Xi's a 'World-Class Leader' & 'Helmsman' - Praising Shanghai's Development - HK's 25th Anniversary Coverage - Wang Yang on Taiwan Policy

Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Monday, June 27, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.

Page 1: First, there’s a story (English report) about Xi’s recent instruction on studying and absorbing the suggestions and views of internet users on the work related to the upcoming 20th National Congress of the CPC. From April 15 to May 16, internet platforms were used to collect public views and suggestions for the 20th Party Congress. More than 8.54 million pieces of suggestions and ideas were received, the report says. Xi said that gathering opinions online was an “example of the whole-process people's democracy.” 

The other top piece on the page is a big article reviewing collective study and learning work under Xi. The piece talks about such collective study work as being an important aspect of “promoting self-revolution.” The article highlights five rounds of such rounds of centralised and collective study.

• 2013: focusing on being pragmatic and non-corruptible, activities were carried out in two batches to ensure education and practice of the Party mass line.

• In 2015, the 三严三实 - three stricts and three honests special education was carried out among leading cadres at or above the county level.

• In 2016, the study campaign focussed on learning the Party’s regulations, the constitution and becoming a “qualified” Party member. This work was extended from the “key minority” to a majority of Party members.

• In 2019, the study campaign focussed on the theme of “staying true to our original aspiration.” This was carried out throughout the Party.

• In 2021, the study work was focussed on the Party’s history.

——2013年6月开始，以为民务实清廉为主要内容，党的群众路线教育实践活动自上而下分两批开展；——2015年开始，围绕“严以修身、严以用权、严以律己，谋事要实、创业要实、做人要实”要求，“三严三实”专题教育在县处级以上领导干部中开展，推动党的群众路线教育实践活动延展深化；——2016年开始，“学党章党规、学系列讲话，做合格党员”学习教育在全体党员中开展，党内教育从“关键少数”向广大党员拓展、从集中性教育向经常性教育延伸；——2019年5月底开始，以“守初心、担使命，找差距、抓落实”为总要求，以县处级以上领导干部为重点，“不忘初心、牢记使命”主题教育在全党开展；——2021年开始，党史学习教育在全党开展，要求做到学史明理、学史增信、学史崇德、学史力行，教育引导全党同志学党史、悟思想、办实事、开新局。5次集中学习教育，每一次都是理论武装的重要课堂，每一次都是自我革命的生动实践，每一次都是凝心聚力的奋进号角.

Party organisations at all levels have thoroughly studied Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the latest achievement of the Sinicization of Marxism. The majority of party members and cadres have received a comprehensive and profound political education, ideological refinement and spiritual baptism in the upsurge of study, deeply understood the decisive significance of ‘Two Establishments’, strengthened ‘four consciousnesses’, strengthened the ‘four self-confidences’ and achieved the ‘two safeguards’. The whole Party has been united in ideology, and maintained a firm will, coordinated actions, and strong combat effectiveness, unifying into ‘a piece of hard steel’, and promoted the great development and progress of the cause of the Party and the people. 初心如磐，信念如山。党的各级组织深入学习习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想这一马克思主义中国化最新成果，广大党员、干部在学习热潮中接受全面深刻的政治教育、思想淬炼、精神洗礼，深刻领会“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，全党始终保持统一的思想、坚定的意志、协调的行动、强大的战斗力，团结成“一块坚硬的钢铁”，推动党和人民事业实现大发展大进步.

The next section of the article emphasises ideological and theoretical armament; in other words, it praises Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and says that this is what cadres are arming themselves with and must arm themselves with. The idea is that once it is mastered, the key of theory unlocks all locks; it yields a substantive/material force. 理论一经掌握群众，也会变成物质力量.

It says:

“Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is contemporary Chinese Marxism, 21st century Marxism, the essence of Chinese culture and Chinese spirit of the times, and has achieved a new leap in the Sinicization of Marxism.” It adds that through the study work, the majority of party members and cadres have a deep understanding of the core essence, spiritual essence, rich connotation, and practical requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; and that they have made every effort to learn, understand, and put into practice the latest achievement in the Party’s innovative theory to unify their thoughts, will, and action. 习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想是当代中国马克思主义、二十一世纪马克思主义，是中华文化和中国精神的时代精华，实现了马克思主义中国化新的飞跃. 读原著、学原文、悟原理，带着责任学、带着问题学，广大党员、干部深刻理解习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的核心要义、精神实质、丰富内涵、实践要求，在学懂弄通做实上下功夫，用党的创新理论最新成果统一思想、统一意志、统一行动；

The next section states that the common thread running through these five campaigns was practice of promoting the political construction of the Party, and further consolidating the unity and centralisation of the Party. It says that under the planning and guidance of Xi Jinping, the Party history study campaign has been carried out throughout the Party, along with an emphasis on maintaining the correct political direction, the correct direction of action, and the clear direction of practice. 在习近平总书记精心谋划、亲自推动下，党史学习教育始终沿着正确的政治方向、准确的行动方向、明确的实践导向在全党深入推进. It says that Xi Jinping has “guided the the whole party to boldly use the powerful weapon of criticism and self-criticism, to persist in seeking truth from facts, to expose shortcomings and expose ugliness, to use a real knife and a real gun (​​真刀真枪), to talk about party spirit and not personal feelings, and to speak the truth without losing face.” 习近平总书记指导全党大胆使用批评和自我批评这个有力武器，坚持实事求是，揭短亮丑、真刀真枪，讲党性不讲私情、讲真理不讲面子。

Over time, the piece adds, “the majority of Party members and cadres have constantly enhanced their political ability and practical experience, along with their awareness of problems from the political point of view. They have a clear idea of 国之大者, have constantly improved their political judgement, understanding and execution, and have more consciously been benchmarking their actions with the decisions of the CPC Central Committee to ensure that the implementation is unconditional without distortion or deviation. The ship weighs a thousand pounds, steering it at the helm is one person. For a country or a political party, the leadership core is vital.” 广大党员、干部在党内集中学习教育中不断强化政治能力训练和政治实践历练，从政治上看问题的意识普遍增强，对“国之大者”做到心中有数，不断提高政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力，更加自觉地同党中央决策部署对标对表，确保贯彻落实不偏向、不变通、不走样。船重千钧，掌舵一人。一个国家、一个政党，领导核心至关重要.

Since the 18th Party Congress, it is precisely because Comrade Xi Jinping has been established as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire Party that unprecedented changes have taken place across the Party, the country, the people, the army, and the Chinese nation. Resolutely safeguarding Comrade Xi Jinping’s position as the core of the CPC Central Committee and the entire Party will ensure that the entire Party will have a fixed star/anchor, the people will have a backbone, and the great ship of China’s rejuvenation will have a helmsman. 党的十八大以来，正是因为确立了习近平同志党中央的核心、全党的核心地位，党的面貌、国家的面貌、人民的面貌、军队的面貌、中华民族的面貌才发生了前所未有的变化。坚决维护习近平同志党中央的核心、全党的核心地位，全党就有定盘星，全国人民就有主心骨，中华“复兴”号巨轮就有掌舵者.

Later we are told that the ‘Two Establishments’ are the most important political achievements since the 18th Party Congress. They reflect the profound historical wisdom, high historical consciousness and firm historical self-confidence of our Party. They are the call of the times, the choice of history, and the aspiration of the people. “两个确立”是党的十八大以来最重要的政治成果，体现了我们党深邃的历史智慧、高度的历史自觉和坚定的历史自信，是时代呼唤、历史选择、民心所向.

The next section talks about the importance of self-revolution, and having the courage to carry out self-revolution is the “Party’s most distinctive character and its greatest advantage.” The final section makes the point that it is important to maintain public support. It says: “Always keep in mind that our ship is sailing on the vast sea of people; ater can carry a boat or capsize it; never lose the hearts/support of the people.” “要始终牢记，我们的航船行驶在人民群众的汪洋大海上，水可载舟亦可覆舟，永远不要失去民心.”

Next, there’s a long piece drawing from Xi’s engagement at the BRICS meetings and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development. The piece reiterates a lot of what Xi said; I covered a lot of this last week. I thought that this coverage of the comments of other leaders was worth noting. All in an effort to showcase Xi as a 世界级领袖 - world-class leader.

• Egyptian President Sisi called President Xi Jinping a ‘brother’ in his speech. He highly appreciated the GDI put forward by President Xi Jinping and thanked the BRICS countries for their unanimous positions on political and economic issues of common concern to developing countries;

• Senegalese President Sall made a speech on behalf of the African Union. He told President Xi Jinping - a ‘dear friend’ - and the leaders of the participating countries that African countries look forward to a more inclusive and reasonable international order, and sincerely appreciate the open spirit displayed by the BRICS countries;

• Argentine President Fernandez congratulated China on achieving its poverty reduction goals under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. He said that developing countries were facing many common challenges, and the dialogue provided opportunities for all countries and clearly expressed everyone’s concerns about development;

• Kazakh President Tokayev said that the BRI provides a good platform for all parties to carry out cooperation. He said that he concurs with the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by President Xi Jinping, the GSI and GDI

• Fiji’s Prime Minister Bainimarama made special arrangements to attend the dialogue during his visit to Europe. He said that big countries can play a bigger role and can help small island countries achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;

埃及总统塞西在发言中称习近平主席为“兄长”。他高度赞赏习近平主席提出的全球发展倡议，感谢金砖国家在发展中国家共同关心的政治和经济问题上所采取的一致立场；塞内加尔总统萨勒代表非盟发言，他告诉习近平主席这位“亲爱的朋友”和与会各国领导人，非洲国家期待一个更加包容、更加合理的国际秩序，由衷赞赏金砖国家所展现的开放精神；阿根廷总统费尔南德斯对中国在习近平主席领导下实现减贫目标表示祝贺。他说，发展中国家正面临诸多共同挑战，对话会为各国提供了机遇，清楚地表达了大家对发展的关切；哈萨克斯坦总统托卡耶夫说，“一带一路”倡议为各方开展合作提供了很好平台，他赞同习近平主席提出的人类命运共同体理念、全球安全倡议、全球发展倡议；斐济总理姆拜尼马拉马，于出访欧洲期间专门安排时间参加对话会。他说，大国发挥更大作用，能够帮助小岛国实现2030年可持续发展议程；

Also, there’s a commentary based on Xi’s speech at the BRICS Business Forum. The commentary basically underscores the point about the need for developed countries to adopt responsible economic policies, macro policy coordination, avoiding negative spillover effects, and criticising the use of sanctions. Also on the page is the Beijing chapter in the series on following Xi’s footsteps.

Then there’s a report on Wang Yang’s meeting with CPC members of Taiwan origin on Sunday. Wang called on them to “deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’, strengthen the ‘four self-confidences’, and achieve the ‘two safeguards’. Xinhua English adds:

“Wang said that CPC members of Taiwan origin should fully comprehend the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, implement the central Party leadership's decisions regarding Taiwan, and remain highly consistent with the central Party leadership on major issues concerning principles. Wang also encouraged them to set a good example in opposing so-called ‘Taiwan independence’ and facilitating reunification. They should also work to secure the interests of Taiwan compatriots, and do their part in enhancing cross-Strait exchanges and communication.”

Finally, do note this report praising Shanghai’s development. I guess this is a vote of confidence for Li Qiang. It says that Shanghai has basically established itself as an international economic, financial, trade and shipping center, and it has established the basic framework for emerging as an international science and technology innovation center - i.e., the five centers 五个中心. The piece also informs that the city has won the Great Battle to Defend Shanghai, and is now focussing on preventing the epidemic, stabilising the economy, and ensuring safety.

A lot of these articles covered above extend to other pages.

Page 3: June 25th was National Land Day in China. So there’s a piece today talking about the need to strictly observe the red line of cultivated land.

Page 8: There’s a lot more on the page about the upcoming 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to mainland rule. This report talks about the deep bonds shared between the people of Hong Kong and the mainland, and how they “have always been a family connected by blood.” Likewise, on Page 9 is a piece telling us that the Bauhinia blooms forever. The basic point being made in the article is that Hong Kong has thrived under the Party’s rule and the situation in Hong Kong has always been close to Xi’s heart.

The article reiterates Xi’s view on one country, two systems: “一国’是根，根深才能叶茂；‘一国’是本，本固才能枝荣”. This is from Xi’s speech at the 20th anniversary of the handover. Here’s the official English translation of the relevant paragraph from that speech:

“First, it is imperative to have a correct understanding of the relationship between "One Country" and "Two Systems". "One Country" is like the roots of a tree. For a tree to grow tall and luxuriant, its roots must run deep and strong. The concept of "One Country, Two Systems" was advanced, first and foremost, to realize and uphold national unity. That is why in the negotiations with the United Kingdom, we made it categorically clear that sovereignty is not for negotiation. Now that Hong Kong has returned to China, it is all the more important for us to firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests. In conducting day-to-day affairs, we must be guided by a strong sense of "One country", firmly observe the principle of "One Country", and thus correctly handle the relationship between the HKSAR and the Central Government. Any attempt to endanger China's sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the Central Government and the authority of the Basic Law of the HKSAR or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line, and is absolutely impermissible. On the other hand, on the basis of "One Country", the "Two Systems" should and have every reason to stay in harmony and reinforce each other. We must both adhere to the "One Country" principle and respect the differences of the "Two Systems", both uphold the power of the Central Government and ensure a high degree of autonomy in the HKSAR, both give play to the role of the mainland as a staunch supporter of Hong Kong and enhance Hong Kong's own competitiveness. At no time should we focus only on one aspect to the neglect of the other. Only in this way can we ensure that the ship of "One Country, Two Systems" will break the waves, sail steadily and go the distance.”