Xi Focuses on History & Industrial Development in Shanxi - Li Promises 'Greater Policy Support' for Chinese Companies Abroad - Interview with Rana Mitter - Zhong Sheng on Sino-US People-to-People Ties
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Page 1: The main story on the page is about Xi Jinping’s visit to Shanxi. He traveled to Yangquan and Taiyuan from July 7 to 8. He was accompanied by Tang Dengjie, Secretary of the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee, and Lu Dongliang, Governor of Shanxi Province. He Lifeng accompanied Xi for this visit.
The report says:
“The Hundred Regiments Campaign was a major battle in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, which greatly boosted the confidence of the military and civilians across the country to fight to the end. On the afternoon of the 7th, Xi Jinping visited the Hundred Regiments Campaign Monument Square on Lion Brain/Head Mountain (狮脑山) in Yangquan to present a wreath to the martyrs of the Eighth Route Army. Following this, Xi visited the exhibition of the Hundred Regiments Campaign Memorial Hall. Photo after photo of history, precious artefact after precious artefact vividly depict the glorious history of the Chinese Communist Party leading the anti-Japanese forces and civilians to unite against the enemy and bravely resist foreign aggression. Xi Jinping stopped to observe and ponder from time to time. He emphasised that the historical feat of the Hundred Regiments Campaign fully demonstrates the role of our Party as the pillar of the entire nation’s resistance, and fully demonstrates the immense power of the people’s war led by the Party. We must tell the story of the War of Resistance well, and pass down the great spirit of the War of Resistance from generation to generation.” 百团大战是抗日战争中的重大战役，极大振奋了全国军民抗战到底的信心。7日下午，习近平来到位于阳泉市狮脑山的百团大战纪念碑广场，向八路军烈士敬献花篮。接着，他参观了百团大战纪念馆展陈。一张张历史照片、一件件珍贵实物，生动展现了中国共产党领导抗日军民同仇敌忾、勇御外侮的光辉历史，习近平不时驻足察看和沉思。他强调，百团大战的历史壮举，充分展现了我们党在全民族抗战中的中流砥柱作用，充分展现了党领导的人民战争的磅礴力量。要讲好抗战故事，把伟大抗战精神一代代传下去.
In the main hall of the memorial, Xi Jinping warmly interacted with the youth students and staff who had come to visit. He said, the ‘July 7 Incident’ that occurred 88 years ago today was the starting point of the Chinese nation’s full-scale resistance against the Japanese invaders. We must not forget the past and let events serve as lessons for the future. Coming here is to receive a spiritual baptism. The vast number of youth are born at the right time (生逢其时); they must continue the red bloodline, establish lofty ideal that a ‘strong country has me’, be upright and dignified (堂堂正正), glorious and proud (光荣自豪) Chinese, and courageously shoulder the mission of national rejuvenation in this era. 在纪念馆大厅，习近平同前来参观的青少年学生和纪念馆工作人员亲切交流。他说，88年前的今天发生的“七七事变”，是中华民族全面抗击日本侵略者的起点，前事不忘、后事之师，到这里来就是接受精神洗礼。广大青少年生逢其时，要赓续红色血脉，树立强国有我的远大志向，做堂堂正正、光荣自豪的中国人，勇担民族复兴的时代大任.
Note: Being born at the right time (生逢其时) is quite an interesting concept. It indicates that there the youth today are at a particular historical moment, which calls upon them to act in a certain way, i.e., there is a mission of the times that the youth must live up to. In other words, this is about aligning the youth’s aspirations with the goals of the Party for the country.
Later in the afternoon, Xi visited the Yangquan Valve Co., Ltd. “He pointed out that traditional manufacturing is an important part of the real economy. It is essential to grasp market demand, strengthen scientific and technological innovation, and bring new vitality to traditional industries. He told the employees that China’s industrial development used to rely on hammering with hammers and chisels, but today we must rely on advanced technology and equipment to improve standards. Industry helps the nation prosper/rejuvenates the country, practical/hard work strengthens the country. (实业兴国，实干兴邦.) I hope you will continue your efforts and reach even higher levels, making greater contributions to building a manufacturing powerhouse. 他指出，传统制造业是实体经济的重要组成部分，要把握市场需求，加强科技创新，让传统产业焕发新活力。他对企业员工们说，我国的工业发展，过去是靠一榔头一锤子地敲，今天要靠先进技术和装备来提升水平。实业兴国，实干兴邦。希望你们再接再厉、更上层楼，为建设制造强国多作贡献.
On the morning of the 8th, Xi listened to the work reports of the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government. He affirmed the achievements made by Shanxi in all aspects, and put forward requirements for work going ahead.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the construction of a national comprehensive reform pilot zone for the transformation of a resource-based economy is a strategic task entrusted to Shanxi by the Party Central Committee. It is necessary to further unify thinking, maintain determination, and promote transformation and development in a firm and orderly manner. It is necessary to focus on energy transformation, industrial upgrading and appropriately diversified development. On the premise of firmly shouldering the responsibility of ensuring the national supply of thermal coal for power generation, efforts should be made to promote the coal industry’s shift from low-end to high-end, and coal products, shift from primary fuel to high-value products. At the same time, focus should be placed on building a high-level, important national base for energy and raw materials. Supporting development of wind power, photovoltaic power, hydrogen energy, and other energy sources should be carried out to build a new-type energy system. It is necessary to solidly promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, layout the development of emerging and future industries, centering on the development of new quality productive forces. Gradually form a modern industrial system that reflects Shanxi’s characteristics and possesses comparative advantages. It is necessary to make good use of diversified development conditions, optimise the business environment, stimulate the vitality of business entities, and better transform resource advantages into development advantages. 习近平指出，建设国家资源型经济转型综合配套改革试验区是党中央交给山西的一项战略任务，要进一步统一思想，保持定力，坚定有序推进转型发展。重点要抓好能源转型、产业升级和适度多元发展。要在扛牢国家电煤保供责任前提下，推动煤炭产业由低端向高端、煤炭产品由初级燃料向高价值产品攀升，同时着眼于高水平打造我国重要能源原材料基地，配套发展风电、光伏发电、氢能等能源，构建新型能源体系。要扎实推进传统产业转型升级，围绕发展新质生产力因地制宜布局新兴产业和未来产业，逐步形成体现山西特点、具有比较优势的现代化产业体系。要用好多元发展条件，优化营商环境，激发经营主体活力，把资源优势更好转化为发展优势.
Xi Jinping stressed that in the process of transformation and development, the bottom line of security and stability must be firmly maintained. It is necessary to focus on stabilising employment, enterprises, markets, and expectations, strengthen key livelihood security services, such as those for the elderly and children, and firmly secure the basic living needs of people in difficulties. It is necessary to deepen Party building to lead grassroots governance, strengthen the overall prevention and control of social stability, carry out the elimination of gangs and evils on a regular basis, crack down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities in accordance with the law, and ensure the stability of the overall social situation. It is necessary to promote the management of mountains, water, air, and cities in an integrated manner, comprehensively strengthen sand control and soil erosion control in the river basin, continue to promote energy conservation and carbon reduction in key industries, carry out ecological restoration of mines in a down-to-earth manner, and effectively maintain ecological security. It is necessary to strengthen production safety, strictly implement various supervision systems, and resolutely prevent and curb the occurrence of major accidents. At present, we have entered the main flood season; careful preparations must be made for flood control and disaster prevention, as well as for disaster mitigation and relief efforts. 习近平强调，转型发展必须牢牢守住安全稳定底线。要着力稳就业、稳企业、稳市场、稳预期，强化“一老一小”等重点民生保障服务，兜牢困难群众基本生活。要深化党建引领基层治理，强化社会治安整体防控，常态化开展扫黑除恶，依法打击各类违法犯罪活动，确保社会大局稳定。要一体推进治山治水治气治城，全面加强防沙治沙和流域水土流失治理，持续推进重点行业节能降碳，扎实开展矿山生态修复，切实维护生态安全。要强化安全生产，严格落实各项监管制度，坚决防范和遏制重特大事故发生。目前已进入主汛期，要精心做好防汛抗洪预案和防灾减灾救灾准备工作.
Xi Jinping pointed out that it is necessary to advance the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party with the perseverance and tenacity of always being on the road. We must carry forward the spirit of self-revolution; implement the responsibility of governing and managing the Party; adhere to the Party spirit, Party conduct and Party discipline; integrate the rectification of work style/conduct, discipline and anti-corruption efforts; and maintain the strict tone, strict measures and strict atmosphere for a long time, striving to create a clean and upright political ecology. We must grasp and implement the follow-up work around the learning and education campaign related to the spirit of the 8-point central regulations in a timely and detailed manner, and identify problems in a true manner and take practical rectification measures to ensure that practical results are achieved. We must summarise the results and experience of the learning and education campaign in a timely manner, and improve the institutional mechanism for normalising and long-term work style development. 习近平指出，必须以永远在路上的坚韧和执着推进全面从严治党。要发扬自我革命精神，落实管党治党责任，坚持党性党风党纪一起抓、正风肃纪反腐相贯通，把严的基调、严的措施、严的氛围长期坚持下去，努力营造风清气正的政治生态。要抓紧抓细深入贯彻中央八项规定精神学习教育后续工作，查摆问题要真，整改措施要实，确保取得实效。要及时总结学习教育成效和经验，完善作风建设常态化长效化制度机制.
Next, there’s a report on Li Qiang attending the second and third phase meetings of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio. The report says:
Li Qiang said that the current international economic and trade order and multilateral trading system have been severely impacted, and the world economy is recovering with difficulty. The ‘Greater BRICS Cooperation’ should uphold the original intention of its establishment, meet the needs of the times, safeguard and practice multilateralism, promote the construction of a fair and open international economic and trade order, gather the power of the Global South, and make greater contributions to global stability and development.
First, we must be committed to building an open world economy. We must take a clear stand against unilateralism and protectionism, uphold the basic principles of the World Trade Organization, promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, and maintain the stability and smooth functioning of industrial and supply chains. China has established the China Cooperation Center for BRICS Special Economic Zones and is willing to jointly build a cooperation network with all parties.
Second, we must be committed to improving the level of international financial cooperation. China supports strengthening and expanding the New Development Bank and welcomes eligible Global South countries to invest in China’s financial market. We must advance equity reform at the World Bank and quota adjustment at the International Monetary Fund, increasing the representation and voice of developing countries.
Third, we must be committed to opening up new blue oceans for economic growth. We should expand cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital and green sectors, enable artificial intelligence to empower thousands of industries and benefit thousands of households, and help Global South countries enhance capacity building. China will, under the Global Development Initiative framework, build the ‘Digital South’ brand and will hold 200 training programs on the digital economy and artificial intelligence for countries from the South over the next five years. China welcomes all countries to attend the World Artificial Intelligence Conference to be held in China this July.
李强表示，当前国际经贸秩序、多边贸易体制受到严重冲击，世界经济复苏艰难。“大金砖合作”要秉持成立初衷，契合时代之需，维护和践行多边主义，推动建设公平开放的国际经贸秩序，凝聚全球南方力量，为世界稳定发展作出更大贡献。一是致力于构建开放型世界经济。旗帜鲜明反对单边主义和保护主义，维护世贸组织基本原则，促进贸易和投资自由化便利化，维护产业链供应链稳定畅通。中方已成立金砖国家特殊经济区中国合作中心，愿同各方共建合作网络。二是致力于提升国际金融合作水平。中方支持新开发银行做大做强，欢迎符合条件的全球南方国家投资中国金融市场。要推动世界银行股权审议和国际货币基金组织份额占比调整，增加发展中国家代表性和发言权。三是致力于开辟经济增长新蓝海。拓展数字、绿色等新兴领域合作，让人工智能赋能千行百业、惠及千家万户，帮助全球南方国家加强能力建设。中方将在全球发展倡议框架下打造“数字南方”品牌，未来5年为南方国家举办200期数字经济、人工智能培训项目。中方欢迎各国出席今年7月在华举办的世界人工智能大会.
Li Qiang pointed out that the current uncertainties and risks in global climate, environmental, and health fields are rising. The international community should broadly build consensus and take active and strong action to jointly tackle common challenges.
First, gather more joint forces to address climate change. We must firmly implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, defend the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, deepen cooperation in clean energy, carbon markets and other fields, and urge developed countries to fulfill their commitments in terms of funds and technology.
Second, improve the actual results of ecological and environmental protection. We must adhere to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, advocate systematic governance, and better implement the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Third, strengthen the capacity building of the public health system. We must support the World Health Organization to continue to play a coordinating role in global health governance, give full play to the role of platforms such as the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center, and provide more public goods for the Global South.
For a long time, China has adhered to its promises and made positive contributions to the needs of the world with its own capabilities. China will continue to take more practical actions, assume its due responsibilities, and work with all parties to promote greener, healthier and more sustainable global development.
李强指出，当前全球气候、环境和卫生领域的不确定性风险上升，国际社会应当广泛凝聚共识，积极有力行动，携手应对共同挑战。一是汇聚应对气候变化的更多合力。坚定落实《联合国气候变化框架公约》及《巴黎协定》，捍卫共同但有区别的责任原则，深化清洁能源、碳市场等领域合作，敦促发达国家履行资金、技术等方面的承诺。二是提升生态环境保护的实际成效。坚持人与自然和谐共生，倡导系统治理，更好履行《生物多样性公约》《联合国防治荒漠化公约》。三是加强公共卫生体系的能力建设。支持世卫组织继续在全球卫生治理中发挥协调作用，充分发挥金砖疫苗研发中心等平台作用，为全球南方提供更多公共产品。长期以来，中国坚持践信守诺，以自身所能为世界所需作出了积极贡献。中国将继续拿出更多实际行动，承担应尽责任，同各方共促更加绿色、健康、可持续的全球发展。
The report informs that the summit also issued the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the BRICS Leaders’ Declaration on Climate Finance Framework.
Finally, there’s a report that informs that according to preliminary statistics, in the first half of the year, China has opened 117 new international air cargo routes, with more than 233 round-trip flights added per week. Among the 117 newly opened international cargo routes, there are 54 routes to Asia, 45 routes to Europe, 12 routes to North America, and 2 routes each to South America, Oceania, and Africa.
Page 2: There are three reports of Li Qiang’s engagements in Rio. First, Li met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Xinhua says:
Li said that “China stands ready to deepen coordination and cooperation with the United Nations to jointly advocate for a more just and equitable international order…Cautioning that the world is facing mounting unstable and uncertain factors, Li said that the UN needs to play a better role. The vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the three major global initiatives, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, are highly consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, as they embody China’s steadfast commitment and pragmatic approach to support multilateralism and the work of the UN.”
“The more complex the international situation becomes, the more necessary it is to uphold the authority of the UN, said Li, stating that China firmly supports the UN's central role in global governance and stands ready to work with all parties to practice true multilateralism and to better advance the UN’s work. At present, global security faces grave challenges. China has made extensive efforts to promote dialogue for the political settlement of hotspot issues, and will continue to support the UN in playing its unique role in de-escalating tensions. All parties should put development at the top of the international agenda, work together to strengthen global development cooperation, give priority to investing resources in key areas such as poverty reduction, education, employment, and capacity building, and revitalize the global development partnership. As a responsible developing country, China will continue to firmly expand its opening up, share opportunities with all countries, and develop together. China supports the United Nations as the main channel in addressing the gaps in global governance in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, the polar regions and outer space.”
Second, there’s a report on Li meeting with Director-General of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Xinhua says:
Li told her that “China stands ready to work with the international community to get the world economy back on track at an early date…The global trade has undergone significant changes with rising unilateralism and protectionism, which has severely impacted the international economic and trade order and posed grave challenges to the world economy and countries’ development, said Li. Against this backdrop, the international community has a stronger call for safeguarding the multilateral trading system and has growing expectations for the WTO to play a more active role, he added. Noting that economic globalization is an irreversible trend of history, Li said that China will, as always, continue to practice and safeguard multilateralism and free trade, actively support the reform and development of the WTO to restore its authority, accelerate the improvement of trade rules, and push for more concrete outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.”
“Li said China has abundant resources and means to counter adverse external impacts, and is confident in and capable of promoting a steady and healthy economic development. This year, China has implemented more proactive and effective macro policies, advanced the strategy of expanding domestic demand, and launched special initiatives to boost consumption, he said, noting the huge, growing demand unleashed by the super-large market of over 1.4 billion consumers. China, Li added, will introduce more measures for voluntary and unilateral opening up, strictly abide by the principles and market rules of the WTO, and continue to share development opportunities with other countries, so as to inject positive energy into the world.”
Another report has Li telling her that “faced with U.S. tariff pressure, China stands firm in defending its own rights and interests and upholding international fairness and justice”.
Finally, there’s a report on Li meeting with Chinese enterprises in Brazil. As per Xinhua, participants included local branch chiefs of Bank of China, Great Wall Motor, State Grid, Goldwind Sci & Tech, China's leading food trader COFCO, Gree Electric Appliances, Dahua Technology and ZTT Group.
The report adds, Li said that “the Chinese economy is fully capable of withstanding any external shocks and achieving long-term stable growth … Li said that in recent years, Chinese enterprises have accelerated their pace of going global and improved their capabilities for international operations, playing an increasingly important role in boosting domestic economy. Li said the first half of the year has witnessed the resilience of China's economic growth with potential in domestic demand and bright spots in innovation. Noting that the Chinese economy will always provide staunch support for Chinese companies operating overseas, the premier said the government will provide better services and guarantees for enterprises, strengthen the building of various mechanisms and platforms for economic and trade cooperation, and improve the overseas comprehensive service system. He added that greater policy support will be introduced in such areas as policy consultation, finance, credit insurance and security, in order to create a better environment for enterprises and better facilitate their development.”
“The current global economic and trade landscape is undergoing profound changes with the rise of unilateralism and protectionism, and increasing trade and investment barriers, Li noted. At the same time, a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is further advancing, presenting both challenges and opportunities for enterprises, he added. Li said he hopes Chinese companies can adapt to the trend and take proactive actions. They should build strong brands, strengthen planning, and enhance the global competitiveness of ‘Made in China’ and ‘Created in China’, he said. It is essential to cultivate the local markets deeply by providing consumers with more products and services that meet market demand, the premier said, adding that Chinese companies should use Brazil as a platform to expand into the broader Latin American market and strive for greater development. Li said that Chinese enterprises must respect local laws, regulations and cultural practices, operate in compliance with legal requirements, actively undertake social responsibilities, and strive to forge a responsible and accountable image.”
“Participants said Chinese enterprises will give full play to their own strengths and characteristics, enhance cooperation, effectively respond to various challenges, take root locally and remain committed to operating in compliance with laws and regulations. They also vowed to continue to expand their presence in sectors such as finance, energy, agriculture and scientific and technological innovation, uphold the positive image of Chinese enterprises overseas, contribute to building closer economic and trade ties between China and Brazil as well as other Latin American countries, and better achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.”
Next, there’s a Zhong Sheng commentary, which calls to cultivate a new generation of ambassadors of friendship between China and the US. This draws from the recent pickleball exchange. The piece says that in November 2023, Xi delivered a speech in San Francisco, where he said that “China is willing to invite 50,000 American youth to come to China for exchanges and studies in the next five years. In 2024, more than 16,000 American youth participated in the ‘50,000 in 5 years’ initiative to come to China for exchanges and studies…”
It makes the case of people-to-people exchanges and youth diplomacy. It argues:
“The achievements of China-US relations are primarily due to the joint efforts of the two peoples; the continued development of China-US relations requires even more reliance on the two peoples. No matter how the situation changes, the historical logic of China-US peaceful coexistence will not change, the fundamental desire of the two peoples to exchange and cooperate will not change, and the general expectation of the world’s people for the stable development of China-US relations will not change. From the historical ‘ping-pong diplomacy’ that broke the ice of the Cold War to the current pickleball exchanges that built a new bridge of friendship, the sincere interaction between the people can always add warmth to China-US relations. At present, China-US relations are at a critical historical juncture. At such a time, it is all the more necessary to use people-to-people friendship as a bond to solidify the foundation of bilateral relations. China and the US should build bridges and pave the way for personnel exchanges and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and also eliminate interference and obstacles. China has always welcomed the American people with an open mind and is willing to enhance mutual understanding through exchanges and cooperation. The Chinese and American people should visit and communicate more, and jointly continue to write the story of friendship between the two peoples, which will continue to make new contributions to the development of China-US relations.” 中美关系取得的成就，首要归功于两国人民的共同努力；中美关系继续向前发展，更加需要依靠两国人民。不论形势如何变化，中美和平共处的历史逻辑不会变，两国人民交流合作的根本愿望不会变，世界人民对中美关系稳定发展的普遍期待不会变。从历史上的“乒乓外交”打破冷战坚冰，到如今匹克球交流架起友谊新桥，人民之间的真诚互动总能为中美两国关系增添暖意。当前，中美关系处于关键历史节点。越是这个时候，越需要以人民友好为纽带，夯实两国关系的基础。中美双方要为两国人员往来和人文交流架桥铺路，也要排除干扰和障碍。中国始终以开放的胸怀欢迎美国人民，愿通过交流合作增进相互理解。中美人民多走动、多交流，共同续写两国人民友好故事，将不断为中美关系发展作出新贡献.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. 80 years ago, China and the US fought together for peace and justice. The friendship between the two peoples has withstood the test of blood and fire and made important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China is willing to work with the US to pool the strength of the two peoples, continue the traditional friendship, promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations, and seek more benefits for the people of the two countries. 今年是中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。80年前，中美共同为和平和正义而战，两国人民的友谊经受了血与火的考验，为世界反法西斯战争胜利作出了重要贡献。中方愿同美方一道努力，汇聚起两国人民的力量，赓续传统友谊，推动中美关系稳定、健康、可持续发展，为两国人民谋求更多福祉.
Finally, there’s an interview-based report with Rana Mitter on the CPC’s role in the war against Japan.
“The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is one of the most significant events in China’s modern history, demonstrating the Chinese people’s determination to defend national sovereignty and dignity without fear of foreign invasion’. Mitter recently said in an exclusive interview with this newspaper’s reporter that the Communist Party of China extensively mobilised Chinese military and civilians to heroically resist and played the mainstay role, which became the key to the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. From 1937 when the CPC promoted the formation of the Anti-Japanese National United Front, to 1938 when Mao Zedong wrote theoretical works such as ‘On Protracted War’, which successfully guided the practice of China’s war of resistance, to the implementation of land policies and strengthening of ideological construction during the war and even planning the development blueprint for post-war China, by the time of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Chinese Communist Party had grown to a scale of more than one million members…the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was not only an important stage in the gradual development and growth of the CPC, but also an important historical window for the Western society to understand China.” “抗日战争是中国现代史上意义最为重大的事件之一，展现了中国人民不惧外敌入侵、捍卫国家主权与民族尊严的决心。”米特近日在接受本报记者专访时表示，中国共产党广泛动员中国军民英勇抵抗，发挥了中流砥柱作用，这成为中国人民抗日战争胜利的关键。从1937年中国共产党推动形成抗日民族统一战线，到1938年毛泽东撰写《论持久战》等理论著作成功指导中国抗战实践，再到抗战期间实施土地政策、加强意识形态建设为战后中国规划发展蓝图，至抗日战争胜利时中国共产党已发展到超过百万名党员的规模……抗日战争既是中国共产党逐步发展壮大的重要阶段，也是西方社会读懂中国的重要历史窗口.
The next bit of the interview appreciates Mitter’s role in studying China’s role or the Eastern front in WWII. It adds:
“‘Today, the National WWII Museum located in New Orleans, US, the Imperial War Museum in London, England, and others all have dedicated exhibition areas that systematically discuss China’s historical role in World War II. More and more Westerners are learning about the Chinese people’s heroic and moving history of resistance against aggression, allowing this important history that was once overlooked to gradually appear in the international perspective.’ Mitter said: ‘The Chinese battlefield has now been incorporated into the overall narrative framework of global World War II history, rather than being presented simply as an appendage to the Pacific theatre—China’s history of resistance against aggression should not be ignored or diluted’.” “如今，位于美国新奥尔良市的美国国家二战博物馆、英国伦敦的帝国战争博物馆等均设有专门展区，系统性地介绍中国在二战中的历史作用，越来越多西方人了解中国人民可歌可泣的抗战史，让这段曾经被忽略的重要历史在国际视野中逐渐显现。”米特表示，“中国战场现已被纳入全球二战史整体叙事框架，而非单纯作为太平洋战场的附属部分予以呈现——中国的抗战历史不应被忽视、淡化。”
“‘The international community continues to pay close attention to China’s development under the leadership of the CPC. To fully understand the development trajectory and development trends of contemporary China, interpreting the history of World War II is one of the important means, which helps to understand Chinese-style modernisation.’ Mitter said that from being riddled with holes to being peaceful and prosperous, China has undergone earth-shaking changes over the past 80 years. ‘The Chinese people are walking on the magnificent journey of modernisation, and international society has witnessed China’s economic takeoff and social transformation. China insists in following the path of peaceful development, providing broad opportunities for the world, while developing itself’.” “国际社会持续高度关注中国共产党领导下的中国发展。要全面理解当代中国的发展轨迹和发展动向，解读二战历史是重要的手段之一，这有助于读懂中国式现代化。”米特说，从千疮百孔到安宁繁荣，80年来中国发生翻天覆地的变化，“中国人民走在波澜壮阔的现代化征程上，国际社会见证了中国的经济腾飞和社会转型。中国坚持走和平发展道路，在自身发展的同时为全球提供广阔机遇.”
“‘We must firmly bear in mind the unprecedented destructiveness of war; especially in the current situation where the international situation is turbulent and unstable, avoiding repeating the mistakes of history is the common responsibility of all humanity.’ Mitter said that he will be traveling to China to participate in activities related to commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan. ‘I hope that in the future more young scholars will go to China, and through field investigation, deepen their concrete understanding of China’s history, war memory, and development and prosperity’.” “我们必须牢记战争的空前破坏性，特别在国际局势动荡不安的当下，避免重蹈历史覆辙是全人类的共同责任。”米特表示，他将赴华参加纪念中国人民抗日战争胜利80周年相关活动。“我希望未来有更多青年学者到中国去，通过实地考察，深化对中国历史、战争记忆、发展繁荣的具象化认知.”
Page 15: There’s a report on the remarks by China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, at the UN General Assembly’s review of the Afghanistan issue. He said:
“Afghanistan is currently at a critical stage of peaceful reconstruction, with the overall situation remaining stable, the economy gradually improving, and its foreign engagement becoming increasingly active. At the same time, Afghanistan still faces substantial challenges in the fields of humanitarianism, development, human rights, counter-terrorism, and women’s rights. China expects the international community to view the situation in Afghanistan in a comprehensive and objective manner and play a constructive role in supporting Afghanistan’s early return to the international community and enabling the Afghan people to live a stable life as soon as possible.” 耿爽说，当前阿富汗正处于和平重建的关键阶段，局势总体保持稳定，经济逐步得到改善，对外交往日趋活跃。同时，阿富汗在人道、发展、人权、反恐、女性权益等领域仍面临突出挑战。中方期待国际社会全面客观看待阿局势，为支持阿富汗早日重返国际社会、阿人民早日过上安定生活发挥建设性作用.
He added:
“China calls on traditional donors, especially those countries that bear historical responsibility for Afghanistan’s current situation, to increase financial input to help the Afghan people overcome difficulties; it calls on all parties to continue to help Afghanistan enhance its independent development capabilities and gradually integrate into the regional and world economy through bilateral, multilateral and regional cooperation mechanisms; it calls on relevant countries to immediately lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan, unconditionally unfreeze and return Afghanistan’s overseas assets, and create conditions for Afghanistan to rebuild its financial system and develop its economy and people’s livelihood. China supports the international community to strengthen contacts and exchanges with the Afghan interim government, enhance understanding and trust, find effective ways to address the concerns of all parties, and urge and guide the Afghan interim government to take measures to protect the basic rights and interests of women and girls. On the issue of counter-terrorism, we must resolutely oppose double standards and selective application, oppose the manipulation of counter-terrorism issues to serve geopolitical strategies, and strive to maintain the overall situation of international counter-terrorism cooperation.” 耿爽指出，中方呼吁传统捐助方，特别是对阿现状负有历史责任的国家加大资金投入，帮助阿人民渡过难关；呼吁各方继续通过双多边及区域合作机制帮助阿富汗增强自主发展能力、逐步融入地区和世界经济；呼吁有关国家立即取消对阿非法单边制裁，无条件解冻并归还阿海外资产，为阿富汗重建金融体系、发展经济民生创造条件。耿爽表示，中方支持国际社会同阿临时政府加强接触交往，增进理解信任，找到解决各方关切的有效办法，敦促并引导阿临时政府采取措施保护妇女女童基本权益。在反恐问题上，要坚决反对双重标准和选择性适用，反对操弄反恐问题服务地缘战略，努力维护国际反恐合作大局。
The UNGA adopted a resolution on the situation in Afghanistan on July 7th. China, Russia, India, Iran and 12 other countries abstained.