Weekly Report 5|13 4.1.23-4.7.23
Highlights
Xi Jinping attended and spoke at an Education Work Conference on Learning and Implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. (See Senior Leaders section)
Xi Jinping hosted a China-France-EU trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Layen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (See Senior Leaders section)
People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent meeting with a group of US Congresspeople led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) during her transit through the United States. (See Propaganda Work section)
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping at Education Work Conference: Do a Good Job With Thematic Education and Gather Strength for the New Journey
4.4 Xi Jinping attended and spoke at an Education Work Conference on Learning and Implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In his speech, Xi emphasized that the “grand goals” of building a strong country and national rejuvenation are inspiring and that this generation of communists has a “glorious mission and great responsibility” to take thematic education as an opportunity to strengthen the Party’s innovative theoretical arming, continuously improve the level of Marxism of the whole party, continuously improve the Party’s ability to govern and lead, and gather strength for the new journey. He stated that all this is done to comprehensively build a modern socialist country and comprehensively promote the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation (中华民族伟大复).” Xi called for implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress to carry out in-depth study and implementation of the thematic education of socialism with Chinese characteristics across the whole party, particularly among leading cadres at or above the county level. He noted that maintaining “flesh and blood ties” (血肉联系) between the Party and the people and promoting the development of the cause of the Party and the country are of “great significance.” This thematic education should educate and guide cadres to “rectify the roots of their ideology, consolidate their roots, and continuously improve their political judgment (判断力), political perception (领悟力), and political administration (执行力) abilities.” Xi called for “strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidating the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护),” and always maintaining a high degree of consistency with the Central Committee in terms of ideology, politics, and action so that “we can think with one mind and work hard together and forge the Party into a piece of hard steel that is ‘all-conquering’ (攻无不克) and ‘ever-victorious’ (战无不胜).” He emphasized that this thematic education should firmly grasp the general requirements of “studying ideology (学思想), strengthening Party consciousness (强党性), emphasizing practice (重实践), and making new achievements (建新功),” and called for increased adherence to socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era. Xi noted that the fundamental task of carrying out thematic education is to “adhere to the unity of thought, application, knowledge, faith, and action” so as to transform socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era into a strong ideal, temper party spirit, guide practice, promote work, and maintain unified thinking and firm will. Lastly, Xi advised that thematic education is not divided into stages or links, and so it is necessary to “combine theoretical study, investigation and research, promotion of development, inspection and rectification, and organic integration and unified promotion.”
Politburo Standing Committee Members Li Qiang (李强), Zhao Leji (赵乐际), Wang Huning (王沪宁), Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥), Li Xi (李希); and Vice President Han Zheng (韩正) also attended the conference. Politburo Standing Committee Member Cai Qi (蔡奇) attended and delivered a concluding speech.
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with French President Emmanuel Macron
4.6 Xi Jinping held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing. Xi welcomed his visit and stated that the world today is undergoing profound, historical changes. He emphasized that as permanent members of the UN Security Council and as “major countries with a tradition of independence” China and France are both promoters of the “multi-polarization of the world” and the “democratization of international relations.” It stated the importance of the “China-France comprehensive strategic partnership” and practicing “true multilateralism.” Xi provided a “positive assessment” of China-France relations and emphasized that “stability” is the most “prominent feature” and “precious asset” (宝贵财富) of bilateral relations and that it must be looked after by both sides. He stated the importance of maintaining comprehensive and high-level communication channels between the two countries in addition to close communication between both heads of state. He stated that this year, China and France should organize “three high-level dialogue mechanisms” on strategy, the economy and finance, and people-to-people exchanges. Next, he discussed the importance of both sides mutually respecting each other’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “core interests” in addition to “prudently handling and controlling differences.” He stated that China would “forcefully advance high-quality development and high-level opening” which will provide France more “market opportunities” (市场机遇). He proceeded to emphasize that China is willing to deepen cooperation with France on areas such as agriculture, food, aerospace, and civilian-use nuclear energy. He also emphasized fostering new “growth points” when it comes to the “service trade (服务贸易), green development and technological innovation.” He further expressed his hope that France would provide Chinese companies with a “fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment (营商环境).” He emphasized that China is willing to strengthen cooperation over events such as the Paris Olympic Games as well. He proceeded to discuss the importance of maintaining bilateral communication through multilateral forums such as the UN, G20, and World Trade Organization in addition to “joining hands to confront climate change and energy problems.” He emphasized that China supports France hosting the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and welcomed France to participate in the third Belt and Road (一带一路) Forum for International Cooperation.
The two heads of state proceeded to discuss the “Ukraine crisis” (乌克兰危机). Xi stated that China’s position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent and clear and that the core of its position is to encourage dialogue and a “political settlement” (政治解决). He emphasized that all sides must, through accommodating “mutual trust,” actively “create the conditions for stopping the war and negotiations.” He emphasized that China “supports the European side in playing a role in resolving the Ukraine Crisis” and that it is willing to work with France to “call for the international community to maintain rational restraint (理性克制) and avoid adopting actions” that will lead to an exacerbation of the crisis or a loss of control over the situation. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, avoiding attacks on civilians and civilian-use infrastructure, protecting women and children in addition to other victims of the conflict, “earnestly fulfilling promises never to use nuclear weapons” or resort to nuclear war, opposing the use of biological and chemical weapons under all circumstances, and opposing attacks on nuclear power plants. He further emphasized taking into account the “reasonable security concerns” of each side and constructing a “balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework.” After the meeting, they signed a number of cooperation agreements on agriculture, food, science and technology, aerospace, civilian-use nuclear energy, sustainable development, and culture before participating in a joint press conference. Central Foreign Affairs Commission Director Office Director Wang Yi (王毅) and State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang (秦刚) attended the meeting as well.
Xi Jinping Holds China-France-EU Trilateral Meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Layen
4.6 Xi Jinping held a China-France-EU trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Layen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During the meeting, Xi pointed out that China and the EU share common interests and emphasized that “cooperation outweighs competition” and “consensus outweighs differences.” He called for China and the EU to “adhere to mutual respect, enhance mutual political trust, strengthen dialogue and cooperation, jointly maintain world peace and stability, promote common development and prosperity (共同发展繁荣), and jointly address global challenges.” Xi pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the “comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU,” and China is willing to work with the EU to “grasp the general direction and main tone of China-EU relations, comprehensively restart exchanges at all levels, activate mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and inject new impetus into the development of China-EU relations and world peace, stability, and prosperity.” He emphasized that China-EU relations are “not targeted at, dependent on, or controlled by a third party,” and that China always views China-EU relations from a “strategic and long-term perspective and maintains stability and continuity in its EU policy.” Xi noted his hope that the European side will “form a more independent and objective understanding of China” and “pursue a pragmatic and positive China policy.” He called for both sides to “respect each others’ core interests and major concerns” and seek common ground and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation. He stated that Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化) and European integration are “strategic choices made by both sides with an eye for the future,” and the two sides should be “credible and reliable partners on each other’s road to development.” Xi said that exaggerating the “democracy against authoritarianism (民主对抗威权) narrative and provoking a ‘new cold war’ (新冷战) will only bring division and confrontation to the world.” He further called for both sides to build a stable and trustworthy supply chain, connect the Belt and Road Initiative (一带一路) with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, and help the long-term stable economic growth of both sides. He proceeded to note that China has always adhered to “true multilateralism” and called for China and the EU to jointly oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and “decoupling and breaking chains” (脱钩断链); strengthen cooperation in a variety of fields; promote multilateral institutions to participate more in the G20 debt suspension initiative; and explore trilateral and multi-party cooperation in Africa and other places. For their part, Macron and von der Layen emphasized the importance of EU-China relations and the three leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis (乌克兰危机) with the European side expressing appreciation for China’s efforts to promote a “political settlement” of the crisis. Xi pledged China’s continued efforts to “oppose adding fuel to the fire and complicating the problem,” promote a peaceful resolution to the war, and support the European side in promoting the construction of a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework. Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Director Wang Yi (王毅) and State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang (秦刚) also attended.
Propaganda Work
People’s Daily Commentator: Firmly Grasp the Overall Requirement of “Learning Ideology, Strengthening Party Spirit, Emphasizing Practice, and Building New Achievements”
4.5 People’s Daily published a Commentator Article on the recent education work conference focusing on learning and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. It discussed Xi Jinping’s “profound explanation” of the overall requirements for carrying out thematic education. It emphasized the importance of “learning ideology, strengthening Party spirit, emphasizing practice, and building new achievements” in addition to linking “theory with practice.” It emphasized that as the Party’s “theoretical innovation advances” its “theoretical arming” must advance as well. It stated that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics represents a extra step forward in the “Sinicization of Marxism” and pointed out that the main content of Xi Jinping Thought is represented by the “Ten Clears (十个明确), Fourteen Persistences (十四个坚持), and Thirteen Areas of Achievement (十三个方面成就).” It emphasized that the 20th Party Work Report has proposed a “scientific method” to advance theoretical innovation, upholds the people above all else, and emphasizes the importance of “self-confidence and self-reliance” (自信自立). It stressed that the “six must-persists” (六个必须坚持) importantly represent Xi Jinping Thought and that Xi Jinping Thought must be used to guide various work tasks. It proceeded to emphasize the importance of Party spirit, describing it as the “cornerstone” for Party members and cadres to establish “themselves, their careers, their voices, and their morals.” It emphasized that as cadres grow it is necessary for them to strengthen their “Marxist theoretical arming” and that it is necessary to always “maintain the political character (政治本色) of Communists.” Next, it stressed “promoting new progress and breakthroughs with Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化).” It went on to describe challenges facing China, stating that the task of “reform and stabilizing development” is heavy, that there are numerous risks and challenges ahead, and that the the “test” facing “state governance (治国理政) is unprecedented.” It emphasized that in order to “win the advantage, win the initiative, and win the future” it is necessary to continuously increase the utilization of Marxist analysis to resolve practical questions and use Xi Jinping Thought as guidance when confronting “major challenges,” fending off “major risks,” and overcoming “major resistance.” Lastly, it emphasized that in the “major strategic deployments” of the country it is important to “promote thematic education” and contribute to “the task of the great rejuvenation” of the Chinese nation.
The Party Central Committee Issues and Distributes a Notice on Studying the 2023 Outline of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics
4.6 The Party Central Committee issued a notice on issuing and distributing the 2023 edition of the “Outline for Studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era.” It stated that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi Jinping has represented the entire Party and upheld the integration of the “basic principles” of Marxism with China’s “practical reality” and “traditional culture.” It emphasized that Xi Jinping Thought is “contemporary Chinese Marxism” as well as “21st Century Marxism.” It proceeded to state that Xi Jinping is the “core of the Party Central Committee,” occupies a “core position” (核心地位) in the entire Party, and that a “guiding position” for Xi Jinping Thought has been established. It stated that Xi Jinping Thought reflects the “common will” of the entire country’s ethnic groups and has “decisive significance” for the “historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” It proceeded to state the importance of “deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立)” and going a step further in studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought. It stated that the 2023 outline will enable a better understanding of the “basic spirit” (基本精神) of the Party’s “innovation theory” (创新理论). It proceeded to emphasize that the outline constitutes important reading for Party members, cadres, and the masses. Next, it stated that all Party committees and groups must persist in using Xi Jinping Thought to “unify thought, will, and action” and focus on “arming the mind” (武装头脑). It emphasized improving “political recognition, ideological recognition, theoretical recognition, and emotional recognition” in addition to “continuously elevating the theoretical level of Marxism.” It further stressed “more consciously using this ideology to guide the resolution of practical issues.” It emphasized using Xi Jinping Thought to “condense heart and soul” and stressed “deeply understanding the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidating the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).” Lastly, it emphasized maintaining a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee and Xi Jinping in terms “ideology, politics, and action,” comprehensively constructing a “modern, socialist country,” and “comprehensively promoting the united struggle for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security Deploys Plans to Advance Employment and Entrepreneurship Among University Graduates and Young People in 2023
4.6 Xinhua published an article announcing ten new actions by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security to help support employment and entrepreneurship among university graduates in 2023. Among these actions include the implementation of policies and practices that help small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises attract university graduates, stabilize and expand the number of jobs in the public sector, and support “youth entrepreneurship services.” These actions emphasize a series of initiatives that will “lead the future” (职引未来). Further actions include recruitment initiatives for public sector jobs on university campuses, initiatives that provide services to to unemployed graduates, initiatives to improve the “specialized skills” (专项技能) of young people, initiatives that improve the quality of internships, initiatives that help resolve employment difficulties, and initiatives that help protect “employment rights and interests.” The article explained that expanded jobs in the public sector would include more teaching positions in rural areas, village doctor jobs, and various positions in public institutions. In terms of recruitment initiatives, the article discussed how all locales would carry out the “One Hundred Days and Ten Million Recruitment Special Action” (百日千万招聘专项行动) and various activities that emphasize the recruitment of university graduates in large and medium-sized cities. The article emphasized “offline recruitment services” and stated that cities with large populations of university graduates should hold professional recruitment functions at least once per week and “comprehensive recruitment” functions at least once per month. Locales with a high concentration of unemployed young people should also regularly host “small-scale, specialized job fairs.” Lastly, it emphasized the importance of cracking down on “black intermediaries” (黑中介), illegal and fraudulent recruitment practices, and investigate in a timely manner the abuse of labor contracts and the withholding of wages.
Zhong Sheng: “Relying on the United States to Seek Independence” and “Using Taiwan to Contain China” is Doomed to Fail
4.6 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary on Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent meeting with a group of US Congresspeople led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) during her “transit” through the United States. It described the meeting as a “political show” (政治秀) and “political provocation” (政治挑衅) that seriously violates the “one-China principle” (一个中国原则) and the “China-US Three Communiques” (中美三个联合公报). It stated that the meeting “seriously harms” China’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the “political basis” of China-US relations, and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It stated that during her “transit” through the US, Tsai attempted to “package herself as a peace lover (爱好和平者)” and the “responsible party in cross-strait relations.” It emphasized that “this is self-deception (自欺欺人),” that the “world only has one China,” that the “government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of the entirety of China,” and that “Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.” It proceeded to state that Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has stubbornly adhered to a “Taiwan independence splittist position,” refused to accept the “one-China principle” (一个中国原则), openly flouted that Taiwan is a “democratic country” and that the “People’s Republic of China has no jurisdiction over Taiwan,” and engaged in the “de-Sinicization” of the island. It criticized the DPP for continuously engaging in “provocations against the mainland” and “completely forgetting their ancestors.” It stated that such actions ignore the “security and development interests” of Taiwan’s people and contradicts Taiwan’s supposed position of “peace” and “responsibility.” It criticized the DPP for framing cross-strait affairs as a confrontation between “democracy” and “authoritarianism” and for finding excuses for “Taiwan independence” (台独). It stated that out of “political self-interest,” the DPP has acted as a “servant of hegemony” and asserted that more and more “Taiwan compatriots have recognized that Taiwan-US collusion” has been disastrous. Next, it emphasized that the “One-China principle” is the stabilizing force (定海神针) for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.” It emphasized that the US disregarded “solemn representations” and “repeated warnings” from China, stressed that official contacts between Taiwan and the US contribute to the “hollowing out” of the one-China principle, and that it is sending the “wrong signal” to “Taiwan independence forces.” It emphasized that the US is using Taiwan as a “pawn,” engaging in “using Taiwan to contain China” (以台制华), and trying to prevent China from realizing “unification and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” It asserted that such efforts are “doomed to fail.”
Next, it criticized the US for trying to create confusion given that “some people in the US” have stated that Tsai transiting in the US was an exhibition of “restraint” given that she met Speaker McCarthy in the US as opposed to Taiwan. It stated that the “US discusses restraint” but in reality its actions constitute “continuous provocations” and that its “hegemonic and bullying nature” has once again been revealed. It proceeded to state that Tsai’s transit has shown that the “root cause” of instability in the Taiwan Strait is the DPP “relying on the US to seek independence” and the US “using Taiwan to contain China.” Lastly, it emphasized that the “Chinese government and Chinese people would firmly fight against Taiwan independence splittist activity” and “firmly counter US-Taiwan collusion.”
International Work
4.4 Chinese Communist Party International Department (CCP/ID) Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with Secretary-General of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal.
4.4 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with Chair Emeritus of the Kalas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, and former President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
4.6 CCP/ID Assistant Head Zhu Rui (朱锐) met with the Ambassador of Yemen to the PRC, Mohammed Al-Maitami.
4.7 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) attended an exchange event between China and the DPRK at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing where he met with the Ambassador of the DPRK to the PRC, Li Ryong-num.
Organizational Work
4.4 Xu Datong (徐大彤) was appointed Vice Minister of Public Security.
4.4 Song Baowei (宋保维) was appointed President of Northwest Technical University.
4.4 Tan Zhemin (谈哲敏) was appointed President of Nanjing University.
4.7 Wang Yajun (王亚军) was appointed PRC Ambassador to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
4.7 Wu Jianghao (吴江浩) was appointed PRC Ambassador to Japan.
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