Weekly Report 1|36 6.23.2018-6.29.2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Xi Jinping called for reinforcing and expanding the Party’s role in foreign affairs at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs in Beijing. The significance of his speech was dissected in a four-part commentator series in the People’s Daily.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection celebrated the return of Former Bank of China Jiangmen Branch Governor Lai Mingmin (赖明敏), one of the fugitives on China’s “Red List,” only four days after another red list fugitive, Wang Qi (王颀), did the same.
The Communist Youth League (CYL) held its 18th National Congress in Beijing. Wang Huning gave a speech in which he addressed the crucial role of the youth in defending Xi Jinping’s authority and realizing CCP objectives. A People’s Daily Editorial emphasized a main task of the CYL in the new era is “to upgrade the pertinence and effectiveness of ideological guidance."
SENIOR LEADERS
Xi Jinping: Initiate a New Phase of Great Power Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics
6.22-23 Xi Jinping delivered a speech on the diplomatic thought of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs in Beijing. Xi’s speech repeatedly called for reinforcing and expanding the Party’s role in foreign affairs, stating that “we must insist on diplomatic power residing in the Party Central Committee.” He also declared that “we must create a foreign affairs work contingent that is loyal to the Party, loyal to the state, and loyal to the people as well as politically resolute, professionally skilled, behaviorally accomplished, and highly disciplined.”
Xi’s speech outlined the 10 major aspects of diplomatic thought: 1. strengthening the Party’s centralized and unified leadership over external work, 2. carrying forward major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, 3. promoting the building a community of shared future for mankind, 4. increasing strategic self-confidence, 5. promoting the building of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), 6. walking the road of peaceful development, 7. developing global partnerships, 8. leading the reform of the global governance system, 9. defending national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and 10. creating a unique style of Chinese diplomacy.
The conference was presided over by Li Keqiang and attended by Politburo Standing Committee members Li Zhanshu (栗战书), Wang Yang (汪洋), Wang Huning (王沪宁), Zhao Leji (赵乐际), and Han Zheng (韩正) as well as Vice President Wang Qishan (王岐山).
Xi Jinping: Walk the Road of Drug Governance with Chinese Characteristics Xinhua 6.25 Xi Jinping emphasized that drug prohibition work is a national safety issue and that according to the law those involved with illegal drugs should be struck hard. Xi noted that the youth community must be targeted and that drug prohibition educational dissemination should be thoroughly carried out. The author notes that 26 June is the United Nations’ “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.”
Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of France
6.25 Xi Jinping met with the Prime Minister of France Édouard Philippe. Xi declared that China is willing to enrich its comprehensive strategic partnership with France to ensure bilateral relations “continue to be a model of mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and exchanges and mutual learning between countries.” He called for both countries to “hold up the banner of multilateralism, adhere to fairness and justice, and jointly defend the fundamental norms of international relations.” Philippe stated that, “As multilateralism faces challenges today, having a stable cooperative partner is extremely valuable” and France is ready to work with China to promote world peace and security and strengthen the cooperation between the European Union and China.
Li Keqiang and Li Zhanshu also held individual meetings with Philippe.
Han Zheng Meets with HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam
6.26 Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Han Zheng (韩正) met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (林郑月娥) at Zhongnanhai in Beijing. They discussed suggestions for the outline of the developmental plan for the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao Greater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区发展规划纲要). Among other points, Han expressed his hope for Hong Kong to seize this “historic opportunity” (历史性机遇) while Lam stated that people from all walks of life in Hong Kong are full of expectations for the plan.
Han also met with Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Cui Shian (崔世安) on June 28th to discuss similar topics.
Xi Jinping Meets with US Secretary of Defense
6.27 Xi Jinping met with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. According the Xinhua, Xi told Mattis that “the world is experiencing a period of major developments, major changes, and major adjustments” and described China-US relations as “one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world.” Xi stressed that China “will not cause chaos in the world” but added “in terms of issues involving China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, our attitude is resolute and clear-cut. We cannot lose an inch of territory left behind by our ancestors.” He called for strengthening contacts and mechanism building at all levels in the two countries’ militaries as such actions “are beneficial for eliminating misgivings and preventing misunderstandings and accidents.”
PROPAGANDA WORK
PD Commentator Series on Xi Jinping’s Speech at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs
People’s Daily
6.24-27 The People’s Daily published a series of commentator articles supporting Xi Jinping’s speech at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs.
The first article pointed out that “the most important achievement of the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs is establishing Xi Jinping Diplomatic Thought (习近平外交思想) as the fundamental principle and action guide for China’s external work.” The article reiterated the 10 major aspects of Xi’s speech, urging readers to “follow the strong leadership of the Central Committee with Xi as its core and the guidance of Xi Jinping Diplomatic Thought to make greater contributions to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the building of a community of shared future for mankind.”
The second article quoted Xi’s speech at the Conference, saying that “accurate perspectives on history, the overall situation, and one’s role must be built in order to grasp the international situation.” The article said, “from a historical perspective, every great leap that led the Chinese nation to stand up and grow rich was achieved through long-term struggles of the Chinese people led and united by the CCP under complicated and grim international and domestic situations.” “The world is experiencing a period of major developments, major changes, and major adjustments. However, peace and development are still the themes of the era.” As China enters the center of the world stage, it should more actively participate in global governance. The article concluded by urging readers to accurately grasp the characteristics and trends of the international situation and coordinate both the international and domestic situations.
The third article stressed the new achievements of China’s diplomacy in a new era. It highlighted that China has linked the China dream with the world’s dream, adhered to the Party’s leadership and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, advanced the innovation of diplomatic theories and implementation, insisted on win-win cooperation and mutual respect, and prevented and solved developmental risks and challenges.
The fourth article said “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Diplomatic Thought should be comprehensively implemented in foreign affairs work.” The article said China “will advance the global governance system toward a more fair and reasonable direction” and “is willing to reinforce dialogue with other great powers to promote mutual trust, develop cooperation, manage differences, defend world peace and security, and promote the world’s development and prosperity.”
Zhong Sheng: “Rice Miracle” Reflects Innovative Power
6.25 The commentary pen name “Zhong Sheng” (钟声), which stands for “Voice of China” and/or “Sounding the Alarm Bell” and authoritatively transmits the official positions of People’s Daily on matters of international affairs, praised Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping (袁隆平), the inventor of “oriental magic rice,” “super rice,” and “giant rice” who recently carried out the world’s first successful experiment in growing rice in the desert, for his role in China’s “rice miracle” (水稻奇迹). It noted that, China has not only experienced a steady increase in agricultural output but also realized technological breakthroughs in crop production. The commentary argued that these innovations as well as others, including the Huiyan satellite, C919 passenger jet, and Haiyi underwater glider, show China has already transitioned from follower to leader in science and technology. It also lauded talented individuals as the drivers of innovation and outstanding Chinese researchers for making major contributions to the scientific and technological development of China and the world.
Central Committee General Office Releases Opinions on Strengthening Party Building Work in Public Hospitals Xinhua 6.25 The General Office of the Central Committee released Opinions on Strengthening Party Building Work of Public Hospitals (关于加强公立医院党的建设工作的意见), which were published in full by Xinhua. The Opinions demanded that the requirements of party work be entered into hospitals’ charters (把党建工作要求写入医院章程).
The Opinions identified several key tasks: first, to adequately exhibit the leading function of public hospital party committees; second, to earnestly strengthen the construction of public hospital leading groups, cadre teams and talented staff; third, to try hard to increase public hospitals’ grassroots-level Party building status; fourth, to treat firmly grasping ideological and political work and medical ethics as the important mission of public hospital party organizations; and fifth, to constantly strengthen the leadership and guidance of public hospital party building work.
Fourth China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum Held in Beijing
6.26 Propaganda Department Deputy Head and State Administration of Radio and Television Minister Nie Chenxi (聂辰席) presided over the Fourth China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum in Beijing, where 12 cooperation agreements were signed between Chinese and African media organizations. Zambian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services told attendees that the forum “provides African media with an opportunity to learn from China’s experience, and find development measures that suit their national conditions.” The head of the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said that the continuous strengthening of media cooperation, “helps to advance the ‘China Story’ and the ‘Africa Story’ to promote the development of China-Africa relations.”
Central Committee and State Council General Offices Release Opinions Relating to Belt and Road Xinhua
6.28 The General Office of the Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council published opinions on establishing Belt and Road international commercial dispute resolution mechanisms and institutions (关于建立“一带一路”国际商事争端解决机制和机构的意见). Alongside the release of the opinions, the general offices stated that it is required for every locale and every department to combine practicality with earnestness in implementing the opinions.
The opinions had several principles: the first being to insist on joint discussions, joint construction, and joint prosperity; the second being to insist on fairness, efficiency, and convenience; the third being to insist on respecting other group’s ideas and autonomy; and the fourth being to insist on the diversification of the types of dispute resolution. Among other points, the document called to adequately use the results of “smart courts” (智慧法院) and as quickly as possible establish a law database of nations participating in the Belt and Road and and a foreign law search center.
Zhong Sheng: Strive to Move Forward to Build a Community of Shared Future for Mankind
6.28 The commentary pen name “Zhong Sheng” (钟声) praised Xi Jinping’s speech at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs for “looking at the future policy direction of China’s foreign affairs work through Xi Jinping Diplomatic Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in a New Era.” It listed out the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing, the G20 Hangzhou summit, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the SCO Qingdao Summit, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as evidence of China’s contribution of its wisdom and plans to the world while firmly defending its sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.
UNITED FRONT WORK
Wang Yang Attends Second Meeting of 13th CPPCC National Committee Standing Committee Xinhua 6.25 Politburo Standing Committee member and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) attended the 2nd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing. The meeting was centered around “resolving the poverty alleviation problem of abjectly impoverished regions.” State Council Vice Premier Hu Chunhua (胡春华) and CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairman Zhang Qingli (张庆黎) both gave remarks at the meeting. Hu emphasized that although decisive progress has been made under Xi Jinping’s scientific guidance on poverty alleviation since the 18th Party Congress, an arduous battle still lies ahead. In order to fight a successful battle against poverty, Hu stated that following the deployments of the CCP Central Committee and State Council, sticking to target goals, and implementing industrial, employment, and relocation assistance were critical tasks. Zhang emphasized the need to consolidate alleviation efforts in impoverished areas.
National Lawyer Party School Established, Establishing a New High Ground for Building Party Education in the Law Industry
6.25 CCP National Lawyer Commission (中国共产党全国律师行业委员会) Secretary Xiong Xuanguo (熊选国) and Deputy Secretary & All-China Lawyers Association President Wang Junfeng (王俊峰) attended the opening ceremony of the National Lawyer Party School in Beijing.
Among other major obligations of the school, several of the most notable are as follows: to study and disseminate Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the “Three Represents” important thought, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; Organize the widespread study by lawyers of the Party’s fundamental theory, basic knowledge, and Party political line; organize the development of law industry Party committee members; and guide all parts of law industry Party school work.
PD Editorial: Writing the Youth Chapter for the New Era: Warmly Congratulating the Opening of the Communist Youth League’s Eighteenth National Congress
6.26 On the occasion of the Communist Youth League’s (CYL) Eighteenth National Congress, the People’s Daily published an editorial that emphasized the important role the CYL plays in realizing the two centenary goals and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The editorial stated that the CCP Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core attaches great importance to the work of the CYL, with Xi personally presiding over the Central Committee’s first mass organization work conference (群团工作会议) in the history of the Party, guiding the formulation of the first ever Youth Development Plan (青年发展规划), and guiding the CYL’s reform program.
The editorial proclaimed that, over the past five years, the CYL has “firmly implemented the requirements of the Central Committee,” “has made strenuous efforts to reform,” and that “the role of young people has become more prominent.”
The editorial stated that, the main tasks of the CYL in the new era are “to upgrade the pertinence and effectiveness of ideological guidance work and strengthen the core ability to organize and disseminate to the youth and to construct a new type of organization system that serves the growth of the youth and gives play to the role of young people in a wider domain.”
Wang Huning: Ride the East Wind of the New Era, Let the Dream of the Youth Fly
6.26 People’s Daily printed the full text of Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning’s (王沪宁) speech at the 18th National Congress of the CYL, in which he discussed the role of young people in defending the core position of Xi Jinping and realizing CCP objectives. He told the gathering that, “young people across our country have kept in mind the task Xi Jinping entrusted to them and consciously merged their personal struggle with the common struggle of the Party and the people. Everywhere at the forefront of science and technology, on the frontlines of innovation and entrepreneurship, in the battlefield of poverty alleviation, in every area of social services, and in the international arena, the figures of the striving youth are visible, and the youth’s love for the Party and the country is apparent.”
Calling the CYL “the Party’s faithful helper and loyal reserve force,” Wang said that the Party has “ample confidence in and has placed great hopes on the youth and the CYL.”
Wang said that “we must persevere unremittingly in arming the entire youth with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, educating the youth, and setting off an upsurge in ‘youth learning’ (青年大学习).”
Chen Zhu: Resolutely Put Into Practice the Political, Theoretical, and Operational Consciousnesses of the New Type of Party System Tuanjie Bao 6.26 Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party Central Committee Chairman Chen Zhu (陈竺) wrote an article in Tuanjie Bao that stated Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the “theoricial lighthouse that leads the Chinese nation to realize its great rejuvenation” and has “contributed to transformation of the Communist movement on the global stage from ‘complicated’ to ‘rejuvenated.’” Chen stated that it is the glorious mission of the democratic parties to consolidate and develop the united front and a new type of party system.
CPPCC Convenes a Meeting Discussing “Managing the Commercialization of Buddhism and Taoism” Xinhua 6.28 Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) spoke at a consultation talk of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing. Wang emphasised that the commercialization of Buddhism and Taoism is today’s outstanding issue for the religious domain. Among other points, Wang also noted that commercialization harms the image of Buddhism and Taoism while disrupting religious activities’ normal order.
PARTY DISCIPLINE
Fled Abroad for 17 Years and in the End Returned Home, the Inevitable Conclusion Central Commission for Discipline Inspection 6.23 Former Bank of China Jiangmen Branch Governor Lai Mingmin (赖明敏), one of the fugitives for whom China had requested an Interpol Red Notice, has returned to China from Australia after 17 years to surrender to Chinese authorities. Lai is the 53rd person of the 100 hundred fugitives on China’s Red List. The article that announced his surrender refers to “striking tigers” and “swatting flies” (“老虎”露头就要打, “苍蝇”乱飞也要拍) and states that “foxes” that flee abroad will be recalled home.
The CCDI’s website published a commentary on Lai’s surrender, noting he is both the first Red Notice fugitive to turn himself in since the National Supervision Commission was established and second fugitive from the Fugitive Repatriation and Asset Recovery Office’s 6 June list of 50 fugitive graft suspects who have fled overseas to do so. It also boasted only four days elapsed between Wang Qi (王颀) surrendering to authorities and Lai doing the same.
Violations of the Eight-Point Guidelines in May 2018
6.24 The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) released figures for violations of the eight-point guidelines (中央八项规定) in May 2018. The month saw 4,973 investigations, 7,199 punished individuals, and 4,981 individuals receiving Party and governmental disciplinary actions. The most common violations in all three categories were granting subsidies and benefits, sending and receiving gifts or money, dining out with public funds, and misuse of public vehicles. The cumulative figures for the first five months of 2018 were 18,985 investigations, 27,099 punished individuals, and 19,227 individuals receiving Party and governmental disciplinary actions.
Yang Xiaodu Meets with Prosecutor General of Ukraine
6.26 Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Deputy Secretary and National Supervision Commission (NSC) Director Yang Xiaodu (杨晓渡) met with the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko. Both sides discussed their respective fights against corruption and expressed an interest in deepening exchanges and cooperation with one another.
CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION (CMC)
Central Military Commission Training and Administration Department Releases Announcement Concerning 22 Violations of the Rules of the Academy Education System PLA Daily
6.24 The Central Military Commission Training and Administration Department released an announcement concerning 22 violations of the rules of the academy education system and “demanded every relevant unit seriously carry out the resolution of issues and carry out justice and accountability for responsible units and personnel according to the law and regulations.” The report noted issues such as a lack of focus in the teaching of academy Party committee leadership, weak consciousness of strictly teaching according to the law, and overly lenient, relaxed, and flexible organization and management.
The 7th CISM Military World Games Organizing Committee Meets in Wuhan
6.25-26 The organizing committee of the 7th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military World Games held a plenary meeting in Wuhan, Hubei. Head of the committee and Central Military Commission vice chairman Xu Qiliang (许其亮) attended the meeting and pointed out that “the CISM Military World Games is the first large-scale international game to be held by China after the 19th Party Congress” and that “it is an important opportunity to showcase China’s great developmental achievements, path of peaceful development, the new face of a reformed strong military, and great culture of the Chinese nation.” Xu stressed “building ‘Chinese standards’ in international military sports games” and “treating the preparation for these games as a political task.” Head of the committee and vice premier Sun Chunlan (孙春兰) also attended the meeting. The games are scheduled to be held on 18-27 June 2019.
First China-Africa Defense and Security Forum Held in Beijing
6.26 The Ministry of National Defense held the first China-Africa Defense and Security Forum, which focused on the theme “Join Hands and Cooperate, Defend and Help Each Other” (携手合作, 守望相助), in Beijing. 50 military representatives from African countries attended the Forum with representatives from the Chinese military. The Forum mainly discussed Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Belt and Road Initiative, a community of shared future for China and Africa, the security situation in the African region, the building of Africa’s independent security capacity, and the military relationship between China and Africa in a new era.
COMPREHENSIVELY DEEPENING REFORM
The Negative List Gets Further Shortened and Key Areas Become More Open: The New Negative List of Foreign Investment Access is a Sign of Opening Up
6.28 On 28 June, the National Development and Reform Commission (国家发展改革委) (NDRC) and Ministry of Commerce released the “Special Management Measures (Negative List) for Foreign Investment Access, 2018 Edition” (外商投资准入特别管理措施 (负面清单)(2018年版)), which expanded foreign investment access in 22 sectors, including transportation, services, infrastructure, energy and agriculture.
An unnamed official in charge of NDRC stated that the general principle of this shortened negative list is to promote greater openness toward the outside world and, in light of the recent rise of protectionism, China will undertake greater efforts to promote openness and globalization.
The article noted that the new negative list was specifically mentioned in the White Paper on China and the World Trade Organization (中国与世界贸易组织), published by the State Council Information Office on 28 June, as proof of China’s institutional adaptation to globalization and changes in international investment rules. The article further argued that the increased role of foreign investment will help promote quality development. Chief Researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges (中国国际经济交流中心) Zhang Yansheng (张燕生) said accelerating market access reform is in line with trends in the new era, and the Chinese government’s actions are in line with logic and history.
Seven Departments to Rectify Chaos in the Real Estate Market, with 30 Cities Carrying Out Special Operations in Advance
6.29 An article published on Economic Daily Net described the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (住房和城乡建设部) and six other departments’ response to “the recent chaos in the real estate market,” (房地产市场乱象). In order to “heavily crack down on violations of the interests of the people,” (严厉打击侵害群众利益的违法违规行为), a newly announced special campaign will target real estate speculation, illegal development companies, illegal intermediaries (黑中介), and false advertising. 30 cities across China, including Beijing, are required at the local level to pursue violators as per the directions and to rectify chaos in the housing market, warning departments not to consider hiding instances of abuse of power or neglect of duties.
At a recent meeting, Ministry of Housing and Urban –Rural Development deputy head Ni Hong (倪虹) encouraged the real estate industry to subscribe to the position that “houses are for living, not for speculating” (房子是用来住的、不是用来炒的).
INTERNATIONAL LIAISON WORK
6.25 Politburo member and Party Committee Secretary of Chongqing Chen Min'er (陈敏尔) led a CCP delegation to Chad. While there, he met with President Idriss Déby and held working talks with Patriotic Salvation Movement Secretary-General Mahamat Zen Bada.
6.25 International Department Vice Minister Guo Yezhou (郭业州) met with a Filipino delegation led by Nacionalista Party Chairwoman and Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar.
6.26 International Department Assistant Minister Shen Beili (沈蓓莉) met with a Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) cadre study group led by PCRM Central Committee member and First Secretary of the Fălești District Committee Valeriu Muduc.
6.27 Chen Min’er led a CCP delegation to Egypt. While there, he met with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry as well as held collective talks with leaders from Egypt’s main political parties.
6.28 International Department Vice Minister Wang Yajun (王亚军) met with the 5th Mongolian senior leadership cadre study group, which was led by a senior governmental advisor.
6.29 International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) met with Myanmar’s Union Minister of the State Counsellor’s Office Kyaw Tint Swe.
ORGANIZATION WORK
6.25 Lu Junhua (陆俊华) was appointed deputy secretary general of the State Council.
6.25 Tong Jianming (童建明) and Chen Guoqing (陈国庆) were both appointed deputy procurator-general of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.
6.25 Yang Wanming (杨万明) was appointed vice president of the Supreme People’s Court.
6.25 Zheng Li (郑力) was appointed vice president of Tsinghua University.
6.26 Yang Jincheng (杨金成) was appointed board member and general manager of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation and deputy secretary of its Party leadership group.
6.25 Zhang Rongshun (张荣顺) was appointed deputy head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
6.27 Xi Guohua (奚国华) was appointed general manager of the FAW Group Corporation.
6.28 Luo Ronghuai (罗荣坏) was appointed general manager of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.
6.28 Chen Derong (陈德荣) was appointed chairman of China Baowu Steel Group and secretary of its Party committee.
6.28 Yuan Jie (袁洁) was appointed general manager of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
6.29 The State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine announced a reshuffling of its leadership. Yu Yanhong (余艳红) was appointed secretary of its Party leadership group and Yu Wenming (于文明) was appointed its head.