Women Must Study Xi's Thought & Follow the Party - Aligning Labour with Strategic Goals - China-Bhutan Boundary Talks - Neighbourhood Diplomacy Conference - Wang Cautions Israel on Escalation
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
Page 1: Let’s begin with the report (English report) on the 13th National Women's Congress, which opened in Beijing yesterday. The entire PBSC was in attendance. Ding Xuexiang delivered a speech at the meeting. Around 1,800 delegates to the congress, along with 90 specially invited delegates from Hong Kong and Macao were in attendance. Ding’s speech is available on Page 2. I will cover this below. But from the report, the key points to note are:
“Xu Liuping, secretary of the leading Party members group of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), extended congratulations to the congress on behalf of the ACFTU and other people’s organizations. Huang Xiaowei, executive chairperson of the presidium of the congress, delivered a report on behalf of the 12th Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF). A draft amendment to the ACWF constitution was submitted to the delegates for deliberation.” (Comment: I presume this amendment will primarily be about incorporating Xi Jinping Thought as the guide and stressing on the Two Establishments and Two Safeguards.)
Anyway, Ding said that:
“Over the past five years, women’s federations at all levels have been guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on women, children and the work of women’s federations, adhered to the Party’s overall leadership throughout, have firmly grasped their functional position in terms of the overall situation, focussed on strengthening ideological and political guidance for women, united and mobilised the women to make contributions to the new era, innovated and promoted family education and style construction, wholeheartedly provided rights protection and care services, actively carried out international exchanges and cooperation, and continuously deepened the reform of women's federations, all of which has been significant for consolidating the mass base for the Party's governance.” 5年来，各级妇联组织以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于妇女儿童和妇联工作的重要论述，坚持把党的全面领导贯穿始终，在大局中牢牢把握职能定位，着力强化妇女思想政治引领，团结动员广大妇女建功新时代，创新推进家庭家教家风建设，用心用情做好维权关爱服务，积极开展国际交流合作，持续深化妇联改革，政治性、先进性、群众性不断增强，为巩固党执政的群众基础发挥了重要作用.
In the next paragraph, he talks about Xi being concerned for women and adds that:
“Practice has fully demonstrated that the achievements of the undertakings for women and children in China in the new era have attracted worldwide attention. The development path of socialism with Chinese characteristics for women and children is getting wider, and this is fundamentally a product of the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the helm and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” 实践充分证明，新时代中国妇女儿童事业成就举世瞩目，中国特色社会主义妇女儿童发展道路越走越宽广，根本在于有习近平总书记领航掌舵，有习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引.
He then called on women to work in alignment with the Party to implement the goals outlined at the 20th Party Congress. So in holding up half the sky, what exactly is it that the Party wants women to do? Ding details key tasks below:
“On the new journey, women must conscientiously study and 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 and four self-confidences, and achieve the two safeguards. It is necessary to firmly establish the lofty ideals of communism and the common ideals of socialism with Chinese characteristics, cherish today's hard-won good situation and happy life, and always move forward firmly in the direction guided by the Party Central Committee and General Secretary Xi Jinping.” 在践行新思想中筑牢巾帼信仰之基。新征程上，广大妇女要认真学习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”。要牢固树立共产主义远大理想和中国特色社会主义共同理想，倍加珍惜今天来之不易的大好局面和幸福生活，始终沿着党中央和习近平总书记指引的方向笃定前行.
“On the new journey, women must consciously link their own future and destiny with that of the country and nation, consciously integrate their life goals into the Party’s goals, and actively participate in the historical torrent of Chinese-style modernization. We should find beauty in striving and take pride in getting things done/working hard; focus on the Party and the country’s major strategic deployments, such as high-quality development, self-reliance in science and technology, rural revitalization, common prosperity, social governance, building a beautiful China, promoting the reunification of the motherland, and building a community with a shared future for mankind, and give full play to their wisdom and talent in order to strive for first-class achievements, contributing to the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation.” 新征程上，广大妇女要自觉把自身的前途命运同国家和民族的前途命运紧紧联系在一起，自觉把自己的人生目标融入党的奋斗目标，积极投身中国式现代化建设的历史洪流。要以奋斗为美、实干为荣，围绕高质量发展、科技自立自强、乡村振兴、共同富裕、社会治理、美丽中国建设、推进祖国统一、构建人类命运共同体等党和国家重大战略部署，发挥聪明才智，争创一流业绩，为强国建设、民族复兴添砖加瓦.
“On the new journey, women must thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, strengthen cultural self-confidence, take the lead in practising the core socialist values, and contribute to promoting cultural prosperity, building a culturally powerful country, and building the modern civilization of the Chinese nation. It is necessary to cultivate the a strong sense of patriotism; establish the correct view on marriage, love, fertility, and family; encourage family members to become good citizens in society, excellent employees at their workplace, and great family members; help children fasten the first button of their lives, and ensure the new civilised trend of patriotism, love for one's family, mutual affection, progress, and collective well-being fills thousands of households.” 新征程上，广大妇女要深入学习贯彻习近平文化思想，坚定文化自信，带头践行社会主义核心价值观，为推动文化繁荣、建设文化强国、建设中华民族现代文明作贡献。要厚植家国情怀，树立正确的婚恋观、生育观、家庭观，带动家人做社会的好公民、单位的好职工、家庭的好成员，帮助孩子扣好人生第一粒扣子，让爱国爱家、相亲相爱、向上向善、共建共享的文明新风尚充盈千家万户.
On the new journey, women must firmly grasp new historical opportunities, keep up with the pace of the new era, be good at learning, diligent in thinking, brave in practice, dare to innovate, and hone their excellent skills in entrepreneurship. It is necessary to uphold the spirit of self-respect, self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-strengthening, carry forward the fine tradition of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering determination, bravely face various difficulties and challenges on the road of life, and rely on tenacious struggle to create new horizons for career development.” 新征程上，广大妇女要牢牢把握历史新机遇，紧跟新时代步伐，善于学习，勤于思考，勇于实践，敢于创新，锤炼干事创业的过硬本领。要秉持自尊、自信、自立、自强的精神，发扬吃苦耐劳、艰苦奋斗、百折不挠的优良传统，勇敢面对人生路上的各种困难和挑战，依靠顽强奋斗创造事业发展新天地.
Ding then reaffirms for the women’s federations that their job is to pool wisdom, provide services and mobilise women to serve the Party’s cause. He then outlines key objectives for the federations:
“Uphold the Party’s overall leadership: Women's federations at all levels must take learning, understanding and practising Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their primary political task, thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on women, children and the work of women's federations, and always ensure a high degree of alignment with Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of thought, politics and actions.” It is necessary to innovate ideological and political guidance work with regard to women, deepen ‘women's great learning’ 巾帼大学习 and ‘women's great preaching/propaganda’ 巾帼大宣讲, nurture cultured individuals and cultivate character and cast souls, and guide the majority of women to unswervingly listen to and obey the Party.” 要始终坚持党的全面领导。党的领导是做好妇女工作的根本保证。各级妇联组织要把学懂弄通做实习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想作为首要政治任务，深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于妇女儿童和妇联工作的重要论述，始终在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致。要创新妇女思想政治引领工作，深化“巾帼大学习”、“巾帼大宣讲”，以文化人、培根铸魂，引导广大妇女坚定不移听党话、跟党走.
Consciously serve 国之大者: In this, he basically says that women’s federations must anchor their work based on the tasks outlined at the 20th Party Congress. Some key aspects mentioned are women’s role in rural revitalisation, science and technology innovation and employment and entrepreneurship promotion. He adds: “it is necessary to deepen the family happiness and health campaign, improve the effectiveness of the ‘Most Beautiful Family’ propaganda and guidance, implement the Women's Action for Family Services initiative, ensure a better life for the majority of families, and contribute to supporting Chinese-style modernization through high-quality population development.” 要深化“家家幸福安康工程”，提升“最美家庭”宣传引导实效，实施“家庭服务巾帼行动”，为广大家庭美好生活服务，为以人口高质量发展支撑中国式现代化贡献力量.
Pay close attention to rights protection and care services for women. Ding says: “Representing and safeguarding women's rights and interests, promoting gender equality and women's all-round development are the basic functions of women's federations.” He ends this paragraph saying: “It is necessary to improve long-term mechanisms to prevent and resolve hidden risks and resolutely safeguard political security in regard to women.” 要健全防范化解风险隐患长效机制，坚决维护妇女领域政治安全.
Federations should engage in self-revolution and take the Party's political construction as their guide and comprehensively strengthen party building.
Next on the page is a report on Xi’s comments during a discussion with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. Cai Qi accompanied Xi for this meeting. The report says:
“Xi Jinping emphasised that China’s labour movement developed under the leadership of the Party, and trade unions are mass organisations of the working class led by the Party. It is necessary to uphold the Party’s overall leadership over the trade unions and never waver or deviate from it at any time and under any circumstances. It is necessary to adhere to the fundamental policy of relying wholeheartedly on the working class, fully mobilise the enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of the broad masses of workers, and ensure that they actively participate in the great cause of comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation.” 习近平强调，我国工运事业是在党的领导下发展起来的，工会是党领导的工人阶级群众组织。坚持党对工会的全面领导，任何时候、任何情况下都不能动摇、不能偏离。要坚持全心全意依靠工人阶级的根本方针，充分调动广大职工群众的积极性、主动性、创造性，积极投身全面推进强国建设、民族复兴的伟大事业.
In the first paragraph on Xi’s specific comments, he basically “affirms the major contributions made to the working class and the new achievements made in trade union work” over the past five years. It then says:
“Xi Jinping emphasised that the Party’s leadership must be comprehensively and effectively upheld throughout the entire process and all aspects of trade union work. It is necessary to firmly safeguard the authority and centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and always maintain a high degree of alignment with the Party Central Committee in terms of thought, politics, and actions. It is necessary to unswervingly use the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to unify thoughts and forge souls, continue to promote the deepening and practical application of theoretical arming of the Party, and continuously enhance ideological consciousness and action consciousness in the learning and practice of the Party’s innovative theory. It is necessary to keep in mind the 国之大者, identify connection points, entry points, and focus of trade union work and the Party's central task, and promote the implementation of the decision-making and deployment of the CPC Central Committee in the trade union system. It is necessary to strengthen ideological and political guidance, do a good job in ideological and political work among workers, educate and guide the majority of workers to unswervingly listen to and obey the Party, and ensure that the working class is always the most solid and reliable class foundation for our Party.” 习近平强调，坚持党的领导必须全面地、有效地贯彻落实到工会工作全过程和各方面。要坚定维护党中央权威和集中统一领导，始终在思想上政治上行动上同党中央保持高度一致。要坚持不懈用新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂，持续推动理论武装走深走实，不断增强学习践行党的创新理论的思想自觉和行动自觉。要牢记“国之大者”，找准工会工作与党的中心任务的结合点、切入点、着力点，推动党中央决策部署在工会系统落实落地。要加强思想政治引领，做好职工思想政治工作，教育引导广大职工坚定不移听党话、跟党走，确保工人阶级始终是我们党最坚实最可靠的阶级基础.
“It is necessary to carry out extensive and in-depth labour and skill competitions in various forms around implementing the new development concept, building a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development, so as to stimulate the enthusiasm of labour and creative potential of the broad masses of workers, and give full play to their main role in all walks of life and fields. It is necessary to vigorously promote the spirit of model workers, the spirit of labour, and the spirit of craftsmen, give full play to the demonstration and leadership roles of model workers and craftsmen, and encourage workers to achieve their dreams through hard work, honest work, and creative work. It is necessary to focus on the in-depth implementation of the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, the strategy of strengthening the country through talents, and the strategy of innovation-driven development; deepen the reform of the construction of the workforce in the industrial sector, accelerate the construction of an army of knowledge-based, skill-based, and innovative workforce in the industrial sector and cultivate more master craftsmen and high-skilled professionals. 要围绕贯彻新发展理念、构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展，广泛深入开展各种形式的劳动和技能竞赛，激发广大职工的劳动热情、创造潜能，在各行各业各个领域充分发挥主力军作用。要大力弘扬劳模精神、劳动精神、工匠精神，发挥好劳模工匠示范引领作用，激励广大职工在辛勤劳动、诚实劳动、创造性劳动中成就梦想。要围绕深入实施科教兴国战略、人才强国战略、创新驱动发展战略，深化产业工人队伍建设改革，加快建设一支知识型、技能型、创新型产业工人大军，培养造就更多大国工匠和高技能人才.
Xi said that “the working class and the broader masses of labour are the primary creators of social wealth, and in order to achieve more significant and substantial progress in achieving the common prosperity of all people, it should be first and foremost reflected in the lives of hundreds of millions of workers. As the representatives and defenders of workers' interests, trade unions must conscientiously perform their basic duties of rights protection services, focus on solving practical problems related to the vital interests of workers, and attach great importance to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of workers in new forms of employment. It is necessary to strengthen democratic management of enterprises and institutions, open channels for workers to express their demands, guide workers to safeguard their rights and interests in accordance with the law, and promote the establishment of harmonious labour relations.” 习近平强调，工人阶级和广大劳动群众是社会财富的主要创造者，推动全体人民共同富裕取得更为明显的实质性进展，首先要体现在亿万劳动者身上。工会作为职工利益的代表者和维护者，要认真履行维权服务基本职责，着力解决关系职工群众切身利益的实际问题，重视维护新就业形态劳动者的合法权益。要加强企事业单位民主管理，畅通职工诉求表达渠道，引导职工依法维护自身权益，推动构建和谐劳动关系.
He then said that it was necessary to “improve the existing organisational foundation and expand the coverage of trade union organisations”; and improve their services to workers. “Trade union cadres must practise the Party’s mass line, conduct in-depth investigations and studies, promptly understand what workers think and expect, constantly enhance their ability to serve workers, and earnestly speak and act for workers. The All-China Federation of Trade Unions must take the lead in strengthening its own construction, set a benchmark and set an example, and become a model political organ that reassures the Party and satisfies the people.” 工会干部要践行党的群众路线，深入调查研究，及时了解职工所思所想所盼，不断增强服务职工本领，真心实意为职工说话办事。全国总工会要带头加强自身建设，当标杆、作表率，成为让党放心、让人民满意的模范政治机关.
He ended by calling on Party committees at all levels to strengthen leadership over trade unions and trade union work.
There are two other stories on the front page.
First, a report informing that Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida exchanged congratulations on the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan. Xinhua says:
“In his message, Li said that 45 years ago, the older generation of leaders and statesmen from both countries made a strategic decision to sign the treaty, which has charted the course for peaceful coexistence and everlasting friendship between the two neighbors in legal terms with an emphasis on opposing hegemonism, and has become an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations. Over the past 45 years, Li said, China-Japan relations have made hard-won progress, which has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples and made contributions to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. China, he said, is willing to work with Japan to relive the spirit of the treaty, stay the course in steering bilateral relations, and commit to building China-Japan relations suited to the requirements of the new era.”
On Page 3, there’s a report (English report) on Wang Yi attending the reception that marked this anniversary. Wang met with Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda, who attended the event.
Wang said: “in the face of a volatile and intertwined international situation, China-Japan relations have once again stood at key crossroads. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that the significance of China-Japan relations has not changed and will not change. A stable and mutually beneficial Sino-Japanese relationship is vital to both countries, indispensable to Asia, and has an important impact on the world. We must take the commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the treaty as an opportunity to keep in mind the original intention of the treaty, abide by the treaty consensus, practise the treaty principles, and push China-Japan relations back to the track of healthy development.” 王毅指出，面对变乱交织的国际形势，中日关系再次站在关键路口。习近平主席指出，中日关系的重要性没有变，也不会变。一个稳定互惠的中日关系对两国至关重要，对亚洲不可或缺，对世界有重要影响。我们要以纪念缔约45周年为契机，牢记条约初心，恪守条约共识，践行条约原则，推动中日关系重回健康发展轨道。
“Wang Yi emphasised that the best commemoration of the treaty is to adhere to mutual respect and mutual trust and build a solid political foundation for peaceful coexistence. The best inheritance is to uphold good-neighbourly friendship and improve the public opinion basis for bilateral relations. The best practice is to adhere to mutual benefit and reciprocity and unleash the huge potential of pragmatic cooperation.” 王毅强调，对条约最好的纪念，就是坚持互尊互信，筑牢和平共处的政治根基。最好的传承，就是坚持睦邻友好，改善两国关系的民意基础。最好的践行，就是坚持互利互惠，释放务实合作的巨大潜力.
Wang Yi pointed out that China and Japan are both in Asia and bear responsibility for the future of the Asian region. The two countries should follow the trend of the times, practise genuine multilateralism, promote open regionalism, and advocate the eastern philosophy of ‘harmony and coexistence’. China and Japan should oppose ideological confrontation and reject a ‘new Cold War’, and inject more positive energy into regional peace and stability. 王毅指出，中日同处亚洲，对亚洲地区的未来负有责任。要顺应时代发展大势，践行真正的多边主义，弘扬开放的区域主义，倡导“和合共生”的东方哲学，反对制造意识形态对立，拒绝挑动“新冷战”的倒行逆施，为维护地区和平稳定注入更多正能量，为应对全球性挑战提供更多新动力.
The other report is about Wang Huning’s meeting with Chairman of Pakistani Senate Sadiq Sanjrani. Xinhua reports:
Wang “said that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and ironclad friends. China is willing to work with Pakistan to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, intensify high-level exchanges and strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era, he said. Wang stated that the CPPCC is willing to strengthen mutual learning with the Pakistani side on governance experience to create a sound environment and gather more positive energy for China-Pakistan cooperation.”
Page 3: A couple of important meetings to report. First, Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister of Bhutan Dr. Tandi Dorji, who is in China to hold the China-Bhutan boundary talks. The Chinese readout of the meeting says:
“Wang Yi said, China and Bhutan are linked by mountains and rivers and enjoy profound traditional friendship. The conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan fully serve the long-term and fundamental interests of the country and nation of Bhutan. China is ready to work with Bhutan in the same direction, seize the historic opportunity, complete this important process as soon as possible, and fix and develop China-Bhutan friendly relations in legal form. Dr. Tandi Dorji said, Bhutan and China have enjoyed a traditional friendship. He thanked China for its strong support and assistance to Bhutan. Bhutan firmly abides by the one-China principle and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary issue and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations. Bhutan highly appreciates and supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, which have delivered benefits to all parties, especially its neighbors, including Bhutan. Wang Yi said, China always prioritizes neighborhood diplomacy in its overall diplomacy and adheres to the principle that all countries, big or small, are equals. China respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and the legitimate aspirations and concerns of small and medium-sized countries. China will continue to stand firmly on the side of developing countries, shoulder its due international responsibilities, act on true multilateralism, support greater democracy in international relations, and oppose all hegemonic and bullying practices.”
While we are in China’s neighbourhood, today in Beijing, officials are meeting for the conference on China's neighbourhood diplomacy. Xi Jinping sent a written message to the meeting. Thus far, Xinhua reports that the meeting is being held to mark the “10th anniversary of China’s principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighbourhood diplomacy.”
“Over the past 10 years, China has actively practised the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and comprehensively developed friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries. Political mutual trust between China and its neighbours has been continuously enhanced and the integration of interests has continued to deepen, resulting in ties embarking on a bright road of good-neighbourliness, friendship, and win-win cooperation.” 10年来，中国积极践行亲诚惠容理念，全面发展同周边国家的友好合作关系，双方政治互信不断增强，利益融合持续深化，走出了一条睦邻友好、合作共赢的光明大道. (Comment: The Philippines and India have clearly felt lots of amity and good-neighbourliness)
“Xi Jinping emphasised that in the context of the new era, we will give new connotation to the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, promote Asian values with peace, cooperation, tolerance and integration as the core, and provide new impetus for regional unity, openness and progress. We will promote new development of the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, so that Chinese-style modernization will bring more benefits to our neighbours, and jointly advance Asia's modernization process, so that China's high-quality development and a sound neighbourhood environment will reinforce and complement each other. China will continue to practise the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, work with regional countries to build an Asian homeland of peace, tranquillity, prosperity, beauty and friendly coexistence, and jointly write a new chapter in promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for Asia and a community with a shared future for mankind!” 习近平强调，新的时代背景下，我们将赋予亲诚惠容理念新的内涵，弘扬以和平、合作、包容、融合为核心的亚洲价值观，为地区团结、开放和进步提供新的助力。我们将推动亲诚惠容理念新的发展，让中国式现代化更多惠及周边，共同推进亚洲现代化进程，使中国高质量发展与良好周边环境相互促进、相得益彰。中国将继续践行亲诚惠容理念，同地区国家携手构建和平安宁、繁荣美丽、友好共生的亚洲家园，共同谱写推动构建亚洲命运共同体和人类命运共同体的新篇章! (Comment: This is what Xinhua has reported so far. I am not sure if it is the entirety of Xi’s comments. But I guess it is a positive thing that he isn’t talking about Cold War mentality, hegemonism and power politics and is rather focusing on “high-quality development and a sound neighbourhood environment” reinforcing and complementing each other. But let’s wait for more reporting on this.)
Anyway, back to the paper. Wang also met with Oumar Demba Ba, chief diplomatic adviser to the president of Senegal. Xinhua reports:
Wang “said FOCAC has become the most important platform for solidarity and mutual assistance between China and Africa and has set a good example for South-South cooperation. He said China is ready to work with Senegal as FOCAC co-chairs to prepare well for next year's FOCAC meeting to inject new and strong impetus into China-Africa cooperation. Wang said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Senegal have established solid mutual trust and deepened mutually beneficial cooperation, and promoted the China-Senegal comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new level. China supports Senegal to play a more important role in international and African affairs. Demba Ba, who is in Beijing to attend the Senior Officials' Meeting of FOCAC, said fruitful cooperation between Senegal and China in various fields has helped Senegal achieve rapid development in national construction. Demba Ba appreciated China's firm support for Africa's development and for the enhancement of its international status, saying that FOCAC has become a significant platform for promoting Africa-China cooperation and democracy in international relations. Senegal will, as always, firmly adhere to the one-China principle, support China in safeguarding its core interests, and vigorously promote Africa-China cooperation, said Demba Ba.”
Next, there’s a report on He Lifeng meeting with Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of Cuba. The report basically mentions discussions on BRI cooperation and trade, without any specifics.
Two other reports that are not on the page today, but are worth covering are:
First, the China-U.S. economic working group held its first meeting via video link on Tuesday. Xinhua says:
“At the meeting co-chaired by vice-ministerial officials from the MOF and the U.S. treasury department, the two sides had in-depth, candid and constructive discussions on the macroeconomic situations and policies of the two countries and the world, bilateral economic relations, and cooperation in addressing global challenges…The Chinese side expressed its concern at the meeting, and the two sides agreed to maintain communication.”
Second, a report on Wang Yi’s phone call with Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Monday. Xinhua reports:
Wang said that “it is imperative to prevent the situation from escalating further and causing even more serious humanitarian hardship…The current Palestinian-Israeli conflict affects the whole world and involves a major choice between war and peace…”
“Cohen introduced Israel's position and security concerns on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict and the worsening situation, and deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict, Wang said. China condemns all acts that harm civilians and oppose any violation of the international law, said Wang. All countries have the right to self-defence, but they should respect the international humanitarian law and protect the safety of civilians, he added. Wang stressed that the painful lesson of the repeated cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict fully demonstrates: only adhering to the concept of common security can help achieve sustainable security, and only adhering to the direction of political settlement can facilitate the thorough resolution of Israel's legitimate security concerns. The two-state solution is the consensus of the international community, Wang said. It is hoped that the two sides can consider the current situation as well as the long-term interests of peace and security shared by future generations, return to the right track of the two-state solution as soon as possible, resume peace talks and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel and the harmonious coexistence of the Arab and Jewish nations, he said. Wang said China does not pursue any selfish interests on the Palestinian issue and sincerely hopes that the issue can be comprehensively and fairly resolved on the basis of the two-state solution, so that the legitimate security concerns of all parties can be truly and thoroughly addressed. China will firmly support anything that is conducive to peace and will do its best as long as it is conducive to the reconciliation between Palestine and Israel, he said. Wang also said he hopes that the Israeli side would take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Israel.”
Page 4: There’s a long article written to mark the 70th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. I am not doing a detailed breakdown, but some of the messages in the piece are worth pointing out.
The first section of the article basically calls to strengthen ideological and political guidance and cultivate builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It says that the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce works to continuously “strengthen ideological and political guidance, unite and guide the majority of private economic personnel to strengthen their ideals and beliefs, and cultivate qualified builders of the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics.” 全国工商联把握政治建会、团结立会、服务兴会、改革强会总要求，不断强化思想政治引领，团结引导广大民营经济人士增强理想信念，培育合格的中国特色社会主义事业建设者.
In this context, the article informs that the federation at different levels has carried out Xi thought education work, four histories propaganda and education work, special educational activities on the history of the development of the private economy, and the experiences of older generations of entrepreneurs. It has sought to consolidate the ideological and political foundation of the ‘four self-confidences’ of private economic personnel.
The second section says that in terms of overall objectives, the federation has sought to “empower private enterprises for high-quality development, guide enterprises to implement the new development concept, integrate into the new development pattern, and inject vitality into the development of the private economy.” The objective of this effort has been to enable private actors to “integrate into the national strategy and empower the high-quality development of the private economy.”
The final section makes the point that the federation has guided enterprises to “actively fulfil social responsibilities and participate in promoting common prosperity.” It’s interesting that employment and poverty have been included in this context and there’s nothing really on charity or philanthropy related to health, education, etc. The key tasks that the federation says that it has done is lead private actors to “practise people-centred development ideas, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance the sense of mission to fulfil social responsibilities.”
Pages 9-12: If you are interested, there’s a special feature on the BRI media cooperation forum, with speeches from various attendees covered.