Xi Pitches GDI, GSI & GCI at Human Rights Forum - Li Hui on Ukraine War - Guideline on Balanced Basic Public Education System - Training Arab Diplomats - 'Telling Chinese Stories Well' Competition
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily's edition on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Page 1: At the top of the page is a brief report (English report) on the appointment of new ambassadors to DRC, Zimbabwe and Latvia.
Below this is another Zhong Yin commentary on the need to ensure tangible results from the Xi thought education campaign. This one focuses on the theme of corruption. It says that:
“Only by being honest can we win the trust of the people, and only through impartial exercise of power can we win the hearts of the people. In order to learn the correct work style and carry forward the clean work style, we must firmly establish a correct view of power.” 为政清廉才能取信于民，秉公用权才能赢得人心。以学正风，弘扬清廉之风，就要牢固树立正确权力观. — Comment: Alas, the media in Xi’s thinking must not speak truth to power or exercise a check on power.
“Party members and cadres, especially leading cadres, should be soberly aware that our Party has no special interests of its own, and the Party always puts the interests of the masses first; the power in their hands and the positions they hold are given to them by the Party and the people, and they are used to work for the Party and the people, and they can only be used for the benefit of the people.” 党员、干部特别是领导干部要清醒认识到，我们党没有自己特殊的利益，党在任何时候都把群众利益放在第一位；自己手中的权力、所处的岗位，是党和人民赋予的，是为党和人民做事用的，只能用来为民谋利.
“It is necessary to maintain a sense of awe towards power, bear in mind the truth that honesty is a blessing and greed is a curse, establish a correct understanding of power, status, and interests, at all times, keep your mind steady, control your actions, and preserve your integrity.” 要保持对权力的敬畏感，牢记清廉是福、贪欲是祸的道理，树立正确的权力观、地位观、利益观，任何时候都要稳得住心神、管得住行为、守得住清白.
The two key points that the piece makes for cadres is that
“To build a solid ideological defence line and adhere to the red line of law and discipline” — Guard the five gates of politics, power, social interactions, lives, and family bonds; diligently dust off ‘ideological dust’ frequently; reflect on the harms of greed; always be alert to ‘hunting’ from all sides to prevent falling into the ‘trap’ set by others, and be a communist who is dedicated to the public, upright and spotless. 要守住政治关、权力关、交往关、生活关、亲情关，勤掸“思想尘”、多思“贪欲害”、常破“心中贼”，时刻警惕来自各方面的“围猎”，防止落入别人设置的“陷阱”，做一个一心为公、一身正气、一尘不染的共产党人.
It is important to continue the campaign against corruption, despite having won “an overwhelming victory”. This is because the “fight against corruption is still grim and complex, and the task of curbing the increase and eliminating the stock is still arduous…”
Next, there’s the full guideline on building a high-quality and balanced basic public education service system. The document details two targets:
By 2027, a high-quality and balanced basic public education service system will be preliminarily established; the total supply will be further expanded; the supply structure will be further optimised; and equality of access and quality (or equalisation) will be significantly improved. 到2027年，优质均衡的基本公共教育服务体系初步建立，供给总量进一步扩大，供给结构进一步优化，均等化水平明显提高.
By 2035, the condition of schools, teaching staff, funding and governance system across compulsory education schools will meet the needs of a strong education country. The balanced development level of compulsory education in cities will be significantly improved, the majority of compulsory education institutes in counties will have achieved high-quality and balanced development. School-age students will enjoy fair and high-quality basic public education services, and the overall level will be at the forefront of the world. 到2035年，义务教育学校办学条件、师资队伍、经费投入、治理体系适应教育强国需要，市（地、州、盟）域义务教育均衡发展水平显著提升，绝大多数县（市、区、旗）域义务教育实现优质均衡，适龄学生享有公平优质的基本公共教育服务，总体水平步入世界前列.
I am not detailing the entire document. But some key points mentioned are:
Focus on developing school facilities, particularly in the less-developed regions
Cultivate a team of high-quality professional teachers
Focus on promoting the integration of urban and rural education, and accelerate the narrowing of the urban-rural education gap within each county
Prioritise the development of rural education, improve the long-term mechanism for controlling dropouts and guaranteeing schooling, strengthen the annual monitoring of the consolidation of compulsory education
Take students' school path and traffic environment around campus as an important task of urban planning and construction
Focus on balanced development of schools. This predominantly deals with teacher allocation and reducing the quality gap between schools. One point under this is that teaching in rural schools or schools with poor school conditions for more than one year is a necessary condition for applying for senior professional titles; also one must have spent more than three years to be prioritised for the selection as primary and secondary school principals. 将到乡村学校或办学条件薄弱学校任教1年以上作为申报高级职称的必要条件，3年以上作为选任中小学校长的优先条件，推动优秀校长和骨干教师向乡村学校、办学条件薄弱学校流动.
Comprehensively promote the policy of compulsory education free of entrance exams and the simultaneous enrolment of public and private schools, Ensure that school-age children of different groups receive compulsory education on an equal footing. 全面推进义务教育免试就近入学和公办民办学校同步招生政策，确保不同群体适龄儿童平等接受义务教育.
Improve the residence permit application policy for those in flexible employment and working in the gig economy, improve the enrolment guarantee policy for the children of rural migrants based mainly on residence permits, and bring the children of rural migrants into the scope of compulsory education guarantee through public schools in the host regions. 完善灵活就业人员和新就业形态劳动者居住证申领政策，健全以居住证为主要依据的农业转移人口随迁子女入学保障政策，以公办学校为主将随迁子女纳入流入地义务教育保障范围.
Provide better education services for orphans, children without support and care, children who are left behind in rural areas and those in difficult situations.
Accelerate the development of education in ethnic minority areas. In this, two key points are: “incorporate the publicity and education around building a consciousness of the Chinese nation as a community into the whole process of school education, and build a solid ideological foundation of the Chinese national community for teachers and students of all ethnic groups.”将中华民族共同体意识宣传教育纳入学校育人全过程，筑牢各族师生中华民族共同体思想基础. And “strengthen the construction of teachers in ethnic minority areas, and strengthen special training in ideological and political quality, national common language, discipline and professional quality, education and teaching ability…”加强民族地区师资队伍建设，强化思想政治素质、国家通用语言文字、学科专业素养、教育教学能力等方面专门培训...
The document talks about increasing the budget for education, particularly compulsory education. It calls to improve the structure of spending on education, increase investment in education and teaching and in the development of teachers, ensure teachers’ salaries in accordance with the law, and promote the quality and balanced development of compulsory education. In this, the document commits to ensuring the financial living allowance policy for rural teachers, increased subsidies based on difficulties, the creation of dormitories for teachers and incorporating qualified rural school teachers into the local government housing security system, etc.
The document promises to improve the level of aid for students with financial difficulties. But there are conditions. “Based on the level of economic and social development and the national financial situation, taking into account changes in price levels and the cost of living, improve the mechanism for dynamically adjusting funding standards to assist students from economically disadvantaged families in successfully completing their studies.” 根据经济社会发展水平和国家财政状况，综合考虑物价水平和生活成本等变动情况，完善资助标准动态调整机制，帮助家庭经济困难学生顺利完成学业.
The document also calls to improve health, culture and sport and employment services for students.
Next, there’s a consolidated report on Li Qiang, Zhao Leji and Li Xi meeting with the visiting President of Honduras, Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento.
Xinhua’s report on the meeting with Li Qiang says:
“China greatly appreciates the firm commitment Honduras has made to abide by the one-China principle, and its choice to stand on the right side of history. ‘China is willing to work with Honduras to thoroughly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state to promote the vibrant development of cooperation in various fields,’ Li said. He said that China and Honduras are new friends and partners, and they should be good friends and partners that value mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits and common development. China staunchly supports Honduras in safeguarding its independence, and is willing to strengthen coordination with Honduras in multilateral affairs, Li added. He urged the two countries to make efforts to advance rapid and steady progress in pragmatic cooperation, and to conduct people-to-people exchanges actively. He said China is ready to tap further into trade potential, accelerate the synergizing of follow-up matters concerning imports of specialty products from Honduras, kick off the negotiation process for a free trade agreement at an early date, carry out investment and financing cooperation in a prudent manner, and accelerate the construction of projects to improve people's well-being. China hopes Honduras will provide a favorable and facilitating environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and establish businesses in the country, Li noted.”
Xinhua’s report on the meeting with Zhao Leji says:
“China is ready to work with Honduras to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state at the historic meeting on Monday and work for steady and long-term bilateral relations, Zhao added. Zhao briefed Castro on Chinese modernization and the Chinese government's people-centered philosophy and practice, and said that China's NPC is willing to carry out multi-level, multi-field and multi-form exchanges and cooperation with the Honduran Congress to learn from each other and better serve the development of their respective countries and benefit the two peoples. Castro said that the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially the achievements of her current visit to China, fully proves that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Honduras and China is a completely correct historical choice.”
Xinhua’s report on the meeting with Li Xi says:
“China is willing to strengthen the exchange of governance experience with Honduras, including in anti-corruption and other fields, strengthen international cooperation on anti-corruption, and push for new achievements in bilateral relations, Li said. Castro said it is a matter of historic significance for Honduras to recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic relations with China on this basis. Speaking highly of China's anti-corruption philosophy and achievements, Castro said Honduras is willing to learn from China's relevant experience.”
Also on the page is a report on Wang Huning’s meeting with Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Chairman of the National Assembly of Nepal. Xinhua says:
“The two sides should synergize development strategies, maintain the political foundation for the growth of bilateral relations, expand exchanges and cooperation, and add new impetus to the respective development and revitalization of the two countries, Wang said. The CPPCC National Committee is willing to work with the National Assembly of Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, strengthen exchanges at all levels, and contribute to building a closer community of shared future between China and Nepal, Wang said. Timilsina said Nepal follows the one-China policy and speaks highly of China's extraordinary achievements. The National Assembly of Nepal is willing to deepen exchanges with the CPPCC National Committee and promote practical cooperation between the two countries to achieve common development and prosperity.”
Finally, there’s a report on the investment in water conservancy projects so far this year. It says that as per data from the Ministry of Water Resources, “from January to May, the total investment in water conservancy projects was 410.6 billion yuan, an increase of 99.8 billion yuan or 32.1% year-on-year. A total of 13 provinces completed an investment of more than 15 billion yuan each. Among these, Guangdong, Yunnan, and Hebei completed an investment of more than 25 billion yuan each. The construction of water conservancy projects employed 1.209 million people so far, including 895,000 rural labourers.” 1月至5月，完成水利投资4106亿元，同比增加998亿元，增幅32.1%。13个省份完成投资超过150亿元，其中，广东、云南、河北3省完成投资超过250亿元。水利项目施工吸纳就业人数120.9万人，其中农村劳动力89.5万人.---- Comment: So with yesterday’s report on transportation FAI and this data on water conservancy projects, this is around more than RMB 1.5 trillion that’s been spent in five months as public investment to boost growth. Of course, there are other areas where money is going too.
Page 2: Two reports to note. First, data from the State Administration of Taxation informs that in the first five months, 6.435 million tax-related business entities were newly established nationwide, up 15.5% year-on-year. By the end of May, there were 86.92 million tax-related business entities nationwide, up 7.5% year-on-year. 前5个月，全国累计新办涉税经营主体643.5万户，同比增长15.5%。截至5月底，全国涉税经营主体共8692万户，同比增长7.5%.
In May, 691,000 enterprises and 817,000 individual industrial and commercial households opened, up by 27.1% and 33.7%, respectively. In terms of industries, the newly-established tax-related business entities in the primary, secondary and tertiary industries were 45,000, 173,000 and 1.304 million, respectively, up by 27.5%, 15.3% and 26.2%, respectively. In terms of the sectors, companies in science and technology services; leasing and business services; and culture, sports and entertainment grew rapidly, with an increase of 118%, 51.7% and 50.2% respectively. Manufacturing sector saw an increase of 7.6% year-on-year… 分类型看，5月，企业、个体工商户分别新办69.1万户和81.7万户，同比分别增长27.1%和33.7%。分产业看，第一、二、三产业的新办涉税经营主体分别为4.5万户、17.3万户和130.4万户，同比分别增长27.5%、15.3%和26.2%。分行业看，20个行业门类中，17个行业新办涉税经营主体数量同比正增长，其中，科学技术服务业、租赁和商务服务业、文体娱乐业增长较快，同比分别增长118%、51.7%和50.2%；制造业同比增长7.6%。分经济类型看，民营经济新办涉税经营主体150.9万户，同比增长25%.
Next, there’s a report on a meeting with regard to the promotion of education and rectification of cadres in central and state organs. This was held in Beijing on Monday.
Li Ganjie and Liu Jinguo spoke at the meeting. As per the report, the meeting called on central government and state agencies and departments to “thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and important instructions on thematic education, especially the education and rectification of cadres, and stand on the side of supporting the two establishments and two safeguards, fully understand the significance of carrying out the education and rectification of the cadre team, further enhance ideological consciousness, political consciousness, and action consciousness…” 会议强调，中央和国家机关各部门要深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于主题教育特别是干部队伍教育整顿工作的重要讲话和重要指示批示精神，站在拥护“两个确立”、做到“两个维护”的高度，充分认识开展干部队伍教育整顿的重大意义，进一步增强思想自觉、政治自觉、行动自觉，当好“三个表率”、建设模范机关.
Page 3: There’s an article by Li Hui, who is China’s Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs and recently travelled to Ukraine, Russia and other European countries to discuss the war. He writes that:
“China's position on the Ukrainian issue is objective and fair, and has won the support of most countries in the international community. Eventually, all conflicts can only be resolved through negotiations, and the sooner there is a ceasefire and negotiations, the sooner there is hope for peace.” 中方在乌克兰问题上的立场是客观公正的，也得到了国际社会大多数国家的支持。冲突终究只能靠谈判来结束，早一天停火、早一天谈判，就有早一天迎来和平的希望.
Li writes that during his recent visit, he “conducted in-depth communication with all parties.” He argues that China has acted as “a responsible major country” since the “escalation of the Ukraine crisis.” It has always upheld an objective and impartial stance and actively promoted peace talks.” “President Xi Jinping has had in-depth communication with leaders of Russia, Ukraine and other parties and called for early peace talks to accumulate favourable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis.” — Of course, he does not tell us why it took so long for Xi to talk to Zelensky.
Anyway, Li adds that “all efforts conducive to a peaceful resolution of the crisis should be supported, which is China's fundamental principle in promoting a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis. On February 24 this year, China released the document ‘China's Position on the Political Resolution of the Ukraine Crisis’, which put forward 12 propositions, including respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, cessation of hostilities, and launching peace talks. This has been widely recognized and praised by the international community.一切有利于和平解决危机的努力都应该得到支持，是中方推动政治解决乌克兰危机的根本遵循. 今年2月24日，中方发布《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的中国立场》文件，提出尊重各国主权、摒弃冷战思维、停火止战、启动和谈等12条主张，得到了国际社会的普遍认同和赞誉.
In the next paragraph, he adds:
“The theme of my visit this time was to promote peace talks. During the visit, I had an in-depth exchange of views and opinions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Foreign Minister Kuleba, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and colleagues from various European countries on the political solution to the Ukrainian crisis. All parties appreciate and positively evaluate China's efforts to restore peace and resolve the Ukrainian crisis politically, and expect China to play a greater role. This once again shows that China's position on the Ukraine issue is objective and fair, and has also won the support of most countries in the international community.” 我这次访问的主题就是劝和促谈。访问期间，围绕政治解决乌克兰危机，我同乌克兰总统泽连斯基、外长库列巴，俄罗斯外长拉夫罗夫以及欧洲各国的同事们深入交换了看法和意见。各方赞赏并积极评价中方为恢复和平、政治解决乌克兰危机所作的努力，期待中方发挥更大作用。这再次表明中方在乌克兰问题上的立场是客观公正的，也得到了国际社会大多数国家的支持.
“During the talks, all parties expressed concerns about the escalation and spillover risks from the current crisis. The safety of nuclear facilities in conflict areas has aroused great concern from all parties. Once a nuclear accident occurs, no country can be immune to it. Risks such as food security, energy security and cross-border infrastructure security caused by this crisis continue to ferment. Eventually, all conflicts can only be resolved through negotiations, and the sooner there is a ceasefire and negotiations, the sooner there is hope for peace. As long as there is a glimmer of hope for peace, we should make active efforts instead of letting the conflict drag on, let alone add fuel to the fire, which will lead to a local conflict turning into large-scale war or even a nuclear war. At present, it seems that there are many challenges to overcome for all parties to sit down and negotiate with positive outcomes. But the important thing is to promote consensus among all parties, form the greatest common denominator, and gradually accumulate and create conditions for the final resolution of the crisis.” 在交流中，各方对当前危机的升级和外溢风险都流露出担忧情绪。冲突地区的核设施安全引发各方高度关注，核事故一旦发生，没有哪个国家能够独善其身。这场危机引发的粮食安全、能源安全、跨境基础设施安全等风险还在持续发酵。冲突终究只能靠谈判来结束，早一天停火、早一天谈判，就有早一天迎来和平的希望。只要和平有一线希望，就应该积极作出努力，而不是任由冲突延宕下去，更不要火上浇油，导致局部冲突演变为大规模战争，甚至核战争。目前看，各方坐下来谈判、谈出成果可能还面临很多困难，但重要的是推动凝聚各方共识，形成最大公约数，为危机的最终解决逐步积累和创造条件.
“China has no selfish interests on the Ukrainian issue; it does not engage in the creation of cliques, adding fuel to the fire, or profiteering from the situation. China has always believed that in order to resolve this crisis, which has complex roots and far-reaching consequences, it is necessary not only to promote peace talks for an early truce, but also promote the establishment of a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture and commit to long-term stability. To this end, the international community should adhere to the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept and better safeguard world peace and stability. At present, more and more countries and people of vision are calling for a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis, ending the conflict and restoring regional peace and stability. China is willing to continue to work with the international community to stand on the side of peace, dialogue and historical correctness, and contribute to world peace and tranquillity.” 中国在乌克兰问题上没有私利，不搞“小圈子”，没有拱火浇油，更没有趁机渔利。中方始终认为，为了解决这场根源复杂、影响深远的危机，既要劝和促谈尽快停战，更要推动构建均衡、有效、可持续的欧洲安全架构，致力于长治久安。为此，国际社会应坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，更好维护世界和平与稳定。目前，世界上越来越多的国家和有识之士呼吁政治解决乌克兰危机，结束冲突，恢复地区和平稳定。中方愿继续与国际社会一道，站在和平的一边、站在对话的一边、站在历史正确的一边，为世界和平与安宁贡献力量.
Next, there’s a report on Foreign Minister Qin Gang meeting with visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki. Xinhua reports:
“President Abbas is the first Arab head of state to be hosted by China this year, which speaks volumes about the special friendship between the two countries and China's support for the just cause of Palestine, Qin said. He said he believes the two heads of state will plan the future development of bilateral relations and advance the traditional friendship to a higher level. China has always firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and will continue to support peace talks between Palestine and Israel and contribute wisdom to resolving the Palestinian question, Qin said. Al-Maliki said China is a trustworthy, reliable friend, and Palestine appreciates the proposals pushed forward by China's head of state for resolving the Palestinian question. He added Palestine follows the one-China policy and will continue to support China on issues concerning China's core interests.”
Third, there’s a brief report on NPCSC Vice chairman Zhang Qingwei meeting with visiting First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Akmal Saidov. They “exchanged views on promoting the development of bilateral relations, deepening cooperation between legislative bodies, and strengthening exchanges in the field of human rights.” 全国人大常委会副委员长张庆伟13日在人民大会堂会见乌兹别克斯坦最高会议立法院第一副议长赛义多夫，双方就促进两国关系发展、深化立法机构合作、加强人权领域交往等交换了意见.
Fourth, a report on ILD chief Liu Jianchao meeting with a delegation of senior cadres of the Workers' Party of Brazil led by Henrique Fontana.
Fifth, a report (English report) informing that a Forum on Global Human Rights Governance is kicking off in Beijing today. The report says that the forum is attracting over 300 participants from nearly 100 countries and international organizations including UN agencies. The two-day forum is themed ‘Equality, Cooperation and Development: The 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Global Human Rights Governance.’ In addition to an opening ceremony and plenary meetings, five parallel sessions will be held focusing on international cooperation and global human rights governance, the Global Development Initiative and the realization of the right to development, the Global Security Initiative and human rights protection, UN human rights mechanism and global human rights governance, as well as human rights protection in the digital times.”
Xinhua has just published a report on Xi’s letter to this forum. This will be on the front page tomorrow. Anyway, the report says:
“At a time of severe challenges facing the global human rights governance, China stands for safeguarding human rights with security, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, calling on all countries to follow the path of peaceful development, and putting into action the Global Security Initiative, Xi noted in the letter. China advocates for promoting human rights with development, putting into action the Global Development Initiative, and ensuring fair entitlement to human rights by people of all countries through modernization paths with their own characteristics, Xi said. China stands for advancing human rights with cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and equality, putting into action the Global Civilization Initiative, and deepening exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, he added. Putting the people above all else, China has pursued a human rights development path that follows the trend of the times and suits its national conditions, strengthening human rights protection in the course of advancing Chinese modernization, Xi stressed. China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a human community with a shared future, he said.”
Finally, there’s a report on the launch of the second training course for Arab diplomats in China at the China-Arab Reform and Development Research Center in Shanghai. 18 diplomats from embassies of 15 Arab countries in China and the representative office of the Arab League in China participated in the training. The report informs that the “Counsellor of Qatar Embassy in China spoke on behalf of the participants. He said that this was a rare opportunity for Arab diplomats in China to learn about China's foreign policy and the Communist Party of China’s experience in governing the country. He believed that the course would further promote Arab-Chinese pragmatic cooperation.” 卡塔尔驻华大使馆参赞穆罕默德·苏白哈代表研修班学员发言。他表示，此次研修班是阿拉伯国家驻华外交官了解中国外交政策和中国共产党治国理政经验的一次难得机会，相信研修活动将进一步推动阿中务实合作.
Apparently, the theme of the course is ‘Jointly building a China-Arab Community of Shared Future in the New Era". Participants will attend special lectures on building a community with a shared future for mankind, joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and will visit the site of the First Congress of the Communist Party of China, Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group and Shanghai Yangshan Deep-Water Port.” 据介绍，此次研修班的主题是“共建面向新时代的中阿命运共同体”。学员们将参加关于构建人类命运共同体、共建“一带一路”倡议、全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议等理念倡议的专题讲座，并赴中共一大会址、上海电气风电集团、上海洋山深水港等地参观.
Page 5: There’s an article discussing China’s continued attractiveness as a destination for foreign capital. This is basically an article pitching the continued potential of the Chinese market.
“In the first quarter of this year, 11,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, a year-on-year increase of 7.6%. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, in the first four months of this year, FDI into China was 499.46 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.2%. The number of newly-established foreign-invested enterprises and the FDI amount both have shown a steady and positive trend. This strongly proves that open China is still a highland for foreign investment.” 不久前，市场监管总局发布的数据显示，今年一季度，全国新设外商投资企业1.1万户，同比增长7.6%。商务部发布的数据显示，今年前4月，全国实际使用外资金额4994.6亿元人民币，同比增长2.2%。新设外商投资企业数量和实际使用外资金额均呈现稳中向好势头，有力证明开放中国依然是外商投资高地 — Comment: Of course, this is not looking at long-term trend lines.
The author adds:
“Many executives of multinational enterprises have visited China and cast a ‘vote of confidence’ with regard to the country’s economic development prospects through their practical actions. Tesla announced that it will build an energy storage super factory in Shanghai's Lingang Special Area; Siemens Healthineers has announced an investment of more than 1 billion yuan in Nanshan district in Shenzhen to build a brand-new high-end medical equipment research and development and manufacturing base; Airbus will build a second production line in Tianjin...One by one, the negotiations and exchanges, and the signing and landing of projects, fully demonstrate the strong attraction of the Chinese market for foreign investment.” 持续升温的“增资潮”，从另一个侧面印证了中国市场的勃勃生机。今年以来，外资企业继续加码投资中国，跨国商务活动加速恢复，众多跨国企业高管密集来华考察，以实际行动对中国经济发展前景投下“信任票”。特斯拉宣布将在上海临港修建一座储能超级工厂；西门子医疗在广东深圳南山区追加投资超10亿元，建设全新高端医疗设备研发制造基地；空中客车公司将在天津建设第二条生产线……一场场洽谈交流，一个个项目签约落地，充分彰显着中国市场对外资的强大吸引力.
The author adds that the Chinese market remains attractive because of its strong growth prospects but also because it offers great return on investment.
“In the first quarter of this year, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade conducted research visits to more than 600 foreign-funded enterprises. Over 80% of the foreign-funded enterprises surveyed expect that the return rate on investment in China will either be flat or will increase this year, and over 90% of the enterprises surveyed expect that the profit rate of investment in China will either be flat or increase over the next five years. Against the backdrop of sluggish global economic growth, China will undoubtedly continue to be an important investment destination for foreign capital. From the perspective of market opportunities, China is still in the stage of rapid release of total demand, which will provide greater development opportunities for all business entities, including foreign-funded enterprises. On the one hand, new type of urbanisation continues to advance, the digital and green transformation of production and lifestyle is accelerating, and the people's yearning for a better life is constantly becoming a reality. This continues to release huge demand. On the other hand, with the continuous improvement of residents' income levels, consumption is diversified, high-end, and service-oriented, and more consumer demand for goods and services will be released. For many foreign-funded enterprises, the Chinese market is not an ‘option’, but a ‘must’, and the opportunities in the Chinese market should not be missed.” 全球商界不约而同瞩目中国，原因就在于中国经济增长的动能和态势是强劲的。从投资回报看，中国市场依然极具投资价值。今年一季度，中国贸促会对600余家外资企业进行调研访问，超八成受访外资企业预期今年在华投资利润率将持平或有所增加，超九成受访企业预计未来5年在华投资利润持平或有所增加。在全球经济增长乏力的大背景下，中国无疑将继续成为外资的重要投资目的地。从市场机遇看，我国仍处于总需求较快释放的阶段，这将为包括外资企业在内的所有经营主体提供更大的发展机会。一方面，新型城镇化持续推进，生产生活方式的数字化、绿色化转型加速推进，人民对美好生活的向往不断变成现实，持续释放出巨大需求。另一方面，随着居民收入水平不断提高，消费呈现多样化、高端化、服务化等特征，更多商品和服务消费需求将得到释放。对于不少外资企业而言，中国市场不是“可选项”，而是“必选项”，中国市场机遇不容错过.
The author then adds that China has continued to implement a “more proactive opening-up strategy” and “promoted the liberalisation and facilitation of trade and investment.” The only evidence offered for this being satisfactory for foreign businesses is the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade survey.
Page 6: There’s a report on the 2023 competition themed ‘Telling Chinese Stories Well’ being held in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. This is open to locals and foreigners. The aim is to spread positive voices about China and establish a favourable international image. “讲好中国故事”创意传播国际大赛是以“讲好新时代中国故事”为主旨，面向国内外社会公众公开征集各领域中国故事、传播中国好声音、树立中国良好国际形象的年度官方品牌活动。
This year's competition aims at “internationalisation, innovation and is youth-oriented, actively exploring new channels for external communication, encouraging and mobilising more people to participate, promoting regional synergy, deepening international communication, and jointly launching more good stories with distinctive characteristics, international vision and creativity.” 今年大赛将以国际化、重创新、全面面向青年人群为目标，积极探索对外传播新航道，鼓励和发动更多人参与，推动区域协同联动、深化国际传播工作，共同推出更多具有鲜明特色、国际视野、富有创意的好故事.
“It is understood that the works collected in this year's competition are divided into the categories of documentary, drama and creativity, and participants will be called upon to create works around themes such as Chinese-style modernization, GCI, joint construction of BRI, opportunities in China, and youth stories in the new era. The outstanding works produced by the selection will be exhibited and broadcast through the contest’s official website, key news websites, commercial Internet platforms and overseas social media platforms.” 据了解，今年大赛征集作品分为纪实类、剧情类、创意类，将号召参赛者围绕中国式现代化、全球文明倡议、共建“一带一路”、中国机遇、新时代青年故事等主题开展创作。评选产生的优秀作品，将通过大赛官网、重点新闻网站、商业互联网平台以及海外社交媒体平台等进行全方位展播.
Page 15: A few reports to note on the international page. First, today’s article in the series attacking US foreign policy and “hegemony” focuses on Afghanistan. It says:
“The United States launched the war in Afghanistan in the name of countering terrorism. The war resulted in the deaths of a large number of Afghan civilians and nearly one-third of them became refugees. In order to get out of the quagmire of war, the United States irresponsibly and hastily withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, leaving the suffering of war for the Afghan people to bear. The United States has not only refused to shoulder the responsibility of helping the Afghan people to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis, but has instead imposed unilateral sanctions on Afghanistan, openly plundering the country’s billions of dollars of overseas assets, further aggravating the suffering of the Afghan people.” 美国以“反恐”之名发动阿富汗战争，导致大量阿富汗平民丧生，近1/3的民众沦为难民。为了摆脱战争泥潭，美国不负责任地从阿富汗仓促撤军，留下战争苦难让阿富汗人民承受。美国不仅拒不承担帮助阿富汗人民缓解严峻人道主义危机的责任，反而对阿滥施单边制裁，公然掠夺该国数十亿美元的海外资产，进一步加剧阿富汗人民的苦难.
Second, there’s a report on MoFA’s comment yesterday on the Nord Stream pipeline explosion issue.
“Global Times: According to US media reports, German investigators obtained evidence suggesting explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines were carried out by a sabotage group. Other reports said that the US had received information on an attack plan against the pipelines three months before the sabotage. What’s your comment?
Wang Wenbin: We have noted relevant reports. China has expressed on multiple occasions that safeguarding the security of vital infrastructure is a common concern of the international community. It is critically important to launch an objective, impartial and professional investigation into the explosions and hold those responsible to account. Eight months have passed since the explosion, yet the investigation process has been going slow. It is surprising that the US has remained silent this time, especially considering that it would usually use hotspot issues to portray itself as a so-called “beacon.” Take what the US has done to Syria for example. The turbulence in Syria began on April 22, 2011. On April 27, the US motioned to the UN, demanding that the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) send an investigation mission to Syria for possible violation of International Human Rights Law. On April 29, the US announced that Syria had seriously violated human rights, and imposed sanctions on some individuals and entities in Syria. Within just a week, the US completed the entire process from investigation to sanctions. Since then, the US has further meddled in Syria through various means, including funding the “White Helmets” which fabricated so-called evidence, carrying out airstrikes against Syria, expanding its sanctions, and exerting pressure with its allies. Clearly, nothing could stop the US until it got what it wanted. Compared with its aggressive response on Syria, the US’s inaction on the Nord Stream pipeline explosions seems quite intriguing. Why has the US been silent? What cannot the US say about this? When exactly will the US respond to international doubts and concerns? The US owes the international community an explanation.”
While covering the presser from yesterday, do check out this response on the recent friction with South Korea.
Yonhap News Agency: ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol said during a cabinet meeting on June 13 that looking at the attitude of Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Xing Haiming, it’s doubtful whether he has an attitude of mutual respect or promotion of friendship as a diplomat. The office of the ROK President said that they are waiting for China to think over this issue and take appropriate measures. What is China’s position on this?
Wang Wenbin: I noted the ROK side’s remarks and also noted that some ROK media outlets have made reports that are inconsistent with facts or even amount to personal attacks on Ambassador Xing Haiming. I deeply regret this. I would like to stress once again that it is part of Ambassador Xing Haiming’s job to engage extensively with people from various walks of life in the ROK with an aim of increasing understanding, promoting cooperation and advancing China-ROK relations. There is no point in making an issue of this. A sound and steady China-ROK relationship serves the common interests of both sides. We hope the ROK will work actively with China towards this end.”
Finally, there’s a brief report on the Iranian president’s visit to Venezuela. The report says that the two sides signed a total of 25 bilateral cooperation agreements involving oil, natural gas, chemical and mining industries.