basic norms governing international relations. China welcomes more Swiss enterprises to invest and start businesses in China, and looks forward to Switzerland continuing to provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese-funded enterprises, Wang noted. Cassis expressed a willingness to strengthen cooperation with China with a rational and pragmatic attitude, and to accelerate the negotiations on upgrading the bilateral free trade agreement. The international community should join hands to defend multilateralism and free trade, he said. The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on issues such as the Ukraine issue and the situation in the Middle East.”
Another report (English report) covers a meeting between Li Hongzhong, Chairman of the Chinese side of the China-Russia Friendship Committee for Peace and Development, and his Russian counterpart, Boris Titov. “The Chinese side is ready to carry forward the lasting friendship between China and Russia and continuously enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, said Li.”
Page 3: There’s a report providing information from an SCIO briefing. It says that as per the National Intellectual Property Administration, in terms of IP creation and rights in 2024, China:
authorised a total of 1.045 million invention patents
approved 4.781 million registered trademarks
registered 10.631 million copyrights
recognised 36 geographical indication products
approved 125 registrations of geographical indications as collective trademarks and certification trademarks
granted 5,797 new agricultural plant variety rights and 878 new forest and grassland plant variety rights
In addition, Shen Changyu, Director of CNIPA, said that:
According to WIPO, China has become the world’s largest owner of AI patents, accounting for 60%. Shen said that in recent years, the CNIPA has deepened the innovation of the intellectual property system in the field of AI, and actively responded to and solved key issues such as the subject of AI patent applications, objects of protection, and examination standards. In the future, it will accelerate the establishment of intellectual property protection rules for new fields and new business forms such as artificial intelligence and big data, increase efforts to provide on-demand examination services for patent applications in the AI field, guide the construction of AI patent pools, and promote the improvement of related international rules and standards. 人工智能领域发展势头良好。世界知识产权组织报告显示，我国已成为全球人工智能专利最大拥有国，占比达60%。申长雨介绍，近年来，国家知识产权局深入推进人工智能领域知识产权制度创新，积极回应和解决有关人工智能专利申请主体、保护客体、审查标准等热点问题。未来将加快建立人工智能、大数据等新领域新业态知识产权保护规则，加大人工智能领域专利申请按需审查服务力度，指导建设人工智能领域专利池，推动完善相关国际规则和标准.
In terms of IPR protection, the report says that in 2024,
Market supervision departments across the country investigated and handled 44,000 cases of intellectual property violations
The intellectual property system handled 72,000 administrative cases of patent infringement disputes
Copyright law enforcement departments at all levels investigated and handled 3,219 cases of infringement and piracy in the physical market
customs authorities across the country seized 41,000 batches of suspected infringing import and export goods
People’s courts at all levels concluded 544,000 intellectual property cases, and national procuratorial organs prosecuted 21,000 people for crimes involving trademark rights, patent rights, copyright, and trade secrets.
Public security authorities nationwide investigated 37,000 criminal cases involving intellectual property infringement and the manufacture and sale of counterfeit and inferior goods.
保护知识产权就是保护创新。2024年，全国市场监管部门查办知识产权违法案件4.4万件，知识产权系统办理专利侵权纠纷行政案件7.2万件，各级版权执法部门查办实体市场侵权盗版案件3219件，全国海关共查扣进出口侵权嫌疑货物4.1万批次。各级人民法院审结知识产权案件54.4万件，全国检察机关起诉侵犯商标权、专利权、著作权和商业秘密等犯罪2.1万人，全国公安机关侦办侵犯知识产权和制售伪劣商品犯罪案件3.7万起.
Another report on the page covers He Lifeng’s comments at the launch of a new Special Action for Cross-Border Trade Facilitation in Beijing. He called on everyone “to fully understand the significant importance of cross-border trade facilitation, to unswervingly expand opening-up to the outside world, to win the initiative for development through openness and cooperation, and to build a new system for a higher-level open economy.”
The report adds:
“He Lifeng pointed out that it is necessary to properly organise and implement the special action. On the basis of achieving phased results, mature measures and successful practices should be promptly replicated and promoted nationwide. In the face of the recent new situation of the US imposing additional tariffs on China, it is necessary to adhere to goal-oriented and problem-oriented approaches, focus on the needs of a broad range of enterprises, increase the supply of policies, resolve practical problems, and step up efforts to cultivate and expand new drivers of foreign trade development. A better business environment at ports should be used to stimulate vitality, respond to external shocks, and stabilize growth. International exchanges should be deepened, alignment of rules and connection of mechanisms should be strengthened, economic and trade cooperation and personnel exchanges should be facilitated, and the “circle of friends” should be expanded. Cooperation in building smart customs should be accelerated, the ‘Smart Customs, Strong Nation’ initiative should be deeply implemented, and better services should be provided for the overall development. The special action will be carried out in 25 cities across the country. Responsible officials from relevant departments such as the General Administration of Customs, and from relevant provinces and cities such as Shanghai, delivered speeches.” 何立峰指出，要抓好专项行动的组织实施，在取得阶段工作成效基础上，将成熟的举措和经验做法尽快在全国复制推广。要直面近期美对我加征关税的新形势，坚持目标导向和问题导向，聚焦广大企业需求，加大政策供给，解决实际问题，加力培育壮大外贸发展新动能，以更优口岸营商环境激发活力、应对外部冲击、稳定增长。要深化国际交流，做好规则衔接、机制对接，便利经贸合作、人员往来，扩大“朋友圈”。要加快推进智慧海关建设合作，深入实施“智关强国”行动，更好服务发展大局。专项行动将在全国25个城市开展。海关总署等有关部门、上海市等有关省市负责同志作交流发言.
Page 4: There’s a report on the CCDI and NSC shared the ten typical cases that represent violations of the central 8-point regulation. The interesting thing in these is to note the nature of violations that are being highlighted. These, of course, are signalling devices to cadres across the system. As a China watcher, what I also look at is the kind of punishment that is associated with particular violations. Of course, severe punishments are an outcome of more than just the actions mentioned below, but it’s worth keeping track of these.
The first one is the case of Tang Renjian, former Minister of Agriculture. He basically accepted banquets and tourism arrangements, drank high-end alcoholic beverages, and violated regulations by accepting gifts and money. Basically, the idea is that abused his position by colluding with private entities. Tang Renjian also had other serious violations of discipline and law, was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office, and suspected criminal issues were transferred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution according to law. 农业农村部原党组书记、部长唐仁健接受可能影响公正执行公务的宴请和旅游活动安排，违规收受礼品、礼金问题。2013年至2024年，唐仁健多次接受私营企业主、地方党政领导干部安排的宴请，饮用高档酒水，相关费用由对方支付；多次接受私营企业主安排的旅游活动，相关费用由私营企业主支付；直接或者通过家人违规收受私营企业主、管理和服务对象所送现金、黄金纪念章等。唐仁健还存在其他严重违纪违法问题，被开除党籍、开除公职，涉嫌犯罪问题被移送检察机关依法审查起诉.
Second is the case of Chongqing official Zheng Hong, who from 2013 to 2023, abused his position for free meals at private hotels, violated regulations by accepting banquets arranged by private business owners, frequently accepted golf activities arranged by private business owners, with related expenses paid by private business owners; repeatedly organized public-funded banquets, arranged for hotels to prepare dishes to be sent to his home, with all related expenses paid with public funds. Bribery was also a big charge against him. Zheng Hong also had other serious violations of discipline and law, was expelled from the Party, and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for crimes, including bribery. 重庆市人大常委会原党组副书记、副主任，市总工会原主席郑洪违规接受私营企业主安排的宴请和高消费娱乐活动，违规组织公款宴请问题。2013年至2023年，郑洪本人或安排亲友多次在私营酒店免费吃喝，多次违规接受私营企业主安排的宴请，经常接受私营企业主安排的打高尔夫球活动，相关费用由私营企业主支付；多次违规组织公款宴请，安排酒店制作菜品送到其家中，相关费用均用公款支付。郑洪还存在其他严重违纪违法问题，被开除党籍，因受贿罪等被判处有期徒刑十五年.
Third is the case of Jiang Qi, former deputy inspector of the Hunan Branch of the Agricultural Bank of China. Jiang was “long addicted to drinking and gambling gatherings, violated regulations by accepting gifts, money, and hosting weddings and funerals.” What does this mean: Jiang “often ate, drank, and played cards in hotels, company canteens, and private business owners' homes with loan clients and subordinates, with the expenses paid by the other parties; he repeatedly accepted cash, high-end liquor, cigarettes, calligraphy, and paintings from loan clients and subordinates in violation of regulations. Some of the cash was transferred via WeChat. He also had subordinates pay for his personal expenses at hotels, with some of the costs reimbursed from public funds. During the funerals of his father and mother-in-law and the wedding banquet for his daughter, he illegally accepted cash gifts from subordinates.” iang Qi also had other serious violations of discipline and law, was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office, and suspected criminal issues were transferred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution according to law. 中国农业银行湖南省分行原副巡视员蒋祁长期热衷酒局牌局、违规吃喝，违规收受礼品、礼金和操办婚丧喜庆问题。2013年至2024年，蒋祁经常在酒店、企业内部食堂、私营企业主家中等场所，与信贷客户、下属等吃喝、打牌，相关费用由对方支付；多次违规收受信贷客户、下属所送礼金和高档酒水、香烟、字画等礼品，有的礼金通过微信转账方式收受；多次将本人在酒店的个人消费交由下属支付，部分费用公款报销；在操办其父亲、岳母丧事以及女儿婚宴期间，违规收受下属所送礼金。蒋祁还存在其他严重违纪违法问题，被开除党籍、开除公职，涉嫌犯罪问题被移送检察机关依法审查起诉.
Fourth, we have the case of Xie Yongfeng, who was the former Deputy Director of the Development Planning Department of Sanjiang Space Group under China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation. He accepted banquets, travel arrangements and gifts and consumer vouchers from people under his management or service. Xie Yongfeng also had other serious violations of discipline and law, was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office, and suspected criminal issues were transferred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution according to law. 中国航天科工集团有限公司航天三江发展计划部原副部长谢永丰接受可能影响公正执行公务的宴请和旅游活动安排，违规收受礼品问题。2017年至2024年，谢永丰多次接受可能影响公正执行公务的宴请、旅游等安排，多次违规收受管理和服务对象所送礼品、消费卡（券）。谢永丰还存在其他严重违纪违法问题，被开除党籍、开除公职，涉嫌犯罪问题被移送检察机关依法审查起诉.
Fifth, there is the case of Zhao Guijun, who was with the Liaoning Investigation Team of the National Bureau of Statistics. Zhao violated the requirements of frugal living. “From 2021 to 2023, while serving as the Party Secretary and Head of the Inner Mongolia Investigation Team of the National Bureau of Statistics, Zhao Guijun organized internal sports competitions for three consecutive years, with hundreds of participants flying or taking trains to compete in different locations, generating high transport and accommodation costs, most of which were improperly paid from project and administrative funds.” Zhao Guijun was given a serious inner-Party. 国家统计局辽宁调查总队一级巡视员赵贵军违反过紧日子要求挥霍浪费公款问题。2021年至2023年，赵贵军担任国家统计局内蒙古调查总队党组书记、总队长期间，连续3年组织举办系统内球类比赛，系统内数百人次乘坐飞机、火车等赴异地参赛，产生大量交通费、住宿费，大部分费用从项目经费、行政经费中违规支出，挥霍浪费公款。其间，还向参赛人员违规发放市内交通补助。赵贵军受到党内严重警告处分.
Sixth, Duo Haisheng, former Party Secretary and Director of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of a county in Haidong City, Qinghai. Duo used the excuse of study tours to organize public-funded travel, illegally accepted banquets from those under his management, and tolerated and led improper dining and drinking. Duo Haisheng received disciplinary probation within the Party for two years and administrative demotion. 青海省海东市民和县人大常委会原党组书记、主任朵海生以考察学习为名组织公款旅游，违规接受管理和服务对象宴请，纵容、带头参与违规吃喝问题。2024年4月，朵海生将民和县委批准的赴云南省培训改为“考察学习”，以规避赴省外培训需上级组织审核的规定；擅自变更培训方案内容，要求第三方培训机构在行程安排中多设置旅游景点，以考察学习为名组织公款旅游。其间，朵海生多次接受参训的私营企业主、乡镇人员宴请，纵容和带头参与违规吃喝，导致学员多次聚餐饮酒。朵海生受到留党察看二年、政务撤职处分.
Seventh is the case of Zhang Tao, former District Mayor of Jinfeng District in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In 2020, Zhang Tao repeatedly accepted high-end alcohol and cigarettes gifted by private entrepreneurs in violation of regulations. Zhang Tao also had other serious violations of discipline and law, and was expelled from the Party and dismissed from government office. 宁夏回族自治区银川市金凤区原区委副书记、区长张涛违规收受礼品问题。2020年，张涛多次违规收受私营企业主所送高档酒水、香烟等礼品。张涛还存在其他严重违纪违法问题，受到开除党籍、政务撤职处分.
Eighth is the case of Liu Junfu, former Party Secretary and Chairman of the Science and Technology Association of Fuzhou in Jiangxi Province. “During Liu’s tenure as the Party Secretary of the Linchuan Hot Spring Scenic Area Party Working Committee in Fuzhou City, he was eager for quick success and fond of grandiose projects, blindly introduced ‘characteristic town’ projects under the banner of ecological development without any short-term demonstration assessment, investing large amounts of funds in supporting infrastructure construction. Because they were divorced from the local development reality, the above-mentioned characteristic town projects were largely abandoned, resulting in idle land and wasted funds. Liu Junfu also had other serious violations of discipline and law, was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office, and suspected criminal issues were transferred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution according to law. Liu Junfu also had other serious violations of discipline and law, was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office, and suspected criminal issues were transferred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution according to law.” 江西省抚州市科学技术协会原党组书记、主席刘俊福盲目引进“特色小镇”项目，造成土地和资金浪费等问题。刘俊福担任抚州市临川温泉景区党工委书记期间，急功近利、好大喜功，不加论证短期内盲目引进打着生态发展等旗号的“特色小镇”项目，投入大量资金搞配套基础设施建设。因脱离当地发展实际，上述特色小镇项目大面积烂尾，造成土地闲置、资金浪费。刘俊福还存在其他严重违纪违法问题，被开除党籍、开除公职，涉嫌犯罪问题被移送检察机关依法审查起诉.
Ninth, there is the case of Luo Jinwen, member of the Party Leadership Group and deputy director of the Development and Reform Bureau of Huiyang District, Huizhou City in Guangdong. From 2019 to 2022, Luo Jinwen was responsible for the construction of the rural credit information management platform in the district, signed a construction contract with an enterprise without conducting a demand survey for platform construction, and after subsequent investigation found problems such as low operability of platform construction and inability to share relevant data, did not adjust the platform construction plan in time, and perfunctorily promoted platform construction. In order to urgently complete the task, knowing that the platform did not meet the acceptance conditions and could not achieve the expected functions, he still organized the acceptance. After acceptance, he simply handed over the platform to pilot townships to carry out information entry work, handed it over without providing specific guidance and management. The platform existed in name only, did not produce the expected benefits, caused waste of funds, increased the burden on the grassroots, and was eventually shut down. Luo Jinwen was given an internal Paty warning. 广东省惠州市惠阳区发展改革局党组成员、副局长罗金文应付式、形式化推进信用平台建设，浪费财政资金、加重基层负担等问题。2019年至2022年，罗金文负责全区农村信用信息管理平台建设工作，未开展平台建设需求调研即与企业签订建设合同，后续调研发现平台建设可操作性低、相关数据无法共享等问题后，未及时调整平台建设方案，应付式推进平台建设。为急于完成任务，明知平台不符合验收条件、无法实现预期功能，仍组织验收。验收后简单将平台交给试点乡镇开展信息录入工作，一交了之，未进行具体指导和管理。该平台形同虚设，没有产生预期效益，造成资金浪费，加重基层负担，最终被关闭。罗金文受到党内警告处分.
Finally, there is the case of He Yi, former Party Secretary and Director of the Natural Resources Bureau of Wuhua District, Kunming in Yunnan. “From 2022 to 2024, the Wuhua Natural Resources Bureau led the processing of a mining rights renewal application from a mining company. It neither fulfilled the unit’s responsibility to issue written review opinions on the comprehensive assessment of ecological environment, nor fulfilled the coordinating responsibility to supervise various relevant departments to issue review opinions, but instead let the enterprise contact multiple departments on its own, shirking responsibility and being passively responsive. In the absence of policy regulations, the administrative approval threshold was artificially set, requiring the company to seek the opinions of the street office on the land reclamation plan. He’s unit also refused to handle the land reclamation review for the company on the grounds that the street office had not issued an opinion. This resulted in the company’s inability to submit the necessary information on time, causing its mining rights to expire. In the process of canceling the company’s mining rights, the obligation to inform was not fulfilled as required, and the company’s mining rights, which were subject to provincial-level licensing authority, were arbitrarily announced as cancelled without the evaluation of the superior natural resources department. He Yi received administrative demerit and job adjustment as punishment. 云南省昆明市五华区自然资源局原党组书记、局长和毅漠视企业利益、违规设置审批壁垒、不作为乱作为等问题。2022年至2024年，五华区自然资源局牵头办理某矿业公司采矿权延续申请审批事项，既未履行单位职责出具矿山生态环境综合评估书面审查意见，也未履行统筹协调职责督促各相关部门出具审查意见，而是让企业自行与多个部门对接，推诿扯皮、消极应付。在无政策规定情况下，人为设置行政审批门槛，要求企业就土地复垦方案征求街道办事处意见，并以街道办事处未出具意见为由，拒绝为企业办理土地复垦评审，导致企业无法按期提交必要资料，造成采矿权过期。在注销企业采矿权过程中，未按规定履行告知义务，未报经上级自然资源部门评估，擅自公告注销属省级发证权限的企业采矿权。和毅受到政务记过处分、调整职务处理.
Also on the page is a report (English report) on changes at the State Council:
Liu Zhenguo has been appointed vice minister of civil affairs, replacing Tang Chengpei.
Han Dong has been named deputy director of the National Radio and Television Administration.
Qi Zhuquan has been appointed vice president of the China Media Group.
Li Liangsheng has been named political commissar of the National Fire and Rescue Administration. Li is no longer vice minister of water resources.
Zhang Zi is no longer deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense.
Page 11: There’s a report on the defense ministry’s monthly press conference, with Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang as the spokesperson.
Some data from this:
First, in the past 35 years, the Chinese military has carried out 25 peacekeeping operations, and sent more than 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions. 17 officers and soldiers have died so far in UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, nearly 1,800 Chinese peacekeepers are engaged in 7 UN mission areas and the UN headquarters. The Chinese military will continue to enhance the depth and breadth of its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, and contribute more to actively implementing GSI and serving the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Second, China and Egypt are conducting their first joint air exercise, the Eagles of Civilization 2025.
Third, China is not happy with Japan’s Bluebook. “It is reported that the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Diplomatic Bluebook 2025, which labeled China as an ‘unprecedented strategic security challenge’ and hyped up situations in the East China Sea and the South China Sea as well as military cooperation between China and Russia. In addition, the Japanese defense minister said that Japan will invest nearly 2 trillion yen in 2 Aegis system equipped vessels. Each of them has a displacement of over 10,000 tons and firepower far beyond the level required for defense. The Japanese side constantly breaches its ‘exclusively defense-oriented policy’ and accelerates the building of offensive capabilities. The spokesperson reiterated that China follows a path of peaceful development and pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. China's military development is aimed at safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests. China has no intention to challenge or threaten any country. The characteristics of the exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and Russian militaries are non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. The spokesperson noted that in recent years, Japan has drastically increased defense budget time and again, sought breakthroughs in military buildup, which have aroused serious concerns among its Asian neighbors and the international community. ‘We urge the Japanese side to recalibrate its strategic perception of China, stop provoking bloc confrontation, be prudent with its words and actions in the military and security fields, and contribute more to regional peace and stability’.”
Fourth, China continues to be unhappy with the Philippines. “According to a media report, the US, the Philippines and other countries are conducting Exercise Balikatan. As part of the exercise, the US military has, for the first time, deployed anti-ship missile system to the Luzon Strait north of the Philippines. Some analysts believe that this is to simulate the blockade of the Bashi Channel during a crisis in the Taiwan Strait. Previously, the Philippines and the US also organized Exercise Cope Thunder. ‘We always hold that military cooperation between countries should not target or hurt the interests of any third party, nor should it jeopardize regional peace and stability. The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship,’ said Snr. Col. Zhang. ‘However, the Philippines holds a candle to the devil by currying favor and colluding with the US and other outside countries,’ he said. The spokesperson stressed that the Chinese side firmly opposes any country using Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen regional military deployment and stir up tension and confrontation. ‘Regardless of external challenges and turbulence, China will resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly maintain peace and stability in the region,’ said the spokesperson.”
While we are on the subject, the US guided-missile destroyer Lawrence sailed through the Taiwan Strait on April 23. China’s Eastern Theatre Command reacted to this, saying that it “sent its navy and air force troops to track and monitor the transit action of US warship throughout the process and dealt with it in accordance with the law.”
You can also read the full transcript of the press conference here. More than the responses, the questions are interesting. A lot of this is focussed on Taiwan. For instance, there are questions on the 41st Han Kuang exercise by Taiwan and reports of convenience stores potentially being used as wartime hubs, which was denied by the Taiwanese government, etc.