Xi on Building 'Modern Chinese Civilization' - Li Shangfu's Message at Shangri-La Dialogue - Interpreting Xi Thought for the PLA's Future Development
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily's edition on Monday, June 05, 2023.
Page 1: Just about all of the front page today contains articles that draw upon Xi Jinping’s speech on Friday during a meeting on civilisation, cultural inheritance and development. I’ve seen the term ‘Xivilisation’ used before by the Global Times. But today’s front page gives tremendous credence to the idea. Anyway, Xi’s speech on the issue of Chinese civilisation was covered in the paper on Saturday. But Xinhua has the full story in English too. So let’s begin by looking at that report.
Prior to the meeting, Xi visited the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC) and the Chinese Academy of History. “Xi said that the CNAPC is a project he approved in person and he is quite concerned about its development. The original aspiration for building the CNAPC is to collect and preserve as many as possible the various kinds of copies of Chinese classics since ancient times, and pass on the Chinese civilization, the only one that has never been disrupted in its continuity in the world.”
At the Chinese Academy of History, this is what we learned from Xinhua’s report:
“Xi stressed that archaeology is essential if we are to know about the long history of Chinese civilization and experience the profound Chinese culture. He called for down-to-earth endeavors on such major projects as "A Comprehensive Study on the Origin and Early Development of Chinese Civilization" and "Chinese Archaeology," in order to do a good job on the research and explanation about the origin of Chinese civilization. In more than four years' time since its establishment, the academy has organized a series of national-level major research programs and academic projects and attained some high-quality results, which, Xi said, is praiseworthy. Xi hoped that the academy will carry forward the fine traditions, pool the strength of historical researchers across the country and keep improving research capability, so as to contribute more wisdom and strength in historical science to the development of Chinese modernization.”
After this, Xi heard presentations by:
Yang Geng, professor at Beijing Normal University
Wang Bo, vice president of Peking University
Peng Gang, vice president of Tsinghua University
Xing Guangcheng, director of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Fan Di'an, president of the China Artists Association
Mo Lifeng, senior professor in humanities and social sciences from Nanjing University
Then in his speech, Xi said:
“The fact that Chinese civilization is highly consistent is the fundamental reason why the Chinese nation must follow its own path. If one does not learn about China from the continuity of its long history, there is no way for him or her to understand ancient China, modern China, or China in the future. Chinese civilization is exceptionally innovative, which explains why the Chinese nation upholds fine traditions but never blindly sticks to old ways, and respects the fine traditions but never indiscriminately restores old traditions. It is also the reason why the Chinese nation is fearless of new challenges and is always open to new things. Chinese civilization is characterized by strong uniformity, which is why different ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation are integrated, and can rally close together even when faced with major setbacks. It determines the common belief that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, the ethnic groups cannot be separated, and the civilization cannot be disrupted. It also determines that national unification always stays at the heart of China's core interests and a strong and unified country is the pillar upon which the well-being of all Chinese people depends. Chinese civilization is inclusive, which fundamentally determines the historical orientation of the Chinese nation featuring exchanges and integration, the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and the openness of Chinese culture to world civilizations. The peaceful nature of Chinese civilization fundamentally determines that China will continue to build world peace, contribute to global development and safeguard the international order, and that it will continue to pursue exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations rather than cultural hegemony. It also determines that China will not impose its own values and political system on others. China is a champion of cooperation, not confrontation. Never will it dish out favors to acolytes and punishments to opponents.” Comment: Basically, Xi outlined what he believes are five key characteristics of Chinese civilisation - consistent, innovative, strong uniformity, inclusive and peaceful development. This is all really a fine example of interpreting the past from the lens of present-day political narrative and interests.
In the next paragraph, he talks about integrating Marxism with Chinese culture. He makes five points:
First, although Marxism and fine traditional Chinese culture have different origins, they are highly compatible with each other. Compatibility facilitates integration.
Second, result of the integration is mutual benefit, giving rise to a unified new culture that enables Marxism to become Chinese, and fine traditional Chinese culture modern. The newly-minted culture through integration has become the cultural form of the Chinese path to modernization.
Third, integration solidifies the foundation of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, providing it with broader and deeper historical depth and enriching its cultural basis.
Fourth, integration has opened up space for innovation…integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's fine traditional culture means another effort to emancipate our minds, which makes it possible for us to make full use of the precious resources of fine traditional Chinese culture in broader cultural space in exploring theoretical and institutional innovation for the future.
Fifth, integration has consolidated the principal role of culture, with the establishment of the (Xi Jinping) Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era being the most vivid example…It showcases that we have profoundly grasped the laws governing the development of Chinese civilization. It demonstrates that our Party's understanding of the Chinese path, theory and system has reached a new height, and so has our Party's confidence in our history and culture, as well as our Party's consciousness in promoting cultural innovation when carrying forward fine traditional Chinese culture.
He then said that since the 18th Party Congress, the Party has “placed the promotion of culture in an important position of our overall work,” identifying a “series of new ideas, viewpoints and judgments.” These are “fundamental guidelines for doing a good job in our publicity, ideological and cultural work” and must be adhered to over the long term.
The next paragraph is useful:
“Xi called for efforts to continuously promote cultural prosperity and build a great culture in China and a modern Chinese civilization from a new historical starting point. To do all these, Xi said that we need to develop an independent cultural psyche, which requires greater confidence in our own culture and adherence to our own path. To have such a psyche, we also need to draw on what the Chinese nation has achieved in the past and at present, summarize Chinese experiences with Chinese wisdom, and develop Chinese experiences into Chinese theories, Xi said. We must continue to be open and inclusive, adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, inherit and develop fine traditional Chinese culture, adapt foreign cultures to China's context, and continuously cultivate and create a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Efforts must be made to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, carry forward the fine historical traditions and write a new chapter for our times with positive energy and a pioneering spirit.”
Cai Qi, who attended the session, told everyone to organise “study sessions on the gist of” Xi’s speech and to deeply understand the significance of the Two Establishments.
With this preamble, let’s look at the front page today. There’s a report on Xi’s engagements with some of the scholars on the subject of history and culture, and how the scholars were listening intently. For instance, they “engraved on their hearts” Xi’s words that “The best inheritance of history is to create new history; the greatest tribute to human civilization is to create new forms of human civilization.” 会场，凝神静听. 这些来自各领域、各地区的与会者们，不同的认知和实践积淀，从习近平总书记的讲话中激荡出不同角度的思索，却有着共同的使命、共同的未来。他们将总书记的这席话记下，记在心里：“对历史最好的继承，就是创造新的历史；对人类文明最大的礼敬，就是创造人类文明新形态.”
This report discusses the comments around the integration of Marxism and Chinese culture. Below is another interesting example of how Xi is interpreting the past to legitimise the present and demonstrate continuity.
“The people’s congress system and political consultation system initiated by our Party are deeply related to the people-oriented thought of Chinese civilization, the concept of co-governance, the traditions of the ‘republicanism’ and ‘consultation’, and the political wisdom of 'embracing everything and seeking common ground while reserving differences'. Instead of a federal system or a confederation, we established a unitary state and practised the system of regional ethnic autonomy. This conforms to the general trend of the Chinese nation's development of being inwardly cohesive and integrated in diversity. It also inherits the tradition of the unification of the nine provinces (九州共贯), the unity in customs and practices despite their being diversity (六合同风) and the whole world being one family (四海一家). “我们党开创的人民代表大会制度、政治协商制度，与中华文明的民本思想，天下共治理念，‘共和’、‘商量’的施政传统，‘兼容并包、求同存异’的政治智慧都有深刻关联。我们没有搞联邦制、邦联制，确立了单一制国家形式，实行民族区域自治制度，就是顺应向内凝聚、多元一体的中华民族发展大趋势，承继九州共贯、六合同风、四海一家的中国文化大一统传统.”
There’s another similar report on the page. This one focuses on Xi’s engagements and his comments on the rejuvenation of Chinese civilization. One interesting exchange here:
In the Lantai Cave, Professor Du Zexun from the School of Liberal Arts of Shandong University, carefully opened the Nine Chapters on Mathematical Art. ‘It can be said that it is the ancestor of our technology, with concepts such as negative numbers, fractions, equations, and the Pythagorean theorem, which were highly advanced for their time’. The yellowed paper and timeless ink silently narrate the continuation of the river of civilization. They have crossed through countless springs and autumns, experienced numerous changes, and have finally arrived at the present moment. General Secretary Xi Jinping became quite emotional: ‘Our ancestors were at the forefront during the emergence of science and technology. For thousands of years, the Chinese nation and culture have never been interrupted. But, in terms of mathematics, physics, and chemistry, there were some interruptions and they were surpassed’.” 在兰台洞库，来自山东大学文学院的杜泽逊教授，小心翼翼翻开斑驳的文津阁本《九章算术》：“它可以说是我们科技的老祖宗了，负数、分数、方程、勾股定理，在当时最领先。”泛黄的纸张、隽永的墨迹，无声讲述着文明星河的赓续。跨越多少春秋，历经多少沧桑，它们才来到今天。习近平总书记颇为感慨：“我们的祖先，在科学发萌之际，是走在前面的。千百年来，中华民族没有中断，中国文化没有中断，但在数理化上有些中断，被赶超了.”
Third, there’s a report on the enthusiastic responses to Xi’s speech on Chinese culture and civilisation. Fourth, there’s a front-page commentary.
The article tells us that since the 18th Party Congress “the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has adhered to the guiding position of Marxism in the ideological field, placed cultural construction in an important position in the overall work, adhered to the standpoint of Chinese culture, inherited Chinese cultural genes, adhered to the core values of socialism to guide cultural construction, built a new atmosphere of Chinese culture and injected new vitality into Chinese civilization by maintaining integrity and pursuing innovation, and provided strong positive energy for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and creating a new situation for the cause of the Party and the country.” 党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚持马克思主义在意识形态领域的指导地位，把文化建设摆在全局工作的重要位置，坚守中华文化立场，传承中华文化基因，坚持以社会主义核心价值观引领文化建设，在守正创新中构筑中华文化新气象、激扬中华文明新活力，为新时代坚持和发展中国特色社会主义、开创党和国家事业全新局面提供了强大正能量。
It adds that these achievements in “cultural construction in the new era are fundamentally due to the fact that General Secretary Xi Jinping has been at the helm steering the direction as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party, and due to the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” 新时代我国文化建设取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革，根本在于有习近平总书记作为党中央的核心、全党的核心掌舵领航，在于有习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引.
It calls to enhance “cultural self-confidence” “shoulder new cultural missions” in order to enhance spiritual strength, which is a key part of Chinese-style modernisation.
Finally on this topic, there’s a long, long feature piece which talks about pursuing a “new cultural mission” 新的文化使命. The idea in this article is about ensuring the integration of Marxism with Chinese traditional culture.
The only other story on the page is about the return of the Shenzhou-15 mission as it landed at the Dongfeng landing site.
Page 2: Let’s begin with Li Shangfu’s speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. There’s a brief report in the paper. A lot of the focus was on the US’ policies and he talked about GSI. There’s a provisional English translation available on the IISS website for the forum.
Li said that “Asia Pacific faces unprecedented security challenges” and added that “Who is disrupting peace in the region? What are the root causes of chaos and instability? And what should we stay vigilant and guard against? These questions must be answered in the interest of the security, stability and future of the Asia Pacific. Therefore, we must make wise choices by standing on the right side of history and promoting the common interests of regional countries.”
He then made four points for the kind of regional order that China desires:
“First, mutual respect should prevail over bullying and hegemony…Some country has wilfully interfered in other countries’ internal affairs and matters…and frequently resorted to unilateral sanctions, incursion with force. It has incited colour revolutions and proxy wars in different regions, created chaos and turbulence and just walked away leaving a mess behind. We must never allow such things to happen again in the Asia Pacific. The essence of mutual respect lies in respecting each other's strategic autonomy and the right to development. On the contrary, hegemonism essentially deprives others of their strategic autonomy and the right to development.”
“Second, fairness and justice should transcend the law of the jungle…(China) firmly upholds the UN-centred international system, the international order underpinned by international law and basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter…Some countries, however, take a selective approach to rules and international laws. It likes forcing its own rules on others, and even attempts to constrain others with a convention itself has not acceded to. Its so-called rules-based international order. It never tells you what the rules are and who made these rules. It practises exceptionalism and double standards and only serves the interests and follows the rules of a small number of countries. A just and equitable environment for development meets the shared interests of Asia-Pacific countries. Anyone who attempts to fleece the flock or prey on the weak will surely be opposed by countries in the region.”
“Third, eliminating conflicts and confrontation through mutual trust and consultation.” Here, Li talked about China promoting dialogue while the US is “adding fuel to flames.” “On issues concerning the Middle East, the Korean Peninsula and Ukraine, China has played a constructive role and made great efforts to cool down the situation and facilitate political reconciliation. Meanwhile, some country is expanding military bases, reinforcing military presence and intensifying arms race in the region and transferring nuclear weapon technologies to a non-nuclear state, or such practices which it often resorts to are designed to make enemy/confrontation, fuel the fire and fish in troubled waters. As a matter of fact, regional countries have every wisdom and capability to settle their differences and disputes.”
Fourth, preventing block confrontation with openness and inclusiveness…Some big power continue to promote its so-called Indo-Pacific strategy. China holds that no strategy should be based on ideological grounds and aim to build exclusive military alliances against imagined threats, as this could easily lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. The true design of pushing for NATO-like military alliances in the Asia Pacific is to hold countries in the region hostage and play up conflict and confrontation that attempts will only plunge the region into a whirlpool of division, disputes and conflicts.” He added that what the Asia-Pacific needs are “big pies of open and inclusive cooperation.”
He then talked about China’s engagement on economic and security issues:
First, “Chinese modernisation has become a powerful force driving development for all.” In this, he talked about China’s development, its contribution to global GDI, the impact of BRI on livelihood issues, China’s trade with ASEAN countries and its vaccine diplomacy.
Second, how China has facilitated “world peace.” Some useful data in here. “Since 2008, China has sent over 139 naval vessels in 44 groups, providing protection to over 7,000 Chinese and foreign ships. In April this year, PLA Navy ships evacuated from Port Sudan 940 Chinese citizens and more than 230 foreign citizens. Over the years, China has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations.”
Third, China’s role in global governance. On the war in Ukraine, he said that “we will continue to seek the broadest common ground possible among the international community for resolving the crisis.” On Afghanistan, he said that China has “provided RMB350 million or US$49.5 million worth of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. We will continue to work for ending chaos and restoring stability in Afghanistan without interfering in its internal affairs.” On the Saudi-Iran dialogue, he said that their “rapprochement has led to a chain reaction of reconciliation in the Middle East.”
Finally, Li spoke about steps that China will take going forward:
First, he said that China is “ready to work with all other parties to build stronger security and confidence building systems.” “On issues that can be resolved in the near term, the relevant parties should engage in sincere consultation and work in the same direction for the early settlement. As to issues that cannot be resolved for the moment, disputing parties should maintain candid consultations, manage differences and build up confidence with each other.” “China will continue to deepen military exchanges and build stronger security partnerships with other countries. We will follow the guidance of high -level engagement between defense and military leaders, enhance personnel exchanges at different levels, and establish various direct hotlines to expand the communication channels. We are committed to resolving maritime and land border issues in a peaceful manner through negotiations and consultation and to strengthening friendly ties with our neighbours.” Comment: Think of this from an Indian context, there have been umpteen rounds of talks. What confidence is China building in this engagement?
Second, China is ready to work with all other parties to promote more equitable security rules…Setting security rules does not mean reinventing the wheel or overturning the existing rules. Rather, countries should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and complement and refine existing rules to make the international order fairer and more equitable…We will address security issues in emerging areas and explore the formulation of rules for space, cyber and biological security.”
Third, China will work with others to “improve multilateral security mechanisms.” “China has established defense and security dialogue mechanisms with over 50 countries, and on this basis, we will continue to promote multilateral security mechanisms. We will continue to support the institutional building of the CICA . Together with other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, SCO member states, we will optimise its defense cooperation mechanisms, revise its relevant regulations and gradually improve the functioning of its expert working groups. We have actively participated in multilateral security dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, including ADMM-Plus, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Moscow Conference in International Security and the Shangri-La Dialogue and held the China-ASEAN Defence Ministers Informal Meeting on a regular basis. China hosts the Beijing Xiangshan Forum in the second half of each year to provide a platform for exchanges on security cooperation. Here, I would like to invite you to attend the forum in China later this year.”
Fourth, on defence and security drills, he said: “Since 2002, China has held around 300 joint exercises with more than 60 countries. Going forward, China will continue to participate in cooperation or military medicine, humanitarian man action and peacekeeping under the ASEAN framework. We will deepen and expand bilateral and multilateral exchanges with other countries in the region on equipment and technology, military academies, logistics support, military culture, military meteorology, and public health…We will do our best to help other countries in the region, enhance their defense capabilities and deliver more public security goods for the international community.”
After this, a large chunk is dedicated to the Taiwan issue. There’s nothing really new in there. Li said:
“People across the world can see clearly that the root cause of tensions across the Taiwan Strait, are the DPP authorities soliciting foreign support for independence, and some foreign forces attempt to contain China with Taiwan and interfere in China's internal affairs.” And then he warned: “If anyone dares to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will not hesitate for a second. We will fear no opponents and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, regardless of any cost.”
On the South China Sea, he said:
“we do see some countries outside the region exercise their hegemony of navigation in the name of freedom of navigation. They want to muddy the waters so they can rake in profits. Regional countries should stay highly vigilant and firmly reject these acts. Solidarity among regional countries needs to be cherished. China and ASEAN countries are connected by geography, culture and family bonds. People in this region treat each other like brothers and sisters. It is natural for neighbours to disagree with each other from time to time. While countries in the region are engaging in communication and consultation for proper settlement of differences, some countries outside the region keep sowing discourse among us and fanning the flame. We need to stay clear eyed and level-headed over the benefits and risks.”
He then said that China-US ties are of “global significance.” Li added:
“China believes that a major country should behave like one. Instead of provoking block confrontation for self-interests, it should bear in mind the interests of all, resolve differences through exchanges and cooperation and meet the aspirations of countries in the world. China and the US should not forget the history and need to draw lessons from history. China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways. However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation. History has proven time and again that both China and the United States will benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation. China seeks to develop a new type of major country relationship with the United States. As for the US side, it needs to act with sincerity, match its words with deeds and take concrete actions together with China to stabilise the relations and prevent further deterioration.”
Next, there’s a brief report on Ding Zhongli’s visit to Türkiye for the inauguration of Recep Tayyip Erdogan after his recent election victory. He said that China views ties with Türkiye from a “strategic and long-term perspective.”
Finally, there’s an article by Stelios Virvidakis from the University of Athens talking about civilisational engagement. He writes that in February, a new Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations was founded in the university.
He writes that at present the centre is focussing only on philosophy. In the future, the plan is to expand the research to the fields of history, culture and museums. He adds that “This year, the first batch of Greek and Chinese scholars have started to visit each other’s countries. The University of Patras and Southwest University of China will launch a joint master’s program in the field of comparative studies of Greek and Chinese ancient civilizations in September this year.” In addition, the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations will also invite scholars from third countries such as France to give lectures. We hope to cooperate with more countries and research institutions to strengthen dialogue among civilizations, promote mutual respect and trust among countries, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.” 目前，中希文明互鉴中心的研究主要集中在哲学领域，未来我们计划将研究扩展到历史、文博等领域。今年，首批希中学者已经开始前往对方国家访学，帕特雷大学与中国西南大学今年9月将开设希中古文明比较学研究方向的联合硕士项目。此外，中希文明互鉴中心还将邀请法国等第三国学者前来讲学。我们希望与更多国家和研究机构开展合作，加强文明对话，促进国家间互尊互信，共同推动构建人类命运共同体. Comment: From Beijing’s perspective, this will be one part of the tangible outcomes of the Global Civilisation Initiative.
Page 6: Today, the big article on studying the two volumes of the selected works of Xi and interpreting them for one’s work is the theory unit of the CMC’s Political Works Department.
The first section of the article talks about the importance of achieving the armed forces’ centennial goal, i.e., the 2027 goal. This, the section says, is the “central task” over the next few years. And to achieve it, it is necessary to “strengthen political guidance, deepen theoretical arming, inspire motivation, unite the forces of striving forward, and realise the unprecedented unity of the whole armed forces under the new historical conditions.” 必须强化政治引领、深化理论武装，把精神状态激发出来，把奋进力量凝聚起来，实现全军在新的历史条件下的空前团结统一.
The section makes three points:
Strengthen theoretical arming via strengthening understanding of Xi’s thought and of course by understanding the decisive significance of the two establishments, implementing the Chairman Responsibility System and consolidating the ideological foundation. Doing this requires focus on the Xi thought education campaign that is currently underway.
The Chairman Responsibility System must be “unswervingly implemented.” “Always follow the direction of Chairman Xi, be accountable to Chairman Xi, and reassure Chairman Xi, and encourage the officers and men of the armed forces to unite, fight and overcome difficulties.” 实现建军一百年奋斗目标是党的意志、统帅号令，必须毫不动摇贯彻军委主席负责制，始终做到听习主席指挥、对习主席负责、让习主席放心，推动全军官兵向心凝聚、向战发力、向难攻坚。Of course, leading cadres to take the lead in this process.
The final point calls on everyone to “be brave in tackling difficulties and challenges”; in dealing with “outstanding shortcomings in combat-readiness, obstacles and bottlenecks in planning and execution, and the perennial problems faced in unit construction,” demonstrate personal sense of responsibility and courage to take actions. Insist on working hard and persisting with the spirit of nailing nails, etc. 勇于攻坚克难，对备战打仗的突出短板、规划执行的堵点卡点、单位建设的老大难问题等，拿出舍我其谁、有我必成的魄力，敢于迎难而上，敢于较真碰硬，扫除强军路上的“绊脚石”。坚持真抓实干，发扬钉钉子精神，以“一天也不耽误”的劲头紧张快干，扑下身子、沉到一线调查研究，推动调研成果进入工作、进入实践，确保到点交卷、如期复命.
The second section calls for improving “strategic ability to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests.” It says:
“Being able to win wars is the fundamental requirement of the Party and the people for the People's Army. Studying and implementing Xi Jinping's thought on strengthening the armed forces ultimately needs to be translated into comprehensively improving the ability to win and effectively performing fundamental functions. At present, it is necessary to firmly realise the goal of the centennial struggle of the army, forge stronger capabilities and more reliable means, and ensure the strategic initiative to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.” 能打胜仗是党和人民对人民军队的根本要求，学习贯彻习近平强军思想，最终要落到全面提高打赢能力、有效履行根本职能上。当前，就是要扣牢实现建军一百年奋斗目标，锻造更强大的能力、更可靠的手段，确保掌握捍卫国家主权、安全、发展利益的战略主动.
Under this, four key points are made:
First, military struggle must be carried out with firmness and flexibility. “At present, China’s security situation is increasingly becoming more unstable and uncertain, and the possibility of chaos and war arriving at our doorstep is increasing. The more complicated the situation is, the more we must use the military in a measured and strategic manner.” 当前，我国安全形势不稳定性不确定性增大，家门口生乱生战的可能性增大，形势越复杂，越要有步骤、有策略地用好用活军事这一手. “It is necessary to plan and guide military actions from a political perspective and in the overall interests of the country, strengthen coordination and cooperation between military actions and political and diplomatic actions, and resolutely safeguard the core interests of the country. Pay attention to the art of the strategy of struggle; do not give an inch on matters of principle while remaining flexible and agile in strategic issues, thereby ensuring the political and strategic initiative. Make overall plans to prepare for military struggles in all directions and fields, promptly and effectively handle all kinds of emergencies, and maintain overall strategic stability.” 要从政治高度和国家利益全局筹划指导军事行动，加强军事行动同政治外交行动协调配合，坚决维护国家核心利益。讲究斗争策略艺术，在原则问题上寸步不让，在策略问题上灵活机动，确保政治和战略主动。统筹抓好各方向各领域军事斗争准备，及时有效处置各种突发情况，保持战略全局稳定. — Comment: It’s really tricky to interpret this one way or the other. But let me try and offer two points. First, it’s clear that the leadership views the PLA as an important instrument of statecraft to achieve political objectives. I think this is important to remember. So when we in India discuss the PLA’s incursions across the LAC in Ladakh, these are not random acts or products of misperceptions, these are actions driven by political objectives. Second, the call that use of force needs to be coordinated with political and diplomatic actions is worth noting. Think of assertion in the South China Sea while calling on countries to be wary of the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, or think of the recent dangerous encounter between Chinese and American jets while Beijing refuses military-to-military dialogue. What’s the political objective there?
Second, enhance the level of training to ensure actual combat-readiness. “At present, the new round of scientific and technological revolution and military revolution are progressing rapidly with each passing day, and the forms and methods of modern warfare are evolving at an accelerating pace. It is necessary to closely follow the changes in technology, warfare, and adversaries, and promote realistic military training to comprehensively improve training standards and combat capabilities. It is necessary to deepen the study of war and operational issues, make clear what kind of wars we will fight in the future and how we will fight them, understand clearly the training requirements for fighting these wars, and explore more effective strategies to defeat adversaries through studying the strengths, weaknesses, and changes among potential adversaries. Insist on training being guided by combat requirements, deepen joint training, adversarial training, and technology-oriented training; train the troops rigorously based on the needs and challenges of actual combat, and achieve integration between operations and training. Persevere in improving the training style, take responsibility for the lives of officers and soldiers and future wars, and vigorously rectify underlying ‘peace diseases’ to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of training for combat readiness.” 提高练兵备战实战化水平。军事训练是未来战争的预演，实战化军事训练是推动战略能力生成的基本途径。现在，新一轮科技革命和军事革命日新月异，现代战争形态和作战方式正在加速演变，必须紧盯科技之变、战争之变、对手之变，深入推进实战化军事训练，全面提高训练水平和实战能力。要深化战争和作战问题研究，把未来打什么仗、怎么打仗搞清楚，把打仗对训练的需求搞清楚，在研敌之长、研敌之短、研敌之变中找到更多克敌之策。坚持以战领训、以训促战，深化联合训练、对抗训练、科技练兵，从实战需要出发从难从严训练部队，实现作战和训练一体化。坚持不懈改进训练作风，以对官兵生命负责、对未来战争负责的态度，坚决纠治深层次“和平积弊”，不断提高练兵备战质量效益.
Create a phalanx of new military talents who are high-quality and professional. This entails ensuring Party’s management of cadres; “implement the standards for good cadres in the armed forces, strictly control politics and integrity, strengthen the loyalty identification and political investigation of key positions, and ensure that the gun is always in the hands of people who are loyal to the Party.” 要选准用好干部，坚持党管干部、党管人才、组织选人，贯彻军队好干部标准，严把政治关和廉洁关，加强关键岗位忠诚度鉴别和政治考察，确保枪杆子始终掌握在对党忠诚可靠的人手中. Improve the supply of talents for combat readiness by aligning talent reserves with operational needs; focus on training talents in joint operational command, new types of combat forces, high-level scientific and technological innovation, and high-level strategic management; pay attention to nurturing and identifying talents through major military operations and large-scale training tasks, and build a ‘talent pool’ that is sufficient to win future wars.” 提高备战打仗人才供给，坚持作战需求牵引人才储备，突出联合作战指挥人才、新型作战力量人才、高层次科技创新人才、高水平战略管理人才培养，注重在重大军事行动和重大演训任务中培养和发现人才，建好蓄足打赢未来战争的“人才池”. “Improve the quality of personnel training in colleges and universities, implement the policy of military education in the new era, deepen the reform of military colleges and universities, build a strong new military personnel training system…” 提高院校人才培养质量，贯彻新时代军事教育方针，深化军队院校改革，建强新型军事人才培养体系，构建战教耦合的育人格局.
Fourth, strengthen the fearlessness/unyielding bravery/indomitable spirit of officers and soldiers to dare to fight and win. Under this, the article calls for cultivating the “heroic and tenacious fighting style of officers and soldiers” through education and guidance. It calls for using “major military operations and exercises and training” and “difficult situations and crises” as a whetstone to sharpen “our will and character, improve our ability to withstand pressure and setbacks, and cultivate courage and determination through life-and-death tests in an environment similar to actual combat…” 强化实践淬炼，发挥重大军事行动和演训任务“磨刀石”作用，注重运用难局险局危局砥砺意志品格、提高抗压耐挫能力，在近似实战环境的生死考验中练胆激气，做到钢多气更多、骨头要更硬. It also calls to improve the honour and merit system in the forces.
The third section discusses improving military governance and ensuring high-quality development of the armed forces. It makes three points:
Deepen reform and innovation: “It is necessary to implement the new development concept completely, accurately and comprehensively, grasp the operational characteristics and requirements of the military system under the new system, persist in solving contradictions in development with innovative ideas and methods, and effectively get rid of the shackles of inertial thinking, path dependence and customary practices.” 要完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，把握新体制下军事系统运行特点要求，坚持用改革创新的思路和办法解决发展中的矛盾问题，切实摆脱惯性思维、路径依赖、习惯做法的束缚. It also calls to “make overall plans to promote innovations in military theory, technology, organisation, management, culture and other aspects, promote high-level scientific and technological self-reliance…”
Improve strategic management: In this, it says that despite increasing investment and changes that have been made in division of labour, “the problem of poor operation of the military system has not been fundamentally solved. We must accelerate the revolution of military management with efficiency at the core, and promote the transformation of the development model of our armed forces. We should adhere to the principle of quality first and efficiency first, update management concepts, optimise management processes, improve management mechanisms, balance the relationship between speed and quality, input and output, and between the present and the long-term foundation, further unclog strategic management links, and improve the professional, refined and scientific management level of the PLA.” 这些年，我军建设投入越来越大、摊子越铺越开、分工越来越细，但军事系统运行不畅问题尚未得到根本解决，必须加快推进以效能为核心的军事管理革命，促进我军发展模式转型。要坚持质量第一、效益优先，更新管理理念，优化管理流程，完善管理机制，统筹好速度与质效、投入与产出、当前当下与基础长远等关系，进一步畅通战略管理链路，提高我军专业化、精细化、科学化管理水平.
Consolidate and improve the integrated national strategic system and capabilities: It calls to “integrate national defence and armed forces building into the economic and social development system, strengthen coordination of military and civilian strategic planning, harmonise policies and institutions, and share resources and factors of production, and promote coordinated development of key regions, key sectors, and emerging sectors.” 把国防和军队建设融入经济社会发展体系，加强军地战略规划统筹、政策制度衔接、资源要素共享，推动重点区域、重点领域、新兴领域协调发展. It also calls to “continue to deepen national defense education for the entire population” and “strengthen the incentives and rights protection for military personnel and their families.”
The final section is about strict governance of the armed forces. The section says that since the 18th Party Congress, Chairman Xi has “demonstrated unprecedented courage and determination” in leading everyone to “foster a positive atmosphere, enforce strict discipline, and crack down on corruption.” It adds that he has taken measures to ensure that the PLA undergoes a “revolutionary transformation”, thereby “providing strong political guidance and political guarantee for strengthening the army and rejuvenating the army.” 党的十八大以来，习主席以前所未有的勇气和定力，带领全军持续正风气、严规矩、惩贪腐，打出一套自我革命“组合拳”，推动人民军队实现革命性锻造，为强军兴军提供了坚强政治引领和政治保障.
It talks about upholding the Party’s absolute leadership over the armed forces, improving political training, ensuring “ideological purification” and improving the PLA’s “political ecology”. The latter still includes the need to “eliminate the pernicious influence of Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou, Fang Fenghui and Zhang Yang.”
The article also talks about strengthening organisational functions, maintaining discipline and focussing on the grassroots.
Page 8: There’s a report informing that China MIIT will be focussing on comprehensively promoting R&D of 6G technology.
Page 15: A report informing that BYD has been Israel’s best-selling electric car this year so far. BYD sold 8,497 electric vehicles in Israel from January to May; Geely sold 4,091 electric vehicles in the country. These were followed by Hyundai and Tesla.