Xi Meets Visiting Leaders - China-Pakistan Joint Statement - Xi Jinping Thought's Global Impact - Common Prosperity Commentary
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy from the Monday, February 07, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Pages 1 & 2: Today’s front page is all about Xi Jinping. There’s a long feature piece about the impact of Xi Jinping Thought on the world. This runs onto all of the third page. The rest of the page is about Xi’s meetings with the different world leaders visiting China for the Beijing Olympics. The reports of meetings and joint statements run through the second page also.
I am linking English readouts of the meetings for those interested, with brief excerpts of what I found interesting. I’ll quickly run through the meetings and relevant joint statements before coming to the Xi Thought piece. One caveat: In each of these conversations, BRI and pandemic-related cooperation are mentioned. I may or may not have included that bit in my excerpts below.
Also, if you’d like my breakdown of the China-Russia joint statement, that’s available in our weekly Eye on China newsletter here.
The leaders covered today are:
Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene: Xi said that “China is willing to maintain high-level communication with Mongolia and deepen exchanges on governance experience. The country is ready to provide support and assistance to Mongolia in combating the pandemic, boosting the economy and improving people's livelihood. The two sides should uphold true multilateralism, safeguard international fairness and justice, and protect regional peace and stability…Oyun-Erdene said that Mongolia is willing to board the express train of China's development, deepen cooperation with China, and make the bilateral relations a model of relations between neighboring countries as well as in international relations.” The two sides also issued a joint statement.
Singaporean President Halimah Yacob: Xi said: “Both countries should deepen cooperation in green development and strengthen cooperation in fields such as digital economy, smart cities and sci-tech innovation. They should foster new growth points of cooperation to inject new momentum into their respective development, Xi said. China and Singapore should set an example for jointly pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and enhance the role of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in supporting regional industry and supply chains.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda: “Xi said the two sides should respect and accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, step up communication on major international issues, firmly uphold the international system and basic norms governing international relations, and safeguard the common interests of all members of the international community. Xi said China is ready to take an active part in the logistics hub construction of Poland and help Poland become a key node in the China-Europe supply and industrial chains. China will continue to import more Polish agricultural and food products and other high-quality goods and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Poland, Xi said, adding that he believes Poland will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises. Xi said China stands ready to work with Poland to establish a China-Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) wholesale market for agricultural products in Poland and make it a flagship project of China-CEEC cooperation at an early date.”
Argentine President Alberto Fernández: China is willing to share development opportunities with Argentina and help Argentina increase exports and promote industrial upgrade, he said. Calling for implementing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said the two sides should deepen cooperation in the fields including trade, agriculture, energy and mining, infrastructure, investment and financing as well as pandemic response. He also proposed to cultivate new growth points of cooperation in digital economy and green development.
The two slides also signed a joint statement. In the document, the Argentine side backs the one-China principle, while Beijing says that it supports Argentina’s position on the Malvinas Islands (Falklands Islands) issue. The statement also talks about “strategic cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Also, “the two sides also signed cooperation documents in the fields of green development, digital economy, aerospace, Beidou navigation, technological innovation, education and education cooperation, agriculture, earth science, media, and nuclear medicine.” Reuters’ report captures some other details well.
“China and Argentina pledged on Sunday to deepen strategic cooperation on trade, currency and the infrastructure-focused Belt and Road Initiative, the government and state media said after a meeting of presidents Xi Jinping and Alberto Fernandez. The leaders, who met on the sidelines of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, agreed on a five-year plan for agricultural cooperation and identified key areas to grow and diversify trade and investment in the sector…The two also signed a memorandum of understanding related to China's signature Belt and Road initiative, a platform for Chinese investment in railways, ports and highways worldwide. "This strategic decision will allow the national government to sign different agreements that guarantee financing for investments and works for more than $23.7 billion," Argentina's government said. The Chinese side did not give such a figure.”
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov: “China is willing to increase its import of high-quality green agricultural and sideline products from Kyrgyzstan, speed up advancing key cooperation projects, and support the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. He also voiced China's willingness to expand cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in areas such as healthcare, poverty alleviation, vocational education, women and youth affairs. Zhaparov expressed the Kyrgyz side's firm support for China in safeguarding its core interests on issues involving Xinjiang, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The Kyrgyz president noted the country is willing to work closely with China to make the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway a flagship project in the Belt and Road cooperation.” The joint statement between the two sides is published on Page 2.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan: “Xi stressed that the strategic significance of China-Pakistan relations is getting more prominent since the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation. China and Pakistan should carry forward the tradition of mutual trust, mutual assistance and cooperation, and carry out more extensive and in-depth strategic cooperation, Xi said. China firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, dignity and fighting terrorism, said Xi, adding China is willing to join hands with Pakistan to push forward the in-depth development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and ensure the implementation of key projects. He expressed China's willingness to work with Pakistan to expand cooperation in the fields such as science and technology, agriculture and people's wellbeing, build a green, healthy and digital corridor, and support Pakistan's industrialization to enhance its sustainable development capability. Xi said that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Pakistan on multilateral platforms including the United Nations, to safeguard world and regional peace and stability, and actively translate the Global Development Initiative into concrete actions.”
Khan also invited Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan. No timeline for that yet. In addition, he met with Premier Li Keqiang, and the two foreign ministers also met. The two sides also issued a lengthy joint statement. Here are some excerpts from that document:
“During their interactions, the leaders of the two countries held in-depth exchange of views on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional situation and international political landscape. The meetings were marked by traditional warmth, strategic mutual trust and commonality of views that characterize the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
“The Pakistan side underscored that Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy and that closest friendship with China enjoys the abiding support of the people of Pakistan. Both sides reiterated their support on issues concerning each other's core interests. The Pakistan side expressed its commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and security, as well as promoting its socio-economic development and prosperity.” (Quick thought: Interesting that this is missing the term territorial integrity.)
There is a lot in there about CPEC: “The leaders agreed to task the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to strengthen cooperation across all areas including in the fields of trade, infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture modernization, scientific and technological cooperation and socio-economic well-being of local people. Noting close bilateral cooperation in the areas of health, environment and ICT, the two sides agreed to launch the China-Pakistan health, industry, trade, green and digital corridors. The two sides highlighted the significance of Gwadar as a central pillar of CPEC and important node in regional connectivity.”
Also this: “Both sides expressed their strong determination to safeguard CPEC from all threats and negative propaganda. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to making all-out efforts for the security of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan and the Chinese side expressed its appreciation for the measures taken by Pakistan in this regard.”
On regional security: “China recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both sides reiterated that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia is in the common interest of all parties. They emphasized the importance of pursuit of dialogue and resolution of all outstanding disputes to promote regional cooperation and advance the goals of lasting peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region. The Pakistan side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments on the situation in Jammu & Kashmir, including its concerns, position and pressing issues at the moment. The Chinese side reiterated that the Kashmir issue was a dispute left from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation. On Afghanistan, the two sides agreed that a peaceful, stable, united, safe, and secure Afghanistan is fundamental for prosperity and progress in the region. They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of two Foreign Ministers' meetings of the six neighboring countries on Afghanistan and looked forward to its next meeting to be held in China. They are ready to discuss with Afghanistan the holding of the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Dialogue.” (Quick thought: How do you have a foreign ministers’ dialogue when you don’t officially recognize a government?)
Some other noteworthy meetings over the past few days:
Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates: “China also stands ready to deepen cooperation with the UAE to fight COVID-19, Xi said, adding that China will actively participate in major development projects of the UAE and expand their cooperation in fields including new and renewable energy, space and aviation. The crown prince said strengthening the relationship with China is a top priority for the UAE's foreign policy, noting that the UAE will remain committed to consolidating and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with China.”
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso: The two sides agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic: Xi said that “cooperation with Serbia is at the forefront of China's cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries…the Chinese side firmly supports the people of Serbia in pursuing a development path they have chosen independently…the two should also work toward greater progress in cooperation projects including the Hungary-Serbia railway…In terms of multilateral international cooperation, Xi said China is willing to work jointly with Serbia in defending the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core and the international order based on international law…Vucic said that Serbia is a true friend of China, and the Serbian side respects China and admires its leadership, adding that no matter what pressure or hardships lie ahead, the ironclad friendship between the two will stay strong. He also noted that on issues such as Xinjiang and Taiwan that involve China's core interests, the Serbian side will stand on the Chinese people's side as always.”
Page 3: Let’s now get to the long Xi Thought piece. The title is: A strong voice of the times that stirs the continents and the oceans: Commentary on the worldwide contribution of Xi Jinping Thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era - 激荡五洲四海的时代强音——习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的世界性贡献述评.
Some excerpts:
Over the past nine years and more, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China, which has adhered to its own path, has developed in a coordinated manner in terms of material civilization, political civilization, spiritual civilization, social civilization and ecological civilization. Amid profound changes unseen in the world in a century, the advantages of the Chinese path of modernization have become more evident, and the new forms of civilization established by the Chinese people have gained greater prominence, writing a new chapter in human civilization. This is a new form of civilization formed in the course of advancing the great social revolution, expanding the path for developing countries to achieve modernization and reshaping the pattern of human civilization. 九年多来，在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想指引下，坚持走自己的路的中国，物质文明、政治文明、精神文明、社会文明、生态文明协调发展。在世界百年未有之大变局中，中国式现代化道路优势愈加彰显，中国人民创造的文明新形态光芒愈发夺目，书写出人类文明新的篇章。这是在不断推进伟大社会革命中形成，拓展发展中国家走向现代化途径、重塑人类文明格局的文明新形态——
Looking back through the mist of the past, when Western countries were the first to board the train of modernisation and when European and American powers opened the doors of other countries with strong ships and guns, the argument of ‘advanced civilization,’ ‘backward civilization’ and the myth of ‘modernization is Westernization’ began spread across the earth. Amidst all kinds of conflicts and disputes, General Secretary Xi Jinping has looked at the great history of China’s development, the great pattern of changes in the world, and the great trend of human development, and profoundly grasping the laws of historical development, he has demonstrated the historical foresight and confidence of Marxist politicians and strategists to argue that: ‘Modernization is not a question of there being just one choice. The diversity of historical conditions determines the diversity of development paths chosen by countries…Every country’s effort to independently explore a path of modernization that suits its national conditions should be respected.’ History has repeatedly proved that no nation or country can become strong and revitalized by relying on external forces, copying foreign models and following the lead of others. This will end in either failure or one becoming a vassal of others. Taking one’s own path is a historical conclusion drawn by the hard struggle of the Party and the people. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people, with firm confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture, have overcome numerous obstacles and all kinds of interference, completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects on time, and embarked on a new journey to fully build a modern socialist country…China’s ever-broadening path has lent vigour and vitality to scientific socialism in China. This has not only ended the “end of history” thesis but has also deeply inspired and greatly encouraged people in other developing countries. The increasingly dazzling new forms of human civilization have enabled the ancient civilization in the east to stand proudly on the world stage, profoundly reshaping the pattern and trend of the development of human civilization. This is a new path of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, transcending the old logic of expansion and plunder and that ‘a country is bound to seek hegemony once it becomes powerful’.
回望历史烟云，当西方国家率先登上现代化列车，当欧美列强用坚船利炮打开别国大门，所谓“先进文明”“落后文明”的论调、“现代化就是西方化”的迷思，就开始笼罩在地球上空。面对各式交锋与争论，习近平总书记放眼中国发展大历史、世界变化大格局、人类发展大潮流，在对历史规律的深刻把握中，展现出马克思主义政治家、战略家的历史远见与自信：“现代化不是单选题。历史条件的多样性，决定了各国选择发展道路的多样性。”“每个国家自主探索符合本国国情的现代化道路的努力都应该受到尊重。”历史反复证明，没有一个民族、一个国家可以通过依赖外部力量、照搬外国模式、跟在他人后面亦步亦趋实现强大和振兴。那样做的结果，不是必然遭遇失败，就是必然成为他人的附庸。走自己的路，是党和人民艰辛奋斗得出的历史结论。在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，中国人民以坚定的道路自信、理论自信、制度自信、文化自信，排除种种干扰、战胜重重险阻，如期全面建成小康社会，开启全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程...越走越宽广的中国道路，让科学社会主义在中国焕发勃勃生机，在终结了“历史终结论”的同时，也深刻启迪和极大鼓舞着发展中国家人民；愈来愈耀眼的人类文明新形态，让古老的东方文明以充满活力的雄健姿态屹立于世界舞台，深刻重塑着人类文明发展的格局与趋势。这是走和平发展、合作共赢新路，超越扩张掠夺、“国强必霸”旧逻辑的文明新形态——
The article then talks about the development of the Mombasa port in Kenya and Xi’s engagement with African and Latin American leaders, underscoring the point that unlike the West, whose development was dependent on the “law of the jungle” and achieved through “expansion and plunder”, “China's modernization has never exported colonialism, war and conflict, and was completely promoted in a peaceful, cooperative and win-win way, completely rewriting the old narrative of the rise of great powers. Reality reflects history, and history enlightens the future. ‘Not with horses and spears, but with camels and goodwill; didn’t rely on gunboats but cargo ships and friendship’ … For the vast number of developing countries that have been bullied and oppressed by western powers, China is offering a rich and precious and brand-new ‘harmonious’ civilisation. It is a new form of civilization that carries out innovative practices, accumulates fresh experience, and contributes Chinese solutions to meet the common challenges of mankind. China’s modernization is not a copy of western modernization. It is both a historical choice and an inevitable trend of the times. More than 1.4 billion people, 9.6 million square kilometers of land...Such a ‘super-scale’ modernization is far beyond the ‘tens of million level’ modernization of the UK and the ‘hundreds-million-level’ modernization of the US; there is no ready-made experience that is applicable. It took several decades to complete the industrialization process that western developed countries took several hundred years to complete. Such modernization is unparalleled in human history.” –– Just to note: The quote here about camels and cargo ships is from Xi’s BRI speech in 2017.
与通过对外扩张掠夺完成原始积累、长期沿袭“弱肉强食”“丛林法则”定式的西方现代化老路不同，中国的现代化，从不输出殖民、战争和冲突，完全以和平、合作与共赢方式推进，彻底改写着大国崛起的陈旧叙事。现实映照历史，历史启迪未来。“使用的不是战马和长矛，而是驼队和善意；依靠的不是坚船和利炮，而是宝船和友谊……”对于曾备受西方列强欺凌压迫的广大发展中国家而言，中国所展现的，是厚重而又崭新的“和合”文明。这是为应对人类共同挑战开展创新实践、积累新鲜经验、贡献中国方案的文明新形态——中国现代化不是西方现代化的“翻版”，这既是历史选择，也是时代必然。14亿多人口的体量，960万平方公里的土地……如此“超大规模”的现代化，远非英国现代化的“千万级”、美国现代化的“上亿级”所能及，并没有现成经验可搬；用几十年时间完成西方发达国家几百年完成的工业化历程，高度“时空压缩”的现代化，在人类历史上绝无仅有；
The piece then talks about Xi’s views on unilateralism and protectionism, the importance of BRI, the establishment of the import expo, China’s construction of free trade ports and its contribution to the global economy. Then this point I thought was interesting:
“There was a time when the right to speak with regard to global economic governance was firmly held in the hands of some Western countries. If they wanted to obtain international aid or loans, developing countries not only had to go through various hurdles, but also had to agree to harsh political conditions…” This precedes the piece’s discussion on the establishment of the AIIB, with a quote from Xi Jinping that the bank is an effort by “China to shoulder more international responsibilities, improve the existing international economic system and provide international public goods…”
The article then says:
“The balance of global economic governance should not be tilted in favour of rich countries for long. With the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries, the reform of the global governance system has become the common aspiration of the people and the trend of the times. From its rise to the third place in terms of quota and voting power in the IMF, to the launching of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS New Development Bank, the establishment of the Silk Road Fund, and the RMB’s inclusion in the SDR basket... China has transformed itself from an ordinary participant in the global financial system to a provider of public goods and an engine of change.” 全球经济治理的天平，不应长期向富国一方倾斜。伴随着新兴市场国家和发展中国家群体性崛起，全球治理体系变革已是人心所向、大势所趋。从在国际货币基金组织中的份额和投票权跃居第三位，到发起成立亚投行、金砖国家新开发银行，设立丝路基金，再到人民币正式纳入特别提款权货币篮子……中国已从全球金融体系的普通参与者，转变为公共产品的提供者和变革的“发动机”。
The next chunk talks up China’s pandemic diplomacy; and then the article discusses the development of a community of common destiny. In this, it talks about the different dialogue mechanisms that have been established in different regions. It also says: “At the global level, China’s initiative to build a community of destiny in domains like cyberspace, nuclear security, oceans, health and so on has received positive response.”在全球领域，中方倡议构建网络空间、核安全、海洋、卫生健康等命运共同体得到积极呼应.
Later the piece talks about some diplomatic priorities:
promote coordination and cooperation among major countries and build a framework for major-country relations featuring overall stability and balanced development.
deepen relations with neighboring countries in accordance with the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the foreign policy of forging friendship and partnership with neighboring countries.
uphold justice while pursuing shared interests and the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and step up solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries.
推进大国协调与合作，构建总体稳定、均衡发展的大国关系框架；按照亲诚惠容理念和与邻为善、以邻为伴的周边外交方针，深化同周边国家关系；秉持正确义利观和真实亲诚理念，加强同广大发展中国家团结合作
The next bit criticises the US’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, contrasting it with China’s engagement with regional stakeholders and its provision of humanitarian supplies.
“‘Standing on the right side of history and on the side of human progress’ is a firm Chinese commitment and evident in China’s actions. Unlike individual powers that are always ready to act from the so-called ‘position of strength’ and promote hegemony and bullying in the international arena, China in the new era adheres to international fairness and justice, insists on insists on common consultation, common construction and sharing, insists on speaking up for the vast number of developing countries, and clearly declares what we insist on and oppose, so that the world can see what a resolute and bold great power looks like (大国的样子).
in response to the tendencies and arguments of ‘one country dominating’ and ‘co-governance by several parties,’ it has clearly pointed out that ‘international rules should be jointly written by all countries and global affairs should be jointly governed by all countries’ and ‘no country has the power to take charge of international affairs, dominate the fate of other countries and monopolise development advantages’;
in response to the practice of forming ‘cliques’ under the banner of multilateralism, it has clearly pointed out that ‘the essence of multilateralism is that international affairs should be handled jointly by all, and that the future and destiny of the world should be jointly controlled by all countries’, thereby advocating the practice of true multilateralism.
in response to the so-called ‘rule-based order’ and the imposition of its own ‘family rules’ on the international community, it has clearly pointed out that ‘there is only one system in the world, and that is the international system with the United Nations as the core. There is only one order, and that is the international order based on international law. There is only one set of rules, and that is the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter’.”
“站在历史正确的一边，站在人类进步的一边”，这是坚定的中国承诺，也是坚实的中国行动。不同于个别大国动辄从所谓“实力地位”出发、在国际上推行霸权霸道霸凌，新时代中国坚守国际公平正义，坚持共商共建共享，坚持为广大发展中国家仗义执言，旗帜鲜明地宣示我们坚持什么、反对什么，让世界看到一个勇毅担当的“大国的样子”。针对“一国独霸”“几方共治”倾向与论调，明确指出“国际规则应该由各国共同书写，全球事务应该由各国共同治理”“任何国家都没有包揽国际事务、主宰他国命运、垄断发展优势的权力”；针对打着多边主义旗号搞拉帮结派“小圈子”的行径，明确指出“多边主义的要义是国际上的事由大家共同商量着办，世界前途命运由各国共同掌握”，倡导践行真正的多边主义；针对标榜所谓“基于规则的秩序”、把自己的“家规”强加给国际社会的行径，明确指出“世界只有一个体系，就是以联合国为核心的国际体系。只有一个秩序，就是以国际法为基础的国际秩序。只有一套规则，就是以联合国宪章宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系基本准则”…
Towards the end, the piece distinguishes between “common values” and “universal values.” In this sense, the piece pushes back against “chaos” in the Middle East and colour revolutions. I am taking some excerpts that make the broad point:
“One after another, tragedies and chaos have warned people that trying to ‘measure’ other countries with a single value standard and ‘transforming’ the world using a single system as a model in the name of ‘universal values’ will only bring instability and misery to the people…Democracy, freedom, equality...these beautiful words are the common pursuit of people all over the world. However, for quite a long time, politicians in some Western countries have tried to misinterpret, use and abuse these values, packaging their singular understanding of these values as ‘universal values’ and imposing them on others…Drawing up ‘small circles’ and assembling ‘small groups’ based on so-called ‘universal values’ will only tear the world apart; only by using the common values of all mankind to arrive at the greatest common denominator and draw the largest concentric circles will bring people from all over the world together in great unity.” 接连不断的悲剧和乱象警示人们：试图借“普世价值”之名，用单一价值标准“衡量”他国、用单一制度模式“改造”世界，只会带来动荡不安、民不聊生...民主、自由、平等……这些美好的词汇，本是世界各国人民的共同追求。然而，相当长一个时期以来，西方某些国家政客试图将这些价值曲解、私用、滥用，将自身对这些价值的单一理解包装成“普世价值”强加于人...以所谓“普世价值”划分“小圈子”、拼凑“小集团”，只会让世界四分五裂；而以全人类共同价值凝聚最大公约数、画出最大同心圆，带来的才是世界各国人民的大团结。
There are, of course, quotes from Xi Jinping on this theme and comments from the 2019 Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, along with talk about China’s whole-process democracy, etc.
Page 5: There’s a commentary on the theme of common prosperity. The piece says that:
“The Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2021 put forward clear requirements for correctly understanding and grasping many new major theoretical and practical issues facing China’s development, and made important explanations on five major theoretical and practical issues. The first priority was ‘correctly understanding and grasping the strategic objectives and practical ways to achieve common prosperity’. This has pointed out the direction and consolidated consensus for solidly promoting common prosperity.” 2021年12月召开的中央经济工作会议，对正确认识和把握我国发展面临的许多新的重大理论和实践问题提出明确要求，并就5个方面的重大理论和实践问题作出重要阐述，排在首位的就是“正确认识和把握实现共同富裕的战略目标和实践途径”
“Under China’s socialist system, we must not only constantly unleash and develop the productive forces and create and accumulate social wealth, but also prevent polarization. To achieve the goal of common prosperity, we must first make the ‘cake’ bigger and better through the joint efforts of the people of the whole country, and then divide the ‘cake’ well and distribute it well through reasonable institutional arrangements. This is a long-term, historical process, and we need to work steadily toward this goal. This requires us to correctly understand and grasp the strategic goals and practical approaches for achieving common prosperity, ensure that the fruits of reform and development benefit all the people in a more equitable manner, and make more substantial progress in achieving common prosperity.” 在我国社会主义制度下，既要不断解放和发展社会生产力，不断创造和积累社会财富，又要防止两极分化。实现共同富裕目标，首先要通过全国人民共同奋斗把“蛋糕”做大做好，然后通过合理的制度安排把“蛋糕”切好分好。这是一个长期的历史过程，要稳步朝着这个目标迈进。这就要求我们正确认识和把握实现共同富裕的战略目标和实践途径，推动改革发展成果更多更公平惠及全体人民，推动共同富裕取得更为明显的实质性进展。
Then there are three specific policy directions:
“it is necessary to give priority to employment in promoting high-quality development, make stabilizing and expanding employment the priority goal of macro-control, give greater prominence to solving the employment problem, and improve the role of employment as the driving force of economic growth.”
“it is necessary to ensure that distribution according to work is dominant and that multiple forms of distribution exist side by side, and encourage and guide the people to increase their incomes and get rich through hard work, innovation, entrepreneurship…enterprises should ‘run their affairs well’, provide more and higher-quality jobs through honest and legal operation, and continuously create wealth for the society. At the same time, we also support willing and capable enterprises and social groups to actively participate in charity.”
“At the present stage, it is necessary to balance needs and possibilities, make gradual progress in accordance with the law of economic and social development, and ensure and improve people's wellbeing on the basis of sustainable economic development and financial resources. We should not aim too high or lose our appetite. At the same time, we should do all we can, as conditions permit, to strengthen the basic, inclusive and comprehensive livelihood security construction, improve policies and systems for providing public services, and provide targeted access to basic public services in areas that people are most concerned about, such as education, medical care, pension and housing.”