Xi on Cybersecurity & Governance - Wang Yi's Diplomacy in Jakarta - Criticising NATO & Seeking Europe’s Strategic Autonomy - Pathway to Seize Commanding Heights of Science & Technology
Hi folks,
I am going to do something a little bit different with today’s edition. There is a lot to cover from the weekend, and there are overlaps. So I am going to do today’s edition based on news developments, rather than a page-wise breakup of the paper.
Cheers,
Manoj
I. National Conference on Cyber Security & IT Application
First, on Sunday, a report in the paper informed that the National Conference on Cyber Security and Information Technology Application was held in Beijing from July 14th to 15th. Xi Jinping issued an instruction to the conference. This instruction was conveyed by PBSC member Ding Xuexiang. Cai Qi also spoke at the meeting. Xinhua English has a detailed report on Xi’s instructions. It says:
Since the 18th Party Congress, China “has made remarkable achievements in the development of its cyber security and information technology application. The overall leadership of the Party has been strengthened over the internet and information technology sector, the mainstream public opinion in cyberspace has been consolidated and developed, a comprehensive internet governance system has been basically formed, and the capacity and system for safeguarding cyber security has been improving. Xi added that China has accelerated the efforts to build self-reliance and strength in internet and information technology, the leading role of information technology as a driving force for development has been given full play, the rule of law in cyberspace has been constantly improved, a greater say in international affairs and influence in cyberspace has been gained and strengthened, making a new leap forward in building China into a country with strong cyber strength.”
It is imperative to undertake the missions of upholding socialism with Chinese characteristics and rallying public support, warding off risks and ensuring security, strengthening governance and benefiting people's lives, nurturing growth momentum and boosting development, and seeking mutually-beneficial cooperation.
It is essential to uphold the Party's leadership over the internet sector, adhere to the principle that internet and information technology must serve the interest of the people, take the path with Chinese characteristics for the management of the internet, and maintain good coordination between internet development and cyber security.
Spreading positive energy is the general requirement for internet development, effective regulation and management the guarantee for its prosperity, and masterful application of it the exhibition of excellent governance.
Work must be done to forge a strong cyber security barrier and give full play to the role of information technology as a driving force for development. It is imperative to govern cyberspace, run websites and apps, and carry out online activities according to the law.
Endeavors must be made to build a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and build a loyal, clean and responsible team in the internet and information technology sector.
Efforts must be made to promote the high-quality development of this sector, making new achievements in building China into a country with strong cyber strength, and thus making contributions to building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts.”
He added that the “decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee on the internet and information technology work” must be “implemented to the letter.” “Internet and information technology departments at all levels must be loyal to the Party and the people, shoulder their responsibilities, be innovative and hard-working, and dare to fight cyber-terrorism and other illegal acts in cyberspace in a bid to provide strong guarantees for the high-quality development of the internet and information technology work.”
In his speech, Cai QI clarified the ‘ten principles to adhere to,’ and made requirements for work in this sector, Xinhua says.
Cai Qi said that:
“Positive publicity and guidance online must be strengthened, online risks in ideological domains must be guarded against, and effective comprehensive governance of cyberspace must be strengthened, so as to foster a sound online environment, and firmly exercise leadership over online ideological work.”
“We should implement the major strategies of cyberspace security and establish a security system of a broad cyberspace by striking a balance between development and security, so as to consolidate the security barrier of China's cyberspace.”
“It is essential to rely on innovation, self-reliance and empowerment for development, provide a level playing field to benefit all, shore up weak links and give full play to the role of information technology as a driving force for development.”
“Efforts should also be made to strengthen cyber legislation, law enforcement, administration of justice, and legal literacy work, and promote law-based governance of cyberspace. International exchanges and pragmatic cooperation should be deepened in cyberspace affairs. The Party's supervision over the internet must be maintained, and its overall leadership over the internet and information technology work strengthened.”
Propaganda chief Li Shulei called for supporting the Two Establishments and Two Safeguards.
In today’s edition, there is a front-page commentary on the conference. It says:
“Currently, a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is advancing globally, with rapid advancements in network and information technology profoundly changing the global economic landscape, the landscape of interests, and the security landscape. The Internet has become an important force influencing the world, and informatization has brought unprecedented opportunities for the Chinese nation. It must be deeply recognized that without cybersecurity, there is no national security, and there is no stable operation of the economy and society. The cyber and information industry represents new productivity and a new direction for development; without informatization, there is no modernization. On the new journey, we must thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on building a strong cyber nation, shoulder the mission of rallying the people, preventing risks and ensuring security, strengthening governance and benefiting the people, promoting development and enhancing capabilities, and seeking cooperation and mutual benefits. We must firmly adhere to the ‘ten principles to adhere to’ and vigorously promote the high-quality development of the cyber and information industry, providing solid support for building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.” 当前，全球新一轮科技革命和产业变革深入推进，网络信息技术日新月异，深刻改变着全球经济格局、利益格局、安全格局，互联网成为影响世界的重要力量，信息化为中华民族带来了千载难逢的机遇。必须深刻认识到，没有网络安全就没有国家安全，就没有经济社会稳定运行；网信事业代表着新的生产力和新的发展方向，没有信息化就没有现代化。新征程上，要深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于网络强国的重要思想，切实肩负起举旗帜聚民心、防风险保安全、强治理惠民生、增动能促发展、谋合作图共赢的使命任务，牢牢把握“十个坚持”的重要原则，大力推动网信事业高质量发展，为强国建设、民族复兴伟业提供坚实支撑.
strengthen positive online propaganda and guidance, prevent ideological risks in cyberspace, improve the efficiency of comprehensive cyber management, form a good cyber ecology, and firmly grasp the leadership over ideological work in the cyberspace;
coordinate development and security, implement major cybersecurity strategies and tasks, a comprehensive national cybersecurity work pattern, and fortify the national cybersecurity barrier
continue to be innovation-driven, self-reliant and self-strengthening, enable development, and promote inclusive and equitable development, address shortcomings, and give full play to the leading role of information technology
strengthen legislation, law enforcement and judicial popularisation, and promote the process of rule of law in cyberspace
deepen international exchanges and practical cooperation in cyberspace
adhere to the Party's management of the Internet, strengthen the party's overall leadership of the Internet and information technology work…
按照全国网络安全和信息化工作会议部署要求，要加强网上正面宣传引导，防范网络意识形态风险，提高网络综合治理效能，形成良好网络生态，牢牢掌握网络意识形态工作领导权；统筹发展与安全，实施网络安全重大战略和任务，构建大网络安全工作格局，筑牢国家网络安全屏障；坚持创新驱动、自立自强、赋能发展、普惠公平，攻克短板不足，发挥信息化驱动引领作用；加强网络立法执法司法普法，推进网络空间法治化进程；深化网信领域国际交流与务实合作；坚持党管互联网，加强党对网信工作的全面领导，中央网信委及成员单位、各级党委（党组）及网信部门要落实主体责任，形成合力推动网信工作的生动局面.
II. Wang Yi’s Jakarta Visit
Next, let’s look at Wang Yi’s engagements in Jakarta. First Xinhua’s readout on the meeting between Wang and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi says.
“At present, the bilateral relations are at a crucial juncture, Wang said, noting that Japan's positioning of China as the greatest strategic challenge and hyping up the ‘China threat’ is seriously inconsistent with the reality of China-Japan relations and runs counter to the important consensus of "be partners, not threats." Wang expressed the hope that Japan will establish an objective and rational understanding of China and bring bilateral relations back on track with sound and steady development, adding that China is open to maintaining contacts at all levels, economic and trade exchanges and people-to-people exchanges.”
They also discussed the Fukushima wastewater discharge issue; it doesn’t seem like there was any agreement on that.
The Japanese readout of the Wang-Hayashi meeting says:
“Minister Hayashi clearly reiterated Japan’s position regarding the discharge of ALPS-treated water into the sea, and once again called upon China to act based on a scientific standpoint, and reiterated Japan’s readiness to communicate with China from such standpoint. Minister Hayashi also expressed his grave concerns about issues such as the situation in the East China Sea, including in the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, and China’s increasingly active military activities near Japan, including its coordination with Russia. He also stated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, he made strong representations based on Japan’s resolute position on the case of the detention of a Japanese national in China, including the Japanese national’s early release.
Second, Wang Yi’s meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Wang said:
Both slides should “adhere to the correct direction of bilateral relations, grasp the general trend of world development, and promote the stability and improvement of China-India relations. As the world’s top two developing countries and eternal neighbours, the common interests of China and India obviously outweigh their differences, and achieving common development and prosperity has global exemplary significance. Both sides should support and achieve each other's success, rather than engaging in mutual consumption and suspicion. It is necessary to focus our energies and resources on our respective development, improvement of people's livelihood and revitalization, and not let specific issues define the overall relationship. It is hoped that India and China will move in the same direction and find a mutually acceptable solution to the border issue. China is highly concerned about the recent restrictive measures taken by India against Chinese enterprises, and hopes that India will provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises…The two sides agreed to hold the next round of the China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting on border issues on an early date and reached a principled consensus on launching the process of BRICS membership expansion.” 王毅表示，习近平主席和莫迪总理达成将中印关系稳下来的重要共识，双方要为此付诸行动，坚持双边关系正确方向，把握好世界发展大势，推动中印关系企稳改善。作为全球前两大发展中国家和永远的邻居，中印共同利益显然大于分歧，实现共同发展、共同繁荣具有全球示范意义。双方应相互支持、相互成就，而不是相互消耗、相互猜忌。我们要把精力和资源聚焦于各自发展、民生改善和加快振兴，不让具体问题定义整体关系。希望印方同中方相向而行，找到双方都能接受的边界问题解决办法。中方高度关注近期印方对中国企业采取限制性措施，希望印方为中国企业提供公平、透明、非歧视的营商环境...双方同意尽快就边界问题举行下一轮军长级会谈。双方同意启动金砖国家扩员进程，并就此达成原则共识.
Next, Wang Yi’s meeting with the EU’s Josep Borrell. Xinhua reports:
“Wang said there is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and the EU as both sides advocate multilateralism, support world multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations as well as the international system with the United Nations at its core…Wang urged the EU to further clarify its positioning of the strategic partnership between the two sides and promote China-EU relations to move forward on existing basis. The EU should not waver, let alone encourage backpedaling words and deeds, Wang stressed…Wang stressed that China is committed to building an open economy at a higher level and will continue to share its mega market opportunities with the world. China supports the EU in pursuing strategic independence and making independent judgments, he said, adding that China is ready to work with the EU to leverage complementary advantages and dovetail each other's global initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative and EU's Global Gateway strategy. Both sides should jointly safeguard globalization and free trade system by adopting an open and inclusive approach, while opposing protectionism and unilateral bullying, Wang said. Wang called on the two sides to guard against the politicization and instrumentalization of economic issues and the use of ‘derisking’ as another term for ‘decoupling’.”
On Ukraine, Wang said: “China supports a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture.”
As per the Chinese readout, Borrell said that:
EU is firmly committed to the one-China policy, the core connotation of which is there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is not a country. The EU has never supported Taiwan independence.
China plays a key role in global affairs and its global initiatives are widely welcomed.
The global production and supply chain is intertwined, so it is unrealistic and impossible for Europe and China to ‘decouple’.
The EU does not support confrontation of camps and parallel systems and the EU has no intention of hindering China's development.
Next, I’ll cover Wang Yi’s meeting with South Korea’s Park Jin. Wang said:
“China’s good-neighborly and friendly policy toward South Korea is consistent and stable, he said, adding that it is not targeted at any third party and should not be influenced by any third party. Recently, China-South Korea relations have faced increasing difficulties and challenges, which is not in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, said Wang. China is ready to work with the South Korean side in the spirit of mutual respect and "harmony in diversity" to strengthen communication, rebuild mutual trust and put the China-South Korea strategic cooperative partnership back on track with sound and steady development, he added. Wang said the two sides should leverage their geographical proximity, economic integration and cultural connectivity, dispel disturbances, resume exchanges at all levels and firmly advance mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to inject more positive expectations into bilateral ties, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contribution to regional peace, stability and development. Noting that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and bears on the political foundation and basic trust in China-South Korea relations, Wang expressed the hope that South Korea will abide by the one-China principle and handle it prudently and properly.”
As per Xinhua, Park said that “South Korea always respects the one-China principle, which is a position that remains unchanged.”
A couple of other Chinese readouts from Wang’s visit. First, this one informs about the three negative trends that Wang warned against:
Be vigilant against the accelerated penetration of the so-called ‘Indo-Pacific strategy’ into the region, impacting the centrality of ASEAN and the effective regional cooperation framework established with ASEAN as the core.
Be vigilant against NATO's attempt to get involved in the region, introduce Cold War mentality and camp confrontation, and destroy the peace and stability that countries in the region have worked hard for for many years.
Be wary of major extra-regional powers intervening in regional affairs under the pretext of the South China Sea issue, so as to provoke and undermine the unity and cooperation among countries in the region.
一要警惕所谓“印太战略”加快向本地区渗透，冲击东盟中心地位，冲击以东盟为核心建立起来的行之有效的区域合作架构。二要警惕北约试图插足本地区，引入冷战思维和阵营对抗，破坏地区国家多年努力得来的和平稳定局面。三要警惕域外大国借南海问题介入地区事务，挑拨破坏地区国家之间的团结协作.
Attending the East Asia Summit, Wang also made three proposals:
First, support the ASEAN centrality. “ASEAN centrality is the natural result of historical evolution and the greatest common ground of all parties, Wang said, noting that it is unreasonable for NATO to get involved in East Asia. Regional peace depends on the common development and prosperity of all countries, and should not be based on a few countries’ pursuit of absolute security. China stands ready to explore cooperation with other parties centered on the Global Security Initiative, and reiterates its willingness to lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.”
Second, jointly “safeguard the right direction of economic globalization and stay committed to an open, free, fair, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system. He also called for opposing protectionism and ‘decoupling and severing supply chain,’ while advocating promotion of the building of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, and a regional development environment of healthy competition and win-win cooperation.”
Third, “China is willing to work with regional countries to implement the purposes and principles of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, uphold peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, and practice true multilateralism, so as to put the Asia-Pacific cooperation back on the right track.”
In addition, Wang criticised “foreign interference” in the Taiwan issue. He also “refuted the erroneous argument of some countries that China unilaterally changed the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.” He added: “Taiwan independence is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan independence is the biggest destructive factor of peace in the Taiwan Strait. To truly safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait, we need to resolutely oppose Taiwan independence.” He concluded: “We are willing to make the greatest efforts with utmost sincerity to strive for peaceful reunification, but our determination and resolve to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity remain unwavering.”
Finally, on the South China Sea, Wang said that it was “one of the safest and most open waters in the world for navigation”, adding that “ we do not accept the practice of navigation hegemony in the name of freedom of navigation.”
He hoped “that countries outside the region will respect the efforts made by China and ASEAN and play a positive role in maintaining regional stability instead of the opposite. Do not send advanced warships and aircraft to the region to show off military might. Don't provoke and exploit the differences among regional countries to pursue one's own geopolitical interests. Don't make judgments and interfere without a proper understanding of the actual situation. China and ASEAN do not need instructors. We have full confidence, wisdom, and capability to handle the South China Sea issue through joint efforts and develop it into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. The South China Sea arbitration was clearly political manipulation, deviating from the original intention of the UNCLOS…From the very beginning, China did not participate in the arbitration and will never accept it. He warned against the practice of certain countries to reverse history and hype up ‘old tricks’.” 王毅希望域外国家尊重中国和东盟作出的努力，为维护地区稳定发挥积极作用而不是相反。不要再派那么多先进舰机来这里耀武扬威，不要挑动和利用地区国家之间的分歧来达到自己的地缘政治私利，不要根本不了解实际情况就在这里指手画脚。中国和东盟不需要教师爷，我们完全有信心、有智慧、有能力通过共同努力，处理好南海问题，把南海建设成为和平之海、友谊之海、合作之海。王毅强调，南海仲裁案明显是一场政治操弄，悖离了《联合国海洋法公约》缔约原意，在事实认定和法律适用等方面都存在明显失当，受到国际法专家普遍质疑。中方从一开始就没有参与，也不可能接受。奉劝个别国家不要再开历史倒车，不要再炒作早已过时的“老戏码”.
Amid all this, he also talked about the progress on the Code of Conduct negotiation, which had a second reading during the meetings in Jakarta and an agreement on guidelines for COC negotiations was also inked. But this is how Singapore’s Foreign Minister described where the process has reached:
“I believe there is political will to move forward. But again, I just want to caution that this is a complicated subject. It has been 20 years since we signed the DOC (Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea). The DOC was meant to be an interim, a stopgap until the COC could be settled. It has taken 20 years. I am not in a position to give you a timeline for when we will reach the destination, but for what it is worth, the political will has been expressed.”
III. Criticising NATO & Seeking Europe’s Strategic Autonomy
Over the weekend, People’s Daily carried this article by CICIR Vice President Zhang Jian, who argued that the NATO summit in Vilnius “baselessly exaggerated the so-called ‘systemic challenge’ posed by China.” He writes that:
“In recent years, NATO's involvement in the Asia-Pacific has increased unprecedentedly, especially through frequent military and political interactions with Australia and Japan, and continued promotion of intelligence exchanges, military exercises, and joint research and development. Since 2022, NATO has invited Australia and Japan to participate in the NATO summit for two consecutive years in an attempt to strengthen ties with these countries and carry out so-called "tailor-made" cooperation. At one point, it also released news that it would set up the first liaison office in Asia in Japan. This fully demonstrates that NATO is trying to further accelerate its eastward advance into the Asia-Pacific.” 近年来，北约染指亚太的动作前所未有地增多，特别是频频与澳大利亚、日本等开展军事及政治层面互动，持续推进情报交流、军事演习、联合研发等。2022年以来，北约连续两年邀请澳大利亚、日本等参加北约峰会，企图同这些国家加强勾连，开展所谓“量身定制”的合作，一度还放出消息称要在日本设立首个位于亚洲的联络处。这充分说明，北约试图进一步加快其东进亚太的速度.
He adds that “NATO has long been a tool of the US, serving its strategic goal of maintaining global hegemony. In recent years, the United States has spared no effort to contain and suppress China, and has also asked its allies and other countries to take sides. Under the leadership of the United States, NATO frequently hypes the so-called ‘China threat’.” Then he offers a timeline for this:
In 2019, the declaration adopted by the NATO London Summit mentioned China for the first time
In 2021, NATO's 2030 Agenda declared that China posed a challenge to the so-called ‘rules-based international order’.
In 2022, the NATO Strategic Concept 2022 declared that China poses a ‘systemic challenge’ to NATO.
The latest communique issued by the NATO summit once again played up the ‘China threat’ theory.”
北约早已沦为美国的工具，服务于美国维护全球霸权的战略目标。近年来，美国不遗余力遏制打压中国，还要求盟友和其他国家选边站队。在美国的主导下，北约频繁炒作所谓“中国威胁”。2019年，北约伦敦峰会通过的宣言首次提及中国；2021年，“北约2030年议程”宣称中国对所谓“基于规则的国际秩序”构成挑战；2022年，《北约2022战略概念》宣称中国对北约构成“系统性挑战”。本次北约峰会发布的公报老调重弹，再次大肆渲染“中国威胁论”。
The next paragraph is interesting:
“The US is aware that its unilateralist and hegemonic policies based on the ‘America First’ principle have not been well-received, and there is widespread doubt and dissatisfaction among its allies. In order to bind its allies to its divisive agenda of containing and suppressing China, the US is swimming against the tide of history, actively creating tensions globally, and constantly provoking conflicts. The US has attempted to link the Ukraine crisis with Asia-Pacific affairs, threatening European countries to ‘decouple’ from China and pressuring them to participate in its so-called ‘Indo-Pacific strategy.’ By introducing NATO, a military organization, into the Asia-Pacific region, the US intends to utilize European resources and capabilities while also integrating the ally system in the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of further instigating disputes and hindering China’s development.” 美国自知其以“美国优先”为实质的单边主义、霸权主义政策不得人心，盟友普遍怀有疑虑和不满。为了将盟友绑在自己分裂世界、遏制打压中国的战车上，美国逆潮流而动，极力在全球制造紧张气氛，不断挑起对抗冲突。美国企图将乌克兰危机与亚太事务捆绑，恫吓欧洲国家对华“脱钩”，施压欧洲国家参与美国所谓“印太战略”。美国将北约这一军事组织引入亚太，既是为了利用欧洲的资源和力量，也是为了整合亚太地区的盟友体系，意图进一步挑起事端，阻遏中国的发展进程.
Zhang adds that these American attempts “seriously damage the interests of other countries and even allies, and are bound to encounter increasing resistance and opposition.” He makes four points here:
“First, NATO is limited by its geographical scope, and its expansion across different regions lacks a clear justification. 其一，北约有其地理范围的限制，跨域扩张师出无名.
Second, European countries have limited patience with the US. The U.S.'s push for NATO's eastward expansion into the Asia-Pacific region has actually reduced its investment in European security. European countries are also concerned about the United States repeatedly provoking great power rivalry and escalating confrontations. France has opposed NATO's establishment of a liaison office in Tokyo. French President Macron said at this year's NATO summit press conference that the relevant NATO documents have defined the geographical scope of ‘North Atlantic’, and Japan is not in the North Atlantic. 其二，欧洲国家对美国的忍耐是有限度的。美国推动北约东进亚太，实际上减少了美国对欧洲安全的投入。欧洲国家对美国一再挑起大国博弈、升级对抗也有担心，法国就反对北约在日本东京设立联络处。法国总统马克龙在今年的北约峰会记者会上表示，北约相关文件明确了“北大西洋”这一地理范围，而日本不在北大西洋。
Third, Asia-Pacific countries, especially Southeast Asian countries, are highly vigilant about the NATOization of the region. Regional countries aspire for prosperity and development and do not want to see the positive development in the region disrupted. 其三，亚太国家特别是东南亚国家高度警惕地区北约化。地区国家要的是繁荣发展，不愿看到地区和平发展的大好局面被破坏.
Fourth, even the US's close allies in the Asia-Pacific region have their doubts about the US. The US has a track record of backtracking on strategic issues. US allies in the Asia-Pacific region are well aware that fully aligning themselves with the US could bring significant risks.” 其四，即使是与北约往来密切的美国亚太盟友，对美国也不是完全没有疑虑。在战略问题上，美国出尔反尔多有先例。美国亚太盟友清楚，将自身完全绑在美国战车上，很可能带来难以承受的风险。
He concludes by blaming NATO for the Ukraine war and adds that “NATO has become a source of risk for Europe, the Asia-Pacific and the whole world.”
In today’s paper on Page 15, there’s an article by Feng Zhongping, director of the European Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Feng argues that the NATO summit “fueled the fire on the Ukraine issue and hyped up the ‘China threat’.”
“NATO is not the fundamental solution to Europe’s security problems. The outbreak of the Ukraine crisis has proved that there are serious defects in the post-Cold War European security pattern led by NATO, and the construction of European security architecture cannot bypass Russia. However, the US did not reflect on this, but pushed for further expansion of NATO in Europe. Some people of insight in Europe have realized that if NATO continues to expand east, it will further provoke Russia and make the situation more complex and severe. It has become increasingly clear that NATO cannot solve the fundamental problems facing European security, and that Europe will become less secure if NATO continues to expand in Europe.” 北约并不能从根本上解决欧洲安全问题。乌克兰危机的爆发证明，冷战后北约主导的欧洲安全格局存在严重缺陷，欧洲安全架构的建设绕不开俄罗斯。然而，美国不仅对此没有任何反思，反而推动北约进一步在欧洲扩张。欧洲一些有识之士已经意识到，北约如果继续东扩，将进一步刺激俄罗斯，导致形势变得更加复杂严峻。事实已经越来越清楚地表明，北约解决不了欧洲安全面临的根本问题，如果北约继续在欧洲扩张，欧洲将变得更加不安全.
“Europe's dependence on the US and NATO for its defense is not conducive to acheiving the goal of strategic autonomy. For European countries, dependence on the US and NATO does not come free. The price of European security dependence on the US is the loss of its own strategic autonomy. In recent years, the EU has not only embarked on the process of green and digital ‘dual transformation’, but is also striving to transform itself into a ‘geopolitical power’, i.e., it is striving to strengthen strategic autonomy. At the core of this is to strengthen the EU's ability to act in the defence domain and not be influenced by other big countries in foreign policy. Unless European countries are free from dependence on the United States and NATO for security and defense, it will be difficult for them to play an independent international role.” 欧洲在防务上依赖美国和北约，不利于实现其战略自主目标。对于欧洲国家来说，依赖美国和北约并不是免费的。欧洲安全依赖美国的代价是自身战略自主权的丧失。近年来欧盟不仅开启绿色、数字“双转型”进程，还在争取向“地缘政治力量”转型，即力图加强战略自主，其核心是在防务上强化欧盟的行动能力，在外交政策上不受其他大国的左右. 但欧洲国家如不能在安全和防务上摆脱对美国和北约的依赖，就很难自主在国际上发挥作用.
“NATO’s eastward expansion into the Asia-Pacific region does not serve European interests. The US push for NATO's eastward expansion into the Asia-Pacific region serves its misguided strategy against China. European countries have significantly different views on China compared to the United States. European countries generally regard China as an important economic and trade partner and believe that China's continued development cannot be stopped by anyone…The US push for NATO to advance eastward into the Asia-Pacific will inevitably lead to security tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and will not help develop mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the EU in various fields. This is not a situation that European countries want to see.”北约东进亚太不符合欧洲利益。美国推动北约东进亚太，是为了服务其错误对华战略。欧洲国家与美国的“中国观”有明显差异。欧洲国家普遍将中国视为重要经贸伙伴，认为中国的持续发展是任何人无法阻挡的......美国推动北约东进亚太，必将导致亚太地区安全局势紧张，不利于中欧之间发展各领域互利合作。这样的局面不是欧洲国家希望看到的.
He ends with this: Some people in Europe are currently talking about ‘de-risking’. In fact, Europe today faces two real risks in security and defense: first, unreliable American security protection for Europe and NATO serving only American hegemonic interests. Europe should fully realize this reality and make continuous efforts towards strengthening strategic autonomy.” 欧洲一些人目前流行谈论“去风险”。事实上，欧洲在安全和防务问题上面临两大真正风险：一是美国对欧洲的安全保护已经不可靠，二是北约服务的只是美国的霸权利益。欧洲应充分认识到这一现实，并朝着加强战略自主的方向不断努力.
IV. GCI Declaration at China-Arab Political Parties Dialogue
On page 3, there’s a report on the 4th China-Arab Political Parties Dialogue, which was held in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Political dignitaries from 19 Arab countries, leaders of 67 political parties and political organisations, think tanks and media representatives attended the meeting. A declaration on the implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative was approved at the event. The report says:
“The Arab side highly recognizes and appreciates China's GCI, and believes that the initiative contributes Chinese wisdom to jointly addressing global challenges, provides strong support for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and provides continuous impetus for the development and progress of human civilization. It is another important public product provided by China to the international community in the new era.” 阿方高度认同和赞赏中方提出的全球文明倡议，认为该倡议为携手应对全球性挑战贡献中国智慧，为推动构建人类命运共同体提供有力支撑，为人类文明发展进步提供持续动力，是新时代中国为国际社会提供的又一重要公共产品.
The piece then quotes attendees offering a positive appraisal of GCI.
V. China-Algeria Ties
On page 3, there’s an article by Li Jian, China’s ambassador to Algeria. This previews the visit of President of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune to China, starting today. Li writes that the visit will see the two leaders “jointly draw a blueprint for the future development of China-Algeria relations.”
“Both countries are major developing countries and important emerging markets with significant influence. Algeria is the first Arab country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. The two countries have signed the BRI cooperation agreement, and Algeria joined the group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative as one of the first members and actively participated in the implementation of the initiative.” 两国都是拥有重要影响力的发展中大国和重要新兴市场国家。阿尔及利亚是第一个同中国建立全面战略伙伴关系的阿拉伯国家。两国签署了共建“一带一路”合作规划，阿尔及利亚作为首批成员加入“全球发展倡议之友”小组并积极参与倡议落实.
“The two countries enjoy profound traditional friendship. In 1962, the Algerian people achieved national independence and liberation through arduous struggles, writing a glorious chapter in the Arab and African national liberation movements. China was the first non-Arab country to recognize Algeria, and Algeria was one of the first African countries to establish diplomatic ties with New China. The Chinese government and people have provided support and assistance to Algeria's independence revolution. China remembers and appreciates Algeria's fair-mindedness and firm support for the restoration of the legitimate seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations over 50 years ago. True friendship is tested in times of adversity, and the friendship between China and Algeria has been nurtured and cherished through joint struggles. The two countries have similar positions in international affairs. Algeria advocates multi-polarization, opposes unilateralism, and advocates the establishment of a new type of international relations and international order based on international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The two sides maintain close communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, and play an important role in safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and world peace and stability.” 两国传统友谊深厚。1962年，阿尔及利亚人民经过艰苦斗争，实现了国家独立和民族解放，谱写了阿拉伯和非洲民族解放运动的光辉篇章。中国是第一个承认阿尔及利亚的非阿拉伯国家，阿尔及利亚是最早同新中国建交的非洲国家之一。中国政府和人民曾为阿尔及利亚独立革命提供支持和帮助。中方铭记并感谢50多年前阿方主持公道，坚定支持中华人民共和国恢复联合国合法席位。患难见真情，中阿两国友谊在共同斗争中铸就培育，值得共同珍惜传承。两国在国际事务中有相近的立场主张。阿尔及利亚主张多极化，反对单边主义，主张以国际法和联合国宪章的宗旨和原则为基础，建立民主、公正、平等的新型国际关系和国际秩序。双方在国际和地区事务中保持密切沟通与协调，为维护发展中国家合法权益和世界和平稳定发挥重要作用.
“Algeria is one of China's largest overseas engineering contracting markets, and the two countries have cooperated in the construction of a large number of landmark projects. Since 2013, China has been Algeria's largest source of imports…The two countries can strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in investment, tourism development, agricultural modernization, renewable energy, aerospace, automobile manufacturing, digital economy and other fields to promote the upgrading of bilateral relations…President Xi Jinping's proposal of the Global Initiative on Civilizations has been fully recognized and positively responded to by Algeria..The Chinese side looks forward to working with the Algerian side to deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation, and enhance friendship…make greater contributions to promoting regional and global security and stability, and enhancing solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.”
Some useful background information on the visit:
China-Algeria annual bilateral trade of around $8 billion. It is overwhelmingly lop-sided, with Chinese exports at around $7 billion. Algeria’s exports are primarily energy-related products; Chinese exports are dominated by rubber-based products and communications equipment.
Reports inform that the discussions during this visit will cover joint mining and energy projects and Algeria’s aspiration to join the BRICS
Algeria signed a 5-year strategic cooperation pact with China in November 2022. This covered areas like economy, trade, energy, agriculture, science and technology, space, health and human and cultural communication.
VI. Seizing the Commanding Heights of Science & Technology
Finally, on the theory page, the lead article is by Hou Jianguo, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The focus of his argument is on the importance of “seizing the commanding heights of science and technology” He says that this is important to:
Promote high-quality development
Coping with external risks and challenges: “Science and technology have never had such a profound impact on the future and destiny of the country as today. Self-reliance in science and technology is the foundation of national prosperity and the key to security. In the face of complex and fierce international competition, we must adhere to the problem orientation, focus on cutting-edge science and technology and key technologies in strategic areas that have a bearing on the overall situation and the long-term, take the initiative and make proactive moves in order to seize the commanding heights of science and technology, and effectively safeguard national development and security.” 科学技术从来没有像今天这样深刻影响国家的前途命运。科技自立自强是国家强盛之基、安全之要。面对复杂激烈的国际竞争，必须坚持问题导向，在事关全局和长远的战略性领域，聚焦前沿科技和关键技术，下好先手棋、打好主动仗，加快抢占一批科技制高点，有力保障国家发展和安全.
Providing strategic support for the construction of a scientific and technological power: “From the development history of science and technology, major breakthroughs in some commanding heights can often drive innovation and development in a series of related fields. At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation are accelerating, pioneering scientific discoveries and subversive technological innovations are constantly emerging, and human society has entered a new period of active innovation and industrial transformation. Only by fully seizing the high grounds of the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation can we tightly grasp this historic opportunity, accelerate the construction of a strong country in science and technology, and achieve a leap in technological strength and international competitiveness.” 从科技发展史看，某些制高点上的重大突破，往往能够带动一系列相关领域的创新发展。当前，新一轮科技革命和产业变革加速演进，开拓性科学发现和颠覆性技术创新不断涌现，人类社会进入新的创新活跃期和产业变革期。我们只有全力抢占新一轮科技革命和产业变革中的制高点，才有可能紧紧抓住这一历史机遇，加快建设科技强国，实现科技实力和国际竞争力的跃升.
In the next section, he defines commanding heights as “the highest point in the frontier field, the key point in the innovation chain, and the control point in the innovation system.” 科技制高点通常是指前沿领域的最高点、创新链条上的关键点、创新体系中的控制点. He adds:
“Taking into account the current and future changes in the international competition pattern and environment, and the major strategic needs of scientific and technological innovation in China's economic and social development, we can select a number of commanding heights of science and technology from the three aspects of supporting development, ensuring survival, and enhancing leadership, and strive to strengthen research.
Supporting development means focusing on the demand for science and technology in key areas related to the overall development of the country, focusing on solving the problem of ‘feasibility’ of related technologies, promoting the systematic improvement of innovation ability with breakthroughs in key areas, thereby enhancing the ability of science and technology to support high-quality and sustainable economic and social development.
Ensuring survival means addressing challenges related to food security, energy security, basic raw materials, national security, and other important areas, along with effectively guaranteeing the country's security and autonomy in critical foundational domains.
Enhancing leadership means focusing on the world's scientific and technological frontiers and future industrial development, addressing the question of becoming strong in future-oriented fields…
支撑发展力，就是要围绕事关国家发展全局的重点领域科技需求，着力解决相关技术“行不行”的问题，以关键点上的突破带动创新能力的系统性提升，增强科技支撑经济社会高质量、可持续发展的能力。保障生存力，就是要针对粮食安全、能源安全、基础原材料、国家安全等面临的挑战，重点解决相关能力“有没有”的问题，有效保障国家在重要基础领域的安全自主可控。增强引领力，就是要围绕世界科技前沿和未来产业发展，重点解决面向未来“强不强”的问题，开辟发展新领域新赛道，不断塑造发展新动能新优势.
Now in order to seize the commanding heights, he recommends the correct handling of the following:
the relationship between current issues and long-term challenges. “It is necessary to solve the ‘urgent needs’ promptly but also striving to do away with passive responses to the situation and build a strategic initiative.
the relationship between specific focal points and comprehensive coverage; i.e., the challenge of concentrating resources to break through the single-point of technology in key fields vis-a-vis mastering the key control points along the innovation chain. It is necessary to build systematic capabilities and establish a secure and controllable innovation ecosystem.
the relationship between foresight and feasibility; we must aim high, dare to lead and dare to make breakthroughs. But at the same time, one should avoid being too ambitious and divorced from reality, and rather strive for goals that are both attainable and desirable.
the relationship between self-reliance and open cooperation. We need to keep the initiative in scientific and technological innovation and development firmly in our own hands. It is also necessary to participate in high-level international scientific and technological competition and cooperation, deeply integrate into the global innovation network, and join hands with the international scientific and technological community to scale scientific and technological peaks and jointly solve major problems facing mankind.
抢占科技制高点、加快实现高水平科技自立自强，要坚持系统观念，正确处理好几个关系。一是处理好立足当前和着眼长远的关系，既要解“燃眉之急”，卡哪补哪；又要努力摆脱被动应对局面，力争形成战略主动。二是处理好点和面的关系，既要集中资源突破关键领域的单项技术，掌握创新链上的关键控制点；更要在此基础上打造体系化能力，构筑安全可控的创新生态。三是处理好前瞻性和可行性的关系，既要志存高远，敢于引领、敢于突破；又要防止好高骛远、脱离实际，努力做到“可望”又“可及”。四是处理好自立自强和开放合作的关系，既要立足自立自强，把科技创新和发展的主动权牢牢掌握在自己手中；又要通过参与高水平国际科技竞争合作，深度融入全球创新网络，与国际科技界携手攀登科技高峰、共同解决人类面对的重大问题.
In the final section, he calls on national scientific research institutions to focus their efforts on seizing the commanding heights of science and technology as the core task. In this regard, he recommends the following:
Breaking through the inertia of traditional thinking in terms of values of research and path dependence.
Reforming the management structures of research institutions; part of this entails breaking down barriers between disciplines, fields, and teams.
Strengthen the mission orientation of science and technology evaluation. In other words, incentivise researchers to focus on the key problems, adopt an evaluation approach centered around quality, performance, and contributions, and “establish a ‘white list’ system for major contributions, and determine whether it was truly focused on national strategic needs and whether it truly overcame major scientific and technological issues.”
Reform of the allocation and management of scientific and technological resources
Strengthen the overall Party leadership and vigorously promote the spirit of scientists. This includes things like publicising scientific role models, providing strong organisational support for major tasks, and carrying out Xi Thought education work.
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