Xi Thought Study Campaign - China's NGO Diplomacy at UNHRC - Golden Dragon 2023 Drills End - US Sanctions' Impact on Global Human Rights
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Page 1: The main story on the page is not a report but a list of the key contents from the first volume of the new books of selected works of Xi Jinping. This is basically a listing of the speeches and remarks that are included in the book.
At the top of the page is a commentary on the campaign to study and implement Xi Jinping’s thought. The article emphasises the significance of the campaign and explains that:
Party members and cadres must strengthen their understanding of Marxist theory. It says that Xi’s thought not only contains important ideas about political governing the Party and country but also details the requirements for the character, value pursuit, spiritual realm and work style for Chinese Communists. Strengthening the Party spirit means consciously transforming the subjective world with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understanding the requirements of this thought on strengthening ideals and beliefs, enhancing ideological horizons, and strengthening Party spirit, and always maintaining the political nature of the Communists. 党性是党员、干部立身、立业、立言、立德的基石。政治上的坚定、党性上的坚定，都离不开理论上的坚定。党员、干部要成长起来，必须加强马克思主义理论武装。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，不仅包含着党治国理政的重要思想，也贯穿着中国共产党人的政治品格、价值追求、精神境界、作风操守的要求。强党性，就是要自觉用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想改造主观世界，深刻领会这一思想关于坚定理想信念、提升思想境界、加强党性锻炼等一系列要求，始终保持共产党人的政治本色。
The next point is about application. “The whole purpose of studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is to apply it, to turn this thought into a powerful ideological weapon for transforming the subjective world and the objective world. Only when Party cadres, especially leading cadres at all levels, transform the worldview, methodology and stances, and methods running through this thought into their own ideological weapons, internalise them in their hearts and externalise them in the practice, can they continuously create a new situation for the development of their cause.” 马克思主义理论来自实践又指导实践。学习习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的目的全在于运用，在于把这一思想变成改造主观世界和客观世界的强大思想武器。党员、干部特别是各级领导干部只有把这一思想的世界观、方法论和贯穿其中的立场观点方法转化为自己的思想武器，内化于心、外化于行，才能不断开创事业发展新局面。
China today is experiencing the most grand and unique practical innovation in human history. The task of reform, development and stability are arduous, there are a number of contradictions, risks and challenges, and the tests of governance are unprecedented. If we want to win the advantage, win the initiative, and win the future, we must constantly improve the ability to use Marxism to analyse and solve practical problems, and constantly improve the use of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to guide us in in meeting major challenges, fending off major risks, overcoming major obstacles, resolving major conflicts, and addressing major problems. 当代中国正在经历人类历史上最为宏大而独特的实践创新，改革发展稳定任务之重、矛盾风险挑战之多、治国理政考验之大都前所未有. 我们要赢得优势、赢得主动、赢得未来，必须不断提高运用马克思主义分析和解决实际问题的能力，不断提高运用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想指导我们应对重大挑战、抵御重大风险、克服重大阻力、化解重大矛盾、解决重大问题的能力.
“To make new contributions is to draw on the wisdom and strength of striving and forging ahead from Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, master the methods of leadership, thinking and work contained within it, constantly improve the ability and level of performing duties and responsibilities, concentrate on promoting development, make unremitting efforts to implement it, make contributions based on one’s post, and strive to create achievements that can stand the test of history and the people.” 建新功，就是要从习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想中汲取奋发进取的智慧和力量，熟练掌握其中蕴含的领导方法、思想方法、工作方法，不断提高履职尽责的能力和水平，凝心聚力促发展，驰而不息抓落实，立足岗位作贡献，努力创造经得起历史和人民检验的实绩.
Also on the page is a report about cadres from around the country supporting the Xi thought study campaign. Basically, the piece highlights what different cadres depending on their work took away from the speech. For instance, there’s one comment from Zeng Ming from Guilin, about the importance of getting rid of the “ideological smog” in order to actually deal with smog and pollution. Another official, Song Lihui, who works in the discipline inspection unit in Songyuan City, Jilin Province, noted down Xi’s remarks about being prepared for political examinations and correcting deviations in behaviour.
While we are on the subject of the study campaign, on Page 4, there is a report on the meeting of the guiding group of the Central Committee for the campaign to study and implement Xi’s Thought. Li Ganjie, who is the executive deputy chief of the central leading group, addressed the meeting. He called on the group to “study and understand the spirit of” Xi’s speech, “firmly grasp the correct direction of supervision and guidance work, focus on goals and tasks, highlight being problem-oriented, and focus on actual results.” 李干杰强调，中央指导组要深入学习领会习近平总书记重要讲话精神，牢牢把握督促指导工作正确方向，聚焦目标任务，突出问题导向，注重实际成效.
Finally, on the front page, is a report on fixed asset investment in railways. The report says that as per the China State Railway Group Company, Ltd. fixed asset investment in railways in January and February was 59.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.9%. According to reports, more than 3,000 kilometres of new railway lines are expected to be opened and put into operation across the country this year, including 2,500 kilometres of high-speed railways.
Page 3: There is a consolidated report on Qin Gang meeting with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna and Indonesia's Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
Xinhua’s report on the meeting with Catherine Colonna doesn’t say much other than the fact that both sides are looking forward to discussions during Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The talks are to be held today.
The report on Qin’s meeting with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan says:
“Qin said this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership, and the first year in building the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, adding bilateral ties are standing at a new historical starting point. China is willing to work with Indonesia to follow the guidance by the two countries' heads of state, further enhance strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, and join hands in working for modernization and promoting regional development and prosperity, said Qin. Qin pointed out the consistency and stability of China's domestic and foreign policies will inject great certainty and positive energy into regional and global peace and tranquility, and further boost mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Indonesia. He urged efforts to ensure the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway can be opened to traffic as planned, advance construction of such major projects as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor and Two Countries, Twin Parks, and forge new growth points of cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, smart city and green energy. For his part, Luhut said the country is ready to work with China to deepen cooperation in fields including science and technology, maritime affairs, fishery and medical services, adding Indonesia hopes to join hands with China in promoting South-South cooperation and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries.”
Next, there’s a report on Chinese NGOs holding discussions at the sidelines of the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva “to introduce China's achievements in human rights development to the world.” This is a glimpse into China’s human rights diplomacy at the UN, aimed at shaping not only a favourable view of China but also to influence global governance.
The first section focuses on a discussion themed China's concept and practice of human rights. In this, the article informs that China has achieved the UN Sustainable Development goal of poverty alleviation 10 years ahead of schedule.
“China has eliminated absolute poverty and continuously promoted the common prosperity of all people. This is a great progress of human civilization. China has written respect for and protection of human rights into its Constitution, comprehensively promoted the rule of law, continuously developed whole-process people's democracy, raised the level of protection of human rights using the law, and resolutely safeguarded social fairness and justice. China's achievements in human rights are obvious to all.” 在“中国的人权理念与实践”主题边会上，中国人权研究会相关负责人向与会嘉宾介绍，作为一个拥有14亿多人口的大国，中国已经消除了绝对贫困，不断推进全体人民共同富裕。这是人类文明的巨大进步。中国将尊重和保障人权写入宪法，全面推进依法治国，不断发展全过程人民民主，提高了人权法治化保障水平，坚决维护社会公平正义。中国人权事业取得的成就有目共睹.
Another session that is mentioned discussed the role of NGOs in human rights protection and dialogue. The piece also includes positive comments from foreign participants in these dialogues. The next section talks about a session themed Protection of Minority Rights in the New Era. Li Huancai, vice-chairman of the China Ethnic Minorities' Association for External Exchanges, is quoted as saying that “some countries and organisations have made a fuss about China's ethnic issues, created and spread some sensational rumours and lies. Their real intention is to curb China’s development through malicious smearing. It is hoped that the international community will enhance its understanding of China's concept and practice of protecting the rights of ethnic minorities.”
Mark Liwen, an American who works as a professor at Minzu University of China, said that “all ethnic groups in China are closely united like pomegranate seeds.” I wonder who else says this? Also to no one’s surprise a scholar from the China Society for Human Rights Studies says that they conducted surveys of five companies in Guangdong Province that employ ethnic minority individuals from Xinjiang, and they found no evidence of forced labour. What a surprise, isn’t that? — Sorry, it’s tough not to be snarky about some of this.
Li Xi, director of the China Association for Preservation and Development of Tibetan Culture, talked about the development of boarding schools in Tibet. He said that these are for ensuring the education rights of children of farmers and herdsmen in remote areas. He added that this had been a “relatively effective model to solve the education problems in agricultural and pastoral areas at this stage.”
近年来，中国少数民族的人权事业顺利发展，取得一系列重大成就。在“新时代的少数民族权利保障”等边会上，中外专家学者围绕中国少数民族权利保护展开研讨。中国少数民族对外交流协会副会长李焕才表示，有些国家和组织借中国民族议题大做文章，制造、散布一些耸人听闻的谣言谎言，其真实意图是通过恶意抹黑遏制中国发展。希望国际社会增进对中国保障少数民族权利有关理念和实践的了解。“中国各民族‘像石榴籽一样’紧密团结。”中央民族大学美籍专家马克·力文介绍，他的各民族学生都以身为中国人感到自豪，是国家给他们提供了丰富多彩的发展机会。来自中国人权研究会的尼罗拜尔·艾尔提博士曾和同事对广东省5家聘用新疆少数民族员工的企业开展调查，发现接受访谈的70名新疆少数民族员工均是自愿自主选择到企业工作，完全不存在西方媒体所谓的“强迫劳动”问题。务工期间，这些员工充分享有宗教信仰自由、使用本民族语言和文字的权利。针对少数西方媒体歪曲寄宿制教育的错误言论，中国西藏文化保护与发展协会理事李希介绍了中国发展寄宿制教育、确保偏远地区农牧民子女受教育权情况。他表示，寄宿制学校教育是现阶段解决农牧区教育问题较为有效的模式，在包括西藏在内的中国很多地方成功实施，根据学生和家长的需求设置，十分重视家庭教育参与，有效推动了西藏教育的均衡化普及和高质量发展。
The final section is about the empowerment of women.
Finally, there’s a report on the ending of the Golden Dragon 2023 drills between China and Cambodia. The report informs that this year’s focus was on “major event security and humanitarian rescue operations.” The two sides simulated a response to terrorist attacks during a major international sporting event. They conducted joint live-fire drills in 10 domains, including hostage rescue, pandemic elimination, mine clearance and explosives removal.
Page 10: Two reports to note. First, an article informing that the Shanghai government has launched two sets of 41 policies and measures to boost foreign trade and investment. The document on attracting foreign investment comprises 20 measures in four areas.
These cover:
support for foreign-invested securities, funds, futures, life insurance, pension management, wealth management and finance firms in establishing themselves in Shanghai
actively striving for measures to expand opening up in the fields of telecommunications, Internet, education, culture and medical care
support for foreign-funded enterprises to enjoy equal treatment under various industrial policies, technological transformation policies, and digital transformation policies
implementing the national tax policy for scientific and technological innovation, encouraging foreign investors to set up an open innovation platform, and promoting the establishment of collaborative innovation projects of foreign R&D institutions.
《上海市加大吸引和利用外资若干措施》聚焦促进外资扩增量、稳存量、提质量，推出四个方面20条措施。包括促进外贸规模稳定增长，支持外资证券、基金、期货、人身险、养老金管理、理财、财务公司率先落户上海，积极争取电信、互联网、教育、文化、医疗等领域扩大开放措施先行先试；提升引进外资能级，支持外资企业平等享受各类产业政策、技术改造和数字化改造，落实国家科技创新税收政策，鼓励外资设立开放式创新平台，推动设立外资研发机构协同创新项目等。
The 21 measures under the guideline for improving foreign trade cover four areas: promoting stable trade volume, facilitating transformation, expanding markets, and improving the business environment. Under this, the piece talks about:
promoting steady growth in the scale of foreign trade, focusing on key enterprises and products, and increasing support for customs clearance, finance and tax rebates
promoting the development of new business forms and models, accelerate the expansion of Yangshan Special Comprehensive Free Trade Zone Phase III, support enterprises to carry out cross-border e-commerce retail import of drugs and medical devices
improving the business environment for cross-border trade
《上海市促进外贸稳规模提质量的若干政策措施》以促进外贸稳规模、促转型、拓市场、优环境为主线，推出四个方面21条措施。促进外贸规模稳定增长，聚焦重点企业和重点产品，加大通关、金融和退税等方面支持；促进外贸创新发展，推动新业态新模式发展，加快推进洋山特殊综合保税区三期扩区，支持企业开展跨境电商零售进口药品及医疗器械业务；优化跨境贸易营商环境，围绕边境和边境后措施，加大外经贸公共服务保障力度等.
Another report on the measures adds:
“The Shanghai branch of the Export-Import Bank of China will establish a special credit line of 10 billion yuan (US$1.45 billion) for foreign-trade-oriented small and micro enterprises, while the Shanghai branch of the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) will underwrite at least US$50 billion in policies for the entire year. To improve the business environment for cross-border trade, measures to assist compliant enterprises in applying for a general licence for specific dual-use items and to expand the business of remote cargo stations in the Yangtze River Delta region have been proposed. The city is also expanding the business scope of the World Intellectual Property Organization's Shanghai center for arbitration and mediation, as well as assisting foreign arbitration institutions in establishing business branches in Shanghai.”
Next, there’s a report on the robotics industry development in Hebei, which the province is going to support going forward. It informs that at present, Hebei is home to 21 robotics R&D institutions at or above the provincial level, including 5 national-level R&D institutions; the province has accounted for 125 invention patents, 536 utility model patents, 541 software copyrights, and participated in the formulation of 15 industry standards. 记者从河北省大力支持机器人产业发展新闻发布会上获悉：目前，河北拥有省级以上机器人研发机构21家，其中国家级研发机构5家；拥有发明专利125项、实用新型专利536项、软件著作权541项，参与制定15项行业标准.
Page 17: On the international page, the lead story is about domestic criticism from people and opposition parties in Japan over the hiking of the country’s defence budget by 26% this year.
Next, there’s an article bylined 达 璐. The author is from the Southwest University of Political Science & Law. The article’s core point is that US’ “unilateral sanctions” are hindering the global human rights cause. It’s really worth noting this narrative because it is extremely powerful. Such propositions will have significant purchase in the developing world.
The US government is addicted to sanctions and has imposed economic sanctions on many developing countries, affecting nearly half of the global population and seriously undermining the principles of the purposes of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international law. The indiscriminate imposition of unilateral sanctions by the United States violates the principle of sovereign equality…Only after the UN Security Council adopts a resolution can member states adopt a certain sanction or a series of sanctions against a certain country. In the international community, differences among countries based on civilisations, development paths and models should be respected, and conflicts arising from them should be resolved with an attitude of equal-footed dialogue. However, the US tends to impose unilateral sanctions on other countries with a condescending attitude. As its 2021 Sanctions Assessment Report confirms, ‘sanctions have become the US’ tool of choice to address a range of threats to national security, foreign policy, and the economy’.” 美国政府制裁成瘾，对许多发展中国家都实施过经济制裁，全球近一半人口受到影响，严重破坏了《联合国宪章》宗旨原则及国际法基本准则。美国滥施单边制裁违反了主权平等原则...只有在联合国安理会通过决议后，成员国才能对某一国家采取某项或一系列制裁措施。在国际社会，各国因文明、发展道路和模式而产生的差异理应得到尊重，所产生的摩擦也应秉持平等对话的态度去解决。但美国却往往以居高临下的姿态对他国进行单边制裁。正如其所发布的《2021年制裁评估报告》所确认的，“制裁成为美国应对国家安全、外交政策和经济所面临的一系列威胁时的首选工具”.
The article adds that the use of long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions is essentially an element of US policy to sustain its hegemony. The piece then criticises laws like the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. It says that according to the 2021 Sanctions Assessment Report, as of fiscal year 2021, the United States had more than 9,400 sanctions in effect. From 2000 to 2021, the United States increased foreign sanctions by 933 percent. 除了军事手段，美国还实施经济、外交等非武力制裁。《全球马格尼茨基人权问责法》《以制裁反击美国敌人法》等制裁法案及一系列行政令陆续推出。根据《2021年制裁评估报告》，截至2021年财年，美国已生效的制裁措施累计9400多项。从2000年到2021年，美国对外制裁增加了933%.
The final section makes three points to argue that US sanctions have undermined human rights development in other countries.
First, they have seriously hindered the realisation of the right to subsistence. “The indiscriminate unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States have led to difficulties in the economic development of the sanctioned countries, reduced the ability of their governments and people to cope with various risks, and made them vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters. The long-standing illegal, unilateral sanctions imposed by the US on Syria have seriously aggravated the local economic and livelihood crisis. After Syria suffered a strong earthquake in February this year, due to the extreme lack of heavy equipment and search and rescue tools, many rescue operations had to rely on digging through the rubble with their bare hands.” 美国滥施单边制裁导致被制裁国家经济发展困难，政府和人民应对各类风险能力降低，极易因天灾人祸而陷入生存困境。美国对叙利亚长期实施非法单边制裁严重加剧当地经济民生危机。叙利亚今年2月遭受强烈地震灾害后，因极度缺乏重型设备和搜救工具，不少救援行动甚至只能靠徒手在废墟中挖掘。 It also mentions the US freezing billions in Afghanistan’s assets.
Second, US sanctions have hindered the development of the people in sanctioned countries. “The right to development is an inalienable human right…The abuse of unilateral sanctions by the US has had an immeasurable impact on the development of the sanctioned countries and their citizens. According to statistics, from August 1990 to May 2003, the US sanctions caused the loss of $150 billion in Iraq’s oil revenue. As a result, Iraq’s per capita annual income even today has not reached the 1990 level. Unilateral sanctions have also had an incalculable impact on people’s personal development. In the case of countries like Venezuela, Cuba, Syria and Iran, American sanctions have prevented teleconferencing and data sharing in those countries and elsewhere, people cannot participate in webinars for information, education and training, and doctors cannot access medical databases.” 二是对实现发展权造成严重后果。发展权是一项不可剥夺的人权，在《发展权利宣言》《维也纳宣言和行动纲领》等多个重要国际人权文书中得以庄严确认。美国滥用单边制裁，给被制裁国及其国民的发展造成了不可估量的影响。据统计，1990年8月至2003年5月，美国制裁造成伊拉克石油收入损失1500亿美元，导致今日伊拉克的人均年收入都没有达到1990年的水平。单边制裁还对民众的个人发展造成不可估量的影响。以委内瑞拉、古巴、叙利亚和伊朗等国为例，美国的制裁阻止了这些国家和其他地方的电话会议和数据共享等，人们无法参加网络研讨会以获取信息、教育和培训，医生也无法查阅医疗数据库。
Third, US sanctions have an adverse impact on the realisation of the right to health. This discusses Iran and Cuba among other countries struggling to access vaccines and healthcare equipment due to sanctions.
The article ends by saying that “The hegemonic behaviour of the United States has become a destroyer of global peace and development and a stumbling block to human rights progress…the international community appeals that the US should earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the norms of international law, stop the indiscriminate use of illegal, unilateral sanctions, stop harming the efforts of countries concerned to mobilise resources, develop their economies and improve people’s livelihood, and respect the rights to survival, development and health of people in other countries.” 美国肆意挥舞制裁大棒，严重违反了《联合国宪章》《经济、社会及文化权利国际公约》等国际法，严重践踏了被制裁国人民的基本权利。美国霸权行径已经成为全球和平发展的破坏者、人权进步的绊脚石。今年3月，联合国单边强制措施对人权负面影响问题特别报告员阿莱娜·杜晗指出，美国的单边强制措施侵犯了有关个人和实体的劳动权、行动自由权等基本人权。国际社会呼吁，美国应切实遵守联合国宪章宗旨原则和国际法准则，停止滥施非法单边制裁，停止损害有关国家调动资源、发展经济和改善民生的努力，尊重其他国家人民的生存权、发展权和健康权.
That’s it for the paper today. Once again, nothing on Tsai’s visit to the US. But there have been those and other developments, which I am covering below.