Xiplomacy in Jo'burg - BRICS Expands - GDI to Get $10bln Fund - New Africa Initiatives on Industrialisation, Agriculture & Talent - Xi-Modi Chat - China-Bhutan Boundary Talks - Li Qiang in Guangdong

Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Friday, August 25, 2023.

Page 1: Once again the page today is all about Xi Jinping’s engagements in Johannesburg. The top story is about Xi attending the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue. More than 60 leaders and representatives of African countries and other emerging markets and developing countries, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, and leaders of other international and regional organizations, attended the event. 

Xi’s comments at the event are available in English. He said that the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is due for a midterm review this year and the “delivery of most Sustainable Development Goals remains slow…The international community must pursue the larger interests of all countries, respond to people's concerns, and restore development to the center of the international agenda.”

He then talked about the GDI, highlighting the following:

• “China has set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with a total funding of 4 billion U.S. dollars, and Chinese financial institutions will soon set up a special fund of 10 billion dollars dedicated to the implementation of the GDI.”

• “From Asia to Africa, from Pacific island countries to the Caribbean, over 200 cooperation projects have come to fruition, and cooperation mechanisms are growing in areas such as poverty reduction, education and health.”

• “Under the GDI, we have prioritized green development, new-type industrialization, the digital economy and some other key areas, and pursued a Partnership on New Industrial Revolution to boost high-quality development.”

• “We have launched a China-FAO South-South Cooperation Trust Fund, implemented the Food Production Enhancement Action, and provided food assistance to and shared agrotech with many countries. We have also initiated a Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership with a view to achieving energy security.”

• Specifically for Africa, he said: “Specific measures will be taken, such as providing satellite mapping data products, implementing a Smart Customs cooperation partnership, and launching with UNESCO a ‘GDI for Africa's Future’ action plan, to support sustainable development in Africa.”

The other lead story is on Xi attending the BRICS press meeting, which resulted in the big expansion announcement. If you haven’t seen it yet, as of January 1, 2024, the BRICS will expand to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia. The Johannesburg Declaration says that the “BRICS countries reached consensus on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process.” Earlier, Reuters had reported that there were “11th-hour hurdles” in this process, with India proposing criteria like GDP and that new members must not be internationally sanctioned. But at the end of the day, this is what we have. Also, Cyril Ramaphosa did say that “other phases (of expansion) will follow.”

Anyway, Xi Jinping’s reported remarks were:

“President Xi Jinping noted that leaders of the five BRICS countries unanimously agreed to invite Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Iran and Ethiopia to the BRICS family as official members. China wishes to congratulate these countries and express high appreciation to the host South Africa and President Ramaphosa for their valuable efforts. President Xi Jinping highlighted that the BRICS expansion is historic. It demonstrates the commitment of BRICS countries to cooperate in unity with all developing countries. It meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries. The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will inject new vitality into the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the forces for world peace and development. He expressed confidence that as long as BRICS countries work in concert, they will bring out the best in BRICS cooperation and ensure a promising future for BRICS countries. He made the call for all to join hands together to write a new chapter of emerging markets and developing countries seeking development through solidarity and cooperation.”

Comment: I have said enough about the BRICS in the past week. So I’ll keep this brief. To me, this expansion changes the nature of the grouping and dilutes the brand value that the BRICS had. I don’t think expansion per se was a bad idea, but what has been done does not add to the group’s value. I am obviously not clear what parameters/criteria led to the clubbing of these six countries together, allowing them to gain membership. Clearly, these were products of political bargaining and wrangling as opposed to defined processes and principles. For some, expansion might seem like the group gains more influence and fresh purpose. From my perspective, it is likely to become less meaningful, unwieldy and more ineffective.”

On Page 3, there’s also a comment by China’s MoFA on BRICS expansion. It said that “expansion marks a new starting point for BRICS cooperation and will inject new impetus into the BRICS cooperation mechanism.” 

Moving on, there are reports on Xi Jinping’s bilateral meetings. These along with excerpts from the BRICS Declaration take much of the next couple of pages.

First, Xi Jinping’s meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Xinhua reports:

“Xi congratulated Iran on becoming a member of BRICS, stressing that it is a historic event that the BRICS summit, with joint efforts of all parties, has made the decision to expand. All the new members are countries with important influence, Xi said, expressing confidence that they will have a major impact on the world. Xi said since Raisi's successful visit to China in February this year, the two countries' departments have wasted no time to implement the consensus reached between the two leaders, which has achieved positive results. Xi said he is glad that with the joint efforts of China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran and Saudi Arabia have achieved reconciliation, which promoted security and stability in the Middle East. China is ready to consolidate its friendship with Iran, deepen mutual trust, continue to support each other on issues concerning respective core interests and push for more progress in China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi added. For his part, Raisi said Iran highly appreciates and thanks China for supporting Iran in becoming a full member of BRICS, which will provide fresh momentum for the development of Iran-China relations. He said this is conducive to strengthening coordination between the two countries on multilateral platforms, and will also help better advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi. Raisi expressed gratitude for Xi's important role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, adding that the expansion of BRICS shows that unilateralism is going downhill.”

Second, Xi’s meeting with his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera. Xinhua reports:

China supports Malawi in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to continuously offer whatever help China can to the country in its socio-economic development…Xi said he appreciates Chakwera for upholding the one-China principle since taking office. It is hoped that China and Malawi can continuously support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, push for new results in practical cooperation between the two countries, and promote ever-new development of bilateral relations, he said. China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Malawi and other developing countries, and advance the development of the international order in a more equal and just direction.”

“For his part, Chakwera noted that China is always the first to lend a helping hand to Malawi when the latter faces difficulties, adding that during his recent visit to China, he was not only warmly received, but also truly felt that China is Malawi's true friend, brother and partner. Malawi firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Xi is conducive to the common development of developing countries.” (Comment: Underlined that comment because it shows the value of being a generous host.)

Third, Xi’s meeting with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso. Xinhua reports:

“China will, as always, firmly support the Republic of the Congo in safeguarding its national independence and opposing foreign interference…Calling Sassou Nguesso an old friend and good friend of the Chinese people, Xi pointed out that the sound development of bilateral relations is inseparable from the fact that Sassou Nguesso attaches great importance to and sticks to friendship with China. He expressed thanks to the Congolese side for its firm support on issues concerning China's core interests, noting that China will, as always, support the Republic of the Congo in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Xi said China is ready to make joint plans and hold grand celebrations with the Congolese side. China is willing to maintain close exchanges, enhance political mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation with the Congolese side, so as to push for more achievements in their comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.”

Fourth, Xi’s meeting with his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob. Xinhua reports:

Xi said President Geingob is an old friend of the Chinese people, who has deep affection for China. The Chinese side greatly appreciates the president's firm support for China's position on issues of core interests, and his delivering justice and speaking out for righteousness in international affairs. Xi pointed out that China and Africa share similar historical experiences and hard struggle, adding that China insists on equality and mutual respect between big and small countries…” He talked about BRI and also said that “China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Namibia in various fields, including in clean energy, and will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Namibia”

Xi added: “Through proposing a series of initiatives such as the Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said, China offers opportunities to developing countries to realize joint development and prosperity, and fights for more equal rights for developing nations.

As per Xinhua Geingob said: “as a leader of a global major country, President Xi has led the Chinese people to achieve remarkable accomplishments, and treats African leaders with equality and humility, which is very touching. The Namibian side has been greatly inspired by the thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics, and is exploring a modernization path with Namibian characteristics, Geingob noted.”

Fifth, Xi’s meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Xinhua reports:

“China-Tanzania cooperation has always been at the forefront of China-Africa cooperation, and the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a beautiful memory shared by the people of China and Tanzania, Xi said. Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Tanzania diplomatic ties, Xi said China is willing to take the opportunity of jointly celebrating the 60th anniversary to continuously work with Tanzania in firmly supporting each other's core interests and major concerns while deepening strategic cooperation. Under the current international situation, strengthening China-Africa cooperation is conducive to safeguarding the unity and legitimate development interests of developing countries.”

“Noting that Tanzania and China have maintained close exchanges at all levels and that cooperation projects have progressed smoothly, Hassan said Tanzania highly appreciates China's valuable support for and assistance to the development of developing countries. Tanzania and other developing countries have all benefited a lot from the Belt and Road cooperation and other major initiatives proposed by Xi, she said.”

Two other key reports that are not in the paper today but are worth covering are:

• First, Xi Jinping’s engagement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

China’s MoFA said:

“President Xi Jinping talked with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit at the latter’s request on August 23, 2023. The two leaders had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on current China-India relations and other questions of shared interest. President Xi stressed that improving China-India relations serves the common interests of the two countries and peoples, and is also conducive to peace, stability and development of the world and the region. The two sides should bear in mind the overall interests of their bilateral relations and handle properly the border issue so as to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border region.”

Subsequently, the Indian side through sources has said that “There was a pending request from the Chinese side for a bilateral meeting. The two leaders, however, had an informal conversation in the Leaders' Lounge during the BRICS Summit.”

The Indian Foreign Secretary, meanwhile, talked about the meeting. He said that:

“‘On the sidelines of the Brics Summit, prime minister had interactions with other Brics leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, prime minister highlighted India’s concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China border areas…Prime minister underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship’…The two leaders agreed to ‘direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation’, Kwatra said.” HT reports: People familiar with the matter said the two leaders were part of several informal interactions during the summit. The conversation apparently happened during a pull aside on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, The Hindu reports that:

“Mr. Kwatra said that the two leaders had decided to “direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation”, indicating the current talks being held between military commanders at the LAC. These talks had been extended earlier this month after an unsuccessful 19th round of commander level talks were completed on August 14. As The Hindu reported, “the talks were restarted a few days later and Major Generals on both sides reportedly discussed the stalemate over the disengagement of troops at the Depsang Plains and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, where the Chinese military had reportedly stationed thousands of troops and built entrenched infrastructure. In addition, the creation of buffer zones as part of agreements between the two sides has restricted patrolling by the troops. While no timeline was given for the “expeditious” resolution of the issue after the meeting between the two leaders, the situation has some parallels to the 2017 Doklam conflict between India and China that ended after a similar encounter between Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi on the sidelines of that year’s G-20 Summit in Hamburg. India and China had then resumed ties after the PM travelled to China for the BRICS summit that year. In this case, the BRICS summit provided the meeting ground for the two leaders, while the Chinese President is expected to travel to Delhi for the G-20 summit beginning on September 9, where the two leaders may take discussions further. Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi may both also attend the East Asia Summit beginning in Indonesia on September 6, just prior to the G-20 summit, although neither side has officially announced any travel plans for the two events next month.”

And while we are on this subject, let me share some really important advice for the Indian establishment from Amb. Ashok Kantha, former Indian ambassador to China. Earlier this week, he wrote in the Hindustan Times that:

“It is desirable to move towards disengagement of troops and de-escalation of tensions in border areas but that should be achieved while safeguarding our position on the ground and not driven by any artificial deadlines.” He cautions against “quick-fix” solutions, calls on Delhi to see “buffer zones as a temporary measure, rather than a new normal, and push for the restoration of the status quo ante as of April 2020, even if it involves a long wait.”

Second, there’s a report on the 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues being held in Beijing from Aug. 21 to 24. Xinhua reports:

“Building on the consensus reached at the 12th Expert Group Meeting, the two sides had candid, friendly and constructive discussions on continuously implementing the MoU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations. Both sides agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map. One of the important outcomes of the 13th EGM is the establishment of the Joint Technical Team on the Delimitation of China-Bhutan Boundary which held its first meeting on the sidelines of the 13th EGM. The two sides also agreed upon keeping the positive momentum of frequent Expert Group Meetings, holding the 14th Expert Group Meeting on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues as soon as possible and maintaining communication on holding the 25th Round of China-Bhutan Boundary Talk.”

Page 3: There’s a commentary on Xi’s engagement at the BRICS summit. It also mentions the expansion. There’s no new argument in the piece. It reiterates the key points that Xi made in his speech. Before mentioning expansion, the article says this:

“Strengthening global governance is the right choice if the international community intends to share development opportunities and tackle global challenges. President Xi Jinping said that international rules must be written and upheld jointly by all countries based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, rather than dictated by those with the strongest muscles or the loudest voice. Moreover, forming cliques and packaging one's own ‘family rules’ as international norms is even less acceptable. The BRICS countries should jointly uphold true multilateralism, maintain the international system with the UN at its core, support and enhance the multilateral trading regime with the WTO as its cornerstone, and collectively oppose the formation of ‘exclusive circles’ or ‘small groups’. This will undoubtedly exert strong efforts to steer global governance towards a more just and reasonable direction.” 加强全球治理是国际社会共享发展机遇、应对全球性挑战的正确选择。习近平主席强调，国际规则要依据联合国宪章宗旨和原则，由大家共同书写、共同维护，不能谁的胳膊粗、嗓门大，谁就说了算。更不能拉帮结伙，把自己的“家法帮规”包装成国际规则。金砖国家共同践行真正的多边主义，共同维护以联合国为核心的国际体系，共同支持并加强以世贸组织为核心的多边贸易体制，共同反对搞“小圈子”、“小集团”，必将有力推动全球治理朝着更加公正合理的方向发展。在此次会晤中，习近平主席同其他金砖国家领导人一致同意，邀请沙特、埃及、阿联酋、阿根廷、伊朗、埃塞俄比亚成为金砖大家庭成员。这不仅将给金砖合作机制注入新活力，也将进一步壮大世界和平和发展的力量.

Page 4: Finally, some domestic news stories. First, Premier Li Qiang has been on an inspection tour of Guangdong this week.

“Li emphasized the need to deeply comprehend and implement the important speech by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection in Guangdong, comprehensively implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and arrangements for economic work in the second half of the year, adhere to reform and opening up, vigorously foster innovation, shape new advantages in high-quality development, and make solid progress in Chinese-style modernization.” 他强调，要深入学习贯彻习近平总书记在广东考察时的重要讲话精神，全面落实党中央对做好下半年经济工作的决策部署，坚持改革开放、锐意创新，塑造高质量发展新优势，扎实推进中国式现代化建设.

Xinhua English has the rest of it covered well.

On Tuesday, Li inspected Dongguan Yutong Optical Technology Co., Ltd. “He observed a demonstration of new products and technologies at Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, and expressed a wish to promote deep industry-university-research integration further and strive to make greater progress in core technology breakthroughs. At the China Spallation Neutron Source, Li stressed the importance of unremittingly strengthening basic research, and of contributing to achieving China's self-reliance and strength in science and technology.”

On Wednesday, Li inspected BTR New Material Group Co, Ltd., SmartMore Corporation Limited, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., and Huawei. He commended the achievements the enterprises have made in innovation and development, encouraging them to continue working toward the top international level and gain a competitive advantage in the market with their technologies and products. Li urged relevant parties to continue optimizing government services and creating a favorable environment for the development of enterprises…”

He also hosted a symposium during his inspection tour and listened to reports from relevant government departments and heads of companies based in Shenzhen City and Guangdong Province. The key messages he delivered are:

• “China is in a critical period of economic transformation and upgrading. He underlined the importance of maintaining the country's determination to promote high-quality development, and of continuing efforts to shift its growth model, improve its economic structure, and push for greater growth momentum.

• Efforts should be made to promote scientific and technological innovation, increase investment in basic research, focus on cultivating innovative enterprises, and accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry.

• He stressed the importance of implementing reforms to stimulate the vitality of various business entities, accelerate the construction of a unified national market, and create a first-class business environment. 

• He urged efforts to introduce more creative initiatives in the steady expansion of institutional opening-up, stabilize international market shares, and make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign capital.”

Second, there’s a report on Wang Huning’s remarks at the closing of the third session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC NC. Wang said that:

“Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has accurately grasped the major trends of the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, making a series of important deployments and statements concerning the improvement of the scientific and technological innovation system and the acceleration of the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy. We must improve our political position, strengthen our self-confidence in innovation, unify our thoughts and actions with the relevant decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, and gather consensus and wisdom to achieve high-level technological self-reliance and build a technologically powerful country.” 他表示，中共十八大以来，习近平总书记准确把握新一轮科技革命和产业变革大趋势，围绕完善科技创新体系、加快实施创新驱动发展战略，作出一系列重要部署和重要论述。我们要提高政治站位，坚定创新自信，把思想和行动统一到以习近平同志为核心的中共中央有关决策部署上来，为实现高水平科技自立自强、建设科技强国广泛凝聚共识、汇聚智慧力量.

“General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on improving the system of scientific and technological innovation and accelerating the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy are far-sighted, rich in connotations, and profound in thought. They point out the direction and provide fundamental guidelines for the scientific and technological innovation work in the new era. The CPPCC should thoroughly study and understand them, focus on support to win the crucial battle of achieving breakthroughs in key core technologies, strengthen basic research, deepen the reform of science and technology system, give full play to the role of enterprises as the main body of innovation, and accelerate the construction of a national strategic talent pool. The CPPCC should deepen research and consultation, actively offer suggestions, and fulfil its duty at a high level to serve the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy.” 王沪宁表示，习近平总书记关于完善科技创新体系、加快实施创新驱动发展战略的重要论述，立意高远、内涵丰富、思想深刻，为新时代做好科技创新工作指明了方向、提供了根本遵循。人民政协要深入学习领会，聚焦助力打好打赢关键核心技术攻坚战、加强基础研究、深化科技体制改革、发挥企业创新主体作用、加快建设国家战略人才力量等，深化调研协商、积极建言献策，以高水平履职服务实施创新驱动发展战略.

He added that the CPPCC “should deepen the study, research and publicity of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era, consolidate and expand the achievements of the thematic education campaign, and focus on deepening, internalizing, and transforming the knowledge gained. It must focus on the implementation of the decisions made at the 20th Party Congress, actively and prudently carry out democratic oversight, and strengthen the connections between members and the masses within their respective sector. It is necessary to improve the quality of research and deliberation, strengthen research on key and difficult issues of economic and social development, and actively make suggestions. 王沪宁表示，十四届全国政协要深化对习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的学习研究宣传，巩固拓展主题教育成果，着力做好深化、内化、转化工作。要着力抓好中共二十大决策部署贯彻落实，积极稳妥开展民主监督、委员联系界别群众有关工作。要提升调研议政质量，围绕经济社会发展重点难点问题加强调研、积极建言.

Page 16: The entire page is dedicated to China’s anger and response to the discharge of Fukushima wastewater.

MoFA’s reaction:

“On August 24, in disregard of the strong criticism and opposition from the international community, the Japanese government unilaterally started the release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We have made serious démarches to Japan and asked it to stop this wrongdoing. The disposal of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is a major issue about nuclear safety. Its impact goes beyond Japan’s borders, and the issue is by no means a private matter for Japan…The Japanese government failed to prove the legitimacy and legality of the ocean discharge decision, the long-term reliability of the purification facility, and the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data. It failed to prove that the ocean discharge is safe and harmless to the marine environment and people’s health, and that the monitoring plan is sound and effective. Japan also failed to have thorough consultations with other stakeholders. The ocean belongs to all humanity. To forcibly start the ocean discharge is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act in disregard of the global public interest. By dumping the water into the ocean, Japan is spreading the risks to the rest of the world and passing an open wound onto the future generations of humanity. By doing so, Japan has turned itself into a saboteur of the ecological system and polluter of the global marine environment. It is infringing upon people’s rights to health, development and a healthy environment, which violates Japan’s moral responsibilities and obligations under international law. From the moment Japan started the discharge, it has put itself in the dock in front of the international community and is bound to face international condemnation for many years to come. The Chinese government always puts our people’s wellbeing first, and will take all measures necessary to safeguard food safety and the health of our people.”

In addition, China’s General Administration of Customs has decided to completely suspend the import (PD report) of aquatic products (including edible aquatic animals) originating in Japan from August 24, 2023.

The GAC said that it has decided to take the emergency measures to comprehensively prevent radioactive pollution risks caused by Japan's discharge of the contaminated wastewater, protect the health of Chinese consumers and ensure the safety of food imports. The decision has been made in compliance with China's food safety law, administrative protocols regarding the safety of food imports and exports, as well as the WTO's agreement concerning the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, according to the GAC.

Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Shu Jueting said (English report) The Japanese government unilaterally pushing through the discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act that ignores international public interests. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the act. Japan's move will cause unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment, and will further aggravate the safety risks of Japanese food, agricultural and aquatic products. The Chinese government always puts the people first and will take all necessary measures to safeguard food safety and public health.

China’s Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao on Thursday “lodged a strong protest with Masataka Okano, Japan's vice-minister for foreign affairs, regarding Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.” China Daily has the English report:

“China strongly urges Japan to halt the discharge, responsibly communicate with neighboring countries, accept strict international supervision and effectively manage nuclear-contaminated water through scientific, safe and transparent methods. If Japan persists in its actions, he said, it will bear long-term moral and legal responsibilities. He emphasized the Chinese government's decision to comprehensively suspend imports of aquatic products from Japan is both reasonable and necessary. The responsibility for this situation lies entirely with Japan, and Japan should reflect on its own actions, he said.”

China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs lashed out at Japan for its “extremely selfish and irresponsible move” and said that it will “increase the monitoring of nuclear pollution risks of marine aquatic products to ensure the quality and safety of aquatic products.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment also termed Japan “extremely selfish and irresponsible” and said that currently it “is organising the marine radiation environmental monitoring in the maritime areas under China's jurisdiction for the year 2023” and will “continue to strengthen relevant monitoring work, promptly track and assess the potential impact of the discharge of Fukushima nuclear contaminated water on our marine radiation environment, and effectively safeguard our national interests and public health.”

Finally, there’s a Zhong Sheng commentary on the page that argues that Japan’s “unilateral” decision has “endangered the global marine environment and the people's health rights in the world, seriously deviated from the most basic international morality, seriously violated obligations of international law, and fully exposed Japan's selfishness and arrogance. It will surely become a big stain that Japan will not be able to erase for a long time to come.” 日方单方面强行启动福岛核污染水排海，严重危害全球海洋环境和世界人民健康权利，严重背离最基本的国际道义，严重违背国际法义务，充分暴露日方的自私和傲慢，必将成为日方长期难以抹去的一大污点.

China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue:

The one bit that’s not covered in the paper today was Xi Jinping’s remarks at the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue. The full English remarks are available on the MoFA website. 

In terms of the vision, he said that China and Africa must be:

• “Working together to promote a just and equitable international order. We should carry forward the spirit of sticking together in times of adversity, practice true multilateralism, and unequivocally oppose vestiges of colonialism and hegemonism in all forms. We should firmly support each other in defending core interests, stand strong by the just calls of developing countries, and work for a more just and equitable international order.” 

• Working together to safeguard a peaceful and secure global environment. Africa is working unremittingly for the goal of silencing the guns. China is ready to work with Africa to implement the new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and cooperation, facilitate the political settlement of international and regional hotspot issues, and safeguard world peace and stability. We should uphold harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and protect the security of the global eco-environment.

• Working together to build an open and inclusive world economy. What we need is to remove barriers rather than erect walls, open up rather than close off. We should carry out extensive consultation and make joint contribution for shared benefit, reject the winner-takes-all approach, and build an open world economy where developing countries are better involved in the international division of labor and share the fruits of economic globalization. We should overcome estrangement between civilizations through exchanges, promote inclusiveness and mutual learning between civilizations, and make new contributions to human progress.”

He then promised the following:

• China will intensify dialogue and communication with Africa at various levels, and support the African agencies for integration, including the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and the African Union of Broadcasting, among others, in creating cooperation mechanisms with China.

• China will work actively at the G20 Summit next month to support the AU’s full membership in the group. China supports making special arrangements on the U.N. Security Council reform to meet Africa’s aspiration as a priority. China will call on multilateral financial institutions to enhance the say of African countries.

• China will launch the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization and China will launch the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization — (Comment: To be honest, these read like smart packaging for a lot of existing positions and rhetoric; there’s really little new in these in terms of tangible outcomes that are being committed.)

• “China will launch the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. China plans to train 500 principals and high-caliber teachers of vocational colleges, and 10,000 technical personnel with both Chinese language and vocational skills for Africa every year. China will invite 20,000 government officials and technicians of African countries to participate in workshops and seminars. To support Africa in strengthening education and innovation, we will launch the China-Africa Universities 100 Cooperation Plan and 10 pilot exchange programs of China-Africa partner institutes.”

Xi ended by talking about GDI, GSI and GCI, arguing that these have “received the extensive support of African countries.”

The official Chinese readout from the dialogue ends with this:

“The African leaders spoke highly of the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue co-hosted by China and South Africa, and thanked China for supporting African integration and assisting African countries in times of need. Africa-China relations are based on solidarity, friendship and mutual respect. Chinese investment in and cooperation with African countries has played an important role in boosting Africa’s development, and China is Africa’s indispensable cooperation partner in its quest for modernization. The African side highly commended and welcomed the new initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping, namely, the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. These three proposals once again show that China is a genuine friend and partner who always bears in mind Africa’s concerns and needs. The African side spoke highly of and expressed full support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping, and expressed readiness to build a strong synergy between the AU’s Agenda 2063, the national development strategies of African countries and the BRI. The FOCAC is an efficient platform for South-South cooperation, and the African side is ready to work with China to continue advancing the forum’s institutional development. The African side is firmly committed to the one-China policy. Africa and China will firmly support each other in upholding their sovereignty, security and development interests, strengthen collaboration in international affairs and on multilateral occasions, raise the representation and voice of developing countries, and uphold the common interests of the developing world. The meeting adopted and issued the Joint Statement of the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue. The Chinese side released the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.”

The joint statement that has been issued has the African side appreciating GDI, GSI and GCI, while talking about BRI cooperation. It also says that “China is willing to support Africa in strengthening trade integration, promoting investment, developing value chains, improving their respective production and export capabilities of value-added products, and helping Africa's regional economic integration process.” 中方愿支持非洲加强贸易一体化，促进投资，发展价值链，提高各自生产和出口附加值产品的能力，助力非洲区域经济一体化进程.

• Both sides reaffirm their firm commitment to uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and support each other in safeguarding national territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, and development interests. China supports African countries in exploring development paths that suit their national conditions, and the African side reaffirms its firm adherence to the One-China policy.

• Both sides believe that the ‘African Peace and Security Architecture’ is a robust normative framework to address security challenges and threats on the African continent. In view of this, China will provide support to the African Union Peace Fund to effectively resolve conflicts on the African continent.

• China welcomes the constructive and innovative measures taken by leaders of African countries to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. The two sides called for strengthening dialogue and engagement, building mutual trust, and creating an environment conducive to dialogue between the conflicting parties.

• Both sides agreed that China-Africa cooperation should focus on strengthening the existing global mechanisms, ensuring the participation of developing countries, demonstrating inclusiveness, and winning global trust. In light of this, the long-standing issue of reform of the multilateral financial institutions and the UN Security Council should be addressed.

双方重申坚定捍卫联合国宪章宗旨和原则，坚定支持彼此维护国家领土完整、主权、安全和发展利益。中方支持非洲国家探索符合自身国情的发展道路，非方重申坚定奉行一个中国政策。双方认为“非洲和平与安全架构”是应对非洲大陆安全挑战和威胁的有力规范框架。鉴此，中方将向非洲联盟和平基金提供支持，以有效解决非洲大陆冲突。中方欢迎非洲国家领导人为解决乌克兰危机采取的建设性和创新性举措。双方呼吁加强对话接触，建立互信，为冲突双方营造有利于对话的环境。双方一致认为，中非合作应关注强化现有全球机制，确保发展中国家参与，展现包容性，赢得全球信任。鉴此，应解决多边金融机构和联合国安理会改革这一长期未决的问题。