Xi's Boao Forum Speech - 20th Party Congress Nominations - State Council on Agriculture & Energy Security - Xinjiang Secretary Ma Xingrui on National Security - Wang Yi's South Caucasus Diplomacy

Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy from the Thursday, April 21, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.

Page 1: At the top of the page is a brief report about Xi Jinping attending the Boao Forum for Asia today. (I’m doing a b breakdown of the speech at the end of the newsletter.) Right below it, there’s a piece on the process of nomination and recommendation for the 20th Party Congress. The article’s sub-header informs that Party organisations and Party members at all levels have actively carried out the work of recommending and nominating preliminary candidates for the 20th Party Congress.

The focus in the piece is on the standards that have been kept in mind for nominating candidates. And not surprisingly, the article begins by emphasising political standards. In talking about the significance of these, the article says:

“The Party Central Committee has proposed the requirement of strictly controlling the political conduct of candidates, has insisted on putting political standards first, has emphasised the ideals and belief, political character and moral development of candidates, has called for focus on understanding their political judgement, political understanding and political execution, strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’, ‘four self-confidences’ and achieving the ‘two safeguards’, and vetoing the politically unqualified….” 党中央提出，要严把人选政治关，坚持把政治标准放在首位，突出考察人选的理想信念、政治品格和道德修养，着重了解人选政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”等方面的表现情况，对政治上不合格的一票否决。严把人选廉洁关，认真落实“四必”要求，严格甄别核查，坚决防止“带病提名”、“带病当选”.

Then the piece informs how these requirements have been implemented by different local units.

• So, Qinghai has ensured that “six types of people” who are politically unqualified and have integrity related issues are out of the system. THe focus is on candidates that are politically qualified, honest, have a strong sense of purpose and have demonstrated good work performance.

• In Guizhou, there’s a “negative list” to rule out candidates. This covers nine areas such as the candidate’s observance of political discipline, ability to communicate with the masses, and issues related to integrity.

• Tibet has “made it clear that deputies should have a strong sense of community of the Chinese nation, a correct outlook on the country, history, nationality, culture and religion, and take a clear-cut stand against separatism.”

• The PLA and PAP have demanded that those outstanding Party members who resolutely defend the ‘Two Establishments’, consciously strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’, ‘four self-confidences’, and achieve the ‘two safeguards’, implement the Chairman Responsibility System, concentrate on preparing for the war, and have accomplished outstanding achievements in carrying out major tasks be elected as delegates to the 20th Party Congress. 解放军和武警部队要求把那些坚决捍卫“两个确立”，自觉增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，贯彻军委主席负责制，聚力备战打仗、执行重大任务成绩显著的优秀党员选为二十大代表.

An official from the Organisation Department in Changsha, Hunan, is quoted as saying that even those who have served as provincial and municipal party representatives have faced joint audits and re-examinations. 

The next section of the report talks about the representative structure of the nominations. This refers to diversity in terms of including workers, farmers, professional and technical personnel, and other model workers, etc. The third section is about the work done to ensure that Party members get to participate in the recommendation and nomination process. The final section focuses on the process.

Next, there’s a report about the State Council’s Executive Meeting. Xinhua English has a detailed story on the meeting, which covered stability in commodity prices and energy security.

“The meeting pointed out that job security and price stability are both key underpinnings for keeping major economic indicators within an appropriate range. The stable production and supply of grains and other important agricultural products serve as an anchor for overall economic and social stability, especially for keeping consumer prices stable and ensuring people's essential needs. This is particularly important given the growing uncertainties in the international food market and high inflation in some countries.”

“According to the premier, special task forces will be set up to coordinate the efforts for agricultural production in the spring, sufficient provision and stable prices of agricultural supplies, and marketing of agricultural products. The full-year targets of grain acreage and output will be broken down, and localities are urged to carry out spring sowing in full and during the optimum time and leave no farmland uncultivated. Those who fail to complete assigned tasks will be held accountable.” 

“The primary role of new types of agribusiness will be brought into play, to provide such services as third-party cultivation and help small household farmers and those affected by COVID-19 farm their land. Concrete efforts must be made to ensure sound spring plowing and other agricultural activities. Well-calibrated steps will be taken to organize and guide the activities. To keep up with the farming schedule, work will be done to help migrant farmers return home for farming, facilitate the availability of agricultural supplies in rural areas, ensure the passage of agricultural machinery and make the services of agricultural technicians more accessible to farmers. The policy of "green lane" service for the transportation of fresh farm produce will be implemented to facilitate smooth circulation of vegetables and other agricultural products. Policies to support and benefit farmers will be effectively implemented. Funds for assisting grain production will be delivered to farmers as quickly as possible. Measures will be explored to increase agricultural supplies subsidies, and grains procurement as necessary will be conducted in a timely manner to keep grain-growers motivated.”

It’s interesting that there is also a story on the front page talking about grain production. It basically talks about how agricultural production is stable and emphasises the importance of maintaining stability. It says that in Q1, the added value of the primary industry expanded by 6.0% year-on-year. The piece draws information from a press conference yesterday (full video of the presser here) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 

At the presser, it was said that China had completed 21.2 percent of spring sowing, 1.3 percentage points faster than the same period last year, with the planting area reaching 199 million mu (13.3 million hectares). According to the ministry, so far, more than 70 percent of the early rice crop had been planted, with the rice seedling in the northeastern region completing 74.2 percent, both faster than last year.

Anyway, the State Council meeting discussed energy security too. Xinhua’s report says:

“The meeting pointed out that energy is the fundamental underpinning of economic and social development. It is essential to address the new challenges of the external environment based on China's own national conditions, and strengthen energy supply with well-defined priorities. It is important to plan ahead and stay prepared, take forward energy projects with ripe conditions that meet development needs…The meeting decided that the role of coal as the primary energy source should be harnessed. Concerted efforts must be made to fine-tune the review and approval policies regarding the production, project construction and other activities of coal enterprises. Sub-national governments must earnestly fulfill their responsibilities for stable production and provision, and advanced production capacity should be fully unlocked. The country will strive to increase coal production capacity by 300 million tonnes this year by approving higher production capacity, expanding output and putting new projects into operation. Clean and efficient use of coal will be promoted, and construction of reserve facilities intensified. Market-oriented and law-based approaches will be applied to guide coal prices toward running within an appropriate range. Efforts will be made to renovate coal-fired power plants to conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions, make operations more flexible and upgrade heating facilities, with the aim of raising energy efficiency and transforming more than 220 million kilowatts of coal-fired power capacity this year. Such renovation should be conducted during routine repair and maintenance of power generation units, to avoid disrupting stable power supply. Financial policies in support of the renovation of coal-fired power units will be earnestly implemented. Nuclear power will be developed in a well-paced manner on the premise of ensuring absolute security and exercising strict oversight. With years of preparations and comprehensive assessment and review, approval is granted for the projects of new nuclear power units identified in the national plan in Sanmen of Zhejiang Province, Haiyang of Shandong Province and Lufeng of Guangdong Province.”

Next, there’s a report about the NPCSC concluding its 34th session on Wednesday. Xinhua reports that lawmakers voted to adopt a law on futures and derivatives, a revised Vocational Education Law, and a decision to remove Wang Menghui from the post of minister of housing and urban-rural development. They also passed three bills on the electoral rules for the 14th NPC, and ratified a revised agreement on regional anti-terrorist structure between the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the International Labour Organization's Forced Labour Convention, 1930, and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957. They also approved a report on deputy qualifications and passed personnel-related bills.

There were also some personnel changes:

“Ying Yong was appointed as the vice chairman of the Constitution and Law Committee of the National People's Congress, Chen Run’er as the vice chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Committee of the National People's Congress, and Wang Jianjun was appointed as the vice chairman of the Social Construction Committee of the National People's Congress. Jiang Wei was removed from the post of vice president of the Supreme People’s Court.”

Page 2: There’s a report about Li Zhanshu’s speech at the NPCSC session. Li says that ​”we must always keep a clear political mind, be firm in maintaining the correct political direction, stand firm in the correct political position, earnestly perform our duties with a highly responsible attitude towards the party and the people…” 

Li then makes some specific points that are critical to adhere to:

• First, take adhering to the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the highest political principle, always adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guiding principle, deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, deeply understand the 国之大者 and ensure that the Party’s Leadership runs through the whole process and all aspects of the work of the NPC.

• Second, closely focus on the major decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee to plan and promote the work of the National People's Congress. The work of the National People's Congress should obey the overall situation of serving and safeguarding the convening of the 20th Party Congress.

• Third, maintain a state of never slacking off or relaxing. He adds that it is important to not forget the original aspiration.

• Fourth, firmly hold the political nature of being honest in politics and strict in self-discipline.

栗战书强调，要继续抓好中央人大工作会议精神的贯彻落实，以很强的政治能力、高度的历史自觉、强烈的使命担当，勤勉尽责、主动作为，作出应有贡献。一是把坚持党中央集中统一领导作为最高政治原则，始终坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为统领，深刻认识“两个确立”的决定性意义，深刻领悟“国之大者”，把党的领导贯穿人大工作全过程、各方面。二是紧紧围绕党中央的重大决策部署谋划推进人大各项工作，人大工作要服从服务和维护保障党的二十大召开这个大局，立足自身职能特点，认真做好立法、监督、代表、外事等工作。三是始终保持永不放松、永不懈怠的精神状态，不忘初心、牢记使命，善始善终、善作善成，担当起应有责任，完成全年工作任务。四是牢牢守住廉洁从政、严格自律的政治本色，坚持廉政建设永远在路上，更加严格要求自己，确保党和人民赋予的权力始终用来为人民服务.

Next, there’s a piece about the pandemic situation in Hong Kong getting better. The first paragraph is quite something.

“‘Without your help, there would be no dawn for us.’ ‘Thanks to the central and mainland medical staff for fighting the epidemic with their counterparts in Hong Kong.’ … In the past few days, large billboards have been erected in many places in Hong Kong to thank the central and mainland medical staff for their support in fighting the epidemic in Hong Kong. Many people have posted photos and videos of billboards on social platforms with their own words of thanks. This is the common aspiration of the people of Hong Kong, and it is also a vivid portrayal of the brotherhood between the mainland and Hong Kong, where blood is thicker than water.” “没有你们的援手，就没有我们的曙光”“谢谢中央及内地医护与香港同行抗疫”……连日来，香港多地立起大型广告牌，感谢中央及内地医护支援香港抗疫。还有不少人把广告牌的照片、视频发在社交平台，附上自己的感谢话语。这是香港民众的共同心声，也是内地与香港手足情深、血浓于水的生动写照.

Apart from this, the piece also makes the point that it is the dynamic zero-COVID strategy that has worked in Hong Kong. It says that dynamic clearing is “the most scientific, effective and economical strategy to fight the epidemic at present, which is most in line with Hong Kong's actual situation.” It adds that a “telephonic survey conducted across 1,063 Hong Kong citizens says that 67.9% of the respondents believed that insisting on ‘dynamic clearing’ was more in line with the overall interests of Hong Kong society.” 香港疫情防控态势向好，但来不得半点大意。坚持“动态清零”，是当前抗击疫情最为科学、有效、经济，最为符合香港实际的策略选择。香港紫荆研究院此前电话随机访问了1063名香港市民，结果显示，67.9%的受访市民认为坚持“动态清零”更符合香港社会整体利益，忧虑香港一旦错误选择“与病毒共存”，疫情必然全面失控，700多万香港市民的生命安全将面临严重威胁。疫情防控成果来之不易，时至今日，更要巩固好、维护好，坚定“动态清零”的决心和信心，谨防反弹、绝不松懈.

Next, there’s a report (English report) informing that two Shanghai districts, Jinshan and Chongming, have managed to eliminate viral spreading within communities. Finally, there’s another report talking about Shanghai enforcing strict closed-loop management to restart production.

Page 3: A few reports to note. First, Yang Jiechi’s meeting (English report) with Cambodian Ambassador to China Khek Caimealy Sysoda and Lao Ambassador to China Khamphao Ernthavanh.

The PD report says that:

“The China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership came into effect at the beginning of the year, and the China-Laos Railway was successfully opened to traffic with good benefits. The parties should firmly support each other on issues concerning each others’ core interests. They should implement the important consensus reached by leaders, strengthen strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, improve the quality of economic and trade cooperation, and promote cooperation and exchanges in the fields of fighting the pandemic, people’s livelihood, and people-to-people and cultural engagement to achieve more results. China is willing to intensify multilateral coordination and cooperation with the two countries to jointly maintain regional peace and stability and safeguard international fairness and justice. China supports Cambodia as the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and is willing to work with ASEAN to jointly build a peaceful, tranquil, prosperous, beautiful and friendly region.”

Next a report about Defense Minister Wei Fenghe’s chat with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Xinhua reports:

“In the phone talks, Wei said that China and the United States should earnestly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state. China hopes to establish sound and stable major-country relations with the United States, Wei said, adding that in the meantime, China will defend its national interests and dignity. The United States should not underestimate China's determination and capability, Wei said. The two militaries should enhance mutual trust, strengthen dialogue and exchanges, manage risks and crises, and carry out practical cooperation, so as to ensure the normal and stable development of bilateral military-to-military relations, he said.”

“If the Taiwan question is not handled properly, it will have a subversive effect on China-U.S. relations, Wei stressed, adding that the Chinese military will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Austin said that the United States will strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with China in a candid and open manner, and the United States adheres to the one-China policy. Austin said that the two sides should manage competition and risks in a responsible way and properly handle the difficulties facing the two militaries. The two sides also exchanged views on issues such as maritime and air security and the situation in Ukraine.”

Finally, there’s a consolidated report about Wang Yi’s chats with the foreign ministers of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. All of these were owing to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties.

Xinhua’s report on the chat with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan:

“China will, as always, respect Armenia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and support the development path chosen by the Armenian people in light of their national conditions, Wang said. China believes that Armenia will continue to firmly support China's position on issues concerning China's core interests, adhere to the one-China policy and oppose any form of ‘Taiwan independence,’ Wang said. China welcomes Armenia's early accession to the Global Development Initiative, Wang added. Mirzoyan congratulated on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and appreciated China's firm support for Armenia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The Armenian foreign minister stressed that Armenia will continue to pursue the one-China policy and fully support China in safeguarding its core interests.”

The report on the chat with Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili:

“China and Georgia should continue to uphold the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, make overall plans for, coordinate and advance bilateral relations from a strategic, long-term and comprehensive perspective, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen practical cooperation, and push forward the sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations, he said. Georgia has an important geographical location, unique history and culture, as well as huge development potential, Wang noted, adding that China is ready to strengthen communication with Georgia in international affairs, jointly promote peaceful development, safeguard international fairness and justice, and uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law. China speaks highly of Georgia's consistent support on China's core interests and major concerns, and appreciates Georgia's adherence to the one-China policy and its opposition to "Taiwan independence" in any form, Wang said. He said China respects Georgia's independent choice of its development path, and welcomes its accession to the Global Development Initiative at an early date.”

—— Given the issues related to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, it is noteworthy that the report does not have Wang saying anything about Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Finally, the report on the chat with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov:

“As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pointed out, Azerbaijan and China are ‘true strategic partners,’ Wang said, adding China-Azerbaijan relations will have new bright prospects and will become more mature and enriched under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. Wang said that China will, as always, respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and support the Azerbaijani people in choosing their own development path in light of their own national conditions. He said he believes the Azerbaijani side will continue to support China's legitimate position on issues involving China's core interests, always follow the one-China policy, and oppose any form of ‘Taiwan independence.’ China is ready to synergize its development strategies with Azerbaijan, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, consolidate the traditional friendship between the two peoples and cement the social foundation of China-Azerbaijan relations, Wang said, adding China welcomes Azerbaijan's active participation in the Global Development Initiative.”

Page 10: Today, there’s a piece by Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui on the overall national security concept. He writes that the publication of the Study Outline of the Overall National Security Concept by the Propaganda Department and the Central National Security Commission on April 15, 2022, is “a major event in the party's ideological and theoretical construction, and provides an authoritative tutorial for studying and implementing the overall national security concept.”

He adds that “the social stability and long-term stability of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are related to the overall situation of national reform, development and stability, the reunification of the motherland, national unity, national security, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the Xinjiang Party Committee has deeply understood the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, strengthened the ‘four consciousnesses’, the ‘four self-confidences’, achieved the ‘two safeguards, and thoroughly adhered to the overall national security concept putting it into practice, completely and accurately implemented the Party’s strategy for governing Xinjiang in the new era, firmly seized the objectives of social stability and security…” 　新疆维吾尔自治区社会稳定和长治久安，关系全国改革发展稳定大局，关系祖国统一、民族团结、国家安全，关系中华民族伟大复兴。在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，自治区党委深刻领会“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”，深入践行总体国家安全观，完整准确贯彻新时代党的治疆方略，牢牢扭住社会稳定和长治久安总目标，统筹运用战略思维、法治思维、系统思维、辩证思维、底线思维，全面谋划部署、推进落实国家安全各项工作，以新疆维护社会稳定、推进长治久安的实际行动为国家安全大局做贡献.

Ma then makes five specific points:

• Adhering to strategic thinking

• Adhering to rule of law thinking particularly when it comes to political security. In this regard, he writes:

“General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that the core of political security is regime security and system security, and the most fundamental thing is to safeguard the Communist Party of China’s leadership and ruling position and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. We must persist in giving top priority to safeguarding national political security, especially the security of the regime and system, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Rule of Law, hold high the banner of socialist rule of law, put the rule of law in a more prominent and important position, and implement it in all areas of work in Xinjiang, severely crack down on ethnic divisions, religious extremism and violent terrorist forces according to law, and resolutely safeguard national security and the overall social stability of Xinjiang; carry out in-depth anti-secession struggles, deeply understand the long-term, complex, and arduous nature of Xinjiang’s anti-secession struggles, continue to deepen anti-secession struggle education across the whole society, and strictly prevent and crack down on infiltration, subversion and sabotage activities by separatist forces in accordance with the law. Carry out the fight against terrorism and de-radicalization in accordance with the law, maintain an resolute stance of cracking down and high pressure, accurately crack down on terrorism and extremism and criminal activities in accordance with the law, and resolutely prevent major violent and terrorist incidents from occurring, and will never allow the hard-won situation of stability to be reversed. Carry out in-depth de-extremification work, educate and rescue people who have been deceived by extremist ideology to the greatest extent, and ensure ideological stability…Vigorously promote border stability, focus on improving border control capabilities, secure security fences, and prevent the backward flow of overseas terrorist extremist forces.” 习近平总书记指出，政治安全的核心是政权安全和制度安全，最根本的就是维护中国共产党的领导和执政地位、维护中国特色社会主义制度。我们坚持把维护国家政治安全特别是政权安全、制度安全放在第一位，深入贯彻习近平法治思想，高举社会主义法治旗帜，把依法治疆摆在更加突出重要的位置、落实到新疆工作各个领域，依法严厉打击民族分裂、宗教极端、暴力恐怖势力，坚决维护国家安全和新疆社会大局稳定。深入开展反分裂斗争，深刻认识新疆反分裂斗争的长期性、复杂性、艰巨性，在全社会持续深化反分裂斗争教育，严密防范、依法打击分裂势力的渗透颠覆破坏活动。依法开展反恐和去极端化斗争，保持严打高压态势不动摇，依法精准打击恐怖主义和极端主义违法犯罪活动，坚决防止重大暴恐案件发生，绝不让来之不易的稳定形势发生逆转。深入开展去极端化工作，最大限度教育挽救受极端思想蛊惑的人员，确保思想稳定、安居乐业。大力推进稳边固边，着力提升边境管控能力，扎牢安全篱笆，防范境外恐怖极端势力回流。

• Third, persist in carrying out the external struggle with systematic thinking. This relates to the “separatist, infiltration and sabotage activities carried out by hostile forces at home and abroad using ethnic issues.” In other words, this is about pushing back against international criticism of China’s policies in Xinjiang. Ma says that the Party must be “clear-headed and firm” and “dare to brandish our swords in the face of right and wrong”. Some of the tactics that he talks about using are improving international communication efforts showcasing the happy lives of people in Xinjiang. He adds that “efforts will be made to improve the level of opening up to the outside world, and UN officials, foreign diplomatic envoys in China, international organizations, media reporters, religious groups, etc., will be invited to visit Xinjiang so that they can get a close and objective experience of the real Xinjiang…” Finally, he talks about strengthening the use of legal tools such as the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law in order to “counter sanctions, interference, and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ in accordance with the law” and pushing back to “resolutely counter power politics and judicial bullying, and safeguard national sovereignty, dignity and core interests.”

• Fourth, he says that it is important to balance security with development. He says: “We insist on stability as the basic premise of Xinjiang's prosperity and development, and development as the important foundation of Xinjiang’s long-term stability.”

• Fifth, adhere to bottom-line thinking and forestall and defuse risks. In this regard, Ma talks about the need to “take the initiative, improve our ability to foresee and predict risks, and strive to prevent and resolve risks and challenges affecting national unity, religious harmony, ideological security and other fields.” He essentially talks about propaganda, education, activities related to the sinicization of religion and the Party’s overall religious work along with other activities that serve the goal of “building the awareness of the Chinese nation’s community.”

Other Stories:

The lead story on the international page is a report that makes the point that the “US bears the primary responsibility for the Ukraine crisis.” The piece picks quotes from the writings of Thomas Friedman, John Mearsheimer, and George Kennan to make the point that NATO’s eastward expansion was a mistake. The piece also cites reports from foreign media outlets basically to make the point that the US instigated a colour revolution in Ukraine. Towards the end, the piece quotes former American diplomat Jack Matlock as having said that this crisis was “deliberately promoted and serves the political purposes of the United States.” Essentially, the point is that this is part of the Biden administration distracting from domestic policy failings.

On the theory page today, the focus is on the 7th of the 10 clears. The 7th clear is:

“China must uphold and improve its basic socialist economic system, see that the market plays the decisive role in resource allocation and the government plays its role better, have an accurate understanding of this new stage of development, apply a new philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development, accelerate efforts to foster a new pattern of development that is focused on the domestic economy but features positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows, promote high-quality development, and balance development and security imperatives.”

Finally, let’s look at Xi’s speech at the Boao Forum for Asia

This is the state of the world as he describes it:

“Right now, changes of the world, of our times and of history are unfolding in ways like never before. These changes are posing challenges that must be taken seriously by humanity. We have yet to walk from the shadow of a once-in-a-century pandemic, but new traditional security risks are already emerging. The weak and faltering global economic recovery is compounded by a widening development gap. While governance deficit in areas like climate change has hardly been addressed, new issues such as digital governance are also vying for attention. Viewed in such a context, the theme of this year’s Annual Conference ‘The World in COVID-19 & Beyond: Working Together for Global Development and Shared Future’ cannot be more relevant.”

In terms of focus areas, he talks about dealing with the pandemic and the economic recovery. 

“Uneven recovery is aggravating inequality across the world, further widening the North-South divide. We should stay committed to building an open world economy, stay on top of the dominant trend of economic globalization, increase macro policy coordination, turn to science and technology for more growth drivers, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and prevent serious negative spillovers from policy adjustments in some countries, all in an effort to promote balanced, coordinated and inclusive global development…We should pay due attention to the pressing needs of developing countries and advance practical cooperation in such key areas as poverty reduction, food security, development financing and industrialization, in a bid to address uneven and inadequate development. The Global Development Initiative (GDI) I proposed last year has been echoed and supported by the United Nations and other international organizations and nearly 100 countries.”

On security issues, he said:

“It has been proven time and again that the Cold War mentality would only wreck the global peace framework, that hegemonism and power politics would only endanger world peace, and that bloc confrontation would only exacerbate security challenges in the 21st century. To promote security for all in the world, China would like to propose a Global Security Initiative as follows:

It is important that we stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work together to maintain world peace and security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and respect the independent choices of development paths and social systems made by people in different countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, reject the Cold War mentality, oppose unilateralism, and say no to group politics and bloc confrontation; stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, uphold the principle of indivisible security, build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the pursuit of one's own security at the cost of others' security; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises, reject double standards, and oppose the wanton use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction; stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, and work together on regional disputes and global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity.”

Speaking about global governance, he said that all countries were like passengers aboard a giant ship and “the thought of throwing anyone overboard is simply not acceptable.” He added:

“In today's world, unilateralism and excessive pursuit of self-interest are doomed to fail; so are the practices of decoupling, supply disruption and maximum pressure; so are the attempts to forge "small circles" or to stoke conflict and confrontation along ideological lines. Instead, we need to embrace a global governance philosophy that emphasizes extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, promote the common values of humanity, and advocate exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations. We need to uphold true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. It is particularly important for major countries to lead by example in honoring equality, cooperation, good faith and the rule of law, and act in a way befitting their status.”

In the next bit of his speech, Xi talked about making Asia “an anchor for world peace, a powerhouse for global growth and a new pacesetter for international cooperation.” He outlined three points:

• Maintaining peace in Asia. In this regard, Xi talked about the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit” and the need for “mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, follow a policy of good-neighborliness and friendship, and make sure that we always keep our future in our own hands.”

• Second, he talked about the need for greater Asian economic cooperation. 

• Third, he talked about “Asian unity.” “Choosing dialogue and cooperation over zero-sum games, openness and inclusiveness over a closed-door and exclusive approach, and exchanges and mutual learning over a sense of superiority: this is the only choice worthy of the broad-mindedness of Asians. We should cement ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and uphold a regional order that balances the aspirations and accommodates the interests of all parties.”

Finally, he talked about the resilience of the Chinese economy and the commitment to opening up. He added: “China will implement the RCEP in full, seek the conclusion of high-standard FTAs with more countries and regions, and actively work for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). China will press ahead with high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to make it high-standard, sustainable and people-centered. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, and always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.”