Xi's BRICS Forum Speech - Commission for Deepening Reform on Data & Payments Companies - Pushing BRICS+ & Dialogue on Global Development - Wang Yi meets New Indian Amb. - Protocols for Online Anchors
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Thursday, June 23, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: Let’s begin with a report on Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum. The full speech is on page 2, and the full English text is available here. This is a really interesting speech. It paints a very grim picture of the global security and economic environment; and it appears that Xi is rather clear about who is to blame for the situation.
“First, we should embrace solidarity and coordination and jointly maintain world peace and stability. We in China believe that ‘history, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future’. In the past century, humanity have gone through the scourge of two world wars and the dark shadow of the Cold War. The tragedies of the past tell us that hegemony, group politics and bloc confrontation bring no peace or security; they only lead to wars and conflicts. The Ukraine crisis is another wake-up call for all in the world. It reminds us that blind faith in the so-called ‘position of strength’ and attempts to expand military alliances and seek one's own security at the expense of others will only land oneself in a security dilemma. History tells us that peace, which is the common cause of humanity, should be pursued and defended by all. Only when we all cherish and uphold peace and never forget the painful lessons of war can there be hope of peace. Facing a volatile and unstable world, we should stay true to the pledge of the UN Charter and fulfill the mission of maintaining peace. Not long ago, I put forward the Global Security Initiative, calling on all countries to stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation; and stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. We in the international community should reject zero-sum games and jointly oppose hegemonism and power politics. We should build a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. We should be clear that we are a community in which all countries share a common stake, and we should see that the light of peace will reach all corners of the world.”
The second point was about development challenges. In this regard, he pitched the GDI. He added that “in two days, China will host the High-level Dialogue on Global Development to discuss ways to promote global development.”
In the third point, he said that “some important industrial and supply chains are suffering from deliberate disruptions, commodity prices remain high and are fluctuating, global inflation keeps rising, the international financial market is in turmoil, and global economic recovery is losing steam. People have reason to be concerned that the world economy might slip into a crisis…We should come together with a united purpose and strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination to prevent the slowdown and even halt of the global recovery. Major developed countries should adopt responsible economic policies and avoid negative policy spillovers that may take a heavy toll on developing countries. It has been proved time and again that sanctions are a boomerang and a double-edged sword. To politicize the global economy and turn it into one's tool or weapon, and willfully impose sanctions by using one's primary position in the international financial and monetary systems will only end up hurting one's own interests as well as those of others, and inflict suffering on everyone.”
Fourth, he talked about the importance of inclusiveness and openness, and free flow of capital and technology. He said that for some time, “economic globalization has faced headwinds and countercurrents. Some countries attempt to decouple with others, sever supply chains and build ‘a small yard with high fences’. There is widespread concern in the international community that should such a tendency continue, the global economy will become compartmentalized and mutually exclusive. Economic globalization is a response to development of productivity and, as such, represents an unstoppable historical trend. Anyone who attempts to turn back the wheel of history and block others' way will only have his own path blocked.”
Xi also defended China’s zero-COVID policy:
“China has risen to various challenges and taken well-coordinated steps to respond to COVID-19 and pursue economic and social development. Putting the people and their lives first, China has built a strong line of defense against the virus, and consolidated the gains made in COVID-19 response. Thanks to these efforts, we have protected people's lives and health and ensured overall stable performance in economic and social development to the maximum extent possible.”
The other top story on the page is about the 26th meeting of the central commission for deepening overall reform, which Xi chaired. The meeting cleared two guidelines, i.e., on accelerating the construction of basic systems for data and improving the work on administrative divisions, along with work plans to conduct pilot reforms of scientific and technological personnel evaluation and strengthen supervision over major payment platform enterprises.
Xi chaired the meeting. He said that:
He said that the “construction of the data infrastructure system is related to the overall situation of national development and security. It is necessary to maintain national data security, protect personal information and commercial secrets, promote the efficient circulation and use of data, empower the real economy, and make overall plans to promote data property rights, circulation transactions, income distribution, security governance, and speed up the construction of data infrastructure systems.”
He called to “enhance the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee on work regarding administrative divisions, ensure solid overall planning and avert unregulated and disorderly acts.”
On tech talents, he spoke about the importance of building an evaluation system for scientific and technological personnel that is oriented toward innovation, capability and contribution.
On payments platforms, Xi said that it is important for these entities to to return to their roots, improve regulation, strengthen institutional weak links, ensure the security of payment and financial infrastructure, and guard against and defuse potential systemic financial risks; he called for support for platform companies in playing a bigger role in serving the real economy and smoothing the ‘dual circulation’ of domestic and international markets.
习近平在主持会议时强调，数据基础制度建设事关国家发展和安全大局，要维护国家数据安全，保护个人信息和商业秘密，促进数据高效流通使用、赋能实体经济，统筹推进数据产权、流通交易、收益分配、安全治理，加快构建数据基础制度体系。要加强党中央对行政区划工作的集中统一领导，做好统筹规划，避免盲目无序。要遵循科技创新规律和人才成长规律，以激发科技人才创新活力为目标，按照创新活动类型，构建以创新价值、能力、贡献为导向的科技人才评价体系，引导人尽其才、才尽其用、用有所成。要推动大型支付和金融科技平台企业回归本源，健全监管规则，补齐制度短板，保障支付和金融基础设施安全，防范化解系统性金融风险隐患，支持平台企业在服务实体经济和畅通国内国际双循环等方面发挥更大作用.
On data, the meeting “called for establishing a data property right system, as well as mechanisms concerning the circulation, transaction and revenue distribution of data factors. Security should be emphasised throughout the whole process of data governance, it stressed, saying that the country will build a multi-party data governance pattern involving government, enterprises and society, and tighten industry-specific and cross-industrial regulations.”
The PD report adds that the meeting said that the data property rights system must entail classification and grading of public data, enterprise data, and personal data, along with rules for holding, processing and using data. 要建立数据产权制度，推进公共数据、企业数据、个人数据分类分级确权授权使用，建立数据资源持有权、数据加工使用权、数据产品经营权等分置的产权运行机制，健全数据要素权益保护制度.
Further on fintech and platform companies, the report says that:
“It is necessary to strengthen the supervision of financial holding companies, the supervision of platform enterprises participating in financial holding institutions, and the supervision of internet financial services including deposits, loans and insurance. It is necessary to protect the legitimate rights and interests of financial consumers, strengthen the anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition supervision of platform enterprises, strengthen the supervision of platform enterprises engaging in data accumulation/capture (沉淀数据), and regulate the misuse of big data and algorithm-based discrimination.
Finally, on the page is the Shaanxi chapter in the series on following Xi’s footprints.
Page 2: First, a report about the 13th China-ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting. Xinhua reports:
“‘In November last year, President Xi Jinping and the leaders of ASEAN countries announced the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, which is a new milestone in the history of bilateral relations,’ said General Wei Fenghe, adding that over the past 30 years, China-ASEAN friendly cooperation has yielded fruitful results. China and ASEAN should continuously adhere to mutual respect, openness and inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, make joint efforts to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future, and an institutionalized system for defense and security cooperation, to maintain regional security. On the South China Sea issue, all parties involved should exclude interference, adhere to the ‘dual-track approach’, and make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, said General Wei Fenghe.”
Second a report compiling a few of Wang Yi’s meetings:
Wang Yi met with outgoing South Korean ambassador Jang Ha-sung. Xinhua reported:
“Wang said China's friendly policy toward the ROK has not changed, and China will continue to place the ROK in an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy. He said China hopes the new ROK government will also continue to adhere to its friendly policy toward China. The two sides should take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to push the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, Wang said, adding both sides should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly maintain regional peace and stability, and work together for global development and prosperity in the face of challenges.”
Wang Yi met with the new Indian ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat. Xinhua reported:
“Wang said that China and India's common interests far outweigh their differences, adding that the two sides should support rather than undermine each other, strengthen cooperation rather than guard against each other, and enhance mutual trust rather than be suspicious of each other. The Chinese foreign minister said the two sides should meet each other halfway to push bilateral relations back onto the track of stable and healthy development at an early date, jointly address various global challenges, and safeguard the common interests of China and India as well as the vast number of developing countries. He called on both sides to adhere to the important strategic consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, insist on placing the border issue in a proper position within bilateral ties, and seek solutions through dialogue and consultation. China and India should also give full play to their traditional advantages in people-to-people and cultural exchanges, continuously expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and work together to create a better future for mankind, he added.”
Third, there’s an essay by Zhang Jun, PRC’s Permanent Representative to the UN. The piece is basically a preview of the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, which will be held on June 24. He says that the Global Development Initiative aims to encourage the international community to “uphold openness and inclusiveness, enhance solidarity and cooperation, and earnestly fulfil its commitment to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” He adds that the GDI gives developing countries “hope” and “will help people of all countries realise their yearning for a better life.”
“Based on China’s experience, GDI fully considers the needs of all parties, and takes areas related to people’s livelihood and well-being, such as poverty reduction, food security, pandemic and vaccine-related concerns, financing for development, climate change and green development as the focus of cooperation. All parties are looking forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation and seeking common development under the framework of the initiative.” 全球发展倡议立足中国经验，充分考虑各方需要，将减贫、粮食安全、抗疫和疫苗、发展筹资、气候变化和绿色发展等关乎民生福祉的领域作为合作重点。各方普遍期待在倡议框架下加强交流合作，谋求共同发展.
He adds that GDI encourages countries to align development strategies and pursue pragmatic cooperation, strengthen policy exchanges and experience sharing, and jointly address risks and challenges related to development. It also welcomes suggestions from think tanks, enterprises, international institutions, civil organisations and other sectors to promote the building of a broad global development partnership. 全球发展倡议鼓励各国开展战略对接和务实合作，加强政策交流和经验分享，共同应对发展领域风险挑战，并欢迎智库、企业、国际机构、民间组织等各界建言献策，推动构建广泛的全球发展伙伴关系.
Fourth, there’s an article by Zou Xiaoli, China’s ambassador to Argentina. He talks about the China-Argentina relationship, but the key point of the article is in the context of the BRICS+ platform.
“At present, the effects of the once-in-a-century changes and once-in-a-century pandemic are intertwined. The recovery of the world economy is fragile and weak, and the gap between the North and the South is widening. Emerging markets and developing countries share a common destiny, and the appeal of the BRICS spirit and the attraction of BRICS cooperation mechanism are increasing. As a big Latin American country and an important developing country, Argentina highly concurs with the win-win cooperation concept of BRICS countries, focusing on development and people’s livelihood and well-being, supports the practice of multilateralism and the construction of a fair and reasonable international order, positively evaluates the important role played by the BRICS New Development Bank in global financial governance, and hopes to further cooperate closely with the world’s most important emerging markets and developing countries, in order to achieve high-quality and sustainable development in the fields of economy, society, science and technology, environmental protection, etc., and promote the construction of fair, open, balanced and inclusive development.” 当前，百年变局和世纪疫情叠加影响，世界经济复苏脆弱乏力，南北发展鸿沟加剧。新兴市场和发展中国家命运相连、安危与共，金砖精神的号召力、金砖国家合作机制的吸引力日益上升。作为拉美大国和重要发展中国家，阿根廷高度认同金砖国家聚焦发展和民生福祉的合作共赢理念，支持践行多边主义和构建公正合理的国际秩序，积极评价金砖国家新开发银行在全球金融治理中发挥的重要作用，希望进一步密切同全球最重要的新兴市场和发展中国家合作，助力本国在经济、社会、科技、环保等领域实现高质量、可持续发展，推动构建公平、开放、均衡、包容的发展环境.
Page 3: There’s a piece on Xi’s diplomacy.
It says that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi has stood at the height of the development process of human history and with a global vision and a sense of responsibility as a leader of a major country, he has put forward a series of new ideas, propositions and initiatives with Chinese characteristics, embodying the spirit of the times and leading the trend of human development and progress, thereby establishing Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy has clearly and incisively answered a series of major theoretical and practical questions, such as what kind of world should China promote, what kind of international relations should China build, what kind of diplomacy China needs to engage in in the new situation, and how to conduct diplomacy, etc, pointing the way forward for Chinese diplomacy. 党的十八大以来，习近平主席站在人类历史发展进程的高度，以大国领袖的全球视野和使命担当，提出一系列富有中国特色、体现时代精神、引领人类发展进步潮流的新理念新主张新倡议，形成了习近平外交思想。习近平外交思想鲜明而精辟地回答了中国应推动建设什么样的世界、构建什么样的国际关系，新形势下中国需要什么样的外交、怎样办外交等一系列重大理论和实践问题，为新时代中国对外工作指明了前进方向.
The piece says that in pursuing these goals, Xi has proposed the concept of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind. The piece mentions BRI, GDI and GSI as propositions that facilitate the building of this community. On BRI, the piece says that there are 149 countries and 32 international organisations that have signed partnership agreements. Also, it says that BRI’s success is attributed to Xi’s “personal planning and support.”
Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era has been responsible for the country, the nation and the people, and has contributed to the sustainable and peaceful development of the world, showcasing to the world China’s broad and magnificent international vision and its confidence as a responsible major country with the demeanour of self-confidence and self-determination. 浩渺行无极，扬帆但信风。在以同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，新时代中国特色大国外交为国家、民族、人民担当，为世界永续和平发展贡献力量，让世界感受到负责任大国宽广恢宏的国际视野和自信从容、立己达人的格局风范.
On page 7, there are other reports backing up this argument about China’s major country diplomacy.
Page 4: There’s a report about the State Council’s weekly meeting. Li Keqiang chaired the meeting. Xinhua reports:
“China will adopt continued measures for flood control and disaster relief to earnestly protect people's lives and property, according to a decision made at the State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on June 22. The meeting also heard a report on stabilizing grain production, with further steps adopted to secure a bumper harvest for the whole year.”
It added: “Noting a complex and challenging international environment with serious inflation, the meeting stressed the imperative to stay focused on managing China's own affairs well. Thanks to the hard work by various sides on grain production, a bumper harvest of summer wheat with higher output is secured for this year, and grain quality is better than average years. The yields of coarse cereals and common beans have increased modestly, and output of canola seed has notably risen. Nearly 80 percent of summer sowing of corn and other crops has been completed. Early-season rice and autumn grains are growing well. It is vital that due responsibilities continue to be fully discharged to ensure that the annual grain output stays above 650 billion kilos…It is important to effectively carry out the procurement and storage of grains harvested in summer and encourage market entities under various forms of ownership to join in the procurement to ensure the quality and quantity of grains in granaries. It is essential to keep up with the farming schedule and ensure the acreage for summer planting. Efforts will be made to round up corn sowing, ensure stable acreage for late-season rice, and apply intercropping of corn and soybean. Farmland management for autumn crops will be strengthened, and preparedness against floods, droughts in the hottest summer days, plant diseases, pests and other disasters will be enhanced. Meanwhile, efforts will be made to ensure production of pork and other daily grocery supplies.”
In addition, the meeting discussed automobile consumption:
“Used car markets will be boosted to promote the purchase of new automobiles in replacement of old ones. For noncommercial light-duty vehicles, starting from August 1, restrictions on the cross-regional transfer of those that meet the national stage V emission standard will be lifted nationwide. Consumption of new energy vehicles will be supported. Extension of the tax exemption policy for new energy vehicle purchases, which is to expire by the end of the year, will be explored in light of current conditions. Local protectionist measures on the new energy vehicle market will be removed. These policies, once enforced, are estimated to increase auto and related consumption by about 200 billion yuan (about $29.8 billion).”
Second, there’s a report (English report) about Li Zhanshu speaking at a symposium of NPC deputies. Li called on them to become a “good bridge between the party and the state and the people.” They should “maintain unity with the CPC Central Committee, and perform their duties bearing in mind the big picture of the Party and the country, as well as the people's fundamental interests. Lawmakers should take the lead in implementing the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans while explaining and publicizing to the people the CPC Central Committee's major policies”
Third, a report on Guo Shengkun’s visit to Guangdong. Guangdong Secretary Li Xi accompanied Guo in Guangzhou. Guo spoke about the importance of being guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, strengthening the four consciousness, four self-confidences, achieving the two safeguards; carrying forward the spirit of innovation, and enhancing the sense of responsibility; along with doing one’s best to prevent risks, ensure safety, and protect stability, while promoting the high-quality development of political and legal work in the new era, and taking practical actions to greet the 20th Party Congress. 中共中央政治局委员、中央政法委书记郭声琨6月18日至21日在广东调研时强调，要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，深入学习贯彻习近平法治思想，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，弘扬创新精神，增强责任意识，全力做好防风险、保安全、护稳定各项工作，在推动新时代政法工作高质量发展中走在前列，以实际行动迎接党的二十大胜利召开。中共中央政治局委员、广东省委书记李希在广州一同调研.
Fourth, a report confirming that Jing Junhai has been elected as Jilin’s Party Secretary.
Page 11: Three interesting stories to note. First, the Beijing municipal government has introduced 17 measures to support the development of tech enterprises in the city. The measures cover five key areas: technology, capital, talent, market and space. The measures include enhanced financing support, encouragement to increase R&D investment, support for financial institutions to develop special credit products for tech enterprises, strengthening linkages with government-guided funds, support for listing on the Beijing Stock Exchange, facilitation for hiring the required talents, support for training of talents, etc.
The report informs that the number of high-tech enterprises in Beijing in 2021 was 27,600, ranking first among all cities in China. According to annual reporting data from high-tech enterprises, their total income was 6.56 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 43.38%; the total amount of tax paid by such enterprises was 239.849 billion yuan, up by 53.31% year-on-year.
Second, a report informing that the National Radio and Television Administration and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture have jointly issued a set of regulatory protocols for webcast anchors. Xinhua English reports:
“The protocols apply to performers who provide webcast, video, and audio services via the internet and also serve as references for virtual anchors powered by AI technology. According to the protocols, webcast anchors should maintain the right tone in political orientation, public communication, and values and actively embody core socialist values. Content creators in fields with relatively high thresholds -- such as health, finance, law, and education -- should obtain professional qualifications before their online performance, said the protocols. The protocols draw a set of bottom lines for internet performers and prohibit content that violates laws, breaches public order, willfully promotes improper topics, induces dangerous behaviors or bad habits among juniors, and instigates cyberspace violence, among others. The document also requires relevant authorities to tighten their accountability and internal regulations in managing internet performers and specifies a range of penalties for violations of the protocols.”
The protocol also talks about a warning list and blacklist system.
Page 15: A report informing us about the measure of the employment challenge that China faces. It says that the central government and its directly affiliated institutions and local organs at all levels will further absorb college graduates this year. A total of 116,000 fresh graduates are to be recruited, which is 9,000 more than last year. 在前两年连续扩大招录高校毕业生规模的基础上，2022年中央机关及其直属机构与地方各级机关公务员招录进一步吸纳高校毕业生，共计划招录11.6万名应届生，比去年增加0.9万名.
Just to add to this, a report in China Daily earlier this week offered more information on the challenges that graduates are facing.
“To help stabilize the job market and promote the employment of young people, central departments have released tailored policies in the past few months. Earlier this month, four central departments including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security released a notice to encourage college graduates to take grassroots jobs in communities and villages. The notice said that all new vacancies at community-level organizations and government bodies are open to college graduates, while more jobs should be offered to those who are warm-hearted and have a passion for serving at grassroots organizations. Organizations such as nursing homes, childcare centers and domestic service centers are required to step up their efforts to recruit more college graduates. The notice said that a batch of internship bases will be established in urban communities and villages to motivate college graduates to land jobs or start their own businesses.”
Meanwhile, the SASAC has also urged all centrally-administered SOEs and local departments to expand their current recruitment and talent pool to create more job opportunities.