Xi on Digital Economy Development - Li on Mass Entrepreneurship - Guo on Monopoly & Unfair Competition in Financial Sector - New Party Chiefs in Yunnan & Guangxi - Wang Yi on Xi's Thought on Diplomacy
Here are the stories and pieces from the October 20, 2021, edition of the People’s Daily that I found noteworthy. Too much today to get through, phew!
Page 1: Let’s begin with the report about the 34th collective study session of the Politburo, which was held on Monday. I think Xinhua English does well to capture the key details. This session focussed on the healthy development of China's digital economy. Xi told the members that the Internet, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain and other technologies have increasingly become key to innovation and development.
To him, the digital economy is rapidly becoming the key force in organising global resources, reshaping the global economic structure and changing the nature of international competition. He then called for taking into account domestic and international dynamics -- i.e., keeping in mind the goals of national rejuvenation and the profound changes unseen in a century -- and the two major tasks of development and security, to strengthen and expand China’s digital economy.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Lyu Jian, who is also president of Nanjing University, also spoke at the session. Xi said that since the 18th Party Congress, the CPC Central Committee has paid much attention to digital economic development, pushed for digital industrialization and digitalization of industries, and implemented the national cyber development strategy and the national big data strategy. He spoke about the importance of the digital economy being evident during the pandemic.
He added that developing the digital economy is a strategic choice for grasping the new opportunities in the new round of revolution in science and technology and industrial transformation. In this context, he made three points:
First, the healthy development of the digital economy is conducive to the construction of a new development pattern. This is because it can promote the rapid flow of various resources, accelerate the integration of various market entities, help market entities restructure their organizational models, realize cross-border development, etc.
Second, the healthy development of the digital economy is conducive to promoting the construction of a modern economic system. This is because of innovation and the potential for upgrading traditional industries.
Third, digital transformation is key to establish new national competitive advantages.
The next few points are well summarised by the English report:
“China needs to work hard on key and core technologies, achieve high-level self-reliance and self-improvement as soon as possible, and keep the autonomy of developing the digital economy firmly in its own hands...Xi stressed further efforts in building a high-speed, ubiquitous, intelligent, and comprehensive digital information infrastructure that integrates space and ground, and the cloud and the internet. It should also be green, low-carbon, secure and controllable, he noted, calling for significant breakthroughs in key software.”
The next paragraph talks about integration of the digital economy with the real economy. This is important given the recent policies with regard to the consumer internet sector. Xi talked about the need to grasp the direction of digitalization, networking and intelligentization, promote the digitalization of manufacturing, service and agriculture, and transform traditional industries with the aim of also improving total factor productivity. He then called for “deeper integration of the Internet, big data, and artificial intelligence with industries, and speeding up the development of a number of ‘specialized and innovative’ enterprises and developing champion enterprises in manufacturing.” 要推动互联网、大数据、人工智能同产业深度融合，加快培育一批“专精特新”企业和制造业单项冠军企业.
“It is necessary to promote the development of digital industries in key areas, focus on strategic frontiers and commanding heights, focus on major technological breakthroughs and major development needs, enhance the competitiveness of key links in the industrial chain, improve the supply chain system of key industries, and accelerate the iteration of products and services.” 要推进重点领域数字产业发展，聚焦战略前沿和制高点领域，立足重大技术突破和重大发展需求，增强产业链关键环节竞争力，完善重点产业供应链体系，加速产品和服务迭代.
He then said that “it is necessary to standardize the development of the digital economy, and insist on promoting both development and regulation.” 习近平强调，要规范数字经济发展，坚持促进发展和监管规范两手抓、两手都要硬，在发展中规范、在规范中发展. He talked about improving the “market access system, the fair competition review system, and the fair competition oversight system,” with the aim of developing a “multi-tiered, and multi-dimensional oversight system.”
“We will correct and standardise behaviours and practices that harm people’s interests and impede fair competition in the course of development, prevent platform monopoly and disorderly expansion of capital, and investigate and punish monopolies and unfair competition in accordance with the law. The legitimate rights and interests of platform employees and consumers should be protected. We will strengthen tax supervision and inspection.” -- 要纠正和规范发展过程中损害群众利益、妨碍公平竞争的行为和做法，防止平台垄断和资本无序扩张，依法查处垄断和不正当竞争行为。要保护平台从业人员和消费者合法权益。要加强税收监管和税务稽查.
After this, Xi spoke about state capacity in this regard. He called for improving China’s digital economy governance system, laws, regulations and policy systems, as well as institutions and mechanisms. He wants departments and regulatory bodies to “improve their responsibilities and work with each other.” He also wants the government to “clarify the main responsibilities and obligations of platform enterprises and establish an industry self-discipline mechanism.” He also wants “social supervision,” referring to public and media oversight. Then he talks about international collaboration; with reference to global governance, he wants to ensure that “China’s proposals” are put forward “in a timely manner” and he wants to “make China’s voice heard.”
Next, a report about Li Keqiang addressing the 2021 National Mass Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week in Beijing. Li said that “China is still in the primary stage of socialism and will remain so for a long time to come. As the largest developing country in the world, development is the foundation and the key to solving all problems.” He added that it is necessary to “continue to deepen reform and opening up, strengthen innovation-driven development, and further promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation through market-based methods.” He talked about ensuring the six guarantees, i.e., job security, basic living needs, operations of market entities, food and energy security, stable industrial and supply chains, and the normal functioning of primary-level governments.
Li added: “China has nearly 150 million market players, and it is up to them to ensure employment and people’s livelihood...We need to promote mass entrepreneurship and innovation to a new level, foster more market players, and expand the space for economic development. Mass entrepreneurship and innovation will support employment and provide more channels for millions of college and vocational school graduates to find jobs this year.” 李克强指出，我国已有近1.5亿市场主体，保就业保民生要靠市场主体。要推动双创不断迈上新台阶，催生更多市场主体，拓展经济发展空间。双创可以支撑就业，能为解决今年上千万高校和中职毕业生就业拓宽渠道. -- Quick thought: None of this suggests weakening support for the private sector. And the next bit emphasises this even more so.
Li talked about “tax incentives and inclusive finance policies for small and micro businesses;” he talked about “opposing monopolies and unfair competition,” and maintaining a “fair and just market order”; focussing entrepreneurship to deal with “key and core technologies” related issues.
Third, we have a report about the NPCSC meeting in Beijing. A bunch of key laws are up for discussion and review. As per the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, three laws -- the family education law, land border law and audit law -- are “mature” and can be taken up by the Standing Committee for approval.
Xinhua English reports that the “NPC Constitution and Law Committee also submitted to the session draft laws on wetlands protection and futures. Both of the drafts returned to the legislature for a second reading. Lawmakers deliberated for the first time a draft law on anti-telecom fraud, a draft amendment to the Organic Law of the Local People's Congresses and Local People's Governments, draft revisions to the Animal Husbandry Law and the Law on Physical Culture and Sports, a draft amendment to the Anti-monopoly Law, a draft revision to the Law on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, and a draft amendment to the Civil Procedure Law.”
The PD report adds that the meeting discussed the State Council’s proposal for reviewing a draft amendment to the Anti-Monopoly Law. The draft insists on both standardization and development, in response to outstanding problems in the implementation of the anti-monopoly law, further improving the anti-monopoly-related system, and increasing penalties for monopolistic behaviour.
Also note, another Xinhua report tells us that senior legislators discussed and studied Xi’s recent speech on the people’s congress system.
Finally, we have a report about Vice Premier Han Zheng holding a meeting at the NDRC to discuss key economic tasks for Q4 and for early next year. He talked about the need to “ grasp the new situation, study new issues, strengthen confidence, maintain determination, and unswervingly follow the path of high-quality development.” He called for “further research on macro policies and cross-cycle adjustments to macro policies in a bid to make plans for next year's work.”
He also spoke about the need to strengthen “overall planning and coordination to ensure the safe and stable supply of energy and electricity this winter and next spring.” Han promised to:
effectively increase coal production capacity while meeting safety and environmental protection requirements.
take effective measures to resolutely curb and regulate hoarding and speculation in accordance with laws and regulations
implement the policy to expand the floating range of coal electricity prices, help coal power enterprises ease their difficulties for the time being, and study and improve the market-based pricing mechanism for coal power
improve incentives and constraints for conserving energy use, work at both ends of supply and demand to promote the steady and sound development of the energy sector...focus on regulating energy use in industries that consume a lot of energy, and manage energy use in a refined and orderly manner.
accelerate the upgrading of national energy reserve capacity
give top priority to people’s wellbeing
One outcome of these comments as Bloomberg reports: “Stunning Coal Rally Halts in China as Government Issues Warnings”
Page 2: I had shared details of the appointment of five new Party chiefs yesterday. Today we have a report on those five and two others.
Liu Ning has been appointed as secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the CPC, replacing Lu Xinshe.
Wang Ning has been appointed as secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the CPC, replacing Ruan Chengfa.
Do check out this thread in this regard:
Next, Wang Yong attended the 2021 World Conference on the VR Industry. He spoke about the need to improve “systems and standards, improve support policies, create a good environment, and fully stimulate the vitality” of the sector.
Finally, we have an interview with Guo Shuqing, Chairman of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. The first question is about monopoly and unfair competition in the financial sector. So Guo says:
“Since the reform and opening up, China in a short span of time of just over 40 years has built-up a modern financial system, the world’s second largest which is also leading the world in some aspects; this fully shows that China’s financial system has strong vitality and vigor, its competitive, fairness, openness, and inclusiveness are at a relatively high level. Moreover, there is no systemic risk in China’s financial system, which is very rare and even unique in the world. Such a miracle is no accident. It is not only a vivid demonstration of the superiority of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, but also a great achievement in the exploration and creation of the socialist market economy, and the outcome of the inheritance and development of China’s fine commercial civilization over thousands of years.” 郭树清：改革开放以来，中国在短短40多年的时间里，就构建起一个全球第二大的现代金融体系，而且有的方面已处于国际领先地位，这充分说明我国金融体系具有强大的生机和活力，其开放性、竞争性、公平性、包容性、普惠性处于较高水平。而且我国金融体系没有发生过系统性风险，这也是世界上非常少见甚至是独一无二的。取得这样的奇迹绝非偶然，这既是中国特色社会主义制度优越性的生动体现，也是社会主义市场经济探索创造的伟大成就，还是中国几千年优秀商业文明传承发展的丰硕成果.
On monopolies, he says that risks are part and parcel of rapid development; and financial innovation and new technologies also bring new risks. So what is needed is a “sound modern financial governance system with Chinese characteristics.” He promises to “resolutely break monopolies, exercise strict regulation in accordance with the law, seek progress while maintaining stability, and promote sound development.”
He then says that the central leadership’s proposal to strengthen anti-monopoly action and prevent the disorderly expansion of capital “is a major deployment made from the strategic perspective of building a new development pattern, promoting high-quality development and promoting common prosperity.” 以习近平同志为核心的党中央及时提出强化反垄断和防止资本无序扩张，这是从构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展、促进共同富裕的战略高度作出的重大部署.
He says that such action is consistent with “the goals and principles of adhering to the basic socialist economic system, the ‘two unwavering’, deepening reform and opening up, and building China into a great modern socialist power.” 这与坚持社会主义基本经济制度、“两个毫不动摇”、以经济建设为中心、深化改革开放、建设社会主义现代化强国的目标和方针是完全一致的.
He then talks about the following four aspects being interconnected and mutually reinforcing:
resolutely break monopoly,
strictly supervise in accordance with the law,
insist on seeking progress while maintaining stability, and
promote healthy development
This implies that preventing unfair competition, disorderly capital expansion, goes with protecting property rights and intellectual property rights, the legal rights and interests of labourers, operators and other parties, and promoting economic development, social progress, and achieving a higher level of productivity.
He then summarises his view into the following two points:
First, be law-abiding. Many monopolistic actions in the finance sector, he says, are not in accordance with the law. In terms of the digital economy and digital finance, he says that laws must be improved. It is important to “coordinate security with convenience, formulate and implement specific regulations on data protection, personal privacy protection, trade secret protection and state secret protection.”
Second, adhere to integrity and innovation. He explains here that: “When there is a phenomenon that endangers national security and social stability, when there is behaviour that damages the interests of depositors, policy holders, financial consumers or securities investors, no matter what reasons and excuses they have, they must be resolutely corrected and punished. Upholding integrity means putting the people first. Only on this basis can we encourage financial innovation; otherwise, we will go astray.” 当发生危害国家安全和社会稳定的现象，当出现损害存款人、保单持有人、金融消费者或证券投资者利益的行为时，不论其有什么理由和借口，都要坚决予以纠正和惩处. 守正就是坚守人民至上，在这个大前提下，才能鼓励金融创新，否则就会走偏方向.
He says that so far some measures have been adopted in banking, insurance, securities and other financial fields with regard to monopolies, this has achieved “initial results.” When it comes to internet platforms, “we insist that financial services must be licensed, we must treat similar businesses and entities alike, have zero tolerance for illegal financial activities, and resolutely stop regulatory arbitrage.”对互联网平台，我们坚持金融业务必须持牌经营，对于同类业务、同类主体一视同仁，对违法违规金融活动“零容忍”，坚决制止监管套利. He added: “Efforts will be made to create a better financial environment for the development of the private economy.”
The last question is about support for the private sector. Guo emphasises continued support and offers some data:
“By the end of August, the balance of loans to private enterprises reached 52.5 trillion yuan, an increase of 4.42 trillion yuan over the beginning of the year, an increase of 11.5%. This year, more than 70 million private enterprises have been issued loans, the number of loan households increased by 30%. In the first eight months, 53% of new corporate-type loans issued by banking institutions were granted to private enterprises, which matches its share in the national economy. By the end of the third quarter, the balance of loans for inclusive small and micro enterprises was 18.6 trillion yuan, up 27.4% year-on-year. Currently, China's loan coverage rate for small and micro enterprises is roughly 30%...” 截至8月末，民营企业贷款余额达52.5万亿元，比年初增加4.42万亿元，增长11.5%。今年已为7000多万户民营企业发放贷款，贷款户数增长30%。前8个月，银行机构新发放的企业类贷款中，53%发放给民营企业，这与其在国民经济中的占比是匹配的。截至三季度末，普惠型小微企业贷款余额18.6万亿元，同比增长27.4%。目前，中国小微企业贷款覆盖率大概在30%左右，这在国际上已处于领先地位.
Page 3: Just one report to note. Wang Yi spoke to Nepal’s new Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka (English report). He said that China appreciates Nepal’s successive governments for their firm adherence to the one-China policy and their firm support for China on issues involving China’s core interests and major concerns. He added that China will, as always, support Nepal in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and speak up on issues involving Nepal’s core interests.
Wang spoke about the Global Development Initiative as “an important public good and cooperation platform proposed by China.” He discussed BRI cooperation and offered more vaccines to Nepal. He also spoke about safeguarding “true multilateralism,” resisting “interference in other countries’ internal affairs,” opposing “unilateralism and acts of bullying,” and defending “the common interests of both sides and other regional countries.” Khadka, as per the report, said that “Nepal will firmly adhere to the one-China policy and will never allow any force to use its territory to conduct anti-China activities.”
Page 6: We have a report (English report) about the CAC’s actions in the campaign to rectify chaos with regard to internet users accounts. Some of the key areas the the campaign will focus on:
The reemergence of illegal/banned accounts
Accounts that fake the names and logos of party, government and military organs, enterprises and public institutions, news media and other organizations
‘Zombie followers’ of celebrities
Accounts that hype up public emotions by commenting on social incidents, spreading obscene content and distorting national policies
Also note that today, the CAC has published an updated list of 1,358 internet news services, stating that information service providers can only reprint news from these sources.
Next, we have a report about Luo Junjie, spokesperson of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, speaking to the press yesterday. Some key data points:
So far this year, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size grew by 11.8 percent year-on-year, with an average growth rate of 6.4 percent over the past two years.
The added value of the manufacturing sector grew by 12.5% year-on-year and by an average of 7% over the past two years.
39 out of 41 industrial sectors maintained growth in the first three quarters, and 21 saw double-digit growth. The added value of equipment manufacturing increased by 16.2 percent, contributing more than 40 percent to the overall industrial growth. The added value of raw material manufacturing increased by 8.2%. The added value of consumer goods manufacturing increased by 11.4%, indicating that growth has generally been picking up since April.
In the first three quarters of this year, the added value of high-tech manufacturing grew by 20.1% year on year, with an average growth of 12.8% over the past two years.
The output of industrial robots and integrated circuits increased by 57.8% and 43.1%, respectively. exceeded 2.1 million units. Industries such as ultra-high-definition video, big data, virtual reality, and smart photovoltaics were accelerated.
In September, domestic output and sales of new-energy vehicles both exceeded 2.1 million units. For the three quarters, so far total production of NEVs in China reached 18.243 million, up 7.5 percent year-on-year, while sales were up 8.7 percent to 18.623 million.
Luo also talked about a working group being set up to address semiconductor challenges related to the automotive industry.
The 5G user base in China is 450 million; there are 1.16 million 5G base stations; the gigabit optical network can now cover more than 200 million households.
Page 9: On the Theory page today, the lead piece is by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He talks about holding high the glorious banner of Xi Thought on diplomacy. Wang Yi begins by telling us that the “new era” began after the 18th Party Congress.
“In this great historical process, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with the outstanding political wisdom, extraordinary theoretical courage and the profound sense of a Marxist politician, thinker and strategist, coordinated the overall situation of national rejuvenation and unprecedented changes unseen in a century and integrated the great struggle, great projects, great undertakings and great dreams of the Chinese nation, personally led and carried out the magnificent practice of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and put forward a series of groundbreaking and pioneering new ideas, propositions and initiatives on diplomacy, establishing Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. This is an important theoretical achievement of combining the basic principles of Marxism with the practice of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics...It provides a fundamental guide for China's diplomatic work in the new era.” 党的十八大以来，中国特色社会主义进入新时代，党和国家事业全面开创新局面。在这一伟大历史进程中，习近平总书记以马克思主义政治家、思想家、战略家的卓越政治智慧、非凡理论勇气、深厚天下情怀，统筹中华民族伟大复兴战略全局和世界百年未有之大变局，统揽伟大斗争、伟大工程、伟大事业、伟大梦想，亲自领导开展了波澜壮阔的新时代中国特色大国外交实践，提出了一系列具有开创性、引领性意义的外交新理念新主张新倡议，形成了习近平外交思想。这一重要思想是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的重要组成部分，是马克思主义基本原理同中国特色大国外交实践相结合的重大理论成果，实现了历史使命与时代潮流、民族精神与国际主义、中国气派与世界情怀的高度统一，为新时代中国外交工作提供了根本遵循和行动指南.
He adds, and I am summarising here, that great times give birth to great ideas, and great ideas guide great journeys. In this context, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy has identified changes in the world, the times and history, providing a “blueprint for conducting major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era” and contributing “Chinese wisdom and solutions to solving global challenges facing mankind.”
He then talks about understanding the two overall situations and coordinating action in this regard. He says that this is exactly what Xi Thought has done. He says that Xi has made a “series of major strategic judgments” accurately defining “the new historical position of China’s development” from the perspective of understanding the intersection of the global balance of power and China’s national progress. This has provided a “scientific basis for formulating foreign policy strategies and carrying out foreign policy work, and further enhanced our strategic resolve, confidence and initiative.” 习近平总书记的一系列重大战略判断，从世界力量格局的横坐标和中华民族前进的纵坐标准确界定了我国发展所处的新的历史方位，深刻揭示了世界发展潮流所向和民族复兴光明前景，为制定对外战略、开展对外工作提供了科学依据，进一步增强了我们的战略定力、战略自信和战略主动.
In the next paragraph, Wang says that since the 18th Party Congress, the Party’s centralized and unified leadership over foreign work has been comprehensively strengthened. He specifically mentions greater top-level design, better strategic planning and improved coordination. And he gives himself and the leadership a pat on the back by saying that the work has created “a favorable international environment for China’s development.”
The next paragraph focuses on the impact of Chinese diplomacy. He talks about how Xi has “taken a far-sighted view” and “put forward the major initiative of building a community with a shared future for mankind.” One part of this is to “build a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation.” As a metric of success, Wang says that “today, the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind has gained wider understanding and support from the international community. It has been included in many international documents such as the UN General Assembly resolutions.” He talks about “achievements” in the building of a community with a shared future for neighboring countries, the Asia-Pacific region, Central Africa, Arab States and Latin America. And then praises China’s pandemic diplomacy.
In the next paragraph, Wang tells us that China’s diplomacy has the “mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” -- It is important to keep this in mind; fundamentally, all diplomacy serves domestic objectives.
This is interesting: “We will focus on developing global partnerships, building a common but not exclusive ‘circle of friends’, and opening up a new path of state-to-state exchanges pursuing partnerships rather than alliances, and dialogue rather than confrontation.” 以发展全球伙伴关系为着力点，构建共同而非排他的“朋友圈”，开辟结伴而不结盟、对话而不对抗的国与国交往新路. He also talks about shouldering “our responsibility to lead the reform of the global governance system, practice multilateralism, uphold equity and justice, seek shared benefits…”
The next paragraph offers some data about China’s diplomatic engagements; but what’s noteworthy is that he praises China’s practice of multilateralism in the face of the trends of the “new cold war” and creation of “small circles.” He also says that “We have fully safeguarded our sovereignty, security and development interests. We have dared to fight resolutely on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, in the maritime domain and with regard to human rights, thereby creating a favorable external environment for China's development.” 主权安全发展利益全面维护，在台湾、涉港、涉疆、涉藏、涉海、人权等问题上敢于亮剑、坚决斗争，为国家发展创造了有利外部环境.
Then he launches into fulsome praise and interpretation of Xi Thought. He says that Xi Thought
expands the modernization of Marxism in China in the field of diplomacy
is rooted in Chinese tradition and culture
is a continuation of and develops on the core principles and fine traditions of New China’s diplomacy - this essentially states that this is not a break from the past but building on the past.
it transcends and sublates traditional theories of international relations
For Wang, Xi Thought stands on the “moral commanding heights of world development and human progress.” It “combines China’s development with world development, and the interests of the Chinese people with the common and fundamental interests of the people of the world.” It transcends the traditional realist notions of strong countries seeking hegemony and great power conflict. It is an innovation and sublimation of the understanding of the laws of development of international relations. In response to the Cold War mentality of alliance, confrontation and zero-sum game, China calls for developing partnerships based on win-win rather than zero-sum principles without imaginary enemies or targeting any third party. In response to a small number of countries seeking absolute security at the expense of others, we advocate common and universal security and foster a security architecture featuring fairness, justice, joint contribution and shared benefits. In the face of the counter-currents of protectionism and anti-globalization, we should make economic globalization open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all, and jointly build an open world economy...” 习近平外交思想是对传统国际关系理论的超越和扬弃。习近平外交思想始终站在世界发展和人类进步的道义制高点上，把中国发展与世界发展结合起来，把中国人民的利益与世界人民的共同和根本利益结合起来，超越了国强必霸、大国冲突的传统现实主义理论窠臼，实现了对国际关系发展规律认识的创新和升华。针对结盟对抗、零和博弈的冷战思维，主张不设假想敌，不针对第三方，以共赢而非零和的理念发展伙伴关系。针对少数国家损害别国安全、谋求绝对安全，倡导共同安全、普遍安全，营造公平正义、共建共享的安全格局。针对保护主义、反全球化逆流，引导经济全球化朝着开放、包容、普惠、平衡、共赢的方向发展，共建开放型世界经济.
Towards the end, Wang reiterates that “we should always be prepared for danger in times of peace, enhance our sense of hardship and bottom-line thinking, discard illusions, dare to struggle, be good at struggling, take a clear-cut stand when faced with major issues, refrain from backing down on matters of principle, resolutely fight against various risks and challenges, firmly defend the fundamental interests of the Party, the country and the people, resolutely counter any external interference, thwart all attempts at interference and destruction by anti-China forces, and further safeguard the sovereignty, security and development interests of the country with firm determination and effective measures.” -- 进一步树牢斗争意识，妥善应对风险挑战。习近平总书记强调，要深刻认识错综复杂的国际环境带来的新矛盾新挑战。我们要始终居安思危，增强忧患意识和底线思维，丢掉幻想，敢于斗争，善于斗争，在大是大非面前旗帜鲜明，在原则问题上寸步不让，同各种风险挑战坚决斗争，坚定捍卫党、国家和人民根本利益，坚决反击任何外来干涉，挫败一切反华势力干扰破坏，以坚定的决心和有效的举措进一步维护好国家的主权、安全、发展利益.
Quick thoughts: A few brief points to note. First, Wang’s been in charge of the foreign ministry since March 2013, and he has moved up since then to also be State Councillor. While the ministry doesn’t necessarily craft policies or rank high-up in the foreign policymaking apparatus, under him, it has clearly gained a stronger voice in this system. This is evident by how folks like Zhao Lijian have demonstrated greater narrative and tone-setting ability. Second, given that Wang’s been in charge since 2013, one doesn’t expect him to be critical of China’s foreign policy direction. Third, and most important, I read this piece primarily in the context of the 6th plenum. It is an affirmation of Xi’s authority but also Wang’s likely also pitching for and in line for a promotion at the 20th Party Congress. So this is a bit of a report card.