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CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CONVEYS
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO MEETING ON 'WORK OF THE GENERAL
OFFICE IN THE NEW ERA' Xinhua (September 14) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping "recently issued important instructions on the work of the General Office of the New Era, pointing out that the party committee and the general office of the government occupy a special important position and shoulder the responsibilities in the party and state governance system. Important responsibilities and missions". The National Party Committee and Government Secretary- General Meeting was held in Beijing from September 13 to 14. Politburo Standing Committee member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi attended the meeting and conveyed Xi Jinping's important instructions and delivered a speech. Cai Qi stressed that 'it is necessary to further deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", take the lead in achieving the "two maintenances", closely follow the goals and tasks set by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, strengthen political responsibility, effectively improve political control capabilities, and better fulfil the implementation goals'. State Councillor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong made the concluding speech. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING HOLDS CEREMONY AT GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE TO WELCOME PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (China Youth Daily; September 13) reported that on September 13, President Xi Jinping held a ceremony in the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People to welcome Nicolás Maduro Moros, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who is on a state visit to China. Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, and others attended the welcome ceremony. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCTV REPORTS AT LENGTH ON CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH IN HARBIN, HEILONGJIANG ON SEPTEMBER 7 & 8 AND INSPECTED 78TH GROUP ARMY CCTV (September 9) telecast a lengthy report on Chinese President Xi Jinping's "important" speech delivered at Harbin in Heilongjiang on September 7. He emphasised hard work, and said 'The role of national food security as a "ballast stone" has been further consolidated, and the foundation of industrial security has been continuously consolidated, the role of energy security has been continuously strengthened, ecological security barriers have been continuously built, national defense security capabilities have been steadily improved, and reform and opening up have taken on a new look. Xi Jinping said, 'we must not relax our goals, dare to venture out, dare to work hard, and work hard to find a new path of high-quality development and sustainable revitalization, and strive to write a new chapter in the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China'. Politburo Standing Committee members Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium. At the symposium, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission Zheng Shajie, Liaoning Provincial Party Committee Secretary Hao Peng, Jilin Provincial Party Committee Secretary Jing Junhai, Heilongjiang Provincial Party Committee Secretary Xu Qin, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Party Committee Secretary Sun Shaocheng spoke successively, reporting on the work to promote the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China. situation, and provide opinions and suggestions. ii) According to Tibet Daily and People's Daily (September 10 and September 11 respectively), Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Harbin inspected the 78th Group Army on September 8, where he gave an "important" speech and emphasised the need to 'thoroughly implement the idea of a strong army in the new era, carry out the military strategic policy in the new era, innovate the way of construction, management and operational application of the group army, comprehensively improve the army's ability to prepare for war and effectively fulfil the mission entrusted by the Party and the people'. The People's Daily article headlined 'Xi calls for stronger military combat readiness' said CMC Vice Chairman General Zhang Youxia and other senior military officers were present during the inspection. iii) The People's Daily (September 11) published a commentary titled 'Embark on a new path of high-quality development and sustainable revitalization——On studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the symposium on promoting the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China in the new era' on Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the symposium on promoting the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China in the new era in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENDS GREETINGS TO CHINA'S TEACHERS CCTV (September 9) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his and the CCP's greetings and "sincere blessings" to The National Symposium of Outstanding Teacher Representatives held in Beijing on September 9 on the occasion of the 39th Teachers' Day. Politburo Standing Committee Member Ding Xuexiang attended the meeting and conveyed Xi Jinping’s letter and Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s instructions and speech. It said that Gao Mingxuan, honorary first-class professor of Renmin University of China, Gu Mingyuan, senior professor of Beijing Normal University, Cai Xiaoxiong, principal of Hangzhou No. 2 Middle School in Zhejiang Province, He Kebin, professor of Tsinghua University, Xu Zhiliang, vice president of Shenzhen Information Vocational and Technical College, Tong Meng of Bachu County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Kindergarten principal Amyraguli Abdul, principal Zhang Li of Qiyin School in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, and Yan Lianfu, dean of the School of Marxism at Xi'an Jiaotong University, spoke successively. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOQING VISITED TIBET FROM SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2023 Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing visited Nyingchi (opposite Arunachal Pradesh) and Tibet's capital Lhasa from September 5-7, 2023. Xinhua (September 9) quoted Zhang Guoqing as emphasising that "SoEs must thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions on Tibet work and the Party’s strategy for governing Tibet in the new era, closely adhere to the main line of forging a strong sense of the Chinese national Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING ELECTED PRESIDENT OF CHINA ASSOCIATION FOR PROMOTION OF PEACEFUL REUNIFICATION The first council meeting of the 10th China Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification was held in Beijing on September 11 where Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning was elected President, and Shi Taifeng, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC and Director of the CCP CC UFWD, was elected Executive Vice President. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINA PLANS TO SEND VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG INSTEAD OF FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI TO UNGA SESSION LATER THIS MONTH The Wall Street Journal (September 8) reported that China is planning to send Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to an annual United Nations meeting of government leaders later this month, instead of sending its Foreign Minister Wang Yi. It said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was expected to attend the U.N. General Assembly, which starts on September 19, when he would have detailed discussions to prepare for Xi Jinping’s trip to attend the APEC Summit in San Francisco in November. (Comment: The Wall Street Journal also noted that China’s Ministry of State Security, whose stature within the Chinese bureaucracy has been significantly elevated by Xi Jinping, recently and uncharacteristically opined on U.S.-China relations, usually the foreign ministry’s domain. A September 3 social media posting by it criticised the U.S. and hinted that Xi Jinping might not go to APEC in San Francisco unless Washington shows “sufficient sincerity.”) Sep 2023 CHINESE LEADERSHIP: 83-YEAR FORMER CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER RESURFACES AS POLITBURO MEMBER, DIRECTOR OF CCP CC'S FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE AND FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI HAS NOT BEEN SEEN FOR OVER 2 WEEKS Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Politburo and Director of the CCP CC's Foreign Affairs Office, has not been seen in public since before the G-20. He did not visit India prior to or for the G-20 and will not be going to New Yor for the UNGA. It is rumoured that he has been instructed to write a 'self-criticism' at home. Meanwhile, 83-year old Li Zhaoxing who was China's Foreign Minister from 2003-2007, resurfaced as leader of the Chinese delegation for the 7th China-Australia High Level Dialogue that opened in Beijing on September 7. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTER LI SHANGFU HAS BEEN MISSING FROM PUBLIC VIEW SINCE AUGUST 29 Reuters (via Channel News Asia) reported on September 15 that Beijing claimed Li Shangfu had a “health condition” just before he went missing, cancelling a meeting in Vietnam at the last moment. That cancelled meeting was apparently discussed with Biden while he was in Vietnam. Chinese Defence Minister, State Councillor and Member of the Central Military Commission, Li Shangfu, has been missing from public view since August 29, 2023. Appointed to the Central Military Commission in October last year he was appointed Defense Minister and State Councillor in March 2023. He was formerly Deputy Commander of the PLA Strategic Support Force (SSF). A U.S. government official hinted it is likely Li Shangfu's absence is related to corruption. (Comment: Li Shangfu is a military 'princeling' and was picked up by Chinese President Xi Jinping. If he is under investigation, he would be the second Xi Jinping protege to be in trouble -- the first being former Foreign Minister Qin Gang.) Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: THREAD BOUND FIRST AND SECOND VOLUMES OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SELECTED READINGS PUBLISHED FOR NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTION The state-owned CCTV (September 11) reported that after approval by the CCP CC Propaganda Department the thread-bound volumes of the first and second volumes of "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works" have been jointly published by Thread-bound Bookstore and People's Publishing House and will be distributed nationwide from now on. This thread-bound book is based on the first and second volumes of "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works" published by the People's Publishing House in April 2023. Sep 2023 CHINA-GLOBAL GOVERNANCE: CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES 'PROPOSAL OF PRC ON REFORM AND DEVELOPMENT OF GLOBAL GOVERNANCE' China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on September 13 released a manifesto outlining China's vision for global governance entitled “Proposal of the People’s Republic of China on the Reform and Development of Global Governance.” The proposal is the clearest articulation we’ve seen of what Xi Jinping’s global governance philosophy looks like in practice. The first three sections expound on Xi’s Global Security, Development, and Civilization Initiatives, by: i) Articulating China’s position on specific security issues, from the war in Ukraine to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to nuclear security and counterterrorism ii) Calling for synergy between Chinese, foreign, and UN-led development initiatives, more balance and equity in global development, support for globalization, and efforts to fight climate change and food insecurity; and iii) Rejecting so-called “universal values” and a one-size-fits-all definition of human rights in favour of respect for sovereignty and national circumstances The document also calls for multilateral management of emerging technologies and pushes cooperation in cyberspace, rejects a politicized “small yard, high fence” approach to tech, and calls to harness AI for common development. Finally, it proposes reforms to global governance, including: Better prioritizing developing world interests; Reforming the UN Security Council; and Improving macroeconomic coordination. (Comment: Regardless of the adverse international environment and pressure on its ecoonomy, China under Xi Jinping seems intent on pushing forward Chinese President Xi Jinping's initiatives of GSI, GDI, GC and the BRI.) Sep 2023 CHINA-DISSIDENCE: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE ON EXAGGERATING ROLE OF LEADERS TO EXTREME LEVELS CENSORED AND DELETED WITHIN 24 HOURS On September 3, 2023, an article titled "People's Daily: Exaggerating the Personal Role of Leaders to an Extreme Level will Lead to Superstitious Belief in the Individual" (人⺠日报: Sep 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: WANG ZHI APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY OF NATIONALITIES OF CHINA The "School Leadership" website of the Nationalities University of China (Minzu university) showed (September 11) that 1965-born Wang Zhi has been appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University for Nationalities of China. (Comment: He has worked at CCTV for a long time, serving as reporter and host of the "Son of the East" column, reporter, and host of "Investigative News", and producer, host and reporter of "Face to Face". According to media reports, Wang Zhi has a sharp hosting style, rational and critical but not frivolous questioning. The CCP CC Organisation Department in October 2008, appointed Wang Zhi as Deputy Mayor of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. He also served as Deputy Director of the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial Government and Deputy Director of the External Publicity Office of the Propaganda Department of the Provincial Party Committee.) Sep 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: YAN XIAOMING APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF CHINA TELEVISION ASSOCIATION Yan Xiaoming was elected Chairman of China Television Association. Yan Xiaoming was born in July 1962 in Dingxiang, Shanxi. He started working in August 1983 and joined the Communist Party of China in February 1993. Yan Xiaoming graduated from Shanxi University in 1983 and has worked for the People's Daily for a long time. He served as Director of the editorial department of the Shanxi Reporter Station of the People's Daily, the deputy director and chief of the Beijing Reporter Station, and the Director of the Beijing Branch of the People's Daily. In 2018, Yan Xiaoming served as deputy director and party member of the China Central Radio and Television Station. In 2019, he served as Vice President of the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Organizations. Sep 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: CHEN BINHUA NEW SPOKESMAN OF TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF STATE COUNCIL Chen Binhua has been appointed the new spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. In his first press conference on September 13, he said "I had also been stationed in Taiwan for many years, and I am old friends with some of the reporters here". (Comment: He was born in September 1971 and is from Zhao'an County, Fujian Province. From 1989 to 1993, he studied in the Chinese Department of Xiamen University, and from 2002 to 2005, he studied in the postgraduate course in Communication Studies of the School of Journalism and Communication of Peking University (on-the-job). From 1993 to 2016, he worked at the Xinhua News Agency Head Office, mainly engaged in cross-strait news and central government current affairs news reporting.) Sep 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CCP CC AND STATE COUNCIL JOINTLY ISSUE 21-POINT PROPOSAL ON TAIWAN CCTV (September 12) reported that the CCP CC and the State Council recently issued the "Opinions on Supporting Fujian to Explore a New Road for Cross-Strait Integrated Development and Build a Cross-Strait Integrated Development Demonstration Zone" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"). The "Opinions", which recommended 21 proposals, pointed out that resolving the Taiwan issue and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland are the unswerving historical tasks of the Communist Party of China, the common aspiration of all Chinese people, and the inevitable requirement for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Fujian has a unique position and role in the overall work on Taiwan. The "Opinions" require that we must be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the Party's overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era, practice the concept of "both sides of the Taiwan Straits are one family", and highlight the need to promote integration through communication, promote integration through benefits, and promote integration through benefits. Promote integration with affection and strive to build a demonstration zone for cross-strait integrated development in Fujian. Discussing trade and development it said, "trade and investment have become smoother, and exchanges and cooperation have expanded to wider areas and deeper levels; Xiamen The demonstration effect of integrated development with Kinmen, Fuzhou and Matsu continues to emerge, and the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone fully exerts its role in integrating Taiwan." It extended an invitation to Taiwan TV and media houses to come to Fujian and Taiwanese businessmen to take advantage of the benefits offered by Beijing. It emphasised the Hakka connections of the two peoples. Most importantly, it asserts that the Fujian CP will exercise control on all these activities. ii) A China Daily (September 13) editorial captioned 'Integrated development answer to Taiwan question' was published the next day. iii) On September 14, at the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the "Opinions", Cong Liang, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said Fujian has the engineering and technical capabilities to connect the expressways between Fujian and Taiwan. He added "We are willing to strengthen cross-Strait cooperation in the energy field and jointly promote the green transformation and development of cross-Strait energy." (Comment: The initiative is undoubtedly mooted by the CCP CC UFWD and its objectives are to: undermine Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's 'Southbound Policy' of persuading Taiwanese business to disengage from the China market and look elsewhere including the huge India market; encourage Taiwanese businessmen to reside in Fujian and do business there; merge Kinmen, Fuzhou and Matsu with the Xiamen SEZ; offer Taiwan's media the benefits and profits of the China market while trying to influence Taiwan's media, etc.) Sep 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA MAINTAINS MILITARY PRESSURE ON TAIWAN AS IT EXTENDS OLIVE BRANCH 68 PLA aircraft and 10 PLA Navy vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) on September 14. 40 of the detected aircraft had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest or southeast ADIZ. Sep 2023 CHINA-NPC: NPC RELEASED 130-ITEM LEGISLATURE PLAN FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS Caixin (September 9) reported that China's National People's Congress had on September 8, released a 130-item legislative plan for the next five years, including revisions to the criminal code, as the government seeks to enshrine more tools of national governance into law. The 130 proposed projects include drafting of new laws and amendments to existing laws. Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ISSUES NEW REGULATIONS LISTING PROHIBITIONS FOR SCIENTISTS AND MANDATING THAT 2/3RD OF THEIR TIME MUST BE SPENT ON S&T RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Beijing Daily (September 6) reported that a new Code of Conduct for members of China's Academy Sciences (CAS) which prohibits participation in casual social activities and expressing opinions outside their field of expertise was released on September 6, 2023. It prohibits participation in activities other than those of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, departments and academic groups, and academic journals in the name of academicians. It prohibits participation in various casual and social activities and setting up of non-academic activity venues named after “academicians”. The regulations additionally prohibit them from publicly expressing academic opinions unrelated to one's own professional field or to participate in consultation, review, evaluation, evaluation, recommendation and other activities that have nothing to do with one's job responsibilities and professional fields. It also prohibits members of CAS from violating the principles of fairness and confidentiality in activities such as recommendation, review, appraisal and awards or to recommend individuals, have improper contacts and exchanges of interests with candidates; accept gifts under various names or have sexual meetings and events, etc. It also prohibits disclosure to others in any way of the discussions, evaluations, complaints, investigation and handling opinions on candidates, election results, etc. during the selection process and prohibits the disclosure of any information about the entire co-option process to the public without authorization. In addition to specifying work-norms, it mandates that working academicians must spend two-thirds of their time on scientific and technological innovation and R&D activities. Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY VICE PRESIDENT OF CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL'S INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES HIGHLIGHTING CHINA'S 'COMMUNITY WITH A SHARED FUTURE' The Guangming Daily (September 12) published an article captioned 'Join hands to promote the implementation of the "three major global initiatives" and lead human development towards a bright future' authored by Wu Zhicheng, Researcher at the Central Party School and Vice President of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He invoked 'General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that today’s world is a community with a shared future in which everyone prospers, and everyone suffers. What people of all countries long for is not a "new cold war" or a "small circle", but a world of lasting peace and universal security, a world of common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, cleanness and beauty' and claimed "By initiating the establishment of financial institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the BRICS New Development Bank, and the Silk Road Fund, we have helped solve the dilemma of the global development mechanism, strengthened global development momentum, enhanced global development resilience, and promoted the democratization and fairness of the global development mechanism, becoming a promoting the backbone of global development governance." He said, "The Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative are all international public goods provided by China, and they are also important developments and practical expansions of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind." He added that "The BRICS countries are an important force in shaping the international landscape and are active promoters of the implementation of the "three major global initiatives" and had always upheld the principle of "openness". Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: ACFTU PARTY GROUP HOLDS ENLARGED MEETING TO STUDY EXCERPTS OF XI JINPING'S DISCOURSES ON THE WORKING CLASS AND TRADE UNION WORK The All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) Party Group held an enlarged meeting in Beijing on September 12 to study "Excerpts of Xi Jinping's Discourses on the Working Class and Trade Union Work". Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, delivered a speech and Xu Liuping, Secretary, Vice Chairman and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the ACFTU, presided over the enlarged meeting of the ACFTU Party Group and made arrangements for the study, publicity and implementation of the "Excerpts of Discourses". The meeting pointed out that "Excerpts of Discourses" is an authoritative reading and the latest textbook for studying, publicizing and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discussions on the working class and trade union work. The meeting emphasized that the ACFTU and trade unions at all levels must accurately grasp the rich connotation and core essence of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on the working class and trade union work." Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: RED FLAG PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY CHINA'S DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC FORECASTING DEPARTMENT SAYING CHINA'S ECONOMY IS RESILIENT AND "HAS GREAT POTENTIAL" The Director of the Economic Forecasting Department Zhang Yuxxian, wrote an article in Hongqi (Red Flag; 2017/13; September 13) captioned 'Promote the economy to achieve effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth' on "qualitative and efficient improvement of the economy", which claimed that the "economic system continues to improve,...economic resilience continues to strengthen". The author claimed "Since the beginning of this year, China's economic performance has generally recovered and improved, laying a good foundation for achieving the goals and tasks throughout the year. Although the domestic economy is facing new challenges due to the complex and severe impact of the external environment, our country's economy is highly resilient, has great potential, and is full of vitality." Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: PBOC ANNOUNCES 0.25 PERCENTAGE POINT CUT IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTION RESERVE REQUIREMENT RATIO TO HELP ECONOMIC RECOVERY As an official of the People's Bank of China (PBoC) said China's economy is experiencing sustained recovery, with internal forces powering economic growth continuing to strengthen and social expectations continuing to improve, the PBoC announced on September 14 that it will cut the financial-institution reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by 0.25 percentage points from September 15 to consolidate the foundation for economic recovery and keep liquidity reasonably ample. The reduction is the second RRR cut this year, and it is expected to release over 500 billion yuan (about 69.56 billion U.S. dollars) in medium and long-term liquidity. Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: TIANJIN PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANY HAS DELAYED PAYMENT OF SALARY AND BENEFITS TO ITS STAFF Caixin (September 14) disclosed that Tianjin's public transport company, the Tianjin Transportation Group, has delayed payment of salaries and benefits to its bus drivers and staff in Tianjin sparking concerns over the public transport system’s financial health in the city of 13.6 million people near Beijing. Employees of Tianjin Transportation Group filed complaints online in recent months about delayed payments, drawing wide public attention. An employee told Caixin that the company missed salary payments to bus drivers and other staffers since June. It also suspended social welfare payments since August. Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S NATIONAL STATISTICS BUREAU DATA SHOWED LARGE INCREASE IN CHINA'S RURAL-URBAN INCOME GAP Nikkei Asia (September 9) reported that China's income gap has grown to the widest it has ever been since records began, as the average household income of the top 20% in urban areas reaches 6.3 times of the lowest 20%. Citing data released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics, it said the income gap in urban areas has worsened since 2015, when the top 20% earned 5.3 times more than the bottom 20%. The disparity in rural areas grew to a four-year high of 9.2 times in 2022. Data showed that income growth among the top 20% earners in urban areas grew at a faster pace of 4.5% in 2022 from the previous year, compared with just 1.3% among the bottom 20%. Sep 2023 CHINA--ANTI-CORRUPTION: WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORTS MORE THAN 190 CHIEFS OF HOSPITALS ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION IN CHINA The Wall Street Journal (September 14) reported that Chinese Communist Party enforcers have steamrolled through hospitals and medical institutions across China, detaining more than 190 hospital party chiefs, directors and deputy directors—incumbent and former—so far this year. It said One Chinese state-run newspaper said the number of top hospital administrators taken into custody this year is already more than double the total detained in all of 2022. Sep 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER CHAIRMAN OF CHINA LIFE INSURANCE SENTENCED TO DEATH WITH 2-YEAR REPRIEVE FOR CORRUPTION Caixin (September 13) disclosed that Wang Bin, a former Chairman of China Life Insurance (Group) Co., was sentenced to death with two-year reprieve for bribery and concealing overseas deposits by a court in Jinan, Shandong province. He received a suspended death sentence for accepting bribes totalling 325 million yuan ($44.6 million) and a one-year jail term for illegally concealing 54.2 million yuan in overseas deposits. It said the court granted him reprieve after he admitted guilt, and the death penalty will be commuted to life imprisonment at the end of the reprieve with no parole. All of Wang’s personal property will be confiscated. Sep 2023 CHINA-RELIGION: SICHUAN MINISTER OF UFWD MEETS STUDENTS AND MONKS AT CHINA TIBETAN ADVANCED BUDDHIST COLLEGE In its news telecast Kangba TV (September 4) reported that Zhao Junmin, member of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department, met 21 Torampa students from Sichuan at the China Tibetan Advanced Buddhist College and some representatives of young monks, and presented them with admission notices and certificates for outstanding achievements. The students joined in 2022 and 2023. He congratulated them on being admitted to the highest institution of Tibetan Buddhism. Zhao Junmin pointed out that the Torampa senior academic title is the highest academic title in modern Tibetan Buddhist education. He asked the students to 'cherish learning opportunities, carry forward the glorious tradition of patriotism and religion in Tibetan Buddhism, and be "politically reliable, religiously accomplished, and morally able to convince the public". He said qualified monks in the new era who work at critical times must contribute to the advancement of the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism. Zhao Junmin emphasized that 'we must deeply understand and grasp General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on religious work, completely, accurately and comprehensively implement the party’s policy on freedom of religious belief, respect the people’s religious beliefs, manage religious affairs in accordance with the law, adhere to the principle of independence and self-management, and actively guide religious adapt to the socialist society'. He encouraged the students to be patriotic and religious, and to be defenders of "inner purity". He said they should 'love the Party sincerely, love the country openly, love the teaching and love the truth, resolutely resist domination and interference by foreign forces, and always stand by the side of the Party and the people. Second, we must abide by the law and keep the precepts and be a practitioner of "inner beauty". Consciously abide by the law, adhere to the precepts as teachers, be honest and upright, resolutely resist illegal preaching, corruption and other violations of the precepts, and continue to improve the teaching style and appearance. Third, we must keep pace with the times and be a demonstrator of "inner openness". Adhere to the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism, continuously strengthen the recognition of the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics, and effectively build a sense of the community of the Chinese nation. Fourth, we must benefit all living beings and be the guardian of "inner health." Vigorously advocate advocating thrift and avoiding extravagance, cultivate the virtue of cherishing blessings and things, maintaining the true nature of being content with few desires and being indifferent to fame and fortune, and consciously resisting unhealthy ethos such as comparison, luxury, ostentation, and commercialization in temple construction and Buddhist activities'. (Comment: Zhao Junmin made no reference to the Dalai Lama or the "Dalai clique".) Sep 2023 CHINA-RELIGION: CHINA ENFORCES IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW 'ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES FOR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY VENUES' From August 15 to 23, Pastor Gao Feng, Chair of the Board of Supervisors of the National Two Christian Associations, namely the Three-Self Church and China Christian Council (which supervises education and organization of Three-Self-affiliated Protestant churches), led a team to inspect Christian communities in Anhui, Shaanxi, and Guangxi. The stated aim of the inspection tour was to make sure that the new “Administrative Measures for Religious Activity Venues” (which came into force from September 1) are understood and put into practice without delays or exceptions, to curb “extravagances,” which in Three-Self jargon means attempts by the very different Protestant communities forcibly united into a single national church to keep something of their history and distinctiveness, and to remind churches that it is illegal for minors to attend religious activities. Sep 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLA PARTY COMMITTEE GROUP MEETING ADDRESSED BY TAR PARTY SECRETARY On September 11, TAR Party Secretary Wang Junzhen addressed the PLA Party Committee Group Meeting. TMR Military Commander Wang Kai and TMR Political Commissar attended the meeting and also delivered speeches. Others present were: Ang Wang; Yang Meng; Zhang Yongmin; Yue Ande; Tan Silong; Qiu Dalin; Li Shizhong; and Sun Changyi. Sep 2023 CHINA--PLA: PLA EDITORIAL URGES OFFICERS TO CONDUCT FIELD STUDIES UNDERSTAND REAL-LIFE PROBLEMS OF SOLDIERS AND INNOVATE SOLUTIONS A PLA Daily editorial on September 12 addressed the importance of conducting field studies as an effort by the top brass to rebuild the army’s traditions and improve combat readiness. The South China Morning Post quoted the PLA editorial as calling on Department heads and Communist Party leaders of PLA units to conduct field studies, understand the real-life problems of soldiers on the front lines and come up with innovative solutions. It said senior officers must hear directly from grass-roots soldiers instead of relying on information collected from second-hand sources. The editorial said, “Members of the Central Military Commission should take the lead in carrying out investigations and research by organising seminars and exchange [activities],” and “[Senior officers] must say no to formalism and bureaucracy, and follow a simple and frugal [work] style with a humble and prudent mindset in conducting investigation and research.” The South China Morning Post quoted a retired PLA officer who declined to be identified as saying: “There is another, stronger anti-graft storm hitting the army, as corruption is being uncovered through the investigations, but the most urgent issue is about improving combat readiness. China is facing complicated and tough security challenges at home and abroad, so Xi has gone back to the ‘stay close to the people’ approach once championed by Mao Zedong – a long-held PLA tradition – to boost morale in the military.” Ni Lexiong, a former PLA officer and presently Professor at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said "In Mao’s era, he wanted senior PLA cadres to work and live with grass- roots troops regularly, which really enhanced military morale. But this was basically abandoned during the Cultural Revolution. Superficial or window-dressing inspections won’t work. The Central Military Commission needs to establish a regular mechanism so the top Sep 2023 CHINA-SHAANXI: TWO NPC VICE CHAIRMEN SPEAK AT NPC SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION WORK SYMPOSIUM IN XI'AN ON SEPTEMBER 11-12 The National People's Congress Social Construction Work Symposium was held in Xi'an, Shaanxi, from September 11 to 12. Wang Dongming and Zheng Jianbang, Vice Chairmen of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the meeting and delivered speeches. Zhao Yide, Secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, delivered a speech. Yang Zhenwu, Chairman of the Social Construction Committee of the National People's Congress, presided over the meeting and made a concluding speech. Yuan Yubai and Qin Shengxiang, deputy directors of the Social Construction Committee of the National People's Congress, attended the meeting. Wang Dongming emphasized that "we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", continuously strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve "two safeguards" , firmly grasp the correct direction of the National People's Congress's social construction work. We must persist in focusing on the center and serving the overall situation." Shaanxi Party Secretary Zhao Yide said that this symposium was held in Shaanxi, providing "us with a valuable opportunity to learn from advanced technologies at close range and learn from each other's strengths. We will take this opportunity to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on social construction and the important instructions of his important speech during his inspection in Shaanxi. We will adhere to the theme of promoting high-quality development, focus on narrowing the urban-rural gap, regional gaps and income gaps, and insist on putting the people first". Sep 2023 CHINA-SHANGHAI: SHANGHAI PARTY SECRETARY CHEN JINING MET NYU PRESIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 11 Xinmin Evening News (September 11) reported that Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining met Ms Linda Mills, President of New York University, and her delegation on September 11. He assured that 'Shanghai will continue to provide all aspects of convenience and comprehensive services to support NYU Shanghai in carrying out teaching, scientific research, student training and other tasks, and play a better role in promoting cultural exchanges between China and the United States and enhancing mutual understanding between China and the United States'. Shanghai Vice Mayor Li Zheng attended the meeting. Sep 2023 CHINA-YUNNAN: CHINA'S MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, STATE ETHNIC AFFAIRS COMMISSION AND CYL HOLD MEETING ON EDUCATION IN KUNMING i) On September 11, China's Ministry of Education, the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, and the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League held a promotion meeting on the education work to build a strong sense of the Chinese nation’s community in schools in Kunming. ii) Also on September 11, Yunnan Province and the Ministry of Education held a meeting in Kunming and signed a strategic cooperation agreement. Wang Ning, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, presided over the meeting, Huai Jinpeng, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Education, delivered a speech, and Wang Yubo, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor attended. Sep 2023 CHINA-QINGHAI: COUNTY LEVEL CADRE ZHANG FENG EARMARKED FOR HIGHER POSITION BY QINGHAI PARTY ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT The Organization Department of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee issued a pre- appointment announcement for provincial party committee management cadres on September 11. Mentioned among them was Zhang Feng, (Han nationality) born in May 1971, a member of the Communist Party of China, a graduate student of the Provincial Party School, and currently a member of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Prefecture Party Committee and the Secretary of the Gonghe County Party Committee. He has been earmarked for higher positions. Described as having "very high work requirements and a strict work style" it said "If he finds that any work is not done as required, he will point it out on the spot and criticize the relevant cadres mercilessly. He often goes directly to investigate without saying hello and listened to people's evaluation of cadres". Sep 2023 CHINA-TIBET: TIBET MILITARY REGION'S 11TH PARTY COMMITTEE "RECENTLY" HELD ITS FIRST PLENARY SESSION IN LHASA Tibet Daily and CCTV reported (September 11) that TAR Party Secretary Wang Junzheng attended the "recent" first plenary session of the 11th Party Committee of the Tibet Military Region and delivered a speech. The key points and outcomes of the 11th plenary session of the Party Committee of the Tibet Military Region in Lhasa were: (i) Adherence to Xi Jinping's Thought: The session emphasized the importance of adhering to Xi Jinping's Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping's Thoughts on Strengthening the Army as the guiding principles for Tibet’s development. (ii) Mission and Contribution: The attendees were encouraged to stay true to their original mission, which includes maintaining stability and promoting the high-quality development of Tibet. They were urged to unite and work together to make new and significant contributions. (iii) Congratulations on the Congress: Wang Junzheng congratulated the successful convening of the 11th Congress of the Tibet Military Region of the Communist Party of China. He highlighted that this Congress set clear goals for implementing Xi Jinping's thoughts on strengthening the army. (iv) New Leadership Team: The session elected a new leadership team for the Party Committee of the Military Region and the Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Military Region, providing organizational support for future development. (v) Achievements of the Past Five Years: The Party Committee of the Military Region highlighted its achievements over the past five years, including participation in local economic and social construction, military-civilian unity, and the defence of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. (vi)New Mission: With the beginning of a new era, the Tibet Military Region is embarking on a new journey to strengthen and rejuvenate the army, with a focus on border security and stability. (vii) Political Loyalty: The leaders stressed the importance of absolute loyalty to the Communist Party, maintaining a strong political stance, and putting loyalty to the Party above all else. (viii) Military Strategy: The session emphasized the implementation of the military strategy for the new era, including enhancing the quality of training and promoting border infrastructure construction. (ix) Party's Strategy for Tibet: The leaders committed to implementing the Party's strategy for governing Tibet in the new era and contributing to the region's high-quality economic and social development. They highlighted the importance of maintaining social stability and national unity. (x) Unity with the People: The session emphasized the importance of unity between the military, the government, the army, and the people. It called for activities to build a harmonious community, support families in need, and promote ecological and clean development in Tibet. (xi) Rule of Law: The session stresses the importance of implementing the strategy of governing the army according to the law. This involves promoting the rule of law within the military, using legal thinking and principles to guide decision-making and operations, and ensuring that military governance follows a path of legality. This includes strengthening the supervision of laws and regulations to ensure compliance. (xii) Strict Governance: The session commits to continuing the strict governance of the army, which involves implementing the eight provisions of the Central Committee and the associated detailed rules. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining discipline, adhering to party principles, and preserving the core values of the People's Liberation Army. (xiii) Support for National Defense: It is emphasized that party committees and governments at all levels should actively support the construction of national defense and the military. This support includes addressing the interests of officers and soldiers, managing veterans' affairs, promoting dual support (strengthening the relationship between the military and the civilian sectors), and enhancing national defense education. These efforts are intended to improve the quality and efficiency of the military. And (xiv) People's War in the New Era: The session underscores the need to mobilize a magnificent force to win the people's war in the new era. This reflects the concept of the "people's war" in modern warfare, where the support and participation of the civilian population are crucial for success. In addition, Yin Hongxing, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Tibet Military Region, and Wang Kai, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Commander of the Tibet Military Region, delivered speeches, elaborating on the specific strategies and priorities for the region's military development and governance. These speeches collectively emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline, adhering to legal principles, and ensuring strong support from both the military and civilian sectors for the defense and development of the Tibet Military Region. Also present were: Ang Wang; Yang Meng; Zhang Yongmin; Yue Ande; Tan Silong; Qiu Dalin; Li Shizhong; and Sun Changyi. Sep 2023 CHINA-TIBET: LENGTHY TIBET DAILY ARTICLE INDICATES THAT TAR AUTHORITIES ARE GIVING INCREASED IMPORTANCE TO CYBERSECURITY Within days of Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing's visit (September 5-7) to Tibet, the Tibet Daily (September 10) published a 2300-word article titled 'Protecting a harmonious and happy Tibet attending school. It said "over the past 20 years, the central government has built a large number of high-quality boarding schools in rural areas to ensure that students in the countryside receive quality education. In fact, building rural boarding schools has become a major livelihood project in China" and "have significantly reduced the dropout rate". Sep 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINA'S MINISTRY OF STATE SECURITY THINK-TANK CICIR CRITICISES INDIA ACCUSING IT OF ATTEMPTS TO SABOTAGE G-20 Xu Qin, an assistant researcher at CICIR, published an article titled "India's 'Big Plan' and 'Little Thoughts'" on the official WeChat account of the Chinese Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) on September 9. It pointed out that since India took over the G20 rotating presidency on December 1 last year, it has held more than 220 related conferences and activities in nearly 60 cities in an attempt to show India to the international community. In order to develop the country and enhance its international image, the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also intends to make this a major diplomatic achievement at home and build momentum for next year's general election. It added "India's intention is clear. It wants to gain international attention by hosting the G20 meeting in the disputed area, in a disguised way, seek 'legitimacy' for its territory and recruit international support." It accused India of pushing its own agenda and causing disagreement. The commentary 'lamented that India held two prior G-20 sessions in disputed territories — one in Arunachal Pradesh that China also claims, and another in Kashmir, contested by Pakistan. CICIR said this has “sabotaged the atmosphere for cooperation at the G-20.” CICIR also accused India of intentionally leaving China and Brazil out in hosting an online event for the Global South in order to build its own influence among the developing countries. New Delhi was also criticized for using the G-20 as a platform to spread the narrative that Beijing is setting up “debt traps” with its loans to developing countries. It said India’s push for its own agenda could “further create divergence and splits, blocking the international community from reaching consensus and substantial achievement, which will eventually damage its own image and cause damage to global development.” Sep 2023 CHINA-INDIA: POST ON CHINA'S SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM WEIBO SHOWS FIGHTING BETWEEN INDIAN AND CHINESE TROOPS AT PANGONG TSO A brief video clip was posted on the popular Chinese social media platform Weibo on September 8 of Indian and Chinese troops fighting in the area of Pangong Tso. (Comment: September 8 was the opening day of the G-20 Summit hosted by India.) Sep 2023 CHINA-G-20: CHINA DAILY QUOTES CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG'S STATEMENT AT G-20 SUMMIT China Daily (September 11) said that in his statement at the G-20 Summit at New Delhi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang "called on Group of 20 countries to adhere to solidarity and cooperation and strengthen coordination of macroeconomic policies to deliver confidence in and impetus for economic growth". It said "The summit was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, which holds the rotating presidency of the G20 this year". It quoted him saying "We need to firmly promote economic globalization and jointly safeguard the stable and unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, working as partners in promoting global openness and cooperation," and that he emphasized the need to resort to unity rather than division, cooperation rather than confrontation, and inclusiveness rather than exclusion. (Comment: Interestingly, Chinese official media reporting on the G-20 Summit was minimal.) Sep 2023 CHINA-NORTH KOREA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO NORTH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG-UN ON ITS 75TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Council, on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of Korea on September 9. Sep 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON DIVULGES CONTENT OF BRIEF EXCHANGE BETWEEN CHINESE PREMIER AND US PRESIDENT AT G-20 SUMMIT Xinmin Evening News (September 11) reported that when asked about interactions between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and US President Biden at the G-20 Summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning replied "During his attendance at the G20 Leaders' Summit, Premier Li Qiang had brief exchanges with U.S. President Biden and other leaders of many countries who were present at the venue. Premier Li Qiang emphasized to President Biden that China's development is an opportunity rather than a challenge to the United States, and China and the United States should strengthen exchanges. President Biden said that the United States hopes that China's economy will continue to grow and will not prevent China's economic development". Sep 2023 CHINA-UK: BRITISH SECURITY SERVICES ARREST TWO PERSONS ON CHARGES OF SPYING FOR CHINA The Sunday Times (September 10) disclosed that a 28 year old British parliamentary researcher, Chris Cash, has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China in what is alleged to be one of the most damaging breaches of security involving a hostile state at Westminster. It said officers from the Metropolitan Police arrested two men on March 13 on suspicion of offences under section one of the Official Secrets Act 1911. A man in his thirties was arrested at an address in Oxfordshire and a man in his twenties was arrested at an address in Edinburgh. Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London. The male suspect, who is in his late twenties, is understood to be linked to a number of senior Tory MPs, including several who are privy to classified or highly sensitive information. They include Tom Tugendhat, the security minister, and Alicia Kearns, the chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee. A senior Whitehall source was quoted saying: “This is a major escalation by China. We have never seen anything like this before.” The researcher has worked with MPs on international policy, including relations with Beijing, for several years. He previously spent time living and working in China, where security officials fear he may have been recruited as a sleeper agent and sent back to Britain with the intention of infiltrating political networks critical of the Beijing regime. Sky News reported (September 10) that UK PM Rishi Sunak conveyed 'significant concerns' to Li Qiang at G20 about China's interference in UK parliamentary democracy after two men were arrested under the Official Secrets Act amid reports a parliamentary researcher spied for China. British media reports say that more arrests are likely. (Comment: Last year the British security services took the unprecedented step of issuing an alert to MPs naming Christine Lee, an Anglo-Chinese lawyer, as an agent of influence carrying out “political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party”. Chris Cash's background is similar to that of Kim Philby -- private schools, wealthy family etc.) Sep 2023 CHINA-UKRAINE: CHINESE OPERA SINGER SANG A RUSSIAN SONG FROM THE BALCONY OF THE MARIUPOL DRAMA THEATRE Wang-Fan sang the Russian song “Katyusha” in Chinese from the balcony of the Mariupol Drama Theatre. An Ukrainian newspaper (September 8) reported that the recent visit of Chinese opera singer Wang-Fang to Mariupol had caused indignation among Ukrainian diplomats and they had demanded that Beijing explain for what purpose she, as well as several representatives of the Chinese media and blogosphere, were on the territory of the DPR. It said Kyiv’s position was stated on a social network page by the official representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleg Nikolenko, who even threatened Beijing with an entry ban for all “Chinese touring performers,” meaning artists from the PRC who come to perform in Ukraine. A diplomat from Ukraine called the arrival of Chinese citizens in the Donetsk Republic “illegal.” Wang-Fan sang the Russian song “Katyusha” in Chinese from the balcony of the Mariupol Drama Theatre. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING VISITED HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE ON SEPTEMBER 7 TO MEET FLOOD AFFECTED VILLAGERS Xinhua (September 7) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping visited flood-affected villagers of Longwangmiao in the city of Shangzhi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on September 7. It said Xi Jinping walked into the fields to check the impact of the floods on the rice crops and inspected the work on the restoration of damaged houses and infrastructure while walking along the streets. Visiting villagers' homes to learn about their losses and the supply of daily necessities, Xi encouraged them to bolster their confidence to overcome difficulties. He expressed the hope that they will soon be able to resume normal work and life, and that their lives will continue to improve. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL SERVICES TRADE FAIRS BEING HELD IN BEIJING VIA VIDEO CCTV (September 2) reported that on September 2 morning Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech to the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services Global Service Trade Summit in Beijing. He said that at present, the century-old changes are accelerating, and the world economic recovery is insufficient. Service trade is an important part of international trade, and the service industry is an important field of international economic and trade cooperation. Global trade in services and cooperation in the service industry have developed in depth, the processes of digitization, intelligence, and greening have continued to accelerate, and new technologies, new business formats, and new models have emerged one after another, which has injected strong force into promoting economic globalization, restoring global economic vitality, and enhancing the resilience of world economic development. power. Emphasising that this year marks the 45th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. He said China will persist in promoting high-level opening up and comprehensively promote Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development. He said China will create a more open and inclusive development environment and that cross-border service trade shall be promoted in an orderly manner. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING DOES NOT ATTEND ASEAN AND EAST ASIA SUMMIT IN JAKARTA OR G-20 IN NEW DELHI China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on September 1 that Chinese Premier Li Qiang and not President Xi Jinping would attend the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Jakarta next week. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also not attending the G-20 Summit in Delhi from September 8, 2023, and deputing Premier Li Qiang instead. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: NETIZENS HACK XI JINPING'S DAUGHTER XI MINGZE'S ACCOUNT AND EXPOSE PHOTOGRAPHS OF HER LUXURIOUS NEW YORK APARTMENT ON SEPTEMBER 6 On September 6, Jennifer Zeng who is affiliated with the Falun gong posted on her Twitter account photographs posted by Xi Jinping's daughter, Xi Mingze, on her @X Twitter account, which were made public on September 6 night after a user hacked into her account. Since her account transitioned from an anonymous private status to semi-public and was exposed by people, she is currently deleting these photos. The New York luxury apartment she posted appears to be located at One57, 157 West 57th Street, New York, NY, 10019. Public records indicate that the only room with lighting fixtures matching those in the photos of this apartment was sold on November 29, 2020, for $39.3 million, with an annual property fee of $120,000. This apartment is only 0.8 miles, a 16-minute walk, away from the Julia Music Institute in New York, which Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan likes very much. About half of the journey can be completed by walking through Central Park in New York. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG ATTENDS 26TH CHINA-ASEAN (10+1) LEADERS' MEETING IN JAKARTA ON SEPTEMBER 6 The state-run CCTV (September 6) telecast a report on Chinese Premier Li Qiang attending the 26th China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting in Jakarta on September 6. It noted that leaders of ASEAN countries and ASEAN observer Timor-Leste and the Secretary-General of ASEAN attended. It quoted Chinese Premier Li Qiang as saying that in 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future in Indonesia. Over the past 10 years, China and ASEAN have successfully forged a correct path of long-term good-neighbourly friendship, common development and prosperity amid the century-old changes in the world. Li Qiang suggested that the first is to join hands to build an economic growth center, strengthen connectivity, and deepen cooperation in the industrial chain and supply chain; the second is to jointly promote cooperation in emerging industries and strengthen cooperation in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, artificial intelligence and other fields; the third is to jointly maintain regional peace and tranquillity , actively promote the consultation on the text of the "South China Sea Code of Conduct", and carry out cooperation in combating telecommunications and network fraud; the fourth is to jointly expand people-to- people and cultural exchanges, and further strengthen cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, training, and youth. The meeting issued a joint statement on the "Belt and Road" initiative and ASEAN Indo-Pacific looking forward to mutually beneficial cooperation, and adopted joint statements or initiatives on cooperation in agriculture, green development, e- commerce, technological innovation and other fields. Sep 2023 CHINA-NPC: NPC STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING ON AUGUST 30 DISCUSSES FOOD SECURITY The NPC SC Meeting on August 30 held a special inquiry on food security. Reports state that the State Council submitted a report on food security and that Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, whose portfolio includes food security, the Head of the NDRC, and the Agriculture Minister answered questions by NPCSC members – including PBSC member and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji. The State Council report has not been released, but is reported to cover: Threats to China’s food security, including natural disasters and misuse of farmland; Opportunities improve food production capacity; and Incentives for farmers to grow food crops – particularly staple grains like wheat and rice. The NPC report indicates that two important developments are underway, namely: A national assessment of food security performance; and Progress on the draft Food Security Protection Law. Sep 2023 CHINA-STATE COUNCIL: NDRC TO ESTABLISH NEW BUREAU FOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT A press release issued by China's State Council on September 4, disclosed that the National Development and Reform Council (NDRC) will establish a new bureau for private sector development as part of the government’s push to boost the private economy. The new bureau will coordinate policy planning and implementation of private sector support. Its major functions include: Monitoring and analyzing the private economy; Coordinating the drafting of private sector support measures; and Establishing a communication mechanism with private firms (Comment: Previous initiatives to support the private sector have fallen short of expectations due to weak implementation.) Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: REPORT THAT CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING APPEARS TO BE DELEGATING MORE AUTHORITY TO PREMIER LI QIANG There is speculation among China analysts that Chinese President Xi Jinping is possibly delegating more authority to Premier Li Qiang in economic policy making. Since Li Qiang took over as premier in March, at least six policies to develop specific industries have been approved at the almost weekly State Council Executive meetings. During Li Keqiang’s entire second term (2018-23), only one policy document of the same kind was approved at a State Council executive meeting. Furthermore, Executive meetings used to be the only platform for the State Council leadership to take big decisions, but Li Qiang has established an additional platform, the Premier Work meeting, where major policy decisions can get made. In addition, Premier Li Qiang has now been deputed to attend the G-20 Summit in New Delhi as well as the ASEAN and East Asian Summits. (Comment: The State Council keeps the Premier Work meetings secret, but analysts anticipate that the (partial) return of economic policymaking power to the State Council from the Party could make policymaking more pragmatic and less ideological.) Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: 'CADRE EDUCATION & TRAINING WORK REGULATIONS' AND 'NATIONAL CADRE EDUCATION TRAINING PLAN' PASSED BY POLITBURO ON SEPTEMBER 1 The Politburo meeting on September 1, passed new "Cadre Education and Training Work Regulations" and a new "National Cadre Education Training Plan 2023-27" 《干部教育培训 工作条例》《全国干部教育培训规划(2023-2027年). The new rules will be more aligned with Xi Jinping Thought, upholding the Centre, the 442 formula plus the "Two Establishes" and form part of the ongoing Xi Jinping Thought education campaign. The "National cadre education plan outline" also plays into this... the last one from 2018 to 2022 came to an end. (Comment: These plans are nothing new, i.e., earlier ones were: 1996-2000; 2001-05; 2006-10 etc). The changes in the plan can be better assessed once the full plan is published.) Sep 2023 CHINA-NPC: 14th NPC STANDING COMMITTEE HOLDS LEGISLATIVE WORK CONFERENCE ON SEPTEMBER 6 The Legislative Work Conference of the 14th NPC Standing Committee held a quinquennial legislative work conference on September 6. PBSC member and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji attended and delivered a speech. He emphasized that "we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, deeply understand the core essence of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and understand General Secretary Xi Jinping’s ideas on improving the legal system and improving the quality of legislation". Zhao Leji pointed out that the NPC must uphold the Party's overall leadership over legislative work, especially the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", consciously strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve "two safeguards". Politburo member and First Vice Chairman of the NPC Li Hongzhong presided over the meeting. (Comment: The NPC is likely to release its five-year legislative plan shortly.) Sep 2023 CHINA-NPC: NPC STANDING COMMITTEE REVISED AND ADOPTED FOUR LAWS INCLUDING FOREIGN STATE IMMUNITY LAW ON SEPTEMBER 1 On September 1, the NPC Standing Committee (NPCSC): (i) revised the Administrative Reconsideration Law [行政复议法]; (ii) adopted the Foreign State Immunity Law [外国国家 豁免法]; (iii) amended the Civil Procedure Law [⺠事诉讼法]; and (iv) renewed a pilot program that makes it easier for eligible lawyers licensed in Hong Kong or Macao to practice mainland civil and commercial law in nine mainland cities in Guangdong province. Sep 2023 CHINA-SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS: PRESIDENT OF PLA MILITARY COURT REMOVED WITHIN 8 MONTHS OF APPOINTMENT The NPCSC removed Cheng Dongfang, President of the People’s Liberation Army’s Military Court, from his position after just eight months in office. The reasons have not been disclosed. Sep 2023 CHINA-SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS: STATE COUNCIL APPOINTED 9 NEW SENIOR OFFICIALS The following appointments were announced: i) Xu Shouben was appointed Deputy Secretary General of the State Council ii) Wang Guangyan was named Vice Minister of Education iii) Wang Jiayi became the General Inspector of the Ministry of Education iv) Chen Jie took the post of Head of the National Language Commission v) Ren Weidong was appointed Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency vi) Liu Huanxin was named Head of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration vii) Wang Shaozhong was appointed head of the National Archives Administration viii) Gao Qian was named Deputy Head of the National Archives Administration ix) Shi Yingli was appointed Deputy Head of the National Administration of State Secrets Protection (Comment: Liu Huanxin was earlier the Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as well as head of the National Rural Revitalization Administration) Sep 2023 CHINA-SPORT: TORCH RELAY OF HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 8 Xinhua publicised (September 6) that the torch relay for the Hangzhou Asian Games will start near the West Lake on September 8, with a total of 2,022 torchbearers participating in 11 cities across Zhejiang Province. The relay will return to Hangzhou on September 20 to complete its final leg. Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: CHINA PROPOSES AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC SECURITY LAW BANNING SPEECH AND DRESSING DETRIMENTAL TO SPIRIT OF CHINESE PEOPLE The BBC (September 7) reported that China is considering changes in its public security laws banning speech and dressing "detrimental to the spirit of Chinese people", which has sparked debate in China. The contentious clauses suggest that people who wear or force others to wear clothing and symbols that "undermine the spirit or hurt the feelings of the Chinese nation" could be detained for up to 15 days and fined up to 5,000 yuan ($680; £550). Those who create or disseminate articles or speech that do so could also face the same punishment. The proposed legal changes also forbid "insulting, slandering or otherwise infringing upon the names of local heroes and martyrs" as well as vandalism of their memorial statues. The proposal does not yet spell out what constitutes a violation. Chinese social media users and legal experts have criticised it as excessive and absurd and called for more clarity to avoid excessive enforcement. Other netizens have questioned how law enforcers could unilaterally determine when the nation's "feelings" are "hurt". One netizen asked on Weibo "Will wearing a suit and tie count? Marxism originated in the West. Would its presence in China also count as hurting national feelings." Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI (SEEKING TRUTH) HIGHLIGHTS XI JINPING'S COMMENTARY ON CHINESE CIVILISATION Latest issue of Qiushi Journal (Seeking Truth; 2023/17 dated September 2) is online. Its highlights include Xi Jinping’s commentary on Chinese civilization; several commentaries echoing Xi’s commentary; high-quality development; integrating the digital economy with real economy. It said, "Western modernization is a modernization dominated by the "logic of things". Capitalism's worship of private property leads to the domination and domination of things over people, which hinders the free and comprehensive development of people. At the beginning of Western modernization, "the productive forces created by the bourgeoisie in its less than one hundred years of class rule were more numerous and greater than the total productive forces created in all previous eras." However, behind the accumulation of material wealth are material desires, selfish desires, and spiritual poverty. The development logic of seeing things but not people makes people become "one-dimensional people" and society becomes a "one-dimensional society"." It highlighted that "the modernization process of Western countries followed the path of pollution first and governance later, sacrificing the environment for economic growth" while the Chinese "have embarked on a new modern path in which man and nature coexist harmoniously" adding that "Chinese-style modernization pursues the coordinated development of material civilization and spiritual civilization." Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION A Guangming Daily (September 6) article captioned 'Highlighting the unique advantages of Chinese-style modernization' by Sun Haiyang, Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy, Central Party School. Saying that the theoretical Party fortnightly journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) recently published an important article by General Secretary Xi Jinping entitled "Chinese-style modernization is a broad road to building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation", it said the article emphasizes: "What kind of modernization path a country chooses is determined by its historical tradition, social system, development conditions, external environment and many other factors. Different national conditions will lead to different modernization paths." "Practice has proved that Chinese-style modernization It is the only correct way to build a strong country and rejuvenate the nation if it is feasible and stable.” Sep 2023 CHINA-CCP: LENGTHY ARTICLE BY CHONGQING PROPAGANDA DEPARTMENT CHIEF HIGHLIGHTS ROLE OF MARXISM IN CHINESE CULTURE The People's Daily (September 5) published an article titled 'Continuously climb new ideological peaks while consolidating cultural subjectivity (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)' by Jiang Hui, member of the Chongqing Party Standing Committee and Head of the Chongqing Propaganda Department. The lengthy article highlighted the role of Marxism in Chinese culture and quoted CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping as pointing out: "The major proposition of adapting Marxism to the times and adapting it to China determines that we must never abandon the soul of Marxism and the root of China's excellent traditional culture. To stick to this soul and root is theoretical innovation: The basis and premise." The article referred to Xi Jinping 14 times. Sep 2023 CHINA--CYBER SECURITY: CHINA'S CYBER SPACE ADMINISTRATION IMPOSED US$ 6.84 BILLION FINE ON CNKI FOR UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION Caixin (September 7) disclosed that China’s cyber security regulator imposed a 50 million yuan ($6.84 million) fine on the country’s largest academic database for violations in handling personal information. The operators of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and 14 related apps violated the principles of collecting only necessary personal information with consent, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) said on September 6. Sep 2023 CHINA-DISSIDENCE: GUIZHOU UNIVERSITY ECONOMICS PROFESSOR SENTENCED TO FOUR AND HALF YEAR JAIL TERM FOR ESTIMATING HIGH PERSONNEL COSTS OF CHINESE GOVERNMENT Radio Free Asia (August 31) quoting the Weiquanwang rights website reported that the Guiyang Intermediate People's Court handed down a four-and-a-half-year jail term to former Guizhou University Economics Professor Yang Shaozheng in a trial behind closed doors on July 29. 53-year old Yang Shaozheng, who had estimated the high personnel costs of the Chinese government, was found guilty of “incitement to subvert state power." Earlier, just before the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, Yang Shaozheng had criticized a new wave of ideological training being launched in China's colleges and universities. Sep 2023 CHINA-S&T: NEW STATE-BACKED INVESTMENT FUND AIMS TO RAISE US$ 40 BILLION FOR CHINA'S SEMICONDUCTOR SECTOR China is set to launch a new state-backed investment fund that aims to raise about $40 billion for its semiconductor sector, two people familiar with the matter said, as the country ramps up efforts to catch up with the US and other rivals. Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA REDUCES ITS US DOLLAR HOLDINGS BRINGING IT DOWN TO US$ 835 BILLION A report on September 1 revealed that China has cut its holdings in US Treasuries to US$ 835bn, lowest level since 2010. (Comment: At its maximum China's holdings in US Treasuries was US$ 1.3 Trillion.) Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: THREE MAJOR CHINESE AIRLINES REPORT COMBINED LOSS OF YUAN 12.58 BILLION YUAN IN FIRST HALF OF 2023 Radio Free Asia (August 31) reported that a number of Chinese airlines recently released their annual reports. The three leading airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines posted a total combined loss of about 12.58 billion Yuan (US$1.73 Billion) in the first half of 2023. Air China reported a net loss of 3.45 billion Yuan, China Eastern Airlines lost 6.25 billion Yuan, and China Southern Airlines lost 2.88 Billion Yuan. It added that the current number of foreigners traveling Beijing and Shanghai is only about 10% of what it was before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some tour guides said that this has been the first time in their 30 years as tour guides that they do not have foreigner tour groups to service. Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: YUNNAN PROVINCE'S DEBT IS MOUNTING AND REVENUES FROM LAND SALES HAVE DROPPED CONSIDERABLY IN LAST 2 Citing the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Statistics, the Vision Times, a US-based media outlet of the Falun gong, claimed (September 3) Yunnan's debt had risen from 77.9 billion Yuan in March 2023 to 817 million yuan in July 2023. Claiming that Yunnan Provincial authorities had given up exaggerating figures because of the ensuant tax liabilities, it said they are now reporting huge debts. Stating that Yunnan's revenues from land sales amounted to nearly 43.4 percent of the total revenues last year, it said by end 2022 it will suffer a loss of 30.1 percent. It disclosed that revenues from land sales in 2020 was less than 50 billion yuan which is a fraction of the 159.1 billion yuan in 2019. Sep 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S FORMER VICE COMMERCE MINISTER SAYS MANUFACTURING AND SERVICES SECTOR SHOULD BE GIVEN EQUAL ATTENTION Speaking at the 10th China Inbound-Outbound Forum as a part of the ongoing 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), Yi Xiaozhun, China’s former Vice Commerce Minister and former Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization said that China must dispel the misconception that “services are virtual while manufacturing is real” and “avoid neglecting either sector.” He asserted that "openness is the lifeline for the service sector. Acknowledging that foreign direct investment into China has recently fallen to its lowest level in years, he calls on China to return to the initial spirit of attracting foreign investment during the early stages of reform and opening up". Speakers at the opening session of the Forum included Yong Ding, Director of Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau; Henry Huiyao Wang, Founder and President of CCG; Junshu Yong, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress; Graham Fletcher, Ambassador of Australia to China; and Tamas Hajba, Senior Advisor for China and Head of the OECD Beijing Office. Sep 2023 CHINA-PLA: CCTV DISCLOSES THAT PLA HAS DRONE UNITS ALONG LAC AND THAT XINJIANG MILITARY REGION HAS RED ARROW-12 MISSILES A report on a PLA website cited CCTV programmes as revealing a PLA drone unit on the front line against India. It said this unit was in a state of 24-hour combat readiness for a long time and that this drone force has already undertaken tasks such as border patrols. It added that the PLA is currently building such bases on the Sino-Indian border, with the frontline outposts and drones as the first-line force, and the troops at the base in the valley behind as the second-line force, supplemented by a complete border defense system with long-range rocket launchers, aviation and other forces in the rear. It said in case of a military adventure by Indian troops, the second-line PLA troops deployed in the valley will be the first batch of support forces to support the front-line outposts. With the support of long-range firepower from the rear, they will resist the Indian army's attack and buy time for the mobilization of further rear support forces. It added the PLA will use a small amount of troops to contain the Indian army's heavy military group, and let India's national power be consumed in this hidden confrontation on the border. The report added that the progress of infrastructure construction and other system construction in the river valley has "actually increased our confidence in future border negotiations, and further blocked the Indians from using military adventurous means and taking desperate risks on the Sino-Indian border". It also disclosed that Red Arrow-12 missiles are used in the Xinjiang Military region. Sep 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLAAF FORMATION IN WESTERN THEATRE COMMAND CONDUCTS EXERCISE FOR BATTLEFIELD REPAIRS A PLA portal on September 2 said that "a few days ago" a military representative office of the Chengdu Air Force Bureau and a repair factory organised a combat oriented special drill in the Western Theatre Command (WTC). Its main focus was on testing the ability of repair and recovery of battlefield equipment and immediately switching to the wartime working mechanism. The drills were conducted in harsh conditions where the troops were tested for efficiency, procedures and service related mechanisms. It also explored "innovative" methods such as establishing spare parts warehouses in different zones, setting up common fault troubleshooting kits, front-end tooling equipment and troubleshooting specialists to speed up the construction of emergency support capabilities. Sep 2023 CHINA-PLA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SIGNED A GUIDELINE ENCOURAGING PLA PERSONNEL TO MARRY AND START FAMILIES AND PERMITTING THEM TO HAVE THREE CHILDREN Chengdu's Xinhua Daily (September 7) disclosed that Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, signed an order issuing a guideline on the implementation of China's population and family planning law in the armed forces. The guideline will take effect from September 10. According to the guideline Service men and women are encouraged to marry and start families at an appropriate age. It said a couple can have three children and will enjoy parental leaves. It also said a serviceman or servicewoman who is the only child in their family can take additional leave to attend to their parents. It said the country will work to improve nursery and education services for children of military personnel and provide better counseling and health care services. Sep 2023 CHINA-PLA: CHINA ALLEGES US SPY PLANE DID CLOSE-IN RECCEE OF CHINA'S MILITARY EXERCISE THAT STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 6 China Central Television (CCTV) reported that China is holding a military task in a large part of the East China Sea from 6 pm September 6 to 6 pm September 10. The Global Times (September 7) said the US sent a spy plane to China's coastal region for close-in reconnaissance just hours before the launch of a Chinese military exercise in the East China Sea on September 6. It added that on September 6, a US Air Force WC-135R reconnaissance aircraft took off from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, entered China's East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone and carried out a close-in reconnaissance operation on China's coastlines from the East China Sea to the Yellow Sea, with the closest range to China's territorial sea baseline being about only 21 nautical miles, the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative SCSPI, a Beijing-based think tank, said on its social media account on the day. Sep 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: BEIJING ISSUES 'BLUE FLOOD' WARNING FOR SEPTEMBER 8 - 10 On September 8, the Beijing Municipal Flood Control Office, Municipal Planning and Natural Resources Commission and the Municipal Meteorological Bureau jointly issued a blue warning for geological disasters and meteorological risks: from 12:00 on September 8 to 12:00 on September 10. Citizens were urged to pay attention to the risk of landslides and other geological disasters. It said 6 districts could be in danger of flash floods. Sep 2023 CHINA-GUANGDONG: GUANGDONG PARTY SECRETARY HUANG KUNMING INSTRUCTS CADRES TO TAKE MEASURES TO PROTECT THE CITY AND RESTORE LIVING ORDER AND PRODUCTION QUICKLY With Typhoon "Hai Kui" threatening Guangdong and heavy rainstorms and local torrential rainstorms having occurred in many cities and counties in the province. Guangdong Party Secretary and Politburo member Huang Kunming hosted a video conference in Zhongshan on September 8 to analyze and judge the development trend of heavy rainfall and the impact of the disaster. Meng Fanli, Deputy Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee, attended the meeting. After listening to the reports of various departments, Huang Kunming said 'this round of heavy rainfall is ferocious, long-lasting, and has a high risk of disaster. Relevant departments in various places actively responded and dealt with it in a timely manner, and achieved remarkable results' and listed various measures to protect the city and to restore production and living order as soon as possible to ensure the normal operation of the city. Sep 2023 CHINA-LIAONING: 103 PARTY UNITS IN LIAONNG PROVINCE HAVE HELD SPECIAL DEMOCRATIC LIFE MEETINGS Liaoning Daily (September 8) reported that 103 provincial units had held a special democratic life meeting for the leadership of the party group (party committee) to study and implement Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era. It said that the leadership team of provincial units had made careful preparations to ensure a solid ideological foundation. Based on the high-quality completion of thematic education reading classes and thematic study and seminars of the central group, the theoretical study center group conducted intensive study before the democratic life meeting, and through in-depth heart-to-heart talks, we fully exchanged ideas, exchanged opinions, and reached consensus. Sep 2023 CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA: CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE BANNED USE OF MONGOLIAN LANGUAGE IN ALL SCHOOLS IN INNER MONGOLIA AUTONOMOUS REGION W.E.F. SEPTEMBER 1 Effective September 1, 2023, when the new school year starts, Chinese authorities are enforcing a total ban on the Mongolian language in all schools across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. All Mongolian schools—including kindergartens—are now required to use Chinese exclusively as the medium of instruction for all subjects. As part of a larger effort to erase Mongolian language, culture, and identity, Chinese authorities are also doubling down on banning Mongolian-language publications. Sep 2023 CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA: CHINESE AUTHORITIES BANNED BOOK ON HISTORY OF MONGOLS The pro-Beijing Hong Kong-based Sing Tao Daily disclosed that the Inner Mongolian branch of the government-backed Books and Periodicals Distribution Association issued a directive on August 25 banning a book on the history of the Mongols titled "A General History of the Mongols", published in 2004. Scholars in the Mongolian Studies department of the Inner Mongolia Institute of Education were asked to remove the book from their from shelves. A pro-government comment on the social media platform Weibo hit out at the book for "historical nihilism." User @XiMay1 wrote on August 29: "Criticizing the pan-Mongolian nationalist trend is conducive to #cultivating the consciousness of the Chinese national community, conducive to #ethnic exchanges, exchanges, and integration#, and conducive to #forging a strong sense of the Chinese nation’s community!" (Comment: China’s President Xi Jinping delivered a tough speech during his visit to Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, on August 26, 2023. The ban coincides with concern among authorities about the growing sense of Mongolian identity among ethnic Mongolians living in China.) Sep 2023 CHINA-SHAANXI: SHAANXI PARTY SECRETARY LED A DELEGATION TO KAZAKHSTAN FROM SEPTEMBER 4-6 The Shaanxi Daily (September 8) disclosed that Shaanxi Party Secretary Zhao Yide led a provincial delegation to Kazakhstan from September 4 to 6, to promote Shaanxi and Kazakhstan's exchanges and cooperation in various fields have reached a new level, and they will better integrate into and serve the overall pattern of jointly building the "Belt and Road". Sep 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA-PAK SHAHEEN-X AIR EXERCISES BEGIN IN NORTHWEST CHINA The annual Sino-Pak joint air exercise, Shaheen-X, has commenced in the Jiuquan and Yinchuan cities of Northwest China. The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) lead fighter aircraft J-10 C and JF-17 are participating in the exercise along with air and ground crew. (Comment: The Shaheen exercises commenced in 2021 and are held alternately in China and Pakistan.) Sep 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE EMBASSY HOSTED JAMIAT ULEMA-E-ISLAM LEADERS TO DINNER IN RAWALPINDI IN END AUGUST Bitter Winter (September 5) reported that pictures are emerging in Pakistan and on social media of a dinner hosted at the end of August by the Chinese Embassy in Rawalpindi. It said the guests included leaders of the Deobandi Islamic party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, which is well- known for its support of the death penalty for those guilty of blasphemy and of a harsher repression of the Ahmadiyya religious minority. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s leaders hosted by the Chinese Embassy included Maulana Rashid-ul-Haq Sami, Fazal Ali Haqqani, Qibla Ayaz, (Chairman of the official Council of Islamic Ideology), Muhammad Israr (known for his more moderate views), and others, such as Asif Luqman Qazi, representing the oldest movement of Pakistan’s political Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami. The Chinese hosts offered the guests a presentation of how China protects religious liberty and Western “slander” about it should not be believed. Sep 2023 CHINA-NORTH KOREA: CHINESE VICE PREMIER LIU GUOZHONG WILL LEAD A DELEGATION TO NORTH KOREA AND TAKE PART IN NORTH KOREA'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY ON SEPTEMBER 9 The Global Times (September 7) reported that according to an official announcement made on September 7, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong will lead a high-profile delegation to the to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Pointing out that this is the second time in less than two months, the Global Times called it "a rare move which experts believe demonstrates the traditional friendship and support for each other that will inject stability into regional security, at a time when tensions have risen to an unprecedented level". It added "Against the backdrop of the US-led West's increasingly tough sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang, China's support, which will not be confined to moral support, will help North Korea break its isolation in the international community, observers believe." The Chinese delegation will participate in the celebrations in Pyongyang to mark North Korea's founding day on September 9. (Comment: NPC Vice Chairman Li Hongzhong led a Chinese Party and government delegation to North Korea one and a half months ago.) Sep 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINA'S NEW 'STANDARD' MAP ISSUED BY CHINA'S MINISTRY FOR NATURAL RESOURCES ALSO INCLUDES PARTS OF RUSSIA IN CHINA'S BORDERS China's state-owned Standard Map Service has presented a set of geographic maps for 2023, on which for the first-time part of #Russia's territory is indicated as part of China, specifically the Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island on the Amur River. According to a 2008 treaty between Russia and China, the island was divided between the two countries. The new official map of China marks the whole island as the eastern-most point of Chinese territory. The explanatory note emphasizes that "the map is made in accordance with the national standards for drawing borders of China and other countries of the world." The official set of maps will be used in various media materials, including news, books and promotional materials. The maps can also be used as basic reference information. The Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island covers an area of 327 to 350 square kilometres, depending on the water level in the river. From the early 19th century there was a long struggle between Russia and China for control of it, but in the 1920s and 1930s the island was "taken under guard" by Soviet troops. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the island remained under Russian jurisdiction. China has had a particular interest in the territory, disputing its status since 1964. In 2008, Russia handed over the western part of the Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island and other territories to China. Experts at the time pointed to Moscow's long-term interests in stable relations between the two countries. The Kremlin had not commented on the map till September 2. Sep 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO U.S. XIE FENG CLAIMS CHINA'S ECONOMY IS RECOVERING AND GROWING In an Op-Ed in the Washington Post China's Ambassador to the US, Xie Feng said the Chinese economy is doing better than you might think. He claimed that this year China’s economy continues to recover and grow. "Our gross domestic product expanded 5.5 percent for the first half of the year, outpacing most major economies". He added "One of the highlights in the first half of 2023 is the rebound in consumption, which contributed 77.2 percent of the growth, more than 44 percentage points higher than last year. Notably, people are spending more on services." He said "France, Britain, Japan and Germany boosted investment in China in the first half of 2023 by 173.3 percent, 135.3 percent, 53 percent and 14.2 percent, respectively. Some 24,000 new foreign firms were established in China in the same period." He reminded readers that "China’s middle-income group — more than 400 million people now — is on a path to exceed 800 million by 2035." Sep 2023 CHINA-AUSTRALIA: CHINA AND AUSTRALIA RESUMED HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE IN BEIJING ON SEPTEMBER 5 Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement on September 2, that the Australia-China High Level Dialogue will be held in Beijing on September 5. She said it serves as a platform for senior representatives from industry, government, academia and other areas to discuss issues ranging from trade and investment to regional and international security. China’s former Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will co-chair and lead the Chinese delegation while former trade minister Craig Emerson will co-chair as head of the Australian delegation. Reflecting the bi-partisan nature of the dialogue, former center-right foreign minister Julie Bishop will also participate. Sep 2023 CHINA-AFRICA: CHINA'S MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE HELD THE 3RD 2023 The 3rd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum with the theme "Practice the Global Security Initiative and Strengthen China-Africa Solidarity and Cooperation", is being held in China from August 28 - September 2, 2023. Organised by China's Ministry of National Defence, State Councillor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu attended the plenary session of the forum and delivered a keynote speech. Nearly 50 African countries’ defense departments and Military leaders, heads of peace and security affairs of the African Union, and military attaches of African countries stationed in China attended the meeting, which aims to further strengthen the strategic communication between the Chinese and African defense departments and play an active role in building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. Sep 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE NEWSPAPERS PRAISE CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S LEADERSHIP IN FLOOD RELIEF All official Chinese newspapers carried the banner headline "Unity is in the same boat——The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core is strong and powerful in commanding Hebei's flood control and disaster relief"! Aug 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING APPOINTS POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOJING TO LEAD DISASTER RELIEF OPERATIONS IN TIANJIN CCTV (August 6) reported that appointed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing 'led relevant departments to rush to Tianjin at noon on the 5th to guide flood control and disaster relief work'. Zhang Guojing 'emphasized that it is necessary to resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on flood control and disaster relief, implement Premier Li Qiang's requirements, insist on the supremacy of the people and life, seize the time window, mobilize all forces, and do a good job in embankment reinforcement and smooth traffic. We will resolutely win the current encounter of flood control and disaster relief. He told cadres that 'Relevant central enterprises and local state-owned enterprises must play a professional role at critical moments. It is necessary to mobilize and pre-set emergency materials and equipment in advance, and deal with emergencies scientifically and efficiently as soon as possible, and strictly prevent dangers such as piping and bursting caused by continuous immersion.' Aug 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: XINHUA PUBLICISES CHINESE PRESIDENT EFFORTS AND CONCERN FOR PEOPLE OF FLOOD AFFECTED HEBEI PROVINCE A Xinhua (August 6) article captioned 'Unity is in the same boat——The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core is strong and powerful in commanding Hebei's flood control and disaster relief!' said, while referring to the floods in Hebei province, that 'The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core was under the strong leadership and strong command.' It quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping saying "This typhoon should not be underestimated", and added 'General Secretary Xi Jinping, who pays close attention to the dynamics of the typhoon, immediately issued important instructions emphasizing that the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region should pay special attention to defense'. It said, 'The safety of people's lives and property is of utmost importance to General Secretary Xi Jinping'. Enumerating the steps taken to tackle the floods it also mentioned the efforts by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Aug 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: THE BEIDAIHE CONCLAVE Zhongong Ribao (The Workers Daily - August 8) provided a few additional details on the meeting with 57 "outstanding experts and talents" recently at the Beidaihe resort. It disclosed they were invited by the Party Central Committee and the State Council from August 1st to 7th. They represented the frontier fields of domestic science and technology and are responsible for key core technological breakthroughs in many fields such as artificial intelligence, life and health, and aerospace technology. It said, "They are the pillars of the country, the pride of the people, and the glory of the nation". It said that since 1998, the Party Central Committee and the State Council have successively invited 22 batches of more than 1,300 experts to participate in summer vacation activities. It said that "entrusted" by General Secretary Xi Jinping, Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat Cai Qi visited the experts on August 3 at the Beidaihe Guohai Hotel. "He emphasized that he hoped that all experts would have the "big country" in mind, adhere to the "four orientations", take the initiative to shoulder the mission and responsibility entrusted by the times, make new and greater contributions to high-level technological self-reliance and Chinese-style modernization, and contribute to the comprehensive construction of New achievements have been made in building a modern socialist country and comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". The article mentioned the names of some of the experts and the institutes represented. (Comment: This is the first conclave where the veteran revolutionary CCP leaders are absent. Virtually all are dead except for Peng Zhen. Aug 2023 CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION BY EXECUTIVE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PROPAGANDA DEPARTMENT OF HUBEI PROVINCE Guangming Daily (August 7) published an article captioned 'Chinese-style modernization breaks the myth of Western modernization' authored by Deng Wugui, Executive Deputy Director of the Propaganda Department of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee of the Communist Party of China, Researcher of the Research Center of the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in Hubei Province. The article asserted that 'The path chosen by the Chinese nation towards modernization provides a Chinese solution for human beings to explore a better social system. This important exposition profoundly reveals that Chinese-style modernization is a major transcendence of Western modernization theory and practice and penetrates the illusion that "modernization is Westernization".' It said 'The socialist system with Chinese characteristics has obvious advantages' as 'it can promote economic and social development and whether it can maintain long-term harmony and stability. Chinese-style modernization is socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China'. Aug 2023 CHINA-CCP: 20TH CENTRAL STEERING GROUP COMPRISING THE UNITED FRONT, CPPCC, ETHNIC COMMISSION ETC WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THEME EDUCATION The Zhonggong Ribao (Workers Daily - August 8) republished a Xinhua report of the same day captioned: 'Learning ideology, strengthening party spirit, emphasizing practice, and building new achievements; The 20th Central Steering Group: Strictly supervise and guide, and promote thematic education to achieve actual results with guidance and guidance'. It said that 'Since the launch of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the 20th Steering Group has studied and understood the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, and conscientiously implemented the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee on carrying out the theme education. Strictly supervised and supervised by the leaders, with the five units of the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, the National Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation to work together and answer the same questions to promote the theme Education effectively'. Aug 2023 CHINA-CCP: BEIJING DAILY ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS CHINA'S UNITY ENSURES BUILDING OF A NATIONAL COMMUNITY Beijing Daily (August 7) published an article captioned 'Build an unbreakable Chinese nation community'. It was authored by Li Junqing and Li Yin, Executive Dean and Professor of the National Security Research Institute of Minzu University of China, and Doctoral Student of the School of Management of Minzu University of China, respectively. The article asserted that 'unity has penetrated into the blood of the Chinese nation and has become the value pursuit and highest goal of the Chinese nation. The Chinese people of all dynasties have always pursued unity, tended to unity, and realized unity. After the Qin Dynasty started the development process of China's unified multi-ethnic country, no matter which ethnic group entered the Central Plains, it was their responsibility to unify the world, and they all regarded themselves as the orthodoxy of Chinese culture, and took the initiative to incorporate themselves into the "orthodox" historical sequence of China'. Claiming that in its 'long history of more than 5,000 years, political unity has always been the main line of China's historical development.' It exhorted: 'Adhere to the core interest of national unity. A strong and unified country is the fate of the people of all ethnic groups. In today's world, the international situation is turbulent, and the activities of various hostile forces to infiltrate, split, sabotage and subvert our country are increasing day by day. National security is the foundation of national rejuvenation, and social stability is the prerequisite for national prosperity. We must unswervingly implement the overall national security concept, and maintain national security throughout the entire process of all aspects of the party and state work to ensure national security and social stability.' Aug 2023 CHINA-CCP: BEIJING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE TITLED "FROM "SEA CONTROL" TO "SEA GOVERNANCE": BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF MARITIME DESTINY" Beijing Daily (August 7) published an article titled 'From "Sea Control" to "Sea Governance": Building a Community of Maritime Destiny' by Geng Xiefeng, a Professor at the Institute of Globalization and Global Issues, China University of Political Science and Law. Prof Geng Xiefeng argued that traditional Western narratives are tailored to suit the interests of the particular country, but that as great powers compete for ocean hegemony it is urgent to replace them with new concepts and narratives of ocean governance. It recalled that when Chinese President when Xi Jinping met the heads of foreign delegations who were invited to attend the multinational naval activities of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy in Qingdao on April 23, 2019, he had advanced the concept of building a "community of shared future in the ocean". It said 'Countries are in the relationship network of a community of destiny. Only by making themselves and the community harmonious Choice is rational. Countries should also follow this new narrative logic in the field of ocean governance and replace the traditional Western maritime political narrative with the narrative of a global ocean community with a shared future'. It explained that it 'is to achieve the goal of "governing the sea" rather than "controlling the sea". It said in recent years "the United States has curbed China's maritime rights and space for seaward development. It has not only introduced a new version of its naval strategy, but also actively united with so-called Indo-Pacific countries with the same values, such as Japan, India, and Australia, to engage in a "quartet". "Security Mechanism" and the US-UK-Australia alliance in an attempt to continue to control the Indo-Pacific two oceans. Obviously, this will only bring greater unrest and disharmony to the Indo-Pacific region". It assured "that the Chinese navy will, as always" "Maintain the peace and tranquillity of the oceans, instead of following the old path of maritime hegemony and great power wars". It added that "the Community of Maritime Destiny does not ignore conflicts. On the contrary, it recognizes the objective existence of conflicts, but believes that both conflicts and differences can be properly resolved. "The sea is open to all rivers, and tolerance is the greatest." It called for strengthening regional maritime security cooperation and promoting the proper settlement of maritime disputes. Aug 2023 CHINA-CCP: HEAD OF QINGHAI PROVINCE ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT WANG YUYAN PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL'S 'STUDY TIMES' The Study Times (August 9) published an article by Wang Yuyan, head of the Organization Department of the Qinghai Province, captioned 'The Scientific Connotation and Practical Requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Thoughts on Party Building'. She wrote: "The systematic elaboration of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on party building is the soul and essence of the National Organizational Work Conference held not long ago. This important thought has greatly enriched and developed the Marxist party building theory with a series of original achievements, marking that our party's understanding of the law of Marxist ruling party building has reached a new height. We must learn to understand this completely, accurately, and comprehensively." (Comment: Ms Wang Yuyan was born in 1966 and joined the CCP in 1986. She took over as head of Qinghai Province Organisation Department in May 2017.) Aug 2023 CHINA-CCP: LENGTHY PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION STRESSES IT IS A CONTINUATION OF THE OLD People's Daily (August 9) published a lengthy article captioned 'Promoting the revival of Chinese civilization (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)'. It said that at the Symposium on Cultural Inheritance and Development, "General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly explained the internal connection between Chinese-style modernization and Chinese civilization from a broad perspective that connects history and reality." It reiterated "Chinese-style modernization is a modernization that continues ancient civilizations, not a modernization that eliminates ancient civilizations". It said, "General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that Chinese-style modernization "is a modernization that grew out of the land of China, not copying the modernization of other countries" and explained "The Chinese-style modernization that grew out of the land of China presents another picture that is different from the Western modernization model. It represents the development direction of the progress of human civilization and is a brand-new form of human civilization". The article contained 15 references to Xi Jinping. Aug 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: CHINA LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE ANTICORRUPTION MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT MEDICAL SECTOR China has launched a nationwide anti-corruption movement in its medical sector, with multiple provinces and municipalities stepping up efforts in cracking down on corruption. By August 8, eight provincial-level regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, east China’s Jiangsu and Shandong, northwest China’s Shaanxi, Shanxi, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, and south China's Hainan Province have revved up efforts. (Comment: In July, the National Health Commission, the National Healthcare Security Administration, the State Administration for Market Regulation and six other government agencies launched a year-long campaign to rectify corruption in the county’s pharmaceutical industry, according to a statement released by the health commission on July 21.) Aug 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER HEAD OF UNITED FRONT WORK DEPARTMENT OF NANJING WAS DISMISSED AND IS UNDER INVESTIGATION Hua Jing (f), former member of the Standing Committee of the Nanjing Municipal Party Committee and head of the United Front Work Department, was dismissed in July 2023 and is being investigated. In July 2018, she served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Nanjing Municipal Party Committee and deputy mayor; in August 2018, she served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Nanjing Municipal Party Committee and head of the United Front Work Department; she was dismissed in July 2023. Aug 2023 CHINA-NATURAL CALAMITY: CHINA ALLOCATES US$ 102.3 MILLION FOR SUPPORTING RECOVERY OF AGRICULTURE The People's Daily (August 8) reported that China on August 7 allocated disaster relief funds totalling 732 million yuan (about US$ 102.3 million) to support the recovery of agricultural production, according to the country's finance ministry. The funds were issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and will be channelled into nine provincial regions, including Hebei, Jilin, Heilongjiang and Fujian, as well as the Beidahuang Group, one of China's major agricultural and agribusiness groups. The Beijing Review reported that China had allocated 1 billion yuan on disaster relief. Aug 2023 CHINA-NATURAL CALAMITY: HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE ISSUES RED ALERT AS TYPHOON KHANUN MOVES NORTHWARD INTO THE PROVINCE Xinhua (August 10) reported that Heilongjiang Province on August 10, issued two red alerts for rainstorms, the highest level in the country's warning system, as Typhoon Khanun moves northward into the province. Aug 2023 CHINA-NATURAL CALAMITY: DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHULAN CITY AND THREE OTHER OFFICIALS DIE DURING RESCUE AND RELIEF WORK The "Jiangcheng Daily" in Jilin City, Jilin Province learned on August 5, from the Shulan City Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters that Luo Xudong, Executive Deputy Mayor of Shulan City and other three public officials died on duty on August 4 during the rescue and relief work. The news was reported on the front page of China's official media. Aug 2023 CHINA-NATURAL CALAMITY: RAVAGES CAUSED BY FLOODS IN HEBEI AND DECISION OF AUTHORITIES TO RELEASE WATER IN THE DAMS TO SPARE BEIJING HAS SPARKED RESENTMENT As flood waters rose in Hebei, Heilongjiang, Beijing and other places and millions of people were rendered homeless and sought shelter, there was resentment among residents of Hebei Province that they had to take the brunt of this potentially deadly flood to control the crisis in Beijing. Residents of Zhuozhou City complained on social media that they were not given enough notice to escape when the decision was made to put them directly in harm's way. Anger increased after Hebei's Party Secretary Ni Yuefeng proudly declared that his province would act as a "moat" to protect Beijing. Posts on social media said: "Is he Party Secretary of Hebei Province or Beijing? I'm confused." Another netizen wrote: "Those in power only care about their superiors. Congratulations! He will be promoted. But the obedient 70 million residents of Hebei will be sacrificed". Beijing Daily (August 11) disclosed that 3.8886 million people in Hebei were affected by floods, and the direct economic loss was 95.811 billion yuan. ii) Separately on August 5, Xinhua published an article captioned 'Together through wind and rain, the people are supreme——The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core is strong and powerful in directing Beijing's flood prevention and disaster relief'. The article praised the alacrity with which Chinese President Xi Jinping and the CCP leaders had acted. It said 'From 20:00 on July 29 to 7:00 on August 2, there was extremely heavy rainfall in Beijing. The rainfall was the highest in the 140 years of instrumental measurement records in Beijing. Special note was taken of the role of the PLA and PAP and the 82nd Group Army and 78th Group Army were mentioned. The torrential rain was pouring, and the mountain torrents were raging. The article said 'Flood conditions are orders, and life is more important than Mount Tai. The Party Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to it. Beijing and relevant departments are united and united to carry out flood relief and disaster relief, and make every effort to ensure the safety of people's lives and property and the stability of the overall society'. After enumerating the various measures taken, it said "Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the cadres and the masses will unite as one and face difficulties, and they will surely win the victory of flood control and disaster relief and ensure the safe operation of the capital city". (Comment: The floods in many parts of China occurred due to unprecedented heavy rainfall for some days. As water levels rose, the authorities decided to save Beijing and Xiong'an city. The latter is a new capital city project of Xi Jinping. The reference to a "moat" in the Hebei Party Secretary's remark refers to the concept of "sponge" cities, or cities surrounding Beijing and other important cities acting as sponges to absorb an estimated 60% of excess water thereby saving the main cities.) Aug 2023 CHINA-NATURAL CALAMITY: EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 5.5 IN MAGNITUDE OCCURRED IN SHANDONG PROVINCE ON AUGUST 6 According to an official announcement of the China Earthquake Network, at 2:33:59 on August 6, 2023, Beijing time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred in Pingyuan County, Dezhou City, Shandong Province, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located near Wangdagua Village, Wangdagua Town, Pingyuan County, Dezhou City. By about 10 o'clock on August 6, a staff member of the First People's Hospital of Pingyuan County, Shandong Province said that the hospital had received a total of 21 earthquake-related injuries, most of which are skin trauma, abrasions, head trauma, etc. critically injured. The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (China Youth Daily - August 6) disclosed that the Shandong plain earthquake had caused 24 minor injuries and 213 houses and walls had been damaged. Aug 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: PEOPLE'S DAILY INTERVIEWS OFFICIAL OF CHINA'S FISHERIES DEPARTMENT The People's Daily (August 9) published an interview captioned 'Accelerate the construction of the national "blue granary" (Economic Focus) ——Relevant person in charge of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs answered reporters' questions on "Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Deep-Sea Aquaculture". Stating that "Food security is the "biggest country", it quoted CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping as pointing out that "To solve the food problem and ensure food security, we must establish a big food concept and ask for food not only from the land, but also from the sea. , Cultivate the sea, animal husbandry and fishery, and build sea pastures and "blue granaries".' It added "The Party Central Committee attaches great importance to the development of deep-sea aquaculture". Aug 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S CHIP IMPORTS DROP BY16.8 PERCENT IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 2023 The South China Morning Post (August 8) citing data published by the General Administration of Customs on August 8, reported that China imported a total of 270.2 billion units of integrated circuits (IC) in the first seven months of 2023, down 16.8 per cent from the same period last year and showing a modest improving trend despite tougher trade restrictions imposed by the US and its allies. The fall in IC import volume compared with an 18.5 per cent year-on-year drop in import volume in the first half, and a 22.9 per cent decline in the first three months. China imported 42.4 billion units of IC in July alone, up 2.6 per cent from a month earlier. Aug 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: EDUCATION MINISTRY TO CRACKDOWN ON FALSE FIGURES OF GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT The People's Daily (August 7) published an article titled 'Ministry targets grads' sugar-coated job data', which said the Ministry of Education vowed to crack down on some universities' act of "sugar-coating" or falsifying dissatisfying graduates' employment figures and that it has dispatched teams to inspect the work. In a statement released on August 4, the ministry said the teams are vetting materials provided by universities on graduates' employment. It cited a Beijing Youth Daily report that student counsellors have pushed graduates who were still contemplating their future to sign an employment agreement, often referred to as the "tri-party agreement", a form signed by the graduate, school and employer showing the graduate has landed a formal job. The Beijing Youth Daily report said that supervising teachers are doing all they can, sometimes sugar-coating the figures, to raise the numbers. Aug 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA ALLOWS CHINESE TRAVEL OPERATORS TO RESUME GROUP TRAVEL TO A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES On August 10, the General Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the resumption of outbound group tours and "air ticket + hotel" business for Chinese citizens to relevant countries and regions. The List of countries are: Asia: Oman, Pakistan, Bahrain, South Korea, Qatar, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Japan, Turkey, Israel, India Africa: Algeria, Ethiopia, Benin, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, Ghana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sao Tome and Principe, Tunisia Europe: Ireland, Estonia, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Romania, Malta, Monaco, Norway , Sweden, Cyprus, Slovakia, United Kingdom North America: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Costa Rica, United States, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica South America: Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela Oceania: Australia, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, French Polynesia, French New Caledonia. (Comment: Searches for outbound travel destinations on Chinese online platforms jumped 20- fold, just hours after the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announcement. This step together with the increase in international flights is to address the sharp drop in foreign tourists coming to China.) Aug 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: WORKERS DAILY SAYS THAT POLITBURO DECISION TO INCREASE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WAS TO FACILITATE CHINESE BUSINESSES Zhonggong Ribao (Workers Daily - August 8) reproduced a report of the International Business Daily captioned 'All parties gather to further help enterprises expand market and stabilize foreign trade' which listed problems faced by Chinese businessmen like high airfares, lengthy wait for visas etc. It said "in response to these problems, both government departments and related enterprises are actively responding and working hard to resolve them. The Politburo meeting of the CPC Central Committee held a few days ago proposed "to increase international flights." When the Ministry of Commerce will step up efforts to promote the stable scale and optimal structure of foreign trade in the next stage, it also makes it clear that it will "support the marketing of enterprises participating in overseas exhibitions" and "promote the acceleration of visa processing and the resumption and increase of international routes". Many foreign trade companies are also planning in advance, arranging their itineraries reasonably, and using cross-border e-commerce to stabilize orders and expand markets, ensuring orderly and smooth business operations." Aug 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S EXPORTS TO US AND EUROPE DROPS BY 20 PER CENT The Wall Street Journal (August 8) reported that China’s exports to the rest of the world tumbled in July, adding to the challenges for the world’s second-largest economy and offering fresh evidence that a drying up of Western demand is hurting Beijing’s attempts to rekindle growth. The slide has continued since October 2022 when consumers in Western developed countries began shifting their spending away from buying furniture and electronic gadgets, and instead diverted it toward services such as entertainment and dining out. Worsening geopolitical tensions between Beijing and the U.S.-led West have also prompted some Western manufacturers to reduce their reliance on China’s supply chain, which in turn is affecting trade between the two sides. While other Asian countries like South Korea and Vietnam are also affected, China is the hardest hit. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development wrote in a June report that “Overall, the outlook for global trade in the second half of 2023 is pessimistic.” The war in Ukraine will further affect trade. Meanwhile, the report released by China’s General Administration of Customs on August 7 showed that overseas shipments from China slumped 14.5% in July from a year earlier, the steepest year-over-year decline since February 2020. China’s exports to the U.S. and European Union plunged by more than 20% each last month. The lone bright spot for China was that its shipments to Russia soared in July. The latest data also show China is on the brink of falling into deflation, a scenario that many fear could drag the economy into a downward spiral. Chinese goods shipments to the U.S. fell 23% in July compared with a year earlier. Shipments to the European Union and to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a group of 10 countries that includes Singapore and Indonesia, each dropped by about 21%. The bad news for many Chinese manufacturers and exporters is that rich countries in the West are reducing their reliance on Chinese goods. U.S. officials and their allies in Europe have been prompting firms to move production away from China toward a circle of trusted nations instead. Aug 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: INSURANCE COMPANIES BECOMING WARY OF INSURING POLITICAL RISK FOR CHINA The Wall Street Journal (August 7) disclosed that of the nearly 60 insurers that offer politicalrisk insurance, only four or five are still offering it for China. It said Policies still being offered likely would not exceed $50 million coverage, down from around $2 billion a few years ago. Most large companies with operations in China have assets far above $50 million. The German government, too, is shifting its China strategy. In the past few months, it has reduced its investment guarantees for German companies' Chinese operations by more than $5 billion, and Economics Minister Robert Habeck has said he wants to guarantee more German investments elsewhere. Aug 2023 CHINA-PROPAGANDA: NEW YORK TIMES INVESTIGATION CLAIMS ASIANORIGIN BUSINESSMAN IS AT CENTRE OF CHINA'S PROPAGANDA AND UNITED FRONT OPERATIONS A New York Times (August 5) investigation of a lavishly funded influence campaign that defends China and pushes its propaganda uncovered what it claims are links between a charismatic American millionaire, Neville Roy Singham, who is known as a socialist benefactor of far-left causes, and the Chinese establishment. Singham, who is based in Shanghai, is reported to have a lavishly funded influence campaign that defends China and pushes its propaganda. He has spent at least US$ 275 to non-profit organisations around the world to push the Chinese point of view. One outlet in his network is co-producing a YouTube show financed in part by the Shanghai City’s propaganda department. Two others are working with a Chinese university to “spread China’s voice to the world.” Last month, Singham joined a Communist Party workshop about promoting the party internationally. The report said the authorities in India raided a news organization tied to Singham during a crackdown on the press, accusing it of having ties to the Chinese government but offering no proof. Aug 2023 CHINA-PLA: SENIOR LEVEL APPOINTMENTS IN PLA ROCKET FORCE, EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND, SOUTHERN THEATRE COMMAND AND WESTERN THEATRE COMMAND On July 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping effected major changes in the PLA Rocket force. Xi Jinping promoted Wang Houbin (王厚斌) and Xu Xisheng (徐⻄盛) to the rank of General and appointed them to the positions of Rocket Force Commander and Political Commissar, respectively. Other appointments were also reported on July 31. These were of: Liu Qingsong (刘⻘松) as the Political Commissar of the Eastern Theatre. He had previously held the position of Political Commissar of the Northern Theatre. (Nanjing News; July 31). Wu Junbao (吴俊宝) was promoted to Commander of the Air Force of the Eastern Theatre. Before, he held the position of Deputy Commander. Qiao Xiangji (乔相记) was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Southern Theatre and the Commander of the Air Force of the Southern Theatre. He had been Deputy Commander of the Western Theatre Command before. Zhang Jian (张践) became the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Western Theatre. He served as the Commander of the Army of the Southern Theatre before. (Comment: These appointments confirm a rumour that has been circulating for the past month: that former Rocket Force Commander Li Yuchao (李⽟超) and former Political Commissar Xu Zhongbo (徐忠波) had been removed from their positions.) Aug 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLA TROOPS BEGIN TRAINING EXERCISES IN KARAKORAM AREA OF XINJIANG MILITARY REGION i) In the first week of August, troops of a Combined Armoured Regiment marched for several days and arrived at the Karakoram Plateau in the Xinjiang Military Region at an altitude of more than 4,900 m. Participating in mountaineering training the troops were stationed on the plateau for training, and the troops were carrying rocket launchers and issued new plateau equipment. After heavy snowfall, the troops went to an "unfamiliar area at an altitude of more than 5,500 m to conduct two-day live ammunition training and assessment. ii) Recently, a number of actual military exercises organised by a base of the PLA AF of WTC were launched in the areas North and South of Tianshan Mountain. The base united multiple services and arms to carry out systematic joint training and exercises, focusing on the party committee's unified leadership of joint operations, systematic combat tactics and performance verification of new weapons and equipment. Aug 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLA 76TH GROUP ARMY EXERCISED IN QINGHAI PLATEAU LAST WEEK At noon on August 4, China's state-owned CCTV released a military report on the "Noon Express 76th Group Army A Synthetic Brigade Armoured Infantry Company Tactical Exercise Assessment in the Plateau Hinterland". It said according to reports, a synthetic brigade of the 76th Army recently conducted exercises in the South Pass of Golmud, Qinghai. Aug 2023 CHINA-PLA: COMMENTS ON THE DISMISSALS AND RESHUFFLE IN THE PLA ROCKET FORCE China's military has undergone its biggest leadership shake-up in a decade after two top generals overseeing the country's nuclear arsenal vanished from public view and, with little explanation, were removed from their posts. Cercius, a Canada-based consultancy that monitors elite Chinese politics, reported last month that the status of around 10 current and retired officials from the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) — including its former commander Li Yuchao and his deputy Liu Guangbin — remained unclear. The HongKong based English-language South China Morning Post reported that Li and his current and former deputies were being investigated by the anti-corruption unit of the Central Military Commission (CMC). China's top defense body is chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping. In late July, ahead of the August 1 anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Xi spoke at different high-level military meetings, stressing "strict discipline" and the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) "absolute leadership" over the military, according to the Communist Party's English-language newspaper, China Daily. Taylor Fravel, an expert on the PLA at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told Deutsche Welles (DW; August 9) that both incidents highlight the fact that "leadership positions in the party remain precarious, even after more than 10 years of Xi's rule and consolidation of power." "It suggests that events such as these are a feature of Xi's rule and not a bug," he added. Gao Yu, a senior Chinese journalist and dissident, told DW that the upheaval in PLARF "can include issues of power struggles." She added that the death of Wu Guohua, a retired PLARF deputy commander, was probably linked to the Communist Party's latest attempt to remove critics. In early July, Wu's death was reported in the Chinese media as being the result of "medical issues", however, Gao Yu posted on Twitter, that Wu Gaohua's former boss Zhang Xiaoyang had revealed that he had committed suicide at home. A user claiming to be Wu's daughter posted a message on the Chinese social media platform Weibo and attempted to defend her father's reputation by praising him for "punishing the traitors" during his tenure. ii) Lin Ying-Yu, an Assistant Professor at Tamkang University in Taipei, told DW that "China's policy towards Taiwan is unlikely to have a significant change." He said while Xi Jinping appears to "prioritize loyalty over expertise," the force's capabilities are unlikely to diminish solely due to leadership changes, Lin added, explaining that plans for developing the military were mostly pre-established five to 15 years in advance and would likely continue. What deserved more attention, Lin said, was whether Beijing had made real attempts to tackle the corruption in equipment procurement. Last month, the CMC called for the establishment of an "early warning mechanism for integrity risks in the military" to investigate cases of corruption dating back nearly six years. (Comment: The first report about impending changes in the PLARF was spotted by us at the time of the Shangri-la Conference in Singapore in June 2023 when one report mentioned that Lieutenant General Zhang Zhenzhong was under investigation.) Aug 2023 CHINA-LIAONING: REN ZHENBO APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LIAONING PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT The Liaoning Provincial Public Security Department official website disclosed (August 8) that Ren Zhenbo has been appointed as the deputy director of the Liaoning Provincial Public Security Bureau. Ren Zhenbo of Han nationality was born in November 1969. He has a university degree and is a member of the Communist Party of China. Aug 2023 CHINA-NINGXIA: PARTY SECRETARY OF NINGXIA-HUI MAKES UNANNOUNCED VISIT TO ZHONGWEI CITY AND HAIYUAN COUNTY Ningxia Daily (August 10) reported that ten days since the Fourth Plenary Session of the 13th Party Committee of the Autonomous Region ended, on August 9, the Ningxia-Hui Party Secretary Liang Yanshun made an unannounced visit to Zhongwei City to inspect the study and implementation of the spirit of the plenary session, emphasizing the need to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions and important instructions on production safety. Liang Yanshun also made an unannounced visit to Haiyuan County to supervise the prevention and control of flood and drought disasters, the construction of flood control projects, and the reinforcement of key mountain torrents, material security, personnel transfer and other preparations, to ensure the safety of people's lives and property. Aug 2023 CHINA-GANSU: MINISTER FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND SOCIAL SECURITY GANSU PARTY SECRETARY INSPECTS GANSU PROVINCE AND MEETS GANSU PARTY SECRETARY On August 8 afternoon Gansu Party Secretary Hu Changsheng, and Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of the Province, Ren Zhenhe met Wang Xiaoping the Secretary of the Party Group and Minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. After the meeting, Wang Xiaoping and Ren Zhenhe signed the "Strategic Cooperation Agreement on Jointly Promoting the High-quality Development of Human Resources and Social Security in Gansu Province" on behalf of the two sides. Hu Changsheng welcomed Wang Xiaoping and his party to Gansu for investigation and research and expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security for its long-term strong support for the development of Gansu. He said that in recent years, the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government have thoroughly implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions in Gansu's important speech, firmly grasped the primary task of high-quality development, seized opportunities, worked hard, and caught up with progress, so as to promote the province's economy. Social development has made great strides. He hoped that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security will continue to support the development of Gansu and continue to promote the work of human resources and social security to a new level. Wang Xiaoping said that Gansu's human and social work has achieved remarkable results, created a lot of experience, and made positive contributions to the overall economic and social development. Aug 2023 CHINA-DALIAN: DALIAN DAILY REPORTS INCREASE IN PRICE OF OIL AND GASOLINE The Dalian Daily (August 10) reported that Oil prices have risen, and 92 gasoline per liter rises by 0.19 yuan. Aug 2023 CHINA-INDIA: NDRC RESEARCHER WRITES SCATHINGLY CRITICAL ARTICLE ON INDIA'S BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ESPECIALLY FOR CHINESE COMPANIES Mao Keji, a research associate at the International Cooperation Centre of the National Development and Research Commission and an emerging India watcher in China, wrote on India recently in The Globe, a bi-weekly magazine under Xinhua News Agency. Mao has written widely about India in Chinese media. Mao Keji has written a number of articles criticising India and arguing that that India is suspicious of multinational corporations, large companies, new technology ventures, and asset-light businesses, and its government and legislature have a history of colluding to hunt foreign investors retrospectively. He recommends that with Indian hostility against China due to a territorial dispute that has unfortunately spilled blood, Chinese companies should think long and hard about the world’s most-populated, young, and emerging economy. His latest article published by The Globe (Guancha) on July 31, titled 'The better the business environment in India, the higher the risk for Chinese companies?' His opening paragraph states "In recent years, the Modi government of India has suppressed Chinese-funded mobile phone companies investing in India, including Xiaomi, vivo, OPPO, Huawei, etc., on the grounds of national security, tax evasion, and illegal remittances. Some Chinese-funded enterprises have suffered heavy losses. "India makes money and Indian flowers, and one wants to take them home" has become a buzzword in the Chinese online world" and he adds that "India's business environment is shrouded in fog". Stating that there is no foreign enterprise that is not afraid, he adds "If reneging on one's promise and retaliating against one's words are still in the category of dishonesty, then the Vodafone incident shows that the Indian government is fully capable of systematically persecuting companies." (Comment: Mao Keji is a Hindi speaker with master’s degrees from Tsinghua University and Johns Hopkins, Mao has written widely about India in Chinese media wrote recently in 环球 The Globe, a bi-weekly magazine under Xinhua News Agency.) Aug 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA-PAKISTAN AIR FORCE EXERCISES TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER Pakistan and China are to hold large-scale aerial warfare exercises in September. These will be the tenth iteration of the Shaheen Exercises. The exercises train for sustained and rapid deployment of PLAAF-PAF interoperable, integrated air combat operations through all domains of contemporary aerial combat, against a hypothetical common near-peer adversary. Aug 2023 CHINA-SRI LANKA: CHINA GRANTS SRI LANKAN RUPEES 11 BILLION FOR COMPREHENSIVE REFURBISHMENT OF SRI LANKA SUPERIOR COURTS COMPLEX On July 31, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka posted on its official website that the Sri Lanka Superior Courts Complex, built by Chinese grant in 1989 and renovated twice, entered a comprehensive refurbishment project of LKR 11 billion grant by China Aid. It said for 35 years, the Complex has become a symbol of justice, and friendship. Aug 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINA SENT DELEGATION TO CONFERENCE ON UKRAINE WHILE RUSSIA DOESN'T China sent its Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in Ukraine peace talks (August 5-6) with senior officials from about 40 countries on finding a peaceful settlement to Russia's war on Ukraine. Russia was not invited. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes the initiative will lead to world leaders endorsing his plans for a settlement. Western diplomats said a total endorsement is unlikely. (Comment: Predictably, the meet yielded no results.) Aug 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER AND FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI TALKED TO LAVROV, HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART ON AUGUST 7 Beijing Daily (August 7) reported that according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry official website on August 7, Politburo Member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. 'Wang Yi said that since President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in March this year, new progress has been made in both strategic coordination and practical cooperation between the two countries. Facts have proved that China and Russia are trustworthy and reliable good friends and good partners. At present, the most important task for both sides is to continue to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the continuous high-level development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Wang Yi said that on the international and multilateral arenas, China and Russia should continue to maintain close strategic coordination, promote the process of multi-polarization of the world, the democratization of international relations, and safeguard the basic norms of international relations. The proper meaning of strategic partnership. The BRICS mechanism keeps up with the trend of the times and shows full vitality. More than 20 countries have expressed their wish to join, and the expansion process is inevitable and inevitable. China is willing to work with BRICS partners including Russia to jointly support South Africa in successfully hosting the upcoming BRICS Summit and promote the healthy and vigorous development of the BRICS mechanism'. Lavrov replied 'that Russia is willing to work with China to implement the important outcomes of President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia in March this year, strengthen strategic coordination, deepen practical cooperation, and promote bilateral relations to continuously achieve new results. The Russian side is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with the Chinese side under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, oppose hegemony, resist unilateralism, promote the democratization of international relations, and safeguard international fairness and justice'. The two also discussed the Ukraine crisis. Aug 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE EMBASSY IN MOSCOW REACTS ANGRILY TO DENIAL OF ENTRY BY RUSSIAN CHECKPOST TO CHINESE NATIONALS HOLDING VALID VISAS Bloomberg (August 5) reported that consequent to four Chinese tourists holding valid visas being stopped and “repeatedly questioned for four hours” by a check post at the KazakhstanRussia border and denied entry, China’s embassy in Moscow blasted what it called a “brutal” handling by Russian authorities of a denial of entry to the country by several Chinese citizens. The Embassy said in a post on August 4 on WeChat: “Russia’s brutal and excessive lawenforcement activities in this incident have seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizens. It goes against the big picture of Sino-Russian friendship and the growing trend of friendly people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.” Bloomberg added that the rare criticism stands in stark contrast with the “no limits” friendship declared by Presidents’ Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin last year. China has been prominent in refusing to condemn Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and has overseen a steady strengthening in bilateral economic ties with its northern neighbour. One of the Chinese citizens posted on Chinese social media that the Chinese Embassy's action and Russian authorities finally allowing the Chinese travellers to enter showed how "powerful China's passport is" and how China stands up for its citizens. Aug 2023 CHINA-US: U.S. PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNS NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER IMPOSING ADDITIONAL CURBS ON FLOW OF U.S. INVESTMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TO CHINA Washington Post reported that US President Biden signed an executive order on August 10 aimed at curbing the flow of U.S. investment and management know-how into a limited range of Chinese firms that the administration fears could fuel Beijing’s military ambitions. It said the order is a narrow, initial step that will not take effect until next year, but it is a signal to China’s leadership that Washington — despite a recent warming in diplomatic relations — intends to continue to impose restrictions on Beijing’s access to critical technology. ii) Beijing expressed dissatisfaction and opposition on August 10, to Washington's singleminded rollout of restrictions on investments in China and vowed to resolutely safeguard its rights and interests. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "The U.S. move violates the principles of market economy and fair competition, undermines the international economic and trading order, and destabilizes global industrial and supply chains" and the act hurts the interests of both China and the U.S. and the global business community He added "This is deglobalization and a move to phase China out." (Comment: Analysts say that though this order does not impose many restrictions, it is just the first step.) Aug 2023 CHINA-US: US-CHINA WORKING GROUPS ESTABLISHED TO TRY AND PRODUCE DELIVERABLES BEFORE BIDEN-XI MEETING AT APEC IN NOVEMBER The Financial Times (August 5) reported that several new US-China working groups have been established. Diplomats on both sides are trying to produce some deliverables before the BidenXi meeting on the margins of APEC in November. The Financial Times had reported on August 4 that US and China will open new communications channels to discuss IndoPacific regional issues and maritime issues. This followed visit by Chinese official Yang Tao to Washington this week. This is a nascent effort that will be fleshed out over the coming months. Aug 2023 CHINA-US: STUDY REVEALS INCREASING NUMBERS OF SCIENTISTS OF CHINESE DESCENT ARE LEAVING THE U.S. Chemistry World (August 2) published a report stating that scientists of Chinese descent were leaving the US even before the US government announced plans to crack down on perceived espionage by China in 2018. Since then, the numbers leaving have only accelerated as both junior and experienced faculty depart. It said a team at Princeton, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has found that nearly 20,000 scientists of Chinese descent who began their careers in the US have left for other countries, including China, between 2010 and 2021. ‘The migration has increased during those 12 years, from 900 scientists in 2010 to 2621 in 2021, with an accelerated departure rate (75% higher) in the last three years … coinciding with the launch of the China Initiative in 2018,’ the authors wrote. Among the scientists of Chinese descent who left the US in 2010, 48% moved to China, and 52% relocated to other countries. However, the percentage of those researchers returning to China has been continuing to grow, especially in the past few years. The analysis shows that in 2021 the proportion of scientists of Chinese descent who left the US for China increased to two-thirds. The most significant exodus has been in the life sciences, with over 1000 departing in 2021. For maths and the physical sciences, the figure was around 900. The team also conducted a survey in 2021–2022 of nearly 1400 Chinese Americans in tenured or tenure-track positions at US universities that revealed that 35% of them feel unwelcome, and 72% do not feel safe. Furthermore, 42% are fearful of conducting research in the US, 65% are worried about pursuing collaborations with China and 86% perceive that it is harder to recruit top international students now compared with five years ago. Of the survey respondents who have obtained US federal grants 45% say that they will avoid applying for such awards for fear of making mistakes in the application process that could lead to them being investigated. It quoted the Study's co-author Xihong Lin, a biostatistician at Harvard University, as saying ‘These findings reveal that the widespread fear of conducting routine research and academic activities among scientists of Chinese descent, and the significant risks of losing talent culminated in hesitancy to remain in the US and contributing to federal sponsored research in science and technology. Addressing the fears of scientists of Chinese origin and making the academic environment welcoming and attractive for all will help retain and attract scientific talent and strengthen the US leadership in science and technology in the long run.’ (Comment: Academic and political scientist Cheng Li of Brookings Institute in the US last month announced his decision to leave the US and move to Hongkong because of the racial discrimination he now felt in the US.) Aug 2023 CHINA-PHILIPPINES: TENSIONS RISE AS CHINESE COAST GUARD SHIP FIRES WATER CANNON AT PHILIPPINES SHIP The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of blocking and water-cannoning a Philippine military supply ship on what it said was a routine troop rotation and resupply mission on August 5 for the Philippine warship, a rusty World War Two-era American ship that a handful of troops live aboard. China's Coast Guard said (August 7) it had earlier told Manila not to send ships to the Second Thomas Shoal and not to send "construction materials used for large-scale repair and reinforcement" to the warship after it learned of this recent supply plan. China also urged the Philippines to restore the Second Thomas Shoal and said it had allowed transport of daily necessities including food to the grounded ship, according to the Chinese statement, adding that it had used the water cannon to avoid collision from a direct interception. China over the weekend said it had "indisputable" sovereignty of the area and urged the Philippines to stop infringing activities in these waters. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday that the country continued to assert its sovereignty and territorial rights despite challenges in the South China Sea. Marcos said the Philippines had relayed its complaint against China. The Global Times (August 8) said that China and the Philippines have been quarrelling over the Philippines' illegal transportation of construction supplies to China's Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef), in order to incite Manila to further provoke China to ramp up the tension, several Western countries led by the US have expressed backing for the Philippines' illegal acts in the South China Sea while condemning China's legitimate, restrained and professional responses. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, for the second time in days, urged the Philippines to immediately tow away the military vessel "grounded" at the reef and restore it to its original state of having no personnel or facility on it, according to a Tuesday statement from the ministry, stressing that Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Qundao（Nansha Islands). Quoting a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement, it said "The Philippines explicitly promised several times to tow away the military vessel deliberately and illegally 'grounded' at Ren'ai Jiao. However, 24 years have passed and instead of towing it away, the Philippines has sought to repair and reinforce it on a large scale in order to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao". The Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian warned (August 7) "If the US military gets itself involved and incites Manila to further provoke China to worsen the tension, the Chinese military is also fully prepared for any possible escalated situation to effectively safeguard China's sovereignty and legitimate rights, even though China does not want the tension to escalate." (Comment: The Philippines in 1999 intentionally grounded the warship to stake its claim to the Second Thomas Reef, a submerged reef that is part of the Spratly islands in the South China Sea.) Aug 2023 CHINA-NORTH KOREA: ENLARGED MEETING OF KWP DECIDES TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN COMBAT READINESS AND ADOPTS 'OFFENSIVE MILITARY RESPONSE PROGRAM' Xinhua (August 11) reported that the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea held an enlarged meeting on August 9 to discuss further strengthening of combat readiness in response to the severe political and military situation on the Korean Peninsula. It said that according to reports, the meeting analysed military movements that undermine peace and stability on the peninsula and adopted an "offensive military response plan." The meeting also discussed and passed relevant resolutions on actively carrying out actual combat training and strengthening combat readiness. It also said the 'Offensive Military Response Program' was adopted. Aug 2023 CHINA-AFRICA: MORE THAN 100,000 ADULT CHINESE WORK IN AFRICA The China Global South Project (August 8) published an article from the Congo Daily which said there are more than 100,000 Chinese adult men living and working in Africa. It said though life in Africa can be quite harsh, yet in recent years, there has been a growing phenomenon where more and more people choose to settle down in Africa. It listed three main reasons why (many) Chinese in Africa are reluctant to return to China: • Firstly, they receive respect from the African people. With China’s economic development, incomes have steadily increased, leading to a significant rise in labor costs for businesses. In order to reduce these expenses, some companies choose to set up factories in Africa. This not only increases the company’s revenue but also provides many job opportunities for the local people in Africa. The wages offered to the local Africans are much higher than the local average, making many Africans welcome Chinese people and take pride in marrying them. This kind of treatment is something they cannot enjoy in their homeland, which makes many Chinese willing to stay abroad. • Secondly, the cost of living in Africa is low. Nowadays, many people, either for business or personal reasons, choose to work in Africa. In Africa, they earn more money than they were in China, but their living expenses are relatively low. This significantly improves their quality of life. In China, buying a house would require a lifetime of savings, but in Africa, it is much easier. This also keeps many to stay. • Lastly, the cost of getting married in Africa is not high. Africans have great admiration for Chinese people, and many locals feel proud to marry Chinese. This makes it easy for Chinese settled in Africa to find spouses. They do not need to spend a large sum of money on bride-price, which is crazily high in China. And in some cases, they do not need to spend a single penny if they have understanding in-laws. Aug 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTS SUZHOU CITY IN JIANGSU AND PLA EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND ON JULY 6 Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Suzhou in Jiangsu on July 5-6 when he visited the hitech Zijinshan Laboratory and Nanrui Group Co., Ltd. in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, the Suzhou Industrial Park, a historic and cultural block etc. He also inspected the PLA Eastern Theatre Command and took a photograph with officers of the Command. ii) Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied by General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CMC, inspected the PLA Eastern Theatre Command. Meeting PLA officers during the inspection of the PLA Eastern Theatre Command on July 6, Xinhua and CCTV (July 6) said Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the military to deepen war and combat planning to increase the chances of victory in actual combat to safeguard China's sovereignty and territory. China Daily (July 7) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had urged the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command to focus on missions that need to be achieved by 2027, the centenary of the PLA, and "break new ground" for the command's development and combat training. He told the theatre command to follow the resolutions of the CPC's 20th National Congress, the Party's thoughts on strengthening the military and its military strategies in the new era and that the command must also concentrate on the tasks set by the Party for the armed forces to accomplish by 2027. Xi Jinping acknowledged the command's contributions to safeguarding China's sovereignty, marine interests and national unification. Xi Jinping also stressed that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, and there are rising uncertainties and instability in China's security situation and ordered that commanders and troops always bear in mind their missions and tasks, adhere to problem-centered thinking, strengthen awareness of potential risks, and fully meet their responsibilities of enhancing combat readiness. He asked the command's officers should improve operational planning, establish a strong interservice command system and conduct more realistic battle training. Commanders must handle military issues with a political perspective, strengthen the work of Party organizations inside their units, and continue to uphold discipline and fight corruption, Xi said. China Daily said the visit was Xi Jinping's first inspection tour of the PLA Eastern Theatre Command headquarters. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRS POLITBURO MEETING ON JUNE 30 Xinhua (June 30) reported that the Politburo held a meeting on June 30 'to review the "Opinions on Several Policies and Measures to Support the Construction of Xiong'an New Area with High Standards and High Quality". Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the meeting. The meeting pointed out that 'the establishment of Xiong'an New Area is a major decision made by the "Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core" to relieve Beijing's noncapital functions and further promote the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei. It is a millennium plan and a national event. At present, the work focus of Xiongan New Area has shifted to high-quality construction, high-level management, and high-quality decommissioning and development. Quality construction of Xiongan New Area is of great significance'. The meeting also studied other matters. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRS POLITBURO STUDY GROUP SESSION ON JUNE 30 Global Times (Chinese; July 1) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a group study session of the Politburo on June 30, a day ahead of CPC's 102nd founding anniversary on July 1. In his speech he called for more achievements in the Party's theoretical innovation and said the understanding of the Party's theoretical innovation must be continuously deepened. Xi Jinping said it is the solemn historical responsibility of today's Chinese Communists to open new frontiers in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENDS CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO THIRD DIALOGUE ON EXCHANGES AND MUTUAL LEARNING AND WORLD CONFERENCE OF SINOLOGISTS On July 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the third Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilization and the first World Conference of Sinologists. The dialogue was hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding in Beijing. President Xi stated that China is willing to work together for the universal values of peace, development, justice, freedom, democracy and implement the Global Civilization Initiative. President Xi Jinping called on sinologists across the globe as a bridge between Chinese and other civilizations to promote friendship and cooperation between China and the rest of the world. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN QIU SHI ON OCCASION OF CCP'S 102ND ANNIVERSARY Chinese President Xi Jinping published (July 1) an article calling on 'young officials to grow into people capable of shouldering the mission of the times and become people who remain loyal and worthy of the trust of the Party and the people.' The article noted that 'the healthy growth of young officials has a bearing on the cause of the Party and the people, which must be carried forward by future generations'. The article was published in this year's 13th issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee, on the occasion of the CCP's 102nd anniversary. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: XINHUA REPRODUCES CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH REPORTED IN QIU SHI DELIVERED AT CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL IN MARCH 2022 Xinhua (June 30) republished Qiu Shi's article by Chinese President Xi Jinping of his speech in March 2022 at the Central Party School captioned 'Strive to grow into a pillar of talent who is loyal and reliable to the party and the people and worthy of the heavy responsibility of the times'. Xi Jinping said "Since March 2019, including this class, we have held 6 classes for middle-aged and young people. Every time I open a class, I will give a lecture. The reason why I attach importance to this matter is because the healthy growth of young cadres is related to the successors of the cause of the party and the people. Every time I speak, I focus on something, but the requirements are the same, that is, I hope that young cadres will grow into talents who are loyal and reliable to the party and the people, and can be worthy of the heavy responsibility of the times. Below, I emphasize a few points". In the first sentence itself he emphasised: "against the backdrop of "the rise of the East and decline of the West" and "Chinese stability and Western chaos" Party members and cadres have strengthened their ideals and beliefs". The highlights of his speech are: i) "some people never truly established the ideals and beliefs of a CCP member"; ii) "some individuals are ambivalent and hesitant in their ideals and beliefs"; iii) "some have ..a simple emotional attachment to the Party, but not reached the level of devoutness.. and deep conviction". "Some individuals believe that Marxism is outdated, communism is too far away, and socialism is too long-term. They believe power is what matters, money is real, and personal enjoyment is the ultimate truth. We must clarify and oppose such erroneous words and actions"; iv) some "are obsessed with comparing themselves to others and become mentally unbalanced when they see some bosses squandering money and indulging in extravagant lifestyles". Others "crave pleasure and sigh that life is short". Others "become inflated with self-importance"; v) some officials believe "that those who are caught are just "unlucky eggs," and as long as they are more cunning and covert in their methods, they can deceive others and escape detection"; vi) "Some people believe that wining and dining are part of social etiquette and feel that they cannot afford to lose face....Let me make it clear: when it comes to implementing the..EightPoint Regulations, disciplinary measures must become stricter as time goes on"; vii) "it is evident that there are many instances of "corruption within the entire family." Some individuals themselves engage in misconduct, which negatively influences their relatives and children. Others are unable to resist the temptations and their relatives get caught up"; viii) "some leading cadres have impure motives, tying their work to personal gains and fame...others prioritize visible achievements over substance...others are eager to please their bosses...while disregarding the masses...others are more interested in building their legacy"; ix) some "believe that development means pursuing projects, investments, and scale expansion". Others "excessively rely on debt for construction, engage in blind expansion". Others "adopt simplistic..methods, implementing one-size-fits-all approaches.. leading to power outages" x) some cadres "have become alienated from the masses", others "exhibit serious formalism and bureaucratism", others "are unwilling to interact with the masses", yet others "lack the ability to work with the masses" and some "arrogantly give orders, disrespecting the masses". July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: XINHUA PUBLISHES REPORT ON "22 STORIES ABOUT XI JINPING'S RESEARCH METHODS" Xinhua (July 4) published 22 stories about Xi Jinping's research methods. It recounted Xi Jinping's visits to different locations and the meetings held there. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG CHAIRS SYMPOSIUM ON ECONOMIC SITUATION Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a symposium on the economic situation on July 6 to listen to the opinions and suggestions of experts and scholars on the current economic situation and doing a good job in economic work. Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the event where more than 8 Chinese experts spoke. Li Qiang said China 'is in a critical period of economic recovery and industrial upgrading. It is necessary to adhere to the general tone of the work of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept, and accelerate the construction of a new development pattern'. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG ATTENDED THE 11TH WORLD PEACE FORUM IN BEIJING ON JULY 2 Xinhua (June 30) said that Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend the opening ceremony of the 11th World Peace Forum and deliver a keynote speech in Beijing on July 2. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced on June 30 that the forum will be held at Tsinghua University with this year's theme being "Stabilizing an Unstable World through Consensus and Cooperation". In his speech (July 2) Han Zheng said that 'in the face of profound changes in the international situation, President Xi Jinping proposed a series of major initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Contributed Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions, injecting strong positive energy into world peace and development. China is willing to work with other countries to jointly safeguard world peace and security, seek global development and prosperity, advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and share the achievements of human development, security, and civilization. Han Zheng made four suggestions'. These were: (i) to uphold independence and mutual respect and support all efforts to independently explore the path of democratic development; (ii) to resolve conflicts through dialogue and consultation. The international community, especially influential major powers, should unequivocally promote peace, promote talks, mediate and mediate according to the needs and wishes of the countries concerned, build mutual trust through dialogue, resolve disputes through dialogue, and promote security through dialogue; (iii) to firmly uphold and practice multilateralism; (iv) to promote inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win results. Jointly promote global development to a new stage of balance, coordination and inclusiveness, promote international development cooperation, improve the well-being of people in participating countries, and consolidate the social foundation of world peace. Han Zheng also 'emphasized that Chinesestyle modernization is a modernization that follows the path of peaceful development. China is unswervingly an advocate, builder and defender of world peace'. More than 400 people including President of the BRICS New Development Bank, former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, former Secretary of the Federal Security Council of Russia Ivanov, former Indonesian Foreign Minister Vilayyoda and other foreign dignitaries, diplomatic envoys to China, experts and scholars attended the meeting. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND HEAD OF CCP CC PROPAGANDA DEPARTMENT LI SHULEI ADDRESSES 'INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BUILDING A COMMUNITY WITH A SHARED FUTURE' IN BEIJING Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Propaganda Department Li Shulei, attended and delivered a keynote speech at an international conference on building a community with a shared future for all held in Beijing on July 5. Xinhua (July 5) said "The International Conference on China and the World: Towards Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind," gathered more than 200 individuals from foreign political circles, international organizations, Chinese and foreign think tanks and media circles, as well as well-known experts and scholars in the field of social sciences. Li Shulei said the 'international community needed to advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and to explore the road to modernization together'. The conference was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND BEIJING PARTY SECRETARY YIN LI OPENED THE 2023 GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY CONFERENCE ON JULY 4 Beijing Daily (July 5) reported that on July 4, Politburo member and Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li opened and delivered a speech at the 2023 Global Digital Economy Conference at the National Convention Center. Zhuang Rongwen, Vice Minister of the Central Propaganda Department, Director of the Central Cyberspace Administration of China, and Director of the State Cyberspace Administration of China, delivered a speech. Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Beijing, presided over the opening ceremony. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER LI GANJIE ATTENDED SYMPOSIUM ON 'THEME EDUCATION' ORGANISED BY CENTRAL EDUCATION LEADING GROUP FOR STUDYING AND IMPLEMENTING XI JINPING'S NEW ERA OF SOCIALISM Xinhua (June 26) said that the 'Central Education Leading Group for Studying and Implementing Xi Jinping's New Era of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Theme Education Leading Group' held a symposium on investigation and research work in Beijing on June 25. Politburo member and Executive Deputy Head of the Leading Group Li Ganjie attended. Jiang Xinzhi, deputy leader of the group, presided over the meeting. The meeting emphasized that all regions, departments and units should thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions and important instructions on investigation and research, promote a pragmatic style, and improve the quality and effectiveness of investigation and research work. July 2023 CHINA LEADERSHIP: QIU SHI PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY SHANXI PARTY SECRETARY LIN WU ON 'THEME EDUCATION' The CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly magazine Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth, 2023/13; July 1) published an article by Lin Wu, Party Secretary of Shanxi Province and Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress on 'Theme Education' titled 'Carry out theme education in a solid manner to accelerate transformation and development'. In his article he recalled that on May 16, 2023, the General Secretary visited Shanxi and gave important instructions, which injected strong impetus into our good theme education and further pointed out the way forward for us to embark on a new journey. The article mentioned Xi Jinping 23 times. July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PAN GONGSHENG APPOINTED NEW SECRETARY OF PARTY COMMITTEE OF PBOC On July 1, the People's Bank of China and the CCP CC Organization Department announced that Pan Gongsheng was appointed Secretary of the Party Committee of the People's Bank of China. Born in 1963, Pan Gongsheng served from April 2008 to June 2012, as a member of the Party Committee, Vice President and Executive Director of the Agricultural Bank of China (during which he also served as the chairman of the Hong Kong Agricultural Bank International and the chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China (UK) and in the first half of 2009 and the first half of 2011 spent half a year in the Central Party School, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government). In June 2012, he served as a member of the Party Committee and Vice President of the People's Bank of China. (Comment: His appointment as Party Secretary of the PBoC indicates he could take over as Chairman of PBoC in the near future.) July 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: DING XUEDONG APPOINTED PARTY SECRETARY OF NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL SECURITY FUND On July 1, the National Council for Social Security Fund and "the responsible" comrades of the CCP CC Organization Department announced that the CCP CC had decided to appoint Ding Xuedong as the Party Secretary of the National Council for Social Security Fund. Ding Xuedong is a member of the 20th CCP Central Committee. In March he was appointed Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council (ministerial level). (Comment: His appointment as Party Secretary of the National Council for Social Security Fund indicates he could take over as its Chairman or another senior position in the near future.) July 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: WANG ZHIJUN APPOINTED DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF STATE COUNCIL The official website of China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on July 4, reported the appointment of 1965-born Wang Zhijun as the Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council (in charge of the daily work of the General Office of the State Council, at the ministerial level). Wang Zhijun is a member of the 20th CCP CC. He was earlier the Deputy Secretary of the Heilongjiang Provincial Party Committee. July 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: CHINESE CANDIDATE REAPPOINTED FAO CHIEF At the 43rd session of the FAO Conference held on July 2, 2023, Chinese candidate Qu Dongyu won another term to serve as the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for the next four years. The conference was held in Rome and Director-General Qu Dongyu won his position with 168 votes. July 2023 CHINA-CCP: CCP HAS PUBLISHED MULTI-LINGUAL EDITIONS OF CONCISE HISTORY OF CCP TO MARK 102ND ANNIVERSARY OF CCP A ceremony was held in Beijing on July 1 to mark the release of A concise history of the Communist Party of China in multiple languages including Russian, French, Spanish, German, Arabic and Italian, commemorating the 102nd anniversary of the CPC's founding. Xi Weidong, President and Chief Editor of CCTP, said at the ceremony that the multilingual editions are published by the Central Compilation and Translation Press (CCTP) as gifts for the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the CPC. July 2023 CHINA-CCP: CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT CCP'S MEMBERSHIP HAS GROWN TO 98.04 MILLION The CCP CC Organisation Department announced (June 30) that the Communist Party of China (CPC) had 98.04 million members at the end of 2022. The number increased by nearly 1.33 million, or 1.4 percent, from 2021, according to figures released by the department ahead of the 102nd founding anniversary of the CPC on July 1. The CPC had about 5.07 million primary-level organizations at the end of 2022, up 129,000 from the previous year. It said workers and peasants continue to make up the majority of the CCP members, accounting for 33.3 percent of the total and that there were about 53.65 million Party members, or 54.7 percent of the overall membership, holding junior college degrees or above. It revealed that there are 3,198 local party committees at all levels across the country. Among them, there are 31 provincial (district, city) committees, 397 city (state) committees, and 2,770 county (city, district, and banner) committees. City streets, townships, communities (neighborhood committees), and administrative village party organizations. Party organizations have been established in 9,062 urban streets, 29,619 townships, 116,831 communities (neighborhood committees), and 490,041 administrative villages across the country, with coverage rates exceeding 99.9%. July 2023 CHINA-CCP: CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT MAKES CRITERIA FOR RECRUITMENT TO CCP MORE STRINGENT TO WEED OUT THOSE WITH WESTERN VALUES OR HAVE DOUBTS South China Morning Post (June 30) reported, explaining the surprising drop in the number of members aged under 30, that the Chinese Communist Party has tightened the screening process for new applicants and stepped up oversight of young cadres. The Central Organisation Department, the party’s top personnel office, said the total number of party members aged under 30 dropped to 12.43 million last year – a fall of 189,000 or 1.5 per cent – from 2021. The party’s tightening of its political screening process for new applications and disciplinary supervision of younger cadres were key contributors to the lower recruitment number. Citing an official source familiar with the tally, the South China Morning Post said “There is no shortage of new applications, but we want quality people. We need to weed out those who appreciate Western values, indulge in extravagance, avoid tough duties, or have doubts with the party’s directions. The case files from the anti-corruption agency shows many corrupt officials had wrong motives when they joined the party.” Overall, the party still had a net increase of 1.3 million members, a 1.4 per cent growth, pushing total membership past 98 million last year. But the total growth was much slower than the 3.4 million, or 3.7 per cent, increase seen in 2021. July 2023 CHINA--CCP: CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT RECENTLY ALLOCATED 128 MILLION YUAN FROM PARTY DUES TO 16 PROVINCES AND REGIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF WORK Xinhua (July 6) said the CCP CC Organization Department had recently allocated 128 million yuan of special funds to Chongqing, Sichuan and other 16 provinces, regions and municipalities from the party dues managed on behalf of the Central Committee to support flood prevention and disaster relief work. July 2023 CHINA-CCP: VICE PRESIDENT OF CCP CC PARTY HISTORY AND LITERATURE INSTITUTE PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION IN PEOPLE'S DAILY People's Daily (July 5) published an article titled 'Building the modern civilization of the Chinese nation while advancing Chinese-style modernization (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)' authored by Huang Yibing, Vice President of the CCP CC Party History and Literature Research Institute. The article said 'Chinese-style modernization is a modernization that continues the ancient civilization, not a modernization that eliminates the ancient civilization', and quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping as pointing out: "Chinese Communists are not historical nihilists, nor are they cultural nihilists." In the long-term historical practice of uniting and leading the Chinese people in modernization, the Chinese Communists have always been faithful inheritors of China's excellent traditional culture and promoters". It reiterated 'Chinesestyle modernization is a modernization that grew out of the land of China, not copying the modernization of other countries' and that 'Chinese-style modernization takes root in the land of China and is in line with China's reality'. It quoted Xi Jinping: "Chinese-style modernization breaks the myth of 'modernization = Westernization', shows another picture of modernization, expands the path choices for developing countries to modernize, and provides human beings with a better social system. Exploration provides a Chinese solution." There is neither a single modernization model nor a universal modernization standard in the world. Chinese-style modernization is deeply rooted in the excellent traditional Chinese culture, embodies the advanced nature of scientific socialism, and draws on all the outstanding achievements of human civilization". July 2023 CHINA-CCP: XINHUA'S THINK-TANK 'NEW CHINA RESEARCH' CALLS INTEGRATING BASIC TENETS OF MARXISM WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE CULTURE AS THE 'SECOND INTEGRATION' People's Daily (July 3) published a Xinhua (July 2) report that a 'new research report from Xinhua News Agency's think tank delves into the Communist Party of China (CPC) concept of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture, known as the "Second Integration." The report by the New China Research analyzes the connotation and global significance of the "Second Integration," saying the integration opens a new frontier in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. The "Second Integration" serves as a key to unlocking the understanding of China in the new era, providing insight into Chinese modernization and a new model for human advancement, according to the report. It also offers a valuable perspective for observing the relationship between China and the world.' It added that the 'concept was introduced by President Xi Jinping' in his speech commemorating the CCP's 100th anniversary on July 1, 2021. July 2023 CHINA-CCP: PAPER CRITICISES 'DE-RISKING' AND 'DE-COUPLING' AS BOTH U.S. POLICY TO ESSENTIALLY 'CONTAIN' CHINA The Shanghai-based 'Paper' (July 5) published an article captioned 'From "decoupling" with China to "de-risking", starting with the "risk control" lies of "political liars" in the United States'. It said 'When the "decoupling theory" was bankrupted by the facts, some politicians in the United States and the West have recently talked about the so-called "de-risking" towards China, peddling their new rhetoric on China policy. "Decoupling" is a blatant anti-China political agitation, while "de-risking" has hidden evil intentions, an attempt to package and contain China's political attempts with subverted and generalized economic concepts.' It explained; 'The essence of the so-called "de-risking" in the United States and the West is to achieve selective "decoupling" through self-defined "risks", which not only covet China's dividends, but also attempt to contain China's development. Its purpose is to pull more countries into the water, soothe confrontation, promote division, and obstruct development to alleviate inner competition panic and maintain self-interest and hegemony; the consequence will be to disrupt the security and stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain, and disrupt the normal international economic exchanges. The root of cooperation with the world hinders the development of the world economy and human progress'. It added that The United States and the West have abandoned "decoupling" and shouted "de-risking". It seems that their stance has "softened" and they have begun to consider issues from the "economic" level. "Decoupling Theory" of "resurrecting the dead". Under the cloak of decency, there has been no substantive change in the direction of the US and the West's China policies. From "decoupling" to "derisking", the trend of "politicization" of the economic issues of the United States and the West towards China has not changed, and ideological considerations have always been a roadblock for them to carry out normal economic exchanges with China. Before being "enabled" by Western countries this time, "de-risking" specifically refers to the offside jurisdiction of financial institutions, which has been criticized by the United States, the European Union, the World Bank and other institutions, and has long been placed in the dark corner of Western economic textbooks as a derogatory term'. July 2023 CHINA-FOREIGN RELATIONS LAW: CHINA SAYS FOREIGN RELATIONS LAW IS SAFEGUARD AGAINST FOREIGN SANCTIONS AND RESTRICTIONS A People's Daily (June 30) article captioned 'Law on Foreign Relations to act as safeguard' quoting Politburo member and Director of the CCP CC Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, Wang Yi clarified that "China's first foreign relations law, which was passed by the nation's top legislature on Wednesday, provides the necessary legal guarantees for the country to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests amid increased foreign sanctions and restrictions". He said it 'provides a legal basis for China to exercise its legitimate rights to counter sanctions and interference'. The Law on Foreign Relations comes as the nation's development faces increasing challenges in foreign relations including export restrictions, "long-arm" jurisdiction and sanctions. China, for example, has been subjected to mounting sanctions from the United States over advanced technologies as well as issues related to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The People's Daily added that 'international law has failed to provide adequate remedies. To protect its national security and interests, China recognized the urgent need for a domestic legal framework to regulate foreign relations'. July 2023 CHINA-FOREIGN RELATIONS LAW: PROFESSOR OF WUHAN UNIVERSITY CLARIFIES IMPORTANT POINTS IN CHINA'S FOREIGN RELATIONS LAW Huang Huikang, member of the United Nations International Law Commission, Distinguished Professor of the International Rule of Law Institute of Wuhan University, a national high-end think tank published an article titled 'The Basic Legal Observance of China's Foreign Relations in the New Era' in the Guangming Daily (July 1). The article clarifies that the guiding ideology for developing foreign relations are: 'the guidance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of "Three Represents", the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to develop foreign relations and promote friendly exchanges'. It reiterates the basic principles for developing foreign relations. Adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace, adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence; adhere to the path of peaceful development, adhere to the basic national policy of opening up, and pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win opening strategy; abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Promote the construction of a new type of international relations; advocate the peaceful settlement of international disputes, oppose the use of force or the threat of force in international relations, and oppose hegemonism and power politics; insist that all countries are equal regardless of size, strength, rich or poor, and respect all countries. The development path and social system independently chosen by the people; and that 'the People's Republic of China adheres to the centralized and unified leadership of the Communist Party of China in its external work'. It also states that 'The Central Leading Agency for Foreign Affairs is responsible for decision-making and coordination of foreign affairs, researches, formulates, and guides the implementation of national foreign affairs strategies and relevant major policies, and is responsible for top-level design, overall coordination, overall advancement, and supervision of implementation of foreign affairs' and that 'Chinese diplomatic missions abroad represent the People's Republic of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs unifies the work of diplomatic agencies stationed abroad'. July 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA PLACES EXPORT CONTROLS ON RARE EARTHS - GALLIUM AND GERMANIUM - AND RELATED ITEMS On July 3, China's Ministry of Commerce (MofCom) placed two minerals – gallium and germanium – and their related compounds under export control, effective August 1, 2023. Companies must now obtain regulatory approval to export the materials. Wei Jianguo, China's former Vice Minister of Commerce: export controls on Gallium and Germanium are “just the beginning” and China will step up countermeasures if the US imposes more tech curbs. He told the state-run China Daily that he 'expected the controls to exert heavy pain on some countries'. ii) The Jingji Ribao (July 5) published a report titled "Export controls on germanium and gallium benefit the IC sector”, announcing the decision of MofCOM and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on the evening of 3 July, imposing export controls on gallium and germanium. It added that items meeting relevant criteria, such as gallium-related items (metal gallium, gallium nitride, gallium oxide, gallium phosphide, gallium arsenide, indium gallium arsenide, gallium selenide, gallium antimonide) and germanium-related items (metal germanium, Ingots of molten germanium ingots, phosphorus germanium zinc, germanium epitaxial growth substrates, germanium dioxide, germanium tetrachloride) may not be exported without permission. Jingji Ribao said consequently when the market opened on July 4, non-ferrous metal germanium and gallium resource concept stocks collectively opened higher. IC and component sectors followed suit. By the close, Juchen shares rose by over 15 percent, and stocks such as Zhuoshengwei, Naxinwei, and Puya shares rose by over 8 percent. It observed that Gallium and Germanium are emerging strategic key minerals, which are widely used in IC materials, new energy and other fields. It quoted analysts as saying that export controls on gallium and germanium will have an important impact on industries such as chips and electronic components. The controls will be officially enacted from 1 August 2023. If exporters export without permission, export beyond the scope of permission, or have other violations, MofCOM, GAC or other departments will impose administrative penalties in accordance with relevant laws and regulations and it would constitute a crime and they would be held criminally responsible. Xiang Ligang, Chairman of the Information Consumption Alliance, told reporters that the enactment of export controls on gallium and germanium will have an important impact on industries such as chips and electronic components. (Comment: These minerals are critical inputs for a host of high tech products including semiconductors, solar cells, and LED displays. Everybody from chipmakers to defense companies to automakers needs these materials. China accounted for roughly 86% of worldwide gallium production in 2022 with estimated reserves of 540,000 Kilograms compared with 10,000 Kgs for the rest of the world. China accounted for 68% of worldwide germanium production in 2021. Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands -- the three largest importers of China’s gallium compounds, accounting for around 38%, 30%, and 20% of China’s exports -- will be most affected by the controls.) iii) The US has "firmly" opposed the export controls announced by China on gallium & germanium, metals needed to produce semiconductors and other electronics and has said it will consult its partners and allies to address the issue. July 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE AUTHORITIES CONSIDERING LOWERING HOUSEHOLD GAS RATES IN FACE OF MOUNTING WINTER GAS SHORTAGES Caixin (July 4) disclosed that Chinese policymakers are weighing whether to abandon the strict controls that keep household gas rates low, allowing them to float within a controlled range. The move comes amid mounting industry pressure and concerns about another winter of gas shortages. High upstream fuel prices continue to squeeze the nation’s gas distributors, which can only charge residential users lower rates set by local governments under rules intended to prevent price shocks. Some distributors stopped vending gas to residents in winter last year when the cost of procuring it rose well above what they could legally charge. Policymakers are, however, understood to be cautious about taking the step because of potential knock-on effects, which include energy price inflation and potential disquiet over rising household utility prices. (Comment: China has five major gas distributors: China Gas Holdings Ltd., Kunlun Energy Co. Ltd., Towngas Smart Energy Co. Ltd., China Resources Gas Group Ltd. and ENN Energy Holdings Ltd. Analysis of the performance of four of those companies last year shows that only Kunlun Energy, whose major shareholder is PetroChina, registered a year-on-year increase in net profit — and it was a meagre 1.7%. July 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: FORMER US TRADE AND TREASURY OFFICIAL CLAIMED THAT CHINA IS SITTING ON US$ 6 TRILLION OF UNDISCLOSED MONEY China is sitting on a $6 trillion pile of money, half of which is “hidden,” and that presents a new kind of risk to the global economy, according to Brad Setser, former US Trade and Treasury official who wrote in a report on The China Project, a New York-based news platform. He said a lot of the country’s foreign-exchange reserves don’t show up in the official books of the People’s Bank of China. Instead, what can be called “shadow reserves” appear among the assets of entities such as state commercial lenders and policy banks. He said “China’s lack of transparency here is a bit of a problem for the world”. “China structurally is so central to the global economy that anything it does, seen or unseen, will eventually have an enormous impact on the rest of the world.” Citing an example of the influence of China's reserves, he pointed to its Belt and Road Initiative and said the Chinese “are powerful enough of an economic force such that an entire, global, decades-long infrastructure plan was in some ways, just a side effect of a 2009 decision to find new ways to manage China’s foreign exchange. Well, China is so big an economy – and such an unbalanced economy – that all its activities just have an outsized global impact.” July 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: PEOPLE'S DAILY INTERVIEWED VICE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE LIU HUANXIN WHEN HE CLAIMED 'RAPID GROWTH' IN RURAL INCOMES The People's Daily (July 4) published an interview with China's Vice Minister of Agriculture and Director of the National Rural Revitalization Bureau, Liu Huanxin under the caption: 'Promoting and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation and effectively connecting high-quality development with rural revitalization'. In the interview, Liu Huanxin said: 'After the overall victory in the fight against poverty, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core made a major decision to set up a five-year transition period to realize the effective connection between consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization'. Since then, the National Rural Revitalization Bureau, together with various regions and departments, 'has thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, conscientiously implemented the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, and solidly promoted the effective connection between the consolidation and expansion of poverty alleviation achievements and rural revitalization'. He claimed 'the income of people in povertystricken areas and people who have been lifted out of poverty has maintained rapid growth. In 2021, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in poverty-stricken counties will be 14,051 yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.6%, and the per capita net income of povertystricken people will be 12,550 yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16.9%. In 2022, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in poverty-stricken counties will be 15,111 yuan, a yearon-year increase of 7.5%, and the per capita net income of poverty-stricken people will be 14,342 yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%. percent'. July 2023 CHINA-PLA: NEW REGULATIONS DESIGNATE CERTAIN FACILITIES AS PROTECTED 'A' AND AIRSPACE ABOVE THEM AS CONTROLLED On June 28, 2023, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission (CMC) announced the implementation of the *Interim Regulations on the Mgt of Unmanned Aircraft Flights*, which will begin w.e.f. January 1, 2024. The regulations point out that the airspace above the 'protection A' of important military facilities, the control of nuclear facilities, the production and storage of flammable and explosive dangerous goods, and the large storage of flammable imported materials should be designated as controlled airspace under protection A. Power plants, substations, refuelling (gas) stations, water supply plants, public transportation hubs, navigation and power hubs, major water conservancy facilities, ports, expressways, railway electrification lines and other public infrastructure, as well as a certain range of surrounding areas and drinking water source also as protected A. The airspace above should be designated as controlled airspace. July 2023 CHINA-PLA: TRAINING ON DRONES AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AIRPORTS IN TIBET AND XINJIANG TRAINING ON DRONES IN TIBET: i) The Guangzhou Civil Aviation Bureau reported that on April 7, the UAV operation training class of CAAC Tibet Regional Bureau was successfully held in Nyingchi. 19 key trainees from 13 departments including CAAC Tibet Supervision Bureau, Tibet Airport Group, and Civil Aviation Tibet Regional Bureau Public Security Bureau participated in an 8-day course. Luo Liangsheng, Dean of the School of Continuing Education of the school ,presided over the opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony, on behalf of the school, President Luo Liangsheng presented the school's first set of school-enterprise cooperation UAV application series and "UAV application basics" textbooks to the CAAC Tibet Regional Bureau and all the students. He pointed out that the school will Continue to carry forward the spirit of aiding Tibet. During the second decade of aiding Tibet, we will explore a new model of school-enterprise aiding Tibet. The holding of this training course will become a useful exploration for cultivating technical and skilled talents of civil aviation drones in Tibet. To ensure the quality of the training, the school sent a team of experienced teachers to give lectures in Tibet. They learned about the drone level of the students of the Civil Aviation Tibet Regional Bureau in advance, and carefully prepared from the teaching content, teaching mode, teaching models and devices, and teaching locations. The course adopts a teaching mode combining theory and practice. The training content covers the introduction of UAV development, the flight principle of multi-rotor UAV, the application of UAV operation, flight aerial photography training, and the practical application of cutting-edge UAV technology. After going to Tibet, the teacher went to a number of practice sites to compare and choose and prepare before class. During the training period, Dean Luo Liangsheng and Teacher Jiang Jun were invited by Linzhi Milin Airport to guide them on the use of drones in the fields of airport security, perimeter inspection, bird repelling, clearance control, surveying and mapping, and discuss school-enterprise cooperation direction. The Guangzhou Civil Aviation Bureau said that holding this UAV training class is another new direction for the school to give full play to the advantages of UAV training and support the high-quality development of civil aviation in Tibet. It demonstrates the school's responsibility in supporting the national strategy and the overall situation. NEW AIRPORTS IN XINJIANG: ii) On March 8, 2023, the Taxkorgan Airport Clearance and Electromagnetic Environment Management Leading Group held the 2023 Annual Work Conference, the main leaders of local governments and relevant functional departments, townships and towns participated in the conference. The purpose of the Conference was to implement the spirit of the "Interim Measures for the Administration of Air Clearance and Electromagnetic Environment Protection of Civil Transport Airports in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region", implement the "Circular on the Clearance and Electromagnetic Environment Inspection and Remediation of Civil Transport Airports in the Autonomous Region", "About the Establishment of Air Clearance and Electromagnetic Environment Protection Management for Civil Transport Airports in Kashgar Area", The Work Leading Group's "Notice" and other work deployments to speed up the clearance protection of Taxkorgan Airport, bird strike prevention, and the rectification of potential safety hazards in drone control. iii) On January 31, 2023, the Xinjiang Airport Group held the 2023 Work Conference. The working meeting said that the Xinjiang Airport Group will accelerate the construction of key projects in the 14th Five-Year Plan. It is estimated that by 2025, it plans to build 8 airports and focus on building a modern airport network system. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the number of civil airports in Xinjiang will reach 33. In 2022, Xinjiang was to complete and put into operation Zhaosu Tianma Airport, Alar Tarim Airport, and Taxkorgan Hongqirab Airport. There are currently 25 civil transport airports, and the number of civil airports ranks first in China. From 2023 to 2025, the Xinjiang Airport Group plans to build Qitai, Bayinbulak, Balikun, Luntai, Wusu, Hebuxer, Pishan, and the 38th Regiment of the Second Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the last 8 airports. It said in 2023, the Xinjiang Airport Group will cooperate with the local government to accelerate the preparatory work for the construction of three new airports including Wusu, Hebuxer and Pishan. 'At the same time, it will make every effort to promote the construction of Qitai and Bayinbulak Airport projects, and actively strive to start the construction of the new Luntai Airport project within the year, and the reconstruction and expansion projects of the Nalati and Karamay Airports within the year.' It was disclosed that on December 23, 2022, Xinjiang's first high-altitude airport, the Taxkorgan Hongqirab Airport, opened to traffic. On December 23, 2022, Taxkorgan Khunjerab Airport also accepted its inaugural flight. July 2023 CHINA-TIBET: GLOBAL TIMES SAYS 11TH PANCHEN LAMA PAYS HIS "FIRST VISIT" TO DREPUNG MONASTERY ON JULY 4 Global times (July 5) reported that the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu "paid his first visit to Drepung Monastery", the largest of the six monasteries of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism and the largest temple in scale in Xizang, on July 4 to encourage the Buddhist monks to make great efforts in studying Buddhism. It said the 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, also a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, vice president of the Buddhist Association of China and president of the association’s Tibet branch, presented Hada scarves to the Buddha statue of the fifth Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-82). It said according to the 11th Panchen Lama, nowadays, people’s life is getting better and more convenient day by day. In the past, it was very difficult to find a sutra, but now it is easy to get access to paper and electronic sutras. Thus, it depends on individuals themselves whether they can study well. He "admonished people not to waste time, and to cherish the current prosperity and blessings that are difficult to meet, and to work hard". He also taught the monks to practice both their external morality and their inner mind and said, “We learn Buddhism not for the enjoyment of this life or for personal fame, but for all living creatures”. The Global Times claimed an eminent monk from the Drepung Monastery said he was deeply inspired by the 11th Panchen Lama’s teachings and sermons and will remember the teachings and strive to study Buddhism diligently in the future. It described the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu as "one of the most influential incarnated lamas in Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in Lhari County, Nagqu in Xizang, on February 13, 1990. On November 29, 1995, he was approved and confirmed by the State Council as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, being recognized as the 11th Panchen Lama". July 2023 CHINA-NINGXIA: NINGXIA PARTY SECRETARY LIANG YUNSHUN CONDUCTS UNANNOUNCED VISITS FOR 9 DAYS ACROSS THE AUTONOMOUS REGION Ningxia Daily (July 6) disclosed that since June 26, Ningxia Autonomous Region Party Secretary Liang Yanshun and Zhang Yupu, Chairman of the Autonomous Region, led officials in charge of relevant departments and experts in the security field for nine consecutive days to adopt the method of "four nos and two straights" to encourage them to "not only make reports, go deep into the "nine small" places such as catering, enterprises, business districts, night markets, hotels, schools, nursing homes, welfare homes, farmhouses, oil refineries, constructions in the five cities and 12 counties" etc. It said such unannounced visits and inspections to key industries and fields found a number of hidden safety risks and outstanding problems and they ordered rectification on the spot. ii) The "Ningxia Politics and Law" WeChat public account on July 5, announced that with the approval of the CCP CC 1968-born Zhu Tianshu was appointed as a member of the Party Committee and Standing Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and candidate for the President of the Autonomous Region Law Society. Zhu Tianshu is an Alternate Member of the 20th CCP CC. July 2023 CHINA-HUNAN: 1971-BORN ZHOU HAIBING APPOINTED MAYOR OF CHANGSHA Hunan province's "Changsha release" (July 6) reported that at its second plenary meeting the third session of the 16th Changsha People's Congress elected Zhou Haibing as Mayor of the Changsha Municipal People's Government. Zhou Haibing was appointed Vice Governor of Hunan Province in January this year, and concurrently as the acting mayor of Changsha in June this year. July 2023 CHINA-ZHEJIANG: ZHEJIANG HOLDS PROVINCIAL PLATFORM ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE Zhejiang province held a provincial platform economy development conference on July 5, with representatives from 100 platform enterprises, including Alibaba and NetEase. Its topic was "Implementation Opinions on Promoting High-quality Development of Platform Economy". July 2023 CHINA-SHANXI: SHANXI PARTY SCHOOL MARKED THE CCP'S 102ND ANNIVERSARY WITH A FLAG HOISTING The Shanxi Daily (July 2) reported that on June 30, the Party School of the CCP's Shanxi Provincial Party Committee held a flag-raising ceremony on "July 1" on the occasion of the CCP's 102nd anniversary. It said, 'The socialist ideology concentrates the heart and casts the soul, and has a deeper understanding of the decisive significance of the "two establishments", and builds a "red school and a melting pot of party spirit" with first-class standards'. The faculty and staff of the school, some retired comrades, and all the trainees at the school participated in the flag-raising ceremony. July 2023 CHINA-YUNNAN: YUNNAN PARTY SECRETARY DELIVERED A SPEECH AT CONFERENCE ON 'WORK STYLE REVOLUTION' AND CEREMONY TO AWARD 10 OUTSTANDING COUNTY PARTY SECRETARIES The "Yunnan Daily" (June 30) reported that the province's 'Work Conference on Deepening the Work Style Revolution and Efficiency Revolution' was held in Kunming. Yunnan Party Secretary Wang Ning, attended and delivered a speech. Wang Yubo, Deputy Party Secretary and Governor of Yunnan Province, presided over the meeting. Shi Yugang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Liu Xiaokai, Chairman of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference, attended the meeting. At the meeting, a circular was read on the commendation of outstanding county (city, district) Party secretaries in Yunnan Province during the work style revolution and efficiency revolution. The leaders attending the meeting awarded honorary certificates to the 10 outstanding county Party committee secretaries who were commended, and 3 commended representatives made speeches. In his speech Wang Ning emphasized that to continue to deepen the style revolution and efficiency revolution, the Provincial Party Committee advocates and establishes "ten distinct orientations". Listing them, he said 'one is to be loyal and honest to the party, deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four selfconfidence", and achieve the "two safeguards". July 2023 CHINA-QINGHAI: QINGHAI PARTY COMMITTEE ORGANISED MEASURES TO SPREAD 'THEME EDUCATION' The "Qinghai Daily" (July 6) reported that a special rectification mobilization and deployment meeting for prominent problems in the province's work style was held on July 6. Qinghai Party Secretary Chen Gang delivered an 'important' speech and Wu Xiaojun, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of the Province, presided. Chen Gang said 'that the problem of style of work has become a trend, and the key is that they have not implemented strict discipline, stern accountability, and the formation of deterrence. If you engage in formalism, he will cheat; if you are bureaucratic, he will copy; if you have hedonism, he will follow what he likes; The more critical the construction of style of work is, the less we can relax in the slightest'. He also said 'The cadres who are in charge are comfortable and at ease. We will never allow the chain of wind and corruption to revive, and we will never tolerate cadres who do not work hard and do not perform their duties'. Qinghai Governor Wu Xiaojun pointed out 'that it is necessary to improve political awareness, effectively unify thoughts and actions with the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee and the work requirements of the provincial party committee, firmly support the "two establishments" and resolutely achieve the "two maintenances", with the spirit of innovation Spiritual outlook, vigorous and promising work attitude, promote the rectification of work style and achieve tangible results'. The meeting issued the "Special Rectification Work Plan for Prominent Problems in the Province's Work Style". Xining News (June 27) reported that the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee Organization Department has initiated measures to combine learning with practice and promote work with learning and 'promote the theme education to go deeper and more solidly'. It said the theoretical study center group (expanded) of the Provincial Party Committee Organization and Ministry of Affairs had organised the study and implementation of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics and had carried out Four high-quality symposiums. It said the 20 party branches of the Ministry of Education carried out a total of 67 concentrated studies and 36 special seminars. The "Provincial Party Committee Organization Department Theme Education Investigation and Research Plan" was formulated, focusing on the key task arrangements of the Provincial Organization Ministers Conference, which determined 29 topics. Members of the Ministry of Affairs led the formation of 9 research groups to carry out special research and the main responsible comrades went consecutively to 7 cities (states), 12 counties (cities, districts) and 6 provincial units to carry out investigations, including random unannounced visits to 3 townships and 4 villages. The party branches of the Ministry and the Ministry of Finance carried out pairing activities with villages and towns in difficult and highaltitude areas and went deep into 25 remote villages and towns in Huangnan, Guoluo, and Yushu to understand the local economic and social development, and deeply grasp the prominent problems that restrict the high-quality local economic and social development. July 2023 CHINA-JIANGSU: ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT OF JIANGSU PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE ORGANISED 'THEME EDUCATION' MEETINGS A lengthy report by the Organization Department of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee said (June 27) that a theme education promotion meeting for the department had been organised on May 31. It said the relevant person in charge of the Organization Department of the Provincial Party Committee said that on June 5, the Organization Department of the Provincial Party Committee held a 'rectification and scheduling meeting on the theme of education, centering on outstanding problems in grassroots party building, cadre work, talent work, comprehensive assessment, self-construction, etc., to implement the requirements of "three meetings and three brights". July 2023 CHINA-HONGKONG: HONGKONG POLICE HAS OFFERED HK$ 1 MILLION FOR INFORMATION ABOUT 8 DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS WHO FLED TO AUSTRALIA, UK AND US Hong Kong police has offered bounties worth $HK1 million (AU$192,000) for information about eight activists who fled Beijing’s security crackdown on the territory for Australia, Britain and the US. The bounties were offered by Hong Kong’s chief superintendent Steve Li for information leading to the arrests of Melbourne lawyer Kevin Yam, who is an Australian citizen, and former Hong Kong legislator Ted Hui who has settled in Adelaide with his family. The other activists named by Hong Kong police and who are based in the UK and US include other exiled politicians Nathan Law and Dennis Kwok, activists Finn Lau, Anna Kwok, and Elmer Yuan, and unionist Mung Siu-tat. A government spokesperson said in a statement (July 3) that “The eight persons concerned who have fled overseas are alleged to have continued to commit offences under the national security law. The fugitives should not have any delusion that they could evade their legal liabilities by absconding from Hong Kong.” July 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDED SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION SUMMIT IN DELHI VIRTUALLY Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin both attended the SCO Summit in Delhi virtually. A report telecast by the state-owned CCTV (July 5) said that Chinese 'President Xi Jinping attended the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing via video on July 4 and delivered an important speech entitled "Keep in Mind the Original Mission and Adhere to Unity and Cooperation to Achieve Greater Development". It described the SCO Summit as an important multilateral diplomatic action China has taken this year towards the Eurasian region. Faced with the question of the times: "Unity or division, peace or conflict, cooperation or confrontation", President Xi Jinping gave a clear and powerful answer, drawing a blueprint for the development and growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and pointing out the direction for building the Shanghai Cooperation Organization community with a shared future, Inject more certainty and positive energy into maintaining world peace and development'. Saying that 'From focusing on a single agenda to building a community with a shared future, from six member states to covering more than 20 countries, the influence of the SCO has continued to expand', it added 'In this speech, President Xi Jinping summed up the development experience of the SCO from five aspects, namely, "adhering to the fine tradition of helping each other and helping each other in times of trouble", "practicing a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept", "upholding innovation, coordination and , Green, open, and shared development concepts", "inheriting the spirit of good-neighbourliness and friendship", "maintaining international fairness and justice, and opposing hegemony and bullying".' It said 'Xi Jinping put forward five important cooperation proposals for the development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization' and that 'In his speech, President Xi Jinping also proposed to implement global security initiatives, global development initiatives, and global civilization initiatives'. ii) A lengthy People's Daily (July 6) report claimed, "Through Xi's recent address at the SCO summit, experts and scholars have seen fresh boosts to a closer and stronger SCO community and drawn more confidence in building a better world featuring peace and stability, win-win cooperation, and a more just and equitable international order". It said Chinese President Xi Jinping inquired at the SCO Summit "Unity or split, peace or conflict, cooperation or confrontation?" and he replied: "My answer is this: the people's wish for a happy life is our goal, and peace, development and win-win cooperation are the unstoppable trends of the times." The People's Daily added "China's commitments in Xi's speech are palpable for residents living on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan. Just one day earlier, they held celebrations for the 1,000-day safe operation of the ±660kV Matiari-Lahore high-voltage direct current transmission project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which brought an end to the era of insufficient power supply that had plagued the local area for long. For experts and scholars who have heeded China's efforts to promote world peace and development, the power transmission project is a testament to China's commitment to improving living standards of all people by cooperating with other countries. The People's Daily quoted scholars from Pakistan, Afghanistan and China and referred to the BRI, but made no mention of the differences or India. It sought to portray China as the "Champion of peace and stability". iii) On July 4 the Global Times cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as referring to the SCO as a "big family" in his speech as evidence that SCO members cherish the atmosphere of unity and mutual trust, and they have a tacit understanding not to bring bilateral issues into the organization to affect their unity. (Comment: Neither the CCTV report nor People's Daily referred to any differences at the SCO and neither that India differed on some points. In fact, the two made no mention of India at all in their reports!) July 2023 CHINA-FOREIGN AFFAIRS: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER WANG YI TELLS JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN DELEGATES TO A TRILATERAL FORUM IN QINGDAO TO BE INDEPENDENT CNN (July 5) said China's top diplomat Wang Yi has urged Japan and South Korea to foster a sense of “strategic autonomy” from the West and cooperate with Beijing to “revitalize Asia,” amid rising tensions between China and the two neighbouring American allies. The comments on July 3 come as Japan and South Korea forge closer relations with the United States – and mend ties with each other – driven by common concerns about Beijing’s growing influence and assertiveness in the region. In a video shared by Chinese state media, Wang told Japanese and South Korean guests attending a trilateral forum in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao that most Americans and Europeans can’t tell China, Japan and South Korea apart. “No matter how blonde you dye your hair, how sharp you shape your nose, you can never become a European or American, you can never become a Westerner,” Wang said. “We must know where our roots lie.” Wang Yi called for Japan and South Korea to work together with China to “prosper together, revitalize East Asia, revitalize Asia and benefit the world.” July 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: PRO-CHINA JOURNALIST CLAIMS CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN PAKISTAN HAVE PROVIDED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES A pro-Beijing outlet has claimed that a Chinese consortium has bought 40% shares in Pakistan Stock Exchange, Alibaba Group has acquired a 45% stake in Telenor Microfinance Bank, two Chinese companies will be setting up a smartphone manufacturing plant in Faisalabad, and China’s Hui Coastal Brewery and Distillery has started producing beer in Hub, Balochistan. It said these private Chinese investments have created employment and economic opportunities across Pakistan. It said therefore calling the CPEC a debt trap is misrepresentation by and for Western interests. July 2023 CHINA-JAPAN: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG MEETS DELEGATION LED BY PRESIDENT OF JAPANESE ASSOCIATION FOR PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE People's Daily (July 6) said that Chinese Premier Li Qiang met a delegation led by Yohei Kono, President of the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade (JAPIT), in Beijing on July 5. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations last year, and this year marks the 45th anniversary of the signature of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship. He noted that China-Japan relations are at an important juncture: taking stock of the past and envisioning the future. July 2023 CHINA-US: US TREASURY SECRETARY JANET YELLEN ON VISIT (JULY 6-9) TO BEIJING Beijing Daily (July 6) reported the arrival in Beijing of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen by plane on a long-awaited visit. She will be in Beijing from July 6-9. Global Times (Chinese; July 6). said that 'At the heart of such mixed feelings is the question of the US' sincerity in not only pursuing productive communication with China, but also earnestly addressing each other's core concerns' and recalled that many US officials including Yellen had told Chinese officials that "they do not seek to decouple from China or contain China" but their actions contradict that. It added "Facing such a two-faced approach by Washington, China is well-prepared to respond in kind by maintaining communication with US officials, while also taking necessary measures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests against US aggression". The People's Daily (July 7) quoted Zhu Min, former Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China and former Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, telling the Global Times recently that the key issues of discussion for both sides during Yellen's visit would be the cancellation of the US' additional tariffs on China, the withdrawal of its "301 investigation" into China, and the review of the first phase of the China-US trade agreement. July 2023 CHINA-EU: CHINA SUDDENLY CANCELLED SCHEDULED VISIT BY EU FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF JOSEP BORRELL China has cancelled a trip by European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell scheduled for next week, an EU spokesperson said on July 4. EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali told Reuters in a written statement "Unfortunately, we were informed by the Chinese counterparts that the envisaged dates next week are no longer possible, and we must now look for alternatives." A spokesman for China's foreign ministry declined to say why this visit was cancelled when asked at a daily briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, but did not write off hopes of another attempt at a visit. "We welcome High Level Representative Borrell to visit China at the earliest time convenient to both sides," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters. July 2023 CHINA-UKRAINE: CHINA DID NOT ATTEND COPENHAGEN CONFERENCE CALLED BY UKRAINE ON JUNE 25 Ukraine had organised a conference on June 25 at Copenhagen which brought together states that support Ukraine with those that have not opposed Russia’s invasion to try to reach a consensus on a platform for negotiations. Reports mention that BRICS nations South Africa, Brazil and India participated but China was not present. July 2023 CHINA-FRANCE: BEIJING DAILY REPORTED THAT SHOP WINDOWS AND VEHICLES ON CHINA STREET IN 13TH ARRONDISSEMENT WERE SMASHED AND BURNED A report in the Beijing Daily (July 2) captioned 'This is an ominous sign, all of Europe is tense right now' said the local people are frightened at the rioting in many cities across France. It noted that 'The Chinese in France also suffered. According to the European Times report, in the China Street in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, shop windows on both sides were smashed, and vehicles on the roadside were burned, just like a battlefield. Some Chinese tourists who went to France even experienced unexpected shocks. Their bus was attacked in Marseille, windows were smashed, and several tourists were slightly injured. Passengers in the car urgently called the Chinese Consulate General in Marseilles, and our diplomats immediately assisted the police and coordinated with the police to clear up. These Chinese tourists, in the end, did not go to Paris, and hurried to Switzerland. The Chinese Embassy in France issued an urgent notice reminding Chinese citizens in France to pay close attention to the social security situation in France, avoid going to demonstrations and areas of violent conflict, and take practical measures to strengthen the security of individuals, vehicles, residences and shops. Temporary visitors to France should especially be vigilant and travel carefully. In case of emergency, please call the police and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in France for assistance. ii) The Global Times (Chinese; July 2) reported that a bus carrying 41 Chinese tourists was attacked by a group of black-clad rioters in Marseille as violence persisted in France over recent days. It said a video posted on Chinese social media on June 30 showed a shattered windshield and a tourist on the bus claiming in the video that the black-clad rioters tried to board the bus and pull passengers out. July 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: NIKKEI ASIA INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT RUSSIA PURCHASED AT LEAST 37 DRONES FROM CHINA AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF US$ 103,000 A Nikkei Asia (July 1) investigation disclosed that between December 2022 and April 2023, Russian companies imported at least 37 Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles worth around $103,000 that were designated in customs clearance records as being "for use in the special military operation," the Russian government's name for the Ukraine war. It added that since the beginning of the invasion 16 months ago, Beijing has repeatedly denied providing weapons to Moscow for use in the invasion. And while previous reporting has shown that Russia stepped up its imports of Chinese drones after the war began, Beijing has denied that China is exporting drones to the battlefields of Ukraine. Nikkei said its reporting showed that for months, Russian companies have been quietly filling out customs paperwork for the import of drones, including machines manufactured by U.S.-sanctioned DJI, China's biggest drone maker, marking them for use in the war. It is unclear whether the Chinese companies or government is aware of Russia's customs records regarding the drones. Nikkei says it obtained the Russian customs records from multiple sources, including Indian companies Exim Trade Data and Export Genius, and analysed shipments from China to Russia. It said in one case, on February 1, Russian information technology company Status Compliances imported three drones, with take-off weights of between 25 kg and 150 kg, from Shenzhen Kexin Smart Development, an electronic devices manufacturer in Shenzhen, for $28,292. They were made by Shenzhen Jarch Electromechanical Technology, according to Exim Trade Data. Nikkei Asia quoted Professor Tomoyuki Furutani of Keio University, an expert on unmanned aircraft, as saying that "large drones weighing over 25 kg could be used for reconnaissance, and if modified, could be used for attack. They could be made into a self-destruct type, loaded with firepower to attack." Nikkei said according to China's official customs data, from March 2022 to May 2023, China exported at least 30,000 drones to Russia, worth over $32 million. July 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: RUSSIAN NAVY CORVETTES ON 7-DAY FRIENDLY VISIT TO SHANGHAI Two corvettes, Gromkiy and Sovershenniy attached to the Russian Pacific Fleet, called at the Shanghai port on July 5 for a seven-day friendly visit. It is the first visit by the two corvettes to Shanghai, and the 7th by a warship detachment of Russian Navy. Following the port call, the Russian ships will conduct joint drill with their Chinese counterparts focusing on maneuver in formation, ship-to-ship communication, and maritime search and rescue. July 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOQING MET RUSSIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF INDUSTRY IN BEIJING ON JUNE Xinhua (July 1) reported that Politburo member and Vice Premier of the State Council Zhang Guoqing met Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Manturov in Beijing on June 30. Zhang Guoqing said that 'under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia in the new era has maintained healthy and stable development. China is willing to work with Russia, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to give full play to the role of the intergovernmental cooperation mechanism, to promote the upgrading of industrial cooperation, and to help the respective development and revitalization of the two countries'. Manturov said that Russia is willing to work together with China to develop a positive and far-sighted Russian Chinese industrial cooperation relationship. July 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE ANALYSTS COMMENT ON THE WAGNER GROUP'S REBELLION AND PUTIN'S POSITION A number of senior Chinese academics and International Relations experts have commented on the recent developments in Russia. Those noticed are reproduced in brief: (i) Feng Yujun, Director of the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies and Deputy Director of the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, on June 24, wrote on Phoenix that 'The mutiny was not an isolated event but the result of an accumulation of both internal and external “contradictions” exacerbated by the increasingly unfavourable prospects of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and should be understood against the backdrop of both domestic instability and anti-war sentiment in Russia. The war in Ukraine has created deep divisions among Russia’s ruling elite and anti-Putin sentiment has been rising within key Russian business circles. Putin’s base of loyal supporters in the upper echelons of Russian society has been shrinking. “With this Wagner mutiny, political tensions within Russia will be further exacerbated. This [event] will have far-reaching repercussions on Russia's future. This deserves our utmost attention. Even if the Wagner mutiny is put to rest … the uncertainty surrounding Russia's future will remain very high.” The political views held by Russia’s top brass and leading politicians are highly “complex” and “volatile”. To what extent their ultranationalist and anti-Western rhetoric is genuine is impossible to tell. The views they express are often based on political calculations or even financial greed. The volatility of Russian politics is here to stay. “Changes in China's international and peripheral environment depend more on China itself than on the outside. What China thinks and does has a strong regional and international impact … This is very similar to humanity's response to climate change. Climate change is a long-term process. If we want the natural environment in which we live to change from deteriorating to improving, we can only do so by changing our own ways of producing things and lifestyles, by saving energy and reducing emissions, by using less fossil energy and more clean energy, and by gradually reaching [our] carbon peak and [becoming] carbon neutral.” (ii) Zhao Long, Deputy director of the Institute for Global Governance Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, in an article published in the 'Paper' on June 24 wrote: 'Although there are those within Russia who are unhappy with their army’s performance in Ukraine, the country’s elite have remained united around Putin. Nevertheless, this mutiny may be a symptom of the growing “discontent” and “fatigue” among Russian troops and society in general. Moscow’s use of private military companies is a “double-edged sword”. If Putin allows such groups to grow further, this could lead to more factional infighting, political instability and, ultimately, civil unrest. “This ‘rebellion’ will obviously have a direct impact on the morale of Russian troops” and will affect their performance on the front line. Ukraine, for its part, will make sure to seize this opportunity and intensify its counteroffensive. These events may further embolden NATO countries in their support of Ukraine as may be evidenced during the next NATO summit in Vilnius on 11-12 July 2023. “Overall, this ‘rebellion’ is the most significant ‘grey rhino event’ to have taken place since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis and could have far-reaching repercussions on the course of the war and the situation in Russia.” (iii) Li Hao, Professor, School of International Studies, Sichuan University, published an article on June 25 in the 'Paper' where he said: No one wanted to see Russia fall into Prigozhin’s hands. “A Russia in turmoil would be a disaster for the whole world.” However short-lived it was, the mutiny has dealt “a major blow to Russia”. “Russia has failed to establish a stable chain of command in Ukraine”, with different factions competing against one another. Thus, when the war is not going favourably for Russia, infighting [内斗] between these different groups “is bound to erupt”. “Allowing such private armed forces to grow is like feeding a tiger. It is bound to backfire.” The mutiny “will have a major impact on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.” (iv) Wang Siyu, Postdoctoral researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies, Shanghai International Studies University, in an article published in the Beijing Cultural Review' on June 25 wrote: The fact that Wagner’s march on Moscow was met with little resistance is a sign that a certain number of Russian citizens and soldiers either support Prigozhin or at least agree with his criticism of Russia’s Ministry of Defence. Others are simply not prepared to put their lives at risk in order to defend the Kremlin. This rebellion has seriously weakened the authority of Russia’s Ministry of Defence and undermined the reputation of the country’s armed forces. “The Wagner mutiny crisis has had a negative impact on Russia's position in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. Regardless of the outcome of this crisis [i.e. the mutiny], it will undoubtedly affect the mindset and willpower of the Russian troops on the front line.” These events are set to “produce more unpredictable results” in the near future. This mutiny and the fact that it has gone unpunished has now set a precedent. Will others in Russia decide to express their dissatisfaction in a similar way? (v) Shen Yi, Professor at Fudan University's School of International Relations and Public Affairs, writing in Guancha (Observer) on June 26: expressed surprise at how easily Prigozhin’s Wagner Group was able to march towards Moscow almost unimpeded and appears to agree with the characterisation of certain officials from Russia’s Ministry of Defence as “stupid” and “corrupt”. He cautions against exaggerating the positive impact that this mutiny may have for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He highlighted the current “complexity” [复 杂性], “subtleties” [微妙性] and “uncertainty” [不确定性] of Russia’s domestic affairs. (He also posted his comments on weixin.) July 2023 CHINA-ITALY: CHINA'S HEAD OF CCP CC ILD FLIES TO ITALY TO PERSUADE IT NOT TO LEAVE BRI Liu Jianchao, Director of the Communist Party’s International Department, travelled to Italy on a 3-day visit to try and persuade it not to leave the Belt and Road Initiative. He met Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Senate speaker Ignazio La Russa and former prime minister Massimo D’Alema. He also met with the group known as “Friends of China” in Italy’s parliament. Meeting businessmen in Milan, Liu Jianchao said “It was the correct decision for China and Italy to sign the Belt and Road.” (Comment: Italy signed onto China’s BRI in 2019 when Giuseppe Conte was Prime Minister, becoming the only Group of Seven nation to join the pact. The country’s current leader, Giorgia Meloni, favours leaving the infrastructure initiative.) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCP NETWORK DISCLOSES THAT XI JINPING CONVEYED "IMPORTANT" INSTRUCTIONS TO NATIONAL ORGANISATION WORK CONFERENCE HELD IN BEIJING ON JUNE 28-29 On June 29, the 'Communist Party Network' published an article titled 'Xi Jinping made important instructions on party building and organizational work, emphasizing a deep understanding of the Party Central Committee's important thoughts on party building, and continuously improving the quality of organizational work'. It disclosed that the National Organization Work Conference was held in Beijing from June 28 to 29. It said, "Important instructions from Xi Jinping were conveyed at the meeting". Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the Central Secretariat, Cai Qi attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Li Xi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, presided over the meeting. "Cai Qi pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions are high-level, far-reaching, highly political, ideological, and guiding, and have pointed out the way forward for the party's construction and organizational work. We must in-depth study and understanding, conscientiously implement. Cai Qi emphasized that the breakthroughs and structural changes in the party's construction and organizational work in the new era in the past ten years are fundamentally due to the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping." Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department Li Ganjie asserted that Party members "must thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially the important thoughts on party building, conscientiously implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and firmly support the "Two Establishments" and "Two Maintenances" (and see that they) are resolutely implemented." It said "Comrades from Beijing, Zhejiang Province, Sichuan Province, the Ministry of Commerce, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., and Tianjin University made exchange speeches" and Politburo members Li Shulei (Head of the CCP CC Propaganda Deptt.), Liu Jinguo (current Director of the National Supervisory Commission and Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat), Mu Hong (executive Deputy Director of the Office of Deepening Reform (minister-level), and since 2007 as Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission) and Jiang Xinzhi (currently Vice Chairperson of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and Deputy Head of the CCP CC Organization Department) attended the meeting. Members of the Central Leading Group for Party Construction, provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, cities under separate state planning, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant departments of the central and state agencies, relevant people's organizations, financial institutions managed by the central government, some enterprises, universities, and relevant units of the military are responsible Comrades and others attended the meeting. ii) It stressed that since the 18th Party Congress the "the party should manage the party and strictly govern the party in an all-round way, proposed and implemented a series of new ideas, new ideas and new strategies, and opened up a new realm of self-revolution of the century-old party". It added "in-depth promotion of the new great project of party building in the new era, with the highest principle of adhering to and strengthening the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, the fundamental mission of being loyal to the party and protecting the party, and making every effort to strengthen the party, and solving the unique problems of large parties..." iii) The Gansu Daily and Shanxi Daily (June 29) reported the National organisation Work Conference with the banner headline "Xi Jinping made important instructions on party building and organizational work, emphasizing profound understanding of the Party Central Committee's important thoughts on party building and continuously improving the quality of organizational work". It reproduced the Communist Party Network article. June 2023 CHINA-CYL: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING HELD A GROUP MEETING WITH CYL'S NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM On June 26, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a group talk with members of the new leadership team of the Communist Youth League Central Committee in Zhongnanhai and delivered an important speech. Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the Central Secretariat Cai Qi participated in the group talk. Shi Taifeng (CASS President); Li Ganjie (Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Organization Department); Li Shulei (Politburo member and Head of the Propaganda Department), Chen Wenqing (Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission), Liu Jinguo (Director of the National Supervisory Commission and Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat) and Wang Xiaohong (State Councillor and Minister of Public Security) participated in the talk. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: XINHUA PUBLICISES CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S WIFE PENG LIYUAN'S REMARKS AT CHINA-AFRICA WOMENS FORUM Xinhua (June 29) said that speaking via video link at the China-Africa Women's Forum on June 29, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Special Envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the advancement of girls' and women's education, called for all round efforts to promote the full development of women. Peng Liyuan said "China and Africa are a community with a shared future, standing together through thick and thin, and women are important members of the big China-Africa family". She said over the years, under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, women from China and Africa have written a splendid chapter of shared progress through solidarity and cooperation. She added that 'in different places across Africa, women from China are working with African sisters in medical teams, on peacekeeping missions, at infrastructure construction sites and in technical training programs. They work side by side to make a better life and contribute to a stronger China-Africa friendship. Peng Liyuan said she has maintained friendly exchanges and cooperation with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development to offer love and hope'. June 2023 CHINA--LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG MEETS PRIME MINISTERS OF MONGOLIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN BEIJING ON JUNE 28 i) Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 28 met visiting Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene in Beijing, pledging further efforts to deepen political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. ii) Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks on June 28 with Prime Minister of New Zealand Chris Hipkins in Beijing. Li Qiang and Hipkins later witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral cooperation documents on science and technology, education, agriculture, forestry, quarantine, food safety and intellectual property rights. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER WANG YI PUBLISHED A LENGTHY ARTICLE ON THE FOREIGN RELATIONS LAW IN PEOPLE'S DAILY The People's Daily (June 29) published a lengthy article titled 'Implement the Law on Foreign Relations and Provide Strong Legal Guarantee for Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era' by Politburo member and Director of the CCP CC Foreign Affairs Commission Office Wang Yi. In the article, which included 17 references to Xi Jinping, he said 'the Foreign Relations Law is the first basic foreign-related law since the founding of the People's Republic of China that focuses on the major policies, principles, positions and institutional systems of my country's foreign affairs, and makes overall provisions on the development of my country's foreign relations. Its promulgation is an important milestone in the construction of China's foreign-related legal system'. He said 'China's comprehensive national strength and international influence have increased significantly, and its relations with the world have undergone unprecedented and profound changes. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, we vigorously promote and expand Chinese-style modernization, becoming the mainstay of maintaining world peace and stability and the main driving force for global economic growth'. Stating that ' The formulation of the Foreign Relations Law is a major achievement of implementing Xi Jinping's diplomatic thought in legal form', he added 'Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is a major achievement of the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with the specific reality of China's diplomacy and the combination of China's excellent traditional culture'. He said 'Enacting the Foreign Relations Law is an urgent need to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests'. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINA'S MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY ADDRESSED CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL PUBLIC SECURITY ORGANS ON JUNE 25 On June 25, Wang Xiaohong, China’s Minister of Public Security addressed a conference of the national public security organs via video conference. The People’s Daily (June 25) reported him as having “called for deepening the fight against infiltration, subversion, terrorism, separatism, and cults. Political security should be resolutely defended. Adhere to and develop the ‘Fengqiao experience’ in the new era, and effectively investigate and resolve all kinds of contradictions and disputes. Make efforts to crack down on telecommunications crimes, Internet fraud and cross-border gambling. Quickly detect and resolve cases such as fighting and picking quarrels and provoking troubles, crack down on crimes against vulnerable groups with a zero-tolerance attitude, and continuously improve the people’s sense of security". He stressed "It is necessary to strengthen overall social prevention and control measures, strictly implement mechanisms such as joint patrols and rapid response by the public security and armed police forces, allowing the public to feel at ease." He added "It is necessary to closely cooperate with relevant departments, carry out in-depth inspections and rectification of public safety hazards, and strictly guard against major public safety accidents. It is necessary to carry out the thematic education in depth, strictly grasp the management of team education, and forge an iron army of public security worthy of the important task". (Comment: Wang Xiaohong delivered his speech when the rebellion against Russian President Putin by the Wagner Group was underway in Russia.) June 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: NEW SENIOR APPOINTMENTS, INCLUDING OF A NEW VICE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY i) Wang Zhizhong (57) is a new Deputy Minister of Public Security (MPS). (Comment: He is a veteran of the MPS Special Duty Bureau (SDB), which oversaw Xi Jinping's security when he was Vice President from 2008-13. Wang Zhizhong worked under Minister Wang Xiaohong from 2019-21 and the current CDIC Chief Li Xi in Guangdong from 2021-22. He is highly trusted and may lead the SDB. Wang Zhizhong, a Han was born in October 1965 in Cangxian County, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, and joined the CCP in June 1989. He graduated from Xuzhou Air Force Academy with a major in battle command, an on- the-job postgraduate degree, and a master’s degree in military science. From 1984-1986 he studied security as a major of the Department of Security and Safety of the People's Police University of China) ii) Lü Yuyin (52) has been promoted and appointed the new Deputy Director of the PRC Liaison Office in Macao. Prior to this he was Deputy Governor of Guangdong. (Comment: Lu Yuyin Is a PhD in Economics from Nankai University, Tianjin, and spent 20 years in the Shenzhen city government. He won promotions when Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui was the Party Secretary of Shenzhen in 2015-16. He was Party Secretary of Zhaoqing and Zhuhai before being promoted as Deputy Governor and moving to Macao. iii) Qin Yizhi (57) was promoted and moved last week from his position as Deputy-level in the State Administration for Market Regulation as a Ministerial-level member of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission. (Comment: This position in the National Ethnic Affairs Commission is unusual and may have been created to sideline Qin Yizhi, who led the Communist Youth League (CYL) from 2013- 17. The CYL is seen as affiliated with Xi Jinping's rivals.) June 2023 CHINA-NPC: NPC STANDING COMMITTEE ADOPTS FOREIGN RELATIONS LAW OF PRC ON JUNE 28 On June 28, China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee adopted the 'Foreign Relations Law of the People's Republic of China' which has 44 Articles. The Law comes into force from July 1, 2023. A few of the more interesting Articles are highlighted: Art 4: "China advocates for the peaceful resolution of international disputes, opposes the use of force or the threat of force in international relations, and rejects hegemonism and power politics"; Art 5: "The foreign relations work of the PRC adheres to the centralized and unified leadership of the Communist Party of China"; Art 6: State organs, armed forces, groups, enterprises and institutions, & other social orgs, & citizens, bear the responsibility and obligation to safeguard the sovereignty, security, dignity, honour, and interests of the country in foreign exchanges and cooperation"; Art 16: "Provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government, based on the authorization from the central government, carry out foreign exchanges and cooperation within specific scopes"; Art 18: says "The People's Republic of China promotes the implementation of global development initiatives, global security initiatives, and global civilization initiatives, and promotes an all-round, multi-level, wide-ranging, and three-dimensional external work layout, shout-out to global development initiative, global security initiative, and global civilisation initiative"; Art 19: "promoting democratisation of international relations" and "working towards economic globalisation that is open, inclusive, beneficial to all, balanced, win-win"; Art 20: PRC "adheres to a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable global security concept, strengthens international security cooperation, and improves mechanisms for participating in global security governance". ... "supports and participates in peacekeeping operations authorized by the United Nations Security Council, adheres to the basic principles of peacekeeping operations, respects the territorial integrity and political independence of sovereign states, and maintains a fair stance" .... "maintains the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation system, opposes the arms race, opposes and prohibits all forms of WMD-related proliferation activities, fulfils relevant international obligations, and conducts international cooperation in non-proliferation"; Art 22: PRC "respects and guarantees human rights, combines the principle of the universality of human rights with its own national conditions, promotes the comprehensive and coordinated development of human rights..."; Art 25: "seeks to build a global ecological civilization, and promotes the establishment of a fair, reasonable, cooperative and win-win global environmental and climate governance system, shout-out to global climate governance.."; 26: promotes "the high-quality development of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", and maintaining multilateral trade system, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and promote the building of an open world economy"; 27: "The PRC conducts foreign aid while adhering to the principles of respecting the sovereignty of other countries, non-interference in their internal affairs, and not attaching any political conditions."; Art 29: State "coordinates the advancement of domestic rule of law and rule of law in foreignrelated matters, strengthens legislation in the field of foreign affairs, and enhances the construction of a legal system for foreign-related matters"; Art 33: "In the case of actions that violate international law and the basic norms of international relations, and harm the sovereignty, security, and development interests of the PRC, the PRC has the right to take corresponding countermeasures and restrictive measures"; Art 37: State takes "measures to protect the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and organisations overseas, and to protect the overseas interests from threats and infringements...strengthens the system, work mechanisms, and capacity-building". (Comment: China is the first country to enact such a Law. The Foreign Relations Law clearly places the CCP CC's Foreign Affairs Office above China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Party Centre had decided in October 2021, that the Central Foreign Affairs Office would take the lead in coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the NPC, the Central Office of Governing the Country by Law, the Supreme People's Court, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of State Security, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Commerce, for drafting the Law. A Legislative Work Leading Group and special work class were established to carry out research and drafting work. The first is for in-depth study and understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, and in-depth study and understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on strengthening legislation in foreignrelated fields. The second is in-depth investigation and research. It invited academic institutions and institutions of higher learning to discuss the situation of foreign legislation. The third is to uphold democratic legislation. It also invited relevant experts, scholars, and departments, to participate. On September 9, the Central Foreign Affairs Office sent the draft foreign relations law and related documents. After deliberation, it was decided to submit the Foreign Relations Law (draft) to this standing committee meeting. ii) Many of the phrases and ideas have been in use for years now, including as part of Xi Jinping's thought, but now they have been given legal backing.) June 2023 CHINA-NPC: NPC BEGINS DELIBERATIONS ON NEW FOOD SECURITY LAW People's Daily (June 27) said that China's National People's Congress started deliberating a draft food security law to enhance China's capacity for forestalling and fending off food security risks. The draft, consisting of 11 chapters and 69 articles, focuses on issues vital to China's foundation for food security, such as cultivated land protection, grain production, and grain reserves. The People's Daily said that 'despite an overall favourable situation concerning food security, China, with a growing grain demand, faces multifaceted challenges, including limited and low-quality arable land and increasing difficulty in ensuring stable and high grain output, according to an explanation for the draft'. June 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: PUNISHMENTS FOR PARTY/ADMINISTRATIVE VIOLATIONS HAVE DROPPED THUS FAR IN 2023 The trend line for party/administrative punishments of the Eight-point Regulations appears to be going down. Until the end of May 2023, a total of 33,388 people had been punished for violations (compared to 37,719 and 35,056 in the same period in 2022 and 2021). Looking at specific violations, most are down over time, with "receiving and giving cash gifts and other presents" and "acceptance of banquets" being exceptions and others for "violation according to management and service objects", etc.. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR XI JINPING THOUGHT PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON SOCIALIST MODERNISATION The People's Daily (June 29) published an article captioned 'Socialist Modernization Led by the Communist Party of China (People Watch)' authored by the Central Party School (National School of Administration) Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF HONGQI (RED FLAG) INCLUDES ARTICLES ON EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, TECH SELF-RELIANCE AND CHINESE CIVILISATION The latest issue of Hongqi (Red Flag; 2023/12 dated June 26 June) included 3 articles on education; 1 selection of articles on "Chinese civilization"; 1 article on "unique challenges" of big parties; 1 on unfolding education campaign; 1 on studying party's self-revolution; and 1 on tech self-reliance. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTE OF SINICISATION OF MARXISM OF CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION Wang Huxue, Director of the Institute of Sinicization of Marxism at the Central Party School, published an article in the Guangming Daily (June 23) titled 'The Unique Value Contained in Chinese-style Modernization'. it described Chinese-style modernization as not only a major theoretical innovation, but "also a magnificent historical practice, a unity of theory and practice". It said, "The unique values contained in it are a distinctive feature of the Chinesestyle modernization theory system". It said that "Chinese-style modernization is not only a transcendence of Western-led modernization, but also an exemplary practice of the common values of all mankind, providing a new choice for mankind to achieve modernization". June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE CALLING FOR SUPPORT FOR CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION ON CHINA'S 33RD NATIONAL LAND DAY The People's Daily (June 25) published an article titled 'Provide solid resource support for Chinese-style modernization' on June 25 on the occasion of the thirty-third National Land Day. The theme of this year's Land Day is "Economic and Intensive Use of Land, Strictly Observing the Red Line of Cultivated Land". It said the theme of this year's Land Day is "Economic and Intensive Use of Land, Strictly Observing the Red Line of Cultivated Land". June 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE SAYS THAT CULTIVATED LAND IN CHINA USED FOR CONSTRUCTION HAS REDUCED BY 40.85 PERCENT SINCE 18TH PARTY CONGRESS Guangming Daily (June 25) published an article captioned 'The reduction of cultivated land in my country has been initially curbed', which said that since the 18th Party Congress the area of land used for construction (land consumption) per unit of GDP has dropped by 40.85%, and the average investment intensity of industrial land has increased by 60%. The continuous and rapid reduction of cultivated land across the country has been initially curbed, and the total cultivated land has stagnated and increased for two consecutive years. It also said that according to the person in charge of the Ministry of Natural Resources, since the 18th Party Congress, "the Party Central Committee and the State Council have made multiple arrangements for implementing the most stringent land conservation system and the most stringent cultivated land protection system around the implementation of a comprehensive conservation strategy. The natural resource system insists on using the strictest system and the strictest rule of law to manage and use every inch of land well. From planning to market allocation, from framing the total amount to revitalizing the stock, from evaluation and incentives to demonstration and guidance, the measures for economical and intensive land use are becoming more and more refined". It said "The hard measures of the party and the government are fully implemented, and the cultivated land protection policy is becoming more and more strict. Strictly adhering to the red line of arable land, stabilizing the total amount, optimizing the layout, and fulfilling responsibilities are the key." CHINA-ECONOMY: NATIONAL AUDITOR SAYS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE PILING UP NEW DEBTS Caixin (June 27) quoted Hou Kai, the Head of the National Audit Office, as stating on June 26 in a report on the implementation of the 2022 budget to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, that local Chinese governments were found to be inflating fiscal revenue, adding new hidden debts, and carrying out poor financial management. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE MEDIA QUOTES WORLD LEADERS AS ADVISING AGAINST DECOUPLING AT WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM SUMMER DAVOS IN TIANJIN Xinhua (June 27) highlighted the observations of the Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh at the Summer Davos in Tianjin, warning against decoupling. It quoted him saying decoupling is not going to address global challenges, and that no one country can solve the problems alone. It similarly quoted the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley as saying at the Summer Davos in Tianjin, that the time is now for world countries to work together, regardless of geographical location and level of development. The People's Daily (June 27) quoted Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry as saying that "Chinese funding of the developing world is important. Once developing countries have built infrastructure like roads, road networks and railways, they will then move on beyond that to fields like education, digitalization and renewable energy, and funding will become more transparent and accountable". He added "So that it has a direct correlation to job creation and adding assets and value to countries. I'm sure the Chinese will do that." Xinhua and the World Economic Forum highlighted the World Economic Forum's 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, on June 27-29 with the theme is "Entrepreneurship: The Driving Force of the Global Economy". Day 2 sessions included spotlights on AI readiness, global debt, China's digital economy and sustainability reporting. The Chinese media publicised that more than 1,500 global leaders from business, government and civil society gathered in Tianjin, at a crucial time for the global economic recovery. The meeting officially opened on June 27, with an address by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: ZAMBIA REACHES DEAL WITH CHINA AND WESTERN CREDITORS TO EXTEND REPAYMENT OF US$ 6.3 BILLION ACCUMULATED UNDER BRI The Wall Street Journal (June 22) citing people familiar with the matter, disclosed that Zambia has reached a deal with China and Western creditors to extend repayment of $6.3 billion in loans, the result of drawn-out negotiations that are seen as a test case for developing nations contending with massive debts accumulated under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: GENERAL LING HUANXIN PROMOTED AS POLITICAL COMMISSAR OF AMS AND GENERAL ZHENG XUAN PROMOTED AS POLITICAL COMMISSAR OF NORTHERN THEATRE COMMAND In a promotion ceremony at the Bayi Building in Beijing on June 28, attended by CMC Chairman Xi Jinping, CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia read out the promotion orders of Generals Ling Huanxin and Zheng Xuan. CMC Vice Chairman General He Weidong presided over the ceremony. (i) General Ling Huanxin (61), a Han from Jiangsu, has been appointed the new Political Commissar of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences (AMS). Prior to this he was deputy to CMC member General Zhang Shengmin in the CMC Commission for Discipline Inspection. He served in the CMC CDIC from 2017-2023. He was promoted to Lt General in 2019 and General in 2023. (Comment: Ling Huanxin is a PLAA (Ground Forces) General who worked in the old PLA General Political Department and Northern Theatre Command (2016-17). He has studied in Shanxi University and is an Alternate member of the CCP CC. (ii) Zheng Xuan (58), a Han from Fujian, has been appointed the new Political Commissar of the PLA Northern Theatre Command in June 2023. (Comment: He is a PLAA (Ground Forces) General who built a career in the old 14th Group Army in Yunnan (like the current CMC Vice Chairman General Zhang Youxia earlier). He studied in the National Defence University. Prior to this he served as Political Commissar of the 13th Group Army headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan and Deputy Political Commissar of the Central and Northern Theatre Commands. In Sichuan he was closely involved in relief during the Wenchuan, Yingjiang and Lushan earthquakes.) (Comment: With these promotions Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted 71 Generals.) June 2023 CHINA-PAP: 5 OFFICERS OF PEOPLE'S ARMED POLICE FORCE PROMOTED AS MAJOR GENERALS According to the "People's Armed Police" official WeChat public account, the People's Armed Police Force (PAPF) held a promotion ceremony to the rank of Major General on June 28. PAPF Commander General Wang Chunning read out the order, and PAPF Political Commissar General Zhang Hongbing presided over the ceremony. Members of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Armed Police Force in Beijing also attended the ceremony. The officers promoted to the rank of Major General are: (i) Xu Yongjin, Deputy Director of the PAPF Logistics Department; (ii) Li Dexin, Commander of the Hebei Corps; (iii) Xu Hu, Commander of the Henan Corps; (iv) Li Xuexue, Chief of Staff of the Tibet Corps; and (v) Zhang Lugang, Deputy Political Commissar and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Second Mobile Corps. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: CHINESE SECURITY SCHOLAR DRAWS LESSONS FROM RUSSIAUKRAINE WAR Zhang Gaoyuan, a security scholar at Peking University, drew some lessons for China amid what she terms the digital transformation of intelligence gathering. Zhang Gaoyuan argues that dual-use technology such as drones and Starlink satellites, open-source social media information, and efforts by non-combatants have been pivotal in guaranteeing Ukraine a steady flow of battlefield intelligence. As a prognosis for China, she recommends greater research into the opportunities and risks digital technologies present for intelligence acquisition and security. June 2023 CHINA-HAINAN: CHEN YU APPOINTED DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF POLITICAL AND LEGAL COMMITTEE OF HAINAN PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE Chen Yu, the former secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League, has been appointed the Deputy Secretary-General of the Political and Legal Committee of the Hainan Provincial Committee. June 2023 CHINA-XIAMEN: CHINA INTERNET CIVILIZATION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN XIAMEN The 2023 China Internet Civilization Conference will be held in Xiamen, Fujian Province from July 18 to 19. June 2023 CHINA-GANSU: GANSU PARTY SECRETARY HU CHANGSHENG SUPERVISES THEME EDUCATION WORK & POL PRICES RISE IN LANZHOU On June 27, Gansu Party Secretary Hu Changsheng 'investigated and supervised the theme education and safety production work in the Provincial Department of Housing and UrbanRural Development'. ii) The Gansu Daily (June 29) reported that on June 28, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced that according to the recent changes in oil prices in the international market and in accordance with the current refined oil price formation mechanism, starting from 24:00 on June 28, 2023, domestic gasoline and diesel prices will increase by 70 yuan per ton. So far, Lanzhou No. 92 gasoline has risen to 7.54 yuan per litre. Since the beginning of this pricing cycle, although the market’s confidence in China’s economic growth has increased, the tightening of global monetary policy has aroused market concerns about fuel demand. International oil prices rose first and then fluctuated and fell back. U.S. crude oil fell below the key point of 70 US dollars per barrel. Affected by this, the rate of change of crude oil fluctuated at a low level after turning from negative to positive. According to the calculation of Zhuo Chuang Information, as of the close of June 27, the change rate of domestic reference crude oil on the 10th working day was 1.40%. Diesel was raised by 0.05-yuan, 0.06 yuan, and 0.06 yuan respectively. So far, Lanzhou No. 92 gasoline has risen to 7.54 yuan per litre, No. 95 gasoline has risen to 8.05 yuan per litre, and No. 0 diesel oil has risen to 7.10 yuan per litre. After the implementation of the price adjustment policy, the travel cost of consumers increased slightly. A private car with a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters needs to spend 2.5 yuan more to fill up 92 gasoline. In terms of fuel consumption, taking a small private car with a monthly run of 2,000 kilometres and a fuel consumption of 8 litres per 100 kilometres as an example, before the opening of the next price adjustment window (24:00 on July 12), consumers’ fuel consumption costs will increase by about 4 yuan. iii) Lanzhou Evening News (June 28) said the Provincial Military Region Admissions Office had recently issued an announcement clarifying that, according to the military academies’ plans to enrol ordinary high school graduates in Gansu Province in 2023 and relevant regulations, 1470 students had been shortlisted for enrolment. This includes 150 female students with a science education. June 2023 CHINA-XINJIANG: XINJIANG APPOINTS ZHOU XUYONG AS SECRETARY GENERAL OF XINJIANG AUTONOMOUS REGION According to "Xinjiang Daily" (June 25), the third meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of the Autonomous Region held in Urumqi appointed Zhou Xuyong as Secretary-General of the People's Government of the Autonomous Region. According to the official website, Zhou Xuyong is currently a member of the party group and Secretary General of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Secretary of the party group and Director of the General Office. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: 8 PLAAF FIGHTER AIRCRAFT CROSS MEDIAN LINE IN TAIWAN STRAIT ON JUNE 24 Quoting Taiwan's Defence Ministry, Reuters reported (June 24) that eight Chinese war planes crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line and approached close to the island's contiguous zone that is 24 nautical miles (44 km) off its coast on June 24. June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING TO ATTEND SCO SUMMIT IN INDIA VIA VIDEOLINK China announced (June 30) that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend via video-conference in Beijing the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and deliver "important" remarks on July 4. (Comment: Chinese President Xi Jinping seems to have found a new way to avoid a face-toface meeting with India's Prime Minister Modi.) June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: IN THE WAKE OF PRIME MINISTER MODI'S VISIT TO U.S., GLOBAL TIMES CAUTIONS INDIA AGAINST JOINING U.S. AGAINST CHINA Commenting on Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US, the Global Times (June 25) observed that officials of both sides had been "creating an atmosphere of a significant escalation in USIndia relations". It added "officials have avoided mentioning China directly, but the issue of China is widely seen as one of the main drivers of deepening US-India relations. And China has been described in the US media as "the ghost at the US-India feast" or "the elephant in the room." In other words, it is well known that the US is now making overtures to India out of a geopolitical need to bring India in to deal with China, and both the US and India are tacitly aware of this. But this utilitarian nature of the "close ties" is temporary, unstable, and unreliable." It said, "Shaping the strategic environment in which China operates" has become a US strategy for China" and "Theoretically, whether India will join in or not is crucial to whether the US can realize this plot. If India joins, the US will have geographically completed its encirclement of China". It said, however, "The more strategically independent a country is, such as India, the less likely it is to strictly follow the script written by Washington, especially when Washington demands actions that go against its own national interests. We believe that New Delhi will make calm and sober choices, as history has proven". It also said "However, becoming a pawn in US' containment of China does not align with India's interests and principles, nor does it preserve its dignity as a major power". Stating that the US "attempt to build an encirclement against China is bound to fail", it cautioned India that it "has always aspired to be a global power and is now striving to become the "leader of the Global South." China and India are neighbouring countries, and the world's two largest developing countries. The US is far away, and China is close. To "become the third-largest economy," India must have diplomatic considerations as a major power, and we believe India understands this point". June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE PEOPLE'S ARMED POLICE PROPAGANDA BUREAU POST REACTS CRITICALLY TO COMMENTS POSITIVELY PORTRAYING INDIA'S GROWTH A website operated by the People's Armed Police (PAP) carried a post by the PAP Propaganda Bureau reacted on June 26 to what it called a BBC "puff-piece" of 2007 on India's growth. The post said: "India is growing, because their youth population is growing, driving up some low- end consumption and some productivity increase by entering the labor force. But overall, there is not a single standout industry in India's economy. Spending a large % of the income on food means the economy is a low-end consumption economy. Since food is a necessity, not high value added consumption. In the graph above, India is mediocre even among developing countries. While China is approaching developed consumption Look around your house or even your local mall, can you find anything made in India? No, because the Indian GDP is for the large part contributed by the service sector and LOW-END consumption. This is the % of income Indians spend on food. Why is this indicator important? For its population size and stage of development, India is underperforming by a HUGE amount. An erroneous notion is that "India will become x trillion economy by the year 20xx". The problem is, economic growth is not a linear path, you have to look at the content of the growth. So India is a country that: lacks infrastructure, with no manufacturing jobs, a massive low skilled labour and governed by an inefficient system. On top of all that, India has caste discrimination with low women's participation in the labor force. China is going through a transitioning period, from manufacturing to services economy, naturally unemployment spiked. BUT India's youth unemployment is caused by a much deeper and persistent problem; A lack of infrastructure causes a lack of manufacturing Chinese youth unemployment is a combination of higher tertiary education intake rate (creating a smaller base for larger fluctuation) + A transitioning economy, assembly line jobs in China can't even find enough workers. Currently, India has a large, cheap, and young workforce BUT the problem is, many young Indians are unemployed/underemployed. This is much different from youth unemployment in China". It referred to "some very interesting graphs highlighting the growing gap between China and India. India IF managed correctly, should be consistently growing at double digits, but it's not. Why is that?...". (Comment: The post has apparently been prompted by Prime Minister Modi's successful trip to the US.) June 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG MET PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER SHAHBAZ SHARIF IN PARIS ON JUNE 22 Meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Paris on June 22, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for advancing major projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The meeting was on the sidelines of the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact which was held on June 23. Premier Li Qiang said that China and Pakistan have always treated, trusted, and supported each other sincerely. He said China will continue to firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, national independence, and territorial integrity; in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions; and in achieving its stability, development and prosperity, Li said. He pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRI proposed by President Xi Jinping and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the CPEC adding that China will, as always, support Pakistan in accelerating its economic development and enhancing its capacity for sustainable development. Premier Li Qiang expressed his hope that Pakistan would take all measures to ensure the safety of the Chinese institutions and personnel in the country. He said both countries should jointly uphold international fairness and justice and safeguard the common interests of China and Pakistan as well as those of the developing countries. Pakistan Prime Minister Sharif called Pakistan and China all-weather friends and "iron-clad brothers," adding that the friendship between the two countries remains unbreakable. he said consolidation of China-Pakistan friendship is the consensus of all political parties in Pakistan. he reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to adhering to the one-China principle and its firm support for China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that Pakistan is willing to work with China to promote the high-quality development of the CPEC and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and that Pakistan will make every effort to ensure the safety of the Chinese personnel and institutions in Pakistan. Sharif also noted that the Pakistani side opposes any attempt to contain or suppress China and stands ready with China to mutually support each other in multilateral affairs. June 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS PAKISTAN CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF AND SAID HE HOPED THE PAKISTAN ARMY WILL CONTINUE TO BE "THE ANCHOR OF STABILITY BY SAFEGUARDING DOMESTIC STABILITY" OF PAKISTAN The People's Daily (June 21) quoted Qin Gang as telling the Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Sahir, whom he met on June 21, “that the Pakistani army is a staunch defender and promoter of China-Pakistan friendship. He expressed the hope that the Pakistani military will continue to play its role as the anchor of stability by safeguarding domestic stability and contributing to the building of a China-Pakistan community of shared future. He also thanked the Pakistani army for its long-term efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. Sahir Shamshad Mirza said the Pakistani military will continue to make every effort to ensure bilateral cooperation including the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and safeguard the Belt and Road cooperation.” June 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: XINHUA REPORTS ON DEVELOPMENTS IN RUSSIA ARE CAUTIOUS (i) Commenting on the defusing of the Wagner rebellion under the mediation of Belarus within about 24 hours, the Global Times (Chinese; June 25) reproducing an article from the China News Service said some Western analysis, "considering this "armed rebellion" as a heavy blow to Putin's power and exposing the weakness of his leadership", has been dismissed by some Chinese experts as "wishful thinking" by the West regarding Russian politics. It said some Chinese experts believe that the withdrawal of the Wagner soldiers is a rational choice as Prigozhin's top priority is to gain more attention, especially from Putin, to bring up his demands rather than launching a real mutiny against the Russian leadership. They said the rebellion being quelled in such a short period of time after Putin vowed to take decisive actions on June 24 morning actually "shows that the Kremlin maintains a strong capability of deterrence, which will further increase its authority". It quoted a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying "as Russia's friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for the new era, China supports Russia in maintaining national stability and achieving development and prosperity". It quoted Wang Yiwei, an international relations professor at the Renmin University of China, as telling Global Times on June 25, that "Prigozhin has not actually launched a coup against the Russian government but protesting in such a way to express his dissatisfaction toward top Russian defense officials and to demand better treatment for the Wagner group." Wang Yiwei said, "Thinking that this revolt targets Putin is wishful thinking, as some Western politicians are used to looking at Russian politics in their imagination, showing that they don't understanding the basic conditions of Russia." He added some Western politicians hope to see Putin lose control of the country while Russia falls into chaos so Russian troops will retreat from Ukraine, and some hope to weaken or split Russia, which all led to such exaggeration of the Wagner revolt. He also said "Those events could push Putin to accelerate the end of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to avoid similar risks, and further strengthen ties with neighbouring countries such as Belarus and Kazakhstan." Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times (June 25) that the West has been paying close attention to the situation, hoping to instigate an anti-Russia sentiment, which is a common tactic and also part of its cognitive warfare since the Ukraine crisis started. "However, quelling the revolt in such a short period of time actually consolidated the authority of the Putin administration, which has little impact on the frontline battlefield between Russia and Ukraine." The Global Times noted that Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing on June 25, and exchanged views on China-Russia relations and global and regional issues of concern. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu also met with Rudenko in Beijing on June 25, saying that under the complex and severe international situation, it is necessary to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, communicate in a timely manner, ensure the stable and long-term relationship between China and Russia, and safeguard the common interests of both sides. It added the Chinese and Russian diplomats also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis and other international and regional issues of concern. (ii) On June 25, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued an official statement on Russia's Wagner incident: This is Russia's internal affairs. As Russia's friendly neighbour & comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for a new era, China supports Russia's efforts to safeguard national stability to ensure development and stability. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement (June 25) said “The Chinese side expressed support for the efforts of the Russian leadership to stabilize the situation in the country in connection with the events of June 24 and reaffirmed its interest in strengthening the cohesion and further prosperity of Russia." The official Xinhua News Agency said in a Chinese-language article that Russian “representatives from all parts of the nation, dignitaries and religious leaders strongly condemned the incident, and clearly stated that they stood on the side of the Russian federal government, stability and peace.” (iii) The subject was also a hot topic on China’s social media with nearly 1.5 billion posts and users sharing screenshots of Twitter discussions. Some compared Prigozhin’s moves to the An Lushan Rebellion which began in 755 AD, when a disgruntled general and favourite of the emperor used his troops to capture the eastern capital and proclaim himself emperor. While the rebellion ultimately failed, it led to a weakening of the Tang Dynasty. Many compared it to to the February 26 incident in 1936, where radical elements within the Japanese military tried to overthrow factional rivals with the slogan 尊皇讨奸 (Honour the emperor and banish the traitor ministers). It failed. A Weibo account operated by a part of the People’s Liberation Army published a post by China National Radio about how Mao Zedong revamped the army in 1927 — an event that ensured the party retained absolute leadership over the army. iv) The People's Daily (June 25) published a Xinhua (June 24) report that the PMC Wagner Center in St. Petersburg was cordoned off by security forces on June 24 after the Wagner private military group was accused of attempting to carry out an armed rebellion while its fighters were urged by the Russian Ministry of Defense to surrender. The Russian Ministry of Defense denied information about the Russian Armed Forces striking the rear camps of the Wagner PMC, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed about the situation and that all necessary measures were being taken. It said a correspondent of Xinhua News Agency witnessed several police cars parked in or around the compound of the center, with several law enforcement officers on duty. Neighbourhoods are currently calm. Xinhua added that a criminal case is being initiated against Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner private military group, for incitement to armed insurrection, the Public Relations Center of the Russian Federal Security Service said on June 24, calling on Wagner PMC fighters not to carry out Prigozhin's orders and to take measures to detain him. v) Xinhua (June 24) reported from Moscow that Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced on June 24 that a system of anti-terrorist operations has been introduced in the city of Moscow, Moscow Region, and Voronezh Region. China's state-owned CCTV (June 24) said "Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a nationally televised speech this morning local time (June 24) accusing someone of inciting a rebellion, pointing out that the rebel organizers have betrayed Russia and will be held accountable for it. Putin said that Russia is fighting an arduous battle for its own future, and now is the time to decide the fate of the Russian nation. This battle requires the unity of all forces, and all acts of splitting unity are a betrayal of the Russian people. The Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement on the 23rd, stating that all the news and videos spread in the name of Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group, that the so-called Russian Ministry of Defense troops attacked the Wagner mercenary camp are not consistent with the facts and are a kind of information. provocative. June 2023 CHINA-NEW ZEALAND: NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER HIPKINS ARRIVED IN SHANGHAI ON JUNE 26 AT START OF A VISIT TO CHINA New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins arrived in Shanghai to a red carpet welcome early on June 26 morning — with a 29-member business delegation — for a five day official visit. He met President Xi Jinping on June 27 at the Great Hall of the People. Before his meeting with Xi Jinping, he met Zhao Leji, Politburo Standing Committee member and Chairman of the National People’s Conference. Hipkins disagreed with Biden’s assertion that Xi is a dictator last week, adding that the shape of China’s government is a matter for the Chinese people. China is New Zealand’s largest trading partner. On June 19, Hipkins said: “China represents nearly a quarter of all our exports, was our second-largest source of tourists pre-COVID and is a significant source of international students, so it's a critical part of our economic recovery." While goods exports to China have held up since the pandemic, services exports - things like tourism and international education - remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Chinese state media said increasing the numbers of international students to New Zealand was likely on the table in terms of talks with China. New Zealand currently has a gaping trade deficit. The current account deficit - the difference between what New Zealand buys and sells overseas - for the year ended March 31, 2023, was $33b (8.5 per cent of GDP). New Zealand’s services exports to China are still well below pre-pandemic levels. Services exports for the March 2023 quarter were $560m, half the $1b in services exports in the March 2019 quarter. June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA SUMMONS US AMBASSADOR AND GIVES HIM A DEMARCHE IN RESPONSE TO US PRESIDENT BIDEN CALLING CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING A "DICTATOR" CNN (June 23) said The White House confirmed on June 23 that an official diplomatic reprimand, known as a démarche, had been given to the US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns following President Joe Biden’s comments comparing China’s Xi Jinping to a dictator at a political fundraiser in California earlier this week. It said the Chinese government called in Burns for the meeting this week in Beijing to protest Biden’s remarks. The move by Beijing comes as officials are still assessing the potential effect of Biden’s comments on US efforts to repair the fractured relationship between the two countries. National Security Council’s Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby stressed that the White House does not view the move as one with particularly significant consequences and that the US has not seen any further ramifications to the already-precarious relationship with China. Kirby said “If démarche issued by nations against other nations were some sort of bellwether for whether a relationship was collapsing or, or in any danger. I mean, my goodness, I mean, my goodness, Jeremy, a démarche is a démarche that happens all the time. I am not going to get into the specifics. I’m not going to get into the specifics of this one”. June 2023 CHINA-US: CPAFFC AND FUJIAN PROVINCE HOSTS SINO-US PEOPLE-TOPEOPLE FRIENDSHIP FORUM The People's Daily (June 29) reported that on June 28, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the "Guling Fate" Sino-US People-to-People Friendship Forum, which it claimed, "aroused enthusiastic response from the guests". The forum was held in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province on the same day, with the theme of "Inheriting the Torch of Friendship and Creating a Better Future". It was co-sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the People's Government of Fujian Province. Some members of the "Friends of Guling" and people from all walks of life in China and the United States participated. Xi Jinping's message said:"Let the friendship between the people of the United States and China thrive and last forever". June 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: GERMANY'S ECONOMICS MINISTER REJECTS PROPOSALS BY GERMAN COMPANIES FOR NEW INVESTMENTS IN CHINA Reuters quoting the German news magazine Der Spiegel reported (June 22) that Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Economics Minister, Robert Habeck, has reduced liability for investments by German companies in China by around five billion euros ($5.48 billion) since taking office. Der Spiegel said Habeck's officials have four times rejected new applications from German companies for their investments in China, totalling 101 million euros. Four extension applications worth 554 million euros were not permitted and new applications amounting to four billion euros were not accepted for decision. In addition, the ministry postponed applications for extensions worth 282 million euros because the companies had possible business relationships in the Uyghur province of Xinjiang. June 2023 CHINA-UK: NEWSWEEK INVESTIGATION REVEALS 400 GROUPS IN BRITAIN LINKED TO CCP CC'S UNITED FRONT WORK DEPARTMENT An investigation by Newsweek (June 29) revealed that there are nearly 400 groups embedded in British society that are also part of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) networks that aim to spread influence around the world and help China achieve global pre-eminence by 2049. It said the extent of the organizations that are linked—directly or indirectly—to the CCP's United Front system in UK is revealed for the first time just as Washington is pressing its friends to do more to counter growing CCP influence and what is known as transnational repression of Chinese abroad. Newsweek's investigation found 384 groups in the U.K. that are part of United Front networks amplifying the CCP's political line and working to influence public opinion overseas, for example by calling for unification with Taiwan in line with Beijing's policy, supporting party congresses and policies, extolling Chinese leader Xi Jinping, staging proBeijing demonstrations, and building relationships with politicians and businesspeople at every level of society. A breakdown of the groups identified by Newsweek gives 64 chambers of commerce; 52 "hometown associations" based on place of origin in China; 34 professional organizations including three that aim to participate in politics—one for each of Britain's three main political parties—a guild for medical doctors, and some that promote China's "Belt and Road" global infrastructure initiative. There are seven "peaceful reunification" societies, 19 media, and 109 other groups that focus on culture, education or other issues. Some of the individuals identified are: i) Li Jiajia, Honorary President of the qipao (pronounced "chee pow") dress association, has senior positions in 14 other organizations, according to her biography on Facebook. ii) Li Luoan, Chairman of the Confederation of Chinese Associations in Scotland, has been appointed adviser to a front organization in China: the Shenzhen Overseas Exchange Association, official records show. Li Luoan was born in Beijing where she attended the prestigious No. 4 Middle School before graduating from Edinburgh University with a degree in software engineering. iii) Newsweek has confirmed that Lin Ruiyou is a delegate to the Xiamen city branch of the China Overseas Friendship Association, a core, formal United Front organization. iv) Zhang Yuxia, the head of multiple groups in the U.K. including the Chinese Dance and Culture Association, organized a first "British and Chinese Tea Culture Art Festival" in 2018 together with the U.K. parliament, according to media reports and photographs. Invitees included Chinese embassy officials, British politicians, a youth science and technology delegation from Shanghai, and a top United Front official from China's southern Yunnan province. Subsequently Zhang traveled to China to meet with the official to set up joint technology and cultural projects. Zhang Yuxia was also quick to congratulate Chinese leader Xi on his third term last year with a call to "tell the China story well." In April this year, Zhang Yuxia was appointed as a U.K.-based "overseas mediator" assisting courts in southern Hainan province resolve cases involving people from China in the U.K. v) Xiang Jingyi, the co-founder U.K. Hainan Business Association, said by telephone to Newsweek that it also offers connections to "government people" in China without specifying further. vi) William Je, who has been a member of at least two United Front organizations, one in Chongqing in China and one in Hong Kong.has promoted the newly founded Hong Kong People Association in Ealing in west London that offered to help them find jobs, healthcare and education. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: REPORTS CLAIM CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CELEBRATED HIS 70TH BIRTHDAY ON JUNE 15 Reports circulating in Beijing on June 15-16 claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping celebrated his 70th birthday at the Culture and Arts Museum which is the earlier Wanshou Temple (the Temple of Longevity) located at the Suzhou Jie (Suzhou Street) in Beijing, on June 15 in violation of one of the cardinal rules framed by Mao Zedong for CCP cadres. The museum was closed to the public for two days (June 14-15) ostensibly for an "important" meeting. These reports also claimed that the Chinese communist authorities paid US$ 6.5 million to Lionel Messi and the Argentinian football team to play in Beijing. Since no Chinese team was willing to play -- for fear of losing 8-0 or 10-0 and thereby causing Xi Jinping to lose face, the authorities paid US$ 750,000 and got an Australian team! June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MEETS BILL GATES AND SAYS HE IS THE FIRST AMERICAN HE HAS MET IN BEIJING THIS YEAR CCTV (June 16) telecast a report that on June 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of the United States in Beijing. Expressing appreciation for Gates and his foundation's long-term commitment to promoting global poverty reduction, health, development and public welfare and charity, Xi Jinping emphasized that he had proposed global development initiatives, global security initiatives, and global civilization initiatives to provide Chinese solutions to global challenges. Asserting "We will never follow the old path of a strong country seeking hegemony, but will work with other countries to achieve common development and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind", Xi Jinping said to Gates, you are the first American friend I met in Beijing this year. Politburo member Wang Yi, State Councillor Qin Gang and others attended the meeting. (Comment: The meeting has prompted speculation that it could signal the reopening of a dialogue between the US businesses and China.) June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PEOPLE'S DAILY FRONT PAGES FATHER/SON PROFILE OF XI ZHONGXUN AND HIS SON CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING On June 18, the People's Daily published photographs of Xi Jinping and his father and their sayings. A Chinese observer said People's Daily is doing a "like father, like son" profile of Xi Zhongxun/Xi Jinping, called "from people's leader to people's servant." Xi Jinping's mother Qi Xin and brother Xi Yuanping have also been quoted. It said in conclusion: 'The two generations of father and son, from "the leader of the masses" to "the servant of the people", have inherited a deep love for the people and a heart for the people. No matter when and where, the people are always their common concern and strength'. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: FIRST LABORATORY FOR STUDYING XI JINPING'S THOUGHT OPENS IN MOSCOW The first-ever "laboratory for studying the ideas of Xi Jinping" outside China opened in Moscow on June 22 in the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKSA RAS). "Its research will cover Xi Jinping's ideas about economics, foreign and domestic policy, social policy, culture, art, and ideology." CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING REPLIES TO PRESIDENT OF A ZOO IN BELGIUM URGING HIM TO KEEP PROMOTING CHINA-BELGIUM AND CHINA-EUROPE FRIENDSHIP China Daily (June 21) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently replied to Eric Domb, President, and founder of Pairi Daiza Zoo in the Belgian city of Brugelette and a "friend of China", encouraging him to keep promoting China-Belgium and China-Europe friendship. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG TRAVELS TO EUROPE ON HIS FIRST VISIT OVERSEAS AS PREMIER Chinese Premier travelled to Germany and France on his first visit abroad (June 20-22) after taking over as Premier. On June 22, Premier Li Qiang met President of the European Council Michel in Paris. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CMC VICE CHAIRMAN GENERAL ZHANG YOUXIA SURFACES ON JUNE 18 AT MILITARY FUNCTION IN TIANJIN After a long unexplained absence from public view, the senior Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General Zhang Youxia surfaced on June 18. He attended an Army Basic Training Site Meeting in Tianjin on June 18. Later, on June 20 he received the Pakistan Army Sahir Shamshad Mirza who was visiting Beijing. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: SEMINAR ON RELIGIOUS WORK HELD IN BEIJING ON JUNE 21 The state-owned CCTV (June 21) telecast a report on "General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition seminar on religious work" that was held in Beijing on June 21. PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning attended and delivered a speech. He said 'it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. "Four Consciousnesses", firm "Four Confidences", and "Two Maintenances", adhere to the Party's centralized and unified leadership of religious work, adhere to the Party's basic policy on religious work, and do a good job in the Party's religious work in the new era with a high sense of responsibility and mission Work'. Wang Huning said that 'General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition on religious work has profoundly answered major theoretical and practical issues such as how to understand religion in the new era, how to deal with religious issues, and how to do a good job in the party's religious work. Must master the ideological guidelines and work to follow. It is necessary to study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition on religious work'. Shi Taifeng, Head of the Central United Front Work Department, the Head of the Central Propaganda Department, and the 'chief comrades in charge of the United Front Work Department of the Party Committees of Zhejiang Province, Sichuan Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and Shandong Province made speeches'. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING ATTENDS 15TH STRAITS FORUM IN XIAMEN Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning attended and addressed the 15th Straits Forum Conference that was held in Xiamen on June 17 and read out the congratulatory letter from CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping. Wang Huning said that "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace in the Taiwan Strait, and we must resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and interference by external forces. Only by adhering to the "1992 Consensus" and opposing "Taiwan independence" can cross-strait relations return to the correct track of peaceful development. CCTV (June 17) quoted Xia Liyan, KMT as saying in his speech 'that the Chinese Kuomintang will adhere to the "1992 Consensus", oppose the political foundation of "Taiwan independence", continue to promote cross-strait economic, trade and cultural exchanges and cooperation, maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and push the two sides to return to the broad road of peace and prosperity.' During his stay in Fujian, Wang Huning also visited the 30th Anniversary Achievement Exhibition of Fuzhou's "3820" Strategic Project Implementation, "Common Homeland and Common Memory-Fujian-Taiwan Relations Archive Document Exhibition", and visited members of the CPPCC National Committee in Fuzhou, cadres of Fujian Provincial Committee of the CPPCC, Xiamen Taiwan students at the university, inspected Taiwan-funded enterprises, the historical and cultural district of Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou City, Chitu Community in Hongtang Village, Haicang District, Xiamen City, Xiamen Wutong Passenger Terminal, etc. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CDIC CHAIRMAN LI XI VISITS YUNNAN ON INSPECTION Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission Li Xi went on inspection to Yunnan from June 14 to 17. CCTV (June 17) reported that he emphasized that the discipline inspection and supervision agencies should carry out indepth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's education on the theme of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and the education and rectification of the national discipline inspection and supervision cadres, and further strengthen the political and ideological identification of the "two establishments" and "two maintenances". At the Yunnan Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision, Li Xi received a detailed briefing on thematic education and the promotion of education rectification and held a symposium for secretaries of some provincial and regional discipline inspection commissions. Li Xi also visited Wukeshu Village in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Bapai Natural Village in Tengchong City and Jibian Oolong Tea Planting Base to inspect the fruitful achievements of poverty alleviation in Yunnan. June 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: STATE COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND SOCIAL SECURITY On June 21, the State Council appointed Wu Xiuzhang as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. He was previously the Vice Chairman of the government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and later served as the secretary of the Party Working Committee of Ningdong Energy and Chemical Base. (Comment: Born in July 1966, Wu Xiuzhang won the first prize of the 2017 National Science and Technology Progress Award as one of the main contributors to the project "Development and Application of Large-Scale Modern Coal Chemical Technology from Coal-toOlefins/Olefins" in January 2018.) June 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: MS GUO FANG APPOINTED MEMBER OF PARTY GROUP OF MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT According to the official website of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, (Ms) Guo Fang has been appointed as a member of the Party group of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Before assuming this new post, she served as a member of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee and Deputy Mayor. (Comment: Guo Fang is an alternate member of the 20th Central Committee.) June 2023 CHINA-CCP: CHINA'S COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE (CYL) HOLDS 19TH NATIONAL CONGRESS IN BEIJING Xinhua (June 19) reported that the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) held its 19th National Congress (June 19 to 22) in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 19. It said Party and state leaders including Xi Jinping, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, attended the opening to extend their congratulations. President Xi Jinping and "other leaders were greeted by enthusiastic applause when they arrived ahead of the opening". Nearly 1,500 delegates representing 73 million CYLC members from across the country attended. In his address on behalf of the CCP CC, Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) member Cai Qi said under the strong leadership of the CPC CC, the CYLC has taken Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as its guide since the 18th CYLC national congress. The CYLC has strengthened its political consciousness, advanced nature and ability to represent the people, and enhanced its leadership, organization, and services. Asserting that the central task of the CCP and CYL is to realise China's Second Centenary Goal of building it into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation, Cai Qi urged China's youth 'to be the new era's great young generation with ideals, a sense of responsibility, grit, and dedication'. He called on the CYLC to further unite and lead the country's young people and make still greater contributions in the new era. Xu Liuping, Secretary of the leading Party members group of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), extended congratulations to the congress on behalf of the ACFTU, the All-China Women's Federation, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and other people's organizations. A Dong, a member of the standing committee of the presidium of the congress presented a report on behalf of the CYLC's 18th Central Committee. The PLA and the PAP sent 72 delegates, representing more than one million members of the CYLC in the PLA and PAP, to attend the congress. The official WeChat account of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League said that the first plenary meeting of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China held in Beijing on June 22, had elected a new leadership of the CYL CC. The plenary session elected A Dong as the First Secretary of the 19th Central Secretariat of the CYL, Xu Xiao, Wang Yi, Hu Baijing, Hu Sheng (temporary), Xiapakti Wushour (temporary), and Yu Jing (part-time) as Secretaries. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PARTY MEMBERS STUDY XI JINPING'S SPEECHES EACH MORNING ON SHORT 40-SECOND VIDEOS Videos of studying Xi Jinping's speeches have been circulated on the Internet this week. The official account of China's state media CCTV, Xiaoyang Video, also releases a video of "Morning Idioms and Golden Sentences" every morning. According to the analysis, this is just like the "early request for instructions and late report" during the Cultural Revolution. Tencent, a Chinese portal website, has also developed a learning platform. The official media Xiaoyang Video publishes a short video with the column "Good Morning China" every day. Each video is about 40 seconds long. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY PRESIDENT OF CHINESE PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION FOR FRIENDSHIP WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES PRAISING XI JINPING'S GLOBAL CIVILISATIONAL INITIATIVE The People's daily (June 21) published an article by Lin Songtian, the President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, titled 'The Chinese Plan for Promoting the Progress of Human Civilization (In-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)' Saying that 'the Global Civilization Initiative is another major initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping after the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Security Initiative. value and historical significance', it called it a new strategy 'to guide Major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics breaks through the waves, and at the same time opens up a new realm of theoretical innovation in international relations in today's world'. It lauded the Global Civilisational Initiative as essential for peace and reducing conflict, respecting diverse cultures etc. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE URGING CADRES NOT TO LOOK FOR QUICK SUCCESS REPRODUCED BY WORKERS DAILY The Zhonggong Ribao (Workers Daily; July 23) republished a People's Daily (July 22) article on "General Secretary Xi Jinping's sentiments" captioned "Don't engage in political achievement projects eager for quick success". It quoted Xi Jinping as saying, "Our understanding of time is not measured in terms of ten years or a hundred years, but in terms of a hundred years or a thousand years" and "Success does not have to depend on me, success must depend on me. In the long river of history, everyone has to run their own "this club" well." "To establish and practice the correct view of political achievements, it is necessary to strengthen party spirit and be responsible for the party's cause". The People's Daily article said "In reality, some party members and cadres are keen on "performance projects" and "image projects", but they have actually become "bad performance" and ruined their image. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Don't engage in political achievement projects that are eager for quick success." June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON COMPATIBILITY OF MARXISM WITH CHINESE CULTURE The People's Daily (June 20) published an article by the Guangdong Province Xi Jinping Thought Research Center on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era titled 'Deeply understand and continuously promote the "second combination" (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)'. It said, in brief, "We must deeply grasp the high degree of compatibility between the basic principles of Marxism and the excellent traditional Chinese culture in terms of ideological content, mission pursuit, and open character, give full play to the main role of the people, adhere to the practice as the test standard, and deeply grasp the characteristics of the times, so that China The modernized Marxism has more distinctive Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese style". June 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI COMMENTARY STRESSES THAT THE CCP CC WILL NOT RELAX STRICT GOVERNANCE OF THE PART FOR EVEN A BIT A Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; June 20) Commentary titled 'Improve the strategic deployment of the comprehensive and strict party governance system' said this was a major proposal" in the New Era and that "the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has sent a series of practical measures and clear requirements to the whole party, sending a clear signal that comprehensive and strict governance of the party will not be relaxed for a moment and will not retreat half a step." June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: BANK OF CHINA RESTRICTS TRANSFER OF RUSSIAN CUSTOMERS' FUNDS TO BANKS IN EU, US, SWITZERLAND, AND UK Bank of China has restricted Russian customers' transfer transactions related to banks located in the European Union, the United States, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Deutsche Welles (June 21) said it appears that China does not want to get caught up in the diplomatic dilemma caused by Russia's war on Ukraine. It added that it may be a coincidence that US Secretary of State Blinken's visit to China and Bank of China's decision to restrict Russian customers' transfers related to banks located in the European Union, the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. But on the other hand, it could also be a concession made by Beijing to accommodate Blinken's China trip. It is also possible that this reflects Russia's fading importance in China's strategic and economic calculations. Finam Bank, quoted by Russian state media RBC and another country's Frank Media, said Bank of China had begun terminating transfers in renminbi, U.S. dollars, Hong Kong dollars and euros in Russia through its correspondent bank accounts. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG TELLS GERMAN CEO'S IN BERLIN THAT RISK PREVENTION AND COOPERATION ARE COMPATIBLE China's Premier Li Qiang told German CEOs in Berlin on June 20: "we understand that all parties have their own security concerns, and the key is how to define and guard against risks reasonably. If mishandled, risks will be amplified, resulting in more and bigger problems. Enterprises have the most direct and acute perception of risks. They know how to avoid and deal with them, so the lead in risk prevention should be given back to the enterprises. Risk prevention and cooperation are not contradictory. Non-cooperation is the biggest risk, and lack of development is the greatest insecurity. Economic globalization has made the world economy interdependent. We should adopt a dialectical view of interdependence and not artificially exaggerate "dependence" or simply equate interdependence with insecurity. For specific issues, they should be analysed specifically, and all parties can negotiate and cooperate to prevent and respond together. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: PROVINCES AND CITIES HOLD JOB FAIRS FOR PEOPLE AND GRADUATES SEEKING JOBS The Zhonggong Daily (Workers Daily, July 23) reported that Fuzhou, Qingdao, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Xiamen had held 'job fairs' to provide employment to people. Liuzhou, Hezhou, and Guilin cities have jointly set up a platform to promote employment to graduates. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: PRIVATE WEALTH MIGRATION FIRM ESTIMATES THAT 13,500 HIGH-NET-WORTH CHINESE WITH WEALTH EXCEEDING US$ 1 MILLION WILL LEAVE CHINA THIS YEAR According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report issued on June 13, China will see the biggest net outflow of millionaires globally this year as the nation’s wealth growth slows. The advisory firm estimates China will lose 13,500 high-net-worth individuals with investable wealth of more than $1 million. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA REDUCES PURCHASE OF U.S. CORN BY 1.1 MILLION TONS OR 7.4 PER CENT OF U.S. EXPORTS Nikkei Chinese reported (June 12) that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), China’s effort to increase its domestic soybean and corn production will drive down the global grain market price. China has cancelled orders of a cumulative 1.1 million tons of U.S. corn that were scheduled to be imported from late April to mid-May, or 7.4 percent of the U.S. annual exports to China. China’s reduction of purchases and the expected U.S. harvest took the futures price of corn on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange down to around $5 per bushel in mid-May. This was the lowest point since October 2021 and 30 percent down from the peak price in the spring of 2022. Soybean’s price also fell similarly as China also cancelled deals. Among agricultural products, China can roughly stay self-reliant on rice and wheat, but has to import other products. Beijing is the world’s largest importer of soybeans and corn, it imports 59 percent of the global import volume and 14 percent of corn. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLA NAVY TO HOLD EXERCISES IN SOUTH CHINA SEA ON JUNE 23-24 The website of the China Maritime Safety Administration disclosed that the Qinglan Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning on June 22 stating that from 4:00 on June 23 to 18:00 on June 24, military training will be carried out in some waters of the South China Sea, and entry is prohibited. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: NUMBER OF UAVs SPOTTED AT SHIGATSE AIR FORCE BASE ON JUNE 19 On June 19, a large number of UAVs were seen in the Shigatse Air Force base, including 10 GJ1/2 and one WZ-7. There were also two J-7s. Maxar satellite photos from February, 2023 showed a wing of at least 10 PLAAF J-11/16s and a KJ-500 AWC stationed at the Shigatse Air Force Base. June 2023 CHINA--PLA: CMC ISSUES STRICT CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL FOR SOCIAL INTERACTIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA On June 20, China's Central Military Commission (CMC) issued a code of conduct for the social interactions of military officials, including behaviours on social media platforms. Chinese experts believe the code of conduct highlights improving discipline of military personnel and strengthening their sense of confidentiality so as to better protect national security in the big data era. The code of conduct was issued by the Political Work Department and the Discipline Inspection Commission of the CMC with the approval of the CMC. The code includes aspects of social exchanges with local Party and government organs and their personnel; with enterprises or public institutions and their relevant personnel; with social organizations; with media; with theoretical research and academic exchange institutions and their personnel; with ethnic minorities; with religious organizations and religious believers; with overseas organizations and their personnel; with military officials' friends and relatives; and social interactions on social media platforms. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: ACADEMY OF MILITARY SCIENCES HOLDS 2-DAY HIGH LEVEL FORUM IN BEIJING The China Daily (July 16) disclosed that the Academy of Military Sciences (AMS) had convened a 2-day (July 15-16) Forum in Beijing, where hundreds of military officials, academics from research institutions and industrial insiders shared their views on promoting military modernization. General Yang Xuejun, President of the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, said in his opening remarks that accelerating the modernization of national defense and the armed forces is the "military chapter" of Chinese modernization. He emphasized that all efforts must be made to meet goals set for the centenary of the PLA, highlighting the leading role of military intellectualization that aims to comprehensively promote the transformation and upgrading of the army. Yang Xuejun also said innovation-driven development must be given more attention and stressed the significance of fully strengthening military governance. Bai Lyu, Political Commissar of the AMS, echoed Yang in his keynote speech, saying that the modernization of national defense and the armed forces is an important component of overall Chinese modernization and also serves as "a strategic support" for the effort. On July 15 afternoon, more than 30 guests from various fields discussed topics such as strengthening the cultivation of military talent and enhancing military governance. (Comment: The two-day forum organized by the PLA Academy of Military Sciences and has been held each year since 2018.) June 2023 CHINA-WORLD VIEW: DIRECTOR OF FUDAN UNIVERSITY'S CHINA INSTITUTE SAYS RISE OF CHINA IS RISE OF A CIVILISATION The Beijing Review (21 June) reported Zhang Weiwei, Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, as saying at the 2023 Future Close-up Forum in Beijing on June 20, that the 'rise of China is not just the rise of a country, it is the rise of a civilization. As the world’s longest continuous civilization and a large modern socialist state, it features four “supers”: population, territory, tradition and culture. Each of these supers in se blends ancient and modern, old and new.' June 2023 CHINA-NINGXIA: CHINESE PRESIDENT ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING FIRE AFTER GAS EXPLOSION AT FUYANG BARBECUE RESTAURANTIN YINCHUAN CITY, NINGXIA China's official media reported (June 22) that at least 31 people were killed when an explosion ripped through a restaurant in Yinchuan City, capital of Ningxia-Hui Autonomous region on the eve of a popular local holiday. Quoting the regional Communist party committee, it said “A leak of liquefied petroleum gas … caused an explosion during the operation of a barbecue restaurant”. It said seven more people were receiving medical treatment, with one of them in a “critical condition”. People's Daily (June 22) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue and safety overhaul after the deadly barbecue restaurant explosion. June 2023 CHINA-SICHUAN: CHENGDU MUNICIPAL PARTY COMMITTEE CONVENES ENLARGED MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEE TO STUDY 'SPIRT' OF THIRD PLENARY SESSION OF 12TH PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE On June 21, the Standing Committee of the Chengdu Municipal Party Committee held an (enlarged) meeting to convey and study the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 12th Provincial Party Committee and study the implementation measures in Chengdu. Shi Xiaolin, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Chengdu Municipal Party Committee presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: PLA NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIER SHANDONG TRANSITS TAIWAN STRAIT ON JUNE 21 Citing Taiwan's defence ministry, Reuters (June 22) reported that a Chinese aircraft carrier group led by the vessel Shandong sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait on June 21. The ministry said the Shandong, commissioned in 2019, had sailed in a southerly direction through the western part of the strait, and it had dispatched "appropriate forces" to monitor the Chinese activities. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard, said that on June 21, the US Coast Guard gunboat "Stratton" sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Chinese coast guard ships followed and "guarded" it all the way, and dealt with it in accordance with laws and regulations. It said the Chinese coast guard will strengthen patrol law enforcement in waters under China's jurisdiction, and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA LIFTS IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON TAIWANESE FRUITS AT REQUEST OF KMT DELEGATES TO 15TH STRAITS FORUM IN XIAMEN, CHINA On June 20, the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) announced that China will lift a ban on the import of the Taiwanese 'sugar apples' (tropical fruit which tastes like custard and has a knobby rind) imposed since September 2021. A TAO spokesperson said the decision to lift restrictions came after Kuomintang Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia and Taitung County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling (also of the KMT) took steps to improve the fruit’s safety. Both Hsia and Rao attended the recently concluded 15th Straits Forum in Xiamen as part of a KMT delegation. At the forum, Andrew Hsia called on the mainland to lift bans on several Taiwanese agricultural products including sugar apples and pineapples. (Comment: This easing of restrictions is certainly a move of the United Front to favour the prodialogue KMT and help it to win Taiwan’s presidential election in January 2024. The farming and sale of sugar apples make up 20-30 percent of Taitung’s economy.) June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE CLAIMS INDIA WILL MAINTAIN STRATEGIC AUTONOMY DURING PRIME MINISTER MODI'S VISIT TO U.S. People's Daily (June 19) reproduced a Global Times article under the caption: US’ plan to rope in India to serve Washington's purpose wishful thinking'. It cited analysts as saying, "The US' intention to rope in India to counter China and Russia, and even further intensify the regional tensions toward militarization and conflict, is only Washington's own wishful thinking" and that "The US expects a "transformational moment" in India ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to Washington". Stating that India had maintained close cooperation with the US in recent years, particularly in the areas of economy, technology and defense", it added that the two will probably reach new agreements during the visit. But it pointed out that "India has never directly criticized Russia since the start of the Ukraine crisis publicly, but it has consistently called for the "cessation of hostilities" by both sides and the need for a peaceful solution". Commenting on Blinken's visit just days before Prime Minister Modi departed for the US, it said experts had noted "The discrepancy between the US' stated position and its actual actions can be attributed to the fact that one of the key focuses of USIndia cooperation is to contain and exert pressure on China". June 2023 CHINA-US: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ZHOMG SHENG COMMENTARY ON CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S COMMENTS TO BLINKEN A 'Zhong Sheng' People's Daily (June 22) commentary captioned 'China, U.S. should work together in same direction to stabilize, improve bilateral relations' quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as telling that Blinked during their meeting on June 19, that "China and the United States should act with a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, and handle their relations properly". He added that 'in this way, the two countries may contribute to global peace and development, and help make the world, which is changing and turbulent, more stable, certain and constructive'. It said, 'Xi expounded on China's principled position and offered strategic guidance on the stable development of China-U.S. relations, which fully demonstrated China's sense of responsibility as a major country in stabilizing and improving China-U.S. relations'. June 2023 CHINA-US: BEIJING REVIEW REPRODUCES XINHUA REPORT ON U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN'S TWO DAY VISIT TO BEIJING The English-language Beijing Review (June 22) republished a Xinhua report of June 21 titled 'U.S. needs to honour commitments with actions to improve ties with China' on Blinken's 2- day visit to Beijing 'to avert the downward spiral of their relationship and bring it back on the track of stable development'. It stated that Blinken said 'Blinken said the United States stands by the commitments made by President Joe Biden, namely that the United States does not seek a new Cold War, it does not seek to change China's system, its alliances are not directed at China, it does not support "Taiwan independence," and it does not seek conflict with China.' It said China stated: 'China respects U.S. interests and does not seek to challenge or displace the United States. In the same vein, the United States needs to respect China and must not hurt China's legitimate rights and interests. The U.S. should stop playing up the so-called "China threat," lift illegal unilateral sanctions against China, stop suppressing China's scientific and technological advances, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs'. June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE REACTIONS TO BLINKEN'S VISIT 1. Well-known Chinese 'influencer Hu Zhanhao, who also serves on the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, is a known militant nationalist voice with local government backing. He observed that the meeting between the Chinese head of state and Blinken is a pleasant surprise! He explained that given the existing atmosphere between the two sides, China would not have promised such a high-level meeting to Blinken unless the US made significant political commitments. Eventually, after two rounds of meetings, China gave Blinken the opportunity to meet China’s highest leader. The core reason for the meeting is that the first two rounds of communication between Blinken and Chinese leaders had a decent atmosphere. More importantly, the US must have given important political assurances; otherwise, Blinken would not have met China’s highest leader. At the same time, he said the US will not truly turn away from evil and pursue a better path? If the US could mend its ways, why would the Sino-US relationship be in the stalemate it’s in now? According to him Blinken’s visit aimed to resolve three issues: Firstly, to maintain good communication between China and the US, and to avoid unforeseeable consequences due to a misjudgment caused by US provocation. The US is very worried about this. They hope their allies will take the brunt of any clash with China and don’t want to become cannon fodder themselves. Therefore, to avoid a China-US conflict triggered by US provocation, Blinken came. He is here to avoid conflict within the context of US provocation, not to stop the provocation. Secondly, the US hopes China will buy US Treasury bonds, that China will not support Russia, that China will not develop advanced technology. All these are things that China can’t deliver. Thirdly, the US wishes to cooperate with China on some issues, such as the Ukrainian crisis, future Israel-Palestine issues, as well as issues like climate change and North Korea’s nuclear program. The US hopes to “bamboozle” China into acting according to the US’s will. He anticipated that next year, which is an election year, American provocations against China will become only more intense, not weaker! He assessed the Democrats as manipulative and subject to influence by members of Congress. 'They are even worse than the Trump administration'. Therefore, don’t expect any good deeds from the Biden administration! However, he said, it was necessary to take this step (of allowing the Blinken visit) to let the world see the US more clearly? How will countries around the world know whose side they should be on? He said China should let the US perform according to their script and China should not play along with the US’s self-directed and self-performed drama of shooting itself in the foot! He concluded that 'on the off chance that the US mends its ways, that is exactly what China hopes will happen. China hopes that everyone can develop harmoniously; just as China’s highest leader says, this vast Earth can totally accommodate the independent development and joint prosperity of both China and the US'. 2. Other senior Chinese experts commented on the visit. (i) Yan Xuetong, Director of the Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University, said (June 20): “As long as the US maintains its ‘small yard, high fence’ policy, the relationship between China and the US will essentially be characterised by ‘more conflict than cooperation’. (ii) Zhu Feng, Director of the School of International Studies, Nanjing University said (June 20): “Based on the official statements made by both sides, I think Blinken's visit has been, generally speaking, very positive … [However,] it is unrealistic to expect any substantial improvement in Sino-US relations in the short term.” (iii) Wu Xinbo, Director of the Institute of International Studies and Director of the Center for American Studies, Fudan University (since 1992): “Blinken's visit to China has been positive, but no breakthroughs were achieved.” (iv) Ms. Shao Yuqun, Director of the Institute for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Studies and researcher at the Centre for American Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) said: “While the outcomes of Blinken's visit to China exceeded expectations, leading to temporary bilateral tension easing, U.S. strategic goals, policies, and approach to China are still characterized by a zero-sum mentality. This mindset is expected to continue causing various disturbances in China-U.S. relations.” (v) Zhang Zhixin, Associate Researcher, Institute of American Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), said (June 19): “This visit may go some way to reducing tensions between both countries. However, as long as the hostility between them does not subside, the situation will remain the same, with good talks across the table, but confrontation when away from it.” June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA REACTS TO US PRESIDENT BIDEN CALLING CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING A "DICTATOR" A DAY AFTER BLINKEN'S VISIT TO BEIJING, BUT REMARKS DELETED ON MOFA WEBSITE BY JUNE 22 MORNING A day after US Secretary of State Blinken met Chinese officials and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in a bid to ease tensions, US President Biden called Chinese President Xi Jinping a dictator at a fundraising event in California on June 21. Biden also said that Xi was embarrassed after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Nkng reacted sharply and described Biden's comment as “extremely absurd and irresponsible” adding that they “go totally against facts and seriously violate diplomatic protocol, and severely infringe on China’s political dignity". But the comments were wiped from the official transcript on June 22 morning and has been invisible on state media since, indicating that China does not want to pursue the matter further. June 2023 CHINA-US: US SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN BEGINS TALKS WITH CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN QANG IN BEIJING ON JUNE 18 i) US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Beijing on June 18 for official talks with the Chinese. He was greeted by the U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and Yang Tao, the Chinese official who Heads the Americas Desk at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Qang shook hands in front of reporters at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on June 18 afternoon, their first in-person meeting in their current positions. US officials taking part in the meeting include Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns. Prior to his departure from Singapore on June 16, Blinken said “What we’re working to do on this trip is to really carry forward what President Biden and President Xi (Jinping) agreed to in Bali at the end of last year, which was to establish sustained, regular lines of communication at senior levels across our governments precisely so that we can make sure that we are communicating as clearly as possible to avoid, as best possible, misunderstandings and miscommunications.” He also said (June 16) that he intends “to explore the potential for cooperation on transnational challenges – global economic stability, illicit synthetic drugs, climate, global health – where our countries’ interests intersect, and the rest of the world expects us to cooperate.” He said that in his meetings with senior Chinese officials, he intends to raise “our very real concerns on a range of issues”, namely the fentanyl crisis, Taiwan and cross-Strait issues, the war in Ukraine, and China’s detention of American citizens, including Kai Li, Mark Swidan and David Lin. Daniel Kritenbrink, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said (14) that both the US and China came “to the shared conclusion that now is the right time to engage at this level,” but “we’re not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another.” Shen Dingli, an expert on China’s foreign policy in Shanghai was quoted by CNN on June 18 saying, “China and the US have already had relatively frequent high-level diplomatic contacts, all of which indicate that the two sides are gradually getting back on the right track.” He added The US is also due to host the leaders’ summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November, which Xi, the Chinese leader, will attend no matter the state of the US-China relationship. But whether Xi’s trip will include a formal visit to the US – and at what level – depends on “what can be done by the two sides beforehand”. He said there were two things China cared about the most: “managing differences on the Taiwan issue and preventing supply chains from decoupling, especially on advanced chips.” “The hope is that Blinken’s visit can improve relations both in form and in substance. But hope might not turn into reality, and relations might become worse after the visit”. “We prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” On June 19, Blinken is scheduled for a meeting with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, as well as roundtable talks with American exchange students and business leaders. ii) The state-owned CCTV (June 18) gave a readout of the meeting between US Secretary of State Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing on June 18. The readout as per CCTV stated: "On June 18th, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken in Beijing. Qin Gang stated that currently, China-U.S. relations are at their lowest point since the establishment of diplomatic ties, which is not in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples or the common expectations of the international community. China has always maintained continuity and stability in its policies towards the United States, fundamentally adhering to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping. These principles should also be the shared spirit, bottom line, and goal that both sides uphold together. China is committed to building a stable, predictable, and constructive China-U.S. relationship. It is hoped that the U.S. side will have an objective and rational understanding of China, walk towards China, maintain the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and calmly, professionally, and rationally handle unexpected incidents. Both sides should faithfully implement the consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and President Biden at their meeting in Bali, and work to stabilize and get China-U.S. relations back on the right track. Qin Gang clarified China's solemn stance and put forward specific demands on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns, including the Taiwan question. Qin Gang pointed out that the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, it is the most significant issue in China-U.S. relations, and it is also the most prominent risk. China urges the U.S. side to adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués, and truly implement its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence". The two sides engaged in a long, candid, in-depth, and constructive communication on the overall China-U.S. relationship and relevant important issues. Both sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached at the summit between the heads of state in Bali, effectively manage differences, and promote dialogue, communication, and cooperation. Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges. Secretary Blinken invited State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang to visit the United States, and Qin Gang expressed willingness to visit the United States at a mutually convenient time. Both sides agreed to continue the consultations on the principles guiding China-U.S. relations. Both sides agreed to continue the consultations of the China-U.S. Joint Working Group to address specific issues in the bilateral relationship. Both sides agreed to encourage the expansion of cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, actively explore increasing passenger flights between China and the United States, welcome more students, scholars, and business people to visit each other's countries, and provide support and convenience for such visits. Both sides also exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern". iii) The readout from the Spokesman of the Department of State, Matthew Miller said: "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held candid, substantive, and constructive talks today with People’s Republic of China (PRC) State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing. The Secretary emphasized the importance of diplomacy and maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues to reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation. The Secretary raised a number of issues of concern, as well as opportunities to explore cooperation on shared transnational issues with the PRC where our interests align. The Secretary made clear that the United States will always stand up for the interests and values of the American people and work with its allies and partners to advance our vision for a world that is free, open, and upholds the international rules-based order. The Secretary and State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin also noted the importance of facilitating exchanges between the people of the United States and the PRC. The Secretary invited State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin to Washington to continue the discussions, and they agreed to schedule a reciprocal visit at a mutually suitable time. The Secretary’s meetings with PRC officials in Beijing will continue on June 19". (Comment: Blinken is the first Secretary of State to travel to China in five years and the most senior US official to make such a mission since President Joe Biden took office in early 2021.) June 2023 CHINA-US: U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN MEETS CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER WANG YI AND IS RECEIVED BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ON JUNE 19 Xinhua (June 18) gave a read out of the meeting between US Secretary of State Blinken and Chinese Politburo member and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office, Wang Yi, on June 19. It said: "On June 19, Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Politburo Member and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office, Wang Yi, met with the U.S. Secretary of State in Beijing. Wang Yi stated that Mr. Secretary's visit to Beijing comes at a crucial juncture in U.S.-China relations, where choices need to be made between dialogue or confrontation, cooperation or conflict. History always moves forward, and China-U.S. relations will ultimately move forward as well. Going backward in history leads to no way out and scraping it and starting over is even less desirable. We need to take a responsible attitude toward our people, history, and the world, reverse the downward spiral of China-U.S. relations, and work together to find the right way for China and the U.S. to coexist in the New Era. Wang Yi emphasized that the root cause of the current downturn in China-U.S. relations lies in the U.S. side's erroneous understanding of China, which has resulted in misguided policies toward China. Given the twists and turns in China-U.S. relations, it is necessary for the U.S. side to deeply reflect and, together with China, manage differences and avoid strategic accidents. The priority is to stabilize China-US relations and truly implement the consensus reached between the leaders of the two countries. To ensure long-term stability in China-U.S. relations, the most important thing is to take President Xi Jinping's principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation as the fundamental guiding principles. Wang Yi provided an in-depth explanation of the historical logic and inevitable trends of China's development and revitalization, as well as the distinctive characteristics of the Chinese path to modernization and the rich connotations of the wholeprocess democracy of the people. He urged the U.S. side not to mirror China with the template of a hegemonic power, and not to misjudge China based on the trajectory followed by traditional Western powers. This is the key to whether the U.S. policy toward China can truly return to objectivity and rationality. Wang Yi asked that the U.S. side stop hyping up the "China threat theory," lift its illegal unilateral sanctions against China, abandon the suppression of China's technological development, and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs at will. Wang Yi provided a detailed analysis of the essence of the Taiwan question, emphasizing that safeguarding national unity is always the core of China's core interests, and it is related to the destiny of all Chinese people and the unwavering historical mission of the Communist Party of China. On this issue, China has no room for any compromise or concession. The U.S. side must truly adhere to the One-China principle as defined in the three joint communiques between China and the U.S., respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and explicitly oppose "Taiwan independence." Blinken presented the U.S. perspective, expressing the U.S. commitment to returning to the agenda established at the bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Bali. He expressed the expectation of strengthening communication and responsible management of differences with China, as well as the pursuit of cooperation in areas of common interest. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern." On June 19 afternoon, Blinken had a 30-minute meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Comment: The Chinese TV played the TV shot of Blinken running up to meet Xi Jinping, who stood unsmiling.) June 2023 CHINA-FRANCE: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG VISITS (JUNE 21-22) FRANCE the Global Times (June 22) reported that while meeting with French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed on June 21 that 'China is ready to work with France to advance balanced development of bilateral trade, expand two-way market access, and optimize business environment in a bid to push "bilateral practical cooperation" to a new level. Li Qiang also called on France to continue playing a positive role in facilitating Europe to form a more objective, rational perception and policy toward China, so as to make win-win cooperation between the two economies. Xinhua said he had put forward a three-point proposal that: China and France should jointly maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, strengthen cooperation on innovation, and foster a sound business environment. June 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG ADDRESSES GERMAN CEO'S AND SAYS RISK PREVENTION AND COOPERATION ARE NOT CONTRADICTORY China's Premier Li Qiang told German CEOs in Berlin on June 19 at a Symposium attended by representatives of German companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Schaeffler, BASF, Covestro, Wacker Chemie, Merck, SAP, and Allianz. Li Qiang said: "we understand that all parties have their own security concerns, and the key is how to define and guard against risks reasonably. If mishandled, risks will be amplified, resulting in more and bigger problems. Enterprises have the most direct and acute perception of risks. They know how to avoid and deal with them, so the lead in risk prevention should be given back to the enterprises. Risk prevention and cooperation are not contradictory. Non-cooperation is the biggest risk, and lack of development is the greatest insecurity. Economic globalization has made the world economy interdependent. We should adopt a dialectical view of interdependence and not artificially exaggerate "dependence" or simply equate interdependence with insecurity. For specific issues, they should be analysed specifically, and all parties can negotiate and cooperate to prevent and respond together. Li Qiang emphasized that he hopes that Chinese and German entrepreneurs will take advantage of the trend, always adhere to openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and use high-quality and highlevel pragmatic cooperation to better maintain the stability of the industrial chain and supply chain; seize opportunities, take action, and strive to innovate. The German representatives said 'Germany and China are close cooperative partners, and the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has been solid and in-depth and has achieved great success. Reducing risks requires strengthening international cooperation, and decoupling will not work. The German business community is optimistic about the prospects of China's economic development and has full confidence in China. It believes that China will continue to open up to the outside world. Cooperation to achieve production in China, research and development with China, and a win-win situation with China'. Wu Zhenglong, State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council also attended the symposium. ii) Chinese Premier Li Qiang met German Chancellor Scholz on June 20 in Berlin. During talks the German Chancellor renewed calls for China to use its influence over Russia to help end the war in Ukraine. However, Scholz also doubled down on economic cooperation with Beijing and asked China to give western companies a ‘level playing field’. Li Qiang did not comment on Russia. (Comment: This was Chinese Premier Li Qiang's first visit abroad after taking over as Premier. He was given the red carpet in Berlin.) June 2023 CHINA-PALESTINE: PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT SAYS THERE ARE NO HUMAN RIGHTS-RELATED ISSUES IN XINJIANG Radio Free Asia (RFA; June 15) reported that during his 4-day visit to China, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas voiced support for China’s policies in the far western region of Xinjiang. A joint statement issued shortly after Abbas met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday declared that “Xinjiang-related issues are not human rights issues at all, but anti-violent terrorism, de-radicalization and anti-separatism.” It said, “Palestine firmly opposes interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of Xinjiang-related issues.” The statement also declared the Palestinian Authority’s support for China in regard to Taiwan and Hong Kong, recognizing Xi’s government as the “only legal government representing the whole of China.” (Comment: The United Nations has found credible patterns of torture and ill treatment against the mostly Muslim Uyghurs living there.) June 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: ALEXANDER GABUEV'S ARTICLE IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON RUSSIA-CHINA RELATIONS BEHIND THE SCENES Alexander Gabuev published an informative article in Foreign Affairs (April 12) captioned 'What’s Really Going on Between Russia and China: Behind the Scenes, They Are Deepening Their Defense Partnership'. Gabuev said "Today Putin has sent Xi Jinping greetings on his 70th birthday. Rapport between two leaders is important, as both regimes get increasingly personalistic. But high-level ties are institutionalized and extend beyond Putin-Xi bromance. Who's in charge? Let's take a look". The main points he made are: (i) Moscow and Beijing have a mechanism for regular meetings between PMs. They meet at least once a year (and there have been 27 meetings since the format was established). Mikhail Mishustin and Li Qiang first in-person meeting just happened on May 24. (ii) There are 5 Vice-Premier level commissions: Ding Xuexiang - Andrey Belousov (investment) Ding Xuexiang - Alexander Novak (energy) He Lifeng - Dmitri Chernyshenko (PM meetings, trade) He Ligeng - Yuri Trutnev (regional affairs, Arctic) Liu Guozhong - Tatiana Golikova (social). (iii) On Chinese side, two VicePremiers working on Ding and He, are members of Xi's economic team closest to the boss (alongside PM Li Qiang). It's a certain upgrade compared to Xi's second term, when Russia was managed by Vice-Premiers Han Zheng and Hu Chunhua. (iv) On domestic politics, have a coordination mechanism between Cai Qi, №5 on the Politburo Standing Committee, and Anton Vaino, head of the Presidential Administration. Cai has accompanied Xi on his March trip to Russia, as has Ding Xuexiang. (v) With appointment of Cai, the Chiefs-of-Staff mechanism (formally established in 2014) has also been elevated. During Xi's 1st & 2nd term it was headed by head of CCP General Office, a Politburo member, but not a member of PBSC (jobs were held by Li Zhanshu & Ding Xuexiang). (vi) On foreign policy and security, point person is Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Putin's Security Council. On Chinese side, there are two members of Politburo: Wang Yi (diplomacy) and Chen Wenqing (security/intelligence). (vii) Wang Yi was in Moscow right before Xi's visit in March, while Chen Wenqing, head of Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission and former MSS boss, was in Russia for a week in late May, including in Vladivostok, Irkutsk and Moscow (with Patrushev). (viii) There are also robust mil-mil ties. Defense Minister Li Shangfu was in Moscow in April and was received by Putin. Xi's deputies on the Central Military Commission also regularly talk to defense minister Sergey Shoigu, and are expected in in 2023-24. (ix) In his 3d term, relations with Russia are even more a priority for Xi Jinping, and this is reflected in the composition of the high-level team that manages all aspects of ties. June 2023 CHINA-NEW ZEALAND: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHER IN NEW ZEALAND DONATED OVER US$ 18,000 TO NEW ZEALAND'S NATIONAL PARTY The New Zealand newspaper Stuff reported (June 17) that Vicky L, New Zealand-based publisher of the Chinese Communist Party’s newspaper 'People's Daily' has donated more than $18,000 to the National Party. She said she made the donation as she had “always been a supporter of National”. The National Party said it followed the law. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: ARGENTINA TO PLAYED A FRIENDLY FOOTBALL MATCH WITH AUSTRALIA IN BEIJING ON XI JINPING'S 70TH BIRTHDAY Lionel Messi arrived in Beijing on June 12 to join Argentina's soccer team to play a noncompetitive match — known in the industry as a “friendly” — against Australia on June 15 at Beijing’s newly renovated 68,000-capacity Workers’ Stadium, organized by the International Football Invitation. The clash was a rematch of the Round of 16 at the World Cup, where Argentina won 2–1 against Australia. June 15 is the 70th birthday of Chinese leader Xi Jinping 习近平, whose love for soccer is well known. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDS WELCOMING CEREMONY FOR HONDURAN PRESIDENT IN BEIJING BEFORE OFFICIAL TALKS Chinese President Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento at the square outside the east entrance of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, on June 12, 2023. Xinhua (June 13) noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on June 12 with visiting President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento in Beijing, pledging to work with Honduras to steer the bilateral relationship toward greater development from a strategic and long-term perspective and to turn their vision of cooperation into tangible results for the greater benefit of the two peoples. Xi Jinping said, "I believe that under joint efforts from the two sides, the China-Honduras relationship will experience sound and steady development, sailing into a bright future." A joint communique released after the conclusion of the talks, observed that China and Honduras have agreed to strengthen political guidance, promote exchanges at all levels, strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and be good friends and partners that have mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits and common development. (Comment: Castro is the first Honduran president to pay a state visit to China.) June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENDS CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO HIGH-LEVEL FORUM ON GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS GOVERNANCE HELD IN BEIJING President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the High-Level Forum on Global Human Rights Governance on June 14. He pointed out that "at present, mankind is once again standing at the crossroads of history, and global human rights governance is facing severe challenges". Xinhua (June 14) announced that the High-Level Forum on Global Human Rights Governance will be held in Beijing from June 14 to 15. It described it as "a great dream of human society to fully enjoy human rights for all. Entering the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has published a series of important expositions on respecting and protecting human rights, which are of great significance to promoting the formation of a more fair, just, reasonable and inclusive global human rights governance system". The forum is co-hosted by the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the China International Development Cooperation Agency. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PARTY THEORETICAL JOURNAL QIU SHI PUBLISHES PART OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH OF JANUARY 9 ON PARTY BUILDING Qiu Shi ("Seeking Truth" 2023/12; June 15) published part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection on 9 January 2023, on party-building titled 'Improve the comprehensive and strict party governance system to promote the in-depth development of the new great project of party building in the new era'. Its main points are: Xi Jinping said: in past decade "regarded the Party's political construction as the fundamental construction of the Party,..strengthening the Party's leadership, regulating the political life within the Party, purifying and restoring the political ecology, and promoting the Party as a whole"; Different types of construction:i) ideology, (ii) organizational line, (iii) Eight-point regulations, (iv) discipline, (v) institutional, and (vi) anti-corruption ("with Chinese characteristics"); Xi Jinping cites national survey showing 97.4% of public happy with strict party governance (an increase of 22.4% from 2012); He said "Whether it is political, ideological, organizational, work style, discipline, institutional, or the fight against corruption, we must consciously implement the strategic policy of comprehensive Party governance. Should not be limited to work style, discipline, corruption"; said it must be "Based on Party Charter and with democratic centralism as the core, continuously improve the system of intra-Party rules, enhance their authority and enforcement, and use the system to promote the integration and coordination of the comprehensive and strict Party governance"; and Xi Jinping: "We need to truly achieve Party governance through institutions and governance according to (intra-Party) rules" June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG CHAIRS STATE COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ON JUNE 9 Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council study session on June 9 to devise approaches to completing government work in an improved manner. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG TO VISIT GERMANY AND FRANCE ON HIS FIRST VISIT ABROAD SINCE TAKING OVER AS PREMIER China’s foreign ministry announced (June 15) that Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit Germany and France from June 18 to 23, marking his first trip abroad since his appointment in March. Li Qiang’s visit is at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the French government. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOQING INSPECS GUANGDONG AND SHENZHEN Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing inspected flood control and independent innovation in manufacturing in Guangdong and Shenzhen from June 11 to 13. According to Xinhua (June 13) he "emphasized that it is necessary to fully and thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and important instructions, implement the deployment of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, adhere to coordinated development and security, strengthen bottom-line thinking and risk awareness, compact and detail flood control and rescue responsibility measures, and make every effort to ensure the weather and the flood season safely, firmly promote the independent innovation of the manufacturing industry, and earnestly maintain the security of the industrial and supply chains". In Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Zhang Guoqing also studied manufacturing enterprises such as smart equipment, communication equipment, and medical equipment to learn about the independent innovation of enterprises. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE STATE COUNCILOR CHEN YIQIN VISITS SICHUAN AND HUBEI AND EMPHASISES IMPORTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES AND YOUTH Beijing Daily cited a Xinhua report of June 8 that State Councilor Chen Yiqin visited Sichuan and Hubei provinces on June 6 and 7 to investigate the employment of young people such as college graduates. She visited enterprises, business incubation bases, on-site job fairs and communities, and "emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly implement the spirit of the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, combine the study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, accelerate the implementation of various employment promotion policies and measures, and strive to promote the continuous improvement of employment and better serve the economy". She attended a symposium for representatives of some enterprises, service organizations, universities, teachers and students in Chengdu, and a symposium for comrades in charge of the provincial government in Wuhan, and listened to opinions and suggestions from all parties on the employment of young people such as college graduates. Chen Yiqin emphasized that the employment of young people such as college graduates is a major issue related to the development, stability and well-being of the people. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: FORMER VICE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SECURITY ZHAO YONGJI PASSES AWAY Beijing News (June 12) reported that Zhao Yongji, who was the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security and a member of the Party Committee from April 1999 to March 2005, passed away at the age of 78 on May 27, 2023. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: 1971-BORN YAHEFU PAIDULA ELECTED NEW MAYOR OF URUMQI The "Urumqi Evening News" (June 13) disclosed that the third meeting of the 17th People's Congress of Urumqi elected Yahefu Paidula as Mayor of the Urumqi Municipal People's Government. Born in May 1971 in Hami, Xinjiang, he started working in July 1993 and joined the Party in June 1992. He has a university degree and graduated from Northwest University majoring in archaeology. In March of this year, Yahefu Paidula served as deputy secretary of the Urumqi Municipal Party Committee and acting Mayor. June 2023 CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: LU SHAYE, TILL RECENTLY CHINA'S AMBASSADOR TO FRANCE, HAS BEEN APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF THE CPAFFC Hongkong's Singtao Daily reported that Chinese Ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, 58, is set to return to China to head the China Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CAFFC), an UFWD front organisation, ending his four-year tenure in France. It said this move transitions Lu Shaye into a new role engaging in civilian diplomacy as President of CAFFC. His departure has fueled speculation that Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Li, may succeed him as the Chinese envoy in France. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: HONGQI ARTICLE BY PARTY INNOVATION THEORY RESEARCH CENTRE OF ACADEMY OF MILITARY SCIENCES EXPLAINS STUDYING XI JINPING THOUGHT Hongqi (Red Flag; 2023/11; June 13) published an interesting article captioned 'Study "Xi Jinping's New Era Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Study Outline (2023 Edition)" authored by the Party Innovation Theory Research Center of the Academy of Military Sciences on studying Xi Jinping Thought. Its main points are: Xi Jinping Thought "is the Marxism of contemporary China, the Marxism of the 21st century. It represents the essence of the Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit in this era, achieving a new leap in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism." Xi Jinping Thought Thought "embodies the distinct theoretical character and spiritual essence of Marxism, fully demonstrating the strong political determination and theoretical confidence of contemporary Chinese Communists". Hence, it "constantly answers the questions of China, the world, the people, and the era, greatly enriching and developing the Marxist worldview and methodology, and endowing Marxism with new connotations" It credited Xi Jinping Thought as being the "fundamental reason for the great achievements in the new era" and "overcoming many long-standing problems, accomplishing significant tasks with long-term implications, and withstanding political, economic, ideological challenges". Xi Jinping Thought encompasses "economy, politics, law, science and tech, culture, education, livelihood, ethnicity, religion, society, ecology, nat sec, national defense & military, "one country, two systems" and national reunification, united front, diplomacy, and Party building". The key is that Xi Jinping Thought is meant to be used as an "ideological weapon" to "understand and transform the world". Hence, it is not just something to be learned, but applied - and everyone should be able to find something given its breadth. Xi Jinping Thought "pays attention to the future and destiny of humanity" and "embodies the broadmindedness and grand vision of the CCP in promoting the construction of a better world, and opens up new horizons for Marxism to seek liberation for humanity". The Third and last part of the essay is concerned with the "Two Establishments" 两个确立 that "hold decisive significance for the development of the Party and the country in the new era and for advancing the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". It emphasised that the Two Establishments "better ensure the unity and coordination of the entire Party and the whole country, allowing us to concentrate our efforts to accomplish major tasks". Lastly, the Two Establishments "naturally emerged in the great struggle of the new era, which has many new historical characteristics" including "profound adjustments in the balance of power and increasing complexity in the international environment marked by instability". In conclusion it said "The "two establishments" are an important political guarantee for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". "The stronger we develop, the greater resistance and pressure we will encounter, and the more external risks we will face. This is an unavoidable challenge in the process of China's development from big to strong, and it is an unavoidable threshold for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. As we embark on a new journey and realize the second centenary goal, various foreseeable and unforeseen risks and challenges will inevitably follow, and their complexity and severity will be unprecedented. Praising Xi Jinping, the article said, "Xi Jinping, with his foresight and strategic vision as a Marxist politician, thinker, and strategist, made scientific judgments about domestic and international situations, calmly navigated through complex situations, effectively dealt with various challenges and storms". Xi Jinping was credited with "unwavering ideals and beliefs, extraordinary political wisdom, tenacious political qualities, deep empathy for the people, strong sense of mission, and outstanding leadership skills", and uniting the "Party, military, ethnic groups in an unremitting struggle". Lastly, the Two Establishments "provide a helmsman (掌舵人), a backbone, a set star, an ideological banner, and a theoretical arm, which will further stimulate the great spiritual initiative and progress for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", further "unleashing the spiritual initiative and majestic power of progress that lie within the Chinese people". (Comment: The article provides a good summary of what Xi Jinping Thought is supposed to be (a broad system covering all aspects), and how it is to be studied. It uses the "Study Outline" released earlier this year that updated a study outline from 2019 学习《习近平新时代中国特 色社会主义思想学习纲要（2023年版） June 2023 CHINA-CCP: BEIJING DAILY REPUBLISHES QIU SHI ARTICLE EULOGISING CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION Beijing Daily (June 13) carried an article published in the CCP's leading theoretical journal Qiu Shi titled 'The leadership of the party gathers the majestic power of building Chinese-style modernization'. It said "Chinese-style modernization is a grand cause related to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is the cause of hundreds of millions of people themselves, and the people's spirit of ownership and creative power must be brought into play. Our party keeps in mind its original mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. It not only achieves its own unity and unity, but also unites the people of all ethnic groups in the country and the sons and daughters of the Chinese people at home and abroad through the leadership of the party. A powerful force to jointly promote Chinesestyle modernization". The article added "The unity of the party is the key to the continuous development and growth of the party's cause, and it is also an important guarantee for leading the people to promote Chinese-style modernization". It stressed "The unity of the party is the key to the continuous development and growth of the party's cause, and it is also an important guarantee for leading the people to promote Chinese-style modernization" and emphasised "the maintenance of the authority of the Party Central Committee and centralized and unified leadership, and implementing the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee to the letter". It asserted also that "The great unity of Chinese people at home and abroad is a powerful force to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and the united front is an important magic weapon to unite all Chinese people at home and abroad to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." (Comment: The article included 2 mentions of Xi Jinping, 2 of Mao and 3 of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.) June 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: HEILONGJIANG CPPCC VICE CHAIRMAN UNDER INVESTIGATION The official website of the National Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced that Qu Min, Vice Chairman of the Heilongjiang Provincial Political Consultative Conference, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and has been placed under investigation. June 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF PBOC EXPELLED FROM CCP ON CHARGES OF CORRUPTION Caixin (June 13) reported that 59-year old Fan Yifei, a former Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), China’s central bank, was expelled from the Communist Party and removed from official posts on allegations including taking bribes and abusing power. Fan Yifei became the Deputy Head of the PBOC in early 2015, overseeing fintech and payment sectors. He was placed under graft investigation in November 2022. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: LENGTHY ARTICLE IN CHINA’S ECONOMIC DAILY EXPLAINS NEW DEVELOPMENT PATTERN WITH NEW SECURITY PATTERN The Jingji Ribao (Economic Daily; June 9) features a lengthy 3687-word article authored by the National Defence University Party Committee Doctrinal Study Centre Group, titled 'Guarantee the new development pattern with the new security pattern——Seriously study the first and second volumes of "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works". It emphasised: (i) the importance of "a deep understanding of the great strategic significance of guaranteeing a new development pattern with a new security pattern"; (ii) "National security is the foundation of national rejuvenation, and social stability is the prerequisite for national prosperity. Adhering to the overall national security concept and guaranteeing a new development pattern with a new security pattern demonstrates our party's major strategic considerations in coordinating development and security, and achieving high-quality development and high-level security dynamic balance. A deep understanding and grasp of the major strategic deployment of a new security pattern to guarantee a new development pattern has extremely important epochal and practical significance for the full implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the in-depth implementation of the overall national security concept".(iii) Noted that the report of the 20th Party Congress devoted "a special chapter to make strategic deployments for maintaining national security and social stability, and for the first time proposed "guaranteeing a new development pattern with a new security pattern", emphasizing adherence to the principle of people's security, political security as the foundation, and economic security based on military, scientific, technological, cultural and social security, and relying on the promotion of international security, coordinate external security and internal security, homeland security and national security, traditional security and non-traditional security, self-security and common security, and maintain and shape the country as a whole Safety. (iv) "Chinese-style modernization must be advanced on the basis of firmly guarding the bottom line of safety. The next period may be a period in which risks in all aspects of our country's development will continue to accumulate and even be exposed in a concentrated manner. The major risks we face include not only domestic economic, political, ideological, social risks, and risks from nature, but also international economic, political, and military risks. The more severe and complex the risks and challenges faced by the survival and development of the country and the nation, the greater the strategic demand for security, and the importance of national security in the overall work of the party and the country becomes more prominent. In the complex situation where the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world's major changes unseen in a century are intertwined, security has become a regular and key variable in economic and social development".(v) It called for maintaining "national security throughout the entire process of party and state work, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and promote Build a higher level of safe China." (vi) It said "traditional security and non-traditional security issues are complex and intertwined; Traditional security governance is difficult to deal with new major risks and challenges. Guaranteeing a new development pattern with a new security pattern, emphasizing safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests with the core interests of the country as the bottom line, leading the reform of the global governance system with the concept of fairness and justice, not only developing ourselves by maintaining world peace, but also safeguarding the world through our own development. Peace, resolutely opposes all forms of hegemonism and power politics, resolutely opposes any practice of sacrificing the security of other countries for its own absolute security, and promotes the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. This fully embodies China's responsibility as a major country in the new era. (vii) National security is the basic prerequisite for the survival and development of a country, an important cornerstone for stability and stability, and a strong pillar for ensuring the development and growth of the country and the nation. (viii) "Chairman Xi emphasized, "Our party must consolidate its ruling position, unite and lead the people to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, and ensuring national security is the top priority." Keeping the bottom line of safety will keep the foothold and lifeline of development". (ix) "Development and security must be dynamically balanced. Development and security, like the two wheels of a car and the two wings of a bird, complement each other and cannot be neglected. Looking at the history of the rise and fall of major powers in the world, we can find that when a great power rises, it is often able to coordinate development and security well, while its decline is closely related to the failure to coordinate development and security well. Coordinating development and security, enhancing the awareness of adversity, and being prepared for danger in times of peace are major principles of our party in governing the country". (x) "Adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee on national security work. Upholding the Party's absolute leadership over national security work is the fundamental guarantee for maintaining national security and social stability, and it is a fundamental political principle that must be followed. History and reality tell us that it is precisely because we have always adhered to the party's centralized and unified leadership that we can achieve a great historical turning point, usher in a new era of reform and opening up, and usher in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and we can successfully deal with a series of major risks and challenges and overcome countless difficulties danger. Focusing on guaranteeing the new development pattern with the new security pattern, we must always uphold the Party’s absolute leadership over national security work."(xi) "Vigorously promote the modernization of the national security system and capabilities". ... "strengthen the coordination mechanism for national security work, improve the national security legal system, strategic system, policy system, risk monitoring and early warning system, and national emergency management system. Specialized coordination and command system, improving anti-sanctions, anti-interference, and anti-"longarm jurisdiction" mechanism, and building a national security protection system with global linkage, three-dimensional and efficient. Strengthen national security strategic planning and forward-looking layout, increase capacity building in terms of materials, technology, equipment, talents, laws, mechanisms, and other guarantees needed to maintain national security, highlight security capacity building in key areas and overseas security capacity building" ...."Strengthen the national security awareness of the whole people, highlight the national security literacy and ability training of leading cadres at all levels, especially senior leading cadres"; (xii) It incorporated a separate section on the military under the sub-head: "Efforts will be made to create a strong military guarantee". It said: "The importance of every country depends on the victory of soldiers." It declared that "Military security is an important field of the national security system, and it is also the security field with the most intense competition and confrontation. Without a solid national defense and a strong army, there is no guarantee for peaceful development. Although there are various means and options for defending peace, maintaining security, and deterring war, military means are always the means of guaranteeing the bottom line and serve as the pinnacle of stability. As the world enters a new period of turmoil and change, the instability and uncertainty of China's national security situation has increased, and various aspects and fields are facing many security challenges. Only by strengthening our military capabilities can we hold the bottom line of national security, be confident and strong. Conversely, once a military backwardness takes shape, the impact on national security will be fatal. In the face of profound changes in the national security environment and the requirements of the times for the rejuvenation of a strong country, we must fully implement Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military, implement the military strategic guidelines for the new era, adhere to the road of strengthening the military with Chinese characteristics, and innovate military strategies and operations in keeping with the times. Guide and develop the strategy and tactics of people's war in the new era, strengthen the military deployment in emerging fields, create a high-level strategic deterrence and joint combat system, comprehensively improve the strategic ability to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and provide a strong foundation for promoting the rejuvenation of a powerful country with Chinese-style modernization". As the highest military institution of our army, the National Defense University must take its historical position in the great cause of strengthening the army, strengthen its historical initiative, take on historical responsibilities, firmly grasp its core functions, and focus on cultivating a large number of generals who can recruit and fight well. Provide intellectual and talent support for the realization of the 100-year goal of the army as scheduled and make positive contributions to guaranteeing a new development pattern with a new security pattern. "Prepare for the unexpected, be the country's constant way." The new expedition is full of glory and dreams, as well as risks and challenges. We must closely unite around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, better coordinate development and security, build a steel Great Wall of national security together, firmly grasp the initiative of my country's development and security, and do our best to overcome various difficulties and challenges and promote The giant ship of the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation braved the wind and waves, and traveled steadily and far". June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RISES FURTHER TO 20.8 PER CENT IN MAY Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on June 15, revealed that the surveyed jobless rate among Chinese urbanites ages 16 to 24 reached 20.8% last month, up from what was already a record 20.4% in April. China’s youth unemployment rate hit a record high in May as economic recovery lost steam, further pressuring policymakers trying to help create jobs for the millions of college graduates entering the labor market this summer. May’s youth rate was also four times the national surveyed jobless rate among urban workers, which stayed flat at 5.2%. June 2023 CHINA-AIIB: AIIB GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR QUITS OVER COMMUNIST PARTY INTERFERENCE AND SAYS HE WAS ADVISED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY Reuters (June 15) disclosed that Bob Pickard, a Canadian national and former global communications chief for the AIIB, announced his resignation in a scathing social media post on June 14. He said (June 15) that he was advised to flee the country after resigning from the bank in protest over what he alleged was Chinese Communist Party influence. Pickard told Reuters "I high-tailed it out of there as soon as possible." He added "I've been advised not to set foot in China anytime soon. From a country where the two Michaels were kidnapped by the government, we're maybe a little more sensitive or concerned about such things." He did not elaborate on who advised him to flee. China's embassy in Canada said late on Wednesday that Pickard's statements were "lies". China's foreign ministry on Thursday said the AIIB adhered to "principles of openness, meritocracy and transparency" when recruiting and managing staff. (Comment: Established by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016 as a Chinese alternative to the World Bank and other Western-led multilateral lending institutions, AIIB has 106 members worldwide, including Canada, and says it is an "apolitical" lender.) June 2023 CHINA-POPULATION: CASS RESEARCHER LIN BAO CLAIMS IN A NEW PAPER THAT CHINA'S STATE OF 'GETTING OLD BEFORE GETTING RICH' HAS BEEN IMPROVING IN RECENT YEARS Jiemian News (June 13) published excerpts of an article by Lin Bao, a researcher at the Institute of Population and Labour Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, entitled "A New Investigation on the Judgment of China's "Getting Old Before Wealth"" in the "Population Research" magazine. It proposes a new analysis method, arguing that China has been in a state of "getting old before getting rich" since the 1990s, but this situation is improving in recent years. According to Lin Bao's paper, if the per capita national income represents "rich" to analyse the relationship between "old" and "rich" in China, China has just stepped out of the state of "getting old before getting rich" and entering a state of "basically synergy between the old and the rich"; represented by the human development index. Using "rich" to analyse the relationship between "old" and "rich" in China, China is at the critical point of transition from a state of "getting old before getting rich" to a state of "basically synergizing between old and rich". Jiemian News said a number of demographic experts interviewed by it questioned the conclusion of this "different approach" study and said, "Get old before getting rich, get old quickly and get rich slowly, and get old before getting rich, all reflect the reality of China." Another demographics expert said that it is difficult to say that China has entered the stage of "basic synergy between the old and the rich". Now the disadvantage of getting old before getting rich is just in the outbreak period, and other factors are superimposed, and the future is facing severe challenges. It quoted Cai Fang, Chief Expert of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, as pointing out in his new book "The Era of Negative Population Growth: Challenges and Opportunities for China's Economic Growth" just published this year that, over the years, researchers and policymakers have agreed on one fact: in contemporary In China, the relationship between population and economy has a prominent feature, that is, getting old before getting rich. On the one hand, judging from the changes in its own economic development stage, China's demographic transition has been concentrated and completed quickly in a relatively short period of time, which means that the demographic dividend comes early and goes away quickly. The paper noted that the "Elderly Education Development Plan (2016-2020)" issued by the General Office of the State Council pointed out that China has entered an aging society, and the situation of population aging in China will become more severe in the next 20 years. June 2023 CHINA-S&T: OPEN AI CEO ALTMAN SPEAKS ONLINE AT EVENT ORGANISED BY BEIJING ACADEMY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Speaking at an online 2-day event organized by the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI) on June 10, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a call for the US and China to find common ground on AI. Altman compared non-cooperation on AI to the dangers of unchecked nuclear proliferation. He cited the UN’s IAEA nuclear control body as a model for what international cooperation on developing AI might look like. Touching on the benefits of SinoUS cooperation on AI, Altman said “China has some of the best AI talent in the world…. [W]e see great potential for researchers in the US, China, and around the world to work together to achieve the shared goal[s].” Global Times (June 10) quoted Altman as saying "The potential upside here isn't one. AI revolution will create shared wealth and make it possible to dramatically improve the standard of living for everyone. We must manage the risk together in order to get there." (Comment: The BAAI is a Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) sponsored research institution. The BAAI is considered a global AI leader.) June 2023 CHINA-PLA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SPEAKS ON BORDER DEFENCE, SECURITY, COHESION AND POLITICAL UNITY AMONG BORDER TROOPS Xinhua (June 9) said Chinese President Xi Jinping during a fact-finding trip to survey the work of border management and control and the development of border troops in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on June 7 called on Chinese border troops to enhance their capabilities in border defense and control to forge a "great wall of steel" along the country's borders. He also commended the role of the region's border troops in ensuring security and stability on the northern border of the country. Praising China's progress in border defense work since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi Jinping said the country's border troops have boosted military training and combat preparedness, and resolutely safeguarded border security and the stability in regions along the borders. He said they have effectively safeguarded China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. Xi Jinping stressed the importance of border defense in ensuring national stability and governance and called on border troops to have a stronger sense of mission and responsibility and guard the borders diligently for the Party and the people. He also underscored the need for continuous efforts to enhance cohesion and forge the soul of the border troops with the Party's new theories, as well as to improve their education on the political discipline, discipline regarding the public and affairs related to foreigners, and policies on ethnic and religious affairs. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity and a high degree of unity among the border troops. Xi Jinping called for more efforts to intensify troop training and enhance combat preparedness, speed up capacity building concerning information technology-enabled border defense and control, transform the way border defense duties are performed, tighten military discipline, maintain good troop order, and foster more border defense professionals. Highlighting cooperation among Party and government departments, the military, law enforcement agencies and ordinary people in border defense as China's unique strength, Xi Jinping called for joint efforts from all parties to break a new ground in defending the country's borders. (Comment: Xi Jinping's remarks on border defence were reported more extensively than usual by Xinhua.) June 2023 CHINA-PLA: DEFENCE ATTACHES POSTED IN CHINA TAKEN ON TOUR TO SHAANXI PROVINCE FROM JUNE 12-16 China Military (June 13) reported that 74 military attachés and their spouses from 51 countries were going to visit Shaanxi Province in northwest China from June 12 to 16, 2023. During the visit, the military attachés to China would be briefed on the Central Theatre Command of the Chinese PLA, the economic and social development of Shaanxi Province, and the construction of the "Belt and Road", and would visit relevant military units and local communities. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: INSTITUTE OF INTELLIGENT SCIENCE OF NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS WITH 73RD GROUP ARMY AND TEN OTHER FRONTLINE UNITS TO HELP THEM ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL TALENTS China's Science & Technology Daily (June 9) disclosed that the Institute of Intelligent Science at the National University of Defense Technology has begun a new technique of embedding "combat requirements" into the projects of graduate students. This method encourages students majoring in unmanned aerial vehicle technology and support to consider real combat scenarios and practical issues such as no-fly zones and the opponent's air defense capabilities. The Institute of Intelligent Science at the National University of Defense Technology also collaborates with various task forces and training bases, including the 73rd Group Army, to enhance the professional talents needed in the military. The institute has established strategic cooperation agreements with several units, including the 73rd Group Army, and has signed cooperation agreements with over ten frontline units.Through joint teaching and training, students gain hands-on experience and access to various military resources, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and training facilities. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: 16TH SEMINAR FOR SENIOR MILITARY OFFICERS FROM LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES ENDED ON JUNE 7 The closing ceremony of the 16th seminar for senior military officers from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense was held in the International College of Defense Studies of the PLA National Defense University on June 7. Fifty-four senior military and police officers and defense officials from 25 countries attended the 15-day seminar with the theme of Friendly Cooperation for a Shared Future. CHINA-PLA NAVY: PLAN RECRUITING COLLEGE GRADUATES INCLUDING FOR THE FIRST TIME FEMALE PILOTS China Military (June 12) disclosed that the PLA Navy recently wrapped up the 15-hour-long real-equipment flight test for the fresh-college-graduate candidates in Qingyang, Gansu Province and Binzhou, Shandong Province, during the recent selection process of carrier-based aircraft pilots. This is the first time for the PLA Navy to apply real-equipment screening flight in recruitment of pilot cadets. And in the course of this event, China's first female carrier-based aircraft pilot will also be selected. Real-equipment screening flight puts the candidates under long-time practical operation to screen out those with poor physical condition, spatial awareness and psychological quality at an early stage. According to a naval pilot recruitment officer, all candidates of this year's test were fresh graduates majoring in science and engineering from key universities in China, who had earlier received the take-off and landing training for about 80 sorties in 15 hours. This is the first time for the PLA Navy to select carrierbased aircraft pilot cadets directly from fresh college graduates, and also the first time to recruit female carrier-based pilot cadets. Their physical fitness in the aspects of understanding and memorizing, spatial awareness, balancing and state simulation shown in the real-equipment flight test will be comprehensively evaluated by the navy and civil aviation flight inspection experts, serving as the key reference to recruit the best examinee. June 2023 CHINA-EDUCATION: A RECORD 12.91 STUDENTS APPEAR FOR GAOKAO EXAM The South China Morning Post (June 11) said that a record 12.91 million students appeared for the gaokao school-leaving exam gaokao. The gaokao exam tests the grasp of Xi Jinping Thought, Xi’s ideology & ‘spirit’ of the 20th party Congress. June 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: CHEN CHENGMIN APPOINTED DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OF SINOCHEM Beijing Daily (June 13) reported the appointment of Chen Chengmin as the Deputy General Manager and member of the party group of Sinochem. CHINA-BEIJING: BEIJING PLANS TO RAISE LIVING STANDARD OF RESIDENTS Beijing Daily (June 13) reported that Beijing plans to adjust the minimum living standard from 1,320 yuan per person per month to 1,395 yuan. This will be officially implemented in July 2023. June 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: POLITBURO MEMBER LI GANJIE LEADS THEME EDUCATION RECTIFICATION WORK TEAM TO BEIJING Beijing Daily (June 13) reported that the central and state agency cadre team education and rectification work promotion meeting was held in Beijing on June 12. Politburo member Li Ganjie, who is Executive Deputy Head of the Central Education Leading Group for Learning and Implementing Xi Jinping's New Era of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Liu Jinguo, Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat and Deputy Head of the Education Leading Group on the Theme of learning and implementing Xi Jinping's new era of socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics, presided over the meeting. Xinhua (June 13) said "The meeting emphasized that the central government and state agencies and departments should thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and important instructions on thematic education, especially the education and rectification of cadres, and stand on the side of supporting "two establishments" and "two maintenances". June 2023 CHINA-GANSU: GANSU PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE HOLDS MEETING ON 'THEME LEARNING' FROM JUNE 5-7 The Gansu Provincial Party Committee's 'education leading group on the theme of learning and implementing Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era' held a meeting from June 5th to 7th. Symposiums on thematic education work of provincial enterprises, provincial units, and provincial colleges and universities were held separately. The 14th Central Steering Group attended the meeting for guidance. Shi Moujun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Minister of the Organization Department of the Provincial Party Committee, Deputy Head of the Theme Education Leading Group of the Provincial Party Committee, and Director of the Office attended and delivered a speech. Zhang Jingang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Governor, Zhang Wei, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Secretary General of the Provincial Party Committee, Deputy Head of the Theme Education Leading Group of the Provincial Party Committee, and Li Gang, Vice Governor of the Provincial Party Committee presided over the meeting respectively. June 2023 CHINA-GANSU: CHINA'S EDUCATION MINISTER HUAI JINPENG AND GANSU PROVINCE PARTY SECRETARY DELIVER SPEECHES AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN HIGHER EDUCATION WORK CONFERENCE IN LANZHOU The New Gansu Daily (June 13) reported that on June 12, the 'New Era Revitalization of Central and Western Higher Education Work Conference and Educational Power Strategy Consultation Conference' was held in Lanzhou. Huai Jinpeng, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Education attended and delivered a speech, and Hu Changsheng, Secretary of the Gansu Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, delivered a speech. Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor Ren Zhenhe attended the meeting. Later, the Ministry of Education signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the People's Government of Gansu Province June 2023 CHINA-TIBET: FOREIGN TOURISTS BEGIN TO VISIT TIBET FOR FIRST TIME IN 3 YEARS Tibet News (June 12) said a group of 28 foreign tourists entered Tibet on June 9 from Tibet's Purang port of entry. It said a total of 2 batches of tourists from the United States, Nepal and other countries entered Tibet. It said Purang port is located in the southeast of Tibet's Ngari region, bordering India and Nepal, is approved by the State Council as a national first-class highway port, is also one of the main ports of foreign trade in western Tibet. The Purang port resumed two-way passenger traffic on May 1, 2023. The tour group is the first foreign tour group ushered in after 3 years, which is of special significance for the resumption of "international tourism" in Purang. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA CLAIMS 5000 PEOPLE FROM TAIWAN ATTEND 15TH STRAITS FORUM HELD IN XIAMEN ON JUNE 14 The People's Daily (June 16) reported that the 15th Straits Forum held its first press conference in Xiamen, Fujian Province on June 14. It said the forum will be the biggest cross-Straits exchange event after the three-year COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 5,000 Taiwan attendees, including more than 1,000 who come directly from the island, despite obstruction by the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island. The rest 4,000 Taiwan delegates mostly work and live in the mainland at the moment according to information released at the conference. It emphasised that despite "provocative US interference and secessionist attempts by the DPP authorities make the cross-Straits situation increasingly tense and dangerous, the mainland is still making utmost efforts to seek peaceful reunification with Taiwan, including offering more opportunities for employment, training and education for Taiwan youth, as well as sincerely promoting dialogue and cooperation with all political groups in the island that at least are not seeking secession". Chen Zhiyong, Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee Office of Straits Forum and Deputy Director of the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Office of Fujian Province, said that "Regrettably, the DPP authorities have repeatedly obstructed and openly intimidated Taiwan civil organizations and Taiwan people who participated in the Straits Forum, arrogantly creating 'green terror.' The forum will be attended by about 5,000 people from various sectors and political parties from Taiwan, including the Kuomintang (KMT), the New Party of Taiwan, the People First Party, NonPartisan Solidarity Union and the Taiwan People's Party. The KMT delegation will be led by Hsia Li-yan, Vice Chairman of the KMT. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA SAYS VISITS TO EUROPE AND U.K. BY TAIWAN OFFICIALS REFLECTS DPP'S ANXIETY TO EXPAND "INTERNATIONAL SPACE" In an article on June 12, the Beijing Daily said the series of visits to Europe by Taiwan regional officials, including the head of its external affairs authority leader Joseph Wu, reflects the anxiety of DPP authorities to seek more "international space." It warned that by allowing collusion with the Taiwan secessionists, Europe will only end up shooting itself in the foot. It said Joseph Wu will visit the Czech Republic in mid-June at the invitation of Czech think tank European Values Center for Security Policy (EVC), and will make a public speech while attending the European Values Summit 2023. Joseph Wu, according to Reuters, will also attend a security conference in Prague on June 14 and speak immediately after Czech President Petr Pavel, marking a highly unusual occasion, given that European leaders generally do not share the same stage with senior Taiwan regional officials. It said he is also scheduled to visit Brussels. It said Audrey Tang, head of the regional digital affairs authority, has been visiting the UK since June 11 to attend a number of events for London Tech Week. She is scheduled to hold meetings with British officials in science and innovation, as well as business and trade departments in an attempt to deepen cooperation in digital security, industry investment, and application and innovation areas, media reports said. The article quoted Cui Hongjian, Director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, as stating that the series of visits by Taiwan's DPP authorities to Europe has demonstrated the clear goal of expanding its so-called international visibility, as the diplomatic struggle for the DPP authorities has become increasingly intense. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: U.S. NEWSPAPER DISCLOSES THAT DUE TO RISING TENSION U.S. GOVERNMENT IS WORKING ON EVACUATION PLANS FOR AMERICANS FROM TAIWAN The Messenger (June 12) reported that the U.S. government is preparing evacuation plans for American citizens living in Taiwan. Quoting a senior U.S. intelligence official who spoke on the condition of anonymity it said the planning has been underway for at least six months and “it’s heated up over the past two months or so.” He added that a “heightened level of tension” had driven the preparations. The U.S. government hasn’t discussed the preparations publicly. The State Department declined a request for comment and Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Martin Meiners declined to comment directly on the planning, saying “We do not see a conflict in the Taiwan Strait as imminent or inevitable.” The planning process has been kept quiet because it is a sensitive subject for the Taiwanese government. Sources told Messenger that details of the U.S. plans are still being worked out, including where U.S. citizens might be evacuated if it were deemed necessary. The newspaper added that experts all agreed that any evacuation from Taiwan would pose multiple challenges: “The physical geography of Taiwan is a big factor.” (Comment: There are an estimated 80,000 Americans residing in Taiwan.) June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: TEN CHINESE AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT CROSSED MEDIAN LINE IN TAIWAN STRAIT ON JUNE 11 Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that Taiwan's Air Force scrambled on June 11 after spotting 24 Chinese air force planes, including J-10, J-11, J-16 and Su-30 fighters, as well as H-6 bombers, of which 10 Chinese warplanes crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said four Chinese warships also carried out combat patrols. This is the second time in less than a week that Taiwan has reported renewed Chinese military activity, after 37 Chinese military aircraft on June 8 flew into the island's air defence zone, some of which then flew into the western Pacific. June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINA EJECTS LAST INDIAN JOURNALIST FROM CHINA AND ORDERS HIM TO LEAVE BY END JUNE On June 12 China ordered the last Indian journalist in China to leave by the end of this month. The PTI journalist was the last of four Indian journalists working from China and with his departure there will be no Indian journalist in China. (Comment: Till early this year the Indian journalists in China represented the Hindustan Times and two journalists from public broadcaster Prasar Bharati and The Hindu newspaper were denied visa renewals in China in April.) June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE ARTICLE SAYS CHINA'S WITHDRAWAL PLAN FOR TIANNAN RIVER VALLEY REPRESENTS A CONCESSION BY CHINA A lengthy article posted on the Chinese portal Zhihu captioned 'Speedboat confrontation at Pangong Lake at an altitude of 4300 meters' discussed the confrontation between India and China on the Pangong Lake. It said Chinese patrol boats are still continuing to block the Indian army's cross-border boats, and there is no buffer zone on the lake. Referring to the 'three years of disengagement negotiations', it said 'the only remaining point of contact and possible detonation of conflicts makes the western border of the two countries still full of hidden dangers, waiting for the arrival of the next conflict'. It said "As for the heated talks on the withdrawal of troops between the two countries, one point must be emphasized. We believe that the two countries have completed the separation of all contact points. The Tiannan River Valley and the upper reaches of Dianjiaoqu are not within the scope of discussion; and the border issue is independent and should not affect other relations between the two countries, especially economic and trade. The Indian side equates the border issue with the relationship between the two countries, and believes that only by completing the withdrawal of these two places can the border issue be resolved and the relationship between the two countries return to normal. Therefore , China's withdrawal plan for the Tiannan River Valley represents a concession from our side, agreeing that the Tiannan River Valley belongs to the 2020 confrontation issue and must be resolved . Our concessions may stimulate India to further hope that the issue will involve the withdrawal of non-resident troops from the two armies and reduce the deterrence of our troops on the border." June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: NEW CHINESE VIDEOS SURFACE ON CHINESE PORTALS AROUND THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLASHES BETWEEN INDIAN AND CHINESE TROOPS IN GALWAN VALLEY Chinese social media portals were noticed carrying at least two new videos of the clashes in the Galwan Valley (June 15, 2020), which showed Indian soldiers held as prisoners and being made to do squats while holding their ears. The videos have surfaced around the anniversary of the Galwan clashes. The comments by Chinese netizens on the videos are belligerent. June 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHAIRMAN OF SUPARCO VISITED CHINA'S DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION LABORATORY IN MAY Pakistan hopes to identify specific roles it could play in the China-led International Lunar Research Station and to sign a cooperation agreement on the ILRS soon, according to the head of its space agency. Amer Nadeem, Chairman of SUPARCO, made the remarks during a visit to the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in southeast China last month. The ILRS is expected to be a full-fledged, long-term base on the moon for scientific exploration by 2050. Nadeem was briefed on the project’s progress during his visit to the lab in Hefei, Anhui province, and “conducted in-depth exchanges” with Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of the Chinese lunar exploration programme and laboratory director, according to its website. Wu Weirenn was quoted as saying “We welcome Pakistan to fully participate in the ILRS, foster close partnership with the laboratory, and set an example for working together to build a shared future for mankind in outer space.” June 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: NPC CHAIRMAN ZHAO LEJI MEETS CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NEPAL GANESH PRASAD TIMILSINA IN BEIJING ON JUNE 12 NPC Chairman and Politburo Standing Committee member Zhao Leji held talks with visiting Chairman of the National Assembly of Nepal, Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, in Beijing on June 12, pledging to advance cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries. Zhao Leji said that the leaders of the two countries have elevated the China-Nepal relationship to a strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity and that China is willing to work with Nepal to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and promote the building of an even closer community of shared future between China and Nepal. He said China appreciates Nepal's consistent and firm adherence to the one-China policy and its valuable support on issues concerning China's core interests and major concerns and China firmly supports Nepal in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respects the development path chosen by the Nepali government and people in light of their own national conditions. Zhao Leji called on both sides to build and maintain infrastructure projects, continue to build the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, and deepen cooperation in various fields, adding that China welcomes Nepal's support for and participation in the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to jointly promote regional and world peace, stability and prosperity. June 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: CHINA CRITICAL OF INDIA-NEPAL COOPERATION IN ENERGY SECTOR A Global Times (June 10) article on Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's recent visit to India, claimed India's influence in Nepal's energy sector has further increased, as the two sides reportedly signed seven agreements to boost cooperation in areas including trade and energy. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans for an increase in the import of power from Nepal to India to 10,000 MW within the next 10 years. It said India's ambition in Nepal's energy sector is widely seen as an effort to control Nepal's economic lifeline and compete with another major investor, China, by launching relevant policies to indirectly block Chinese elements in Nepal's hydropower industry. Experts, it said, had observed that India is seeking to re-establish regional hegemony in South Asia through various means, including using Nepal's electricity as a tool. The Global Times added, however, that India's attempt to make China withdraw from the forefront of Nepal's development cannot hinder cooperation between China and Nepal. Observers said that China is sincerely helping Nepal to develop its economy and infrastructure, rather than using Nepal's resources as strategic pawns for control. June 2023 CHINA-SRI LANKA: CHINA DID NOT ATTEND SRI LANKAN DEBT RESTRUCTURING MEETING IN WASHINGTON The Daily Mirror (June 9) reported that China's absence from the Sri Lankan debt restructuring meeting in Washington in April indicates growing frustration over Beijing's approach to the debt problems faced by developing countries. The invitation extended to the Chinese delegation for the debt restructuring meeting, specifically to discuss Sri Lanka's Chinese loans, went unanswered as China chose not to attend. This non-participation conveyed a clear message that China was not inclined to engage in loan negotiations and expressed frustration with the sluggish progress of debt restructuring. The meeting in Washington marked the beginning of restructuring talks with the Paris Club, Japan, and India. June 2023 CHINA-JAPAN: FRONT-PAGE PEOPLE'S DAILY REPORT PUBLICISES CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S FIRST MENTION SINCE TAKING OFFICE OF RYUKYU ISLANDS Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily wrote on June 8 that the remarks, first published on the front page of the official People’s Daily on June 4, were the first that Chinese President Xi Jinping has publicly made on the Ryukyu Islands since he took office. According to the People’s Daily, during his visit to the national archives earlier this month, Xi Jinping was briefed on the Diaoyu Islands (the Chinese name for the Senkaku Islands) in the Ming dynasty. He then reportedly said that when he was working in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, he learned that the roots of exchanges with the Ryukyu Islands were deep. Although the latest article does not refer to the possession of Okinawa, one Chinese media source pointed out that it can be seen as a warning that if Japan increases its involvement in the Taiwan issue, which China claims as its own domestic affair, Beijing may bring up the Okinawa question again. (Comment: When hard-line arguments against Japan were growing in China in May 2013, triggered by the Japanese government’s nationalization of the Senkakus in the previous year, the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, published articles by academics claiming that the status of Okinawa was “unresolved” and suggesting that China had territorial claims over the islands.) June 2023 CHINA-US: U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN TO VISIT CHINA ON JUNE 18 AND 19 AND FORMER U.S. DEPUTY TRADE REPRESENTATIVE SAYS U.S. TRYING HARD TO SIGNAL IT WANTS TO RE-ENGAGE WITH CHINA Speaking at the Caixin-hosted Asia New Vision Forum in Singapore, former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Wendy Cutler said on June 10, that the U.S. is “trying very hard to send signals” that it wants to re-engage with China amid deteriorating bilateral ties. Cutler also said Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit China in a matter of days, and she hopes the two countries can work toward better relations. Blinken's visit was confirmed shortly after he spoke over the phone Wednesday with China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang on June 14. China's Foreign Ministry said late June 14 in a statement. “As agreed between China and the U.S., Blinken will visit China from June 18 to 19”. Politico (June 15) quoted Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, as saying (June 14) that “We’re coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition the most responsible way possible. We do hope at a minimum that we will achieve that goal, and we also do hope of course to make progress on a number of concrete issues”. “It would be wise not to have expectations of a long list of deliverables because that’s not where we are, I think, in the bilateral relationship.” The trip will be Blinken’s first visit to China as Secretary of State. ii) The International Campaign for Tibet called on US Secretary of State Blinken to substantively raise the Tibetan issue with Chinese leaders, including by pushing them to resume dialogue with the envoys of the Dalai Lama. (Comment: Blinken is scheduled to visit China on June 18-19.) iii) Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell's remarks on Blinken's trip to China made on the record on June 14. He said: Thanks very much, everyone, and welcome. I hope this is clear. We are on an airplane. We have just left Delhi with Jake Sullivan, where we concluded very successful discussions with Indian friends in anticipation of the State visit next week, and we’re on our way to trilateral meetings in Japan. The purpose of this call is really to talk, though, about China. At the start of this administration, the PRC was convinced that the United States was in terminal decline. Around the world there were doubts about our staying power, our economic vitality, our commitment to our allies, and the health of our democracy. And on China, we also inherited an approach that acknowledged the challenge that it posed but had not fully developed the tools to deal with it. Much of that has changed over the last two years since President Biden came to office. At the start of the administration, we surveyed the strategic landscape and assessed the challenge. Then we took a series of purposeful, strategic, integrated steps – both at home and abroad. We were clear about what we planned to do, and we are doing it. From the beginning, our approach has been consistent. We are in competition with China, but we do not seek conflict, confrontation, or a new Cold War. We are for managing the competition responsibly. We have strengthened America’s ability to outcompete China by rebuilding the economy from the bottom up and middle out, by enhancing our ability to innovate, rejuvenating our industrial capacity, protecting our technology, and – critically – by deepening our relationships with allies and partners around the world. Our approach has had a number of specific components. First, we recognize the importance of a bipartisan approach, and we have sought to build bridges across the aisle on this challenge – many calls, lots of interactions, and deep dialogue with partners across the aisle. Second, we have made historic investments to bolster manufacturing – including related to foundational technologies – to create good-paying jobs at home, and to support more resilient supply chains. There are a couple of examples of that. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act have already catalysed billions in private sector investment, and they are moving the needle. Large-scale investments in semiconductor and clean-energy production are up 20-fold since 2019. We are estimating $3.5 trillion in public and private investment over the next decade. And construction spending on manufacturing has doubled. Third, we have deepened our alliances and partnerships abroad in ways that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. Again, a few examples. We launched the first-ever Quad leader summit involving the United States, Australia, India, and Japan – and we just held the fifth summit last month. We inaugurated a new defense partnership, unprecedented – AUKUS – the first time in almost 70 years we have taken steps to provide an ally a nuclear-powered submarine capability. We have strengthened our relationship with Southeast Asia, including through the President’s summits with ASEAN leaders, including the first-ever summit held in the United States. We have also expanded our engagement with the Pacific with the President’s Pacific Summit last September, and we have invited Pacific leaders back to Washington later this year. We have launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework with more than a dozen partners representing more than 40 percent of the global GDP. We have deepened the U.S.-Japan alliance in ways hard to imagine. Japan is doubling its defense budget, providing access for exercises and training in its southwest islands, and acquiring key defense capabilities like Tomahawk missiles. Japan has made a commitment to take its defense spending to 2 percent. We have deepened ties to the Philippines, our oldest ally in Asia. We have identified four new sites under our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and expanded cooperation on issues from – on investment, clean energy, technology, and education. We have strengthened our alliance with the ROK, including through greater cooperation on technology, and signed the Washington Declaration to strengthen American extended deterrence. We have deepened our trilateral partnership with the ROK and Japan. And as we speak, we are on the road to Japan to hold another session to strengthen that partnership further. We have launched the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies to elevate and expand our partnership with India in the technologies of the future. And with Europe, we have made major strides. We are seeing significant convergence between the United States, Europe, and key Indo-Pacific partners on our approach to China. We launched the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, the TTC, a partnership that is delivering for workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic and taking on issues ranging from technology standards and export controls to non-market policies and economic coercion. Early on, the United States and Europe suspended a 17-year long dispute between Boeing and Airbus and aligned our efforts to ensure a playing field and to push – a level playing field and to push back on China’s market distorting practices in the aircraft sector. And the G7 came together around a simple formula codified just last month in Hiroshima: we are for de-risking, not for decoupling. We have also taken steps to draw together allies and partners around the world to push back against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through that effort, we have built new bridges between our alliances in Europe and in the Indo-Pacific. Fourth, we have aligned with countries around the world to set the rules of the road for the twenty-first century. We are working together to: Protect sensitive technologies so they cannot be used against us and moving to reduce unwanted dependencies. To ensure we have diversified, resilient, and secure supply chains in areas like critical minerals. We have set high standard alternatives for development financing, infrastructure, and trade. And we have moved to provide public goods related to the climate, environment, pandemic preparedness, and macroeconomic stability, among many other areas. And fifth, we have pursued an approach to the PRC that is competitive without veering into confrontation or conflict. We are clear-eyed about the PRC. We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed. And we expect China to be around and to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes. As the competition continues, the PRC will take provocative steps – from the Taiwan Strait to Cuba – and we will push back. But intense competition requires intense diplomacy if we are going to manage tensions. That is the only way to clear up misperceptions, to signal, to communicate, and to work together where and when our interests align. After investing at home and strengthening ties with allies abroad, now is precisely the time for intense diplomacy. This is not a strategic shift or something new to American statecraft. We have decades of experience talking to and even working with competitors when our interests call for it. We are not going to take a step back from our interests and values or from securing an enduring competitive advantage. In just the last few months, we have taken actions against the PRC entities involved in human rights abuses, forced labour, non-proliferation, and supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. We are continuing – we’ve continued to uphold freedom of navigation in the region by flying, sailing, and operating wherever international law allows. And we will continue to take additional steps in the period ahead in economics, technology, security, and other arenas to advance our interests and values. At the same time, there is nothing inconsistent with competing vigorously and talking with the PRC on a range of issues. We have an interest in setting up crisis communication mechanisms to reduce conflict risk. The world expects us to work together on climate, health security, global macroeconomic stability, and other challenges. We cannot let the disagreements that might divide us stand in the way of moving forward on the global priorities that require us all to work together. So, we will seek to manage the competition and work together where our interests align from a position of confidence in ourselves and in the importance of consistent, clear, and high-level communication with other great powers. Secretary Blinken’s trip will advance this approach, and we expect a series of visits in both directions in the period ahead. Let me conclude by noting that there has been – noting that there has been a lot of speculation on what end state that we seek. But this competition is not going to resolve in a decisive, transformative state. What we seek instead is a positive steady state, one where our interests a June 2023 CHINA-US: ICT HEAD OF RESEARCH BUCHUNG TSERING AWARDED TRUMAN-REAGAN MEDAL OF FREEDOM IN WASHINGTON ON JUNE 9 On June 9 the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation presented Bhuchung K. Tsering, head of research and monitoring at the International Campaign for Tibet, the Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom for his lifelong commitment to Tibetans suffering under Communist Chinese oppression at its 16th annual Roll Call of Nations Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington, DC. The ceremony featured the participation of diplomats from countries that were formerly under communist rule, as well as representatives of NGOs that work for freedom for their communities that are still under communist rule, including Cubans, Uyghurs, Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese and others. The Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America, Dr. Namgyal Choedup, and ICT President Tencho Gyatso were also among those who attended. (Comment: Other awardees include former Czech President Václav Havel, Pope John Paul II and Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai.) June 2023 CHINA-UK: HONGKONG PROTESTORS ATTACKED BY CHINESE STUDENTS ON JUNE 11 IN SOUTHAMPTON Several Hong Kong residents were attacked by suspected Chinese students after participating in a rally on June 11 in Southampton. The local police confirmed to Radio Free Asia that the incident involved a "hate attack" and caused minor injuries to two people. The police are currently investigating the attack. However, there are reports on the Internet that the suspected perpetrators have set off to return to China. Some Chinese netizens praised the behaviour of the perpetrator on Weibo. June 2023 CHINA-SAUDI ARABIA: CHINESE COMPANIES INK US$ 10 BILLION INVESTMENT DEALS AT 2-DAY ARAB-CHINA BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN RIYADH Caixin (June 13) disclosed that Chinese companies inked $10 billion in investment deals with businesses and government bodies in the Arab world during a two-day (June 11-12) conference in Riyadh as the Middle East emerges as a hot destination for Chinese investors. The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported that more than 30 pacts were signed at the 10th Arab-China Business Conference. The deals covered industries including technology, renewables, real estate, minerals, supply chains, tourism and health care. June 2023 CHINA-PALESTINE: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PROPOSES 3-POINT RESOLUTION PROPOSAL TO PALESTINE'S PRESIDENT Caixin (June 15) reported that while meeting the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on June 14, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced a three-point resolution proposal to address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Xi Jinping proposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and called for the international community to increase humanitarian efforts to Palestine while also respecting the existing status quo of Jerusalem. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENDS CONGRATULATORY LETTER ON OPENING OF FIRST SUMMIT FORUM ON BUILDING A CULTURAL POWER According to the Beijing Daily (June 7) Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on June 7. He said, "On the occasion of the opening of the first Summit Forum on Building a Cultural Power, I would like to express my warm congratulations on behalf of the Party Central Committee!" He added "Our party is committed to creating new glories of socialist culture" and that "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we have placed cultural construction in a prominent position in governing the country". June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTS BAYANNUR IN INNER MONGOLIA ON JUNE 6 Xinhua (June 6) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, on June 6 and presided over a symposium on strengthening the comprehensive prevention and control of desertification and promoting the construction of key ecological projects such as the "Three Norths". It said that on June 5 and 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied by Sun Shaocheng, Party Secretary of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Wang Lixia, Chairman of the People's Government of the Autonomous Region, 'went deep into Bayannur City's nature reserves, modern agricultural demonstration parks, forest farms, and water conservancy departments'. On June 5, Xi Jinping came 'to learn about the local insistence on the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, grass, and sand, and to promote the restoration of the ecological environment. He also inspected the natural features of Wuliangsuhai Lake and the surrounding ecological environment'. Xi Jinping emphasized that the management of the Wuliangsuhai River Basin is of great significance to ensuring China's ecological security. He later went to the modern agriculture demonstration park located on the south bank of Wuliangsuhai Sea and inspected the display of soil and seed samples. On June 6, Xi Jinping went to the state-owned Xinhua Forest Farm in Linhe District to learn about the construction of the "Three North" shelterbelt system. In the forest farm, Xi Jinping listened to the introduction of Inner Mongolia's "Three Norths" project construction and the forest farm's sand control and afforestation, and inspected the sandy land under control. Xi Jinping emphasized that if human beings want to survive and develop better, they must prevent and control desertification. Xi Jinping then visited the Water Quantity Information Monitoring Center of the Hetao Irrigation District. On the afternoon of the 6th, Xi Jinping presided over a symposium on strengthening the comprehensive prevention and control of desertification and promoting the construction of key ecological projects such as the "Three Norths" in Bayannur City. Wang Guanghua, Minister of Natural Resources, Sun Shaocheng, Party Secretary of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hu Changsheng, Party Secretary of Gansu, and Liang Yanshun, Party Secretary of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region all delivered speeches. Vice Premier He Lifeng and responsible comrades of relevant provinces and regions submitted written speeches. After listening to everyone's speeches, Xi Jinping delivered an "important" speech. He emphasized that 'the Party Central Committee attaches great importance to desertification prevention and control, and regards desertification prevention and control as the main task of desertification prevention and control. It has successively implemented a number of key projects such as the construction of the "Three North" shelterbelt system, returning farmland to forests and grasslands, and the control of sandstorm sources in Beijing and Tianjin'. He said, 'Practice has proved that the decisionmaking of the Party Central Committee on the prevention and control of desertification, especially the construction of the "Three Norths" project, is very correct and farsighted'. Xi Jinping pointed out that desertification is a major global ecological issue that affects human survival and development. Xi Jinping emphasized that it is necessary to carry out extensive international exchanges and cooperation, implement the "United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification", actively participate in global desertification environmental governance, focus on strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries, support the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" countries to combat desertification, and lead countries to carry out policy dialogue and cooperation. Information sharing, joint response to sand and dust disaster weather. Finally, Xi Jinping emphasized that the implementation of the "Three Norths" project is a major national strategy. Politburo Standing Committee member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi, accompanied Xi Jinping and attended the symposium. Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department Li Ganjie and others accompanied the inspection and attended the symposium. He Lifeng accompanied the inspection. Ma Xingrui, responsible comrades of relevant departments of the central and state agencies, and responsible comrades of relevant provinces and regions attended the symposium. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDS AND DELIVERS 'IMPORTANT' SPEECH AT 'SYMPOSIUM ON CULTURAL INHERITANCE AND DEVELOPMENT' IN BEIJING ON JUNE 2 CCTV (June 2) telecast a report that Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a symposium on cultural inheritance and development in Beijing on June 2 and delivered an important speech. He emphasized that it "is our new cultural mission in the new era to continue to promote cultural prosperity, build a culturally powerful country, and build a modern civilization of the Chinese nation from a new starting point. We must strengthen our cultural self-confidence, shoulder our mission, and work hard to create a new culture that belongs to our era and build a modern civilization of the Chinese nation". Xi Jinping successively inspected the National Edition Museum of China and the Chinese Academy of History. Earlier, on June 1 afternoon Xi Jinping drove to the Central Headquarters of the China National Edition Museum located at the foot of Yanshan Mountain in Changping District, Beijing. PBSC member and Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat, Cai Qi accompanied the inspection and presided over the symposium. Presiding over the session, Cai Qi said that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech made a comprehensive and systematic in-depth explanation of a series of major theoretical and practical issues concerning the inheritance and development of Chinese culture from the perspective of the overall strategic development of the party and the country’s undertakings. He said It is necessary to combine the ongoing theme education, conscientiously organize and convey the spirit of learning General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, and more deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidence", and achieve the "two maintain". He said it is necessary to strengthen 'propaganda, ideological and cultural work, strengthen cultural self-confidence and self-improvement, and solidly promote the construction of a modern civilization of the Chinese nation and a socialist cultural power'. Li Shulei, Tie Ning, Chen Yiqin, Qin Gang, Jiang Xinzhi and others participated in the activities. Members of the Central Propaganda, Ideological and Cultural Work Leading Group, responsible comrades of relevant departments of the central and state agencies, responsible comrades of various units of the central propaganda and cultural system, and representatives of relevant experts and scholars attended the symposium. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDES OVER STATE COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEETING Chinese Premier Li Qiang chaired an Executive Meeting of the State Council on June 2, where he listened to reports on the progress of optimizing the business environment and key measures for the next step, studied policies, and discussed measures to promote the high-quality development of the new energy automobile industry. The "Preschool Education Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft)" was passed, and it was decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for review. The meeting pointed out that since the beginning of this year, China's economic operation has achieved a good start, but the foundation for economic recovery is not yet solid. It pointed out that new energy vehicles are the main direction of the transformation and upgrading of the automobile industry, and the development space is very broad. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: YE NIUING APPOINTED MAYOR OF XI'AN, CAPITAL OF SHAANXI PROVINCE According to the "Xi'an Release" news, the fourth meeting of the 17th Xi'an People's Congress elected Ye Niuping as the Mayor of the Xi'an Municipal People's Government on June 3, 2023. Ye Niuping was born in December 1967. He worked in Guangzhou in the early days and successively served as Mayor of Zengcheng City (now Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City), Mayor of Baiyun District, Director of Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Secretary General of Guangzhou Municipal Government, General Office In 2017, and he served as the Deputy Mayor of Guangzhou. On May 31, he resigned from the position of Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: 1968-BORN DAI BINBIN APPOINTED NEW PUBLIC SECURITY DIRECTOR OF SHAANXI PROVINCE According to the "Shaanxi People's Congress", on May 31, the third meeting of the Standing Committee of the Fourteenth Shaanxi Provincial People's Congress at its second plenary meeting voted to appoint Dai Binbin as Director of Shaanxi Provincial Public Security Department. (Comment: Dai Binbin is of Han nationality and born in January 1968. He holds a University degree, MBA, is a Professor-level senior engineer,and is a member of the Communist Party of China.) June 2023 CHINA-HISTORY: CASS RELEASES NEW HISTORY BOOK FOCUSES ON PROCESS OF CHINA'S REUNIFICATION AND EXPERIENCES IN GOVERNING FRONTIER AREAS A new history book was released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing on June 5 to review how China's national unity was strengthened. China Daily (June 6) quoted experts as saying, "Review of Qing rule offers key pointers for current policymaking." The two-volume History of National Unification in Qing Dynasty, which includes 1.1 million characters, is one of the first major academic achievements of the Chinese Academy of History, which was established at the CASS in 2019 to promote comprehensive studies in history as references for modern national governance. The book systematically reviews the process of national unification during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and its experiences and lessons in governing frontier areas, including Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan, regions inhabited by the Mongolian ethnic group, Northeast China, Southwest China, and the country's territorial seas. During a meeting on cultural inheritance and development at the Chinese Academy of History on Friday, President Xi Jinping noted that the prominent unity of Chinese civilization determines that national unity will always be at the heart of China's core interests and the fate of all ethnic groups depends on a strong and united country. Xing Guangcheng, co-author of the book and a member of CASS Academic Division of History, said by studying rich historical documentation, "this book demonstrates how a united nation with various ethnic groups was established, consolidated and safeguarded during the Qing era". June 2023 CHINA-CCP: VICE PRESIDENT OF CHINESE ACADEMY OF HISTORY EXTOLS CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH ON 'BUILDING A MODERN CIVILISATION OF THE CHINESE NATION' The “Chinese Journal of Social Sciences" (Issue 2667; June 8, 2023) published an article by Li Guoqiang, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of History, under the caption 'Building the modern civilization of the Chinese nation is a new mission we must take on'. He recalled that 'on June 2, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Chinese Academy of History in person, inspected the Chinese Archaeological Museum, attended the Symposium on Cultural Inheritance and Development held at the Chinese Academy of History and delivered an important speech. General Secretary Xi Jinping fully affirmed the work of the Chinese Academy of History, put forward clear requirements for the work of the Chinese Academy of History, and pointed out the way forward'. He added that 'General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech has lofty intentions and rich connotations. It runs through ancient and modern times and integrates Chinese and foreign countries. It is a programmatic document that shines with the truth of Marxism and is full of ideological and philosophical reasons. General Secretary Xi Jinping made an extremely profound and comprehensive exposition around the major new era proposition of building a modern civilization of the Chinese nation, and put forward a series of new ideas, new viewpoints and new conclusions, emphasizing that "culture is related to the foundation and destiny of the country" and "China's The road of socialism with Chinese characteristics was developed under the guidance of Marxism, and it also emerged from the history of Chinese civilization of more than 5,000 years'. He said 'In his important speech, General Secretary Xi Jinping issued a call for the era of building a modern civilization of the Chinese nation. This is a new mission that we must undertake at a new historical starting point. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out affectionately, "The best inheritance of history is to create a new history; the greatest respect for human civilization is to create a new form of human civilization." Li Guoqiang asserted that 'Under the leadership of the Party Group of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and under the leadership of Comrade Gao Xiang, we will unswervingly take Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics as the banner and soul.' June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE EMPHASISES IMPORTANCE OF 'THEME EDUCATION' AND DISCLOSES THAT THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING IMPLEMENTED ACROSS CHINA A lengthy People's Daily (June 3) article captioned 'Various regions, departments and units promote thematic education to continue to go deep and solid——Proficiency in leadership methods, thinking methods and working methods'. It revealed that on March 30, the CCP CC Politburo held a meeting and decided that starting from April, the whole party will be carried out in two batches from top to bottom to study and implement the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The same afternoon the Politburo conducted the fourth collective study on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It added that all regions, departments, and units carry out in-depth intensive study and seminars in the form of party committee (party group) meetings, special meetings, theoretical study center group studies, and theme education reading classes and hold demonstration drives. It disclosed that the China Meteorological Administration Party Group Theoretical Learning Center Group (expanded) held the third study meeting in 2023 of thematic education; that on April 28, Party members and cadres of the Hangzhou CPPCC came to Xiaogucheng Village to carry out the activity of "Tracing the Origin of Thoughts and Promoting Practice"; CCP CC International Department held a special reading class activity for the leadership of the Ministry; and the Yunnan Provincial Public Security Department recently held the second political rotation training class on the theme of learning and implementing Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: NDRC UNDERTAKES "SOLID" STUDY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF 'THEME EDUCATION' The state-owned CCTV (June 5) reported that the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has solidly carried out the study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics to promote highquality development'. It said the NDRC held the 'Party group reading classes and theoretical study center group studies, and promoted work; insisted on Problem-oriented, put yourself in, put in your responsibilities, put in your work, conduct in-depth examination of deficiencies, and make solid progress in rectification'. 'In the theme education, the National Development and Reform Commission conducted in-depth investigations, members of the party group led teams for 28 investigations, and relevant departments and bureaus conducted more than 180 investigations. In the special survey of "accelerating the construction of a new development pattern and vigorously promoting high-quality development", relevant departments and bureaus went to 19 cities in 9 provinces, held 23 symposiums, and visited 40 companies. He not only went to the province to investigate and grasp the general trend, but also went to the county town to analyze the deep-seated contradictions that restrict economic development and extract good experience and good practices to solve development problems'. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE ASSERTS THAT "PARTY SPIRIT IS THE UNIQUE ATTRIBUTE OF A MARXIST PARTY" In an article in Guangming Daily (June 2) captioned 'Always maintain the political nature of the Communists', Zhu Linjun, Researcher at the Central Party School wrote "Strengthening the party spirit" is one of the general requirements for studying and implementing the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Party spirit is the unique attribute of a Marxist party, which essentially reflects the party's advanced nature and purity. Only by continuously strengthening the party spirit and ensuring that it does not change its quality, colour, or taste can the Communist Party of China remain the backbone of the Chinese people and the core of leadership for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics". It asserted: "Ideals and beliefs are the spiritual "calcium" of Communists, and if there is a lack of calcium in the spirit, they will suffer from "schizophrenia." The ideals and beliefs of the Chinese Communists are the belief in Marxism, the lofty ideal of communism and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "For communists, if they shake their beliefs, deviate from their party spirit, and lose their purpose, they may be caught in the "hunt"." It cautioned that "No matter what experts, scholars, writers, or artists they are, as long as they are party members, they are not allowed to regard themselves as special, think that they are politically superior to the party, and can act on their own.," adding that "The party spirit of party members and cadres will not naturally improve with the growth of party age, nor will it naturally improve with the promotion of positions. It must be enriched and improved through ideological refinement, political experience, practical training, and professional training". It urged "all comrades in the party must consciously study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on strengthening the party's political construction and improving the political capabilities of leading cadres, always think about issues from the perspective of the party and the country, always keep in mind "the biggest country", and deeply understand " The decisive significance of the "two establishments", consciously strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidence", and achieve the "two safeguards"." June 2023 CHINA-CCP: UNITED FRONT WORK DEPARTMENT BASES INSTRUCTED TO STRENGTHEN CONSCIOUSNESS OF CHINESE NATION The Chinese Journal of Social Sciences (June 2, 2023; Issue 2663) disclosed in an article that "recently, the United Front Work Department of the Central Committee, the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, and the National Ethnic Affairs Commission announced the list of selected research bases for strengthening the consciousness of the Chinese nation community (2023-2025 cycle). The research bases have expressed that they will continue to focus on building the consciousness of the Chinese nation community, give full play to the team's expertise and disciplinary advantages, take root in the land of China for learning, strengthen research and theoretical method innovation, and promote the construction of the Chinese nation community with Chinese-style modernization". It recalled that "General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the main line of the party's national work in the new era must be to forge a sense of the Chinese nation's community, and promote the high recognition of the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics by all ethnic groups, and continuously promote The construction of the Chinese nation community". June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE AUTHORED BY 'RESEARCH CENTRE FOR OVERALL NATIONAL SECURITY VIEWS' Under the caption 'Provide Strong Security Guarantees for Promoting Chinese-style Modernization (People Watch)', the People's Daily published an article authored by the Research Center for Overall National Security Views. It said "National security is the foundation of national rejuvenation, and social stability is the prerequisite for national prosperity. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Our party must consolidate its ruling position, unite and lead the people to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, and ensuring national security is the top priority." The next five years will be a critical period for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country. At present, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, and the national security situation is complex and severe". Asserting that "The national security system is more robust", it said "Building a modern socialist country in an all-round way is a great and arduous undertaking with a bright future and a long way to go. At present, China's development has entered a period where strategic opportunities, risks and challenges coexist, and uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. Various "black swan" and "grey rhinoceros" incidents may occur at any time. The construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation need the escort of the national security system, and promoting the modernization of the national security system is an integral part of Chinese-style modernization". It stressed the importance of upholding "the party's absolute leadership over national security work and improving the national security system. It said, "In the new era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has made a series of major decisions and arrangements for national security work from the overall and strategic perspective of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics." It said, in conclusion, "In the next five years, if we want to achieve a more consolidated national security, we must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two safeguards". In terms of politics and actions, we maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core; we always adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee on national security work, improve the efficient and authoritative national security leadership system, and unswervingly implement the responsibility of the chairman of the Central National Security Commission." June 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE FOCUSES ON XI JINPING THOUGHT ON ECOLOGICAL CIVILISATION People's Daily (June 5) published an article by the Xi Jinping Ecological Civilization Thought Research Center titled 'Action guide for building a modernized harmonious co-existence between man and nature (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)'. The article focussed on Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilization and said, "We must deeply study Xi Jinping's thought on ecological civilization and implement it in all aspects of the construction of ecological civilization". June 2023 CHINA-POPULATION: THE PAPER PUBLISHES INTERVIEW WITH PEKING UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR AND VICE PRESIDENT OF CHINA POPULATION ASSOCIATION ON PROMOTING HIGH QUALITY POPULATION Lu Jiehua, Professor of Sociology Department of Peking University and Vice President of China Population Association was asked "China is in a critical period of transition from a country with a large population and resources to a country with a strong human capital. How to correctly understand the urgency and importance of high-quality population development? How to support Chinese-style modernization with high-quality population development?" during an interview with the Paper (June 2). Lu Jiehua, replied "We need to aim at the highquality development of the population, respond to the potential risks and challenges brought about by the changes in the population structure ahead of time, and provide strong talent support for the modernization drive. Use the overall quality of the population to promote the release of the advantages of population size. The size of my country's economy is largely due to the size of the population. At present, the potential energy of my country's total population has not been fully released. Therefore, it is necessary to promote high-quality population development to give full play to the advantages of population size and help the further upgrading of economic development from large volume to high per capita. Promote coordinated regional development through human capital optimization". He called for "Build a birth-friendly society and promote long-term balanced population development. Continue to pay attention to the effect of the implementation of the fertility policy". The Paper published the interview under the caption: 'From a country with a large population and resources to a country with a strong human capital (high-quality population development supports Chinesestyle modernization) ——Interview with Lu Jiehua, Professor of Sociology Department of Peking University and Vice President of China Population Association. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: NFRA HEAD SPEAKS AT LUJIAZUI FORUM IN SHANGHAI AND LISTS AGENCY'S FOCUS AREAS The two-day (June 8-9) annual Lujiazui financial forum opened in Shanghai on June 8. The two-day event is jointly hosted by the Shanghai government, the People's Bank of China (PBoC), the new central financial regulator (NFRA), and the securities regulator (CSRC). NFRA head Li Yunze and Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng are the forum’s co-chairs. Speakers include current and former senior officials, policy advisors, and corporate executives. According to 21st century Business News, NFRA head Li Yunze delivered a speech outlining the new financial regulatory agency’s five top focuses, namely: (i) Improving the effectiveness of finance to serve the real economy; (ii) Modernizing financial supervision; (iii) Proactively preventing systematic financial risks; (iv) Deepening financial sector reforms to optimize the regulatory apparatus, financing channels, and financial products; and (v) Expanding financial sector opening June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: HEAD OF SASC PUBLISHES SIGNED ARTICLE IN PARTY CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH MAGAZINE DESCRIBING VISION AND GOALS FOR PARTY-BUILDING IN SOEs The Head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASC), Zhang Yuzhuo published a signed article in the "Party Construction Research" magazine (May 11) titled 'In-depth development of theme education to promote high-quality development of state-owned central enterprises'. It said, "The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core is to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party and mobilize all comrades in the party to unite and struggle to complete the central task of the party." It added that "The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and central enterprises must deeply understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the theme education work conference, conscientiously implement the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee, firmly grasp the general requirements and goals and tasks of theme education, and truly come to a theoretical grand Learning and ideological arming, learning ideology, strengthening party spirit, emphasizing practice, and making new achievements will provide strong political guidance and political guarantee for the construction of a new development pattern for state-owned central enterprises, actively promote high-quality development, forge ahead on a new journey, and make contributions in a new era". Calling "State-owned enterprises are the most reliable force for our party to govern and rejuvenate the country", it said "we must deeply understand the important discussion on the status and role of state-owned enterprises, insist that the dominant position of public ownership cannot be shaken, insist that the leading role of the state-owned economy cannot be shaken, and strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, control, influence, and anti-risk capabilities of the state-owned economy. Make state-owned capital and state-owned enterprises stronger, better and bigger, and further strengthen the confidence and confidence in doing a good job in the work of state13 owned central enterprises". It said "The major political tasks of the central enterprises insist on putting scientific and technological innovation in a more prominent position, focusing on building more important weapons of the country, forging the national strategic scientific and technological strength, and promoting the central enterprises to strive to build a key scientific and technological research center, a source of original technology, a highland of scientific and technological talents and a scientific and technological innovation center". Stating that "Stateowned enterprises are an important material and political foundation of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and an important force for our party to lead economic work", it added "We must closely focus on the central task of promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization and make new efforts to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way. greater contribution. To carry out theme education for state-owned central enterprises, we must firmly grasp the responsibilities and missions of state-owned central enterprises in the new era and new stage." It underscored that "The party building of stateowned central enterprises is an important part of the new great project of party building in the new era." June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: SASC MEETING HELD FOR CENTRAL SOEs TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC EMERGING INDUSTRIES On May 24, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASC) held a meeting for central enterprises to accelerate the development of strategic emerging industries. Zhang Yuzhuo, Secretary and Director of the Party Committee of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and leader of the leading group of central enterprises to accelerate the development of strategic emerging industries, emphasized in his speech that it is necessary to conscientiously study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on the reform and development of state-owned enterprises and party building, and have a deep understanding. In the new era and new journey, the mission of state-owned central enterprises, with a high sense of political responsibility and historical mission, will go all out to develop strategic emerging industries, effectively improve the core competitiveness of enterprises, enhance core functions, actively serve the country's major strategies, and build a modern industrial system'. He added that the enterprises 'will effectively play the role of scientific and technological innovation, industrial control, and security support.' The meeting emphasized that the development of strategic emerging industries by central enterprises must continuously achieve new substantive breakthroughs in the optimization of industrial layout, adhere to a more focused strategy, more flexible methods, and a more open vision, and grasp in time the new business models and new models of industrial evolution. Zhao Shitang, member and Deputy Director of the Party Committee of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and deputy leader of the leading group for the special work of central enterprises to accelerate the development of strategic emerging industries, presided over the meeting and introduced the relevant work. June 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: HUAWEI SUSPENDS ITS AUTO BUSINESS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AS IT HAS TROUBLE EXPANDING ITS SMART DRIVING BUSINESS Caixin (June 3) reported that Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. is having trouble expanding its fledgling smart driving systems business. It said in February, the software giant suspended its auto business Chief Operating Officer Wang Jun, who also served as the President of its selfdriving product line, a move that Caixin learned was related to poor progress in the commercialization of the auto unit’s HI, or “Huawei Inside,” smart car system. June 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA'S STATE COUNCIL DRAFTING NATIONAL REGULATION TO REGULATE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Caixin (June 8) reported that China is considering drafting national legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) as the field continues to expand with the rapid development of ChatGPT and other AI-powered technologies. The State Council, China’s cabinet, included preparing an AI draft law for review in its 2023 legislative work plan, which was released on June 6. The standing committee of the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature, will review the draft before putting it to a vote, though the timeline for that process remains unclear. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: REAR ADMIRAL DAI MINGMENG APPOINTED SOUTH SEA FLEET NAVY AIR FORCE COMMANDER Baidu (June 8) reported that Rear Admiral Dai Mingmeng has been appointed to the South China Sea Fleet of the Navy Air Force Commander. It said on May 29, when the "Children's Day" was approaching, Commander of the South China Sea Fleet Air Corps Rear Admiral Dai Mingmeng, and his party went to Haiyan Primary School in Haikou City, formerly known as the South China Sea Fleet Aviation Junior Primary School, to carry out "June 1" condolence activities, send holiday blessings to the children, and express cordial greetings to the teachers. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY CMC POLITICAL WORK DEPARTMENT THEORETICAL LEARNING CENTRE STRESSING PARTY CONTROL OVER PLA AND NEED TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY The People's Daily (June 5) published a lengthy article authored by the Central Military Commission Political Work Department Party Committee Theoretical Learning Center Group titled 'In-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's thought on strengthening the army, go all out to promote the realization of the centenary goal of the army——Seriously study the first and second volumes of "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works". It contained 15 mentions of Xi Jinping. It said, briefly: "Achieving the 100-year goal of the army is the central task of our army building in the next few years. It carries the long-cherished wish of our party to strengthen the army. It is necessary to strengthen political guidance, deepen theoretical arming, stimulate the state of mind, gather the strength to forge ahead, and realize the unprecedented unity and unity of the whole army under the new historical conditions. Persevere in arming the entire army with Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the army. Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army is an important part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era".; "deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses" and strengthen the " Four selfconfidence" and "two safeguards", implement the responsibility system of the chairman of the Military Commission, and consolidate the ideological foundation of the party".; "Achieving the centenary goal of the army is the will of the party and the order of the commander-in-chief. We must unswervingly implement the responsibility system of the chairman of the Military Commission, always listen to Chairman Xi's command, be responsible to Chairman Xi, let Chairman Xi rest assured, and promote the unity of the entire army".; "Comprehensively improve the strategic ability to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests". "It is necessary to plan and guide military operations from a political height and overall national interests, strengthen coordination and cooperation between military operations and political and diplomatic operations, and resolutely safeguard core national interests"; "Build a phalanx of high-quality professional new-type military personnel.; Strengthen honour incentives, improve the implementation of the meritorious honour recognition system, carry out meritorious service creation activities in the new era, and inspire the heroic spirit of going forward and daring to win".; "Adhere to high-level military governance to promote the highquality development of our military"; "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chairman Xi has led the entire army with unprecedented courage and determination to maintain a positive atmosphere, strictly enforce rules, and punish corruption".; and "We must firmly hold on to the party’s absolute leadership over the people’s army, adhere to the problem-oriented approach, implement the spirit of rectification, vigorously clean up political discipline, rectify the selection and appointment of personnel, rectify the industry’s long-standing abuses, and rectify work style, and comprehensively eliminate Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou, and Fang Fenghui, Zhang Yang's poisonous influence, constantly purifying the political ecology of our army, maintaining a high degree of unity, purity and consolidation of the army. Carry out in-depth anti-corruption education for military cadres, do a good job of regular ideological purification". June 2023 CHINA-PLA: CHINA ANNOUNCES 2023 PLAN TO RECRUIT 17,000 STUDENTS IN 27 MILITARY ACADEMIES WITH TO ENROLL 1,141 STUDENTS FROM HUNAN PROVINCE China officially announced its 2023 plan on June 8, to recruit ordinary high school graduates in military academies. This year, the number of students enrolled will reach 17,000, an increase of more than 2,000 compared with last year. Among them, 27 military academies plan to enrol 1,141 students in Hunan, an increase of 216 compared with last year. In 2023, military academies in Hunan plan to enrol 1,141 ordinary high school graduates, including 1,087 boys (1,065 physics, 22 history), and 54 girls (50 physics, 4 history). Among them, the National University of Defense Technology has the largest enrolment in Hunan, with a planned enrolment of 249 students. The Hunan Daily (June 8) said that the 2023 national unified examination for college admissions began on June 7. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: MAJORITY OF PLA UNITS HAVE CONDUCTED THEME EDUCATION The state-owned CCTV (June 8) reported that from mid-spring to early summer, the party committees and organs of units above the military level carried out in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping’s education on the theme of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. All departments and units resolutely implemented the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi, and insisted on using the party’s innovation. It said 'the majority of party members and cadres in the army have conscientiously realized the great significance of carrying out the theme education, actively invested in the theme education, consciously accepted ideological refinement, political experience, and party spirit training, and more deeply understood the decisive significance of the "two establishments", and strengthened the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences" and achieve "two safeguards", implement the responsibility system of the chairman of the Military Commission, touch the soul of the mind to learn a new realm, and make new achievements in the practice of strengthening the army'. It added that 'The army carries out theme education and adheres to the effect orientation, and ultimately it must fall on being able to fight and win battles. From government agencies to troops, from training grounds to mission frontlines, from the western border to the southeast coast, party committees at all levels focus on realizing the goal of the army's centennial struggle as scheduled, and learn from the party's innovative theory the spirit of fighting hard and forging ahead The power of wisdom transforms the loyal beliefs, political enthusiasm, and mission responsibilities that radiate into a powerful driving force for preparing for wars and overcoming difficulties. Unity and unity, promote the high-quality development of the military and continuously achieve new results'. June 2023 CHINA-LIAONING: LIAONING PROVINCE AUTHORITIES BEGIN CRACKDOWN ON "POLITICAL LIARS" The "Liaoning Daily" (June 2) said that the CCP's Liaoning Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, Liaoning Provincial Supervisory Committee, Liaoning Provincial Public Security Department, Liaoning Provincial Higher People's Court, Liaoning Provincial People's Procuratorate, and Liaoning Provincial Department of Justice jointly issued a statement on cracking down on "political liars". The notice pointed out that "political crooks" must recognize the situation and immediately stop all fraudulent behaviour. Those suspected of fraud and other crimes must surrender themselves as soon as possible and strive for leniency. Party members and cadres who are deceived by "political crooks" must take the initiative to explain to the organization as soon as possible Don't embark on the road of no return for violating discipline, law and crime. Announcement of Liaoning Provincial Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Organs and Judicial Law Enforcement Organs on Cracking Down on "Political Liars" In order to thoroughly implement the important deployment of the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection on severely cracking down on "political crooks", resolutely eradicate the living soil of "political crooks", and continue to purify Liaoning's political and social ecology. , we hereby announce the following matters concerning the severe crackdown on "political liars". 1. The Face of a "Political Liar" The "political liar" in this announcement refers to the design of identity disguise by impersonating or fictitious leading cadres, their relatives, friends, and staff around them, experts and professors with special backgrounds, scholars, think tanks, and "masters", or by forging leaders. Graphic, text, audio-visual materials of cadres, fictitious contacts with leading cadres, dissemination of political rumours, fabrication of internal information, false "matchmaking" and other methods to design behaviour packaging and use political interests such as "promotion and reuse" and "putting cases to be wiped out" as temptations to defraud others' trust, People who seek to seize illegitimate interests such as economic interests and social status. (Comment: References to "political liars" have been noticed in CCP notices earlier too. This crackdown is probably an all-China campaign.) June 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: BEIJING MUNICIPAL PARTY STANDING COMMITTEE DECIDES TO HOLD 13TH MUNICIPAL PARTY COMMITTEE MEETING IN MIDJUNE On June 7, the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee held a meeting and decided to hold the third plenary session of the 13th Municipal Party Committee in mid- June. June 2023 CHINA-CHONGQING: CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME APPROVES SELECTION OF CADRES ACROSS ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS The Beijing Daily (June 6) quoted the CCTV (June 6) and announced that the "Announcement on Public Selection of Civil Servants by Municipal Organs of Dazhou in 2023" was officially released in Sichuan and Chongqing at the same time, and registration and preliminary qualification examinations were also started simultaneously. It said this selection involves a total of 31 positions and 51 places in 23 municipal departments in Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, of which 22 positions and 42 places in 17 municipal departments are open to townships in Wanzhou District and Kaizhou District of Chongqing. This is the first public selection of civil servants conducted by the municipal government of Dazhou City, Sichuan Province, with the approval of the CCP CC Organization Department of the Central Committee, for the Wanda Kai area in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. It described it as a practical case of breaking through the restrictions of provincial administrative divisions to carry out open selection of civil servants. June 2023 CHINA-FUJIAN: 33-YEAR-OLD CCP MEMBER APPROVED FOR APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY TO CCP AND GOVERNMENT OF SHANGHANG COUNTY Beijing Daily (June 6) revealed that the Organization Department of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee issued a pre-appointment announcement on June 6, stating that Wang Bo, the current Secretary of the Shanghang County Party Committee, intends to serve as a deputy to the party and government of the district city. Wang Bo entered Tsinghua University to study after graduating from Southeast University in 2008. In 2013, Dr. Wang Bo went to work in Fujian after graduation and served as the Deputy Director of Science and Technology of Yongfeng New District Management Committee in Longyan City. During this period, he served concurrently as the First Secretary of the Party Committee of Gaopi Town, Yongding County. In 2015, Wang Bo served as a member of the Party Working Committee and Deputy Director of the Management Committee of Longyan Economic and Technological Development Zone (Longyan High-tech Industrial Development Zone) in Fujian Province. In 2016, 29-year-old Wang Bo served as the magistrate of Shanghang County; in January 2021, 33-year-old Wang Bo served as Secretary of the Shanghang County Party Committee. According to a report by People's Daily in February this year, Shanghang County was selected as one of the "Top 100 Counties (Cities) in National Comprehensive Competitiveness in 2022", ranking 96th and becoming the only selected county among the 97 counties in the former Central Soviet Area. (Comment: Wang Bo, male, is of Han nationality. He was born in May 1987 and is a postgraduate and member of the Communist Party of China.) June 2023 CHINA-QINGHAI: WANG LINHU APPOINTED DEPUTY PARTY SECRETARY AND DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF QINGHAI PROVINCE According to reports in May this year, Wang Linhu has been appointed as the deputy party secretary and Deputy Governor of the Qinghai provincial government. Wang Linhu, member of the Standing Committee of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee, previously served as Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Qinghai Provincial Government. Wang Linhu (male) Han nationality was born in November 1969, in Changzhi, Shanxi Province, and joined work in July 1990. He joined the Communist Party of China in June 1992, and has a postgraduate degree from the Provincial Party School. June 2023 CHINA-GUANGDONG: HKSAR NPC DELEGATES VISIT GUANGDONG AND MEET GUANGDONG PARTY SECRETARY HUANG KUNMING AND THE GUANGDONG GOVERNOR On June 8, Guangdong Party Secretary Huang Kunming and Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of Guangdong Wang Weizhong representatives of the 14th National People's Congress of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who came to Guangdong to conduct special research. Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in Hong Kong, attended the meeting. June 2023 CHINA-GUANGDONG: GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE HOLDS ITS 15TH PROVINCIAL CONGRESS ON JUNE 5 On June 5, the 15th Guangdong Provincial Congress of the Communist Youth League was held in Guangzhou. Huang Kunming, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and CCP CC Politburo member, A Dong, First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Youth League Central Committee, Wang Weizhong, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of the Province, and Meng Fanli, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee attended the meeting. The Congress hoped that the league organizations at all levels will continue to study and implement Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and lead the young members of the league deepened their political, ideological, theoretical, and emotional identification with the "two establishments", and more consciously enhanced the "four consciousnesses", strengthened the "four self-confidence", and achieved "two maintenances". Meng Fanli, on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee, extended his greetings to the Youth League members and youth workers in the province, and emphasized 'that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has drawn up a grand blueprint for comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization, and provided the most important opportunities and the broadest stage for the development and growth of young people. Organizations and members of the Communist Youth League must thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, conscientiously study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on youth work and the spirit of important speeches and important instructions during his inspection of Guangdong'. Ran Bo, Secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Youth League, made a report on behalf of the 14th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League. Provincial leaders Cheng Fubo, Zhang Xiaoqiang, Zhou He, Ye Zhenqin, Zhang Xin, Zheng Zhentao, and more than 700 Youth League members from all walks of life in the province attended the meeting. June 2023 CHINA-XINJIANG: XINHUA CLAIMED THAT A 34-MEMBER DELEGATION OF ARAB LEAGUE OFFICIALS TRAVELLED TO XINJIANG AND SAID THE SITUATION IS NOT LIKE THAT PORTRAYED BY THE WEST Xinhua (June 3) claimed that a 34-member delegation of diplomats and officials from the Arab League and its Secretariat travelled in Xinjiang from May 30 - June 3 and said that they witnessed a different Xinjiang from the one that has been portrayed by Western media. The delegation went after attending the 18th senior officials' meeting and the 7th senior officiallevel strategic political dialogue of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. The group visited a number of locations in Xinjiang. June 2023 CHINA-HONGKONG: HONGKONG POLICE ARRESTED 24 PEOPLE ON JUNE 4 Deutsche Welle (Chinese website) reported that according to Hong Kong police statistics as of midnight on June 4, a total of 1 person was arrested; 23 people were taken away by the police on suspicion of disrupting social peace, including 11 men and 12 women, aged between 20 and 74. They were taken to the police station for further investigation and some were later allowed to leave. The remaining 23 people taken away by the Hong Kong police, included Chen Baoying, a well-known social movement veteran in Hong Kong and chairman of the Social Democracy League. In addition, Deng Jianhua, the former Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Union, wearing a black jacket with the June 4th report from Wen Wei Po, Xu Hanguang, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Branch Federation, Mai Yanting, former Chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, and a well-known social activist in Hong Kong nicknamed "Grandma Wang" Wang Fengyao, a personage, was also taken away by the police. June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: 37 PLAAF AIRCRAFT ENTER TAIWAN'S ADIZ ON JUNE 8 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence spokesman Sun Li-fang announced on June 8 that from 5 am local time, "a total of 37 Chinese military aircrafts" entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone. (ADIZ). At 11.00 am Sun Li-fang said, "Some continued... towards the Western Pacific for long-range reconnaissance training," and while not the largest number of incursions this year the surge on June 8 occurred over a much more compressed time frame. June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING SENDS CONDOLENCES TO PRIME MINISTER MODI ON TRAIN ACCIDENT IN ODISSA The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (China Youth Daily) publicised (June 3) that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to the President and Prime Minister of India over the train derailment and collision accident in Odisha, India. This message was headline news in all Chinese newspapers on June 3. June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: EXCHANGE BETWEEN PLA SR. COLONEL AND INDIA'S DEPUTY NSA ON JUNE 5 ON SIDELINES OF SHANGRI' LA DIALOGUE On June 5 a PLA Senior Colonel asked about the India-US "military alliance" and intelligence arrangements. Indian Deputy NSA Vikram Misri responded without defensiveness that India and the US "enjoy a strong and robust defence and military relations". It is India's sovereign right to sign agreements. US Admiral Aquilino of USPACCOM echoed Dy. NSA Misri and said that US-India is not a military alliance and India and US have a "special defence cooperation agreement". He added "when our friends and partners in India and their sovereignty was challenged and they needed assistance the United States delivered". The Sr. Colonel also asked India regarding whether it has a leadership or equal role in IOR for itself and the US. Dy NSA Misri replied "We are all equal participants in these regional constructs that I mentioned". US Admiral Aquilino added "absolutely an equal relationship. That said, India also has a leadership role in the region, and we appreciate that". June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINA AND INDIA HOLD 27TH MEETING OF WORKING MECHANISM ON BORDER ON MAY 31 The 27th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India- China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held in New Delhi on May 31, 2023. India sought progress on disengagement in remaining areas. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of senior military commander-level talks in the near future. June 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA, PAKISTAN AND IRAN HOLD FIRST TRILATERAL MEETING ON COUNTER-TERRORISM Caixin (June 8) reported that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement on June 8 stating that China, Pakistan, and Iran held their first trilateral meeting on counterterrorism in Beijing on June 7. It said the three sides had “an in-depth exchange of views on the regional counterterrorism situation and joint efforts to combat cross-border terrorists,” and agreed to establish a regular framework for trilateral security dialogue. June 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: RUSSIAN AND CHINESE LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC BOMBERS CARRY OUT JOINT PATROLS OVER SEA OF JAPAN, EAST CHINA SEA AND WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN Reuters quoted Russia as saying on June 7 that Russian and Chinese long-range strategic bombers carried out joint patrols over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean but were at times accompanied by jet fighters from unidentified states. Russia's defence ministry said an air group of Tupolev Tu-95 and Chinese Xian H-6K strategic bombers carried out an 8-hour patrol, accompanied by a group of Sukhoi Su-30M, Su-35S and Shenyang J-11 fighters. It added "At certain stages of the route, the strategic missile carriers were accompanied by fighters of foreign states." June 2023 CHINA-INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS: CHINESE JUDGES JOINING INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNALS/COURTS A number of current/retired Chinese judges have been appointed to foreign and international courts or tribunals recently. Judge Zhang Yongjian, the retired head of the No: 4 Civil Division (foreign-related) of the Supreme People's Court, has been appointed to the Singapore International Commercial Court and to the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre. That is in addition to currently serving SPC judges Gao Xiaoli and Sun Xiangzhang on the UN Appeals Tribunal and Disputes Tribunal respectively plus Judge Shen Hongyu on the Administrative Tribunal of the ILO. June 2023 CHINA-US: US SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN LIKELY TO VISIT BEIJING THIS COMING WEEK U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to travel to Beijing as soon as next week, two people familiar with the scheduling told POLITICO. The trip — for which the State Department is still finalizing details — will mark the highest-level visit of a U.S. official to China since that of then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2018. The paper said Blinken is on track to arrive in Beijing following his current trip to the Middle East. June 2023 CHINA-US: US ASSTT SECRETARY OF STATE KRITENBRINK VISITS BEIJING ON JUNE 4 AND MEETS CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER ON JUNE 5 The US State Department issued a statement that Daniel Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific Affairs, recently led a delegation to China and held "frank and fruitful" talks with Chinese officials on June 5. The trip had previously been criticized for being inappropriate because it coincided with the anniversary of Beijing's Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. U.S. officials who accompanied Kritenbrink on his visit to China also included Sarah Beran, Senior Director for China and Taiwan affairs at the National Security Council of the White House. Together with U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, the two met in Beijing with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Director of North American and Oceanian Affairs Yang Tao. The U.S. statement pointed out that the two sides had candid and fruitful discussions, exchanging views on Sino-U.S. relations, cross-strait issues, communication channels and other issues, as part of the U.S. and China’s efforts to maintain open communication channels and consolidate the two countries’ recent high-level diplomatic efforts. At the same time, U.S. officials have made it clear to China: "The U.S. will actively compete and stick to U.S. interests and values." ii) Separately, a Global Times article (June 5) said the recent interactions between senior Chinese and US officials are a contrast to the tit-for-tat actions and war of words between the two militaries over the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea, which analysts said highlighted the fact that China and the US have entered a more complicated phase of the game. Noting that China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu was to meet the visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink on June 5, it said "While China and the US are having diplomatic re-engagement, the US continues to provoke China, leading to questions over its sincerity in improving ties, analysts said". It quoted Sun Chenghao, a fellow and head of US-EU program at Center for International Security and Strategy in Tsinghua University that 'the US has acted as if it is eager to engage with China and signals of "finetuning" were sent, this is because the US is considering how to compete with China safely while adhering to the general trend of strategic competition with China.' iii) The Global Times (June 4) sharply criticised the visit of a senior US State Department official to China, saying his visit was motivated more by Washington’s goal of portraying itself as the side seeking communication and not Beijing. It said the United States has been trying to create an image as a responsible country by delivering a “goodwill message” to the outside world that it has been seeking communication with China, and trying to shift the blame to China for the lack of communication or refusal to communicate. June 2023 CHINA-US: TESLA BOSS ELON MUSK PAYS 44-HOUR VISIT TO CHINA Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrapped up a 44-hour intensive trip to China, which included meetings with senior Chinese officials and business representatives and a tour to the Shanghai factory. In Beijing he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and other Ministers. Others following him to China are the chief of JP Morgan and the Starbucks CEO. The Global Times interpreted the trip as showing that US businesses continue to have firm confidence in the Chinese market despite decoupling noise from some Western politicians. Separately, the Wall Street Journal (June 1) quoted US President Biden as saying that the US Government needs to have a close look at Musk. June 2023 CHINA-US: "DANGEROUS" MANOEUVRE BY CHINESE WARSHIP AGAINST U.S. NAVY DESTROYER IN SOUTH CHINA SEA The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command confirmed on June 4 that during the joint mission of the U.S. and Canadian navies to cross the Taiwan Strait on June 3, a Chinese 7,500-ton Type 052D/Luyang-III destroyer approached and cut across the US guided-missile destroyer Chung- Hoon at a distance of barely 150 yards. US officials described the manoeuvre as "quite dangerous". China's military rebuked the United States and Canada for "deliberately provoking risk" after the countries' navies staged a rare joint sailing through the sensitive Taiwan Strait. This is the second such dangerous encounter within a month. On May 26, a Chinese fighter jet carried out an "unnecessarily aggressive" manoeuvre near a U.S. military plane over the South China Sea in international airspace, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said on May 30. (Comment: Taiwan's UP Media claimed (June 4) that the CCP CC had ordered the PLA to operate the “Brinkmanship” strategy last month to increase the risk of friction between the United States and China in the sea and airspace in an attempt to force the United States and its allies to avoid military conflicts. It simultaneously strengthens nationalist sentiment within China.) June 2023 CHINA-US: US DEFENCE SECRETARY AND CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTER SHAKE HANDS AT SHANGRI'LA DIALOGUE China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu shook hands with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-la Dialogue on June 2. As well as the handshake, China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu had dinner with the Australian Prime Minister and, seated on the same head table was US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin. ii) Former Chinese Ambassador to the US, Ambassador Cui Tiankai arrived in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2. iii) Responding to US Defence Secretary Austin's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Chinese PLA Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng said: *There is but one China in the world and Taiwan island is an inalienable part of China’s sacred territory. *The One-China principle represents the universal consensus of the intl community. It is an universally recognized basic norm governing international relations. *It is the common aspiration and sacred responsibility of all Chinese people，including Taiwan compatriots, to realize national reunification. The Taiwan question bears on China’s core interest and there is no room to concede or compromise. The PLA remains fully prepared and ready to firmly defend China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at any time. iv) Al Jazeera (June 4) said that speaking the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 4, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu in his first significant international address as china's Defence Minister said Beijing seeks dialogue over confrontation with the United States, warning that any conflict between the two nations would bring “unbearable disaster for the world”. He said that the world was big enough for China and the US to grow together. “China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways.” “However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation,” he said. “It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world.” June 2023 CHINA-UK: CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG RECEIVES VISITING LORD MAYOR OF CITY OF LONDON IN BEIJING The People's Daily (June 9) reported that Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Nicholas Lyons, Lord Mayor of the City of London, in Beijing on June 8. Noting that the economic and trade ties between China and Britain enjoy sound momentum and huge potential, Han Zheng said financial cooperation has increasingly become a new driving force for bilateral practical cooperation. June 2023 CHINA-NORTH KOREA: DIRECTOR OF KOREAN STUDIES OF FUDAN UNIVERSITY ASSESSES CHINA-DPRK RELATIONS AND SUGGESTS NORTH KOREAN LEADER MAY VISIT CHINA THIS YEAR Zheng Jiyong, Director of the Centre for Korean Studies, Fudan University; Professor at the Collaborative Innovation Center for Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights and formerly Researcher and translator in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) who retired from active military service in 2008, posted an article on the Chinese portal Sohu.com on May 24 captioned 'North Korean leader to visit China within this year? Possibilities do exist, but there are a few big things to do first'. His main arguments were: (i) With North Korea’s gradual reopening since COVID and its relations with Washington and Seoul in the doldrums, PRC-DPRK ties are set to strengthen. (ii) Pyongyang is expected to place greater emphasis on developing its economy and to be less liable to overreact in its day-to-day hostilities with Seoul. (iii) It is hoped that Pyongyang will follow Vietnam’s model of gradually taking over some of China’s low-end manufacturing and (the author) believes that a stronger North Korean economy coupled with a well-developed defence industry should help ease tensions between the two Koreas. (iv) Beijing’s recent support of Russia’s economy is a good example of how China could also help Pyongyang. (v) A visit by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un to China before the end of the year is possible and desirable. June 2023 CHINA-CUBA: CHINA REACHES AGREEMENT WITH CUBA TO ESTABLISH ELECTRONIC EAVESDROPPING FACILITY IN CUBA Quoting U.S. officials familiar with highly classified intelligence, the Wall Street Journal (June 8) disclosed that China and Cuba have reached a secret agreement for China to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island. An eavesdropping facility in Cuba, roughly 100 miles from Florida, would allow Chinese intelligence services to scoop up electronic communications throughout the southeastern U.S., where many military bases are located, and monitor U.S. ship traffic. Officials familiar with the matter said that China has agreed to pay cash-strapped Cuba several billion dollars to allow it to build the eavesdropping station, and that the two countries had reached an agreement in principle. June 2023 CHINA-SINGAPORE: CHINA AND SINGAPORE AGREE TO STRENGTHEN HIGH-LEVEL STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION The China Daily (June 2) quoted Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Tan Kefei as saying at a press briefing on June 2 that "During a meeting between Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen Thursday, the two sides agreed to strengthen high-level strategic communication and promote bilateral defense relations “to a new level.” June 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: GERMANY TO SEND TWO WARSHIPS TO INDO-PACIFIC IN 2024 Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said countries needed to stand up for the rules-based international order and the protection of major maritime passages. He added "To this end, the German Federal Government sent a frigate to the Indo-Pacific in 2021, and will again, in 2024, deploy maritime assets – this time a frigate and a supply ship - to the region." He added the deployments were not directed against any nation. June 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: GERMAN FIGHTER PILOTS HELP TRAIN PLAAF PILOTS DER SPIEGEL and the public broadcaster ZDF reported (June 2) that there appear to be a handful of former German fighter pilots working as trainers in China. And they are apparently earning salaries that would normally be reserved for professional athletes or top executives of multinational corporations. German security officials believe it is very possible that the pilots have passed on military expertise and confidential operational tactics, and even practiced attack scenarios, such as an offensive against Taiwan. Citing the example of one such officer, Der Spiegel said he was at Qiqihar, home to an airbase belonging to the People’s Liberation Army. The report added the subject matter also includes confidential military information. "Within the framework of its investigation, the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) is cooperating closely with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, with the Bundesnachrichtendienst and with international cooperation partners," the ministry said in a statement – referring to Germany’s domestic and foreign intelligence agencies. MAD has already launched an informational campaign aimed at preventing other pilots from taking jobs in China. (Comment: It may be recalled that according to a British Defense Ministry announcement, up to 30 former Royal Air Force officers are thought to have provided training to Chinese fighter pilots in the last several years. They received the princely salary of 280,000 euros each for their services. Because the pilots violated no applicable laws, London announced it would be introducing a legal reform.) June 2023 CHINA-HONDURAS: HONDURAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT CHINA FROM JUNE 9- 14 More than two months after the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, the President of Honduras, Chiomara Castro, announced (June 5) his upcoming visit to China. Honduran President Chiomara Castro stated on social media that at the invitation of the Chinese side, she will visit China from June 9th to 14th. The Chinese Embassy in Honduras opened the same day i.e. June 5. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PRESIDES OVER FIRST MEETING OF CENTRAL NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired (May 30) the first meeting of the Central National Security Commission (CNSC) under the 20th CPC Central Committee. Chinese President Xi Jinping is head of the commission. Xi Jinping called for accelerated efforts to modernise the country's national security system and capacity. He called for staying keenly aware of the complicated and challenging circumstances facing national security and correctly grasping major national security issues. The National Security Commission meeting was attended by PBSC members Li Qiang, Zhao Leji and Cai Qi, who are deputy heads of the CNSC. The meeting positively appraised the CNSC’s work and said that the Commission had promoted the continuous improvement of the national security leadership system, legal system, the strategic system and the policy system. The effective operation of the national security work coordination mechanism has been realised, and the national security system of local party committees now basically covers the whole country. The CNSC has resolutely defended national sovereignty, security and development interests. National security has been comprehensively strengthened. The meeting emphasised that the current national security issues that China is facing have become considerably more complex and much more difficult. The national security front must establish strategic self-confidence, strengthen confidence in victory, and fully recognise its own advantages and favourable conditions. It is necessary to adhere to bottom line thinking (be prepared for worst-case scenarios) and extreme-case scenarios and be prepared to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even turbulent storms. It is necessary to accelerate the modernisation of the national security system and capabilities. It emphasised it is necessary to ensure the new development pattern with the new security pattern, actively shape a favourable external security environment for China in order to better safeguard its opening up and push for a deep integration of development and security. Recalling the tasks outlined at the 20th Party Congress, it called for efforts to safeguard political security and improve the security governance of internet data and artificial intelligence, further develop a monitoring and early warning system for national security risks, promote the construction of national security rule of law, and strengthen national security education. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCP CC POLITBURO CONVENES FOR ITS FIFTH 'STUDY' SESSION Xinhua (May 29) reported that on May 29, the CCP CC Politburo held its fifth 'collective study' on building an educational powerhouse. Presiding over the study session, CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasised that 'the prosperity of education leads to the prosperity of the country, and the strength of education makes the country strong. Building a strong education country is the strategic guide for comprehensively building a socialist modern power, an important support for achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, an effective way to promote the common prosperity of all people, and a basic project to comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization'. He said, "We must fully implement the party's education policy, adhere to the people-centered development of education ... accelerate the modernization of education, use the power of education to cultivate the foundation of people's happiness, and ... that "the foundation of national prosperity and strength provides strong support for comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". Xi Jinping said "what we want to build is a socialist education power with Chinese characteristics. We must uphold the party's overall leadership over education as the fundamental guarantee, build morality and cultivate people as the fundamental task". He added that for strengthening education it is necessary to first strengthen teachers, improve the teacher education system with Chinese characteristics, carry forward the social custom of respecting teachers and emphasizing teaching, improve teachers' political status, social status, and professional status, and make teachers one of the most respected professions in society. Qiu Yong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Tsinghua University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, briefed the Politburo on this issue. June 2023 CHINA- NPC: NPC STANDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON JUNE 3 The 14th NPC Standing Committee (NPCSC) will convene for its 3rd session in late June. The Council of Chairpersons is expected to meet in mid-June to decide on the agenda and dates of the session. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: SPECULATION THAT PBSC MEMBER AND DIRECTOR OF CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE CAI QI IS DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL SECURITY OFFICE Reports circulating in Beijing speculate that the previous two Premiers were Chairman of the State Council. Now Cai Qi is also the Vice Chairman, and he should also be the Director of the National Security Office. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: NUMBER OF TECHNOCRATS IN 20th CCP CC INCREASES BY 80 PER CENT COMPARED TO 19th CCP CC A recent (May 23) study by Macro Polo says of the 205 full members of the 20th CCP CC, ten are aerospace industry veterans, some of whom ran major projects like the Chang’e Lunar Program. Of the 205 full members of the 20th CC, more than a third (69) are STEM technocrats, a 35% increase from the 19th CC. Even at the Politburo level, 8 of the 24 members are technocrats, a doubling from the 19th Politburo. The majority of the technocrats are running provinces instead of central ministries. In fact, 36 technocrats in the 20th CC are leading provinces, compared to just 20 in the 19th CC. Provincial Technocrats rose 80% from the 19th to 20th CC. June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: WU HANSHENG APPOINTED HEAD OF POWERFUL NEW CCP CC ORGAN CALLED 'CENTRAL SOCIAL WORK DEPARTMENT' A new and powerful Party organ established at the NPC session in March 2023, the Central Social Work Department (CSWD), has appointed 60-year-old Wu Hansheng as its first head. (Comment: Wu Hansheng is a close associate of Politburo Standing Committee member Li Xi, having served as his chief of staff when Li Xi was Liaoning Party Secretary (2016-17). He spent eight years (2010-2018) in government and Party roles in Liaoning and Shanxi provinces. Wu Hansheng has spent most of his career in the Central and State Organs Working Committee (CSOWC) and its predecessor organizations. The CSOWC oversees Party-building efforts in central Party and government institutions. He has served as Executive Deputy Head of the CSOWC since 2018. The CSWD was (re)established in March to deepen the Party’s reach in society.) June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: YANG QINGJIU APPOINTED VICE GOVERNOR AND DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OF ZHEJIANG PROVINCE On May 26, the third meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of Zhejiang Province voted to appoint Yang Qingjiu as the Deputy Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government and the Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Public Security Department. Yang Qingjiu was previously the Vice Governor of the Henan Provincial Government and a member of the Party Group. (Comment: Yang Qingjiu was born in April 1969 in Xuchang, Henan Province. From 1986 to 1990, he studied Economic Law in the Economic Law Department of Zhongnan University of Political Science and Law (now Zhongnan University of Economics and Law). Yang Qingjiu has worked in Luohe, Henan Province for many years, and served as the Vice President of the Luohe Intermediate People's Court, the Deputy Secretary-General of the municipal government, and the County Magistrate of Wuyang County. In 2012, he served as Deputy Director of the General Office of the Henan Provincial Party Committee. In 2016, he was transferred to the Standing Committee of the Jiaozuo Municipal Party Committee and Deputy Mayor.) June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: YANG WEILIN APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF GUANGXI-ZHUANG AR AND DIRECTOR OF ITS PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU The "Guangxi Daily" WeChat official account disclosed that on May 26, the third meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region decided to appoint Yang Weilin as the Vice Chairman of the Autonomous Region and the Director of the Public Security Department of the Guangxi-Zhuang Autonomous Region. ii) Ling Zhifeng, the former Director of the Public Security Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Secretary of the Party Committee, has been appointed as a member of the Party Committee and Director of the Political Department of the Ministry of Public Security in March this year.) (Comment: Yang Weilin was born in October 1968 in Jilin City, Jilin Province. From 1986 to 1990, he studied law at the Law Department of Jilin University. Yang Weilin is an "old policeman". He worked in the Public Security Bureau of Jilin Province for many years and has served as Deputy Mayor and Director of the Municipal Public Security Bureau. In August 2018, he was a member of the Standing Committee of the Siping Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee. In July 2018, Yang Weilin was selected as an 'advanced model of new era'.) June 2023 CHINA-NATIONAL WATER POLICY: CHINA RELEASES NATIONAL WATER NETWORK PLANNING OUTLINE On May 25, China's policymakers announced a National Water Network Planning Outline – aimed at better linking and managing China’s extensive water infrastructure. The outline flags building a national water network by 2035 by: (i) Improving the national framework of key rivers and mega-projects – like the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) that directs water from water-rich southern China to the arid north; (ii) Developing a “mesh” of local water projects that connects smaller watersheds; and (iii) Strengthening linkages between national and local water management systems. People's Daily quoted the Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying as saying a national water network will allow regulators to “Systematically plan the optimal allocation pattern of water resources…to ensure water for economic and social development, and to…restore and protect the ecology of rivers and lakes.” (Comment: With this Outline Beijing is addressing one of the biggest long-term threats to political stability and economic development, namely water insecurity. This plan seeks to recreate the South North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP) at the micro-scale, redirecting excess water from an overflowing river to thirsty cities and industries – all before floods, or shortages, materialize.) June 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI PUBLISHES PART OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH AT CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL On May 31, the CCP's leading theoretical fortnightly journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; 2023/11) published part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech to top cadres on February 7 under the caption 'Chinese-style modernization is socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China'. Xi Jinping's annual address at the Central Party School was delivered to members (and alternate members) of the Party’s Central Committee, as well as provincial and ministeriallevel officials. It quoted him saying "The Party's leadership determines the fundamental nature of Chinese-style modernization. The nature, purpose, original mission, beliefs, and policy propositions of the party determine that Chinese-style modernization is socialist modernization, not any other modernization". He also said, "The leadership of the party ensures that the goal of Chinese-style modernization is anchored and struggled steadily and far." Chinese-style modernization, which must do a better job of governance than capitalism, should otherwise be considered “socialist modernization led by the Chinese Communist Party.” He specifically said the leadership of the Party will: (i) Decide the fundamental nature of Chinese-style modernization; (ii) Ensure the long-term goals of, and steady progress toward, Chinese-style modernization; and (iii) Provide political willpower for building Chinese-style modernization. June 2023 CHINA-CCP: RED FLAG ARTICLE SAYS RURAL REVITALISATION ESSENTIAL FOR CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION Wang Xiudong, Deputy Director of the Strategic Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Researcher of the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, published an article titled 'Taking rural revitalization as the starting point to deeply implement the regional coordinated development strategy' in the Red Flag (2023/10; May 26). Recalling that During his inspection tour in Guangdong, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that "to promote Chinese-style modernization, we must comprehensively promote rural revitalization and solve the problem of unbalanced development between urban and rural areas", he said "Chinese-style modernization is a modernization with a huge population and common prosperity for all people. This is China's basic national conditions and the essential requirements of the socialist system. Taking rural revitalization as the starting point to implement balanced and coordinated development between urban and rural areas is an inevitable requirement for Chinese-style modernization and the promotion of high-quality development." He said, "Rural revitalization is an important starting point for building a strong agricultural country to achieve high-quality development, and the level of development of agricultural and rural modernization reflects the progress and quality of national modernization" and that "the gap between urban and rural regional development and income distribution is still relatively large." He said between 2000 to 2022, the per capita disposable income of urban residents in China increased from 6,256 yuan to 49,283 yuan, an increase of less than 8 times. During the same period, the per capita disposable income of rural residents increased from 2,282 yuan to 20,133 yuan, an increase of nearly 9 times, but in absolute terms, the per capita disposable income of urban residents is still much higher than that of rural residents. He called for a focus on villages, "overall revitalization of rural areas and realizing agricultural and rural modernization” and added that "only by promoting rural revitalization and completely eliminating the gap between urban and rural areas can China truly achieve balanced and coordinated development between urban and rural areas". June 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI COMMENTARY EMPHASISES IMPORTANCE OF THEME EDUCATION AND LISTS ITS FIVE CRITERIA MENTIONED BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING Red Flag (2023/10; May 26) published a Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) Commentator's article captioned 'Tightly anchor the target tasks of theme education'. Stressing the importance of Theme Education it pointed out that Xi Jinping had "emphasized that this theme education should specifically achieve the goals of five aspects, that is, build a solid foundation by concentrating on the soul, tempering character and strengthening loyalty, promoting development through hard work, practicing the purpose to benefit the people, and establishing a new style of honesty and public service. The goals of these five aspects are the detailed decomposition of the fundamental tasks of thematic education in different aspects, and are also an important yardstick for testing the effectiveness of thematic education". June 2023 CHINA-CCP: DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF NPC FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC COMMITTEE PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN RED FLAG JOURNAL Chen Yulu, Deputy Chairman of the Financial and Economic Committee of the National People's Congress, President of Nankai University, published a lengthy article in Red Flag (2023/10; May 26) captioned 'Take the road of financial development with Chinese characteristics and build a modern socialist country in an all-round way'. The main points are: Party leadership over finance is the most important thing. "Upholding the Party's comprehensive leadership over financial work is the fundamental characteristic of China's distinctive financial development path and the "root" and "soul" of financial work". It said, "economic and financial work under Party leadership has made significant contributions to the birth and growth of the red political power during the revolutionary war era". Hence it is crucial to "unwaveringly uphold the centralized and unified Party leadership over" financial work and translate those to "institutional advantages of the Party's leadership in financial work into governance effectiveness". It highlighted: (1) institutional construction; and (2) building a cadre team. It explained "Only by further improving institutional mechanisms.. strengthening systemic thinking.. in financial management, can we deal with complex issues such as the relationship between finance and the real economy, financial risk, openness, and global financial governance". Discussing Party leadership in the financial industry, it said this should: "firmly rely on party organizations at all levels within the industry and the vast number of financial practitioners"; They should "improve their political judgment, comprehension, and execution in developing the financial sector". It stressed that Finance should be people-centric and "The requirements of political significance and people-orientedness should be reflected in concrete financial practices". Finance should "serve the real economy" and "enhance the capacity and efficiency of financial services for the real economy, better promote the transformation of financial resources into tangible productive forces, achieve real wealth creation and real economic growth". It warned: "The goal of preventing excessive financialisation detached from the real economy is to avoid misallocation of social resources and the risk of economic decline, and to support sustainable long-term economic growth, for improving people's well-being". It also mentioned different types of finance that serve the real economy, including technology and innovation finance, green finance, and inclusive finance, which should all be encouraged. Mentioning dual circulation, it said the domestic financial market should be "serving the real economy" while its interconnection with the international financial market should be "further deepened". It made an interesting point about exporting China's financial system after mentioning BRI: "By transmitting the elements of efficiency and stability in China's economic and financial development to other countries, complementary advantages and positive interactions can be realized". The article said that financial security is paramount and "Preventing highly destructive systemic risks is the perpetual theme of financial work...It is crucial to firmly guard against the occurrence of systemic risks". He stated that China faces problems adding "China is currently in a period where financial risks are prone to occur and escalate. We must maintain a clear understanding and be fully prepared for this." It should "prevent systemic financial risks from transforming into financial security problems". It also mentions risks stemming from fluctuations in the real economy and negative external impacts. Internally, "the dual objectives of maintaining macroeconomic stability and financial stability should be coordinated and achieved". Externally, "cross-border capital flow management should be included in the framework of macro-prudential policies to prevent cross-border capital flow risks from transforming into systemic financial risks". RMB internationalization should be promoted to "provide global public goods". At the end, Chen Yulu highlights China's exceptionalism: "The Chinese financial story has always been different from the rest". He also pleads for the construction of an independent knowledge system that includes a financial theory system and a discursive system. This "financial development theory with Chinese characteristics" (中国特色金融发展理论) "is beneficial for telling China's financial story to the world, disseminating China's voice and ideas ... and contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to improving global financial governance". At the end he reiterated: politics is in charge of finance; politics determines finance must serve political objectives (real economy); Financial "risks" are fine, as long as they don't become "security problems"; They become security problems if they become systemic; risks can be found internally and externally, need to control both; decoupling of knowledge in finance, idea that other theories don't apply, focus on domestic integration; and BRI and trade in general are important conduits for financial cooperation. June 2023 CHINA-EDUCATION: CHINA LAUNCHES PUBLICITY WEEK TO PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT AMONG COLLEGE GRADUATES AND OTHERS The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce issued a notice on May 29 to simultaneously launch the "Employment Program" across the country, "Sail Policy Escort" Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Policy Publicity Week for College Graduates and Others. The notice said that during the publicity week all localities will comprehensively sort out the policies and measures to promote the employment and entrepreneurship of young people such as college graduates, organize the accurate promotion of publicity activities of "entering enterprises, entering campuses, and entering communities", and carry out publicity and promotion in a bundled package, so that young people such as college graduates have full knowledge of employment and entrepreneurship policies, and promote the implementation of policies. June 2023 CHINA-EDUCATION: CHINA ENCOURAGING 'SPECIALISED' SCHOOLS TO TACKLE JUVENILE CRIME An in-depth Caixin (May 26) study revealed that data from the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) showed that between 2018 and 2022, 327,000 minors nationwide were prosecuted for committing certain crimes, an average annual increase of 7.7%. More than 8,700 minors under the age of 16 committed crimes last year, up from 4,600 in 2018. Schools, referred to as “specialized schools,” are being set up with legal backing and encouragement by the central government in recent years amid rising juvenile crime rates. But Caixin learned that these schools have been unable to meet the growing need for specialized education because they remain few in number, have difficulty attracting teachers and students, and have insufficient government guidance on how to operate. June 2023 CHINA-HEALTH: NEW WAVE OF XBB OMICRON MUTANT STRAIN SWEEPING THROUGH CHINA A new wave of Covid infections has been reported across China in the past few days. The Voice of America (May 26) said the new crown epidemic has made a comeback in China and that Chinese officials predict that the new wave of the epidemic will peak at the end of June, and the number of people infected with the virus will reach 65 million per week. It added that though the new wave of epidemics caused by the XBB Omicron mutant strain hit violently, the Chinese government and the people appeared to be extraordinarily calm, in contrast with the vigorous momentum of the whole people's fight against the epidemic in the past three years. June 2023 CHINA-SOCIAL WELFARE: CHINA INCREASING OLD AGE PENSIONS BY 3.8 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR'S China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance announced (May 22) that it will raise the basic pension payments for retirees in 2023 by 3.8 per cent over the 2022 level, marking the 19th consecutive annual increase. China has put elderly care high on its agenda as it copes with an ageing population. Official data showed that by the end of 2022, the number of Chinese people aged 60 or above had surpassed 280 million. June 2023 CHINA-RELIGION: CHINESE AUTHORITIES DESTROY NAJIAYING MOSQUE IN YUXI CITY, YUNNAN On the morning of May 27, the Najiaying Mosque in Tonghai County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province was forcibly demolished by the CCP authorities, and local Muslims gathered to resist. Some online videos showed that the authorities dispatched a large number of armed police and special police equipped with batons and shields to form a human wall to surround the mosque and prohibit people from entering. According to the news on the Internet, because of the strong protests of the people, the authorities temporarily stopped the demolition, and the scaffolding in the mosque was also removed by the protesters. However, there are also reports that the protesters have been arrested and taken away by the authorities. (Comment: The Najiaying Mosque, which was built in the Ming Dynasty, is the largest mosque in Yunnan Province and was even listed as a "cultural relic protection unit" by the authorities in 2018.) June 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CLAIMS ETHNIC UYGHUR CHINESE CITIZEN DISAPPEARS FROM HONGKONG Amnesty International said (May 26) reported that Abuduwaili Abudureheman, a Uyghur scholar who had spent the past seven years completing a doctoral degree in sports industry and leisure at a university in Seoul, disappeared after traveling to Hong Kong from Seoul this month. Amnesty International said his most recent contact was a text message to a friend saying he was being “interrogated by Chinese police after arriving at Hong Kong airport.” Abuduwaili Abudureheman was born in Karamay, Xinjiang, and traveled to Hong Kong on a Chinese passport. June 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: PROSECUTIONS BY CHINESE COURTS RISE BY 12 PER CENT IN FIVE YEARS TILL 2022 WITH 20 PER CENT INCREASE IN PROTESTS AGAINST COURT RULINGS The Guardian (May 29) disclosed that according to figures released by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) in March, Chinese courts prosecuted 8.3 million people in the five years to 2022, a 12% increase on the previous period. There was also a nearly 20% increase in the number of protests against court rulings. Zhang Jun, the outgoing Director of the SPP, said prosecutions for violent crimes decreased by 31.7%, while prosecutions for internet-based crimes, such as gambling, fraud and the dissemination of obscene materials, increased by 43.3%. A previous SPP report noted that there had been 1,400 national security prosecutions between 2018 and 2022, but this was not mentioned in the official work report. It added that under President Xi Jinping, Chinese authorities have increased their focus on alleged crimes of national and public security, including the targeting of dissidents, protesters and human rights lawyers. June 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA SENDs ITS FIRST CIVILIAN INTO SPACE ON MAY 30 The China Manned Space Agency successfully sent its first civilian astronaut into space as part of a crewed mission to the Tiangong space station on May 30. Gui Haichao, a payload expert, took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Tuesday at 9:31am local time (01:31 GMT). A spokesman for the space agency told reporters that Gui Haichao, who is a Professor at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, will “mainly be responsible for the on-orbit operation of space science experimental payloads”. The commander of the May 30 mission is Jing Haipeng, who is on his fourth journey. The space craft docked with the Tiangong space station on May 30. June 2023 CHINA-S&T: 50 OF XI JINPING'S MANUSCRIPTS ON SELF-RELIANCE AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT IN S&T PUBLISHED BY CCP CC PARTY HISTORY AND LITERATURE RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND CENTRAL LITERATURE PUBLISHING HOUSE CCTV (May 28) telecast a report saying that Xi Jinping's "On Self-reliance and Selfimprovement in Science and Technology" edited by the CCP CC's Party History and Literature Research Institute was recently published by the Central Literature Publishing House and distributed nationwide. It said this special collection includes 50 important manuscripts by "Comrade Xi Jinping on self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology, some of which are published for the first time". June 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA ASSOCIATION FOR S&T (CAST) PLANS INTERNATIONAL S&T CONFERENCES ON 55 TOPICS THIS YEAR The China Daily (May 25) said that the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) had issued a guideline for holding international science and technology conferences this year, featuring 55 topics on sustainable development, frontier sciences, innovations and the governance of advanced technologies. Food security, clean energy, advanced materials, basic science and artificial intelligence are included. China will also host the 2023 World Conference on Science Literacy from September 18 to 19. Mu Rongping, Director of the Center for Innovation and Development of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said international scientific conferences are platforms for promoting academic exchanges and cooperation, allowing scientists to build consensus, share ideas and tackle common issues. He Wei, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Affairs of the China Association for Science and Technology, said one of the key roles of CAST is to facilitate academic exchanges and cooperation. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: LT GENERAL HU ZHONGQIANG APPOINTED NEW DEPUTY COMMANDER OF SOUTHERN THEATRE COMMAND AND COMMANDER OF SOUTHERN THEATRE COMMAND ARMY The Beijing Youth Daily (May 29) revealed that Lieutenant General Hu Zhongqiang (胡中强) had been appointed Deputy Commander of the Southern Theater Command and Army Commander of the Southern Theater Command. Hu Zhongqiang has earlier held the position of Division Commander and Chief of Staff of the 13th Army before being promoted as Commander of the 14th Army. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: UNCONFIRMED REPORTS SUGGEST THAT TWO PLA ROCKET FORCE DEPUTY COMMANDERS ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION Hong Kong's Ming Pao on May 24 reported that news out of Beijing states that Lt. General Zhang Zhenzhong (张振中) and Lt. General Liu Guangbin (刘光斌), who succeeded him as the Deputy Commander of the PLA Rocket Force, were both taken away for investigation last month. It said Lt. General Zhang Zhenzhong and Lt. General Liu Guangbin were picked up by the Central Discipline Inspection Commission for investigation on charges of corruption on May 30. (Comment: The report is unconfirmed. Lt General Zhang Zhenzhong was the spokesman who reacted strongly to the US Defence Secretary's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, indicating he was still in position that day.) June 2023 CHINA-PLA: RECRUIT AWARDED STIFF PENALTIES FOR REFUSING TO PERFORM MILITARY SERVICE On May 24, the People's Government of Dongchuan District, Kunming City issued the "Notice on the Handling of Li Moulong's Objection to Military Service" (hereinafter referred to as the "Notice"), which stated that Li Moulong, a recruit who enlisted in the army in the first half of 2023 in the district, refused to accept military service. The situation of military service and the situation of punishment shall be reported. It said due to serious violation of the "Military Service Law of the People's Republic of China", Li Moulong was included in the list of seriously untrustworthy entities performing national defence obligations for joint punishment, and will not be hired as a civil servant, will not be recruited or employed as a staff member of state-owned enterprises and public institutions; cannot go through the formalities of going abroad (territory) within 2 years, and the personal household registration "Military service column" should be marked with the permanent words "refused military service". It added that for 2 years, Li Moulong will not be able to formally (re)studying; the policy of preferential treatment and preferential treatment for conscripts will be revoked; a one-time economic penalty of 22,500 yuan will be levied, he will not be able to obtain credit preferential policies within 2 years; Li will not be allowed to go through the formalities of running a business within 2 years; and his refusal to perform military service and the punishment decision were to be notified to all townships (streets) and departments in Dongchuan District, with a total count of 8 punishments. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: SATELLITE PHOTO REVEALS BIG CRACKS ON FLIGHT DECK OF PLA NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIER 'FUJIAN' Northrup Gundam posted on its official website on May 26 that China's third aircraft carrier 'Fujian' was found to have developed two extraordinarily large cracks running across the flight deck. The post included two photographs. June 2023 CHINA-PLA: NDU 'XI JINPING THOUGHT CENTRE' PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN GUANGMING DAILY ON IMPORTANCE OF XI JINPING THOUGHT FOR STRENGTHENING THE ARMY Guangming Daily (May 28) published an article authored by the 'National Defense University Xi Jinping Thought Research Center for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era' titled 'A New Leap in Sinicization and Modernization of Marxist Military Theory—— Study the military articles in "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works". The article, which carried a photograph of Officers and soldiers of the Khongjerab border defense company of a border defense regiment in the Xinjiang Military Region are conducting training, emphasised the importance of Xi Jinping thought for strengthening the army. It said that "since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has focused on realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, deeply grasping the strategic needs of a strong country for a strong army, and building a strong people's army around the new era, how to build a strong people's army, conduct in-depth theoretical exploration and practical creation, and form Xi Jinping's thought on strengthening the army. The first and second volumes of "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works" (hereinafter referred to as "Selected Readings") contain some representative works of Xi Jinping's thought of strengthening the army, demonstrating the profound theoretical practicality and distinct strategic forward-looking nature of this thought". It also recalled that "At the enlarged meeting of the Military Commission at the end of 2012, after extensive consultation and in-depth thinking, Chairman Xi proposed to "strive to build a people's army that obeys the party's command, can win battles, and has a good style of work." In March of the following year, at the plenary meeting of the PLA delegation at the First Session of the Twelfth National People's Congress, Chairman Xi defined "building a people's army that obeys the party's command, can win battles, and has a good style" as "the party's mission under the new situation." It added "in response to the serious political risks that our military once faced, we unswervingly deepened political training, emphasizing that "our military's political work can only be strengthened and not weakened, it can only advance and not stagnate, and it can only take active actions and not passive responses"; the "peaceful evils" that have arisen in a peaceful environment have made great efforts to focus the work of the entire army on preparing for war, emphasizing that "soldiers should be trained in the same way as war is fought, and what is needed for war should be trained hard, and any outstanding problems should be solved and comprehensively improve the actual combat level of military training". It said, "Under the guidance of this ideology, the people's army has boosted its morale, strengthened its backbone, and returned to the true colours of the old Red Army." June 2023 CHINA-FUJIAN: FUJIAN PROVINCE DECIDES TO ACCELERATE PROMOTION OF OUTSTANDING CADRES AS COUNTY MAGISTRATES The Beijing Daily (May 29) reported that the Fujian Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Fujian Province Organization Department jointly issued the "Notice on Deepening the Work of Encouraging Cadres to Serve as Work", from the perspective of improving motivation, optimizing the evaluation mechanism, establishing a clear employment orientation, and improving the management and supervision mechanism. It sought to accelerate the promotion of cadres from the routine "county party committee member to the county magistrate and county party secretary". It approved that "especially outstanding members of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee can be directly promoted to the county magistrate". Huzhou in Zhejiang Province has similarly proposed to break the stereotype of thinking in the promotion of cadres and consider not only age, qualifications, education, and team ranking, but to select outstanding cadres who strive for excellence and outstanding performance without sticking to one pattern. June 2023 CHINA-FUJIAN: FUJIAN HAS REPORTEDLY BLOCKED ACCESS TO DATA OF FUJIAN PROVINCIAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS The Deutsche Welle Chinese website (May 25) said Reuters had reported that some users outside the mainland found themselves unable to access websites under the jurisdiction of the Fujian Statistics Bureau. Deutsche Welle also said it was unable to access the official website of the Fujian Provincial Bureau of Statistics, its statistical yearbook and other related information websites. Reuters said it is unclear why China made this move, but added that before this, overseas users have been blocked from accessing some Chinese financial and academic databases. Meanwhile, Beijing has taken action against some consulting firms over national security concerns. One researcher in Singapore told Reuters he had encountered the restrictions since March, while others said they had only recently learned about them. An official, when asked by Reuters for comment, said the Fujian Provincial Bureau of Statistics was "studying the situation," but did not provide further details. (Comment: Fujian's economy is about $790 billion. The Fujian provincial government website details the distribution of advanced and basic manufacturing industries in the province, as well as census results reflecting the population data of each city. Hong Kong hedge fund investors say the Fujian provincial government figures are of particular importance because some foreign investors are watching it closely for signs of military activity, especially amid tensions in the Taiwan Strait.) June 2023 CHINA-SHANGHAI: SHANGHAI APPOINTS ZHANG WEI AS NEW HEAD OF SHANGHAI'S ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT The Shanghai Municipal CCP Committee decided on May 27, that Zhang Wei should be the head of the Shanghai Municipal Committee Organization Department. Zhang Wei was born in June 1973. He has worked in enterprises for a long time and served as the Deputy General Manager of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited. Standing Committee. According to reports in January this year, Zhang Wei was appointed Secretary-General of the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee. June 2023 CHINA-GUANGDONG: STRICTER SCRUTINY OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN GUANGDONG INCLUDES CHECKING SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS Radio Free Asia (May 29) disclosed that the Guangdong provincial government has proposed new standards for the examination of civil servants. In addition to taking various examinations, civil servants have recently been asked to hand over the passwords of their social media login accounts such as Douyin, WeChat, and Weibo, and to check their published information. In addition, the Netcom Office announced that it has punished 930,000 self-media accounts in the past two months. After the Guangdong provincial government required civil servants to record their personal WeChat group accounts, new political review standards have recently been introduced, including stricter political review of government civil servants. June 2023 CHINA-HENAN: HENAN PROVINCE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES, 'HUNDRED DAY SPRINT ACTION PLAN' FOR EMPLOYMENT OF COLLEGE GRADUATES Deutsche Welles (May 31) reported that the Henan Provincial Department of Education issued the "Hundred-Day Sprint" Action Work Plan for the Employment of 2023 College Graduates in Henan Province on May 30. Among them, the proposal to ensure that graduates from zeroemployment families and long-term unemployed graduates are dynamically cleared before August 31 has aroused heated discussions among netizens. The action plan requires colleges and universities across the province to carry out a series of activities for the "2023 College Graduate Employment Promotion Week"; to further implement the "Millions of Jobs Escort Plan" to broaden market-oriented employment channels; to complete the admission of the second bachelor's degree by the end of July and; Complete the recruitment of civil servants, public institutions, state-owned enterprises, scientific research assistants and other policy positions, and arrange various vocational qualification examinations. The action plan also requires to ensure that before August 31, the implementation rate of college graduates from poverty-stricken families and low-income families is higher than the average level in the province. (Comment: On January 4 this year, Xinhua reported that the number of college graduates in Henan will reach 870,000 in 2023. Henan is the third most populous province in China.) June 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINESE AIRCRAFT CARRIER SHANDONG AND THREE OTHER SHIPS PASSED THROUGH TAIWAN STRAIT ON MAY 27 China's Cankao Xiaoxi (Reference News) reported (May 27) that on May 27 a report on the website of the Russian Satellite Agency quoted Taiwan's defense department as announcing that on May 27 a total of 3 ships in the Shandong carrier formation of the People's Liberation Army passed through the Taiwan Strait at noon on the 27th, west of the so-called "central line of the strait" and headed north. According to this report, during the period, the Taiwan military used mission aircraft, ships and shore-based systems to "closely monitor" and "adapt to the situation." June 2023 CHINA-INDIA: INDIA TO HOLD SCO MEETING IN VIRTUAL FORMAT In a surprise development, India’s External Affairs Ministry announced (May 30) that the SCO Summit would be held in the virtual format on July 4. The ministry had given no reason for the decision. June 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: CHINA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LAUNCHES FIRST SUSTAINABLE EXPERIMENTAL VILLAGE IN NEPAL The launch ceremony of 'The First Sustainable Development Experimental Village' at Tarakeshwari by the China Rural Development Foundation was held in Kathmandu on May 29. June 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: NEPAL COMMUNIST PARTY (MAOIST CENTRE) DELEGATION RECEIVED BY CCP CC ILD CHIEF LIU JIANCHAO IN BEIJING ON MAY 25 The People's Daily (May 25) reported that Liu Jianchao, Head of the CCP CC International Department met a delegation of senior cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) on May 25. The CPN (MC) delegation was led by Agni Prasad Sapkota, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) and former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal. It said the two sides agreed to strengthen strategic communication and exchanges of governance experience, and promote friendship, mutual trust, and practical cooperation. June 2023 CHINA-SOUTH CHINA SEA: CHINA INSTALLS AT LEAST THREE BUOYS NEAR DISPUTED SPRATLY ISLANDS China installed at least three buoys near the Spratly Islands in the disputed waters of South China Sea. The South China Morning Post (May 24) reported that China's Ministry of Transport announced that the buoys were placed near the Irving Reef, Whitsun Reef and Gaven Reef in the Spratlys area for purposes of navigation safety and maritime operations. The buoys were deployed by the South China Sea Navigation Safety Centre. However, the Ministry has not revealed when the installations were made. China’s deployment of buoys is speculated to be a reaction to a similar deployment by the Philippines though no mention of Philippines actions were found in the official statements of China. (Comment: Two weeks earlier the Philippines had placed their national flag off the Whitsun and Irving Reefs as well as the three Philippine-occupied reefs of Flat, Loaita and Lankiam Cay.) June 2023 CHINA-EGYPT/SAUDI ARABIA: NEGOTIATIONS UNDERWAY FOR MAJOR ARMS DEAL BETWEEN CHINA AND EGYPT/SAUDI ARABIA Quoting 'Tactical Report', a Beirut-based intelligence service focused on the Middle East, the South China Morning Post (May 21) reported that China is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia and Egypt for major arms deals as the countries seek to diversify their weapons supplies to become less reliant on the United States and Russia. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) is currently in talks with China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), a stateowned defence company, to buy weapons ranging from reconnaissance drones to air defence systems. It said weapons involved in the potential deal include the Sky Saker FX80 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the CR500 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV, the Cruise Dragon 5 and 10 – two types of loitering munitions, better known as suicide drones – and the HQ- 17AE short-range air defence (SHORAD) system. Tactical Report said the HQ-17AE SHORAD is the latest addition to the deal, which has been in negotiations for about a year, and talks have “reached an advanced stage”. Negotiations are expected to continue until the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Tactical Report added there are rumours that the entire deal would be financed in Chinese yuan. In another report published on Monday, Tactical Report said Egypt was in talks with China to acquire the Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter. June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA REFUSES U.S. REQUEST FOR MEETING BETWEEN CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTER AND U.S. DEFENCE SECRETARY ON SIDELINES OF SHANGRI'LA DIALOGUE The Wall Street Journal (May 29) quoted the Pentagon to say that China has rebuffed a U.S. request for a meeting between their defense chiefs on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue (June 2-4), an annual security forum in Singapore this weekend, showing the limits of a tentative rapprochement between the two rival powers. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post (May 30) quoted China's Ministry of National Defence saying that Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu will travel to Singapore on May 31 and address the Shangri-La Dialogue. Li Shangfu would also meet the delegation heads of “relevant” countries at the region’s biggest defence conference. June 2023 CHINA-US: CIA DIRECTOR BILL BURNS CLANDESTINELY VISITED CHINA IN MAY The Financial Times (June 2) disclosed that CIA director Bill Burns paid a clandestine visit to China last month. It said the visit signals how concerned the White House had become about deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington. The White House and CIA declined to comment. But one US official said Burns met Chinese intelligence officials during the trip. The official said, “Last month, director Burns travelled to Beijing where he met with Chinese counterparts and emphasised the importance of maintaining open lines of communications in intelligence channels.” The FT added that Burns’ mission took place in the same month US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met Wang Yi, China’s top foreign policy official, in Vienna. The White House did not announce that meeting until it had concluded. Burns’ trip was also the highest-level visit to China by a US official since deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman went to Tianjin in July 2021. June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE COMMERCE MINISTER AND U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY HOLD "CANDID, PROFESSIONAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE" TALKS IN WASHINGTON China's Commerce Ministry issued a statement on May 26 that Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo engaged in “candid, professional and constructive” discussions on trade issues during a meeting on May 25 in Washington. It said Wang Wentao raised key concerns regarding U.S. semiconductor policy, export controls, foreign investment review and Washington’s overall economic and trade policies toward China during the meeting. ii)In a separate meeting on May 26, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai raised complaints about China's state-led economic policies with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who objected to U.S. tariffs and trade policies. Statements from the U.S. Trade Representative's office and China's Commerce Ministry, however, both emphasized the need for Washington and Beijing to maintain communication on trade. June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA CRITICISES U.S. PLAN TO CONCLUDE NEW TRADE DEAL WITH TAIWAN China’s government criticized the United States' plans to sign a trade treaty with Taiwan and called on Washington on June 1 to stop official contact with the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. The Chinese foreign ministry accused Washington of violating agreements on the status of Taiwan. It said, “The United States should stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, refrain from negotiating agreements with Taiwan that have sovereign connotations or official nature and refrain from sending wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning. American and Taiwanese officials say the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade will increase trade by simplifying customs, investment and other rules. CHINA-US: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR XIE FENG CONVEYS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO HENRY KISSINGER AT CONNECTICUT The state--owned CGTN (May 27) said that soon after his arrival in the U.S., the Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng travelled to Connecticut to meet Henry Kissinger and convey birthday greetings "from the Chinese side" for his 100th birthday. June 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE CITIZEN AND FORMER CITIZEN ARRESTED FOR PARTICIPATING IN CHINESE GOVERNMENT SCHEME TARGETING USBASED FALUNGONG PRACTITIONERS A federal court in the Southern District of New York on May 26, unsealed a complaint charging 70-year old John Chen, a Los Angeles resident and former citizen of the PRC, and 43-year old Lin Feng, a Los Angeles resident and PRC citizen, with acting and conspiring to act in the United States as unregistered agents of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), conspiring to bribe and bribing a public official, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. It charged them with participating in a PRC Government-directed scheme targeting U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong. Chen and Feng were arrested in the Central District of California on May 24. June 2023 CHINA-CANADA: CANADIAN INTELLIGENCE WARNS CANADIAN MP THAT SHE IS CHINA'S "EVERGREEN" POLITICAL TARGET BECAUSE OF HER ACTIVISM The Canadian Security Intelligence Service told Hong Kong-born ethnic Chinese New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan at a classified briefing last week that Beijing has her marked as an “evergreen” political target due to her activism “and (she) will continue to be a target.” Jenny Kwan has, instead, doubled down on her advocacy, saying she will not be intimidated or silenced about Hong Kong. She said, “To see the situation unravel as it has, and continues to, breaks my heart.” She added that she feels relief knowing she does not have family members living in Hong Kong or China. She told POLITICO (May 29) “While I cannot share classified information from my briefing with CSIS, it is clear that there is no indication of any physical threat against me or my family.” June 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDS OPENING CEREMONY OF SECOND EURASIAN ECONOMIC FORUM VIRTUALLY Xinhua (May 25) said Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the plenary session of the second Eurasian Economic Forum of the Eurasian Economic Union via video link upon invitation and delivered a speech on May 24. Noting that 'the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, Xi Jinping said Eurasia is the region with the largest population, the largest number of countries and the most diverse civilizations in the world. In the turbulent and changing world, how to proceed with Asia-Europe cooperation not only concerns the well-being of the people in the region, but also has a profound impact on the development of the world'. Xi Jinping said he had 'put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, calling on all countries to work together to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity and to build a community with a shared future for humanity'. Noting this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said 'the ultimate goal of this initiative is to explore new ways for countries from near and far to achieve common development and to open up a "path of happiness" that benefits the whole world'. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING DELIVERS IMPORTANT SPEECH AT FIRST MEETING OF 20TH CENTRAL AUDIT COMMISSION Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CCP CC, President of the State, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Director of the Central Audit Commission, chaired the first meeting of the 20th Central Audit Commission on May 23 in Beijing, where he delivered an 'important' speech. Premier and Deputy Director of the Central Audit Commission Li Qiang and PBSC member, Secretary CDIC and Deputy Director of the Central Audit Commission Li Xi attended the meeting. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO FORUM ON TIBET People's Daily (May 23) front-paged that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the one-day forum on the development of Tibet that opened on May 23 in Beijing. The one-day forum, jointly hosted by the State Council Information Office and the regional government of Tibet, was attended by officials, experts, and representatives of enterprises and media organizations from home and abroad. Xinhua said 'The forum focuses on Tibet's new chapter in high-quality development and human rights protection. Five sub-forums are scheduled to be held to discuss topics including whole-process people's democracy, highquality development, as well as Tibet's culture and ecological civilization'. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING INSPECTS XINJIANG FROM MAY 22-24 According to Xinhua (May 24), PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning was on an inspection tour of Xinjiang from May 22-24, 2023. Stressing peace and stability, Xinhua quoted him saying 'that to do a good job in Xinjiang in the new era, we must fully and accurately implement the party's strategy for governing Xinjiang in the new era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidence", and achieve "Two maintenances", carry out in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's education on the theme of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era'. He visited the old city of Kashgar, Wusitang Boyi Street Police Station, Id Kah Mosque, Ayagmangan Village in Shufu County, etc., to learn about ethnic unity, implementation of religious policies and comprehensive grassroots governance. In Urumqi, Wang Huning went to the Museum of the Autonomous Region, the Islamic Institute, Xinjiang University and related enterprises for research. He said 'that all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have been interacting and blending together for a long time to create Xinjiang's splendid history and culture. It is necessary to establish a correct view of the history of the Chinese nation and plant the seeds of loving China deep in the hearts of everyone, especially young people'. He described the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps as 'an important strategic force to achieve the overall goal of Xinjiang's work' and added 'It is necessary to promote industrial integration, army-field integration, enhance regional employment capacity, and give full play to the functions of the Corps'. He stated that "the responsibility of achieving long-term stability and security in Xinjiang is of paramount importance." Wang Huning also visited members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and cadres of the Autonomous Region Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Urumqi. Politburo member and Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui and Politburo member and Head of the United Front Work Department Shi Taifeng accompanied Wang Huning on the inspection. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND DIRECTOR OF CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE CAI QI ADDRESSES SYMPOSIUM ON PUBLICATION OF FIRST 2 VOLUMES OF SELECTED WORKS OF XI JINPING People's Daily (May 23) reported that PBSC member, member of the CCP CCC Secretariat and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi addressed a symposium on the publication of the first two volumes of a new book series of selected works of Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 22, 2023. Cai Qi stressed efforts to earnestly study the recently published first two volumes of a new book series of selected works of Xi Jinping and said "it is necessary to take the study of the two books as a major political task and further advance the study, promotion and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as well as the guiding principles of the Party's 20th National Congress". He said "the books are an authoritative resource for the whole Party and the entire nation to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" and called for genuine efforts to translate the study progress into concrete actions to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER DING XUEXIANG ATTENDS OPENING CEREMONY OF BEIJING'S 2023 NATIONAL S&T WEEK Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the opening ceremony of China's 2023 National Science and Technology Week and Beijing Science and Technology Week in Beijing on May 20 In his speech he encouraged scientific and technological workers to raise awareness of science popularization and actively promote the integration of science popularization work into economic and social development. Following the opening ceremony, Ding Xuexiang inspected innovations in the fields of artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, biomedicine, and nuclear power equipment in the exhibition area. He learned about the operation state of large-scale scientific facilities and the industrial application of independent innovation achievements, and interacted with scientific and technological workers. Politburo member and Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li also attended the opening ceremony. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: ZHANG JIASHENG APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF STATE SPORTS GENERAL ADMINISTRATION The official website of the State Sports General Administration, Zhang Jiasheng has been appointed as the Deputy Director of the State Sports General Administration and a member of the Party group. Prior to this Zhang Jiasheng was appointed and served as the Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province and a member of the party group of the provincial government. (Comment: Zhang Jiasheng was born in October 1968. He graduated from Beijing Normal University in 1989, and worked in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province in the early days. He was elected Vice Chairman of the Hubei Provincial Association for Science and Technology in 2005. He has also served in Xinjiang in 2008 as the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Boertala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang.) May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: SUN HAO, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF WUHAI MUNICIPAL PARTY COMMITTEE IN INNER MONGOLIA, BORN IN 1980S GIVEN MEDIA PROMINENCE Beijing Daily (May 21) reported that the Inner Mongolia official WeChat public account, on May 18, said that Sun Hao, Deputy Secretary of the Wuhai Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Haibowan District Party Committee, presided over the 74th (expanded) meeting of the Standing Committee of the Ninth Party Committee of Haibo Bay District and delivered a speech. It specially mentioned that Sun Hao, a "post-80s" who graduated from Tsinghua University, has served as the Deputy Secretary of the Wuhai Municipal Party Committee. (Comment: Sun Hao appears to be slated for higher posts. The Organization Department of the Party Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region announced on April 28 that: Sun Hao, male, Miao nationality, born in March 1982, graduate student, doctor of law, engineer, member of the Communist Party of China, currently a member of the Standing Committee of the Wuhai Municipal Committee and Haibo Bay District Secretary of the Party Committee, proposed to be Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the League City. Other reports reveal that in 1999, Sun Hao entered the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University to study environmental engineering, and then stayed at the school to study for a master's degree in environmental science and engineering. In 2006, Sun Hao stayed at the school and worked as an assistant to the Research and Development Department of the Party Committee of Tsinghua University. He later served as the scientific research administrative assistant and assistant to the dean of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering of Tsinghua University.) May 2023 CHINA-CCP: CCP CC GENERAL OFFICE AND STATE COUNCIL GENERAL OFFICE ISSUE 'OPINIONS ON BASIC PENSION SERVICE SYSTEM' Quoting Xinhua, the Beijing Daily (May 21) reported that the CCP CC General Office and the General Office of the State Council issued the "Opinions on Promoting the Construction of the Basic Pension Service System" and issued a notice, requiring all regions and departments to implement it conscientiously in light of their actual conditions. The main contents of the "Opinions on Promoting the Construction of the Basic Pension Service System" included basic old-age care services play an important and fundamental role in the realization of old-age care. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY REPORTS ON 'THEME EDUCATION' ACTIVITIES OF CHINA'S FOREIGN AFFAIRS ESTABLISHMENT A report in the People's Daily (May 23) captioned 'Carry out theme education in a solid manner on the front of diplomacy and foreign affairs——Continuously create a new situation of majorcountry diplomacy with Chinese characteristics with hard work and responsibility' said that 'Since the launch of the theme education on Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the foreign affairs front has conscientiously studied and implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech'. It said 'The Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission regards the development of themed education as an important political task' and held '5 rounds of reading classes for all staff, organize a series of special counseling report meetings, combine collective learning with seminars and exchanges, and promote all party members and cadres to further learn and understand Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics'. It said 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly grasps the general requirements of thematic education' and that 'the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting immediately to study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech' and set up a 'reading class for the party committee of the ministry, arranged 14 half-days to concentrate on reading, and the Party Committee of the Ministry sent 5 roving steering groups to supervise and guide the development of themed education in 36 affiliated units within the Ministry and 265 party committees of embassies and consulates stationed abroad'. It added that 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strengthened its ideological, political, and action-consciousness in conducting investigations and research, focused on the obstacles and difficulties in diplomatic work, and identified 10 research topics'. Referring to the CCP CC International Liaison Department, it said it 'regards promoting the high-quality development of the party's external work and better serving the overall situation of the party and the country in the new era as the starting point and goal of carrying out thematic education'. It organized reading classes for the leading group of the Ministry on the basis of 'carrying out the special study of the Central Group of Theoretical Study of the Ministry and various units within the Ministry carried out various forms of learning activities, combining red resources to deepen learning perception'. It said 'three batches of cadres at the bureau level carried out a 7-day reading class, focusing on 28 specific research topics' and 42 special seminars were carried out to deepen the understanding, comprehension and grasp of the party's innovation theory'. It also reported the activities of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI SAYS THE WHOLE PARTY AND MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ARE CARRYING OUT 'THEME EDUCATION' TO IMPROVE POLITICAL CHARACTER AND LOYALTY OF CADRES An article in Qiu Shi (May 21) captioned 'Temper political character through theme education' revealed that 'the theme education of learning and implementing Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics' has been carried out by the whole party. It said the party group of the Ministry of Education had actively and carefully promoted theme education among the majority of cadres, teachers and students to ensure 'ideological refinement', 'temper excellent political character', and make them always be loyal to the party. It added that it has become an effective process of deepening self-revolution and forging a 'team of loyal and clean educational cadres'. It said the Ministry of Education 'regards guiding the majority of cadres, teachers and students to deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments" and resolutely achieving "two maintenances" as the fundamental political requirements of the theme education'. Stating that 'it is an important responsibility of the education system to persevere in using Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era to forge souls and educate people', it disclosed that the 'party group of the Ministry of Education has launched the implementation of the "new generation of the times" soul-casting project, and taught the "Introduction to Xi Jinping's New Era of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" course, and strengthened the construction of the "big ideological and political course". May 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI COMMENTARY ASKS PARTY MEMBERS AND LEADING CADRES TO BE LOYAL TO THE PARTY AND ITS BELIEFS AND STAND FIRM WITH THE PEOPLE A Commentator's article in Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; May 20) captioned 'Work hard to transform the subjective world and the objective world' recalled that the 20th Party Congress had proposed to "use Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics to condense the heart and soul, which is to promote the whole party to use the party's innovative theory as a weapon to transform the subjective world". It said "General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly requested party members and cadres, especially leading cadres at all levels, to learn and master a series of requirements of the party's innovative theory on strengthening ideals and beliefs, improving ideological realm, and strengthening party spirit, including not forgetting the original intention, keep in mind the mission, keep in mind the "big country", improve political judgment", and adhere to the Party's rules on frugality and discipline. It said during his inspection tour in Guangdong from April 10 to 13, 2023, Xi Jinping made a "profound interpretation of "building the soul with learning", emphasizing that "it is necessary to do a good job in deepening, internalizing and transforming the thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era". He put forward specific requirements from the three aspects of firm ideals and beliefs, firm loyalty to the party, and a firm stand for the people, and called on the entire party to strengthen a high degree of political recognition of the party's value pursuit and direction. He asked Party members to "Consciously adhere to the overall leadership of the Party, firmly maintain the authority of the Party Central Committee and centralized and unified leadership" and maintain a "high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee, and reflect loyalty to the Party in the actual actions to implement the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee". May 2023 CHINA-CCP: DEAN OF INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN PEOPLE'S DAILY ON COMMUNITY WITH A SHARED FUTURE FOR MANKIND People's Daily (May 22) published an article by Gao Zugui, Dean of the International Strategic Research Institute of the Central Party School, titled 'The Rich Implications and Significant Value of the Concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind'. It recounted the history of the concept, crediting Chinese President Xi Jinping for enunciating it in March 2013 and said, inter alia, that 'the "Belt and Road" provides a practical platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind'. He added 'The proposal and implementation of global development initiatives, global security initiatives, and global civilization initiatives provide strong support for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The Global Development Initiative advocates adhering to the priority of development and building a global development partnership that is united, equal, balanced and beneficial to all. The Global Security Initiative advocates that all countries adhere to a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept, promote the construction of an indivisible global security community, and embark on a new security path of dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win rather than zero-sum. The Global Civilization Initiative advocates the inclusive coexistence of different civilizations, exchanges and mutual learning, and strives to create a new situation of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, cultural integration, and people-to-people bonds among countries around the world. The three major initiatives broadly build consensus and gather strength to inject strong impetus into building a community with a shared future for mankind.' May 2023 CHINA-ACFTU: THEORETICAL CENTRE OF ACFTU HOLDS 'SPECIAL STUDY' ON XI JINPING'S 'IMPORTANT THOUGHTS' ON THE INTERNET The Workers Daily (May 24) reported that the Theoretical Learning Center Group of the Party Group of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions had a 'special study' on General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on the power of the Internet "Promote the innovation and development of trade union work with new achievements in the construction of smart trade unions". The meeting emphasized that the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and trade unions at all levels should thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on cyber power, insist on taking digital transformation as an important part of deepening the reform and construction of trade unions, understand the needs of employees in a more comprehensive and in-depth manner, and strengthen online workers more actively and effectively. May 2023 CHINA-CYL: 1980-BORN ZHAO PANFENG PROMOTED AND APPOINTED SECRETARY OF YUNNAN PROVINCE CYL Beijing Daily (May 24) disclosed that 1980-born Zhao Panfeng, Deputy Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League, has been appointed Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League. Tang Yuan, till now Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of the Zhaotong Municipal Committee. The appointment was announced on the official website of the Yunnan Communist Youth League on May 22. (Comment: Zhao Panfeng was born in February 1980. His age and promotion make him an upward mobile cadre. He got a postgraduate degree from the Central Party School, is a member of the Communist Party of China, and started working in July 2002. He has successively served as the Deputy Director of the Party Committee Work Department of Yunnan Airport Group Co., Ltd., the Deputy Director of the Kunming Changshui International Airport Office, and the Director of the Kunming Changshui International Airport Office of Yunnan Airport Group Co., Ltd., etc.) May 2023 CHINA-YOUTH: FEELING OF HOPELESSNESS CALLED "FOUR NOS" SPREADS AMONG YOUTH IN CHINA Radio Free Asia (RFA - May 25) reported that a term that has recently become popular on the Chinese Internet to refer to contemporary young people is called "Four No Youth". It said the "four nos" mean in Chinese society: "I'm a young man with four nos. I don't date, I don't get married, I don't buy a house, and I don't want children. The cost of love is too high now. All attitudes and sincerity have to be accumulated with money. It does not mean that I do not work hard, because hard work doesn't work. The result. Now that the introversion is so serious, I feel more helpless. My greatest fatherly love is not to let my child come into this world..." This sentiment has gone viral on China's social media. (Comment: The term is akin to the earlier Tangping, or lying-in. It exemplified a feeling of hopelessness among China's youth just as the "Four Nos" seem to.) May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA LABOUR BULLETIN SAYS THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN 130 STRIKES IN CHINA THIS YEAR The China Labour Bulletin (CLB), a Hong Kong-based non-governmental organisation, said (May 21) that this year in China there have already been at least 130 factory strikes, more than triple the number in the whole of 2022. It added that the worsening political relations between the US and China are starting to make themselves felt in the economy. In a monthly government survey of 3,000 factories across China, all 13 indicators of economic activity – including new orders and prices – declined in April. With money tight, many factories have resorted to not paying workers, paying them late or finding ways to lay them off without paying severance, such as by relocating to somewhere impossible for the workers to travel for employment. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: XILING GOLD MINE IN SHANDONG IS CHINA'S LARGEST GOLDMINE WITH A RESERVE OF 580 TONNES The People's daily (May 19) reported that the Xiling gold mine in China's Shandong province has become China's largest single gold deposit with a gold reserve of 580 tonnes after 200 tonnes were newly detected. The world-level huge gold mine lies deep in Sanshandao gold mine, which can provide 10,000 tonnes of ore daily for 30 yrs. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: FREIGHT TRAINS BETWEEN CHINA AND RUSSIA HAVE SURGED SINCE START OF UKRAINE WAR Caixin (May 20), quoting logistics insiders, said that the number of freight trains travelling between China and Russia has surged since the start of the Ukraine war, hauling 90% of the total volume of goods traded between China and Europe by May this year. May 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA ANNOUNCES IT WILL INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO DEVELOP AI On May 19, 2023, China revealed that it will intensify its efforts to devp artificial intelligence (AI), both in theoretical research and cutting-edge technologies, to build a batch of regional AI industrial hubs for economic and social development. May 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLAAF INCREASES DEPLOYMENT IN TIBET Reports indicate that the PLAAF has recently increased its aircraft strength in Tibet as disengagement talks between India and China after the Galwan buildup are still continuing. In Hoping and Shigatse airfields in Tibet, there are over a dozen PLAAF fighters, over 40 helicopters and other PLAAF aircraft. In Lhasa, there are four multirole J-10s in addition to attack helicopters. May 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: YIN LI, PARTY SECRETARY OF BEIJING MEETS STARBUCKS CEO IN BEIJING According to the Beijing Daily, Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li met Na Sihan (ph), Global CEO of Starbucks Coffee Company of the United States on on May 25. It reported that Yin Li said that China is the largest and fastest-growing overseas market for Starbucks, and Beijing is the first stop for Starbucks to enter the Chinese market. As China's capital and megacity, Beijing is also an important node serving the whole country and facing the global market, and is speeding up the construction of an international consumption center city. It is hoped that Starbucks will make full use of Beijing's location and market advantages, further expand investment and business layout in Beijing, and actively expand cooperation with local characteristic industries and new consumer brands. According to the paper, Na Sihan 'highly appreciated the great achievements of Beijing's economic and social development, and said that Starbucks is full of confidence in China's economic development, and is willing to continue to expand investment in Beijing'. City leaders Xia Linmao, Zhao Lei and Sima Hong attended the meeting. May 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: BEIJING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE HIGHLY CRITICAL OF MULTI-PARTY DEMOCRACY Beijing Daily (May 22) published an article very critical of multi-party democracy captioned 'The Vicious Circle of Intervention and Turmoil——Why the Western Multi-Party System Becomes a Trap for the Modernization of Late Developing Countries'. It was authored by Wang Mingye, Professor at the School of Marxism, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), and a researcher at Beijing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It said, 'In the contemporary political discourse system constructed by the Western world headed by the United States, all kinds of problems in the third world countries in the process of modernization are related to one problem, that is, the so-called "human rights" and the socalled "freedom and democracy." It said 'Only with the establishment of a multi-party system can Western countries be provided with operational tools to influence Third World countries, and the interests of Western countries in Third World countries can be consolidated. Because of this, Western countries praise third world countries that have accepted and implemented a multi-party system, no matter how serious the internal problems of such countries are'. It concluded that 'A multi-party system will inevitably make third world countries vassals of Western countries'. May 2023 CHINA-HAINAN: HAINAN PARTY COMMITTEE CO-SPONSORS 2023-RCEP REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEDIA THINK-TANK FORUM ON MAY 21 The Propaganda Department of the CCP Hainan Provincial Committee, China Daily, and China (Hainan) Reform and Development Research Institute co-sponsored the "Building the World's Largest Free Trade Zone - 2023 RCEP Regional Development Media Think Tank Forum" in Haikou on May 21. The Hainan Ribao (May 21) reported that more than 450 representatives from mainstream media, think tanks, international organizations, embassy officials in China, and business circles from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other countries participated in the conference. May 2023 CHINA-YUNNAN: YUNNAN PARTY SECRETARY WANG NING MEETS CHINAAPPOINTED PANCHEN LAMA IN KUNMING On May 22, Yunnan Province Party Secretary Wang Ning met Panchen Lama Erdeni Choji Jeb in Kunming. Provincial Political Consultative Conference Chairman Liu Xiaokai and provincial leaders Yang Ning, Qiu Jiang, Zong Guoying and Na Yunde attended the meeting. May 2023 CHINA-YUNNAN: CYL OF YUNNAN PROVINCE HOLDS ITS 15TH CONGRESS The 15th Congress of the Communist Youth League (CYL) of Yunnan Province opened on May 22 afternoon in Kunming. Yunnan Party Secretary Wang Ning and Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People’s Congress attended the opening meeting and delivered a speech. Shi Yugang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, presided over the meeting. The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League sent a congratulatory letter to the conference. May 2023 CHINA-HONGKONG: HONGKONG HEALTH AUTHORITIES RESTART 24-HOUR COMMAND CENTRE The South China Morning Post (May 20) quoted Hongkong's health chief as saying that up to 10,000 persons are infected daily with Covid in HongKong and that the Hospital Authority has restarted the 24-hour command centre operations to monitor situation at facilities across network. May 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN MEDIA NOTES NEARLY 30 PER CENT DROP INSIDE CHINA FOR WAR AGAINST TAIWAN Taiwan's UPMedia (May 23) published an article which said, "At this time, the "Journal of Contemporary China" (Journal of Contemporary China) published a survey conducted between the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 with unknown motives, showing that 55% of Chinese people support the unification of Taiwan by force if necessary, while 33% are opposed. 12% are not sure, and only 1% think that there is no need to try other methods, and war can be started now. As soon as this "poll" came out, some people quickly compared it to the eve of Tsai Ing-wen's coming to power in 2016. The Chinese official media "Global Times" also released a poll. At that time, as many as 85.1% of Chinese respondents supported the unification of Taiwan by force, and some Sixty percent believe that within five years is the best time to attack Taiwan by force. One is international journals, and the other is Chinese official media. Even if there are special political motives, "polls" should also have reference value. So, what does it mean that during Tsai Ing-wen’s eight years in office, the proportion of Chinese people who support Wutong dropped by 30 percentage points? According to the intensity of China's official military threats to Taiwan in the past two years, this kind of development is indeed incredible". May 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINA REFUSES TO ATTEND G-20 TOURISM WORKING GROUP MEETING IN SRINAGAR ON GROUND THAT IT IS 'DISPUTED' China said it will not attend the planned G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jammu & Kashmir on May 22-24, 2023. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a media briefing that "China firmly opposes holding any form of G20 meetings on disputed territory". "We will not attend such meetings." ii) China and Pakistan have also both condemned India for holding the event in the disputed territory. May 2023 CHINA-INDIA: HONGKONG-BASED MING PAO COMMENTS ON MODI'S VISIT TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA Commenting on Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to co-Chair the "India-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation Summit" (FIPIC) held on May 22 in Port Moresby, the Hongkong-based Ming Pao (May 23) said that PNG Prime Minister Marape said Pacific Island countries see India as the leader of the "global south" and urged Modi to speak for them on the global stage. He was quoted saying "We (Pacific island countries) are victims of global political pressure... You (Modi) are the leader of the Global South (Global South). We will support your (India) leadership in various global forums". "We want you to be our support Or, like you took a seat at those meetings, and continued to fight for the rights of small emerging countries and emerging economies." Modi promised that India would use this year's rotating presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) to convey the demands of the "Global South", as it did at the recent G7 summit. He assured "You can regard India as a reliable partner... We believe in multilateralism and support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region." Ming Pao added that this regional cooperation summit, held again after eight years, is regarded as another important action for New Delhi to compete for the leadership of the global South. According to analysis, India's imaginary enemy in this regard is China, which considers itself a major developing country. May 2023 CHINA-INDIA: PLA DEMANDING A 15-20 KMS BUFFER ZONE INSIDE INDIA CLAIM LINES AND REJECTS INDIA'S PROPOSAL FOR A 3-4 KMS DEMILITARISED STRIP The Telegraph (May 23) reported from sources in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is demanding a 15–20-kilometer buffer zone inside India’s claim lines, in the strategically vital and bilaterally contested region of Depsang Plains. It quoted an official from the intelligence wing of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as saying “The Chinese want a buffer zone with a width of 15-20km inside Indian territory as part of the disengagement process from the Depsang Plains.” This, officials from the security establishment told The Telegraph, is a precondition for disengagement. The PLA has reportedly also refused India’s offer of a 3-4km demilitarised strip. The ITBP official said the Chinese made the latest demand during the 18th round of corps commander talks last month and reiterated it during subsequent military talks at lower levels. May 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: VISIT BY CHINESE OFFICIALS TO LUMBINI TO ATTEND BUDDHA JAYANTI CEREMONIES ANGERS SECTIONS OF NEPALESE Khabarhub (May 22) reported that some Chinese political leaders recently attended a program in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site. Han Song, General Secretary of a Chinese religious and cultural organization arrived in Kathmandu on May 3 night leading an 11-member team to participate in the program. Later, Chen Song also arrived. Many observers raised concerns as to how could political leaders of a Communist state, who do not believe in religion, attend a religious program and that too in a World Heritage Site on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. They also said that China is endeavouring to carve out its strategic influence using Buddhism as a tool to expand its footprints in Nepal as well as antagonizing Nepali Buddhists by organizing a political program near the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini that has strict guidelines. A foreign affairs expert told Khabarhub on condition of anonymity: “Isn’t it high time that Nepalis voiced concerns regarding such programs and strategies?” Interestingly, the “peace procession” was to start from Mayadevi Temple. May 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: TAR PARTY SECRETARY WRITES ARTICLE UNDERLINING IMPORTANCE OF NEPAL TAR Party Secretary Wang Junzheng pointed out that the TAR attaches great importance to cooperation with Nepal, earnestly implements the important results of President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal, closely integrates with the actual situation in Tibet, and continues to promote the construction of "One Belt, One Road", with fruitful connection of facilities, increasingly strengthening people-to-people ties, and steadily advancing various work. He said 'we will take the 10th anniversary of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative as an opportunity to actively dovetail with the overall national opening-up strategy, give full play to our own regional advantages, accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, focus on building an important channel for opening up to South Asia, build a three-dimensional interconnection network across the Himalayas, promote a high level of opening up to the outside world and make greater contributions to the development of China-Nepal relations. We hope the delegation will make greater contributions to the development of China-Nepal relations. It is hoped that the delegation will take more walks and visits in Tibet, experience first-hand the natural, ecological and humanistic beauty of the place, and actively introduce the more progressive, open and beautiful Tibet to the Nepalese people and the international community in a comprehensive, objective and realistic manner, so that the world can understand Tibet better and Tibet can go global faster'. May 2023 CHINA-G7: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE SHARPLY CRITICISES G-7 FOR INTERFERING IN CHINA'S INTERNAL AFFAIRS A People's Daily (May 23) article titled 'The hegemonic "small circle" undermines the international order and tramples on fairness and justice' criticised the G-7 meeting held in Japan accusing it of "hyping up a series of China-related issues, wantonly smearing and attacking China, grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, blatantly challenging the post-war international order," It said "The G7 should reflect on itself instead of continuing to act recklessly. Only by stopping forming closed and exclusive "small circles", stopping containing and oppressing other countries, stopping provoking confrontation between camps, and returning to the correct path of dialogue and cooperation, can the G7 avoid becoming a stumbling block to world peace, stability, and development, and be avoided by the tide of the times". It added "the Hiroshima summit lacks action in dealing with global challenges, but acts recklessly in interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and instigating Separation and confrontation continued unabated". May 2023 CHINA-G-7: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY ISSUES STATEMENT REACTING TO G-7 COMMENTS China's Foreign Ministry spokesman issued a statement (May 20) reacting to the resolution passed by G-7. It said "The G7 makes high-sounding claims about “promoting a peaceful, stable and prosperous world”, but what it does is hindering international peace, undermining regional stability, and curbing other countries’ development. That simply shows how little international credibility means to the G7. Despite China’s serious concerns, the G7 used issues concerning China to smear and attack China and brazenly interfere in China’s internal affairs. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this and has made serious démarches to the summit’s host Japan and other parties concerned. Taiwan is China’s Taiwan. Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, a matter that must be resolved by the Chinese. The one-China principle is the solid anchor for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The G7 keeps emphasizing cross-Strait peace, and yet says nothing about the need to oppose “Taiwan independence”. This in effect constitutes connivance and support for “Taiwan independence” forces, and will only result in having a serious impact on cross-Strait peace and stability. No one should underestimate the determination, resolve and capability of the Chinese people in safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Affairs related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet are purely China’s internal affairs. China firmly opposes interference by any external force in those affairs under the pretext of human rights. The G7 needs to stop pointing fingers at China on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet and take a hard look at their own history and human rights record. China is a firm defender of and contributor to international maritime rule of law. The East China Sea and the South China Sea have remained overall stable. Relevant countries need to respect regional countries’ efforts to uphold peace and stability and stop using maritime issues to drive a wedge between regional countries and incite bloc confrontation. As for “economic coercion”, the massive unilateral sanctions and acts of “decoupling” and disrupting industrial and supply chains make the US the real coercer that politicizes and weaponizes economic and trade relations. We urge the G7 not to become an accomplice in economic coercion. China is firmly committed to a defensive nuclear strategy. We have honoured our pledge to “no first use” of nuclear weapons and always kept our nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security. China is the only one among the five nuclear weapon states to have made those pledges. China’s position is above board and should not be distorted or denigrated. I need to stress that as a responsible major country, China firmly upholds the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations built around the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China will never accept the so-called rules imposed by the few. The international community does not and will not accept the G7-dominated Western rules that seek to divide the world based on ideologies and values, still less will it succumb to the rules of exclusive small blocs designed to serve “America-first” and the vested interests of the few. G7 needs to reflect on its behaviour and change course. Let me make it clear that gone are the days when a handful of Western countries can just wilfully meddle in other countries’ internal affairs and manipulate global affairs. We urge G7 members to catch up with the trend of the times, focus on addressing the various issues they have at home, stop ganging up to form exclusive blocs, stop containing and bludgeoning other countries, stop creating and stoking bloc confrontation and get back to the right path of dialogue and cooperation. ii) China's embassy in Japan also issued (May 20) a condemnation of G7 for having "grossly interfered in China's internal affairs & having insisted on putting pressure on China" across a series of issues. May 2023 CHINA-JAPAN: CHINA SUMMONS JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO PROTEST G-7 RESOLUTION Beijing Daily (May 21) disclosed that on May 21, 2023, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Tare Hideo to lodge stern representations over hyping up China-related issues at the G7 Hiroshima Summit. It said 'Sun Weidong pointed out that the G7 adheres to the confrontation between camps and the Cold War mentality, and its actions violate the general trend of history, objective facts and international morality. Japan, as the rotating presidency of the G7 this year, collaborated with relevant countries to smear and attack China in the series of activities and joint declarations of the G7 Hiroshima summit, grossly interfering in China's internal affairs, violating the basic principles of international law and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and harming China. Sovereignty, security and development interests. China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposes it. Sun Weidong emphasized that Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and the resolution of the Taiwan issue is the Chinese people's own business, which should be decided by the Chinese. The Taiwan issue is at the heart of China's core interests and concerns the political foundation of China-Japan relations. It is an insurmountable red line'. May 2023 CHINA-G-7: G-7 NATIONS DECIDE TO BUILD ALTERNATE SOURCES OF SUPPLY BUT MAINTAIN ECONOMIC TIES WITH CHINA The leaders of the Group of Seven nations issued a communique on May 20, that included a nine-point approach to reducing risks posed by China while maintaining members' economic ties. The communique stipulates the need to de-risk, but not decouple, from the world's secondlargest economy. "Our policy approaches are not designed to harm China, nor do we seek to thwart China's economic progress and development," the communique says. "A growing China that plays by international rules would be of global interest." May 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: POLITBURO MEMBER CHEN WENQING VISITING RUSSIA TO ATTEND SECURITY CONFERENCES People's Daily (May 21) quoting Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that Politburo member and Head of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, Chen Wenqing, will attend the 11th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues and hold the 8th meeting of the China-Russia law-enforcement and security cooperation mechanism in Russia from May 21 to 28 at the host's invitation. (Comment: Chen Wenqing, a security professional, was promoted and inducted into the Politburo at the 20th Party Congress in October 2023. Prior to that he was the Minister for State Security.) May 2023 CHINA-US: NEW CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO U.S., XIE FENG, ARRIVED IN WASHINGTON DC ON MAY 23 China’s new ambassador to the U.S, Xie Feng arrived in Washington on May 23. Xie Feng, who is fluent in English, previously served as Vice Foreign Minister and is the successor to Qin Gang, who left Washington in January to become China’s Foreign Minister. While Xie Feng is a career diplomat and specialist in U.S.-China relations, he lacks Qin Gang’s close ties to the Chinese senior leadership. Xie Feng was selected as ambassador over Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying. (Comment: Xie Feng had a frosty meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in July 2021 during which he scolded her for what he said was the administration’s “highly misguided mindset and dangerous policy” toward China. Xie Feng handed Wendy Sherman a “List of U.S. Wrongdoings that Must Stop” and a “List of Key Individual Cases that China Has Concerns With” to ensure she got the message.) May 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA'S CYBERSECURITY ADMINISTRATION PROHIBITS OPERATORS OF CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE FROM BUYING MICRON PRODUCTS France 24 reported (May 21) that Micron, one of the world's major chip manufacturers, had failed a review launched by Chinese authorities in March of its products sold in the country. The Cybersecurity Administration (CAC) said in a statement that Micron's products "have relatively serious potential network security issues, which pose a major security risk to China's critical information infrastructure supply chain and affect China's national security". It instructed "Operators of critical information infrastructure in China should stop purchasing Micron products." ii) The US Commerce Department "strongly" opposed (May 22) the action against the biggest US maker of memory chips saying it has ‘no basis in fact’. May 2023 CHINA-US: COMMERCE MINISTER WANG WENTAO ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON DC ON MAY 25 China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao arrived in Washington DC on May 25 and was to dine with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on May 26. He will also be meeting US Trade Representative Katherine Tai at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meeting in Detroit. He and the US Commerce Secretary are to hold talks on May 25-26. May 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE COMMERCE MINISTER WANG WENTAO PRESIDES OVER SYMPOSIUM IN SHANGHAI TO HEAR SUGGESTIONS AND OPINIONS OF US-FUNDED ENTERPRISES The Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao presided over a symposium in Shanghai on May 22, to listen to the operating conditions of US-funded enterprises in China and their opinions and suggestions on China's continued optimization of the business environment. Representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and Johnson & Johnson, 3M, Dow, Merck, Honeywell, and other American companies attended the discussion. Wang Wentao said China will continue to open to the outside world, and 'emphasized that the deep integration of the economies of China and the United States, and the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit are in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, and are also beneficial to the entire world. China will continue to welcome US-funded enterprises to develop in China and achieve a winwin situation'. The Ministry of Commerce Information Office statement said 'Representatives of American-funded enterprises attending the meeting expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce, especially the special team for key project work, for providing service guarantees for foreign-funded enterprises. Enterprises continue to be optimistic about the development prospects of the Chinese market and are willing to further develop the Chinese market.' May 2023 CHINA-US: U.S. EXECUTIVE ORDER CURBING INVESTMENTS IN CHINESE TECHNOLOGY The Biden Administration is likely to issue a long-anticipated executive order curbing US investments in Chinese technology. The order has three main features, according to several sources with White House ties. First, it will ban US investments in China in advanced semiconductor technologies that are already subject to export controls, and possibly also in some technologies related to artificial intelligence. Second, investors will need to report to the US government on their China investments in other technology sectors, including non-controlled semiconductors, quantum computing and some AI applications. Third, the restrictions and reporting requirements will apply only to “active” investments, not passive portfolio holdings. The latter principle suggests that the Biden administration is less concerned with starving Chinese tech firms of cash than with cutting off transfers of know-how, management expertise and knowledge networks. May 2023 CHINA-US: U.S. INVESTMENT IN CHINESE TECH START-UPS HAVE NEARLY DRIED UP Gavekal Dragonomics reported on May 19 that numerous LPs have started to trim their exposures to illiquid China-focused investment vehicles with long lockups. US dollar funding for China-focused VC and PE funds fell to US$14bn in 2022, from US$ 95bn in 2021. And this year, deals by US-based investors in Chinese tech start-ups have nearly dried up, according to Crunchbase. The formalization of US rules on outbound tech investment—even though they are narrow in initial scope—means that these declines are likely to be permanent. May 2023 CHINA-US: WALL STREET JOURNAL SAYS CHINA HELD US$ 850 BILLION IN U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES LAST YEAR The Wall Street Journal (May 20) in an article on Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher's efforts to counter Beijing by telling ‘American companies to act like American companies’, revealed the research firm Rhodium Group's estimates that American holdings of stocks and bonds in China were valued at $1.2 trillion in 2020, on top of hundreds of billions of dollars worth of factories, real estate and other assets. Two-way trade last year touched nearly $700 billion, including dairy and mink exported to China from Gallagher’s district which includes Green Bay. China also holds more than $850 billion in U.S. Treasury securities. It said undoing that, in Gallagher’s vision, means getting Silicon Valley to curb funding for China’s tech sector, Wall Street fund managers to sell Chinese stocks and manufacturers to enforce American standards in their supply lines. Gallagher’s approach has rattled business executives who charge that it lacks nuance and worry the committee’s spotlight risks damaging profitable businesses and the global economy. “Nobody wants to be in the crosshairs,” says the head of a U.S. organization that favours China engagement. May 2023 CHINA-CAR SUMMIT: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S KEYNOTE SPEECH AT CHINA-CAR SUMMIT EXPLAINS CHINA'S FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS CAR Xinhua (May 19) reported that at the CAR summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech, putting forward "four propositions" on what kind of Central Asia to build, "four insistences" on how to build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, and on how to develop cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. It said "this is the first time since the new era that the top leader of China has fully, centrally and systematically explained the foreign policy towards Central Asia to the international community. The Community of Destiny provides fundamental guidelines for following and action". It disclosed also that during the summit, China and the five Central Asian countries reached 7 bilateral and multilateral documents including the "China-Central Asia Summit Xi'an Declaration" and "China-Central Asia Summit Outcome List” and signed more than 100 cooperation agreements in various fields. It added "The richness of the results, the reality of the content, and the great influence have never been seen before. It can be summed up in five "new"." Xinhua also said "Our cooperation is not aimed at any third party, nor is it subject to a third party. We do not engage in closed and exclusive "small circles", and we oppose group politics and Cold War confrontation". (Comment: The key points in Xi Jinping's foreign policy towards Central Asia are: (i) mutual assistance. In other words, the two sides should be on the same page over sovereignty issues, such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, etc, and be ready to support each other on these core interests. State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang said: it is the *starting point* for relationships. (ii) common development. This layer includes the chunk of conventional cooperation, the economy, trade, industrial capacity, energy & transportation, infrastructure, and the list goes on. Qin Gang described the role of this layer as a *foothold*. (iii) If the second layer develops well then, the relationship moves onto the third layer, namely the security aspect. Qin Gang said in the case of C+5, security cooperation is a "focal point" and suggested that more resources will be devoted to security cooperation. (iv) The ultimate level is reaching the state of everlasting friendship, whereas relevant sides enjoy close affinity and shared convictions. This is described as a "key point". Incidentally, all three of China's Global Initiatives are incorporated into the layers, with GDI in the second, GSI in the third and GCI in the fourth. The BRI is also mentioned in the second layer. Also, features of the 'community for a shared future' are mentioned in all four layers. Xinhua said the Summit also agreed that China will work with Central Asian countries to implement global security initiatives, resolutely oppose external forces undermining the legitimate regimes of Central Asian countries and instigating a new round of "colour revolutions".) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING 'INSPECTS' XIONG'AN NEW AREA, HEBEI PROVINCE Xi Jinping inspected the Xiong'an New Area Railway Station and the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province on May 10. He urged new progress for the "city of future". Xinhua said it https:/ has been demonstrated that the major decision of the CPC Central Committee to construct the Xiong'an New Area is entirely correct. The People's Daily (May 10) noted Xi Jinping as also saying "plan for the second batch of relocation of central enterprises' headquarters and secondand third-level subsidiaries and plan for the relocation and transfer of financial institutions, research institutions, and public institutions". CCTV (May 11) telecast a report on the visit. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF 10TH CONFERENCE FOR FRIENDSHIP OF OVERSEAS CHINESE ASSOCIATIONS IN BEIJING The People's Daily (May 9) reported Xi Jinping's meeting with representatives to the 10th Conference for Friendship of Overseas Chinese Associations. It said nearly 500 leading members of overseas Chinese associations from more than 130 countries and regions attended. Shi Taifeng, Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC United Front Works Department, addressed the meeting. Xinhua (May 9) quoted Shi Taifeng as saying, “overseas Chinese possess the unique advantage of linking China and the international community, and serve as an important bridge and bond between China and the rest of the world, as well as a vital force in building a community with a shared future for humanity". He expressed the hope that overseas Chinese could join hands and forge ahead to put into practice the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, actively promote world peace and friendship between China and other countries, global development and win-win cooperation, exchange between China and other countries, and mutual learning between civilizations, so as to write a new chapter on the new journey for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and building a community with a shared future for humanity.” May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING ATTTENDS AND SPEAKS AT 2023 CONFERENCE ON TAIWAN Xinhua (May 10) reported that the 2023 Taiwan Work Conference was held in Beijing on May 9 and 10. Delivering a speech, Wang Huning 'said that under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we must fully implement the decision-making arrangements of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Party's overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments" and strengthen the "four In the process of comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization, we will unswervingly promote the great cause of the reunification of the motherland'. Wang Huning said that 'we must adhere to the one-China principle and the "1992 Consensus" to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations' and that 'We must uphold the concept of "one family on both sides of the strait", respect, care for, and benefit Taiwan compatriots'. He added 'we shall respect, care for and benefit the people of Taiwan...we shall resume and expand communication, forge friendships with people of all walks of life in Taiwan'. At the same time 'We must resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and interference by external forces, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is necessary to strengthen the party's overall leadership over Taiwan's work, conduct in-depth investigations and research, and promote the high-quality development of Taiwan's work. Politburo member and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi presided over the meeting. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER DING XUEXIANG ATTENDED NATIONAL TV AND TELEPHONE EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE Beijing Daily (May 11) reported that Ding Xuexiang, PBSC member and Vice Premier attended and spoke at the 'National TV and Telephone Conference on Employment and Entrepreneurship among College Graduates and Young People' in Beijing on May 11. Ding Xuexiang pointed out that the Party Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the employment and entrepreneurship of college graduates. He emphasized that the employment priority policy must be fully implemented, and relevant policies and measures to stabilize employment must be implemented promptly, with emphasis on precision and practical results. He urged cadres and officials to vigorously develop market-oriented employment channels, implement social insurance subsidies, employment subsidies, vocational training subsidies and other policies in a package, and stimulate the enthusiasm of enterprises to employ people. He also called for strengthened support for poverty-stricken families, low-income families, zero-employment families, and disabled graduate groups, all colleges and universities. Ding Xuexiang requested that all localities, departments, and colleges and universities should re-mobilize and redeploy, strengthen organizational leadership, consolidate the responsibilities of all parties, strengthen policy guarantees, and do a good job of publicity and guidance to ensure the completion of the employment goals and tasks of college graduates this year. State Councilor Chen Yiqin attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Responsible comrades of the central government, state organs and relevant departments of the military participated along with responsible comrades of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, the Ministry of Education, the Tianjin Municipal People's Government, the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, and the main responsible comrades of Sichuan Yibin University, as well as representatives of outstanding graduates also spoke. May 2023 CHINA-INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE: CHINA HOSTS ITS FIRST SUMMIT CONFERENCE IN 31 YEARS WITH CAR LEADERS IN XI'AN China for the first time in 31 years will host a China-Central Asia Summit in Xi'an on May 18 and 19, where leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are expected to attend. President Xi will deliver an important speech at the Summit and the heads of state will review the development of China-Central Asia relations and exchange views on China-Central Asia mechanism building, cooperation in various fields and major international and regional issues of common interest. A number of important political documents are to be signed. ii) A People's Daily (May 10) commentary on the upcoming summit said this is the first major diplomatic event this year domestically. It said that “today, China and the five Central Asian countries have achieved full coverage of comprehensive strategic partnerships and signed cooperation documents on the joint construction of the Belt and Road. Strategic mutual trust between them has reached a new level, mutually beneficial cooperation has added new impetus, friendly exchanges have entered a new stage, and China-Central Asia relations and regional development". It added "China and the five Central Asian countries respect each other's development paths chosen according to their national conditions, firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests, actively practise the new security concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable, jointly crack down on the ‘three evil forces’ and transnational organised crime and drug trafficking, and resolutely oppose external interference and instigation of the ‘colour revolutions’. China and the five Central Asian countries hold the same or similar positions on major international and regional issues". It also said, "We have maintained close coordination under multilateral mechanisms and frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, practised genuine multilateralism, and contributed to the reform of the global governance system and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.” May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: REPORTS CLAIM CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S YOUNGER BROTHER HAS TAKEN OVER CHINA'S YULIN OILFIELDS Xi Jinping's younger brother, Xi Yuanping, was reported (May 6) to have recently appeared in Yulin, Shaanxi, to take over former Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang (now in prison) and Zeng Qinghong's oil business. The only oil field with 1 billion tons of reserves in China is in Yulin, so it is also known as the oil capital of China. Sun Shutao, Jiang Zhigang, Cui Maohu, and three of Zeng Qinghong's subordinates have all been arrested. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: REPORTS CLAIM THAT FORMER HEAD OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SECURITY BUREAU, GENERAL WANG SHAOJUN, HAS DIED An unconfirmed report of April 27 said that the former head of Xi Jinping's Central Security Bureau, 67-year-old Wang Shaojun, had died. His death has not been reported in China's official media, though it was mentioned in a Hongkong newspaper. (Comment: It is odd that the death has not been reported in the official Chinese media. As head, or former head, of the Central Security Bureau Wang Shaojun would have been one of the 100 most important men in China.) May 2023 CHINA-PROTEST: BEIJING COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE MEDIA OUTLET POSTS REQUIEM FOR 'WHITE PAPER MOVEMENT' OF LAST YEAR The photography department of a Beijing student press association organized by the Beijing Youth Daily, a widely read Party-run media outlet controlled by the Municipal Communist Youth League, posted a requiem for the 2022 “White Paper Movement” to WeChat. In what appears to be a remarkable violation of Party discipline, the Beijing Communist Youth League’s house organ posted a requiem for the 2022 “White Paper Movement” to WeChat. Archived copies of the original, first posted to Twitter by the account @whyyoutouzhele, show a black-and-white photograph of the staircase at Communication University of China, Nanjing, in front of which the first white paper protester stood. The photograph is captioned: “I will remember November 26, 2022, I will remember the bravery of the Communication person.” A link to the original article now says, “The content has been deleted by the author.” Below is a screenshot of the original WeChat post titled, “A Sheet of White Paper”. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: SENIOR CHINESE CADRE EXPELLED FOR VIOLATION OF PARTY DISCIPLINE AFTER ONE CADRE DIED DUE TO EXCESSIVE DRINKING The International Campaign for Tibet (May 5) reported that the revelation of a senior provincial Tibetan leader’s death due to excess drinking during a Chinese Communist Party-organized event in Qinghai has raised Chinese public concern about discipline and morality among the cadres. It quoted one commentator as posting on Chinese social media, “It is like a mirror, clearly reflecting the current ecology of the CCP’s officialdom.” It said the incident happened in December 2022 but was not made public until an official notice in February 2023. On February 9, 2023, the Standing Committee of the Tsojang (Chinese: Haibei) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s People's Congress in Qinghai issued a cryptic announcement (November 7) saying, “Dorjee (Duo Jie), a deputy to the 15th People's Congress of Tsojang Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture elected by Menyuan County, passed away.” Dorjee was not only a deputy of the prefectural People’s Congress, but more importantly, the Party Secretary of Tsojang prefecture and a member of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee. News from the prefecture in early 2023 only mentioned an acting head of the prefectural government, Shawo Kyab (Xia Wujie), another Tibetan, who was appointed in March 2023 as the Party Secretary replacing Dorjee. However, the Central Discipline Inspection Commission, issued a statement on April 27, 2023, saying it had investigated an incident that took place on December 11, 2022, and was expelling Shi Cunwu, Qinghai Party Secretary-General, from the party and removing the other four provincial leaders from their positions. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: CASS HIGHLIGHTS ITS MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AT PRESS CONFERENCE WHERE IT ACKNOWLEDGES ITS ROLE AS "THINK-TANK" OF CCP CC On May 5, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) held its monthly press conference of major achievements in Beijing. Gao Peiyong, Vice President, and Member of the Party Group attended the meeting and delivered a speech. The press conference released the "Handbook of Chinese Studies New Era China Volume", "Chinese Experience and Chinese Economics" " Democracy and the Road to Development: The Great Changes in the World and Chinese Politics, and "Classic and Significance: Evolution of Ritual and Early Confucianism". Gao Peiyong said that since General Secretary Xi Jinping made the major strategic observation of "accelerating the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics" in 2016, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has, with China in mind, actively performed the function of "a think tank serving the Party Central Committee and the country's decision-making". Hu Bin, Director of the Scientific Research Bureau of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presided over the press conference. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: FORMER PRESIDENT OF CHINESE HISTORY SOCIETY EXPLAINS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION AND THAT OF THE WEST Zhang Haipeng, member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), a researcher at the Institute of Modern History, and the former President of the Chinese History Society, published an article in the Chinese Journal of Social Sciences (May 5, 2023) titled 'Chinesestyle modernization promotes the formation of a new form of human civilization'. It said 'The so-called modernization can be roughly divided into capitalist modernization, socialist modernization, modernization of colonial and semi-colonial countries, and dependency modernization'. Its main representatives are capitalist modernization and socialist modernization. Explaining the difference between Chinese-style modernisation and capitalist modernisation, it said 'Chinese-style modernization is led by the Communist Party of China and guided by the modernization of Marxism in China. Its development direction is socialism with Chinese characteristics, a new form of human civilization, and a modernization that promotes communism in the future. Capitalist modernization is led by the bourgeoisie in various countries and develops freely in a market environment. Its development direction is from free capitalism to monopoly capitalism, from capitalism to imperialism. In the process from capitalism to imperialism, the capitalist world is full of wars and massacres, and the world is extremely restless'. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL OFFICIAL EXPLAINS THAT CHINESESTYLE MODERNISATION MEANS PUTTING PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE Dang Yanni of the Central Party School published an article in the People's Daily (May 10) titled 'Highlight the people's character in the direction of modernization -- The construction of the rule of law must insist on putting the people at the center (special topic for reflection)'. He said "The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China made a profound elaboration on Chinese-style modernization and clarified that adhering to the peoplecentered development idea is one of the major principles for promoting Chinese-style modernization. To promote the comprehensive development of the rule of law in the process of Chinese-style modernization, we must persist in putting the people at the centre." May 2023 CHINA-CCP: SECRETARY OF PARTY COMMITTEE OF CHINA'S RENMIN UNIVERSITY PUBLISHES LENGTHY ARTICLE IN GUANGMING DAILY ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION Song Xueqin, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Party History and Party Construction, Renmin University of China, Deputy Director of the Advanced Innovation Center for Ideological and Political Theory Courses in Beijing Universities, published a lengthy article in Guangming Daily (May 10) titled 'Deeply grasp the fundamental principles of building the independent knowledge system of the history of the Communist Party of China and the study of Party building'. It included 21 references to Xi Jinping. He said, "The great creation of Chinese-style modernization and a new form of human civilization demonstrates the outstanding contributions of the Communist Party of China to China, the world, the people, and the times, and demonstrates the tolerance and responsibility of the Communist Party of China to make major contributions to the development of human civilization." He added "Chinese-style modernization theory has a strong political and theoretical nature". May 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY REMINDS PARTY MEMBERS THAT ACHIEVEMENTS ARE ONLY THE RESULT OF HARD WORK A People's Daily (May 11) commentary titled 'Firmly Establish and Practice the Correct View of Political Achievement' asserted that 'Achievements are made by doing, and only by hard work can real achievements and real achievements be made. Only the actual achievements created by hard work can truly stand the test of history and the people'. It said at the education work conference on the theme of studying and implementing Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward clear requirements for the majority of party members and cadres to establish a correct view of political achievements. It added 'The great achievements of our party's century-old struggle have been achieved by the party uniting and leading the people of all ethnic groups in the country to work hard' and emphasized that 'Party members, cadres, especially leading cadres must clearly understand that the party puts cadres in various positions so that everyone can be an officer, not an official to enjoy benefits'. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON IMPORTANCE OF THEME EDUCATION AS 'CORE READING' People's Daily (May 11) published an article titled 'Firmly grasp the general requirements of theme education (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics)' by The First Research Department of the Central Academy of Party History and Literature. It has been described as a "core reading". Referring to General Secretary Xi Jinping's remarks at the theme education work conference as a major measure to implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, focusing on leading cadres at or above the county level to carry out in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the whole party. It stressed it is important to 'Educate and guide the broad masses of party members and cadres to rectify their roots and strengthen their roots ideologically. Having the guidance of the scientific theory of Marxism is the foundation for our party to strengthen its beliefs and beliefs and grasp the historical initiative'. It stressed that 'it is urgent for the majority of Party members, cadres, especially leading cadres at all levels to further study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era'. It quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasising: "Forging iron must be hard on your own. To run China's affairs well, the key lies in the party. The key is that the party must manage the party and strictly govern the party in an all-round way." May 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: CHINA COMPLETES SOWING 40 PERCENT OF SPRING GRAIN China's state-owned CCTV (May 6) said that more than 40% of the country's spring grain is sown. All regions are promoting the integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy, increasing the promotion of improved seeds, and going all out to ensure the quality of sowing. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 410 million mu of grain has been sown in spring nationwide, completing 43.9% of the intended area, and the progress is 2.1 percentage points faster than the same period last year. (Comment: China has been paying a lot of attention, especially this year, to grain production. The central authorities have also established a special body of 80,000 "agriculture enforcers" to inspect and ensure that farmers produce grain and do not utilise land for cash crops. This is generating resentment among farmers in rural areas.) May 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: STATE COUNCIL PRESS CONFERENCE CLAIMS CHINA'S GRAIN PRODUCTION SECURITY HAS BECOME MUCH STRONGER China's CCTV (May 11) telecast that the State Council Information Office held a series of press conferences on the theme of "Commitment from Authoritative Departments" on May 11, where it disclosed that since the 18th Party Congress China's 'grain production security capabilities have become stronger and ration self-sufficiency rate is above 100%.' It added that China continues to enhance the modernization of grain storage and logistics. It said the national standard grain warehouses have a storage capacity of nearly 700 million tons and that the storage conditions have generally reached the world's advanced level, and the grain logistics network is more complete. May 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: CHINA STEPS UP IMPORT OF GRAIN TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON U.S. AND UKRAINE The South China Morning Post (May 8) disclosed that China is increasingly looking to friendly nations to help lower its grain reliance on the United States and war-torn Ukraine. China’s largest food processor, manufacturer, and trader – COFCO Group, which has for years been cultivating markets in South Africa, imported 53,000 metric tonnes (1.17 million pounds) of feed corn in the first batch, which will be supplied to domestic firms soon. Fan Zhenyu, who is in charge of COFCO's international corn business, said it would expand procurement sizes while exploring the use of regular bulk carriers to transport grain. COFCO has already signed deals with 43 South African farms – with more than 70,000 hectares (173,000 acres) of farmland – to be long-term suppliers. The company also runs a large soybean-processing plant in the country. Last year, China imported 20.6 million tonnes of corn, most of which is used for feeding animals, and the total is equivalent to 7.4 per cent of domestic output. US supplies accounted for 72 per cent of China’s imports, according to customs data. The proportion of US corn fell to 37.8 per cent in the first quarter of this year, but it remained the No 1 source, followed by Brazil and Ukraine. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: FORMER SICHUAN VICE GOVERNOR LI YUNZE APPOINTED HEAD AND PARTY CHIEF OF STATE ADMINISTRATION FOR FINANCIAL REGULATION China appointed Li Yunze, a seasoned banker, and current Vice Governor of Sichuan province, to lead its newly established national financial regulator, according to an official announcement on May 10. Li Yunze was named Communist Party chief of the State Administration for Financial Regulation (SAFR), according to the announcement published by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC). (Comment: Li Yunze becomes China's first ministerial-level official born in the 1970s: he was born in September 1970. Regarded a rising star but with a tough job, he is one of the new generation of finance leaders, veterans of state banks with local government experience.) May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: FOREIGN ENTITIES IN CHINA ARE SHAKEN BY RAIDS CONDUCTED BY CHINA'S SECURITY AGENCIES Al Jazeera reported (May 10) that foreign companies in China are on tenterhooks following a series of national security raids on consultancy firms that have highlighted the risks of doing business in the era of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Eric Zheng, President of the American Chamber of Commerce, said on May 9 that he was concerned about reports that due diligence firms had been targeted by authorities as their work is “essential to doing business in China.” The EU Ambassador to China Jorge Toledo Albinana on May 9 said the legislation was “not good news” for those hoping to see a further opening of the Chinese economy. Chinese state media said on May 8 that authorities had launched an investigation into Capvision, a consulting firm with offices in New York, Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou and Shenzhen, for offering to share state secrets and critical intelligence with firms overseas. In a lengthy news report on May 8, the state-owned CCTV said unspecified Western countries had carried out “rampant theft” of intelligence in critical industries related to China’s military and economy and accused “overseas institutions” of using consultancy firms to collect sensitive information. Police have accused Capvision of “facilitating the leaking of state secrets,” raided its offices and questioned its employees in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, and Shenzhen, according to Jiangsu’s state-run provincial TV station. Police told the Jiangsu TV station that Capvision had been in “regular contact” with people working in sensitive industries like defense and science, and that the company had paid huge salaries to such people in a bid to “illegally obtain all kinds of nationally sensitive data.” Sina.com’s finance channel reported “The state security bureau of Suzhou city ... together with the Municipal Market Supervision Administration and the Municipal Statistics Bureau launched a joint law enforcement action against the Suzhou branch of the consulting company Capvision ... which is suspected of endangering national security”. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: PROMINENT CHINESE SCHOLAR SAYS U.S.-CHINA RIVALRY AND U.S. ATTEMPTS TO CONTAIN CHINA ARE HERE TO LAST In a speech on April 28 at an event hosted by China’s Cornerstone Capital (基石资本) in Shenzhen, Yan Xuetong, prominent Chinese academic and Director of the Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University, said the world we are living in is marked by an increasingly fraught US-China relationship, the bipolarisation of the current international order and a trend towards deglobalisation. He said that the US-China rivalry and the US’s attempts to contain China’s rise are here to last. He added that Washington now attaches more importance to its tech rivalry with China than it does to ideology. Stating that in the face of growing political tensions, sluggish global growth and the West’s de-risking of its supply chains, China is intent on increasing its degree of self-reliance and thereby reducing its dependence on the outside world in certain areas. The current trend towards de-globalisation will last for another 10-20 years or more. His main message to his audience was that Chinese firms should review their long-term strategies and no longer rely so much on international cooperation and the effects of globalisation to grow their businesses. He said this generally regressive and adverse environment will last for another one-to-two decades or longer. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN BRI PROJECTS SHIFT TO LESS CAPITAL-INTENSIVE AREAS LIKE IT AND BIOTECHNOLOGY A Nikkei Asia report (May 6) states that China's Belt and Road Initiative has been shifting away from signature big infrastructure projects in favour of less capital-intensive fields like IT and biotechnology. Nikkei tallied new "greenfield" investment -- which involves building operations from the ground up -- by China from the Financial Times's FDI Markets foreign direct investment monitor. Investment in information technology, communications and electronic components totalled $17.6 billion in 2022, six times the amount in 2013, when the Belt and Road Initiative launched. That has meant more projects like Senegal's new government data center, which sits under military guard a half-hour drive east of Dakar, the capital. Completed in 2021, the facility was a joint project with China, with servers supplied by Huawei Technologies. Senegal has also installed an undersea cable and urban surveillance cameras with Chinese funds. Biotechnology has been another big growth area for Chinese investment, swelling 29-fold between 2013 and 2022 to $1.8 billion. China's Abogen Biosciences has licensed technology for messenger RNA vaccine development to Indonesian start-up Etana Biotechnologies, which completed a vaccine production facility last year, aiming to turn out 100 million doses. Investment in fossil fuel development has plunged to a hundredth of where it was a decade ago amid a push to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged in 2021 to build no new coal-fired power plants abroad. Spending on metals-related projects, such as aluminium production, has also been on the decline since peaking in 2018. This is partly because investments in "soft" fields like IT are less costly. Concern about having less money to work with is playing a role in the shift to more capital-efficient fields. Capital outflows from China exceeded inflows for the first time in about two years in the last quarter of 2022, as exports declined and foreign investment in the bond market slumped. May 2023 CHINA-S&T: RUSI REPORT CLAIMS CHINA IS BUILDING AN INTERNETSATELLITE CONSTELLATION OF 13,000 SATELLITES A RUSI (May 3) report said that reports have recently highlighted China’s ambition to launch an internet-satellite constellation known as 'Guo Wang', which roughly translates to ‘state network’, and would comprise 13,000 satellites. The project first gained momentum in 2021 and is led by the company SatNet, created by the SASAC (China’s State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission), which oversees China’s biggest state-owned enterprises. It is thought that existing mega-constellations might be absorbed into Guo Wang, which could be an indication of the high priority the project has been given. Further, the fact that SatNet was created by the SASAC has been interpreted as an indication that the company enjoys ‘significant autonomy and state support’. It suggested that existing Belt and Road projects in Africa may lead to a leapfrogging moment, where countries opt for the Chinese internet constellation over Western providers due to the fact that much of their infrastructure is already Chinese built. It added that Beijing has signed 117 space cooperation agreements with more than 30 governments on sharing space-related infrastructure and building ground stations. A Chinese White Paper in 2021 stated that this cooperation would form part of the Belt and Road Initiative and mentioned the Space Information Corridor as a way to strengthen cooperation, including through the application of communications satellites. May 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA'S TIANZHOU-6 SPACECRAFT SUCCESSFULLY DOCKED WITH CHINESE SPACE STATION ON MAY MORNING At 21:22 on May 10, the Long March-7 Yao-7 rocket carrying the Tianzhou-6 spacecraft successfully lifted off. It successfully rendezvoused and docked with the Chinese Space Station in the early morning of May 11 and brought supplies for Chinese astronauts. This is the first launch mission of China's manned spaceflight this year. Starting from the Tianzhou-2 spacecraft, five Tianzhou spacecraft have perfectly completed the mission of delivering goods to the Chinese space station. CCTV (May 11) also said Tianzhou-6 is the first cargo spacecraft docked after the completion of the Chinese space station and sent a total of 258 cargo packages. May 2023 CHINA-PLA: WESTERN THEATRE COMMAND TO RECRUIT 107 MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL IN 2023 The Western Theatre Command General Hospital at Chengdu issued a notice on May 9, that 'According to actual work needs, the hospital plans to recruit 107 professional and technical personnel in medical treatment, nursing, pharmacy, medical technology, engineering, and scientific research assistants. May 2023 CHINA-PLA: CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE ISSUED TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF OXYGEN SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN SHIGATSE, NYALAM AND QAMDO IN TIBET The Chinese authorities on May 10, 2023, announced bidding for the construction of oxygen supply systems in Shigatse, Nyalam and Qamdo in TAR. The project is estimated to cost around 3 billion yuan and is expected to be completed in 50 calendar days. The oxygen supply will help the troops stationed in remote areas of TAR to easily access the oxygen without travelling back to Lhasa or other big cities. May 2023 CHINA-PLA: GLOBAL TIMES HIGHLIGHTS PLAN AVIATION FORCE'S DEVELOPMENT AS IT CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY The Global Times (Chinese-May 10) reported that China's carrier-based aviation force celebrated its 10th anniversary on May 10, with observers saying that the country's carrierbased warplane development and pilot training programs have entered the fast lane. It said CCTV released a celebration video on May 10, which gave a short glimpse of two types of aircraft that observers said could be China's new carrier-based fighter jets. One seems to be an upgraded version of the J-15 fighter jet, and the other the next-generation stealth fighter jet, reportedly called the J-35. It said in addition to developing carrier-based fixed-wing early warning aircraft and drones, the PLA Navy has also started to recruit pilots among junior high school graduates, graduates of civilian universities, and women. ii) The Global Times (May 11) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently wrote a letter to a submarine crew, urging them to continuously improve their ability to fulfill missions and tasks, and strive to become an elite force with overall competency. May 2023 CHINA-PLAN: US NAVAL WAR COLLEGE ASSESSMENT OF PLA NAVY SUBMARINE ARM AND UNDERWATER CAPABILITIES The US Naval War College China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) has just released the 'Quick Look Summary' of its 11–13 April 2023 Conference on “Chinese Undersea Warfare: Development, Capabilities, Trends.” It states that: i) China has a large force of potent diesel submarines and is on the verge of producing greatly improved nuclear-powered submarines. ii) China takes in ~200 new submarine officers annually. As many as 60 high-performing former enlisted personnel are recruited for command-track academic education. Out of ~140 high school students recruited, ~40 go through the PLAN Engineering University, which recruits the second-highest average national exam (gaokao) scorers of all PLA professional military education (PME) institutions. However, these high performers go into dead-end engineering tracks and often pursue a subsequent career as political commissars. iii) 100 high school student recruits go through the PLAN Submarine Academy, which recruits the lowest average gaokao scorers of all 18 PLA PME institutions. They become observation and communications, navigation, and operations officers who compete for submarine force leadership positions. Recruitment limitations apparently reflect undesirable submarine conditions and non-transferability of skills upon discharge/retirement. iv) China operates the world’s largest fleet of air-independent-power (AIP) submarines. An improved variant of the Yuan-class AIP submarine features a new, angled sail and an integral towed array sonar (the PLAN’s first conventional submarine to be so equipped). China is investing in research and has dedicated resources to produce numerous experimental subs. May 2023 CHINA-ANHUI: COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE HOLDS 15TH ANHUI PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE On May 11, the 15th Anhui Provincial Congress of the Communist Youth League (CYL) was held in Hefei. Han Jun, Secretary of the Anhui Provincial Party Committee, attended the meeting. Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor Wang Qingxian delivered a speech. Cheng Lihua, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and provincial leaders Zhang Ximing, Liu Haiquan, Yu Aihua, Chen Shun, Ding Xiangqun, Fei Gaoyun, Tao Minglun, and Sun Yunfei attended the opening meeting. Xu Xiao, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CYL Central Committee, delivered a speech. May 2023 CHINA-GANSU: GANSU PARTY SECRETARY AND GOVERNOR MEET DIRECTOR OF CHINA'S NATIONAL ENERGY ADMINISTRATION The Gansu Daily (May 9) reported that Hu Changsheng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, and Ren Zhenhe, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor of the Province, met Director Zhang Jianhua, Secretary of the Party Group of the National Energy Administration and his delegation, in Lanzhou, on May 9. Hu Changsheng thanked Zhang Jianhua and his delegation and the National Energy Administration for its long-term support for Gansu's development. He said that Gansu is rich in energy resources and has unique geographical advantages. He hoped that the National Energy Administration will support Gansu in the construction of a new energy base comprehensive demonstration area, Longdian power transmission, and coal power project development, so as to help Gansu transform its energy resource advantages into economic advantages, and jointly contribute to ensuring national energy security. Zhang Jianhua said that the National Energy Administration will actively meet the development needs of Gansu. May 2023 CHINA-HONGKONG: HONGKONG LEGCO PASSES BILL DEBARRING FOREIGN LAWYERS FROM TAKING UP NATIONAL SECURITY CASES Hongkong's Legislative Council (LEGCO) passed amendments on May 10 that will allow Hong Kong's Chief Executive to bar foreign lawyers from taking up national security cases. Analysts say this is the latest in a series of moves that could undermine the city's judicial independence. The changes to the Legal Practitioner Ordinance will require courts to obtain the Chief Executive's approval before a foreign lawyer can represent a client in a national security case. The Chief Executive will have the authority to refuse a foreign lawyer, likely on the grounds that the counsel's participation would be "contrary to the interests of national security." Denials would not require explanation from authorities and would not be subject to legal challenges such as a judicial review. May 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINA AGAIN PUTS TECHNICAL HOLD AT UNSC ON DESIGNATING PAK-BASED INDIVIDUAL AS TERRORIST China has rejected the listing of Pakistan-based Jaish commander Abdul Rauf Azhar as a terrorist at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), effectively putting the issue out of the ambit of the council. Only a fresh proposal can put the listing of Rauf Azhar back on the agenda of the Security Council. A proposal was moved by India, co-sponsored by the US, to list Abdul Rauf Azhar in the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee last year. China had, however, placed a technical hold on the proposal. May 2023 CHINA-EU: SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIAL WANG LUTONG CRITICISES EU DECISION Reacting to an EU proposal to sanction Chinese firms providing electronics used by Russian military in Ukraine as "a stab in the back", a senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official Wang Lutong tweeted (May 11) "while China is making every effort to promote peace which is in Europe’s interest, Europe gives a stab in the back in return, bullying China on economic issues. Cannot understand what Europe is up to. If the EU uses the Ukraine crisis as an excuse to impose sanctions on Chinese companies, it will be nothing but gross violation of the companies’ legitimate rights and interests. China is firmly opposed to long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions based on one’s own laws". May 2023 CHINA-UKRAINE: CICIR REPORT ASSESSES UKRAINE CRISIS A report published on April 5, 2023, by the Chinese Institutes for Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), which is directly subordinate to the Ministry of State Security (MoSS), assessed the "Effects of the Ukraine Crisis and Lessons Learned". Among the main points made in the lengthy report are: i) The US and the West ignore the actual needs of the world grain market and impose sanctions on Russia's grain and fertiliser exports, while the future of the 'Black Sea Grain Export Agreement' is also uncertain due to the game between the parties. In the face of multiple crises in the global food supply, agricultural subsidies from many governments have continued unabated, food inflation may be long-term, and the international food system is shrouded in protectionism. ii) The West's severe sanctions against Russia have triggered a chilling effect. The US and the West have imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia. In terms of quantity, there are 48 countries and regions participating in the sanctions. From the outbreak of the crisis until January 8, 2023, as many as 12,695 new sanctions have been added: Measures such as kicking out of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), cancelling MFN treatment, controlling exports, restricting investment, and sanctioning citizens. Severe sanctions from the US and Europe have damaged Russia's economy and technological innovation capabilities, while Russia's counter-sanctions have hit the European economy. iii) Concern over massive Western sanctions against Russia has prompted policymakers to place greater emphasis on building redundant and resilient supply chains to enable domestic manufacturing, onshore outsourcing, regionalised production and increased inventory. In the 'removing Russia' industrial chain system that the US and Europe are trying to build, global trade and investment will be guided by values rather than comparative advantages. iv) Especially in the cyber field, Russia and the West have launched large-scale, bloodless cyber warfare, public opinion warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare, which has intensified the mixed warfare of the conflict. The contest between the two sides in the grey zone is as fierce as the contest on the frontal battlefield. RAND Corporation senior research engineer Timothy Mahler and others believe that Russia's cyber attacks, espionage operations and disinformation campaigns against Ukraine have had little effect, highlighting Ukraine's 'open society' technological advantages. Jon Bateman, a senior researcher at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that this crisis is the largest military conflict in the 19 Internet age. With the full help of Western governments and technology companies, Ukraine has deployed it on an unprecedented scale and depth. v) The Ukraine crisis has been fully escalated, but the battlefield trend is still unclear. Currently, both Russia and Ukraine regard the spring of 2023 as the conflict’s decisive stage, and are resolved to fight hard. vi) Stating that the war will be protracted, the CICIR assesses that 'For Russia, while Western sanctions failed to make it succumb, its oil and gas revenue in January 2023 fell by 46 percent over the same period in 2022. Affected by military procurement and other factors, government spending jumped by 59% compared to January 2022. Concerns mount about ‘being immobilised’. At present, Russia controls most of the territory of four states of Ukraine, and has relatively large capital for negotiations. In addition, it has proposed that the peace talks can show its 'peace-loving' side to the outside world. Russia has released negotiation signals several times'. vii) It assessed that 'The US is the conflict's greatest beneficiary. It is an important initiator of the crisis and an important driver of the protracted conflict.'; 'suffering greatly from the Ukraine crisis, Europe's economy was deeply dragged down by the war. Constant cheap Russian natural gas delivery to Europe has long been a cornerstone of its stable development, leaving it heavily dependent on Russia for its energy supply. After the outbreak of the crisis, European energy and food prices soared, inflation was high, people's living costs continued to rise, and dissatisfaction increased'. Asia-Pacific countries should be highly vigilant against US attempts to replicate the Ukraine crisis in the region, provoke Taiwan Strait conflict, or undermine peace in the Asia-Pacific to maintain its hegemony. viii) No country values the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait more than China. The US strategic squeeze is stepping on China's red line. The Taiwan Strait region is facing a situation of war and war, and the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific is also being challenged. Since the Second World War, the US has resorted to militarism, intervening everywhere, and harming the world. Ukraine is the biggest victim of the Ukrainian crisis, and once a largescale military conflict breaks out across the Taiwan Strait, the people of Taiwan will inevitably be the biggest victims. May 2023 CHINA-UK: CCP OFFICIAL WARNS THAT FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER LIZ TRUSS'S PROPOSED TRIP TO TAIWAN COULD FLARE TENSIONS The Independent (May 11) quoted Chinese Communist Party media spokesperson Victor Goa telling 'Tonight with Andrew Marr' on LBC that Ms Truss’s trip would “make it more likely that China will exercise jurisdiction over Taiwan sooner rather than later”. He said her “illicit” visit could lead the situation towards “going over the point of no return”. Goa said: “Her proposed visit to Taiwan in her official capacity will only achieve one goal: that is to further alienate relations between China and Britain, hurting the fundamental interest of the British people.” He warned Ms Truss should “pay attention to [how] she conducts herself, because she does not want to inflict mortal wounds to China UK relations”. May 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN NAVY CHIEF IN CHINA TO RECEIVE 2 TUGHRIL CLASS GUIDED MISSILE FRIGATES The Pakistan Navy Chief was in China on May 8, to attend the simultaneous launch of two Tughril-class guided missile and air defence frigates, the PNS Tipu Sultan (F-263) and PNS Shahjahan (F-264). May 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN ISLAMABAD The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan met in Islamabad for a trilateral meeting on May 6, 2023, that aims to forge cooperation on the vexed Afghan issue and also have bilateral interactions with top Pakistani leaders. (Comment: This was China’s Foreign Minister’s Qin Gang’s first official visit to Pakistan after assuming office.) May 2023 CHINA-SRI LANKA: CHINESE COMPANY AWARDED ADDITIONAL PROJECT IN COLOMBO PORT WITHOUT TENDERING The Diplomat (May 3) reported that China is strengthening its grip on Colombo port after securing an agreement to build, operate, and transfer a warehousing hub within the port. The China Merchants Port Holdings Company (CMPH) will have an 85 percent stake in the warehouse facility and will operate it for 50 years. The Sri Lankan government assigned the $392 million project to CMPH, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, without open tendering. It said another Chinese company, China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), is partnering with Access Engineering Ltd. of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to build the Eastern Container Terminal in Colombo port. The CHEC is also the builder of Colombo Port City, which is designed to be an international financial hub. (Comment: The CMPH already has an 85 percent stake in the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) and controls Hambantota port in which it has an 85 percent stake and enjoys a 99- year lease. According to CMPH Chairman Miao Jianmin, the latest deal will bring its total investments in Sri Lanka to over $2 billion, making the company the single largest foreign investor in the island nation.) May 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER LINDNER CALLS FOR TOUGHER APPROACH TOWARDS CHINA AFTER HIS CHINESE COUNTERPART SUDDENLY CANCELLED A SCHEDULED MEETING 'Euractiv' (May 10) disclosed that German Finance Minister Christian Lindner has called for a tougher stance on China after a scheduled meeting with Chinese Finance Minister Liu Kun was cancelled at the last minute. Lindner was scheduled to meet Chinese Finance Minister Liu Kun on May 10, but his visit to Beijing was cancelled after the Chinese government said Liu Kun had conflicting commitments. Lindner told The Pioneer Briefing (May 10) he would support less “velvet paws” in the stance on China than the previous German government had shown. He called for “a realistic and self-confident approach to China”, though exchanges between the two countries had to be continued. He said, “We will not let our liberal values be bought for good business deals.” Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang tried to calm the situation during a visit to Berlin, where he met with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. He said, “Mr Lindner is, of course, welcome in our country.” The Chinese government would hope to “soon welcome” Lindner to China, he added. May 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG MEETS GERMANY'S ANNALENA BAERBOCK Deutsche Welles (May 10) reported that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Berlin on May 9, and the two exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. The Chinese side warned that if Chinese companies are sanctioned by the EU for doing business with Russia, Beijing will "take necessary measures" to safeguard legitimate rights and interests; the German side said that maintaining "neutrality" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict means standing on Russia's side. May 2023 CHINA-US: US NSA SULLIVAN AND CHINA'S POLITBURO MEMBER WANG YI MEET IN VIENNA FOR FIRST HIGH LEVEL TALKS SINCE THAT BETWEEN THE TWO PRESIDENTS LAST YEAR The South China Morning Post (May 11) disclosed that US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held “candid” talks on Taiwan and the Russian war in Ukraine with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi on May 10 and 11 at Vienna. These are the highest-level US-China engagement since Presidents’ Xi Jinping and Joe Biden met last year. The White House said, “the two sides had candid, substantive, and constructive discussions on key issues in the USChina bilateral relationship, global and regional security issues, Russia’s war against Ukraine, and cross-strait issues, among other topics”. It added “This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition”. “The two sides agreed to maintain this important strategic channel of communication to advance these objectives, building on the engagement between [Biden and Xi] in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.” Around the same time China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that the two officials “held candid, in-depth, substantive, and constructive discussions on removing obstacles and stabilising the China-US relations”. It said, “Wang Yi comprehensively elaborated on China’s solemn position on the Taiwan issue,” and “The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern, such as the Asia- Pacific situation and Ukraine". It added that “Both sides agreed to continue making good use of this strategic communication channel.” May 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA DECLINES MEETING BETWEEN US AND CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTERS TILL SANCTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE China tells the U.S. there is little prospect of the US and Chinese defence ministers meeting at the IISS organised Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore while the US keeps sanctions on Chinese defence minister General Li Shangfu. May 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG WARNS US AMBASSADOR BURNS TO ADHERE TO RED LINES ON TAIWAN China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang rebuked U.S. Ambassador Burns in Beijing on May 8, for what he said was Washington’s support of Taiwan and indicated that his side wanted concessions from the U.S. in return for improved lines of communication sought by the White House. He asked the US to 'reflect deeply' over the downturn in ties, 'meet China halfway, and propel China-US relations out of the difficulties and back on the right track'. In a readout (May 8) of their meeting from China’s Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang described the U.S. as hypocritical for trying to bolster communication channels between the countries on one hand, while simultaneously brushing up against what China sees as its Taiwan red lines. The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said: Qin Gang told Burns: "It is not acceptable to talk about communication on the one hand and constantly suppress and contain China on the other. Words must match actions." Further, Qin said: "The US must respect China's bottom lines.., stop harming China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, handle the Taiwan issue correctly, stop hollowing out the one-China principle, and stop supporting .. "Taiwan independence" separatist forces". In a post on Twitter, Nicholas Burns said he and Qin Gang “discussed challenges in the U.S.-China relationship and the necessity of stabilizing ties and expanding high-level communication.” (Comment: The meeting marked one of the highest-level engagements between American and Chinese officials since relations soured in February following the downing of a high-altitude Chinese balloon over the continental United States.) May 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON REBUTS US SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN'S REMARKS THAT CHINA IS COLLECTING PEOPLE'S DNA The China News Service (May 11) reported Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin's remarks at the routine press briefing on May 10 that U.S. allegations that China is collecting people's DNA and other biometric information in the Xinjiang and Tibet regions are absurd and pointless except for fabricating sensational news. It said the allegation was made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on May 9 when he claimed the collection was a method for monitoring. He noted that the Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon has formulated plans to develop gene weapons to strike against rivals. The scope of collection covers Chinese, Aryans in Europe, and Arabs, Wang Wenbin said. May 2023 CHINA-US: CHINESE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SPOKESMAN REMEMBERS BOMBING OF CHINESE EMBASSY IN BELGRADE ON ANNIVERSARY Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference that "we will never forget their blood and lives sacrificed for preserving truth, fairness and justice." The spokesperson was commenting on the anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. (Comment: On May 7-8, 1999, a single B2 Bomber took off from Whiteman AFB, Missouri headed for Belgrade. CIA provided the target coordinates. 5 JDAM GPS-guided precision bombs slammed into the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade killing 3 Chinese journalists: Shao Yunhuan, Xu Xinghu, Zhu Ying. While the US has officially said that wrong coordinates were provided, reports at the time claimed the strike was deliberate as an electronics interception station was functioning from the basement of the Embassy and assisting the opposition Albanian forces.) May 2023 CHINA-CANADA: CHINA EXPELS CANADIAN DIPLOMAT IN TIT-FOR-TAT REACTION China expelled Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, a consul of the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai, on May 9 in a tit-for-tat response to Ottawa’s move declaring Toronto-based diplomat Zhao Wei "persona non grata." The Chinese envoy was declared persona non grata for allegedly intimidating a lawmaker who had sponsored a motion that declared Beijing's treatment of Muslim Uyghurs as a genocide. CHINA-MONGOLIA: CHINESE APPREHEND PROMINENT ETHNIC MONGOL WRITER IN ULAAN BATAAR AND TRANSPORT HIM BACK TO CHINA On May 3, 2023, four policemen with two police vehicles from China came to Ulaan Bataar, Mongolia and arrested Lhamjab Borjigin, a prominent Southern Mongolian writer in exile, at his temporary residence in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Shortly after the arrest, Borjigin was deported back to China on the same day. Borjigin had notified the Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center (SMHRIC) that the Chinese authorities were harassing and threatening his family members in Southern Mongolia a week before the arrest. The Mongolian police assisted the Chinese in his arrest. (Comment: This is the fifth major case of the deportation of Southern Mongolian dissidents in exile from the independent country of Mongolia since 2009.) May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINA'S NEW SPECIAL ENVOY FOR UKRAINE IS FLUENT IN RUSSIAN AND IS A RUSSIA EXPERT The South China Morning Post (May 2) reported that China’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Li Hui, has been Beijing’s Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs since 2019. It said though he is a fluent Russian speaker and spent 10 years as Ambassador to Russia, observers say this does not mean he will be biased towards Moscow. Li Hui joined the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Soviet and East European Affairs in 1975 at a time when Beijing and Moscow were close to war, and he has devoted his entire career to handling China’s relationship with the Soviet Union and its successor states. He was made Vice Foreign Minister in 2008 and sent to Moscow as Ambassador a year later, becoming the longest-serving Ambassador in Moscow during a 10-year stint. In that time Xi Jinping made nine official trips to Russia, while bilateral trade almost tripled from US$38.8 billion in 2009 to US$107 billion in 2018. Months before Li’s departure, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented him with a friendship medal for his role in improving relations between the two countries. Li Lifan, a specialist in Russia and Central Asia at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said Li Hui was promoted to special envoy status in 2019 and that his status as a former Deputy Foreign Minister gives him more weight when communicating Beijing’s message. “His rank is higher than many Chinese ambassadors in those countries, which gives more weight to the messages and words he can deliver,” said the academic, who is not related to the diplomat. He added “Apparently he has built some connections during those years, allowing him to exchange views with officials in Kyiv and Moscow and other European capitals.” In 2019, Li Hui told the Russian news agency Tass that he admired “the charm and ideas of Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Tolstoy, Gorky and many others”. Li Lifan said, “This is something that could resonate with those from former Soviet republics because of the same language background. People from the region who are above 40 years old can speak Russian, so [Ambassador] Li can use the language and the cultural background to better exchange views and explain the positions of different parties.” He also denied that the diplomat would naturally be “pro- Moscow” simply because he spoke Russian. “I can’t agree with those who said he is pro- Russia,” Li said. “Is learning English always pro-American?” May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: SHANDONG APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SECURITY The Shandong Provincial Government appointed Qi Siyu as the Deputy Director of the Shandong Provincial Public Security Department. Qi Siyu, a Han was born in March 1966. He is a member of the Communist Party of China, has a postgraduate degree from the Provincial Party School. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: GENERAL LIU YAZHOU, SON-IN-LAW OF FORMER CHINESE PRESIDENT LI XIANNIAN, GIVEN SUSPENDED DEATH SENTENCE On April 26, Ming Pao, a Chinese language Hong Kong newspaper reported that former Chinese Air Force General Liu Yazhou received a suspended death sentence. The court decision was made in February 2022, but was made public only recently. Liu Yazhou is a sonin- law of the late Li Xiannian, a former president and prominent figure in China’s politics. He often criticised China's belligerent posture toward Taiwan. Chinese sources report that he was accused of "economic corruption" and factionalism in the Communist Party of China (CPC). Under XI, the latter charge is used against high-ranking officials. May 2023 CHINA-SOCIETY: ACCORDING TO CHINESE DISSIDENTS A NEW SOCIAL MOVEMENT CALLED 'RUN XUE' HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A NONCCP SOCIAL MOVEMENT Zhong Shan (May 4) a US-based magazine for Chinese diaspora said that a social movement is spreading in China sparked by the Chinese diaspora in the U.S. Called "Run Xue", it has become an Internet meme that has swept social media, and it also reflects the great resonance of young people because of the bleak development prospects and numerous difficulties they face. The domestic and foreign environment that supported China's rapid economic growth in the past three decades no longer exists. When the political environment is tightening, it is difficult to sustain the dividends of reform and opening up, and it is even more difficult to benefit disadvantaged labour groups due to profound unfair distribution. These are reasons, it says, that prompts young people to leave China in increasing numbers. It also says this has the seeds of a social movement inside China in future. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: MINISTRY OF CIVIL AFFAIRS FORMS LEADING GROUP TO PROMOTE THEME EDUCATION ON XI JINPING'S 'NEW ERA OF SOCIALISM' Guangming Daily (April 30) disclosed that the Ministry of Civil Affairs recently held a mobilization and deployment meeting on the theme of studying and implementing Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and earnestly carried out the preparation and promotion of the theme education. It said that 'in order to ensure a deep understanding of the significance and target requirements of theme education, and to study and implement measures, the Ministry of Civil Affairs established a leading group and office for themed education of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Secretary of the Party Group of the Ministry and Minister Tang Dengjie served as the leader of the leading group, and members of the Party Group and Deputy Minister of the Ministry Tang Chengpei, secretary of the party committee of the directly affiliated agency, served as the deputy team leader, and all members of the party group of the ministry served as members of the leading group to coordinate and guide the promotion of the theme education work of the Ministry of Civil Affairs'. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIUSHI PUBLISHES CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH OF APRIL 3 ON 'THEME LEARNING' The latest edition of Qiushi (Seeking Truth - 2023/09 dated April 30) Journal contains a commentary by Xi Jinping based on his speech on the Party's education campaign on XJP Thought. The speech is titled 'Speech at the Education Work Conference on the Theme of Learning and Implementing Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era' and was delivered on April 3. The speech stressed that "Focusing on leading cadres at or above the county level, in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era in the whole party is a major measure to implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party". It emphasised "Ideological unity is the deepest, most lasting and most reliable guarantee for the unity and unity of the party. We are such a large party, leading such a large country, and shouldering the arduous task of leading the people of all ethnic groups in the country to achieve national prosperity and national rejuvenation. The whole party must have unity of thought, will, and action." It adds "Some party members and cadres are not interested in theoretical study, they can't learn it, and they learn in a formal way; Not good at transforming learning results into practical skills for doing business, and so on. These problems show that the party's theoretical armed work cannot be formalized but must continue to go deep and practical" ... "at the beginning of the new journey, we must continue to promote the in-depth study and implementation of the thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics by the whole party. History and reality have shown that if theoretical study is not in-depth and thorough, there will be no foundation for ideological unity, and the unity and unity of the party will be seriously affected". It acknowledged that "poor responsibility among cadres are still relatively prominent. Some prefer not to do anything in order to avoid accidents, and muddle through; some encounter conflicts and difficulties, detour, push their own responsibilities to the outside, and dare not take the real challenge; ... some are uncoordinated, have mediocre abilities, cannot take on heavy responsibilities, and cannot open up the work situation; Although these problems exist in a small number of party members and cadres, if they are allowed to develop, they will damage the party's image and hinder the party's cause, and must be seriously resolved". It said "Prominent problems such as impure thinking, impure organization, and impure style of work within the party have not yet been fundamentally resolved. Some problems that have been solved may resurface, and some new problems are still emerging. ... There is still a long way to go to eradicate formalism and bureaucracy; some party organizations have weak political and organizational functions, and party building has not fully played its role in leading grassroots governance; the fight against corruption The situation is still grim and complicated". It disclosed that "This theme education was carried out under the leadership of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, and the Central Theme Education Leading Group and its office were established to be responsible for the leadership and guidance of the theme education. The member units of the leading group should give full play to their functional roles and form a joint force for joint management". Also, that "The central government dispatched a steering group to supervise and guide the development of theme education. Provincial, autonomous, and municipal party committees and party groups (party committees) of competent departments of industry systems have dispatched roving steering groups to strengthen the supervision and guidance of their regions, departments and units." It asked that this be emulated at the city and county levels. ii) The state-owned CCTV (May 2) telecast a programme on 'Learning and implementing the theme education of Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era -- Promoting the high-quality development of education with the effectiveness of theme education', which disclosed that 31 central management colleges and universities, including Sun Yat-sen University, Sichuan University, Central South University and other central management colleges, carried out in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, to promote the high-quality development of education with the effectiveness of theme education. It said 'centrally managed colleges and universities closely follow the deployment and planning of the theme education objectives and tasks, combined with the actual educational work, carefully formulate work plans, build work systems and working mechanisms, and take the major political task of studying and implementing Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era as a clear main line, and constantly Promote thematic education to continue to go deep, realistically, and heart-to-heart'. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY CPPCC STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER AND VICE PRESIDENT INSTITUTE OF SOCIALISM ZHANG BOJUN COMPARING CHINESE AND WESTERN DEMOCRACY Qiu Shi (2023/09) published an article captioned 'Looking at Democracy from the Comparison of China and the West' authored by Zhang Bojun, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Vice President of the Central Institute of Socialism. The article asserted: 'China's democracy is the people's democracy, and the essence and core of Chinese democracy is that the people are the masters of the country'. It explained 'the origin of Western democracy mainly comes from the "rights of the people”, or "rule of the people" described by ancient Western political thought. But in fact, the various political regimes that have emerged successively in Western history are essentially the rule of the minority over the majority'. It said, 'the Western electoral system has become a "money burning game"'. It said 'With the emergence of Marxism, socialist democracy, a new form of democracy in human society, stepped onto the stage of history. This kind of democracy, which truly reflects the people's mastery of the country, is fundamentally different from any other democracy in history. The Communist Party of China combines the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific reality'. It emphasised that 'The nature of the Communist Party of China determines that it always represents the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people and has no special interests of its own. The historic changes brought to China by the party's century-old struggle are the fundamental reason why the Chinese people choose, trust and love the party.' It said 'The multi-party cooperation and political consultation system led by the Communist Party of China is a great pioneering work in the history of human political party relations. The relationship between the Communist Party of China and the democratic parties is not a competitive relationship, not a relationship between "in government" and "in opposition", but the relationship between the ruling party and the participating parties'. (Comment: Briefly, the article critiques the Western democratic system before positing China's democratic superiority. The first point of critique: Western democratic system has undergone significant "mutations." This leads to a situation where "the power of the "whole" or "majority" is actually seized by the few represented by these parties. Second point of critique: "the Western electoral system has become a "money game". In this "game", "the ultimate winner is always capital itself, and it cannot represent the real will and immediate interests of the people" Rotation of power and among parties is a "magic trick". Third point: "In competition between two or more parties, the premise of one party's governance is the opposition of other parties, leading parties to discredit and restrict each other, denying for the sake of denial, and gradually evolving into irrational "veto politics". Further says that voter participation is declining, with winning support rates often below 40% Lastly, Capitol riots and the protracted election of the speaker of the House are "typical examples of the extreme evolution of Western party politics". Thereafter the article sets out China's version of democracy that sets it apart, operates under "people's congresses, multi-party cooperation and political consultations under CCP leadership, regional ethnic autonomy, and system of grassroots mass autonomy". It states: i. System "combines electoral democracy with consultative democracy", including top-down linkage, cyclic feedback, and democratic centralism; ii. Consultative democracy "expands participation, listens to opinions, reaches consensus, improves and enhances decision-making"'; iii. Multi-party cooperation: CCP shares with other parties "the goal of building socialism with Chinese characteristics and have a high degree of political identity and strong social cohesion"; iv. Practical results: "Chinese people are both participants and beneficiaries of democracy, with rights and obligations highly unified, and their wisdom and strength are greatly unleashed"; v. Whole-process people's democracy is the unity of "procedural and substantive democracy, direct democracy and indirect democracy, people's democracy and national will". It forms "closed loop of democratic elections, consultation, decision-making, management, and supervision". Overall, the article tries to challenge conceptions of democracy associated with Western democracies; China's system is then posited as an alternative that effectively addresses its own needs and is a superior form of democracy. It is probable that these arguments will soon move into the international sphere.) May 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: SENIOR STATE COUNCIL OFFICIAL WRITES IN PEOPLE'S DAILY URGING ACCELERATION OF STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURE Ye Xingqing, Director of the Rural Economic Research Department of the Development Research Centre of the State Council, published an article in People's Daily (May 4) under the caption ' Work hard to speed up the construction of a strong agricultural country (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics)'. The article referred to the decisions of the Central Rural Work Conference and Xi Jinping on 'vigorously promoting the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, and work hard to speed up the construction of a strong agricultural country'. It said, 'A strong country must first strengthen its agriculture, and only a strong agriculture can make the country strong.' It stressed 'Building a strong agricultural country is a long-term task. We must not only have a sense of urgency, but also maintain strategic determination and historical patience, strengthen the concept of the system, and act after making decisions. It is necessary to strengthen the party's overall leadership in accelerating the construction of a strong agricultural country, give full play to the party's role in overseeing the overall situation and coordinating all parties, and insist on five-level secretaries to focus on rural revitalization.' ii) CCTV (May 4) reported that CCP CC 'General Secretary Xi Jinping recently wrote back to the students of the Science and Technology Academy of China Agricultural University, putting forward ardent expectations, and on the occasion of the May 4th Youth Day, he extended festival congratulations to young people across the country. The general secretary's reply encouraged and inspired the young people who have made great achievements on the big stage of rural revitalization. They said that they should embrace their dreams, keep their feet on the ground, and contribute their youthful strength to accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas and comprehensively build a modern socialist country. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY SIGNED ARTICLE UNDERLINES RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUTH IN CARRYING FORWARD CAUSE OF CCP AND COUNTRY The People's Daily (May 2) published an article under the pseudonym 'Zhong Yin' with the caption 'Bravely shoulder the heavy responsibility entrusted by the times——Stimulate youth with a struggling attitude', which said "Today, the majority of young people shoulder the heavy responsibility entrusted by the times and write their loyalty in the cause of the party and the people". Emphasising that "When youth prosper, the country prospers; when youth is strong, the country is strong. Emphasizing that "the younger generation has ideals and responsibilities, the country has a future, the nation has hope, and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has a steady stream of powerful forces." It asserted that "the mission of the Chinese youth in the new era are to adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China and work with the people to achieve the 'two "Striving for a 100-year goal and realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". It recalled that "In the 2023 New Year's message, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "The majority of young people should cultivate their family and country feelings, cultivate their enterprising character, and stimulate their youth with a fighting attitude. In the new era and new journey, my country's development is facing new strategic opportunities, new strategic tasks, new strategic stages, new strategic requirements, and a new strategic environment". ii) The People's Daily (May 2) published a second article under the pseudonym 'Zhong Yin' with the caption 'Work hard and write the song of youth in the new era——Stimulate youth with a struggling attitude'. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHED EDITORIAL ON MAY 1 TO MARK INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY People's Daily (May 1) published an editorial titled 'Concentrate on the new journey of building a strong country and national rejuvenation' (Editorial)—— on "May 1st" International Labour Day'. The editorial included 7 references to Xi Jinping. ii) The state-owned CCTV telecast a report captioned 'New Thoughts Lead New Journey: The New Journey of Rejuvenating a Powerful Nation Creates the Chinese Dream through Labour' on the occasion of the "May 1st" International Labour Day. It noted that 'General Secretary Xi Jinping, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, extended festive congratulations and sincere condolences to the working people across the country' and observed that 'General Secretary Xi Jinping's festive congratulations and sincere condolences inspire every struggler'. iii) The latest issue of Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) published at least four articles to mark the International Labour Day on May 1. May 2023 CHINA-CCP: TAIWANESE SCHOLAR ASSESSES THAT CHINA'S TOUGH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL POSTURES REFLECT CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND THE CCP'S INSECURITY Taiwan's Central News agency (April 30) quoted Lin Zonghong, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China Studies at Tsinghua University, and a researcher at the Institute of Sociology of the Academia Sinica, as saying that 'Chinese leader Xi Jinping has been in power for 10 years, and his internal governance has become increasingly high-pressure. This behaviour pattern is linked to external relations. He said that China's tough internal and external attitudes stem from the anxiety and insecurity of Xi Jinping himself and the CCP regime. This problem continues to plague Xi Jinping and the regime. Internal governance is unwilling to give civil society breathing space; China's confrontational attitude towards the United States and other Western countries is also difficult to ease, and "it will not be polite to Taiwan." Lin Zonghong pointed out that 'the continuous withdrawal of foreign capital from China is a trend, especially during the US-China trade war' and foreign capital continues to leave.' He added that 'frankly that it is impossible for Taiwan’s economy and trade to decouple from China, nor can Japan and South Korea; but Taiwan can reduce its dependence on China, diversify its economic and trade layout, and achieve the purpose of risk diversification; The United States and Europe invest in Taiwan. Faced with China's continuous threat of force, this is a "self-protection card." May 2023 CHINA-CYL: CHINA'S COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE HAD 73,583 MILLION MEMBERS BY DECEMBER 2022 Beijing Daily News (May 3), citing Xinhua, revealed that a communique from the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League (CYL) showed that as of the end of December 2022, there were 73.583 million members of the Communist Youth League and 4.093 million Communist Youth League organizations across the country. Among them, there are 3,000 local committees, 189,000 grassroots (work) committees, and 3.901 million league (general) branches. There are 1.868 million school league organizations with 40.163 million league members; 814,000 enterprise league organizations with 6.579 million league members; 350,000 agency league organizations with 4.451 million league members; urban streets, townships, communities (neighbourhood committees), and administrative villages There are 889,000 league organizations with 20.122 million members; social organizations and other fields have 172,000 league organizations with 2.268 million members. May 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: VICE GOVERNOR OF ZHEJIANG PROVINCE UNDER INVESTIGATION The official website of the National Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission on May 4, announced that Zhu Congjiu, a member of the party group and Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial Political Consultative Conference, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law. He was appointed Vice Governor of Zhejiang province in May 2012. (Comment: Zhu Congjiu is a Han and was born in March 1965. He is a graduate student majoring in currency and banking at the Graduate School of the People's Bank of China, a master's degree in economics, and an on-the-job master's degree in business administration. He joined the Communist Party of China in July 1985 and started working in August 1988.) ii) The Beijing Daily (May 5) quoting the Tianjin Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, reported that after a review the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision had decided to expel Bian Junxing, former member of the Standing Committee of the Ninghe District Party Committee and secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, for serious violations of discipline and law. It said Bian Junxing had lost his ideals and beliefs, abandoned his original mission, was not loyal to the party and was dishonest, transferred, and concealed evidence, and resisted organizational review; ignored the spirit of the eight central regulations, and repeatedly accepted gifts and banquets from company leaders in violation of regulations. It added that Bian Junxing seriously violated the party's political discipline, integrity discipline, mass discipline, and work discipline, which constituted a serious duty violation and was suspected of accepting bribes and did not restrain himself after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. May 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA LIKELY TO LAUNCH A BEIDOU-3 GEO SATELLITE BETWEEN MAY 17 - 20 An airspace closure in Fukuoka FIR, effective 01:00~06:00UTC from May 17 to 20, indicates a Long March 3B/C launch from Xichang. The payload is likely to be a Beidou-3 GEO backup as a CAST team supporting the launch of a new Beidou had a rally on April 24. May 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINA'S S&T MINISTRY CLAIMS MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF PERSONNEL IN KEY NATIONAL S&T PROGRAMMES ARE UNDER 45 YEARS OF AGE A People's Daily (May 5) article disclosed that on April 12, the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST), or the Chinese "artificial sun," achieved a steady-state high confinement plasma operation for 403 seconds, calling it a key step toward the development of a fusion reactor. It said the breakthrough is a huge improvement over the original world record of 101 seconds, which was set by EAST in 2017 and of great significance to improve the economy and feasibility of nuclear fusion energy, which is considered safer and cleaner, and therefore the ideal "ultimate energy" for the future of humanity. It quoted data from China's Ministry of Science and Technology, to say more than 80 percent of the participants in China's national key research and development programs are under the age of 45. A report on the country's sci-tech human resources development released by the China Association for Science and Technology in 2022, said Sci-tech talent aged 39 and below accounted for 73.89 percent of all sci-tech personnel by the end of 2019. May 2023 CHINA-S&T: HUAWEI FOUNDER REN ZHENGFEI'S SPEECH AT SHANGHAI'S JIATOMG UNIVERSITY ON FEBRUARY 24 In a redacted version of his speech on February 24 at Shanghai's Jiaotong University, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei said Huawei is 'still in a difficult period, but we have not stopped moving forward. In 2022, our R&D budget was $23.8 billion, and as our profits increase in the coming years, we will continue to invest more in cutting-edge exploration. Our collaboration with universities is intended to explore the future of humanity within certain technological boundaries; the 2012 Lab, founded upon fundamental and applied theories, explores realistic possibilities, and is not bound by performance evaluation; and our product lines are responsible for the commercial success of our products. These are the three main stages, and as our economic strength grows, we will continue to expand our external collaboration'. He said 'After founding Huawei, I was also pro-Western. At that time, we put forward a slogan, “To use the best components and tools in the world to make the best products in the world,” and we achieved it. Then suddenly we were sanctioned, and others could not provide us with components, tools … we were dumbfounded. Many of the best parts in the world come from the United States, and in fact, I am pro-American'. When the United States hit us with sanctions, [Huawei deputy chairman] Xu Zhijun said to me at an office meeting, “The United States does not understand that with this blow, they have turned the most pro-American person into the most anti-American person.” Of course, even now I am not anti-American'. He added 'The soft power of the United States in science and education is something we cannot achieve in a few decades. American politicians come and go, but the United States’ innovative soil has lasted for hundreds of years and will not degrade because of them.' Ren Zhengfei claimed that his investment in R&D helped when the US imposed sanctions and 'Within three years, we completed the development of 13,000+ alternative components and 4,000+ circuit board replacement developments. It wasn’t until now that our circuit boards have stabilized because we have domestic component supplies. This April, our MetaERP — which completely uses our own operating system, database, compiler, and language — will be launched'. He said 'In the past, we collaborated extensively with universities in Western countries, and now we have started to strengthen our cooperation with domestic universities, which is related to the changes in my personal guiding ideology. As we move toward the cutting edge, we will gradually strengthen this cooperation within our country'. On AI Applications, he assessed, 'Artificial intelligence software platform companies’ direct contributions to human society may be less than 2% of their overall impact, while 98% will come in the form of enabling industrial and agricultural contexts. The popularization of AI services requires 5G connectivity. Germany supports Huawei’s 5G so strongly because it wants to promote the advancement of AI in Germany’s industry'. He added that 'Everyone should pay attention to applications, especially in industrial and agricultural contexts'. Ren Zhengfei also said that 'You need to feel the rapid pace of change in the world. If you cannot access foreign websites, you can get a sense of it on the Huawei Chaspark [Huawei’s former internal discussion forum, now open to the public] technology website. Our employees read papers from outside [of China], and they post useful content they find; if there are copyright issues, they will take down the index, and you can find a way to read it yourself. The speed of world change will only get faster, and the future world will be terrifying'. May 2023 CHINA-NATURAL DISASTER: 5.2 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS BAOSHAN CITY, YUNNAN PROVINCE On May 2, at 23:27 hrs, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred in Longyang District, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, with a focal depth of 10 kilometres. At 23:38 on May 2, another 4.4- magnitude earthquake occurred in Longyang District, Baoshan City. Beijing News reported that Provincial Party Secretary Wang Ning and Governor Wang Yubo immediately initiated emergency response, verified the disaster situation, and prepared disaster-affected arrangements for the resettlement of the masses and the establishment of provincial-level working groups. More than 2400 people reportedly arrived at the rescue site. The earthquake damaged town health centres. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: ALIBABA FOUNDER JACK MA HAS JOINED TOKYO UNIVERSITY AS VISITING PROFESSOR Tokyo College said on May 1, that Alibaba founder 58-year-old Jack Ma had joined as a visiting professor from May 1 and would research projects in sustainable agriculture and food production as well as deliver seminars on entrepreneurship. (Comment: Jack Ma has been staying in Japan after largely disappearing during Beijing’s crackdown on tech. He made a rare public appearance in China in March, when he visited a school founded by Alibaba partners in the city of Hangzhou.) May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: MULTINATIONALS START ADDING CHINA-TAIWAN RISK CLAUSES TO CONTRACTS AS TENSIONS RISE The Financial Times (May 4) reported that Multinationals are adding China-Taiwan risk clauses to contracts as tensions rise. Experts say companies increasingly concerned about legal and commercial fallout from potential conflict over island. ii) The Financial Times (May 4) also reported that the parent company of the Chinese discount ecommerce site Pinduoduo and US-based Temu has shifted headquarters from China to Ireland to shield its expanding global arm from tensions between Washington and Beijing. It said the shift could shield the popular commerce App from Washington's actions against Chinese companies. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE OUTBOUND TOURISM PICKS UP Xinhua (May 2) quoting Kevalin Wangpichayasuk, Assistant Managing Director of Kasikorn Research Center, a research company that publishes financial research reports, said that from January 1 to April 23, more than 737,000 Chinese tourists visited Thailand, marking a 30-fold increase from the same period last year. It added that China was the largest contributor to outbound tourism, with 170 million trips, bringing in 253 billion US dollars for the global economy in 2019, according to a report by Forbes. Wangpichayasuk from Thailand's Kasikorn Research Centre in a recent written interview with Xinhua, said an average of around 10,000 Chinese tourists arrive in Thailand on a daily basis currently, and the number is expected to grow. But Chinese tourists' spending fell sharply after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It said bookings for overseas tours from the Chinese mainland increased by more than 18 times year-on-year, and the number of applications for overseas group tours in early May increased by 157 percent month-on-month, according to a major Chinese travel service provider. Cristiano Varotti, chief representative of the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) in China, said "The return of Chinese tourists has been long-awaited here in Italy, and they are bringing huge benefits to our tourism industry." An average of around 10,000 Chinese tourists arrives in Thailand on a daily basis currently, and the number is expected to grow, said Wangpichayasuk from Thailand's Kasikorn Research Centre in a recent written interview with Xinhua. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE ECONOMIST ASSESSES CHINA'S ECONOMY BASED ON POLITBURO MEETING OF APRIL 28 Shanghai-based Xun Yugen, Director of China Chief Economist Forum, Chief Economist of Haitong Securities and Chief Economist of Haitong Securities, published an article in the China Daily Economic Forum (April 30) interpreting the Politburo meeting of April 28. He assessed: (i) speed of economic recovery may slow down in the second quarter, and policies are relatively restrained. We judge that the current stock market has entered the first stage of the bull market, and the bond market policy is stable, turning offense into defense. (ii) there is still a big gap from the growth rate of around 6% in 2019 before the epidemic. Therefore, the economy still needs policy care. "Recovering and expanding demand" is the key to the sustained recovery of the current economy. (iii) His understanding is that in the next stage, more efforts will be made to promote economic recovery by stimulating the power of marketization, and to stimulate high-quality growth through reform and opening up. All businesses must operate in compliance with laws and regulations. We must make up our minds to fundamentally solve the problem of corporate debt arrears. Overall, the space for policy stimulus is limited. (iv) He pointed out that 'The increase in consumption mainly depends on the natural restoration of residents' labour income'. 'It was mentioned at the meeting that in the megacities, the reconstruction of urban villages and the construction of public infrastructure for both emergency and public use shall be actively and steadily promoted. In addition, the meeting emphasized that attracting foreign investment should be placed in a more important position to stabilize the basic market of foreign trade and foreign investment'. (v) He anticipated 'On the whole, the speed of economic recovery may slow down in the second quarter, and policies are relatively restrained'. (vi) He 'believed that under the protection of the policy of stabilizing growth, the economy will continue to recover in 2023, and the growth rate of net profit attributable to the parent company of all A shares is expected to reach 10-15 %. Prospect -20221203 " judges that A shares have entered a new round of bull market cycle'. (vii) 'Since October last year, we have been optimistic about the digital economy as the main line for 23 years. First, we are optimistic about the strength of policy support. The Politburo meeting showed that the policies supporting the development of modern industries will not change. Second, we are optimistic about technological change, represented by chat GPT The AI large-scale model market is expected to accelerate development. EO think tank predicts that the compound growth rate of China's AI chip market will reach 31% in 23-25 years, so we maintain the judgment that the digital economy is the main line of the year. However, at present, the TMT sector has been overheated for a period of time'. May 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: FRENCH AND CHINESE ENERGY COMPANIES JOIN TO BUILD ENVIRONMENTALLY CONTROVERSIAL PIPELINE IN AFRICA A report (April 26) disclosed that French energy giant TotalEnergies concluded a deal with China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering and East Africa Oil Pipeline operator EACOP to build the environmentally controversial pipeline in East Africa linking Holma with the coastal town of Tanga. May 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP REPORTS THAT CHINA HAS INCREASED USE OF 'EXIT' BANS TO PREVENT CITIZENS LEAVING CHINA Al Jazeera (May 2) quoted rights group Safeguard Defenders as reporting that China has stepped up use of ‘exit bans’ against govt critics with more than 15 laws and legal instruments in place. It noted that mentions of ‘exit ban’ on the Supreme People’s Court database rose from less than 5,000 in 2016 to 39,000 in 2020. It added that only administrative, criminal, and civil case-related exit bans appear on the court’s China Judgments Online database so the figure is probably an underestimation, noting that it can also take up to two years for data to be uploaded. May 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: CHINA'S MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY CLAIMS TO HAVE APPREHENDED 700 FUGITIVE ECONOMIC SUSPECTS HIDING ABROAD China's Ministry of Public Security in a notice issued on April 27 stated that it had deployed public security organs across the country to carry out the special operation 'Fox Hunt-2023' to arrest fugitive overseas economic crime suspects. It said they would carry out Op: Fox Hunt- 2023' special actions from the perspective of safeguarding national interests and national security, so as to better serve the central government's anti-corruption struggle and prevent corruption, resolving major risks and tackling tough battles and other central tasks to earnestly safeguard national security and social stability. It revealed that in 2022, public security organs across the country carried out Op: Fox Hunt-2022 special operations, arresting more than 700 suspects of various economic crimes fleeing abroad, and recovering 1 billion yuan in a single case, which is the highest amount recovered in a single case in the past three years. May 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: PREFECTURE-LEVEL CITY IN HENAN PROVINCE GIVES GLIMPSE INSIDE HOW POLICE VIEWS HOSTILE FORCES The Annals of Xuchang Public Security gave a glimpse at how local police views hostile forces. It said (May 5): "From 1994 to 2000, foreign hostile forces changed their tactics and used the method of "using business to support politics" to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities... ". "Overseas religious and ethnic separatist forces colluded inside and outside the country, invested in schools to develop their influence, intervened in general public security incidents, provoked incidents using religious beliefs, and engaged in ethnic separatist activities". May 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLA SOUTHERN THEATRE COMMAND CONDUCTS MARITIME EXERCISES According to China Military Online (May 4), the PLA Southern Theatre Command recently conducted naval exercises where a warship attached to a naval landing ship flotilla under the PLA Southern Theatre Command fired its secondary gun at the mock target in the air during a maritime real-combat training exercise. An air-cushioned landing craft attached to a naval landing ship flotilla under the PLA Southern Theatre Command also entered the well deck of the amphibious assault ship Hainan (Hull 31) during the maritime real-combat training exercise. May 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: PEKING UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES 125TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THEME EXHIBITION ON IMPLEMENTING 'SPIRIT' OF XI JINPING'S 'IMPORTANT' APRIL SPEECH Peking University is about to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The Beijing Daily (May3) reported that Peking University has organised a theme exhibition from May 1-4, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the founding of the school: "Explore with the people and forge ahead with the motherland-Peking University's fifth anniversary of learning and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's '5.2' important speech". May 2023 CHINA-GUANGDONG: STANDING COMMITTEE OF GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE HOLDS MEETING ON MAY 4 On May 4, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee of Guangdong held a meeting to earnestly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and the spirit of the reply letter to the students of the Science and Technology College of China Agricultural University and study the implementation opinions of our province. Provincial Party Secretary and CCP CC Politburo member Huang Kunming presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. The meeting said Party committees at all levels must understand and grasp the party's youth work politically and do a good job in people's livelihood issues related to the growth and development of youth; schools at all levels must implement the fundamental task of building morality and cultivating people, strengthen ideological and political guidance, and promote the close integration of talent training and production practice. May 2023 CHINA-NINGXIA-HUI AR: LIANG YANSHUN, PARTY SECRETARY OF NINGXIA-HUI A.R. CONDUCTS UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION VISITS According to the official WeChat public account of Ningxia Daily, during the "May 1st" Labour Day, Liang Yanshun, Party Secretary of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Director of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, led safety experts in the field of fire protection and hazardous chemicals to conduct unannounced visits to Ningdong Base to inspect safety production, fire safety, work on duty and stabilize the economy and society, and pay condolences to labour representatives. He went to Ningxia Hening Chemical Company and Ningdong Hospital successively for unannounced visits and inspections. He said that 'the current security situation in the region is generally stable, but yesterday's security does not mean today's security, and today's security does not equal tomorrow's security. It is necessary to fully implement the important expositions of the general secretary on safety and stability, and always maintain the sense of responsibility of "always rest assured" and the vigilance of "sleeping with one eye open". After the unannounced visit and inspection, Liang Yanshun presided over an enlarged meeting of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region, notified the problems found in the unannounced visit and inspection, and decided to organize a special action to investigate and rectify ecological and environmental protection issues focusing on sewage discharge in the whole region. He requested that an unannounced visit and inspection mechanism should be implemented. According to official Ningxia-Hui government reports, Liang Yanshun has led experts in related fields to conduct unannounced visits many times. May 2023 CHINA-TIBET: TAR ADVERTISES POSTS IN SHANGHAI FOR RECRUITING HANS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN TAR A Xinhua (May 1) report quoted by Tibet Online disclosed that Tibet issued a "recruitment order" in Shanghai, encouraging professionals to "walk to high places". It said the Organization Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region Committee of the Communist Party of China on April 28, announced vacancies for more than 320 high-level talents and 49 technical cooperation officials in Shanghai, encouraging more professionals to "walk to high places", get acquainted with Tibet, and display their achievements. It said personnel were required 'from the basic research of plateau diseases to grassland ecological monitoring and evaluation, from the research and protection of Bayeux scriptures to teaching and scientific research in the field of computers, from the protection and maintenance of ancient buildings such as the Potala Palace to the prevention and control of air and soil solid waste pollution'. May 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINESE MILITARY AIRCRAFT AND NAVY SHIPS DETECTED AROUND TAIWAN ON MAY 3 On Mat 3, Taiwan's Defence Ministry stated that 27 PLAAF aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) and that R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities. It added that 13 of the detected aircraft (SU-30*3, J-10*4, J-16*2, BZK-005 UAV, Y-8 RECCE, Y-8 EW and Y-8 ASW) had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan’s southwest, southeast, and northeast ADIZ, flight paths as illustrate. May 2023 CHINA-INDIA: BEIJING DAILY REPORTS THAT A MOBILE WAS THROWN AT PRIME MINISTER MODI'S CAR Beijing Daily (May 3) reported that 'the Indian Prime Minister’s campaign car was thrown with a mobile phone: Modi was almost smashed, the police said the attacker had “no malice”. May 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG AND INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER EXCHANGE VIEWS ON BORDER SITUATION ON SIDELINES OF G-20 IN GOA Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar met on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting in Goa on May 4. Jaishankar said the focus of the meeting was on "resolving outstanding issues" and "ensuring peace and tranquillity in the border areas". (Comment: The stand-off at the India-China border has continued since May 2020.) ii) On 4 May (China’s Youth Day), State Councillor & Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with relatives of Dr. Kotnis, representatives from India-China Friendship Associations as well as Chinese & Indian students in Goa, India at an event called “The China-India Friendship: Timehonoured & Carried Forward”. May 2023 CHINA-SCO: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG VISITS MYANMAR EN ROUTE TO SCO FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said (May 2) that China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s visited Myanmar on May 2, enroute to India for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. According to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang’s trip “aimed to further follow through on the outcomes of President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Myanmar in January 2020.” It added that in particular, China will “deepen practical cooperation [with Myanmar] in such fields as economy and livelihood, and support Myanmar’s efforts to maintain stability, revitalize the economy, improve people’s lives, and realize sustainable development”. In the context of ongoing armed resistance against the coup, the pledge to “support Myanmar’s efforts to maintain stability” is key, as it could hint at arms sales or other practical support to the junta’s brutal use of force against opposition forces (and civilians). Qin Gang also surveyed the China-Myanmar border in Yunnan. The spokesperson added that Qin Gang would attend the SCO Foreign Ministers Summit at Panaji, Goa, on May 4-5. and exchange views with other SCO member states’ foreign ministers on the international and regional situation and SCO cooperation, to make full preparation for this year’s SCO summit. May 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG ARRIVED IN PAKISTAN ON MAY 5 FOR 'STRATEGIC TALKS' Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang is scheduled to commence a visit to Pakistan on May 5 and both sides will engage in "strategic discussions". May 2023 CHINA-NEPAL: CHINA REOPENS PURANG PORT TO TRAFFIC Purang port, located in the Ngari County of Tibet Autonomous Region, and bordering India and Nepal was reported by Kangba TV (May 2) to have reopened for traffic. It described Purang port - Yali port as one of the main channels of political, economic, and cultural exchanges between China and Nepal. It said Purang port resumed the two-way goods to Nepal on March 1, 2023. The export goods are mainly cement, steel bars, shoes, quilts, washing machines and other materials. May 2023 CHINA-JAPAN: PEOPLE'S DAILY EDITORIAL WARNS JAPAN AGAINST CONTINUING DOWN PATH OF "MILITARY EXPANSION" A People's Daily editorial on April 26, warned of “unbearable consequences for Japan” if it “continues down the path of military expansion” and seeks to “contain and confront China”. The strongly worded editorial blames Japan for exacerbating regional tensions and undermining Sino-Japan relations and calls on it to reflect and reassess. It said: Given the complexity of the international situation and the interference of a hegemonic country from outside the region, Japan must deeply consider where its true national interests lie and what path will genuinely benefit its national development. If Japan continues to pursue its selfish interests by exacerbating regional tensions, it will be akin to “scavenging for valuables from a burning house.” This approach will not only fail to achieve Japan’s so-called “strategic freedom” and “great power status” but will also backfire and bring unbearable consequences for Japan." (Comment: This editorial is signed by “Zhong Sheng” (钟声), a pen name used for important editorials on international affairs. “Zhong Sheng” editorials reflect the concerns of the Party leadership.) May 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINA'S REFERENCE NEWS QUTES RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES TO CALL DRONE ATTACK ON KREMLIN A 'TERRORIST' ATTACK AND SAYS MAY 9 VICTORY DAY PARADE SHALL BE HELD China's Reference News published (May 4) a report on the drone attack on the Kremlin and said Russia had called it a terrorist attack and attempt to disrupt the Victory Day parade on May 9. It quoted Russian authorities to say the Victory Day Parade on May 9 will be held as scheduled. May 2023 CHINA-UKRAINE: CHINESE COMMENT ON USEFULNESS OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S CALL TO UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT ZELENSKY Beijing Channel (April 29) exclusively interviewed 5 Chinese experts on the heels of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The experts assess the call’s timing, content, the potential impact on the course of the Russian- Ukraine conflict, and China’s relationship with the West. Some of the key takes by the interviewed experts, including Cui Hongjian, Da Wei, Zhao Chen, Victor Gao, and Li Chen, follow: (i) The call marks a new phase of Chinese involvement in the political settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. (ii) The call comes after a series of diplomatic engagements with all parties of the conflict, and as a stalemate occurs on the battleground, creating a new impetus for a political settlement of the conflict. (iii) The call further demonstrates China’s balanced position in the conflict and reflects China’s unique advantage in the ability to be able to speak to both sides of the conflict. (iv) Judging by topics addressed in the call, the synchronizing wavelength of the conversation, and the reactions from both sides, the call should be considered a success. (v) The call will likely reassure Europe and prevent the crisis from further damaging China-European ties. May 2023 CHINA-UK: CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT TO ATTEND CORONATION IN LONDON AND VISIT PORTUGAL AND NETHERLANDS China Daily (Chinese-May 4) reported that the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning announced on May 4: At the invitation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, President Xi Jinping's special representative and Vice President Han Zheng will attend the King's Coronation Ceremony in London on May 6. In addition, at the invitation of the governments of Portugal and the Netherlands, Vice President Han Zheng will visit Portugal and the Netherlands from May 7 to 12. May 2023 CHINA-UK: BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY CLEVERLY TO VISIT CHINA THIS MONTH AFTER HIS TALKS WITH CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG DURING THE CORONATION The Times (May 1) reported that James Cleverly is expected to become the first Foreign Secretary to visit China in more than five years as part of plans to use the King’s coronation to reset relations. Cleverly is due to hold talks with Han Zheng, the Chinese Vice President, this week when he visits London to attend the coronation. Government sources believe Han Zheng may be accompanied by Wang Yi, the CCP CC's Politburo member and top foreign policy official. It added that James Cleverly is holding a meeting in London this week with Vice President Han Zheng" without mentioning his role in the Hong Kong crackdown even once. May 2023 CHINA-UK: CHINESE-LANGUAGE CHINA DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE SAYING BRITISH MONARCHY IS STAINED WITH BLOOD AND SLAVERY China Daily (May 4) published an article critical of the UK and its monarchy titled 'It's time to clean up the legacy of imperialism' by Guo Ye. The article was reproduced by the Hongkongbased Wen Wei Po. It said 'The British royal family has always had an inseparable relationship with imperialism and colonialism. The royal family has accumulated huge wealth from colonial expansion (the largest diamond on the British crown came from the former colony of South Africa). Yes, the royal family are still trying to maintain the imperial monarchy through the establishment of the Commonwealth of Nations. Because of this, the royal family are also stained with the blood of the British to maintain the colonial empire'. It concluded with the assertion: 'This time may not be the last coronation of a British monarch, but it should be the last coronation of the Commonwealth of Nations'. May 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRS POLITBURO MEETING WITH FOCUS ON ECONOMY Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the CCP CC Politburo on April 28th to analyse and study the current economic situation and economic work. Xinhua and the stateowned CCTV (April 28) reported that 'the meeting held that since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, all regions and departments have better coordinated domestic and international situations, better coordinated epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and better coordinated development and security'. It reiterated that China's 'epidemic prevention and control has achieved a major decisive victory', the economy and society have fully resumed normal operation, market demand is gradually recovering, and the economic operation achieved a good start. It did, however, point out that 'the current improvement of China's economic operation is mainly restorative, the internal driving force is not strong, the demand is still insufficient, the economic transformation and upgrading are facing new resistance, and the promotion of high-quality development still needs to overcome many difficulties and challenges'. 'The meeting emphasized that it is necessary to carry out in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, conscientiously implement the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference, adhere to the general tone of the work of seeking progress while maintaining stability ... Comprehensively deepen reform and opening up ... and the continuous resolution of risks and hidden dangers'. The meeting also stressed that 'It is necessary to consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation, ensure food production and supply of important agricultural products, and comprehensively promote rural revitalization'. It said, 'Leading cadres at all levels should take the lead in carrying out investigations and research, go to the problem, and effectively help enterprises and the grassroots to solve difficulties'. (Comment: The Xinhua report makes it apparent that China's economic revival faces a lot of difficulties, including insufficient demand, resistance to upgrading etc.) Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRS MEETING OF PARTY'S CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR COMPREHENSIVELY DEEPENING REFORMS Xinhua (April 21) reported that on April 21, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Party’s Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform (CCCDR). The CCCDR approved a slew of policy documents, including ones on: (i) Enhancing companies’ role in innovation; (ii) Reorienting state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to support the country’s modernization drive; and (iii) Boosting the private sector. It also reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Strengthening the Main Position of Enterprises in Scientific and Technological Innovation", "Opinions on Strengthening and Improving the Management of the State-owned Economy to Strongly Support Chinese-style Modernization", "Opinions on Promoting the Development and Growth of the Private Economy" and "The Central Committee's Comprehensive Deepening Reform The Working Rules of the Committee", the Working Rules of the Special Group of the Central Comprehensive Deepening Reform Committee, the Working Rules of the Central Comprehensive Deepening Reform Committee Office, and the 2023 Work Points of the Central Comprehensive Deepening Reform Committee. The meeting pointed out that supporting the development of the private economy is the consistent policy of the Party Central Committee. (Comment: It is the first time the CCCDR has met since September 7 – before the Party Congress and leadership reshuffle in October – and marks the longest gap between meetings since the CCCDR’s inception in 2014. Premier Li Qiang and PBSC members Wang Huning and Cai Qi and Deputy Directors of the CCCDR attended the meeting.) Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND NPC CHAIRMAN ZHAO LEJI PRESIDED OVER MEETING OF INSPECTION TEAMS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF 'SEED LAW' PBSC member and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji on April 21 urged promoting the development of the seed industry through law-based means, and further consolidating the legal basis for the industry's vitalization. He made the remarks while presiding over the first plenary meeting of inspection teams for enforcement of the Seed Law. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG DELIVERS KEYNOTE SPEECH ON CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION AT 'BLUE HALL FORUM' IN SHANGHAI Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang delivered a keynote speech titled 'New Opportunities for a Chinese-style Modern World' on April 21 at the Opening Ceremony of the Blue Hall Forum (Lanting Forum) on "Chinese-style Modernization and the World" in Shanghai. He said, "Those who have realized modernization should not tear down the bridge or block other countries' path to modernization, and they should not suppress, contain or stop other countries that choose a different path to modernization." Stating that China wants to ensure smooth functioning of industrial and supply chains, he said " China respects the modernization path chosen by the people of other countries, and opposes attempts to create ideological confrontation and a new Cold War, interference in others' internal affairs and imposition of one's will on others." Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining and Ambassador Wu Hailong chaired the Forum. ii) Beijing Daily (April 23) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the Forum. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: CCTV REPORTS THAT ALL CENTRAL AND STATE AGENCIES, DEPARTMENTS AND UNITS HAVE CARRIED OUT 'IN-DEPTH' STUDY OF XI JINPING'S 'NEW ERA SOCIALISM' The state-owned CCTV (April 22) said that following General Secretary Xi Jinping's instruction to 'take this theme education as an opportunity to strengthen the party's innovative theoretical arm, continuously improve the level of Marxism in the party, and continuously improve the party's ability to govern and lead', the central and state agencies, departments and units have carried out in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics ... and led the majority of party members and cadres to realize the great power of thought and gather forge ahead in the theme education'. It said, 'The central and state organs regard high-quality thematic education as the current primary political task, carefully study thematic education and learning materials, combine the central work of the department and unit, hold training courses, "three meetings and one lesson", theme party days etc. It mentioned the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the China Writers Association, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Taiwan Affairs Office, the General Administration of Sports, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and other units as having "organised party members and cadres to unremittingly use Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics to build their souls". ii) The People's Daily (April 23) reported that an official website has been launched for the education campaign to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, together with an official account for the campaign on social media platform WeChat. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLES EXTOL GLOBAL SECURITY INITIATIVE AND POSITION IT AS ALTERNATIVE TO U.S. HEGEMONY Asserting the ostensible benefits of the Global Security Initiative, the People's Daily (April 23) said "Mounting global security challenges now stand as a constant reminder that the world community faces a momentous and urgent choice between a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security or the Cold-War style paradigm that merely caters to the hegemony of one and absolute security of a few. History lessons abound. NATO promised at the end of the Cold War that it would not add new members, yet the U.S.-led military bloc has expanded eastward five times since 1999, advancing more than 1,000 km to the Russian border. The deep cause of the Ukraine crisis is the expansion of NATO, and "the Russians are reacting to the West's attempt to make Ukraine a western bulwark on Russia's border," John Mearsheimer, political science professor at the University of Chicago, commented. Yet it seems that Washington and some of its Western allies are still not learning their lesson. In the Asia-Pacific, they are not only trying to extend NATO into the region, but also pushing for such ideologically driven groupings as the Quad and AUKUS alliance. Concerns for worsening regional situation are on the rise." ii) People's Daily published (April 21) an article captioned 'Striving to build a safer world', on the first anniversary of the Global Security Initiative. Stating that "changes in the world, times, and history are unfolding in unprecedented ways, and the international community is experiencing rare multiple risks and challenges", it added "The more turbulent the world is, the more we need a powerful force to stabilize people's hearts". Criticising "hegemonic and bullying behaviours" as deeply harmful, it claimed "Over the past year, under the guidance of the core concepts and principles of the Global Security Initiative, China has actively promoted political solutions to international and regional hotspot issues, committed to cooperation with all parties, and achieved a series of progress and results, which have been widely praised and actively responded by the international community". Also, that "Promoting the building of a human security community has contributed to China's strength". It said "At present, regional security hotspots are emerging one after another, local conflicts and turmoil are frequent, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise" and added ""China is willing to work with BRICS partners to promote the implementation of global security initiatives to bear fruit, adhere to a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept, and develop a new type of security based on dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win rather than zero-sum The way to inject stability and positive energy into the world." Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF RED FLAG HIGHLIGHTS TECHNOLOGICAL SELF-RELIANCE AND TRANSFORMING THE WORLD WITH XI JINPING THOUGHT The latest edition of Red Flag (Hongqi Wengao - 08/2023) is now online. Its highlights: are articles on: realizing high-level technological self-reliance, transforming the world with Xi Jinping Thought, theme education, and deepening comprehensive reform of the judicial system. Apr 2023 CHINA-PLA: WASHINGTON POST DISCLOSES THAT CHINA'S SUPERSONIC HIGH-ALTITUDE SPY DRONE UNIT IS BASED IN LU'AN AIR BASE IN EASTERN THEATRE COMMAND Washington Post (April 18) disclosed that Mao-era Lu'an airbase, which was for a time abandoned and used as a film set, according to leaked U.S. documents is now 'almost certainly' home to China's first supersonic, high-altitude spy drone unit. The drone, that travels at least three times the speed of sound, likely focused on recon around Taiwan and Korea. Lu'an airbase is in the Eastern Theatre Command. Apr 2023 CHINA-PLA: ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELIEF MEASURES FOR EX-SERVICEMEN TRIGGERS CONTROVERSY According to a guideline released in February, 2023 by the central authorities including the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, China will further enhance the support for ex-service personnel facing employment difficulties. It said relevant government departments are required to provide career guidance, job recommendations and vocational training to ex-service personnel to help them secure jobs. Tax incentives and entrepreneurship subsidies will be introduced to help them start-up businesses and engage in flexible employment. (ii) These instructions have stirred controversy on the Chinese social media platform (Weibo) because of huge unemployment issues that are being faced by Chinese youth. A university graduate, who is unable to find his desired job, posted on Weibo that his life has also become like “Kong Yiji”'s — a classic Chinese literary character who is highly educated but unwilling to take up manual work during an economic downturn. The post went viral and prompted young people to voice their concerns on social media. China's state media responded by criticising young people for not working hard enough, and told them to lower their expectations and take up blue-collar jobs or farming. Young people then flooded social media accusing state media of shirking their responsibilities and making them the main culprits of China's economic woes. Their comments were quickly censored. Since the last week the term “Kong Yiji” has been censored on all the Chinese social media platforms. Apr 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: NPC STANDING COMMITTEE ENLARGED SCOPE OF CHINA'S COUNTER-ESPIONAGE LAW On April 26, the NPC Standing Committee passed amendments broadening scope of China's counter-espionage laws including search and seizure powers of authorities, as well as the implementation of entry and exit bans on individuals. Wang Aili, Director of the Criminal Law Office of the NPCSC Legislative Affairs Committee, said the update, to take effect on 1 July, improved definitions of espionage and clarified responsibilities of enforcement agencies. The changes are the first to the law since its introduction in 2014, and also increase its focus on cybersecurity with provisions including bans on discussing China’s network vulnerabilities. Much of the concern has focused on a new provision expanding the law’s reach beyond the illegal handling of “state secrets” to cover any “documents, data, materials or items related to national security”. It also expands search powers for state security staff to allow the examination of any items on a person whose identity is unclear or who is suspected of espionage activities, and the inspection of electronic equipment and facilities of “relevant individuals and organisations”. it says security agents may also “read or collect relevant documents, data, materials or items, and relevant individuals and organisations shall cooperate”. Apr 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: DEPUTY EDITOR OF GUANGMING DAILY ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF ESPIONAGE The New York Times (April 24) disclosed that Dong Yuyu, a columnist, and Deputy Editor of the Editorial section at Guangming Daily, who often wrote liberal-leaning commentaries, is expected to stand trial for espionage in Beijing, after he was arrested while eating lunch with a Japanese diplomat. It said he had for decades routinely met foreigners, including diplomats and journalists, in part to inform his own prolific writing. But now, according to Dong’s family, the authorities are eyeing those interactions as proof that he was working as a foreign agent, potentially for Japan or the United States. Apr 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: TAIWANESE BASED BUT PRC-BORN BOOKSELLER DETAINED IN SHANGHAI The Guardian (April 24) reported that Taiwan-based but PRC-born Li Yanhe, also known by the penname Fucha, reportedly travelled to Shanghai last month to visit relatives but has been uncontactable since April 20. His alleged detention was first reported by Bei Ling, a Chinese writer and activist, who said on Facebook that he had been told by various sources that Li had been arrested by authorities in Shanghai. According to a report by Taiwan’s CNA, on April 22, a group of more than 40 Asia-focused writers, media workers and academics joined Gusa Publishing ["where Li is editor-in-chief"] on a statement calling for his release. It said Li had not had access to lawyers or family members and communication was restricted. Apr 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: CDIC ANNOUNCES THAT PUNISHMENTS WERE AWARDED TO 110,302 CADRES IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2023 The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced (April 22) that 'In the first quarter of 2023, the national discipline inspection and supervision agencies received a total of 776,000 letters and visits, of which 231,000 were reports of complaints and complaints. 358,000 clues to problems were dealt with, 75,000 interview letters and inquiries were filed, 138,000 cases were filed, and 111,000 people were punished (including 90,000 party discipline punishments and 30,000 government affairs punishments). One provincial and ministeriallevel cadre was punished, 633 bureau-level cadres, 4,669 county-level cadres, 14,000 township-level cadres, 15,000 general cadres, and 76,000 rural, enterprise and other personnel were punished. In the first quarter of 2023, the national discipline inspection and supervision agencies used the "four forms" to criticize, educate, help and deal with a total of 339,000 people. Among them, 226,000 people were treated with the first form of criticism education, accounting for 66.7% of the total; 88,000 people were treated with the second form, accounting for 26%; 12,000 people were treated with the third form, accounting for 3.6%; The fourth form handled 13,000 person-times, accounting for 3.7%.' Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES UPBEAT ARTICLE BY THE NDRC ON THE ECONOMY The People's Daily (April 28) published an upbeat article on the economy captioned 'The Socialist Market Economic System Is More Perfect (People Watch)' authored by the Comprehensive Department of System Reform of National Development and Reform Commission Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHANGSHU CITY, JIANGSU PROVINCE, TO START PAYING WORKERS IN E-CNY FROM MAY A report (April 22) stated that Changshu, a city of 1.5 million residents in Eastern China's Jiangsu province, will pay public sector employees entirely in digital currency, e-CNY, starting May 1. Apr 2023 CHINA-EDUCATION: CHINESE BANKS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS INTERESTFREE LOANS AND DEFERRED REPAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (China Youth Daily - April 23) quoting CCTV disclosed that reporters learned from China Development Bank, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China and other banks that according to the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, People's Bank of China, and China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, as provided by "the 2023 National Student Loan Notice on interest-free and deferred repayment of principal", these banks will implement interest-free and deferred repayment of principal for the national student loans undertaken by these banks (including student credit student loans and university student loans). Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CAIXIN SAYS DISCREPANCY BETWEEN CHINA'S TRADE SURPLUS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES REFLECTS THAT WEALTH IS INCREASINGLY BEING HELD BY INDIVIDUALS AND NOT THE STATE In a report China's business magazine Caixin (April 22) said official data released last week shows a notable discrepancy between China’s trade surplus and foreign exchange reserves. In the first quarter, China’s cumulative trade surplus reached $204.7 billion, a year-on-year increase of over 33%. However, during the same period, foreign exchange reserves only grew by around $55 billion, leaving a gap of about $150 billion. It said the mismatch between the trade surplus and forex reserves reflects that wealth is being held increasingly by the people, not the state. It is also an indication of the internationalization and increased competitiveness of the yuan. Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: A REPORT RANKING GLOBAL WEALTH CLAIMED THAT 5 CHINESE CITIES HAVE 355,000 MILLIONAIRES Henley & Partners, an investment immigration consulting company in the UK, and New World Wealth, a global wealth intelligence company in South Africa, published a joint report on April 18, which revealed that as the world's second largest economy, China has 128,200 and 127,200 millionaires in Beijing and Shanghai, ranking eighth and ninth in the world, but still slightly lower than the fifth and sixth places in mid-2019 , but it has improved compared to the 2021 ranking. Including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, there are five Chinese cities on the list this time, with a total of 355,000 millionaires, accounting for 8.2% of the world's millionaires. In the past ten years, the number of millionaires in the above five cities has grown rapidly, ranging from 70% (Beijing) to 105% (Hangzhou), with an average increase of 86.2%, and Hangzhou's growth rate is the highest in the world. Apr 2023 CHINA-TIBET: TAR PUBLIC SECURITY DEPARTMENT CONVENES WORK CONFERENCE TO STUDY XI JINPING'S SOCIALISM IN NEW ERA AND EMPHASISE STABILITY AND CRACKING DOWN ON ACTIVITIES OF DALAI CLIQUE'S SEPARATIST ACTIVITIES On April 17, the Public Security Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) held a work conference on the theme of studying and implementing Xi Jinping's new era of socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics, in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, and implementation of the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee, the District Party Committee, and the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security. Zhang Hongbo, TAR Vice Chairman, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Public Security Department, and Director of the Department attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Chen Fanyan, head of the Fourth Tour Steering Group of the District Party Committee, attended the meeting. The meeting pointed out that indepth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the whole party is a major effort made by the Party Central Committee to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party and mobilize all comrades in the party to unite and struggle to complete the central task of the party. It also stressed that it is necessary to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments", strengthen the 'four consciousnesses', strengthen the 'four self-confidences', and achieve the two safeguards'. The meeting urged cadres to strive to promote the long-term stability of Tibet in the new era and make public security contributions to high-quality development and comprehensive construction of a socialist modernized new Tibet. It emphasised the need to take maintaining stability as the top priority, strictly guarding against and severely cracking down on hostile forces and the Dalai clique's separatist and sabotage activities, making every effort to prevent risks, ensure security, maintain stability, and promote development, and fully safeguard the country's political security and overall social stability in Tibet. It called for further deepening comprehensive and strict control of the party and police, and promoting high-quality development of public security work. Apr 2023 CHINA-HONGKONG: NUMBER OF MILLIONAIRES IN HONGKONG DECLINED OVER LAST DECADE Henley & Partners, an investment immigration consulting company in the UK, and New World Wealth, a global wealth intelligence company in South Africa, published a joint report on April 18, which showed that the number of millionaires in Hong Kong has decreased by 27% in ten years, and the decline is the seventh in the world. Singapore has risen by 40%, ahead of Hong Kong. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: 38 CHINESE FIGHTER AIRCRAFT ENTER TAIWAN STRAIT ON APRIL 28 On April 28 at least 38 Chinese military aircraft of various kinds and 6 PLA Navy vessels entered the Taiwan Strait in the largest such flight display since the large military exercise in which it simulated sealing off the island earlier in the month. Chinese military aircraft of various kinds entered the Taiwan Strait. Also on April 28, the Guardian reported that the Chinese TB-001 drone flew around Taiwan in a rare encirclement. It added that the ‘Twintailed scorpion’ drone from China that entered the air defence identification zone is touted as being capable of high-altitude, long-range missions. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWANESE BASED BUT PRC-BORN BOOKSELLER DETAINED IN SHANGHAI The Guardian (April 24) reported that Taiwan-based but PRC-born Li Yanhe, also known by the pen-name Fucha, reportedly travelled to Shanghai last month to visit relatives but has been uncontactable since April 20. His alleged detention was first reported by Bei Ling, a Chinese writer and activist, who said on Facebook that he had been told by various sources that Li had been arrested by authorities in Shanghai. According to a report by Taiwan’s CNA, on April 22, a group of more than 40 Asia-focused writers, media workers and academics joined Gusa Publishing ["where Li is editor-in-chief"] on a statement calling for his release. It said Li had not had access to lawyers or family members and communication was restricted. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN BEGINS IMPARTING MILITARY RESERVIST TRAINING TO FEMALE VETERANS Taiwan's CNC (April 23) quoted a military source as saying that Taiwan's military will ask a first group of female veterans to undergo five-to-seven days of reservist training on May 8. He added they will be asked to report to an undisclosed "strategic location" in Taoyuan's Bade District on that day to undergo five- or seven-day reservists training, depending on their military rank upon discharge. The reservists will undergo the same required training as their male counterparts, but their dormitories and bathrooms will be separated from that of the men. Apr 2023 CHINA-INDIA: PLA INCREASES PATROLLING ACTIVITIES IN MEDOG AREA OPPOSITE ARUNACHAL PRADESH A report (April 24) states that the PLA has increased patrolling activities in Medog region (opposite Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh). Among the possible reasons could be: (i) Mining activities (for Rare Earth Elements); (ii) Proposed construction of 60GW Motuo HPP; and (iii) Chinese claims along Eastern Sector of the India-China border. Apr 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE WEIBO POST DISCUSSES WAYS TO OFFSET INDIAN AIR FORCE'S ADVANTAGE IN TIBETAN PLATEAU A Weibo handle posted on April 21, 2023, stated that “A brigade in the Western Theatre conducted refuelling training for the J-16. Compared with the Eastern Theatre command, the Western Theatre is located on a plateau terrain, and high plateau airports above 4000M are relatively restrict the performance of fighter jets. There are few stations (currently, only Kunsha Airport can be put into use in the entire Ngari area in the middle section of the Sino-Indian border with a radius of 600KM). Therefore, the Western Theatre should mainly be dominated by heavy-duty fighter jets with a long range. A large number of tankers serving in the WTC can reduce India's station and front-line fleet advantage, which is conducive to long-range air control operations on the Sino-Indian border. This unit is responsible for the 300KM opposite to LAC, and there are only India’s permanently stationed, MiG 29UPG and the Su 30MKI which are in rotation training on the plateau.” Apr 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTER GENERAL LI SHANGFU MEETS INDIA'S DEFENCE MINISTER IN DELHI AT SCO DEFENCE MINISTERS MEETING Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu and his 11-member entourage met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi on April 28. The Chinese posted a clip of the meeting. The two Defence Ministers reiterated their respective positions on the current massing of troops by China on the LAC and insisted they withdraw and restore the status quo. (Comment: India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not shake hands with Li Shangfu but did 'namaste'. He shook hands with all other representatives.) Apr 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAK ARMY CHIEF GENERAL ASIM MUNIR MEETS CMC VICE CHAIRMAN GENERAL ZHANG YOUXIA General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), met Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in Beijing on April 26. General Zhang Youxia said that 'China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron-clad friends. The long-lasting mutual trust and friendship between the two countries, as solid as rocks, are important factors for the regional and even world peace, stability, and prosperity'. He stressed that no matter how the international situation changes, China always puts Pakistan in priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, development interests and national dignity. China is willing to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Chinese military is willing to work with the Pakistani military to further deepen and expand practical cooperation, continuously push mil-to-mil relationship to a higher level, and jointly safeguard the common interests of the two countries, as well as the regional peace and stability, General Zhang Youxia added. General Asim Munir said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, and sweeter than honey. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, Pakistan will firmly support China's core interests concerning Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. He said that the Pakistani side is willing to further strengthen strategic communication, practical exchanges and counter-terrorism cooperation with the Chinese military, jointly enhance the abilities to respond to various security challenges and contribute to international and regional peace and stability. Apr 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE INSTITUTE RECOMMENDS CHINA-PAKISTAN RAILWAY LINKING GWADAR TO XINJIANG MUST GO AHEAD DESPITE COST China Railway's First Survey and Design Institute has recommended after a feasibility study that the 1800-kilometre railway linking Gwadar to Kashgar in the Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region must go ahead despite its estimated cost of US $58 billion, which is equal to 16% of Pakistan's GDP, because of its strategic value. Apr 2023 CHINA-EU: GERMANY AND ITALY STUDYING IMPOSING NEW LIMITS ON CHINESE EXPORTS AND INVESTMENTS Bloomberg (April 29) reported that stung by China’s close ties with President Vladimir Putin and its repression at home, European nations are putting new limits on Chinese exports and investments in a tack that is more in line with a strategy championed by Washington. Countries such as Germany and Italy are following the Netherlands’ example and studying export and investment controls adopted by the US. Bloomberg quoted German Foreign Minister Baerbock as saying, "China is behaving more in an offensive fashion externally — one could also say aggressively — but also more repressively domestically”. China's actions are “more than shocking.” Apr 2023 CHINA-EU: EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS CALLS ON EUROPEAN NAVIES TO PATROL THE TAIWAN STRAIT In an opinion article published in Le Journal du Dimanche (April 24), EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell called on European navies to patrol the Taiwan Strait. Borrell stressed how crucial Taiwan is to Europe and said that Taiwan “concerns us economically, commercially and technologically.” “That’s why I call on European navies to patrol the Taiwan Strait to show Europe’s commitment to freedom of navigation in this absolutely crucial area,” he added. On April 18, in a speech opening a debate on China at the European Parliament, Borrell talked about Taiwan’s importance to Europe: “Taiwan is clearly part of our geostrategic perimeter to guarantee peace.” He said “It is not only for a moral reason that an action against Taiwan must necessarily be rejected. It is also because it would be, in economic terms, extremely serious for us, because Taiwan has a strategic role in the production of the most advanced semiconductors”. Apr 2023 CHINA-EU: EU COUNTRIES EXPRESS ANGER AT CHINESE AMBASSADOR'S REMARK IMPLYING THEY ARE NOT SOVEREIGN STATES France, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania expressed dismay at China’s Ambassador in Paris Lu Shaye's remarks in a TV interview late on April 21. Asked whether he considered the peninsula of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, part of Ukraine under international law, Ly Shaye said “Even these ex-Soviet Union countries do not have effective status, as we say, under international law because there’s no international accord to concretise their status as a sovereign country”. Asked if Crimea was part of Ukraine, he said the answer depended on one’s position, and it was not so simple. He added: “There is a history here where Crimea was originally part of Russia. It was Khrushchev who offered Crimea to Ukraine during the period of the Soviet Union”. ii) The former Editor-in-Chief of Global Times, Hu Xijin observed in his blog that "Chinese Ambassador Lu Shaye's exclusive interview was very long, and his specific statement on Ukraine affairs has a special context of the entire interview, and should not be picked out of context and scrutinized and magnified." iii) On April 24, China said it respected the "sovereign state status" of all ex-Soviet countries, after Beijing's ambassador to France sparked outrage in Europe by questioning the sovereignty of those nations. Apr 2023 CHINA-UKRAINE: CHINA TO SEND SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO UKRAINE FOR IN-DEPTH COMMUNICATION ON POLITICAL SETTLEMENT OF THE UKRAINE CRISIS After Chinese President Xi Jinping's tele-conversation with Ukraine's President Zelensky on April 26, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that 'China will send the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs to Ukraine and other countries to have in-depth communication with all parties on political settlement of the Ukraine crisis'. Apr 2023 CHINA-US: US AND CHINESE SCHOLARS ATTEND TRILATERAL MEETING ORGANISED BY SINGAPORE'S RAJARATNAM SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Caixin (April 24) citing the Straits Times (April 24) said that senior academics from the United States and China held a forum in Singapore on April 21, with ways to stabilize the Sino-U.S. relationship among the top issues on the agenda amid worsening ties in recent years. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, International Relations scholar Jia Qingguo from Peking University said that while both countries are not in a Cold War, they are moving in that direction. He said two dangerous trends are emerging. One is thinking of everything in terms of security. “For example, the U.S. is now coming up with a list of so-called entities, and policy after policy of delinking the technological relationship in the name of national security.” The U.S. includes more than 600 Chinese establishments on the Entity List, which blocks them from buying technology from American suppliers unless they have government authorization. The other, said Professor Jia, is seeing both sides as ideological foes when this is not the case. In his view, they share common values such as equality, democracy and freedom. The trilateral exchange involved 120 participants, including scholars from the CSIS think-tank and Peking University’s Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding. It was organized by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). (Comment: The US side seemed to comprise who lean more towards Beijing.) Apr 2023 CHINA-US: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY CRITICISES U.S. FOR ESTABLISHING ALLIANCE SYSTEM "TO RULE THE WORLD" People's Daily (April 23) commentary captioned 'America's toxic relations with allies' said "The latest leaks were quite embarrassing for the United States and created unease among its allies. Be it concerning the economy, politics, or national security, the superpower never hesitates to maximize its own interests, on many occasions at the cost of other countries". Asking why America's allies are distancing themselves and are increasingly at odds with America, it said "Obviously, this is because of the hegemonic practices and zero-sum game mentality of the United States, which have created confrontation and division in the international community and seriously damaged the development interests of its allies and other countries." It added "In essence, the so-called alliance system established by the United States is to rule the world." Apr 2023 CHINA-AUSTRALIA: FIRST AUSTRALIAN DELEGATION SINCE PANDEMIC VISITS CHINA IN BID TO REBUILD ECONOMIC TIES Bloomberg (April 28) reported that China is trying to rebuild ties with Australia after failing to pressure its economy. It disclosed that an Australian delegation is in China for first time since the pandemic and that Australian exports remained strong throughout the trade tension. Apr 2023 CHINA-BRAZIL: ALIBABA SIGNS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BRAZIL POST AND JACK MA ANNOUNCES HE WILL VISIT BRAZIL SOON During Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's visit (April 12-15) 15 agreements were signed between the governments of China and Brazil. Many more were concluded between Brazil's government agencies and Chinese entities. Immediately after Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Chinese technology heavyweight Alibaba Group, announced on April 14, that it has signed a strategic partnership with the Brazil Post, the national postal service of Brazil, to deepen collaboration in international express and logistics technology, Jack Ma announced he will visit Brazil in the near future to promote Alibaba's international business landing better in Brazil. (Comment: Alibaba's recently announced "1+6+N" organizational structure adjustment is widely regarded as Jack Ma's move to re-engage in Alibaba's daily management. Analysts say that the Global Digital Business Group (GDBG) led by Jiang Fan as CEO, has continued to increase its revenue contribution to Alibaba and that against the backdrop of globalization as Alibaba's core strategy, Jack Ma is expected to invest more energy in the GDBG. Jack Ma's international influence and connections are important advantages for Alibaba to expand internationally. Public reports show that in January 2023, Jack Ma met with Thai billionaire and Charoen Pokphand Group (正大集团) chairman Dhanin Chearavanont (谢国民) twice within a month, in Bangkok and Hong Kong, respectively. In December 2022, the world's first digital free trade zone jointly built by Alibaba's eWTP, and Thailand officially began trial operation.) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CONGRATULATES YUNNAN UNIVERSITY ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY Xinhua (April 20) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping extended (April 20) congratulations to faculty, students, and alumni of Yunnan University as the university marked its 100th anniversary. He expressed the expectation that the university can improve its educational performance on all fronts, help forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and make new and greater contributions to building a country with great strength in education. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PEOPLE'S PUBLISHING HOUSE ISSUES COMPILATION OF XI JINPING'S DISCOURSES ON AGRICULTURE, RURAL AREAS AND FARMERS Xinhua (April 17) disclosed that a compilation of discourses by CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping on work regarding agriculture, rural areas and farmers has been published by the People's Publishing House and the China Agriculture Press. Compiled by the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, the book consists of 16 sections expounding on Xi's discourses related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: ALL PARTY COMMITTEES AND CENTRAL MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENTS COMMENCE 'IN-DEPTH' STUDY OF XI JINPING'S 'NEW ERA OF SOCIALISM WITH CHINESE CHARACTERISTICS' The People's Daily (April 20) in a special report captioned 'Central and state agencies, departments and units carry out in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics——Ensure that the theme education achieves solid results (study ideas, strengthen party spirit, focus on practice and make new achievements)' stated that "In the past few days, the central government and state agencies, departments and units have carried out high-quality education on the theme of learning and implementing Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, earnestly studying and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and the deployment requirements of the Party Central Committee". It said "All departments and units agreed that the central government and state organs are the closest to the Party Central Committee and serve the Party Central Committee most directly. The leading organ that implements the implementation must be at the forefront, set a good example, and play a benchmarking and leading role in thematic education". Mentioning it was necessary to 'Strengthen leadership and guidance, pay close attention to deployment and advance', the People's daily said "All departments and units immediately held a mobilization and deployment meeting, set up a leading group and office, and set up a tour steering group to strengthen the leadership and guidance of the theme education, and promote the in-depth development of the theme education. It listed numerous Party Committees of Ministries as having initiated the study, starting with "The Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security regards highstandard and high-quality thematic education as a major political task. It quickly established a leading group and office for thematic education, held mobilization and deployment meetings, benchmarked the central deployment, connected with the actual situation of public security, and formulated and issued implementation plans and theoretical studies. Arrangements and other series of documents stipulate that the first batch of themed education will be solidly promoted". ii) The state-owned CCTV (April 20) reported that "All localities have carried out in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, firmly grasping the general requirements of "learning ideas, strengthening party spirit, emphasizing practice, and making new achievements", carefully organized and comprehensively deployed, Promote party members and cadres to transform their enthusiasm for learning and work into a strong driving force for overcoming difficulties and starting a business". Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: CHINA'S OFFICIAL MEDIA CARRY BANNER HEADLINE OF XI JINPING'S INSTRUCTION TO PARTY CADRES TO ADHERE TO MASS LINE The People's Daily (April 16) and all major Chinese newspapers carried the banner headline 'The series of illustrations of "Investigation and research work in the whole party must adhere to the party's mass line" Xi Jinping emphasized'. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: CHINA MEDIA PROJECT EXPLAINS THE 'SIX ADHERES' The China Media Project (April 17) explained that since the 20th National Congress of the CCP in October 2022, the phrase “Six Adheres,” or liuge bixu jianchi (六个必须坚持), has been promoted by China’s Party-state media as a comprehensive model to convey the methods and worldview of the Chinese Communist Party. Each of the six concepts has been elaborated at length in the Party’s official People’s Daily newspaper and other media. They prescribe that China and the CCP must adhere to: (i) The supremacy of the people (人民至上): All theories that depart from the people are “pale and feeble” (苍白无力), and those that do not bring prosperity to the people “have no vitality” (没有生命力). (ii) Self-confidence and selfsufficiency (自信自立): China must adhere to a “firm faith” (坚定信仰) in the tenets of socialism, and a “firm belief” (坚定信念) in Xi Jinping Thought. This involves the so-called “Four Confidences” (四个自信), which for a time in 2021 became five. (iii) Integrity and Innovation (守正创新): Here the leadership emphasizes “science” and having a “scientific attitude” (科学的态度) toward problems, as well as emphasizing the pursuit of “truth” (真理). The CCP’s understanding of both “science” and “truth” can depart radically from normative understandings outside of China. (iv) A problem-solving orientation (问题导向): The CCP lists out a series of problems or issues to be considered in the process of governance, policymaking, and international relations, asserting the need to “raise new concepts, new thoughts, and new methods that can truly resolve issues.” (v) A system concept (系统观念): This encompasses the notion that the CCP must think and act more holistically (or according to the Party’s own idea of what that entails), adhering to seven types of “thinking” in its work, including: “strategic thinking” (战略思维); “historical thinking” (历史思维); “dialectical thinking” (辩证思维); “systematic thinking” (系统思维); “innovative thinking” (创新思维); “rule of law thinking” (法治思维); and “bottom-line thinking” (底线思维). (vi) Cherishing the world (胸怀天下): This is where what otherwise seems a quite insular and at times incomprehensible set of concepts seeks to open out to the world. The concept says that China and the CCP must expand their “global view” (世界眼光), and must “answer the concerns of the people of various nations” (各国人民普遍关切). The idea is that China’s core interests are interconnected with those of the world and that China can contribute to solving the most pressing issues facing the world. China’s more active foreign policy in recent years, intensifying in recent months, can be seen as part of this concept. (Comment: Each of these specialized phrases is a key aspect of the spirit of China’s current ruling concept, encompassed by Xi Jinping’s lengthy banner phrase, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”.) Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE FOCUSES ON CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S REMARKS ON AGRICULTURE DURING INSPECTION OF GUANGDONG The People's Daily (April 16) published an article captioned 'To promote Chinese-style modernization, we must comprehensively promote rural revitalization', which mainly focussed on Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks on agriculture and rural revitalisation during his recent inspection of Guangdong province. It said "A strong country must first strengthen its agriculture, and only a strong agriculture can make the country strong. During his inspection tour in Guangdong, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that "to promote Chinese-style modernization, we must comprehensively promote rural revitalization and solve the problem of unbalanced development between urban and rural areas." Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI CONTAINS ARTICLE BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ON ACCELERATING NEW DEVELOPMENT PATTERN The latest issue of Qiu Shi (2023/08 dated April 16) was available on April 16. Its highlights include Xi Jinping's commentary on accelerating the creation of a new development pattern and grasp the initiative in future development; and articles on the new national security pattern, and national rejuvenation. Articles by other CCP leaders have also been published. They are: Chen Yixin, Minister of State Security; Wang Linggui, Vice President, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); Qu Qingshan, President, CCP CC Institute of Party History and Literature; Li Guoying, Governor of Anhui; and Qi Yi, Deputy Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department. (Comment: Xi Jinping's article was the main part of General Secretary Xi Jinping's speech during the second collective study of the 20th Central Political Bureau on January 31, 2023.) Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: CCP CC ISSUES 'OUTLINE OF CENTRAL PARTY REGULATIONS FORMULATION WORK PLAN (2023-27)' The state-owned CCTV (April 18) news report said that the CCP CC had recently issued the "Outline of the Central Party Regulations Formulation Work Plan (2023-2027)" and also issued a notice requiring all regions and departments to implement it in light of their actual conditions. It said 'the formulation and implementation of the "Planning Outline" will further promote the rule-based governance of the party, promote the high-quality development of intra-party regulations and systems, and ensure that the entire party maintains a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in terms of ideology, politics, and actions. It is of great significance to realize the mission and tasks of the party in the new era and new journey'. The notice requires that party committees (party groups) at all levels should thoroughly implement the decision-making arrangements of the Party Central Committee and ensure the implementation of the "Planning Outline". The "Planning Outline" is divided into five parts: the first is to insist on improving the "two maintenance" system to ensure the unity and unity of the whole party and to act in unison; the second is to insist on improving the party's leadership laws and regulations to effectively ensure that the party takes overall control and coordinates all parties; First, insist on improving the party's organizational laws and regulations to fully implement the party's organizational line in the new era; fourth, insist on improving the party's own construction laws and regulations to firmly promote the party's self-revolution; Cadres use power impartially and start a business. (Comment: The 5-year "Outline of the Central Party Regulations Formulation Work Plan" will step up supervision of officials’ social lives. It promises that the Party center will explore measures to increase oversight of leading cadres’ social networks. It means that new rules governing the overseas work, study, and life of senior officials’ spouses and children will be formulated and family members’ social interactions overseas will also come under greater scrutiny. The Party will also crackdown on the system of guanxi as rules governing the business activities of family members of officials will be tightened and these restrictions will also be expanded to include associates of senior officials like their secretaries (mishu).) Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: CHINESE TRADE UNIONS ACROSS CHINA ORGANISE ACTIVITIES ON 8TH NATIONAL SECURITY DAY ON APRIL 15 The Workers Daily (April 16) said that April 15, 2023, is the eighth national security education day for all people, and it is also the first national security education day for all people after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It said at the end of March this year, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) issued a notice to organize and carry out national security publicity and education activities among the trade union system and the broad masses of employees, to promote the enhancement of national security awareness and literacy of the employees, and to jointly build a national security defense line. The theme of the National Security Education Day for All in 2023 is "Implement the overall national security concept, enhance the national security awareness and literacy of the whole people, and consolidate the social foundation for a new development pattern with a new security pattern." Trade unions at all levels have planned and organised various publicity and education activities. It disclosed that Federations of Trade Unions in Fujian, Hebei, Shandong, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Tianjin, Sichuan and other provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) carried out national security education day training and online question-answering activities; provincial and regional federations of Jiangxi, Hunan, Shanxi, Heilongjiang and Xinjiang held Special lectures; the Henan Provincial Federation of Trade Unions produced national security public welfare publicity mobile video ring tones; Jiangsu, Anhui, Jilin, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Guangdong, Shanghai, and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps actively carried out online micro-classes and offline reading sharing sessions and organized a series of publicity activities. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CASS PUBLISHES ARTICLE EXPLAINING 'GLOBAL CIVILISATION INITIATIVE' Zou Zhibo, Deputy Director and researcher of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), published (April 20) an article captioned 'Promoting the democratization of global governance with new ideas and solutions' in the Social Sciences Journal of CASS. He stated at the outset that "Western countries have always regarded themselves as "democratic teachers", but they are full of discrimination, bullying and oppression towards the perceptions, policies and behaviors of other non-Western countries. The reason for the contradictory performance of words and deeds of Western countries in international relations is that the West has always upheld and adhered to "Western centrism" and put itself above other nations, countries and civilizations in the world. He added "Since the West began to conquer the world in 1500, it has been deeply rooted in its heart to regard other nations, namely non-Western nations, as inferior nations, non-Western civilizations as backward civilizations, and Western values as "universal values" and Western civilizations as For "universal civilization". Therefore, in order to achieve equality among countries, to achieve fairness and justice in international affairs, and to realize the democratization of international relations, we must break the shackles of "Western centralism" and use new ideas and solutions to govern the world. The concept of a "community with a shared future for mankind" and the "Global Civilization Initiative" proposed by President Xi Jinping are ideas and solutions to promote new global governance". He said the West "are undemocratic, trample on freedom, do not respect international law, and ignore human rights. The external behavior of the US and Western countries is exactly the opposite of what it preaches, just like the former US Secretary of State Pompeo said, "We cheat, we lie, and we steal." In international affairs, the United States and the West have also been seeking to dominate and control the world and pursue the principle of "double standards" in treating non-Western countries. EU Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Borrell admitted: "There is a 'double standard' in international politics to a large extent." He said "We also understand why the United States and Western countries contain China's development and rise, because they cannot accept a non-Western race, country, and civilization to develop to the same level as them or even surpass them. This is true for China's development and rise today, and similarly, the West will uphold the same ideas, perceptions, and policies for the development and rise of other non-Western countries". He explained that "the "Global Civilization Initiative" advocates strengthening International people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation are a way for civilizations to communicate, learn from each other and develop together. Through the construction of a global civilization dialogue and cooperation network, we will promote mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries, and jointly promote the development and progress of human civilization". He asserted in conclusion: "Judging from the general trend of historical development, the day will come when the world will get rid of "Western centralism", the vast number of developing countries will gain equal status and rights, and international relations will become democratized." Apr 2023 CHINA-CYL: COMMUNIST YOUTH LEAGUE GIVES AWARDS TO ITS ORGANISATIONS The Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (Communist Youth Daily - April 20) reported that the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League had recently awarded 296 league organisations the title of National May 4th Red Banner Youth League Committee; 389 league organisations with the title of National May 4th Red Banner Youth League Branch; Awarded the title of National Excellent Communist Youth League Cadre to 342 comrades. ii) The Communist Youth Daily (April 20) disclosed that from April 15 to 16, the second plenary meeting of the twenty-seventh committee of the All-China Federation of Students was held in Beijing. The meeting heard the work report made by Qian Lingxiao on behalf of the twenty-seventh presidium of the All-China Federation of Students, and reviewed and approved the All-China Federation of Students' "On Conscientiously Studying, Propagating, and Implementing the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Uniting and Leading the Students to Follow the Party" , Resolution on a New Journey", "All- China Student Federation Committee and Presidium Working Rules (Trial)". The meeting voted to approve Xu Hui, the Executive Chairman of the Student Union of Tsinghua University, as the new Chairman of the National Students' Federation. Xu Xiao, Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, attended the opening meeting and delivered a speech. Apr 2023 CHINA-S&T: PRESIDENT OF NANJING UNIVERSITY OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS OUTLINES PLAN FOR PROMOTING S&T IN CHINA The People's Daily (April 18) published an article by Shan Zhongde, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the President of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, titled 'Accelerate the realization of high-level scientific and technological selfreliance and self-improvement (by everyone)'. He said, "Strengthening the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over scientific and technological work is the fundamental guarantee for achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement." Shan Zhongde enumerated the areas where attention must be paid and outlined the steps necessary for boosting innovation and promoting scientific research. Apr 2023 CHINA-S&T: PARTY SECRETARY AND PRESIDENT OF FUDAN UNIVERSITY PUBLISHES ARTICLE URGING UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES TO CULTIVATE TALENTS IN BASIC RESEARCH TO MAKE CHINA A WORLD SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL POWER The People's Daily (April 20) published an article titled 'Contribute to the power of universities to consolidate the foundation of self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology' authored by Qiu Xinjinli, Party Secretary and President of Fudan University. Asserting that "Basic research is at the beginning of the scientific research chain from research to application to production", it quoted Xi Jinping as pointing out in the third collective study of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee: "Strengthening basic research is an urgent requirement for realizing high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement, and is the only way to build a world scientific and technological power." The article averred "Universities should not only encourage and support scientific research personnel to base themselves on the frontiers of science and discover new major issues, but also encourage and support them to combine the frontiers of science and technology with the prospects of major needs, condense high-level basic scientific issues from major applied research, and improve problem focus and task coupling". It asserted that "National strategic scientific and technological strength represents the highest level of national scientific and technological innovation and is the backbone of the national innovation system. It is crucial for China to enter the forefront of innovative countries and build a world-class scientific and technological power. Colleges and universities should actively participate in the construction of national laboratories, promote the reorganization of national key laboratories, and build the basic science centers of the National Natural Science Foundation of China". It also called for cultivating "top-notch talents in basic research". Apr 2023 CHINA-S&T: CHINESE SCIENTISTS GIVE FULL TEMPORARY CONTROL OF SATELLITE IN NEAR EARTH ORBIT TO AI MACHINE The South China Morning Post (April 15) quoted Chinese researchers as saying an artificial intelligence machine was given temporary full control of a satellite in near-Earth orbit, in a landmark experiment to test the technology’s behaviour in space. For 24 hours the Qimingxing 1, a small Earth observation satellite, was directed by a ground-based AI, without any human order, assignment or intervention, according to a paper published in the journal Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University. The research team, led by Wang Mi from the university’s State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, said the aim of the experiment was to see what the AI would do of its own accord. The scientists said the AI picked a few places on Earth and ordered the Qimingxing 1 to take a closer look. No explanation was given for why the technology may have selected the locations. One targeted area was Patna, an ancient city by the Ganges River in northeast India, which is also home to the Bihar Regiment – the Indian Army unit that met China’s military in a deadly encounter in the Galwan Valley in the disputed border region in 2020. Osaka, one of Japan’s busiest ports which occasionally hosts US Navy vessels operating in the Pacific, also ranked highly in the AI’s list of interests. Apr 2023 CHINA-S&T: RUSSIA BUILDS AEROSPACE INSTITUTE IN HAINAN CHINA Times Higher Education (April 18) reported that a Russian university’s China campus sends ‘strong signal’. It said once built, the aerospace institute on southern island of Hainan will become first solo campus run by Russian institution inside Asian superpower. Apr 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS PROTECTION PROVIDED TO FARMERS BY AGRICULTURE INSURANCE The People's Daily (April 16) also published another article captioned 'Agricultural insurance provided risk protection for 170 million sub-farm households last year, and 13 major grainproducing provinces——"All risks" gradually cover major grain-producing counties (new direction of economy)'. It said "Agricultural insurance is an important means of diversifying risks in agricultural production and operation. This year's No. 1 Central Document proposes to "gradually expand the scope of full-cost insurance and planting income insurance for rice, wheat, and corn" and "implement the pilot project of full-cost insurance and planting income insurance for soybeans." Apr 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: CHINA LAUNCHES 'AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT TEAMS' TO ENFORCE LAWS AND 'STABILISE' GRAIN SUPPLY Radio Free Asia (RFA-April 19) disclosed that Beijing has launched "agricultural management teams" that investigate grain production, enforce laws and "stabilize China's grain supply"-- which netizens say is akin to urban management in cities. RFA said these Administrative Law Enforcement teams have recently appeared in many places in China to monitor farmers' lives. According to the authorities, the agricultural management team is mainly to crack down on illegal activities such as "invading and harming farmers" and will not interfere with the normal production and life of farmers. But some netizens discovered that these people were "taking chicken feathers as arrows". The Chinese government has recently launched the deployment of the 2023 national agricultural comprehensive administrative law enforcement "stabilizing grain and supply" special action. The website of the PRC Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued a message on April 15 stating that law enforcement and supervision have continued to increase, covering many fields such as seeds, pesticides, veterinary drugs, feed, agricultural machinery, animal and plant quarantine and epidemic prevention, quality and safety of agricultural products, and fishery administration. It cited Chinese media and netizens reports as revealing that in Heilongjiang, 414 party and government officials were held accountable for farmers burning straw in the fields, and the total fines were as high as 178.2 million yuan. Hu Tao, Deputy Director of the Hubei Agricultural Comprehensive Administrative Law Enforcement Bureau, said the province already has more than 5,000 law enforcement officers. Apr 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY THE DEAN OF SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS OF RENMIN UNIVERSITY ON AGRICULTURE Guangming Daily (April 18) published an article by Liu Shouying, Dean of School of Economics, Renmin University of China, titled 'Achieving Agricultural Modernization: Commonality and Uniqueness'. The article stressed the importance of a strong agricultural base and self-sufficiency. It compared the features of agriculture in other countries with China and then suggested measures to raise China's agriculture production and make it more remunerative. These included "Improve agricultural human capital, attract more entrepreneurs to pay attention to agricultural development, become agricultural entrepreneurs, encourage rural youths abroad to return to their hometowns to start businesses and engage in modern agriculture, increase quality farmer training, and improve their ability to connect with modern agriculture. Improve the combination efficiency of agricultural production elements, improve the matching degree of various agricultural elements, and improve the allocation efficiency of agricultural elements." ii) Guangming Daily (April 18) published another article on agriculture by Zhang Hongyu, President of China Agricultural Risk Management Research Association, titled 'Taking food safety as the top priority in building a strong agricultural country'. It stressed the importance of food security and said, "Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has taken food security as the top priority in governing the country and put forward a new food security concept of "guaranteeing basic self-sufficiency in grains and absolute security of rations". He emphasised "It is necessary to have the confidence of "basically self-sufficient in grain and absolutely safe rations", and also establish the bottom line thinking of "storing grain in the ground and storing grain in technology". In the field of food, we insist on using Chinese supply to solve Chinese demand, using Chinese resources to solve Chinese problems, and using diversified supply to meet the diversified needs of urban and rural residents. Establish a big food concept, build a diversified food supply system, and develop food sources in multiple ways on the basis of ecological sustainable development. Strengthen the concept of saving and reducing losses, carry out indepth food saving actions, and promote the entire chain of saving and reducing losses." He also spoke of "expanding international cooperation space and partners, adjust agricultural product trading methods and trade patterns, expand the "Belt and Road" agricultural cooperation field, strengthen South-South cooperation and China-Africa cooperation, and help African countries and less developed countries grow grain". Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED INDONESIAN COMPANY OF WHICH 40% IS OWNED BY CHINESE COMPANIES HAS OFFERED TO EXTEND ITS 50-YEAR CONCESSION BY ANOTHER 30 YEARS Nikkei Asia (April 16) reported that more of China's borrowers participating in the BRI have fallen into distress. It said Kereta Cepat Indonesia China, which is 40% owned by Chinese concerns, in December 2022 proposed adding another 30 years to its 50-yr concession of a high-speed railway in Java. (Comment: Nikki Asia also said that in 2020 and 2021, the parties began renegotiating the loan terms of 40 Belt and Road deals. This number represents an increase of 70% from the previous two years, according to an estimate by the U.S.-based Rhodium Group. Another study conducted by researchers from the World Bank, Harvard Kennedy School, AidData and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy revealed in March that China had spent $240 billion bailing out 22 countries between 2008 and 2021. The report added that the amount has been soaring in recent years as more recipients struggle to repay their Belt and Road loans. Information is, however, hard to come by as China insists on nondisclosure agreements. Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S ECONOMY SHOWS SIGNS OF ROBUST GROWTH OF 4.5% IN YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2023 Official statistics released on April 17 showed that the economy expanded 4.5% y/y in Q1, compared with 2.9% y/y in Q4 2022 and 3.0% in 2022. GDP in Q1 was up 2.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis versus the previous three months. The year-on-year growth rate for January- March exceeding the average market forecast (3.4%), as surveyed by Nikkei Inc. and Nikkei QUICK News. The total retail value of social consumer goods (retail sales), which includes department stores, supermarket sales and internet sales, increased by 5.8% from January to March. Restaurant revenues, which account for 10% of the total, grew by 13.9%. In contrast, consumer durables were sluggish. Automobiles and telecommunications equipment fell by 2.3% and 5.1% respectively. Domestic consumption was mixed. Investment in fixed assets, which indicates the construction of factories, grew by 5.1%, the same as for the whole of 2022. Infrastructure investment, which the Government expect to underpin the economy, remained strong. Apr 2023 CHINA-PLA: PLA PLANS 5 MILITARY MARITIME EXERCISES IN NEXT FEW DAYS Bloomberg (April 21) reported that the PLA plans to conduct at least five drills in various areas that include waters off its coast and in the South China Sea, amid simmering tensions with Taiwan and the US. One of the announced military exercises will be held for three days in waters off the port city of Qingdao, home to a major naval base for the People’s Liberation Army, according to a statement issued by China’s Maritime Safety Administration on April 20. Unspecified “major military activities” were conducted in the same area from 9 a.m. till noon on April 18. The agency warned mariners against entering waters off the coast of Shandong province, an area that is the site of frequent military drills and well away from the territory of the US’s regional security partners. The PLA will also hold drills starting 6 p.m. April 21 until 8 a.m. April 23 in the South China Sea, according to a separate statement from the Maritime Safety Administration. Apr 2023 CHINA-PLA: NEW YORK TIMES REPORTS THAT CHINA IS BUILDING A FAST BREEDER REACTOR ON ITS COAST FACING TAIWAN WITH RUSSIAN ASSISTANCE Writing in The New York Times (April 19) David E. Sanger, William J. Broad and Chris Buckley said that on the Chinese coast, just 135 miles from Taiwan, Beijing is preparing to start a new reactor the Pentagon sees as delivering fuel for a vast expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal, potentially making it an atomic peer of the United States and Russia. The reactor, known as a fast breeder, excels at making plutonium, a top fuel of atom bombs. It added that the nuclear material for the reactor is being supplied by Russia, whose Rosatom nuclear giant has in the past few months completed the delivery of 25 tons of highly enriched uranium to get production started. That deal means that Russia and China are now cooperating on a project that will aid their own nuclear modernizations and, by the Pentagon’s estimates, produce arsenals whose combined size could dwarf that of the United States. It quoted John F. Plumb, a senior Pentagon official, as telling the US Congress recently: “There’s no getting around the fact that breeder reactors are plutonium, and plutonium is for weapons.” (Comment: When President Xi Jinping met President Vladimir V. Putin in Moscow last month, Rosatom and the China Atomic Energy Authority signed an agreement to extend their cooperation for years, if not decades.) Apr 2023 CHINA-SECURITY: SICHUAN DEVELOPS ALL-IN-ONE 'BIG DATA' SECURITY SYSTEM Ye Hanbing, Vice Governor of Sichuan Province and Director of the Public Security Department, revealed (April 12) that the Party Committee of the Sichuan Provincial Public Security Department has developed the strategy of revitalizing the police through science and technology, using "big data + big feet + big governance". He said the Sichuan Public Security is the first to create the "T Zone" of public security big data, the first to build a new generation of public security information network and build a police cloud computing platform that integrates the whole police. Data fusion forms an important component. He said by constructing an all-in-one big data centre, the Sichuan Public Security has built more than 60 big data application systems, supporting an average of 500,000 visits per day across the province. He added that after more than 10 years of development, the comprehensive police platform has become a "one-stop" work platform for grassroots public security organs. (Comment: The Big Data security system will now most likely be deployed to other provinces and ARs.) Apr 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: SENIOR PARTY CADRES PLACED UNDER INVESTIGATION Beijing News (April 16) cited an announcement by the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the State Supervision Commission, that Xia Qingfeng, Director of the First Bureau of Enterprise Leadership Management (Board of Directors Work Bureau) of the Stateowned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and has been placed under investigation. The Disciplinary review and supervisory investigation is being done by the Hebei Provincial Supervisory Committee. ii) The Workers Daily (April 16) disclosed that Liu Handong, former member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress, has accepted disciplinary review and supervisory investigation. Apr 2023 CHINA-BEIJING: 29 PEOPLE KILLED IN FIRE AT BEIJING CHANGFENG HOSPITAL ON APRIL 18 29 people were killed and 71 were wounded when a fire broke out on April 18 at Beijing Changfeng Hospital. 12 persons including the President of Beijing Changfeng Hospital have been detained on criminal charges. Apr 2023 CHINA-HUBEI: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE ON SECURITY BY HUBEI PROVINCE PARTY SECRETARY People's Daily (April 18) published an article by Hubei Party Secretary Wang Menghui captioned 'Unswervingly implement the overall national security concept and build a solid security barrier for the construction of a pioneering area for the construction of a new development pattern across the country'. The article mentioned Xi Jinping 11 times. Focussing on traditional and non-traditional aspects of security, the article asserted "Putting the maintenance of political security, especially regime security and system security, at the top of the list. Political security is the highest national security, the lifeline of national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and occupies a leading position in national security work. We always put the maintenance of political security in the first place, starting from the height of maintaining the security of the state power and system, taking the service and guarantee of the victory of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China as the main line, and doing our best to do a good job in national security work in the province". It stressed vigilance to "resolutely prevent and combat hostile forces' infiltration, subversion, sabotage, illegal religious infiltration, and cult harassment". Apr 2023 CHINA-HUBEI: HUBEI PROVINCE PARTY COMMITTEE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETS TO STUDY XI JINPING'S SPEECHES DURING HIS VISIT TO GUANGDONG On April 14, the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee held a meeting 'to convey the spirit of learning from General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches during his visit to Guangdong and participating in the voluntary tree planting activities in the capital, and learning from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the study of the first and second volumes of "Selected Readings of Xi Jinping's Works", the spirit of the notice, study the implementation work in our province; listen to the report on the comprehensive evaluation of high-quality county-level economic development in the province in 2022, the promotion of rural revitalization work, and the results of city and county assessments, and study and deploy the next step. The meeting also emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly implement the spirit of the Central Rural Work Conference and the work requirements of the provincial party committee, vigorously implement the county strengthening project, and comprehensively promote rural revitalization. Provincial Party Secretary Wang Menghui presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: 21 MEMBER TAIWAN ETHNIC DELEGATION ON A VISIT TO CHINA A 21-member delegation of ethnic minorities from Taiwan visited Beijing from April 18-20 to get a better understanding of the ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation and exchange views with relevant parties on the development of relations across the Taiwan Strait as well as on exchanges and cooperation between ethnic minorities from the two sides. The delegation was received by Song Tao, Head of the CCP CC Taiwan Work Office and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, on April 19. After visiting Beijing, the delegation was scheduled to head for Guangxi, Fujian, and Hainan to participate in exchange activities involving ethnic minorities across the Strait. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA'S MINISTRY OF COMMERCE BEGINS INVESTIGATION OF TRADE BARRIERS ON 2455 ITEMS OF TAIWANESE PRODUCTS Voice of America (VoA) disclosed (April 16) that after the three-day military exercise around Taiwan, China's Ministry of Commerce said (April 12) that it will investigate trade barriers on 2,455 items of Taiwan’s products at the request of several Chinese chambers of commerce. It is also considering ending the unilateral concessions to Taiwan in the past 20 years. China's Ministry of Commerce said that the investigation was initiated by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal Products, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Minmetals and Chemicals, and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles. The investigation period ends before October 12 this year, and can be extended to January 12, 2024, under special circumstances. The deadline comes just one day before Taiwan's presidential election on January 13, 2024. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: BT HELD WAR GAMES TO PREPARE FOR DISRUPTION IN EVENT OF CONFLICT BETWEEN CHINA AND TAIWAN The Financial Times (April 16) reported that the Telecom company, BT, held “war games” to prepare for the disruption from a potential conflict between China and Taiwan, in a sign of companies’ growing unease over escalating tensions in the region. It said staff at the telecoms group’s Dublin-based procurement business took part in the two-day exercise last year, during which they modelled how they would secure BT’s supply chain against the fallout of a military clash. The BT exercise involved a scenario where Beijing sank a ship near Taiwan, a key supplier of semiconductors to the telecoms industry. Johan Gott, co-founder of US political risk consultancy Prism, which assisted with BT’s crisis simulation, said supply chains were “suddenly on the front lines of geopolitical [tensions]”. Although such simulations have mainly been practised by government and defence officials, the consultancy has run contingency exercises for an increasing number of corporate clients. China’s stance on Taiwan is unnerving business and political leaders. It recently launched more military exercises after Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen met current US Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. (Comment: Beijing’s threats towards Taiwan have prompted concerns about a rupture to the global supply chain that for years has relied on smooth global trade. Taiwanese chipmakers, which produce semiconductors for Apple, Google, and other tech groups, are responsible for more than 60 per cent of the world’s contract chipmaking capacity, while they dominate cutting-edge semiconductor production, according to a US government paper.) Apr 2023 CHINA-HONGKONG: DURING 'INSPECTION' VISIT TO HONGKONG, DEPUTY HEAD OF CENTRAL LEADING GROUP ON HONGKONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS XIA BAOLONG WARNED PEOPLE AGAINST ENCOURAGING PROTESTS CPPCC Vice Chairman and Deputy Head of the China Central Leading Group for Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, Xia Baolong, arrived in Hong Kong on April 13 for an "investigation". Global Times (April 17) called his meeting with 80 LegCo members at the Legco as a "historical visit". He attended the "National Security Education Day" on April15. During his visit he said although the "colour revolution" did not succeed, it is a "scar" that will never be erased in Hong Kong's history, and it is our eternal pain. It is impossible for someone to erase this painful memory." He said he hoped that "home and everything will prosper", "Hong Kong cannot and cannot be chaotic", "President Xi cares about Hong Kong", and "This is the common aspiration of all Hong Kong people." Asserting that the Hong Kong version of the "colour revolution" failed, he cautioned that Hong Kong needs to be vigilant against the resurgence of "street violence". He warned, "Protests are not the only way to express interests" and that people should beware of "soft confrontation" and creating chaos in secret. He asked them to be wary of overseas disruptive Hong Kong activities pouring back into Hong Kong, especially some anti-China disruptive Hong Kong activities under the guise of so-called human rights, freedom, democracy, and people's livelihood. Apr 2023 CHINA-DIPLOMACY: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG REACHES OUT TO ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN ATTEMPT TO PLAY REGIONAL PEACEMAKER Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang reached out on April 17 to two long-standing adversaries in a bid to play peacemaker in the Middle East. Agence France Press (AFP) reported (April 18) that in separate phone calls on April 17, between Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Malik, Qin Gang encouraged “steps to resume peace talks,” and said that “China is ready to provide convenience for this.” According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Qin Gang told Cohen that "China is concerned about the current tension between Israel and Palestine” and that “President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Security Initiative, and China believes that the key to resolving the Israel-Palestine question is upholding the vision of common security.” MoFA said “Cohen thanked China for its willingness to support the settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict…but it seems difficult to solve the problem any time soon.” In his conversation with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, Qin Gang is reported to have said that Beijing supports the resumption of talks as soon as possible. MoFA quoted him saying “[China] supports Palestine and Israel in resuming peace talks on the basis of the two-state solution…and is ready to play a positive role in this regard.” Xinhua said in both calls he emphasised China’s push for peace talks on the basis of implementing a “two-state solution.” Apr 2023 CHINA-US: US AMBASSADOR NICHOLAS BURNS MEETS CCP CC'S ILD MINISTER JIANCHAO LI ON APRIL 20 The CCP CC International Department posted on its official website on April 20, that Jianchao Liu, Minister of the CCP CC's International Department, met Nicholas Burns, the U.S. Ambassador to China, at the latter's request on April 20 in Beijing. It added that the two sides exchanged views on Sino-US relations and international and regional issues. Apr 2023 CHINA-US: U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY SAYS U.S. WILL REMAIN WORLD'S DOMINANT ECONOMIC POWER AND NATIONAL SECURITY WOULD REMAIN THE PRIORITY IN US-CHINA RELATIONS The Wall Street Journal (April 21) reported that U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in a speech on April 20 said protecting national security would be the U.S. priority in its relationship with China even if it slows economic growth, at the same time as she pushed for more collaboration with Beijing. Laying out the Biden administration’s vision for its economic relationship with China, Ms. Yellen asserted the U.S. will remain the world’s dominant economic power and curb its ties with China in certain areas. But she said the U.S. isn’t trying to prevent China’s economic advancement, adding that many trading and scientific links should remain. CHINA-US: PEOPLE'S DAILY REPRODUCES TOUGH GLOBAL TIMES EDITORIAL BLAMING U.S. FOR ABSENCE OF COMMUNICATION WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE AND DEFENCE SECRETARY The People's Daily (April 20) reproduced a toughly worded Global Times (April 20) editorial under the caption 'With busy diplomacy, China has no time to receive insincere people'. It said "there have been frequent complaints from Washington about China's "neglect" of the US and a "lack of interest" in engaging with them. One is that China has refused to reschedule US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China, and another is that the Chinese Ministry of Defense has declined request for call from the US Department of Defense, and the defense ministers of China and the US have not spoken for nearly five months". It said Blinken's planned visit to China in February was unilaterally postponed by the US due to the sudden hype around the "balloon incident" before his departure and now he "insists on coming. How can everything be up to the US, and everyone else has to cooperate with it? China is a big country and will not indulge such problem. China's diplomacy is very busy and cannot adjust at any time according to the US' schedule, especially no time to receive insincere or even people with malicious intentions". Similarly, it said the US knows why the defense ministers of China and the US have not spoken on the phone, the US side knows well. It explained that "the US has not yet lifted the illegal sanctions on China's new Defense Minister Li Shangfu, which has created a lack of basic atmosphere for military dialogue between China and the US. If the US truly wants to maintain contact and communication with China, then they should not act in this way". Blaming the US for its attitude and saying it cannot be believed, it added "In conclusion, temporarily cold-shouldering Washington is not a bad idea". Apr 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE NATIONAL WORKING ON DASU DAM ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF BLASPHEMY Pakistani police arrested a Chinese national, identified only as Mr. Tian, on blasphemy charges after he allegedly insulted Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, authorities said on April 17. Under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, the offense carries the death penalty. He was arrested on April 16 night, hours after hundreds of residents and laborers working on a dam project blocked a key highway and rallied to demand his arrest. According to local police chief Naseer Khan, the rally took place in the town of Komela — located close to the site of the Dasu Dam, the biggest hydropower project in Pakistan — in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. The police said Tian allegedly became upset and reprimanded two local drivers for taking too much time from work to pray. Other laborers then claimed he had insulted the prophet. Police said Tian, who was in charge of heavy transport at the project, will be tried under blasphemy laws if investigators prove he insulted Islam. There was no immediate comment from the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. CHINA-FRANCE: FRENCH PRESIDENT MACRON TASKS HIS FOREIGN POLICY ADVISOR TO COLLABORATE WITH CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER WANG YI TO DEVISE FRAMEWORK FOR A PEACE PLAN TO END WAR IN UKRAINE Citing Bloomberg reports the Brussels Times (April 19) reported that French President Emmanuel Macron is "working on a secret plan" with China aimed at bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table as early as this summer. Citing "people familiar with the plans" who spoke on condition of anonymity, the report alleges that Macron has tasked his foreign policy adviser Emmanuel Bonne to collaborate with Chinese foreign policy chief Wang Yi to devise a "framework" which could be used as a starting point for future negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The report comes just days after Macron returned from a controversial trip to China, during which the 45-year-old French leader informed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that he is "counting" on China to "bring Russia to its senses" and end its war in Ukraine. Apr 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS MOSCOW AMIDST REPORTS OF SECRET CHINESE MILITARY SALES TO RUSSIA Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Tan Kefei said (April 14) that Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu is to visit Moscow from April 16-19 for meetings with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and other military officials. He will also visit Russia's military academy. Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Li Shangfu in Moscow on April 16, emphasizing the strategic relationship between the two sides. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu was present. When Putin held talks with Li Shangfu, he specifically mentioned the exchange of intelligence between the two sides, as well as joint exercises in the Far East and Europe.The Guardian quoted Li Shangfu as saying, “China is willing to work with Russia to make new contributions to the maintenance of world and regional security and stability." Russian TV said he said ties between Russia and China “surpass the military-political alliances of the cold war era” and “This is my first overseas visit since taking over as China’s defence minister. I specifically chose Russia for this in order to emphasise the special nature and strategic importance of our bilateral ties.” ii) China Daily (Chinese - April 14) quoted Yu Sui, Professor at the China Center for Contemporary World Studies, as saying "China's comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination with Russia has reached quite a high level, as President Xi Jinping also chose Russia as his first overseas trip after being elected Chinese president in March." "Thus, it's a normal arrangement for General Li to visit Russia at this time." Yu Sui said there 'will be more detailed arrangements to be discussed during the upcoming visit, as the two presidents have outlined their bilateral cooperation, stressing that Sino-Russian defense cooperation will only be carried out under the premise of safeguarding their respective security interests, maintaining world peace and stability and promoting development. And their cooperation is based on non23 alliances, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. This will benefit world peace and stability, as the United States and some other Western countries are stirring up more trouble in the Asia-Pacific and other regions, he added'. iii) Meanwhile, the Washington Post (April 13) said that Pentagon documents that appeared on the online platform 'Discord' last month and were leaked by a 21-year US employee, included a top secret intelligence summary that states Beijing had approved the incremental provision of weapons to Moscow. These were disguised as civilian items. It said the China's Central Military Commission wanted the shipments to remain secret. US Intelligence officials confirmed the documents are authentic and contain highly sensitive information. (Comment: The visit comes amid reports that China is selling military hardware to Russia. A Wall Street Journal report recently mentioned that at least half of Putin's delegation which met Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit were defence scientists. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang stated on April 14 that China will not sell weapons to either side during this war. He is the highest Chinese official to make such a declaration till now.) Apr 2023 CHINA-BRAZIL: BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT LULA'S 3-DAY VISIT TO CHINA DESCRIBED AS "A COMPLETE SUCCESS" AND RESULTS IN SIGNING OF 14 AGREEMENTS/MOUS The People's Daily (April 15) front-paged reports on the meeting between Brazilian President Lula and Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 14 and reproduced the 49-point Joint Statement issued thereafter. The Joint Statement reflected Brazil's endorsement of China's position on virtually all issues. Brazilian President Lula also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji. Brazilian President Lula also said "‘China is an indispensable force in global politics, economy and trade, science, and technology, and plays a vital role in promoting world peace and development. Brazil is committed to building closer relations with China from the strategic perspective of shaping a just and equitable international order." During his visit to China, Brazilian President Lula signed 14 agreements including on Space Cooperation. The key points of the agreement on Space Cooperation are: Technology transfer; CBERS-6 satellite; Space Cooperation Plan 2023-2032; Lunar & deep space exploration; BINGO radio telescope; BRICS remote sensing constellation; and International space law. The Joint Statement, which described Brazilian President Lula's visit as "a complete success" said the agreements and MoUs concluded covered poverty reduction, fighting hunger, food security, scientific and technological innovation, aerospace, information communication, investment, customs inspection and quarantine, finance, digital economy, and trade facilitation, television production, media and other fields of cooperation. Lula also endorsed China as "the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory" and that Brazil "reaffirms the principle of territorial integrity and supports the peaceful development of cross-strait relations. China highly appreciates this". It said Brazil "views China's relevant proposal positively and believes that the proposal provides a useful idea for seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis. China positively views Brazil's efforts to promote the realization of peace. China and Brazil call on more countries to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis". During a visit (April 13) to the Shanghai-based New Development Bank, an institution created by BRICS countries, (Brazil, China, Russia, India, and South Africa) and as Chief Executive of which Former Brazil President Dilma Rousseff was selected, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called on BRICS nations to come up with an alternative to replace the dollar in foreign trade. He asked “Why can’t an institution like the BRICS bank have a currency to finance trade relations between Brazil and China, between Brazil and all the other BRICS countries? Who decided that the dollar was the (trade) currency after the end of gold parity?” Apr 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER BAERBOCK'S VISIT TO CHINA The People's Daily (April 15) published a brief report on Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meeting visiting German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. She also met with Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Foreign Minister Qin Gang met German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Tianjin and accompanied her on a visit to German companies and on the highspeed train with her to Beijing. Writing in the Global Times (April 14), former Editor-in-Chief Hu Xijin observed "It should be said that these courtesies given by China to the German foreign minister show Beijing's broad-mindedness". He also said "The EU's foreign policy is mainly determined by France and Germany. Baerbock and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz belong to the Green Party and the Social Democratic Party respectively. Baerbock can roughly represent half of the current German government's attitude towards China. She can be regarded as a hardliner toward China in Germany. The American and British media have had high expectations that she can "revise" Macron's remarks regarding China." He noted that "Regarding the Taiwan question, she claimed that "a unilateral and violent change in the status quo would not be acceptable to us as Europeans." On the Ukraine issue, she said the Chinese position "does not include a call on the aggressor Russia to stop the war," and said "no other country has more influence on Russia than China." She also pointed an accusing finger at China's human rights issue." The Guardian (April 14) noted that Qin Gang said "If countries want to respect the one-China principle, then the proper move would be to resolutely oppose Taiwan’s independence". She said too that a military conflict in the Taiwan strait would be a “horror scenario” that would directly affect her own country. Responding to her saying that her government had noted with concern that “human rights are increasingly being curtailed” in China, Qin Gang responded by saying that there were no uniform standards for human rights around the world, telling the assembled press that “the last thing China needs is to be lectured by the west”. Reuters (April 19) reported that addressing the German Bundestag (lower house of parliament) on April 19, about her China trip, Baerbock said "some of it was really more than shocking" adding that Beijing was increasingly becoming a systemic rival more than a trade partner and competitor. She did not elaborate on specifics, although her remark came after she said China was becoming more repressive internally as well as aggressive externally. She told the Bundestag "that the systemic rivals’ aspect is increasing more and more". (Comment: China accorded Baerbock "correct" treatment but was declined a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.) Apr 2023 CHINA-AUSTRALIA: AUSTRALIAN TRADE MINISTER FARRELL TO VISIT CHINA IN NEXT FEW WEEKS Beijing News Daily (April 20), quoting CCTV news said according to Australian media reports, the first Australian business delegation led by Trade Minister Farrell will visit China in the next few weeks. At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Commerce held on April 20, the spokesperson stated that China and Australia are highly complementary in economic structure and are important economic and trade partners to each other. This is the first Australian trade delegation to visit China in three years. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING INSPECTS GUANGDONG Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Guangdong province when he accompanied French President Macron to Guangzhou and hosted him to tea in his father's former residence. Xinhua (April 11) reported that Xi Jinping first went to the city of Zhanjiang, where he visited a mariculture base, an area of mangrove forests, a port, and a water resource allocation project. It said Xi Jinping learned about efforts in developing marine aquaculture, strengthening the protection of mangrove forests, boosting transportation infrastructure connectivity, advancing the collaborative development of Guangdong with its neighbouring island province of Hainan, and optimizing water resource allocation. Xi Jinping was accompanied by Politburo Member and Guangdong Provincial Party Secretary Huang Kunming and Wang Weizhong, Governor of Guangdong Province. ii) Xinhua (April 12) added that he also inspected the PLA Southern Theatre Command Navy on April 11 when he stressed strengthening training and combat readiness and accelerating transformation to boost the armed forces' modernization levels on all fronts. He called on the armed forces to resolutely fulfill the duties entrusted by the Party and the people. Xi Jinping posed for group photos with officers at the Navy headquarters of the Southern Theater Command, He acknowledged the achievements the command's navy has made in improving itself and exercising its duties since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. Xinhua cited him saying 'the armed forces should analyse and address military issues from a political perspective, carry out military struggles in a resolute and flexible manner, and enhance the ability to ensure timely and proper responses to complex situations. He told the military to resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and strive to maintain the overall stability of the country's neighbouring regions. Xi Jinping also ordered the armed forces to strengthen training under combat conditions, innovate the concepts of combat and the methods of combat and training, and intensify force-on-force training based on operational plans. He asked them to develop new types of combat forces and means and accelerate the efforts to incorporate new equipment and new forces into actual combat capacity. Xi Jinping also stressed the importance of strengthening the Party's leadership over the armed forces. iii) CCTV (April 13) said on the morning of April 13, Xi Jinping listened to the work report of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, affirming the achievements of Guangdong in various tasks. In his talk Xi Jinping dilated on Chinese-style modernization, common prosperity of all people is the essential feature of Chinese-style modernization and theme education as a major task of party building this year. PBSC member and Director of the CCP CC General Office Cai Qi, accompanied Xi Jinping. Li Ganjie, He Lifeng and responsible comrades from relevant departments of the central and state agencies accompanied the investigation, and responsible comrades from the Seventh Steering Group of the Central Committee of Theme Education attended the report meeting. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PREMIER LI QIANG INSPECTS UNICORNS AT SYMPOSIUM IN BEIJING The state-owned CCTV (April 13) reported that on April 12, Premier Li Qiang "investigated the development of unicorn enterprises in Beijing" during a symposium. He emphasized that it is necessary to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, strengthen confidence, be determined to innovate, focus on opening up new fields and new tracks for development, and shape new momentum and advantages for development. He added that the overall economic operation has improved, and high-quality development has been injected with strong impetus. Those who briefed him were: Yinhe Aerospace (Beijing) Network Technology Co., Ltd.,; Haibo Strong Technology Co., Ltd.,; and Horizon Robot Technology R&D Co., Ltd. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER LIU GUOZHONG INSPECTS ANHUI AND ZHEJIANG FROM APRIL 9-11 Liu Guozhong, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, visited Anhui and Zhejiang from 9th to 11th. Xinhua (April 11) said he emphasized that "it is necessary to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on "three rural" work and health work, adhere to the priority development of agriculture and rural areas, follow the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, do not relax in the spring agricultural production, and strengthen the guarantee of rural medical and health services , to ensure national food security and the health of the people, and to provide guarantees for the continued overall improvement of economic operations". Liu Guozhong visited family farms, cooperatives and seed enterprises and went to the fields to observe the growth of winter wheat, and went to the breeding base to understand the production of aquatic products. He stressed the importance of achieving a stable and safe supply of grain and important agricultural products throughout the year. Liu Guozhong also visited county-level hospitals, township health centers, village clinics and disease control centers to learn more about the operation of institutions, the development of medical communities and the construction of rural health teams. He emphasized that ibuilding the rural medical and health system should be taken as an important part of the five-level secretary's grasp of rural revitalization, the integration and optimal allocation of medical and health resources in the county should be strengthened, and the service functions of the county medical and health system should be strengthened and expanded. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING NOW DOMINATES STATE COUNCIL INDICATING PARTY'S CONTROL OVER GOVERNMENT The central government’s main website (Gov.cn) recently underwent a significant overhaul. Previously, at the top of the site’s homepage was a prominent section highlighting the premier’s speeches and activities. It has been replaced with a page featuring Xi Jinping’s recent words and whereabouts instead (Gov.cn 2). (Comment: Managed by the State Council general office, Gov.cn launched in 2006 and has been revamped at least twice before (in 2007 and in 2014). The latest overhaul coincided with the appointment in March of a new government leadership team helmed by Premier Li Qiang. 4 Li Qiang has moved quickly to change the way the government functions, including by: Changing the State Council work rules to give the Party even more say over the government; and promoting the practice of “research and study” to get more policy input from the grassroots. These hallmarks of Li’s new administration are reflected in two recent columns on the refreshed website, entitled (Gov.cn 1): “Implementing the Decisions and Deployment of the Party Center” and “Promoting the Trend of Research and Study”. In Xi’s third term, the premier and government increasingly appear implementers of his, and the Party’s, decisions – instead of being policy innovators.) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CRITICISM OF XI JINPING CIRCULATED ON CHINA'S SOCIAL MEDIA DURING 20TH PARTY CONGRESS A report states that during Xi Jinping's third re-election, a 2015 essay by China's Rao Yi warning against "state eunuchization" circulated on social media, with the warning: Today's China is mass-producing 'eunuchs'." Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CCP CC ISSUES NOTICE FOR ALL CADRES TO STUDY XI JINPING THOUGHTS ON SOCIALIST IDEOLOGY CCTV (April 6) telecast that the CCP CC recently issued a notice on printing and distributing the "Outline for Studying Xi Jinping's Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (2023 Edition)". It stated that since the CCP CC believes that the "Outline (2023 Edition)" has made a comprehensive and systematic exposition of Xi Jinping's thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, it agreed to print and distribute the "Outline (2023 Edition)" as an important auxiliary reading for the majority of party members, cadres, and the masses to study and understand Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The "Notice" emphasised that party committees (party groups) at all levels should organize all party members to carefully read the original works, learn the original texts, and understand the principles, and closely integrate with the study and implementation of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Study plans, make careful arrangements, and carry out multi-form, hierarchical, and full-coverage learning and training. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: SUPREME PEOPLE'S COURT LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO STUDY XI JINPING'S NEW ERA OF SOCIALISM On April 12, China's Supreme People's Court held a mobilization and deployment meeting to study and implement the theme of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the fourth collective study and theme education work meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee , to mobilize and deploy the Supreme Law's in-depth study and implementation of the theme education of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Zhang Jun, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Supreme People's Court, made the request. Xu Yousheng, leader of the 22nd Central Steering Group, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. The Party Central Committee decided to focus on leading cadres at or above the county level to carry out in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's theme education on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era throughout the party. Zhang Jun emphasised the seriousness of the new campaign when he said, "There will be no gusts of wind, no "two skins", and no formalities". He also emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen organizational leadership and consolidate leadership responsibilities. Xu Yousheng pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech is a programmatic document for strengthening party building in the new era and a fundamental basis for carrying out thematic education and that it must be carefully studied and understood, and thoroughly implemented. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PRESIDENT OF XINHUA PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN GUANGMING DAILY ON USING THEME EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN THE CCP'S THEORETICAL ARM Shuang Chuanxue, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Xinhua Daily, and Special Researcher of Jiangsu Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, published an article titled 'Understanding and comprehending scientific theories in history' in the Guangming Daily (April 7). He said an 'educational work conference on the theme of studying and implementing Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics was held in Beijing a few days ago. General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an important speech emphasizing that it is necessary to use this theme education as an opportunity to strengthen the party's innovative theoretical arm and continuously improve the level of Marxism in the whole party'. The article urged promoting theoretical innovation to help China become a confident nation. It concluded with the exhortation: " Let Marxism firmly take root in the land of China." Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: DISTRIBUTION OF PORTFOLIOS ON NEW PBSC AND PB INSTALLED AFTER 20TH PARTY CONGRESS AND 14TH NPC CHINA-LEADERSHIP: MEDIA ROYALTY PAYMENTS TO CCP LEADERS INCLUDING XI JINPING Radio Free Asia (April 7) published an interesting article on the remunerations and royalties earned by CCP leaders for writing articles and publishing books. The subject has attracted attention inside China because the total printing volume of Xi Jinping's "writings" is said to have reached "astronomical" figures, and the royalties are naturally staggeringly high. The four-volume Chinese version of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" alone has reportedly brought Xi Jinping hundreds of millions of dollars in income. In November 2015, the CCP's foreign propaganda "China Net" published a rare reference article captioned "How much is the manuscript fee of a state-level writer". It said newspapers and magazines such as "People's Daily" and "Seeking Truth" publish articles by party and state leaders and pay the authors, including members of the Politburo Standing Committee, royalties. ? of course not. However, according to the usual practice, members of the Politburo Standing Committee do receive royalties for publishing articles and books. Moreover, sometimes the manuscript fee is expensive. In 2014, "Southern Weekend" reported that articles published by CCP leaders in "Qiushi" were paid the same as ordinary authors. Qiushi Magazine paid 100 yuan per thousand words for ordinary manuscripts, and 150 yuan per thousand words for key articles. The "People's Daily Overseas Edition" revealed that the royalties paid by the party and state leaders are carried out in accordance with common standards, usually between 7% and 10%. It disclosed that if the leaders' speeches and working papers are combined into a book, although royalties are also implemented according to ordinary standards, because of the huge circulation of the leaders' works, it can be considered a considerable amount of income. An example cited was of "Zhu Rongji's Speech Records" which had a sales volume of 1.3 million copies. The book is currently priced at 196 yuan. According to a conservative estimate, with a 7% royalty standard, the pre-tax income will be as high as 17.836 million yuan. After payment of the 11.2% tax, it is estimated that Zhu Rongji's actual (royalty) income could conservatively be estimated at more than 15 million yuan. According to the report of the Hurun Research Institute, Zhu Rongji "has donated a total of 23.98 million yuan since 2013", and the money is the royalties from Zhu Rongji's book publishing after retirement. In February 2015, the China Philanthropy Research Institute of Beijing Normal University announced the "China's Top 100 Donations List". In 2013 and 2014, Zhu Rongji donated a total of about 40 million yuan, becoming the most philanthropic figure among retired political leaders in China. According to incomplete statistics, Jiang Zemin has published 6 books, and Li Peng and Li Lanqing have published 10 books each. Since Xi Jinping has surpassed Zhu Rongji in the number of publications and copies sold, Chinese sources estimate that if calculated according to Zhu Rongji's standard of 10% of manuscript fee, Xi Jinping's income should exceed 200 million yuan. Observers consider the estimate as too conservative since every book of Xi Jinping is still being reprinted and the average price per copy of Xi Jinping's "works" is estimated to be about 45 yuan, even for the ordinary Chinese version. In addition, the printing volume of Chinese minority language and foreign language editions of Xi Jinping's various "books" published is far less than that of the ordinary Chinese editions, but the foreign language editions have higher royalties because of their high prices. In April 2017, an article authored by Gongsun Ping in the overseas Wanwei Reader Network and captioned "Looking at the Source of Corruption from Xi Jinping's Huge Contribution Fee" said within two years of coming to power, Xi Jinping's manuscript fees surpassed those of Mao and Deng. The cumulative multilingual circulation of the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country" published on September 28, 2014, in just eight months by the end of May 2015, reached nearly 5 million copies (Chinese version is 80 yuan per copy). Its English, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Japanese editions have been published overseas with more than 400,000 copies (priced at 120 yuan per volume for the foreign language edition). It claimed Xi Jinping was paid royalties in RMB and foreign exchange for the Chinese and foreign language editions at the same time. Apr 2023 CHINA-AGRICULTURE: BEIJING DAILY ARTICLE DISCUSSES PROBLEMS IN CHINA'S AGRICULTURE SECTOR A Beijing Daily (April 10) article authored by Zeng Junxia, Gao Liangliang, Wang Bin, Wei Yaping and Qi Guo [all of the Institute of Rural Development, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Central Agricultural Radio and Television School (Farmer Science and Technology Education and Training Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs)] and captioned 'More than 17 million professional farmers are relatively "young", and some laborers with nonagricultural household registration have appeared', asserted that "Professional farmers are the new force of modern agriculture". It said that "In 2020, China's professional farmers will grow to 17 million, accounting for 9.6% of the agricultural labor force. Based on the survey sample data of 9,763 professional farmers in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across the country in 2018", the Beijing Daily analyzed "the basic characteristics of professional farmers from the dimensions of production and operation categories and regions. The results show that compared with the situation in the third national agricultural census data, professional farmers present many new characteristics. These new demographic characteristics are also important reference factors for studying the production and management of professional farmers". It cautioned that "The agricultural labour force is no longer young. In 2017, the average age of China's agricultural labour force was 53.3 years old; and the aging rate is very fast. 12.7% rose rapidly to 33.6% in the third agricultural census in 2016, an increase of almost 2 times". Identifying a problem, it said "Among the professional farmers, the vast majority are farmers with agricultural household registration from rural areas, but a small part (7.5%) are laborers with non-agricultural household registration from cities. The household registration system formed in the late 1950s was like an invisible "wall" that divided the urban and rural labour markets into two. Later, with the process of industrialization and urbanization, young and high-quality rural laborers gradually flowed to the cities in one direction. But very few urban laborers with non-agricultural household registration migrated to rural areas to become agricultural laborers. Among professional farmers, this "wall" has cracks, and a small part of the urban labour force has begun to flow reversely to the countryside. CHINA-CCP: ARTICLE IN CASS JOURNAL URGES USE OF PARTY'S INNOVATION THEORY TO CULTIVATE NEWCOMERS The Chinese Journal of Social Sciences (April 7) published an article captioned 'Use the party's innovation theory to cultivate newcomers of the times'. It said "When youth prosper, the country prospers; when youth is strong, the country is strong. In order to study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, colleges and universities must firmly grasp the key group of young students, fully implement the fundamental task of building morality and cultivating people, and cultivate souls and educate people with Xi Jinping's socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era". It disclosed that on March 26, Jinan University held an academic seminar on "Using the Party's Innovation Theory to Cultivate New Talents of the Era" when experts and scholars attending the meeting focused on the theme of "Cultivating New Talents of the Times Project” and conducted in-depth discussions on the work of educating talents in colleges and universities in the new era. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: DEPUTY DEAN OF SCHOOL OF MARXISM OF CASS EXTOLLS "INITIATIVE SPIRIT OF THE MASSES" Guangming Daily (April 7) published an article by Wang Weiguo, Deputy Dean of the School of Marxism, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Special Researcher at the Xi Jinping Thought Research Center on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, titled 'Stimulate the "initiative spirit of the masses" in the process of promoting Chinese-style modernization. Stating that "the party and the country have made historic achievements and undergone historic changes, "providing a more complete institutional guarantee, a more solid material foundation, and a more active approach to Chinese-style modernization." mental strength", it added "Promoting Chinese-style modernization requires not only strong material strength, but also "more active spiritual strength." Extensively quoting Lenin, Marx and Duhring, it said "To stimulate the "initiative spirit of the masses" must consolidate and strengthen the overall leadership of the party." It said "The proletariat has truly become an "invincible force", and the "spirit" or "spirit of initiative" of the masses is constantly stimulated, so it must rely on the strong leadership of the proletarian party. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The Communist Party of China came into being in 1921. Since then, the struggle of the Chinese people for national independence, people's liberation, national prosperity, and people's happiness has had a backbone. Initiative." The Communist Party of China is the "backbone" that cultivates and promotes the "initiative spirit" of the Chinese people, and the leadership of the party is the fundamental guarantee for the spiritual initiative of the Chinese people. On the new journey, we must constantly improve, consolidate and strengthen the party's overall leadership. Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE BY QINGDAO UNIVERSITY PARTY SECRETARY RECALLS XI JINPING'S URGING TO TREAT "PRIVATE ENTERPRISES AS ONE OF OUR OWN" Guangming Daily (April 11) published an article captioned 'Solidly promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy', by Hu Jinyan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Qingdao University and Researcher at the Xi Jinping Thought Research Center for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Shandong Province. Referring to CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping's visit on March 6 this year to members of the Democratic National Construction Association and the Federation of Industry and Commerce who participated in the first meeting of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, it observed that Xi Jinping had 'emphasized that the Party Central Committee has always adhered to "two unshakable" and "three unchanged"', and has always said 'Treat private enterprises and private entrepreneurs as one of our own. It is necessary to guide private enterprises and private entrepreneurs to correctly understand the principles and policies of the Party Central Committee, enhance confidence, go into battle lightly, and develop boldly to achieve healthy and high-quality development of the private economy. The private economy is an important part of the socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics. It is an important subject of promoting supply-side structural reforms, promoting high-quality development, and building a modern economic system'. He observed that 'in 2021, the number of private enterprises in China were 44.575 million, accounting for 96% of the total market entities and the number of private listed companies will exceed 3,000, and the tax contribution of the private economy will reach 59.6%. Private enterprises have made great contributions to economic growth, stable employment, promotion of income increase, and protection of people's livelihood, and have become an indispensable force in promoting China's development'. Regretting that 'Some private enterprises have weak expectations and lack confidence in future development', he recommended implementing the establishment of a pro-Qing government-business relationship. Hu Jinyan recommended measures for promoting private enterprises. CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY VICE PRESIDENT OF CHINA'S RENMIN UNIVERSITY ON SELF-CONFIDENCE Wang Yi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Renmin University of China, published an article captioned 'Profoundly grasp the standpoint and method of self-confidence and self-reliance (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)' in the People's Daily (April 11). He wrote "Self-confidence is the spirit of the Communist Party of China, and self-reliance is an important principle for our party and country. Self-confidence can be selfreliance, self-reliance can be self-improvement" He called for "Persist in self-confidence and self-reliance and continue to write a new chapter in the modernization of Marxism in China". Apr 2023 CHINA-CCP: 100,000 STUDENTS AND 117 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR'S CHALLENGE CUP IN CHENGDU UNIVERSITY China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnian Bao - April 11) disclosed that the 2022 "Challenge Cup" Sichuan University College Students Business Plan Competition closed on April 11 at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It said the competition this year attracted 117 colleges and universities and more than 100,000 college students, indicating that the social influence of the "Challenge Cup" has increased significantly. The theme of this year's competition was "Challenge the Party and Create the Future with a Youthful Heart". CHINA-PLA: CHINA ISSUES UPDATED REGULATIONS ON CONSCRIPTION ON APRIL 12 On April 12, China's Central Military Commission (CMC) issued updated regulations on military conscription emphasizing the recruitment of "outstanding & highly qualified personnel," focusing on college students. It is the first time these have been amended in two decades. Comprising 11 chapters and 74 articles they will come into force on May 1, 2023. The CMC Ministry of National Defense Mobilization stated that in recent years, with the acceleration of the integration of mechanization, informatization and intelligence in the military, there is an urgent need to recruit more outstanding young people to join the army. The new conscription policy is to lay a solid ideological foundation for recruits to serve in the military according to the law, improve the adaptability of enlistment, timely eliminate young people who are not firm in their will to enlist and suffer from recessive diseases, and specially add pre-enlistment education before recruits are approved. Apr 2023 CHINA-CYBERSECURITY: CYBERSPACE ADMINISTRATION ISSUES NEW REGULATIONS FOR AI-GENERATED CONTENT The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released draft regulations for AI-generated content (AIGC) services on April 11. These include tools like ChatGPT. The CAC’s draft regulations: emphasise censorship requirements to remove subversive chatbot content; apply “watermark” provisions from the CAC’s rules on “deepfake” content – a subset of AIGC; require real-name user registration; restrict how personal information can be used by AIGC service providers; and require AIGC algos to be filed with the CAC’s algorithm registration system. Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE TRAVELLER TO SHENZHEN OBSERVES ADVERSE EFFECT OF U.S. SANCTIONS ON CHIPS A Chinese national who just wrapped up a trip to Shenzhen to see how their tech companies are faring against the backdrop of the great tech decoupling noted on April 10, that the companies visited differed in field, size, and temperament, but some common traits were worth sharing. He listed these as: (i) The pressure of U.S. sanctions is acutely felt across industries. Foreign markets were forced to give up, access to hardware was lost, and many are bracing for more extreme measures as they expect the situation to further deteriorate. (ii) Many lamented the decoupling as mutually harmful, saying they used to have sizable investments in the U.S. that generated good-paying jobs. "Practically every tech company has set up a lab in CA", someone told me, but the investment has all but evaporated. (iii) Being sanctioned by the United States has been an emotional experience. Many indignantly stressed they were unfairly penalized, how one photo may have been intentionally taken out of context and triggered disproportionate scrutiny. (iv) People with one of the more severely sanctioned companies were particularly furious, saying accommodating the U.S. in any way would be pointless because Washington has moved beyond reason, and any due process is mere hypocrisy. (v) Despite the blows, all companies expressed confidence and optimism that they would pull through the ordeal. Qs such as "What if the supply of chips is further cut off” and “What if we are put on a more prohibitive entities list" have prompted companies to draw up plans. (vi) As the prospect of prospering in Western markets dims, many are giving a refreshed look at emerging markets, especially ASEAN countries and the Middle East. (vii) The sanctions by the U.S. came as a nasty shock for many tech companies, whose average employee age may not even have reached 30 and had little sense they could become a victim of geopolitics. Many are undergoing a learning curve to adapt to the new norm. (viii) Ending this thread, I’ll throw in one thing I love about SZ and one thing I didn’t. For the former, I thought the city had great nightlife. Lao Dongmen shopping area was packed at midnight, and long lines snaked in front of popular food stalls. Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE EXPORTS SURGE IN FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR China's State Council Information Office announced (April 13) that China's foreign trade got off to a good start in the first quarter of this year, with its value totaling 9.89 trillion yuan (US$1.44 trillion) and registering a year-on-year increase of 4.8%. Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA SOUTHERN POWER GRID, BUYS 2 PERUVIAN ENERGY SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES FOR US$ 2.9 BILLION China Southern Power Grid Co. Ltd. agreed to pay around $2.9 billion to acquire two Peruvian assets from Italy’s biggest utility Enel SpA as the Chinese state-owned major deepens its footprint in South America amid a global business expansion. Under the agreement, a subsidiary of the Rome-based company will sell its entire 83.15% stake in distribution and supply company Enel Distribución Perú S.A.A. and 100% stake in advanced energy services provider Enel X Perú S.A.C. to China Southern Power Grid International (HK) Co. Ltd., the overseas investment unit of the Chinese firm, according to Enel’s announcement released April 7. Apr 2023 CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA INVESTS US$ 16.5 BILLION IN RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION IN FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 2023 China State Railway Group confirmed on April 9 that China’s railway investment in the first quarter hit its highest level since 2013 amid government efforts to boost the economy and expand infrastructure in Western border regions that are of ever-increasing security and economic importance. It said total fixed-asset railway investment in the first three months of the year hit 113.55 billion yuan (US$16.5 billion), up by 6.6 per cent from the same period last year. For later this year, the China State Railway Group will focus on the construction of projects in border areas, including in the autonomous regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as along the new Western land-sea corridor – a trade and logistics passage bridging Western China with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (Comment: Analysts said the increase is part of China’s fiscal policies to support a postcoronavirus recovery, as well as efforts to stabilise foreign trade and meet defence demands amid China’s worsening ties with the West and some of its neighbouring countries). Apr 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: TWO CHINESE HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS AWARDED UNUSUALLY STIFF SENTENCES IN 'CLOSED' TRIAL IN SHANDONG COURT Radio France International (April 9) reported that the 'closed' trial of Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi was to begin on April 10, in Shandong. Both were arrested on charges of "subversion of state power" after attending an informal meeting in Xiamen in December 2019. They were tried in Linshu County Court in Shandong Province. It is reported that the lawyers representing the two have received notification from the Intermediate Court of Linyi City, Shandong Province. Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi were both awarded unusually stiff sentences. (Comment: Xu Zhiyong is a well-known Chinese legal scholar and Ding Jiaxi a human rights lawyer.) Apr 2023 CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER DIRECTOR OF CHINA'S SUPREME COURT SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON Caixin (April 12) disclosed that Meng Xiang, former Director of the Supreme People’s Court Enforcement Bureau, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for accepting 22.74 million yuan ($3.3 million) in bribes by a court in Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan province. He was also fined 2 million yuan and had his illegal gains confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. CHINA-FOREIGN POLICY: CHINESE ACADEMIC'S ASSESSMENT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE Tang Shiping, Distinguished Professor of Fudan University, and a Distinguished Professor of "Cheung Kong Scholars" of the Ministry of Education, published an assessment of the war in Ukraine in the CASS' Social Sciences Journal on April 10. Its release was delayed for one months because of the fluid battlefield situation. A translation of the assessment is given below: 1. Assessment of Russia's Basic Situation Almost all observers admit that Russia's current economic situation is much better than most observers expected. The overall economic situation is stable, and the basic life of the people has not been greatly affected. On the one hand, this shows that Russia has made quite sufficient preparations in these aspects before the war (this of course also reflects that Russia has a relatively clear understanding of the international political and economic environment it will face in the years after the war). Another reason is that except for the United States, Europe, other "Five Eyes Alliance" countries, and Japan, most countries have not joined in-depth economic sanctions against Russia. Given that Russia's economic situation is basically stable, Russia's domestic political situation is also relatively stable. Despite the presence of anti-war voices, public protests appear to have been infrequent and modest. However, if the war drags on for a long time, the pressure on Russia's economic, social, and political stability will surely increase. 2. Basic Situation Assessment of Ukraine Today, at least half of Ukraine's economy needs to receive "blood transfusion" from the United States and Europe. The aid it has received has reached more than 200 billion U.S. dollars (including economic aid and military aid), and may even be as high as 400 billion U.S. dollars (statistics vary). 3. Overall battlefield situation The war has entered a long war of attrition and a tug-of-war since April 2022, and has basically reached a stalemate. Although one side may achieve certain results in some local areas, neither side can decisively defeat the opponent. From the point of view of casualties, the current Western estimates are: Russian casualties are as high as 180,000, while Ukrainian casualties are also as high as 120,000, roughly a ratio of 2:3 (Russia: Ukraine). In July last year, based on computer simulations, we gave a ratio of casualties of about 2:1 (Russia: Ukraine) as of 2022-06-24. Now the casualty ratio gap between the two sides has changed, mainly because Ukraine’s casualty rate has risen sharply after entering the stalemate, especially in the Bakhmut region. The total population of Ukraine is only 1/3 of that of Russia. (In addition, many people in Ukraine chose to flee Ukraine instead of joining the resistance.) Ukraine’s determination to resist is also facing a test, but Ukraine obviously will not give up resistance immediately. 4. The Ukrainian Counteroffensive and Possible Outcomes In general, Ukraine must carry out at least two waves of counterattacks from around the end of April this year to the end of winter (if it goes well and time and supplies allow, there may be three waves). On the one hand, there is an explanation to the citizens of Ukraine, and on the other hand, there is an explanation to the United States and Europe. The outcome of these two or three waves of counterattacks will largely determine the direction of the war. If the Ukrainian counteroffensive is very successful and recaptures most of the territory newly occupied by Russia, Ukraine will likely continue to push forward as soon as possible and strive to quickly obtain a stronger negotiating position. But in the face of such a situation, Russia will not let it go. Therefore, under such circumstances, even if Ukraine is willing to negotiate peace, the chances are not great. If the Ukrainian counter-offensive goes very badly and the troops are lost, Ukraine will face great pressure and difficulties. On the one hand, this may make the West no longer have any hope of Ukraine's "victory", which will at least undermine the willingness and determination of European countries to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine. And "defeatism" may also spread within Ukraine. However, even if Ukraine's counterattack does not go well this year, Ukraine will definitely not negotiate a ceasefire immediately, but will persist until at least next year. We believe that for at least the next year to one and a half years, as long as Ukraine does not give up its resistance, the United States and NATO countries will continue to support Ukraine, increase its war capabilities, and even increase support because Ukraine’s counterattack is not going well. The level of weapons in Ukraine. Kissinger once said a word in the Fourth Middle East War: "The United States will never allow American-made weapons to lose to Soviet-made weapons on the battlefield." Still, even U.S. and Western military analysts admit that, from a purely military standpoint, the Ukrainian counteroffensive has little chance of achieving a decisive victory. On the one hand, Russia has switched to a defensive posture at least since the successful counteroffensive of the Ukrainian army's Kharkov last year (ends in September 2022), so it is no longer unprepared for defense. On the other hand, Ukraine is now going to attack, but the attack will put forward higher requirements for intelligence, equipment, troops, morale, tactics, and multiarms coordination. Therefore, we should expect that, in addition to investing in more heavy equipment, Ukraine will try to adopt some new tactics, including air-ground coordinated operations. Ukraine currently has an estimated 120-180 relatively advanced tanks and armored personnel carriers aided by NATO. How Ukraine will use these tank armor forces is unknown. It is possible that Ukraine will mix these armored force tanks with its own armored force tanks, forming at least some armored (tank) battalions, regiments or brigades, and these armored (tank) tank battalions, regiments or brigades will serve as part of some local campaigns core attack force. V. Future Outlook: When will there be real negotiations? The war has brought deep trauma to the country and people of Ukraine. However, unfortunately, even with the assistance of the United States and NATO, the chances of Ukraine's complete victory in the end are not great. Even if Ukraine regained all the land (but unlikely to include Crimea), the price to Ukraine would be huge. And although Russia's overall war damage may be greater, after all, Russia has a large population, and it can basically independently make up for the supply of weapons and ammunition. Russia, on the other hand, has largely lost its ability to achieve its original strategic goals. Even if Russia basically achieves its tactical goals in eastern Ukraine on the battlefield, the relationship between Russia and the West will take at least 5-10 years, or even longer, to recover, and NATO has already expanded further eastward. Russia is also "losing more and winning less" in this war. Therefore, the most likely outcome of this war is that both sides pay a huge price, but there is no decisive victory or defeat. The protracted war is a disaster for Ukraine, Russia, and Europe. In this war, only the US stands to gain, and possibly Turkey, and some of the petro-states. And the war hit Europe particularly deeply and broadly. At least the cost of Ukraine's reconstruction will be largely borne by Europe. But, given some peculiar dynamics of a stalemate, the war is not going to end anytime soon. Therefore, I stick to my previous prediction that the war is unlikely to have a major breakthrough before the winter of 2023-2024, and the two sides are still in a war of attrition and a tug-of-war. There is a high probability that the war will continue until 2024-2025, although the overall situation on the battlefield may not change much. If Ukraine's impending counteroffensive and Russia's defenses are largely tied (a new stalemate), there may be a greater willingness on both sides to negotiate. If the ceasefire negotiations can be launched within this year, it will already be a very good result. However, if there is any real progress or preliminary results in the negotiations (such as a clear post-war arrangement agreement), it is estimated that it will take at least until the end of 2024. Therefore, the 2024 US election is of great significance. Apr 2023 CHINA-FOREIGN POLICY: CICIR PAPER BLAMES U.S. FOR RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE AND APPREHENDS SIMILAR U.S. ACTIONS IN ASIA USING TAIWAN A lengthy article published on April 5, 2023, by the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), Institute of American Studies Research Group titled 'Effects of the Ukraine Crisis and Lessons Learned' suggested that the prospects for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and ending the war are not optimistic. It said the Ukraine crisis marks the end of the post-Cold War era. Understandings about limits to great power competition have been broken one after another. This has strengthened the trend towards polarization and group confrontation in international politics. In brief, it said that 'the Ukraine crisis has had significant and far-reaching effects on international politics, economics, and military affairs since it escalated a year ago. With the gradual collapse of the international order after the Cold War, the polarization of international politics and the trend towards antiglobalization in international economics have intensified, and the global arms race has become increasingly fierce. The use of new military technology is leading humanity into a “new era of warfare”. The United States has used the Ukraine crisis to wage a proxy war with Russia, strengthen its alliance system, stabilize its internal affairs, encircle Europe, and contain Russia, making it the biggest beneficiary of the crisis. With Western support, Ukraine’s fighting ability and determination to fight has increased significantly. Neither Russia nor Ukraine will be quick to seek peace. The standoff between Russia and Ukraine will lead to prolonged conflict and ultimately increase the risk of nuclear war. At the same time, the possibility of negotiating a resolution to the crisis cannot be ruled out. The crisis has raised the issue of the importance of strategic autonomy in Europe and has served as a warning to Asian countries about the danger of the United States starting new proxy wars in the region. China’s global security initiative and its position paper on resolving the Ukraine crisis have provided new ideas for the parties involved as to how they can exit from the crisis and build lasting peace in the international community'. It pointed out that 'the Ukrainian crisis has led to a loss of over 1.6 trillion US dollars in global GDP in 2022, and another one trillion US dollars will be lost in 2023. The OECD predicts that the world economic growth rate from 2022 to 2024 will be 3.1%, 2.2%, and 2.7%, respectively, all below the usual level'. It noted 'The intensity and scope of sanctions imposed by the United States and the West on Russia are unprecedented. In terms of quantity, 48 countries and regions have participated in the sanctions, with up to 12,695 new measures added between the outbreak of the crisis as of January 8, 2023. In terms of content, the measures include freezing Russia’s foreign exchange reserves, kicking several key banks out of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), cancelling mostfavoured- nation treatment, controlling exports, restricting investment, and imposing sanctions on citizens. The severe sanctions by the United States and Europe have damaged Russia’s economy and technological innovation capabilities while Russia’s retaliatory measures have hit the European economy. The repeated struggles between Russia and the Western world led by the United States, have seriously impacted the current international economic order.' The paper warned that 'Asia-Pacific countries should be highly vigilant of the US’s attempts to replicate the Ukrainian crisis, provoke conflicts in the Taiwan Strait, and disrupt peace in the region to maintain its hegemony. The US government has continued its strategy of great power competition with China and Russia, seeking to constrain the “urgent threats” posed by Russia and “win the competition” against China, which is its “primary strategic adversary”. In this context, the US pursues a strategy of “dual containment” and “restraint” against China and Russia, and tries to stir up support for the “Taiwan independence” forces, using the issue of “today Ukraine, tomorrow Taiwan” to achieve “containing China with Taiwan”. The US military also trains the Taiwanese military systematically and tries to “arm Taiwan to the teeth”. These actions seriously violate China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, seriously violate the three joint communiques between China and the US, endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region, and send the wrong signals to the “Taiwan independence” forces. At the same time as implementing the strategy of containing China with Taiwan, the US is stepping up its “Indo-Pacific Strategy” to strengthen bilateral alliances and the Quad, to cobble together the AUKUS and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), and to expand NATO into the Asia-Pacific, trying to enhance so-called “integrated deterrence” against China. The military and economic strategies of the US are labelled with the names of peace and democracy, but they are essentially a renewed expansion of US hegemony. The Ukrainian issue and the Taiwan issue have different natures, the former is a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the latter is China’s domestic affair — China’s own business. However, both are inseparable from the expansion and provocation of the US. The US-led NATO expansion to the east inserted Western military forces into the region that is most sensitive for Russia, stimulating Russia to take strong action and engage in military confrontation with the West. No country treasures the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait more than China. The US’s strategic pressure is trampling upon China’s red line, and so the Taiwan Strait region faces the risk of war. Ever since World War II, the US has been fighting everywhere and causing harm to the world. Ukraine is the biggest victim of the Ukrainian crisis. If a large-scale military conflict should break out in the Taiwan Strait, it is the people of Taiwan who will inevitably suffer the most. Therefore, people in Taiwan need not only to be wary of the United States’ “destructive” plans for Taiwan and it using Taiwan as a pawn, but also to take action to oppose them'. (Comment: This interesting paper by the 11th Bureau of China's Ministry of State Security, or the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) clearly indicated China's concerns. It also included references to India in the context of its increased trade with Russia in oil, retaining ties with Russia and abstaining or not voting against it in the UNSC.) CHINA-TERRITORIAL AMBITIONS: PLA NAVY RECENTLY NAMED 5 MORE FEATURES IN INDIAN OCEAN Global Times (April 9) reported that the PLA Navy recently completed naming of 5 more undersea features in the Indian Ocean high seas area - totalling 9 to date. A PLA Navy officer was quoted as saying while such naming moves do not amount to assertion of national sovereignty it reflects PRC soft power. CHINA-TIBET: CHINA PROMULGATES NEW REGULATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY IN TAR The 2023 “Administrative Measures for Religious Activity Venues,” which will replace those of 2005, have presently been published as a draft for comments, which interested parties may submit by April 24. Under the new regulations, a place of worship may obtain and continue to maintain a permission to operate only if it “supports the leadership of the CPC, supports the socialist system, carries out an in-depth implementation of Xi Jinping thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, abides by the Constitution, laws, regulations, rules and relevant provisions of the management of religious affairs, practices the core values of socialism, adheres to the direction of Sinicization of religion.” The new regulations will make it easier to shut down religious venues, unless they actively preach “love for the motherland, and support the leadership of the CPC and the socialist system”. Priests, pastors, imams, and monks are required to be selected or enrolled on the basis of their “love for the motherland and support for the leadership of the CPC and the socialist system.” Apr 2023 CHINA-TIBET: CHINA OFFERS INCENTIVES AND PRIVILEGES TO LURE MAINLANDERS TO TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION The Tibetan Review (April 6) reported that the Tibet Autonomous Region on April 4 announced highly attractive incentives, including large financial support, to encourage professionals, businessmen, workers, and others from the mainland to help promote the region’s stability, economy and environmental development. Quoting China Daily (April 5), it said the TAR government organised a road show in Beijing on April 4, when it released a talent incentive scheme, saying that the region is in urgent need of four types of professionals: academicians; young, top-notch Chinese scientists; entrepreneurs who have developed stateof- the-art technologies; and other highly skilled workers who can promote the region’s stability, economy and environmental development. Under the incentive scheme, talent who come to the region can receive a minimum subsidy of 200,000 yuan ($29,000) and as much as 2 million yuan per person, the report said. Other incentives were stated to include provisions of accommodation, education and healthcare. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING MEETS TAIWANESE POLITICIAN IN BEIJING ON APRIL 10 Xinhua (April 10) reported that PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning met Liu Zhaoxuan, Chairman of the Taiwan side of the Cross-Strait Entrepreneurs Summit in Beijing on April 10. Wang Huning said: "We will always respect, care for, and benefit Taiwan compatriots, so that Taiwan compatriots and enterprises are willing to come, stay, integrate, develop well, and better share the development achievements of the motherland and the glory of national rejuvenation", adding "we are committed to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but "Taiwan independence" is incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait". Liu Zhaoxuan was reported to have said that he is willing to give better play to the role of the cross-strait entrepreneur summit, deepen cross-strait industrial cooperation, promote cross-strait integration and development, seek well-being for compatriots on both sides of the strait, and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI-ING-WEN'S AGENDA DURING HER STOPOVERS IN U.S. After wrapping up in Belize, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen landed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 4. American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Chair Laura Rosenberger and Taiwan Representative to the US Hsiao Bi-khim flew from New York to Los Angeles to receive her. On April 5 morning Tsai Ing-wen and McCarthy met in front of the Reagan Library. The Chairman and ranking member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, also attended meetings with Tsai at the Reagan Library.Tsai Ingwen gave a six-minute public speech thereafter. She said, briefly, that "the peace that we have maintained and the democracy which we have worked hard to build are facing unprecedented challenges. We once again find ourselves in a world where democracy is under threat, and the urgency of keeping the beacon of freedom shining cannot be understated". "Taiwan strives to be a reliable partner to the world, a cornerstone for stability in the region, and a force for good. In our efforts to protect our way of life, Taiwan is grateful to have the United States of America by our side. The pro-China protestors consisted of both overseas Chinese as well as some American civil-society organizations. A post authored by a Sohu user and another by a lecturer at the School of Communications and Journalism of Jinan University in Guangzhou (not to be confused with the University of Jinan in Shandong or National Chi Nan University in Nantou, Taiwan) — describes some of the pro-China protests at the scene: When Tsai Ing-wen and McCarthy met, a small airplane suddenly appeared in the sky pulling a huge English banner [which read], “ONE CHINA! TAIWAN IS A PART OF CHINA!”. When Tsai Ing-wen arrived at the hotel where she was staying, roughly 200 people “welcomed” her, but the number of people who came to protest exceeded 300. Some of them held the PRC national flag [and] banners and placards. Earlier, on the outward leg of her trip, Tsai Ing--wen met Senators Dan Sullivan, Joni Ernst, and Mark Kelly at her hotel in New York. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a statement about his quiet meeting with Tsai in New York where they discussed “the mutual security and economic interests between America and Taiwan” and “our shared commitment to democracy and freedom.” ii) The Hongkong-based China-owned Wen Wei Po (April 12) quoted Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, as saying at a regular press conference on April 12 that Tsai Ing-wen's behavior during the “transit” period made people see It is clear that the so-called "transit" is just an excuse, but it is actually a provocation of "relying on the United States to seek independence". He added that "the DPP authorities have continued to challenge the one-China principle". Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: PLA COMMENCES 'ROUND-THE-ISLAND' OPERATIONS AROUND TAIWAN ON APRIL 5 AND ANOTHER ROUND OF EXERCISES FROM APRIL 8-10 Even though China announced the end of the 3-day war game around Taiwan on April 10, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said on April 11 that at least 8 PLA naval vessels are still operating in waters near Taiwan. Earlier, the spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, Shi Yi announced (April 5) that from April 8th to 10th, 2023 Beijing time, the PLA Eastern Theatre Command will organize round-the-island operations in the Taiwan Strait, to include the northern and southern parts of Taiwan Island, and the airspace to the east of Taiwan Island. The exercise is named Combat Readiness Patrol and “Exercise United Sword”. On April 8, China's state-owned CCTV (April 8) released the first footage from the military exercises of April 8 around Taiwan. The video mentions some of the assets involved: Ground Force rocket launchers, PLA Navy destroyers and missile speedboats, PLA Air Force fighter, bomber, interference, and refuelling aircraft, etc. Taiwan's Defense Ministry said 42 Chinese planes and 8 ships crossed the strait's median line on April 8. China said if the US and Taiwan plan to normalize routine high-level political meetings, China will make military exercises around Taiwan more common. China's military simulated precision strikes against Taiwan in a second day of drills around the island on April 9. The exercises included "sealing off" the island. On April 9, Taiwan's defence ministry said that as of midday on April 9 they had spotted 58 Chinese aircraft, including Su-30 fighters and H-6 bombers, as well as nine ships, around Taiwan. By late on April 9, 71 PLAAF fighter aircraft and 9 ships were engaged in military exercises for what the Chinese military said was the "encirclement " of Taiwan. The Chinese navy has conducted 120 flight sorties from the aircraft carrier Shandong over the past three days, Japan said on April 10. Fighter aircraft took off and landed 80 times on the Shandong in waters east of Taiwan and south of Japan as of April 9 night, while helicopters conducted an additional 40 flights from the ship. The Shandong was operating south of Miyako, one of Japan’s southernmost islands, and was accompanied by three warships, the Japanese military said. “In response to the take-off and landing operations, the Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets,” the Joint Staff of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces added. 25 (Comment: CMC Vice Chairman General He Weidong would have supervised these exercises. He was responsible for planning and conducting the large PLA exercises immediately after US House Leader Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan last year. Observers also noted use of the word "encirclement" by the Chinese military spokesperson while discussing the military exercises.) Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN'S PROSPECT FOUNDATION SANCTIONED BY BEIJING After China sanctioned Taiwan's leading government-backed think-tank Prospect Foundation on April 7, the Prospect Foundation, has criticised Beijing's decision to impose sanctions on it. Apr 2023 CHINA-TAIWAN: DPP CRITICISES FORMER TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YINGJEOU'S STATEMENT THAT '1992 CONSENSUS IS LIVE' Taiwan media (April 7) reported that in response to former President Ma Ying-jeou's return to Taiwan on April 7, after his visit to China and claiming that "the 1992 Consensus has come back to life", DPP spokesman Zhang Zhihao pointed out that most Taiwanese people have recognized the "1992 Consensus" fabricated by the KMT, "There is no room for the Republic of China to survive". Meanwhile, observers in Taiwan are asking whether former President Ma Ying-jeou was slighted in China as he met neither Xi Jinping nor Wang Huning; and although it was rumoured that Ding Xuexiang would greet his plane, Song Tao met him. Apr 2023 CHINA-INDIA: CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY OBJECTS TO HOME MINISTER'S VISIT TO ARUNACHAL PRADESH Referring to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said (April 10) that 'the senior officials visit has violated China's territorial sovereignty and China firmly opposes it as the region of Zangnan is China's territory'. Apr 2023 CHINA-INDIA: BEIJING DAILY ARTICLE COMPARES INDIA AND CHINA'S POPULATIONS AND URGES INCREASED FERTILITY RATE IN CHINA FOR POPULATION REVIVAL The Beijing News Daily (April 12) published a lengthy article captioned 'India will become the most populous country in the world, what does it mean to China'. The sub-heading said "The size of the population depends not only on the concept of the country, society and the government, but also on whether the country has the ability to manage population transformation". The article assessed that "This will open a new chapter for India, which in turn sends two signals. One is that India's huge population will enhance its international status, especially as the fifth largest economy in the world and the fastest growing economy. The second is that India has become the most populous country in the world, which means that China has become the second most populous country in the world. Will this affect China's status as a major country?" It added that "India's jump to the position of the world's most populous country is a landmark event-the contest of national power cannot be separated from the consideration of the basic factor of population". It said, "From the perspective of medium and long-term development trends, India may compete with China in the low-end manufacturing industry." Saying that a "huge population size is certainly full of challenges, but with positive thinking and a flexible system" it can be an advantage. Calling for state action, it said "children are not only the "private goods" of individuals, couples, and families, but also the "public goods" of the state, society, and nation. Therefore, childbearing is not only a family matter related to family reproduction, but also a state matter related to ethnic reproduction. Family inheritance and caste reproduction are eternal Chinese values, and the pursuit of sustainable population development is also a common human value" and urged "protecting" fertility rates "with the purpose of population revival". Apr 2023 CHINA-AFGHANISTAN: CHINA RELEASES 11-POINT PAPER ON 'CHINA'S POSITION ON AFGHANISTAN' AND CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER QIN GANG ATTENDS FOREIGN MINISTERS CONFERENCE OF COUNTRIES NEIGHBOURING AFGHHANISTAN China released an 11-point paper titled "China's Position on the Afghan Issue," to fully elaborate its position on the Afghan issue and express firm support for the reconstruction of the war-torn country on April 12. According to the Global Times (April 12) analysts noted that China is taking concrete measures to push further coordination on the Afghan issue and together with regional countries to help with Afghanistan's reconstruction and revitalization. It said the paper lists China's adherence to the "Three respects" and "Three nevers," as the first point. These are respect for Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to respect the independent choices made by the Afghan people, and to respect the religious beliefs and national customs of Afghanistan. China never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs, never seeks selfish interests in Afghanistan and never pursues so-called sphere of influence. ii) Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang paid a two-day visit to Uzbekistan on April 12-13. While there he attended the fourth Foreign Ministers' Meeting among the Neighbouring Countries of Afghanistan in Samarkand. Xinhua (April 14) said that Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Afghan interim government, on April 13 on the sidelines of the foreign ministers' meetings of Afghanistan's neighbouring countries in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Qin Gang said that 'China always respects Afghanistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the independent choice made by the Afghan people. China never interferes in Afghanistan's internal affairs or seeks personal gains in Afghanistan. China firmly supports the Afghan interim government to exercise inclusive and moderate governance, promote goodneighbourly relations, and build Afghanistan into an oasis of peace and a place of development and prosperity on the Silk Road Economic Belt. It is hoped that Afghanistan positively responds to the concerns of its neighbours and further build up consensus among them on helping with Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. Qin Gang also ‘stressed that the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) is a terrorist organization listed by the UN Security Council and designated by the Chinese government in accordance with law. He expressed the hope that Afghanistan fulfils its commitment to fighting terrorism and earnestly protect the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Afghanistan'. He added that China is ready to deepen practical cooperation with Afghanistan, implement grant assistance to Afghanistan, advance cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen governance exchanges, help Afghanistan train professionals, carry out cooperation in drug control and alternative planting, and help Afghanistan enhance its capacity for independent and sustainable development. Apr 2023 CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN APPREHENDS BALOCH SEPARATIST LEADER IN BID TO ALLAY CHINESE SECURITY CONCERNS ON THE BRI Pakistan said (April 7) it has apprehended top anti-Chinese Baloch separatist militant leader Gulzar Imam, alias Shambay, after a meticulously executed operation. Islamabad hopes this will help secure Beijing's interests in Pakistan. Pakistan has not revealed where Imam was arrested. A student leader turned militant commander, Imam joined the Baloch Republican Army in 2009 and later broke away as leader of its faction in the Makran region, which includes the key Belt and Road port of Gwadar. In early 2022, he merged his faction with another militant group to establish the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA). Imam told an online news portal in January 2022 that the armed struggle against Chinese investments in Baluchistan would continue until Beijing realizes that these investments are not secure. Apr 2023 CHINA-US: US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ADDS 12 MORE COMPANIES TO THE ENTITIY LIST The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce announced (April 13) that it had added 12 Chinese companies to the Entity List for engaging in activities that violate U.S. national security or foreign policy interests. Most of these 12 companies deal in electronic components or equipment, of which 6 are headquartered in Hong Kong and 1 is in Taiwan. Taiwan's Zhongshi News Network reported that these entities have participated or are participating in activities that violate the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, posing a major risk. The entities are: i) 3HC Semiconductors (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. (3HC Semiconductors Apr 2023 CHINA-US: CHINA BANS HUDSON INSTITUTE, REAGAN LIBRARY AND 4 OF THEIR LEADERS FOR HOSTING TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN On April 7, China sanctioned the US Think-Tank, Hudson Institute, the Reagan Library and four of their leadership for hosting Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned them from transactions, communication and cooperating with Chinese universities, institutions and individuals. ii) Beijing Daily (April 13) said the Chinese Foreign Ministry had announced sanctions against US Republican Congressman of Texas, Michael McCaul (Michael McCaul), who it said "has frequently taken words and deeds to interfere in China's internal affairs and harm China's interests in recent years, and recently led a delegation to visit the Taiwan region of China, seriously violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, seriously damaged China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sent a serious wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces". Apr 2023 CHINA-US: WALL STREET JOURNAL PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY U.S. HUDSON INSTITUTE PRESIDENT UNDER THE CAPTION 'UKRAINE IS NO DISTRACTION FROM ASIA' In an article in the Wall Street Journal (April 4) captioned 'Ukraine Is No Distraction From Asia', Hudson Institute President and CEO John P. Walters wrote that "The fate of Asia is directly connected to the security of Europe" and that an axis of revisionist power is forming across the Eurasian landmass and attacking the system of U.S.-led alliances. He said Ukraine and Taiwan are on the front lines of the global struggle between freedom and tyranny and, to meet this challenge, America will need to rely on those partners and allies, who are “committed to safeguarding our way of life.” He said the U.S. must identify common threats and lead coalitions—such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Aukus and the Quad—against them. Apr 2023 CHINA-GERMANY: GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER BAERBOCK ARRIVES IN CHINA TO CLEAR MISUNDERSTANDINGS ON TAIWAN FOLLOWING FRENCH PRESIDENT MACRON'S VISIT German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Tianjin, China on April 13 to represent Berlin, as officials in Berlin were eager to stress that Germany and the EU care about Taiwan and stability in the region. They are also saying that China must contribute to de-escalation by refraining from aggressive military manoeuvres close to the island nation. Although German government spokespersons refused to comment directly on the French President's remarks, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry specifically called out Beijing when expressing "great concern" over the situation in the Taiwan Strait. He said "We expect all parties in the region to contribute to peace. That applies equally to the People's Republic of China," adding: "And it seems to us that actions such as military threatening gestures are counter to that goal and, in fact, increase the risk of unintended military clashes." While departing, Baerbock said she wanted to use her China visit to “underline the common European conviction that a unilateral change in the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and especially a military escalation, would be unacceptable.” Nils Schmid, the foreign policy spokesperson for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), said he expects Baerbock to "set the record straight" during her trip to China, which will involve meetings with Beijing's Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Vice President Han Zheng and top diplomat Wang Yi. Apr 2023 CHINA-RUSSIA: ARTICLE IN FOREIGN POLICY SUGGESTS DEFENCE AND HITECH DEALS WERE DISCUSSED DURING XI JINPING'S MEETING WITH PUTIN IN MOSCOW LAST MONTH Writing in Foreign Policy (April 12) Alexander Gabuev claimed that the defence relationship between Moscow and Beijing is deepening. He pointed out that Xi Jinping’s visit last month was first and foremost a demonstration of public support for the embattled Russian leader, but the truly significant developments took place during closed-door, in-person discussions between Putin and Xi Jinping. These concerned a number of important decisions about the future of Chinese-Russian defense cooperation and likely came to terms on arms deals that may or may not become public. He said senior figures in the Chinese Communist Party have openly discussed the need for a closer partnership with Russia because of what they perceive as an increasingly hostile U.S. policy aimed at containing China’s rise. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told Chinese state media after the trip that the partnership with Russia is very important at a time when some forces are advocating “hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism” and are driven by a “Cold War mentality”. According to him the message of Xi’s trip was clear: China sees many benefits in its relationship with Russia, it will continue to maintain those ties at the highest level, and it will not be deterred by Western critics. Observing that China and Russia signed list of 14 documents, including two statements by Xi and Putin, he suggested these were significant. Stating that the Kremlin did not publish the list of officials and senior business leaders present at the talks as per normal practice, his analysis revealed that more than half of Putin’s team participating in the first round of formal talks were officials directly involved in Russia’s weapons and space programs. That list includes former President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now Putin’s deputy in the presidential commission on the militaryindustrial complex; Sergei Shoigu, the defense minister; Dmitry Shugaev, who heads the federal service for military-technical cooperation; Yury Borisov, who runs the Russian space agency and who until 2020 had spent a decade in charge of the Russian weapons industry as deputy defense minister and deputy prime minister; and Dmitry Chernyshenko, a deputy prime minister who chairs a bilateral Chinese-Russian intergovernmental commission and is in charge of science and technology in the Russian cabinet. He assessed they were likely assembled to pursue one main goal: deepening defense cooperation with China. He noted that even before the war, some Russian analysts of China’s defense industry had advocated entering into joint projects, sharing technology, and carving out a place in the Chinese military’s supply chain. They argued this would be the best way for the Russian military industry to modernize as otherwise the rapid pace of China’s own R & D would soon render Russian technology obsolete. Russia has also started opening up its universities and science institutes to Chinese partners and integrating its research facilities with Chinese counterparts. Elvira Nabiullina, chair of Russia’s central bank, was a significant participant at the bilateral talks. Heads of some of the biggest Russian commodity producers also participated, indicating that the leaders discussed expanding the sale of Russian natural resources to China. Apr 2023 CHINA-JAPAN: CHINA REITERATES POSITION ON EAST CHINA SEA, DIAOYU ISLANDS, SOUTH CHINA SEA AND TAIWAN STRAIT AT 15TH HIGH-LEVEL CHINA-JAPAN CONSULTATIONS IN TOKYO The Shenzhen Daily (April 12) citing Xinhua reported that China and Japan held the 15th round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs in Tokyo on April10, "exchanging views on maritime affairs in an all-round and in-depth way". It said "As this year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship", the two sides agreed that efforts should be made to "abide by the spirit of the treaty, properly handle maritime disputes and differences through dialogue in accordance with the four-point principled agreement between China and Japan, and deepen practical maritime cooperation". It stated that "the Chinese side made clear China’s solemn position against Japan’s recent negative moves on the issues of East China Sea, Diaoyu Islands, South China Sea and Taiwan Strait". Apr 2023 CHINA-BRAZIL: CHINA WELCOMES LULA'S RETURN TO POWER IN BRAZIL AND CASS RELEASES STUDY OF BRAZIL'S STRATEGIC CHOICES FOLLOWING HIS RETURN Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, arrived in Shanghai, China on April 12 on a 4- day visit. He attended a ceremony to inaugurate his political ally Dilma Rousseff as president of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB). A meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled. Chinese analysts welcomed the return to power of an “old friend” of China’s. Seven analysts of the CASS released a study titled 'Brazil's strategic environment and strategic choices -- the outlook of Brazil's international strategy following Lula's return' in February 2023. Its lead author is Zhou Zhiwei, Director of the Centre for Brazilian Studies, Chinese 33 Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The other co-authors are: Chai Yu (柴瑜), Gao Cheng (高程), Zhou Zhiwei (周志伟), Zhang Yong (张勇), Wang Fei (王飞) and He Luyang (何露 杨). The study made the following 10 points: (i) Lula’s Brazil is seen as having fundamental political differences with the US; (ii)Under Lula, Brazil's diplomatic focus is expected to be reoriented towards the Global South and, most importantly, away from the US; (iii) Furthermore, Brazil’s interests, “de-emphasis of ideology” and approach to global issues are said to be often aligned with China’s; (iv) Brazil is viewed as an important partner in promoting globalisation, reforming the current international order and bringing about a multipolar world.; (v) Beijing should therefore strive to “win” Brasilia over as a reliable partner and “support it” in opposing “hegemonism and foreign power politics” (i.e. in opposing the US); (vi) Beijing should support Brazil’s desire to play a greater role in global affairs; (vii) Beijing should convince an already BRI-friendly Lula to “participate in” (understand “sign up to”) the Belt and Road Initiative; (viii) The BRICS should of course remain an important platform for China- Brazil and South-South cooperation; (ix) The development of economic cooperation will continue to be “the key factor determining Latin America's attitude towards China”. In this respect, China is shown to be at an advantage when compared with the US; and (x) Beijing should also provide “unequivocal support” for Latin American integration, strategic autonomy and “self-strengthening”. Apr 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PEOPLE'S DAILY FRONTPAGES REPORT ON CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH AT CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL i) The highlights of Xi Jinping's "important" speech at the Central Party School are: on the "correct understanding and vigorous promotion of Chinese-style modernization"; "China's modernization breaks the myth that "modernization=Westernization", demonstrates another aspect of modernization, expands the path choice for developing countries to modernize, and provides a Chinese solution for exploring better social systems for humanity"; “It is necessary not only to create higher efficiency than capitalism but also to maintain social equity more effectively.”; "China's modernization sets a model for many developing countries to independently and autonomously move towards modernization and provides them with new choices"; "we completed the industrialization process that Western developed countries took hundreds of years to achieve, creating a miracle of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, and opening up a vast prospect for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation"; "Only by firmly adhering to the leadership of the CCP can Chinese modernization have a bright future and prosper. Otherwise, it will deviate from its course and lose its soul, or even make subversive mistakes"; "Create a higher efficiency than capitalism while effectively maintaining social fairness and achieving a balance between efficiency and fairness."; and he spoke about "control the fate of China's progress" while "expanding development space". ii) The People's Daily (February 8) reprinted Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the opening of a study session at the Central Party School. The session was attended by newly elected members and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee, as well as principal officials at the provincial and ministerial levels. The speech discussed the idea of Chinese-style modernisation. In his speech, Xi Jinping stressed that "The leadership of the Party determines the fundamental nature of Chinese-style modernisation. Only by unswervingly adhering to the leadership of the Party can Chinese-style modernisation have a bright future and prosper; otherwise, one will deviate from the course, surrender the soul, or make subversive mistakes. The leadership of the Party ensures that the goal of Chinese-style modernisation will be pursued steadily going forward." "The leadership of the Party inspires a strong impetus to build Chinese-style modernisation" .... "The Party’s leadership embodies the majestic power of building Chinese-style modernisation. Our party adheres to the party's mass line, adheres to the people-centred development philosophy, develops whole-process people’s democracy, and fully stimulates the spirit of the people being masters of the country.” Xi Jinping stressed that the modernisation process of a country needs to follow the general rule of modernisation, but it shall be suited to its realities and characterised by features unique to its context. Chinesestyle modernisation not only has the common characteristics of the modernisation of other countries, but also possesses distinctive features based on China’s national conditions. He stressed “It is necessary not only to create higher efficiency than capitalism, but also to maintain social equity more effectively.” Xi Jinping added "Practice has proved that steadily moving along the path of Chinese-style modernisation is feasible, and it is the only correct way to build a strong country and rejuvenate the nation.” Significantly, Xi Jinping said that "Chinese-style modernisation has broken the myth that ‘modernisation=Westernisation’; it has presented another form of modernisation, expanded the options for developing countries to achieve modernisation, and provided a Chinese solution for mankind to explore a better social system." He added, "The Chinese-style modernisation has set a good example and provided a new choice for developing countries to pursue modernisation independently.” Xi Jinping emphasised the importance of correct assessment "To enhance the overall situation of the strategy, plan strategic objectives, formulate strategic measures and make strategic arrangements, we must focus on solving major issues related to the success or failure of the cause of the Party and the country. To enhance strategic stability, once the strategy is formed, we must persist in it for a long time, grasp it to the end, make good efforts and not change as one wishes." He added, “that one must “combine the principle of strategy and the flexibility of strategy." and that one must “be flexible, adaptable and make decisions at the moment, and grasp the strategic initiative in adapting to local conditions, acting according to the situation and taking advantage of the situation.” He also said: Adhere to the overall national security concept; Persist in independence and self-reliance. The development of the country and the nation should be carried out based on our strength, and firmly grasp the fate of China's development and progress in our own hands, and persist in efforts to expand high standard opening up and deeply involve the country in the global industrial division of labour and cooperation. The second-ranked Politburo Standing Committee member Li Qiang said that Xi Jinping's important speech should be carefully studied and grasped, all should think and act in line with the guiding principles of the speech and he emphasised the importance of the Two Establishments etc. Li Qiang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee presided over the opening ceremony, and Politburo Standing Committee members Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, attended. Members of the Politburo, members of the CCP CC Secretariat, other party and state leaders who are members of the 20th Central Committee, and members of the Central Military Commission attended the opening ceremony. New members and alternate members of the CCP Central Committee, major responsible comrades from provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant departments of the central and state agencies, and relevant people's organizations, major responsible comrades from various units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Armed Police Force participated in the seminar. The central committees of the various democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and responsible comrades from relevant parties attended the opening ceremony. (Comment: The speech aimed at raising China's productivity for it to be able to compete with the US and West. China’s total factor productivity is currently estimated at 40% of the American level.) Feb 2023 CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY EULOGISES XI JINPING'S SPEECH ON FEBRUARY 7 AT CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL A People's Daily (February 9) commentary titled 'Chinese-style modernization is a major achievement of the long-term exploration and practice of the party leading the people——On in-depth study and understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the opening ceremony of the seminar on studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China', eulogised Xi Jinping's "important" speech at the Central Party School on February 7. It said "At the opening ceremony of the seminar on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping stood at the strategic height of the overall development of the party and the country, and profoundly expounded a series of major theories of Chinese-style modernization and practical issues. General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech is a highlevel, grand vision, profound thought, and rich in content. It is a great enrichment and development of Chinese-style modernization theory. It is very political, theoretical, pertinent, and instructive. It is of great significance to understand Chinese-style modernization, comprehensively study, fully grasp, and fully implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and strive to create a new situation in the development of the party and the country on the new journey". it said, "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, realized a new leap in the modernization of Marxism in China, and provided a fundamental basis for Chinese-style modernization". Asserting that "Chinese-style modernization has been successfully promoted and expanded", it added "Practice has fully demonstrated that the "two establishments" are the greatest certainty, the greatest confidence, and the greatest guarantee for overcoming all difficulties and obstacles and dealing with all uncertainties. significance. On the new journey, we deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the "two establishments", unswervingly maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of ideology, politics and actions, insist on the same way, never change the will, and insist on making the country, putting national development based on our strength, firmly grasping the destiny of China's development and progress in our own hands, and striding forward along the broad road of Chinese-style modernization, we will surely be able to build our country into a prosperous, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious and beautiful socialist society Modern power." It reiterated ""the party's leadership is directly related to the fundamental direction, future and fate of Chinese-style modernization, and its ultimate success or failure." It concluded with the exhortation: "Let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses" and strengthen the "four consciousnesses" Confidence” and “two safeguards”, unswervingly follow the Chinese-style modernization, the only correct path for building a strong country and national rejuvenation, strengthen confidence, unite and work hard, seek truth and be pragmatic, and work tenaciously, and constantly compose a society with Chinese characteristics in the new era". ii) A separate Xinhua (February 8) report on Xi Jinping's speech focussed on its economic content. It said, "From deepening the reform of state-owned assets and enterprises, improving the core competitiveness of state-owned enterprises, to accelerating the improvement of the regulatory policy system for small and medium-sized enterprises, and increasing relief and assistance, relevant departments have further clarified policies and boosted confidence." It listed the tasks ahead as to: "Maintain food security, energy security, industrial chain supply chain security, prevent and defuse major financial risks, and ensure high-quality development with high-level security; further promote reform and innovation, unswervingly expand opening up, and strive to break down deep-seated system and mechanism obstacles, and leverage institutional advantages Better transformation into governance efficiency". CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI KEQIANG CONVENES SEMINAR TO SOLICIT OPINIONS ON DRAFT GOVERNMENT WORK REPORT Chairing a seminar on February 8 to solicit opinions on the Government Draft Work Report, Li Keqiang said that in the past year, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China’s development has made new and hardwon achievements. "Outbreaks and other unexpected factors that had a severe impact on the economy; we responded in a timely and decisive manner to these, implemented announced policy measures, introduced a package of policies and follow-up measures to stabilise the economy, and held a national teleconference on stabilising the economy. We implemented large-scale tax rebates, tax reductions and fee reductions to help small and medium-sized enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households’ tide over the difficulties and support stable employment and people's livelihood. Innovative policy tools were devised to support major project construction, equipment renovation, and expand investment and consumption. There was a focus on grain production and energy supply, which laid a solid foundation for price stability. Local governments were encouraged to introduce stable economic policies according to local conditions...Through hard work, the macro-economic situation has been stabilised, more than 12 million new urban jobs were created, despite high international inflation, the increase in the domestic consumer price index was only 2%, and imports and exports increased by 7.7%, thereby keeping the economic operation within a reasonable range. According to Xinhua, Li Keqiang highlighted China's achievements in the past five years and that China's economy has grown at an average annual rate of 5.2 percent in the period. He added that China's economic growth stabilised at the end of last year and rebounded at the beginning of 2023, adding that consumption, a major growth driver for years, logged robust expansion in January this year.” CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO AND HEAD OF UFWD SHI TAIFENG INSPECTS RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN BEIJING Politburo Member and United Front Work Department Head Shi Taifeng visited a number of national religious groups in Beijing, including the Chinese Buddhist Association, the Taoist Association of China, the Chinese Islamic Association, the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association, and the Bishops’ Conference of the Catholic Church in China, to understand their work situation and listen to opinions and suggestions. Shi Taifeng emphasized that it is necessary to comprehensively implement the Party’s religious work theory and guiding policies, adhere to the “direction of China’s religious sinicization,” actively guide religious and socialist society, “unite the majority of religious peoples and believers to build a modern socialist country,” and make new contributions to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The religious leaders “unanimously called for” promoting the “fine traditions of religious patriotism,” leading believers to unite around the Party and government, and “unswervingly following the path of adapting to socialist society.” Shi Taifeng then pointed out that religious groups in recent years have “made important contributions” to maintaining the unity of the motherland and national security, promoting national unity, and maintaining social stability. ShiTaifeng also called for implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress; actively guiding religious people to practice the core values of socialism, promote Chinese culture, and promote the sinicization of religion in China; effectively preventing the “hidden dangers” in the field of religion; “resolutely resisting the use of religion overseas for infiltration activities”; maintaining the “normal order and social harmony and stability” of the religious field; adhering to comprehensive and strict education; improving the internal rules and regulations of religious groups; continuing to carry out education activities promoting respectful frugality and the cessation of extravagance; and maintaining the good image of religion in China. CHINA-CPPCC: CPPCC ADDS A NEW SECTOR ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES China's top advisory body the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) announced on February 8, the addition of its first new sector in 30 years. The sector for the Environment and Natural Resources will have 85 delegates. The addition reflects an emphasis on environmental protection and will likely enhance the body's effectiveness on that front. 40% of the 85 delegates are government officials, 30% scholars, and 20% SOE executives. Most of the delegates are not new entrants but are reallocated from other sectors. Most of them have raised proposals relating to the environment and resources. To ensure diversity at the CPPCC, its delegates are allocated to sectors including 10 political affiliations, 7 people's organizations, 12 fields, and one for ethnic groups, religious groups, Macao, Hong Kong and special invitees. CHINA-CCP: CPPCC MEMBER CALLS FOR STRENGTHENING PARTY LEADERSHIP OVER CPPCC The People's Daily (February 8) published an article by Wang Xiaodong, Deputy Director of the Agriculture and Rural Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, captioned 'Broadly gather the positive energy of unity and struggle (conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China)'. It called for strengthening "the Party's leadership over the work of the CPPCC". It said "There must be a center for unity, and only by sticking to the center can all be united. In the new era and new journey, to achieve great unity and great unity, we must always uphold the leadership of the party. The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. The party is the highest political leadership force. The cause of the CPPCC is booming, and the system of the CPPCC has shown great advantages. The most fundamental thing is to always uphold and effectively strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party of China." It emphasised "Strengthening ideological and political leadership and broadly building consensus are the central link in the performance of duties. Guide all parties and groups participating in the CPPCC and people of all ethnic groups and walks of life to study in depth the party's innovative theories, current affairs policies, the history of the Communist Party of China, the history of New China, the history of the United Front, and the history of the CPPCC, and establish a correct view of history and the overall situation. Efforts shall be made to build the CPPCC into an important position for upholding and strengthening the Party's leadership over various tasks". It asserted the importance of mobilising "all Chinese sons and daughters to think together and work together around the realization of the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, to continuously consolidate the great unity of the people of all ethnic groups in the country, to strengthen the great unity of the Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad, and to promote the formation of the unity of all Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad." CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: DIRECTOR OF THE CHINA METEOROLOGICAL ADMINISTRATION WAS SUDDENLY REMOVED ON FEBRUARY 3 Zhuang Guotai, Director of the China Meteorological Administration, was removed on February 3. It seems the leadership will have him take all the blame and consequences for the Chinese Spy balloon incident. He was “elected” as Chair of the Gansu Provincial Political Consultative Committee in mid-January. CHINA-CORRUPTION: DEPUTY COMMANDER OF XPCC UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR SUSPECTED SERIOUS DISCIPLINARY VIOLATIONS The Central Discipline Inspection Commission and State Supervision Commission official website announced that Jiao Xiaoping, member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Deputy Commander of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, is undergoing censorship and investigation. It said Jiao Xiaoping is suspected of serious disciplinary violations and is currently under disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by the State Supervision Commission of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE ON THE EVOLUTION OF CHINA'S MARXISM The People's Daily (February 9) published an article on a "special topic" by Liu Chunjiang, Vice President of Wuhan University of Technology, captioned 'Adhere to the "combination of two" to answer major questions - Always maintain the vigour and vitality of Marxism'. Quoting Xi Jinping as pointing out in his report to the 20th Party Congress: "Having the guidance of the scientific theory of Marxism is the foundation of our party's firm belief and belief and grasping the historical initiative,"it said this "also puts forward higher requirements for continuing to promote theoretical innovation on the basis of practice and continuously opening up a new realm of the Sinicization of Marxism and the modernization of Marxism". It emphasised that "To maintain the vigour and vitality of Marxism at all times, we must integrate the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific reality and with China's excellent traditional culture, persist in using dialectical materialism and historical materialism, and correctly answer major questions raised by the times and practice. problems, constantly writing a new chapter in the modernization of Marxism in China." Stating that "Since the birth of our party, we have clearly written Marxism on our own banner, continuously promoted the modernization of Marxism in China, and guided practice with the scientific theory of the modernization of Marxism in China, and achieved great achievements that have attracted worldwide attention", it said "with Comrade Xi Jinping as the main representative, have insisted on combining the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific reality and with the excellent traditional Chinese culture, opening up a new realm of the modernization of Marxism in China". It added that "to uphold and develop Marxism, we must persist in using the "arrow" of Marxism to shoot at the "target" of China in the new era, accurately grasp the general trend of the times, actively respond to actual needs, and enhance foresight with a broader vision and a longer-term perspective To grasp the nature and grasp the regularity, let Marxism show a stronger and more convincing power of truth on the land of China". It said "to solve the problems of different levels, the people's urgent, difficult and worrying problems, the major problems in the international changing situation, and the outstanding problems faced by the party building, we constantly put forward new ideas, new ideas and new methods to truly solve the problems and make correct answers that conform to China's reality and the requirements of the times. The latest achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism can better guide China's practice and allow contemporary Chinese Marxism to radiate more brilliant light of truth". CHINA-CCP: RED FLAG ARTICLE STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF ARMING AND INSPIRING YOUTH TO ACHIEVE CHINA'S SOCIALIST MODERNISATION A lengthy Red Flag (Hongqi, 2023/2 dated January 20) article by Han Xiping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Professor of Jilin University, captioned 'Arming Youth with the Party's Scientific Theory' stated "The whole party must take youth work as a strategic task, arm the youth with the party's scientific theories, inspire the youth with the party's original mission, and be the confidant and youth of young friends. Enthusiastic people in work and guides for young people." It explained "Youth are the future and hope of the country and the nation and are the successors of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Youth work grasps the present, inherits the roots, and faces the future. Doing a good job in youth work and using the party's scientific theories to strengthen the political leadership of youth has a bearing on the future and destiny of the party and the country". It added that "youth have always been the key group for political parties to fight for and educate. It quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping as pointing out: "From 2022 to 2035, today's young people are in the golden period of learning and growing up. From 2035 to the middle of this century, you are young and vigorous, and you will work in all walks of life. industry, all fields, and all fronts.” To complete the central task, young people in the new era will surely participate in it as an important force for the party to rely on. Therefore, it is extremely important to train young people to be dependable and reliable successors". It also emphasised the urgency of the mission be saying "From now on, there are only more than a dozen years to the basic realization of socialist modernization, and only about 30 years to the complete establishment of a strong modern socialist country". CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI COMMENTATOR'S ARTICLE TALKS OF 'SELF REVOLUTION' A Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) commentary (February 3) titled 'Open up a new realm of selfrevolution for a century-old party' stated that "The party is always thinking and exploring. Comrade Mao Zedong gave the first answer in his cave in Yan'an, which is "let the people supervise the government"; after a century of struggle, especially the new practice since the 18th National Congress of the Party, the party gave the second answer, this is the selfrevolution". It said "The courage to self-revolution and acceptance of people's supervision are inherently consistent, and both originate from the original mission of the party. For more than a hundred years, the party has relied on developing people's democracy and accepting people's supervision outside the party, comprehensively and strictly governing the party internally, promoting self-revolution, courageously upholding the truth, correcting mistakes, and bravely turning the blade inward to cure poison, ensuring the long-term prosperity of the party”. The commentary added "After ten years of sharpening a sword, the sharp edge opens a new chapter. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has advanced the comprehensive and strict governance of the party with unprecedented courage and determination, insisted that forging iron must be hard, and continuously promoted the theoretical innovation, practical innovation, and institutional innovation of party building. Play a set of self-revolutionary "combined punches". It stated, in conclusion, that in the new era "The root lies in the fact that General Secretary Xi Jinping is the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole party at the helm. It lies in the Chinese characteristics of Xi Jinping's new era A guide to the science of socialist thought". It added "On the new journey in the new era, we must take the adherence to the "two establishments" as the fundamental point and focus of strengthening the party's leadership, comprehensively and strictly governing the party, and promoting party building, so as to ensure that the whole party is more closely united with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core". (Comment: Publication of the Qiu Shi article coincides with the 'rectification ' campaign in the Party. Self-revolution and people's supervision are terms reminiscent of those used during the Cultural Revolution.) CHINA-CCP: ARTICLE BY VICE PRESIDENT OF SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND LAW STRESSES STRATEGIC VALUE OF CHINESE CIVILISATION A lengthy article by Zhang Beiping, researcher at Chongqing Center for Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Vice President of Southwest University of Political Science and Law, was published in the Guangming Daily (February 8) with the caption 'Deeply understand the strategic value of enhancing the influence of Chinese civilization'. Recounting that "With the outbreak of the Opium War in 1840, the Chinese nation began to enter a modern history full of humiliation and backwardness. The country was humiliated, the people suffered, and civilization was dusted. The Chinese people and the Chinese nation suffered unprecedented disasters. In the face of repeated invasions by Western powers, countless people with lofty ideals struggled to explore the correct path that suits China's national conditions and realizes national independence and rejuvenation. A contagious and cohesive advanced culture failed. Since its birth, the Communist Party of China has undertaken the historical mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Since then, the dream of pursuing national independence and realizing national prosperity has shown a new dawn. In the competition among various cultural forces in modern China, the national, scientific, and popular culture represented and pursued by the Communist Party of China stands out. The great cause of rejuvenation has gone on and on, sacrificing life and forgetting death. It is under the guidance of this culture that the Chinese nation has ushered in a great leap from standing up, getting rich to becoming strong, and has achieved historic progress in cultural development. The strategic position of ideology and culture in the competition of comprehensive national strength has become more prominent. The cultural foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is even deeper, and the Chinese civilization presents to the world a spirit of vitality and prosperity". Emphasising the importance of understanding and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, it averred "Enhancing the spread and influence of Chinese civilization is an important starting point for promoting cultural self-confidence and self-improvement and building a socialist cultural power. The pursuit of cultural development is integrated into the party's program of action". It said "The pursuit of cultural diversity has increasingly become the consensus of the international community, including developing countries. The world outlook, social outlook, and moral outlook accumulated in the long-term historical development of Chinese civilization, as well as the ideas of "harmony without diversity", "concord with all nations" and "great unity under heaven" that are full of excellent traditional Chinese culture, are what we advocate to build a community with a shared future for mankind." It added "The new form of human civilization created by the people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China demonstrates the diversity of human civilization, breaks the boundaries between nations and nations, and states and nations." It concluded: "In short, history and reality tell us that a nation can enter a higher stage of development only by continuously promoting the progress of civilization and improving its cultural quality. The Communist Party of China is committed to the great cause of the Chinese nation, is committed to the noble cause of peace and development of mankind and shoulders the sacred mission of creating greater civilization and progress". CHINA-PROTESTS: TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PROTEST IN WUHAN ON FEBRUARY 8 On February 8, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in front of the local government building in Wuhan, asking authorities why their monthly medical subsidies have gone from 260 RMB to less than 100 RMB. While police warned retirees and activists not to join the protest, saying that if they went to the protest in front of the city government building, they have to pay for wherever price that may come, according to protesters at the scene, close to 2 million retirees in Wuhan could be affected and if the government doesn’t solve the issue, they plan to stage a bigger protest on February 15. CHINA-PLA: JAPANESE NEWS AGENCY DISCLOSES THAT SPY BALLOON SHOT DOWN IN U.S. WAS OPERATED BY THE PLA STRATEGIC SUPPORT FORCE (PLA SSF) Japan News quoting Yomiuri Shimbun (February 6) said the Chinese reconnaissance balloon shot down off the United States by U.S. forces is believed to have been operated with the involvement of the Strategic Support Force (SSF), a command tasked with strategic space, cyber and electronic warfare missions for China’s military. The SSF is believed to be using spy balloons, which are inexpensive to manufacture and have no human casualties even if shot down, to supplement its satellite surveillance. The downed balloon was reportedly sent aloft from a satellite launch base that the SSF controls in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The SSF is said to be responsible for gathering strategic intelligence and operating reconnaissance satellites to monitor U.S. nuclear weapons facilities and other sites. It added that, however, the overflight time of satellite reconnaissance is limited, and the information gathered is also affected by weather conditions such as clouds. According to an official well versed in the internal affairs of the Chinese military, China is trying to develop a system for fixed-point surveillance by deploying spy balloons in locations that cannot be continuously monitored by satellites. “The SSF has private-sector entities operate the balloons as part of its national strategy of ‘military-civilian fusion,’” the official said. It said the Xi administration is believed to be promoting the integration of the military and civilian sectors not only in the development of military equipment but also in operations. The fact that the SSF is using members of the civilian sector to operate its balloons also seems to be the basis for the Chinese government’s claim that the downed balloon was for “civilian use.” ii) The US State Department revealed (February 10) that the balloon had multiple antennas in an array that was “likely capable of collecting and geo-locating communications.” Solar panels on the machine were large enough to produce power to operate “multiple active intelligence collection sensors,” CHINA-PLA: PLA TENDERS FOR PROCUREMENT OF SPIKED MACES PLA issued two requests for quotations for the procurement of mace (spiked clubs) on January 31 and January 30 respectively. CHINA-PLA: CCTV CLAIMS PLA REFORMS HAVE RECONSTRUCTED MILITARY LEADERSHIP AND COMMAND SYSTEM The state-owned CCTV (February 9) telecast a programme titled "New Era, New Journey, New Great Achievement", which quoted the 20th Party Congress as pointing out that "the people's army has always been a heroic army that the party and the people can fully trust. It has the confidence and ability to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity". It recounted that since the 18t Party Congress national defense and the military have made drastic reforms, reconstructing the leadership and command system of the People's Army, the modern military force system, and the military policy system. As example it said it has been more than 5 years since a certain unit of the Naval Air Force had been transformed and remodelled, adding that "the organization framework has been completely restructured and the command mechanism has been completely straightened out". CHINA-S&T: CHINESE TAIKONAUTS ABOARD TIANGONG SPACE STATION TO CONDUCT EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS The China Manned Space Agency announced (February 8) that the three Shenzhou-15 taikonauts, who are currently on board the Chinese Tiangong space station, will conduct their first extravehicular activities within the next few days. CHINA-ECONOMY: NUMBER OF VEHICLES IN CHINA TO GO ELECTRIC BY 2025 BYD China announced on February 3 that all its commercial vehicle sales, public buses, taxi, postal services, airport, delivery vehicles and other types will go fully electric by 2025! CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S SERVICES SECTOR BOUNCES INTO EXPANSIONARY MODE AFTER DISMANTLING OF ZERO-COVID RESTRICTIONS The Caixin China General Services Business Activity Index, which surveys operating conditions in services industries such as retail and travel, claimed services activity in China bounced back into expansionary territory in January, as both supply and demand picked up after the country took a U-turn on its “zero-Covid” policy. It said services surged to 52.9 in January from 48 the previous month, clarifying that readings higher than 50 signal expansion. The Caixin China General Composite PMI, which covers both the manufacturing and services sectors, stood at 51.1, the first time it came in above 50 in the past five months. CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA LISTS THE TOP TEN CITIES IN TERMS OF GDP The top 10 Chinese cities in terms of GDP were officially listed as: Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Compared with last year, Chongqing surpassed Guangzhou and Wuhan surpassed Hangzhou. CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S TOURISM ALLOWS TOURISM TO 20 COUNTRIES China's Culture and Tourism Ministry has allowed travel agencies to operate group tours to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, UAE, Egypt, Kenya, S. Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba, Argentina from February 6. (Comment: India does not figure in this list.) CHINA-XINJIANG: POLICE DATA ON 730,000 INDIVIDUALS FROM XINJIANG 'LEAKED' Researcher Adrian Zenz 'leaked' (February 10) a new search tool with 5 million data entries from the #XinjiangPoliceFiles which enables the Uyghur diaspora and others to search the status of over 730,000 individuals from Xinjiang. This makes it the *largest searchable dataset* of persons from Xinjiang. Most of the 700,000+ individuals are from Konasheher and Tekes counties (Uyghur / Kazakh regions), but 9 other counties have data on over 10,000 persons. There is raw data output on persons from 48 counties. Many thousands are shown to be in camps or prisons. The search results also output over 6,000+ associated images of persons contained the files. Anyone can search the database using 18-digit PRC ID numbers or names transliterated into Chinese characters. Results can be filtered by county. The search outputs raw police file data in Chinese, derived from internal spreadsheets, sorted by file creation dates. The data is mostly from 2017 and 2018, with the most recent files being from December 2018. That is the most significant limitation of the file cache. The data can be searched on: https://xinjiangpolicefiles.org/person_search. CHINA-INTERNATIONAL RISKS: THE THINK-TANK OF CHINA'S TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY RECENTLY LISTED TEN EXTERNAL SECURITY RISKS FOR CHINA IN 2023 The Centre for International Security and Strategy of China's prestiguous Tsinghua University in its report 'Outlook for China's External Security Risks in 2023', dated January 20, 2023, and released on February 2, listed China's top 10 external security risks in 2023 as: i) Sino-US strategic competition ii) Tensions in the Taiwan strait iii) Security on the Belt and Road iv) Nuclear conundrum in NE Asia v) Shakeup of the global supply chain vi) New COVID-19 variants vii) Global economic downturn viii) Oil and gas market instability ix) Russia-Ukraine conflict x) Roadblocks in the China-Europe relations CHINA-TAIWAN: KMT VICE CHAIRMAN ON 10-DAY VISIT TO CHINA KMT Vice chairman Xia Liyan visits the mainland from February 8 to 17. CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINA'S AMBASSADOR TO PAKISTAN PROMOTED AS ASSISTANT MINISTER Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Nong Rong was promoted as Assistant Minister in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 8, 223. He was also steering the ChinaPakistan Friendship Association, to which position someone else is likely to be appointed. CHINA-JAPAN: CHINA'S NEW FOREIGN MINISTER TELLS JAPANESE COUNTERPART TO STOP 'PROVOCATIONS ' BY JAPANESE 'RIGHT- WING' FORCES During a 50-minute phone call on February 4, China’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his counterpart Yoshimasa Hayashi that Beijing hopes Tokyo can stop provocations from “right-wing forces” over the Diaoyu Islands. Japan calls the contested islands the Senkaku Islands. Qin Gang also said China hopes Japan can be “cautious with its words and actions” on the Taiwan issue. Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. CHINA-US: US PRESIDENT BIDEN CRITICISES CHINA IN HIS STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS In his annual State of the Union address on February 7, US President Biden was emphatic on China. He mentioned that he had taken steps to “protect our country” against the Chinese spy balloon and spent some time emphasising that while the United States seeks cooperation, it also sees competition with China in not just economic terms, but ideological ones. In a transparent reference to China, he said “In the past two years, democracies have become stronger, not weaker.” Biden said "I’ve made clear with President Xi that we seek competition, not conflict. I will make no apologies that we are investing to make America strong. Investing in American innovation, in industries that will define the future, and that China’s government is intent on dominating.” (Comment: In his address Biden introduced the idea in the U.S.-China competition that the systems of the US and China were competing to offer a better life to their own citizens, and it was, therefore, an ideological competition.) CHINA-US: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY AND MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE CRITICISE U.S. ACTION IN SHOOTING SPY BALLOON Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on February 9 at a regular press briefing in Beijing that “The US remarks are highly irresponsible and violate basic diplomatic protocols. We are firmly opposed to that and condemn that”. China’s Ministry of Defense spokesman Tan Kefei said separately on February 9 that it declined to engage in talks with the U.S. over the balloon because “the use of force violates international practice and sets a bad precedent. The US has not created a proper atmosphere for dialogue,” he added, calling the downing of what China considers a civilian balloon “irresponsible.” CHINA-US: SIGNED PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE ASSERTS THAT U.S. ATTEMPTS TO CONTAIN CHINA LACK GLOBAL SUPPORT AND WILL BACKFIRE A People's Daily signed article (February 3) captioned 'There is no future for camp confrontation, mutual benefit and win-win results' claimed that "More and more countries realize that it is not feasible to follow the United States to blindly oppose China. It is in their own interests to keep a distance from the United States' China policy and strengthen strategic autonomy. It is the right way to adopt a rational and pragmatic China policy". It criticised "The current U.S. government" for its attempts to contain China and delay or even hinder China's development by creating "group politics and confrontation" that has aroused widespread concern in the international community. It claimed that "even among U.S. allies, more and more countries realize that it is not feasible to follow the U.S. to blindly oppose China and it is in their interest to keep a distance from the U.S. policy toward China and adopt a rational and pragmatic China policy." It added that the US "practice of provoking confrontation between camps pose a serious challenge to the stability of the international order and pose a serious threat to the Asia-Pacific and global peace and security". The United States, it said, talks about "allies," "values," and "international rules," but always thinks about "American interests" and "American hegemony." The article warned that "confrontation can only bring disastrous consequences" and the attempt to "suppress China is a serious misjudgement of the international situation". "The world is no longer what it used to be and "Blowing out other people's lamps will burn your own beard!" Pointing out that "China has been deeply integrated with the world economy and international system and is a major trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions", it said, "Isolating China and restricting cooperation with China are not in the interests of any party and cannot become a reality". Listing the leaders of many countries in the EU and Asia-Pacific who have advised against confrontation with China, it said the "EU is willing to be a reliable and predictable partner of China". It advised the US to "realize that American hegemony is unpopular ... has no future, "small courtyards and high walls" are closed and retrogressive, and "decoupling and broken chains" harms others and itself". The U.S. side "should stop containing and suppressing China and implement the promise of "unintentionally seeking to 'decouple' from China, unintentionally obstructing China's economic development, and unintentionally enclosing China." (The article was published as controversy got stirred in the US because of the Chinese balloon detected Ted over Montana.) CHINA-US: US SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN "DELAYS" VISIT TO BEIJING BECAUSE OF CHINESE BALLOON OVER MONTANA US Secretary of State Anthony Blinked "delayed" his scheduled visit (February 5-6) to China because of the Chinese balloon detected over Montana. The People's Daily (February 3) issued a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry stating that it "was a Chinese airship used for meteorological purposes" which "accidentally entered US airspace due to the Westerlies and its limited self-steering capability". It added that "China regrets the unintended entry and will properly handle this unexpected situation caused by force majeure". The spokesman of the US Department of State issued the following statement on February 3: "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Office Wang Yi to convey that he will not be traveling to the People’s Republic of China at this time in light of the current presence of a high-altitude PRC surveillance balloon in U.S. airspace. The Secretary relayed that he had planned to visit Beijing to follow up on the agenda agreed to by President Biden and President Xi in November in Bali. The Secretary noted the PRC’s statement of regret but conveyed that this is an irresponsible act and a clear violation of U.S. sovereignty and international law that undermined the purpose of the trip. The Secretary explained that in light of this ongoing issue, it would not be appropriate to visit Beijing at this time. He underscored that the United States is committed to diplomatic engagement and maintaining open lines of communication, and that he would be prepared to visit Beijing as soon as conditions allow." Blinken was also due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping -- the first meeting between a US Secretary of State and the Chinese President in five years. CHINA-US: U.S. ALLEGES THAT TWO CHINESE COMPANIES LINKED TO PLA MANUFACTURED THE AIR BALLOON The US has disclosed that the producer of the Chinese Spy Balloon, is the China Zhuzhou Rubber Research & Design Institute (中国化工株洲橡胶研究设计院有限公司), a government-owned military research institute with weapon production licenses. It said another company also produces these spy balloons and drones. CHINA-US: US SANCTIONS CHINA'S CHANGSHA TIANYI SPACE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR ASSISTING RUSSIA'S WAGNER GROUP Well-known Chinese news site NetEase (quoting a post on a PLA portal on January 28) reported that the U.S. Department of Treasury and the State Department simultaneously announced they would sanction China’s Changsha Tianyi Space Technology Research Institute because it had assisted Moscow’s Wagner Group during the Russo-Ukrainian War. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the new sanctions will further impede the Kremlin’s ability to arm its war machine. An unnamed U.S. source revealed that the U.S. has evidence that the Changsha Tianyi Research Institute is supporting Russia in the war. According to the official website of the Changsha Tianyi Research Institute, it is the pioneer and leader of China’s commercial remote sensing satellites and scientific research satellites. The core team members of the Institute are mainly from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China Aerospace Science and Industry Group, and other international aerospace talents. Tianyi has participated in nearly 100 aerospace development projects (including satellites, spacecraft and space stations). CHINA-US: LENGTHY CHINA REVIEW ARTICLE SAYS CHINA MUST FOCUS ON INTERNAL DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVING PEOPLE'S LIVES The China Review posted a lengthy article on the Netease (January 28) portal titled 'Review of 2022 U.S. Midterm Election Results Analysis'. In its conclusion the article focussed on how China should respond. It said candidly that China should maintain a strategic focus while dealing with political changes within the United States, as "China's gradual catching up with the United States will be a relatively long-term, tortuous and difficult game process, but as long as we stay firm and guard against arrogance and impetuosity, China's future is still quite bright". It referred to recent analysis by the RAND Corporation which said if measured by the global power index (global power index), China now ranked second in the world, second only to the United States. It said according to the current trend China will catch up with the United States around 2030, by 2050, China will rank first in the world, the United States will rank second, and India will rank third in the world. A PricewaterhouseCoopers study, it said, claims that by 2050, the world's largest economy will be China, India will be second, and the United States will be third. It said China's primary task should "be to do a good job in various construction and development undertakings within China, to grow steadily and steadily, and to continuously improve and improve the quality of life and standards of the masses of the people as much as possible. The blueprint of glory and dreams for the next 30 years will lay a solid foundation". Assessing that Biden's recent political trends have "basically stabilized his position and made small gains, overcoming the main pressure brought by the mid-term elections", it said he may now relax, but it is necessary to "take into account Biden's deep-rooted new Cold War thinking toward China, as well as the potential pressure on him from the incoming Republicandominated House of Representatives. It seems that we should not have too optimistic and rosecolored estimates for China's policies and measures". It recalled that after Xi’s visit in November, CNN issued an article saying: “Although Xi’s visit has cooled Sino-US relations, there are still quite a few conflicts between China and the United States. The possibility exists (Xi and Biden cool the heat, but China and the US are still on collision course).” The article quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as telling Biden in Bali, Indonesia in November 2022: "The current situation in Sino-US relations does not conform to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, nor does it meet the expectations of the international community. China and the United States need to adopt an attitude of being responsible to history, the world, and the people, discuss the way for the two countries to get along with each other correctly in the new era, find the right direction for the development of bilateral relations, and push ChinaUS relations back to the track of healthy and stable development, which will benefit both countries. China, benefiting the world." It said this showed "China's attitude is very clear and consistent". CHINA-UK: UYGHUR HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP PROTESTS UK GOVERNMENT'S INVITATION TO XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION VICE CHAIRMAN TO LONDON The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) on February 9 called on the UK government to cancel a planned meeting with Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of the PRC's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. UHRP Executive Director Omer Kanat said “Erkin Tuniyaz is responsible for unspeakable brutality in the Uyghur homeland. There is nothing to gain from allowing a direct perpetrator of atrocities to land on British soil and defend the Chinese government’s atrocity crimes." Erkin Tuniyaz was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in December 2021 for engaging in “serious human rights abuses.” Under this U.S. Global Magnitsky designation, he is subject to a U.S. travel ban, asset freeze, and exclusion from the U.S. banking system. The UK has already sanctioned his deputy, Xinjiang government Vice Chairman Chen Minguo, in March 2021, under the UK Global Magnitsky law. CHINA-UK: CHINA'S SOVEREIGN FUND OWNS MORE THAN 250 PROPERTIES VALUED AT OVER US$ 1.2 TRILLION IN UK The Guardian (January 27) reported that the China Investment Corporation (CIC), Sovereign Wealth Fund that manages China’s foreign exchange reserves, owns more than 250 properties across the United Kingdom. It said the CIC has more than 970 billion pounds (US $1.2 trillion) of assets. Via its offshore entities, it bought those properties in Britain, including distribution centers that are key to the flow of food and goods in multiple regions including the south-west and south-east of England and the Midlands. Land Registry records suggest that CIC has spent at least 580 million pounds on UK properties, although the true figure is likely to be significantly higher because some records are incomplete. CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE VICE FOREIGN MINISTER PAYS 2-DAY VISIT TO RUSSIA Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu paid a two-day (February 2-3) visit to Russia and met with the Russian Foreign Minister and other officials. Both sides agreed to advance bilateral ties to a higher level and make new progress in the new year. During the visit for negotiations between the respective Foreign Ministries, Ma Zhaoxu met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other officials when they exchanged views on China-Russia relations, bilateral or multiple coordination between the two countries and global and regional issues of common concern. Ma Zhaoxu "emphasized that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has maintained high-level development, with deepening political trust, steadily advancing cooperation in various fields and closer international coordination. China is willing to work with Russia to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries and to make new progress in bilateral ties in the new year, Ma noted". Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times, observed that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, exchanged messages of New Year greetings on December 31 and on December 30, Xi met with Putin via video link, during which Xi stressed that China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination to bring more benefits to the two peoples and inject more stability into the world. In January, Lavrov congratulated Qin Gang on taking office as the Chinese foreign minister and expressed that he looked forward to building a good working relationship with Qin Gang so as to lead the two countries' foreign ministries to continue their close ties. Zhang Hong noted that "The fact that the US is constantly assisting Ukraine with gradually stronger weapons, rather than pushing for peace talks only exposed the US intention of taking the conflict as a method to contain and consume Russia. Continually pouring advanced weapons into the war may further complicate the conflict, resulting in escalation of the conflict and great risk of catastrophic spillover of the Russia-Ukraine crisis". CHINA-RUSSIA: WALL STREET JOURNAL CLAIMS CHINA'S DEFENCE SOES ARE PROVIDING RUSSIA NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT AND JAMMING TECHNOLOGIES AND JET FIGHTER SPARES The Wall Street Journal (February 4) disclosed that on the basis of its review of Russian customs data, China is providing technology that Moscow’s military needs to prosecute the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine despite an international cordon of sanctions and export controls. It said the customs records show Chinese state-owned defense companies shipped navigation equipment, jamming technology and jet-fighter parts to sanctioned Russian government-owned defense companies. CHINA-TURKEY: CHINA SENDS 82 MEMBER RESCUE TEAM TO TURKEY CCTV reported (February 8) that at the request of the Turkish government, China is sending an 82-member rescue team to the country, who flew earlier today ---- CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED A REPRESENTATIVE FROM JIANGSU TO 14TH NPC CCTV (January 19) reported that the 14th Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress was held in Nanjing from January 15 to 19 to elect representatives of the 14th National People's Congress of Jiangsu Province. Xi Jinping was unanimously elected as the representative of the 14th National People's Congress. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING EXTENDS SPRING FESTIVAL GREETINGS TO ALL PLA COMMANDERS AND GARRISONS CCTV (January 18) telecast a report on Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the August 1st Building in Beijing on January 18 to extend sincere greetings and New Year wishes to all PLA commanders and fighters, officers and soldiers of the Armed Police Force, military civilian personnel, and militia reservists. CCTV added "After making video calls with relevant troops, Xi Jinping fully affirmed the troops' combat readiness. He emphasized that the Spring Festival is approaching, and the whole army must strengthen its combat readiness and be on duty, resolutely safeguard national security and social stability, and complete urgent and dangerous tasks such as emergency rescue and disaster relief that may be undertaken, so as to ensure that the people of the whole country have a happy, peaceful and safe Spring Festival". CCTV also said while speaking to soldiers on the China-India border he referred to the ‘big change’ in recent years. He asked border defence troops under Xinjiang Military Command about conditions they operate in and to continue their work. CMC members Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Li Shangfu, Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, Zhang Shengmin and others participated in the event. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ATTENDS THE PROMOTION CEREMONY FOR COMMANDER OF CENTRAL THEATRE COMMAND HUANG MING CCTV (January 18) telecast a report on the promotion ceremony of the Central Military Commission when Huang Ming, Commander of the Central Theater Command, was promoted to the rank of General. Members of the Central Military Commission Li Shangfu, Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin, as well as comrades in charge of various departments of the Central Military Commission and relevant units of the military stationed in Beijing, participated in the promotion ceremony. The photograph showed Xi Jinping standing at the centre dressed in a Mao suit. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING GREETS GRASSROOTS CADRES, MASSES AND ETHNIC MINORITIES AT SPRING FESTIVAL CCTV (January 18) telecast a report that "Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited and expressed condolences to grassroots cadres and the masses through a video link, and extended a beautiful New Year to the people of all ethnic groups across the country." It said Politburo Standing Committee members Li Qiang, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang accompanied him on the visit. Liu Guozhong, Sun Chunlan, He Lifeng and responsible comrades from relevant departments of the central government and state agencies accompanied them to visit and express condolences to the families of all those who died during Covid. (Comment: Xi Jinping has been travelling outside Beijing during the Spring Festival in the past, but this year has stayed in Beijing.) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI KEQIANG MEETS FOREIGN EXPERTS ON SPRING FESTIVAL The state-owned CCTV (January 18) reported that on the occasion of the Spring Festival, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met representatives of foreign experts working in China in Beijing. Li Keqiang said that in the past year, in the face of the superimposed impact of factors at home and abroad such as the epidemic, the Chinese economy has been coping with challenges and overcoming difficulties. "Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we have focused on stabilizing the economy, employment and prices, laying a good foundation for sustainable development. The economy achieved reasonable growth throughout the year, which was higher than in 2020 when the epidemic came suddenly". He said, "with the optimization and adjustment of epidemic prevention and control measures, it is believed that China's economy will speed up its recovery and recovery". He emphasized that China adheres to development as the top priority, and the "Chinese government welcomes more foreign talents to work in China, and will further optimize work permits, talent visas, stay and residence policies, and improve the implementation of policies on taxation, foreign exchange purchases, social security, medical care, and children's schooling, to provide guarantees for foreign talents to work in China with peace of mind." Politburo members Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Xiao Jie and others attended the meeting. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEMBER HAN ZHENG ELECTED AS SHANDONG PEOPLE'S CONGRESS REPRESENTATIVE TO NPC Former Standing Committee member Han Zheng has been selected by the Shandong People's Congress, after being nominated by the Party Center as one of its representatives to the 14th National People's Congress, which will convene in early March. This has sparked speculation that Han Zheng may replace Wang Qishan as Vice President. (Comment: After leaving the Standing Committee after the 18th Party Congress, Wang Qishan was selected in 2018 as an NPC delegate by Hunan.) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINA ANNOUNCES NAMES OF 2172 MEMBERS ELECTED TO THE NEW 14TH CPPCC The new members of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which will convene in early March, has been finalised. Hu Chunhua, who dropped to the Central Committee from the Politburo at the 20th Party Congress, is a member. Politburo member Shi Taifeng 石泰峰 is also a member, so he will be ranked ahead of Hu Chunhua, with both likely vice chairs. Wang Huning 王沪宁 is also on the list of course, as he will be the head, replacing Wang Yang. The South China Morning Post disclosed that Baidu’s Robin Li, NetEase’s Ding Lei and Sougu founder and Chairman Wang Xiaochuan are no longer delegates of the CPPCC. Zhou Hongyi, the 52-year-old founder and chairman of internet security firm 360 Security Technology formerly known as Qihoo 360, is staying for another term. 85 members from the newly established environment and resources sector. (Comment: CPPCC Delegates are elected on five-year terms, and there is no age or term limit, according to the official rules.) CHINA-LEADERSHIP: QIU SHI PUBLISHED THE FULL TEXT OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S SPEECH TO THE FIRST GROUP STUDY SESSION OF POLITBURO The Party theoretical fortnightly journal Qiushi published (16) January the full text of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech to the first group study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The highlights of Xi Jinping's speech are: - "Studying, propagating and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is the primary political task of the whole party and the whole country at present and in the future. Today, with the theme of studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we hold the first collective study of the 20th Central Political Bureau, to set an example for the whole party. - "Comrade Mao Zedong said: "Being good at turning the party's policies into the actions of the masses, being good at making every movement and every struggle of ours, not only the leading cadres but also the masses can understand and grasp it, is a Marxist principle. The leadership art of Leninism." - The Political Bureau of the Central Committee should take the lead in studying, publicizing and implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress throughout the party and the whole country, and promote the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party to widely and deeply understood and mastered by the cadres and the masses." Whenever the Party Central Committee makes major decisions and deployments, we call on all comrades in the party to strengthen their studies." - "First, work hard on comprehensive learning. Only by comprehensive, systematic, and indepth study can we fully, accurately, and comprehensively understand the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, understand what is, what to do, and how to do it, and lay a solid foundation for implementation. ... we must read the original text and understand the principle. Leading cadres should study the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in its original form". - "For example, we must fully grasp the profound connotation and significance of the 10-year great changes in the new era. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China systematically summarized the great changes in the new era in the past 10 years from 16 aspects". - "We deeply understand that in the new era and new journey ... It is necessary to deepen the understanding of the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the advantages of my country's socialist system, fully understand the vitality and bright prospects of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adhere to the same path, and continue to advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics." - "work hard on the full implementation. Empty talk harms the country, but hard work rejuvenates the country ... Comrades from the Politburo should take the lead and work hard, make arrangements for studying and implementing the spiritual work of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in the field of management or the place in charge, and take action as soon as possible". - 'The decisions and arrangements made by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China cover reform, development, stability, internal affairs, foreign affairs, national defense, and governance of the Party, the country, and the military. The Party Central Committee has made unified arrangements for their implementation. ... The goals and tasks set by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China include short-term, mid-term and longterm tasks." - "What I want to emphasize is that in governing a big party and a country like ours, nothing can be done without the authority and centralized leadership of the Party Central Committee, and without the unity of thought and pace of the whole party and the whole country. In particular, comrades in the Politburo must take the lead in maintaining the authority of the Party Central Committee and centralized and unified leadership, take the lead in implementing the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, and take the lead in taking into account the overall situation". - "The Party Central Committee is about to issue a decision on conscientiously studying, publicizing and implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, and the Central Propaganda Group will also go to various places to give lectures. Relevant departments should refine their work plans and promote the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress to enter government agencies, enterprises and public institutions, urban and rural communities, campuses, military camps, various new economic organizations and new social organizations, and websites. Party schools (schools of administration) at all levels should study and implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress as the main content of cadre training. ... the Party Central Committee will hold special seminars for new members and alternate members of the Central Committee to study and implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress. ... Leading cadres at all levels should do it themselves, not only as doers but also as propagandists, taking the lead in preaching. The propaganda and ideology work department must carefully organize and make overall arrangements, do a good job in propaganda and ideology education, strengthen external publicity work, and guide the international community to fully understand the party and the country's major policies and development strategies. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: WALL STREET JOURNAL ANALYSES CHINESE LEADERSHIP APPEARANCES The Wall Street Journal ran checks on China's most popular social media platforms like Douyin (China's TikTok), Weibo, Baidu's online forum Tieba, the Quora-like Zhihu (知乎) in the weeks before the Party Congress, searching for the names of Chinese leader Xi, the standing committee members and its 31 provincial and region Party chiefs. It said despite the controls on freedom of speech imposed by Xi Jinping it was found that: Weibo doesn't allow users without a Chinese cellphone number (no overseas users) to even search for Xi Jinping's name in the app. You need to register and log in with a Chinese number (linked to your ID) to do so; Results are almost all articles or videos in some way linked to state media or government agencies. No surprise... EXCEPT, the comments are also hidden from view; Other posts on state media mentioning Xi Jinping or Li Keqiang do not even bother. They have shut off the comment function or hide them. When you try and search on Baidu's online forum Tieba for Chinese President Xi Jinping, it is a blank slate. A message appears saying "Sorry, according to related laws and policies, the results cannot be shown."; on Baidu Tieba: Chinese netizens get the same reply when they search for anyone else on the Standing Committee: Li Keqiang, Han Zheng, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji. Other politicians with similar levels of censorship include Xinjiang Party chief Chen Min'er; on Baidu Tieba Chinese internet users can discuss U.S. politicians such as President Biden much more freely. Compare the zero results of Chinese leader Xi to 184,000 comments on Biden, with opinions ranging from respect to disgust; on Sogou's WeChat search portal (a common way to browse WeChat blog posts). Searching ‘Yang Jiechi,' China's point man on foreign affairs, returned the result: 呀!没有找 到相关的微信公众号文章 (No related official WeChat posts found), Yang Jiechi's U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken delivers 1,000 WeChat posts; it said Douyin takes 1st prize for censorship. For Xi, you only find videos from state/Party media. Lots of CCTV discussing Xi’s trips to the hinterland. Douyin’s global counterpart TikTok, run by the same parent company Bytedance, is filled with user-generated memes and spoofs of leaders such as Biden and Putin. No such thing in China; Even searches for public sentiment about Mr Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, a famous folk singer in her own right, yield nothing on most platforms; WeChat is the worst censorship offender: and the #sitongbridge incident is the most recent example. Large numbers of Chinese lost access to the ubiquitous chat messaging app after sharing a photo of a rare protest act in Beijing ahead of the Congress; A Zhihu post on a speech by Xi to the People’s Liberation Army in which he called for “the motherland to be unified”—a reference to taking control of Taiwan, appeared to have attracted 219 comments. None could be viewed. Control its version of history. And the fines against content platforms have grown huge. Weibo was fined about $2.6 mln in 2021 over content; what was evident is that the next upcoming heavyweights might possibly be Chen Min'er, the Chongqing party chief, who was the most heavily censored on all the platforms searched. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER WANG HUNING AND CMC VICE CHAIRMAN HE WEIDONG ATTEND SYMPOSIUM ON YAN'AN Xinhua (January 12) reported that a symposium to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Yan'an Double Support Movement was held in the Great Hall of the People on January 12. Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning attended the symposium. General He Weidong, Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He said that 'supporting the army, giving priority to subordinates, supporting the government, and loving the people is a great creation of the army and the people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and has played an irreplaceable and important role in different historical periods of revolution, construction, and reform. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, the military and local governments at all levels have focused on serving the overall situation of the party 8 and the country, national defense and military construction, and vigorously carried forward the glorious tradition of double support, and double support work organization leadership Stronger and more powerful, publicity and education are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, active in serving and preparing for war, and supporting economic and social construction have achieved remarkable results. He Weidong emphasized that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has drawn a grand blueprint for the rejuvenation of a powerful country. He added that 'we must always adhere to integrity and innovation, strengthen publicity and guidance, expand the form and content, enrich the carrier, and constantly write a new chapter in the era of military-government military-civilian unity'. Vice Premier Sun Chunlan and head of the National Leading Group for Double Support Work presided over the symposium. NPC Vice Chairman Shen Yueyue and CPPCC Vice Chairman Ma Biao attended the meeting. Xinhua said that 'the deputy leader and all members of the National Double Support Work Leading Group, the relevant ministries and commissions of the Central Military Commission, the relevant units of the troops stationed in Beijing, and the responsible comrades in Beijing, the representatives of old revolutionary areas such as Yan'an in Shaanxi, and the representatives of the national double support model cities (counties) such as Ningbo in Zhejiang , some national double support model units and individual representatives attended the meeting'. CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: TOUGHLY WORDED ARTICLE ON CDIC WEBSITE WARNS "POLITICAL DOUBLE-FACED PEOPLE" AND "DOUBLEFACED FACTIONS" The official website of China's central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) on January 19 posted an article by Fu Mingxian, Member of the Standing Committee of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Director of the Supervisory Commission, titled 'Carry out the spirit of the second plenary session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection | Promote the improvement of the party's self-revolutionary institutional normative'. Stressing that "the political supervision system must more consciously assume the major political responsibility for the "two safeguards", it described the "Two safeguards" as the highest political principle of the party and the fundamental task of strengthening political supervision in the new era". It called for the "accurate identification and timely investigation of "seven existing" problems, promptly eliminate political "double-faced people" and "double-faced factions"," and resolutely 9 preventing all kinds of "low-level reds" and "high-level blacks" that undermine the unity and unity of the party. It said, "strengthening the joint supervision of the "top leaders" and the leadership team is the top priority. From a practical point of view, the reason why leading cadres, especially the "top leaders" are difficult to supervise, is closely related to the lack of supervision and coordination. It is necessary to conscientiously implement the "Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Strengthening the Supervision of "Top Leaders" and Leading Groups" and supervise superiors, peers, and subordinates." CHINA-CCP: QIU SHI PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE URGING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 'SPIRIT' OF THE 20TH PARTY CONGRESS The Editorial Department of the Party theoretical fortnightly journal Qiu Shi (2023/20 dated January 15, 2023) published an article titled: Comprehensively study, comprehensively grasp and fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China'. It described the 20th Party Congress as "a very important meeting held at the critical moment when the whole party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country are embarking on a new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and marching towards the second centenary goal". CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY ARTICLE PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON 'CHINESE-STYLE MODERNISATION' The Guangming Daily (January 19) published an article by Li Weiming, Director and Researcher of the Resource Policy Research Office of the Resource and Environmental Policy Research Institute of the Development Research Center of the State Council, under the caption 'Building a beautiful China where man and nature coexist harmoniously'. The article recalled that "Xi Jinping emphasized in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China that Chinese-style modernization is a modernization in which man and nature coexist harmoniously". It added that this enriches and expands the meaning of "Chinese-style modernization, opens up a new realm of the Marxist theory of the relationship between man and nature, and not only provides a solution for building a green foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and realizing the sustainable development of the Chinese nation", but it has "also contributed Chinese wisdom and Chinese power to other countries to expand new paths of modernization and jointly explore new forms of human civilization". CHINA-CCP: CHINESE ACADEMIC ATTACKS PUBLICATION 'OWNED' BY SHANGHAI Yu Liang, Deputy Director of China Institute, Fudan University, headed by Zhang Weiwei and believed to be funded by Eric X. Li, on January 19, attacked respected Sixth Tone, a reputed Chinese publication, on Weibo, accusing it of reporting on China similar to the New York Times, CNN and BBC. (Comment: Sixth Tone is a state-owned English-language online magazine published by Shanghai United Media Group.) CHINA-PLA: PLA TESTS QUICK DEPLOYMENT CAPABILITY OF LAND-BASED SAM BATTALION The Global Times (January 18) reported that a top surface-to-air missile unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force recently took part in a systematic confrontational exercise, in which it for the first time tested its quick deployment capability by flying with Y- 20 large transport aircraft. It quoted analysts as saying this method will significantly enhance China's air defence flexibility. CCTV said the exercise marked the first time this battalion tested its quick deployment capability by flying with Y-20 transport aircraft, as it mobilized across the country to locations including Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Northwest China's Gansu Province. CHINA-RELIGION: CHINA HOSTS DELEGATION OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARS AND CLERICS FOR VISIT TO XINJIANG Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on January 13 that a delegation of more than 30 Islamic figures and scholars from 14 countries Islamic figures and scholars Led by Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of The World Muslim Communities Council from the UAE, visited China's Xinjiang region and witnessed first-hand the region's developments and stability. On the same day, Xu Guixiang, a spokesperson of the Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region Government said the delegation also went to Kashi to see the reconstruction project of the old town. The delegation also had a symposium with faculty and students from the Xinjiang Islamic Institute to exchange views on the fostering of 11 Islamic clergies and the protection of freedom of religion. They also held a symposium with officials in Kashi to understand the poverty alleviation work. On the last day, the head of the delegation Al Nuaimi in an interview with the media the Global Times 'spoke highly of the region's deradicalization efforts and said it is a great achievement for the region to see no terror attacks for six years.' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, 'what the delegation has seen is totally different from some media's description and the allegations that criticized Xinjiang's human rights situation or the accusation of "genocide" on Uyghurs, calling white black and distorting the truth'. CHINA-HEALTH: GUANGDONG PROVINCE SPENDS U.S.$ 21.9 BILLION ON FINANCING 'ZERO-COVID' Caixin disclosed (January 16) that Guangdong province spent 146.8 billion yuan ($21.9 billion) in healthcare costs financing “zero Covid” over the past three years, which included mass testing and vaccination campaigns. It added that in 2020, governments of all levels in Guangdong province allocated 30.3 billion yuan to Covid-19 containment measures. That figure increased to 45.4 billion yuan in 2021 and 71.1 billion yuan last year, according to reports published by the provincial finance department. The rising costs reflect the increasing difficulty that the province faced curbing the spread of more-infectious Covid variants, as well as its stepped-up efforts, particularly mass and regular testing campaigns launched last year. It said the whole country also faced the same Covid situation. CHINA-HEALTH: CHINA'S NATIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION DIVULGES FIGURES OF COVID CASES A Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) official said (January 13) that the number of severe COVID-19 cases reached a peak on January 5, 2023, standing at 128,000. He also noted that the number was down to 105,000 as of January 12. 75.3 per cent of beds for severe cases were occupied. The NHC also said that between December 8, 2022, and January 12, 2023, 59,938 people died for COVID-related reasons in medical institutions, including 5,503 from respiratory failures and 54,435 from underlying health conditions. Average age 80.3 yr old. 90.1% of them are over 65 yr old. CHINA-HEALTH: CCTV PUBLICISES PREPARATIONS FOR TACKLING COVID IN RURAL CHINA PRIOR TO THE SPRING FESTIVAL The state-owned CCTV (January 15) telecast a report titled 'Guarding the frontlines of rescue in rural areas' stating that "at present, 17,000 county-level hospitals, 35,000 township health centres, and 599,000 village clinics constitute the frontline of the new crown treatment in rural China". CHINA-HEALTH: XINHUA CRITICISES WESTERN MEDIA FOR CONSISTENTLY SAYING CHINA CAN DO NOTHING RIGHT A Xinhua (January 13) article criticised the Western media for "deliberately distorting China's policy adjustments and hyping the so-called "China's epidemic is out of control". It said the Western media "faithfully follow the consistent logic of the Western media, that is, "China is always wrong. " It quoted some posts from individuals to say "Western countries turn a blind eye to their own problems, a large number of deaths, no official explanation, no one is held accountable, people die quietly" adding that the theory of "China is guilty" can be put to rest. CHINA-POPULATION: CHINA'S POPULATION OFFICIALLY REPORTED TO BE SHRINKING FOR FIRST TIME IN SIX DECADES Bloomberg (January 17) citing China's National Statistics Bureau said China’s population started shrinking in 2022 for the first time in six decades. China had 1.41 billion people at the end of last year, 850,000 fewer than at the end of 2021, which marks the first drop since 1961, the final year of the Great Famine under former leader Mao Zedong. Some 9.56 million babies were born in 2022, down from 10.62 million a year earlier, the lowest level since at least 1950, despite efforts by the government to encourage families to have more children. The data released by the National Statistics Bureau show 62% of the population were of working age, which China defines as people aged 16 to 59, down from around 70% a decade ago, highlighting the challenges the country faces as its population ages. CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINESE VICE PREMIER LIU HE PLAYS DOWN WORRIES ABOUT 'COMMON PROSPERITY' Speaking at the WEF in Davos, outgoing Chinese Vice Premier Liu He played down apprehensions about Common Prosperity ever since it was articulated by Chinese President Xi Jinping in August 2021. At the WEF, Davos on January 17, Liu He insisted that “Common prosperity is by no means a synonym of egalitarianism or welfarism.” He also said, “As China grows, all Chinese people will be better off, but that doesn’t mean their incomes and level of prosperity have to be the same" adding that “, there will be equal opportunities, but no guarantee of equal outcomes.” He said, "In 2023, we will continue to try to make progress while maintaining stability and follow a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy. ... More focus will be placed on expanding domestic demand, keeping supply chains stable, supporting the private sector, reforming the State-owned enterprises (SOEs), attracting foreign investment, and preventing economic and financial risks". He expressed optimism about the Chinese economy in 2023. CHINA-ECONOMY: BEIJING DAILY IDENTIFIES DIFFICULTIES IN CHINA'S ECONOMY BUT ANTICIPATES A BRIGHT 2023 At a press conference in Beijing on January 17 to brief on China's 2022 national economic performance, it was revealed that China's GDP tops 121 trillion yuan ($17.93 trillion) in 2022, up 3% YoY. Separately, the Beijing Daily (January 16) published an article authored by the Chief Economist of China Center for International Economic Exchanges, which highlighted that the World Bank’s forecast for China’s economic growth in 2023 is 4.5% in January 2023, and other international institutions have also raised their expectations for China’s economy, which is more optimistic than 5%. Chinese think tanks and scholars generally expect more than 5% of the Chinese economy. It said as long as the hard and soft constraints on China's economic impact are removed, there will be a strong recovery in 2023, mainly manifested in "five aspects of recovery", but there are also hidden problems and contradictions that need to be further resolved. It said China's GDP growth rate will accelerate from around 3.0% in 2022 to between 5% and 6% in 2023 and if conditions are right may even touch 6%. While saying it is estimated that in 2023, the nominal growth rate of the total retail sales of consumer goods for the whole year will be between 8% and 10%, which will be significantly higher than that in 2022, it cautioned that "on the other hand, due to the uncertainty of the epidemic, residents' income expectations are unstable, preventive savings behaviours increase, and residents' marginal propensity to consume decreases". It anticipated "The real estate market will rebound, but the speed of recovery will not be so fast." The article pointed out that "China's high-end manufacturing industry has made considerable progress, but there are still many problems, especially the core technology and high-end technology of my country's manufacturing industry, 80% of which are in the hands of foreign capital. At present, the security of China's industrial chain and supply chain is threatened. Bottlenecks such as industrial mother machines, high-end chips, basic software and hardware, development platforms, basic algorithms, basic components, basic materials, and new materials are still prominent. The situation that key core technologies are controlled by others has not been fundamentally resolved". It added "China's manufacturing industry will face four pressures in 2023: first, the United States will contain and suppress, and the pressure on China's manufacturing industry will further increase; second, the cost advantage of China's manufacturing industry will decrease; third, the task of making up for shortcomings in key parts and key links is arduous; It is international trade, that is, the contraction of imports from China in the international market, and the pace of de-sinification of the US market will accelerate. Building a new development pattern with the domestic cycle as the main body and the domestic and international dual cycles promoting each other, further optimizing the supply-side structure, and improving capabilities with the manufacturing industry as the main body, will become the top priority for the development of the manufacturing industry in 2023". It concluded on an optimistic note asserting: "China is still the investment hotspot with the most capital inflows. At the same time, China's high-level opening up, institutional opening up, higher quality opening up and leading opening up will further strengthen the confidence of global investors in participating in the Chinese market". CHINA-ECONOMY: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE CALLING FOR BETTER BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES The Guangming Daily (January 17) published an article authored jointly by Ma Haitao and Xiao Peng, Vice Presidents of the Central University of Finance and Economics, captioned 'Improve the modern budget system and continuously improve the efficiency of government governance'. It spoke of better budget management, coordination, and stricter conservation of financial resources. CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA GIVES SOME RELIEF TO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS Xinhua (January 13) reported that regulators had drafted a plan to steer the balance sheets of the real estate developers to safety and “promote the smooth transition of the sector to a new development model.” The plan includes improving the “three red lines” policy for 30 pilot developers. Loosening debt caps will allow developers to take advantage of financing support promised in the plan, including: (i) Increasing support for bonds and credit; (ii) Encouraging financial institutions to roll over asset financing; (iii) Encouraging banks to increase loans to high-quality developers; and (iv) Supporting the repayment of offshore debt. While Beijing will loosen the debt caps on these 30 developers, it will not allow a return to the old days of unrestrained, debt-fuelled growth in the sector. CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S STATE COUNCIL CLAIMS AN INCREASE IN CHINA'S FOREIGN TRADE At a press conference (January 13) the State Council Information Office said, 'China's foreign trade will achieve new breakthroughs, the scale, quality, and efficiency of imports and exports will increase simultaneously, and foreign trade will achieve stable growth'. Customs statistics show that the total value of China's foreign trade imports and exports will be 42.07 trillion yuan in 2022, an increase of 7.7% over 2021. Among them, exports were 23.97 trillion yuan, an increase of 10.5%; imports were 18.1 trillion yuan, an increase of 4.3%. It said China's imports and exports to ASEAN, the EU, and the United States saw an increase of 15%, 5.6%, and 3.7% respectively. ASEAN continues to be China's largest trading partner, accounting for 15.5% of my country's total foreign trade. It was also claimed that during the same period, the total import and export between China and countries along the “Belt and Road” totalled 13.83 trillion yuan, an increase of 19.4% over 2021. China and the other 14 member countries of RCEP have a total import and export of 12.95 trillion yuan, an increase of 7.5% over 2021. CHINA-AGRICULTURE: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE SAYS CHINA'S GRAIN HARVEST HIT RECORD PRODUCTION LAST YEAR A People's Daily article publicised a press conference by the State Council Information Office where Zang Yande, Chief Agronomist and Development Planning Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said, "In the past year, the development of the agricultural and rural economy has withstood multiple tests, achieved results beyond expectations, stabilized the basic market, and consolidated the ballast." Titled 'In 2022, grain output will hit a record high, and rural industries will grow stronger -- Agricultural and rural economic development has achieved more than expected results', it claimed "grain production hit a record high. In 2022, the sown area of grain will be 1.775 billion mu, an increase of 10.52 million mu over the previous year, and the output will be 1,373.1 billion jin, an increase of 7.4 billion jin" despite the multiple difficulties and challenges such as the epidemic and disasters. CHINA-AGRICULTURE: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE SAYS IN 2023 A TOTAL OF 45 MILLION MU OF NEW FERTILE FIELDS WILL BE ADDED AND 35 MILLION MU UPGRADED The Beijing Daily (January 16) asserted that cultivated land is the lifeblood of food production and recalled that "General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized at the Central Rural Work Conference that we will resolutely guard the red line of 1.8 billion mu of cultivated land and gradually build all permanent basic farmland into high-standard farmland". It stated that by the end of 2022, a total of 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland has been built. In 2023, 45 million mu will be newly built, and 35 million mu will be upgraded——More grain fields turned into fertile fields (a new direction of the economy. CHINA-HONGKONG: ZHENG YANXIONG APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PRC'S LIAISON OFFICE IN HONGKONG 59-year-old Zheng Yanxiong was appointed Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on January 14. He replaced Luo Huining. Zheng Yanxion previously served as Director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR. CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE POLITICAL SCIENTIST ZHENG YONGNIAN WRITES ON TEN INTERNATIONAL CHANGES AND INDIA CHINA RELATIONS A lengthy article titled "Ten major changes in International Politics and their prospects in 2023”, by Zheng Yongnian, Chinese Political Scientist and Professor at the Chinese University of Hongkong in Shenzhen, was published on the Chinese portal 'Aisixiang' on January 18, 2023. The portion on India read: "India steps up its rise India’s accelerated rise is due to its comparative advantages in economy, policy, and international situation. At the economic level, the huge and mounting population gives it a demographic dividend and labour force advantages. India has a large market. Although there are a large number of lowand middle-income populations, people are ’poor and want to change’, and people have a strong willingness to cross classes and sufficient motivation. In terms of policy, PM Narendra Modi sought to become the Indian version of Deng Xiaoping after coming to power; reform efforts have constantly intensified. Although there have been failures, they have also shown a continuous reform trend. India’s modernisation transformation has been quite effective. It has vigorously promoted reforms in all aspects, and at the same time protected the domestic market and supported local manufacturing through import substitution. Its policy tends to be more pro-business and pro-capital. Especially during the global epidemic, India has formed a certain competitive relationship with the Chinese market in terms of attracting Western capital. In terms of the international situation, the US regards China as its main competitor. In order to deal with China, the US focuses on developing substantive relations with India. From a business point of view, both Western governments and Western capital are consciously helping India transform and improve its business environment, investing more resources in personnel training, technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and rule building. From a geopolitical perspective, the US, Western countries, and India have strengthened the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) mechanism, and newly constructed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) based on so-called ’democratic values’. These external forces have all contributed to India’s influence on the international stage. However, India will not become a vassal of the US but is trying to become an independent pole of power. With the support of the West, India’s rise according to its own will put a considerable degree of geopolitical pressure on China. First, Pakistan, which is China’s close neighbour and friend, will face a more powerful India, and the India-Pakistan issue will become more complicated; second, China’s B&R initiative, especially the ’Maritime Silk Road’ through the Indian Ocean Facing more complex challenges; third, with the rise of India, its cognition and identity as a major country will change. As a maritime country, India’s geopolitical influence will spread to the entire Indian Ocean, especially the important external area of the North Indian Ocean. strategic area. Maritime influence can still be so, let alone the negative impact of Sino- Indian border conflicts on their relations. In recent years, India has occasionally provoked border disputes and skirmishes. This action only intensifies as its strength increases. Therefore, the accelerated rise of India is also a major challenge to China, and how to manage Sino-Indian relations will be an important issue." CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE RESEARCHER LIU ZONGYI ON INDIA-CHINA RELATIONS Liu Zongyi, a researcher at the Shanghai Institute of International Studies (SIIS), in a speech at an event organised by Renmin University’s Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies on January 3, said "For the next 10 years at least, India will continue to pursue pro-US policies and will continue to adopt a primarily confrontational approach towards China, with cooperation as a secondary priority." The main points of his speech are: India-China ties will be defined by confrontation and competition in the short, medium and possibly long term; New Delhi’s relations with Beijing are currently influenced by two main factors: the United States and Hindu nationalism; India is in a battle with China for regional and global influence; India is out to replace China as the “world’s factory”; Potential areas of cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing are dwindling; and India's Indo-Pacific strategy is increasingly in line with the US’s own strategy in the region. Both seek to contain China. During an interview with Guancha.cn following China’s border clash with India on December 9, Liu Zongyi said: Dynamics within the Indian army are to blame for this incident, not India’s leadership; and India needs China to support its hosting of the next G20 summit in September and is therefore seeking to “stabilise” relations with Beijing. CHINA-INDIA: CHINESE CUSTOMS DATA SHOWS INDIAN IMPORTS FROM CHINA RISE TO RECORD LEVELS IN 2022 China Customs data revealed on January 13 showed India’s total trade and imports from China reached record levels in 2022. Trade was up to $135.98 billion, from $125.6 billion in 2021. India’s imports rose to $118.5 billion, from $97.5 billion and India’s exports dropped to $17.48 billion, from $28.1 billion. CHINA-BHUTAN: 11TH EXPERT GROUP MEETING ON BHUTAN-CHINA BOUNDARY ISSUES HELD IN KUNMING ON JANUARY 13 The 11th Expert Group Meeting on the Bhutan-China Boundary Issues ended in Kunming City in China, on January 13. Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, Secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan led the Bhutanese delegation. The report said the representatives of the two countries had an in-depth exchange of views and reached a positive consensus on implementing the MOU on the Three-Step Roadmap for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations. The two sides also agreed to increase the frequency of the Expert Group Meeting and to keep contact through diplomatic channels on holding the 25th Round of Bhutan-China Boundary talks as soon as possible at mutually convenient dates. CHINA-US: US TREASURY SECRETARY YELLEN AND CHINESE VICE PREMIER LIU HE MEET AT DAVOS US Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen for the first time met Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on January 18 on the sidelines of the WEF at Davos as part of efforts to deepen communication and work together to address global challenges following the meeting between President Biden and President Xi in Bali in November where the two leaders agreed to empower key senior officials to engage in these issues. The US statement on the meeting described it as a "candid, substantive, and constructive conversation, they exchanged views on macroeconomic and financial developments". Much of the focus of the three-hour-long meeting, which also included Chinese central banker Yi Gang, was on the two countries’ economic outlooks. The two said they had discussed contentious issues during a coffee break. Bloomberg said Liu He was also keen to sound a note of optimism, even as he acknowledged tensions. He was quoted saying “We do face problems, but as President Xi said, we only have one planet earth and there are always more solutions than problems,” adding that he looked forward to “serious communication and coordination on macroeconomic affairs, climate change and other issues of mutual interest.” Reuters reported that Yellen and Liu agreed that both countries could take steps to avert recessions in their own economies, and the two delegations had a productive discussion about sovereign debt issues, food security and energy. CHINA-AFRICA: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS GABON AND BENIN IN ADDITION TO ETHIOPIA, ANGOLA AND EGYPT Among the five countries he will visit, in addition to the “major partners” of China in Africa, Ethiopia, Angola, and Egypt, there are also two other countries of relatively low importance for China in Africa, Gabon, and Benin. On January 13, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Huawei's new Angola tech park. Last May, the US State Department's No:2 Wendy Sherman visited the local offices of Africell, also in Luanda. |
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CHINA-LEADERSHIP: XI JINPING CHAIRS POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING The Politburo Standing Committee held a meeting on November 10 to "listen to the report on
the prevention and control of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, and to study and deploy 20
measures to further optimize the prevention and control work". CCP CC General Secretary Xi
Jinping presided over the meeting and delivered an "important" speech. The meeting pointed
out that at present, the covid virus is "still mutating, the global epidemic situation is still in an
epidemic situation, and new domestic epidemics continue to appear. China is a country with a
large population, with a large number of vulnerable groups, unbalanced regional development,
and insufficient medical resources. The epidemic situation in some areas still has a certain scale.
Affected by the mutation of the virus and climatic factors in winter and spring, the scope and
scale of the epidemic may further expand. The prevention and control situation are still severe.
It is necessary to maintain strategic focus and scientifically and accurately do a good job in
epidemic prevention and control". The meeting emphasized that "it is necessary to fully,
accurately, and fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee,
unswervingly adhere to the principle of people first and life first, unswervingly implement the
general strategy of "foreign defence against imports, internal defence against rebound", and
unswervingly implement "dynamic clearing".
(Comment: The tenor of the Xinhua report appeared to be somewhat 'softer' than those earlier.
It is likely that the authorities will start addressing some of the problematic issues but without
abolishing 'zero-Covid'.)
Nov 2022 |
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CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING VISITS CMC OPERATIONS COMMAND CENTRE IN BEIJING Chinese President Xi Jinping, dressed in military camouflage, visited the CMC's Joint
Operations Command on November 9. There he told the officers that "China's security situation
is becoming more unstable and uncertain, and the military struggle is arduous". "The army
should focus all energy on fighting wars, focus all work on fighting hard (and) accelerate
improving our ability to win". He reiterated the importance of ideological and combat
preparedness and said: (i) "the whole army should study, publicise, and implement the spirit of
the 20th Party Congress and ensure that the spirit of the 20th Party Congress takes root in the
army". (ii) We should strive to build a strategic command organisation that is absolutely loyal,
good at fighting, efficient in command, and dares to fight and win. (iii) We should pursue the
comprehensive strengthening of military training and preparation, and the effective
implementation of our military missions and tasks"
Nov 2022 |
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CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ADDRESSES 5TH CHINA INTERNATIONAL EXPO VIA VIDEO LINK Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech via video on November 5 at the 5th
China International Import Expo (CIIE) where he "emphasized China's unswerving
commitment to further opening up its market" and to creating new opportunities for the world
with its own development. The Global Times (November 6) said Xi Jinping "pledged that
China will firmly safeguard true multilateralism, share market opportunities with the rest of the
world, promote high-standard opening-up and uphold the common interests of the world". A
number of foreign enterprises that participated in the fair said they were encouraged and have
increased their determination to invest and develop in China".
Nov 2022 |