Xi Outlines Environmental Policy Agenda - Xi-Tebboune Meet on Closer China-Algeria Alignment - SAMR Chief on Building Unified Market & Fair Competition - Kerry Visits Beijing - Ukraine War @UNSC
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily's edition on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Page 1: The front page today is all about Xi Jinping. The top story today is about Xi’s remarks at a national conference on ecological and environmental protection held over the past two days.
Xi said that China’s efforts to construct an “ecological civilization” has undergone “historical, transformative, and comprehensive changes in both theory and practice” with the country “making significant strides towards building a Beautiful China.” He said that Chinese policies had gone from a process of “rectification” to transitioning to “systematic governance” and from “passive response to proactive actions”. He added that “China has taken a global perspective, assuming the responsibilities and demonstrating the role of a major country, transitioning from being a participant in global environmental governance to a leader.” 习近平在讲话中强调，党的十八大以来，我们把生态文明建设作为关系中华民族永续发展的根本大计，开展了一系列开创性工作，决心之大、力度之大、成效之大前所未有，生态文明建设从理论到实践都发生了历史性、转折性、全局性变化，美丽中国建设迈出重大步伐。我们从解决突出生态环境问题入手，注重点面结合、标本兼治，实现由重点整治到系统治理的重大转变；坚持转变观念、压实责任，不断增强全党全国推进生态文明建设的自觉性主动性，实现由被动应对到主动作为的重大转变；紧跟时代、放眼世界，承担大国责任、展现大国担当，实现由全球环境治理参与者到引领者的重大转变；不断深化对生态文明建设规律的认识，形成新时代中国特色社会主义生态文明思想，实现由实践探索到科学理论指导的重大转变.
He added: “The achievements of the construction of ecological civilization in the new era have attracted worldwide attention and become a remarkable symbol of the historic achievements and historical changes in the cause of the party and the country in the new era.” 新时代生态文明建设的成就举世瞩目，成为新时代党和国家事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革的显著标志.
Xi Jinping stressed that the structural, root causes, and trend pressures of ecological environment protection in China have not fundamentally eased. China’s economic and social development have entered a stage of high-quality development marked by faster progress in promoting green and low-carbon growth, and ecological civilization construction is still in a critical period where overlapping pressures are accumulating and burdens are heavy. It is necessary to plan and promote the work of ecological environment protection on the new journey from a higher standpoint, broader perspective and stronger efforts, composing a new chapter in the construction of ecological civilization in the new era. 习近平强调，我国生态环境保护结构性、根源性、趋势性压力尚未根本缓解。我国经济社会发展已进入加快绿色化、低碳化的高质量发展阶段，生态文明建设仍处于压力叠加、负重前行的关键期。必须以更高站位、更宽视野、更大力度来谋划和推进新征程生态环境保护工作，谱写新时代生态文明建设新篇章.
Going forward, over the next five years, he called for properly handling the relationships between:
high-quality development and high-level protection: This should be “viewed from the perspective of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Through high-level environmental protection, we should constantly shape new drivers and new advantages of development, focus on building a green, low-carbon circular economic system, effectively reduce the resource and environmental costs of development, and continuously enhance the potential and momentum of development.” 一是高质量发展和高水平保护的关系，要站在人与自然和谐共生的高度谋划发展，通过高水平环境保护，不断塑造发展的新动能、新优势，着力构建绿色低碳循环经济体系，有效降低发展的资源环境代价，持续增强发展的潜力和后劲.
tackling major challenges and coordinating governance: “adhere to the systematic concept, grasp the main contradictions and the main aspects of contradictions, take effective measures to highlight ecological and environmental problems, and strengthen the coordination of targets, multi-pollutant control coordination, departmental coordination, regional coordination, and policy coordination, and constantly enhance the systematic, holistic, and coordinated nature of all work.” 二是重点攻坚和协同治理的关系，要坚持系统观念，抓住主要矛盾和矛盾的主要方面，对突出生态环境问题采取有力措施，同时强化目标协同、多污染物控制协同、部门协同、区域协同、政策协同，不断增强各项工作的系统性、整体性、协同性。
natural recovery and human-assisted restoration: “adhere to the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grass and sand, build a general pattern of protection and management from the mountaintop to the ocean, use both natural restoration and artificial restoration means, and implement policies according to local conditions and in a timely manner, and strive to find the best solution for ecological protection and restoration.” 三是自然恢复和人工修复的关系，要坚持山水林田湖草沙一体化保护和系统治理，构建从山顶到海洋的保护治理大格局，综合运用自然恢复和人工修复两种手段，因地因时制宜、分区分类施策，努力找到生态保护修复的最佳解决方案。
external constraints and internal driving forces: “always adhere to the strictest system and the strictest rule of law to protect the ecological environment, maintain the constant/standardised external pressure, and at the same time stimulate the endogenous motivation of the whole society to jointly care for the ecological environment.” 四是外部约束和内生动力的关系，要始终坚持用最严格制度最严密法治保护生态环境，保持常态化外部压力，同时要激发起全社会共同呵护生态环境的内生动力。
‘dual carbon’ commitments and self-determined actions: “The ‘dual carbon’ goal that has been committed is unswerving, but the path, methods, pace, and intensity to achieve these goals must be decided and determined by ourselves, and never influenced by others.” 五是“双碳”承诺和自主行动的关系，我们承诺的“双碳”目标是确定不移的，但达到这一目标的路径和方式、节奏和力度则应该而且必须由我们自己作主，决不受他人左右。--- Comment: What a point to make with John Kerry visiting for climate change-related talks.
Xi then called to:
continue to fight the tough battle of pollution prevention and control with “precision, science, and in accordance with the law.” He also called to “maintain the intensity, extend the scope, and broaden the scale” and further efforts to advance “the three major battles to defend blue skies, clear waters and pure land.” 要持续深入打好污染防治攻坚战，坚持精准治污、科学治污、依法治污，保持力度、延伸深度、拓展广度，深入推进蓝天、碧水、净土三大保卫战，持续改善生态环境质量.
accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of the development model, adhere to green and low-carbon development as a fundamental solution to ecological and environmental problems, accelerate the formation of green production methods and lifestyles, and plant a green background of high-quality development. 要加快推动发展方式绿色低碳转型，坚持把绿色低碳发展作为解决生态环境问题的治本之策，加快形成绿色生产方式和生活方式，厚植高质量发展的绿色底色。
strive to enhance the diversity, stability and sustainability of the ecosystem, step up efforts to protect the ecosystem, effectively strengthen the supervision of ecological protection and restoration…要着力提升生态系统多样性、稳定性、持续性，加大生态系统保护力度，切实加强生态保护修复监管，拓宽绿水青山转化金山银山的路径，为子孙后代留下山清水秀的生态空间.
actively and steadily advance the goals of carbon peaking and neutrality; adhering to the principles of national coordination, prioritizing conservation, two-wheel drive, coordinating domestic and international efforts, and guarding against potential risks, implement the ‘1+N’ policy framework for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, build a clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient energy system, speed up the construction of a new power system, and enhance the national oil and gas security capability. 要积极稳妥推进碳达峰碳中和，坚持全国统筹、节约优先、双轮驱动、内外畅通、防范风险的原则，落实好碳达峰碳中和“1+N”政策体系，构建清洁低碳安全高效的能源体系，加快构建新型电力系统，提升国家油气安全保障能力。
adhere to the bottom line of security in building a Beautiful China, implement the overall national security concept, actively and effectively respond to various risks and challenges, earnestly safeguard ecological security and nuclear and radiation security, and ensure that the natural environment and conditions on which we rely for survival and development are not threatened or damaged. 要守牢美丽中国建设安全底线，贯彻总体国家安全观，积极有效应对各种风险挑战，切实维护生态安全、核与辐射安全等，保障我们赖以生存发展的自然环境和条件不受威胁和破坏。
After this, Xi made four other key points.
strengthen the rule of law with regard to environmental protection. Under this, he called to “implement the strictest ecological and environmental governance system” that covers both above-ground and underground domains, land and sea, and regional linkages; he also called to “fully implement the pollutant discharge permit system, improve the natural resource asset management system, and improve the land and space use control system.” 要强化法治保障，统筹推进生态环境、资源能源等领域相关法律制修订，实施最严格的地上地下、陆海统筹、区域联动的生态环境治理制度，全面实行排污许可制，完善自然资源资产管理制度体系，健全国土空间用途管制制度。
“improve policies for green and low-carbon economic development, and strengthen fiscal support, tax policy support, financial support and pricing policy support.” 要完善绿色低碳发展经济政策，强化财政支持、税收政策支持、金融支持、价格政策支持.
promote the synergy between markets and government. Under this, he called to “integrate carbon emission rights, energy rights, water use rights, pollution discharge rights, and other resource and environmental factors into the overall framework of market-oriented allocation reform. Support market transactions such as transfer, trading, mortgage, and investment. Accelerate the construction of the environmental credit supervision system. Standardise the environmental governance market, and promote the healthy development of the environmental protection industry and environmental service industry.” 要推动有效市场和有为政府更好结合，将碳排放权、用能权、用水权、排污权等资源环境要素一体纳入要素市场化配置改革总盘子，支持出让、转让、抵押、入股等市场交易行为，加快构建环保信用监管体系，规范环境治理市场，促进环保产业和环境服务业健康发展。
strengthen support for science and technology, promote self-reliance in green, low-carbon science and technology, take tackling climate change and controlling new pollutants as key areas of national basic research and scientific and technological innovation, pay close attention to tackling key core technologies, implement major actions of scientific and technological innovation in ecological environment, cultivate a high-level team of scientific and technological personnel in ecological environment, deepen the application of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, build a beautiful digital governance system in China and build a green and intelligent digital ecological civilization. 要加强科技支撑，推进绿色低碳科技自立自强，把应对气候变化、新污染物治理等作为国家基础研究和科技创新重点领域，狠抓关键核心技术攻关，实施生态环境科技创新重大行动，培养造就一支高水平生态环境科技人才队伍，深化人工智能等数字技术应用，构建美丽中国数字化治理体系，建设绿色智慧的数字生态文明.
Xi ended by reminding everyone that “building a beautiful China is an important goal in comprehensively building a modern socialist country.” He hinted at new policy measures down the road and added that:
“local party committees and governments at all levels must resolutely shoulder the political responsibility for building a Beautiful China. They should promptly study and formulate a system of responsibility for ecological and environmental protection for local Party and government leading officials, establishing a comprehensive, consistent, clear-cut, and interconnected system of responsibilities that cover all aspects. This system should ensure that the rights and responsibilities are aligned and that rewards and penalties are clearly defined. Relevant departments should conscientiously implement the list of responsibilities for ecological civilization construction, strengthen division of responsibilities, strengthen coordination and linkage, and form a strong joint force through joint efforts.” 地方各级党委和政府要坚决扛起美丽中国建设的政治责任，抓紧研究制定地方党政领导干部生态环境保护责任制，建立覆盖全面、权责一致、奖惩分明、环环相扣的责任体系。相关部门要认真落实生态文明建设责任清单，强化分工负责，加强协调联动，形成齐抓共管的强大合力。
“People’s congresses at all levels and their standing committees should strengthen the rule of law and the supervision of law enforcement in the protection of ecological civilization. The CPPCC at all levels should intensify special consultation and democratic supervision in the construction of ecological civilization. The role of the central ecological and environmental protection inspections as a sharp tool must be maintained.” 各级人大及其常委会要加强生态文明保护法治建设和法律实施监督，各级政协要加大生态文明建设专题协商和民主监督力度。要继续发挥中央生态环境保护督察利剑作用.
In their speeches, Li Qiang and Ding Xuexiang underlined Xi’s core messages.
Next, at the top of the page is a report informing that a new book featuring Xi’s discourses on the management of water resources has been published. This, the report says, serves as the “fundamental guidance for the work on the management of water resources in the new era.”
Finally, there’s a report on Xi’s meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Xinhua reports:
“Xi underscored the importance of the two sides supporting each other on issues of core interests. He thanked Algeria for its unequivocal support for China’s just position on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and human rights, and reaffirmed that China firmly supports Algeria in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Algeria in following a development path that fits its national reality, and opposes external interference in Algeria's internal affairs. The two sides need to work together on the implementation of important documents on Belt and Road and other cooperation, deepen cooperation in such traditional areas as infrastructure, petrochemicals, mining and agriculture, and expand cooperation in high-tech fields including aerospace, nuclear energy, ICT and renewable energy to nurture new growth drivers of cooperation, Xi said.”
The report adds: “Over the last six decades, 3,522 Chinese medical workers have been sent to Algeria, treating over 27 million people and delivering over 2.07 million babies. ‘This is a monument to the China-Algeria friendship,’ Xi said. China will work more closely with Algeria on healthcare, continue to provide government scholarships to Algeria, and promote friendly cooperation in media, tourism, youth, sports and think tanks to cement public support for the bilateral ties, according to Xi.
The report adds:
“Tebboune said that China is the most important friend and partner of Algeria. He thanked China for giving Algeria valuable support of various sorts over the years, saying Algeria firmly supports China's position on issues concerning China's core interests such as Taiwan and Xinjiang. Tebboune said Algeria supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. He expressed readiness for Algeria to take an active part in Belt and Road cooperation and deepen the Algeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership, which will give a boost to economic and social development in Algeria. He said Algeria welcomes Chinese business investment in Algeria and will provide a favorable business environment for such investment cooperation, adding that Algeria welcomes more Chinese tourists and stands ready to step up practical cooperation with China in various fields and deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. Tebboune noted the imbalance in the international landscape, thanked China for playing a key role in making the world more open and inclusive and the international order more just and equitable, and commended China's constructive role in seeking fair solutions to regional hotspots such as Palestine and in promoting regional and global peace and stability.”
The two sides inked a detailed joint statement. Algerian press informs that 19 cooperation documents were signed in all. These covered areas like agriculture, transportation, science and technology, telecommunications, sustainable urban development, trade, aerospace, inspection and quarantine, energy, education and sports.
On Page 3, the full joint statement between the two sides is published. Here are my unofficial excerpts from the document.
The Algerian side praised the achievements in China's economic and social development under President Xi Jinping's wise leadership and wished for greater development and progress for the Chinese people. The Chinese side appreciated Algeria's significant achievements in national development within the framework of President Tebboune’s vision of the ‘New Algeria’ and the Algerian people to realize the goal of building a prosperous and powerful country at an early date. 阿方赞赏近年来在习近平主席英明领导下中国经济社会发展取得的成就，祝愿中国人民取得更大发展、进步。中方赞赏阿方在特本总统提出的“新阿尔及利亚”愿景框架下在国家发展领域所取得的巨大成就，祝愿阿尔及利亚人民早日实现建设繁荣富强国家的目标。
Given the current state of bilateral relations and the desire to further strengthen the relationship, the two heads of state decided to further intensify political consultations at all levels, strengthen cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, technological, security and defense fields, and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, so as to expand common interests, strengthen mutual support and cope with various global crises and challenges. 鉴于两国关系发展现状以及继续加强这一关系的愿望，两国元首决定，进一步密切各层级政治磋商，加强在政治、经济、文化、技术、安全和国防等领域合作，深化两国全面战略伙伴关系，从而扩大共同利益、加强相互支持、应对各种全球性危机和挑战。
The two sides stressed the need for close political and security cooperation and expressed willingness to promote exchanges and cooperation at various levels between their governments and legislatures for the benefit of both peoples… (they) expressed their willingness to deepen the bilateral economic partnership and enhance pragmatic cooperation in various fields. (They agreed to) work to increase the bilateral trade volume, facilitate Algeria's non-oil exports to China, and increase China's substantial investment in Algeria, taking advantage of many preferential benefits brought about by Algeria's new investment law. They agreed to work together under the frameworks of the New Algeria vision and the joint construction of the Belt and Road initiative. They agreed to deepen cooperation in various fields, including automobile manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, culture, tourism, port construction, logistics, desalination of seawater, infrastructure, processing industries, metallurgy, finance, the digital economy, energy, mining, education, scientific research, Chinese language teaching, journalism, taxation, customs, and anti-corruption efforts. They agreed to make better use of trade and investment opportunities, close exchanges and visits among the public and private sectors of the two countries, and work together to create a high-quality, suitable and attractive investment environment…They agreed to strengthen scientific and academic cooperation, support joint cultural activities celebrating the 65th anniversary of China-Algeria diplomatic relations, continue to expand personnel exchanges, and consolidate the friendly people-to-people relations between China and Algeria in the fields of culture, sports, tourism, and news. 双方强调应密切政治和安全合作，愿密切政府和立法机构间各层级交流与合作，以实现两国人民的共同利益；赞赏两国经贸关系进展，愿深化经济伙伴关系，加强各领域务实合作，努力提升双边贸易规模，便利阿方非石油产品对华出口，在阿尔及利亚新投资法带来的诸多优惠背景下提升中方对阿尔及利亚实质性投资规模，同意在“新阿尔及利亚”愿景和共建“一带一路”倡议框架下，通过深化汽车制造、航天、农业、文化、旅游、港口建设、物流、海水淡化、基础设施、加工业、冶金、金融、数字经济、能源、矿山、教育、科研、中文教学、新闻、税务、海关、反腐败等领域合作，更好利用贸易投资机遇，密切两国公有和私营部门交流互访，共同努力打造优质、适宜、有吸引力的投资环境，促进经贸投资，巩固伙伴关系，为两国各领域经济合作开辟更广阔前景；加强科学和学术合作，支持中阿文化机构共同举办“庆祝中阿建交65周年系列文化活动”，持续扩大人员交往，巩固中阿在文化、体育、旅游和新闻等各领域民间友好关系.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of China sending its first medical assistance team to Algeria, the two heads of state expressed their willingness to enhance cooperation in the health sector. 两国元首愿以庆祝中国向阿方派遣第一支援外医疗队60周年为契机，加强两国卫生领域合作.
The two sides reiterated that they are willing to closely communicate and coordinate in international and multilateral occasions, continue to firmly support each other’s core interests, support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, make joint efforts to defend the principles of international law, such as non-interference in internal affairs and the basic norms of international relations, respect the principle of good-neighborliness and friendship, promote the democratization of international relations, and advocate peaceful settlement of conflicts through dialogue. They emphasized that the international system with the United Nations as the core, the international order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be maintained, true multilateralism should be adhered to, the principles of solidarity, cooperation, fairness and justice in international relations should be consolidated, and the rights and interests of developing countries should be safeguarded. 双方重申，愿密切在国际和多边场合的沟通与协调，继续坚定支持彼此核心利益，相互支持维护主权和领土完整，共同努力捍卫不干涉内政等国际法原则和国际关系基本准则，尊重睦邻友好原则，促进国际关系民主化，主张通过对话以和平方式解决冲突，强调应维护以联合国为核心的国际体系、以国际法为基础的国际秩序、以联合国宪章宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系基本准则，坚持真正的多边主义，巩固国际关系中的团结合作与公平正义原则，维护发展中国家权益.
“The Algerian side reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China principle, stating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and opposed any form of ‘Taiwan independence’; it also expressed support for China’s positions on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, human rights, and opposed attempts to politicise human rights issues or use them as tools to exert pressure in international relations. China supports Algeria’s efforts in safeguarding national security and stability and appreciates the development path it has chosen to achieve comprehensive economic revitalization.” 阿方重申坚持一个中国原则，重申台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，反对任何形式的“台湾独立”，支持中国在涉港、涉疆、涉藏、人权等问题上的立场，反对将人权问题政治化或作为国际关系施压工具的企图。中方支持阿方维护国家安全和稳定的努力，赞赏阿方为实现全面经济振兴所选择的发展道路.
The Algerian side once again informed the Chinese side about the measures taken and considerations made by Algeria in applying for the BRICS membership, especially against the backdrop of fundamental changes in Algeria’s economy. The Algerian side is looking forward to keeping up with the trend of world economic development. China welcomes Algeria’s willingness to join BRICS and supports its efforts to achieve this goal. The Algerian side appreciated China's position and expressed its willingness to support the Algerian side in all stages of this process. 阿方再次向中方通报阿方为申请加入金砖国家所采取的举措和有关考虑，特别是在阿尔及利亚经济发生根本性变革背景下，阿方期待紧跟世界经济发展潮流。中方欢迎阿方加入金砖国家的积极意愿，支持阿方为实现这一目标所作努力。阿方赞赏中方所持立场，赞赏中方表示愿在这一进程中的各阶段给予阿方支持。
The Algerian side expresses gratitude for China's support in Algeria's candidacy for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the term 2024-2025. China congratulates Algeria on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Both sides look forward to enhancing cooperation and consultation on the Security Council’s agenda. 阿方感谢中方支持阿方竞选2024至2025年度联合国安理会非常任理事国。中方祝贺阿方当选联合国安理会非常任理事国。双方期待围绕安理会议程中的议题加强合作与协商.
China congratulated Algeria on the successful convening of the Arab League Summit on November 1-2, 2022, and commended Algeria’s active role in promoting Arab unity, strengthening joint Arab actions, and addressing challenges faced by Arab countries in various fields. 中方祝贺阿方2022年11月1日至2日成功举办阿拉伯国家联盟首脑理事会会议，赞赏阿方为实现阿拉伯团结、加强阿拉伯共同行动、应对阿拉伯国家当前在各领域面临的挑战所发挥的积极作用.
China supports Algeria in playing an important and constructive role in international and regional affairs, and Algeria appreciates China’s various initiatives and proposals and its positive efforts to promote a just and lasting resolution of the Middle East issue. The two sides emphasised that the situation in the Middle East is related to global security and stability, and it is in the common interest of the international community to promote regional peace and prosperity. The two sides stressed that the Palestinian issue should be resolved in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, ensuring the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, realizing security and stability in the Middle East on the basis of mutual respect and upholding the principles of fairness and justice, and supporting Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and relevant organizations. The Chinese side appreciates President Tebboune's active efforts to achieve unity among various Palestinian factions and internal reconciliation and unification in Palestine, and the Algiers Declaration issued in this regard. Algeria appreciates President Xi Jinping's proposals and positions on resolving the Palestine issue, especially the recent three-point proposal, and China’s long-standing support for the just cause of restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and its support for various Palestinian factions to strengthen unity and achieve internal reconciliation through consultation and dialogue.中方支持阿方在国际和地区事务中发挥重要建设性作用，阿方赞赏中方提出的各项倡议和构想，以及中方为推动中东问题公正持久解决所作积极努力。双方强调，中东地区局势事关全球安全稳定，推动地区实现和平繁荣符合国际社会共同利益。双方强调，应根据国际法和联合国有关决议解决巴勒斯坦问题，确保巴勒斯坦人民建立以1967年边界为基础、以东耶路撒冷为首都、享有完全主权的、独立的巴勒斯坦国的权利，在相互尊重、坚持公平正义原则基础上实现中东安全与稳定，支持巴勒斯坦成为联合国和有关组织的正式会员国。中方赞赏特本总统为实现巴勒斯坦各派团结和巴勒斯坦内部和解与统一所作积极努力，以及就此发表的《阿尔及尔宣言》。阿方赞赏习近平主席多次就解决巴勒斯坦问题提出的倡议主张，特别是近期提出的三点主张；赞赏中方长期以来坚定支持巴勒斯坦人民恢复民族合法权利的正义事业，支持巴方各派加强团结，通过协商对话实现内部和解.
Both sides unanimously agree that, based on respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of regional countries, dialogue and consultation should be promoted to achieve political and peaceful resolutions to hot-spot issues and other crises in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Sudan; emphasising the opposition to external interference, they agreed on jointly cracking down on extremist terrorist organisations, support the efforts of Lebanon, Somalia and Sudan to achieve security, stability, development and prosperity and counter-terrorism, and support the efforts of the United Nations and the Arab League to this end. China emphasised its support for Arab countries to solve regional security problems through solidarity and cooperation. With the active mediation of China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran reached an agreement in Beijing on March 10, 2023, and signed a joint statement in Beijing on April 6, announcing the resumption of diplomatic relations, and the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran is now entering a new era of consensus, cooperation, and peace. Algeria appreciates China’s efforts in this regard. 双方一致认为应在尊重地区国家主权、独立和领土完整基础上，通过对话协商，推动叙利亚、利比亚、也门、苏丹等阿拉伯地区热点问题及其他危机实现政治、和平解决，强调反对外部干涉，共同打击其境内的极端恐怖组织，支持黎巴嫩、索马里、苏丹为实现安全稳定、发展繁荣和反恐所作努力，支持联合国和阿盟为此所作努力。中方强调支持阿拉伯国家通过团结合作解决地区安全问题。在中方积极斡旋下，沙特阿拉伯王国和伊朗伊斯兰共和国于2023年3月10日在北京达成协议，并于4月6日在北京签署联合声明，宣布恢复外交关系，沙伊两国关系迈向共识、合作、和平的新时代。阿方对中方所作努力表示赞赏.
Algeria appreciates China’s firm support for African countries in achieving national independence and pursuing development paths in line with their own national conditions…China's cooperation with Africa has consistently been at the forefront of international cooperation with African nations and the achievements of China-Africa cooperation have improved the conditions for economic and social development in Africa and brought tangible benefits to the people of both sides. 赞赏中方坚定支持非洲国家实现民族独立，走符合自身国情的发展道路，支持非洲一体化建设和联合自强的努力；认为中方对非合作一直走在国际对非合作的前列，中非合作成果改善了非洲经济社会发展条件，给双方人民带来了实实在在的好处。
With regard to the question of Western Sahara, the two sides stressed their support for efforts to reach a just and lasting solution within the framework of international law, especially relevant United Nations resolutions, to ensure the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and to support the efforts of the UN to this end. 关于西撒哈拉问题，双方强调支持在国际法特别是联合国有关决议框架内达成公正、持久解决方案的努力，保障西撒哈拉人民在符合联合国宪章宗旨和原则的安排下实行自决，支持联合国为此所作努力。
On Ukraine, the statement says that “the two sides called for resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation and peaceful means; abide by universally recognized international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; the security of one country cannot be at the expense of the security of other countries, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously and properly addressed; oppose coercive measures such as unilateral sanctions that violate international law and harm the livelihoods of people in relevant countries; it is necessary to alleviate the possible humanitarian impact, no effort must be spared to prevent the escalation of the situation and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis. 关于乌克兰形势，双方呼吁通过对话谈判、以和平方式化解分歧；遵守公认的国际法、联合国宪章宗旨和原则；一国的安全不能以损害他国安全为代价，应重视并妥善解决各国的合理安全关切；反对单边制裁等强制性措施，避免违反国际法、损害有关国家民生；应缓解可能造成的人道影响，尽力避免局势升级，实现危机的和平解决。
Algeria backed GDI, GSI and GCI.
Page 2: There’s a report on Premier Li Qiang meeting with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry. Xinhua reports:
“China and the United States are both important countries in the world, and enhanced cooperation between them will benefit not only each other but also the whole world, Li said. The two sides should take concrete actions to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state at their meeting in Bali, Indonesia last year, properly manage differences and bring China-U.S. relations back to the track of sound and stable development at an early date, he said. Noting that the global response to climate change is an arduous task, Li called for practicing multilateralism and adherence to the goals and principles set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Li said all parties should shoulder their respective responsibilities and abide by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing climate change. Developed countries should take the lead in reducing emissions and fulfill their financial commitments as soon as possible while developing countries should make contributions within their capacity, the premier said. Li also called for sharing scientific and technological achievements and promoting global green and low-carbon transformation, urging developed countries to give more technological support to developing countries. He expressed the hope that China and the United States will continue to uphold the spirit of cooperation, respect each other's core concerns, seek common ground while shelving differences through full communication, and explore more pragmatic institutionalized cooperation to promote the multilateral climate governance process and full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.”
Kerry’s meeting with Wang Yi is covered on Page 3. Xinhua reports:
Wang said that “in November, the two heads of state met in Bali, Indonesia, where they reached important common understandings. The two sides should implement these common understandings, work together to remove disturbances, and bring China-US relations back to the track of sound development. China has been committed to the path of green, low-carbon and sustainable development, actively engaged in international cooperation to deal with climate change, and promoted the construction of a clean and beautiful world, Wang said. ‘China is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with the United States to explore mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly address climate change,’ said Wang, adding that China-US cooperation on climate change enjoys great potential. Wang also noted that this cannot be achieved without the understanding and support of the two peoples and the general environment of China-U.S. relations. It is hoped that the US side will pursue a rational, pragmatic and positive China policy, continue to adhere to the one-China principle, properly handle the Taiwan question, and work with China by upholding mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, Wang added.”
Next, there’s a report on the CPPCC holding its sixth Chairperson's Council meeting. Xinhua reports:
“During the meeting, attendees studied the guiding principles of important speeches recently made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Wang called on the CPPCC National Committee to organize and guide its members in meticulously studying the whole system of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He also urged efforts to deliver solid outcomes in all areas of work during the second half of this year.”
Finally, there’s a report on the new measures announced to promote household consumption issued together by 12 departments. These include 11 policy measures across 4 areas.
In this regard, let me highlight a couple of other stories that are not in PD. First, the NDRC said that “more effective policies for restoring and expanding consumption” will be put out as soon as possible. Xinhua reports: “the policies will center on stabilizing consumer spending on big-ticket items, promoting consumption of automobiles and electronic products, boosting consumption in rural areas, and improving the consumption environment.”
Second, the NDRC said that “it will continue holding symposiums with private entrepreneurs on a regular basis to help them solve problems and improve the country's business environment.” Three such symposiums with heads of private companies have been held recently, said NDRC official Li Hui. “‘The private companies in the three symposiums are of different sizes, and are from different industries and regions. We just want to know the real situation in all respects,’ Li said.”
Page 3: There’s a report on Defense Minister Li Shangfu meeting with Henry Kissinger, who is in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
“Li said in a world of turmoil and transformation, people of all countries hope that China and the United States can shoulder the responsibilities of major countries and jointly safeguard global prosperity and stability. President Xi Jinping has put forward the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation and pointed out the right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era, Li said. Li expressed the hope that the United States will work with China to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and promote the healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries and their militaries. Kissinger said in today's world, challenges and opportunities coexist, and both the United States and China should eliminate misunderstandings, coexist peacefully, and avoid confrontation. He expressed the hope that both sides will exert wisdom, make every effort to create positive outcomes for the development of bilateral relations, and safeguard world peace and stability.”
At the end of this report, in one line, it is mentioned that Li also met with visiting Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force Shaikh Abdul Hannan. No other information is mentioned on the discussions between the two.
Finally, there’s a report informing that the Chinese hospital ship “Peace Ark” is in Tarawa, Kiribati, where naval doctors helped delivered a child.
Page 4: There’s a report on the 2023 China Internet Civilisation Conference that is being held in Xiamen. Approximately 800 people, including government officials, representatives from internet companies and social organizations, experts and netizens are attending the event. Li Shulei spoke at the conference. He said that:
“Since the 18th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has published a series of important expositions on strengthening the construction of internet civilization and jointly building a beautiful spiritual home on the Internet. These have profoundly revealed the laws of the construction of the internet civilization. All regions and departments have thoroughly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions, actively promoted the main force to enter the main battlefield, and promoted civilized internet operation, civilized use of the internet, and civilized internet access. The positive energy in cyberspace is much more abundant…” 与会嘉宾认为，党的十八大以来，习近平总书记围绕加强网络文明建设、共建网上美好精神家园发表一系列重要论述，深刻揭示了网络文明建设的规律。各地区各部门深入学习贯彻习近平总书记重要论述，积极推动主力军进军主战场，推进文明办网、文明用网、文明上网，网络空间正能量更加充沛、主旋律更加高昂.
The report also emphasises the importance of “developing a positive and healthy online culture, fostering a civilized atmosphere in cyberspace, and governing the internet according to law and regulations.”
Page 9: The lead article on the theory page is by Luo Wen, the Director of SAMR.
He argues that “law-based governance is not only essential for the construction of socialist modernization but also a crucial guarantee for building a fully modern socialist country.” “On the new journey, we must adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, adhere to the overall, strategic, basic and guarantee position of governing the country according to law, give full play to the role of the rule of law in securing fundamentals, stabilising expectations and benefiting the long-term, and strive to create market supervision based on the rule of law, so as to empower the high-quality economic development.” 新时代以来的伟大变革充分说明，法治既是社会主义现代化建设的应有之义，也是全面建设社会主义现代化国家的重要保障。新征程上，必须坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深入学习贯彻习近平法治思想，坚持把全面依法治国摆在全局性、战略性、基础性、保障性位置，更好发挥法治固根本、稳预期、利长远的保障作用，着力打造法治化市场监管，为经济高质量发展赋能添力.
Some of the key points he makes are:
An economy ruled by law is a distinctive feature of China's economic modernization. To implement the new development concept, build a new development pattern and promote high-quality development, it is urgent to speed up the construction of a national unified market with high efficiency, standardization, fair competition and full opening, and promote the smooth flow of commodity and factor resources on a broader scale. Adherence to the rule of law is crucial to continuously improve market rules, strengthen the construction of a high-standard market system, resolutely remove local protectionism and market segmentation hindrances to the construction of a national unified market, and ensure a stable, fair, transparent, and predictable business environment from the source. This will effectively boost the confidence and vitality of market entities and enhance the internal driving force for the development and prosperity of the socialist market economy.” 法治经济是我国经济现代化的鲜明特征。贯彻新发展理念、构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展，迫切需要加快建设高效规范、公平竞争、充分开放的全国统一大市场，促进商品要素资源在更大范围内畅通流动。必须坚持法治引领，推动市场规则不断完善，加强高标准市场体系建设，坚决破除妨碍全国统一大市场建设的地方保护和市场分割，从源头上确保营商环境的稳定公平透明可预期，有效提振经营主体的信心与活力，不断强化社会主义市场经济发展繁荣的内生动力.
Market allocation of resources is the most efficient form, but the market is not all-powerful and has inherent flaws such as externalities, information asymmetry, and monopolies. Driven by economic interests, some business entities may violate the trading rules and commit illegal acts, which must be regulated on the track of rule of law to ensure that the market economy is both vibrant and orderly. Regulatory measures must prioritize the interests of the people, strengthening safety supervision of food, drugs, industrial products, special equipment, and enhancing consumer rights protection. Antitrust and anti-unfair competition efforts should be strengthened to promote fair competition in the market, regulate the order of the market economy, and safeguard the interests of the vast majority of the people. 法治规范社会主义市场经济秩序。市场配置资源是最有效率的形式，但市场不是万能的，存在着外部性、信息不对称、垄断等一系列固有缺陷，部分经营主体在经济利益的驱动下，可能违背交易规则实施违法行为，必须在法治轨道上予以规范，确保市场经济既生机勃勃又井然有序。必须坚持监管为民，持续加强食品、药品、工业产品、特种设备等安全监管，加大消费者权益保护力度，强化反垄断和反不正当竞争，以公正监管促进市场公平竞争，规范市场经济秩序，维护广大人民群众的切身利益.
In Section 2 of the article, he talks about the work being done He writes:
Since the 18th Party Congress, SAMR has promoted the formulation and revision of 16 laws and regulations in the field of market supervision, carried out 14 amendments to articles, formulated and revised 93 regulations, abolished 46 regulations, and amended 58 regulations, laying a solid foundation for promoting good laws and good governance. This is followed by a listing of key changes, such as the New Regulations on the Administration of Market Entity Registration, revision of the Anti-monopoly Law, the Food Safety Law, etc. 党的十八大以来，市场监管总局推动制修订市场监管领域法律法规16件、条款修正14件、制修订规章93件、废止规章46件、修正规章58件，为推进良法善治奠定坚实基础.
Promoting the implementation of market supervision with the people at the center. This covers “ensuring fairness and drawing red lines, strengthening the foundation of competition policy, and monopoly and unfair competition cases are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law…In the prevention and control of COVID-19, efforts were made to proactively maintain the quality and safety of pandemic-related materials and essential goods…‘iron fist’ campaigns have been continuously carried out to investigate and prosecute violations in areas related to people's livelihoods… efforts are being made to address the problems of blocking points, difficulties and pain points in the development of business entities…以人民为中心推进市场监管法治实施。围绕护公平、划红线，夯实竞争政策基础性地位，依法查办垄断案件和不正当竞争案件。围绕保安全、守底线，维护市场秩序，在新冠疫情防控中，主动出击维护涉疫物资和民生商品质量安全，担当作为严守进口冷链“物防”关口，应时所需出台助企纾困政策措施，有力支撑疫情防控和经济社会发展大局。连续开展“铁拳”行动，查办民生领域违法案件。围绕促发展、拉高线，着力解决经营主体发展中的堵点、难点和痛点问题，推动经营主体量质齐升。截至2023年5月，全国经营主体突破1.73亿户，有力支撑我国经济总量迈上百万亿元大关、国家财力和社会财富稳定增长，承载7亿多人就业.
Adhere to the use of legal means to set rules and draw boundaries for administrative power, reduce burdens on business entities, and seek development. He also mentions the work done to simplify approvals.
Enhancing the rule of law guarantee for market supervision with the goal of improving efficiency.
In the final section, he talks about three priorities going ahead.
Pursue institutional innovation in order to build a unified national market and create an open, transparent, efficient, and equitable market environment. Under this, he calls to “accelerate the revision of laws and regulations such as the anti-unfair competition law and the fair competition review regulations, give full play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation, give better play to the role of the government…”加快推动反不正当竞争法、公平竞争审查条例等法律法规的制修订，充分发挥市场在资源配置中的决定性作用，更好发挥政府作用...He also writes “clean up and abolish prescribed practices that hinder the national market unification and fair competition. Explore and formulate regulatory rules that meet the requirements of platform economy development and release new kinetic energy for high-quality development.”清理和废除妨碍全国统一大市场和公平竞争的规定做法。探索制定适应平台经济发展要求的监管规则，为高质量发展释放新动能。
Effectively promote law-based supervision, credit supervision, and intelligent supervision to create a stable, fair, and predictable law-based environment.
Effectively cultivate new advantages in international competition and cooperation, and create an international environment that is open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial. Under this, he calls to “promote the international convergence of market rules, improve market access facilitation, convenience of public services, and transparency of enterprise information, and attract more international capital, projects, and talent to invest and develop in China”. 积极有序推进市场规则国际接轨，提升市场准入便利度、公共服务便捷度和企业信息透明度，吸引更多国际资本、项目和人才来中国投资发展，落地生根，高水平“引进来”。Also, he calls to “strengthen the connection and policy coordination between international and domestic competition rules, steadily expand institutional openness, regulations, management, standards, and other aspects, promote regional trade cooperation, and drive the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Support enterprises in actively participating in global industrial division and cooperation, actively engage in international standardisation activities, become participants and leaders in high-standard international rules, and support and encourage Chinese capital and enterprises to "go global" with high quality.” 对标国际先进水平，加强国际国内竞争规则对接和政策协调，稳步扩大规则、规制、管理、标准等制度型开放，推动区域商贸合作，推动共建“一带一路”高质量发展；支持企业深入参与全球产业分工和合作，积极参与国际标准化活动，成为高标准国际规则的参与者和引领者，支持和鼓励我国资本和企业高质量“走出去”.
Page 15: On the international page, there’s a report on comments by China’s Geng Shuang at the UNSC on the Ukraine war. He made four points, available in English here:
“First, we must step up efforts to promote talks for peace…The evolution of the battlefield shows that military means cannot solve the Ukrainian crisis…Both parties to the conflict should work together to meet each other halfway to explore solutions that accommodate each other's concerns, correspond to regional realities, and help bridge differences. The international community should work together to create the necessary conditions for ceasefire and create a favorable atmosphere for peace talks…The crisis once again proves that the outdated mentality and dangerous practices such as pursuing absolute security, inciting bloc confrontations, and expanding military alliances that can only bring turmoil and unrest to Europe and the whole world. The key to the ultimate solution of the crisis is to uphold a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security vision and promote the construction of a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture.”
“Second, we must control the spillover effects of the crisis…The countries concern should immediately stop abusive use of unilateral sanctions and long arm-jurisdiction to ensure safe and smooth global industrial chains and supply chains, increase support and assistance to developing countries, and do more things that are conducive toward economic growth. China appreciates the important role of the Black Sea grain transportation package agreement in stabilizing world food markets, and hope that relevant parties can properly resolve the black sea grain transportation issue through dialogue and consultation.”
“Third, all efforts should be made to respond to humanitarian crisis…The irresponsible transfer of cluster bombs can easily give rise to humanitarian issues. Humanitarian concerns and legitimate military security needs should be handled in a balanced way. Prudence and restraint should be exercised in transfer of cluster bombs.”
“Fourth, nuclear safety and security must be ensured…China supports the IAEA in continuing to maintain contact with all parties and playing a constructive role in ensuring the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities. China has always maintained that nuclear weapons should not be used, and that nuclear wars should never be fought. We have been calling for all efforts to prevent escalation of conflict into nuclear crisis.”