Xi's Heilongjiang Visit - Development of Northeastern Provinces - Xi Inspects 78th Group Army - Claiming Victory for AU's G20 Entry - Managing the Relationship between Tradition & Modernity
Before getting to today’s edition, let me cover the two key reports from Saturday and Sunday.
Comment: My three big takeaways from these two reports are as follows.
First, Xi Jinping doesn’t seem to be too thrilled with the development of the country’s northeastern provinces. In fact, at times, he sounds rather annoyed. For example, at one point, he calls on the region to “actively align itself with national strategic needs, integrate and optimise innovation resources in science and education, and increase investment in research and development, so as to have more key and core technologies.” In essence, he’s telling the regional leadership that they have not done enough to align with national priorities. Later, he also bemoans the talent drain from the region, and points to the need for more infrastructure development. And at one point, he is rather direct in pointing out local officials’ laxity, saying that “it is imperative for the region to be more conscious of its role as a frontier and of opening up.”
Second, do note Xi’s remarks on strengthening SOEs, “promote the flow of state-owned capital to important industries and key areas”, and the need to “support, encourage and guide the healthy development of the private economy.” I would think that this is an important signal ahead of the third plenary session.
Finally, I have highlighted a lot of noteworthy points in the coverage below. These are not just about the northeast but also systemic directives. For instance, at one point, Xi talks about the “three distinctions” when it comes to evaluating officials’ conduct. I think this is a broader systemic point. Likewise, he stresses on the need to prioritise “fact-finding” in cadres’ work, which again is a systemic point.
Anyway, now onto the reports. On Saturday, the People’s Daily’s front page covered Xi Jinping’s inspection tour of Heilongjiang. Cai Qi, He Lifeng and Li Ganjie accompanied Xi. Xinhua English has the full translation of the report.
From September 6 to 8, accompanied by Xu Qin, secretary of the CPC Committee of Heilongjiang Province and Liang Huiling, governor of the province, Xi visited the Dahinggan Mountains, the city of Harbin and other places, inspecting sites including a forest farm, villages and a university and meeting with residents in flood-hit areas under post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
First, in the city of Mohe in the Dahinggan Mountains, he inspected the natural forest of a forest farm. Xinhua says “Xi noted that equal emphasis must be placed on afforestation and forest protection, and it is urgent to make preparations in advance to preempt possible risks in order to make sure that the achievements made in decades, centuries and millennia will not be ruined overnight.”
“Subsequently, Xi rode to the northernmost village Beijicun, or North Pole Village, a riverside border village, where he was briefed how tourism with local characteristics was developed and how the locals turned their ecological advantages into development impetus. Xi noted that forests are a great treasure trove that combines reservoirs, grain depots, bank vaults and carbon pools. He stressed the awareness that larger green coverage and forests mean stronger strengths and more wealth, calling for measures to enable people to increase their income through ‘under-forest economy’ on the basis of ecological conservation…He urged policy support from local CPC committees and governments to ensure the development of both "under-forest economy" and tourist industry, in a bid to generate more income for local people from the local snow and ice resources.”
On the next day, he visited Longwangmiao Village in Shangzhi City of Harbin, “which bore the brunt of the recent flooding.”
“Winter in northeast China comes early and lasts longer than in other parts of the country, so it is necessary to ensure the affected people have a warm and safe home through the winter, which requires local Party committees and governments to make plans in time and take proactive actions, take into more detailed and comprehensive consideration all matters concerning people's production and life, such as food, drinking, living, transportation, employment, education, medical care and epidemic prevention, and leave no room for mistakes and accidents, he said. It is imperative to speed up the repair of damaged houses, accelerate post-disaster reconstruction, minimize agricultural losses caused by disasters, and ensure the security of the affected people, he added. Seeing the general secretary coming, local villagers and construction workers gathered around to greet him. He kindly told everyone that the Party and the government are very concerned about residents in the disaster-hit areas, and have always stood hand in hand with the people through thick and thin, hoping that the villagers will work together under the leadership of Party organizations to overcome difficulties and strive to build a better home.”
Next, Xi went to Harbin Engineering University. “Xi urged Harbin Engineering University to carry forward the fine traditions of its predecessor People's Liberation Army Military Institute of Engineering, and meet the requirements for building a great modern socialist country and a strong military by doing a good job in work related to education, science and technology and talent, so as to make new contributions to building China into a leading country in education, science and technology and talent.”
On the 8th morning, Xi received a briefing by the CPC Committee of Heilongjiang Province and the provincial government on their work.
“Xi noted that it is imperative to lead the overall industrial revitalization by sci-tech innovation. Based on the existing industrial foundation, solid steps should be taken to promote the high-quality development of advanced manufacturing, and efforts should be accelerated to advance the upgrading of traditional manufacturing. The role of sci-tech innovation as a driving force should be given full play to improve the primary, secondary and tertiary industries in an all-round way, and constant efforts should be made to optimize the economic structure and adjust the industrial structure. Resources for sci-tech innovation should be integrated to guide the development of strategic emerging industries and future industries, so as to form new productive forces. The core competitiveness of state-owned enterprises should be strengthened, while the sound development of the private sector should be guided, and a series of industrial clusters should be created to further strengthen and expand the real economy. Enterprises should be where most sci-tech advances are applied to improve the rate of such application. Proactive efforts are required of the province to align its development with the national industrial and supply chains, and do a good job in developing its competitive industries and its niche areas in certain industries so that its economy will better integrate with the unified national market and play a bigger role in fostering interplay between domestic and international economic flows. The province is urged to adhere to green development by strengthening the innovation in green development technologies so as to establish a green, low-carbon, circular economy.” (Comment: Do note the remark about guiding the development of the private sector and the strengthening of SoEs.)
Xi stressed that Heilongjiang should serve as the ballast of national food security. It is necessary for the province to develop modern large-scale agriculture, accelerate the development of large agricultural bases, big corporations and industries, and take the lead in achieving modernization in agricultural equipment, science and technology, operation and management, widely applying information technology and realizing the sustainable use of resources. It is vital to strengthen the application of digital and biological technologies. Priority should be given to turning the black soil into high-standard farmland, and at the same time, work must be done to protect such soil. Greater importance must be attached to the development of science and technology in agriculture so as to advance the development of high-tech agriculture, green agriculture and quality and brand-based agriculture in a coordinated manner. It is important to promote the project of upgrading modern seed industry and wide application of the advanced and applicable science and technology as well as high-end agricultural equipment in a bid to develop the circular economy in agriculture. Agricultural operation models should be innovated while scale operation and commercial agricultural services should be developed. Food and fodder industrial clusters should be created to improve the overall efficacy of grain production. Work should be done to accelerate the revitalization of rural areas so as to provide modern living and working conditions for rural residents.”
He then talked about developing “cultural tourism with distinctive features in the province”. This includes the “snow economy”. In addition, he said that “it is essential to improve the infrastructure and develop tourism along the border areas so as to bring prosperity to people in these areas and maintain stability there.” In the next paragraph, the report says:
“Xi stressed the importance of developing a new gateway for northward opening up. It is imperative to better coordinate trade, investment, channels and platforms, and take bold steps in such areas as market access, flows of factors, and institutional opening up, so as to create a new paradigm for opening up on all fronts. Construction of key land routes, river and sea lanes, and energy pipelines should be accelerated to optimize transportation networks open to Northeast Asia. The province is urged to develop free trade zones and comprehensive bonded zones to better integrate with the Belt and Road Initiative and play an active part in regional cooperation.”
The final paragraph has Xi discussing the Xi Thought education campaign. He said that with the “first round of the education campaign” ending “work must be done to make rectifications and formulate regulations, so as to turn what has proved effective in the program into long-term methods. It is necessary to develop long-term mechanisms to promote theoretical study, fact-finding missions, high-quality development, close contact with the people, and prevent pointless formalities and bureaucratism, and build on the outcomes of the theoretical study program. Since the second round of the education campaign has commenced, those in charge in all localities should plan and arrange the program in a reasonable and coordinated way, and provide targeted guidance to ensure solid outcomes.”
On Sunday, the top story in the paper was about Xi presiding over a meeting in Harbin on September 7 to discuss “the full revitalization of northeast China in the new era.” Again, Xinhua English has the full report. Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the meeting. Xinhua says that Zheng Shanjie, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, Hao Peng, secretary of the CPC Committee of Liaoning Province, Jing Junhai, secretary of the CPC Committee of Jilin Province, Xu Qin, secretary of the CPC Committee of Heilongjiang Province, and Sun Shaocheng, secretary of the CPC Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region delivered speeches about the work on promoting the full revitalization of northeast China, and put forward opinions and suggestions.
After this, Xi spoke. He said that since the last such meeting in 2018, all provinces in the northeast “have made new progress and achievements.” “The region's role as a ‘ballast’ to secure national food security has been further cemented, the foundation of its industrial security continuously consolidated, its role of energy security protection continuously strengthened, its function as ecological security barrier constantly strengthened, its ability to safeguard national defense steadily improved, and reform and opening-up in the region has taken on a new look.”
“Currently, the full revitalization of northeast China is embracing new major opportunities:
Efforts to build self-reliance and strength in science and technology at higher levels will help the region turn its strengths in science, education and industries into growth advantages
The building of a new development pattern further highlights the region's significant strategic position
To promote Chinese modernization, northeast China's role as a strategic pillar needs to be bolstered.”
He then stressed on promoting industrial innovation with sci-tech innovation, and accelerating the development of a modern industrial system.
“In the course of fully revitalizing the region, it is a must to develop the real economy, encourage sci-tech innovation, and promote the upgrading of its industries. While focusing on independent innovation, which holds the key to development, the region must consolidate what it has achieved, boost further development, extend its industrial chain, and increase its added value. Efforts should be made to accelerate the transformation of the traditional manufacturing industry in terms of digital, internet and intelligent technologies, and extend the industrial chain upstream and downstream, so as to form a complete industrial chain and industrial cluster. Northeast China should actively align itself with national strategic needs, integrate and optimize innovation resources in science and education, and increase investment in research and development, so as to have more key and core technologies. While building more industrial parks, the region needs to deepen pairing-off cooperation, and facilitate the application of scientific research outcomes. It is necessary to foster strategic emerging industries including new energy, new materials, advanced manufacturing and electronic information, and nurture industries of the future, in a bid to create new productivity boosters and new growth impetus. The region should speed up the development of clean energy such as wind, photovoltaic and nuclear power, and establish energy bases integrating wind, photovoltaic, fossil and nuclear power as well as energy storage. It is also urgent to intensify the conservation and utilization of ecological resources, and make full use of the region's advantages in ecological environment and biological resources, so as to develop modern biology, big data and other emerging industries with characteristics, and boost the development of the ice and snow economy and the marine economy. It's vital to further the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOE), implement special actions for their revitalization, improve their core competitiveness, promote the flow of state-owned capital to important industries and key areas, in a bid to strengthen their strategic supporting role. It is also important to innovate the cooperation model between central SOEs and local governments, and promote such integrated development to better drive the growth of the local economy. It is imperative to support, encourage and guide the healthy development of the private economy, implement more preferential policies for small and medium-sized enterprises, and create a good environment for the common development of enterprises of various types of ownership.”
The next bit is on developing agriculture and the modernization of agriculture and rural areas. Xi said that the region must “prioritize food security and improve its comprehensive grain production capacity, so as to ensure sufficient grain production and supply in normal times, and enough surplus to provide in extreme cases.” He added: “We need to practice a ‘Greater Food’ approach, develop and utilize various resources in northeast China rationally, and actively develop modern ecological aquaculture, to build agriculture into a big industry, in which the planting of food crops, cash crops, and feed crops are planned together, and agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishing are developed together…”
“It is imperative for the region to be more conscious of its role as a frontier and of opening up, strengthen its ties with coastal areas in east China and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and integrate itself more deeply into the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to play a bigger role in boosting the domestic flow of the economy and connecting the domestic and international markets. It is also imperative to systematically arrange the construction of modern infrastructure system in northeast China, speed up feasibility study and the building of oil and gas pipelines, high-speed railway and rail networks, new power grids and power delivery channels and the new generation of mobile communication and data networks, and further efforts to dovetail with major national strategies such as the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the large-scale development of the western region of China, so as to ensure that northeast China can be better integrated into the unified national market. Institutional opening-up covering rules, regulations, management and standards should also be steadily expanded. Ports of entry should also see their capability of customs clearance improved and relevant procedures simplified.”
In the next bit, Xi said that “the overall population quality should be improved.” Under this, he talked about the need for better childcare services “to alleviate the burden of giving birth, raising and educating children on households and keep the birth rate and population within an appropriate range.” He talked about the need to “develop basic education and increase support for northeast China to run and operate more higher education institutions.”
He added:
“We will provide more supportive policies for the region's talent revitalization, and create more platforms for people to start businesses and engage in innovation, to support the region to retain its existing workforce while introducing new talent. We should also speed up efforts to plan and arrange the construction of infrastructure such as transportation, communication, energy and water conservancy in border areas, and build more public service facilities in villages in border areas so as to promote rural revitalization in all respects, Xi said. He added that it's imperative to retain the existing population while at the same time encouraging the development of industries with distinctive features such as border trade, border tourism and agricultural product processing. More support will be given to building new education institutes providing vocational courses in border cities, and efforts will be made to enhance industrial loading capacity of counties and small townships and their capabilities to increase population. Stronger supportive policies for assisting the protection of border areas will be implemented.”
“Xi called for efforts to further improve the political landscape and create a sound business environment…Party members, officials should be guided in having a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, and motivated to be engaged in undertakings with enthusiasm. The work to improve conduct and build integrity within the Party should be strengthened to make Party members not have the audacity, opportunity and desire to become corrupt. It is imperative to strictly implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, urge Party members, officials, especially leading officials, to keep clean and honest in conducting political affairs and performing their duties. They are required to emancipate their minds, change traditional views, enhance market awareness, gain a stronger sense of service, and overcome pointless formalities and bureaucratism. It is crucial to develop a cordial and clean relationship between government and businesses across the board. Party members and officials need to provide support to private enterprises, taking the initiative to tackle the difficulties they face while keeping themselves clean and honest. They need to be adept at using law-based mentality and means to resolve problems, defuse tensions, and coordinate relations. In addition, it is vital to build integrity and credibility among the public, strengthen intellectual property right protection, combat and root out organized crime on regular basis so as to create a stable, transparent, regular, and predictable business environment under the rule of law. No effort should be spared to defuse local debt risks, speed up the risk management of small and medium-sized financial institutions, and strengthen financial supervision mechanism so as to create a sound financial environment.”
“Work should be strengthened to send officials from northeast China on secondment to departments of the CPC Central Committee and the central government, as well as to the southeast coastal region, and the other way round, so as to optimize the structure of official ranks, and improve their competence. It is important to manage officials in a strict manner, but they must be given enough care for their all-round development. In terms of officials' conduct, three distinctions should be made, namely the distinction between errors due to lack of experience and illegal actions, errors from trials and actions in defiance of laws and regulations, and negligence resulting from the pursuit of development and the illegal actions for personal gains. The mechanism to motivate and protect officials who are active to perform their duties should be optimized to create an environment, in which those competent are promoted, those mediocre are demoted, and those incompetent are dismissed.”
He then talked about the Xi thought education campaign. Xi said that “a good job must be done to establish connection between the first and the second round of theoretical study program, and implement the targets and measures of the CPC Central Committee. It is imperative to deepen the theoretical study, enhance cohesion and forge the Party's soul with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and keep the thoughts and actions of the Party members and officials aligned with the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans so as to boost their confidence and morale. Fact-finding must be prioritized to strengthen the capability of Party members and officials, especially leading officials, to make decisions in a well-planned way, solve practical problems, and better implement plans and arrangements. Focusing on promoting high-quality development, Party members and officials must be guided to fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, implement the people-centered philosophy of development, and open new ground for development with a sound and pragmatic attitude. Efforts must be made to intensify inspections and follow-up rectifications and urge Party members and officials to face up to and correct problems related to Party consciousness, Party conduct, and Party discipline to boost people's confidence in development with fresh and healthy customs and practices.”
Finally, he talked about the recent floods, saying that “the CPC Central Committee has made comprehensive arrangements for flood relief and post-flood reconstruction. Provincial Party committees and governments in the three provinces in northeast China (Heilongjiang Province, Jilin Province, and Liaoning Province) and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region should strictly implement the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans, make solid efforts on restoration and reconstruction, ensure those affected have a warm home in winter and students in flood-stricken areas return to school, and restore production and life order there as soon as possible.”
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily's edition on Monday, September 11, 2023
Page 1: Okay, if you have not had your fill of Xi Jinping, then today’s front page is basically all about him too. The lead story is based on Xi’s comments when inspecting the 78th Group Army on September 8.
Xi “emphasized the need to thoroughly implement the (Xi Jinping) thought of strengthening the army in the new era and implement the military strategic guidelines of the new era, innovate the construction, management, and operational methods of the group armies, comprehensively improve the troops’ combat capabilities, and effectively fulfil the missions and tasks assigned by the Party and the people.” 中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平8日到78集团军视察，强调要深入贯彻新时代强军思想，贯彻新时代军事战略方针，创新集团军建设管理和作战运用方式，全面提高部队备战打仗能力，有效履行党和人民赋予的使命任务. He talked about the recent floods, praising the PLA and PAP’s response work.
“Xi Jinping affirmed the 78th Group Army's troop building and mission performance since its reorganisation and formation. He emphasised that it is necessary to improve the quality and level of preparations for military struggles, strengthen the specialisation and refinement when it comes to key and difficult matters, strengthen the construction of new-quality combat capabilities, enhance the construction of new combat capabilities, combine combat forces, units, and elements, and organically integrate them into the joint operational system.” 习近平对78集团军调整组建以来部队建设和遂行任务情况给予肯定。他强调，要提高军事斗争准备质量和水平，加强重难点课目专攻精练，加强新质战斗力建设，加强所属作战力量、作战单元、作战要素融合集成，有机融入联合作战体系.
“Xi Jinping pointed out that it is necessary to comprehensively strengthen Party building in the army, thoroughly implement the spirit of the military Party building conference, and enhance the creativity, cohesion, and combat effectiveness of party organisations at all levels. We must persist in laying the foundation at the grassroots level, strictly enforce education and management of the troops, and maintain a high degree of centralization, unity, security and stability of the troops. It is necessary to carefully organise and implement the second batch of thematic education, focus on solving bottlenecks in the development of the troops, proactively solve problems for officers and soldiers, and constantly create new situations in the construction of group armies.” 习近平指出，要全面加强部队党的建设，深入贯彻落实全军党的建设会议精神，增强各级党组织创造力、凝聚力、战斗力。要坚持不懈抓基层打基础，严格部队教育管理，保持部队高度集中统一和安全稳定。要精心组织实施第二批主题教育，着力解决部队发展瓶颈问题，积极主动为官兵排忧解难，不断开创集团军建设新局面.
At the top of the page, there’s a report on Xi’s letter to the Pujiang Innovation Forum. Xinhua says:
“In his letter, Xi noted that the world today is living through accelerating changes unseen in a century, and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gaining momentum. Scientific and technological innovation is an important force for humankind to jointly address risks and challenges and promote peace and development. China will firmly pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening up, continue to expand high-level opening up, continue to promote international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation with a more open mindset and a broader range of measures, build a globally competitive open innovation ecosystem, and work with other countries to create an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for scientific and technological development, Xi said.”
Below this, there’s a report on a new book compiling excerpts from discourses by Xi Jinping on the work related to the working class and trade unions. Xinhua’s report on this says:
“Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has focused on consolidating the class basis and public support for the Party's long-term governance, adhered to the Party's leadership over trade union work, and unswervingly followed the path of socialist trade union development with Chinese characteristics. Xi's discourses in this regard are of great significance for the innovative development of workers' movement and trade union work in the new era and for uniting and mobilizing hundreds of millions of workers to contribute wisdom and strength to building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts.”
Finally, there’s a report on Li Qiang attending the G20 meeting in Delhi over the weekend. Xinhua reports Li saying that “the world is undergoing a difficult period of complex and volatile development, and as the difficulties intensify, there is an increasing need to strengthen confidence and enhance expectations for the future, take a long-term view and actively respond to difficulties and challenges.” The report adds that:
“Noting that the most urgent issue at present is development, Li pointed out that the G20 members should place the issue of development at the center of macro-policy coordination. Li stressed the need to establish more practical cooperation mechanisms, take concrete actions, and support developing countries in better addressing development challenges such as poverty reduction, fundraising, climate change, food and energy security. He also stressed the need to practice true multilateralism, build global development partnerships, and create a safe and stable international environment for common development. Leaders at the meeting said that the G20 should demonstrate responsibility, promote international cooperation, foster inclusive, sustainable and people-centered development, and ensure that the application of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence enhances human well-being.”
After the Delhi Declaration was adopted, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar responded to a question on China’s engagement and participation in the G20. He said:
“I think it's for every country to decide at what level they would be represented. I don't think one should overly read meanings into it. What I think is important is what is the position which that country has taken, how much that country has contributed to the deliberations and the outcomes. And I would say here that all the G20 members, and since the question was asked specifically about China, I would say China as well, that China was very supportive of the various outcomes and it is only because the members were supportive and enthusiastic and collaborative, that we were actually able to get this.”
Page 2: There’s a report based on a press conference by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It says that MIIT has announced work plans for stabilizing the growth of four key industries: machinery, automobiles, electrical equipment, and electronic information manufacturing. With this, supportive measures for 10 key industries that collectively account for about 70 percent of the value-added industrial output of major firms in the country have been issued, the report says.
Stabilising these key industries will basically stabilise the industrial economy,” said Tao Qing, an official with the MIIT. The report adds that
“In the first seven months, the industrial added value of the equipment manufacturing industry increased by 6.1% year-on-year, contributing nearly 50% to the growth of industrial added value above designated size. Seizing the positive trend, the machinery industry has focused on developing plans for 11 sub-sectors. The plan for stable growth of the electronic information manufacturing industry proposes that the average added value of the computer, communications and other electronic equipment manufacturing industries will grow by about 5% from 2023 to 2024, and the operating income of enterprises above designated size in the electronic information manufacturing industry will exceed 24 trillion yuan.” 稳住工业经济大盘的“压舱石”。前7个月，装备制造业工业增加值同比增长6.1%，对规模以上工业增加值增长的贡献率将近50%。抓住向好趋势，机械行业聚焦11个细分行业编制方案。电子信息制造业稳增长方案提出，2023至2024年计算机、通信和其他电子设备制造业增加值平均增速5%左右，电子信息制造业规模以上企业营业收入突破24万亿元.
“In the first seven months, the added value of the raw material industry increased by 5.2% year-on-year, and new materials accounted for more than 15% of the raw material industry. The stable growth work plan for four industries including petrochemicals, steel, nonferrous metals, and building materials focuses on consolidating the results of overcapacity reduction, expanding effective supply, accelerating technological transformation, and promoting green and intelligent transformation.” 促进原材料行业平稳运行。前7个月，原材料工业增加值同比增长5.2%，新材料占原材料工业比重超15%。石化化工、钢铁、有色金属、建材等4个行业稳增长工作方案着力巩固去产能成果，扩大有效供给，加快技术改造，推进绿色智能转型.
“In the first seven months, China exported 636,000 new energy vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 1.5 times. In the plan for steady growth of the automobile industry, the development goal of ‘sales of about 9 million new energy vehicles in 2023’ is clearly stated. In addition, resources will be coordinated to support breakthroughs in new energy storage products, photovoltaic and energy storage integration and other projects, and efforts will be made to promote the accelerated development of the new energy storage industry.” 加快培育“新三样”增长点。前7个月，我国新能源汽车出口63.6万辆，同比增长1.5倍。在汽车行业稳增长方案中，明确提出“2023年新能源汽车销量900万辆左右”的发展目标。此外，将统筹资源支持新型储能产品、光储融合项目等攻关突破，着力推动新型储能产业加快发展.
Next, there’s a report on the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce, and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issuing a notice on the development of strategic fulcrum/pivot/hub cities 战略支点城市. The report says that the notice “lays out the distribution fulcrum cities according to three dimensions: serving the circulation of important commodities and resource elements, strengthening cross-domain and cross-border radiation, and promoting the development of modern circulation.” 通知坚持系统思维和全局观念，突出国家所需和城市所长，按照服务重要商品和资源要素流通、强化跨域跨界辐射带动、促进现代流通发展等3个维度布局流通支点城市.
“Taking into account the urban resource endowment, development foundation, comparative advantage and future potential, 102 cities will be included in the scope of layout and construction, covering 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and XPCC. These cities will be promoted according to comprehensive, compound and functional classification, and urban people's governments will play the main role in deployment and promotion, strive to improve their own development level and enhance the impact of their radiation and driving effects. 综合考虑城市资源禀赋、发展基础、比较优势、未来潜力，将102个城市纳入布局建设范围，覆盖31个省区市以及新疆生产建设兵团。流通支点城市将按综合型、复合型、功能型分类推进建设，城市人民政府发挥主体作用部署推进，努力提升自身发展水平，增强辐射带动作用.
Finally, there is a report saying that China’s total foreign trade was 27.08 trillion yuan (about 3.76 trillion U.S. dollars) for the January to August period. This was down 0.1% year-on-year. Exports grew 0.8% year on year to 15.47 trillion yuan for January-August, while imports declined 1.3% from one year earlier to 11.61 trillion yuan
August trade was 3.59 trillion yuan, a month-on-month increase of 3.9%. However, it declined 2.5% from one year earlier. Xinhua adds: “The country's exports shrank 3.2 percent year on year in August, while imports went down 1.6 percent, with the pace of declines in both easing compared with those registered in July.”
ASEAN remained China's largest trade partner. China's trade with ASEAN countries rose 1.6 percent year on year and accounted for 15.2 percent of the country's total trade value.
China's trade with the European Union fell 1.5 percent from a year earlier
Trade with the United States declined 8.7 percent year on year during the January-August period.
Trade with countries along the Belt and Road rose 3.6 percent year on year.
AP reports that China’s “customs data released Thursday showed exports for August slumped 8.8% to $284.87 billion in the fourth straight month of decline. Imports slid 7.3% to $216.51 billion. The total trade surplus fell to $68.36 billion from $80.6 billion in July.” The report adds: “Looking ahead, we expect exports to decline over the coming months before bottoming out toward the end of the year,” Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said in a report. “Most measures of export orders point to a more substantial pullback in foreign demand than has so far been reflected in the customs data,” he said.”
Page 3: There are two reports of meetings by Li Qiang while in Delhi. First, he met with British PM Rishi Sunak. Xinhua reports:
“Both sides should strive to bring more benefits to each other and the world with stable and mutually beneficial China-Britain ties, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with Britain to adhere to mutual respect, treat each other as equals, view each other's development objectively, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Britain relations. The two sides should adhere to open cooperation, safeguard and expand common interests, said the Chinese premier, noting that China and Britain are both advocates, practitioners and beneficiaries of free trade, and the two countries should jointly oppose mixing trade and economic cooperation with politics and security, promote the building of an open world economy, uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and ensure the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains. The two sides should properly handle differences, uphold the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns, Li said. He said that China welcomes Britain to continue expanding practical cooperation with China and is willing to deepen cooperation with the country in such fields as trade, investment, green development, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and science and technology, so as to jointly support and promote global sustainable development.”
What is not reported above is the fact that Sunak reportedly “chastised China’s premier on Sunday for ‘unacceptable’ interference in British democracy, after a newspaper reported that a researcher in Parliament was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of spying for Beijing.” AP’s report adds: “Sunak said he raised the issue with Premier Li Qiang when the two met at a Group of 20 summit in India. He told British broadcasters in New Delhi that he’d expressed ‘my very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is obviously unacceptable.’ The two men met after the Metropolitan Police force confirmed that a man in his 20s and a man in his 30s were arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act. Neither has been charged and both were bailed until October pending further inquiries.”
A separate Xinhua report informs that the Chinese embassy in London issued a statement saying that “the claim that China is suspected of ‘stealing British intelligence’ is completely fabricated and nothing but malicious slander. We firmly oppose it and urge relevant parties in the UK to stop their anti-China political manipulation and stop putting on such self-staged political farce.”
Second, Li met with the EU’s Charles Michel. Xinhua reports:
China is ready to work with Europe to promote the sound and steady development of the bilateral relationship, Li said…As China and Europe are two major forces, markets and civilizations in the world, China-Europe relations bear on global stability and prosperity of the Eurasian continent, Li said. Lying at the opposite ends of Eurasia, there is no geopolitical conflict between China and Europe, let alone a fundamental conflict of interests. He added that China hopes to see a prosperous and stable Europe, and is ready to work with the European side to stay committed to their partnership, further strengthen dialogue and exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and properly handle sensitive issues, to promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations and inject stability and positive energy into this turbulent world. Li pointed out that both sides should strengthen strategic guidance. As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said he looks forward to co-chairing the new round of China-EU summit with Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. China's development is an opportunity, not a risk, for Europe, and both sides should continue to open up and cooperate for mutual benefit, the premier said. No matter now or in the future, Li pledged that China is and will remain a trustworthy friend and partner of Europe. China stands ready to work with Europe to enhance dialogue and negotiation, discuss establishing relevant mechanisms to promote the reliability and stability of China-Europe economic and trade relations, he said, welcoming more European businesses to invest and operate in China.”
Next, there’s a commentary on the African Union’s entry into the G20. I feel rather vindicated reading this article. From my perspective, one of the key reasons for Xi Jinping not visiting Delhi for the G20 was to avoid seeming like he was endorsing India’s leadership position vis-a-vis the Global South. It’s fascinating that the commentary does not even mention India or Delhi, which was the host country for the G20. Of course, I don’t think that it makes sense to argue that any one country leads or represents the views of over 100 countries that are classified as the Global South. In fact, I think that the term Global South is analytically quite useless. But this is about narrative-building rather than the analytical complexities of interests.
The article calls the AU joining the G20 as a “highlight moment for the Global South.”
It says that “China was the first country to express its support for the African Union to join the G20. During the G20 Summit in November 2022, President Xi Jinping emphasised that China actively supports the African Union's initiative to join the G20. At the recent China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue, President Xi Jinping once again emphasized that China will actively support the AU to become a formal member of the G20. China firmly supports Africa in enhancing its international status and voice, demonstrating the spirit of China-Africa friendly cooperation, and continuously strengthening the progressive forces for maintaining world peace and stability.” 中国是第一个明确表态支持非盟加入二十国集团的国家。习近平主席去年11月在二十国集团峰会期间强调，中方积极支持非盟加入二十国集团倡议。在不久前举行的中非领导人对话会上，习近平主席再次强调，中方将积极推动非盟成为二十国集团正式成员。中国坚定支持非洲提升国际地位和话语权，充分彰显中非友好合作精神，将不断壮大维护世界和平稳定的进步力量.
The next paragraph praises the AU, to eventually conclude that “the AU's membership in the G20 will help Africa make its voice louder on the world stage, strive for more benefits for developing countries, and enhance the power of the Global South to pursue strategic independence.” 非盟加入二十国集团，有助于非洲在世界舞台响亮地发出声音，为发展中国家争取更多利益，增强“全球南方”追求战略自主的力量.
It then says:
“The AU’s accession to the G20 will help boost global development…In recent years, the AU’s Agenda 2063 has been steadily advanced, the free trade area on the African continent has been formally implemented, the cooperation between sub-regional organizations has been continuously strengthened, and Africa’s economic vitality and market potential are being further released. Supporting Africa's development is a broad consensus and common responsibility of the international community. The G20 welcomes the AU to become a permanent member of the G20, and will continue to support Africa through the G20 (Hangzhou Summit) Initiative to Support the Industrialization of Africa and Least Developed Countries, which is conducive to promoting more resilient global development.” 非盟加入二十国集团，有助于提振全球发展事业。2002年，非盟在其前身非洲统一组织的基础上成立，旨在通过联合自强和一体化建设，实现非洲大陆的发展振兴。近年来，非盟《2063年议程》稳步推进，非洲大陆自由贸易区正式实施，次区域组织相互协作不断加强，非洲的经济活力和市场潜力正进一步释放。支持非洲发展是国际社会的广泛共识和共同责任。二十国集团欢迎非盟成为二十国集团永久成员，将通过《二十国集团（杭州峰会）支持非洲和最不发达国家工业化倡议》等继续支持非洲，有利于推动更具韧性的全球发展.
“China took the lead in supporting the AU to join the G20, which is a vivid practice to promote the construction of a high-level community of destiny between China and Africa. China and Africa have always been a community of destiny. Close coordination on major international and regional issues and joint defense of international fairness and justice are the inevitable choices for China to develop solidarity and cooperation with African countries. China firmly supports African countries and the AU in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, supports making special arrangements to give priority to solving African demands on the reform of the UN Security Council, and calls on multilateral financial institutions to enhance the voice of African countries. China has always thought about what Africa thinks and has cared for its needs; it supports Africa to implement the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The AU's accession to the G20 will help China and Africa to jointly practise true multilateralism and make concerted efforts to advance the cause of modernization.” 中国率先支持非盟加入二十国集团，是推动构建高水平中非命运共同体的生动实践。中非从来都是命运共同体。在重大国际和地区问题上密切协调，共同捍卫国际公平正义，是中国发展同非洲国家团结合作的必然选择。中方坚定支持非洲国家和非盟在国际和地区事务中发挥更大作用，在联合国安理会改革问题上支持就优先解决非洲诉求作出特殊安排，呼吁多边金融机构提高非洲国家发言权。中国始终想非洲之所想，急非洲之所急，支持非洲落实联合国2030年可持续发展议程。非盟加入二十国集团，有助于中非双方共同践行真正的多边主义，同心协力推进现代化事业。
“Great powers take responsibility. Faced with the call of the times, China has always adhered to the global governance concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and actively participated in global governance. China has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. It supports increasing the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs, strengthening the weaknesses of the South in the global governance system, and pooling the strength of South-South cooperation so that the global governance system can reflect the desires and interests of most countries, especially developing countries, in a more balanced way. The AU’s accession to the G20 will further strengthen the power of the Global South in global governance and promote equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries.” 大国担当。面对时代命题，中国始终秉持共商共建共享的全球治理观，积极参与全球治理。中国始终是世界和平的建设者、全球发展的贡献者、国际秩序的维护者，支持扩大发展中国家在国际事务中的代表性和发言权，支持补强全球治理体系中的南方短板，支持汇聚南南合作的力量，推动全球治理体系更加平衡地反映大多数国家特别是发展中国家的意愿和利益。非盟加入二十国集团，将进一步增强全球治理中的南方力量，推动各国权利平等、机会平等、规则平等.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's introduction of the policy concept of sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith towards Africa, as well as the correct view of justice and interests. Over the past decade, China has consistently treated African friends with sincerity and has wholeheartedly supported Africa's development. China-Africa cooperation has become a model of South-South cooperation and international cooperation with Africa. The China-Africa relationship did not develop overnight, nor was it granted by anyone. Rather, China and Africa have forged ahead step by step, sharing weal and woe. The key to international cooperation with Africa is to adopt a correct view of cooperation and see Africa as a big stage for international cooperation rather than an arena for major power games. China is ready to work with international partners to support peace and development in Africa.” 今年是习近平主席提出真实亲诚对非政策理念和正确义利观10周年。10年来，中国对非洲朋友始终以诚相待，真心实意为非洲发展提供支持，中非合作成为南南合作和国际对非合作的典范。中非关系不是一天就发展起来的，更不是什么人赐予的，而是中非风雨同舟、患难与共，一步一个脚印走出来的。国际对非合作关键在于秉持正确的合作观，把非洲看作国际合作的大舞台，而不是大国博弈的竞技场。中国愿同国际合作伙伴一道，支持非洲和平与发展。(Comment: Isn’t it fascinating how Beijing is apparently authorised to tell the world what is the best way to cooperate with Africa? When did African leaders lend this authority to China?)
Next, there’s a report on China’s hospital ship completing its visit to Timor-Leste. And finally, there’s a report on Kim Jong Un meeting with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong in Pyongyang. Xinhua says:
“Conveying the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, to Kim, Liu extended warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the DPRK's founding, made positive comments on the DPRK's construction achievements, and wished the DPRK a prosperous future and its people a happy life with the country's socialist cause flourishing and its development path getting wider. China prizes the traditional China-DPRK friendship and is willing to push for the continuous consolidation and development of bilateral relations, Liu said. Agriculture and health care are important undertakings for people's livelihood, Liu said, adding that China is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK in these areas to benefit their people. Kim asked Liu to convey his cordial greetings to Xi, and welcomed the Chinese delegation led by Liu to attend the commemorative events for the DPRK's 75th founding anniversary and visit the country. The arrival of the Chinese delegation added luster to the DPRK's National Day celebration and is of great significance, Kim said, adding that the DPRK is deeply grateful The DPRK is willing to further develop friendly and cooperative relations with China and enhance the well-being of their people, Kim said. He expressed the hope that the cause of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics will continue to make new and greater achievements and believes that the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation will surely be realized.”
Page 9: There are a couple of interesting articles on the page dealing with the issue of tradition, modernity and culture. The editor’s note on the page informs that:
“The process of modernization is also a historical progression from tradition to modernity. Chinese-style modernization is the modernization of an ancient civilization and modernization that has come out of the land of China. To promote Chinese-style modernization, we need to properly handle the relationship between tradition and modernity and inheritance and development, achieving an organic connection between the two, and continuously exploring theoretical and institutional innovations that look toward the future.” 现代化的发展过程，也是从传统向现代演进的历史过程。中国式现代化是赓续古老文明的现代化，是从中华大地长出来的现代化。推进中国式现代化，需要处理好传统与现代、继承与发展的关系，实现传统与现代的有机衔接，不断探索面向未来的理论和制度创新.
The lead article is by Li Zhongjie, an academic advisor to the Xi thought research center in Beijing. Li explains that:
“Tradition and modernity exist relative to each other, have a transformative impact on each other, and are inseparable. Chinese-style modernization is a modernization that has emerged out of the land of China. The excellent Chinese traditional culture contains the cosmology, world, social and moral outlooks that the Chinese people have accumulated over the years of production and life, and contains the unique value system, cultural connotation and spiritual qualities with which the Chinese people view the world, society and life. Through creative transformation and innovative development, the fine traditional Chinese culture has profoundly influenced and shaped the unique and distinct cultural identity, spiritual temperament and Chinese characteristics of Chinese-style modernization. As a deep-seated civilization gene, it is organically integrated into the process of Chinese modernization and has become an indispensable and important component of Chinese modernization. The process of creative transformation and innovative development is also a process of evolution from tradition to modernity. Throughout this process, Chinese excellent traditional culture has continuously undergone transformation, expansion, and improvement. It has been infused with new contemporary meanings and modern forms of expression. The most basic cultural genes of the Chinese nation contained within it, therefore, are suited to contemporary China, harmonised with modern society, and aligned with contemporary culture, thereby unleashing enduring vitality, influence, and appeal.” 中国式现代化是从中华大地长出来的现代化，中华优秀传统文化蕴含着中国人民在长期生产生活中积累的宇宙观、天下观、社会观、道德观，内含着中国人看待世界、看待社会、看待人生的独特价值体系、文化内涵和精神品质。中华优秀传统文化经过创造性转化、创新性发展，深刻影响和塑造着中国式现代化独特而鲜明的文化标识、精神气质、中国特色，作为深层的文明基因有机融入中国式现代化进程，成为中国式现代化不可或缺的重要构成。创造性转化、创新性发展的过程，也是一个从传统向现代演进的过程，在这一过程中，中华优秀传统文化不断得到转化、拓展、完善，并被赋予新的时代内涵和现代表达形式，蕴含其中的中华民族最基本的文化基因同当代中国更相适应、同现代社会更相协调、同现实文化更相融通，迸发出历久弥新的生命力、影响力、感召力.
In the next paragraph, Li talks about the importance of modernisation, but adds that:
“It should also be noted that modernization is not perfect, and not everything marked as ‘modern’ is beautiful. While modernization brings progress and well-being to mankind, it also presents many puzzles and challenges. For example, modern means of transportation like cars, trains, and planes, while providing great convenience to people's lives and production, also bring unprecedented environmental pollution issues. The dual nature of benefits and drawbacks is even more profound and long-lasting when it comes to technologies like nuclear energy, the internet, and artificial intelligence. Managing the relationship between science and ethics has become one of the crucial issues in the global modernization process. The reality shows that modernization is a ‘double-edged sword’, and the deeper the level of modernization, the more new problems and challenges arise.” 也应看到，现代化并不是尽善尽美的，并非标以“现代”的一切事物都是美好的。现代化在给人类带来进步和福祉的同时，也会造成许多困惑和挑战。比如，汽车、火车、飞机等现代交通工具，在给人们生产生活带来极大便利的同时，也带来前所未有的环境污染等问题。原子能、互联网、人工智能的利弊双重性影响更为深刻和长远。如何处理科学与伦理的关系，已成为世界现代化进程中的重要议题之一。事实表明，现代化是一把“双刃剑”，现代化发展程度越深，相伴而生的新问题、新挑战也会越多.
Li, therefore, calls for having a “dialectical and rational attitude” when it comes to modernisation. He writes that one should “not only deeply grasp the inevitability and importance of modernization, but also have a comprehensive and scientific understanding of modernization, which is repeatedly tested by history and practice.”
In the next section, he argues that while it seems that “advocating for modernity often requires breaking away from tradition and transcending it”, “it must be noted that such transcending of tradition is only partial and relative, and can never be complete and absolute. The total separation and abandonment of tradition without distinction is harmful, dangerous, and simply impossible.” 传统与现代看似一对矛盾体，倡导现代，许多时候确实需要跳出传统、超越传统，不然，就谈不上创新、发展、进步。比如，不摒弃传统社会“三从四德”等封建旧道德，就不可能有中国式现代化中人的解放和自由全面发展。但必须看到，现代对于传统的超越只是部分的、相对的，而不是全部的、绝对的。对传统不加区分的全部分离和摒弃，是有害的、危险的，也是根本不可能的。
“To promote modernization, we need to adopt a scientific and dialectical attitude towards tradition, identify traditions, absorb their essence and develop fine culture. Modernity evolves and changes on the basis of tradition, sometimes quantitatively, and other times qualitatively. No matter what kind of development or change takes place, this does not occur in a vacuum; it always has its roots in tradition. However, it is essential to select, discard, inherit, and preserve elements from this foundation in accordance with the demands of the times and value orientations. Traditional elements that contain impurities can hinder and obstruct modern society, creating reverse forces. Such traditions must be decisively discarded and eliminated. Conversely, progressive traditions can promote, complement, and correct modernization; they should undergo creative transformation and innovative development to thrive in the process of modernization. The modernization process has shown that many historical traditions cannot be entirely negated. For example, the concept of family in Chinese culture is one of the oldest traditions. While its content can be updated, its fundamental values cannot be abolished or denied. Many historical traditions can also compensate for and correct the deficiencies and problems that arise during the modernization process.” 推进现代化，需要对传统采取科学和辩证的态度，鉴别传统、吸收精华，发展优秀文化。现代是在传统的基础上发展变化而来的，有的是量变，有的是质变。无论哪一种发展变化都不是凭空产生的，基点都是传统。只不过对于这个基点，需要依照时代要求和价值取向进行一定的筛选，有所摒弃、有所继承、有所保留。具有糟粕性的传统元素，会对现代化社会产生牵制、阻滞作用，形成逆向作用力。对于这样的传统，就要坚决摒弃和扫除。相反，具有进步性的传统，能够对现代化起促进和补充、纠偏作用，对其则应进行创造性转化、创新性发展，使之在现代化进程中发扬光大。现代化进程表明，许多历史传统是不可能被完全否定的。比如，中华文化中的家庭观念是最悠久的传统之一，其内容可以有所更新，但最基本的价值是无法取消或否定的。许多历史传统还能弥补和纠正现代化过程中的缺陷和弊病.
He concludes this section, saying that “modernization without the foundation and integration of China’s excellent traditional culture cannot be Chinese-style modernization. China's excellent traditional culture contains ideas like the world belongs to the people/is one community, the people are the foundation of the country, govern with virtue/moral integrity, reform and innovation, appoint officials based on their merits, harmony between man and nature, self-improvement is never-ending, virtue enriches everything, promote trust and cultivate harmony, foster kindness and good neighbourly relationships; these principles hold important lessons for addressing the challenges faced by humanity in modern society. Promoting these excellent traditional cultures plays a significant role in correcting deviations in the world modernization process, creating a high-quality life in Chinese-style modernization, promoting harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and maintaining social harmony and stability. To properly handle the relationship between tradition and modernity in the process of promoting Chinese-style modernization, we must fully explore the important role of excellent traditional Chinese culture in condensing spiritual power, maintaining emotional bonds, enhancing moral education, and promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, continually endowing Chinese-style modernization with profound Chinese cultural heritage.” 没有中华优秀传统文化作为基础和参与融合的现代化，不可能是中国式现代化。中华优秀传统文化中蕴含的天下为公、民为邦本、为政以德、革故鼎新、任人唯贤、天人合一、自强不息、厚德载物、讲信修睦、亲仁善邻等，对于解决现代社会人类面临的难题具有重要启示意义。弘扬这些优秀传统文化，对于纠正世界现代化进程中的偏差，在推进中国式现代化中创造良好的生活品质、推动人与自然和谐共生、维护社会和谐安定等具有重要作用。在推进中国式现代化进程中正确处理传统与现代的关系，必须充分发掘中华优秀传统文化在凝聚精神动力、维系情感纽带、增进人格教化、推动人与自然和谐共生等方面的重要作用，不断赋予中国式现代化以深厚的中华文明底蕴.
In the final section, Li says that to properly handle the relationship between tradition and modernity, one must be good at discernment.
On the one hand, “it is essential to discern modernity, especially various things and phenomena in the process of modernization that are positive and healthy and in line with the direction of historical development and those that are negative and decadent and go against the direction of historical development and the fundamental interests of the people. On the other hand, it is essential to discern tradition, to correctly distinguish what is the essence and what is the dross, what is a valuable treasure accumulated by human civilization over a long period, what is an indispensable element with a positive significance that can be integrated into modern society after transformation and renewal, and what is rigid, conservative, ignorant, and backward, incompatible with the development of the times and civilization progress. Furthermore, it is necessary to compare and discern various things and phenomena in both domestic and foreign modernization processes. Not only should the progress and backwardness, positivity and negativity, openness and closure, civilization and ignorance be compared and distinguished, but also the specific national conditions of each country should be considered to find the most suitable direction and path for one's own modernization. We must boldly absorb foreign modernization achievements that have been proven to be advanced; we must resolutely abandon negative factors and phenomena that may cause harm, or things that are simply not suitable for China's national conditions. We must not only vigorously carry forward our own excellent traditions, but also communicate and integrate with world civilizations.” 推进中国式现代化，正确处理传统与现代的关系，必须善于鉴别。一方面，要对现代加以鉴别，特别是对现代化进程中各种事物和现象加以鉴别，正确区分哪些是符合历史发展方向的、积极健康的东西，哪些是消极颓废、违背历史发展方向和人民根本利益的东西。另一方面，要对传统加以鉴别，正确区分哪些是精华、哪些是糟粕，哪些是人类文明长期积淀的宝贵财富、是具有积极意义的不可缺失的东西、是经过改造更新可以融入现代社会的重要元素，哪些是僵化、保守、愚昧、落后，与时代发展和文明进步格格不入的东西。此外，还要对中外现代化中的各种事物、各种现象加以比较鉴别。既要比较鉴别其进步与落后、积极与消极、开放与封闭、文明与愚昧，更要比较各国实际国情，找到最适合自身的现代化方向和道路。对国外被证明是先进的现代化成果，要大胆吸收；对可能产生危害的消极因素和现象，或者根本不适合中国国情的东西，则要坚决摒弃。既要大力弘扬自己的优秀传统，又要与世界文明交流、融通。
“So, what are the criteria for discernment? This question is much more complex to answer. In general, assessments should be based on whether a phenomenon aligns with the direction of human society's progress and the requirements of the times, whether it is conducive to promoting promoting social productive forces and social progress, whether it aligns with the fundamental interests and aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the people, whether it is in line with the recognized value standards of human society and whether it aligns with the specific realities of one's own country. General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom for all of humanity. These common values of all mankind are the product of the practice of human society, the positive result of human communication and exchanges, in line with the pursuit of people from all countries, conform to the trend of the times, and provide a clear standard for distinguishing the essence from the dross of tradition and modernity from a values perspective, laying a value foundation for the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.” 那么，鉴别的标准是什么？这个问题回答起来较为复杂。总的来说，应当看是否符合人类社会前进方向和时代要求，是否有利于促进社会生产力和社会文明进步，是否符合最广大人民的根本利益和愿望，是否符合人类社会公认的价值准则，是否符合本国具体实际。习近平总书记提出和平、发展、公平、正义、民主、自由的全人类共同价值，全人类共同价值正是人类社会实践的产物，是人类交流交往的积极成果，符合世界各国人民共同追求，顺应时代发展进步潮流，为从价值层面区分传统与现代何为精华、何为糟粕提供了明确标准，为构建人类命运共同体提供了价值基础.
In another article, PKU philosophy professor Lou Yulie argues that:
“If a country or a nation wants to embark on its own path to modernization, it must have cultural subjectivity. Cultural subjectivity is the premise of cultural self-confidence, and cultural self-confidence is an important manifestation of cultural subjectivity. In its thousands of years of history, Chinese civilization has always maintained the continuity in its civilizational records, forming a unity of diversity, solidarity and cohesion. Through long-term interactions and exchanges, various ethnic groups have become interdependent and intertwined, showing the commonality, integration and centripetal subjectivity of social and cultural life. The Chinese nation has followed a path of civilization development that is different from that of other countries and nations. The fine traditional Chinese culture nourishes the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. The Communist Party of China promoted the ‘two integrations’, which further consolidate cultural subjectivity. With cultural subjectivity, the Chinese nation and the Chinese people will have a solid cultural foundation for national identity, and will be able to stand firm in the fierce cultural turmoil of the world and walk their own path independently.” 如果说科学技术和生产力发展水平上的差异可以通过观念变革、社会变革来迎头赶上乃至消除的话，那么文化类型上的差异则不能用“赶上”的方法去解决，而且也是不可能、不需要解决的。一个国家、一个民族要走出自己的现代化道路，必须具有文化主体性。文化主体性是文化自信的前提，文化自信是文化主体性的重要体现。习近平总书记指出：“文化自信就来自我们的文化主体性。”中华文明在数千年历史传承中，始终保持着文明记录的连续性，形成多元一体、团结集中的统一性。各民族经过长期交往交流交融，你中有我、我中有你，呈现社会文化生活的共同性、融合性和向心的主体性。中华民族走的是一条不同于其他国家和民族的文明发展道路。中华优秀传统文化滋养着中华民族永续发展。中国共产党推进“两个结合”，更加巩固了文化主体性。有了文化主体性，中华民族和中国人民就有了国家认同的坚实文化基础，就能在激烈的世界文化激荡中站稳脚跟，独立自主走自己的路.
“Certainly, this does not mean that different types of cultures do not need to engage in communication. In fact, exchanges between different types of cultures have been taking place from ancient times to the present. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: ‘History tells us that only through exchanges and mutual learning can a civilization be full of vitality. As long as the spirit of tolerance is upheld, there will be no 'clash of civilizations' and harmony among civilizations can be achieved’. The Chinese say: when you do good, you also enjoy the goodness of others; when you are capable, you also enjoy the capabilities of others’. ‘Everyone has their own unique beauty, a beautiful person is beautiful, when the beautiful come together, the world becomes harmonious’. These expressions reflect a mindset of mutual appreciation, coexistence and common prosperity. The civilizations of different countries and nationalities all have their roots in their own soil and possess their own characteristics, strengths, and virtues. Different civilizations should adhere to mutual exchanges, mutual learning, and mutual reference, rather than pursuing isolation, exclusion, or replacement, so that the world's cultural garden can flourish with diverse and vibrant colours.” 当然，这并不是说不同类型文化之间不需要进行交流。事实上，从古到今，不同类型的文化之间一直在进行着交流。习近平总书记指出：“历史告诉我们，只有交流互鉴，一种文明才能充满生命力。只要秉持包容精神，就不存在什么‘文明冲突’，就可以实现文明和谐。”中国人讲：“己善，亦乐人之善也；己能，亦乐人之能也。”“各美其美，美之人美，美美与共，天下大同。”这些体现的是一种互相欣赏、共存共荣的胸怀。不同国家和民族的文明都扎根于本国本民族的土壤之中，都有自己的特色、长处、优点。不同文明要坚持相互交流、相互学习、相互借鉴，而不是相互隔膜、相互排斥、相互取代，这样世界文明百花园才能万紫千红、生机盎然.