Xi, the 'People's Leader' - Guidelines on Mines Safety - Li Decries 'Cold War’ Thinking at ASEAN Meeting & Calls for 10+3 to Strengthen 'Common Identity' - Zhao Leji Stresses Adherence to Xi Thought
Dear subscribers, my apologies for missing out on earlier editions this week. Travel and personal issues kept me occupied. But I am back to my normal tasks now.
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily's edition on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
Page 1: At the top of the page today are the new guidelines that have been issued to improve workplace safety in mines. I am not doing a deep dive into this document, but some of the key points are as follows:
China will stop building new coal mines that have annual production capacities below 900,000 tonnes, risks of coal and gas outbursts, or complicated hydrogeological situations.
The document talks about intelligent design and upgrading of mines. It talks about promoting R&D and application of mine informatization, intelligent equipment and robot use. It also calls to promote the construction of a national key laboratory in the field of mine safety.
It calls to encourage large mining enterprises to merge, reorganise and integrate small and medium-sized non-coal mining enterprises for technological transformation.
The document talks about the importance of mining enterprises and supervision departments working to eliminate “hidden risks”, and warns of legal action in response to failures. The document also lays down guidelines when it comes to planning for “major disasters”; “management of equipment and facilities”; “management of outsourced projects in non-coal mines,” which outlines limits on outsourcing and responsibilities of enterprises; “management and control of suspended mines”; and “improving risk monitoring, early warning and handling capacity.”
The document then has specific sections on the responsibilities of enterprises and local governments. It also says “promote the revision of the Mine Safety Law, formulate coal mine safety production regulations, and strengthen the construction of mine safety standardisation.”
The Ministry of Emergency Management is authorised to lead in establishing a mine safety coordination and promotion mechanism, and incorporate the implementation of these guidelines into the provincial governments’ assessments and inspection of production safety and fire protection.
The other top story is a brief feature article on Xi Jinping’s feelings about the people. The core point made is:
“From ‘responding to the people's calls and meeting the requirements of reform’ to ‘ensuring that the benefits of development benefit the people more equitably,’ from the construction of an ecological civilization that contributing in the present to benefit the future’ to the mission of ‘sometimes offending a few but not letting down 1.4 billion’... General Secretary Xi Jinping has regarded the opinions of the masses as ‘the best yardstick’ and has consistently upheld the supremacy of the people, breathing the same air with the people, sharing the same destiny, and connecting with their hearts.” 从“人民有所呼、改革有所应”到“让发展成果更多更公平惠及全体人民”，从“功在当代、利在千秋”的生态文明建设到以“得罪千百人、不负十四亿”的使命担当祛疴治乱……习近平总书记把群众意见视作“一把最好的尺子”，始终坚持人民至上，与人民同呼吸、共命运、心连心.
Of course, if this is how Xi feels, then he is the People’s Leader 人民领袖, as the article refers to him.
Next, there’s a report on Li Qiang’s participation in the 26th China-ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting. The report informs that Li put forward a four-point proposal for fostering a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. Li’s full speech is published on Page 2. I’ll take from that. He said that China-ASEAN cooperation has over the years reflected the following:
First, “no matter how the international situation changes, China and ASEAN have always maintained close exchanges, respected their respective development paths, and accommodated each other's major concerns. China was the first country to establish a strategic partnership with ASEAN, and in 2021 it was the first to upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which fully reflected the strategic mutual trust between the two sides. At present, China has reached an important consensus with six ASEAN countries on building a community of destiny, and looks forward to reaching consensus with more countries in the future.” 无论国际风云如何变幻，中国与东盟始终保持密切交往，尊重各自发展路径，照顾彼此重大关切。中国在各国中第一个与东盟建立战略伙伴关系，2021年又率先提升为全面战略伙伴关系，充分体现了双方的战略互信。目前，中国已经就共建命运共同体同东盟6个国家分别达成重要共识，也期待将来与更多国家达成共识.
Second, “China and ASEAN are linked by mountains and rivers and deep blood ties. We have worked together to implement the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the purpose of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. We have sought common ground while shelving differences and properly handled differences through dialogue and consultation. We have deepened practical cooperation in traditional and non-traditional security fields, and firmly safeguarded peace and tranquillity in East Asia in a volatile and intertwined world. In particular, when faced with the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, we helped each other and overcame the difficulties together, using practical actions to illustrate the brotherhood of sharing weal and woe. 中国与东盟山水相连、血脉相亲。我们共同践行和平共处五项原则和《东南亚友好合作条约》宗旨，通过对话协商求同存异、妥处分歧，不断深化传统、非传统安全领域务实合作，在变乱交织的世界中牢牢守护东亚的和平与安宁。特别是在面对新冠疫情冲击时，我们相互驰援、共克时艰，用实际行动诠释了患难与共的手足之情.
Third, China and ASEAN regard each other's development as an important opportunity and have always kept their markets open to each other. Last year, our bilateral trade volume reached more than $970 billion, more than double that of a decade ago, and we have been each other's largest trading partner for three consecutive years. At the 2021 summit commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN, President Xi Jinping proposed to strive to import $150 billion of high-quality agricultural products from ASEAN in the next five years. Currently, cumulative imports have exceeded $55 billion, exceeding the expected progress. We have reached a full consensus on regional connectivity, the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative continues to achieve landmark results, and the construction of new international land-sea trade corridors is steadily advancing, bringing new development opportunities to both parties. 三是坚持互利互惠，合作共赢更富成效。中国与东盟视彼此发展为重要机遇，始终保持市场相互开放，双边贸易额去年已达9700多亿美元，比10年前增长了1倍多，已连续3年互为最大贸易伙伴。2021年中国—东盟建立对话关系30周年纪念峰会上，习近平主席提出在未来5年力争从东盟进口1500亿美元优质农产品，目前已累计进口超过550亿美元，超出预计进度。我们就区域互联互通达成充分共识，高质量共建“一带一路”不断取得标志性成果，国际陆海贸易新通道建设稳步推进，给双方都带来新的发展机遇.
Fourth, he talked about development and sustainable development. He said: “The GDI put forward by China and the ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2025’ echo and promote each other, and have been widely recognized and welcomed by ASEAN countries.”
Li then said that the reason why China and ASEAN have achieved this progress is because they “both have a deeper understanding of suffering, a more persistent pursuit of peace, a stronger desire for development, and a more pragmatic approach to maintaining regional stability. As long as we continue to stick to the right path, no matter what wind and rain we may go through in the future, China-ASEAN cooperation will remain unbreakable, steady and far-reaching, and we will each achieve greater development and progress in cooperation.” 中国和东盟取得今天的合作成果，很重要的原因在于：我们都对苦难有着更深切的理解，对和平有着更执着的追求，对发展有着更强烈的渴望，也对维护地区稳定有着更务实的行动。只要我们继续坚守正确的道路，无论未来经历怎样的风雨，中国和东盟的合作都将牢不可破、行稳致远，我们各自也能够在合作中实现更大的发展进步.
He then made a four-point proposal for the future.
First, “the market is a rare resource in today's world. China and ASEAN have a total population of more than 2 billion. If we build and maintain this super-large market together, we will be able to release a huge endogenous driving force for growth. We should strengthen interconnection, deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, strive to complete the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area version 3.0 negotiations in 2024, and continue to promote regional economic integration. China is willing to actively promote mutually beneficial cooperation between BRI and the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Outlook, and welcomes ASEAN countries to actively participate in the third BRI Forum. China supports the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port in leveraging their location and policy advantages to create new growth poles for cooperation with ASEAN, and is willing to work with ASEAN to successfully host the 20th China-ASEAN Expo.” 第一，携手打造经济增长中心。市场是当今世界的稀有资源。中国和东盟共有20多亿人口，共同建设好、维护好这个超大市场，就能释放出巨大的增长内生动力。我们要加强互联互通，深化产业链供应链合作，力争2024年内完成中国东盟自贸区3.0版谈判，持续推进区域经济一体化。中国愿积极推动“一带一路”倡议与东盟印太展望进行互利合作，欢迎东盟国家积极参加第三届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛。中国支持粤港澳大湾区、海南自由贸易港发挥区位、政策优势，打造同东盟合作的新增长极，愿与东盟共同办好第20届中国—东盟博览会.
Second, “China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to seize the opportunities of change, strengthen cooperation in science and technology innovation, accelerate the upgrading of traditional industries and the distribution of emerging industries, stimulate more innovation vitality, foster new economic growth points, and create new competitive advantages. The Chinese side will provide at least $10 million by 2025 to support the implementation of the initiative on jointly implementing the China-ASEAN science and technology innovation enhancement program which has been issued at this meeting. China is willing to hold ministerial dialogue with ASEAN in the industrial field and strengthen cooperation in the fields of new energy vehicles and photovoltaics. China will continue to hold artificial intelligence cooperation forums and successfully organise the first China-ASEAN Clean Energy Cooperation Week, and welcomes the active participation of ASEAN countries.” 中国愿与东盟国家共同把握变革机遇，加强科技创新合作，加快传统产业升级和新兴产业布局，激发更多创新活力，培育经济新增长点，打造新的竞争优势。中方将于2025年前提供至少1000万美元，支持落实此次会议发表的“共同推进实施科技创新提升计划的联合倡议”。中国愿同东盟开展工业领域部长级对话，加强新能源汽车、光伏等领域合作。中方将继续举办人工智能合作论坛，办好首届中国—东盟清洁能源合作周，欢迎东盟国家积极参与。
Third, “to achieve greater development, China and ASEAN must first protect regional peace and foster a sound development environment. China is willing to work with ASEAN to promote the implementation of GSI, prevent the erosion and impact of ‘new Cold War’ thinking, zero-sum games, and other mindsets on development cooperation, and jointly address various traditional and non-traditional security challenges. China firmly adheres to the path of peaceful development and is willing to actively promote negotiations with ASEAN countries on the text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, so as to provide institutional guarantee for building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. China supports the implementation of the China-ASEAN Work Plan on Cooperation in the Field of Non-Traditional Security Issues (2024-2028) and cooperation in combating telecommunications and cyber fraud and illegal online gambling.” 中国和东盟要实现更大发展，首先要守护好地区和平、营造良好发展环境。中国愿与东盟一道推动落实全球安全倡议，防止“新冷战”、零和博弈等思维对发展合作的侵蚀和冲击，合力应对各类传统、非传统安全挑战。中国坚定不移走和平发展道路，愿同东盟国家积极推进“南海行为准则”案文磋商，为把南海建设成和平之海、友谊之海、合作之海提供制度保障。中方支持落实好《中国—东盟非传统安全领域工作计划（2024—2028）》，开展打击电信网络诈骗、非法网络赌博等合作.
Fourth, China is ready to work with ASEAN to build public support for our relations, implement the GCI, and take the China-ASEAN Year of People-to-people and Cultural Exchanges next year as an opportunity to further strengthen exchanges in culture, tourism, training and youth, so as to deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges. In the next three years, China will build 10 ‘China-Asean Modern Craftsman Academies in ASEAN countries, continue to carry out the ‘Future Bridge’ China-ASEAN Young Leaders Training program, and launch the ‘10,000 people training Program’ to train 10,000 talents for ASEAN countries in areas such as governance, anti-corruption and green development. 第四，携手扩大人文交流。中国愿与东盟持续筑牢双方关系的民意基础，一道落实全球文明倡议，以明年共同举办“中国东盟人文交流年”为契机，进一步加强文化、旅游、培训、青年等领域交流，不断深化文明交融、民心相通。未来3年，中方将在东盟国家建设10所“中国—东盟现代工匠学院”，继续开展“未来之桥”中国—东盟青年领导人研修计划，还将启动“万人研修研讨计划”，为东盟国家培养1万名治国理政、反腐倡廉和绿色发展等领域人才.
Li ended by saying that: “China and ASEAN are good neighbours, brothers and partners that cannot be separated…China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to stay true to the original aspiration of unity and self-improvement, uphold the spirit of win-win cooperation, so as to build a common home of peace, tranquillity, prosperity, beauty and friendship.”
“ASEAN leaders attending the summit warmly welcomed Li's attendance and spoke highly of the outcomes of ASEAN-China cooperation. They said that ASEAN's comprehensive strategic partnership with China has brought huge benefits to people in the region and promoted regional peace, development and stability. They said that ASEAN countries are willing to work with China to further enhance mutual trust, strengthen the synergy to the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen cooperation in areas including agriculture, trade, investment, digital economy, technology, education and culture to jointly address global challenges such as climate change. ASEAN countries welcome making progress in formulating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, look forward to an early conclusion of negotiations on upgrading the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, and jointly make the 20th China-ASEAN Expo a success, they said. ASEAN countries are willing to take the opportunity to work with China and build the China-ASEAN community with a shared future, they said.”
Some of the outcomes that have been highlighted are:
A joint statement on mutually beneficial cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
A joint statement on deepening agricultural cooperation between China and ASEAN
An action plan on China-ASEAN green agricultural development (2023-2027)
An initiative on enhancing bilateral e-commerce cooperation
An initiative on jointly implementing the China-ASEAN science and technology innovation enhancement program
An agreement on China-ASEAN technical cooperation
Announcement of 2024 as the China-ASEAN year of people-to-people exchanges
Finally, there’s a report on Zhao Leji’s remarks at a meeting of the standing committee on legislative work. Zhao “emphasized that it is necessary to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, deeply understand the core essence of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law; understand the requirements outlined in General Secretary Xi Jinping’s expositions on improving the legal system and improving the quality of legislation; adhere to the organic unity of the leadership of the party, the people being the masters of the country, and governing the country according to law; persist in seeking progress while maintaining stability in order to promote high-quality development of legislative work; earnestly organize and implement the legislative plan of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress; promote the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics to become more scientific, complete, unified and authoritative, and lay a solid foundation for the rule of law in promoting Chinese-style modernization.” 他强调，要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻党的二十大精神，深刻领会把握习近平法治思想的核心要义，领会把握习近平总书记关于完善法律体系、提高立法质量的重要论述要求，坚持党的领导、人民当家作主、依法治国有机统一，坚持稳中求进推动立法工作高质量发展，认真组织实施十四届全国人大常委会立法规划，推动中国特色社会主义法律体系更加科学完备、统一权威，为推进中国式现代化建设夯实法治基础.
Zhao Leji pointed out that in the great practice of the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has insisted on integrating Marxist theory of rule of law with China’s specific reality and with China’s excellent traditional culture. He has put forward a series of original and landmark guidelines on comprehensively governing the country according to law; these new ideas, new thoughts, and new strategies have led to the establishment Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. This is an important part of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and is the fundamental guideline and action guide for promoting comprehensive governance of the country according to law and building a law-based China in the new era.” 赵乐际指出，在新时代伟大实践中，习近平总书记坚持把马克思主义法治理论同中国具体实际相结合、同中华优秀传统文化相结合，提出了关于全面依法治国的一系列具有原创性、标志性的新理念新思想新战略，形成了习近平法治思想。这是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的重要组成部分，是新时代推进全面依法治国、法治中国建设的根本遵循和行动指南.
In the next paragraph, Zhao makes three points:
“uphold the Party's overall leadership over the legislative work, especially the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments’, consciously strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses and four self-confidences, and achieve the two upholds, and firmly grasp the correct political direction of legislative work.”
“deeply practice whole-process people's democracy, use the rule of law to promote the resolution of the issues that are of the most direct and practical interest to the people and which the people are most concerned about, and strive to make every law filled with public opinion, close to people's livelihood, and in line with people's aspirations.”
“persist in doing legislative work based on national conditions and realities, persist in legislating in accordance with the constitution and law, adhere to a systematic concept, persist in keeping the world in mind, persist in making progress while maintaining stability, grasp objective laws, and continuously improve the quality of legislation.”
赵乐际指出，完成立法规划任务，责任重大、使命光荣。要坚持党对立法工作的全面领导特别是党中央集中统一领导，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，自觉增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，牢牢把握立法工作正确政治方向。要坚持立法为了人民、依靠人民，深入践行全过程人民民主，运用法治方式推动解决人民最关心最直接最现实的利益问题，努力让每一部法律都满载民意、贴近民生、顺应民心。要坚持从国情和实际出发做好立法工作，坚持依宪立法、依法立法，坚持系统观念，坚持胸怀天下，坚持稳中求进，把握客观规律，不断提升立法质量.
Xinhua English summarises the last bit fine, saying “Zhao called for upholding the leading role of people's congresses in legislation and further integrating legislation with legal education and legal oversight. He urged efforts to safeguard the authority and dignity of the Constitution and other laws.”
Page 2: The page is dedicated to Li Qiang’s engagements in Jakarta. First, Li’s comments while inspecting the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway project. Xinhua says:
“Noting that as the first high-speed railway in Southeast Asia, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is a flagship project of China-Indonesia Belt and Road cooperation personally supported by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Li said that it also carries the aspirations of the Indonesian people for a better life. The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, make careful preparations, ensure the high-standard opening and high-quality operation of the high-speed rail, and inject strong and lasting impetus into the modernization of Indonesia and the region, Li said. Li then took a test ride and inspected the construction of the platform at Karawang Station. Calling the high-speed railway a road to integration, openness and common prosperity, Li said that it will not only shorten the time and space distance between cities, but also promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure and empower economic development along the route. China is ready to share its mature expertise with Indonesia, and work together to do a good job in developing industries and revitalizing cities through the high-speed rail, Li said. He pointed out that the economies of China and Indonesia are highly complementary and that there is huge potential for practical cooperation. The two sides should make continuous efforts to take the lead in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in the region, push the building of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future to a new level, and contribute to the well-being of the their people and the development and prosperity of the region, Li said.”
Second, a report on Li’s meeting with Cambodia's new Prime Minister Hun Manet. Xinhua reports:
“China has been a trustworthy partner of Cambodia, and will, as always, firmly support Cambodia in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, and in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, Li said. He called on the two sides to strengthen friendly exchanges, further synergize their development strategies and promote common development. Li also urged the two countries to take the negotiation of the signing of a new action plan to build a China-Cambodia community with a shared future as an opportunity, and make all-round plans for bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation, so as to contribute to Cambodia's prosperity, development and long-term stability. Both sides should, Li said, continue to work together to safeguard ASEAN centrality and keep regional cooperation on the right direction.”
Finally, there’s a report on Li’s comments at the ASEAN+3 meeting. The full speech is also available on the page. Li said:
“When looking at various international multilateral cooperation mechanisms, they are essentially about establishing and expanding their respective ‘circles of friends.’ These circles include neighbours who can't be moved and partners who are far away. This raises a question: in the process of constructing these mechanisms, how should we get along with each other as friends, when choosing partners, and being neighbours? President Xi Jinping has pointed out that sharing common aspirations and values makes partners, but it is also essential for partners to seek common ground while reserving differences. In our relations and exchanges, it is very important to seek common ground while shelving differences and harmonise similarities while respecting differences.” 综观国际上各种多边合作机制，本质上都是在建立和扩大各自的“朋友圈”。“朋友圈”里既有搬不走的邻居，也有距离远的伙伴。这就带来一个问题：在构建这些机制的过程中，大家交朋友、选伙伴、做邻居，应该有什么样的相处之道？习近平主席指出，志同道合是伙伴，求同存异也是伙伴。我们在相处、交往中，很重要的一条就是要求同存异、求同化异.
“To seek common ground, one must first clarify identity/identify. For the 10+3 countries and even countries in Asia as a whole, we have too much in common: First, we have a common home; countries are connected by mountains and rivers, are dependent on each other, have similar cultures, and have similar folk customs. These fundamental commonalities make our friendship go back to ancient times. If this homeland is peaceful and prosperous, we will all benefit; if there is turmoil and chaos, we will all suffer. Second, we share common interests. All countries have jointly created the Asian Miracle of economic growth. In the past 10 years, the total economic share of the 10+3 countries in the world has increased from 24.7% to 27.6%. Countries are each other's important economic and trade partners, and their industrial and supply chains are deeply integrated. As long as we continue to deepen openness and cooperation, we will surely be able to create a global economic growth centre. Third, we share common opportunities. Countries are each other’s opportunities and can inject strong momentum into global development. This year, the Chinese economy is expected to achieve the annual growth target of around 5%. More importantly, we are pursuing high-quality development and comprehensive Chinese-style modernization. The prospect of China's economic development is promising and will provide new and greater opportunities for countries in the region and beyond.” “求同”首先要“认同”。对于10+3国家乃至整个亚洲的国家来说，我们的共同之处实在是太多太大了：其一，我们有共同的家园，各国山水相连、辅车相依，文化相通、民俗相仿，这些根本性的共同点让我们的友好往来源远流长。这个家园如果和平繁荣，我们共同受益；如果发生动荡变乱，我们共同遭殃。其二，我们有共同的利益，各国共同创造了经济增长的“亚洲奇迹”，近十年来10+3国家经济总量占全球的份额从24.7%提高到27.6%。各国互为重要经济贸易伙伴，产业链供应链深度交融。只要我们持续深化开放合作，一定能够打造全球经济增长中心。其三，我们有共同的机遇，各国彼此互为机遇，可以为全球发展注入强劲动能。今年，中国经济有望实现全年5%左右的增长目标，更重要的是，我们正全面推进高质量发展和中国式现代化建设，中国经济发展前景可期，将为地区和世界各国不断提供新的更大机遇.
Once the foundation of ‘common identity’ and ‘seeking common ground’ has been established, the idea of ‘reserving differences’ should not be feared, and the process of ‘harmonizing differences’ becomes manageable. Differences and disputes between countries are sometimes due to differences in perceptions, sometimes due to conflicts of interest, and sometimes due to external interference. The key is to face up to problems, eliminate misunderstandings, and manage differences. Only by facing up to the problem can we resolve it; following an ostrich policy only makes the problem worse. The most effective way to eliminate misunderstandings is to strengthen communication and enhance understanding and trust through sincere communication. To manage differences, it is important to oppose taking sides, confrontation between blocs and a ‘new Cold War’ and properly handle differences and disputes between countries. 夯实了“认同”“求同”的基础，“存异”就不可怕，“化异”也就有章可循。国家之间出现分歧与争端，有时是因为认知有偏差，有时是因为利益有摩擦，有时是因为外部有干扰，关键是要正视问题、消除误解、管控分歧。正视问题，才能解决问题，鸵鸟政策只能使问题愈加严重；消除误解，最有效的办法是加强沟通交流，以真诚沟通增进理解和信任；管控分歧，当前很重要的就是要反对选边站队、集团对抗和“新冷战”，妥善处理国家间的分歧和争端.
“Now that we are sitting together for meetings and discussions, we are essentially striving to ‘harmonize differences while seeking common ground’. We must focus on the overall interests of peaceful development in East Asia, properly handle the ‘commonalities’ and ‘differences’ among nations, continuously strengthen the foundation of the 10+3 mechanism for cooperation, collectively address various risk challenges, promote regional development, prosperity, and stability, and strive to build an Asian community with a shared future.” 现在我们坐在一起开会、讨论，其实就是在努力地“求同化异”。我们要立足东亚和平发展的整体利益，驾驭好国家之间的“同”与“异”，不断夯实10+3机制的合作根基，共同应对各类风险挑战，携手促进地区发展繁荣稳定，努力推动构建亚洲命运共同体.
He then made three points. Xinhua English captures the first point well:
The first thing, he said, is to continue to promote regional economic integration, unleash the dividends of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, vigorously promote the free flow of factors of production, and promote the expansion and upgrading of trade and investment. It is hoped that all parties will support Hong Kong's accession to the agreement as the first batch of new members, Li added.
Second, ‘decoupling and breaking chains’ runs counter to economic laws and the trend of history. Hyping up the so-called ‘de-risking’ is essentially politicising and securitising economic and trade cooperation. The final result of this will be to harm others and yourself. 10+3 countries should uphold the spirit of openness, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, continue to give play to the advantages of geographical proximity and economic complementarity, promote the optimization and upgrading of regional industrial and supply chains in a stable and smooth way, and jointly enhance the economic competitiveness of East Asia. China proposes to hold the 10+3 Industrial Chain and Supply Chain Docking Conference and the 10+3 Supply Chain Seminar on Digital Empowerment next year to build a more stable, smooth regional industrial chain and supply chain system based on comparative advantages.” 搞“脱钩断链”违背经济规律和历史潮流，炒作所谓“去风险”本质上还是把经贸合作泛政治化、泛安全化，最终结果是损人损己。10+3国家要秉持开放合作、互利共赢精神，继续发挥地缘邻近、经济互补等优势，推动地区产业链供应链在稳定畅通中优化升级，共同提升东亚经济竞争力。中方倡议明年举办10+3产业链供应链对接大会、数字化赋能10+3供应链研讨会，建设更加稳定、畅通、基于比较优势的区域产业链供应链体系.
“China is willing to deepen innovative cooperation with all parties in the fields of digital economy, clean energy, new energy vehicles and other fields, jointly promote the development of emerging industries, and jointly cultivate more new economic growth points. China supports the ‘Joint Statement of the Leaders of ASEAN and China, Japan and South Korea on the Development of Electric Vehicle Ecosystem’ issued at this meeting, and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with all parties to further enhance the overall competitive advantage of electric vehicles in the region. 中方愿与各方深化数字经济、清洁能源、新能源汽车等领域创新合作，共促新兴产业发展，共同培育更多新的经济增长点。中方支持此次会议发表《东盟与中日韩领导人关于发展电动汽车生态系统的联合声明》，愿同各方加强务实合作，进一步提升本地区电动汽车的整体竞争优势.
He ended with: the disposal of nuclear contaminated water is related to the global marine ecological environment and public health. Japan should faithfully fulfil its international obligations, fully consult with neighbouring countries and other stakeholders, and dispose of nuclear-contaminated water in a responsible manner.” 核污染水处置关乎全球海洋生态环境和民众健康。日方应该忠实履行自己的国际义务，同邻国等利益攸关方充分协商，以负责任方式处置核污染水.
Page 3: Some brief reports to note. First, a report on Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Grenada's Minister for Foreign Affairs Joseph Andall in Beijing. Xinhua reports:
Wang “said that Grenada is an important country in the Caribbean and a friendly partner of China, and both sides have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, and their bilateral relations have become more mature since the resumption of diplomatic ties. Wang noted that China highly appreciates Grenada's adherence to the one-China principle, respects Grenada's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Grenada in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions, and stands ready to work with Grenada to open up new prospects for bilateral cooperation. Andall said that China, a great ancient civilization with great achievements in development today, has always fully respected and treated Grenada on an equal footing, and provided valuable support for Grenada's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. Grenada cherishes its relations with China and will firmly abide by the one-China principle and be a reliable friend of China, Andall said, adding that Grenada highly appreciates China's role as a responsible major country in upholding justice in international affairs, sharing development achievements with countries in the ‘Global South,’ and is willing to actively participate in a series of important global initiatives proposed by China. Wang emphasized that China is willing to work with all parties to build a high-quality Belt and Road and share opportunities, development and prosperity. As an ex-officio member of the ‘Global South’, Wang said China will continue to stand on the side of developing countries, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, and defend international fairness and justice.”
Second, a brief report on ILD chief Liu Jianchao visiting Vietnam, where he met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) Nguyen Phu Trong, and held talks with Le Hoai Trung, head of the CPVCC's Commission for External Relations. Liu also held interaction sessions with representatives from Vietnam's think tanks, media and friendly organizations.
Third, a report informing that Bank of China has finally opened its in Riyadh. SCMP informs that this comes more than two years after being given approval by the Saudi Arabian government. The report adds: “The branch has more than 20 staff, with a majority hired locally – a condition requested by local authorities, a person with understanding of the matter told the Post. It is the second Chinese bank to open a branch in Saudi Arabia after the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) opened its first branch in Riyadh in 2015. ICBC also opened a branch in the Saudi city of Jeddah in May…BOC’s new branch has been licensed to provide basic commercial banking services to individual consumers and small- to medium-sized businesses, ranging from deposit accounts and loans to mortgages and yuan transactions.
Fourth, a one-line report informing that Saqr Ghubash, speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will lead a delegation on a visit to China from Sept. 8 to 16.
Finally, there’s a report on comments by State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong at the 14th Ministerial Meeting of the Signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding on Drug Control in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
He said that “China is willing to work with all parties to actively implement the GSI put forward by President Xi Jinping, comprehensively respond to the drug challenge, and resolutely oppose the ‘legalization’ of drugs and the ‘politicization’ of drug control issues, and and firmly oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs, abuse of unilateral sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ under the pretext of drug issue…”中方愿同各方一道，积极践行习近平主席提出的全球安全倡议，全面应对毒品挑战，坚决反对毒品“合法化”、禁毒问题“政治化”，坚决反对以毒品问题为由干涉别国事务、滥用单边制裁和“长臂管辖”，为推进毒品治理、保障人民健康福祉作出新的更大贡献.
Page 4: Some personnel changes at the State Council. Xinhua says:
Li Yang was appointed vice minister of transportation
Wang Hongzhi was appointed vice chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council
Ding Chibiao was named vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, replacing Zhang Tao.
Zhang Zi was named deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense
Li Li was appointed head of the National Medical Products Administration, replacing Jiao Hong
Chen Xiaojun is no longer deputy head of the China Earthquake Administration