Xi's New Year Message - Putin-Xi Call - Zhang Youxia & He Weidong Visit Troops
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People's Daily’s edition on Friday, February 09, 2024.
Page 1: It’s another day of the front page being dominated by Xi Jinping entirely. The top story today is about Xi’s speech at the CNY reception. The full speech is also separately published on the page. Xi said that “the country faced an exceptionally complicated international environment” in the past year, along with “arduous tasks of reform, development, and maintaining stability.” Nevertheless, “solid progress” had been made in pursuing Chinese-style modernisation.
Xi said that “over the past year, we have fully implemented the new development concept, adhered to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, resolutely implemented the transition from COVID-19 prevention and control, and promoted economic recovery and development; the total economic volume has exceeded 126 trillion yuan, the total grain output has reached a new high, and employment and prices are generally stable. Looking at the world, it is still ‘the scenery is better here’. Scientific and technological innovation has achieved new breakthroughs, and the development of new productive forces has accelerated. Reform and opening up has continued to deepen, and the new round of Party and state institutional reform has been basically completed. The ecological environment has also continued to improve. New steps have been taken in national defense and military modernization. The Chengdu Universiade and the Hangzhou Asian Games were successfully held, and our country’s athletes achieved good results…
“...We have deepened the comprehensive and strict Party governance and the fight against corruption, and consolidated building a good political environment. We have put the people first, worked to protect and improve people’s livelihood, continued to consolidate and expand the results of the poverty alleviation campaign, worked hard to address the pressing difficulties and problems that concerned people most, and made all-out efforts in responding to natural disasters and advancing post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, thus maintaining overall social stability. We actively supported Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall situation of national development, firmly opposed separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ and interference by external forces, and vigorously defended our country's sovereignty, security and development interests. Solid efforts have been made in advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, adding certainty and positive energy to a world of change and disorder and demonstrating our responsibility to promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
习近平在讲话中指出，一年来，我们全面贯彻新发展理念，坚持稳中求进工作总基调，果断实行新冠疫情防控转段，推动经济恢复发展，经济总量超过126万亿元，粮食总产再创新高，就业、物价总体平稳，放眼全球仍然是“风景这边独好”。科技创新实现新突破，新质生产力加快形成。改革开放不断深化，新一轮党和国家机构改革基本完成。生态环境持续改善。国防和军队现代化迈出新的步伐。成功举办成都大运会、杭州亚运会，我国体育健儿创造良好成绩。纵深推进全面从严治党和反腐败斗争，不断巩固良好政治生态。我们坚持人民至上，着力保障和改善民生，持续巩固拓展脱贫攻坚成果，用心用情解决人民群众急难愁盼问题，全力以赴应对自然灾害和推动灾后恢复建设，社会大局保持稳定。我们积极支持香港、澳门更好融入国家发展大局，坚决反对“台独”分裂行径和外部势力干涉，有力捍卫国家主权、安全、发展利益。扎实推进中国特色大国外交，为变乱交织的世界增添确定性和正能量，展现了推动构建人类命运共同体的责任担当.
He added that through the year, “we have realized that building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization is not only a bright road for the Chinese people to pursue a better and happy life, but also a just way to promote world peace and development. As long as we are unwavering in our path and our will, and persist consistently with united efforts, we will surely overcome various difficulties and obstacles on the journey forward, continuously advancing towards the shore of success.”
For the coming year, he stressed the “need to adhere to the general tone of the work that seeks progress while maintaining stability, implement the requirements of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promoting stability through making progress, and establishing first before breaking; completely, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept and coordinate high-quality development and high-level safety; identify the key points, grasp the crucial aspects, forge ahead and work hard to effectively enhance economic vitality, prevent and resolve risks, improve social expectations, consolidate and enhance the positive economic recovery, continue to improve people’s livelihood and well-being, and maintain overall social harmony and stability. Xi Jinping emphasized that it is necessary to further comprehensively deepen reforms, strive to break down deep-seated institutional obstacles and structural problems, fully stimulate the entrepreneurial, innovative and creative vitality of the whole society, inject strong impetus into promoting Chinese-style modernization, and enable Chinese-style modernization to overcome obstacles and move forward in an indomitable manner.” 我们要坚持稳中求进工作总基调，贯彻稳中求进、以进促稳、先立后破的要求，完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，统筹高质量发展和高水平安全，突出重点、把握关键，锐意进取、真抓实干，切实增强经济活力、防范化解风险、改善社会预期，巩固和增强经济回升向好态势，持续增进民生福祉，保持社会大局和谐稳定。习近平强调，要进一步全面深化改革，着力破解深层次体制机制障碍和结构性矛盾，充分激发全社会创业创新创造活力，为推进中国式现代化注入强大动力，使中国式现代化建设披荆斩棘、一往无前.
He also talked about the dragon as a symbol of strength, fearlessness and benevolence.
The only other report on the page is about Xi’s chat with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, exchanging CNY wishes. The readout says:
“Xi Jinping pointed out that it has become a good tradition between us to exchange greetings at the end of the year and the beginning of the year, summarize the development results of bilateral relations, and look forward to the future together. In the past year, we met twice and reached many important consensus. Under our joint leadership, the governments, legislative bodies, and political parties of the two countries have had active exchanges, and cooperation in various fields has demonstrated resilience and vitality. The two sides have achieved their annual trade volume targets ahead of schedule. People-to-people and local exchanges between the two countries have flourished, and the Year of Sports Exchange has come to a successful conclusion. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Looking back on the road we have traveled, we have endured many trials and tribulations together. Looking to the future, China-Russia relations are facing new development opportunities. China is ready to continue to uphold the spirit of mutual assistance and everlasting friendship with Russia to jointly write a new chapter in China-Russia relations.” 习近平指出，在岁末年初互致问候，总结双边关系发展成果，共同展望未来，已经成为我们之间的良好传统。过去一年，我们两次会面，达成许多重要共识。在我们共同引领下，两国政府、立法机构、政党交往活跃，各领域合作展现出韧性和活力，双方提前完成年度贸易额目标，两国人文和地方交流蓬勃开展，体育交流年圆满收官。今年是中俄建交75周年。回首走过的路，我们一起经受了诸多风浪考验。展望未来，中俄关系面临新的发展机遇。中方愿同俄方继续秉持守望相助、世代友好的精神，携手谱写中俄关系新篇章.
“Xi Jinping emphasized that the two sides should intensify strategic coordination, safeguard their respective national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by external forces. The two sides should cultivate new momentum for bilateral cooperation, maintain the stability of the industrial and supply chains, jointly host the China-Russia Year of Culture, hold down-to-earth and warm cultural exchanges that connect the hearts of the two peoples, and constantly tighten the bonds of their people. Both sides should support Kazakhstan in hosting the SCO summit, enhance unity and mutual trust, and safeguard regional security and stability and the common interests of regional countries. China actively supports Russia in assuming the rotating presidency of the BRICS in 2024, and is willing to work with Russia to strengthen international multilateral collaboration, practice true multilateralism, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and ensure that the global governance system develops in a more just and reasonable direction, making positive contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.” 习近平强调，双方要密切战略协作，捍卫各自国家主权、安全、发展利益，坚决反对外部势力干涉内政。双方要培育两国合作新动能，维护产业链供应链稳定，共同办好中俄文化年，举办好连民心、接地气、有温度的文化交流，不断拉紧两国人民心灵纽带。双方要支持哈萨克斯坦办好今年上海合作组织峰会，增进团结互信，维护地区安全稳定和地区国家共同利益。中方积极支持俄方担任2024年金砖国家轮值主席国工作，愿同俄方加强国际多边协作，践行真正的多边主义，倡导平等有序的世界多极化和普惠包容的经济全球化，推动全球治理体系朝着更加公正合理的方向发展，为推动构建人类命运共同体作出积极贡献.
As per the Chinese readout, Putin said that in the past year, “Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented high level.” He thanked China “for supporting Russia in assuming the rotating presidency of BRICS this year.” He added that “Russia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China within regional and international multilateral frameworks such as the SCO, support each other, safeguard multilateralism, and safeguard their respective legitimate interests. Russia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes any dangerous behavior that provokes China on the Taiwan issue. It believes that any attempt to hinder China's peaceful reunification will not succeed.” 感谢中方支持俄方担任今年金砖国家轮值主席国工作，俄方愿同中方加强在上海合作组织等地区和国际多边框架内沟通协作，相互支持，维护多边主义，维护各自正当利益。俄方坚定恪守一个中国原则，反对任何在台湾问题上挑衅中国的危险行为，相信任何阻遏中国和平统一的图谋都不会得逞.
The report ends with this: “The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on current international and regional hotspot issues. The two heads of state agreed to keep close contact in the new year.”
The Russian readout says that both sides agreed to ensure “promoting cooperation across all areas, including energy, finance, infrastructure, transport, industrial production, agriculture, humanitarian and sport exchanges. Both parties expressed willingness to advance coordination in foreign policy within the framework of various multilateral bodies such as the UN, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Xi Jinping supported the priorities of the Russian BRICS Chairmanship. President Putin and President Xi had a detailed exchange on the situation in several regions, including the Middle East, where both Russia and China support a political and diplomatic settlement of the Palestinian problem within the generally recognised framework of international law. When discussing the state of affairs in the Asia-Pacific Region, President Putin confirmed Russia’s principled stance on Taiwan, which is support for the One-China policy. The presidents also covered the current situation in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping specifically stressed that close Russia-China interaction is an important stabilising factor in world affairs.”
Page 2: There’s a report on Xi’s exchange of congratulations with his Portuguese counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xinhua reports:
“China and Portugal have properly settled the Macao issue through friendly consultation, and taken stock of the situation to establish the comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said. Xi also said that the two sides have jointly coped with the global financial crisis and public health challenges, expanded mutually beneficial cooperation among their enterprises, worked together for stronger Belt and Road cooperation and development of China-EU relations, and upheld multilateralism. Noting that he highly regards the development of China-Portugal relations, Xi said he stands ready to work with Rebelo de Sousa to set the course for an ever-deepening China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership, better benefit the two peoples, promote a sound and steady development of China-EU relations, and contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.”
Also, there’s a report (English report) on Xi’s letter to Ilham Aliyev on his re-election as president of Azerbaijan.
Page 3: There’s another very long piece about how much Xi cares about the masses. Once again, this bestows upon Xi the title of People’s Leader 人民领袖.
Page 4: There are two pieces to note. First, Zhang Youxia visited a brigade of the 82nd Group Army and a division of the Air Force Aviation Corps in Beijing to deliver Spring Festival greetings. Key points he made were:
Persisting in arming of officers and soldiers with Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army is the primary task of military construction. It is necessary to continuously deepen the education and training of troops with the Party’s innovative theories, consolidate and expand the results of the thematic education campaign, focus on the overall improvement of Party organization construction and disciplinary measures, and do a good job in forging souls and shaping loyalty.
It is necessary to intensify troop training and preparations, strengthen preparations for actual cases, promote innovation in tactics, forge new qualitative capabilities, comprehensively promote new models of basic training…
Finally, he called to continue to purify the atmosphere at the grassroots level, and improve the overall construction of the armed forces.
张又侠指出，坚持用习近平强军思想武装官兵是部队建设的首要任务，要持续深化用党的创新理论建连育人，巩固拓展主题教育成果，扭住党组织建设整纲肃纪，把凝心铸魂、培塑忠诚的工作做扎实。张又侠强调，要抓紧部队练兵备战工作，加强实案准备，推进战法创新，锻造新质能力，全面推开基础训练新模式，探索合成训练方法路子。要攻坚推动规划任务落实，贯彻改革创新要求，加快先进战斗力有效供给。张又侠指出，要做好抓基层打基础工作，帮建支部、帮带书记、帮抓骨干，开展“双争”活动，持续纯正基层风气，把部队全面建设搞过硬。要坚持极端负责的标准和作风，扎实做好安全稳定工作，以高水平安全保障高质量发展.
Second, He Weidong visited a detachment of the Beijing Armed Police Corps and a regiment of the Beijing Garrison Area. His key message was to “consolidate and expand the results of thematic education, deeply promote political rectification and training, establish a solid ideological and political foundation for the absolute loyalty of officers and soldiers to the party, and ensure that the troops resolutely obey the commands of the Central Committee of the Party, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi.”
He also stressed on the need to “deepen military training and preparation, maintain a constant state of readiness, focus on realistic military training, conduct mass training activities, vigorously cultivate a fighting spirit, accelerate the enhancement of actual combat capabilities, and ensure the ability to respond promptly, fight effectively, and achieve victory.”
何卫东指出，部队驻守京畿，使命光荣、责任重大，要强化政治引领，坚持不懈用习近平强军思想铸魂育人，全面深入贯彻军委主席负责制，巩固拓展主题教育成果，深入推进政治整训，打牢官兵对党绝对忠诚的思想政治根基，确保部队坚决听从党中央、中央军委和习主席指挥。何卫东强调，要深化练兵备战，保持常备不懈的战备状态，抓好实战化军事训练，深入开展群众性练兵活动，大力培育战斗精神，加快提升实战能力，做到召之即来、来之能战、战之必胜.