Xi Meets Vietnam PM Chinh - State Council on Attracting Foreign Capital - Liu Jianchao's Visits to Pakistan & Bangladesh - Boosting VC Funding for Tech - Attacking Philippines for SCS 'Perfidy'
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Page 1: The lead story (English report) on the page is about Xi Jinping’s meeting with Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Xi said that he and Nguyen Phu Trong, CPV general secretary, had last year announced the establishment of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. He said that the decision “carries strategic significance, ushering bilateral relations into a new stage.”
He added that at present, the world is going through changes unseen in a century. China and Vietnam have maintained rapid economic development and long-term social stability, demonstrating the superiority/comparative advantages (优越性) of the socialist system. The building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance is in line with the modernization needs of the two countries, and is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability and to promoting the development of the global socialist cause. China is willing to strengthen strategic guidance with Vietnam, focus on the overall goal of ‘six mores’, adhere to unity and friendship, firmly support each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, work together towards modernization, and make greater contributions to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.” 当前，世界百年变局加速演进，中越保持经济快速发展和社会长期稳定，彰显了社会主义制度的优越性。构建具有战略意义的中越命运共同体，符合两国各自现代化建设需要，有利于维护地区和平稳定，促进世界社会主义事业发展。中方愿同越方加强战略引领，围绕“六个更”总体目标，坚持团结友好，坚定相互支持，深化互利合作，携手迈向现代化，为世界和平、稳定、发展、繁荣作出更大贡献.
“Xi Jinping stressed that China’s adherence to comprehensively deepening reform and promoting Chinese-style modernization will bring new opportunities for the two sides to expand cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, connectivity, and digital economy. The two sides should maintain high-level exchanges, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhance connectivity, and promote the high-quality development of practical cooperation between the two countries. China is willing to encourage more Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Vietnam and hopes that Vietnam can provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. Both parties should make good use of the red resources of friendly exchanges between the two parties, support border provinces in strengthening exchanges, effectively implement livelihood projects in agriculture, education, and healthcare, and make good use of people-to-people and youth exchange platforms to solidify the public opinion foundation of China-Vietnam friendship. Both parties should properly handle maritime issues, accelerate the advancement of joint maritime development, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.” 习近平强调，中国坚持全面深化改革、推进中国式现代化，这将为双方拓展经贸、互联互通、数字经济等领域合作带来新机遇。双方要保持高层交往，共同推进高质量共建“一带一路”，提升两国互联互通水平，推动两国务实合作高质量发展。中方愿鼓励更多中国企业加大对越投入，希望越方为中国企业提供公平、公正、非歧视性的营商环境。双方要用好两党友好交往红色资源，支持边境省份加强交流，实施好农业、教育、医疗等民生项目，用好民间、青年等交流平台，夯实中越友好民意基础。双方要妥善处理海上问题，加快推进海上共同开发，共同维护地区和平稳定.
As per the report, Chinh said that “the Vietnamese side sincerely congratulates China on achieving great all-around accomplishments under the wise leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping and positively acknowledges China’s important role as an engine and ballast for world economic growth. The Vietnamese side supports China’s development and prosperity, achieving the second centenary goal as scheduled, and playing a more important role in world peace and development. The Vietnamese side highly appreciates the historical vision, global perspective and tremendous influence (历史视野, 全球眼光和宏阔伟力) of by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, supports the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, supports China’s joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and opposes the politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues. The Vietnamese side hopes to learn from China's new theories, practices and achievements in governing the party and the country, and work with China to adhere to the socialist path and achieve common development.” 范明政转达阮富仲总书记和苏林国家主席对习近平总书记的亲切问候，表示，越中传统睦邻友好，都是共产党领导的社会主义国家。越方真诚祝贺中国在习近平总书记英明领导下取得全方位伟大成就，积极评价中国对世界经济增长发挥的重要引擎和压舱石作用。越方支持中国发展强大繁荣，如期实现第二个百年奋斗目标，为世界和平与发展发挥更加重要的作用。越方高度赞赏习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想展现的历史视野、全球眼光和宏阔伟力，支持习近平主席提出的系列全球倡议，支持中国加入《全面与进步跨太平洋伙伴关系协定》，反对将经贸科技问题政治化。越方希望学习借鉴中国治党治国理政新理论新实践新成果，同中方一道，坚持走社会主义道路，实现共同发展.
He added: “The Vietnamese side supports the Chinese stance on the Taiwan issue, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and considers deepening Vietnam-China strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation, as well as building a strategically significant community of shared destiny, as Vietnam’s top priority and strategic choice in foreign policy, a position that will not be disrupted by external provocations and interference”. 越方支持中方在台湾问题上的立场，坚定恪守一个中国原则，将深化越中战略互信和务实合作、构建具有战略意义的命运共同体作为越南对外政策的头等优先和战略选择，不会受到外界的挑拨离间和干扰破坏.
At the top of the page is a report on Xi’s letter to people in Jingning She Autonomous County, Zhejiang Province. The letter is on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the county.
“Over the past 40 years, Jingning County has made gratifying achievements in ethnic unity and characteristic development, and the lives of people of all ethnic groups have become increasingly prosperous. I am very pleased. On the new journey, I hope that all cadres and people of all ethnic groups in the county will conscientiously implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, continue to carry forward fine traditions, enhance ethnic unity, leverage unique advantages, and actively promote high-quality development and common prosperity in ethnic minority areas…” 40年来，景宁县在民族团结、特色发展等方面取得了可喜成绩，各族人民生活越过越红火，我感到十分高兴。新征程上，希望全县各族干部群众认真贯彻党中央决策部署，继续弘扬优良传统，增进民族团结，发挥独特优势，积极推进民族地区高质量发展和共同富裕，在中国式现代化进程中谱写畲乡景宁发展新篇章.
Next, there’s a commentary drawing on Xi’s recent speech on science and technology. It says:
“It is precisely because of the accelerated improvement of the new national system, giving full play to the role of the state as an organizer of major scientific and technological innovations and gathering strength to carry out original and leading scientific and technological research, major scientific and technological innovation achievements in China have emerged. At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is developing in depth, and the high-tech field has become the forefront and main battlefield of international competition. Although China has made great progress in the development of science and technology, the original innovation capacity is still relatively weak, with some key core technologies being controlled by others. Only by giving full play to the advantages of the new national system and resolutely winning the battle of key core technologies can we firmly grasp the lifeline of science and technology and the initiative of development in our own hands.” 正是因为加快完善新型举国体制，充分发挥国家作为重大科技创新组织者的作用，集聚力量进行原创性引领性科技攻关，我国重大科技创新成果竞相涌现。当前新一轮科技革命和产业变革深入发展，高技术领域成为国际竞争最前沿和主战场，虽然我国科技事业发展取得了长足进步，但原始创新能力还相对薄弱，一些关键核心技术受制于人。只有充分发挥新型举国体制优势，坚决打赢关键核心技术攻坚战，才能把科技命脉和发展主动权牢牢掌握在自己手中.
The next paragraph emphasises that “practice has shown that the leadership of the Party is the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and the fundamental political guarantee for the continuous advancement of science and technology innovation with Chinese characteristics. To fully leverage the advantages of the new national governance system, it is crucial to refine the system of centralized and unified leadership by the Party Central Committee over scientific and technological work, strengthen the coordination of strategic planning, policy measures, major tasks, scientific research capabilities, resource platforms, regional innovation, and other aspects, build a coordinated and efficient decision-making and command system and organizational implementation system, and gather a strong force to promote scientific and technological innovation.” 实践表明，党的领导是中国特色社会主义制度的最大优势，是中国特色科技创新事业不断前进的根本政治保证。充分发挥新型举国体制优势，关键就要完善党中央对科技工作集中统一领导的体制，加强战略规划、政策措施、重大任务、科研力量、资源平台、区域创新等方面的统筹，构建协同高效的决策指挥体系和组织实施体系，凝聚推动科技创新的强大合力.
“The next paragraph says that when it comes to innovation, the roles of the market and the government are complementary, mutually promoting, and supplementing each other. It is necessary to give full play to the decisive role of the market in allocating scientific and technological resources, better leverage the role of all aspects of the government, and mobilize the enthusiasm of all aspects of industry, academia, and research in order to form a collaborative pattern to promote breakthroughs in key core technologies. The national strategic scientific and technological forces are the backbone of science and technology. They reflect the will of the country, serve the needs of the country, and represent the level of the country’s technology. It is necessary to strengthen the construction of national strategic scientific and technological forces, optimize positioning and layout, improve the national laboratory system, and enhance the integration capacity of the national innovation system.” 创新是一个复杂的社会系统工程。充分发挥新型举国体制优势，必须把政府、市场、社会有机结合起来，科学统筹、集中力量、优化机制、协同攻关。市场作用和政府作用是相辅相成、相互促进、互为补充的，要充分发挥市场在科技资源配置中的决定性作用，更好发挥政府各方面作用，调动产学研各环节的积极性，形成共促关键核心技术攻关的工作格局。国家战略科技力量是体现国家意志、服务国家需求、代表国家水平的科技中坚力量，要加强国家战略科技力量建设，优化定位和布局，完善国家实验室体系，增强国家创新体系一体化能力.
“To achieve high-level technological self-reliance and self-strengthening, it is necessary to grasp the overall direction of current scientific and technological development, adhere to a principle of prioritizing our own capabilities and be problem-oriented and demand-oriented. It is necessary to maintain strategic focus, adhere to doing what we must do and not doing what we mustn’t (i.e., prioritise certain actions and areas while deliberately choosing not to pursue others), emphasise national strategic needs, implement scientific and technological strategic deployments in several key areas, refine and implement a batch of new major scientific and technological projects, form competitive advantages, and gain the strategic initiative.” 实现高水平科技自立自强，既要把握当今科技发展的大方向，又要坚持以我为主，突出问题导向和需求导向。要保持战略定力，坚持有所为有所不为，突出国家战略需求，在若干重要领域实施科技战略部署，凝练实施一批新的重大科技项目，形成竞争优势，赢得战略主动.
The final point is about strengthening basic research as the “foundation”. “We must improve the organization of basic research, improve the investment mechanism combining competitive support and stable support, strengthen collaborative efforts focused on major scientific issues, and encourage free exploration. Efforts should be made to propose original foundational theories, master underlying technological principles, and establish a solid foundation and base for scientific innovation.” 基础研究处于从研究到应用、再到生产的科研链条起始端，地基打得牢，科技事业大厦才能建得高，要提高基础研究组织化程度，完善竞争性支持和稳定支持相结合的投入机制，强化面向重大科学问题的协同攻关，同时鼓励自由探索，努力提出原创基础理论、掌握底层技术原理，筑牢科技创新根基和底座.
Next, there’s a long report on how Xi has led the country in writing a new chapter in reform and opening in the new era. It says that since the 18th Party Congress:
“The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has held high the great banner of reform and opening up and, with great political courage and wisdom, put forward the overall goal of comprehensively deepening reform: to improve and develop the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and to advance the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities.” 以习近平同志为核心的党中央高举改革开放伟大旗帜，以巨大的政治勇气和智慧，提出全面深化改革的总目标：完善和发展中国特色社会主义制度，推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化.
The article informs that since the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has personally presided over more than 70 meetings of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Reform Comprehensively and the Central Comprehensively Deepening Reforms Commission. 新时代以来，习近平总书记亲自主持召开70多次中央深改领导小组和中央深改委会议，部署了一系列重大改革事项，点面结合、统筹兼顾，构建起制度建设的“四梁八柱”.
Next, there’s a report on the State Council’s executive meeting. The meeting focused on three issues:
hear a report on the comprehensive advancement of the construction of a Beautiful China and the implementation of the spirit of the National Ecological Environment Protection Conference
study work on foreign capital utilisation
mull efforts to strengthen the training of skilled personnel to address structural employment issues
review and approve the ‘Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of the Nursing Team and Optimizing Nursing Services’ and the ‘Implementing Regulations of the PRC on the Protection of State Secrets (Draft Revision)’.
On the first issue, the report says:
“The meeting pointed out that since the National Ecological and Environmental Protection Conference was held, all regions and departments have taken strong actions and achieved remarkable results, and the overall ecological and environmental quality of the country has continued to improve. It is necessary to thoroughly implement the tasks deployed by the National Ecological and Environmental Protection Conference, actively promote the construction of the Beautiful China Pilot Zone, strengthen coordinated governance of pollution reduction and carbon reduction, fight the battle to protect blue skies, clear waters and clean land with higher standards, and promote ecological and environmental protection to a new level. It is necessary to strengthen policy coordination, integrate green, low-carbon, and ecological environmental protection with expanding investment and consumption, and enhancing development momentum, and promote the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.” 会议指出，全国生态环境保护大会召开以来，各地区各部门行动有力、成效明显，全国生态环境质量总体持续向好。要深入抓好全国生态环境保护大会部署任务落实，积极推进美丽中国先行区建设，加强减污降碳协同治理，以更高标准打好蓝天、碧水、净土保卫战，推动生态环境保护再上新台阶。要加强政策统筹协调，把绿色低碳、生态环保同扩大投资消费、增强发展动能更好结合起来，促进经济社会发展全面绿色转型.
“The meeting pointed out that foreign-invested enterprises play an important role in constructing the new development pattern. Efforts should be intensified to attract and utilize foreign investment, and various measures should be taken to stabilize foreign investment. In key sectors, it is necessary to deepen opening up to the outside world, implement the requirement of ‘zero restrictions’ on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, and launch new rounds of pilot measures to expand the opening up of the service industry. It is necessary to optimize policy implementation and support domestic and foreign-invested enterprises to participate in large-scale equipment renewal, government procurement, and investment. It is necessary to continue to improve the level of investment facilitation, optimize foreign investment policies in the fields of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, expand new forms and models of bonded maintenance, and further strengthen the service guarantee mechanism. It is necessary to create the ‘Invest in China’ brand, revise and release a new version of the ‘Catalogue of Industries Encouraged for Foreign Investment’, and improve the working convenience for foreign personnel.” 会议指出，外资企业在构建新发展格局中发挥重要作用，要加大力度吸引和利用外资，多措并举稳外资。要深化重点领域对外开放，落实制造业领域外资准入限制措施“清零”要求，推出新一轮服务业扩大开放试点举措。要优化政策实施，一视同仁支持内外资企业参与大规模设备更新、政府采购和投资等。要持续提升投资便利化水平，优化药品、医疗器械等领域外资政策，拓展保税维修新业态新模式，进一步强化服务保障机制. 要打造“投资中国”品牌，修订发布新版《鼓励外商投资产业目录》，提高外籍人员工作便利度.
“The meeting pointed out that strengthening the training of skilled personnel is crucial to solving structural employment contradictions and promoting high-quality full employment. It is necessary to adhere to demand orientation, enhance research on the employment market, deepen cooperation between schools and enterprises, and train more skilled personnel urgently needed by the market and enterprises. It is necessary to intensify policy support, make good use of funds such as training subsidies, strengthen employment services for key groups such as college graduates and migrant workers, give full play to the role of recruitment platforms and talent markets, and better promote the adaptation of people to jobs and supply-demand matching.” 会议指出，加强技能人才培养，对于解决结构性就业矛盾、促进高质量充分就业至关重要。要坚持需求导向，加强就业市场研究，深化校企对接合作，更多培养市场紧缺、企业急需的技能人才。要加大支持政策力度，用好培训补贴等资金，针对高校毕业生、农民工等重点人群强化就业服务，发挥招聘平台、人才市场作用，更好促进人岗适应、供需匹配.
Approving the ‘Implementing Regulations of the PRC on the Protection of State Secrets (Draft Revision), the meeting said that it is necessary to do a good job with regard to secrecy in accordance with laws and regulations, eliminate hidden dangers and plug loopholes in a timely manner, and strictly prevent the occurrence of leaks. It is necessary to carry out extensive publicity activities on the issue of secrecy and popularisation of related laws, strengthen the interpretation and guidance of regulations, and create a good atmosphere for consciously guarding state secrets.会议审议通过《中华人民共和国保守国家秘密法实施条例（修订草案）》，指出要依法依规做好保密工作，及时消除隐患、堵塞漏洞，严防失泄密案件发生。要广泛开展保密普法宣传活动，加强条例解读引导，营造自觉保守国家秘密的良好氛围.
Next, there’s a report on Zhao Leji’s comments (English report) at the NPCSC meeting, and another report on Wang Huning’s comments (English report) at the 21st Chairman's Meeting of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC.
As per Xinhua: “Zhao called on deputies to people's congresses to fully leverage their professional expertise, and learn about people's thoughts and expectations through inspection, research, discussions, and visits, thus promoting the solution of prominent issues of public concern in accordance with the law. He also urged them to select key issues for in-depth research based on the industries they are engaged in or familiar with, and put forward valuable suggestions when participating in related work.”
Wang called on advisors to:
do more research, deliver more suggestions and build consensus for the country's innovation-driven development and its strength in science and technology.
conduct thorough studies and actively deliver suggestions on creating a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and promoting high-quality development in ethnic minority areas.
provide more suggestions from national political advisors regarding exchanges, cooperation and integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. He asked them to work harder to facilitate the promotion of Chinese culture and the forging of closer bond between compatriots through joint efforts of the two sides of the Strait.
Page 3: There is an interview with Pakistani politician Mushahid Hussain, who is a recipient of the Chinese Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Friendship Award. He was awarded in 2015. Hussain says that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence “have always been a diplomatic principle that China has firmly implemented.” He adds that China and Pakistan “are models of practising the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.” 穆沙希德·侯赛因表示，自提出以来，和平共处五项原则一直是中国坚定贯彻的外交准则。巴中关系自两国建交以来不断发展深化，双方是践行和平共处五项原则的典范. (PS: I thank Mr. Hussain for affording me a guffaw early in the morning.)
He also talks about CPEC. He says that since it was implemented, “from 2013 to 2023, the corridor has brought a total of $25.4 billion in direct investment, 236,000 jobs, 510 kilometers of highways, 8,020 megawatts of electricity and 886 kilometers of core transmission networks across Pakistan…” 穆沙希德·侯赛因介绍，2013年至2023年，走廊累计为巴基斯坦带来254亿美元直接投资、23.6万个就业岗位、510公里高速公路、8020兆瓦电力和886公里核心输电网，为巴基斯坦经济社会发展注入强劲动能.
A couple of other reports to note. First, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. Xinhua says:
“China stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and push for new advance in the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, said Wang. Vietnam always regards China as the top priority and strategic choice of Vietnam's foreign policy, Bui Thanh Son noted, adding that Vietnam firmly pursues the one-China policy, firmly opposes "Taiwan independence," and opposes interference by external forces in China's internal affairs. Vietnam is willing to work with China to strengthen exchanges at all levels and cooperation in various fields, and jointly advance the cause of socialist construction, he said, adding that Vietnam is willing to actively participate in a series of global initiatives proposed by China.”
Second, there’s a report on the 2024 China-Türkiye Ruling Party Governance Exchange Mechanism Strategic Dialogue, which was held on Wednesday. ILD Chief Liu Jianchao and Efkan Ala, first deputy chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) of Türkiye, spoke at the event. Xinhua reports:
Liu said that “the CPC is ready to work with the AK Party to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, respect each other's core concerns, deepen the exchange of experience in governance, accelerate the alignment of China's Belt and Road Initiative and Türkiye's Middle Corridor Initiative, promote the relations between the two sides, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. Ala said that Türkiye looks forward to deepening inter-party exchanges with the CPC to enhance bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, energy, tourism and other fields, and strengthen the alignment of development strategies to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.”
Finally, there’s a brief report on Liu Jianchao’s visit to Bangladesh. Prior to visiting Bangladesh, Liu had visited Pakistan. I’ll do a brief round-up of both those visits below.
The readouts of his visit to Pakistan inform:
In his first meeting with a cross-section of society, Liu stressed that:
“both sides agree that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and that the China-Pakistan friendship is unbreakable. Both sides should jointly implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns; strengthen inter-party exchanges and deepen the sharing and mutual learning of governance experiences; expand academic, strategic, and civil society exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust; strengthen media cooperation to effectively counter false statements about China-Pakistan relations and create a favourable public opinion environment for China-Pakistan friendship; advance the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields; strengthen coordination and cooperation at multilateral forums, jointly implement the three major global initiatives, and work together to safeguard regional and global peace, stability, development, and prosperity. 双方一致认为，中国和巴基斯坦是全天候战略合作伙伴，中巴友谊牢不可破。双方应共同落实好习近平主席和夏巴兹总理达成的重要共识，在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定相互支持；加强政党交往，深化治国理政经验交流互鉴；扩大学界战略界和民间往来，增进相互了解和信任；加强媒体合作，有效应对中巴关系不实言论，为中巴友好创造良好舆论氛围；高质量推进中巴经济走廊建设，深化各领域务实合作；加强多边协调配合，携手落实三大全球倡议，共同维护地区和世界和平稳定与发展繁荣.
Liu met with Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister. Liu told him that “China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen strategic mutual trust, firmly safeguard each other's core interests, promote the high-quality joint construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, strengthen practical cooperation in infrastructure construction, economy and trade, agriculture and other fields, expand cultural exchanges, deepen anti-terrorism and security cooperation, and promote the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.”中方愿同巴方共同落实好两国领导人达成的重要共识，深化战略互信，坚定维护彼此核心利益，推动高质量共建中巴经济走廊走实走深，加强基础设施建设、经贸、农业等领域务实合作，扩大人文交流，深化反恐安全合作，推动构建新时代更加紧密的中巴命运共同体. Dar reportedly told him that “Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and fully supports the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping. Pakistan will work with China to fully promote the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the framework of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, resolutely combat terrorism, and take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan.” 巴基斯坦坚定奉行一个中国原则，全力支持习近平主席提出的三大全球倡议。巴方将同中方在共建“一带一路”框架下全力推进中巴经济走廊建设，坚决打击恐怖主义，采取有效举措确保中方在巴人员和机构安全。
Liu met with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, although the report has no details.
He also met with PM Shehbaz Sharif; Dar and Munir were also present for this discussion.
The Pakistani leader told him that “Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China's position on core interests such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea, and fully supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.” 巴方坚定奉行一个中国原则，坚定支持中国在台湾、涉藏、涉疆、南海等核心利益问题上的立场，全力支持习近平主席提出的三大全球倡议等重大主张. Pakistan hopes to learn from China's development experience and promote the country's transformation. Pakistan expresses deep condolences for the casualties of Chinese personnel caused by the terrorist attack in March this year. The Pakistani government and the military have worked together to bring the terrorists involved to justice. They will resolutely combat terrorism and take all effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan. Pakistan hopes to comprehensively strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure construction, agriculture, finance, education, and cultural exchanges, attract more Chinese companies to invest and set up bases in Pakistan, and promote greater development of Pakistan-China relations. Pakistani political parties have different opinions on many issues, but they are highly united in their commitment to developing friendship with China and hope to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Communist Party of China.” 巴方希学习借鉴中国发展经验，推动国家实现转型。巴方对今年3月恐袭事件造成中方人员伤亡表示深切哀悼，巴政府与军方通力合作，已将涉案恐怖分子绳之于法，将坚决打击恐怖主义，采取一切有效措施确保在巴中方人员的安全。巴方希同中方全面加强基础设施建设、农业、金融、教育、人文等各领域合作，吸引更多中国企业来巴投资兴业，推动巴中关系实现更大发展。巴各政党在很多问题上意见不一，但在发展对华友好上高度一致，希同中国共产党加强交流合作.
Liu told him that China has “always given priority to China-Pakistan relations, and appreciates Pakistan's firm adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support for China on issues involving China's core interests and major concerns. It will firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly support Pakistan's unity, stability, development and prosperity.” 中巴友好历久弥坚，中方始终从战略高度和长远角度看待中巴全天候战略合作伙伴关系，始终将中巴关系置于优先位置，赞赏巴坚定奉行一个中国原则，在涉及中国核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定支持中国，将坚定支持巴维护主权和领土完整，坚定支持巴团结稳定、发展繁荣.
CPEC “is a flagship project of BRI and is of great significance. China is willing to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan, expand exchanges between media, think tanks and youth, enhance mutual understanding and trust among the people, make China-Pakistan friendship more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and promote the development of bilateral relations.” 中巴经济走廊是共建“一带一路”旗舰项目，意义重大。中方愿同巴方加强反恐合作，扩大媒体、智库、青年交流，增进人民相互了解与信任，让中巴友好更深入人心，促进两国关系发展.
Finally, Liu met with a cross-section of Pakistani political parties.
“Chinese and Pakistani political parties should strengthen exchanges in governance experience, take the lead in deepening the docking of development strategies, build a platform for pragmatic cooperation between the two sides, bridge the gap between local and enterprise cooperation, promote exchanges among the youth, media, think tanks and at sub-national levels, and guide the people to enhance mutual understanding, so that China-Pakistan friendship can be passed down from generation to generation. The International Department of the CPC Central Committee is willing to invite more Pakistani political parties, youth representatives and media personnel to visit China to promote exchanges between Chinese and Pakistani political parties and people. Liu Jianchao said that CPEC has a special status and serves as a link and model of cooperation between the two countries. China and Pakistan should adhere to extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits to strengthen political consensus, improve the business environment, and consolidate security consensus, focus on the construction of the people's livelihood corridor to enhance social consensus, strengthen media cooperation to create public opinion consensus, promote the high-quality joint construction of CPEC in a deeper and more practical manner, aiding Pakistan's economic and social development.” 中巴政党要加强治国理政经验交流，为深化两国发展战略对接做引领，为双方务实合作搭建平台，为地方和企业合作牵线搭桥，推动两国青年、媒体、智库和地方交流，引导民众增进相互认知，让中巴友谊世代传承。中联部愿邀请更多巴政党、青年代表和媒体人士访华，促进中巴政党交流和人民交往。刘建超表示，中巴经济走廊地位特殊，是两国合作的纽带和典范。中巴双方要坚持共商共建共享强化政治共识，推动营商环境改善凝聚安全共识，聚焦民生走廊建设增强社会共识，加强媒体合作营造舆论共识，推动高质量共建中巴经济走廊走深走实，助力巴基斯坦经济社会发展.
Now to Bangladesh, where Liu visited the Padma Bridge and the Rail Link Project in Bangladesh. He also visited the factory of Utah Group, the largest garment-producing factory in Bangladesh, which has “extensive cooperation with Chinese companies in fabric imports and finished product exports”. As part of his outreach, Liu also attended the donation activity of the ‘China-Bangladesh Healthy Children Initiative: Strengthening Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity.’ This was held by the Jamia Islamia Arabia Madrasa and Orphanage in Bhashantek.
Next, Liu met with Foreign Minister Muhammad Hasan Mahmud. Liu told him that:
“China-Bangladesh relations are based not only on broad interests, but also on common values and goals. China is willing to work with Bangladesh to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen high-level exchanges, strengthen the docking of development strategies under the framework of BRI and South-South cooperation, promote practical cooperation in various fields, expand cultural exchanges, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, strengthen coordination and cooperation at multilateral forums, promote the China-Bangladesh strategic partnership to a new level, and jointly maintain regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. Liu Jianchao said that the Communist Party of China has maintained long-term friendly exchanges with the Awami League, which has played an important role in promoting the development of bilateral relations. As the ruling parties of both countries, both sides should strengthen interactions, enhance strategic communication, and deepen the exchange and mutual learning of party and state governance experiences. This will better promote the development of each party and the advancement of national endeavours.” 中孟关系既建立在广泛利益基础上，更建立在共同价值观和目标追求上。中方愿同孟方共同落实好两国领导人达成的重要共识，密切高层交往，在共建“一带一路”和南南合作框架下加强发展战略对接，推进各领域务实合作，扩大人文交流，在涉及彼此核心利益问题上继续坚定相互支持，密切多边事务协调配合，推动中孟战略合作伙伴关系迈上新台阶，共同维护地区和平稳定与发展繁荣。刘建超表示，中国共产党同人盟保持长期友好往来，为促进两国关系发展发挥了重要作用。作为两国执政党，双方应加强交往，密切战略沟通，深化治党治国经验交流互鉴，更好促进各自党和国家事业发展.
Muhammad said that “Bangladesh regards China as one of its most important development partners and is willing to continue strengthening high-level exchanges with China, expanding cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural product imports and exports. Bangladesh also welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country. The Awami League values its friendly relations with the Communist Party of China and hopes to strengthen inter-party exchanges, learn from the CPC's experiences in governance, enhance its own governance capabilities, and further consolidate the friendly relations between the two parties and the two countries.” 哈西娜总理继承父亲遗志，继续推动孟中友好。孟加拉国视中国为最重要的发展伙伴之一，愿同中方继续加强高层往来，拓展基础设施建设、医药、农产品进出口等领域合作，欢迎更多中国企业来孟投资兴业。人盟珍视同中国共产党的友好关系，希加强两党交往，学习借鉴中共治国理政经验，提升执政能力，进一步巩固两党两国友好关系.
Next, there’s a report on Liu’s meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina told him that:
“The current international situation is turbulent, yet Southeast Asia and South Asia maintain a rare state of peace. Bangladesh follows the foreign policy proposed by its founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, of ‘Friendship to all, malice towards none’, aiming to have friendly relations with all countries, especially to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with China to enhance the well-being of the peoples of both nations. The Awami League highly values its relationship with the Communist Party of China and is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges, especially among the youth, learn from the CPC's governance experiences, and promote the development of bilateral relations.” 当前国际局势动荡，东南亚和南亚保持难得的和平局面。孟加拉奉行国父拉赫曼提出的“友及天下、不树一敌”的对外政策，希与各国友好相处，特别是同中国加强全面合作，增进两国人民福祉。人盟高度重视同中国共产党的关系，愿加强两党交往特别是青年之间的交流，学习借鉴中共治国理政经验，推动两国关系发展.
Liu told her that:
“China and Bangladesh have similar historical experiences and uphold similar foreign policies, values and development concepts. China is willing to work with Bangladesh to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote the in-depth docking of BRI with Bangladesh's ‘Smart Bangladesh’ strategy, and promote greater development of bilateral relations…The Communist Party of China is willing to strengthen institutionalised exchanges with the Awami League, strengthen exchanges of experience in governance on issues such as party building and anti-corruption, and play an active role in the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations and the smooth realisation of their respective national development visions. At present, China is comprehensively promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development, which will bring new opportunities to all countries. China is willing to strengthen cooperation in various fields with Bangladesh to inject strong impetus into the development of China-Bangladesh relations. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.” 中孟具有相似的历史经历，秉持相近的对外政策、价值观和发展理念。中方愿同孟方共同落实好两国领导人达成的重要共识，推动共建“一带一路”倡议与孟“智慧孟加拉”战略深入对接，推动两国关系取得更大发展。刘建超表示，中国共产党和人盟同为执政党，都致力于为人民服务、推动国家发展。中国共产党愿同人盟加强机制化交往，就党的建设、反腐败等议题加强治国理政经验交流，为两国关系健康稳定发展、顺利实现各自国家发展愿景发挥积极作用。当前中国正以高质量发展全面推进中国式现代化，将为各国带来新的机遇。中方愿同孟方加强各领域合作，为中孟关系发展注入强劲动力。双方还就共同关心的国际和地区问题交换意见.
In addition, Liu also attended a dialogue with a cross-section of Bangladeshi political parties and met with President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Page 4: There’s a report on Minister of Public Security Wagn Xiaohong visiting a local school in Beijing to observe drug-control policies and propaganda. He stresses that “drug control is related to national security, national prosperity and decline, and people's well-being.” He also said that drug control work had thus far achieved “remarkable results”.
But the report adds:
“He emphasised the need to maintain a strict and high-pressure stance against drug crimes, intensify drug control efforts, and deepen the governance of new types of drugs. The anti-drug work should be carried out resolutely and thoroughly as always. It is necessary to adopt precise policies and comprehensive measures, adhere to collective efforts and community-based prevention and control, innovate anti-drug work mechanisms, improve the anti-drug governance system, and continuously enhance the capability of drug control governance. Adhere to the principle of prevention and education first, starting with youth and educating the broader population, promoting comprehensive anti-drug campaigns across all sectors of society. Efforts should focus on enhancing awareness and resistance capabilities against drugs, particularly among youth.” 他强调，要始终保持对毒品犯罪严打高压态势，加大毒品管控力度，深化新型毒品治理，一如既往、坚决彻底地把禁毒工作深入进行下去。要坚持精准施策、综合施治，坚持群策群力、群防群治，创新禁毒工作机制，完善禁毒治理体系，不断提升禁毒治理能力水平。要坚持预防为本、教育为先，坚持从青少年抓起，从广大人民群众教育和防范抓起，广泛开展覆盖全社会各领域的禁毒宣传教育，着力提高全民特别是青少年识毒防毒拒毒意识和能力.
Next, there’s a report on the General Office of the State Council issuing a document titled ‘Several Policy Measures to Promote the High-Quality Development of Venture Capital’.
Li Chunlin, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said that the guideline offers comprehensive policy measures for all aspects of venture capital, including raising funds, investing and managing. Li said that the NDRC will also take multiple measures to enhance the ability of venture capital institutions to raise long-term and stable funds for the development of new productive forces and to serve the real economy.
Developing VC is a key step to promoting the virtuous cycle of technology, industry and finance, said Li…With the typical characteristics of investing early, investing small and investing in hard technologies, VC is important in supporting the rapid growth of "little giant" firms and unicorn companies…”
“Official data shows that China has incubated 12,000 ‘little giants’ and boasts a total of 369 unicorn companies, or startups valued at more than one billion U.S. dollars. According to the measures, efforts will be made to encourage long-term funds such as insurance funds to flow into VC, support asset managers to expand investment in VC and enrich VC fund types. A mechanism to connect VC with innovative and entrepreneurial projects will be established to provide VC institutions with a number of high-quality projects that are in line with the national development direction and strategic orientation. The country will promote patent industrialization to support the growth of SMEs, continue to implement preferential tax policies for VC enterprises, implement differentiated regulation in line with the characteristics of VC funds, and expand the opening up of VC investment in an orderly way. Efforts will be made to broaden the exit channels and optimize the exit policy of VC funds.”
CSRC’s Wu Meng informed that by the end of the first quarter of this year, there were 12,500 private equity and venture capital fund managers registered with the China Asset Management Association, managing 55,000 funds with total capital of 14 trillion yuan. Among them, there are 104,000 investment projects in key scientific and technological innovation fields such as information technology, semiconductors and biomedicine, with investment capital of 4.6 trillion yuan.
Wu added that the CSRC will continue to maintain smooth overseas listing channels, noting that since the implementation of trial regulations for Chinese firms' overseas listing in March 2023, a total of 158 companies have completed registration for overseas listings, of which 85 are listed in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and 73 are listed in the US.
As per SASAC’s Wang Hailin, “as of now, central enterprises have managed a total of 126 venture capital funds with a subscribed capital scale of 52.9 billion yuan, of which 31.3 billion yuan has been invested, mainly in advanced manufacturing, energy, electronics, and other fields.”
Page 10: There’s an interesting article by Liu Faqing, Secretary-General of National Defense Mobilization Commission of the CMC, writing about national defense education. Given the paucity of time today, I’ll do a detailed breakdown of this piece over the weekend. It sounds very interesting and I want to give it the time required.
Page 17: There’s a Zhong Sheng article attacking the Philippines for bearing the “unshirkable responsibility for the tense situation in the South China Sea”. It argues that the Philippines has been “stirring up trouble in the South China Sea and frequently provoking incidents, causing serious harm to regional peace, stability, prosperity and development.”
The article says that “recently, the Philippine government secretly reinforced a dilapidated warship moored at Ren’ai Reef, under the guise of providing ‘humanitarian supplies’. The Philippines illegally intruded into the waters of the Ren'ai Reef without China's permission, violating international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This was a purely unreasonable provocation. Philippine vessels not only carried construction materials but also smuggled weapons and equipment. They deliberately rammed Chinese vessels, and Philippine personnel even splashed water and threw objects at Chinese law enforcement personnel. These actions have significantly escalated tensions at sea and posed a serious threat to the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels. China has taken necessary measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its own sovereignty, which are lawful, legitimate, professional, restrained, and beyond reproach.” 菲律宾未经中方允许非法侵闯仁爱礁海域，违反国际法，违背《南海各方行为宣言》精神，纯属无理挑衅。菲方船只不仅夹带建筑材料，还偷运武器装备，故意冲撞中方船只，菲人员还对中方执法人员泼水、投掷物品等，有关做法明显加剧海上紧张局势、严重威胁中方人员和船只安全。中方依法采取必要措施维护自身主权合法合理，专业克制，无可非议.
The article argues that contrary to earlier commitments, 25 years have passed and Manila has “failed to fulfil its promise to tow the warship away.” Instead, it has “attempted to transport construction materials for large-scale repair and reinforcement of the warship in order to build permanent facilities on Ren'ai Reef. The perfidy (背信弃义) of and stirring of trouble and provocation by the Philippines side has not only violated the understanding reached between China and the Philippines on the control of the Ren'ai Reef issue, but also violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, especially Article 5, concerning refraining from inhabiting uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, and sands The Philippines bears unshirkable responsibility for the recent tensions in the South China Sea. 但25年过去了，菲方不仅未履行承诺把军舰拖走，还企图运送用于大规模维修加固军舰的建筑物资，以期在仁爱礁上建设永久设施。菲方背信弃义、滋事挑衅，不仅违背中菲就管控仁爱礁问题达成的谅解，也违背《南海各方行为宣言》，特别是第五条关于不在无人居住的岛、礁、滩、沙上采取居住行动的规定，菲方对近期南海局势紧张负有不可推卸的责任.
The next bit talks about China’s historical claims in the South China Sea, saying that these are “generally recognized by the international community”. I guess the author hasn’t heard about the Hague tribunal verdict. Anyway, I am not interested in this.
Following this, the article argues that:
‘The Philippine side, in collaboration with extra-regional forces, has been continuously stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, frequently provoking incidents, causing serious harm to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. The United States, driven by geopolitical self-interest, is supporting and cooperating with the Philippines side's illegal actions, using the South China Sea issue to sow discord between China and regional countries, playing an extremely disgraceful role. Anyone with a discerning eye can see clearly who the Philippines' current foreign policy serves and who its maritime operations serve. Some analyses have pointed out that in order to safeguard its interests in the Asia-Pacific region, the US is turning the Philippines into a ‘neo-colony’, manipulating it to provoke incidents in the South China Sea and intervene in regional affairs in order to contain China and maintain global hegemony. In colluding with extra-regional forces, the Philippines side is willingly becoming a ‘pawn’ in containing China; it will eventually end up being a discarded piece in this game of chess.” 菲方伙同域外势力不断在南海兴风作浪，频频挑起事端，对地区和平稳定、繁荣发展造成严重危害。美国出于地缘政治私利，支持配合菲方的侵权行径，利用南海问题挑拨中国与地区国家关系，扮演了极不光彩的角色。当前菲律宾外交政策为谁服务，海上行动为谁卖命，明眼人看得很清楚。有分析指出，美国为维护自己在亚太地区的利益，正把菲律宾变成一个“新殖民地”，操控其挑动南海事端、介入地区事务，以遏制中国、维护全球霸权。菲方与域外势力沆瀣一气，甘做遏华“棋子”，终将成为“弃子”.
The final paragraph calls on Manila to “return to the track of abiding by and implementing the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as soon as possible, and work with China to maintain the overall situation of bilateral relations and peace and stability in the South China Sea.”