Xi Invites KMT Chair for Visit - World Data Organization Established in Beijing - China Sanctions Japanese Lawmaker - Central Guidance Teams Dispatched for Study Campaign on Performance
Here are the key reports and articles from the People’s Daily’s edition on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Page 1: Xi Jinping along with Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi participated (English report) in a tree-planting site in Changping District of Beijing on Monday. That’s the big report on the front page. The messages that Xi delivered:
He “called for mobilizing the whole society to actively participate in afforestation, stressing that a sound ecological environment is shared by all and requires the joint efforts of all.”
Xi told officials that “China has seen sustained increases in both forest area and stock volume, as well as continuous reduction in desertified and sandy land areas. This has made it the country with the largest and fastest increase in greening in the world. Xi hailed the Ecological and Environmental Code adopted in March, noting that it further strengthens the legal foundation for building a Beautiful China.”
Xi Jinping emphasised that this year is the opening year of the 15th FYP period and also marks the 45th anniversary of the nationwide voluntary tree-planting campaign. Under the new circumstances, advancing national greening must place greater emphasis on improving quality, developing industries, and benefiting the people, achieving coordinated efforts in planting and management, mutual promotion of ecology and industry, and coexistence between humans and nature. It is necessary to make overall use of greening space, determine greening according to land and water conditions, and promote greening measures suited to local conditions; plant trees where suitable and grow grass where appropriate. Greater efforts must be made to strengthen management and protection, carry out sustainable forest management by zones and categories, effectively advance grassland protection and restoration, comprehensively improve the quality and functions of forests and grasslands, and protect greening achievements against fires and pests. It is necessary to smoothen the channels for transforming the value of ecological products, expand the forestry and grassland industries, and simultaneously enhance economic value and ecological benefits. It is necessary to coordinate the advancement of urban and rural greening and beautification, make use of every available space to increase green areas around the masses, and allow urban and rural residents to have a greater sense of gain from greening. 习近平强调，今年是“十五五”开局之年，也是全民义务植树运动开展45周年。新形势下推进国土绿化，要更加注重提质、兴业、利民，实现种与管共抓、生态与产业共促、人与自然共生。要统筹利用绿化空间，以地定绿、以水定绿，因地制宜做好增绿文章，宜树则树，宜草则草。要下更大气力加强管护，分区分类开展森林可持续经营，有力有效推进草原保护修复，全面提升林草质量和功能，防火防虫护好绿化成果。要畅通生态产品价值转化渠道，壮大林草产业，同步提升经济价值和生态效益。要协同推进城乡绿化美化，见缝插针增加群众身边的绿地，让城乡居民有更多的绿色获得感.
Next, Song Tao, head of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, has announced (English report) that KMT chairperson Cheng Li-wun will be visiting Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing from April 7 to 12. The report says that the CPC Central Committee and Xi Jinping have invited her. “Song noted that since taking office, Cheng has expressed her willingness to visit the mainland on multiple occasions, and that the invitation was extended to promote the relations between the CPC and the KMT and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.”
Also on the page is a report (English report) on Xi’s congratulatory message to Denis Sassou Nguesso on his re-election as president of the Republic of the Congo.
Beijing also played host to the World Data Organization (WDO), which was established formally on Monday as it held its first general meeting. Xinhua reports:
“During the meeting, members reviewed and adopted the WDO’s charter, and elected its first council members and board of supervisors. The newly elected council held its inaugural meeting, electing the organization’s leadership and approving key systems and regulations. According to the WDO preparatory committee, the organization’s establishment aims to promote global data development and governance practices, facilitate the exchange and utilization of data in a compliant, secure and trustworthy manner, and serve the development of the global digital economy. Yang Jie, secretary-general of the organization, said its mission is to bridge the data divide, unlock the value of data, and boost the digital economy. By promoting capacity building, regulatory exchange, technological collaboration and industrial cooperation, the organization seeks to help more countries and communities better access, utilize and protect data resources. According to Yang, the organization is also expected to boost the efficiency of data circulation, development and utilization, aiming to transform data from a mere ‘resource’ into ‘value’. Meanwhile, by fostering synergy in data technology, regulations and industrial ecosystems, it can also support the sustained and sound growth of the digital economy.”
Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to this meeting. The report says:
“The world is accelerating into the intelligent age, and the role of data as fundamental resources and an innovation engine is increasingly evident, Xi said. ‘The WDO, with the mission of bridging the data divide, unlocking data’s value and powering the digital economy, provides a valuable platform for deepening international cooperation regarding data and improving global data governance,’ Xi said. He stressed that China will uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and support the WDO in playing its role. He noted that the country will work with all parties to forge consensus on data governance rules; promote innovation in digital and intelligent technologies; facilitate the secure, orderly flow and efficient development and utilization of data; serve the healthy development of the global digital economy; and ensure that the dividends of data better benefit people of all countries.”
Ding Xuexiang attended this meeting in Beijing. He said that “the establishment of the WDO is a major undertaking that conforms to the development trend of the era of intelligence and deepens international cooperation on data. President Xi Jinping specially sent a congratulatory letter, which fully embodies his earnest expectations for the WDO. China supports the growth and development of the WDO, enabling it to play a role in bridging the data divide, unlocking the value of data, and powering the digital economy, thereby contributing to the joint efforts for a better digital future. 丁薛祥表示，成立世界数据组织，是顺应智能时代发展潮流、深化数据国际合作的一件大事。习近平主席专门发来贺信，充分体现了对世界数据组织的殷切期望。中国支持世界数据组织发展壮大，发挥弥合数据鸿沟、释放数据价值、繁荣数字经济的作用，为共创美好数字未来贡献力量.
Ding Xuexiang pointed out that China attaches great importance to data governance and the development of the digital economy. It is accelerating the construction of basic systems such as data property rights, and is promoting data to empower industrial upgrading, serve people’s livelihood and well-being, and enhance governance efficiency, achieving a series of important results. We will further advance the building of Digital China, deepen the development and utilisation of data resources, accelerate innovation in digital and intelligent technologies, and actively expand application scenarios, injecting strong momentum into the prosperous development of the global digital economy. 丁薛祥指出，中国高度重视数据治理和数字经济发展，加快构建数据产权等基础制度，推动数据赋能产业升级、服务民生福祉、提升治理效能，取得了一系列重要成果。我们将深入推进数字中国建设，深化数据资源开发利用，加快数智技术创新，积极拓展应用场景，为全球数字经济繁荣发展注入强大动力.
“Ding Xuexiang emphasised that the establishment of the WDO should be taken as an opportunity to promote the improvement of global data governance and realize the healthy development of the digital economy. He put forward three suggestions.
First, grasp the high mobility characteristic of data, and promote efficient circulation and use of data through openness and cooperation. Uphold the concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, promote the formulation, alignment, and mutual recognition of relevant rules and standards, and effectively remove various obstacles affecting cross-border data flows.
Second, harness the high empowering potential of data, and promote common development through inclusive sharing. Accelerate the implementation of the UN’s ‘Global Digital Compact’, promote joint technological research and development and the promotion and application of achievements, so that data dividends can better benefit the people of all countries.
Third, grasp the high sensitivity of data, and safeguard the bottom line of data security through coordinated governance. Explore the formulation of international digital governance rules that reflect the will of all parties and respect their interests, strictly protect personal privacy, commercial secrets, and the security of important data, and effectively respond to risks such as cyberattacks and data crimes.”
丁薛祥强调，要以世界数据组织成立为契机，推动完善全球数据治理，实现数字经济健康发展。他提出3点建议：一是把握数据高流动性特征，以开放合作促进数据高效流通使用。秉持共商共建共享理念，推动相关规则标准的制定、对接和互认，有效破除影响数据跨境流动的各种障碍。二是把握数据高赋能性特征，以普惠共享促进共同发展。加快落实联合国《全球数字契约》，推动技术联合研发和成果推广应用，让数据红利更好造福各国人民。三是把握数据高敏感性特征，以协同治理守住数据安全底线。探讨制定反映各方意愿、尊重各方利益的数字治理国际规则，严格保护个人隐私、商业秘密与重要数据安全，有效应对网络攻击、数据犯罪等风险.
Finally, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng’s visit to Seychelles, where he met President Patrick Herminie and Vice President Sebastien Pillay and attended a reception marking the 50th anniversary of China-Seychelles relations. Xinhua reports:
Han told Herminie that “his visit aimed to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and further deepen the strategic partnership, applauding Seychelles’ firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests. As Xi has lately announced China’s decision to implement a zero-tariff policy on 53 African countries with diplomatic ties with China starting May 1 this year, China and Seychelles have already reached a consensus on the early harvest arrangement for the agreement on economic partnership for common development, Han said. He called on both sides to work together to ensure that Seychelles continues to benefit from the zero-tariff policy. China remains committed to true multilateralism and stands ready to work with Seychelles to uphold international fairness and justice, as well as the common interests of developing countries, Han said.”
Han told Pillay that “the two countries should strengthen exchanges at various levels, including governments, legislatures, political parties, people-to-people and subnational entities interactions, to further deepen political mutual trust…China supports Seychelles in maintaining its independence and pursuing a modernization path suited to its national conditions, Han said, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic alignment to seize cooperation opportunities. He also expressed hope that Seychelles will make good use of the zero-tariff policy to deliver more benefits to bilateral cooperation and its people. The two sides should also strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges to consolidate public support for bilateral ties, he said.”
Page 2: There’s a report informing that a training meeting for the Central Guidance Groups on study and education campaign for establishing and practicing a correct view of political achievements was held in Beijing on Monday.
The meeting pointed out that the CPC Central Committee has decided to dispatch eight Central Guidance Groups to conduct guidance and supervision across eight provincial-level regions and 12 institutions. “Relevant regions and institutions must muster the courage to face problems squarely and turn the blade inward, and take the acceptance of guidance and supervision as an opportunity to carry out the study and education well.”
The provincial-level regions are: Shanxi, Liaoning, Jiangxi, Shandong, Guangxi, Hainan, Guizhou, and Yunnan.
The 12 institutions are: China Export-Import Bank, Agricultural Development Bank of China, China Life Insurance (Group) Company, China First Heavy Industries Group Co., Ltd., Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd., China Baowu Steel Group Corporation Limited, Nankai University, Wuhan University, Central South University, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, National Cultural Heritage Administration, and All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives.
The report adds:
“The meeting emphasised that the central guidance groups must deeply study and thoroughly grasp the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions and the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee, firmly grasp the correct orientation of the guidance and supervision work, and carry out guidance and supervision in a precise and forceful manner. It is necessary to focus on target tasks and carry out genuine supervision and practical guidance, concentrating efforts on promoting the raising of ideological awareness, rectifying prominent problems, and establishing sound systems and rules. Urge the proper conduct of study and discussion, enhance Party spirit awareness, and continuously consolidate the ideological foundation; urge the thorough investigation and accurate identification of problems, carry out real and hard rectification and governance, persist in grasping typical cases, current issues, and public notifications, and resolve the urgent, difficult, and pressing concerns of the masses; and urge the identification of institutional shortcomings, improve the quality of rule-making, and strictly enforce systems. It is necessary to vigorously promote a strict and practical work style, adhere to jointly answering the same questions, pay attention to methods and approaches, strengthen the combined force of work, and promote the study and education to achieve practical results through high-quality guidance and supervision work.” 会议强调，中央指导组要深入学习领会习近平总书记重要指示精神和党中央部署要求，牢牢把握指导督导工作的正确方向，精准有力开展指导督导。要聚焦目标任务真督实导，在推动提高思想认识、整改突出问题、立好制度规矩上聚力用劲，督促抓好学习研讨，提高党性觉悟，不断筑牢思想根基；督促查清找准问题，动真碰硬整改整治，坚持抓典型抓现行抓通报，解决群众急难愁盼问题；督促查找制度短板、提高立规质量、狠抓制度执行。要大力弘扬严实作风，坚持同题共答，讲究方式方法，增强工作合力，以高质量指导督导工作推动学习教育取得实效.
Page 3: There’s a report informing that Air China has resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang. CGTN’s report says:
“Air China resumed direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang, the capital city of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, on Monday. According to Air China’s website, flight CA121 departed Beijing Capital International Airport at 8:05 a.m. on Monday and is scheduled to arrive at Pyongyang airport at around 11 a.m. local time. Cross-border air and rail links between China and the DPRK were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Regular daily passenger train services resumed in early March.”
Another report talks about the MFA announcing “countermeasures” against Keiji Furuya, member of Japan’s House of Representatives. These are:
Freeze movable property, immovable property and other assets within China;
Organizations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in related transactions, cooperation, or other activities with him.
Visas will not be issued to them and they will not be allowed to enter the country, including Hong Kong and Macao.
What did the Japanese lawmaker do to deserve this? Reuters reports that “Mr. Furuya, as the head of a cross-party Japan-Taiwan lawmakers group, has visited Taiwan many times accompanying Japanese political leaders, most recently earlier this month to meet its President Lai Ching-te in Taipei.”
MFA spokesperson Mao Ning said:
“The Taiwan question is at the core of China’s core interests and a red line that cannot be crossed. China has lodged serious protests with the Japanese side over the visit to China’s Taiwan region by Keiji Furuya, member of Japan’s House of Representatives. In disregard of China’s repeatedly stated position regarding the Japanese leader’s erroneous remarks on Taiwan, Keiji Furuya failed to reign in his wrong behavior, and continued to collaborate with ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in taking provocative moves, which constitutes serious interference in China’s internal affairs and violation of China’s sovereignty and core interests. In response to his egregious moves and in accordance with the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China, China announced in the form of MFA decree countermeasures against Keiji Furuya as an action of warning and deterrence. China will take any additional punitive measure if deemed necessary in the future.”