Xi on Yangtze River Delta's Development - China Mourns Kissinger - Messages from Liu Jianchao's Visit to Australia
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Friday, December 01, 2023.
Page 1: The main story today is on Xi Jinping chairing a symposium on further promoting the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta in Shanghai yesterday.
The report says that Xi “emphasised that further promoting the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, further enhancing innovation capability, industrial competitiveness and development level. Taking the lead in forming a new pattern of higher-level reform and opening up is of great significance for China to build a new development pattern, promote high-quality development, and comprehensively promote the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.” 他强调，深入推进长三角一体化发展，进一步提升创新能力、产业竞争力、发展能级，率先形成更高层次改革开放新格局，对于我国构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展，以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业，意义重大.
Li Qiang and Cai Qi attended this meeting, along with Director of the National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shajie, Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, Jiangsu Party Secretary Xin Changxing, Zhejiang Party Secretary Yi Lianhong, and Anhui Party Secretary Han Jun, who delivered reports at the meeting.
Xi began by saying:
In the five years since the Yangtze River Delta integrated development strategy was proposed and implemented, the planning policy system has been established and improved; the strong and active growth pole functions have been continuously consolidated and improved; the establishment of a modern industrial system has been accelerated; major breakthroughs have been made in coordinated regional development; and new strides have been taken in reform and opening up; the joint protection and joint governance of the ecological environment has been solidly advanced; and the overall strength and comprehensive competitiveness of the Yangtze River Delta region have continued to rank among the top in the country. The region’s increasingly prominent role as an important window for showcasing the superiority of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and as a crucial platform for China's participation in international competitive cooperation has become evident, winning the strategic initiative to build a new development pattern and promote high-level opening up.” 他指出，长三角一体化发展战略提出并实施5年来，规划政策体系形成并不断完善，强劲活跃的增长极功能不断巩固提升，现代化产业体系加快建立，区域协调发展取得重大突破，改革开放迈出新步伐，生态环境共保联治扎实推进，长三角区域整体实力和综合竞争力持续位居全国前列，彰显中国特色社会主义制度优越性的重要窗口和我国参与国际竞争合作的重要平台的作用日益显现，为构建新发展格局、推进高水平对外开放赢得了战略主动。
“At the same time, it is important to recognize that the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta faces some deep-seated problems that need to be resolved; the quality, efficiency and radiating role of development still need to be enhanced; efforts need to be made to deepen the integration of key areas and key regions; the level of division of labour and cooperation in the industrial chain and supply chain needs to be improved; the leading role in establishing a unified national market needs to be further exerted; reform and opening up needs further expansion; and there are still many shortcomings in the governance and development of very large and megacities. Advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta is a major undertaking, and making steady progress and continuing the hard work are necessary to write new chapters of the region's integrated development.” 同时也要看到，长三角一体化发展有许多深层次问题有待进一步破解，发展质量效率和辐射带动作用仍需提升，重点领域、重点区域一体化尚需努力，产业链供应链分工协作水平有待提升，建立全国统一大市场的龙头带动作用有待进一步发挥，改革开放还需进一步向纵深拓展，超大特大城市治理和发展还有不少短板。推进长三角一体化发展是一篇大文章，要坚持稳中求进，一任接着一任干，不断谱写长三角一体化发展新篇章.
“Xi Jinping emphasised that the Yangtze River Delta region must strengthen cross-regional collaboration in scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation. It is important to vigorously promote scientific and technological innovation; strengthen the in-depth integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation; give rise to new industries, new business formats and new models; expand new development space, cultivate new development momentum, better connect the Yangtze River Economic Belt and radiate throughout the entire country. It is necessary to integrate scientific and technological innovation forces and advantageous resources across regions and departments to achieve strong alliances and create a source of scientific and technological innovation. It is necessary to participate in international scientific and technological cooperation with more open thinking and measures to create a more globally competitive innovation ecosystem.” 习近平强调，长三角区域要加强科技创新和产业创新跨区域协同。大力推进科技创新，加强科技创新和产业创新深度融合，催生新产业新业态新模式，拓展发展新空间，培育发展新动能，更好联动长江经济带、辐射全国。要跨区域、跨部门整合科技创新力量和优势资源，实现强强联合，打造科技创新策源地。要以更加开放的思维和举措参与国际科技合作，营造更具全球竞争力的创新生态.
In the next paragraph Xi talks about the importance of breaking down “regional segmentation and administrative obstacles” at the institutional level so as to “provide institutional guarantee for integrated development”. In this regard, he said:
“It is necessary to gradually promote the convergence of basic public service systems, policy coordination, and standards, in order to promote the convenient sharing of public services across various fields.
It is necessary to strengthen the cross-regional convergence of various transportation network infrastructure standards and improve the level of infrastructure interconnection.
It is necessary to accelerate the construction of the Yangtze River Delta ecological green integrated development demonstration zone; improve the land and spatial planning system in the demonstration zone; strengthen cross-regional coordination and organic integration of planning, land, and project construction; and accelerate the transition from regional project collaboration to regional integration system innovation.
It is necessary to promote cross-regional co-construction and sharing, promote cross-regional industrial relocation and reasonable allocation of production elements in an orderly manner, and build the Yangtze River Delta into a true community for shared regional development.”
要循序渐进推进基本公共服务制度衔接、政策协同、标准趋同，分类推进各领域公共服务便利共享。要加强各类交通网络基础设施标准跨区域衔接，提升基础设施互联互通水平。要加快长三角生态绿色一体化发展示范区建设，完善示范区国土空间规划体系，加强规划、土地、项目建设的跨区域协同和有机衔接，加快从区域项目协同走向区域一体化制度创新。要推进跨区域共建共享，有序推动产业跨区域转移和生产要素合理配置，使长三角真正成为区域发展共同体。
The next bit deals with opening up. Xi called for the region to promote “high-level opening-up with a focus on institutional opening-up, strengthen mutual learning and replication of reform experiences, and strive to become a powerful engine that smoothes China’s economic cycle and a strategic hub that connects domestic and international cycles.” “There is a need to expedite the construction of the ‘Five Centers’ in Shanghai, accelerate the comprehensive pilot reform in Pudong New Area, further enhance the radiation capacity of Hongqiao International Open Hub, vigorously implement the strategy to upgrade the Free Trade Zone, and advance higher-level opening up of the Lingang New Area in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. It is necessary to promote the deep integration of the Yangtze River Delta’s integrated development and the high-quality development of BRI, facilitating the ‘going out’ of the Yangtze River Delta’s advantageous production capacity, high-quality equipment, applicable technologies, and standards. It is necessary to take the lead in implementing policies and measures that encourage, support, and guide the healthy development of the private economy, further optimise the development environment for private enterprises, and promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy.” 习近平强调，长三角区域要积极推进高层次协同开放。推进以制度型开放为重点的高水平对外开放，加强改革经验互学互鉴和复制推广，努力成为畅通我国经济大循环的强大引擎和联通国内国际双循环的战略枢纽。要加快上海“五个中心”建设，加快推进浦东新区综合改革试点，进一步提升虹桥国际开放枢纽辐射能级，大力实施自由贸易试验区提升战略，推进上海自由贸易试验区临港新片区更高水平对外开放。要促进长三角一体化发展和共建“一带一路”高质量发展深度融合，推动长三角优势产能、优质装备、适用技术和标准“走出去”。要带头落实鼓励、支持、引导民营经济健康发展的政策举措，进一步优化民营企业发展环境，推动民营经济健康发展、高质量发展.
In the next bit, Xi said that efforts should be made to strengthen joint protection and governance of the ecological environment. “Strengthen the seamless connection of ecological protection redlines among the three provinces and one municipality; promote the joint protection of important ecological barriers and corridors; enhance comprehensive prevention and control of air, water, and soil pollution; conduct in-depth cross-border co-governance of water bodies; strengthen policy coordination in the region for energy conservation, emission reduction, and carbon reduction, and establish a regional green manufacturing system. It is necessary to comprehensively promote cleaner production, promote energy conservation, carbon reduction and efficiency improvement in key areas and key industries, strengthen and improve green and low-carbon industries, establish and improve green industrial systems, and accelerate the formation of sustainable production and lifestyles. It is necessary to establish a cross-regional emission rights trading system and actively and steadily promote carbon peak and carbon neutrality. It is necessary to plan and build a new energy system and coordinate the promotion of mutual power supply assistance between provinces and cities. It is necessary to continue to promote the ‘ten-year fishing ban’ in the Yangtze River and strengthen joint law enforcement. It is necessary to improve the value realization mechanism of ecological products and broaden the path for transforming ecological advantages into economic advantages.” 习近平指出，长三角区域要加强生态环境共保联治。加强三省一市生态保护红线无缝衔接，推进重要生态屏障和生态廊道共同保护，加强大气、水、土壤污染综合防治，深入开展跨界水体共保联治，加强节能减排降碳区域政策协同，建设区域绿色制造体系。要全面推进清洁生产，促进重点领域和重点行业节能降碳增效，做强做优绿色低碳产业，建立健全绿色产业体系，加快形成可持续的生产生活方式。要建立跨区域排污权交易制度，积极稳妥推进碳达峰碳中和。要规划建设新型能源体系，协同推进省市间电力互济。要持续推进长江“十年禁渔”，加强联合执法。要健全生态产品价值实现机制，拓宽生态优势转化为经济优势的路径.
The next paragraph is about enhancing the region’s capability to coordinate development and security. “It is necessary to implement the comprehensive national security concept; adhere to the bottom line thinking; coordinate development and security; focus on the fields of science and technology, industry, finance and major infrastructure related to national and regional security; strengthen the risk prevention and control system and capacity building, and lay a solid foundation for secure development. It is necessary to fully leverage the advantages of the well-established industrial system and strong complementary capabilities within the Yangtze River Delta region. Implement actions to strengthen and replenish chains in important areas and key links related to the national economy and people's livelihood. Strengthen industrial cooperation with the central and western regions. And strive to improve the level of resilience and security level of the industrial and supply chains. It is necessary to steadily expand the institutional opening of the financial sector, enhance the facilitation of cross-border investment and financing, strengthen risk prevention and control throughout the process, and better safeguard national financial security. It is necessary to place high importance to the security of external cooperation and guide the development of a rational and orderly cross-border layout of industrial chains. It is necessary to adhere to the principle of building cities for the people, enhance the level of modern urban governance, accelerate the construction of resilient cities, establish a sound urban safety prevention system, strengthen the basic urban operation guarantee system, and improve disaster prevention, reduction, and relief capabilities.” 习近平强调，长三角区域要着力提升安全发展能力。要贯彻总体国家安全观，坚持底线思维，统筹好发展和安全，盯住关系国家和区域安全的科技、产业、金融等领域和重大基础设施，加强风险防控体系和能力建设，夯实安全发展的基础。要充分发挥长三角产业体系完备和配套能力强的优势，在关系国计民生的重要领域和关键环节实施强链补链行动，并与中西部地区加强产业合作，着力提升产业链供应链韧性和安全水平。要稳步扩大金融领域制度型开放，提升跨境投融资便利化，加强全过程风险防控，更好维护国家金融安全。要高度重视对外合作安全，引导产业链合理有序跨境布局。要坚持人民城市人民建，提升城市现代化治理水平，加快推进韧性城市建设，健全城市安全预防体系，强化城市基本运行保障体系，提高防灾减灾救灾能力.
The final paragraph emphasises Party leadership, implementing the Central Committee’s priorities, implementing the second round of Xi thought campaign and anti-corruption efforts.
Also on the front page is a report on Xi’s letter marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. I covered this yesterday. Another report briefly discusses Qiushi publishing Xi’s article on farmland protection and the comprehensive utilization of saline-alkali land.
Finally, there’s a report on Xi sending a message of condolences to Joe Biden over the death of Henry Kissinger. Xinhua reports:
“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, Xi extended profound condolences and expressed sincere sympathy to Kissinger's family. In his message, Xi said Kissinger was a world-renowned strategist and an old friend and good friend of the Chinese people. Half a century ago, with an outstanding strategic vision, Kissinger made historic contributions to the normalization of China-U.S. relations, which has not only benefited the two countries, but also changed the world, Xi said. Kissinger had made it his lifelong pursuit to promote the development of China-U.S. relations and enhance the friendship between the two peoples, and his name will always be associated with China-U.S. relations, Xi said. Noting that Kissinger will always be remembered and missed by the Chinese people, Xi said that China is ready to work with the United States to carry forward the cause of friendship between the two peoples and promote the sound and steady development of China-U.S. relations, so as to benefit the two peoples and make due contribution to world peace and development.”
On page 2, there’s also a report on MoFA spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s comments on Kissinger’s death.
“Dr. Henry Kissinger was a dear old friend of the Chinese people and a trail-blazer and contributor to China-US relations. Dr. Kissinger, who has long been showing care and support for the growth of China-US relations, visited China more than 100 times and has made historical contribution to the normalization of China-US relations. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by the people of China for his personal commitment and extraordinary contribution to China-US relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to President Biden to express deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Kissinger and extend sympathies to Dr. Kissinger’s family. Premier Li Qiang sent a message of condolences to the family of Dr. Kissinger. Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent a message of condolences to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Dr. Kissinger attached high importance to China-US relations and stated that this bilateral relationship is of vital significance to both China and the US and global peace and prosperity. Both sides in China and the US need to carry forward Dr. Kissinger’s strategic vision, political courage and diplomatic wisdom and, as President Xi and President Biden agreed in San Francisco, uphold the principle of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation and work to deliver a healthy, stable and sustainable China-US relationship.”
Page 2: There is a report on China’s position paper on the Israel-Palestine issue and another one on Wang Yi chairing the UNSC meeting. I covered these yesterday. In addition, although it is not in the paper today, Wang met with Arab and Islamic countries’ foreign ministers at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday. Xinhua reports:
Wang said that “China’s position on the Palestine-Israel issue is that the temporary cease-fire should lead to a comprehensive cease-fire, not a resumption of war…Wang said a joint delegation of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries visited China a few days ago when he had in-depth discussions about the Palestine-Israel issue with them and reached important consensus on convening a high-level Security Council meeting at an early date. Today is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and the purpose of holding the high-level meeting on this special day is very clear, which is to promote a comprehensive cease-fire, effectively protect civilians, ensure humanitarian assistance and chart the course for a comprehensive and permanent settlement of the Palestinian issue, he said. A comprehensive cease-fire marks not only the end of the war but also the beginning of a peace process, said Wang, noting that the Security Council should speak with one voice. The representatives from the Arab and Islamic countries appreciated China's moral support for Palestine and its efforts for regional peace and fully agreed with China's relevant position. They said the temporary cease-fire should be the beginning of peace, and a comprehensive ceasefire should be achieved rather than returning to conflict. Humanitarian assistance should be increased, the entry of humanitarian supplies should be ensured, the forced relocation of Palestinians should be stopped, Gaza people should no longer be held hostage, and Security Council resolutions should be implemented, they added. It is hoped that this high-level meeting will make a strong call for a cease-fire and ensure humanitarian assistance, they said. All parties appreciated the fact that China has always stood on the side of peace, on the side of justice and on the right side of history, they said. They hoped China would exert its leadership and push all parties to jointly explore a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state solution. In response, Wang said China shares the same position as that of the Arab and Islamic countries and appreciates the efforts made by Qatar and Egypt to mediate the temporary cease-fire, which is a vital step in the right direction. Once the window of peace is opened, it should not be closed again as this concerns human morality and basic conscience, he said. China is ready to work closely with all parties to push the Security Council to be more active and effective, listen more to the voices of Arab and Islamic countries, and take further meaningful actions, Wang said. China will continue to make unremitting efforts for an early, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue, he said. The attending representatives included foreign ministers or senior officials from Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Arab League.”
Next, a report informs that Wang Yi will travel to Vietnam to hold the 15th Meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation from December 1 and 2.
Moving on, there’s a brief report on Liu Jianchao’s visit to Australia from November 27 to 30. Let me cover this story based on the reports on the International Department’s website.
First, there’s a report on Liu’s speech at University of Technology Sydney. Liu said that China-Australia relations have long been at the forefront of China’s relations with developed countries, and there have been ups and downs. Since last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Albanese have met twice, charting the direction for the development of China-Australia relations. China and Australia should uphold the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations and adhere to the correct way of getting along with each other as equals, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation.
Both sides should enhance mutual trust, adhere to the orientation of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and anchor the course of China-Australia relations;
It is necessary to strengthen cooperation, give full play to the potential of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement and strive to achieve common development;
It is necessary to transcend differences in political systems, history, culture, and actual national conditions, expand consensus, properly handle differences, and promote the stability and long-term development of China-Australia relations;
It is necessary to deepen exchanges, strengthen communication between the governments, political parties, think tanks, youth and local governments at all levels and in all fields, so as to inject a steady stream of positive energy into the continuous improvement of China-Australia relations.
刘建超表示，中澳关系曾长期走在中国与发达国家关系前列，也曾一度陷入波折。去年以来，习近平总书记与阿尔巴尼斯总理两次会晤，为中澳关系发展指明了方向。中澳双方应当秉持建交初心，坚持平等相待、求同存异、互利合作的正确相处之道。双方要增进互信，坚持中澳全面战略伙伴关系的定位，锚定中澳关系的航向；要加强合作，充分发挥中澳自由贸易协定潜能，努力实现共同发展；要超越政治制度、历史文化、现实国情不同，扩大共识、妥处分歧，推动中澳关系行稳致远；要深化交流，加强两国政府、政党、智库、青年、地方各层级各领域沟通，为中澳关系持续改善注入源源不断的正能量。
He then mentions Xi’s proposal of GDI, GSI and GCI, along with BRI. Liu says: “The ‘three major global initiatives’ and the joint construction of BRI constitute the ‘three major pillars and one platform’ to promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.” “三大全球倡议”与共建“一带一路”倡议一道，构成推动构建人类命运共同体的“三大支柱、一个平台”。
China is a beneficiary and defender of the current international order, and has no intention of establishing a so-called China-centred international order. China’s cooperation with Pacific Island Countries is a development cooperation that is frank and open. This does not attach any political conditions, does not interfere in the internal affairs of the Pacific Island Countries, and does not seek any exclusive rights. China is willing to work with Australia to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and jointly address various global challenges including climate change. 中国是现行国际秩序的受益者和维护者，无意另起炉灶建立所谓以中国为中心的国际秩序。中国同太平洋岛国的合作是发展合作，坦坦荡荡，不附加任何政治条件，不干涉太平洋岛国内政，不寻求任何排他性权利。中方愿同澳方一道，共同维护亚太地区和平稳定，共同应对包括气候变化在内的各种全球性挑战。
He then talked about the Chinese economy and said:
“The fundamentals of China’s long-term economic growth have not changed and will not change. China is comprehensively advancing the great cause of building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation with Chinese-style modernization. Chinese-style modernization is an important part of world modernization. China will adhere to a high level of opening up to the outside world, share development opportunities and rights with other countries, including Australia, and continue to provide new impetus for world economic recovery and global development and prosperity.” 我们有充分信心实现今年全年的经济增长预期目标，中国经济长期向好的基本面没有变也不会变。中国正以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业。中国式现代化是世界现代化的重要组成部分，中国将坚持高水平对外开放，同包括澳大利亚在内的各国共享发展机遇和权利，不断为世界经济复苏和全球发展繁荣提供新动力。
AP’s coverage of the event says that Liu was asked about a recent incident in which “Australia accused the Chinese destroyer CNS Ningbo of injuring Australian navy divers with sonar pulses in Japanese waters on Nov. 14. Australia said China disregarded a safety warning to keep away from the Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba. Liu reiterated China’s position that the encounter happened outside Japanese territorial waters and that the Chinese warship caused no harm. ‘We do urge the Australian government and also the military to act with great prudence in this area’, Liu said at the University of Technology Sydney. ‘Such a small incident could really escalate if it’s not properly managed’, he added. The Toowoomba went on to further antagonize Beijing by passing southward from Japan through the contested Taiwan Strait last week. Liu said Australia was making a statement through the maneuver that it was containing China.”
According to the Australian press, the incident was discussed during Liu’s meetings with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Opposition leader Peter Dutton. The Brisbane Times reports:
“Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has rebuked one of China’s top diplomats over the Chinese navy’s dangerous use of sonar pulses against Australian divers, describing the incident earlier this month as ‘dangerous and unprofessional’. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also raised the incident in a meeting with Liu Jianchao in Canberra on Wednesday, telling the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s International Liaison Department that it was lucky no one died. A spokeswoman for Wong said: ‘The minister raised the HMAS Toowoomba incident in her formal meeting with minister Liu Jianchao. The minister reiterated the Australian government’s serious concerns following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a People’s Liberation Army-Navy destroyer. The Foreign Minister sees engagement with senior Chinese officials as an opportunity for dialogue, in order to navigate our differences’.”
The ILD website informs that Liu told Wong that:
“The purpose of my visit to Australia with the delegation of the Communist Party of China this time is to have in-depth dialogue with all parties, including Australia’s major political parties, in order to promote the implementation of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, to strengthen strategic communication between the two sides, to enhance political mutual trust, and to promote practical cooperation and consolidate the public opinion foundation for the friendship between the two countries. During my exchanges with leaders of Australia’s major political parties, I found that all major Australian political parties support China-Australia relations returning to the right track of development and are willing to work together to promote greater dialogue and communication between China and Australia. The Communist Party of China is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Australia's major political parties to promote the development of China-Australia relations.” 我此次率中共代表团访澳，目的就是同包括澳主要政党在内的各方进行深入对话，推动落实两国领导人达成的重要共识，加强双方战略沟通，增进政治互信，促进务实合作，夯实两国友好的民意基础。我在同澳主要政党领导人交流中发现，澳主要政党均支持中澳关系重回正确发展的轨道，愿共同致力于推动中澳双方加强对话与沟通。中国共产党愿同澳主要政党深化交流合作，推动中澳关系向前发展.
He said that “the current international situation is complex and turbulent. General Secretary Xi Jinping has put forward the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as GDI, GSI and GCI. The call for focussing on common development, the pursuit of universal security, strengthened exchanges and mutual learning have received support from the majority of countries around the world. China and Australia are both located in the Asia-Pacific region and are both major countries with global influence. We should view China-Australia relations more from a regional and global perspective and jointly contribute to the development of the region and the world. China is willing to carry out more trilateral and multi-party cooperation with Australia, support South Pacific Island Countries in enhancing development resilience, maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region through openness and inclusiveness, and jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change. 刘建超表示，当前国际形势变乱交织，习近平总书记提出构建人类命运共同体，以及全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，呼吁聚焦共同发展，寻求普遍安全，加强交流互鉴，得到世界上大多数国家的支持。中澳同处亚太地区，同为具有世界影响力的大国，我们应更多从地区和全球角度看待中澳关系，共同为促进地区和世界发展贡献力量。中方愿与澳方开展更多三方、多方合作，支持南太平洋岛国增强发展韧性，在开放包容中维护亚太地区和平稳定，共同应对气候变化等全球性挑战.
As per this report, Wong said that “Australia hopes to take this visit (Albanese’s visit to China) as an opportunity to further strengthen dialogue and communication between the two countries and promote new progress in bilateral relations. Australia looks forward to having strategic dialogue with China in the near future. The visit of the CCP delegation to Australia shows that China is committed to dialogue with Australia and hopes that both sides can communicate candidly, handle differences appropriately, prevent misunderstandings from amplifying and escalating, and create a good atmosphere for bilateral relations.” 澳方希望以此访为契机，进一步加强两国对话沟通，促进双方关系取得新进展。澳方期待在不久的将来同中方进行战略对话。中共代表团访澳表明中方致力于同澳开展对话，希望双方坦诚沟通，妥处分歧，防止误解放大升级，为两国关系创造良好氛围. — (Comment: Clearly, this is a very different narrative from the one that Wong rebuked Liu.)
During his time in Australia, Liu also met with Don Farrell, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment of Australia. Liu told Farrell that “Economic and trade relations are one of the core contents of China-Australia relations, and the significance of China-Australia economic and trade cooperation goes far beyond the bilateral level. China and Australia must jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, oppose the pan-securitisation and pan-politicization of economic and trade issues, and oppose isolationism and protectionism under the pretext of ‘de-risking’.” 经贸关系是中澳关系的核心内容之一，中澳经贸合作的意义也远远超出双边层面。中澳要共同维护以世贸组织为核心的多边贸易体制，反对把经贸问题泛安全化和泛政治化，反对以“去风险”为借口，行孤立主义、保护主义之实。
He added: “China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Australia in various fields such as economy, trade, and tourism, welcomes Australian companies to continue investing and operating in China, and hopes that Australia will provide better conditions and environment for Chinese investment.” 中方愿同澳方加强经贸、旅游等各领域合作，欢迎澳企业继续来华投资兴业，也希望澳方为中方投资提供更好的条件和环境. Another interesting bit is this: “Liu Jianchao said that the stable development of China-Australia economic and trade cooperation depends on the sustained and healthy development of relations between the two countries.”刘建超表示，中澳经贸合作的稳定发展有赖于两国关系的持续健康发展。 – (Comment: Essentially, it is going to be politics first.)
The report on the ILD website has Farrell saying:
“The Australian side looks forward to opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, aiming to ‘let the past be the past.’ Australia is not interested in ‘de-risking’ and welcomes more Chinese businesses to invest in Australia, and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in Australia and will create a safe environment and favourable conditions for this. Australia also welcomes an increasing number of Chinese tourists to visit the country. Recently, there has been a rapid growth in Chinese tourists coming to Australia, and it is expected to soon surpass the pre-pandemic levels. Australia attaches great importance to the role of inter-party exchanges in state relations, supports the political parties of the two countries in strengthening communication and exchanges, aiming to further develop bilateral relations and economic cooperation.” 澳方期盼两国关系开启新的篇章，“让过去成为过去”。澳方对“去风险”不感兴趣，欢迎更多中国企业来澳投资，将为此创造安全环境和有利条件。澳方也欢迎更多的中国游客来澳旅游，近期中国来澳游客增加迅速，有望很快超过疫情前的水平。澳方重视党际交往在国家关系中的作用，支持两国政党加强沟通交流，推动两国关系和经贸合作进一步发展。
That’s all that I am covering from the paper today. But some other stories to note are:
Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said that the Chinese military stands ready to work with its United States counterpart to implement the consensuses reached by the two heads of state. “According to the consensus reached between the two heads of state, the two countries will resume, on the basis of equality and respect, high-level communication between the two militaries, the China-U.S. Defense Policy Coordination Talks, and the China-U.S. Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meetings, and conduct telephone conversations between theater commanders. The defense authorities of the two countries are in communication and coordination with each other in this regard, Wu said.”
On November 20th, Bloomberg reported: “Chinese regulators are drafting a list of 50 developers eligible for a range of financing, according to people familiar with the matter, the nation’s latest effort to put a floor under the property crisis. China Vanke Co., Seazen Group Ltd. and Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. are among companies that have been named in a draft of the so-called white list, the people said, asking not to be named because the matter is private. The list, which includes both private and state-owned developers, is intended to guide financial institutions as they weigh support for the industry via bank loans, debt and equity financing, the people said. It couldn’t be determined which other developers were included on the draft list. The yet-to-be-finalized list would expand on previous rosters created by banks that only focused on some “systemically important” state-backed firms. It underscores Beijing’s growing concerns about the sector following record defaults, a swathe of unfinished apartments and a deep contraction in real estate investment that threatens to derail growth in the world’s second-largest economy.” Now, a recent Bloomberg report says: “China’s escalating push to have its banking behemoths backstop struggling property firms is adding to a maelstrom of woes for the $57 trillion sector. Already stung by soaring bad loans and record low net interest margins, lenders such as Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. may soon be asked for the first time to provide unsecured loans to developers, many of whom are in default or teetering on the brink of collapsing. The risky lifeline threatens to exacerbate an already bleak outlook. ICBC and 10 other major banks may next year need to set aside an additional $89 billion for bad real estate debt, or 21% of estimated pre-provisions profits in 2024, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Lenders are now weighing lowering growth targets and cutting jobs among possible options, according to at least a dozen bankers who asked not to be named discussing internal matters”
Meanwhile, SCMP reports: China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index fell to its lowest reading since July, with the non-manufacturing gauge falling to the lowest level this year. The readings are likely to continue on a weak trend unless Beijing can support property developers and provide support for consumption, analysts said.”