What's in the GCI Action Plan? - Wang Yi's New Formulation on US Ties - China-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation 'Should Not Be Disrupted By Any Third Party'
The paper today is thin on substance. The key report on the front page is a long feature detailing the record of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core leading urban work.
Another report (English report) talks about fixed-asset investment in railways expanding 5.5 percent year on year in H1 2025. During the January-June period, fixed-asset investment in the railway sector reached 355.9 billion yuan ($50 billion), according to data from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
On Page 6, there’s a report on the Beijing Action Plan to Accelerate the High-quality Development of Artificial Intelligence-enabled Scientific Research (2025-2027). The plan “proposes that by 2027, a foundational scientific large model will be built, no fewer than 10 high-quality scientific databases will be established, services will be provided to no fewer than 10 million users, deep application will be promoted in no fewer than 5 fields, more than 8 exemplary application cases will be formed, a common service innovation platform will be built, a group of interdisciplinary innovative talents will be introduced and cultivated, and a multi-channel investment and financing service system will be constructed.” 行动计划描绘了未来3年北京市发展AI for Science（人工智能驱动的科学研究）的路线图，提出到2027年建成科学基础大模型，建设不少于10个高质量科学数据库，服务不少于1000万用户，推动在不少于5个领域开展深度应用，形成8个以上标杆应用案例，搭建共性服务创新平台，引进、培育一批复合型创新人才，构建多渠道投融资服务体系.
Anyway, I am now going to move away from Monday’s paper to cover some significant developments over the weekend.
Let’s begin by looking at the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan that were issued after the GCI Ministerial Conference. Reportedly, political party leaders, government ministers and representatives from more than 140 countries attended the meeting.
Key points from the Beijing Declaration:
We believe that diversity is the basic feature of the world and the charm of human civilization. Each civilization has its own unique and irreplaceable value. Different civilizations have jointly created a splendid garden of human civilization. Civilizations are colourful because of exchanges and develop because of mutual learning. Exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an important driving force for the progress of human civilization and world peace and development. Different countries and different nations should uphold equality and respect, support each other’s independently chosen development paths and models, jointly maintain the diversity of civilizations, and promote exchanges, dialogues, tolerance, mutual learning and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations. 二、我们认为，多样性是世界的基本特征，也是人类文明的魅力所在。每一种文明都有自己独特的、不可替代的价值。不同文明共同创造了绚丽多姿的人类文明百花园。文明因交流而多彩，因互鉴而发展。文明交流互鉴是推动人类文明进步和世界和平发展的重要动力。不同国家、不同民族应秉持平等和尊重，支持彼此自主选择的发展道路和模式，共同维护文明多样性，推动不同文明交流对话、包容互鉴、和谐共处.
We observe that the current international situation is marked by intertwined changes and chaos; geopolitics and camp confrontation are surging; unilateralism and protectionism are growing; global economic development is suffering from multiple shocks; the technological divide, digital divide and intelligence divide are still widening; the climate change crisis is becoming increasingly severe; and the challenges facing the development of human civilization are more complex and volatile. All countries should jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, establish a civilization outlook of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness; pursue values such as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom; deepen exchanges and cooperation; expand mutual learning; join hands to respond to global challenges; and promote world peace and development. 三、我们看到，当前国际形势变乱交织，地缘政治和阵营对抗暗流涌动，单边主义、保护主义逆流滋长，全球经济发展遭受多重冲击，技术鸿沟、数字鸿沟、智能鸿沟仍在扩大，气候变化危机日益严峻，人类文明发展面临的挑战更为复杂多变。各国应共同维护联合国宪章宗旨和原则，树立平等、互鉴、对话、包容的文明观，追求和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由等价值，深化交流合作，扩大互学互鉴，携手应对全球性挑战，促进世界和平发展.
We believe that different civilizations embody the wisdom and creativity of the peoples of all countries. They keep pace with the times, complement each other, and together constitute the precious wealth of human civilization. Each civilization represents the spiritual blood of a country and nation, and should be continuously developed in inheritance. We are willing to jointly promote the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of cultural heritage protection, inherit the rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage, protect the achievements of human civilization, and promote the creative transformation and innovative development of the excellent traditional cultures of all countries. 四、我们认为，不同文明凝聚着各国人民的智慧创造，它们与时并进、交相辉映，共同构成人类文明的宝贵财富。每一种文明都代表着一个国家和民族的精神血脉，都应当在传承中得到不断发展。我们愿共同促进文明传承和创新，加强文化遗产保护领域交流合作，传承丰富多样的历史文化遗产，守护人类文明成果，推动各国优秀传统文化实现创造性转化、创新性发展.
We believe that strengthening cultural exchanges and cooperation is an effective way to eliminate barriers and misunderstandings between civilizations and promote mankind to work together to meet global challenges. We call for increased people-to-people exchanges among countries, expansion of exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, academia, think tanks, media, youth, tourism, sports, arts, and other fields, promotion of friendly interactions between sub-national governments, enhancement of people-to-people bonds, and deepening of mutual understanding and trust. 五、我们认为，加强人文交流合作是消除文明隔阂和误解、促进人类携手应对全球性挑战的有效途径。我们呼吁加大各国人文往来，拓展教育、科技、文化、学术、智库、媒体、青年、旅游、体育、艺术等各领域交流合作，推动地方间友好交往，增进民心相通，深化理解互信.
The Action Plan has 110 entries. Several of these are meetings, events, conferences, etc. These include bilateral cultural years, photography festivals, film festivals, design events, poetry and song events, etc. Several of these exist and are now being folded within the framework of GCI.
Here are some of the key entries:
In the next five years, based on the actual needs of developing countries, implement 50 development cooperation projects in the fields of culture and civilization
In the next five years, hold 200 special training and seminar programs on mutual learning among civilizations and cultural exchange for developing countries
Support development cooperation in the field of culture and civilization through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund
Establish the ‘Global Civilization Research Institute’
Establish a fund for promoting exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations.
Establish the China-Arab Center for the Global Civilization Initiative
Carry out a global research program on cooperation in exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations
Let’s now catch up with Wang Yi’s meetings during his visit to Kuala Lumpur and his latest meeting with Sergei Lavrov in Beijing ahead of the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
First, Wang met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Chinese readout is brief. It says:
“Wang Yi elaborated on China’s principled position on developing China-U.S. relations, emphasizing that both sides should translate the important common understandings of the two presidents into concrete policies and actions. China hopes that the U.S. can view China with an objective, rational, and pragmatic attitude, formulate its policies toward China with the goal of peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation, engage with China in an equal, respectful, and mutually beneficial manner, and work with China to explore the right way for the two countries to get along well with each other in the new era. Both sides agreed that the meeting is positive, pragmatic, and constructive. They agreed to step up communication and dialogue across various fields and at all levels, including the diplomatic channel, leverage the role of foreign services in advancing bilateral relations, and explore opportunities to expand areas of cooperation while managing differences.”
In his remarks to Chinese press after the meeting, Wang said:
Wang Yi stated that holding bilateral meetings on multilateral occasions is standard international practice. The series of foreign ministers’ meetings held in Kuala Lumpur provided a platform for China-US engagement. Both sides realize that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world today, which concerns both countries and affects the world. Therefore, since we are going to meet, we must talk seriously and frankly with an attitude of responsibility to the people of the two countries, the world and history. A common focus of both sides is to truly turn the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into specific policies and practical actions. Only in this way can the two giant ships of China and the US, as President Xi Jinping put it, avoid veering off course, avoid stalling, and, even more so, avoid colliding. This meeting was constructive, and the two sides conducted equal-footed dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect. The Chinese side fully expounded our principled position on China-US relations, which I believe has enhanced the US’s understanding of China and paved the way for the next step of exchanges between the two countries’ diplomatic teams. This can be summarized in a few words: strengthen engagement, prevent misjudgment, manage differences, and expand cooperation. 王毅表示，在多边场合举办双边会见，这是国际习惯做法。吉隆坡召开的系列外长会为中美的接触提供了一个平台。双方都意识到中美关系是当今世界最重要的双边关系，事关两国、影响全球。所以，既然要会晤，就要认真严肃地谈，就要本着对两国人民、对世界、对历史负责的态度坦诚交流。双方的一个共同着眼点，就是要把两国元首达成的重要共识真正变成具体的政策和实际的行动。这样才能像习近平主席所说那样，确保中美两艘巨轮，不偏航、不失速，更不能相撞。这次的会晤是建设性的，双方本着相互尊重的精神进行了平等对话。中方全面阐述了我们对待中美关系的原则立场，相信增进了美方对中方的了解，也为两国外交团队下一步的交往铺设了道路。可以用几个词来概括一下，那就是：加强接触、防止误判、管控分歧、拓展合作.
Wang Yi said that from the perspective of historical evolution and the whole of humanity, the two major countries of China and the United States do have extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. Both sides have the responsibility and the possibility to find a correct way for China and the US to get along on this planet in the new era, which will be a blessing for the people of the two countries and what the world hopes for. 王毅说，如果从历史演进和人类整体的视角看，中美两个大国确实拥有广泛共同利益，也存在广阔的合作空间。双方有责任，也有可能找到一条新时期中美在这个星球上的正确相处之道，这将是两国人民之福，也是世界各国所盼.
The State Department’s readout was brief but also positive.
“Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of keeping channels of communication open. The discussion was constructive and pragmatic. They agreed to explore areas of potential cooperation, while seeking to manage differences. The Secretary emphasized the need for continued discussion on a range of bilateral issues. The Secretary also raised other issues of regional and global importance.”
Next, the Chinese readout of Wang’s meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand says:
“Wang Yi emphasized that China-Canada relations have experienced ups and downs over the past few years. The merits of the issues involved are quite clear. There are no territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts between China and Canada, and they can fully become partners that help each other succeed. The two sides should further deliver on the important common understandings reached by the two heads of government, view each other with a more objective and rational attitude, and strengthen cooperation with a more proactive and open spirit. China opposes overstretching the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies groundlessly and hopes that Canada will provide a favorable business environment for the investment and operation of Chinese enterprises.”
“Wang Yi said that the abuse of tariffs by the United States undermines the international economic and trade order and drags down global economic growth. The United States has even imposed high tariffs on small and poor countries. In contrast, China upholds multilateralism and free trade, voluntarily offers zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of products from the least developed countries, and promotes the common modernization of all countries by sharing development opportunities. In the face of a complex international situation, all countries should adhere to the basic norms governing international relations based on the United Nations Charter, uphold the principle of equality among nations regardless of size, refrain from interfering in internal affairs, and maintain peaceful coexistence among nations. Major countries, in particular, should take the lead and abandon the so-called logic of power politics that advocates ‘peace through strength’.”
The Chinese readout attributes the following to Anand:
“The new Canadian government is committed to achieving diversification of the supply chain, enhancing the resilience of economic development, and benefiting the Canadian people. The Canadian side is ready to maintain contact and candid communication with the Chinese side, and accelerate the resumption of exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, health and culture with a pragmatic and constructive attitude.”
The Canadian readout is very brief. It says:
“Highlighting the importance of regular communication channels, the ministers reiterated support for the upcoming meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission, the next round of consular consultations and forthcoming counternarcotics discussions. The ministers exchanged views on a range of global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The ministers also discussed challenges and opportunities in the bilateral relationship and agreed to remain in touch with each other.”
Third, the Chinese readout of Wang’s meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong says:
“Wang Yi said that over the past three years, China-Australia relations have stabilized, turned around and achieved positive results. It proves that as long as the two countries uphold a correct positioning of their partnership, bilateral relations can develop steadily and continue to yield results. Australia’s rational and pragmatic policy toward China serves the interests of both countries and conforms to the trend of the times. China is ready to work with Australia to make good preparations for the next stage of high-level exchanges, maintain the momentum of improvement, properly manage differences, and promote the development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership with a more proactive approach.”
“Penny Wong said that Australia is committed to developing a positive and pragmatic relationship with China. Both sides are making every effort to prepare for high-level exchanges and look forward to achieving positive results. Dialogue and cooperation between Australia and China in trade, tourism and other fields have continued to make progress, and personnel exchanges have become increasingly active. Australia’s firm commitment to the one-China policy remains unchanged, and Australia does not support ‘Taiwan independence’. Australia is willing to engage in candid communication and deepen cooperation with China to promote the sustained and positive development of bilateral relations. Australia supports ASEAN centrality and stays committed to maintaining regional peace and stability. The two sides had an exchange of views on issues including the South China Sea and the Ukraine crisis.
Fourth, the Chinese readout of Wang’s meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says:
“Wang Yi stated that China is a reliable partner of Sri Lanka. The two sides should deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields. Both sides should jointly implement the two flagship projects for the comprehensive development of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, accelerate the negotiations on the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and create new growth drivers for cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy. China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. It does not target any third party and should not be disrupted by any third party. China is ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with Sri Lanka on East Asian cooperation platforms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum to jointly maintain stability and development in the region. The so-called ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy’, which provokes bloc confrontation and coerces parties to take sides, is not in line with the trend of the times and will not receive support from regional countries.”
(Note: This is obviously a critical conversation for anyone reading in New Delhi.)
The Chinese readout adds:
“Vijitha Herath said, Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with China and firmly abides by the one-China principle. He thanked China for its firm support in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for extending timely assistance when Sri Lanka was in difficulty. The cooperation between Sri Lanka and China has brought great benefits to the Sri Lankan people and has effectively promoted the overall development and connectivity of the region. Sri Lanka is ready to work with China to deliver on the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, investment, infrastructure and the ocean, and further deepen the Sri Lanka-China strategic cooperative partnership.”
Finally, in his remarks to the Chinese press, Wang also spoke about the South China Sea issue. He said:
The issue of the South China Sea is discussed every year at the East Asian foreign ministers’ meetings, and this year was no exception. But what stood out to me this time was that there is a significant ‘temperature difference’ between regional countries and a few extra-regional countries. At the China–ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, everyone discussed the South China Sea issue in an increasingly calm and confident manner, because compared with other sea areas in the world, the South China Sea is clearly stable, and there is no problem at all with freedom of navigation and overflight. Some extra-regional countries are always pointing fingers at the South China Sea; although their tone has clearly softened this year, they still haven’t stopped. It seems they fear the South China Sea won’t be chaotic. The regional countries are now seeing through these ‘old tricks’ very clearly. 每年的东亚合作系列外长会都会谈到南海问题，今年也不例外。但这次我的一个突出感受是，地区各国同少数域外国家之间温差很大。在中国—东盟外长会上，大家谈南海问题越来越平和、越来越有信心，因为和世界上其他海域相比，南海显然是稳定的，航行和飞越自由更不存在问题。域外一些国家总是要对南海指手画脚，尽管今年的调门都明显降了下来，但仍未停止，唯恐南海不乱，地区各国对这些“老戏码”已看得很清楚.
At the meeting, I proposed that a new narrative should be built for the South China Sea, i.e., when talking about the South China Sea, we should no longer think of friction, conflict, or even confrontation, but instead think of peace, stability, and cooperation. This should become the mainstream narrative of the South China Sea going forward. At present, China and ASEAN countries are working toward this direction. Of course, there is still one country that is a bit out of step with everyone else, but we believe it will eventually come to its senses. If one acts as a pawn for others, one will end up as the sacrifice (当别人的马前卒，最后就会成为牺牲品). (Note: Quite the warning for the Philippines here.) 会上我提出南海应该构建起新叙事，也就是说，不要一提到南海就想到摩擦、冲突甚至对抗，而是应想到和平、稳定与合作，这应成为今后南海叙事的主流。目前中国和东盟各国正在朝这个方向在努力。当然还有那么一个国家同大家有点格格不入，但相信它总会想明白的。当别人的马前卒，最后就会成为牺牲品.
China and ASEAN countries have agreed to make the ‘Code of Conduct in the South China Sea’ an upgraded version of the ‘Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea’ to ensure that the ‘Code of Conduct’ is effective, substantive and in line with international law. Everyone has also agreed to strive to reach the ‘Code of Conduct’ as scheduled by next year. The next step will see more intensive consultations and an accelerated process. We are fully confident, capable, and wise enough to safeguard the stability of the South China Sea, eliminate external interference, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. 中国和东盟各国都同意，要将“南海行为准则”打造成《南海各方行为宣言》的升级版，确保“准则”有效、富有实质内容也符合国际法。大家也都同意要力争在明年如期达成“准则”。下一步，磋商密度会更高，进程也将加快。我们完全有信心、有能力、有智慧维护好南海的稳定，排除外部干扰，共同将南海打造成为和平、友谊、合作之海.
During the meeting, I also elaborated on China’s position regarding the so-called ‘South China Sea arbitration case.’ This ‘arbitration case’ has serious flaws in both factual findings and the application of law. It is an act that violates UNCLOS under the guise of upholding it, and its destructive impact on regional peace and stability and the international maritime order is becoming increasingly evident. We cannot help but ask: If the abuse of compulsory arbitration is allowed, then do diplomatic efforts still have meaning? Should bilateral consultations be abandoned? Do the commitments made by all parties in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea still hold validity? If the territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation issues are packaged and submitted to arbitration, should the exclusionary statements made by the parties under the Convention be respected? Does the agreement reached between the Philippines and China to resolve issues through dialogue still count? If all islands and reefs in the South China Sea are deemed to have no right to claim maritime rights, does the world’s maritime map need to be redrawn? Facts have proven that the ‘arbitration case’ was political manipulation and should be swept into the dustbin of history.” 会议期间我还就所谓“南海仲裁案”阐明中方的立场。这起“仲裁案”在事实认定和法律适用等方面都存在严重缺陷，是打着《联合国海洋法公约》旗号做违反《公约》的事情，对地区和平稳定和国际海洋秩序带来的破坏越来越明显。我们不禁要问，如果允许滥用强制仲裁，那么外交努力还有没有意义？双边磋商是否要放弃？各方在《南海各方行为宣言》的承诺还有没有效力？将领土主权和海洋划界问题通过包装提交仲裁，各方根据《公约》作出的排除性声明还要不要尊重？菲律宾同中方达成的对话解决问题协议还算不算数？如果南海所有岛礁都无权主张海洋权益，世界海洋版图是不是要重画？事实证明，“仲裁案”是个政治操弄，应该扫进历史的垃圾堆了.
Contrast Wang’s description of the South China Sea arbitration case with the US and Australia’s. The Australian comment on this says:
“The Tribunal found China’s claims to 'historic rights' in maritime areas within its dashed line were inconsistent with UNCLOS and had no legal basis. It also found China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights under UNCLOS and that its vessels had unlawfully created risks of collision and danger. Unfortunately, nine years later, we continue to see instability and destabilising conduct in the South China Sea…”
It adds: “The Arbitral Tribunal’s 12 July 2016 findings are final and binding on the Philippines and China. Australia has consistently joined international calls for compliance with this decision, and for disputes to be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law. We will continue to do so, because adherence to international law is essential for shared prosperity and a stable and peaceful region.
“Nine years ago, an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention unanimously ruled China’s expansive South China Sea maritime claims have no basis in international law. This decision, legally binding on both the Philippines and China, was a significant milestone and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between parties in the South China Sea.Since the 2016 ruling, China has ignored the decision, continuing to assert unlawful and expansive maritime claims and taking increasingly aggressive actions against its neighbors. Beijing’s expansive claims directly infringe on the sovereign rights and jurisdictions of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, and undermine peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The United States supports a free and open Indo-Pacific. We seek to preserve peace and stability, uphold freedom of navigation and overflight, maintain the free flow of trade, and oppose coercion to settle maritime disputes. The United States calls on China to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling and to cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.”