Xi's Qiushi Article - Yang Jiechi on China's Diplomacy in 2022 - Guidelines for Veteran Cadres - Zhong Sheng Commentary on US' Covid 'Failure'
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Monday, May 16, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: At the top of the page, there are two stories about Xi Jinping congratulating Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al an on his assuming the presidency of the UAE, and Xi sending a message of condolence over the passing of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Then there’s a piece drawing from Xi Jinping’s article in Qiushi, which was published yesterday. The article is drawn from Xi’s speech at the Central Economic Work Conference on December 8, 2021. In it, Xi highlights five key issues:
correctly understand and grasp the strategic goals and practical ways to achieve common prosperity
correctly understand and grasp the characteristics and behavioural laws of capital
correctly understand and grasp the supply guarantee of primary products
correctly understand and grasp the prevention and resolution of major risks
correctly understand and grasp the goal of carbon neutralisation
I am attaching below the full translation of Xi’s article by Dr. Sarah Gillette, Adjunct Professor at Milligan University, who was kind enough to do this for the newsletter.
I am also sharing below a few excerpts from her translation that I found noteworthy.
“Common prosperity is the essential requirement of socialism with Chinese characteristics. What should the path to common prosperity look like? We are currently exploring this. To achieve the goal of common prosperity, we must first make the ‘cake’ bigger and better through the joint efforts of the people of the whole country, and then correctly handle the relationship between growth and distribution through reasonable institutional arrangements, so as to divide the ‘cake’ well. This is a long-term historical process. We must create conditions, improve systems, and steadily move towards this goal…it is important to continuously promote the expansion of employment and the improvement of the quality of employment. It is necessary to support the development of small, medium and micro enterprises and give full play to their role as a channel for employers. It is necessary to learn from the lessons of some Western countries' economic transitions from the ‘real to the virtual,’ continue to expand the real economy, and create more high-quality jobs. It is necessary to increase investment in human capital, improve the quality of education, strengthen vocational education and skills training, improve the quality of workers, better meet the needs of high-quality development, and effectively prevent large-scale unemployment risks… To promote common prosperity, we must not engage in ‘welfare’. Some Latin American countries in the past have engaged in populism, and welfare in these countries has raised a group of ‘lazy people’ with unearned incomes…Welfare benefits cannot decrease if they go up, and ‘welfare-ism’ that exceeds one’s ability is unsustainable, and it will inevitably bring about serious economic and political problems. We must adhere to doing our best and do what we can, focusing on improving the level of public services, accurately providing basic public services in the fields of education, medical care, elderly care, housing and other areas that the people are most concerned about…”
“ To engage in a socialist market economy is a great creation of our party. Since it is a socialist market economy, it will inevitably produce various forms of capital. Although there are many differences between capital in capitalist society and capital in socialist society, capital is all about chasing profits. ‘The key to uniting the people is to manage their wealth appropriately’…In recent years, due to lack of awareness and lack of supervision, capital has expanded in a disorderly way, manipulated arbitrarily, and made huge profits in some areas of our country. This requires regulating the behaviour of capital, seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages, not allowing ‘capital predators’ to act recklessly, but also giving full play to the function of capital as a factor of production. This is a major political and economic issue that cannot be avoided.”
Xi then talks about setting up traffic lights for capital, adding that: “All types of capital cannot run amok. To prevent the savage growth of some capital, we must fight against monopoly, profiteering, sky-high prices, malicious hype, and unfair competition. Effective supervision of capital should be strengthened in accordance with the law…To curb the disorderly expansion of capital, it is not the absence of capital, but the orderly development of capital.”
Later in the piece when talking about major risks, Xi identifies five challenges, with the following standing out to me:
“Some large enterprises are blindly impulsive, (have engaged in) irrational diversification, (have had) excessive reliance on financial leverage, and (there has been) excessive industrial capital entering the financial industry. Some shareholders and actual controllers operate and manage financial enterprises in violation of laws and regulations, with insider control, manipulation by major shareholders, financial fraud, and wanton misappropriation of funds. Fourth, collusion and corruption between officials and businessmen is rampant…”
When talking about what needs to be done, Xi stresses:
“We must also realise the main responsibility of enterprises for self-rescue, and formulate feasible risk resolution plans. It is necessary to strengthen capacity building, improve the level of regulatory technology, make up for regulatory shortcomings, and strengthen the construction of financial regulatory cadres. We must have sufficient resources, promptly set up a financial stability guarantee fund, give full play to the role of the deposit insurance system and guarantee funds in risk disposal, and study and formulate support policies for promoting mergers and acquisitions of financial institutions and resolving non-performing assets. Local governments should take the initiative to revitalise existing assets and defuse risks. Corporate shareholders must first bear the risk of loss until the share capital is cleared. It is necessary for all parties to cooperate extensively, and the financial industry should establish an integrated risk disposal mechanism, fully authorise, coordinate and improve the ability of cross-market and cross-industry coordination. Special attention should be paid to the risks of some real estate companies…”
Next, there’s a report about a new guideline on strengthening Party building for retired officials. Political guidance should be stepped up to further unite veteran CPC members, the document noted, and the supervision of the officials’ conduct should also be enhanced. The article says that:
“Strengthening Party building among retired cadres in the new era is of great significance for implementing the strategic policy of comprehensively governing the Party with strict discipline, further advancing the great new project of Party building in the new era, better uniting retired officials around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, not forgetting the original intention, keeping in mind the mission, and actively contributing wisdom and strength to the realisation of the second centenary goal and the realisation of the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” 加强新时代离退休干部党的建设工作，对于贯彻落实全面从严治党战略方针、深入推进新时代党的建设新的伟大工程，更好地把广大离退休干部团结凝聚在以***同志为核心的党中央周围，不忘初心、牢记使命，积极为实现第二个百年奋斗目标、实现中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦贡献智慧和力量，具有重要意义.
The Opinions pointed out that it is necessary to strengthen political leadership, organise and guide retired cadres and Party members to deeply study the Party’s innovative theory in the new era, consciously practice Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, strengthen ‘four consciousnesses’ and the ‘four self-confidences’ and achieve the ‘two safeguards’ to ensure that retired cadres and Party members continue to listen to and follow the Party. 《意见》指出，要强化政治引领，组织引导离退休干部党员深入学习新时代党的创新理论，自觉践行***新时代中国特色社会主义思想，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，确保离退休干部党员继续听党话、跟党走。
The document calls for strengthening “management and supervision,” with a particular focus on cadres who have held leading positions to ensure that they “strictly abide by relevant discipline rules” and that their sense of “Party spirit” and awareness of “Party discipline” is enhanced.
On Page 4, there’s an interview with a senior official from the Central Organisation Department talking about this new guideline. Actually, the header informs that the interview is with the 负责人 “person in charge”; I presume this relates to the person in charge of dealing with issues related to veteran cadres than Chen Xi, who is the head of the department.
In a nutshell, the interview informs that the new guidelines are about ensuring political alignment with Xi Jinping’s rule and governance ideas, using retired cadres to reinforce positive messaging, and cracking down on any use of influence by retired cadres for personal benefit or to politically undermine Xi Jinping.
The first question focuses on why the guideline was needed. The official identifies three reasons:
There is an increasing number of retired cadres and groups, which require better action.
Retired party members are politically strong, high in consciousness, good in party spirit, rich in experience, wisdom and life experience and are important resources for the party to govern the country.
With the comprehensive and strict governance of the party advancing in depth, strengthening Party building work among retired cadres has become “the top priority of the work of veteran cadres in the new era.”
Later the official says that from an ideological and political point of view, there are two key goals: strengthening theoretical arming and strengthening the party's political construction.
“In terms of strengthening theoretical arming, it is emphasised that it is necessary to organise and guide retired cadres and party members to deeply study the Party’s innovative theories in the new era…strengthen their ideals and beliefs, and consciously practice Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Party committees at all levels are required to hold demonstration training classes every year, and responsible comrades of party committees or relevant parties should offer Party classes to retired cadres and party members once a year…
When it comes to political construction, “it is emphasised that retired cadres and Party members should be guided to deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’, strengthen the ‘four self-confidences’ and achieve the ‘two safeguards’, and consciously maintain a high degree of ideological, political and action alignment with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core; emphasise strict political discipline and rules of the party, take the political life within the party seriously, and require retired cadres and party members to take a clear-cut stand and stand firm in the face of big issues, be loyal to the Party, obey the Party’s command, do their duty for the Party, and be the defenders of a good political ecology.”《意见》提出“强化政治引领，确保离退休干部党员继续听党话、跟党走”，着重从加强理论武装和加强党的政治建设两个方面作出规定。在加强理论武装方面强调，要组织引导离退休干部党员深入学习新时代党的创新理论，坚持读原著、学原文、悟原理，在学懂弄通做实上下功夫，坚定理想信念，自觉践行习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想。要求各级党委（党组）每年举办示范培训班，党委（党组）或有关方面负责同志每年为离退休干部党员讲1次党课。在加强党的政治建设方面强调，要引导离退休干部党员深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，自觉在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致。强调严明党的政治纪律和政治规矩，严肃党内政治生活，要求离退休干部党员在大是大非面前旗帜鲜明、立场坚定，对党忠诚、听党指挥、为党尽责，做风清气正的良好政治生态的维护者。要求担任过领导职务的离退休干部党员积极发挥好表率作用。
There’s another question about strengthening the education and management of retired cadres and party members. The official says that the aim in this regard is to strengthen daily management and strict discipline. In this, “positive education should be the mainstay.” One part of this is having an honorary retirement work system. In addition, it is important to maintain strict supervision. For instance, the official says that “retired cadres and Party members should go through the formalities in strict accordance with the relevant regulations when going abroad.” Also this:
“retired cadres and party members, especially those who have held leadership positions, should strictly abide by the relevant discipline and rules, and should not arbitrarily discuss the major policies of the CPC Central Committee, spread negative political remarks, participate in illegal social organisation activities, or use their original authority or position influence to seek benefits for themselves and others. We must resolutely oppose and resist all kinds of erroneous thoughts, and resolutely oppose hedonism and extravagance.” 在严明纪律规矩方面，提出离退休干部党员特别是担任过领导职务的干部党员要严守有关纪律规矩，不得妄议党中央大政方针，不得传播政治性的负面言论，不得参与非法社会组织活动，不得利用原职权或职务影响为自己和他人谋取利益。要坚决反对和抵制各种错误思潮，坚决反对享乐主义和奢靡之风.
Next, there’s a report about the high-quality development of family education and family style/tradition since the 18th Party Congress. This talks about how Xi has been focussed on this to ensure that “socialist core values to take root in the family” and to establish a new “trend of socialist family civilisation.”
Then there is a piece on the importance of finance to high-quality development. This is a preview piece, which leads to more reports on pages 7 and 8.
It says that since the 18th Party Congress, “under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has made major achievements in financial reform and development.” It reiterates Xi’s comments that “the financial sector should serve the real economy and meet economic and social development and the needs of the people.”
It says that in Q1 this year, new RMB loans hit a record high, and the interest rate of corporate loans hit a record low; presently, 1.22 billion urban and rural residents have major illness insurance cover; in 2021, agricultural insurance provided 4.7 trillion yuan of risk protection for 180 million households; banking coverage, as of 2020, was extended to 97.13% of towns and villages.
Page 2: There’s a story about steps taken towards a phased reopening in Shanghai. This is based on vice-mayor Chen Tong’s comments yesterday. China Daily has an English report on this. It says that:
Chen had said that shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and catering services in Shanghai will resume offline operations in a gradual and orderly manner as the city will promote a staged resumption of commercial business and markets starting on Monday. All retail venues need to design entry and exit channels, limit the flow of customers and provide services for placing orders online, but also provide delivery offline along with in-store consumption. Catering and hairdressing services will resume gradually. Catering operators can take orders both online and offline but only provide takeaway service. Hairdressing service operators must also limit the number of customers.
“We believe that as the epidemic situation further improves, the resumption of business and markets will take bigger steps and more commercial outlets will be reopened,” said Chen. The number of commercial outlets operating in the city has climbed from the low point of 1,400 during the city's entire lockdown to 10,625 currently, with 5 million deliveries being completed daily, he said. Gu Jun, director of the Shanghai Commission of Commerce, said nearly 1,200, or three-fourths, of the total outlets of the city's 12 major chain supermarkets have reopened. Altogether, 183 are operating offline and the rest take orders online. More than 2,200, or one-third, of the outlets of the city's major chain convenience stores have resumed business. More than 670 are operating offline, and the rest take orders online and make offline deliveries. Shanghai is at a critical transition from emergency response to normalized epidemic prevention and control, Chen said. The government will continue providing living necessities of better quality and more variety to residents in lockdown and controlled zones more frequently.
The commerce authority also said nearly two-thirds of the key foreign trade enterprises in the city’s first business resumption ‘white list’ have resumed operations. There are 142 enterprises in goods trade, service trade, foreign capital headquarters and port service on the first white list. The 562 enterprises on the second list are also making preparations for resumption, said Gu.
Next, there’s a story about Beijing planning to conduct three further mass nucleic acid testing rounds in 12 districts from Monday to Wednesday. Xinhua reports that the 12 districts include all urban and major suburban districts: Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Fangshan, Tongzhou, Shunyi, Changping, Daxing and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, said Wang Xiao'e, a senior official from the Beijing municipal health commission. The latest move follows three mass COVID-19 screenings that took place from Friday to Sunday in the 12 districts. Residents in the remaining five suburban districts of Mentougou, Pinggu, Huairou, Miyun and Yanqing will need to take routine nucleic acid tests.
Page 3: There’s an article by Paul Zilungisele Tembe (谭哲理) from the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute. He writes a full-throated defence of China’s whole-process democracy. He writes:
“China’s successful practice has fully proved that democracy is not the patent of Western countries. The whole-process people’s democracy was not created out of thin air. It originated from China’s unique history, huge population size, and economic and social conditions. It focuses on formulating policies and plans through a combination of theory and practice. At the same time, China has paid attention to learning from the useful experience of foreign countries, and has chosen what is useful to itself, rather than imitating them indiscriminately, which indicates that China has a profound understanding of its own national conditions and is committed to firmly grasping the destiny of national development and progress. Some Western countries claim that their democratic system is the best, and they are keen to promote their so-called democratic system by force. However, this forced ‘democracy’ will eventually threaten social stability because of its inability to acclimatise. In some Western countries, the system is more oligarchy than democracy. The government is dominated by a few interest groups and mainly serves the interests of a few people. The vast majority of people are actually excluded from the democratic process and become an example of poor governance.”
中国的成功实践充分证明，民主不是西方国家的专利。全过程人民民主不是凭空产生的，它源于中国独特的历史、庞大的人口规模和经济社会条件，注重通过理论和实践相结合制定政策和计划。与此同时，中国注重学习借鉴国外的有益经验，从中选择对自己有用的东西，而不是不加甄别地生搬硬套，反映出中国对本国国情有深刻的认识，致力于牢牢掌握国家发展进步的命运。个别西方国家宣称其民主制度是最好的，并热衷于通过武力推行其所谓民主制度。然而，强推的“民主”最终会因为“水土不服”威胁社会稳定。个别西方国家的制度更多是寡头政治而非民主政治，政府由少数利益集团主导，主要服务少数人的利益，绝大多数人实际上被排除在民主进程之外，成为治理不善的例子.
Next, there’s a Zhong Sheng commentary which argues that the “failure of the United States’ anti-epidemic policy is enough to make people see the hypocrisy of American-style human rights.” This appears to be the first in a series of commentaries around this theme.
This comes as COVID-19 deaths in the US hit the 1 million mark. It argues that “in the face of a once-in-a-century pandemic, adhering to the supremacy of the people and life, and truly respecting every life, is the greatest respect and best protection for human rights.” In this regard, US politicians have prioritised “political self-interest,” the two political parties have been “attacking, vetoing and confronting each other” on key issues, federal and local governments have been “obstructing each other” and “the overall fight against the epidemic has been held hostage by political calculations on all sides.”
It adds that “putting short-term economic interests and interests of capital above the safety of public health and people’s lives and health is another important reason for America’s failure to fight the pandemic.” 将短期经济利益、资本利益凌驾于公共卫生安全、民众生命健康之上，这是美国抗疫失败的又一重要原因. – This narrative again underscores why it is going to be so difficult for China to do away with the zero-COVID policy.
The next paragraph says that the pandemic disproportionately hurt people of colour and economically weaker and vulnerable segments of society. “Studies in American universities show that the epidemic caused the average life expectancy of African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States to drop by 2.1 years and 3.05 years, much higher than that of whites by 0.68 years. People 65 and older accounted for about three-quarters of the million COVID-19 deaths, according to data analysed by reporters from the Associated Press.” 美国高校的研究表明，疫情导致美国非洲裔和拉美裔的平均预期寿命下降了2.1岁和3.05岁，远高于白人平均预期寿命下降的0.68岁。美联社记者分析数据后发现，在百万新冠肺炎逝者中，65岁及以上老年人占比约¾.
The piece cites “A Poor People’s Pandemic Report” to say that “death rates in poor counties in the US were almost double the death rates of those in rich counties. The 300 counties with the highest death rates have a poverty rate of 45% on average.” It talks about how the “‘social Darwinism’ gene is deeply rooted in American values.” 在回答有关美国疫情防控过程中存在明显公平缺失的问题时，时任美国领导人曾说“这就是生活”，深刻折射出美国价值观深处的“社会达尔文主义”基因.
Page 6: There’s a long article by Yang Jiechi on the practice of China’s diplomacy this year so far.
He writes that since the beginning of this year, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has coordinated the domestic and international situations, development and security, epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and calmly observed and calmly responded to changes in the international situation. He adds that “Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, all fronts across the country have united as one and forged ahead, fully implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, and made in-depth progress in all aspects of our work; a series of important new achievements have been made in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. Foreign work is based on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, and China continues to promote major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.” 年初以来，面对世界百年未有之大变局和世纪疫情相互叠加的复杂局面，以习近平同志为核心的党中央，统筹国内国际两个大局，统筹发展安全两件大事，统筹疫情防控和经济社会发展，冷静观察、沉着应对国际风云变幻。全国各条战线以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，团结一心、砥砺奋进，全面贯彻落实党中央决策部署，深入推进各项工作，中国特色社会主义建设取得一系列重要新成就。对外工作以习近平外交思想为根本遵循，持续推进中国特色大国外交，我国始终保持战略全局主动有利地位.
The first section of the article focuses on China’s achievements in the foreign policy domain so far this year.
He starts with talking about the Winter Games in February. He says that these were held successfully. He says that the Party “completely defeated” the “sinister intentions of anti-China forces to interfere with and disrupt China’s hosting of the Olympic Games and take the opportunity to contain and suppress China.” 彻底击破反华势力干扰破坏我国办奥运、借机对我国遏制打压的险恶用心.
“The intensive head-of-state diplomacy around the Winter Olympics fully demonstrated China's self-confidence and openness as a major country and its responsibilities as a major country in promoting world peace and development, and brought together people from all over the world for peace and friendship, solidarity and cooperation, civilisation and progress, and creating a better future, thus injecting confidence and hope into the turbulent world.” 围绕冬奥会密集开展的元首外交和主场外交，充分彰显中国自信开放的大国风范和坚定有力推动世界和平发展的大国担当，极大凝聚世界各国人民和平友好、团结合作、文明进步、共创未来的国际共识，为动荡不安的世界注入信心和希望.
He then talks about the holding of the Two Sessions in March and then says that faced with “the challenges brought about by the rising complexity and uncertainty of the external environment, the CPC Central Committee took far-sighted and scientific decisions to issue a series of policies that have been conducive to the stable development of the economy and society. China’s economic operation has achieved a smooth start, production supply and market demand are generally stable, there has been effective guarantee for people’s livelihood security, and new progress has been made in high-quality development, demonstrating resilience against shocks and strong vitality.” 年初以来，面对外部环境复杂性不确定性上升带来的考验，党中央高瞻远瞩、科学决策，及时出台一系列有利于经济社会稳定发展的政策，我国经济运行实现平稳开局，生产供给和市场需求总体稳定，民生保障有力有效，高质量发展取得新进展，展现了抗冲击的韧性和旺盛的生机活力.
In the next paragraph, Yang praises China’s COVID-19 control policy. He writes that “significant strategic results have been achieved, and the lives, safety and health of 1.4 billion Chinese people have been effectively guaranteed.” 取得重大战略成果，14亿中国人民的生命安全和身体健康得到有力保障. “Our prevention and control policy is determined by the nature and purpose of the party, is scientific and effective, ensures a good trend of economic and social development, has the firm support of the Chinese people, and is highly praised by the mainstream of the international community.” 我们的防控方针由党的性质和宗旨决定，是科学有效的，确保了经济社会发展的良好态势，得到中国人民坚定支持，也受到国际社会主流高度评价。
He adds that “China has supplied more than 2.2 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organisations, and will continue to provide 600 million doses and 150 million doses of vaccines to African countries and ASEAN countries respectively.”
“China has protected people’s lives with strong, effective and responsible epidemic prevention and control measures, and fulfilled its solemn commitment to building a community of health for mankind with solid and sustained investment. This is in stark contrast to those in the West who have turned a blind eye to facts and confused black and white when it comes to fighting the epidemic. We have full confidence in winning the tough battle against the virus and of making greater contributions to global solidarity against the pandemic.” 我国用坚实有力、成功负责的疫情防控措施佑护人民生命，以实实在在、持续不断的投入践行构建人类卫生健康共同体的庄严承诺。这同西方一些人在抗疫问题上罔顾事实、颠倒黑白的行径形成何其鲜明的对比。我们有充分信心打赢疫情防控这场硬仗，并为全球团结抗疫作出更大贡献。
In the next paragraph, Yang talks about Xi’s head of state diplomacy, speeches at the WEF and Boao Forum for Asia; China’s pushback on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, maritime affairs and human rights. He adds:
“We strengthened the comprehensive response to the Ukrainian crisis, clarified our policy position according to the merits of the matter, played a constructive role independently, put forward China's proposal on resolving the crisis, put forward China's initiative on preventing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and exposed and refuted all kinds of wrong arguments and groundless accusations against our country. We uphold justice in the international arena, dare to take responsibility, and firmly uphold fairness and justice, which is widely understood and recognized by most countries, especially developing countries.”--我们围绕乌克兰危机加强综合应对，根据事情本身的是非曲直阐明政策立场，独立自主发挥建设性作用，就化解危机提出中方主张，就防止乌克兰人道主义危机提出中国倡议，揭批和驳斥各种错误论调及对我国的无端指责。我们在国际上主持公道，敢于担当，坚定维护公平正义，得到多数国家特别是广大发展中国家的广泛理解和认同.
Yang then says that these achievements are owed to “wise decisions of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee, the correct guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the concerted efforts of the whole Party, the army and the people of the whole country.” 上述成就的取得，关键在于习近平总书记和党中央的英明决策，在于习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的正确指导，在于全党全军全国人民同心同德、奋力拼搏.
“Based on the strategic goal of containing China, some countries have chosen to turn a blind eye to China’s great achievements and outstanding contributions to the cause of international peace and development. Instead, drawing from the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice, they have done everything possible to spread misinformation, attack and discredit China…(they have) engaged in forming cliques and forming ‘small circles’ to create camp confrontation in an attempt to undermine China’s security and stability along China’s periphery, and harm China’s major core major interests. Their plot will never succeed. Facts have proved that we have firmly grasped the general trend of world development and the correct direction of history. We have the ‘five strategic advantages’ of the Communist Party of China’s strong leadership, the remarkable advantages of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, the solid foundation for sustained and rapid development, the long-term stable social environment and the spiritual strength of self-confidence. Any conspiracy that attempts to obstruct and prevent China’s strong development is doomed to fail, and the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will surely be achieved.” 个别国家基于对华遏制的战略目标，对中国取得的巨大成就和对国际和平发展事业作出的突出贡献选择视而不见，反而从冷战思维和意识形态偏见出发，千方百计传播虚假信息、对我国进行攻击抹黑，热衷于搞各种会议为自己打气壮胆、谋一己私利，通过拉帮结派搞“小圈子”制造阵营对抗，企图破坏我国周边安全稳定，损害我国核心重大利益。他们的图谋绝不可能得逞。事实证明，我们牢牢把握住了世界发展大势和历史的正确方向，我们有中国共产党的坚强领导、中国特色社会主义制度的显著优势、持续快速发展积累的坚实基础、长期稳定的社会环境和自信自强的精神力量这“五个战略性有利条件”，任何妄图迟滞、阻止我国发展强大的阴谋都注定失败，中华民族伟大复兴的目标一定会实现.
The second section of the article says that amid all this, Xi has put forward a “series of important new ideas, new propositions and new initiatives, in order to lead the world in the right direction, solve the international security dilemmas, achieve common development, protect human life and health, and uphold true multilateralism.”
He says that all countries should conform to the trend of peace, development, cooperation and win-win and face the correct direction of building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind. He adds that Xi has noted that the current period and near future is a “critical stage for the continuous advancement of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the in-depth evolution of the great changes in the world.” And one should expect predictable and unpredictable changes, with the key being to turn crises into opportunities.
In this context, Yang says that “some countries are trying to change the trend of the times by transferring contradictions and creating counter-currents. This practice of reversing the tide of history cannot shake the fundamental direction of the great changes in the world. We should continue to deepen our understanding of the great changes in the world, promote the construction of Community of Shared Future for Mankind with other countries in the historical process of realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and safeguard our long-term fundamental interests in adapting, leading and shaping the great changes in the world.” 个别国家企图通过搞乱世界转移矛盾，通过制造逆流来改变时代潮流，这种开历史倒车的做法撼动不了世界大变局的根本方向。我们要持续深化对世界大变局的认识，在实现中华民族伟大复兴的历史进程中与世界各国一道推动构建人类命运共同体，在适应、引领、塑造世界大变局中维护我国长远根本利益.
He then says that Xi has proposed the Global Security Initiative, which says that “mankind is an indivisible security community.” He adds that we should “adhere to the common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, attach importance to the legitimate security concerns of all countries, resolve differences and disputes between countries by peaceful means through dialogue and consultation, and make overall plans to safeguard security in traditional and non-traditional fields.”总书记着眼应对全球共同挑战、促进世界安危与共，提出全球安全倡议，强调安全是发展的前提，人类是不可分割的安全共同体，要坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续的安全观，坚持尊重各国主权、领土完整，坚持遵守联合国宪章宗旨和原则，坚持重视各国合理安全关切，坚持通过对话协商以和平方式解决国家间的分歧和争端，坚持统筹维护传统领域和非传统领域安全。
He then says that the current global security situation is characterised by the following:
The Cold War mentality of some countries has not faded away
hegemonism and power politics are deeply rooted
unilateralism and protectionism emerge from time to time and
security risks caused by various structural contradictions still emerge from time to time
Amid this, it is important to uphold the “new security concept, oppose all forms of hegemonic bullying, interference in other countries' internal affairs under various pretexts, containment and suppression of other countries by expanding the remit of the concept of national security, and opposing the politicisation and weaponisation of economic and scientific issues, and persisting in pushing all countries to take a new path of exchanges that involves dialogue without confrontation, partnership without alliance.”
当前，国际形势的中长期趋势与阶段性特征相互交织，某些国家冷战思维从未消失，霸权主义、强权政治根深蒂固，单边主义、保护主义不时沉渣泛起，各种结构性矛盾带来的安全风险仍不时爆发。我们要秉持新安全观，反对一切形式的霸权霸凌行径，反对打着各种幌子干涉别国内政，反对泛化国家安全概念对他国进行遏制打压，反对把经济科技问题政治化武器化，要坚持推动各国走对话而不对抗、结伴而不结盟的国与国交往新路。
The next paragraph focuses on economic issues. He talks about the need to focus on people-centred development. Yang argues:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on global poverty reduction. Problems such as the North-South development gap, fragmented/differentiated economic recovery, the development gap, and the technological gap have become more prominent. The stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain faces many risks and challenges, and some countries’ policy adjustments have serious negative spillover effects. We should promote the construction of an open world economy, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, and promote global balanced, coordinated and inclusive development. When promoting the implementation of policies, measures and actions, we should give priority to whether these are beneficial to people’s livelihood and well-being, pay attention to the urgent needs of developing countries, promote cooperation in key areas such as poverty reduction, food security, financing for development and industrialisation, and strive to address unbalanced and inadequate development.” 当前，新冠肺炎疫情对全球减贫成果产生巨大影响，南北差距、复苏分化、发展断层、技术鸿沟等问题更加突出，全球产业链供应链稳定面临不少风险挑战，一些国家政策调整产生严重负面外溢效应。我们要推动建设开放型世界经济，加强宏观政策协调，促进全球平衡、协调、包容发展。推动各国实施政策、采取措施、开展行动都要把是否有利于民生福祉放在第一位，要关注发展中国家紧迫需要，围绕减贫、粮食安全、发展筹资、工业化等重点领域推进合作，着力解决发展不平衡不充分问题.
The next paragraph focuses on global health challenges and governance amid the pandemic. Here, Yang argues:
“The impact of the pandemic has permeated all aspects of the international political economy and social life of various countries. Some people in the West have made false accusations against our country and wantonly discredited and attacked our social system. We must always keep a clear head, unswervingly adhere to the general principle of ‘dynamic zero clearing’, resolutely fight against all words and deeds that distort, cast doubts and deny China’s pandemic prevention policy, and at the same time actively push countries to strengthen international anti-epidemic cooperation…” 疫情的影响不断渗透到国际政治经济和各国社会生活的方方面面，西方一些人借抗疫对我国妄加指责，大肆抹黑攻击我社会制度。我们要始终保持清醒头脑，毫不动摇坚持“动态清零”总方针，坚决同一切歪曲、怀疑、否定我国防疫政策的言行作斗争，同时积极推动各国加强国际抗疫合作，共筑多重抗疫防线，弥合国际“免疫鸿沟”，反对任何相互掣肘、无端“甩锅”言行，共同守护人类生命健康.
The next paragraph discusses multilateralism. Yang pushes back against efforts to build ‘small yards and high fences’ (小院高墙) and a ‘parallel system’ (平行体系), along with attempts “to engage in exclusive ‘small circles’ and ‘small groups’ and divide the world, and any attempt to decouple, cut off supplies and exert extreme pressure.
He adds that “the fact is that most countries in the international community strongly oppose the advocacy of the Cold War mentality and camp confrontation, and can clearly see the extreme egotism within the arguments of ‘false democracy, true hegemony’. We must practice the global governance concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, carry forward the common values of all mankind, and advocate exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations. We should vigorously advocate the democratisation of international relations, promote the development of developing countries’ representation and voice in global affairs, join hands with the international community to address global challenges, and continuously reform and improve the global governance system.” 事实是，国际社会大多数国家强烈反对鼓吹冷战思维和阵营对抗的行径，对其“假民主、真维霸”的极端利己主义本质看得十分清楚。我们要践行共商共建共享的全球治理观，弘扬全人类共同价值，倡导不同文明交流互鉴。要大力倡导国际关系民主化，推动提升广大发展中国家在全球事务中的代表性和发言权，同国际社会携手应对全球性挑战，不断改革和完善全球治理体系.
The final paragraph in this section talks about how Xi’s views on all of this have been well received internationally. He adds: “We must persist in grasping the correct direction and strengthen our strategic self-confidence, accurately understand and grasp the main contradictions and central tasks, attach great importance to strategic and tactical issues, carry forward the spirit of struggle, dare to struggle, be good at it, cultivate new opportunities amidst crises…” 要坚持把握正确方向和坚定战略自信，准确认识和把握主要矛盾和中心任务，高度重视战略策略问题，发扬斗争精神，敢于斗争、善于斗争，在危机中育新机、于变局中开新局.
The third and final section of the piece outlines tasks for this year, with the 20th Party Congress being the backdrop.
First, resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on foreign affairs and the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee, adhere to the strategic guidance of the head of state diplomacy, carefully plan and do a good job of foreign affairs in all areas…Eliminate all external interference, guard against and defuse all kinds of unexpected factors, risks and challenges related to foreign affairs, and make every effort to ensure domestic development and stability. 排除一切外部干扰，防范化解各种涉外突发因素和风险挑战，全力确保国内发展稳定大局。
Second, resolutely safeguard national dignity, system security and ideological security, and ensure the overall political and social stability of our country. On issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, and the maritime domain, we will firmly defend the country’s core and major interests, and resolutely thwart any attempts to harm China’s territorial sovereignty and interfere in China’s internal affairs…work with other countries in the region to uphold peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific, guard against risks and challenges, and ensure steady and concrete progress in high-quality BRI cooperation…coordinate efforts to respond to traditional and non-traditional security threats, step up efforts to protect the personal safety of overseas citizens, and improve the level of overseas interest protection.
Third, “deepen coordination and cooperation among major powers, and promote overall stability and balanced development of the international structure. Adhere to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era. We urge the US to work hand-in-hand with China, adhere to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation, properly control differences, and will resolutely respond to any attempt and words and deeds of the US to contain and suppress China. Strengthen strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and take a long-term view to build China-EU partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilisation. Vigorously promote the building of a community of common destiny along the periphery, constantly consolidate political mutual trust and blending of interests with neighbouring countries, adhere to the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, promote consultations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct and maritime dialogue and cooperation with ASEAN countries, and resolutely oppose the actions of some people in the surrounding areas of Asia-Pacific that deliberately provoke confrontation, spread false information and undermine development cooperation. Constantly consolidate unity and cooperation with developing countries, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and expand and deepen friendly and cooperative relations with relevant regional organisations. On the hot issues such as the Ukrainian crisis, the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, and Afghanistan, we will adhere to our principled stand, safeguard fairness and justice, and play a constructive role.” 三是推进和完善对外工作布局，巩固全球伙伴关系网络。深化大国协调与合作，促进国际格局总体稳定、均衡发展。坚持推进中俄新时代全面战略协作伙伴关系。敦促美方同中方相向而行，坚持相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢，妥善管控分歧，坚决回应美方任何遏制打压中国的图谋和言行。加强沟通、增进互信、着眼长远，推动中欧坚持打造和平、增长、改革、文明四大伙伴关系。大力推进周边命运共同体建设，不断巩固与周边国家政治互信和利益交融，坚持高质量实施《区域全面经济伙伴关系协定》，同东盟国家推进“南海行为准则”磋商和海上对话合作，坚决反对一些人在亚太周边地区蓄意挑动对抗、传播虚假信息、破坏发展合作的行径。不断巩固与发展中国家的团结合作，维护好发展中国家共同利益，扩大深化同有关地区组织的友好合作关系。在乌克兰危机、朝鲜半岛、伊朗核、阿富汗等热点问题上，坚持原则立场，维护公平正义，发挥建设性作用.
Fourth, “actively participate in and lead the reform and development of the global governance system and advocate and practice true multilateralism.”
Fifth, “uphold the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and further strengthen coordination with the CPC Central Committee in exercising overall leadership and coordinating all parties involved in diplomatic work.”
He ends by calling to “unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, deeply understand the decisive significance of the ‘Two Establishments’, further strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ and the ‘four self-confidences’, and achieve the ‘two safeguards’; continuously improve political judgement, understanding, and execution…”