What's Behind the Institute of Party History and Literature's Article on Li Keqiang's 70th Birthday?
Also in this edition, Projection of Xi as the Exemplar for Youth and Wang Yi's Meetings with EU Leaders
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Page 1: The lead reports today are around Xi Jinping’s views on the youth. First, Xi sent a congratulatory letter to a session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students’ Federation, which opened in Beijing Wednesday morning.
Xi wrote that “young people have a great role to play as China strives to build a strong country and realise national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese-style modernisation. The youth should consciously obey the call of the Party and the people, strengthen their ideals and beliefs, cultivate their patriotism, bravely shoulder their historical mission, and strive to write a chapter of responsibility. Party organizations at all levels should strengthen their leadership of the youth work, support the work of youth and students’ federations, and create favorable conditions for the healthy growth and success of young people and students so that they can make contributions to the country. The Youth Federation and Students’ Federation organisations must uphold the correct political direction, deepen reform and innovation, and better unite and lead the broad masses of youth and students to forge ahead on the new journey under the Party’s banner and create new achievements.” 以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业，青年大有可为。广大青年要自觉听从党和人民召唤，坚定理想信念，厚植家国情怀，勇担历史使命，奋力书写挺膺担当的青春篇章。各级党组织要加强对青年工作的领导，关心支持青联和学联工作，为广大青年和青年学生健康成长、建功立业创造良好条件。青联和学联组织要坚定正确政治方向，深化改革创新，更好团结带领广大青年和青年学生在党的旗帜下奋进新征程、创造新业绩.
There’s also a long feature on Xi’s thoughts on the youth. I am doing a very brief summary of this.
In the first section, the key point being made is that the best way to live up to the potential of youth is to “integrate one’s personal ideals and pursuits into the cause of the Party and the country.” This section begins with a neat comparison between Xi and Mao.
“At the end of 1981, 28-year-old Xi Jinping made an unusual life choice, i.e., to leave his post as secretary at the General Office of the Central Military Commission and take up a grassroots position for training. This caused quite a stir among leaders, relatives, and friends. At that time, a large number of educated youth were returning to the cities. Years of hardship had led some to develop a ‘compensatory mentality’, indulging in a life of comfort and ease. ‘Is our generation really meant to make up for lost youth in this way?’ Standing at the juncture where reform was just beginning and all industries were waiting to flourish, thinking of the still-impoverished villagers, the young heart questioned and pondered. ‘To engage in empty talk about being willing to dedicate myself to them while being far away from them; my heart felt empty, not grounded. I felt a kind of calling’. With such an original intention, Comrade Xi Jinping went to Zhengding and was determined to find his own value among the people. At the age of 28, he was in the prime of his life. That was exactly the age of the young Mao Zedong, who called himself the ‘man of 28 strokes’, when he attended the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. In the summer of 1921, a group of advanced individuals with an average age of 28 came together for a shared ideal, asking who would determine the fate of the vast land, launching a historic undertaking that would transform the world.” 1981年底，28岁的习近平作出一个不寻常的人生选择——离开中央军委办公厅秘书的岗位，到基层任职锻炼。这在领导与亲朋好友间引起不小震动.彼时，大批知青回城，多年艰苦的生活让一些人产生“补偿心理”，耽于安逸舒适的生活。“难道我们这代人就该用这种方式弥补失去的青春吗？”站在改革初起、百业待兴的关口，念及依旧贫苦的乡亲们，年轻的心叩问着、思索着.“在远离他们的地方作愿意为他们献身的清谈，我心里觉得空，不踏实，我感到了一种呼唤。”怀着这样的初心，习近平同志赴任正定，决意到人民中寻找自我的价值。28岁，风华正茂。这恰是自称“二十八画生”的青年毛泽东参加中共一大时的年纪。1921年夏，一群平均年龄28岁的先进分子因共同理想走到一起，问苍茫大地谁主沉浮，开启改天换地的历史伟业.
In the second section, the article talks about the need to focus on practical matters, reading, strengthening one’s foundation and cultivating a sense of morality. Of course, Xi Jinping is the example that one must follow.
Here’s one anecdote: “When Comrade Xi Jinping first took office in Zhengding, he hung a calligraphy work in his office, inscribed with ‘associate but not form cliques, harmonise but not conform’, consciously demanding of himself the character of a gentleman, manifesting the pursuit of self-cultivation, family harmony, good governance, and world peace.” 心有所信，方能行远。习近平同志到正定任职伊始，就在办公室挂了一幅书法作品，上书“周而不比，和而不同”，自觉以君子的品格要求自己，彰显修齐治平的追求.
In fact, the point that Xi is the example is explicitly stated at the end of the section:
“In youth, where should one exert effort, to whom should one devote affection, and how should one apply one’s heart? General Secretary Xi Jinping has set an example for the broad masses of youth and offered words of counsel.” 青春，应该在哪里用力、对谁用情、如何用心？习近平总书记为广大青年树立标杆、赠予箴言.
The third section of the article calls on the youth to work hard and struggle. This too begins interestingly, with a Mao-Xi juxtaposition.
“Today’s younger generation is growing and developing alongside the rise of the motherland. They not only enjoy broad horizons and vast space, but also experience growing pains and confusions of life. Some indulge in the ‘small certainties’ of life, calculating the ‘cost-effectiveness’ of their efforts; some say ‘whatever’ with their mouths while harboring ‘unwillingness’ in their hearts, performing ‘sit-ups’ between ‘lying flat’ and being ‘unable to compete’; still others ‘seek shortcuts’ and ‘look for loopholes’, hoping for so-called overnight fame and sudden wealth … ‘Among some, their youth is tainted with laziness, listlessness, and unhealthy airs (惰气, 暮气, and 邪气). Some have lofty aspirations but low abilities, are impetuous and restless, indulge in fantasies but are slack in practice, and even dream of meat pies falling from the sky or punching the ground and producing a golden baby.’ General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out that ‘the mentality of greed for pleasure and sitting back to enjoy the fruits of others’ labour, any mentality of not making progress and getting something for nothing, is harmful to the development of the country and the nation, and is also detrimental to the personal growth of young people’.
Youth is the spring of life, the prime of life. In the surging torrent of the times, how should youth live up to its mission, and how should it shine? More than 80 years ago, Comrade Mao Zedong gave the answer: ‘What is a model youth? The key is to have a spirit of lifelong struggle.’ In the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has said: ‘Our living conditions have improved, but the spirit of struggle must not diminish in the slightest. The fine tradition of eternal struggle among Chinese youth must not be lost in the slightest.’ How can youth be brilliant? ‘The foremost requirement is to ‘seek hardship on one’s own.’” 当今青年一代，成长拔节伴随祖国的强盛，有着开阔的视野和广阔的天地，也不乏成长的阵痛和困惑。有的沉溺于生活里的“小确幸”，计较付出的“性价比”；有的嘴上说“随便”，心里装着“不甘”，在“躺不平”又“卷不动”中“仰卧起坐”；还有的“找捷径”“钻空子”，期待所谓的一夜成名暴富……“在一些青年中，青春沾染了惰气、暮气、邪气。还有一些青年眼高手低、心浮气躁，耽于空想、怠于实践，甚至幻想着天上掉馅饼、一拳砸出个金娃娃来。”习近平总书记深刻指出，“任何贪图享乐、坐享其成的心理，任何不思进取、不劳而获的心态，对国家和民族发展都是有害的，对青年个人成长也是不利的。”青春是人生之春、人生之华。时代的浩荡洪流中，青年该如何不负使命，青春又该如何焕发光彩？80多年前，毛泽东同志给出答案：“什么是模范青年？就是要有永久奋斗这一条。”在新时代，习近平总书记号召：“我们的生活条件好了，但奋斗精神一点都不能少，中国青年永久奋斗的好传统一点都不能丢。”青春怎样出彩？“首要要求就是‘自找苦吃’。”
The article also includes this from Xi: “General Secretary Xi Jinping said, ‘In youth, choosing to eat bitterness is also choosing harvest.’ Having tasted the ‘bitterness’ of cultivation, time will naturally reward the sweetness of harvest. Such “bitter-sweet years’ are the flavour that youth should have.” 习近平总书记说，“青年时代，选择吃苦也就选择了收获”。品尝过耕耘的“苦”，时间自会奖赏收获的甜。如此“苦乐年华”，方为青春应有的滋味.
Finally, there’s a brief report on the page confirming that Li Qiang will be visiting Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit. Li will also travel to Egypt. So, finally, it is official that Xi Jinping is not going to attend the BRICS summit. But do note that today Xinhua English is signalling through a feature that Xi remains invested in BRICS and the broader Global South.
Page 2: There’s a report on Wang Yi meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa. The report says:
Costa said “both the EU and China support multilateralism. In the face of a world with increasing uncertainty, both sides have the responsibility to jointly send clear and strong signals on key issues to inject stability, confidence and positive expectations. Although there are differences between the EU and China, the EU is willing to respect each other, transcend differences, enhance understanding, and work together to meet global challenges. It is expected that both sides will work together to promote the success of the new EU-China leaders’ meeting. The EU will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy.”
“Wang Yi said that at the beginning of this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with Mr. President, which marked the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe. Both sides agreed to uphold the positioning as partners, carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, uphold multilateralism, and properly handle differences and frictions, thus clarifying the direction for the development of China-Europe relations. China regards Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world and maintains continuity and stability in its policy toward Europe. Whether Europe is in favorable or adverse circumstances, the Chinese side always supports Europe in advancing integration, and is pleased to see the European Union strengthen strategic autonomy and play a greater role on the international stage. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the European side, make good preparations for the next leaders’ meeting, inject new substance into the China-Europe comprehensive strategic partnership, and open up new prospects.” 王毅说，习近平主席今年初同主席先生通电话，拉开了中欧庆祝建交50周年序幕。双方同意应坚持伙伴定位、开展互利合作、维护多边主义、妥处分歧摩擦，为中欧关系发展明确了方向。中国视欧洲为多极世界中的重要一极，对欧政策保持连续性稳定性。无论欧洲处于顺境还是逆境，中方始终支持欧洲推进一体化，乐见欧盟加强战略自主，在国际舞台上发挥更大作用。中方愿同欧方加强沟通协调，筹备好新一次领导人会晤，为中欧全面战略伙伴关系注入新内涵、开辟新前景.
“Wang Yi stated that today’s world is intertwined with changes and chaos, and unilateralism and bullying practices are severely impacting the international order and international rules. As two major powers and two major economies in the world, if China and Europe adhere to dialogue and cooperation, bloc confrontation will be hard to take shape; if China and Europe choose openness and win-win cooperation, the tide of economic globalisation will not be reversed; if China and Europe join hands to practice multilateralism, the world will not fall into chaos. The more severe and complex the international situation becomes, the more China and Europe need to strengthen unity and coordination, and firmly serve as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world. It is necessary to truly respect each other’s core interests, enhance understanding and mutual trust, achieve mutual success, and illuminate the world.” 王毅表示，当今世界变乱交织，单边主义、霸凌行径严重冲击国际秩序和国际规则。作为世界两大力量、两大经济体，中欧坚持对话合作，阵营对立就难以形成；中欧选择开放共赢，经济全球化潮流就不会逆转；中欧携手践行多边主义，世界就乱不到哪儿去。国际形势越是严峻复杂，中欧就越需要加强团结协调，坚定做动荡世界中的稳定性力量。要切实尊重彼此核心利益，增进理解互信，相互成就，照亮世界。
“The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other issues. Wang Yi emphasised that the Chinese side has always determined its position based on the rights and wrongs of the matter itself, and will continue to firmly stand on the side of peace, playing a constructive role in promoting talks for peace and a political resolution to the crisis.” 双方还就乌克兰危机等交换了看法。王毅强调，中方始终根据事情本身的是非曲直决定自身立场，将继续坚定站在和平一边，为劝和促谈、政治解决危机发挥建设性作用.
Wang also met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Xinhua says:
Wang said that “the more complex and challenging the international landscape becomes, the more China and the EU, as two great civilizations and major forces, need to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, assume responsibilities, and serve as forces of global stability and certainty, he said. Describing the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting as a significant event taking place at a critical juncture, Wang said China looks forward to working with the EU to summarize the valuable experience and important insights from the past 50 years of the China-EU relations, and map out the future direction of dialogue and cooperation for the next 50 years, sending a clear, positive, and constructive signal to the world. Meanwhile, Wang stressed that China has always supported European integration, calling on both sides to uphold multilateralism and free trade, safeguard international rules and order, promote peaceful resolution of international disputes, and join hands in addressing global challenges such as climate change. He also underscored that China remains committed to high-quality development and high-level opening-up and voiced China's readiness to work with the EU to uphold the positioning as partners, deepen economic and trade cooperation, expand two-way openness, and properly handle differences through consultation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.”
Page 3: Two reports to note. First, data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show that in the first five months, the added value of China’s large-scale electronic information manufacturing industry increased by 11.1% year-on-year, 4.8 and 1.6 percentage points higher than the industrial and high-tech manufacturing industries in the same period, respectively.
Among the main products, the output of microcomputer equipment was 130 million units, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%.
The output of integrated circuits was 193.5 billion units, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%.
In the first five months, the electronic information manufacturing industries above designated size enjoyed operating revenue of 6.49 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.4%; total profits were 216.2 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. The operating profit margin was 3.33%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from January to April.
Data from the China National Light Industry Council show that from January to May, light industrial enterprises above designated size achieved operating income of 9.27 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.7%. Profits reached 531.45 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.8%.
From January to May, the retail sales of 11 categories of light industrial goods reached 3513.6 billion yuan, an increase of 11.9% year-on-year.
From January to May, the retail sales of home appliances and audio-visual equipment increased by 30.2%, maintaining double-digit growth since September last year.
From January to May, the added value of the home appliance industry increased by 6.9%, and the output of washing machines, water dispensers, and air conditioners increased by 9.3%, 7.9%, and 5.9%, respectively.
From January to May, the operating income of the home appliance manufacturing industry increased by 6.0%.
Page 6: There’s an article by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee, which marks the 70th birthday of former premier Li Keqiang. I think it is noteworthy that we have this article in the paper. And I am certain that this will spark a lot of speculation around factional contestation, given that Li exited the Politburo Standing Committee after two terms. But he was still 67 years old during the 20th Party Congress in October 2022. So in that sense, there was no reason for him not to be accommodated within the power structure.
There were also rumblings of discontent as Li was exiting the stage. For instance, here’s Guardian’s report from March 11, 2023, after Li presented his final Government Work Report:
“In a farewell speech after serving 10 years as China’s number two leader, the premier, Li Keqiang, had a cryptic message for his staff: ‘While people work, heaven watches. Heaven has eyes.’ His unusually candid words, seen in a video clip on social media but unreported by official media, stoked speculation about whether he was making a veiled attack on President Xi Jinping.”
Li died in October 2023.
Having said all this, I think it is important to consider a few points.
First, Xi Jinping remains firmly in control. Just read through the front page of the paper today. But I do read this article as an example of inter-Party contestation. This appears to be an accommodation of/expression of power by those who are aligned with Hu Jintao-Li Keqiang and the Communist Youth League. The disclaimer early in the article saying that it has been published “in accordance with the Party Central Committee’s regulations on commemorative activities for the birthdays of deceased Party and state leaders” is also important. This is a smart reference to regulation being used to justify this intervention. This underscores that the intervention is somewhat controversial.
Second, the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee is headed by Qu Qingshan, who has been an advocate for Xi’s thought and role as the core. He has also thrived during Xi’s tenure as General Secretary. But there have been moments when Qu’s articles have caused a stir. In 2021, Qu authored an article in the People’s Daily as part of the post-sixth plenum pieces on history. Qu covered the reform and opening up era, offering a strong defense of Deng’s policies and approach. The article had no mention of Xi. Do keep in mind that under Xi, there has been criticism of the problems that arose in the reform and opening up era, which have been used to make the case for stronger centralised authority. And this coming soon after the third history resolution was seen as surprising.
Finally, it is interesting that this article is attributed to the institution rather than any individual. In that sense, this is an institutional position. This is perhaps also reflective of some sort of a harmonising of different interest groups. In addition, I have detailed the last section of this article. Going through that, it is difficult to argue that this is a direct challenge to Xi’s authority.
Anyway, the article says:
“July 3, 2025, is the 70th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Li Keqiang. Comrade Li Keqiang was an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China, a loyal communist fighter who stood the test of time, an outstanding proletarian revolutionary and statesman, and an excellent leader of the Party and the country. Comrade Li Keqiang was steadfast in his lofty ideals of communism, infinitely loyal to the Party and the people, devoted his entire life’s energy to the cause of the Party and the country, and made significant contributions.” 2025年7月3日，是李克强同志诞辰70周年。李克强同志是中国共产党的优秀党员，久经考验的忠诚的共产主义战士，杰出的无产阶级革命家、政治家，党和国家的卓越领导人。李克强同志对共产主义崇高理想坚贞不渝，对党和人民无限忠诚，为党和国家事业贡献了毕生精力，作出了重大贡献.
The last section is important. Here are the summations it offers from Li’s life.
Comrade Li Keqiang earnestly studied Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of ‘Three Represents’, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and always maintained a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee in terms of ideology, politics, and actions. He firmly established political consciousness, overall awareness, core consciousness, and alignment consciousness, resolutely upheld General Secretary Xi Jinping’s position as the core of the Party Central Committee and in the whole Party, and resolutely safeguarded the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. 李克强同志认真学习马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想、邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观、习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，始终在思想上政治上行动上同党中央保持高度一致。他牢固树立政治意识、大局意识、核心意识、看齐意识，坚决维护习近平总书记党中央的核心、全党的核心地位，坚决维护党中央权威和集中统一领导.
Comrade Li Keqiang possessed strong Party character and principles, paid attention to politics, took the overall situation into account, placed the Party’s cause and the people’s interests first, consciously thought and worked within the overall situation of the Party and the country, and truly remained loyal to the Party, sharing the Party’s concerns, fulfilling duties for the Party, and benefiting the people. He said that we must enhance our awareness of serving the people, improve our ability to serve the people, and work diligently and responsibly for the people. 李克强同志具有坚强的党性原则，讲政治、顾大局，把党的事业和人民的利益放在首位，自觉在党和国家工作大局下想问题、做工作，切实做到对党忠诚、为党分忧、为党尽职、为民造福。他说，要增强为民服务意识，提高为民服务本领，勤勉尽责为人民做事.
Comrade Li Keqiang persisted in proceeding from reality in everything, linking theory with practice, focusing on using Marxist standpoints, viewpoints and methods to analyse problems, solve problems, guide practice, and promote work. He believed that the key to governing was to act with vigour, all things are accomplished through solid work; all work in economic and social development is accomplished through real solid work, and not a bit of falsehood is tolerable; one must persist in seeking truth from facts, base ourselves on the basic national conditions of the primary stage of socialism, focus on doing our own things well, respect development laws, objective reality and needs of the masses. 李克强同志坚持一切从实际出发，理论联系实际，注重运用马克思主义的立场观点方法分析问题、解决问题、指导实践、推动工作。他认为，为政贵在力行，万事成于实干；经济社会发展各项工作都是实打实干出来的，来不得半点虚假；要坚持实事求是，立足社会主义初级阶段基本国情，着力办好自己的事，尊重发展规律、客观实际和群众需求.
Comrade Li Keqiang persisted in the principle of democratic centralism, persisted in the Party’s collective leadership, maintained close contact with the masses, was good at listening to different opinions, mobilising and bringing into play the enthusiasm of all aspects. He said, governments at all levels and their staff must persist in scientific decision-making, democratic decision-making, and lawful decision-making, extensively listen to opinions from all sectors, including critical opinions; as the people’s government, all work must reflect the people’s will, safeguard the people’s interests, and accept the people’s supervision; must respect the people’s pioneering spirit, fully mobilise enthusiasm from all sectors, thereby gathering the powerful force for promoting development. 李克强同志坚持民主集中制原则，坚持党的集体领导，密切联系群众，善于倾听不同意见，调动和发挥各方面积极性。他说，各级政府及其工作人员要坚持科学决策、民主决策、依法决策，广泛听取各方面意见包括批评意见；作为人民政府，所有工作都要体现人民意愿、维护人民利益、接受人民监督；要尊重人民群众首创精神，充分调动各方面积极性，进而汇聚起推动发展的强大力量.
Comrade Li Keqiang was open and upright, diligent and conscientious, bearing hardships without complaint. He often said that as people’s public servants, doing work is the essence of fulfilling duties and being clean is the virtue of governing; using power cleanly is the duty of government public officials and also the heavenly mandate; one must cultivate oneself with integrity, be diligent and conscientious in fulfilling responsibilities, cleanly do things for the people, never disappoint the title of people’s public servant. He was modest and prudent, approachable, strict with himself, upright and clean, lived frugally, had strict requirements for his family members and staff around him, always maintained the political character and noble moral sentiments of Communists. 李克强同志光明磊落，勤勤恳恳，任劳任怨。他常说，作为人民公仆，干事是履职之要，干净是为政之德；政府公职人员清廉用权是本分也是天职；要廉洁修身，勤勉尽责，干干净净为人民做事，决不辜负人民公仆的称号。他谦虚谨慎，平易近人，严于律己，清正廉洁，生活俭朴，对家属和身边工作人员严格要求，始终保持共产党人的政治本色和高尚道德情操.
“Today we commemorate Comrade Li Keqiang, we must learn from and carry forward his revolutionary spirit, noble character and excellent work style, unite even more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, comprehensively implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘two establishments’, strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’, firm up the ‘four self-confidences,’ achieve the ‘two safeguards’, firm up confidence, be of one heart and one mind, forge ahead with vigour, advance courageously, and unite in struggle for comprehensively promoting the great undertaking of building a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation.” 今天我们纪念李克强同志，就要学习弘扬他的革命精神、崇高品德和优良作风，更加紧密地团结在以习近平同志为核心的党中央周围，高举中国特色社会主义伟大旗帜，全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，坚定信心、同心同德，踔厉奋发、勇毅前行，为以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业而团结奋斗.