Xi on Yangtze River Economic Belt's Development - China calls for Mideast Ceasefire - Trade Unions adopt Xi's Thought - China-US Engagement - Role of Struggle in Achieving Chinese-style Modernisation
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Page 1: The big story on the page today is around Xi’s remarks during a symposium in Nanchang, discussing advancing the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
“He stressed that it is necessary to implement the new development concept completely, accurately and comprehensively, prioritise ecological conservation over large-scale development instead of excessive development, adhere to eco-environmental progress and green development, take scientific and technological innovation as the guide, coordinate ecological environmental protection and economic and social development, strengthen synergy in policies and work to make long-term plans, seek long-term solutions and lay a foundation for lasting stability in order to further promote the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and better support and serve Chinese-style modernization.” 他强调，要完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，坚持共抓大保护、不搞大开发，坚持生态优先、绿色发展，以科技创新为引领，统筹推进生态环境保护和经济社会发展，加强政策协同和工作协同，谋长远之势、行长久之策、建久安之基，进一步推动长江经济带高质量发展，更好支撑和服务中国式现代化.
Li Qiang, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang were in attendance at the meeting. NDRC Director Zheng Shajie, Chongqing Secretary Yuan Jiajun, Jiangxi Secretary Yin Hong, and Shanghai Secretary Chen Jining spoke at the meeting, reporting on their work and putting forward opinions and suggestions on promoting high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. After listening to everyone, Xi spoke.
“He emphasized that in the past eight years since the implementation of the Yangtze River Economic Belt development strategy, the provinces and cities along the Yangtze River and the relevant departments of the central government have conscientiously implemented the decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, prioritised joint protection instead of excessive development, adhered to ecological priority and green development, solidly promoted the protection and restoration of the Yangtze River ecological environment, and actively promoted the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development with unprecedented determination and intensity. Major changes have consequently taken place in the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.” 听取大家发言后，习近平发表了重要讲话。他强调，长江经济带发展战略实施近8年来，沿江省市和中央有关部门认真贯彻落实党中央决策部署，坚持共抓大保护、不搞大开发，坚持生态优先、绿色发展，扎实推进长江生态环境保护修复，积极促进经济社会发展全面绿色转型，决心之大、力度之大前所未有，长江经济带发展发生了重大变化.
There has been a major change in ideological understanding, and it has become a consensus to jointly carry out large-scale protection and not to engage in excessive development
Major achievements have been made in ecological environment protection and restoration
Major changes have taken place in the development model, and innovation-driven development has gained momentum
Regional integration has been significantly improved, and regional coordination and linkage have been continuously strengthened
Reform and opening up have made significant progress, and the trend of all-round opening up to the outside world has accelerated
思想认识发生重大转变，共抓大保护、不搞大开发成为共识；生态环境保护和修复取得重大成就，“一江碧水向东流”美景重现；发展方式发生重大变革，创新驱动发展全面起势；区域融合实现重大提升，区域协同联动不断加强；改革开放取得重大进展，全方位对内对外开放态势加速形成.
However, he added that despite the achievements, “ecological environment protection and high-quality development along the Yangtze River basin are in a critical period of shifting from quantitative change to qualitative change, and the results achieved are still not entirely secure. Objectively, there are still many difficulties and problems, and we should continue to work hard to resolve them.” 同时也要看到，长江流域生态环境保护和高质量发展正处于由量变到质变的关键时期，取得的成效还不稳固，客观上也还存在不少困难和问题，要继续努力加以解决.
The next paragraph basically has Xi reiterating that “ecological red lines along the river that had been drawn must be upheld and placed under oversight.”
“It is necessary to continue to strengthen the comprehensive management of ecological environment, continue to strengthen pollution control in key areas, coordinate water resources, water environment and aquatic ecology, solidly promote the prevention and control of air and soil pollution, pay greater emphasis on pollution control at the source to reduce overall pollutant emissions.” 要继续加强生态环境综合治理，持续强化重点领域污染治理，统筹水资源、水环境、水生态，扎实推进大气和土壤污染防治，更加注重前端控污，从源头上降低污染物排放总量.
Xi backed the ‘ten-year fishing ban’ in the Yangtze River. Xi underlined cutting carbon emissions, curbing pollution, increasing vegetation and pursuing growth in a coordinated manner. Noting that the green transformation and upgrading of industries should be the top priority, he urged efforts to nurture and expand green and low-carbon industries and vigorously develop green technologies and products to turn ecological assets into economic assets. Support ecologically advantaged regions in effectively harnessing ecological resources, transforming ecological wealth into economic wealth. Improve horizontal ecological protection compensation mechanisms to stimulate active participation in ecological conservation across the entire basin.”
Xinhua English summarises the next bit well:
“Xi also stressed the need to turn the advantages of the economic belt in sci-tech research and talent into advantages in development, to actively explore new frontiers, and to foster new drivers of development. He said continued efforts should be made to strengthen the core competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, develop advanced manufacturing, enhance coordination along the industrial chains, promote the extension of industrial chains for competitive industries, and cultivate emerging industries.”
Xinhua English also is good for the next bit:
“Xi called for better playing to the strengths of the economic belt in terms of its location and connectivity to provide strategic support for the creation of a new development pattern, while actively promoting high-standard opening-up and expanding global economic cooperation. Free trade zones along the economic belt should play a larger role in institutional innovation so as to gather experiences and explore new paths for establishing new systems for a higher-standard open economy, he said. Xi stressed the importance of focusing on boosting regional coordination and connectivity, and urged provinces and cities along the Yangtze River to further promote inter-provincial consultation, joint ecological protection, as well as collaboration and shared benefits across the region.”
Xi called to “plan and construct regional transportation infrastructure comprehensively, accelerating the development of integrated, multi-dimensional transportation corridors. He called for strengthening the interconnectivity of the transportation network, including road, water, and rail transport, in order to enhance the overall regional transportation integration. Deepen market-oriented reform of factors of production, improve basic institutions such as property rights protection, market access, fair competition, and social credit, improve data and information sharing and process connectivity across regions, departments, and levels, deepen cooperation in government services, and improve the business environment. Explore and introduce more literary and artistic products that reflect the Yangtze River culture in the new era. Actively promote the deep integration of culture and tourism, build a number of riverside cities, towns, and beautiful villages with natural landscapes and historical and cultural significance, creating the Yangtze International Golden Tourism Belt.” 要从整体上谋划和建设区域交通基础设施，加快建设综合立体交通走廊，加强交通网络的相互联通和“公水铁”等运输方式的相互衔接，提升区域交通一体化水平。深化要素市场化改革，完善产权保护、市场准入、公平竞争、社会信用等基础制度，完善跨区域、跨部门、跨层级的数据信息共享和流程互联互通，深化政务服务合作，优化营商环境。深入发掘长江文化的时代价值，推出更多体现新时代长江文化的文艺精品。积极推进文化和旅游深度融合发展，建设一批具有自然山水特色和历史人文内涵的滨江城市、小城镇和美丽乡村，打造长江国际黄金旅游带.
“The Yangtze River Economic Belt bears on the overall development of the whole country. It is necessary to coordinate development and security, and to see that the region plays a larger role in safeguarding national food security, energy security, water security and the security of key industrial and supply chains, and thereby contributes to the country’s overall security. Provinces and cities along the Yangtze River, whether they are major grain producing areas, major sales areas or areas where production and sales are balanced, should shoulder the responsibility of food security. Strengthen the ‘trinity’ protection of farmland quantity, quality, and ecology, gradually build permanent basic farmland into high-standard farmland, strengthen the protection and utilisation of agricultural germplasm resources, implement major biological breeding projects, and improve the independent innovation ability of seed enterprises…continue to deepen energy cooperation between the upstream and the mid- and downstream regions. Strengthen the ability to support fossil energy such as coal, do a good job in the clean and efficient use of coal; attention should be given to promoting clean and efficient coal utilization, while also emphasizing the integration and complementarity of traditional energy sources, such as hydropower, and new energy, such as wind power, solar power and hydrogen energy, accelerate the construction of a new energy system, and promote the integration of power generation, grid, load, and storage.” Finally, Xi talked about safety issues related to the river, in terms of preventing and managing droughts and floods. In this regard, he called for strengthening unified and joint operation of water projects, cross-regional water resources regulation, and disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. 习近平指出，长江经济带事关全国发展大局。要统筹好发展和安全，在维护国家粮食安全、能源安全、重要产业链供应链安全、水安全等方面发挥更大作用，以一域之稳为全局之安作出贡献。沿江省市无论是粮食主产区还是主销区、产销平衡区，都要扛牢粮食安全责任。强化耕地数量、质量、生态“三位一体”保护，逐步把永久基本农田建成高标准农田，加强农业种质资源保护利用，实施生物育种重大项目，提高种业企业自主创新能力。把粮食增产的重心放到大面积提高单产上，加强良田良种、良机良法的集成推广，发展多种形式适度规模经营和社会化服务。坚持全国“一盘棋”，继续深化上游地区同中下游地区的能源合作。加强煤炭等化石能源兜底保障能力，抓好煤炭清洁高效利用，注重水电等优势传统能源与风电、光伏、氢能等新能源的多能互补、深度融合，加快建设新型能源体系，推进源网荷储一体化。努力建设安澜长江，科学把握长江水情变化，坚持旱涝同防同治，统筹推进水系连通、水源涵养、水土保持，强化流域水工程统一联合调度，加强跨区域水资源丰枯调剂，提升流域防灾减灾能力。
In the final paragraph, Xi makes four key points:
The central leading group for regional coordinated development must strengthen overall planning, coordination, supervision and inspection, and relevant central departments must monitor that projects are in line with the high-quality development orientation of the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Take the Xi thought thematic education campaign as an opportunity to educate and guide cadres to establish and practise a correct view of political performance and improve their ability to promote high-quality development
Guide various enterprises and social organizations to actively participate in the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, increase investment in human, material and financial resources
Regularly carry out inspections, evaluations and supervision covering the implementation of the Outline of the Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Plan
Moving on, at the top of the page is a brief report (English report) on Xi and President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski exchanging congratulations on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Finally, there’s another commentary on Xi’s thought on culture. It reiterates that “propaganda, ideological and cultural work is related to the future and destiny of the party, to the long-term stability of the country.”
“Since the 18th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly summarised the Party’s historical experience and gained a profound insight into the development trend of the times. He has emphasised that ‘we must take a clear-cut stand and insist that the Party remains in charge of propaganda and the Party is in charge of ideology, and let the Party’s banner fly high on the propaganda and ideological front.” He has emphasised the need to ‘unswervingly adhere to the principle of Party controlling the media, and insist on politicians running newspapers, magazines, channels, and news websites’. He has pointed out that ‘ideological work is an extremely important task for the Party’ and the need to ‘firmly grasp the Party’s leadership over ideological work’. It is required that ‘the whole party must do a good job in propaganda and ideological work’ and ‘establish the working concept of large-scale propaganda work and mobilise all fronts and departments to do it together’.” 宣传思想文化工作事关党的前途命运，事关国家长治久安，事关民族凝聚力和向心力。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记深刻总结党的历史经验、深刻洞察时代发展大势，强调“旗帜鲜明坚持党管宣传、党管意识形态，让党的旗帜在宣传思想战线高高飘扬”“坚持党管媒体原则不动摇，坚持政治家办报、办刊、办台、办新闻网站”，指出“意识形态工作是党的一项极端重要的工作”“牢牢掌握党对意识形态工作领导权”，要求“做好宣传思想工作必须全党动手”“树立大宣传的工作理念，动员各条战线各个部门一起来做”.
“Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, historic achievements have been made in the field of propaganda, ideology, and culture in the new era. The situation in the ideological domain has undergone a comprehensive and fundamental transformation. Practice has shown that upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership is the fundamental guarantee for carrying out propaganda, ideological, and cultural work in the new era and on the new journey.” 在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引下，新时代宣传思想文化事业取得历史性成就，意识形态领域形势发生全局性、根本性转变。实践充分表明，坚持和加强党的全面领导是做好新时代新征程宣传思想文化工作的根本保证.
Later the article argues:
We must persist in using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to consolidate hearts and forge souls, and work hard to truly learn, understand, believe and apply, and deepen internalisation and transformation;
Consolidate and strengthen the mainstream ideology and public opinion for forging ahead in the new era, strengthen positive publicity with strong confidence as the focus, and improve the ability to guide public opinion;
Promote the prosperity and development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries, and promote the protection and inheritance of China’s excellent traditional culture;
Strengthen and improve external publicity work and enhance the spread and influence of Chinese civilization;
Resolutely and effectively prevent and resolve ideological risks, and dare to brandish our swords and fight.
要按照会议部署，坚持不懈用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想凝心铸魂，在真学真懂真信真用、深化内化转化上下功夫；巩固壮大奋进新时代的主流思想舆论，以强信心为重点加强正面宣传，提高舆论引导能力；广泛践行社会主义核心价值观，改进创新精神文明建设工作；促进文化事业和文化产业繁荣发展，推动中华优秀传统文化保护传承；加强和改进对外宣传工作，增强中华文明传播力影响力；坚决有效防范化解意识形态风险，敢于亮剑、敢于斗争。
It further calls to “continue to strengthen the study, research, and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, and consciously implement them in all aspects and the entire process of propaganda, ideological and cultural work.”
The author later stresses that “strengthening the Party's overall leadership in propaganda, ideology, and cultural work is essential to provide a strong political guarantee for undertaking the new cultural mission…It is necessary to implement political responsibilities, more consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core in terms of ideology, politics and actions, and constantly improve political judgement, political understanding and political execution. It is necessary to be brave in reform and innovation, be good at proposing and applying new ideas and mechanisms, and better stimulate the inherent vitality of propaganda, ideological and cultural work. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of the rule of law and pay more attention to promoting the development of propaganda, ideological and cultural undertakings through the rule of law. It is necessary to build a strong team of cadres and talents, continuously improve the ability and level of propaganda, ideological and cultural work, and strive to create a propaganda, ideological and cultural work team that is politically strong, highly capable, practical and innovative, and capable of winning battles.” 加强党对宣传思想文化工作的全面领导，才能为担负起新的文化使命提供坚强政治保证...要落实政治责任，更加自觉地在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，不断提高政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力。要勇于改革创新，善于提出和运用新思路新机制，更好激发宣传思想文化工作内在活力。要强化法治保障，更加重视通过法治方式推动宣传思想文化事业发展。要建强干部人才队伍，不断提高宣传思想文化工作能力和水平，努力打造一支政治过硬、本领高强、求实创新、能打胜仗的宣传思想文化工作队伍.
If you are interested in a bit of a discussion on the implications of Xi’s thought on culture, do check out this episode from Takshashila’s All Things Policy podcast today, where I discussed the subject with my colleague Anushka Saxena.
Page 3: Let me begin by covering recent remarks and China-specific developments linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In yesterday’s press conference, MoFA’s Wang Wenbin confirmed that three Chinese citizens had been killed in the fighting.
He later said that:
“The priority now is to immediately cease fire and protect civilians. The international community needs to play an effective role, work together to cool down the situation, and provide timely humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. To end the cycle of conflict between Palestine and Israel, the key is to return to the two-state solution as the basis, restore peace talks, establish an independent State of Palestine, and realize the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel. China will continue to stay in contact with relevant parties to work for a ceasefire and stop of the violence, help ease the humanitarian crisis, actively promote peace talks, and work with countries in the region and the rest of the international community constructively for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.”
On the meeting of the Arab League, Wang said:
“We take note of the Arab League’s emergency foreign ministers’ meeting and resolution. We support the Arab League in playing an important role on the Palestinian question. China shares a similar position with Arab states on this question. Both sides call for an early end to the violence, condemn actions against civilians and believe it is essential to avoid further escalation of the situation which will lead to humanitarian disasters. We both believe that the international community needs to play an effective role, provide humanitarian support to the Palestinian people and work for the early resumption of the peace talks. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict keeps repeating for a fundamental reason: the Middle East peace process has been off the right track, the foundation of the two-state solution has been continuously eroded and relevant UN resolutions are not followed through in good faith. China stands ready to continue communication and coordination with the Arab League and others to actively bring parties to the table and keep working to bring the peace process in the Middle East back to the right track.”
Finally, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s chat with Celso Luiz Nunes Amorim, chief advisor of the Presidency of Brazil, on the conflict in the Middle East. Xinhua reports:
“Amorim said that as the rotating president of the UN Security Council for the month of October, Brazil will host an emergency meeting of the Security Council on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on Friday, adding that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has issued an open letter calling on Israel to stop its air strikes and protect children. Amorim added that the key to resolving the conflict is to resume peace talks, and Brazil is willing to closely coordinate with China to jointly de-escalate the situation.”
“Noting that China is deeply saddened by the rising tension between the Palestinians and Israel and the huge civilian casualties, Wang said China opposes acts that harm civilians and condemns violations of international law. China calls on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate regional tensions as soon as possible and prevent further expansion of the conflict, Wang said, adding that the top priority is to ensure the safety of civilians, and open corridors for aid so as to avoid a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Pointing out that the Palestinian issue is the core of the Middle East issue, Wang said the crux of the matter is that justice has not been done to the Palestinian people. This conflict once again proved in an extremely tragic manner that the way to solve the Palestinian issue lies in resuming genuine peace talks as soon as possible and realizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian nation, he added. Wang said China calls for a more authoritative and influential international peace conference as soon as possible to push the international community to reach a broader consensus based on the ‘two-state solution’ and formulate a timetable and road map for it. Noting that the United Nations has the responsibility and obligation to play its due role on the Palestinian issue, he said China supports the Security Council in holding an emergency meeting on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, agrees to focus on humanitarian concerns, clearly calls for practical measures to a ceasefire, an end to violence, protection of civilians, and the formation of a binding international consensus. Wang stressed that China is willing to maintain communication, coordination and close cooperation with Brazil and relevant parties in this regard.”
Moving on, there’s a report on Wang Huning’s comments at the 6th Taiwan Compatriots Association Forum, which some 300 people attended.
“He said that on the new journey, we must firmly implement the Party's overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan issue in the new era, expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, unite the majority of Taiwan compatriots, and work together to create a bright future for the reunification of the motherland and national rejuvenation.” 他表示，新征程上，要坚定贯彻新时代党解决台湾问题的总体方略，扩大两岸交流合作，推进两岸关系和平发展，团结广大台湾同胞，携手共创祖国统一和民族复兴的美好未来.
“Wang Huning said that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation requires the joint efforts of compatriots on both sides of the strait, and the complete reunification of the motherland requires the joint efforts of compatriots on both sides of the strait. We hope that the majority of Taiwanese compatriots will see clearly the general trend of history, grasp the correct direction for the development of cross-Strait relations, and jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. It is necessary to promote the integrated development of both sides of the Taiwan Strait, allow more Taiwan compatriots to share the vast opportunities and development achievements of the mainland's modernization drive, and continuously enhance their identification with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, and Chinese history. It is necessary to resolutely oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities and interference from external forces, and jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We must uphold justice for the nation, stand firmly on the right side of history, always be upright and honourable Chinese people, jointly creating the historic achievements of national reunification and rejuvenation. 王沪宁表示，实现中华民族伟大复兴需要两岸同胞共同奋斗，实现祖国完全统一需要两岸同胞携手努力。希望广大台胞社团看清历史大势，把握两岸关系发展正确方向，共同推动两岸关系和平发展。要助力两岸融合发展，让更多台湾同胞共享大陆现代化建设的广阔机遇和发展成果，不断增进对伟大祖国、中华民族、中华文化、中国历史的认同。要坚决反对“台独”分裂活动和外部势力干涉，共同维护台海和平稳定。要坚守民族大义，坚定站在历史正确的一边，始终做堂堂正正的中国人，共创祖国统一、民族复兴的历史伟业.
Next, there’s a report on Vice President Han Zheng meeting with Americans attending the fifth meeting of the China-US Eminent Persons Forum. Xinhua says:
Han told them that “under the current circumstances, it is particularly important for China and the United States to strengthen communication and dialogue at all levels. ‘By doing so, it helps enhance mutual understanding and trust, build consensus, properly handle differences and create favorable conditions for practical cooperation in various fields’. As the world's two largest economies, China and the United States share far more common interests than differences and need to strengthen win-win cooperation on economy and trade, science and technology, as well as meeting the climate challenge, Han said. Han said that China has always viewed and handled its relations with the United States in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Han expressed the hope that representatives at the forum will have candid exchanges and make proposals on the development of China-U.S. relations, wishing the forum complete success.”
Some key developments in China-US ties that are worth noting:
Bloomberg reports: “The US (has) accepted China’s invitation to attend a top security forum in Beijing this month, another sign that ties between the world’s two-largest economies are starting to normalize. The Department of Defense said it responded to China’s invitation to attend the Beijing Xiangshan Forum with an intent to participate “at a level consistent with past precedent,” without specifying which officials would attend. The Pentagon “welcomes the opportunity to engage with PLA representatives” at the event, the department said in a statement Thursday, using an acronym for the People’s Liberation Army. Reuters earlier reported that China invited US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to the gathering, citing three people it didn’t identify, but added that the Pentagon chief won’t be taking part.”
Global Times reports: “Yang Tao, director general of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of China’s Foreign Ministry, met with the U.S. delegation led by Carla Hills, honorary chair of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) and former U.S. trade representative Stephen Orlins, president of the NCUSCR, according to China Media Group on Thursday. The China-U.S. Track 2 economic dialogue is an important part of the Track 2 dialogue mechanism that brings academics, former officials and industry leaders from the two countries to discuss issues in the bilateral ties. The mechanism has become a crucial platform for the two countries to build mutual understanding and stabilize bilateral relations, experts noted.
US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns participated in a town hall event this week. SCMP reports: “We’re back communicating, and that’s essential … We’ve got to live in peace. We’ve got to find a way to communicate’, he said from Beijing while addressing a global audience from the event hosted by the New York-based National Committee on US-China Relations. ‘[US-China relations] is going to be the most important bilateral relations in the world … We’ve got to find a way to live together. It’s insanity to think we want this relationship to descend into conflict or a war’... Burns said the two countries had large differences on most of their tension points, especially those over Taiwan and technology. He said US officials had gained improved access when engaged with the Chinese but said “we will see” if recent rounds of talks would yield any “substantive outcomes”...“We have to defend our interests, and we have to be tough minded,” he said, adding that technology was at the heart of competition between the two countries. “Because not only it will have a commercial impact – which economies will be dominant – but also a military impact. “We have a sacred obligation to make sure the United States military remains the No 1 military in the Indo-Pacific. It is in no way possible for us to allow the Chinese to overtake us in military power.”... Burns said there would be more ministerial-level Chinese officials coming to the US but declined to say whether a meeting between Xi and US President Joe Biden would definitely go ahead at the Apec summit in San Francisco next month. Foreign Policy reported last week that top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi was expected to visit Washington this month, possibly paving the way for the leaders to meet…
“Burns said the US and China would also step up people-to-people communications, citing increased direct flights, planned tourism events in both countries and a high number of visas granted to Chinese students recently. But, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Burns questioned China’s global peacemaking efforts. He said the US was disappointed by China’s response to the conflict in not directly condemning the Hamas group and calling for a “two-state” solution, a proposal that Hamas did not accept. “China has taken on, by its own admission, a bigger role in the Middle East. They’ve tried to broker some kind of rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. They say they want a two-state solution. But you have to be effective, you have to stand for something,” he said. He said it remained to be seen if China could be a “true mediator” as it often appeared “distanced” from these conflicts, compared to the US, which had been practising “practical diplomacy” in the region for decades. He voiced the same doubt about China’s mediation efforts in Ukraine and criticised its ties with Russia. “They don’t appear to be trying to actively mediate with Ukraine and Russia,” he said, adding that it was “a poor choice” for China to declare a “no-limits” relationship with Russia that had distanced Europe and pulled Indo-Pacific countries closer to the US.”
Finally, back to PD, there’s a report on ILD chief Liu Jianchao’s visit to France. Xinhua says:
“During his visit, Liu met and exchanged views with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, French President's Diplomatic Counselor Emmanuel Bonne, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces of the French Senate Cedric Perrin, Chairman of the France-China Friendship Group of the French National Assembly Eric Alauzet, General Secretary of the French party Renaissance Stephane Sejourne, General Secretary of the French party Les Republicains Annie Genevard, and representatives from the French business community. Liu also delivered a speech at the French Institute of International Relations. The two sides noted that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-France relations have maintained steady and sound growth. The two sides also agreed on the need to strengthen exchanges between political parties, governments and legislative bodies and to foster people-to-people exchanges so as to promote China-France and China-Europe cooperation, and to jointly address global challenges.”
Page 4: Although I am not going into the details here, the 18th National Congress of Chinese Trade Unions closed on Thursday. There were amendments to the Chinese trade union constitution that were adopted. No prizes for guessing what these are, i.e., emphasising Xi’s thought and the need to deeply understand the decisive significance of the two establishments.
In PD, an official explains “the development of China’s labour movement in the new era and the new progress and achievements achieved in trade union work in the past five years have been fundamentally a product of the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.” 新时代我国工运事业的发展和过去五年工会工作取得的新进展新成效，根本在于以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导，在于习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引.
The official explains that the amendment of include the two establishments means that: trade unions at all levels should unswervingly use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to unify their thoughts, will, and actions; maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core in terms of political stance, political direction, political principles, and political path; and it is of great significance to effectively fulfil the political responsibility of uniting and guiding works to listen to the Party and obey the Party, and to organise and mobilise workers to forge ahead on a new journey and build a new era.” 章程修正案增写“深刻领悟‘两个确立’的决定性意义”，对于各级工会坚定不移用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想统一思想、统一意志、统一行动，始终在政治立场、政治方向、政治原则、政治道路上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，切实履行团结引导职工群众听党话、跟党走的政治责任，组织动员广大职工奋进新征程、建功新时代，具有十分重要的意义.
Apart from this, the other key part is as follows:
“The amendments sum up the successful experience of the Party in leading the labour movement and trade union work in the new era; fully reflect the practical achievements of trade union reform; in relevant provisions, they clarify the rights of workers in new employment forms to join unions; clarify the organisational form of regional and industrial trade union federations; standardise the names and terms of office of grassroots trade union committees; and clarify the competency and capability requirements for trade union cadres, all of which is conducive to the continuous deepening of reform and construction of trade unions at all levels and for them to effectively play the role of a bridge linking the Party with the workers and the masses.”章程修正案认真总结新时代党领导工运事业和工会工作的成功经验，充分反映工会改革实践成果，在有关条文中明确新就业形态劳动者入会权利，明确区域性、行业性工会联合会组织形式，规范基层工会委员会名称和任期，明确工会干部能力本领要求，有利于各级工会持续深化改革和建设，有效发挥党联系职工群众的桥梁纽带作用。 — Comment: Once again, do note the primary responsibility of trade unions.
Page 7: Today, I think, we have the final article from the book Face to Face with Chinese-style Modernisation. This one basically talks about the importance of everyone uniting in struggle. I am opening this up for everyone instead of just period subscribers. If you find it worthwhile, do consider upgrading your subscription to support the work I do.
The first section of the article is really high on rhetoric with little policy significance, and it’s not new rhetoric either.
“The great achievements in the new era are the result of the party and the people working together, working hard, and struggling, and are created by the power of unity. History always favours the resolute, the forward-looking, and those who struggle. Let us unite and take action; victory belongs to the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people in this heroic new era.”
“The Communist Party of China is a highly centralized and unified Marxist political party, and unity is the key to our party's strong cohesion and combat capability. Historical experience has repeatedly proven that as long as the entire party is united and acts in unison, we can advance without hesitation and overcome all difficulties, obstacles, and formidable enemies. Conversely, setbacks or even failures will be encountered if there is disunity in the Party and the people's cause. For the Party to fulfil the mission and tasks of the new era and on the new journey, the entire Party must closely unite around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, ensuring unity of thought, will, and action, working together to bravely advance towards the great goal.” 中国共产党是高度集中统一的马克思主义政党，团结是我们党拥有强大凝聚力和战斗力的关键所在。历史经验反复证明，只要全党步调一致、团结统一，我们就能一往无前，战胜一切艰难险阻和强大敌人；反之，党和人民事业就会遭受挫折甚至失败。我们党要完成新时代新征程的使命任务，全党必须紧密团结在以习近平同志为核心的党中央周围，始终做到统一思想、统一意志、统一行动，共同朝着伟大目标奋勇前进.
The article then lists the five strategic paths that Xi outlined in March 2022. These are:
First, uphold the overall Party leadership is the path we must stick to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Second, socialism with Chinese characteristics is the path we must take to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Third, working hard in unity is the path the Chinese people must take to make historic achievements.
Fourth, putting into practice our new development philosophy is the path we must take to develop our country into a strong nation in the new era.
Fifth, exercising full and rigorous self-governance of the Party.
And the author emphasises the critical importance of “maintaining the flesh-and-blood ties between the Party and the people”, and calls for establishing the broadest united front, arguing that it is “a powerful magic weapon to unite people’s hearts and gather strength. The task of the united front, in summary, is to unite all forces that can be united, mobilize all positive factors that can be mobilized, and work together to advance the cause of the Party and the country.” 建立最广泛的统一战线，是凝聚人心、汇集力量的强大法宝。统一战线的任务，概括地说，就是团结一切可以团结的力量，调动一切可以调动的积极因素，共同致力于推进党和国家事业。
He reiterates that “promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization is the central task of the Communist Party of China and the common cause of all Chinese people. In the new era and on the new journey, we must adhere to great unity and solidarity, adhere to the unity of maintaining alignment and diversity, forge a strong sense of the Chinese national community, build broad consensus, and comprehensively pool strength to create a vivid situation in which hundreds of rivers flow into the sea…” 以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴，是中国共产党的中心任务，也是全体中华儿女的共同事业。新时代新征程上，必须坚持大团结大联合，坚持一致性和多样性统一，铸牢中华民族共同体意识，广泛凝聚共识，全面汇聚力量，形成百川入海、万壑归流的生动局面.
The second section of the article deals with the concept of struggle. The author then stresses how challenging things will be going ahead. I think we should not dismiss this stuff as rhetoric. As convoluted as it might read, this is an assessment published in the flagship daily about how difficult the economic, political and security situation is likely to be going forward. In particular, read through the warnings around passivity and indolence having set in due to peace and stability.
“Especially in the new era, our great struggle has many new historical characteristics. The risks and challenges we need to address, the contradictions and issues we must resolve, are intertwined and superimposed on each other. The long-term, complex and arduous nature of this struggle is rare and unprecedented in the world, and we need to be ready to withstand the major test of high winds and waves and even turbulent storms at any time. Promoting Chinese-style modernization is a process of maintaining integrity while pursuing innovation, which requires us to be brave and good at struggle, strengthen our struggle skills amid the stormy waves, and open up a new world of entrepreneurship through tenacious struggle.” 特别是进入新时代，我们进行的伟大斗争具有许多新的历史特点，需要应对的风险和挑战、需要解决的矛盾和问题叠加出现，斗争的长期性、复杂性、艰巨性世所罕见、史无前例，需要随时准备经受风高浪急甚至惊涛骇浪的重大考验。推进中国式现代化是守正创新、革故鼎新的过程，更需要我们敢于斗争、善于斗争，在大风大浪中增强斗争本领，依靠顽强斗争打开事业发展新天地.
“Those who shun the easy way will succeed, and those who take challenges head-on will progress. This ancient saying illustrates a simple truth: the more difficulties we encounter, the more we must advance in spite of them, so as to create achievements that ordinary people cannot achieve. This applies not only to individuals but also to a country. However, the reality is that, due to a prolonged period of peace and stability, some among us have seen a decline in the will to struggle, and thoughts and behaviours of coveting comfort, of being passive and indolent, and avoiding contradictions have taken hold to varying degrees. Such a mindset is incompatible with the goals that we are seeking to achieve. Advancing the construction of a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation is not a path to quick success in calm seas, nor is it a journey to enjoy accolades amid flowers and applause. Only by maintaining the struggle spirit of the brave prevailing while facing challenges head-on, and pushing forward even when conditions are tough, can we secure strategic initiative and open new horizons for our cause.” 志不求易者成，事不避难者进。”这句古语阐明这样一个朴素的道理：越是遇到困难，越要知难而进，这样才能取得常人所不能取得的成就。一个人如此，一个国家更是需要这样的精神。但从现实情况看，由于承平日久，我们当中一些人的斗争意志衰退，贪图安逸、消极懈怠、回避矛盾的思想和行为不同程度地存在。这种精神状态与我们正在进行的事业是不相符的。推进强国建设、实现民族复兴，不是在风平浪静下的马到成功，也不是在鲜花掌声中的乐享其成，只有保持狭路相逢勇者胜、越是艰险越向前的斗争精神，才能赢得战略主动、打开事业新局.
“General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the struggle of the Communists has a direction, a stand, and a principle. The primary direction is to unwaveringly uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China and our country's socialist system. The struggle we are talking about is not a struggle for the sake of struggle, nor is it a struggle for selfish interests, but a struggle to realize the people's yearning for a better life and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. When faced with risks and challenges that threaten the interests of the Party, the country, and the people, we must resolutely and unwaveringly engage in the struggle, without ever retreating, and be ready to brandish our swords and dare to win.” 把准斗争方向。习近平总书记指出，共产党人的斗争是有方向、有立场、有原则的，大方向就是坚持中国共产党领导和我国社会主义制度不动摇。我们讲的斗争，不是为了斗争而斗争，也不是为了一己私利而斗争，而是为了实现人民对美好生活的向往、实现中华民族伟大复兴知重负重、苦干实干、攻坚克难。对于那些危害党、国家和人民利益的风险挑战，只要来了，我们就必须进行坚决斗争，毫不动摇、毫不退缩，敢于亮剑、敢于胜利.
“Those who achieve victory in the struggle not only possess the fearless courage to fight and win but also exhibit exceptional wisdom in overcoming the enemy. Otherwise, they are either weak cowards or reckless individuals. Struggle is an art and there are laws that one must follow. It is important to pay attention to strategies and tactics, and unify strategic judgement with tactical decisions, achieve unity in terms of daring to struggle and being good at struggle, and unity in the struggle process with the effect/outcomes of struggle. In particular, it is necessary to accurately assess the struggle situation, rationally choose the struggle mode, scientifically grasp the intensity of the struggle, ensure timeliness and effectiveness, seek unity, cooperation and win-win outcomes in struggle, and strive for the greatest outcomes at the least cost.” 但凡在斗争中取得胜利者，不仅有敢打必胜的无畏勇气，而且有克敌制胜的高超智慧，否则要么是软弱懦夫，要么是一介莽夫。斗争是一门艺术，是有规律可循的，必须注重策略方法，做到战略判断和战术决断相统一、敢于斗争和善于斗争相统一、斗争过程和斗争实效相统一。尤其要准确判断斗争形势、合理选择斗争方式、科学把握斗争火候，把准时度效，在斗争中求团结、谋合作、促共赢，争取以最小的代价谋求最大的斗争成果.
The author ends by basically saying it is important to keep in mind that opportunities and challenges always coexist.
The final section is once again big on rhetoric; it’s like a speech hitting the big crescendo towards its end. This basically rallies every member of society towards the cause. So every CCP member, every manufacturing worker, every farmer, every scientific researcher, every soldier and commander, every student, every public security officer, every volunteer, and every teacher, all have a role to play and contribute to China’s modernisation.
The author ends with:
“The hardships and glory we've experienced will eventually become history, and the glory and dreams we aspire to achieve will require hard work. We firmly believe that the Party has led the people to create great achievements for a century through great struggle, and will also be able to create new great achievements with new great struggles.” 一切都会过去，一切即将开始。我们经历的苦难与辉煌终将成为历史，我们憧憬的光荣与梦想要靠奋斗去实现。我们坚信，党领导人民用伟大奋斗创造了百年伟业，也一定能用新的伟大奋斗创造新的伟业.