Xi's Letter to Huangpu Military Academy - Jan-May Economic Data - Li's Australian Diplomacy - NPCSC Agenda - Provincial Officials in Anti-Corruption Net
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Page 1: The top story today is about Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to the alumni association of the Huangpu/Whampoa Military Academy on the centennial of the academy and the 40th anniversary of the alumni association. Xi said:
“The Huangpu Military Academy was the product of the first cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party, and was the first school in China to train revolutionary military cadres. The Huangpu Military Academy Alumni Association is a patriotic mass organisation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China that connects Huangpu alumni and their relatives at home and abroad. It has always adhered to the purpose of ‘carrying forward the Huangpu spirit, strengthening the bond among classmates, promoting the reunification of the motherland, and striving to revitalise China’, serving the overall development of the Party and the country, and has made positive contributions to expanding cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism, and promoting the reunification of the motherland.” 黄埔军校是第一次国共合作的产物，是我国第一所培养革命军队干部的学校。黄埔军校同学会是中国共产党领导下联系海内外黄埔同学及其亲属的爱国群众团体，成立以来始终秉持“发扬黄埔精神，联络同学感情，促进祖国统一，致力振兴中华”的宗旨，服务党和国家发展大局，为扩大两岸交流合作、反对“台独”分裂、推进祖国统一作出了积极贡献.
“On the new journey, the Huangpu Military Academy Alumni Association must bear in mind the purpose and political mission of the association, continue to carry forward the Huangpu spirit of ‘patriotism and revolution’, further strengthen ideological guidance and organisational construction, give full play to its unique advantages, firmly oppose ‘independence’ and promote reunification, and gather broad support and strength for the collective realisation of the Chinese Dream.” 新征程上，黄埔军校同学会要牢记建会宗旨和政治使命，继续弘扬“爱国、革命”的黄埔精神，进一步强化思想引领和组织建设，发挥特色优势，坚定反“独”促统，为同心共圆中国梦广泛凝心聚力;
Wang Huning attended the ceremony marking the centenary. He said that Xi’s message provides a “fundamental guideline for doing a good job in the work of the Huangpu Military Academy Alumni Association in the new era.” He “hailed the patriotic and revolutionary history and traditions of Huangpu's alumni and their families both in China and overseas, saying they are an important force in advancing national reunification and rejuvenation.” He added: “It is necessary to inherit and carry forward the Huangpu spirit of ‘patriotism and revolution’, work together to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, actively participate in China’s modernization construction, and jointly contribute to the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. It is necessary to unswervingly promote the great cause of national reunification, actively participate in cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, and actively promote the strengthening of exchanges among young people on both sides of the strait, jointly inherit and promote Chinese culture, bring compatriots on both sides closer through exchanges, interactions, and integration, continually enhance national and ethnic identity, and forge a strong sense of the community of the Chinese nation. We must resolutely oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ separatism and external interference, resolutely safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and firmly protect the common home of the Chinese nation. The Huangpu Military Academy Alumni Association must thoroughly implement the important instructions and remarks in the congratulatory letter of General Secretary Xi Jinping, maintain the correct direction, give play to its unique advantages, strengthen its own construction, and strive to play a greater role.” 王沪宁表示，海内外黄埔同学及亲属具有爱国革命的光荣历史和优良传统，是推进祖国统一和民族复兴的重要力量。要传承弘扬“爱国、革命”的黄埔精神，共同致力于实现中华民族伟大复兴，积极投身中国式现代化建设，共襄强国建设、民族复兴伟业。要坚定不移推进祖国统一大业，积极参与两岸交流合作，积极推动两岸青年加强交流，共同传承弘扬中华文化，让两岸同胞在交流交往交融中越走越近、越走越亲，不断增进国家民族认同，铸牢中华民族共同体意识。要坚决反对“台独”分裂和外部势力干涉，坚决维护台海和平稳定，坚定守护中华民族共同家园。黄埔军校同学会要深入贯彻落实习近平总书记重要指示批示和贺信精神，把牢正确方向、发挥特色优势、加强自身建设，努力发挥更大作用.
Also on the page is a report on the publication of the first two volumes of ‘Selected Readings from the Works of Xi Jinping’ being published in French, Russian, Arabic and Spanish.
Next, there’s a report (related English report) with economic data from May. I am jotting down all the relevant data from the NBS briefing. Also, there is a more detailed report on Page 3.
Value-added industrial output went up 5.6 percent year on year in May. The month-on-month increase in May was 0.3 percent. Expansion in the January-May period was 6.2 percent year on year.
In May, the equipment and high-tech manufacturing sectors grew by 7.5% and 10%, respectively, year-on-year. In fact, the equipment manufacturing industry contributed 45.7% to the growth of all industrial enterprises above designated size. Among this, the computer communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing industry expanded by 14.5%, and the railway, ship, aerospace and other transportation equipment manufacturing industry increased by 11.8%.
The output of 3D printing equipment, new energy vehicles, and integrated circuit products last month increased 36.3 percent, 33.6 percent, and 17.3 percent year on year, respectively. The intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle industry surged 75 percent in output, and the production of intelligent devices for cars climbed 19.7 percent.
NBS spokesperson Liu Aihua said that 90 percent of regions, 80 percent of industries and nearly 60 percent of products registered increases [in output] from a year ago.
Retail sales of consumer goods expanded 3.7 percent year on year to 3.92 trillion yuan (about 551 billion U.S. dollars). On a month on month basis, consumer goods retail sales rose 0.51 percent from the previous month.
Fixed asset investment in the first five months of the year grew 4 percent year on year.
Manufacturing investment grew by 9.6% year-on-year, 5.6 percentage points faster than the growth rate of total investment, contributing 57.3% to the growth of total investment. From January to May, investment in technological transformation in the manufacturing industry increased by 10% year-on-year, 1.5 percentage points faster. For the same period, clean power investment increased by 32.9% year-on-year.
From January to May, investment in high-tech industries increased by 11.5% year-on-year. As part of this, investment in electronic and communication equipment manufacturing increased by 10.4%, investment in aerospace and equipment manufacturing increased by 53.1%, investment in information services increased by 19.1%, and investment in technology achievement transformation services increased by 16.5%.
From January to May, the investment in projects with a planned total investment of RMB 100 million or more increased by 8.5% year-on-year, driving the growth of total investment by 4.6 percentage points.
When deducting investment in the property sector, total fixed asset investment during the period would have otherwise grown 8.6 percent. The floor area of new home sales went down 20.3 percent in the first five months year on year, with sales value also down 27.9 percent.
Urban unemployment rate stood at 5 percent, unchanged compared to the previous month and 0.2 percentage points lower compared to May 2023.
The total import and export of goods in May increased by 8.6% year-on-year. The cumulative scale of imports and exports in the first five months hit a historical high for the same period. Export volume of labour-intensive products, household appliances, integrated circuits, ships and other products all achieved rapid growth.
Next, there’s a report (English report) on Li Qiang’s visit to Australia and his meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Li noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Australia and the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. Looking back at the development of China-Australia relations over the past decade, the most important experience and inspiration is to uphold mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, and seek common ground while shelving differences.” 李强表示，今年是习近平主席对澳大利亚进行国事访问和中澳建立全面战略伙伴关系10周年。回顾10年来中澳关系发展历程，最重要的经验启示就是要坚持相互尊重、求同存异、互利合作.
“Since the Prime Minister's visit to China last November, dialogue and cooperation in various fields between China and Australia have further resumed and developed, leading to a comprehensive turnaround in bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Australia to maintain and further develop the current positive momentum in bilateral relations, jointly building a more mature, stable, and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia, for the better benefit of the peoples of both countries…the essential characteristic of China-Australia relations is mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The development of China and Australia presents opportunities rather than challenges for each other. China is willing to work with Australia to uphold the positioning of a comprehensive strategic partnership, make good use of mechanisms such as the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, continuously expand trade volume, actively expand cooperation in areas such as new energy vehicles and renewable energy generation, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in local governance, culture, and tourism. It is hoped that Australia will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises and offer more conveniences for the movement of people between both countries. China is also willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Australia at regional and international levels, starting from maintaining regional peace and stability, opposing bloc confrontation and a ‘new Cold War’, adhering to openness and inclusiveness, promoting common development, jointly advancing regional economic integration, and building an open world economy.” 去年11月总理先生访华以来，中澳各领域对话合作进一步恢复发展，两国关系实现全面转圜。中方愿同澳方一道，保持住、发展好两国关系当前来之不易的积极势头，合力打造更加成熟稳定、更加富有成果的中澳全面战略伙伴关系，更好造福两国人民。李强指出，中澳关系的本质特征是互利共赢，中澳发展对彼此是机遇而不是挑战。中方愿同澳方坚持全面战略伙伴关系的定位，用好中澳战略经济对话等机制，不断扩大贸易规模，积极拓展新能源汽车、可再生能源发电等领域合作，加强地方、文旅等交流合作。希望澳方为中国企业提供公平、公正、非歧视的营商环境，为双方人员往来提供更多便利。中方愿同澳方在地区和国际层面加强协调合作，从维护本地区和平稳定出发，反对阵营对抗和“新冷战”，坚持开放包容、共同发展，携手推进地区经济一体化，建设开放型世界经济.
Xinhua English adds some context: “In April, Australia terminated its anti-dumping measures against Chinese wind towers after the World Trade Organization ruled that Australian duties on Chinese steel products were flawed. China has canceled anti-dumping duties on Australian wine and dropped its ban on a number of the country's beef and lamb exporters. More good news is expected.”
As per the PD report, “Albanese said that Australia is pleased to see that Australia-China relations have stabilised and improved. Australia adheres to the one-China policy and does not support ‘Taiwan independence’. Australia supports China’s development and prosperity, highly appreciates China’s major contribution to the world’s poverty reduction, and is willing to maintain dialogue and communication with China.” The report adds that Albanese talked about deepening “cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, culture, environmental protection and climate change, strengthen exchanges between the two countries' legislatures, not letting differences define bilateral relations, so as to promote the continuous improvement and development of Australia-China relations.”
In terms of outcomes, there is a joint statement. In addition,
The two sides will hold the 10th Meeting of the China-Australia Joint Science and Technology Commission, the 8th China-Australia High-Level Dialogue and the 8th Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Change this year.
China will include Australia in the list of unilateral visa-free countries. Both sides agreed to provide each other with reciprocal access to multi-entry visas of up to three to five years' duration for tourism, business and visiting family members.
They signed MOUs on Education and Research, Climate Change, the China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, Further Enhancing the Implementation of China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and the 15th Implementation Program for Cultural Exchanges for 2024-2027 under the 1981 Agreement on Cultural Cooperation.
They will engage via the Defence Strategic Dialogue and Defence Coordination Dialogue, and convene an initial session of a bilateral Maritime Affairs Dialogue
They agreed on increased cooperation to combat illicit tobacco and vape smuggling, and generally on counter-narcotics, and transnational and organized crime.
On Page 2, there are reports of Li’s other meetings in Australia. Li met with Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Governor-General David Hurley.
Xinhua’s report on the meeting with Dutton says:
“The Chinese premier noted that China is ready to work with various sectors of Australian society to further strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen mutual political trust, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and properly handle differences, so as to achieve new and greater development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and deliver more benefits to the two peoples. Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, China-Australia relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries, as fruitful practical cooperation has brought big benefits to the people of both countries. This fully demonstrates the respective development of China and Australia is an important opportunity for each other. Li also expressed the hope that all walks of life in Australia will continue to view China's development objectively, support the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, and contribute to the healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations. Stressing that the Chinese side considers Australia an important force in the world's multi-polarization process, Li said that China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Australia in multilateral fields, and work together to safeguard multilateralism, advocate free trade, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.”
The report on the Li-Hurley meeting says:
“With the joint efforts of both sides, China-Australia relations have returned to the right track of steady and sound development, showing a positive momentum of continuous improvement, Li said. China is willing to work with Australia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, adhering to mutual respect, equality, and mutually beneficial cooperation to further consolidate and develop the current positive momentum, making the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership more mature, stable, and fruitful, thus better benefiting the people of both countries and contributing positively to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity, Li said. Li pointed out that the economies of China and Australia are highly complementary, with their cooperation enjoying ample momentum, huge potential, and fruitful results. That has brought tangible benefits to people of both sides. Li expressed the willingness of China to work together with Australia to set win-win cooperation as the mainstream of bilateral relations.”
Also, there’s a report on Li meeting President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines, and Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives Milton Dick.
Li said that “over the past few years, China-Australia relations have returned to the right track after experiencing twists and turns, which was hard-won. Achieving greater development in the next stage requires joint efforts from both sides, and the role of the legislative bodies of both countries is very important. The economies of China and Australia are highly complementary, with broad cooperation prospects. It is hoped that the Australian Federal Parliament will actively support the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries and provide a good legal guarantee and political environment for this. Li Qiang pointed out that China and Australia have different historical and cultural backgrounds and social systems, so it is normal to have differing views on some issues. The key is to strengthen communication and dialogue to enhance understanding and eliminate doubts. Correct perception must first be based on genuine understanding. China supports strengthening exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries and welcomes members of the Australian Federal Parliament to visit China to see and experience China's development and changes firsthand, thereby playing a positive role in enhancing mutual understanding.” 李强表示，过去几年，中澳关系经历曲折后重回正轨，来之不易。下一步要取得更大发展，需要双方共同努力，两国立法机构在其中的作用十分重要。中澳经济高度互补，合作空间广阔。希望澳联邦议会积极支持两国务实合作，为此提供良好的法治保障和政治氛围。李强指出，中澳两国的历史文化、社会制度不同，对一些问题的看法存在差异是正常的，关键是要加强沟通对话，以增进了解、消除疑虑。正确的认知首先必须建立在真正了解的基础上。中方支持两国立法机构加强交流，欢迎澳联邦议会议员多到中国走一走、看一看，实地了解中国的发展变化，为增进彼此正确认知发挥积极作用.
Back to Page 1, there’s a report informing that the NPCSC will be meeting in Beijing from June 25 to 28. On the agenda are a bunch of laws:
Emergency Response Management Law
Rural Collective Economic Organization Law
Frontier Health and Quarantine Law
Accounting Law
Financial Stability Law
Preschool Education Law
Public Security Administration Punishments Law
Cultural Relics Protection Law
Mineral Resources Law
Draft decision of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on authorising the State Council to temporarily adjust the application of relevant provisions of the Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China in the Hainan Free Trade Port
The proposal to submit for review and approval the ‘Extradition Treaty between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Panama’.
They will also:
review the State Council’s report on the central government’s final accounts for 2023, examining and approving the central government's final accounts for 2023
review the State Council’s audit report on the implementation of the central budget and other fiscal revenues and expenditures in 2023
review the State Council’s report on the promotion of the development of the private economy
review the report of the NPCSC’s Representative Qualification Review Committee on the qualifications of individual representatives
review relevant appointment and removal cases
Finally, there’s a report (English report) on the CPPCC consultation on the development of TCM. Wang Huning called for “deepened research on major issues including TCM preservation, sci-tech innovation, reforms and international cooperation. He also emphasized the promotion of TCM among the youth and to the world.”
Page 2: There is a report on CPPCC Vice-chairperson Bater meeting Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Bater was leading a delegation to Nepal from the 14th to the 17th. The PD report is very brief. But Nepalese media has more reporting on the visit. Kathmandu Post reports:
“According to the prime minister’s secretariat, they discussed bilateral relations, mutual cooperation, and the implementation of various agreements signed between the two countries during the meeting in Singha Durbar. Prime Minister Dahal reportedly thanked the Chinese government for bringing 14 entry points along the Nepal-China border into operation. Prime Minister Dahal also expressed his hope that other agreements signed between the two countries would be implemented gradually. According to the prime minister’s secretariat, they also discussed ways to expand and continue the exchange of legislative practices between China and Nepal in the future. Bater was quoted as saying that China attaches high importance to its relations with Nepal and assuring that the ties will be strengthened in the coming days.”
Next, there’s a brief report informing that Chen Wenqing will attend the fourth China-Singapore Social Governance Forum in Singapore and visit Singapore and South Africa upon invitation from June 18 to 25.
Finally, there’s another one-line report that the Chinese government-aided Myanmar National Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Medical Training Center was officially handed over to Myanmar last week.
Page 3: There’s a report (English report) on Wang Xiaohong’s visit to Henan, where he focussed on tackling agriculture-related crimes. He termed food security the “top priority” and talked about ensuring that “Chinese people's rice bowl is firmly in our own hands”, and focussed on three specific domains:
cracking down on the production and sale of counterfeit and substandard agricultural materials, as well as the destruction of arable land resources.
the need to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights within the seed industry and to effectively safeguard fertile farmland to ensure agricultural production
comprehensive planning in drought resistance, flood management and emergency preparedness
Page 6: There is a report on the notice by the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, hiking pensions for retirees by 3 percent compared to 2023. The increase applies to those who completed their retirement procedures by the end of 2023 and were previously employed by enterprises or government bodies.
Page 7: Three reports of cadres being taken down for corruption.
First, Li Pengxin, former Xinjiang deputy secretary, has been expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws. Li “seriously violated the Party's political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, and life discipline” (政治纪律, 组织纪律, 廉洁纪律, 生活纪律). It adds that Li:
lost his ideals and beliefs, betrayed his original mission, cultivated personal power, and engaged in "seven things";
failed to abide by the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, attended banquets and accepted vehicle and driver services
was disloyal and dishonest to the organization, did not truthfully explain the problems when inquired, violated organizational principles, transacted in official positions, and seriously polluted the local political ecology;
accepted money and valuables, and took advantage of his former position to seek benefits for others in mineral exploitation projects, enterprise operations and job adjustment and promotion
breached the bottom line of integrity, accepting gifts and cash
became corrupt and degenerate
was extremely greedy, colluded with business interests, engaged in new types of corruption, used his position to benefit others in mineral development, business operations, and cadre selection and appointment, and illegally accepted substantial assets such as equity and shares.
经查，李鹏新丧失理想信念，背弃初心使命，培植个人势力，搞“七个有之”；无视中央八项规定精神，违规接受宴请和车辆司机服务安排；对组织不忠诚、不老实，在组织函询时不如实说明问题，违背组织原则，卖官鬻爵，严重污染地方政治生态；廉洁底线失守，长期违规收受礼品、礼金；腐化堕落；贪婪无度，政商勾连，大搞新型腐败，利用职务便利为他人在矿产开发、企业经营、干部选拔任用等方面谋利，并非法收受股权股份等巨额财物.
Second, Chen Yuxiang, the former deputy head of Hebei's discipline inspection commission and provincial commission of supervision, has been expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws.
Chen violated organizational discipline, integrity discipline, work discipline and life discipline (组织纪律, 廉洁纪律, 工作纪律, 生活纪律). The charges say that Chen:
lost his ideals and beliefs, betrayed his original mission, violated discipline in the enforcement of discipline, violated the law in the enforcement of law, disregarded the spirit of the Central Committee’s eight-point regulations, and indulged in hedonism, extravagance and attending regular banquets and improperly accepted benefits related to tourism, fitness…
ignored organizational principles, sought personal gain for others in cadre selection and appointment, and accepted bribes
accepted gifts and cash
violated work requirements by interfering in judicial and disciplinary law enforcement activities
willingly became a target of ‘hunting’, treating the authority granted by the organization as a tool for personal gain, engaging heavily in power-money transactions, using his position to benefit others in business operations and project management, and illegally accepting substantial assets
经查，陈玉祥丧失理想信念，背弃初心使命，执纪违纪，执法犯法，罔顾中央八项规定精神，热衷于吃喝享乐，长期频繁接受宴请，违规接受旅游、健身等活动安排；无视组织原则，在干部选拔任用中为他人谋取利益并收受财物；违规收受礼品、礼金；违反工作要求，干预和插手司法及执纪执法活动；甘于被“围猎”，把组织赋予的权力当作谋取私利的工具，大搞权钱交易，利用职务便利为他人在企业经营、项目运营等方面谋利，并非法收受巨额财物.
Finally, Wang Yixin, former member of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial Party Committee and former vice governor of the province, has been expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws.
Wang violated the Party's political discipline, organizational discipline, integrity discipline and life discipline (政治纪律, 组织纪律, 廉洁纪律, 生活纪律). In terms of the specific charges, Wang:
lost his ideals and beliefs, betrayed his original mission, made friends with political swindlers, and resisted organizational review
violated organizational principles, concealed his family's real estate situation, did not truthfully explain the problem during the organizational interview, illegally selected and appointed cadres and accepted property
Irregularly accepted cash gifts, received discounted renovations from private business owners, used authority to benefit specific individuals, engaged in power and monetary transactions involving relationships/sexual favours (搞权色、钱色交易)
was morally corrupt
used power for personal gain, engaged in power-for-money transactions, used the convenience of his position to seek profits for others in land development and project contracting, and illegally accepted huge amounts of assets
经查，王一新丧失理想信念，背弃初心使命，结交政治骗子，对抗组织审查；违背组织原则，隐瞒不报家庭房产情况，在组织谈话时不如实说明问题，违规选拔任用干部并收受财物；违规收受礼金，接受私营企业主低价装修，利用职权为特定关系人谋取利益，搞权色、钱色交易；道德败坏；以权谋私，大搞权钱交易，利用职务便利为他人在土地开发、项目承揽等方面谋利，并非法收受巨额财物.