Xi Seeks Adherence to Constitution - Xi-Lukashenko Meeting - China-EU Summit Preview - Imperial Springs Forum - He Weidong Visits Cambodia - Liu Jianchao Meets German & Croatian Delegations
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Tuesday, December 05, 2023.
Page 1: Let’s begin with Xi Jinping’s instructions to mark the 10th Constitution Day in China. Xi said that the “Constitution is the general charter for governing the country and ensuring national security; it is the fundamental legal basis for the Party’s governance, and the supreme legal norm for the country's political and social life.” 宪法是治国安邦的总章程，是我们党治国理政的根本法律依据，是国家政治和社会生活的最高法律规范.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party has enhanced its overall leadership over the work related to the Constitution, enriched and developed the theoretical research and practice of the socialist constitution with Chinese characteristics, and achieved historic progress in advancing the country's constitutional system and enforcement of the Constitution.
Xi Jinping emphasised that “on the new journey, it is necessary to firmly safeguard the authority and dignity of the Constitution, promote the improvement and development of the Constitution, give full play to the important role of the Constitution in governing the country, and provide a solid guarantee for comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. It is necessary to strengthen confidence in our political system and uphold the leadership position of the Communist Party of China, the state system of the people's democratic dictatorship and the People's Congress system as mandated by the Constitution. It is necessary to implement the thought on socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics for the new era; adhere to the comprehensive implementation of the provisions of the Constitution, the principles of the Constitution, and the spirit of the Constitution; adhere to the implementation of the Constitution, the interpretation of the Constitution, and the advancement of the system of constitutional supervision; accelerate the improvement of the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics with the Constitution at its core; and continuously enhance constitutional implementation and oversight. It is necessary to strengthen the theoretical research and publicity and education of the Constitution, adhere to the popularization of knowledge, theoretical interpretation and conceptual guidance, vigorously carry forward the spirit of the Constitution and the socialist rule of law in the whole society, and promote the implementation of the Constitution as a conscious action of all people.” 习近平强调，新征程上，要坚定维护宪法权威和尊严，推动宪法完善和发展，更好发挥宪法在治国理政中的重要作用，为以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业提供坚实保障。要坚定政治制度自信，坚持宪法确定的中国共产党领导地位不动摇，坚持宪法确定的人民民主专政的国体和人民代表大会制度的政体不动摇。要贯彻新时代中国特色社会主义法治思想，坚持宪法规定、宪法原则、宪法精神全面贯彻，坚持宪法实施、宪法解释、宪法监督系统推进，加快完善以宪法为核心的中国特色社会主义法律体系，不断提高宪法实施和监督水平.
Finally, Xi called for strengthening theoretical research and publicity and education around the constitution.
The report also informs that on Monday, Zhao Leji attended a meeting in Beijing marking National Constitution Day. In his speech, Zhao said that “it is necessary to deeply understand that adhering to the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most prominent feature and the most fundamental requirement of our country’s Constitution, deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘two establishments’, and achieve the ‘two safeguards’, and ensure that the Party’s leadership is fully, systematically and integrally implemented in all aspects of the Party and the country’s undertakings throughout the entire process.” 要深刻认识坚持中国共产党领导是我国宪法最显著的特征、最根本的要求，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，做到“两个维护”，保证党的领导全面、系统、整体地落实到党和国家事业各方面全过程.
There’s also a front page commentary marking Constitution Day. It argues that since the 18th Party Congress, “the Party has strengthened its overall leadership over constitutional work, enriched and developed socialist constitutional theory and practise with Chinese characteristics, and promoted the effective transformation of the significant advantages of our country's constitutional system into governance efficiency…All undertakings and work of the Party and the state have been fully integrated into the rule of law, the role of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the country has been fully exerted, and the practice of the Constitution has become richer and more vivid. The historic achievements in the construction of China’s constitutional system and the implementation of the Constitution are fundamentally due to the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the helm and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” 宪法具有根本性、全局性、稳定性、长期性。党的十八大以来，我们党加强对宪法工作的全面领导，丰富和发展了中国特色社会主义宪法理论和宪法实践，推动我国宪法制度的显著优势更好转化为国家治理效能...党和国家各项事业、各项工作全面纳入法治轨道，宪法的国家根本法作用充分发挥，宪法实践更加丰富生动。我国宪法制度建设和宪法实施之所以取得历史性成就，根本在于有习近平总书记领航掌舵，在于有习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想科学指引。
It further argues that the 20th Party Congress drew a grand blueprint for the future. “On the new journey, it is important to firmly safeguard the authority and dignity of the Constitution, promote the improvement and development of the Constitution, give full play to the important role of the Constitution in governing the country, and provide a solid guarantee for comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization.” 新征程上，我们要坚定维护宪法权威和尊严，推动宪法完善和发展，更好发挥宪法在治国理政中的重要作用，为以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业提供坚实保障. — (Basically, exactly what Xi said, and the rest of the commentary largely does the same, i.e, reiterating Xi’s comments with some additional context.)
The system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the fundamental guarantee for the development and progress of contemporary China. It is necessary to strengthen confidence in our political system and uphold the leadership position of the Communist Party of China, the state system of the people's democratic dictatorship and the People's Congress system as mandated by the Constitution. The vitality of the constitution lies in its implementation, and its authority is also derived from implementation. It is necessary to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law; adhere to the comprehensive implementation of the provisions of the Constitution, the principles of the Constitution, and the spirit of the Constitution; adhere to the implementation of the Constitution, the interpretation of the Constitution, and the advancement of the system of constitutional supervision; accelerate the improvement of the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics with the Constitution at its core; and continuously enhance constitutional implementation and oversight. The foundation of the Constitution lies in the heartfelt support of the people, and the power of the Constitution lies in the sincere beliefs of the people. It is necessary to strengthen theoretical research and publicity and education on the Constitution…” 中国特色社会主义制度是当代中国发展进步的根本保证。要坚定政治制度自信，坚持宪法确定的中国共产党领导地位不动摇，坚持宪法确定的人民民主专政的国体和人民代表大会制度的政体不动摇。宪法的生命在于实施，宪法的权威也在于实施。要深入学习贯彻习近平法治思想，坚持宪法规定、宪法原则、宪法精神全面贯彻，坚持宪法实施、宪法解释、宪法监督系统推进，加快完善以宪法为核心的中国特色社会主义法律体系，不断提高宪法实施和监督水平。宪法的根基在于人民发自内心的拥护，宪法的伟力在于人民出自真诚的信仰。要加强宪法理论研究和宣传教育，坚持知识普及、理论阐释、观念引导全面发力，深化宪法宣誓、国家宪法日、国家象征和标志等制度的教育功能，推动宪法宣传教育常态化长效化，使全体人民成为宪法的忠实崇尚者、自觉遵守者、坚定捍卫者...
Next, there’s a report on Xi Jinping meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
“China always views its relations with Belarus from a strategic and long-term perspective, firmly supports Belarus in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and opposes external interference in Belarus’ internal affairs, Xi said. ‘China is willing to continue to strengthen strategic coordination with Belarus, firmly support each other, promote practical cooperation and deepen bilateral relations,’ Xi said. Xi stressed that more than 150 countries have signed Belt and Road Initiative cooperation documents a decade after he proposed the initiative, adding that he announced not long ago eight major steps China would take to support the joint pursuit of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. ‘China welcomes Belarus to continue its active participation and gain more tangible development opportunities from it.’ Xi called on the two sides to implement projects such as the China-Belarus Industrial Park, push for more results in industrial cooperation, and further facilitate cross-border transport to promote trade and personnel exchanges. He said both sides should expand cooperation in education, health, sports and tourism, support exchanges and cooperation between the youth, and enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Noting that China and Belarus are important forces in the reform and development of the global governance system, Xi said China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Belarus within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.”
As per the report, Lukashenko backed the three initiatives and BRI, and they also discussed the Ukraine war.
Next, there’s a report on Xi’s letter to the 2023 Imperial Springs International Forum in Guangzhou. Xinhua says:
“Facing unprecedented changes in the world, the times, and history, the human society must unite, uphold mutual learning, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, advocate common values of humanity, and jointly build a better world, Xi said. It is hoped that all the distinguished guests will brainstorm their ideas, speak out for the practice of real multilateralism, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi added.”
Also on the page is a report (English report) on Han Zheng’s speech at the forum. Han made three points:
“The first is to achieve peaceful coexistence on the premise of seeking common ground while shelving differences, seek integrated development in the process of equal exchanges, and make common progress on the basis of mutual learning. He called on parties concerned, under the guidance of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.”
“The second is to make global governance fairer and more equitable on the basis of consultation and consensus, in a bid to inject more stability and positive energy into the world. He called on parties concerned to oppose hegemonism, power politics, and unilateral practices in the name of multilateralism.”
“The third is to stick to the right direction of globalization, oppose protectionism and ‘decoupling and severing industrial and supply chains’, and make bigger the pie of mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to inject more impetus into world economic recovery. He called on parties concerned to adhere to dialogue and consultation, promote political settlement of hotspot issues, and jointly address risks and challenges.”
Next, there’s a brief report informing us that the next EU-China leaders summit will be held in Beijing on December 7. In this context, on Page 3, there’s a report on Wang Yi meeting with envoys from EU member states in China. Xinhua says:
Wang said that the relationship between “China and the EU has shown a good momentum of recovery and steady progress under the strategic guidance of leaders from both sides. Noting this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said leaders from the two sides will have in-depth exchange of strategic and global issues concerning China-EU relations on the upcoming 24th China-EU Summit, and will show the direction and draw a blueprint for, and boost confidence and inject impetus in the bilateral relations. China and EU should make joint efforts to ensure the success of the summit and push China-EU relations to a new level with new prospects, Wang added. He said that China-EU relations should follow three enlightenments. First, the two sides should adhere to mutual respect. Second, the two sides should stay calm and focus on pragmatic cooperation. Third, the two sides should view bilateral relations from a strategic perspective. Wang emphasized that China's policy towards EU remains stable and will not change due to any single incident, as it is in line with the trend of multipolarity in the world and greater democracy in international relations.”
Sticking with China-EU talks, let’s look at a couple of related news stories.
First, Bloomberg has this story with comments from Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis. It informs: “Landsbergis said in a Nov. 18 interview with news organization ELTA that ‘most’ of China’s trade measures targeting Lithuania ‘have been lifted’.” The report, however, quotes Landsbergis as saying that “There’s a huge trust issue, not just from the government but from the business as well…Since it has been done in the past, nobody can be sure that it cannot be repeated because it’s a non-rules-based approach.”
Second, here’s Anders Rasmussen arguing that “EU leaders cannot ignore China’s military provocations against Taiwan…Any attempt by China to change the status quo in Taiwan by force would undermine the EU’s values and strategic interests. Over the past 30 years, Taiwan has blossomed into a vibrant pluralistic democracy and one of the world’s most advanced economies. It has become a beacon of liberty in the region, in sharp contrast to the increasingly aggressive, autocratic China under Xi. Taiwanese citizens are clear they want to decide their own future, free of pressure from Beijing. EU leaders must support that right.”
Third, SCMP reports: “EU leaders will personally ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to rein in 13 Chinese entities accused of circumventing sanctions on Russia. They will ask him to put a stop to the practice at a crunch summit in Beijing next week, and his response may determine whether they decide to name and shame the companies in the latest package of sanctions. The sanctions are designed to stop companies linked to the Russian military from accessing European-made goods, according to several people familiar with the summit preparation. Chinese firms were initially excluded from the bloc’s 12th package of sanctions, but the names of the companies in question may be added to the list if the EU does not secure a firm commitment to act. Important member states, including France and Germany, prefer to raise the issue with the very top leadership in Beijing.”
Fourth, do check out this report on Ursula von der Leyen’s recent speeches discussing ties with China.
Moving on, there’s a brief report on Ding Xuexiang’s visit to Singapore from December 5 to 8. He will co-chair the 19th meeting of the China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation, the 24th meeting of China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Joint Steering Council (JSC), the 15th meeting of the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City JSC and the seventh meeting of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity JSC in Tianjin on December 7.
Page 3: A bunch of stories to note on the page. First, there’s a brief report on the handover ceremony of Chinese humanitarian aid to Gaza. Eight trucks of cans, biscuits, milk, honey, oatmeal and drinking water have been provided by China.
Second, there’s a brief report on ILD chief meeting with a Croatian delegation led by Davorko Vidović, President of the Social Democrats. I am providing a summary of the detailed coverage from the ILD’s website.
Liu talked about the desire to “work with Croatia to continue to deepen political mutual trust, intensify exchanges in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of China-Croatia comprehensive cooperative partnership. It is hoped that Croatia will continue to play a positive role in promoting greater development of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries and China-EU relations. Liu Jianchao said that the Communist Party of China attaches great importance to the friendly relations with the Social Democratic Party of Croatia, and is willing to deepen the communication of ideas and exchanges of experience in state governance, promote exchanges between the youth, media, local governments, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and promote pragmatic projects such as the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative to promote greater development of China-Croatia comprehensive cooperative partnership.” 愿同克方一道，持续深化政治互信，密切各领域交往，不断丰富中克全面合作伙伴关系内涵。希望克方继续发挥积极作用，推动中国—中东欧国家合作、中欧关系取得更大发展。刘建超表示，中国共产党重视同克社会民主者党的友好关系，愿深化理念沟通和治国理政经验交流，促进两国青年、媒体、地方、人文等领域交流，推动共建“一带一路”等务实合作，推动中克全面合作伙伴关系取得更大发展.
Vidović reportedly said: “Political parties from around the world, whether left-wing or right-wing, as long as they adopt an objective attitude, will recognize the great achievements of the Communist Party of China. During this visit to China, we toured the Museum of the Communist Party of China, gaining insight into the extraordinary journey of the Communist Party of China from weakness to strength, and deepening our understanding of the party. The Social Democrats pursue the goals of freedom, unity, justice and equality, and share similar ideas with the Communist Party of China in many aspects. We are willing to further strengthen exchanges with the Communist Party of China, deepen the exchanges in party building experience, promote the development of relations between the two countries, and jointly contribute to building a more just and reasonable world.” 维多维奇衷心祝贺中国共产党领导中国人民改变了落后的面貌，摆脱了贫困，带领中国成为多方面领先的世界强国之一。世界各国政党，无论是左翼还是右翼，只要他们本着客观的态度，都会承认中国共产党取得的伟大成就。此次访华期间，我们参观了中国共产党党史馆，领略了中国共产党从弱小到强大的非凡历程，增加了对中国共产党的了解。克社会民主者党追求自由、团结、公正、平等的目标，在许多方面同中国共产党有着相近的理念，愿同中国共产党进一步加强往来，深化党的建设经验交流，促进两国关系发展，共同为建设更加公正合理的世界作出贡献.
He also met with a visiting delegation from Germany led by Johann Wadephul. Li said:
“China is willing to work with Germany to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and continuously enrich the connotation of China-Germany all-round strategic partnership. China and the EU are about to hold their first offline leaders’ meeting since the pandemic. It is hoped that the meeting will enhance mutual understanding through dialogue, send a signal of cooperation, and demonstrate the independent value of China-EU relations. Germany plays an important role in the EU, and China is willing to strengthen exchanges with Germany on China-EU relations and promote the stability and long-term development of China-EU relations.” 中方愿同德方落实好两国领导人共识，不断丰富中德全方位战略伙伴关系内涵。中欧即将举行疫情以来的首次线下领导人会晤，希望通过对话增进相互认知，传递合作信号，彰显中欧关系独立价值。德国在欧盟发挥重要作用，中方愿同德方就中欧关系加强交流，推动中欧关系行稳致远.
Li told them that the CDU/CSU coalition “is an important political force in Germany,” and the CPC and the coalition “have maintained traditional friendly exchanges and played a unique role in promoting the development of relations between the two countries. China is willing to intensify high-level exchanges with the coalition, deepen exchanges and dialogues, increase trust and dispel doubts, build consensus, strengthen youth and local exchanges and cooperation, and make greater contributions to the healthy and stable development of China-Germany relations.” 刘建超欢迎瓦德普尔率团访华，表示联盟党是德国重要政治力量，中国共产党和联盟党保持传统友好往来，为促进两国关系发展发挥了独特作用。中方愿同联盟党密切高层交往，深化交流对话，增信释疑、凝聚共识，加强青年、地方等交流合作，为中德关系健康稳定发展作出更大贡献.
Wadephul reportedly told Li that the coalition is “willing to maintain friendly exchanges and cooperation with the Communist Party of China…opposes trade protectionism and supports trade liberalisation, and believes that closer Germany-China economic and trade relations are in the common interests of both parties. China is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and they hope that China will play a greater role in resolving international and regional hotspot issues. (Comment: Sounds like a reference to China’s position on the Ukraine war) Germany looks forward to the success of the upcoming EU-China leaders’ meeting, which would send a positive signal to the world.” 瓦德普尔表示，德中两国政治制度、执政理念不同，但这不妨碍双方加强交流合作。联盟党愿同中国共产党保持友好交流合作，希继承传统，促进德中关系发展。联盟党反对贸易保护主义，支持贸易自由化，认为更加紧密的德中经贸关系符合双方共同利益。中国是联合国安理会常任理事国，希望中方在解决国际和地区热点问题中发挥更大作用。德方期待即将举行的欧中领导人会晤取得成功，向世界发出积极信号.
Third, there’s a report on He Lifeng meeting with Richard Haass, former president of the United States’ Council on Foreign Relations. Xinhua reports:
He said that “China is willing to work with the United States to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state at their San Francisco meeting, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields of the economy and trade, and push bilateral relations in a sound, stable and sustainable direction. China will advance its opening-up steadfastly and at a high level, and enhance its liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, He said, adding that China welcomes companies from all over the world, including the United States, to continue to invest and do business in China.”
Fourth, there’s a report on CMC Vice Chairman He Weidong meeting with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh. Xinhua reports:
“General He Weidong conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's warm greetings and best wishes to Hun Manet. He stated that China and Cambodia are true steadfast friends, supporting each other in maintaining national stability and promoting prosperity and development. The two countries also jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, setting an example for building a new type of international relations. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries have always maintained a high level development in various fields, including high-level exchanges, mechanism building, joint exercises and training, and talent cultivation. China is willing to work together with Cambodia to maintain communication at all levels, strengthen overall planning, build cooperative brands, and enhance multilateral cooperation. Continuous efforts will be made to consolidate and expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields, making new and greater contributions to jointly building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. During his visit, General He Weidong also met with Samdech Techo Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), and held talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Seiha to discuss bilateral military relations and international situation.”
The report adds: “Prime Minister Hun Manet also expressed gratitude to China for providing timely assistance to Cambodia in times of difficulties and to the Chinese military for its strong support in the modernization of the Cambodian Army. With the mil-to-mil relations between the two countries being continuously strengthened and developed in recent years, it is hoped that the two sides will further enhance practical cooperation in various fields in the future.”
Finally, there’s a report informing that China has “helped Egypt send a remote-sensing satellite into orbit on Monday. The satellite MISRSAT-2, launched by a Long March-2C carrier rocket, will be used in Egypt's land and resource utilization, water conservancy, agriculture, and other fields. The project results from all-around practical cooperation between China and Egypt under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed a decade ago, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA)...China helped Egypt develop and build a satellite assembly integration testing center. During the development of the satellite, the Chinese side provided comprehensive system-level design training and final assembly testing operation training to Egyptian technicians, who deeply participated in the entire process of satellite design, development, and testing. The cooperation project helped promote Egypt’s aerospace industry in satellite development, ground facility construction, and operation, as well as satellite data processing and application. The project also laid a foundation for deepening the follow-up aerospace cooperation between China and Egypt.”