Xi & Han Zheng Pitch GCI - Xi's Research Story - Tian Peiyan's Deep-dive into Xi Thought - Chinese Media's Social Responsibility - China-Japan-ROK Forum - Li Shangfu Meets Russian Navy Chief
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily's edition on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
Page1: The lead story today is about Xi Jinping’s letter to the third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations and the first World Conference of Sinologists. The theme of this event is “Implement the Global Civilization Initiative and jointly promote modernization.” Xinhua reports:
“Xi noted that nations around the world have created civilizations with their own characteristics and defining symbols in the long process of human history. Exchanges based on equality and mutual learning between different civilizations will provide a spiritual compass for humans to cut the Gordian knot of the current era and achieve common development. Xi stressed that China is willing to work with all parties to carry forward the common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, and implement the Global Civilization Initiative to let exchanges prevail over estrangement, mutual learning over clashes, and inclusiveness over cultural superiority so as to advance human civilization. He hoped that sinologists from various countries, as envoys between Chinese and other civilizations, could make more efforts to promote cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.”
Also on the page is a report (English report) on Vice President Han Zheng’s speech at this forum.
“Han said the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China reveals the law of exchanges and development among civilizations and points out new prospects for cooperation in human society. It is another vital public good that China has provided to the international community in the new era, following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and demonstrates China's sincere desire to promote the progress of human civilization and build a community with a shared future for humanity, he added. It is important to respect the diversity of human civilizations, explore their commonality, maintain the innovation of civilization development, and promote the inclusiveness of human civilization, Han stressed.”
Han added that “Chinese modernization has enriched and developed a new form of human civilization, opened up a new road for the development of civilizations, and brought new opportunities for closer mutual learning among civilizations. Han said China is ready to work with other countries to hold up the banner of multilateralism and strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative to inject new impetus into global development and prosperity and chart a new course for modernization.”
Next, there’s a long, long feature article talking about the importance of research and investigation to the Party’s governance strategy. This begins by referencing the work plan on research and investigation that was issued in March. You can read my coverage of that here. The article says that the work plan is an “important component” of the Xi Thought thematic education campaign. The article says that research and investigations are the Party’s “heirlooms” and that Xi has “always remembered the fine traditions” of the Party and has “set a shining example for the whole party to promote investigation and research.” 今年3月，中共中央办公厅印发工作方案并发出通知，在全党大兴调查研究，作为在全党开展的学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想主题教育的重要内容，推动全面建设社会主义现代化国家开好局起好步。调查研究，是我们党的传家宝，是一代代中国共产党人从胜利走向胜利的谋事之基、成事之道。滹沱河畔，太行深处，南海之滨，雪域高原……从农村大队党支部书记到党中央总书记，习近平同志一路走来，始终不忘百年大党的优良传统，足迹遍布大江南北，身影常在人民之中，为全党大兴调查研究作出光辉榜样.
The article cannot really be summarised, but I’ll share some interesting excerpts:
More than 20 years ago, shortly after Comrade Xi Jinping started working in Zhejiang, someone asked him to talk about his ‘policy agenda.’ He smiled and said, ‘I have just arrived, so I don't have the right to speak yet. When the time comes, I will speak.’ It is often said that a new official must do a few noteworthy things/launch new policy initiatives to demonstrate talent and courage (新官上任三把火 - a new official/boss who takes office lights three fires) so why wasn’t this ‘new official’ in a hurry to ‘ignite’ them? The book 干在实处 走在前列 records the thinking and practice of Comrade Xi Jinping when he was in charge of Zhejiang Province. In the book, he clarifies the underlying principle: ‘Those who look at issues subjectively, one-sidedly, and superficially go to a place without considering the environmental conditions/circumstances, without examining the entirety of the situation (the historical background and current status of the matter), and without touching upon the essence of the matter (the nature of the matter and its internal connections with other matters), and yet arrogantly issue commands and orders, will invariably fail. I always keep in mind the words of wisdom from Comrade Mao Zedong.” 20多年前，习近平同志到浙江工作不久，有人请他谈谈“施政纲领”。他笑着说，我刚刚来，还没有发言权。到时候，我是要说的。 都说“新官上任三把火”，这位“新官”为什么不着急“点火”？《干在实处 走在前列》一书记录着习近平同志主政浙江期间的思考和实践，他在书中道明原委： “‘只有那些主观地、片面地和表面地看问题的人，跑到一个地方，不问环境的情况，不看事情的全体（事情的历史和全部现状），也不触到事情的本质（事情的性质及此一事情和其他事情的内部联系），就自以为是地发号施令起来，这样的人是没有不跌交子的。’我牢记毛泽东同志的至理名言”.
“Looking back on the road travelled, we can see more clearly that General Secretary Xi Jinping has made good use of investigation and research in governing the country. This is a working method and excellent character that he has cultivated in his long-term work practice. During his time as a "sent-down youth" in northern Shaanxi, Comrade Xi Jinping lived, ate, and worked together with farmers, experiencing the hardest and most difficult aspects of rural life. In Zhengding, comrade Xi Jinping visited all the villages; in Ningde, he travelled to 9 counties within 3 months after taking office, and later travelled to most of the towns; after arriving in Zhejiang, he travelled to 90 counties and cities in the whole province for more than a year; in Shanghai, he travelled to 19 districts and counties in the city within 7 months…‘As a county Party secretary, you must visit every village; as a municipal Party secretary, you must visit every township; as a provincial Party secretary, you must visit every county and city.’ When working in a local area, through these ‘visits’, comrade Xi Jinping mastered the grassroots and gained the understanding of China. ‘Understanding China requires effort, and it is not enough to only look at one or two places.’ After taking on central leadership roles, conducting grassroots investigations and research has become an important part of General Secretary Xi Jinping's busy schedule.” 回望走过的路，能够看得更加清楚，习近平总书记治国理政善用调查研究，这是他在长期工作实践中培养起来的工作方法和优秀品格。陕北的知青岁月，习近平同农民同吃同住同劳动，体味了最苦、最难的农村生活；在正定，习近平同志跑遍了所有村；在宁德，到任3个月就走遍了9个县，后来又跑遍了绝大部分乡镇；到任浙江后，用一年多时间跑遍了全省90个县市区；在上海，7个月就跑遍了全市19个区县……“当县委书记一定要跑遍所有的村，当地（市）委书记一定要跑遍所有的乡镇，当省委书记一定要跑遍所有的县市区。”在地方工作时，靠着一个“跑遍”，让习近平同志掌握了基层、读懂了中国。“了解中国是要花一番功夫的，只看一两个地方是不够的。”到中央工作后，基层考察调研更是占据了习近平总书记繁忙日程表的重要部分.
“Investigation and research is to understand the situation of a place and grasp the characteristics of a place, so as to effectively guide the work.” 习近平同志说：“调查研究就是要了解一个地方的情况，掌握一个地方的特点，这样才能有效地指导工作。”
“Carrying out investigation and research is to follow the mass line. Adhering to the mass line means insisting that the people are the fundamental force that determines the future and destiny of the Party and the country.” 开展调查研究就是走群众路线。坚持群众路线，就是坚持人民是决定党和国家前途命运的根本力量.
Next, there’s a preview (rather Xi’s engagement at SCO) of the SCO summit, which will take place today. This is taking place in virtual format, and Xi will be attending. This preview basically offers a sense of how China approaches the SCO and how it wants the world to perceive the organisation. For instance, it highlights to need to:
“promote the construction of a new type of international relations and work together towards a world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, cleanliness, and beauty.” “我们要继续在‘上海精神’指引下，同舟共济，精诚合作，齐心协力构建上海合作组织命运共同体，推动建设新型国际关系，携手迈向持久和平、普遍安全、共同繁荣、开放包容、清洁美丽的世界.”
“From signing the ‘SCO Trade Facilitation Agreement’ to proposing the implementation outline for the ‘Long-term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation Treaty among SCO Member States’ for the next five years, and from promoting the issuance of strong declarations on safeguarding international energy security, food security, addressing climate change, and maintaining the security, stability, and diversification of supply chains…President Xi Jinping has has promoted the continuous enrichment of cooperation in various fields of the SCO and united all parties with a resounding call for close cooperation, confronting challenges, and moving forward hand in hand.” 从商签《上合组织贸易便利化协定》，到倡议制定《上合组织成员国长期睦邻友好合作条约》未来5年实施纲要，再到推动成员国元首发表关于维护国际能源安全、维护国际粮食安全、应对气候变化、维护供应链安全稳定多元化等重磅声明……习近平主席推动上合组织各领域合作内涵不断丰富，团结各方发出紧密合作、应对挑战、携手向前的时代强音.
The piece talks about the SCO cooperating on tackling terrorism and crime and bilateral “pragmatic” cooperation and implementation of BRI.
The piece says that the “SCO is not a closed and exclusive ‘small circle’, but an open and inclusive ‘big family’.” This is in the context of Iran and Belarus seeking membership. Iran is expected to become a member at today’s summit.
Finally, there’s a report on Cai Qi’s remarks at a meeting on the planning and construction of the Chinese capital. Cai is the director of the Capital Planning and Construction Committee. Xinhua reports that at its meeting, he said that “new progress and achievements have been made in the capital's planning and construction work in recent years, which were made possible fundamentally because General Secretary Xi Jinping has steered a steady course at the helm and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has provided scientific guidance.”
“The meeting emphasized solid and orderly steps in relieving Beijing of functions non-essential to its role as the national capital. It also stressed strengthening the service guarantee of the central administrative organs, continuously deepening the action plans for the regulatory plan regarding the core area, prioritizing security in the capital's planning and construction.”
Page 3: A few reports to note. First, there’s a report on Wang Yi participating at the China-Japan-ROK International Forum for Trilateral Cooperation 2023. Xinhua reports:
“Wang said that over the past 20 years and more, China-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation has grown from scratch to the most influential sub-regional cooperation mechanism in Asia, providing an important driving force for the modernization of the three countries and Asia. Wang stressed that, as they stand at a crossroads in history, China, Japan and the ROK should grasp the trend of the time, acquire wisdom from the past, and firmly maintain the right direction of trilateral cooperation. ‘We should respect each other and live in harmony, adhere to openness and inclusiveness to achieve mutual success, adhere to independence, unity and self-improvement,’ said Wang. Wang pointed out that peace, prosperity and revitalization in Asia require the joint efforts of the three parties. He made a five-point proposal, including strengthening mutual trust, mutual benefit, connectivity, mutual assistance, and exchanges and mutual learning. He also called for collaborating to safeguard regional peace and stability, to create driving forces for economic growth, to advance regional economic integration, to meet common challenges and to foster public support.”
Also: “China, Japan and the ROK should eliminate interference, work together, activate the trilateral cooperation and exchange mechanism, and restart trilateral cooperation, so as to jointly revitalize Asia and benefit the world.”
Next, there’s a report on Defense Minister Li Shangfu meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Nikolay Yevmenov in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
“Li said the two heads of state have drawn up blueprints for China-Russia relations and their cooperation in various fields. He called for efforts to advance and deepen relations between the two militaries, strengthening navy communications and expanding cooperation in professional fields. For his part, Yevmenov said Russia attaches great importance to enhancing military cooperation with China, and is willing to maintain close coordination with China to advance the relations between the two countries and two militaries to a new level.”
Finally, yesterday, I covered the progress report on GDI. Today, we learn that a new Global Shared Development Action Forum will be held in Beijing on July 9 and 10. The report says that guests from more than 130 countries and international organizations will attend the forum online and offline.
“The theme of this conference is ‘China’s Initiative, Global Action,’ with a focus on promoting ‘consensus-building for development and addressing development issues.’ The conference includes four parallel forums: ‘South-South Cooperation and China's Contribution in Global Poverty Reduction and Agricultural Public Goods System,’ ‘Global Green Development in the Context of Carbon Neutrality,’ ‘Capital Mobilization and Sustainable Infrastructure Financing,’ and ‘Digital Empowerment for Interconnectivity and Integrated Development in the Global Context’.” 本次会议以“中国的倡议，全球的行动”为主题，以推动“凝聚发展共识，解决发展问题”为重点，下设“全球减贫与农业公共品体系中的南南合作与中国贡献”“碳中和背景下的全球绿色发展”“资本动员和可持续基础设施融资”“数智赋能互联互通，融智融合全球发展”四个平行分论坛.
Page 7: There’s an article on the publication of a report on the social responsibility of the media. Over 500 media organisations across China contributed to the report. It says that:
“In 2022, the news front has adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It has deeply understood the decisive significance of two establishments, strengthened four consciousnesses and four self-confidences and achieved the two safeguards. It has given full play to its role as the main force and main channel, and vigorously propagated the Party's theory, line, principles and policies and rallied its efforts to comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization. In particular, when it came to major thematic coverage such as propagating and implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and coordinating epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, journalists have strengthened their sense of responsibility and demonstrated loyalty and have consciously undertaken the task of ‘upholding the banner, gathering people's hearts, nurturing talents, promoting culture, and showcasing an image (举旗帜、聚民心、育新人、兴文化、展形象),’ continuously consolidating and strengthening the mainstream ideology and public opinion in the new era…” 2022年，新闻战线坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，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”，充分发挥主力军主阵地主渠道作用，大力宣传党的理论和路线方针政策，为以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴凝聚奋进力量。特别是在宣传贯彻党的二十大精神、北京冬奥会冬残奥会、统筹疫情防控与经济社会发展等重大主题报道中，广大新闻工作者强化责任意识、践行忠诚担当，自觉承担“举旗帜、聚民心、育新人、兴文化、展形象”的使命任务，不断巩固壮大奋进新时代的主流思想舆论，以生动实践展现了新闻战线的好形象、新作为，为全面建设社会主义现代化国家开好局起好步提供坚强思想保证和强大精神力量。
Page 9: The lead article on the theory page today is by Tian Peiyan, deputy director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee. Tian offers an overview of Xi’s thought from eight perspectives:
1. Understanding the general trend/situation: Under this, he writes that “only by correctly assessing the situation and deeply understanding the times and trends, dangers and opportunities, and advantages and disadvantages in the development and changes of domestic and international situations can we garner sufficient basis for scientific decision-making and policy adjustment. Since the 18th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has deployed grand strategic thinking to deeply analyse the general situation at home and abroad, and arrived at a series of major conclusions.” 唯有正确判断形势，深刻认识国内国际形势发展变化中的时与势、危与机、有利与不利，才能为科学决策、政策调整提供充分依据。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记以宏阔的战略思维，深刻分析国内外大势，形成一系列重大论断.
As far as the domestic situation is concerned, General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and the principal contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved into the contradiction between the people's growing needs for a better life and the inadequate and imbalanced development.’ He has emphasized that China is still in an important period of strategic opportunities ‘but there are new developments and changes with regard to both opportunities and challenges’. ‘Opportunities are more strategic and malleable, while challenges are more complex and global. The challenges we face are unprecedented, but by responding to them well, we will gain unprecedented opportunities’. He has made an assessment that China has entered a new stage of development, and pointed out that the primary stage of socialism is one of “dynamism, action, and promise, one that should always brim with vitality. It develops gradually but ceaselessly, moving from quantitative increases to qualitative leaps’ and clarified that ‘the new development stage we are in today is just one part of the primary stage of socialism, but thanks to many decades of hard work, it is a period that marks a new starting point for us’. He has pointed out that ‘the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process’ and ‘China's development has a more solid material foundation, a more perfect system guarantee and a more active spiritual strength’.” 就国内大势而言，习近平总书记提出“中国特色社会主义进入新时代，我国社会主要矛盾已经转化为人民日益增长的美好生活需要和不平衡不充分的发展之间的矛盾”；强调我国仍处于重要战略机遇期，“但机遇和挑战都有新的发展变化”“机遇更具有战略性、可塑性，挑战更具有复杂性、全局性，挑战前所未有，应对好了，机遇也就前所未有”；作出我国进入新发展阶段的新论断，提出社会主义初级阶段“是一个动态、积极有为、始终洋溢着蓬勃生机活力的过程，是一个阶梯式递进、不断发展进步、日益接近质的飞跃的量的积累和发展变化的过程”，新发展阶段“就是社会主义初级阶段中的一个阶段，同时是其中经过几十年积累、站到了新的起点上的一个阶段”；指出“实现中华民族伟大复兴进入了不可逆转的历史进程”“我国发展具备了更为坚实的物质基础、更为完善的制度保证、更为主动的精神力量”.
“With regard to the international situation, General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed that the world is undergoing major development, transformation, and adjustment, experiencing profound changes unprecedented in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and volatility. The trend toward multipolarity is accelerating. The trend of the ‘West being strong and the East being weak’ "西强东弱" will not change in the short term, but the trend of the rise of the East and decline of the West is unstoppable. Economic globalization is the trend of the times and the historical trend. But at the same time, there is a rise in the anti-globalization sentiment, along with the rise of unilateralism and protectionism. The new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is deepening, and we are now at the historical threshold of making major breakthroughs.” 就国际大势而言，习近平总书记提出世界正处于大发展大变革大调整时期，正经历百年未有之大变局，进入新的动荡变革期。世界多极化加速推进，“西强东弱”短期内不会改变，但“东升西降”的趋势不可阻挡。经济全球化是时代潮流和历史大势，但同时逆全球化思潮抬头，单边主义、保护主义明显上升。新一轮科技革命和产业变革深入发展，正处在实现重大突破的历史关口.
2. Mastering the Future: “The nature and purpose of a Marxist political party determine that it can surpass the partisanship of other political parties, effectively avoid policy inconsistency and vacillation, continue to strive for the established goals, and achieve the unity of lofty ideals and phase-wise goals.” 马克思主义政党的性质和宗旨，决定了其能够超越其他政党的党派偏私，有效避免政策前后不一、左右摇摆，为既定目标接续奋斗，实现远大理想和阶段性目标相统一. Tian adds that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi has “scientifically drawn a grand blueprint for the development of the Party and the country.” And then writes that:
“Since the 18th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has successively put forward the two centenary goals and made strategic arrangements to achieve the second centenary goal in two stages. He has made it clear that the central task of the Party in the new era and on the new journey is to ‘unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in comprehensively building a strong modern socialist country, realising the second centenary goal, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization.’ Based on these goals, General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed the concept of grasping the great struggle, great project, great cause, and great dream. He has coordinated the promotion of the ‘Five-sphere Integrated Plan’ and the advancement of the ‘Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy.’ He has also put forward major strategies such as implementing the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, strengthening the country through talents, innovation-driven development strategy, rural revitalization strategy, regional coordinated development strategy, sustainable development strategy, military-civilian integration development strategy and other major strategies. He has additionally set goals for building a manufacturing power, a technological power, a quality power, an aerospace power, a cyber power, a transportation power, a maritime power, a trading power, a sports power, a cultural power, an educational power, a talent power, and an agricultural power. Moreover, General Secretary Xi Jinping has separately proposed specific target requirements for various fields of economic and social development, forming a comprehensive, detailed, and content-rich system of goals.” 党的十八大以来，习近平总书记先后提出“两个一百年”奋斗目标，作出分两个阶段实现第二个百年奋斗目标的战略安排，并明确新时代新征程党的中心任务是“团结带领全国各族人民全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现第二个百年奋斗目标，以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴”。围绕这些目标，总书记提出统揽伟大斗争、伟大工程、伟大事业、伟大梦想，统筹推进“五位一体”总体布局，协调推进“四个全面”战略布局；提出实施科教兴国战略、人才强国战略、创新驱动发展战略、乡村振兴战略、区域协调发展战略、可持续发展战略、军民融合发展战略等重大战略，还分别提出建设制造强国、科技强国、质量强国、航天强国、网络强国、交通强国、海洋强国、贸易强国、体育强国、文化强国、教育强国、人才强国、农业强国等强国目标。此外，总书记对经济社会发展各领域也分别提出具体的目标要求，形成一个总分结合、覆盖全面、内容丰富的目标体系.
3. Enhancing Self-confidence: Since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core has adhered to the people's dominant position, respected the people's initiative, aroused the self-confidence and pride of all Chinese people, and constantly enhanced the confidence of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country in the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, theoretical confidence, system confidence, and cultural confidence, putting forward new ideas, new viewpoints and new conclusions. 党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央，坚持人民主体地位，尊重人民首创精神，唤起全体中华儿女的自信心、自豪感，不断增强全党全国各族人民对中国特色社会主义的道路自信、理论自信、制度自信、文化自信，提出了一系列新思想新观点新论断.
“In view of the lack of confidence of some cadres and the masses in socialism with Chinese characteristics, the lack of knowledge and understanding of Chinese excellent traditional culture and the glorious history of the Party, and the fact that they consciously or unconsciously regarded the western development model and political system as the standard to judge China’s reality, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly pointed out: ‘In today's world, if any political party, country or nation can be confident, then the Communist Party of China, People's Republic of China and the Chinese nation that have the most reasons to be confident!’ He emphasised that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics ‘pioneered by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China through untold hardships and at great cost, and is the correct path that has been proven by practice to be in line with China’s national conditions and suited to the development requirements of the times’. He has clarified that ‘having the guidance of Marxist scientific theory is the fundamental basis for our Party to maintain firm faith and beliefs and its grasp of the historical initiative’. The Chinese people, who have experienced tremendous changes since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially since reform and opening up, are more qualified and capable of making original contributions to the development of Marxism. The socialist system with Chinese characteristics is an advanced system with distinct Chinese characteristics, obvious institutional advantages, and strong self-improvement capabilities. The socialist culture with Chinese characteristics accumulates the deepest spiritual pursuit of the Chinese nation, represents the unique spiritual identity of the Chinese nation, and is a powerful spiritual force that inspires the whole party and the people of all ethnic groups to forge ahead bravely.” 针对一个时期一些干部群众对中国特色社会主义信心不足，对中华优秀传统文化、党的光辉历史知之不多、了解不深，自觉不自觉地将西方发展模式、政治制度等奉为圭臬，以此来评判我国现实等问题，习近平总书记明确指出：“当今世界，要说哪个政党、哪个国家、哪个民族能够自信的话，那中国共产党、中华人民共和国、中华民族是最有理由自信的！”强调中国特色社会主义道路“是中国共产党带领中国人民历经千辛万苦、付出巨大代价开辟出来的，是被实践证明了的符合中国国情、适合时代发展要求的正确道路”；“拥有马克思主义科学理论指导是我们党坚定信仰信念、把握历史主动的根本所在”，置身于新中国成立以来特别是改革开放以来历史巨变之中的中国人更有资格、更有能力为发展马克思主义作出中国的原创性贡献；中国特色社会主义制度是具有鲜明中国特色、明显制度优势、强大自我完善能力的先进制度；中国特色社会主义文化积淀着中华民族最深沉的精神追求，代表着中华民族独特的精神标识，是激励全党全国各族人民奋勇前进的强大精神力量.
4. Seeking Transformation: Under this, Tian argues that since the 18th Party Congress, the Central Committee with Xi at its core has comprehensively deepened reform with unprecedented efforts, dared to gnaw hard bones (i.e., tackled the tough issues), dared to venture into dangerous beaches (venture into uncertain domains), resolutely eliminated the shortcomings of various systems and mechanisms, and put forward a series of new concepts, new ideas and new strategies.
In this context, he talks about the focus on:
strengthening top-level design
breaking down of institutional barriers
‘ensuring that the market plays a decisive role in resource allocation and better leveraging the role of the government’
‘implementing the new development philosophy, establishing a new development paradigm, and promoting high-quality development’
the need to break through bottlenecks in core technologies
stating that science and technology are the primary productive forces, talents are the primary resource, and innovation is the primary driving force
breaking down barriers caused by entrenched interests and promoting social fairness and justice
promoting high-level opening-up, emphasizing the need to comply with economic globalization, relying on China's advantage of a vast domestic market, implementing a more proactive opening strategy by steadily expanding institutional opening in rules, regulations, management, and standards.
根据改革进入攻坚区和深水区的实际，习近平总书记强调要“加强顶层设计、整体谋划”“增强改革的系统性、整体性、协同性”，明确提出全面深化改革的总目标、战略重点、优先顺序、主攻方向、工作机制、推进方式和时间表、路线图。习近平总书记着眼破除影响和制约生产力发展的体制机制障碍，提出“使市场在资源配置中起决定性作用和更好发挥政府作用”“贯彻新发展理念，构建新发展格局，推动高质量发展”；着眼突破关键核心技术受制于人的瓶颈，强调“科技是第一生产力、人才是第一资源、创新是第一动力”，健全新型举国体制，推进关键核心技术攻关和自主创新；着眼打破利益固化的藩篱、促进社会公平正义，提出要“加紧建设对保障社会公平正义具有重大作用的制度，逐步建立社会公平保障体系”，畅通社会向上流动通道、激发全社会创新创造活力，保证人民平等参与、平等发展权利；着眼推进高水平对外开放，强调要顺应经济全球化，依托我国超大规模市场优势，实行更加积极主动的开放战略，稳步扩大规则、规制、管理、标准等制度型开放。
5. Controlling Chaos/Disorder: Under this, Tian writes that “since the 18th Party Congress, faced with a series of long-standing and newly emerged prominent contradictions and problems, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core has adhered to a problem-oriented approach and with great political courage, strong sense of historical responsibility and powerful policy measures vigorously rectified all kinds of disorders. With regard to prominent issues that have been strongly raised by the people, strong medicines/decisive measures have been applied to eliminate ailments and disorder has been severely punished. For recurring problems that are difficult to solve, comprehensive approaches have been adopted to address the root causes. For long-standing problems that manifest in hidden or rebounding forms, they have been firmly targeted and promptly dealt with, resulting in a series of concepts, approaches, and methods to rectify disorders.” 党的十八大以来，面对一系列长期积累及新出现的突出矛盾和问题，以习近平同志为核心的党中央，坚持问题导向，以巨大的政治勇气、强烈的历史担当、有力的政策举措，强力整治各种乱象。对人民群众反映强烈的突出问题，猛药去疴、重典治乱；对反复出现、久治难愈的问题，标本兼治、综合施策；对隐形变异、反弹回潮的老问题，紧盯不放，露头就打，形成了一系列整治乱象的理念、思路和办法.
Tian then highlights specific measures:
implementing the 8-point central regulation
clarifying the standards for good cadres in the new era and strengthened the leadership and oversight role of Party organizations
emphasising that the people must feel a sense of fairness in the justice and legal system, the execution of education and rectification campaigns across the political and legal sectors and severely punishing corruption in law enforcement and the judiciary
“In view of the prominent issues where some leading cadres prefer to be gentlemen rather than fighters in the face of erroneous ideological trends, such as ‘aphasia’ of Marxism in some disciplines, its ‘disappearance’ in textbooks and its ‘loss of voice’ in forums, General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed to ‘adhere to the fundamental system of Marxism's guiding position in the ideological field’, improve the responsibility system for ideological work, and promote the main theme and propagate positive energy throughout society.”针对一些领导干部面对错误思潮只想当绅士、不愿当斗士，马克思主义在一些学科中“失语”、教材中“失踪”、论坛上“失声”等突出问题，习近平总书记提出要“坚持马克思主义在意识形态领域指导地位的根本制度”，健全意识形态工作责任制，在全社会唱响主旋律、弘扬正能量.
putting forward the idea of lucid waters and lush mountains in the context of excessive utilisation of resources
6. Preventing Risks: Under this, he argues that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi has “profoundly grasped the risks and challenges brought about by the volatile international situation, the complex and sensitive surrounding environment, and the arduous tasks of reform, development and stability, and issued a series of important statements on preventing and defusing major risks and responding to emergencies.” 党的十八大以来，习近平总书记深刻把握波谲云诡的国际形势、复杂敏感的周边环境、艰巨繁重的改革发展稳定任务带来的风险挑战，围绕防范化解重大风险、应对突发事件发表了一系列重要论述.
He then says that the following has happened:
the concept of comprehensive national security has been operationalised
the idea of preventing and resolving major security risks at the source has been established
efforts are made to improve the centralized, unified, efficient, and authoritative leadership system for national security and establish a comprehensive, scientifically standardized, and operationally effective national security system
Xi has stressed the need to “coordinate development and security”, coordinate high-quality development and high-level security and “guarantee the new development pattern with the new security pattern.”
Attention has been paid to leading cadres at all levels, who have been called on to enhance their ability to prevent and resolve risks
7. Seeking Great Harmony/Common Goals: Under this, he talks about how Xi has a global perspective and has “put forward a series of Chinese ideas, propositions and plans with strategic foresight.” He writes that Xi has “proposed to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, reflecting the pursuit of common values in human society, conforming to the fundamental interests of the Chinese people and the people of the world, and identifying the greatest common denominator for countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures, and development levels to jointly build a better world.” 围绕回答建设一个什么样的世界、如何建设这个世界等重大课题，习近平总书记提出推动构建人类命运共同体，建设一个持久和平、普遍安全、共同繁荣、开放包容、清洁美丽的世界，反映了人类社会共同价值追求，符合中国人民和世界人民的根本利益，找到了不同社会制度、不同意识形态、不同历史文化、不同发展水平的国家共建美好世界的最大公约数.
He also mentions GDI, GSI and GCI, and argues that Xi has also put forward “important concepts related to global governance, international order, a correct view of justice and interests, new security, new development, cooperation, human rights, ecology and civilization, and put forward a series of propositions such as the promotion of a new type of international relations and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.” 还提出全球治理观、国际秩序观、正确义利观、新安全观、新发展观、合作观、人权观、生态观、文明观等重要理念，提出推动构建新型国际关系、推动共建“一带一路”高质量发展等一系列主张.
8. Strengthening the Party/ Party’s Body: Under this, Tian discusses steps to deal with the “various negative factors that affect the Party's health and the continuous enhancement of the Party’s immunity.” In this, he discusses the emphasis on self-revolution, self-purification, self-improvement, and self-advancement. He argues that Xi has emphasised comprehensive and strict Party governance and that self-revolution is the Party's ‘second answer’ to breaking through the cycle of the rise and fall of dynasties.
He adds that “Xi Jinping also put forward many new important judgments and requirements regarding the Party's political construction as the guiding principle and has put forward new requirements in areas such as theoretical armament, selecting and appointing capable personnel, consolidating the Party's foundation, and fostering and attracting talent.”习近平总书记还就以党的政治建设为统领，扎实做好理论武装、选贤任能、强基固本、育才聚才各项工作提出许多新的重要论断和要求.
He adds that under Xi, “the Party's leadership has been comprehensively strengthened, the Party's political leadership, ideological leadership, mass organization, and social appeal have been significantly enhanced, and the situation of loose and lax governance of the Party has been fundamentally reversed.”在这些重要思想指导下，党的领导全面加强，党的政治领导力、思想引领力、群众组织力、社会号召力显著提升，管党治党宽松软状况得到根本扭转，党在革命性锻造中更加坚强有力，为党和国家事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革提供了坚强政治保证。
Page 11: There’s a report informing that the PLA’s hospital ship, the Peace Ark, is sailing off to visit Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and East Timor during the Harmonious Mission 2023 operation.
“During this trip, the vessel will make stops at Tarawa Port in Kiribati, Nuku'alofa Port in Tonga, Port Vila in Vanuatu, Honiara Port in the Solomon Islands, and Dili Port in East Timor. During each port call, medical services will be provided for a period of seven days through shipboard clinics and medical teams conducting field visits, offering free diagnosis and treatment for local residents, Chinese personnel, overseas Chinese, and other groups…” 根据任务计划，“和平方舟”号医院船将先后停靠基里巴斯塔拉瓦港、汤加努库阿洛法港、瓦努阿图维拉港、所罗门群岛霍尼亚拉港和东帝汶帝力港，每次靠港都将采取船上诊疗和医疗分队前出巡诊的方式，开展为期7天的医疗服务，免费为当地民众、中方机构人员、华侨华人等群体开展常见病、多发病诊治，还将与相关国家开展拜会交流、专业研讨等活动.
Also on the page is a brief report informing of new rules in Tibet for the promotion and demotion of cadres. It doesn’t provide details, but says that the rules are aimed at improving work style and addressing issues such as:
lack of willingness to take the lead
weaknesses in the consciousness and abilities to serve the people
ineffectiveness in implementing improvements in work style
It also talks about a three-step verification and determination procedure to assess cadres: conducting interviews and understanding, verifying on-site, and conducting comprehensive analysis and assessment.
紧扣改进作风狠抓落实工作，增加不愿争先、服务群众意识和本领不强、改作风抓落实不力等情形。实施细则将“核实认定”程序细化为谈话了解、实地印证、综合分析研判三个环节...