Xuānyán Article: Xi's 20th Party Congress Pitch - Xi Thought: Democratic Centralism's the System, but Xi's the Maestro - Integrating Socialist Values with Rule of Law - Quad Reaction
Here are the stories and pieces from the September 28, 2021, edition of the People’s Daily that I found noteworthy.
Page 1: Let’s begin with the new Xuānyán article on the page today. The first part emphasises the importance of “unity” as the “strength” and “foundation of our success.” In this context, it says that the “strong political leadership of the CPC Central Committee is the fundamental guarantee for the unity of the whole party and the people of the whole country.” We then get a bit of a dive into history, before arriving at this learning:
“The glorious history of the Party was created by the Party leading the people, and the great historical practice has raised outstanding people’s leaders. Especially at critical junctures amid key historical turning points, a strong leadership core often plays a key role in raising the flag and orienting the historical trend, and has a significant and far-reaching impact on a nation’s spiritual temperament and the country’s future and destiny.” 党的辉煌历史是党领导人民创造的，伟大的历史实践造就杰出的人民领袖。尤其是在历史转折的重大关头，一个坚强有力的领导核心往往对历史走势发挥着举旗定向的关键作用，对一个民族的精神气质、国家的前途命运产生重大而深远的影响.
We are then told that since the 18th Party Congress, China has faced “severe and complicated domestic and international situations.” After listing a bunch of things like poverty alleviation, BRI, community of common destiny, COVID-19, building a social safety net, national governance system reform, etc., the piece says that it is the
“scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era” and the “firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core” that have led to remarkable results in these directions.
The next bit says that in this era, opportunities and challenges coexist. “In a great and arduous undertaking, only a strong leadership core that can scientifically judge the situation, dare to act decisively, and be good at following the trend can lead the whole party and the people to seize fleeting opportunities, avoid the risks of reefs, nurture opportunities in the crisis, open new opportunities in the changing situation, move forward courageously…” 在异常艰巨的伟大事业中，只有能够科学判断形势、敢于果断决策、善于顺势而为的坚强领导核心, 才能领导全党全国人民抓住稍纵即逝的机遇、规避暗礁风险, 在危机中育先机、于变局中开新局, 带领党和国家乘势而上、勇毅前行, 不辜负时代的厚遇、历史的青睐.
And then:
“Only a strong leadership core with extraordinary strategic determination and indomitable revolutionary will, which dares to struggle and win, can maintain calmness and steadiness in times of peace, gather invincible will and strength, unite and lead the people through all kinds of stormy waves, overcome all kinds of difficulties and obstacles, complete arduous tasks of reform, development and stability, and create new miracles belonging to our generation.” 只有具有非凡的战略定力和顽强的革命意志, 敢于斗争、敢于胜利的坚强领导核心，才能够保持如履薄冰的清醒、居安思危的冷静、沉着稳重的应对, 才能凝聚起无坚不摧的意志和力量，团结带领人民穿过各种惊涛骇浪，克服各种艰难险阻, 完成艰巨繁重的改革发展稳定任务, 创造出属于我们这一代人的新的奇迹.
And then we are told:
“Having a visionary, mature and stable leadership core is a blessing for the times and a great blessing for the country, and it is a crucial factor for the Party and the country to forge ahead and prosper. Every Chinese supports this core, and every Party member follows this core, strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ with practical actions, strengthening the ‘four self-confidences’ and achieving the ‘two maintenance’.” 拥有富有远见、成熟稳定的领导核心，是时代之幸，国之大幸，是党和国家砥砺前行、走向兴盛至关重要的因素. 每一个中国人都拥护这个核心，每一个党员都跟定这个核心，用实际行动增强“四个意识”，坚定“四个自信”，做到“两个维护”.
Short take on the piece: All of the above is basically telling us that this is about the upcoming sixth plenum, setting the stage for the 20th Party Congress. These are the building blocks of the argument for Xi to continue in power as the core.
The second part of the piece tells us that thought is sharper than the sword, and that “scientific thoughts and theories can always guide people to clear the fog of thought and understand the bright future, and have the ideological power to change history.” 科学的思想理论，总能够指引人们廓清思想迷雾、认清光明前途，具有改变历史的思想伟力.
Of course, this leads us to the importance of Marxism; the piece mentions all other leaders’ thoughts and theories. All of this eventually ends with saying: “as long as we continue to observe, interpret and guide the times with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will surely succeed on our new journey to fully build a modern socialist country and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” 面对时代之问，只要我们坚持用习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想观察时代、解读时代、引领时代，就一定能走好全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程、实现中华民族伟大复兴.
We then come to what’s happening today. This begins with telling us that Deng once thought that “poverty is not socialism.” This led to changes, which are evident. And in today’s times, “social contradictions have undergone profound changes” and therefore, the Party must:
“Adhere to the people-centered development thought; promote common prosperity to achieve more obvious substantive progress; solve the urgent problems and worries of the masses; enhance the people’s sense of gain, happiness and security... It is under the guidance of these ideas that our party has been handing over satisfactory answers to the people. Faced with the people’s questions, as long as we adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, constantly respond to people’s expectations and meet their needs, we will steadily achieve common prosperity and fully demonstrate the essence of socialism and the values pursued by the CPC.” “坚持以人民为中心的发展思想”“推动共同富裕取得更为明显的实质性进展”“解决群众急难愁盼问题”“增强人民群众获得感、幸福感、安全感”……正是在这些思想理念的引领下，我们党不断交出人民满意的答卷。面对人民之问，只要我们坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，不断回应人民期待、满足人民需要，就一定能稳步实现共同富裕，充分彰显社会主义的本质特征和中国共产党的价值追求.
The next part of the piece is about the Party’s organisation system. It says that the Central Committee is the “brain center,” the local organizations and party groups are the “trunk and limbs”, the grassroots organizations of the Party are the “nerve endings” and the party members are the “cells.” 党中央就是大脑中枢，党的地方组织和党组就是躯干四肢，党的基层组织就是神经末梢，党员就是细胞，全党“如身使臂，如臂使指，叱咤变化，无有留难”. The fourth part talks about the importance of cadres wanting to be a pioneer. This reiterates the expectations of cadres.
Next, we have another piece about talent policy since the 18th Party Congress. The piece draws on Xi Jinping’s comments at different times; there’s a lot of emphasis on talent in the high-technology sector.
Some data points from the piece:
The number of professional and technical personnel in China has increased from 55.504 million in 2010 to 78.398 million in 2019.
As of the end of 2019, the proportion of the main working-age population with higher education has increased from 12.5% in 2010 to 21.2%, and the proportion of professional and technical personnel with a bachelor’s degree or above has increased from 35.9% to 48%.
In 2020, the number of graduate students nationwide was 729,000, an increase of 243,000 over 2012.
Education spending has been around 4% of GDP since 2012.
China is today the 14th most innovative economy.
Number of high-level scientists in the disciplines of chemistry, materials, engineering sciences, and life sciences has grown rapidly.
In 2020, the R&D expenditure was at 2.44 trillion yuan.
In 2012, the National High-level Personnel of Special Support Program was launched to select outstanding, young talents in the fields of natural sciences, engineering technology, philosophy and social sciences in line with the strategic plan of building China into an innovative country. The program has supported 6000 people so far.
The piece also says that in terms of social sciences, “insist on putting political construction in the first place of talent selection and training.”
Third, we have a report (English report) about Vice Premier Han Zheng and Frans Timmermans, executive vice president of the European Commission for the European Green Deal, holding the second High-level Environment and Climate Dialogue between China and the European Union. Xinhua reports that Han “mentioned China's recent announcement that it will step up support for other developing countries’ green and low-carbon energy development and will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad.”
Had added that “it is necessary to enhance understanding and mutual trust, strengthen policy communication and coordination, deepen practical cooperation on major areas and strive to achieve more results, he said, adding that the two sides should practice multilateralism, help implement the Paris Agreement and inject confidence into global climate cooperation.”
Fourth, Wang Yang spoke (English report) to the Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly Bambang Soesatyo. He spoke about BRI, regional peace, stability and development.
Page 2: The State Council on Monday published outlines (short PD report) of development plans for women and children over the next decade. English report. The Outline of Women’s Development in China (2021-2030) includes 75 main goals and 93 supportive measures, covering eight areas. These are: “health, education, economy, participation in decision-making and management, social security, family building, environment, and law.” The document promises that “by 2030, the policy of gender equality will be thoroughly implemented; women will have equal access to full life cycle health services, enjoy equal rights to education, equal economic rights and interests, and equal political rights.”
The Outline on the Development of Chinese Children (2021-2030) specifies 70 major objectives and 89 measures. This focuses on 7 areas: health, safety, education, welfare, family, environment, and legal protection. It says that by 2030, the system of laws, regulations and policies protecting children’s rights will be improved, while the gap in children’s development between urban and rural areas, different regions and groups will be narrowed significantly. Children will also enjoy more equal and accessible basic public services and more inclusive welfare by 2030.
There is too much in the plans too much to summarise here. But let me point you to some coverage about specific aspects mentioned in the outlines:
Page 3: First, Politburo member Wang Chen met with (English report) members of parliaments of five Central Asian countries. This was the first collective exchange between China's NPC and the parliaments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Wang said: “We respect each other’s independence, sovereignty, and development path, firmly support each other on core interests and concerns, and work jointly to combat the 'three forces' and transnational organized crime. We are also jointly building a pilot zone for the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.” He committed to work together and “maintain the forward momentum of exchanges between legislative bodies to build a community with a shared future between China and Central Asia.” He also argued against efforts “to politicize and stigmatize the origin” of the Covid-19 virus.
Second, Chinese defense minister Wei Fenghe spoke to (English report) his Malaysian counterpart. Wei said that the global economy is struggling to recover and the international order is undergoing profound change. In this situation, “China is willing to work with Malaysia to oppose hegemonism and power politics, strengthen communication and properly address differences on the South China Sea issue, and jointly uphold peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.” --- I like how the report has him saying China is willing to work, as though it’s not like this is China’s primary need.
Wei also wants to maintain high-level communication between the militaries, promote cooperation-mechanism building, strengthen multilateral coordination and continuously enhance practical cooperation.
Third, we have Wang Yi’s chat (English report) with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia. Wang said that China thanks Venezuela for supporting its efforts in safeguarding its legitimate interests and opposes the illegal unilateral sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the United States. He added that China will continue to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding national sovereignty, dignity as well as legitimate rights and interests. China believes that the Venezuelan people will finally emerge victorious from the battle against foreign interference, sanctions and hegemony. He also spoke about COVID-19-related support. Wang also talked about the Global Development Initiative that Xi proposed.
Plasencia said that Venezuela firmly supports China to safeguard its sovereignty and oppose external interference in its internal affairs, and is ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with China to uphold justice in the international community. Plasencia thanked China for its strong support for Venezuela in fighting COVID-19, and expressed the willingness to actively take part in the building of the Belt and Road and to jointly promote further development of the bilateral ties to bring more benefits for the two peoples. Venezuela fully supports Xi's proposal of the Global Development Initiative, Plasencia said.
Strangely, the English report does not mention this bit:
Wang Yi emphasized that China “is not afraid of any coercion” and that “the Chinese government stands firm in safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens and never compromises. The arbitrary detention of citizens of other countries for political purposes under various pretensions is outright bullying and a blatant challenge to international rules and human conscience. It should no longer be allowed to run rampant in the 21st century. We believe that more and more countries will come forward and, like China, resolutely resist all kinds of illegal unilateral sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction and political establishment, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and defend the basic norms of international relations.” 王毅强调，中国历来反对一切强权，不畏任何胁迫。中国政府维护本国公民正当权益的立场坚定不移，从不妥协。那些出于政治目的，编造各种借口，在世界上任意拘禁他国公民的做法，是彻头彻尾的胁迫霸凌，是对国际规则和人类良知的公然挑战，在21世纪的今天，再也不应任其横行下去了。我们相信，一定会有越来越多的国家站出来，和中国一样，坚决抵制各种非法的单边制裁、长臂管辖和政治构陷，共同维护国际公平正义，捍卫国际关系基本准则.
Some other reports worth noting on the page. First, a brief report on the China-Africa expo. Second, the International Liaison Department held an event with young Arab leaders. More than 100 young politicians from 14 Arab countries attended the event. If I understood correctly, there was an essay competition under the theme “The CPC in my Eyes.”(我眼中的中国共产党)
Page 4: First, and this is important, the Propaganda Department, the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs, the General Office of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the Ministry of Justice issued a new guideline (English report) calling for the establishment of a coordination mechanism to integrate core socialist values into the development of the rule of law. The mechanism will be responsible for ensuring that core socialist values are incorporated into legislative items and judicial interpretations in the annual legislation working plans of the NPC Standing Committee and the State Council, said the document. It also called for setting up provincial coordinating bodies across the country.
The "Opinions" require that the propaganda departments of Party committees of all provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government) can review the incorporation of socialist core values into laws and regulations by referring to the establishment of provincial-level coordinating bodies, as well as local laws and regulations of local governments, autonomous regulations and separate regulations of autonomous prefectures and counties. The formulation of departmental rules, documents of judicial interpretation, other normative documents, internal party regulations and social norms should fully reflect the contents and requirements of socialist core values...relevant departments examine whether relevant legislative items conform to socialist core values in accordance with their duties, so that laws, rules and judicial interpretations better reflect the values of national objectives, the value orientation of society and the value norms of citizens.《意见》要求，各省（自治区、直辖市）党委宣传部可参照成立省级协调机构，对地方性法规、地方政府规章以及自治州、自治县的自治条例和单行条例等进行社会主义核心价值观入法入规审查。制定部门规章、司法解释性质文件、其他各类规范性文件和党内法规、社会规范等，要充分体现社会主义核心价值观的内容和要求。有关部门在备案审查工作中，按照工作职责对有关立法项目是否符合社会主义核心价值观进行审查，使法规、规章、司法解释更好体现国家的价值目标、社会的价值取向、公民的价值准则.
Also on the page, there’s a fair bit about Hong Kong. It’s basically derived from the “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: A Place with Unique Advantages and Unlimited Opportunities” which was released by Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government.
Page 5: We have the 50th piece in the Xi Thought Q&A series. The first question is about democratic centralism being the fundamental organizational principle and leadership system of the party. The piece begins with the Zunyi Conference, and then quickly we get to this:
“Adherence to democratic centralism is an important marker that distinguishes Marxist political parties from other political parties, and it is also the magic weapon for our party to always maintain unity, make scientific decisions, and gather advanced forces.” 坚持民主集中制，是马克思主义政党区别于其他政党的重要标志，也是我们党始终维护团结统一、作出科学决策、凝聚前进力量的制胜法宝.
So what is democratic centralism? We are told that:
“Democratic centralism is a system combining centralism based on democracy and democracy under centralized guidance. Democratic centralism includes democracy and centralism, which are mutually conditional, complementary and indispensable. Democracy is the prerequisite and basis for correct centralization. If you talk about centralization without democracy, centralization becomes a personal dictatorship. Centralism is the inevitable requirement and end-result of democracy. Without centralism, democracy will lead to extreme democratization and anarchy. The democratic centralism practiced by our party is a system that combines centralism with democracy, discipline with freedom, and unity of will with a system in which individuals feel comfortable and active.” 何谓民主集中制？民主集中制就是民主基础上的集中和集中指导下的民主相结合的制度。民主集中制包括民主和集中两个方面，两者互为条件、相辅相成、缺一不可。民主是正确集中的前提和基础，离开民主讲集中，集中就成了个人专权专断。集中是民主的必然要求和归宿，离开集中搞民主，就会导致极端民主化和无政府状态。我们党实行的民主集中制，是又有集中又有民主、又有纪律又有自由、又有统一意志又有个人心情舒畅生动活泼的制度。把我们这样一个大党大国治理好，不加强集中统一领导是不行的，不广泛发扬民主也是不行的.
The next paragraph tells us that democratic centralism is the “fundamental organizational principle of the party.” It is key to manage “inner-party political life and handling inner-party relations.” It adds that “all important relationships within the Party, such as between party organizations, between organizations and individuals, comrades and comrades, and between collective leadership and individual division of responsibility, must be defined and handled in accordance with the principle of democratic centralism.” And then it says:
“The CPC Central Committee has the final say on major decisions and plans for the work of the Party and the state after listening to the opinions and suggestions of all parties. In the process of deliberation and discussion, we can fully express our opinions, speak freely, propose amendments, criticize and even object. But once the party Central Committee has made a decision, all parties must resolutely implement it.” 党和国家工作的重大决策部署，在听取各方面意见和建议后，最后的决定权在党中央，只此一家，别无分店。在酝酿和讨论过程中，大家可以充分发表意见，畅所欲言，可以提修改意见，可以批评，甚至可以反对。但是，一旦党中央作出决定，各方就要坚决贯彻执行.
The next paragraph says that “upholding the system of collective leadership and combining collective leadership with individual responsibility for division of labor is an important part of democratic centralism. It must always be upheld that no organization or individual is allowed to violate this system under any circumstances and for any reason. Decisions on major issues shall be made through collective discussion and the minority subordinates itself to the majority in accordance with the principles of collective leadership, democratic centralism, individual deliberation and decisions taken at meetings.” 坚持集体领导制度，实行集体领导和个人分工负责相结合，是民主集中制的重要组成部分，必须始终坚持，任何组织和个人在任何情况下都不允许以任何理由违反这项制度. 凡属重大问题，要按照集体领导、民主集中、个别酝酿、会议决定的原则，由集体讨论、按少数服从多数作出决定.
The next paragraph emphasises that democratic centralism is “scientific, reasonable and efficient.” The paragraph after this adds that “we must grasp the relationship between collective leadership and individual division of labor. Collective leadership is the concrete embodiment of democratic centralism in the Party’s leadership system and the key link for carrying out democratic centralism. Collective leadership is the basis and premise of carrying out division of responsibility, and leading group division of responsibility is an effective way and guarantee to realize collective leadership.” This is buttressed by using the analogy of a hand, wherein however strong a finger is, it needs the others to act with strength.
But “at the same time, we should also see that the ‘number one’ is the key to how well democratic centralism is implemented. General Secretary Xi Jinping once made a vivid analogy: the leading team is like a band with only one conductor. Without the conductor, the band’s performance is not coordinated…The ‘top leader’ of the leading group should be such a conductor, good at coordinating ‘multiple voices’ into ‘one piece of music’, so that the decision-making of the leading group can reflect the objective reality as much as possible and conform to the interests of the people.” 同时还要看到，民主集中制贯彻得怎么样，“一把手”是关键。习近平总书记曾作过一个形象的比喻：领导班子如同一支乐队，只能有一个指挥，离开了指挥，乐队的演奏就不协调；乐队指挥通过巧妙精致地指挥，吹拉弹唱，丝竹和谐，或是轻柔委婉，或是激越雄壮，齐奏出悦耳动听的交响乐。领导班子的“一把手”就应该成为这样的指挥，善于把“多种声音”协调为“一首乐曲”，从而使领导集体的决策尽可能反映客观实际，符合人民利益.
The 100th question is why is it that there is a great struggle with many new historical features still being waged in times of peace? The response is that “society advances in the movement of contradictions” and “when there are contradictions, there will be struggles.” And then it says that it is the nature of the CCP to “understand and apply the law of social contradiction movement” and “persist in struggle.”
Some of the key challenges that the paragraph highlights are”:
We will resolutely fight against erroneous ideological trends and win the war of ideas and public opinion waged against us by hostile forces, so as to bring about an overall and fundamental change in the ideological situation.
We will resolutely fight against all forms of unilateralism, trade protectionism and bullying, take effective measures to respond to and counter them, and resolutely safeguard national dignity and interests through struggle and cooperation.
We will resolutely combat all forms of misconduct and corruption within the Party, and promote full and strict party self-governance with the spirit of self-revolution, in which we have the courage to turn the knife inward...so as to restore great vitality to the Party.
比如，同意识形态领域的错误思潮作坚决斗争，坚决打赢各种敌对势力对我发动的没有硝烟的思想战、舆论战，推动意识形态领域形势发生全局性、根本性转变；同国际上形形色色的单边主义、贸易保护主义、霸凌行径作坚决斗争，采取有效举措应对和反制，在斗争和合作中坚决维护国家尊严、捍卫国家利益；同党内存在的各种不正之风和消极腐败现象作坚决斗争，以敢于刀刃向内、敢于刮骨疗伤、敢于壮士断腕的自我革命精神推进全面从严治党，使党的肌体重新焕发出强大生机活力；等等。习近平总书记指出：“许多时候胜利要通过斗争获得，谁也不会送给我们。”没有伟大斗争，就没有新时代的历史性成就、历史性变革.
At present, China's overall situation is sound. However, we must be soberly aware that China's development faces both rare historical opportunities and a series of major risks and challenges. In particular, with the rapid and profound changes in the world, the international environment has become more complex and severe, and the task of reform, development and stability has become more arduous, risks and tests on the road ahead will only become more complex, and we may even encounter unimaginable waves. 当前，我国形势总体上是好的，但也要清醒看到，我国发展既面临着难得的历史机遇, 也面临着一系列重大风险挑战。特别是随着世界大变局加速深刻演变，国际环境更加复杂严峻，改革发展稳定任务更加艰巨繁重，前进道路上的风险考验只会越来越复杂，甚至会遇到难以想象的惊涛骇浪.
The next paragraph says that “all risks and challenges that jeopardize the leadership of the Communist Party of China and China’s socialist system, China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, China’s core interests and major principles, and the fundamental interests of the Chinese people, the realization of the ‘Two Centenary Goals’ and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we must resolutely fight, unswervingly and unflinchingly, until victory is won. On these major issues of principle, we must never yield. If we do, we will change our flag and the party will be defeated and the country will be subjugated. At all times and under all conditions, we must be particularly clear-headed and firm in our stance, and keep a firm grasp of the right direction of struggle…” 凡是危害中国共产党领导和我国社会主义制度的各种风险挑战，凡是危害我国主权、安全、发展利益的各种风险挑战，凡是危害我国核心利益和重大原则的各种风险挑战，凡是危害我国人民根本利益的各种风险挑战，凡是危害我国实现“两个一百年”奋斗目标、实现中华民族伟大复兴的各种风险挑战，只要来了，我们就必须进行坚决斗争，毫不动摇，毫不退缩，直至取得胜利。这些重大原则问题，绝对不能让，让了就会改旗易帜、亡党亡国。任何时候、任何条件下，我们的头脑要特别清醒、立场要特别坚定，牢牢把握正确斗争方向，做到在各种重大斗争考验面前“不畏浮云遮望眼”，“乱云飞渡仍从容”.
The next paragraph emphasises the need to “develop the fighting spirit and firm will,” and calls on cadres to cultivate toughness and not be slack. Obviously, the language is rather strong, which is not reflected in my one-line summary. The next paragraph tells us that struggle is an art, and courage alone is not enough. It is also important to pay attention to tactics and methods. The final paragraph talks about the need to “maintain strategic resolve, develop the spirit of struggle, and strengthen our ability to fight.”
Also on the page, we have the introduction to “A Brief History of the People’s Republic of China.” I wonder if they’ll be sharing detailed excerpts from the book now that the Q&A series is complete.
Other Stories:
A piece by Li Jianxin from the Department of Sociology, Peking University on the Xinjiang “geonicde” issue. This is basically in praise of the recent white paper that was published on population in Xinjiang. The paper said that the Uygur population in Xinjiang had increased from 3.61 million in 1953 to 11.62 million in 2020. The paper says that according to preliminary data from the seventh national census in 2020, the total population of Xinjiang was 25.85 million, among which the Han ethnic group numbered 10.92 million, and ethnic minorities 14.93 million.
August data from discipline and supervision agencies. In August, there were 8,569 cases of violation of the CPC Central Committee’s eight-point regulation. 12,387 people (including 63 prefecture-level cadres and 734 county-level cadres) were reprimanded and dealt with, and 7,930 were given disciplinary and administrative punishments.
Some other stories outside of PD:
First, Wang Yi spoke to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He said that the the US recently expressed that it does not want confrontation, or engage in a new cold war, and hopes that bilateral relations will return to normal. However, the key is to implement specific actions to return the US' China policy to a rational and pragmatic track. If the US fulfils its commitments, China is willing work with the US to jointly improve China-US relations to the satisfaction of the people of both countries, Wang said.
Second, we had China’s Foreign Ministry’s official reaction to the Quad summit yesterday. This has been the strongest statement by Beijing on the Quad by far.
Hua Chunying said that:
for some time, these countries have been keen on insinuating China with the so-called "rules-based order", playing up and inciting the so-called "China threat" theory, and driving a wedge between regional countries and China. China is firmly opposed to this...what most countries in the world recognize and accept is the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, rather than the so-called "order" unilaterally defined by one or few countries. Numerous facts have shown that the US wants an order in which it wantonly smears, coerces and interferes in other countries without paying any price. It is an order in which US hegemony and bullying prevail, while the whole world grovels to the US. This so-called "order" runs counter to the trend of peace, development and cooperation of the times and the common aspiration of people around the world. It is unpopular and will never succeed...Relevant countries should abandon the outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality and ideological bias, stop forming closed and exclusive "cliques", and do more to promote solidarity and cooperation among countries in the region as well as regional peace and stability.
Third we have the energy crisis in China. Just sharing the NYT’s coverage on this here: Power Outages Hit China, Threatening the Economy and Christmas - I am surprised that this did not get mentioned in PD. I am not expecting journalism, but I would have thought that the State Grid Corporation of China’s statement that it would take comprehensive measures to ensure power supply for people’s basic needs and try its best to avoid power cuts, which was covered by Xinhua, would have been mentioned. I guess there’s always tomorrow.