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.

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.

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.

Former Chinese CCP CC General Secretary and Chinese President Jiang Zemin died in Shanghai on November 30 at 96 years of age of leukaemia and other complications.

Taking an unusual step, the funeral committee set up for Jiang Zemin's funeral under the chairmanship of Chinese President Xi Jinping, announced (December 1) that there will be no funeral for Jiang Zemin. It did, however, say there would be a large meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and that there will be no entertainments and celebrations on December 3 and that flags in all government buildings and foreign embassies would fly at half-mast that day. (Comment: The decision not to have a funeral would be because of the apprehension that it might attract large crowds and metamorphose into opposition to Xi Jinping and the CCP leadership. Memories of Hu Yaobang's funeral have obviously not faded. The decision implicitly acknowledges the discontent in society.)

The official Chinese media, including Xinhua and the People’s Daily, on November 30, published a very laudatory obituary commemorating former Chinese President Jiang Zemin. They recalled he "was the core of the CPC's third generation of central collective leadership and the principal founder of the Theory of Three Represents" and that he had stepped down from all posts to ensure a peaceful transition.

There was a house fire in an Urumqi apartment building on November 26 night in which at least 10 people -- numbers later revised to nearly 100 -- including three young children, perished after not being allowed to leave the building as the fire blazed due to COVID restrictions. The firefighters sprayed water onto the building, while the people huddled as long as they could on their balconies. The building was locked the entire time preventing people from exiting and the firefighters from entering. There were demonstrations on November 25 night in front of a large government building in Urumqi. Protests have broken out in at least 10 cities including Beijing, Wuhan, Urumqi, Korla, Chengdu, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai with crowds shouting, "Down with Xi Jinping" and having stand-offs with police as late as 0130 on November 27 at Beijing's Haidian University District. Students of Tsinghua University and Communication University of China, Nanjing, participated in the protests. The Hongkong-based Intium estimated that students from 79 tertiary educational institutions across China participated in the protests. Public Security personnel began arresting protesters on November 27 night. On November 29, PLA tanks, heavy vehicles and ambulances were seen being deployed outside Tsinghua University, in Rizhao City, Shandon and Zhengzhou. China's official media, including the China Daily and Global Times, had blanked out reports of the protests till November 28. Crowds chanted the slogans "习近平下台“(Xi Jinping Steps Down!) and ”共 产党下台“ （CCP Gets Off!). (Comment: It is possible that elements in the CCP who are unhappy with Xi Jinping could be using, or may use, the protests to destabilise Xi Jinping. Interesting was the reporting of the protests by Russia's RT on November 27, which emphasised this was a "colour revolution" instigated by "hostile foreign forces".)

The US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns conveyed the condolences of the US President and government to the former President of the PRC Jiang Zemin’s family and the Chinese people. He said, "President Jiang worked to advance the U.S.-PRC relationship at a consequential time while managing our differences – an imperative that continues today".

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'.)

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"

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".

New Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi published a lengthy article in the People's Daily (November 8) on "major country diplomacy" titled 'Comprehensively promote major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics (conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China)'. Wang Yi said "To realize the great rejuvenation of the nation, it is necessary to promote major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, my country's comprehensive national strength and international status have been significantly improved, and it has gradually approached the centre of the world stage. The pace of the Chinese nation's great rejuvenation is unstoppable". He added "In today's world, the international balance of power and the global pattern are undergoing profound changes. The trend of world multi-polarization, economic globalization and democratization of international relations is irresistible. At the same time, unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are still rampant, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "The world is so big and there are so many problems. The international community looks forward to hearing China's voice and seeing China's plan. China cannot be absent." It is necessary to carry out major-country diplomacy with its own characteristics, fulfil its international responsibilities and obligations, work with other countries to blaze a new path of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, carry forward the common values of all mankind, and join hands to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Entering a new era, based on a new orientation, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core is far-sighted, has a broad mind, coordinates the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world's unprecedented changes in a century, and points out that my country's foreign work should "show a new outlook and achieve new goals". He said "The Party's leadership has been comprehensively strengthened. The Party Central Committee established the Central Foreign Affairs Work Committee, held two central foreign affairs work conferences and peripheral diplomatic work symposiums, and strengthened the overall coordination of foreign affairs work in various fields, departments, and localities. The Party's centralized and unified leadership over external work has become stronger and stronger". Wang Yi also said "We insist that the destiny of the world should be jointly controlled by all countries, international rules should be jointly written by all countries, global affairs should be jointly governed by all countries, and development achievements should be shared by all countries. Advocate true multilateralism and oppose all unilateralism, protectionism, hegemonism and power politics. Adhere to deciding the position according to the merits of the matter itself, put forward and practice the solution of hotspot issues with Chinese characteristics, and promote the political settlement of hotspot issues such as the Iranian nuclear issue, the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. Actively carry out South-South cooperation and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests and development space of developing countries". He added "In the face of unreasonable blackmail and extreme pressure, maintain strategic determination, carry forward the fighting spirit, demonstrate the will and determination not to fear power, firmly safeguard the core interests of the country and national dignity, and firmly grasp the initiative in development and security. Resolutely counteract any wrongful act that violates my country's sovereignty and interferes in my country's internal affairs, refrains from giving an inch on issues of principle, and firmly defends national sovereignty, security, and development interests". China, he said "has successively thwarted various attacks and smears against my country by using Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet, epidemic, human rights and other issues". It states, "No matter how far China develops, it will never seek hegemony or expand". (Comment: The article makes no reference to Ukraine or India.)

The People's Daily (November 7) published a lengthy article by CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang captioned 'Achieving the goal of the army's centenary struggle as scheduled (conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party)'. It called for adhering to the "party's absolute leadership over the people's army, fully and thoroughly implement the responsibility system of the chairman of the military commission", and continually innovating "military strategic guidance, strengthen strategic forces and new combat forces in new areas, promote practical training step by step, effectively respond to external military challenges, and deter". It added "The "Taiwan Independence" separatist forces have strengthened border control and anti-encroachment struggles, carried out major tasks such as safeguarding rights at sea, countering terrorism and maintaining stability, creating a favourable situation for military struggles". Xu Qiliang said, "Our army's modernization level and actual combat capability have been significantly improved". He reiterated that "As the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, China's national security situation is becoming more unstable and uncertain, and we are facing many security challenges in all directions and fields. We must strengthen our military capabilities so as to stabilize and control the situation in peacetime and fight decisive battles in wartime. Only by winning a decisive victory can we secure the bottom line of national security and maintain the strategic initiative in the changing international situation". "The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China made a strategic plan to achieve the goal of the army's centenary 5 struggle as scheduled, which contains clear political, strategic, and practical orientations, and ultimately it must be aimed at improving the ability to win in an all-round way." He stressed "Build a high-level strategic deterrence and joint operations system. The strategic deterrence system is the "ballast stone" of the game of great powers. It is necessary to adhere to asymmetric checks and balances, insist on doing something and refraining from doing something, insist on focusing on developing what the enemy is afraid of, strengthen strategic forces, increase strategic weight, and improve effective deterrence of the enemy. The military strength of the enemy. The joint combat system is an important guarantee for winning modern wars. It is necessary to build a smooth and efficient joint combat command system, build a joint combat force system with elite combat forces as the main body, strengthen the basic support of the network information system, and promote reconnaissance, early warning, and joint strikes., battlefield support, comprehensive support system and capacity building, and accelerate the improvement of joint combat capabilities and overall combat capabilities. The role of command confrontation in modern warfare has risen unprecedentedly. It is necessary to build a strong military commission and theatre level joint operations command organization, improve the command operation mechanism, develop advanced command methods, and improve command efficiency." Discussing S&T in the PLA, he said "At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and military revolution is developing rapidly, and strategic high-tech groups are bursting out. Judging from the recent local wars and military operations in the world, a large number of intelligent unmanned combat systems have been put into actual combat, and new combat capabilities have become a key variable in changing the rules of war. We must do a good job of systematic planning, speed up the development of strategic, cutting-edge, and disruptive technologies, strengthen key military intelligence core technologies, key software and hardware, and basic theoretical research, and build an intelligent military system with our army's characteristics." (Comment: i) Commenting on the article M. Taylor Fravel observes that: Importantly, the article describes 2027 as part of a new “three step strategy” for national defense and military modernization, along with basically achieving modernization in 2035 and becoming world class by mid-century or 2049. This is strong evidence that the PLA has not accelerated its modernization effort. Instead, the article notes that 2027, 2035 and 2049 contain the “shot-term, medium-term and long-term goals for strengthening the military in the new era.” Thus, the 2027 remains a waypoint for achieving the 2035 and 2049 benchmarks for modernization that were first established at the 19th Party Congress in 2017, not something new. Of course, making progress in the next five years is important. Xu describes China’s external security environment as becoming “more unstable and uncertain with many challenges in all directions and domains.” These challenges increase the importance of military power “to stabilize the situation in peacetime and win a decisive war in wartime.” Continuing to make progress by 2027 matters. The article then notes five lines of effort that need to be pursued. These include strategic and operational guidance, understanding new domains, and training. I’d like to focus on two other ones that he notes: One is to “To build a high-level strategic deterrence and joint warfare system.” Sidebar note: for the PLA, strategic deterrence is not a synonym for nuclear weapons but any kind of capability such as strategic reserves that can be used to achieve a strategic goal through deterrence. Specifically, Xu described strategic deterrence as the "ballast stone" of great power politics and called for China's strategic deterrence system to highlight "asymmetric checks and balances" while focusing on what the adversary fears. However, Xu spent much more time discussing the need to improve joint operations. This suggests that despite the reforms from 2016 many challenges remain. Xu also makes an interesting reference to strengthening joint command organs at both the CMC and theatre command levels. A second area Xu highlights is the need create a system to integrate the PLA’s ability to “struggle, prepare, and build.” This refers to the challenges of deploying forces, maintaining readiness and further modernizing / building of forces. Xu foreshadows greater employment of the PLA but also a recognition of the need to “make up for the shortcomings of our army’s combat system,” implying this will be hard to do while also needing to maintain readiness and continue modernization. Xu had tough words for Taiwan, but the essay did not reflect a PLA that believed it has achieved sufficient capability for major military action—or would do so soon. Instead, it stressed the challenges of continuing to modernize amid the intense requirements of modern war. Indeed, Xu describes the next five years as a “critical stage for improving quality and efficiency.” Thus, Xu highlights strengthening party leadership, strategic management, reform and innovation, personnel, and an integrated national strategic system and capability. ii) My comments: Fravel's observation that the PLA has "not accelerated its modernization effort" is debatable. There is enough open-source material to suggest that it has and, more importantly, that following the 20th Party Congress these efforts will be stepped up. Secondly, the tasking to the PLA by the 20th Party Congress to complete modernisation by 2027 is significant. While modernisation is an ongoing process, what the Chinese authorities probably mean is attaining the mandated level of "mechanisation, informationisation and intelligentisation." Xi Qiliang has dwelt on joint operations and strengthening joint command operations. His comments regarding Taiwan are pertinent.)

The People's Daily (November 5) published an article by former Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) member titled 'Organically combine the implementation of the strategy of expanding domestic demand with the deepening of supply-side structural reform (conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China)'. It said, "The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China proposed that "the implementation of the strategy of expanding domestic demand should be organically combined with the deepening of supply-side structural reforms." This is a major strategic measure proposed by the CPC Central Committee based on changes in the development environment at home and abroad and the mission and tasks of the Communist Party of China in the new era and new journey. It is of great significance to modernize the country." It said, "Implementing the strategy of expanding domestic demand is an effective way to deal with external shocks and stabilize economic operation" and that "China's economic development has entered a new normal, facing the complex situation of "three-phase superposition"

Bao Tong, former NDRC official and political Secretary of former CCP CC General Secretary Zhao Ziyang died on November 9.

Nikkei Asia (November 5) said that the Central Discipline Inspection Commission announced on November 5 that it was investigating the Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China (PBoC), Fan Yifei, "on suspicion of serious breaches of discipline". The announcement was reported simultaneously by state-run Xinhua and other Chinese media. The reasons were not disclosed. The Beijing Youth News said the investigation gave "a strong signal that the anticorruption struggle will never stop and always blow the charge". (Comment: Fan Yifei had spearheaded the digital renminbi demonstration. He is the first 'Tiger' to fall after the 20th Party Congress.)

A Guangming Daily (November 4) article captioned 'The united front is a powerful magic weapon that unites people's hearts' listed seven points. These were: Adhere to and improve the multi-party cooperation and political consultation system under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.; Among them was that "In the new era, the United Front will unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" policy, unswervingly implement the "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao" principles, and continue to develop and strengthen the forces of patriotism and love for Hong Kong and Macao; Adhere to the direction of Sinicization of my country's religions. Fully implement the party's religious work theories, principles, and policies in the new era, adhere to protecting the legal, stop the illegal, curb extremism, resist infiltration, and crack down on crime, and actively guide religion to adapt to socialist society; Strengthen the united front work of non-Party intellectuals and new social strata. The work of non-party intellectuals is an important work of the united front, and people from new social strata are the builders of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics; Promote the healthy development of the non-public economy and the healthy growth of people in the non-public economy. The non-public economy is an important part of China’ssocialist market economy, and the private economy is an important object that the party must unite with; Do a good job in the overseas united front work and overseas Chinese affairs of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Develop and strengthen the forces of patriotism and love for Hong Kong and Macao, strengthen the patriotic spirit of Hong Kong and Macao compatriots, and form a broader united front in support of "one country, two systems" at home and abroad. Adhere to the party's overall strategy for solving the Taiwan issue in the new era, insist on uniting the majority of Taiwan compatriots, and firmly support the patriotic unification forces on the island. Strengthen and improve the work of overseas Chinese affairs, and form a strong force jointly committed to national rejuvenation; and do a good job in the network united front work. China is a big country on the Internet, and the Internet has increasingly become the main battleground for winning the hearts and minds of people. It asserted, in conclusion, that "The main line of the party's ethnic work is to forge a sense of community of the Chinese nation. The sense of community of the Chinese nation is the foundation of national unity"; The political foundation of the 1992 Consensus is to broadly unite Taiwan compatriots at home and abroad, steadily advance the work against "independence" and promote reunification and build a foundation of public opinion for supporting and pursuing national reunification; Overseas Chinese affairs work has opened up a new situation.

The Discipline and Supervision News (November 8) published a 5860-word interview captioned 'Adhere to dialectical materialism and historical materialism' with Gong Yun, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

A People's Daily commentary, the fourth in a series captioned 'This is modernization in harmony with material civilization and spiritual civilization (people's point of view)—— Profoundly understand the Chinese characteristics and essential requirements of Chinese-style modernization' said "Only by focusing on economic construction and comprehensively enhancing economic strength, scientific and technological strength, and comprehensive national strength can we consolidate the material foundation for national prosperity, national rejuvenation, and people's happiness". It said, "Achieving national rejuvenation requires both strong material strength and strong spiritual strength". The commentary added "Development is the party's first priority in governing and rejuvenating the country, and it is the "master key" to solve all problems. Without a developed material civilization, a country and a nation will lack the material foundation to stand on its own in the world. Chinese-style modernization continuously promotes the development and progress of material civilization, which is a process of material accumulation".

i) A CCP official recently disclosed that for most civil servants, the Party dues are between 1.5 and 2 per cent of their after-tax salary. The party constitution stipulates: ‘Without justifiable reason, members who do not participate in the party’s organisational life, or do not pay party dues, or do not perform the work assigned to them for six consecutive months, will be expelled from the party.’ ii) A small number of ‘elite’ party members study full-time for a period in special schools. This year (2021), the Central Party School accepted more than six hundred senior cadres, selected by the central and provincial governments, to study for five months at its campus in the northwest corner of Beijing. One of (the official's) acquaintances took part and changed a lot in five months. He now eats healthy meals three times a day, drinks no alcohol, goes to bed early and works out all the time. There wasn’t much else to do at the school. He walked for an hour each day around an artificial lake, with shining koi carp and an island of black swans. He lost five kilograms. His experience is said to be common. Before they are allowed to graduate and leave the campus, the CCP CC Organisation Department interviews the cadres to find out whether they have reached their study targets and expressed full loyalty to Xi Jinping and the party. Their spiritual harvest is intangible right now, but it may become tangible later on when they progress up the party ladder. This summer, most party members, have had to study Xi Jinping Thought using newly developed websites. The branch secretary gives the students ID card information to a website developer: to log on, all the student needed to do was to enter the ID number, using the last six digits as the password. Every citizen of China has a unique ID number, 18 digits long, which serves as both medical insurance and social security number. It is made up of the codes for a person’s household registration province, city, district, county, date of birth and the police station under whose jurisdiction they live. The penultimate digit is for gender identification (odd numbers are male, even numbers are female).

The Guangming Daily (November 8) published an article captioned: 'The joint construction of the "Belt and Road" has become a popular international public good and international cooperation platform' by Mao Xinya, Professor of China Pudong Cadre College, director of the "Belt and Road" and Opening-up Research Centre. It claimed "the "Belt and Road" initiative was proposed, it has achieved remarkable and fruitful results from laying foundations, pillars, and beams, to taking root and continuing to advance. The quality of cooperation is getting higher and higher, and the development prospects are getting better and better". It said, "The World Bank's assessment shows that the "One Belt, One Road" transportation project has significantly reduced the freight time of countries along the route and the global average shipping time, and the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" has promoted a significant increase in the real income of the countries along the route and the world. In the face of the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, we did not press the "pause button" for the joint construction of the "Belt and Road". Recalling Xi Jinping's remarks that "The Belt and Road is a sunshine road for everyone to move forward hand in hand, not a private path for one party", it added that 'all interested countries can join in, participate, cooperate, and benefit together. The Belt and Road Initiative is an economic cooperation initiative that pursues peaceful development, not a geopolitical or military alliance; it is to promote openness, inclusiveness, and common development, not a closed door to create a small circle; We will not engage in zero-sum games, and all countries are welcome to participate as long as they have the will". In a thinly veiled criticism of the US, in its concluding paragraph it said "China is happy to see the United States and other Western countries take the lead in developing initiatives in infrastructure and other fields, because the global infrastructure investment gap is huge, and more countries need to take action. However, the U.S. government has frequently thrown out slogans of new plans but has not seen any action for a long time. In contrast, the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” has made solid progress, moved forward steadily, and achieved solid and heavy results, demonstrating the valuable quality of keeping words and deeds, and winning wide acclaim"

A report disclosed that minutes of a Meeting of the BioNtech head with ex Chief Scientist of China CDC Zeng Guang indicated that COVID-Zero will be materially changed soon. Reopening will be gradual. It indirectly confirmed that the meeting was chaired by PBSC member Wang Huning. The meeting said Hongkong will reopen with the mainland before the first half of 2023. China will also cancel the circuit breaker on international flights and reduce foreign entry quarantine from 7+3 to 4+3/3+4. Entry to Hongkong could be earlier. It also revealed that China is to approve the BioNTech COVID Vaccine. The Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council will host a press conference on November 5. ii) The Guardian separately reported that Health officials in China on November 5 dashed hopes there would be a relaxation of the country’s strict Covid-19 restrictions and insisted China would “unswervingly” stick to its zero-Covid policy which includes lockdowns, quarantining and rigorous testing aimed at stopping the spread of the coronavirus. An official of China’s national Health Commission Hu Xiang, said the restrictions were completely correct and represented the most economical and effective policy for the nation. “We should adhere to the principle of putting people and lives first, and the broader strategy of preventing imports from outside and internal rebounds,”. iii) Officials added they would begin a push to increase vaccinations among the elderly, noting that while 86.4% of citizens aged 60 and above are fully vaccinated, fewer people 80 and older have had vaccinations and boosters

The London Review of Books (Vol. 44 No. 20, October 20, 2022) published an interesting 5437-word article on the study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics by Party Cadres authored by Long Ling, a government official in Beijing and a member of the Chinese Communist Party. An excerpt from the article relating to the ZeroCovid policy is reproduced: "At the end of August, on the same day it was announced that the Twentieth Party Congress would be held on 16 October, more than 1600 cities declared themselves high-risk Covid areas, and more than 1400 medium-risk. As a result, millions of residents were once again locked up in their homes, including the inhabitants of eight cities with populations of more than ten million. Eighty-seven cities declared their change of status within an hour of the announcement. Carrying out the draconian zero-Covid policy was an effective way for party secretaries in these cities to prove their loyalty to Xi. In Hebei, the ‘moat of Beijing’, the local secretary general announced that the province would be cleared of Covid cases within five days. ‘If the goal is not achieved, the party secretary of the city/district/county will be dismissed.’ One district issued a notice to citizens warning that those who refused to co-operate would be punished. In this way, thousands of provincial secretary generals proclaimed their loyalty. Outshining them all was the secretary general of Tianjin, who stated: ‘If loyalty is not absolute, it is absolute disloyalty'."

An article captioned 'Deepening the digital reform of colleges and universities' posted on the official website of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) on November 4, said Digital reform is an inherent choice for colleges and universities to accelerate the modernization of governance systems and governance capabilities in the new era. It is necessary to implement the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, strengthen the support of talents for modernization, adhere to the priority development of education, deepen the comprehensive reform in the field of education, promote the digitalization of education, and accelerate the construction of a strong country in education. It recalled that "The 2022 National Education Work Conference clearly proposed to implement the "Educational Digitalization Strategic Action". The article clarified that "Digital reform refers to the overall use of digital technology, digital thinking, and digital cognition, so as to integrate digitalization, integration, and modernization into the Party's leadership and the entire process of economy, politics, and society"

Xinhua (November 4), quoting a white paper published on November 4 by the State Council Information Office said that China has developed the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) into a top-class system with cutting-edge technologies, pioneering design and powerful functions. Titled "China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System in the New Era," the white paper said the BDS has reached a world-leading level in core technologies in terms of hybrid constellation, inter-satellite links, and signal structure. It said BDS is compatible with other navigation satellite systems and capable of providing diversified and specialized services. It also highlighted BeiDou's outstanding batch production capability, saying that in less than three years, 18 rockets had carried 30 BDS satellites into orbit, "a pace unmatched by any other country."

Nikkei (November 4) reported that China’s microchip firms are rushing to snap up foreign engineers in China who were laid off as a result of US curbs. It said the likes of Californiabased chip developer Marvell were forced to lay off hundreds of foreign workers in China, prompting local chipmakers to offer lucrative wages to take them on instead.

The Global Times (November 5) said that the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) claimed two breakthroughs in China's aerospace power systems within one day. The CASC Sixth Academy on November 5 successfully completed the first test of the country's self-developed largest-thrust vacuum liquid rocket engine which carries a maximum thrust of 500 tons after nearly 10 years of research and development, representing a significant breakthrough in key technologies. It quoted CASC as saying the success of the first test marks a milestone in the construction of China's aerospace industry. The CASC also successfully completed another test for the first time for the country's largest-thrust vacuum liquid oxygenmethane engine with a maximum thrust of 80 tons, which is reusable, low-cost and highperforming.

China's Central Military Commission issued (November 7) the "Opinions on earnestly studying and propagating and implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress" requiring the whole army to earnestly study and propagate the spirit of the 20th Party Congress. Xinhua (November 7) reported that the "Opinions" pointed out that the study and propaganda to implement the spirit of the Party's 20th Congress is the primary political task of the whole Party and the whole army for the current and future period. It said the political responsibility to study and implement the spirit of the Party's 20th Congress should be strengthened, carefully planned, and organized, with a strong political commitment and strong organizational leadership. The theme of the 20th Party Congress, it said, is to study the report of the 20th Party Congress and the Party Charter word by word and sentence by sentence, to follow up on the spirit of the latest important speech of President Xi, to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", to further enhance the "four consciousness", to firmly We will further enhance the "four consciousnesses", firmly establish the "four self-confidences", achieve the "two safeguards", implement the system of responsibility of the Chairman of the Military Commission, and follow the command of the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi in all actions. The Opinions emphasize that the focus and emphasis of this campaign should be on achieving the "goal of building the army for 100 years"

On November 4, the Chinese government named 11 bridges along its key Tibet-Xinjiang highway, parts of which run through Aksai Chin, after four Chinese soldiers killed in the Jun 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Eleven bridges along the G219 national highway, which presently runs along China’s western borders and initially began as an artery through Aksai Chin linking Tibet and Xinjiang - its construction in the 1950s on land claimed by India triggered tensions eventually leading up to the 1962 war - have been named after the four PLA soldiers and their hometowns in China.

In early November, an aerial confrontation exercise was conducted in a brigade of the PLA Air Force in the Western Theatre Command. The main theme included the brigade's introduction of "enemy situation" into confrontation air combat in daily training, and the release of new effectiveness of tactics through training to promote warfare. The brigade carried out different training stages, and dynamically adjusted the training focus according to the application of tactics. By continuing to carry out air-ground and air-to-air confrontation drills with other arms, and strengthen targeted training such as visual search, air confrontation, and ground strikes

The People's Daily (November 4) published an article captioned 'Unify thoughts and actions with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China——Learn and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The central publicity group gave presentations in Tianjin, Shanghai, the Central Political Research Office, the supply and marketing cooperative system, the education system, Hainan, the foreign exchange bureau system of the People's Bank of China, the banking and insurance industry, Liaoning, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering'. It said on November 3, a meeting of the Central Propaganda Group to study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held in Tianjin. Li Hongzhong, member of the Central Propaganda Group, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Secretary of the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee, delivered a keynote speech. About 3,800 people attended the main and branch venues of Tianjin. At the meeting it said "Li Hongzhong focused on the theme and main achievements of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the work of the past five years and the great changes in the new era in ten years, the modernization of Marxism in China, the modernization of Chinese style, and the goal of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. Mission, adhere to the party's overall leadership and comprehensive and strict governance of the party, and deal with risks and challenges, etc., systematically preached and explained. He said that the great practice of the new era has fully proved that the "two establishments" are the decisive factors in promoting the party and the country's cause to achieve historic achievements and historical changes. The historical process is decisive. We must unite closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and ensure that the major decisions of the 20th CPC National Congress will be effective in the land of Jingu"

A lengthy Guangming Daily (November 10) article captioned 'Implement the principles of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao" reiterated the importance of "patriots governing Hongkong". It highlighted that "This is the first time in the history of the party that "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao" have been included in the report of the party's national congress". It added "We must thoroughly study and understand the great practical significance and far-reaching historical significance of the principles of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao", and unswervingly implement them with a clear-cut stand, to ensure the steady and long-term implementation of "one country, two systems", and to maintain the long-term prosperity of Hong Kong and Macao. Stability and long-term stability and promote Hong Kong and Macao to make new and greater contributions to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". It explained that ""Patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao" are the proper meaning of the "one country, two systems" principle" and these "are inevitable requirements for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence announced (November 5) that 27 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels around our surrounding region were detected on November 4, 2022, until 1700(GMT+8). Taiwanese armed forces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems.

President Biden will meet with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Bali, Indonesia on November 14, 2022. Speaking to journalists, Biden said "“What I want to do with him when we talk is lay out what kind of — what each of our red lines are,” Biden told a news conference following US midterm elections. If there are conflicts, Biden said he hoped to work together on “how to work it out.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters at the regular briefing in Beijing on November 10, “China attaches importance to the U.S. proposal to hold a meeting between the two heads of state in Bali."

Bloomberg (November 4) said that during their meeting on November 4 in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that he opposed the use of nuclear force in Europe. According to the official Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the international community to “reject the threat of nuclear weapons” and advocate against a nuclear war to prevent a “crisis on the Eurasian continent”. He also spoke of the joint need to ensure the stability of food and energy supply chains, which have both been disrupted by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine adding that China and Germany should collaborate amid “times of change and turmoil” and contribute more to global peace and development. The German Chancellor said his one-day trip came at a “time of great tension,” and stressed the importance of face-to-face dialogue. He said, “We can now talk concretely and directly with each other to respond to the challenges the world is facing and the bilateral relations between Europe and China”. Xinhua quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping saying, “Destroying political trust is easy, but rebuilding it is difficult, so it requires both sides to take care of it.” In a press briefing after meeting Premier Li Keqiang on November 4, Scholz said he’d urged China to use its influence over Russia to deter it from nuclear force. The Global Times (November 6) commented "Xi-Scholz meeting injects new momentum into ChinaGermany, China-EU ties, enhancing political trust". German Chancellor Scholz led a business delegation which included the CEOs of Volkswagen, BASF, and Siemens, all of which have plans for major investments in China. The CEOs of German hi-tech companies like CEOs Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, Continental, Infineon, SAP, and Thyssen Krupp, however, did not accept Scholz's invitation to join his delegation. (Comment: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is the first leader of a G-7 country to visit China in the three years since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Germany’s foreign direct investment into China has been on the rise since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with inflows hitting 3.19 billion euros ($3.12 billion) in the second quarter of 2022 and the fourquarter moving average reaching a post-Covid high, according to financial analysis platform Macrobond using data from the German central bank. China has been Germany’s largest trading partner for six consecutive years from 2016 to 2021, with bilateral trade volumes reaching more than 245 billion euros last year, accounting for 10% of Germany’s total imports and exports, according to statistics from the German government.)

Radio Free Asia (October 28) reported that on October 27, the German newspaper Handelsblatt cited government sources that the German Economy Ministry is reviewing a deal for German chipmaker Elmos, proposed by a China-controlled company. Last December, Elmos, headquartered in Dortmund, agreed to sell its production line to Swedish chipmaker Silex, a wholly owned subsidiary of China’s Sai Microelectronics Group. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the country’s chief domestic intelligence agency, gave advanced warning to the government and advised against the deal because China’s mastery of the key technology would enable it to put pressure on Germany. Handelsblatt revealed that the German federal government neglected the advice and was ready to approve the deal. Aniessa Andresen, Chairperson of the Hong Konger in Germany, told Radio Free Asia that Germany continues to sell its own infrastructure projects and key technological companies to China, even though it has realized that it cannot rely on China. It is puzzling and worrying that the chip deal is still going forward even after warnings from German intelligence agencies. Andresen called on Germany not to become a pawn of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who resisted the acquisition of the Hamburg port terminal by the Chinese state-owned COSCO Group, did not take the same tough stance in the chip deal, giving 20 the reason that “Elmos” technology was “obsolete” and of little value, and that the Chinese could not acquire the needed technology to drive its development. Taiwanese political researcher Li Youtan pointed out that the “Elmos” incident is similar to China’s acquisition last year of the UK’s chip plant Newport Wafer Fab through the Dutch firm Nexperia, which is controlled by China’s Wintel Technology Corporation. Li believes that the CCP has shown its ambition to dominate the world after the 20th National Congress but is thwarted by its lack of chip technology. If Germany allows the Elmos deal to go through, it will become a weak link in the democratic world. ii) German Chancellor Scholz also over-ruled the opposition from 6 Ministers to approve the Chinese state-owned company, COSCO Shipping, acquiring a 30 per cent share in Hamburg Port.

The Philippines has named former CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Jaime Flor Cruz as its new Ambassador to China. (Comment: Jaime Flor Cruz is a journalist who has spent years staying in and reporting on China.)

63-year-old Chen Yixin, a long-time confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping was on October 30 appointed China’s new Minister of State Security. He will continue as Secretary General of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission. ii) The announcement came two days after his predecessor, Chen Wenqing, was promoted to head the Communist Party’s Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission (CPLAC).

The South China Morning Post (October 28) disclosed that 66-year-old Shi Taifeng, a Politburo newcomer and close ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has been confirmed as head of the CCP CC’s United Front Work Department. Shi Taifeng attended a UFWD meeting on October 27 in his new role as its Party Secretary. In his speech, Shi Taifeng stressed that studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th party congress, which ended last week, is now the department’s main political task. (Comment: Shi Taifeng took over the role from You Quan, who is set to retire and never had a seat in the Politburo. His appointment was largely expected after he was promoted to the 24- member Politburo on October 22.) ii) On October 26, Beijing announced the appointment of Li Shulei as the new chief of the CCP CC Propaganda Department. iii) On October 27, former Beijing Mayor Chen Jining was announced as Shanghai’s new Party Secretary.

Radio Free Asia (October 28) published an article by Cheng Xiaonong, a Chinese political commentator, on how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) selected its Central Committee members for the 20th Party Congress. It claimed Xi Jinping started planning the candidate selection work at the end of 2020. Three months later Xi held a Politburo Standing Committee meeting and a Politburo meeting to launch the 20th Party Congress Cadres Evaluation Leading Group officially, with him the head of the group. Xi allocated quotas to each province and ministry. The CCP Central Organization Department started the cadres’ evaluations in July 2021. It sent out 45 evaluation teams, in three batches, to 31 provinces, 124 central and state apparatuses and state-owned enterprises. The Central Military Commission also sent eight evaluation teams to 25 central units and theatres. The evaluation results were presented to the Politburo for review. Xi called six politburo standing committee hearings on the evaluation report. In the end, Xi made the call on candidates. The list was finalized at the CCP politburo standing committee on September 7. The vote had two steps. First, a 222-member list was given to the 20th Congress representatives to vote for 205 positions. Second, the representatives were given a 205-member list to vote for 205 members. It is not very clear whether the ballot would still be valid if someone wrote any name on it that was outside the “official” list. But that “off the list” candidate for sure wouldn’t be elected. (Comment: The Xinhua had earlier on October 24 issued a release on the procedure followed for selection of cadres to the CC and PB, which showed Xi Jinping involved at each stage.)

Desmond Shum, a sinologist, and author of Red Roulette, recently commented on Chen Jining and Li Ganjie, two Tsinghua alumni who became new Politburo members. Chen Jining is now Party Secretary of Shanghai and Li Ganjie is head of the powerful CCP CC Organization Department. Shum observed: Tsinghua graduates thousands of students every year. Just because they came from the same school, it doesn’t mean they are aligned politically. Chen Xi was a college mate of Xi. Xi had arranged Chen Xi's career promotions 5/6 years before he became party secretary. Chen Xi was transferred out of Tsinghua, to brush up his resume with experience as a provincial leader. This was done so that Chen Xi would have the resume to take bigger jobs in central government once Xi was in power. When Xi first came to power, he wanted to promote bureaucrats who didn’t have ties to the then existing power structure. That’s why he brought in academics and CEOs of larger SOEs. He wanted people who owe their careers to him. It was under this circumstance, Chen Jining and Hu Heping, came to power. Chen Xi had a role, but it wasn’t all his doing. Chen Jining’s rise doesn’t have anything to do with Chen Xi. As a matter of fact, Chen Xi doesn’t like him, and reports are that Chen Xi didn’t promote Chen Jining. Chen Jining’s key sponsor is most likely to be Liu Yandong, Vice Premier under Wen Jiabao. Of course, he has since endeared himself with Xi. All in all, many leading politicians came from Tsinghua because as the leading university in China it graduates the brightest, and because of that many aspiring politicians came to the university to brush up their resumes as graduate students. But they don’t have shared political interests or beliefs. To group all Tsinghua graduates as a political clique is misleading

The People's Daily (November 2) published an article by the newly appointed PBSC member Ding Xuexiang captioned 'Unite and struggle to fully promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation (conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China)'. Disclosing that "more than 1,800 party members and cadres who gave their precious lives to win the battle against poverty and inspired them to stick to their posts in the face of the new crown pneumonia epidemic", he said "The 100-year history of the party is a history of the party leading the people to unite and struggle and win great victories. Looking at the past and present, at home and abroad, our party is the most advanced political force that is most united and capable of struggle. This is determined by the nature and purpose of a Marxist party". In the article he said "The realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. The grand goal will not be easily achieved, and the road ahead is bound to be full of trials and tribulations. The clarion call of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country must be louder, the action more determined, the pace more consistent, and the will more tenacious." Asserting that "The root of unity and struggle lies in unifying will and action with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", he said "Thought is the forerunner of action, and theory is the guide of practice. A scientific theory is like a flag. Once the flag is erected, there will be a goal and direction in unity and struggle; otherwise, it is like a ship without a navigator, and it is easy to get lost in the vast sea. To comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we must use scientific theories to unify will and action. Use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to guide the correct direction of unity and struggle". Unity and struggle were a strong theme in the lengthy article.

People's Daily (November 3) published a lengthy article containing 15 references to Xi Jinping titled 'The whole process of people's democracy is the essential attribute of socialist democracy' on "whole process people's democracy" by former Politburo member Wang Chen. It listed seven points under the following four sub-headings: The whole process of people's democracy is a major theoretical and practical innovation achieved by our party leading the people to promote socialist political construction in the new era; The whole process of people's democracy in my country is a democracy with a whole chain, all directions and full coverage; Important principles that must be followed in the whole process of developing people's democracy; Give full play to the important institutional role of the people's congress system in the whole process of developing people's democracy. ii) The Guangming Daily (November 3) also published an article captioned 'Democracy at the grassroots level is an important embodiment of people's democracy in the whole process', which was an in-depth study, propaganda and implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China'. It cited two examples from rural Zhejiang and urban Shanghai.

The People's Daily (November 3) published an article authored by Zhan Chengfu, Deputy Minister for Civil Affairs, captioned 'Continuously realize the people's yearning for a better life (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)'. It said the Report to the 20th Party Congress contained "a series of important plans and arrangements" fully demonstrating "our party's firm people's stance and strong determination to continuously turn the people's yearning for a better life into reality on the new journey". It also said China's "economic strength has achieved a historic leap. The GDP will increase from 53.9 trillion yuan in 2012 to 114.4 trillion yuan in 2021; from 2013 to 2021, the average annual GDP growth rate will be 6.6%, higher than the 2.6% in the world and 3.7% in developing economies during the same period. The average growth level of the world's second largest economy has been consolidated and improved"; "major achievements have been made in manned spaceflight, lunar and fire exploration, deep-sea and deep exploration, supercomputers, satellite navigation, quantum information, nuclear power technology, new energy technology, large aircraft manufacturing, and biomedicine" and China "has entered the ranks of innovative countries"; the world's largest high-speed railway network and expressway network will be built; "in the face of the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, major positive results have been achieved in coordinating epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development"; though "the domestic reform, development and stability tasks are arduous and arduous, my country's economy has strong resilience, ample potential, and wide room for manoeuvre".

The new Chairman of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) Zhao Leji published an article in the People's Daily (October 31) captioned 'Unswervingly and comprehensively govern the party strictly (conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party)'. The article warned cadres against corruption and said 'Punishment and deterrence, institutional constraints, and awareness-raising should be combined to achieve more institutional results and greater governance efficiency. Anticorruption road with Chinese characteristics".

In the latest (November 3) issue of the Sino-Japanese Political and Economic Review a political analyst asked why Chen Miner has not yet been assigned a portfolio despite him being overlooked for the PBSC, a Chinese political analyst said Chen Min'er was originally expected to be one of the successors, but as a result, not only did he fail to become a member of the Standing Committee of the 20th National Congress, but he also failed to become the Shanghai Secretary as widely expected, and became an ordinary Politburo member. He attributed this to the structural problems in the relationship between Chen Min'er and Xi Jinping. One reason was that Chen Min'er was promoted to be Propaganda Minister before Xi Jinping arrived in Zhejiang.

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission on October 30 disclosed that 'Li Xiaobao, former secretary of the party group and director of the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, was "double-opened". It said, "Li Xiaobao lost his ideals and beliefs, betrayed the "two safeguards", engaged in "seven possessions", organized "small circles" and "small gangs", implemented major decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, made discounts, made flexible arrangements, and failed to implement comprehensive and strict governance of the party". It accused him of "Disregarding the interests of the masses, engaging in formalism and bureaucracy; ignoring the spirit of the eight central regulations, accepting gifts and gifts in violation of regulations, accepting banquets, travel and entertainment arrangements that may affect the fair execution of official duties; Money and sex transactions; greed, collusion between officials and businessmen, large-scale power and money transactions, and illegal acceptance of huge amounts of property". It said, "Li Xiaobao seriously violated the party's political discipline, the spirit of the eight central regulations, organizational discipline, integrity discipline, mass discipline, work discipline, and life discipline” and had been expelled from the party. (Comment: This is probably the first political verdict to mention the "two safeguards" after they were included in the Party Charter at the just concluded 20th Party Congress. Li Xiaobao was born in August 1968, in Yongxing, Hunan, obtained a doctoral degree and started working in July 1988, and joined the Communist Party of China in January 1995. From July 1995 to March 2000, successively served as cadre of the Propaganda Department of the Party Committee of Capital Normal University, secretary of the Youth League Committee, and member of the school's Party Committee.)

The China Organisation and Personnel Daily (November 2) published an article by Gao Xiaoyun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Liupanshui Municipal Committee of Guizhou Province, and the Head of the Organization Department, under the caption 'Guarantee high-quality development with high-quality cadres'. In the article he said, inter alia, "Always adhere to the practice as a big classroom and the grassroots as a "training ground" to ensure that the cadre team is politically reliable and capable of work'; "Comprehensively evaluate whether the professional quality of cadres meets the needs of career development and whether the professional ability matches the job position, select outstanding professional cadres in various fields to the corresponding professional positions in time, and truly let professional people do professional things"; ".. to adhere to the principle of the party's management of cadres, adhere to the principle of having both ability and political integrity, put morality first..,"; "focus on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the "two establishments", effectively enhance the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve "two maintenances". Enhance political capacity"; Strengthen daily supervision and anti-corrosion, make timely organizational adjustments to weed out "Lying down, pushing and dragging around to hide, and those with weak professional skills"; make cadres accustomed to working and living in a restrained environment"; and "strive to build a team of high-quality 8 professional cadres with sufficient numbers and good quality will be formed to form a good political ecology of all talents" etc

A Commentary in China Education Daily (November 1) captioned 'On learning and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China' said that the report of the 20th Party Congress had solemnly declared: "From now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to build a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way, realize the second centenary goal, and comprehensively promote China's modernization with Chinese style. The great rejuvenation of the nation." The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China carried out a comprehensive and in-depth and systematic explanation of Chinese-style modernization, forming a complete theoretical system including "five characteristics", "nine essential requirements" and "five major principles". We must deeply comprehend and grasp it systematically, work hard on comprehensive study, comprehensive understanding, and full implementation, and deeply understand the political logic, historical logic, theoretical logic, and practical logic of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on the major policies and strategic deployment of the Party and the country, firmly grasp the mission and task of promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization". The Commentary asserted that "In the next five years, or even a longer period of time, how to respond to the basic requirements of Chinese-style modernization and help realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a question that education must answer. It is the responsibility of the era of education to accelerate the modernization of education, build a strong country in education, and support Chinese-style modernization with the construction of a strong education country In the next five years, or even a longer period of time, how to respond to the basic requirements of Chinese-style modernization and help realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a question that education must answer. It is the responsibility of the era of education to accelerate the modernization of education, build a strong country in education, and support Chinese-style modernization with the construction of a strong education country

The China Education Daily (November 2) published an article captioned "The backbone of party building" supports Bright Education to strive for excellence", which cited the example of strides made in education of cadres by Guangdong Province.

The Discipline Inspection and Supervision News (October 31) publicised that discipline inspection and supervision cadres are studying the 'spirit' of the 20th Party Congress. It published an article captioned 'Discipline inspection and supervision cadres deeply study and understand the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China - Resolutely safeguard the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee', which said that the Jilin Provincial Committee had in the past few days repeatedly studied the Report and that "the discipline inspection and supervision organs at all levels have deeply studied and understood the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and a boom has emerged rapidly. The majority of discipline inspection and supervision cadres said that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has made arrangements for strengthening the overall leadership of the party and promoting the new great project of party building in the new era. It is necessary to accurately grasp the functional positioning of the discipline inspection commission in the management of the party and resolutely maintain the party. The authority and centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee ensure that the whole party is united into "a piece of hard steel", which provides a strong guarantee for building a modern socialist country in an all-round way and promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in an all-round way". It disclosed that the Jilin Provincial Disciplinary Committee Standing Committee (enlarged) meeting and the provincial discipline inspection and supervision system was held on October 26, in Changchun.

The People's Daily (October 29) published an article by its Commentator captioned 'Open up a new realm of modernization of Marxism in China——On learning and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China'. The commentary stated that "Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology for us to establish the Party, build the country, and rejuvenate the Party and the country." It said General Secretary Xi Jinping, in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, elaborated on the major issues of opening up a new realm of Sinicization of Marxism and pointed out that "in the final analysis, it is a Marxist practice, and it is a Marxist practice of Sinicization.”

Guangming Daily (November 3) published an article captioned 'Adhere to high-quality development and promote common prosperity', which said "Common prosperity is the historical mission of the Communist Party of China and an important feature of Chinese-style modernization". The article said, "The common prosperity of all the people has made more obvious and substantial progress, and it has taken advantage of the momentum to enter the building of socialism in an all-round way." "To solidly promote common prosperity in the new stage of development, we must base ourselves on the new situation of major changes unseen in a century and the transformation of the main contradictions in domestic society, implement new development concepts, build a new development pattern, and take the road of high-quality development. Solid promotion of common prosperity in the new stage of development will inevitably require high-quality development. On the one hand, the problem of unbalanced and insufficient development is the main factor affecting common prosperity at present. To achieve balanced development of regions, urban and rural areas, and to improve the overall level of economic development, it is no longer feasible to make the "cake" bigger by relying only on high-speed growth. Quality development optimizes quality, and achieves continuous growth in quantity in the process of substantial improvement in quality; In the past, the singledimensional material aspect "is there or not", expand to the multi-dimensional "good or bad" such as democracy, rule of law, fairness, justice, security, and environment". The article added "Achieving common prosperity is complex and arduous, and we must ensure and improve people's livelihood in the process of development. First, we must fully understand that common 11 prosperity is a long-term goal, which must be achieved in the organic unity of productivity development and production relations reform. To promote common prosperity through highquality development is actually to continuously advance China's economic and social development while resolving the main social contradictions, which cannot be achieved overnight. Second, promoting common prosperity in high-quality development is a systematic project." It called for promoting: "common prosperity in the drive of innovation" and the "development of productive forces through scientific and technological innovation, improve total factor productivity, emphasize the inclusiveness and sharing of development, provide a solid material foundation and supporting institutional supply for common prosperity, and endow with unlimited potential for common prosperity through scientific and technological self-reliance"; "common prosperity in the dynamic balance between high-quality demand and high-level supply"; "common prosperity in green development"; and "common prosperity in the sharing of high-quality development results."

China Organization and Personnel (zuzhirenshi dianzibao -- November 3) published articles on 'Comprehensive and in-depth understanding of application guidance practice', which discussed studying the 'spirit' of the 20th Party Congress and the other to propagate at the front line, spirit entering the grassroots.

Space News (October 31) reported that a large Chinese rocket stage predicted to make an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on November 4 has been imaged by an orbiting satellite. Australian company High Earth Orbit Robotics posted images of the Long March 5B first stage on Twitter on Wednesday (Nov. 2), showing the roughly 23-ton (21 metric tons) piece of space junk during its slow descent to Earth. The images were taken from a distance of 221 miles (355 kilometres), according to HEO Robotics, using an optical imaging satellite belonging to the Argentina-based firm Satellogic.

The China Education Daily (November 2) published an article titled 'Improve teachers' scientific literacy and build a foundation for top-notch innovative talents'. Disclosing that the Ministry of Education and the Chinese Academy of Sciences had recently jointly launched the "Special Science Teacher Training Class", which has attracted widespread attention, it referred to the Report of the 20th Party Congress and "pointed out that it is necessary to insist that science and technology are the primary productive force, talents are the primary resources, and innovation is the primary driving force". It emphasised that it is necessary to "constantly shape the development of new kinetic energy and new advantages". Carrying out scientific training for teachers is a timely move, and it also helps to improve teachers' scientific literacy, develop science education in primary and secondary schools, and lay the foundation for top-notch innovative talents.

The People's Daily (October 31) published an article captioned 'Let the party flag fly high in the aerospace front line - Leading the high-quality development of aerospace enterprises with high-quality party building (the way of governance)' by Zhao Xiaojin, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Fifth Research Institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. It called for strengthening political leadership to ensure compliance and serve major strategic needs. The article said, "Pay attention to strengthening political responsibility and improving political ability, take the implementation of the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee and the implementation of major aerospace missions as the "touchstone" and "grinding stone" for testing and tempering the political skills of party members and cadres, and guide cadres and workers to consciously devote themselves to the aerospace industry. Line, the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, the requirements of the Party Central Committee, the national strategic needs, and the people's expectations are transformed into job pursuits and job actions". Stressing on Party building, it said "Optimize the party affairs team, establish an expert committee for party building work, take party affairs posts as an important platform for training and training cadres, select and strengthen grass-roots party affairs cadres, carry out precise training at different levels, and build party affairs that is political, willing to study, professional and strong". The article noted it is important to "Identify the combination of party building work and business work, promote the integration of corporate party building and space launch tasks, continue to optimize the ideological and political support work system at the launch site, and set up temporary party organizations in each space launch model work team to carry out the theme under the tower Party. Discussing the need to "inspire people with spirit, set up an education base for aerospace spirit, inherit and carry forward the spirit of "two bombs and one satellite" and the spirit of manned spaceflight, establish an aerospace spirit propaganda group led by academicians and experts and participated by old, middle-aged and young employees, and encourage employees to take practical actions" it called on cadres to "Practice the belief of serving the country with aerospace, and work hard on the new journey of building a powerful aerospace country with high spirits". (Comment: The article has been published after the emphasis on S&T at the 20th Party Congress and selection of over a dozen technocrats in the Politburo and Central Committee.)

PLA Air Force (PLAAF)’s H-6K bomber carrying two new-type missiles arrived at the Zhuhai Airshow China. China Central Television (CCTV) showed the H-6K carrying one such missile on each wing. (Comment: The missiles are suspected air-launched ballistic missiles and have been displayed to the public for the first time.)

Workers have broken out of Apple’s largest assembly site on October 30, escaping the Zero Covid lockdown at Foxconn in Zhengzhou. After sneaking out, they’re walking to hometowns more than 100 kilometres away to beat the Covid app measures designed to control people and stop this.

Bloomberg (November 2) reported that an unverified post, which contained black characters on a white background with no identifying marks, first began circulating on October 31 night in WeChat social messaging groups filled with analysts and fund managers, The unverified post claimed that Wang Huning, Politburo Standing Committee member ranked at No. 4, held a meeting on October 30 of Covid-19 experts at the request of President Xi Jinping. It called Xi “big boss” and used “WHN” to refer to Wang in a bid to sidestep censors, who strictly manage messages and social media posts on China’s political elite. It stated that Representatives at the meeting, which included members of the economic and propaganda departments, discussed “speeding up a conditional opening plan, with the goal of substantially opening by March next year”

Yahoo Finance (November 3) disclosed that some of China's most affluent regions reported slower growth in the first three quarters of the year than the national economy, as COVID-19 curbs disrupted factory and consumer activity. The economy of Guangdong, the southern economic powerhouse, and Jiangsu in the east, each grew 2.3%. Sichuan's growth slowed to 1.5% from 2.8% in the first half of 2022. Guangdong and Sichuan were hit hard by virus curbs in the third quarter, with tech hub Shenzhen and southwestern metropolis Chengdu in Sichuan slammed by restrictions and lockdowns in September. GDP in tropical southern province Hainan fell 0.5% for the first three quarters, reversing a 1.6% gain in the first half as the island's main tourist hub.

Bloomberg (November 3) said that the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) cut its daily reference rate for a fifth session on November 3, which would allow the yuan to drop to a 15-year low of 7.4 per dollar within its daily trading band. It noted that didn’t happen even after the top health body reaffirmed a Covid Zero stance after this week’s speculation. Yuan traders have been parsing PBOC’s fixings to gauge support from authorities for the beleaguered currency. It sold off after the central bank ended a string of steady yuan daily reference rate following the conclusion of a key leadership summit

Bloomberg (October 31) reported that the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index ended a volatile session on October 31 with a 1.8% loss, closing at its lowest since November 2005. Property shares plunged, while tech shares bucked the downtrend following BYD Co.’s record earnings. The CSI 300 Index, a benchmark of onshore shares, fell 0.9% to its lowest close since February 2019. The trend of dropping shares has continued since October 22

The latest (November 1) issue of the Party's leading Theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi published a Commentator's article captioned 'Implementing the employment priority strategy'. Asserting that "Employment is the most basic livelihood", it said "Doing a good job in employment is an important part of ensuring and improving people's livelihood, which is not only related to family happiness, but also to the long-term development of the country and social harmony and stability. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China that "implementing the employment priority strategy" pointed out the direction for further improving employment in the new journey. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has insisted on strengthening the orientation of employment priority in promoting high-quality development, deeply implementing the employment priority strategy, and continuously enriching and developing more active employment policies to promote the historical achievements of my country's employment work". This, it said, had become more important "Especially in the face of the severe impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic in recent years"

The latest (November 1) issue of the Party's leading Theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi published a second Commentator's article captioned 'Promoting coordinated regional development'. It said that "Promoting coordinated regional development is an important part of implementing the new development concept and an inevitable requirement to achieve high-quality economic development". It added that "The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China clearly emphasized "promoting coordinated regional development", and made a series of major strategic deployments, which provided fundamental guidelines for promoting coordinated regional development under the new situation. Promoting coordinated regional development is an important part of implementing the new development concept and an inevitable requirement to achieve high-quality economic development. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China clearly emphasized "promoting coordinated regional development", and made a series of major strategic deployments, which provided fundamental guidelines for promoting coordinated regional development under the new situation". It disclosed that "The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China put forward the strategic plan to further promote coordinated regional development on the new journey" and called for supporting 'the accelerated development of old revolutionary base areas and ethnic minority areas, strengthen the construction of border areas, and promote the development of border areas and enrichment of the people, and the stability and consolidation of border areas". It declared in conclusion: "Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the comprehensive implementation of the strategic deployment of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on promoting coordinated regional development will surely be able to give full play to the advantages of various regions, achieve coordinated development, and form an overall synergy, so as to achieve high-quality development, to provide strong support for building a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way".

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng was quoted by the South China Morning Post (November 3) as calling for cooperation with foreign firms, denouncing the US Chips Act and reassuring business leaders that “opening up” to overseas markets remains a national objective, while speaking to foreign businessmen in Beijing on November 2. In an apparent criticism of Washington’s China-targeted Chips and Science Act, which offers financial incentives to tech companies that make semiconductor investments on American soil, Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng described efforts to suppress China as “counterproductive”. He said “Presently, some countries are keen to forge small circles, instigate ‘decoupling’, build ‘small courtyards with high walls’, implement ‘friend shoring’, establish ‘chip alliances’, weave exclusive economic frameworks, and vainly attempt to gang up to contain and suppress China.” Pointing to Tesla and Volkswagen's recent investments in China, Xie Feng said “This fully reflects that people from all walks of life, including the business community, have sharp eyes, that the market’s principles are powerful, and that the concept of win-win cooperation is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.” (Comment: Xie, who specialises in US-China relations previously headed the office of the Chinese foreign ministry in Hong Kong.)

The individual who unfurled the protest banner on the bridge in Haidian District on the opening day of the 20th Party Congress on October 16 is Peng Lifa, a 48-year-old scientist from Heilongjiang province, his hometown, Tailai is near the border of Inner Mongolia. He lived in Xicheng district in Beijing and worked at a computer services company.

The Hubei Daily (November 3) published an article captioned 'Newly issued 184.8 billion yuan to ensure the construction of 1,643 key projects——The issuance of special bonds in our province drives investment of over one trillion yuan'. It said that "On October 28, with the completion of the ninth batch of new government special bonds of 24.2 billion yuan this year, our province has successfully completed the annual issuance of 184.8 billion yuan of new special bonds. The issuance quota increased by 23.3 billion yuan compared with last year, hitting a record high. The newly added special bond funds have guaranteed the construction of 1,643 key projects in the province, boosted effective investment of more than 1 trillion yuan, and played a significant role in expanding investment and stabilizing growth. In the second half of last year, our province began to plan the work of adding special bond projects this year, establishing a coordinated working mechanism between departments, and strengthening the reserve of special bond projects. In May of this year, the central government issued the preapproval quota issuance task. In June, in accordance with the requirements of the State Council that "new special bonds will be issued basically in June", a "green channel" was opened for project review, 4 issuances were arranged, and the issuance task of the annual new special debt limit of 160.6 billion yuan was successfully completed. Since then, the State Council has actively implemented the State Council's policy of stabilizing economic continuity. By October 28, the task of issuing a balance limit of 24.2 billion yuan has been completed. These newly added special bonds focus on key government investment projects that make up for shortcomings, benefit people's livelihood, and increase stamina, and they are all invested in the fields stipulated by the state."

There is tension in Lhasa because of protests on October 26-27 against the zero Covid restrictions. A lot of footage emerged on October 27 showing protests by Han Chinese workers, with Tibetans joining in apparently, who are frustrated at the ongoing Zero Covid measures in Tibet. A lot of the footage of these protests in Lhasa appears to feature Mandarin speaking workers who’ve come to Tibet from other parts of China. It seems they’ve been prevented from leaving because of the Zero Covid lockdown.

The state-owned CCT (November 1) telecast a report stating that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presided over the 21st meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization by video on the 1st in Beijing. It said Li Keqiang expressed that the SCO Samarkand Summit held in September this year reached a new consensus on advancing the development of the SCO. He said, "President Xi Jinping advocates working together to build a peaceful, stable, prosperous and beautiful homeland" and that "China is willing to deepen political mutual trust, mutually beneficial cooperation, and friendly exchanges with all parties, vigorously carry forward the "Shanghai Spirit", and benefit the people of all countries". Li Keqiang put forward five suggestions on advancing SCO cooperation: (i) deepen cooperation in law enforcement and security, maintain security and stability, and create a favourable environment for development; (ii) improve the level of trade and investment facilitation and promote regional economic recovery; (iii) strengthen interconnectivity, realize regional integrated development, and maintain the resilience and stability of the industrial chain; (iv) improve the level of food and energy supply security to facilitate sustainable development; (v) intensify people-to-people and cultural exchanges and enhance the connection of people's hearts and opinions. Li Keqiang also explained that "since the beginning of this year, China's economic operation has faced downward pressure that exceeded expectations. We promptly and decisively introduced a package of policies and follow-up measures to stabilize the economy, focusing on ensuring stable employment and prices for market players. Through hard work, China's economy has shown a steady upward trend. We will continue to promote the full implementation of the "package" of policies and measures to stabilize the economy, which will be fully effective, vigorously promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of the economy, keep the economy operating within a reasonable range, and strive to achieve better results". CCTV added that participants at the meeting spoke "positively of the SCO's cooperation achievements in various fields and expressed their willingness to improve the cooperation mechanism and jointly address challenges such as food, energy security and climate change, and enhance the well-being of the people of all countries". Wang Yi and He Lifeng were present.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry press release stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping met Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on the morning of 2 November at the Great Hall of the People. President Xi welcomed Prime Minister Sharif and thanked him for his congratulatory letter after the 20th Party Congress. He noted that "China and Pakistan are good friends, good partners and good brothers. Amid global changes and instability in recent years, the two countries have supported each other and forged ahead, demonstrating an iron-clad friendship. China views its relations with Pakistan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and Pakistan has always been a high priority in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy. China is ready to work with Pakistan to elevate the level of allround strategic cooperation, speed up efforts to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and inject new impetus into their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership". "President Xi stressed that China commends Pakistan’s firm commitment to advancing friendship and cooperation with China, and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support on issues vital to China’s core and major concerns. China will continue to firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, development interests and dignity, and in achieving unity, stability, development and prosperity." President Xi underscored that China will continue its fundamental policy of opening-up and provide new opportunities to Pakistan and the rest of the world through continuous development. "The two sides will make full use of the Joint Cooperation Committee of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), advance CPEC with greater efficiency, and make CPEC an exemplar of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation". "China will continue to do its best to support Pakistan in stabilizing its financial situation. China supports its provinces with a strong industry in pairing up with Pakistani partners to advance industrial cooperation, and hopes the Pakistani side will provide a sound business environment. President Xi expressed his great concern about the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, and conveyed his hope that Pakistan will provide a reliable and safe environment for Chinese institutions and personnel working on cooperation projects there”. He added that "China will work with Pakistan to advance the operationalization of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, make the global economic governance system more fair, equitable and inclusive that benefits all, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. These collaborative efforts will provide a strong underpinning for the development of the two countries, and contribute more to global peace, stability, and prosperity". "Prime Minister Sharif noted that it is a great honour for him to be among the first foreign leaders to visit China after the successful 20th CPC National Congress, which marked a new milestone". Sharif was quoted as saying "The world cannot operate without China, and China’s development cannot be isolated or contained by any force. Prime Minister Sharif expressed his confidence that President Xi, with his extraordinary vision, will continue to lead China toward even more remarkable achievements and create an even brighter future for the world". Sharif stressed "that deepening Pakistan’s all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and the national consensus of Pakistan". He "reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the one-China policy and its firm support for China’s position on issues concerning China’s core interests including Taiwan, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Even as Pakistan learns from China’s successful experience and tries to rely on its own efforts, Pakistan will deepen allround cooperation with China to better develop itself. This is the only way forward for Pakistan" and said "Pakistan fully supports the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative put forth by President Xi. It will strengthen communication and collaboration with China in international and regional affairs to make a positive contribution to world peace and development. The Pakistan-China friendship is unbreakable. Pakistan will always stand firmly with China. After the meeting, President Xi held a welcoming banquet for Prime Minister Sharif at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People". Politburo members Wang Yi and He Lifeng were present at the events. Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who is accompanying the Pakistan Prime Minister.

WLVN (November 1) reported that China told Pakistan it would extend a loan of US$ 8.4 billion for converting Pakistan Railway to electric traction. It did not offer any concession.

ANI October 30 reported that at a meeting of CPEC’s 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) on October 27, Pakistan flagged prolonged delays in five of its crucial power and rail projects with China and urged China to put USD 18.5 billion worth of five projects on the fast track. Pakistan's The Express Tribune said Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed fears that any further delay would collapse the rail system in the country in one year and delay 3,100 megawatts of electricity generation. The five projects that Islamabad has requested China to fast track the work on include — USD 10 billion Mainline-I railway project, USD 1.2 billion Karachi Circular Railway project, USD 1.6 billion Azad Pattan hydropower project, USD 2.5 billion Kohala power project and USD 3 billion Thar Block-I coal project on priority, reported The Express Tribune quoting officials who attended the meeting as saying. Pakistan also asked China to consider Islamabad’s request for the relocation of USD 584 million Gwadar power plant. The Planning Minister also said “The government has not signed minutes of the 11th JCC and a formal announcement about the outcome will be made during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China. The PM will go on a two-day visit on November 1.” (Comment: At least 28 Chinese projects worth USD 18.8 billion are wrapped up however still USD 34 billion worth of schemes are yet to be completed. Since China took the ML-I project in the CPEC fold, Pakistan Railways had not invested in the project.)

ABC News (November 2) reported that Gao Lianjia, one of four Chinese diplomats who were filmed fighting with protesters outside China's consulate in the city of Manchester last month, was one of the two Chinese diplomats who created headlines in 2020 when they allegedly assaulted a Taiwanese representative outside the Grand Pacific Hotel in Fiji's capital, Suva.

The China Court Daily (November 1) reported that Xi Jinping held talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Xi Jinping awarded the "Friendship Medal" to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and held a grand awarding ceremony.

Meeting US Ambassador Nicholas Burns in Beijing on October 28, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that "China-US relations are now at a critical juncture, and the international community generally expects to see stable development of China-US relations. As President Xi Jinping has pointed out, China and the US need to respect each other, live in peace, and pursue win-win cooperation. These are the fundamental principles China follows in developing relations with the United States. As two major countries, neither China nor the US can change the other side. The US should stop trying to deal with China from a position of strength, and stop aiming at suppressing and containing China's development. Wang expressed the hope that Burns, as the US Ambassador to China, will act to build bridges between the two sides". Burns replied that the US-China relationship is of consequential importance to the two countries and the larger world, and that the US is ready to strengthen communication with China to manage differences and advance cooperation.

The National Review reported (October 28) that Representative Don Beyer, who has been hawkish on China, moved swiftly to remove Barbara Hamlett, an employee who was promoting Chinese influence operations in the US Congress. The Representative removed her after being notified of the activity by security officials. The House Democratic staffer, Barbara Hamlett, was fired after her outreach to other congressional aides allegedly on behalf of the Chinese embassy was revealed this week. The National Review said Hamlett had requested meetings with different congressional offices on behalf of people at the Chinese embassy, after staffers in other offices reported being contacted by her. The House sergeant at arms (SAA)’s office was apparently aware of two requested meetings “in the context of meals,” including at Charlie Palmer Steak, a popular restaurant near the Capitol. One congressional aide told NR that after he ignored several emails from Chinese embassy staff requesting a meeting about one of his boss’s bills earlier this year, Hamlett, a 34-year veteran of Capitol Hill, called his office and then showed up in person, asking him to step outside for a conversation. National Review said also, that in recent weeks, Barbara Hamlett had attempted to schedule a separate meeting between a Republican aide and a Chinese diplomat after that aide had, likewise, ignored emails from Chinese embassy staff. After the staffer ignored her messages, she called and showed up at the staffer’s office, asking to speak with him, which was viewed as highly suspicious

Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang was promoted as Full Member of the CCP's 20th CC at the 20th Party Congress. (Comment: Qin Gang was earlier not even an alternate member of the CC. He is now positioned to take over as China's Foreign Minister in March.)

Xinhua disclosed (October 27) that less than a week after the closing of the 20th Party Congress, on October 27, CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping led the new PBSC comprising Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, on "a special trip from Beijing to Yan'an, Shaanxi, to pay tribute to the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Site by community bus, to relive the glorious years of the Party Central Committee in Yan'an during the Revolutionary War, to cherish the memory of the great achievements of the older generation of revolutionaries, and to declare that the new central leadership group will continue to continue the red blood and inherit the struggle". It called it "Spirit, and a firm belief in handing over a new excellent answer sheet to history and the people on the new road to the test". "Xi Jinping emphasized that it is necessary to carry forward the spirit of building the great party, carry forward the spirit of Yan'an, strengthen historical confidence, strengthen historical initiative, carry forward the spirit of struggle, and work together to achieve the goals and tasks set by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China”. The People's Daily (October 27) published an article on the Politburo Standing Committee's visit to Yan'an and Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks on the occasion. When paying tribute to the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Site, Xi Jinping emphasized that "we should carry forward the great spirit of founding the Party and the spirit of Yan'an, and work together to achieve the goals and tasks set forth by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". He said, "I am here with comrades from Politburo Standing Committee to declare that the new leadership will inherit and carry forward the fine revolutionary traditions and styles formed by the Party during the Yan'an period, and carry forward the Yan'an spirit". It "formed the ideological line of firm and correct political direction, emancipated the mind to seek truth from facts, the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, and the entrepreneurial spirit of self-reliance and hard work". A "firm and correct political orientation is the essence of the Yan'an Spirit". It said that Xi Jinping pointed out 'All Party comrades must adhere to the correct political direction, resolutely implement the Party's basic theory, basic line, and basic strategy, resolutely implement the Party Central Committee's decisions and arrangements, and continue to push forward the great cause created by the older generation of revolutionaries'. Emphasising that "All comrades in the party must vigorously promote the spirit of self-reliance and hard work. No matter how rich our material life is in the future, we must not lose the spirit of self-reliance and hard work. We must be down-to-earth, work hard, concentrate on our own affairs, and put the development of the country and the nation ahead. on the basis of one's own strength”. Xi Jinping emphasised that when Comrade Mao Zedong and other revolutionaries of the older generation were in Yan'an, they lived in caves, ate coarse grains, and wore common clothes, and defeated the "Xi'an style" with the "Yan'an style". He also emphasised: (i) Party "put forward the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly and wrote it into the Party Constitution"; (ii) Self-reliance and hard work; (iii) strict party governance; and (iv) fighting spirit to overcome challenges. It said Liu Guozhong, Chen Xi and the responsible comrades of relevant central departments and Shaanxi Province participated in the above activities. (Comment: Yan'an was the site of the 7th Party Congress. The Seventh National Congress of the Party has an extremely important position in the history of the Party. Through the Yan'an Rectification Movement, the party united the whole party under the banner of Mao Zedong and achieved unprecedented unity and unity of the party. Ideologically, the party established the guiding position of Mao Zedong Thought in the whole party, and wrote Mao Zedong Thought into the party constitution. Organisationally, the party formed a tried-and-true group of politicians holding high the Mao banner.)

The state-owned CCTV reported (October 26) that during the first collective study of the CCP CC Political Bureau, Xi Jinping emphasized that we should comprehensively study, grasp and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and strive to win new victories in building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. CCTV said that "Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi talked about their profound understanding and implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. They said that the 20th Party Congress held high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adhered to Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of "Three Represents", and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It profoundly expounds the 10-year great changes in the new era and its milestone significance, the world outlook, methodology and standpoints and methods of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the mission and tasks of the Communist Party of China in the new era and new journey, and a modern China with Chinese style. Major theoretical and practical issues such as characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles that must be firmly grasped, determine the overall goal of my country's development by 2035 and the main goals and tasks for the next five years, which are important for strengthening the party's overall leadership and promoting the party's leadership in the new era". They also said the deployment of the construction of a new great project has pointed out the direction and provided fundamental guidelines for the development of the party and the country in the new era and new journey. We must resolutely safeguard General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core position of the entire Party and safeguard the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. We must deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the "two establishments", keep in mind the "bigger of the country", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two maintenances", with a high-spirited state and pragmatic work The style of work implements the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and strives to create a new situation for the development of the party and the country on the new journey". Xi Jinping added that "comrades of the Politburo, in particular, should take the lead in safeguarding the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, take the lead in implementing the decision-making and deployment of the CPC Central Committee".

Xinhua and the CCTV (October 27) both reported that Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council chaired an executive meeting of the State Council on October 26, on the continuous implementation of a package of policies and follow-up measures to stabilise the economy, and promoting further stabilisation of the economy; listen to fiscal and financial policy tools to support the construction of major projects and Report on equipment renewal and transformation, and decide and accelerate the release of the policy effect of expanding consumption; require in-depth implementation of incremental tax credits in the manufacturing industry that will be refunded immediately after application, and support the bailout and development of enterprises. The meeting decided on "One point for deployment, nine points for implementation" and instructed all departments to perform their duties diligently and implement them and do a good job in economic and social development. Xinhua and CCTV quoted Li Keqiang as saying that "since April this year, we have implemented the deployment of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, responded to the impact of unexpected factors, implemented the policies determined by the Central Economic Work Conference and the "Government Work Report" ahead of schedule, and promptly and decisively launched a package of policies and follow-up measures to stabilise the economy. The economic downturn in the early stage of the second quarter was reversed in time. The current economic stabilisation and upward trend is extremely difficult, and it is also a key window period for expanding the stabilisation and upward trend. It is necessary to continue to release the effects of policies through implementation, stabilise employment and prices, strive to promote the economy in the fourth quarter to be better than the third quarter, and keep the economy operating within a reasonable range".

The South China Morning Post (October 26) noted that a report by Xinhua while doubling down on the importance of responding to Xi Jinping’s call on the spirit of struggle and bracing for an increasingly hostile external environment, for the first time, referred to Xi Jinping as “leader of the new journey”. It recalled that Xi Jinping is already explicitly referred to as “People’s Leader Xi Jinping” on state media websites, including Xinhua, People’s Daily and CCTV and that at a press conference during last week’s Party Congress, Tian Peiyan, the Deputy Director of the CCP's top think tank the Central Policy Research Office, described Xi as “the outstanding figure of this great era and the people’s leader of all expectations”

The official account (October 24) of how the new central leadership was chosen titled: 'A Strong Leading Group Leading the New Era, New Journey, and New Glory - Documentary of the Party's New Central Leading Body', stated "Starting from April 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping has arranged time to talk to the current members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, Vice President of the State, and members of the Central Military Commission, and fully listened to their opinions." It said during the interview and survey, everyone agreed that the members of the new central leadership should be politically strong, loyal to the party, strong in political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution. A conscious practitioner of "maintenance". It asserted that "Party and national leadership positions are not 'iron chairs', and those who meet the age may not necessarily continue to be nominated. We must insist on career-oriented, according to work needs, candidate conditions, integrity and image reputation. Establish a clear employment orientation in the new era. When the new central leadership was mulling candidates and soliciting opinions, some leading comrades from the party and the state put the interests of the party and the people first and were highly responsible for national development and national rejuvenation. Coming up, it shows the broad-mindedness and highspiritedness of the Communists". (Comment: In the past, the Standing Committee usually approved the list on September 25, and it was approved again at the Politburo meeting on September 29. This time, the Standing Committee passed it on September 28, and the Politburo passed it on September 29. There was basically no time for the Politburo to discuss. From the beginning of 2022, the Party has said that General Secretary Xi Jinping has carefully listened to the opinions of comrades on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee on how to prepare candidates for the new leadership of the Central Committee. An analyst who has carefully studied documents such as the Documentary on the Emergence of the Party's New Central Leading Body noted that the biggest difference this time from the past is: (i) The whole article does not mention listening to the opinions of the old comrades, implying that the establishment of this leading body has nothing to do with the old comrades and (ii) The "Standing Committee" has been repeatedly emphasised. It seems that this leadership team was mainly discussed and approved by the Standing Committee. This was not the case the previous few times.)

Commenting on the just concluded 20th Party Congress on October 26, Deng Yuwen, former editor of the People's Daily and currently visiting scholar at the Institute of China Policy at the University of Nottingham, said "Xi not only won a big victory in personnel affairs, but also won a big victory in the revision of the party constitution. The two safeguards not only appear in the general outline of the party constitution but are also written into the articles of the party constitution and appear in the column of party members' obligations. In other words, maintaining Xi's core status is the duty of every party member. If anyone opposes him, it is not only against him personally, not only against the general secretary, but against the party constitution. Xi not only turned his thoughts into the party constitution, he himself is the party constitution."

Li Shulei, Politburo member is officially heading the Propaganda Department, Politburo member Shi Taifeng is officially the new head of the United Front Work Department. ii) SingTao reports that Beijing Mayor Chen Jining will not replace Cai Qi as Beijing Party Secretary but is instead going to Shanghai as Party Secretary, and there is talk that the NPC Standing Committee will make Li Qiang a Vice Premier soon, before the March 2023 NPC plenary.

A quick comparison of the Party Constitutions of 2017 and 2022 reveals: Xi Jinping thought aligned with the history resolution; Spirit of struggle inserted, entire paragraph on Party history added from the history resolution (including the 10 'Persist In'); Chinese-style modernization from the 20th Party Congress report, language on the "socialist market economy" and common prosperity, leading up to dual circulation; Further, the 2035 and 2049 aims are affirmed for the first time; road of rule of law with Chinese characteristics inserted, plus "whole process people's democracy" and democratic deliberation (both of these are connected); language on containing Taiwan's independence inserted and stronger phrases used to reaffirm "two countries, one system"; First centennial goals eliminated, replaced with the second, various values inserted, including on party loyalty, truth, not being afraid of sacrifice, etc.; Later in the paragraph on the Party's self-revolution leading social revolution; language on improving ones political judgement etc inserted (not new); interesting is the whole paragraph on the party's organisational line that is both about selecting capable cadres and on improving the "political function" of grassroots orgs; Last part of the general programme: the party's self-revolution is always on the road; addition of continuously improving the intra-Party rules system; right before "the party leads all" a new addition of "the party is the highest political leadership power"; as part of the "Party member" and their duties section, we have now the 442 formulate - upholding XJP & Central Committee's authority; As part of where grassroots party organizations should be established, "hospitals" were added...; To the responsibilities of Party committees in SOEs, Article 33 added their leadership over united front work and women's associations; Article 36 on leadership cadres added a clause on rejecting "the idea of privilege" or the "phenomenon of privilege" (Comment: Xinhua commented that 2,338 representatives and specially invited representatives voted on the resolution on the Constitution of the Communist Party of China (Amendment).)

New PBSC member Li Xi chaired his first meeting as CDIC chief on October 26. Li Xi emphasised at the first meeting of the Standing Committee of the 20th Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the meeting of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission and the State Supervision Commission the need to convey and study the spirit of the 20th Party Congress. Liu Jinguo, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, attended the meeting. ii) The authorised version of the CDIC Work Report was released on October 27. It disclosed, inter alia, that: "Over the past five years, a total of 39,000 party organisations have been held accountable across the country, and 299,000 party members, leading cadres and supervised objects have been held accountable". It said that after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CDIC "did not hold back and did not stop, especially after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, they still did not stop and dared to act". It stated that "there are no unfettered special party members in the party, and there is no "iron hat king" on the issue of corruption" and all violations, new types of corruption and hidden corruption such as "shadow companies" and "shadow shareholders" will be punished. It also said that "In the past five years, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission have placed 261 cadres under investigation. A total of 3.066 million cases were filed by the national discipline inspection and supervision organs, and 2.992 million people were punished; inspired by high pressure and policy, 81,000 people voluntarily surrendered to the discipline inspection and supervision organs, and since 2020, 216,000 people have taken the initiative to explain the problem"

Xinhua News Agency (October 24) reported that the Party group of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) held a meeting to convey the spirit of learning the party's 20th National Congress on October 24. Li Zhanshu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. He emphasised that "it is necessary to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments", strengthen the "Four Consciousness", strengthen the "Four Selfconfidence", and achieve the "Two Establishments". It is closely united around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and guides the development of the work of the National People's Congress with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". Li Zhanshu said "Comrade Xi Jinping continued to serve as the general secretary of the party, which reflects the common aspiration of the whole party, the army, and the people of all ethnic groups in the country. It shows the heartfelt support of the whole party, the army and the people of all ethnic groups in the country for General Secretary Xi Jinping. In the new era and new journey, 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. With General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee, the core of the whole Party, and the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we can withstand any test of stormy or even stormy waves, and build a modern socialist country in an all-round way. There is a fundamental political guarantee for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". Li Zhanshu added that "the work of the past five years and the great transformation of the new era in the past ten years have basically established the core position of Comrade Xi Jinping's Party Central Committee and the core of the whole party, and established the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The practice since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has strongly proved that it is the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping that our party and people have overcome various risks and challenges, achieved the goal of the first century of struggle, and accelerated the process of building a modern socialist country. Without General Secretary Xi Jinping at the helm for us, we would not have the situation we are in today". Wang Chen, Deputy Secretary of the Party Group of the NPC Standing Committee and members of the Party Group of the NPC Standing Committee, Cao Jianming, Zhang Chunxian, Shen Yueyue, Ji Bingxuan, Ailigen Yiming Bahai, Wang Dongming, Baima Chilin, and Yang Zhenwu attended the meeting

At a news conference in Beijing to interpret the report to the 20th Party Congress on October 24, Wang Jianxin, Director of the Publicity Department of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) and the National Commission of Supervision, reiterated that the scourge of corruption could wreck the Party if not properly addressed, and they will double down on the importance of fighting corruption in the future, saying that a "high-handed posture" on the issue should not be changed. Speaking at the press conference convened by the CCP CC, he said that the report to the 20th National Congress of the CCP again alarmed the Party, showing that corruption is a cancer to the vitality and ability of the Party

The Supreme People's Procuratorate issued a notice on October 26 disclosing that Tian Huiyu, the former Secretary of the Party Committee and President of China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., was suspected of accepting bribes, abusing power by state-owned company personnel, and using undisclosed information to trade. It said a few days ago, the Supreme People's Procuratorate made a decision to arrest Tian Huiyu in accordance with the law. It was reported on October 8 this year that Tian Huiyu was "double-opened" after research at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, it was decided to give Tian Huiyu the punishment of expulsion from the party; Dismissal from public office ; confiscate his illegal income; transfer his suspected crime to the procuratorate for examination and prosecution according to law, and transfer the property involved together. Tian Huiyu was investigated on April 22 this year. Tian Huiyu holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Columbia University and is a senior economist. He has been working in the financial system and has served as the Vice President of Bank of Shanghai, Vice President of China Construction Bank Shanghai Branch, President of China Construction Bank Shenzhen Branch, Director of Retail Business of China Construction Bank and President of Beijing Branch of China Construction Bank. Since May 2013, he has served as the President of China Merchants Bank, and has been under investigation for nearly 9 years. (Comment: This is the first 'tiger' to fall after the 20th Party Congress.)

A People's Daily (October 25) article captioned 'From this report, we can see the foundation of our party's plans and the way to achieve success (the 20th National Congress of the Party)' highlighted CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping's remarks at the 20th Party Congress urging Party cadres to "Carry forward the glorious tradition and fine work style of the party, and promote party members and cadres, especially leading cadres, to take the lead in in-depth investigation and research, and devote themselves to doing practical things, seeking practical tricks, and seeking practical results". It said when they go on inspections they should "Ask about title, ask about income; ask about the park ticket price, ask the villagers about the scale of tea cultivation... Investigate people's livelihood in a meticulous manner, and pay attention to details when exploring the truth". When participating in the discussion of the Guangxi delegation to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping also conducted an in-depth investigation. In the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the general secretary made a clear request for party members and cadres, especially leading cadres, to "take the lead in in-depth investigation and research".

The People's Daily (October 26) published an article by Jiang Hui, a member of the Standing Committee of the CCP Chongqing Municipal Committee and head of the Propaganda Department, under the caption 'Continue to write a new chapter of the modernisation of Marxism in China'. The article said "To continuously write a new chapter of the modernisation of Marxism in China, we must adhere to the use of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, combine the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific reality, and combine with the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and grasp the new era of Xi Jinping's society with Chinese characteristics. The world outlook and methodology of ideological ideology, adhere to and make good use of the standpoints and methods that run through them".

The Guangming Daily 9October 26) published an article authored by Yan Xiaofeng, Dean of the School of Marxism, Tianjin University, Researcher of Tianjin Research Centre for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, under the caption 'A political declaration to create a new great cause with a new great struggle'--【In-depth study, propaganda and implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The article said "History will form milestones in the process of unfolding. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is a conference of great historical significance held at a critical moment when the party and the people are embarking on a new journey and marching towards new goals. General Secretary Xi Jinping made a report to the conference entitled "Holding High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics to Unity and Struggle to Build a Socialist Modern Country in an All-round Way". From the historical starting point, the lofty and lofty artistic conception, which is more prosperous and re-innovated, is the political declaration and action plan for the party to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to adhere to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and new journey".

The China Education Daily (October 26) reported that the Ministry of Education held a conference on October 25, "directly under the system to convey and study the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party". Huai Jinpeng, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of the Ministry of Education, comprehensively conveyed the overall situation of the 20th Party Congress, the main spirit of the report, the amendments to the Party Constitution and the spirit of the 1st Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party. The meeting emphasised that "it is necessary to unite closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, unify thoughts and understandings into the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and condense wisdom and strength into the Party's leadership." The meeting, it said, "pointed out that, for the first time in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the "three-in-one" overall arrangement and deployment of education, science and technology and talents were placed in a prominent position after "the primary task of building a socialist modern country in an allround way", that is, "high-quality development". This deployment profoundly reflects General Secretary Xi Jinping's deep insight into and grasp of the law of the rise of a powerful country, the characteristics of the times of today's new technological revolution and industrial transformation". Stating that "Education is the basis for the emergence of talents and the forerunner of scientific and technological development, and has distinct strategic value" it said it is necessary to understand the goals and tasks for the country's development in 2035. The meeting, held by video, was attended by members of the party group of the Ministry of Education, old ministers, and representatives of the departments directly under the Ministry attended the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The main responsible comrades of various departments, bureaus and units directly under the Ministry and the responsible comrades of the discipline inspection and supervision team stationed in the Ministry attended the main venue. All party members and cadres of the Ministry of Education, members of the directly affiliated units, department-level (middle-level) cadres, responsible comrades of mass organizations, members of subordinate colleges and universities, and middle-level officers attended the branch venue".

The Beijing Daily (October 24) published an article by Wang Xuebin, a Professor of the Department of Literature and History Teaching and Research of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National School of Administration), and the Chief Expert of the Central Party School's innovative project "Research on Chinese Civilization and Chinese Roads", captioned "Deep understanding of "promoting cultural self-confidence and self-improvement". It highlighted the important role of culture, saying "Culture is the soul of a country and a nation, as well as the soul of national governance. In his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly stated that we should promote cultural self-confidence and self-improvement, and create a new brilliance of socialist culture, adhere to letting a hundred flowers bloom, a hundred schools of thought contend, adhere to creative transformation and innovative development, take the core values of socialism as the guide, develop advanced socialist culture, carry forward revolutionary culture, inherit Chinese excellent traditional culture, meet the growing spiritual and cultural needs of the people, and consolidate the whole party". It said "From now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to build a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way, achieve the goal of the second century of struggle, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernisation. There is no doubt that if the development path of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics is not followed and cultural selfconfidence is not enhanced, there will be no prosperity and development of socialist culture and no socialist modernisation. Therefore, only by placing cultural construction in the process of realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, in the process of promoting Chinesestyle modernisation, in the process of coordinating all aspects of the party and the state in all fields, and in the process of creating new brilliance of socialist culture, can we make full use of its role and achieve its goals". The article added that "To implement new development concepts, build a new development pattern, and promote high-quality development, culture is an important fulcrum. We must further develop and expand the cultural industry." It stressed that "culture is an important soft power" and "Stories provide lasting and profound spiritual power for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind".

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) published (October 27) an article by authors "from the top 20 research teams of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China: Liu Ying, Cai Tongjuan, Chen Zhiheng, Shen Yujing, Chen Fang, Liu Jintao, Zhao Yue, Ge Min, Xu Tianqi, Xu Lin, Fang Heyang". The article was captioned: "Promoting the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation in an All-round Way with ChineseStyle Modernisation——The Learning Experience of "Chinese-Style Modernisation" in the Report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". The article sought to explain Chinese style modernisation. It said: "The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stated that from now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to build a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way, achieve the goal of the second century of struggle, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernisation." The report innovatively expounded the connotation and extension of Chinesestyle modernization, and revealed the essence of Chinese-style modernisation. It explained: "Chinese-style modernisation is a socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China. It has both the common characteristics of modernization of all countries and Chinese characteristics based on its own national conditions. Chinese-style modernization is a modernization with a huge population, a modernization in which all the people are prosperous, a modernisation in which material civilisation and spiritual civilisation are in harmony, a modernisation in which man and nature coexist in harmony, and a modernization that takes the path of peaceful development. The essential requirements of Chinese-style modernisation are: adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China, adhere to socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieve high-quality development, develop people's democracy in the whole process, enrich the spiritual world of the people, achieve common prosperity for all people, promote harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, creating a new form of human civilisation".

The Xinjing Think Tank in Beijing in a post (October 24) on Weixin from Hebei pointed out that the 20th Party Congress Report "systematically expounded the Chinese-style modernization for the first time, and put forward the essential requirements of nine aspects of the Chinese-style modernization for the first time". Quoting Zheng Yongnian, it said "Chinesestyle modernization is a comprehensive, comprehensive, and three-dimensional definition. From an academic point of view, I think it can be divided into three levels of modernization. From the perspective of a country and society, the first level is the modernisation of the material level, the second level is the modernisation of the human level, and the third level is the modernisation of the system level. These three levels of modernisation are interrelated. From an international point of view, each country is not isolated. The modernisation of a country is affected by its own environment, as well as by the external environment, and at the same time, it also affects the outside world". It asserted "Chinese-style modernisation is different from the modernisation of Western countries such as the United States". He added that "If the United States engages in anti-globalisation, economic nationalism, and trade protectionism, when the globalisation led by the United States ebbs, China will lead the next step of globalisation. We have the ability, experience and willingness to lead the next step of globalisation." In conclusion he said "Even if by 2050, my country has built a socialist modernised country in an all-round way and realised modernisation, it does not mean that modernisation will end. Because by then, we may have a higher-level definition of modernisation".

Reacting to Xi Jinping's becoming CCP CC General Secretary for the third consecutive term, the richest tycoons in the country seem to be bearing the brunt. Bloomberg reported that in the market selloff, the industrialists in China have lost more than $9 billion. This comes at a time when the Chinese economy witnesses slow growth amid nationwide frustration over continuing lockdowns due to his zero Covid-19 policy. The Chinese official data released on October 24 said that the economy grew by 3.9 per cent year on year earlier in the July-September quarter, up from the first quarter by 0.4 per cent. According to the Bloomberg report, Tencent Holdings' Pony Ma and the nation's wealthiest person Zhong Shanshan each lost over $2 billion after shares of their companies tumbled

Reuters (October 27) reported that as new cases exceed 1,000 nationwide for third day, enough to trigger more curbs, Guangzhou seals up streets and neighbourhoods while Wuhan orders more than 800,000 people to stay home. Wuhan also suspended the sale of pork in parts of the city, according to images and posts on social media, after one case was found that authorities said was linked to the local pork supply chain. In Xining, capital of Qinghai province, social media posts told of food shortages and price inflation for essential goods as health authorities in the city of 2.5 million people raced to contain a Covid-19 rebound following the week-long National Day holiday in early October. A Xining government official said, “To reduce the risk of transmission, some vegetable and fruit stores have been closed and put under quarantine.” Other large cities across China including Zhengzhou, Datong and Xian have implemented new curbs this week to rein in local outbreaks and in Beijing, the Universal Resort theme park was closed on October 26 after at least one visitor tested positive for the coronavirus. ii) Separately, the Hubei Daily (October 27) published an article captioned 'Our province strengthens social prevention and control of the epidemic', which claimed that "since October, in the face of a sudden new round of epidemics, our province has unswervingly adhered to the general strategy of "foreign import, internal rebound" and the general policy of "dynamic clearing", strengthening the social prevention and control of the epidemic to ensure that no scale occurs. "At present, the epidemic situation in the whole province is generally under control, showing a stable and positive trend, but due to the continuous input, the risk of prevention and control is still relatively high."

According to Epoch Times (October 15), after ordering 292 Airbus planes in July, China added another 40 planes in September, making the order total 332 planes for US $42.1 billion. The orders were placed by China Southern Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines. However, China’s civil aviation industry has accumulated a loss of nearly 300 billion yuan (US $41 billion) since the COVID pandemic, with a loss of 108.9 billion yuan (US $15 billion) in the first half of this year alone. There are 12 Chinese airlines whose total assets are lower than their total debts. The ordered Airbus planes are the A320NEO series plane, a narrow body mainline airliner. China has manufactured its own narrow body mainline airliner, the C919, and started selling it overseas.

The People's Daily (October 27) published a Commentator's observation captioned 'Build a strong network and information security wall'. It emphasised that "General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasised in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China: "Promote the modernisation of the national security system and capabilities, and resolutely safeguard national security and social stability."

The Hubei Daily (October 26) published a Commentator's article captioned 'Be a firm believer and faithful practitioner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era——Second Discussion on Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China'. It declared "If a nation wants to walk in the forefront of the times, it cannot be without theoretical thinking for a moment, and it cannot be without the guidance of correct thinking for a moment. Having the guidance of Marxist scientific theory is the foundation of our party's firm belief and grasp of historical initiative". It stated in conclusion: "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a shining example of "the combination of the two", contemporary Chinese Marxism, 21st century Marxism, and the essence of the times of Chinese culture and Chinese spirit. We must always be firm believers and faithful practitioners of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, firmly grasp its world outlook and methodology, adhere to and make good use of the standpoints, viewpoints and methods that run through it, and deeply understand the principles and philosophy contained in it. To know its words, know its meaning, know its truth, and know its why, and effectively transform it into a powerful force that strengthens ideals, tempers party spirit, guides practice, and promotes work, and promotes Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Jingchu (stay) rooted in the ground".

The following foreign visitors are to visit China in the coming two weeks: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif; and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will arrive at the head of a large business delegation. ii) Meanwhile, Radio France International on October 27 disclosed that Berlin plans to approve the Chinese takeover of a German chip plant.

Reporting Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong's description of his tenure in India of more than three years as "unforgettable," Global Times (October 27) quoted Sun Weidong as saying in his farewell remarks that China and India should break out of the "geopolitics trap," warning that if the Western theory of geopolitics is applied to the China-India relationship, then major neighbouring countries like China and India will inevitably view each other as threats and rivals. Sun Weidong's farewell remarks, which were issued on the website of the Chinese Embassy in India on October 25 evening, said that geographical proximity should be "an opportunity for us to have more interaction and cooperation, tap our potential and learn from and complement each other."

The Global Times (October 27) publicised that Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on October 26 to the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on US-China Relations, pointing out that China-US cooperation will help increase stability and certainty of the world and help promote world peace and development. Xi said that the world today is not peaceful. As major powers, China and the US strengthening communication and cooperation will help increase the stability and certainty of the world and help promote world peace and development. Xi Jinping said China is willing to work together with the US to respect each other, coexist peacefully, and achieve win-win cooperation, and find the right way for both countries to get along in the new era, which will not only benefit both countries, but also the world. (Comment: This 'conciliatory' offer follows the latest tough restrictions imposed by the US Department of Commerce on Hi-Tech.)

Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao (October 14) reported that an internal document revealed the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to ban approval of new U.S. communications equipment using products from Chinese communications equipment companies Huawei and ZTE. The report cited national security grounds. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel issued the proposed ban to three other commissioners last week for final approval. The ban stipulates that neither Huawei nor ZTE can sell new equipment in the United States without authorisation from the U.S. government. Rosenworcel said in a statement that the FCC remains committed to protecting national security by ensuring untrustworthy communications equipment is not authorised for use within the United States. This is the first time the US FCC has banned the sale of electronic devices on national security grounds. The FCC had earlier banned U.S. companies from using federal funds to buy equipment from those companies, but the new order will extend that ban to all purchases. The FCC rules would also explicitly prohibit the sale of video surveillance equipment for public safety in the United States. This will affect U.S. sales by Chinese companies Hydra Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision and Dahua Technology. However, the rule is not retroactive, meaning U.S. companies can still sell FCC-approved Chinese communications equipment. The Chinese embassy in the U.S. earlier this year criticised the FCC for “abusing state power” and again for “maliciously attacking” Chinese telecom operators without a factual basis.

Stating that the US made high-profile announcements over the past week on two of its strategic bombers, the fully upgraded B-52 and the brand new B-21, the Global Times (October 26) quoted Chinese experts saying that these aircraft are likely to become the US Air Force's core strategic strike force in the next few decades and China should be prepared to counter the planes and also learn from them. Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times (October 24) that the US now operates three types of strategic bombers - the firstgeneration bomber B-52, the-third generation bomber B-1B and the fourth-generation bomber B-2. According to the US Air Force's plan, the B-1B and the B-2 would retire after the development of the B-21 is complete. This means only the oldest B-52 and the latest B-21 will remain in service, and the duo will become the US Air Force's core strategic strike force in the next few decades. He and Zhang Xuefeng, another Chinese military expert, said China needs to prepare for this US tactic, as the two types of bombers could be deployed against China. They added, however, that no matter how many upgrades the B-52 gets, it can never become stealth-capable, and it can only launch standoff missiles. China should develop its capabilities in long-range detection and long-range interception by deploying warplanes and warships further away from its homeland into the blue-water regions. The B-21, on the other hand, has a shorter range than the B-2 and relies on operating bases, so attacking those bases and airfields where it is deployed is the way to go, analysts said. Fu Qianshao said China can also learn from the US' strategic bomber development and once China's next-generation bomber, the H-20, is developed, it will be at the same level as the B-21, and likely surpass it in some respects.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee: Ding Xuexiang Xi Jinping Ma Xingrui Wang Yi Wang Huning Yin Li Shi Taifeng Liu Guozhong Li Xi Li Qiang Li ganjie Li Shulei Li Hongzhong He Weidong He Lifeng Zhang Youxia Zhang Guoqing Chen Jining Chen Miner Zhao Leji Yuan Jiajun Huang Kunming Cai Qi Member of the Standing Committee of the Polit Bureau of the CPC Central Committee: Xi Jinping Li Qiang Zhao Leji Wang Huning Cai Qi Ding Xuexiang Li Xi General Secretary of the Central Committee: Xi Jinping Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee: Cai Qi Shi Taifeng Li ganjie Li Shulei Liu Jinguo Wang Xiaohong

The twelve who have retained their position in the 20th Politburo are: 习近平 Xi Jinping 1953 General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party President of the People's Republic of China Chairman of the Central Military Commission 王沪宁 Wang Huning 1955 Secretary of the Central Secretariat (first-ranked) 赵乐际 Zhao Leji 1957 Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection 3 丁薛祥 Ding Xuexiang 1962 Director of the General Office 李希 Li Xi 1956 Party Secretary of Guangdong 李强 Li Qiang 1959 Party Secretary of Shanghai 李鸿忠 Li Hongzhong 1956 Party Secretary of Tianjin 胡春华 Hu Chunhua 1963 Vice Premier of the State Council 张又侠 Zhang Youxia 1950 Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (72 years old) 陈敏尔 Chen Min'er 1960 Party Secretary of Chongqing 黄坤明 Huang Kunming 1956 Head of the Propaganda Department 蔡奇 Cai Qi 1955 Party Secretary of Beijing (Comment: Among those dropped though below the retirement age are: Premier Li Keqiang, PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Yang, former Xinjiang party chief Chen Guanguo who is 66, years old and Hu Chunhua who was demoted to the Central Committee. There are no women in the Politburo.)

Four members of the Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) – the highest decision-making body in China – are missing from the list. Ranked in order of their party hierarchy, they are Premier Li Keqiang, 67; National People’s Congress chairman Li Zhanshu, 72; Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference chairman Wang Yang, 67; and Vice-Premier Han Zheng, 68.

This new 20th CC has 138 new members out of 204 members, or 67.6%, indicating that Xi Jinping has packed it with his loyalists. The 19th CC had 85 new members out of 205 full members – or 41.5%. In the new 20th CC among the 43 PLA members, 13 are PLA Lt. Generals and the remaining 30 are PLA Generals. The service-wise distribution of members is: PLAAF (5); PLAN (10), PAP (3), PLAA (23), PLARF (2). The 20th CC has 11 female members, up one compared to the 19th CC, and only 9 from the Ethnic Minorities-- a sharp drop from the 15 in the 19th CC. (Comment: Those notable among those who have gone are: Li Xiaopeng. aged 63 and Li Peng's son; Song Tao and 69 year Chen Xi, Head of the CCP CC Organisation Dept.; Chen Quanguo, Politburo member and former Party Secretary Chen of Xinjiang; and 1954-born Luo Huining.)

Xinhua (October 22) published the list of 171 members of the 20th CC of the CCP. In order of the number of votes received they are (where the votes are equal, they are arranged in the order of the strokes of the surname): Ding Xiangqun (female) Ding Xingnong Yu Lijun Yu Jihong (female) Yu Huiwen (Manchu) Ma Hancheng (Hui nationality) Wang Jian Wang Xi Wang Liyan Wang Yonghong Wang Kangping Wang Tingkai Wang Xinwei Wang Jiayi Wei Tao (Zhuang nationality) Fang Yongxiang Fang Hongwei Deng Yiwu Deng Xiuming Shi Yugang (Miao) Shi Zhenglu Lu Hong (female) Lu Dongliang Fu Wenhua Congliang Baogang (Mongolian) Xing Shanping (female) Jilin Qu Yingpu Lu Jun Zhu Tianshu Zhu Wenxiang Zhu Zhisong Zhu Guoxian Zhu Hexin Liu Jun Liu Jie Liu Qiang Liu Zhonghua Liu Hongjian Liu Guiping Liu Liehong Liu Jingzhen Guan Zhiou (Manchu) Tang Guangfu, An Wei Nong, Shengwen (Zhuang), Sun Xiangdong, Sun Jinming, Sun Meijun (female), Ji Bin, Du Jiangfeng, Li Yunze, Li Wentang, Li Shucai, Li Shisong (Bai), Li Hongjun, Li Xianyu (female, Korean), Li Mingjun, Li Mingqing, Li Jianrong (female), Li Rongcan, Li Dianxun, Li Ruxin, Yang Bin (Yi) Yang Jin Bailian Maojun Shihui Wu Hao Wu Qing Wu Qiang (Dong) Wu Kongming Wu Junbao Wu Shenghua (Buyei) Wu Zhaohui Qiu Yong He Yaling (female) Gu Shu Shen Ying (female) Shen Danyang Zhang Wei Zhang Zheng Zhang Fengzhong Zhang Wenbing Zhang Anshun Zhang Guohua Zhang Zhongyang Zhang Jinliang Zhang Chunlin, Zhang Rongqiao, Zhang Chaochao, Zhang Zhigang, Chen Jie, Chen Yong (Manchu), Chen Yongqi, Chen Hongmin, Chen Jianwen, Chen Ruifeng, Lin Keqing, Hangyi, Hong Luoqiang (Miao), Luo Dongchuan, Jin Donghan, Zhou Zhixin, Zhou Jianguo, Zheng Xuexuan, Zhao Dong (Manchu), Hu Wenrong, Shi Xiaolin (female), Jiang Hui, Jiang Guoping, Hongqing (Korean) Zuli Yati Sima Yi (female, Uyghur) Fei Dongbin Fei Gaoyun Yao Lin Yuan Jie Yuan Gujie (female) Xia Linmao Xu Liuping Ling Huanxin Guo Fang (female) Guo Yuanqiang Guo Ningning (female) Guo Yonghong (female) Guo Zhuxue Zhuge Yujie Huang Ru (Female, Hui nationality) Huang Xucong Huang Zhiqiang Huang Lusheng Cao Shumin (female) Gong Qihuang Chang Jin Cui Yuzhong Cui Yonghui Kang Yi Peng Jiaxue Ge Qiaohong (female) Dong Weimin Han Liming (female) Tan Wei Zhongjing Jianfeng Fu Aiguo Pupu Dunzhu (Tibetan) Zeng Yixin Zeng Zanrong Wen Ganglan Xiao (Yao), Yu Aihua, Dou Xiankang, Cai Yunge, Cai Lixin (female), Cai Xiliang, Gamazeden (Tibetan), Liao Lin, Miao Jianmin, Li Xiang, Wei Wenhui, Cairangtai (Tibetan), Wang Xudong, Wang Xiaoyun (female), Yang Fasen, Xiao Chuan, Yu Jianfeng, Song Zhiyong, Song Yushui (female), Zhang Jing, Zhou Changkui, Shi Jintong (Miao nationality) Wang Cheng

Xinhua announced (October 22) the list of 133 members of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China. Arranged in alphabetical order by surname they are: Yu Shaoliang, Wan Min, Xihua, Ma Xueti, Ma Senshu, Wang Lin, Wang Fu, Wang Weidong, Wang Shuangquan, Wang Lishan, Wang Xingning, Wang Lu Jin, Wang Yongjun, Wang Jianxin, Wang Chengwen, Wang Xiaoping (female), Wang Aiwen, Wang Changsong, Wang Hongjin, Wang Yuwen, Wang Xinzhe, Wang Huimin, Ai Juntao, Ye Mintian, Xiangli, Feng Zhili Bian Xuewen, Qu Jishan, Qu Xiaoli (female), Lv Yansong, Zhu Guobiao, Ren Hongbin, Ren Airong (female), Ren Hongbin (Tujia people), Liu Jun, Liu Xing, Liu Shuang, Liu Xunyan, Liu Junchuan, Liu Qifan, Liu Changlin, Liu Jinguo, Liu Xuexin, Liu Meipin, Liu Haiquan, Xu Luode, Xu Xianping, Sun Bin, Sun Yegang Sun Huaixin Sun Xinyang Li Jun Li Xi Li Yuanping Li Yangzhe Li Zhaozong Li Yingchun Li Xinran (Manchu) Li Jinying (female, Hui) Li Jianming Yang Guozhong Yang Xiaoxiang Yang Yizheng (female) Xiao Pei Wu Qinghai Wu Daohuai Yu Yonghong Zou Tianjing Leng Shaojie Wang Hongyan Shen Xiaohui Song Yijia (female) Song Hansong Song Fulong Song Demin Chi Yao Yun Zhangjun (Beijing Institute of Technology) Zhang Zhong Zhang Min (female) Zhang Ji Zhang Wei Zhang Yiquan Zhang Tianbao Zhang Shengmin Zhang Jiwen Zhang Rongshun Zhang Aihua Zhang Fuhai Zhang Shuguang Lu Junhua Chen Guomeng Chen Guoqiang Chen Jianfei Chen Fukuan Lin Guoyao Hang Yuanxiang Zheng Qingdong Fang Lingmin Zhao Shiyong Hu Yuhai Hou Kai Hou Ximin Shi Kehui Jiang Xinjun Lou Chunsi Qin Bin Mo Yongcheng, Xia Hongmin, Gao Fei (Miao nationality), Gao Bo, Guo Wenqi, Qibai (Naxi nationality), Tu Gengxin, Huang Liangbo, Gong Tanghua, Cui Peng, Han Xianfeng, Yu Hongqiu (female), Cheng Dongfang, Lifeng, Fu Kui, Fu Mingxianla, Yifan, Pu Yufei, Liao Xiyuan, Liao Jianyu, Miao Wenjiang, Fan Dazhi, Teng Jiacai, Mu Hongyu (female) ) Wei Shanzhong.

Former CCP CC General Secretary and China's President Hu Jintao was helped out of the 20th Congress meeting on October 22. The video clip showed Hu Jintao appearing to have slumped slightly and Zhao Leji trying to get up to help somehow, but Wang Huning restrains him and Zhao Leji sits down. As attendants assist Hu Jintao and he stands up, Hu Jintao tells Xi something and Xi nods. Senior CCP cadres seated in the front row appeared concerned as Hu Jintao left. (Comment: Hu Jintao suffered a heart attack during his tenure as TAR Party Secretary and later a stroke. It appeared that Hu Jintao was unwell)

Xinhua (October 2) published a lengthy special report headlined 'Hold High the Great Banner and Write a New Chapter——The Birth of the New Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China'. Describing the 20th Party Congress as "crucial", it said the Congress "is related to the party and the country. Continuing the past and ushering in the future is a matter of the future and destiny of socialism with Chinese characteristics and of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". The report said "On October 22, 2022, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. More than 2,300 representatives of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and specially invited representatives elected by secret ballot the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China composed of 376 members of the Central Committee and alternate members of the Central Committee and 133 members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Tenth Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Bearing the heavy trust of more than 96 million Communist Party members and bearing the ardent expectations of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, the new central leadership is ready to go, and will lead the entire party and the people of all ethnic groups to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics and fully implement Xi Jinping. The ideology of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, carry forward the great spirit of party building, be confident and self-improvement, keep upright and innovative, work hard and forge ahead courageously, and work together to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way and promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in an all-round way. Commending Xi Jinping's "foresight" it said "General Secretary Xi Jinping personally planned and deployed, personally guided and checked, and pointed out the right direction for the personnel preparation work of the 20th "two committees". The CDIC and State Supervision Commission were involved in the process. Stating that Xi Jinping had been involved at each stage of the selection of cadres, it said Xi Jinping "attended three meetings of the main leaders of the party committees (party groups) of provincial, district and municipal party committees, central and state organs and other units" to "strictly control the political integrity of candidates, establish a clear direction for the selection and employment of personnel in the new era". Commenting on the CDIC, it said "Firmly safeguard General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position of the Party Central Committee and the core position of the whole Party, firmly safeguard the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, resolutely implement the Party's line, principles, and policies, firmly implement and faithfully defend the Party Constitution."

The People's Daily (October 24) Editorial said the Leadership "consensus of the whole party, reflects the expectations of the people, and is worthy of the full trust of the whole party, the army, and the people of all ethnic groups in the country." In fullsome praise of the new leadership it said "The great achievements of the future will be passed on from generation to generation; the century-old party is flourishing. The first plenary meeting of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China produced a new leadership of the Central Committee. Comrade Xi Jinping was appointed as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Retired from leadership positions, a group of leading cadres with both political integrity and ability, youth and experience have entered the new Central Committee and the Central Leading Body. This is a central leadership group that condenses the consensus of the whole party, reflects the expectations of the people, and is worthy of the full trust of the whole party, the army, and the people of all ethnic groups in the country. Central leadership. The election results fully reflect the common will of the whole party, fully reflect the common aspiration of hundreds of millions of people, and fully demonstrate that our party is vigorous, prosperous, and vigorous. On the way forward, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core will surely unite and lead the whole Party, the whole army, the people of all ethnic groups in the country, strengthen historical self-confidence, strengthen historical initiative, work hard and forge ahead courageously, in order to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way. To promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and work in unity, firmly grasp the destiny of China's development and progress in our own hands." It affirmed: "The Party has established Comrade Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party, and established the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The "two establishments" are the most significant political achievements of the party's construction since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. They are the political guarantees to lead the cause of the party and the country from victory to new victories in the new era. The greatest certainty, the greatest confidence, and the greatest guarantee." It ended with a call to "unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its 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 Consciousness" and strengthen the "Four" Self-confidence", achieve "two maintenance", carry forward the great spirit of founding the party, must not forget the original intention, remember the mission, must be modest and prudent, must struggle hard, must dare to fight, be good at fighting, be confident and self-improvement, keep upright and innovative, and write a new era of society with Chinese characteristics A more splendid chapter of the doctrine, and continue to create new and impressive miracles on the new road to exam!"

All Chinese newspapers like People's Daily, Guangming Daily, CDIC Daily etc and provincial newspapers front-paged a report on the 20th Party Congress and listed the appointments to the PBSC, PB, CMC and CDIC.

The Tianjin Daily (October 24) front-paged an article captioned: 'High-spirited, hard-working, united and forge ahead for a new journey ── Tianjin cadres and masses firmly support the new central leadership of the party'. The report said "The warm sun in autumn reflects the blue sky, and the children of Haihe are full of pride. Yesterday, the first plenary meeting of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China elected the new central leadership of the party. The meeting elected Xi Jinping as the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and decided that Xi Jinping should be the chairman of the Central Military Commission. From institutions to communities, from towns to villages, the cadres and the masses in Tianjin enthusiastically conveyed the good news and resolutely supported the new central leadership. Everyone agreed to unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, firmly defend the "two establishments" and resolutely achieve the "two maintenances", keep in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's entrustment, work hard, and move forward bravely , to unite and strive for the realization of the beautiful blueprint drawn by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and strive to create new achievements worthy of the times in their respective positions".

The offshore yuan weakened past the key 7.3 per dollar level on mounting concerns over the Chinese economy and threat of further outflows due to hawkish Federal Reserve bets. The Chinese currency sank to 7.3069 per dollar, an all-time low since the unit started trading in 2010. That’s after the currency traded in Shanghai weakened to a fresh 14-year low amid the absence of a shift in the nation’s Covid policies that have crimped growth. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index plunged 7.3% at the close.

Xi Jinping participates in the discussions of the Guangxi delegates on October 17. Meeting them he said the CCP "must promote party's self-revolution so it never changes its colour". People's Daily (October 18) quoted him as telling the Delegates that "The working class must also continuously improve their quality and consciousness. In the past, people carried the docks on their shoulders, but now it is the intelligent operation of containers. We must attach importance to the development of vocational and technical education. We must not look down on industrial workers, we must see practical contributions! We have taken one step at a time over the years, and those who are really contributing to the building of a modern and powerful building of socialism with Chinese characteristics are all worthy of our respect. Moreover, we must think and study how to cultivate them and play their role."

The People's Daily (October 18) quoting Xinhua (October 17) said Ding Xuexiang, Wang Chen, Liu He, Sun Chunlan, Li Xi, Li Qiang, Li Hongzhong, Yang Jiechi, Yang Xiaodu, Chen Xi, Chen Quanguo, Chen Min'er, Hu Chunhua, Guo Shengkun, Huang Kunming, Cai Qi, You Quan, Cao Jianming, Zhang Chunxian, Shen Yueyue, Ji Bingxuan, Ailigen Yiming Bahai, Wang Dongming, Baima Chilin, Wang Yong, Wang Yi, Xiao Jie, Zhao Kezhi, Zhou Qiang, Zhang Qingli, Liu Qibao, Lu Zhangong , Ma Biao, Xia Baolong, Yang Chuantang, Li Bin, Bartel, Wang Yongqing, and He Lifeng attended the discussions of the 20th National Congress of the delegation on the 16th and 17th respectively. ii) Listing the leaders who attended discussions with delegates it said among the central leaders who joined in discussions with delegates from the provinces and other sectors are: Wang Chen participated in the discussion with delegates from Hubei; Liu He with those from Fujian; Sun Chunlan - Shaanxi; Yang Jiechi - Liaoning; Yang Xiaodu participated in the discussions of the Xinjiang delegation; Chen Xi with the Ningxia delegation; Chen Quanguo in the Anhui delegation; Hu Chunhua participated in the discussion of the Heilongjiang delegation; Guo Shengkun - Yunnan delegation; Huang Kunming - Jiangxi; You Quan - Shanxi; Wang Yi participated in the discussion with the delegation of the central government and state organs; Zhao Kezhi with Qinghai; Zhang Qingli - Sichuan; He Lifeng was in discussion with the delegation of the central financial system; and Yang Chuantang participated in the discussion of the delegation of the central enterprise system. iii) Wang Yang participated in the discussions with the Tibet Delegation. iv) Wang Huning, while in discussions with Guizhou delegates, emphasized that he "deeply understood the decisive significance of "two establishments" and consciously used the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party to unify thoughts and actions". v) Li Zhanshu participated in the discussions of the Sichuan delegation. He emphasised that it is necessary "to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era for a long time, and always maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in ideology, politics and action. 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 maintenances", so as to turn the grand blueprint drawn by the 20th Party Congress into reality and write a more splendid chapter of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era".

Xinhua reported that according to the news center of the conference, the report of the conference was printed and distributed to all delegates. General Secretary Xi Jinping made an oral report at the opening meeting, focusing on the main points of the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. On the opening day of the 20th Party Congress on October 16 morning, CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping presented the Work Report to the 20th Party Congress over 1 hour 43 minutes. The new report is 72 pages versus the 68 pages for the 19th Congress. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang later announced that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China should be attended by 2,296 delegates, 83 specially invited delegates, totalling 2,379 people, but 39 people had asked for leave due to work or illness. There are 2,340 actual delegates and specially-invited delegates. ii) The members of the Standing Committee of the Presidium of the Congress seated in the front row of the rostrum include Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Chen, Liu He, Xu Qiliang, Sun Chunlan, Li Xi, Li Qiang, Li Hongzhong, Yang Jiechi, Yang Xiaodu, Zhang Youxia, Chen Xi, Chen Quanguo, Chen Min'er, Hu Chunhua, Guo Shengkun, Huang Kunming, Cai Qi, Hu Jintao, Li Ruihuan, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Song Ping, Li Lanqing, Zeng Qinghong, Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun, He Guoqiang, Liu Yunshan, Zhang Gaoli, You Quan and Zhang Qingli.The conference was chaired by Li Keqiang. iii) In the portion of the Report that Xi Jinping read on October 16, he made 90 references to security. There were more references to "security" or "safety" (depending on context), struggle, and the people while making fewer references to the economy and reform. iv) Party Congress spokesman and the Deputy Minister of the CCP CC Propaganda Department Sun Yeli, confirmed that the new leadership line-up of China’s ruling Communist Party will be unveiled on October 23, a day after the CCPs national congress wraps up on October 22. He also commented that China is capable of "greater miracles" going forward. China has entered a new normal of slower growth. China is more focused on fixing long-term issues than growth. The South China Morning Post (October 16) said there will be sweeping changes in senior positions. Nearly half the seats on the Central Committee are going to change hands. Some of the members of the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee – the highest decisionmaking body – are also expected to be replaced. It will mark a new era under Xi’s leadership as he will have a free hand to build a supporting cast around him for the next five years. The reshuffle will only be completed next March at the annual parliamentary sessions after changes in key government posts are confirmed – such as who will take over from Li Keqiang as the new Premier. About 2,500 Chinese and foreign journalists covered the grand opening ceremony. (Comment: It appears that Xi Jinping will succeed in packing the PBSC and probably the PB with his loyalists. In a commentary on CCTV after Xi's political report, it was mentioned that the version read by Xi Jinping was not the full-text version of the report. On October 16, Xi got a long standing ovation when he entered while in 2017 all sat and clapped. In 2017, CCTV showed each PBSC member individually, but this time in groups of 3 in 2 rows. Xi stood alone on the stage this year.)

A report in the People's Daily (October 19) captioned 'PLA and Armed Police Force delegations continue to discuss the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China' said "The delegations of the People's Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force who attended the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China have been discussing the report made by General Secretary Xi Jinping in groups for several days" The article said Wei Fenghe said that "the report made by General Secretary Xi Jinping is a good report with lofty intentions, profound thinking and overall overall situation. In the past ten years, we have been able to overcome difficulties all the way, from victory to victory, achieved extraordinary achievements, created great miracles, and successfully embarked on a Chinesestyle modernization path. The fundamental reason is the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee and President Xi. It is necessary to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four selfconfidences", and achieve the "two maintenances", implement the CMC chairman responsibility system, and resolutely obey the Party Central Committee, the CMC and Chairman Xi command. The road ahead is full of difficulties, obstacles and even stormy waves. In the face of the complex and severe national security situation, we must resolutely implement the strategic arrangements made at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's thought on strengthening the military, improve the people's army's ability to win, and develop a fighting spirit. , strengthen fighting skills, maintain a high degree of vigilance, always prepare for war, and resolutely defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests". Li Zuocheng said that the "report made by General Secretary Xi Jinping has a clear-cut stand, a prominent theme, a lofty position, and a truthseeking and pragmatic approach. The great transformation of the decade in the new era lies in the "two establishments", which are the greatest confidence and guarantee for us to cope with all risks and challenges and overcome all difficulties and obstacles. With President Xi at the helm, there will be no insurmountable slopes or hurdles that cannot be overcome, and the established goals will surely be achieved. The next five years will be a critical period for my country to achieve new and greater development. The people's army needs to play a more critical role and provide more reliable strategic support for the development of the party and the country. It is necessary to fully and accurately understand and implement the strategic deployment of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi, keep in mind the "big man of the country", see the overall situation clearly, strengthen strategic foresight, study and plan wars with a war mentality, train troops to prepare for wars, respond to challenges, accelerate the improvement of military hard power, and seize new domains and new quality commanding heights, high-quality promotion of system construction, to ensure that the goal of the centenary struggle of the founding of the army is achieved as scheduled". Miao Hua said that the report made by General Secretary Xi Jinping, "setting up the general strategy of forging ahead and rejuvenating the country, is a good report that raises the flag, opens new plans, and concentrates on strength, and it is another Marxist programmatic document. The miracles and leaps achieved in the ten years of the new era are historic, and in the final analysis, they are guided by the core of President Xi Jinping and his thoughts. Looking at ten years from a hundred years, the formation of "two establishments" is a historical necessity; when looking at a new century from ten years, insisting on "two establishments" is the choice of the times. To defend this major political achievement is to defend the party's national line and the prospect of rejuvenation. We must focus on deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the "two establishments", quickly rise up the upsurge of studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, continue to use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to cultivate the soul and educate people, comprehensively strengthen the party building in the military. The chairman of the Central Military Commission is responsible for advancing the preparations for military struggles, working hard in the state of a struggler in the new era and new journey, and ensuring that the goal of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the army is achieved as scheduled". Zhang Shengmin described the report by General Secretary Xi Jinping as "a good report that raises the flag, concentrates efforts, revives and strives for strength, and forges ahead in unity. A challenging world with confidence and hope. The decade of the new era is a glorious chapter in the history of the party, the history of the new China, the history of reform and opening up, the history of socialist development, and the history of the development of the Chinese nation. more active mental strength. Practice has proved that the core leads the direction, the core gathers people's hearts, and the core gathers strength. We must fully 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, and transform the profound understanding of the decisive significance of the "two establishments" into a high degree of self-consciousness to achieve the "two maintenances" and implement the responsibility system of the Chairman of the Military Commission , loyal to maintain the core, determined to strive to strengthen the army, and ensure that the goal of the centenary struggle of the founding of the army is achieved as scheduled". (Comment: The remarks by the Director of the Joint Staff Department (JSD) -- who heads the PLA Army -- General Li Zuocheng are significant. In addition to supporting Xi Jinping, he urges the PLA to train for war and enhance their capabilities.)

The China Discipline and Inspection Commission (CDIC)'s official CDIC Daily (October 20) published a full-page 5,452 (Chinese)-character article by Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, under the caption 'Deeply grasp the Chinese characteristics and essential requirements of Chinese-style modernization'. In the article he said "The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pointed out, "From now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to build a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way, realize the goal of the second century of struggle, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization." He explained "The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China once again clearly described the overall goal of China's development by 2035. The economic strength, scientific and technological strength, and comprehensive national strength have greatly increased, and the per capita GDP has reached a new level, reaching the level of moderately developed countries; High-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-reliance, entering the forefront of innovative countries; building a modern economic system, forming a new development pattern, basically realizing new industrialization, informatization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization; basically realizing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, and the whole process of people's democracy The system will be more perfect, and a country under the rule of law, a government under the rule of law, and a society under the rule of law will be basically built; a country with strong education, science and technology, talent, culture, sports, and a healthy China will be built. Disposable income to a new level, middle income. Chinese-style modernization has many important features. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pointed out that Chinese-style modernization is a modernization with a huge population; Chinese-style modernization is a modernization in which all the people are prosperous; Chinese-style modernization is a modernization in which material civilization and spiritual civilization are coordinated; Chinese-style modernization is man and nature. Harmonious symbiosis of modernization; Chinese-style modernization is a modernization that takes the road of peaceful development. Chinese-style modernization is a socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China. It has both the common characteristics of modernization of all countries and Chinese characteristics based on its own national conditions." It asserted in conclusion that "The significant advantages of China's contribution to China's modernization can be widely supported by the largest number of countries and people in the world." (Comment: The CDIC Daily has been extensively covering interpreting the Party Congress as have China's other major national and provincial newspapers.)

The People's Daily (October 19) published an article captioned 'Continuously push forward socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)' authored by the National Defense University Xi Jinping Thought Research Center for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It said the 20th Party Congress "is a very important conference held at a critical moment when the whole party and the people of all ethnic groups are embarking on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way and marching towards the second centenary goal". ... and to "comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". It said "Marxism is the guiding ideology of our party and country. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Marx and Engels' analysis of the basic contradictions of capitalist society is not outdated, nor is the historical materialist viewpoint that capitalism will die out and socialism will triumph. This is an irreversible general trend of social and historical development." The article added that "General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The 10-year great changes in the new era are of milestone significance in the history of the party, the history of new China, the history of reform and opening up, the history of socialist development, and the history of the development of the Chinese nation." "The great achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, Let scientific socialism radiate new vitality in China in the 21st century". The article stressed that "Realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the greatest dream of the Chinese nation since modern times. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the road is the most fundamental issue. Socialism with Chinese characteristics is the only correct path to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." He also said "We must thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and irreversibly move towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics". It pointed out that "The road of socialism with Chinese characteristics is a noble road to create a better life for the people and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. By stepping foot on the land of China, inheriting Chinese civilization, and taking the right path in line with China's national conditions, the party and the people will have an incomparably broad stage, an incomparably profound historical background, and an incomparably strong will to advance. As long as we unswervingly follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, we will surely be able to build our country into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful, and will surely achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". Mentioning that "the world is undergoing rapid evolution of great changes unseen in a century", it said China's "development is facing new strategic opportunities, new strategic tasks, new strategic stages, and new strategic requirements. The new strategic environment, the risks and challenges that need to be dealt with, the contradictions and problems that need to be solved are more complex than ever, and there are many new major issues facing upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. In conclusion it asserted that "The whole party must keep in mind that adhering to the overall leadership of the party is the only way to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, socialism with Chinese characteristics is the only way to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and unity and struggle is the only way for the Chinese people to create historical great achievements."

A post (October 18) on Weixin disclosed that Party organizations across China have already begun studying the 'spirit' of the 20th Party Congress. It cited the example of the local People Congress Party Group of Dêngqên County in Tibet. The Dingqing County People's Congress Party Group announced it had organised the 13th concentrated study meeting of the theoretical study center group to study the spirit of the 20th National Congress, which was presided over by Yuan Chaobing, Member of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee, Secretary and Director of the Party Group of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The meeting demanded that cadres "profoundly comprehend the decisive significance of the "two establishments", resolutely and resolutely achieve the "two maintenances", and make every effort to be a firm believer, loyal practitioner, and continuous struggler of the lofty ideal of communism". It emphasised the importance of publicising "the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China as the top priority of the people's congress organs, mobilising the people's congress representatives and people's congress cadres at all levels in the county to carry out study and publicity seminars, make study notes and write personal experiences". It said it is necessary to give full play to the exemplary leading role of party members and leading cadres, earnestly shoulder their responsibilities and missions, and play the role of the National People's Congress in maintaining stability and security at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and preventing and controlling the epidemic

The Guangming Daily (October 20) published an article captioned 'Realize a new leap in the modernization of Marxism in China', which revealed that Delegates to the 20th Party Congress were discussing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It described Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as "a great practice" and said "This great thought is contemporary Chinese Marxism, 21st century Marxism, and the essence of the era of Chinese culture and Chinese spirit, and has achieved a new leap in the modernization of Marxism in China"

A Guangming Daily (October 19) article captioned 'Promote the integration of party building and education reform' observed that the "report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized that we should unremittingly use the socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era to focus on casting our souls. This further pointed out the direction for us, and also allowed us to see the actual results of our efforts over the years. The core fortress of a school is the party branch. Over the years, our school party branch has adhered to the basic idea of "focusing on the party building around the centre, and doing a good job of party building to promote development", combined with the actual situation of the school, focused on the work of the education and teaching centre, and actively explored the ways and methods of party building work in the new era"

A lengthy 4754-word article published in the People's Daily (October 19) under the caption 'The light of truth illuminates the road to revival —— From the perspective of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, realizing a new leap in the modernization of Marxism in China', quoted Xi Jinping as saying to the 20th Party Congress delegates "We created the thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, made clear the basic strategy of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, and proposed a series of new concepts, new ideas and new strategies for state governance and administration, realizing a new leap in the modernization of Marxism in China." It said "Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the whole country, with a more thorough spirit, historical initiative, and development initiative, forge ahead with high spirits and forge ahead in the new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way, toward the second centenary goal, to march forward bravely towards the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". The article quoted Delegates' comments on different aspects of the report. It averred that "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party and the country have achieved historic achievements and historical changes have taken place. The most fundamental thing is that General Secretary Xi Jinping is the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party is at the helm, and that Xi Jinping has a society with Chinese characteristics in the new era". "The Chinese Communists in the new era, mainly represented by Comrade Xi Jinping, have the courage to carry out theoretical exploration and innovation, deepen their understanding of the laws of the Communist Party's governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of development of human society with a new perspective, and have achieved major theoretical innovations". It quoted Ouyang Song, an expert on Party History as saying "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the theoretical crystallization of all the practices of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. It is the latest achievement of combining the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific reality and the excellent traditional Chinese culture. Scientific socialism has radiated new vitality in China in the 21st century". The article said "In the past 10 years, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core listened to the voices of the people, observed the sentiments of the people, gathered the wisdom of the people, solved the people's worries, and fulfilled its commitments to the people with practical actions. No one should be left behind" in poverty alleviation, "no one should be left behind" on the road to a well-off society". A delegate Zha Qiongfang said "We deeply feel that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a theory written in the hearts of hundreds of millions of people, and is loved and loved by the people. I agree with the theory that I have." Delegate Yang Yu said that "the more arduous the task, the more important is to adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guide, win advantages, gain initiative, and win the future. Socialism with Chinese characteristics is the only way to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." It said "The report emphasizes that from now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to build a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way, achieve the second centenary goal, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinesestyle modernization." It mentioned "common prosperity" calling it "a long-term process, and it takes a long time to do good work".

The People's Daily (October 17) published an article captioned 'Unity and struggle to create new historical achievements——A side note on the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China'. The article said "From now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups in the country to build a powerful modern socialist country in an all-round way, achieve the goal of the second century of struggle, and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization." "The whole Party, the whole army, and the people of all ethnic groups in the country must unite closely around the Party Central Committee, keep in mind that empty talk will mislead the country, and hard work will rejuvenate the country, strengthen confidence, work with one heart and one mind, work hard, and advance bravely, so as to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way and advance it in an all-round way. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is united and striving." In concusion it said " Holding high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uniting more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, self-confidence and self-improvement, upholding integrity and innovation, working hard and forging ahead courageously, we will surely be able to fully advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization , Create a new great cause with a new great struggle!"

Xinhua (October 15) announced that two new books: "Xi Jinping's Footprints of Poverty Alleviation" and "Xi Jinping's Feelings of Well-off" were recently jointly published by People's Publishing House and Xinhua Publishing House and distributed nationwide. It said the publication of "Xi Jinping's Footprints of Poverty Alleviation" and "Xi Jinping's Feelings for a Well-off Society" "is conducive to people's systematic and in-depth understanding of the extraordinary process and great achievements of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core to unite and lead the whole party and the people of all ethnic groups to win a comprehensive well-off and decisive battle against poverty, to inspire and inspire the majority of cadres and the masses to move forward bravely towards realizing the second centenary goal and creating a happier and better life."

The China Organisation and Personnel Daily (Zuzhirenshi) published an article by Wang Runyu, member of the Standing Committee of the Xining Municipal Committee of Qinghai Province and the head of the Organization Department, on finding the new direction for organizational work. It stressed the need to "adhere to the party's management of cadres, highlight political standards, establish a correct orientation for selecting and employing people, conduct regular research on cadres with "daring to take responsibility and act well", and focus on cultivating and selecting high-quality professional cadres with both political integrity and talent, loyalty and responsibility, especially outstanding young people cadre." It said "General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that having the guidance of Marxist scientific theory is the foundation of our party's firm belief and grasp of historical initiative. We must pay close attention to the theoretical arming, unremittingly use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to condense the soul, organize the majority of party members and cadres to study with loyalty, comprehend with responsibility, and carry out the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party with a mission, and have a profound understanding The decisive significance of "two establishments" is to strengthen "four consciousnesses", strengthen "four self-confidences", and achieve "two maintenances". It is necessary to study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China as a compulsory course in the education and training of party schools and administrative colleges at all levels and as the core content of party member education. Party member rotation training, etc., strengthen the education of ideals and beliefs, guide party organizations at all levels and the majority of party members and cadres to deeply feel the truth power of Marxism in the Chinese era, and ensure that under the banner of the party, unite into "a piece of hard steel" and move forward in unison".

China delayed the release of third-quarter GDP figures and a number of other economic indicators, originally scheduled for October 18, according to an updated calendar published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on October 17 afternoon. The NBS hasn’t given any reason or published a new release date. (Comment: This is the first time in decades that publication of these statistics has been delayed. Chinese analysts say it could be because of the ongoing 20th Party Congress. It is, however, more likely that the figures could dampen the enthusiasm surrounding the 'achievements' claimed at the Congress.)

Radio Free Asia (October 11) disclosed that on October 10, the Credit Bureau of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) published an article entitled, “Building a Credit System that Covers the Whole Society.” The article claimed that China would establish a “credit file” on every economic entity. The article pointed out that, as of the end of August 2022, the PBOC’s personal credit system had access to or information on 4,081 financial institutions and logged information on 1.15 billion natural persons. At the same time, the enterprise credit system had access to 3,811 financial institutions and included information on 98 million enterprises. The PBOC is also set to promote cross-field and cross-platform sharing of personal and corporate credit information. According to the Chinese official media, the system will score a person or an entity based using four major areas: personal business activities, social behavior, administrative affairs and judicial records. Individuals who make sensitive comments on social media, for example, may have points deducted and may even be blacklisted.

Caixin (October 17) stated that the Biden administration landed its heaviest blows yet in this month’s escalation of the U.S. war on China’s semiconductor ambitions. The sweeping new restrictions unveiled Oct. 7 affect not only the sale of advanced integrated circuits, sophisticated chipmaking equipment and supercomputer parts but also China’s ability to hire top talent. It said industry experts said that in the short term, the restrictions will limit Chinese chipmakers’ ability to make certain types of electronic devices that are at the heart of modern products ranging from household appliances to mobile phones, smart electric vehicles and advanced military weapons. In the long term, the policies may spur China to try to accelerate its self-sufficiency drive in semiconductors and the equipment to produce them. A Caixin editorial (October 17) suggested that the German chancellor and some EU officials, by contrast, took a supportive stance on globalization and defied “decoupling.” China has expressed its appreciation for their support. In response to the global supply chain crisis, China should send an even stronger signal that it will continue to open up and put its globalization intentions into action. It is crucial that China adheres to objective patterns when it comes to economic growth and scientific and technological development, and makes proper institutional arrangements.

Bloomberg (October 20) reported that China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a series of emergency meetings over the past week with leading semiconductor companies, seeking to assess the damage from the Biden administration’s sweeping chip restrictions to contain China’s technological ambitions. The meetings were also to pledge support for the critical sector. It summoned executives from firms including Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. and supercomputer specialist Dawning Information Industry Co. MIIT officials appeared uncertain about the way forward and at times appeared to have as many questions as answers for the chipmakers, people familiar with the discussions said. While they refrained from hinting about counter-measures, officials stressed the domestic IT market would provide sufficient demand for affected companies to keep operating.

After a report revealed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has established police service stations and conducted police operations in foreign countries, some of these countries started conducting investigations. In some other countries politicians have put on pressure for action to be taken. Safeguard Defenders, a human rights organization in Spain, reported in September that the CCP has extended its police operations overseas. It has set up at least 54 police service stations in 30 countries, including the U.S. (New York), France (Paris), Canada (Toronto), Spain (Madrid), and elsewhere. Their main mission is to hunt for those Chinese who stole money and went overseas. “Rather than using legal forms of international cooperation, they have resorted to pressuring targets to return. In fact some 230,000 people have been involved for a little over year.” These police service stations have physical locations and phone numbers so that people can call and provide information. Beijing claimed that its purpose was to provide ID services or China’s driver’s license renewal to Chinese citizens overseas. However, some countries where Beijing has conducted these police operations, feel this is a violation of their sovereignty. Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Ministry officials have expressed concern to the Chinese Embassy and are consulting within the entire government as to how to resolve this issue. The Ministry of Interior in Spain started its investigation. In the U.S., Jim Bank (R), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Michael Waltz (R), Mike Gallagher (R), along with 18 other House Representatives, wrote a letter to Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Justice Garland, stating, “There should be no room for the Chinese government to exercise extraterritorial law enforcement unilaterally on U.S. soil.” On October 4, the Canadian House of Commons committee on relations between Canada and the People’s Republic of China held a hearing on this issue. Weldon Epp, a China lead with Global Affairs Canada, stated at the hearing, “The activity that’s being alleged (about the police service stations) would be entirely illegal, totally inappropriate and would be the subject of very serious representations.”

Guizhou Party Secretary Chen Yiqin, during the discussions with Delegates from Guizhou said "Wholeheartedly support "two establishments", faithfully practice "two safeguards". He added that this "must become the distinctive political character of Guizhou Party members and cadres and become the most distinctive political background of Guizhou's political ecology".

The Tianjin Daily (October 20) published an article captioned "Activate "nerve endings" and polish the "happiness background" on the effectiveness of grass-roots party organisations. Stating that "The party's grass-roots organization is the "nerve terminal" of the party's body, and it is the foundation of the party's ruling building, and the foundation is solid and the building is strong." It said "In the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China made by General Secretary Xi Jinping, he pointed out that we should adhere to the clear orientation of focusing on the grassroots, build grassroots party organizations into strong fighting fortresses that effectively realize the leadership of the party, encourage party members to play a vanguard and exemplary role, and maintain the advanced nature and purity of party members."

A Sichuan Daily (October 15) article captioned 'Technological change leads the new track of hydrogen energy industry' said by 2050, hydrogen energy will be responsible for 18% of global energy end-use demand. It said "The German circular economy system comprehensively utilizes electricity, heat, gas, water and industrial processes to improve efficiency and achieve energy saving and carbon reduction through the interconnection of production processes and the recycling of input and output. China's industries are relatively closed, and electricity, heat, gas, and water have not been integrated. Sichuan should learn from Germany's experience, take systematic energy saving and carbon reduction and systematic circular economy as an important starting point to achieve "carbon neutrality", and explore a new path suitable for Sichuan." The article also said "Chengdu is a typical energy-using terminal city. It is suggested that in the next five to ten years, it will focus on the four energy-using terminals of energy, transportation, construction and industry, and lead the new industry competition through technological changes. road. First, in terms of energy, improve the strategic positioning of Sichuan's hydropower resources. Hydropower is not only a clean energy source for Sichuan, but also a strategic resource for the whole country. When China implements grid-connected power generation with a high proportion of renewable energy in the future, the large-scale energy storage of hydropower resources will become the determinant of the safe and stable operation of the large power grid."

Radio France International (October 4, 2022), reported that according to Financial Times, in the past few months, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested foreign diplomat’s missions in Hong Kong to submit their real estate information, including floor plans. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) also wants to collect and review their leases and/or sales contracts. It said diplomats from these foreign countries are concerned that the CCP’s request will jeopardize the security of their buildings and their properties.

On the opening day of China's 20th Party Congress in Beijing on October 16, movie clips of the clash that occurred between Chinese and Indian troops in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh in June 2020 were shown to all the 2,340 Delegates and 83 veteran cadres invited to the 20th Party Congress on the big screens in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The decision to show the clip will have been taken at the highest echelon of the CCP. It signals that relations between China and India will be strained for a long time. (Comment: Screening the clip is clearly intended to portray India as an "aggressor" nation and shows that Beijing is prepared for bilateral relations to be strained for a long time. Also, that it expects to be able to normalise bilateral relations without restoring the status quo on the border. It sets the stage for further military actions by China along the 4,057kms LAC. A similar clip was telecast on May 4th.)

The Global Times (October 13) reported that the Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, arrived in Bhutan on October 10 on a 3-day visit. It claimed the visit signified "a step forward in friendly relations and indicates boundary talks between the two countries have been moving in a friendly direction since they signed the MoU in 2021". During his visit from October 10 and 13, Sun Weidong met Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji and others. Global Times said Sun Weidong had noted: "China attaches great importance to China-Bhutan relations and will, as always, respect Bhutan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the development path chosen by Bhutan according to its own national conditions." It added that, according to the Chinese Ambassador he was told "Bhutan will continue to adhere to the one- China principle and is willing to strengthen practical cooperation with China, solve boundary issues through friendly consultation and advance the development of the two countries' relations". It observed too that "China and Bhutan signed the MoU in October 2021 in a bid to speed up boundary talks that had been delayed."

SkyNews (October 18) quoting officials disclosed that China has recruited dozens of former British military pilots to teach the Chinese armed forces how to defeat western warplanes and helicopters in a "threat to UK interests". One official said some 30 mainly ex-fast jet but also some helicopter pilots - lured by annual salaries of around £240,000 - are currently in China training pilots for the People's Liberation Army. It said Beijing is actively trying to hire many more serving and former military pilots and other specialists from across the RAF, the Royal Navy and the British Army as well as personnel from other western nations. China is using third-party head-hunters, including the Test Flying Academy of South Africa, a company based in South Africa, to target personnel. UK's Ministry of Defence's Defence Intelligence service on October 18 said the situation is so grave, that it issued a "threat alert" to warn serving and former military personnel against such approaches.

British police are investigating an assault on a protester who was beaten by several men after being dragged inside the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester on October 16, during a demonstration against President Xi Jinping. Videoclips showing people beating the demonstrator flooded the social media in Britain. Reports identify the man kicking down the banner as Chinese Consul-General Zheng Xiyuan. The other Chinese diplomats are:Consul Gao Lianjia (高连甲); (unknown, probably a young staff); Counselor Chen Wei (陈伟); and Deputy Consul General Fan Yingjie (范映杰).

The Guardian (October 18) reported US Secretary of State Blinken as saying in conversation with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at Stanford University on October 17, that China’s government is pursuing its plans to annex Taiwan on a “much faster timeline” under Xi Jinping. He reiterated warnings of global economic disruption if Taiwan was taken over. Blinken said peace and stability between China and Taiwan had been successfully maintained for decades, but Beijing had changed its approach. He said “Instead of sticking with the status quo that was established in a positive way, [Beijing has made] a fundamental decision that the status quo is no longer acceptable, and Beijing is determined to pursue reunification on a much faster timeline”. “If peaceful means didn’t work then would employ coercive means, and possibly if coercive means don’t work then maybe forceful means to achieve its objective. That is what is profoundly disrupting the status quo and creating tremendous tensions.” Speaking to reporters Blinken said “The amount of commercial traffic that goes through the Straits every day and has an impact on economies around the world is enormous. If that was to be disrupted as a result of a crisis, countries around the world would suffer. [On] semiconductors – if Taiwanese production were disrupted as a result of the crisis, you would have an economic crisis around the world.” He added “We are at an inflection point”. “Technology will in many ways retool our economies. It will reform our militaries. It will reshape the lives of people across the planet. And so it’s profoundly a source of national strength.”

The Silk Road News (October 17) disclosed that Meridian-CC7, a joint venture formed between Russia’s JSC RHC, and China’s National Chemical Engineering and Construction Company CC7 (a subsidiary of China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation), is preparing a private concession initiative for the construction of the Meridian High-Speed Toll Road. The JV split is 51-49 in the favour of JSC. The Meridian High-Speed Toll Road, expected to cost around 600 billion rubles (US$9.5 billion), is an ambitious project aimed to complete the 2000 km route from Russia to China, and stretches from the Belarus border with the European Union to the Russian border with Kazakhstan, providing the European and Urals leg of an existing highway that already crosses Kazakhstan to China. The Meridian Highway will effectively link China directly to Western Russia by road

Protest banners appeared on Sitong Bridge in Beijing's Haidian District together with a column of dark smoke condemning Chinese leader Xi Jinping by name around1pm on October13. Video footage and photographs of the smoke and two banners—one of which had “Depose the Traitorous Dictator Xi Jinping” scrawled on it in red—circulated widely on Chinese socialmedia platforms Thursday. The banners read: "We Don’t Want Nucleic Acid Tests, We Want Food; We Want Freedom, Not Lockdowns". “We Want Votes, Not Leaders; We Want Dignity, Not Lies; We are Citizens, not Slaves". (Comment: The protest has occurred amidst heavy security and just two days before the 20th Party Congress opens in Beijing. Haidian is also the University District. Chinese chatter reveals the name of the protestor as Peng Zaizhou, an engineer.)

The China Education Daily (October 12) featured Peng Liyuan, Xi Jinping's wife, on its front page in her role as UNESCO'S Special Envoy for girl's and women’s education, delivering congratulatory speeches at the award ceremony of the UNESCO 2022 Prize for Girls' and Women's Education was held in Paris, France on October 11. The Prize for Girls' and Women's Education jointly established by China and UNESCO is the organization's only award in the field of promoting girls' and women's education.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing on October 11 that PRC Vice President Wang Qishan “will lead a delegation to Kazakhstan to attend the sixth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia [CICA] in Astana". (Comment: Wang Qishan's two-day trip is likely to mean that he will be absent from the Party Congress that begins on October 16.)

Xinhua (October 9) reported that the Xinhua Publishing House had recently published a book titled "Welcome to the 20th National Congress of the Party with Practical Actions: Study and Implement the Spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Speech at the Provincial and Ministerial Seminar"

Xinhua (October 7) reported that the book "Excerpts from Xi Jinping's Discussion on Governing the Party by Regulations" edited by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was recently published by the Central Literature Publishing House and distributed nationwide. It published excerpts of the book and said 'The "Discourse Digest" is divided into 10 special topics and a total of 400 paragraphs. It is excerpted from more than 180 important documents such as reports, speeches, articles, instructions and instructions of Comrade Xi Jinping during the period from November 15, 2012, to June 17, 2022. Some of these discussions are published for the first time.'

The People's Daily (October 12) published an article commemorating the 120th birthday of Peng Zhen. It observed that "from 1979 to 1988, Comrade Peng Zhen presided over the formulation of 88 laws and 35 decisions on legal issues". The article described Peng Zhen as: 'a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, outstanding state activist, staunch Marxist, the main founder of the socialist legal system in New China, and an outstanding leader of the party and the country. In order to realize the lofty ideal of communism all his life, he has always stood at the forefront of the cause of the party and the people, fought tenaciously and unremittingly. His famous name, together with his contributions to the party, the country and the people, will always be engraved in the annals of the Chinese nation.' It referred to him as 'a member of the first generation of the party's leading collective.' It noted that 'During the "Cultural Revolution", Comrade Peng Zhen was wrongly criticized and brutally persecuted. But in the face of adversity, he always believed that the truth would win, believed in the party, and believed in the people. He insisted on studying Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought and fought resolutely against the perverts of Lin Biao and Jiang Qing.' Praising the contributions of the revolutionaries, the article said, 'We must unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, continue to carry forward the historical initiative, work hard and move forward bravely, win greater victories and glory in the new era and new journey, and meet the party with practical actions.' (Comment: A tough conservative cadre, Peng Zhen was in charge of the security apparatus for many years.)

CCTV (October 7) announced that the 7th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party was held in Beijing on October 7. It will last 4 days. CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping made a work report to the plenary session on behalf of the Political Bureau of the CCP CC and explained to the plenary session the 'discussion draft' of the report of the 19th Central Committee to the 20th Party Congress. The work report, which will outline basic policies as well as development goals of the party and the nation through 2027, is also expected to detail achievements in the 10 years since Xi became party chief in 2012. Xinhua said the 20th Party Congress will take stock of the party's work over the past five years, "with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in uniting and leading the whole Party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era." The 7th Plenum is expected to issue a communique through the media on the last day of the session. Quoting Wang Huning, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and the country's top ideological theorist, Xinhua said he talked about a draft amendment to the Communist Party constitution. Nikkei Asia quoted CCP sources as separately commenting that the amendment at the upcoming congress would incorporate wording that indicates Xi's unswerving power and authority has been cemented. Caixin (October 10) said Politburo member Wang Huning explained draft amendments to the party’s constitution

CCTV (October 12) reported the 7th Plenum's Communique in full. The Communique stated that the 7th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held in Beijing from October 9 to 12, 2022, with 199 members of the Central Committee and 159 alternate members of the Central Committee attending. Members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CDIC) and relevant responsible comrades attended the meeting. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee, delivered an important speech. The plenary session decided that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be held in Beijing on October 16, 2022. Stating that the plenary session listened to and discussed Xi Jinping's work report and discussed and approved the work of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Party to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, it said the Plenum also discussed adopting the "Constitution of the Communist Party of China (Amendment)". Wang Huning explained to the plenary session the discussion draft of the Constitution of the Communist Party of China (Amendment). It said the plenum agreed that in the past year, 'in the face of the complex and severe international environment and the arduous domestic reform, development and stability tasks, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee has fully implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, united and led the whole Party, the army and the people of all ethnic groups in the country' while maintaining stability. It asserted that 5 the requirements that the epidemic must be prevented must be implemented. It called for accelerating the pace of national defense and military modernization, and actively develop China as a major country with Chinese characteristics. Summing up the work of the five years since the 19th Party Congress, 'all agreed that the five years since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China have been extremely unusual and extraordinary. Over the past five years, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has held high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, fully implemented the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Party and all the 19th Plenary Sessions, and adhered to the importance of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and the "Three Represents". It said it had resolutely safeguarded national security, prevented and defused major risks, maintained social stability, vigorously promoted the modernization of national defense and the military, carried out major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in an all-round way, and comprehensively promoted the building of the party to a new greatness project. It said the leadership had "Properly responded to the risks and challenges brought about by the Ukrainian crisis". Referring to Hongkong and Taiwan, the communique said: 'According to the Constitution and the Basic Law, the overall governance of the Special Administrative Region has been effectively exercised, and the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" has been implemented. The situation in Hong Kong has achieved a major transition from chaos to governance. Adhering to the one-China principle and the "1992 Consensus" demonstrates our strong determination and capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose "Taiwan independence".' It said, 'Over the past five years, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has reviewed the situation, maintained integrity and innovation, dared to fight, and was good at fighting'. A special paragraph mentioned that 'The plenary session emphasized that the major achievements of the Party and the country in the five years since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China are the result of the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. achieved through solidarity. The Party has established Comrade Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party and establishes the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is of decisive significance for advancing the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The whole party must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", achieve the "two maintenances", and 6 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, work hard and move forward courageously, and work together to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way and promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in an allround way'. Regarding the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, 'they agreed that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, discipline inspection committees at all levels faithfully fulfilled the responsibilities entrusted by the party constitution, resolutely implemented the party's strategic deployment of self-revolution and the strategic policy of comprehensively and strictly governing the party, and persistently implemented the eight central regulations, strict political discipline and political rules, resolutely safeguard the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, strengthen political supervision, deepen political inspections, promote the implementation of the political responsibility of comprehensively and strictly administer the Party, and rectify the unhealthy practices and corruption problems around the masses. The plenary meeting decided to replace the alternate members of the Central Committee Ma Guoqiang, Wang Ning, and Wang Weizhong as members of the Central Committee. The plenary session reviewed and approved the review report of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China on Fu Zhenghua, Shen Deyong, Li Jia and Zhang Jinghua's serious violations of discipline and law, confirming that Fu Zhenghua, Shen Deyong and Zhang Jinghua were expelled from the party by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, and Li Jia was dismissed from the party job sanction.

The People's Court Daily (October 8) published the bio profile of Chen Zhixiu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Chengdong District People's Court, Xining City, Qinghai Province, on its front page. She is a Representative to the 20th Party Congress.

The Beijing Daily (October 10) published a lengthy article by Lin Jianhua, Vice President, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor of the Institute of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, captioned 'Theory Weekly welcomes the special issue of the 20th National Congress | A new leap in the understanding of the laws of socialist construction with Chinese characteristics'. It said that 'since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era’ and called it an "Extraordinary Decade" which has 'profoundly answered the major issues of the times as to what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics to uphold and develop in the new era, and how to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics. The new leap of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era not only demonstrates the significant advantages and vitality of socialism with Chinese characteristics, but also interprets the new connotation and fundamental trend of scientific socialism in the 21st century'. Discussing China's stage of development, it said 'some people say that China is engaged in "capital socialism", some people say it is "state capitalism", and some people say it is "new bureaucratic capitalism",' but all are completely wrong. "The new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics is a new great achievement in the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics and a new historical orientation in China's development". It "is an era of inheriting the past and ushering in the future and continuing to win the great victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics under new historical conditions". It asserted "The main task facing the Communist Party of China is to achieve the first centenary goal, start a new journey to realize the second centenary goal, and continue to advance toward the grand goal of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core makes overall plans to grasp the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the great changes unseen in the world in a century". Among the ten main points in the great strategy it first listed 'The first "clearly" points out that the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and the greatest advantage of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the leadership of the Communist Party of China'; and the third 'is to realize socialist modernization and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and propose to promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernization'. It emphasised that "that the Party has 8 established Comrade Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party and established the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Wishes are of decisive significance to the development of the cause of the party and the country in the new era, and to the historical process of promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". "The creation and development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has brought Marxism to the world with a brand-new image, and the historical evolution and competition of the two ideologies, socialism and capitalism, and the two social systems have occurred worldwide". 
ii) A second article in Beijing Daily (October 10) captioned 'The new realm of managing the party, building the party and strengthening the party' said that in this "Extraordinary Decade" "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era provides an action guide for comprehensively and strictly governing the party. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has promoted the comprehensive and strict governance of the party with strong determination and unprecedented strength, and effectively strengthened the party's leadership and party building".

The "China Discipline Inspection and Supervision News" (October 7) published an article captioned 'Family style is the best inheritance' in its newly launched "Inheritance" column. Stating that "a group of outstanding party members and cadres have once again entered the public eye", it cited examples of cadres who do not interfere in the affairs of their children and ensure "they have to walk on their own", who lived in a two-bedroom apartment that was cold in winter and hot in summer for 16 years regardless of whether he took up the leadership position of the deputy commander of the military sub-district or returned to an ordinary party member after retiring, and who were "honest and clean" and maintained the "party's image". It added "Family affairs lead to national affairs, and family style even political style. For party members and leading cadres, they should be leaders in the inheritance of family traditions, set an example for family traditions construction, put family traditions in an important position, and cultivate good family traditions."

The "China Discipline Inspection and Supervision News" (October 7) disclosed that "recently, the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection held the 28th collective study, emphasizing that discipline inspection and supervision organs at all levels should more consciously undertake the special mission and major responsibility of "two maintenance", strengthen political supervision, deepen political inspection, and give full play to supervision and protection. Implement, promote and improve the role of development, ensure the implementation of the party's line, principles and policies and the decisions and arrangements of the party central committee, and ensure that party organizations at all levels and party members and cadres consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the party central committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, concentrate their efforts, and work in unity." It said, "Resolutely achieving the "two safeguards" is a major political achievement and valuable experience of our party since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China" and "wherever we go, political supervision over the implementation of the party constitution and the party rules and the implementation of major policies and principles has become the norm." It asserted that "The most fundamental thing is the formation and establishment of General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core position of the entire Party, and adherence to the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee". It said, "Disciplinary inspection and supervision organs are an important force in the management of the party and have a special mission and major responsibility in the "two maintenance”. It declared in conclusion: "The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and our country is in a critical period of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The closer we get to the goal, the more complicated the situation and the more arduous the task, the more we must unite as "a piece of hard steel" under the banner of the party. Disciplinary inspection and supervision organs must practice their original aspirations, take on their mission, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", resolutely safeguard General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position of the Party Central Committee and the core position of the whole party, resolutely safeguard the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and promote all parties. Party organizations at all levels and the majority of Party members and cadres deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", 10 further enhance the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two maintenances" to ensure the unity of the whole party on the new journey Will, unity of action, progress in unison."

The People's Court Daily (October 8) disclosed that the Seventh Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China was held in Beijing on October 7, 2022. There were 129 members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection who attended the plenary meeting, and 2 were present as non-voting delegates. The plenary session was chaired by the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Zhao Leji, Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) delivered a speech. The plenary session reviewed and approved the work report of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and agreed to submit the report to the Seventh Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for deliberation

The China Discipline Inspection and Supervision News of the CDIC (October 11) published an article captioned 'Chongqing deepens the use of cases to promote reform and governance - - Improve the comprehensive efficiency of promoting the "three non-corruption". The article illustrated how Chongqing had dealt with cases of corruption.

The Telegraph (October 10) reported that according to Chinese news reports the Beijing Government Service Administrative Bureau issued an edict titled "Ability Specification for Government Service General Counter Staff", aimed at any government staff in the Chinese capital who deal with the public, including day-to-day bureaucracy like handling requests for driving licences and birth certificates. This followed acceptance at a high level that some frontline government staff have a "crude, disrespectful and perfunctory attitude" and, according to the Chinese media, changing that will "optimise China's business environment" and "improve public confidence in government services." The edict is still a draft proposal, and the Beijing public is being given the chance to comment until October 26, on the website of the Beijing Municipal Administration for Market Regulation. Government staff will thereafter receive the final list of what they can and cannot say.

Xinhua (October 7) disclosed that the CCP CC General Office and the General Office of the State Council had recently issued a 19-paragraph "Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of High-skilled Talents in the New Era". They had also issued a notice, requiring all regions and departments to earnestly implement them in light of their actual conditions. Its preamble stated "Skilled talents are an important force supporting Made in China and Created in China. Strengthening the construction of high-skilled talent teams above senior workers is of great significance for consolidating and developing the advanced nature of the working class, enhancing the country's core competitiveness and scientific and technological innovation capabilities, alleviating structural contradictions in employment, and promoting high-quality development. In order to implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and to strengthen the construction of a high-skilled talent team in the new era, the following opinions are hereby offered". It added that it will be "Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the 19th Plenary Sessions, fully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on doing a good job in talent work in the new era, adhere to the party's management of talents, and base itself on new development." The Opinions focussed "high-skilled training mechanisms", on Vocational Institutions, and the "party's overall leadership over the construction of a high-skilled talent team to ensure the correct political direction"

Reuters (October 7) reported that China’s reliance on imported gas is increasing despite government efforts to boost domestic output, creating an intensifying problem for both energy and national security. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, China’s gas production increased by 6% in the first eight months of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021. Production has increased at a compound annual rate of 7% over the last ten years, doubling between 2011 and 2021, as the government encouraged the development of major fields in Sichuan, Xinjiang and the Ordos Basin. But consumption has grown even faster, at a compound rate of almost 11% over the same period, as more households have been connected to the distribution network. It said replacing wood, coal and bottled gas for residential and commercial heating and cooking has played a key role in reducing urban air pollution and improving quality of life. Separately, the China Statistical Yearbook disclosed that the population with access to gas had climbed to 413 million in 2020, up from 286 million in 2015 and 170 million in 2010

Sixth Tone (October 7) quoting The Paper (October 6) reported that cities across China are resorting to pressuring groups of state-sector workers to buy up unsold housing stock at discounts of up to 30%, as local governments struggle to jump-start flatlining property markets. It said China’s real estate sector is mired in its worst debt crisis in decades, with developers across the country defaulting on payments and halting construction on new projects. The turbulence has triggered a wider loss of market confidence: Land and property sales have fallen by double-digit levels in 2022. The Paper added that local governments are under pressure to get the market moving again, which is leading many to create “group buying” schemes, where employers — normally state-sector entities — are offered steep discounts if large numbers of their staff agree to buy properties. The Paper said more than 20 cities have launched group buying property programs since June, including in China’s remote northwest and eastern coastline, many are small, third- or fourth-tier cities. The list includes several provincial capitals, including Shenyang, Liaoning province, and Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In several cases, cities are explicitly targeting their group buying schemes at state- sector workers, with real estate companies encouraged to hold marketing events for local governments, state-owned enterprises, and other public sector institutions. Discounts offered on group purchases vary by city. For example, in Huanggang, in Hubei province, real estate companies are required to cut prices by at least 3% if groups of more than 20 people agree to buy apartments. Wuzhou, in Guangxi, is offering discounts of up to 30% when groups purchase more than five units. Chen Xiao, a senior analyst at real estate platform Zhuge Zhaofang, told The Paper that the cities offering these schemes tend to have particularly high numbers of unsold properties. (Comment: Sixth Tone is a subsidiary of The Paper.)

An article published by the China Education Daily (October 8) with the caption 'Strengthening the Party's Overall Leadership in Education' in connection with the 20th Party Congress reviewed the 'new chapter of education in the new era and new journey'. Its Editor observed: 'A hundred years of prosperous years, ten years of extraordinary journey. History and reality have repeatedly proved that the key to running China's affairs well lies in the Party". The article emphasised that 'Education is the country's plan and the party's plan. Today, there is no other cause like education, which affects or even determines the training of successors, the long-term stability of the country, and the rejuvenation of the nation and the rise of the country.' Listing a series of documents and instructions issued by Xi Jinping, it said 31 colleges and universities have been selected as "one-stop" student community management reform pilots, and nearly 1,000 colleges and universities are promoted to drive the party building and ideological and political forces in colleges and universities across the country to accelerate the construction of a "big ideological and political course" pattern, make good use of social big classrooms, create online "cloud classrooms", and deepen the ideological and political classrooms. It said in the past ten years, the ideological and political work team has continued to develop and expand and from more than 100 colleges and universities presently there are more than 1,440 colleges and universities across the country providing important talent support for ideological and political construction. There are more than 127,000 full-time and part-time teachers in ideological and political courses in colleges and universities, and high education and youth have become new characteristics of the construction of ideological and political course teachers. There are more than 243,000 full-time and part-time counsellors in colleges and universities. They are the caring people and guardians of the "24-hour online" around students.

A People's Daily (October 12) commentary captioned 'Guiding us to walk out a new road of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics (people's point of view) ——The fundamental principles of my country's foreign work in the new era' praised Xi Jinping's guidance of foreign policy. It quoted him saying 'the world today is undergoing great changes unseen in a century, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered a critical period and determined the strategic goals and strategic coordinates of China's diplomatic work in the new era, guiding us to blaze a new path of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.'

In an article captioned 'Do a good job in the political consultation of the CPPCC and create a good environment for the successful convening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China', the Hubei Daily News (October 10) disclosed that the theoretical study centre group of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference Party Group held a collective study, focusing on the in-depth study and implementation of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country" on the whole process of people's democracy. It said 'The meeting believed that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition on the whole process of people's democracy revealed the rich connotation and unique advantages of Chinese-style democracy, provided scientific guidance for the development of socialist political civilization, and contributed Chinese solutions to the development of human political civilization. It is necessary to deeply understand and grasp its ideological system, core essence, and practical requirements, and deeply understand that the People's Political Consultative Conference is an important channel and specialized consultative body for socialist consultative democracy and plays an important role in the development of people's democracy in the whole process. To the "two maintenance", the requirements of the development of people's democracy in the whole process are implemented into the work of the CPPCC in performing its duties. It is necessary to take the action of "front-line consultation and joint creation" as the starting point, continuously enrich the Hubei practice of people's democracy in the whole process, focus on pragmatic advice on people's livelihood, make every effort to solve practical problems of people's livelihood, effectively carry out democratic supervision, and broadly gather consensus from all parties, so as to better achieve The people's yearning for a better life contributes to the CPPCC. The meeting pointed out that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China's United Front policy.

The Hubei Daily (October 7) said that the province had launched a number of programmes in the year to raise the people's awareness regarding "justice and cast the sword of law enforcement." Chen Xiaoli, Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Fangxian People's Procuratorate, Hubei, said "Since the opening of the base, more than 110 legal popularization activities have been carried out, with more than 9,000 people experiencing it." Chen Xiaoli said about the programme, which focuses on children, "Interactive legal popularization education has changed the traditional indoctrination and passive education, mobilized the enthusiasm and initiative of young people to participate in legal popularization education, and helped improve the quality and efficiency of legal popularization education."

The Global Times (October 5) quoted Liu Sushe, Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region government, as saying the latest epidemic outbreak has become the most difficult major public health emergency to prevent and control in local history, during which the nucleic acid testing has become the biggest weakness. 91 new local asymptomatic cases were recorded on October 4 bringing the total to 354 in the region. He said the current round of epidemic prevention and control work in Xinjiang has not achieved the goal of "dynamic zero-COVID" for two months not only due to the reasons of strong infectiousness, fast transmission and short incubation period of the Omicron BA.5.2 variant, but also because of some loopholes in the anti-epidemic work. He added that the latest epidemic, which broke out on July 30 in Xinjiang, has spread to 37 corps of counties, cities and districts of 13 prefectures, which has become a major public health emergency with the fastest transmission speed, the widest coverage, the largest number of infected people, and the greatest difficulty in prevention and control in the history of Xinjiang. Liu Sushe also apologized for the spill over of the infections to many other provinces and regions. The Global Times (October 5) quoted Yang Zhanqiu, Professor of the Pathogen Biology Department at Wuhan University, as saying as Xinjiang is getting colder and the temperature in Urumqi mostly has been below 10 C recently, the COVID-19 virus is becoming more active in the region, making it easier to transmit. In early August, the local regional health authority said the virus was of a different origin from the Omicron sub-variant BA.5.2 in the domestic coronavirus gene sequence database, so it can be concluded that the virus was imported from abroad. ii) Caixin (October 5) disclosed that the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has suspended all passenger train travel from the region to prevent a two-month outbreak of Covid-19 from spreading further. The governments of four cities including the capital Urumqion October 4 warned people against leaving after other parts of the country reported new imported cases of Covid-19 coming from Xinjiang. The warning arrived just days before the CCP is scheduled to hold its 20th Party Congress in Beijing.

The Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region has also since October 8 been faced with an outbreak of the epidemic. Its capital, Hohhot is battling the country’s first outbreak of new omicron subvariant, BF.7, which is thought to be more transmissible and better able to evade the immune system than other strains. Local health authorities said that almost all of the nearly 700 local cases found by October 6 in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region came from Hohhot. The regional capital has reported more than 1,800 local infections since detecting a Covid case Sept. 28 that was later confirmed to be the BF.7 subvariant.

The Guizhou Daily (October 8) reported that the Provincial Development and Reform Commission had disclosed on October 6 that a few days ago, the Export-Import Bank of China Guizhou Branch and Guizhou Zhenhua New Materials Co., Ltd. successfully signed a contract to invest 70 million yuan in equipment purchase and renovation loans to be used for support of the technical transformation project of Zhenhua New Materials Shawen Phase I lithium-ion battery cathode material production line, marking the completion of the first loan for equipment purchase and renovation in Guizhou. The financial discount policy for equipment purchase and renovation loans in some fields is mainly aimed at equipment purchase and renovation projects in 10 fields such as industrial digital transformation and new infrastructure. Eligible projects will provide medium and long-term loans at an interest rate of no higher than 3.2%, and the central government will give a discount of 2.5% to the loan with a term of 2 years. This policy is another major policy of the state following the policy-based development of financial tools and the expansion of medium and long-term loans for the manufacturing industry. (Comment: This is the province's first loan for equipment purchase and renovation and a second phase is planned for stabilising the economy.)

The Tianjin Daily (October 7) disclosed that the total number of key industrial projects under construction in Tianjin had reached 398, with a total investment of 290.2 billion yuan. The number of key industrial projects completed and put into operation in the first three quarters of the city reached 105. It said the transformation of industrial kinetic energy continues to advance. In the first eight months of this year, the added value of the city's high-tech industries (manufacturing) increased by 6.2%, accounting for 14.3% of the industry above the designated size. The Tianjin Daily added that the scale of reserve projects continued to expand and that while doing a good job of industrial projects under construction, it is expected to start 93 more projects before the end of the year.

An article in the Tianjin Daily (October 8) said the research results of the "Learning to strengthen the country" learning platform published on September 27 fully reflect the effectiveness and enlightenment of Tianjin's "deep learning and application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". Asserting that "All the progress and development of Tianjin in the new era lies in the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" and that "We must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments" and resolutely achieve the "two maintenances". It said, "party members and cadres must be guided "to adhere to political standing, cultivate loyalty and virtue, consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee in political stance, political direction, political principles, and political path, and consciously become Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics" and become firm believers, active disseminators, and faithful practitioners of ideas."

The Tianjin Daily (October 10) published an article captioned 'Practicing Xi Jinping's economic thought to promote high-quality economic and social development' authored by the Theoretical Study Centre Group of the Party Leadership Group of the Tianjin Development and Reform Commission of the Communist Party of China. It said that in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Party Committee, the Party Group of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission conducted a collective study of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the provincial and ministerial-level seminars for leading cadres, and systematically studied, publicized and implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country". It credited Xi Jinping's instructions on epidemic control and economic stabilisation with boosting Tianjin's GDP.

CCTV (October 7) reported that Nyingchi, located in the south-eastern region of Tibet, was in the past not connected by railway and it took 10 hours to drive from Nyingchi to Lhasa. Now, a "Plateau Xintian Road" connects Lhasa and Nyingchi. The designed speed of the Lalin Railway is 160 kilometres per hour, and the shortest running time from Lhasa to Nyingchi is only 3 hours and 29 minutes. It added that an important part of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, the construction of the Lalin Line is unprecedentedly difficult: mountainous areas, plateaus, crossing the Brahmaputra many times, a large number of bridges and tunnels, and complex geological conditions. It observed that 'General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway. He pointed out that the planning and construction of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway is a major measure to promote the development of Tibet and improve people's livelihood'. The report noted that there are more than 100 bridges on this 435.48-kilometer line, and the length of bridges accounts for more than 20% of the total length of the line. 'It is the most economical choice to build a railway in the mountainous area along the river valley. Therefore, the Lalin Railway has crossed the Brahmaputra 16 times'. It said by the end of 2021, the navigable mileage of China's inland waterways will reach 128,000 kilometres; there will be 20,867 berths for production, including 2,659 berths of 10,000-ton and above, basically forming world-class port groups such as the Yangtze River Delta, TianjinHebei, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

More than 1,300 Indian students have recently received Chinese visa, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Liu Jinsong revealed on October 11 while meeting India's Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat. The Global Times (October 12) described the resumption for long-term student visas as "exciting news for Indian students to hear after a halt of more than two years due to COVID-19".

Pointing to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's remark -- in response to a question about India-Russia relations -- while in Australia on October 10, the Global Times (October 11) quoted him as saying that India has "really a longstanding relationship with Russia, a relationship that has certainly served our interest well," and "for multiple decades, Western countries did not supply weapons to India." He added that "we all in international politics deal with what we have. We make judgments which are reflective of both our future interest as well as our current situation." The article said 'As long as a major country adheres to its own strategic autonomy, it is impossible to remain on the same page with Washington on all issues. There must be differences. However, Washington does not accept or respect such strategic autonomy. Worse, it deliberately seeks to contain others' strategic autonomy. Nowadays, the trend of multi-polarization in the international community is becoming mainstream. And there is an increasing number of countries are brave enough to say "no" to the US. The US and its Western allies will keep trying to draw India over to their side. Nevertheless, on many issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India is sending a signal - if the US and the West continue to cast a cold eye to other countries' national interests while asking them to take sides, they will end up in disappointment.' (Comment: The Chinese official media continues to slant its articles to drive a wedge between India and the West and disingenuously show that the positions adopted by India and China are very similar.)

After indicating on September 30 that German Chancellor Scholz would not be travelling to China, the German Chancellery announced on October 8 that Olaf Scholz’s trip to China is back on for November 3-4. The Chancellery has said that he will be taking an industry delegation with him. (Comment: The visit to China at this time when his top ministers are discussing ways to reduce Germany’s economic dependencies on China is an interesting choice. The dependence of Germany's economy on China, exemplified by China accounting for 40 per cent of Volkswagen's total car sales and 50 percent of its total profits, would have been a major factor.)

Nikkei Asia (October 12) disclosed that manufacturers such as Great Wall Motor, Geely and SAIC Motor have recently launched or are planning to release a slate of electric and hybrid models in Europe's biggest auto market, confident that strong supply chains and improving brand images will help them make inroads in the country. EV maker Nio began selling its ET7 sedan last Friday, while Great Wall is expected to roll out its Ora Cat, a compact electric car with a retro design, and its Coffee 01 plug-in hybrid SUV in mid-October. BYD plans to launch two electric SUVs -- the Atto 3 and the Tang -- and the Han electric sedan in Germany this month, following releases in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden in September. BYD's expansion got a major boost on Oct. 3 when Sixt, Germany's biggest car rental company, announced it would buy 100,000 Atto 3s between now and 2028. Chinese automakers' foray into Germany comes as local brands have begun losing ground. The report added that with the U.S. market more difficult to enter due to its 27.5% tariff on EVs imported from China, Chinese automakers see Germany as one of their only opportunities to crack a sizable overseas market. "Germany is the largest market in Europe, so they will all slowly enter the market, first by establishing their brand, building excitement about their products, and then turning that into a full-on blitz within a few years."

Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, said on October 12 that the US is in “the early years of a decisive decade” in which “the terms of our competition with the People’s Republic of China will be set.” “The PRC assertiveness at home and abroad is advancing an illiberal vision across economic, political, security and technological realms -- in competition with the West,” he said at a Georgetown University event following the release of the administration’s longdelayed National Security Strategy.

Bloomberg (October 10) reported that the US Commerce Department on October 7 unveiled sweeping regulations that limit the sale of semiconductors and chip-making equipment to Chinese customers, striking at the foundation of its efforts to build its own chip industry. The agency also added 31 organizations to its unverified list, including Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. and a subsidiary of leading chip equipment maker Naura Technology Group Co., severely limiting their ability to buy technology from abroad. Bloomberg described the moves as the Biden administration’s most aggressive yet as it tries to stop China from developing technological capabilities it sees as a threat

China Military Online (October 11) objected to Japan's plans to create a so-called active cyber defense framework and write this in the National Security Strategy revised this year, thus authorizing relevant government agencies to carry out normalized patrol and other activities in cyberspace, especially network intrusions in a non-combat state. It said if Japan puts this plan to seek a military breakthrough in cyberspace into practice, it will be the latest proof of its attempt to subvert the post-WWII international order and negate its pacifist constitution. It is also an extremely irresponsible and dangerous move that will cause instability and conflict in cyberspace. Asserting that cyberspace should not be the new domain for Japan to repeat military expansion, it reminded that upholding the pacifist constitution is Japan’s special obligation under international law. Creating pre-emptive military forces in cyberspace and carrying out “network intrusions” violates the obligation of Japan as a losing party in WWII. It accused the US of turning Cyberspace into a geopolitical arena and in its narrow perspective of major-country competition, introducing military alliance and ideological divergences into cyberspace to stir up major-country confrontation and divide the digital domain. It said as a losing party in WWII, Japan should have cherished the peaceful environment today even more. Emphasising that the cyber issue should not be the new tool for Japan to muddy the waters in the Asia Pacific, it said Cyberspace is becoming a new position of Japan’s efforts to counter and curb China and draw conflicts to the East.

The South China Morning Post (October 12) reported that a group of 32 police officers from the Solomon Islands has flown to China to train in policing techniques and improve their understanding of Chinese culture, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said in a statement. China has provided public order management training to police in the Solomon Islands since the two countries signed a security pact in April. The 32 officers would visit different police stations in China during their month-long visit. At a White House summit with Pacific Island leaders last month, the US, seeking to counter China’s rising influence in the strategically important region, said it would send FBI law enforcement trainers to the Solomon Islands this year.

On October 9 the 19th CCP CC will convene its 7th plenum meeting. On October 16, the 20th Party Congress will open. On October 22, the Party Congress will vote on the Party Charter and Central Committee. The Congress closes the same evening. On October 23, the First Plenum Meeting of the 20th CCP CC votes on the Politburo, Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC); General Secretary (Head) of the Party, and the CCP CC's Central Secretaria

The People's Daily (October 5) published Chinese President Xi Jinping's reply of October 2, to members of the Sixth Geological Brigade of Shandong Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources under the caption 'Play a bigger role in the strategic action of prospecting breakthroughs and strive to write a new chapter of "Hero Geological Team"'. In the letter, Xi Jinping said "Mineral resources are an important material basis for economic and social development, and the exploration and development of mineral resources is related to the national economy, people's livelihood and national security. It is hoped that the comrades will vigorously carry forward the fine tradition of patriotic dedication, pioneering and innovation, and hard work, actively practice the concept of green development, increase exploration efforts, strengthen scientific and technological research, and play a greater role in the new round of strategic action for prospecting breakthroughs. National energy and resource security, make new contributions to building a socialist modern country in an all-round way, and strive to write a new chapter of the "heroic geological team".

CCTV (October 1) reported that on the evening of September 30, the State Council held a National Day reception in the Great Hall of the People to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Party and state leaders including Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Wang Qishan and nearly 500 Chinese and foreigners gathered together to celebrate the birthday of the Republic. Premier Li Keqiang delivered a speech when he affirmed "In the face of the complex and severe domestic and international situation, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the whole country is determined to forge ahead, adhere to the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept and build a new development pattern." He said, in conclusion, that "We must hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide, concentrate our efforts and forge ahead, in order to build our country Work hard to become a powerful modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful, and realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!"

Reuters (September 30) reported that meeting a delegation of the first C919 aircraft's developers in the Great Hall of the People on September 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the development of China's first medium-haul passenger jet as the embodiment of the country's drive towards self-sufficiency, with safety approval awarded to a plane that aims to challenge Western plane giants for high-tech jetliner sales. Xinhua reported him as saying the flagship development would "accelerate the construction of a manufacturing powerhouse," while stressing that China would put safety first. Xinhua quoted him as telling the developers and designers that they were the pillars and heroes of the people. Xi Jinping was accompanied by PBSC members Han Zheng and PB member Liu He.

Xinhua (September 30) reported that the Second Volume of the book "Xi Jinping Tells Stories" (Second Series) was recently published by the People's Publishing House.

Xinhua (September 30) reported that in a meeting with newly appointed Ambassadors from 42 countries in the Great Hall of the People on September 30, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said he hopes they "will make positive contributions to promoting the development of China's relations with other countries". The diplomats later attended the National Day Reception

Taiwan's Central News Agency (October 3) disclosed that at a conference held in Beijing, the CCP CC Central Party School, which trains CCP cadres, announced the establishment of the “Centre for the Study of Chinese Civilization and the Chinese Path” and the “Centre for International Communication Research.” Xie Chuntao, Vice President of the Central Party School, said at the meeting that the two centres were established to implement Xi Jinping’s ideas on the localization of Marxism, to promote Chinese civilization and to improve international communication. Li Xiguang, a Professor at Tsinghua University, pointed out that China should deepen cross-civilizational cooperation and dialogue with Eurasia and other likeminded countries around the world. Li Xiguang suggested that through the joint efforts of thinkers, academics and media from non-Western countries, China should achieve “replacing the ideas of Western colonizers and Western imperialism with our ideas.”

The Guangming Daily (October 4)'s theory page published an article by Hu Leming, Deputy Director of the Institute of Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). it spoke of "People first" and the logic of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics “. The article mentioned "we must pay close attention to the living needs of the people". It said "Taking life needs as the logical starting point of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics conforms to the practical logic of socialist economic construction with Chinese characteristics. The "Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the major achievements and historical experience of the party's centenary struggle" clearly pointed out that the people's yearning for a better life is our goal and improving people's livelihood and well-being is the essential requirement of our insistence on establishing the party for the public and governing for the people. A good life for the common people is the starting point and end point of all our work." Interestingly, it does not mention zero/dynamic-covid etc.

The South China Morning Post (October 6) reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) issued a notice on October 5, pledging to keep cracking down on misinformation and rumours related to Covid-19 and other social issues. It said that fake information on social media and short video platforms has sowed panic, anxiety, and anger over the government’s Covid policies, among other issues. The notice warned that its latest campaign will focus on rumours related to pandemic prevention, and that emergencies and societal issues will become key targets of a renewed clampdown. It mentioned short video apps Douyin and Kuaishou, microblogging site Weibo, video sharing site Bilibili, Instagram-like app Xiaohongshu, Q&A site Zhihu, film and literature discussion forum Douban.

Prof Yang Zhang at the School of International Studies, Australian University, sought to explain the age limits of the CCP and how "age limit" matters in the upcoming the CCP's 20th Party Congress. Referring to the “Seven up Eight down” rule (you stay in Politburo at 67 and you are out at 68), he said this rule was violated in 2017. In effect, “age limit” has never been institutionalized. In 1987, elders left the PBSC, but some of them—not the younger ones— kept key positions. Deng Xiaoping (83) remained CMC chairman and Chen Yun (82) took over CAC chairman. Later, Li Xiannian (80) and Yang Shangkun (81) became CPPCC chairman and state president. 1992, Liu Huaqing became PBSC member and CMC executive chairman at 76, and the even older Zhang Zhen (78) was promoted to CMC vice chairman. In Politburo, Zhang replaced Yang Baibin (72), who was six years younger. Power balance, not age, was the primary consideration. 1997, this was the first time that the rule of age limit was weaponized in power struggle. Jiang Zemin (71) used the age of 72 as a criterion to demand then numberthree PBSC member, NPC chairman Qiao Shi (73) to retire. Jiang succeeded; “age limit” was useful. 2002, Jiang weaponized “age limit. 2007, “Seven up Eight down” continued under Hu Jintao’s reign, yet also for a political reason. Ironically, the sacrifice was Zeng Qinghong, Jiang's long-term aide. Zeng (68) was out while Jia Qinglin (67) remained in PBSC. It was then people thought the age limit became a rule.” again and this time the target was CPPCC chairman Li Ruihuan (68). All Politburo members at 68+ were asked to fully retire, except for Jiang (77) who remained CMC chairman. Power consideration was the origin of the “Seven up Eight down.” 2012, after a few scandals before the Party Congress, power transition occurred "institutionally." Hu Jintao and other veterans retired. Xi (59) and Li (57) became General Secretary and Premier. The oldest PBSC member was Yu Zhengsheng (67). Everything seemed perfect until 2017. Xi highlighted his unlimited power by breaking the rule of age limit. Li Yuanchao (67), Zhang Chunxian (64), and Liu Qibao (64) were asked to leave Politburo to offer vacancies for Xi’s men. Later, Wang Qishan (70) replaced Li as Vice President even though he was older. Age limit has often been weaponized: paramount leaders disregarded the rule; they used the rule for elite replacement; the age criterion varied for political needs. Even when the rule mattered (2007 & 2012), it was more because of Hu’s limited power. What will happen in 2022?

The CCP's leading fortnightly theoretical journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth - 2022/19 dated October 1) published an article by Liu Jianchao, Minister of the CCP CC International Liaison Department on promoting high-quality development of the party's foreign work in the new era. In the article, which mentioned Xi Jinping 12 times, Liu Jianchao said "General Secretary Xi Jinping personally planned, guided and promoted" the Party's foreign work and that "the party's foreign work is an important front of the party, an important part of the country's overall diplomacy, and an important manifestation of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics". He added that "The party's foreign work" was "making important contributions to serving national rejuvenation". He said, "On the new journey in the new era, we must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", and under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, we must thoroughly study, understand and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's guidance on the Party's foreign work." He concluded "At present, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change. The international political pattern, the global development pattern, and the world political party pattern are all undergoing profound and complex changes. We will still encounter risks and challenges that are turbulent and even stormy, but the opportunities will also be more strategic. We must unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, further study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on the Party's external work and turn the mighty ideological power into a powerful driving force for the high-quality development of the Party's external work. ... welcome the victory of the party's 20th National Congress with excellent results, and make greater contributions to building a socialist modern country in an all-round way and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!" ii) The same issue of Qiu Shi published an article by three Xinhua journalists captioned: 'Open up a new realm of major-country diplomacy'.

The German Marshal Fund reported (October 5) that Chinese officials in meetings with EU counterparts "made clear that the use of nuclear weapons by Russia would be viewed as totally unacceptable in Beijing". Its newsletter also said that Chinese diplomats are sending warnings to the government about its pursuit of a harder line. Shi Mingde, a well-connected former Chinese ambassador to Germany, spent several days in Berlin in September meeting with a wide range of government officials—including Scholz’s chief of staff, Wolfgang Schmidt— think tankers and industry representatives. A fluent German speaker, Shi Mingde is usually in charm-offensive mode when he passes through Berlin. But this time was different, according to several people who participated in his meetings. One summed up Shi’s message this way: “If you continue down this path with China, then you’ll be sorry.” Another said Shi noted that Beijing was in the process of finalizing concrete deliverables with Paris ahead of a looming visit by President Emmanuel Macron. “He made clear that Germany needed to get its act together or we would be left behind,” the second person said.

Xinhua (October 6) published a list of the heads of state of countries that congratulated China on the occasion of its 73rd National Day on October 1. In order of listing these were: France, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, Venezuela, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Suriname.

As Chinese diplomats and analysts close to the government have made clear in the months since, the GSI marks a significant shift in Chinese foreign policy. It directly challenges the role of U.S. alliances and partnerships in global security and seeks to revise global security governance to make it more compatible with the regime security interests of the Chinese Communist Party. During his first two terms, Xi transformed China’s approach to internal security in ways that caught the world off-guard—writing China’s first-ever national security strategy and a host of new security laws, restructuring the country’s domestic security apparatus, purging and jailing many of the security forces’ top leaders, building a massive surveillance state, and intensifying repression at a speed that few outside observers predicted. The guiding framework for those efforts was something that Xi called the “comprehensive national security concept,” which was really a regime security concept codified as grand strategy. Now, Xi is applying that framework to foreign policy, attempting to remake regional and global security order to guard against threats to China’s domestic stability and further consolidate the party’s grip on power. Sheena Chestnut Grietens, University of Texas, Austin, says: "It was easy to miss GSI's significance when it was announced in April. We had heard a lot of the phrases from the Chinese political system before. Plus, the world was pretty focused on Ukraine. Early scholarship on the GSI (from e.g., CICIR, etc) talks about it as an extension of the comprehensive national security concept (which was also similarly vague when announced in April 8 yrs. ago). But in Xi's first two terms, it transformed internal security in China. The comprehensive national security concept resulted in a reorganization of China's militarysecurity organisation chart. A raft of natsec laws: NGO's, border security, criminal procedure, counterterrorism, intelligence, data security, cybersecurity, Hong Kong, etc. I think the general expansion of "int'l public security cooperation" as PRC leaders have termed it since ~2017, is part of the trend I am describing. Not sure of the legal basis, but expanded use of police liaisons abroad is being directly advocated by the MPS leadership since 2019.

The official website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CDIC) and the State Supervision Commission (SSC) on September 29 and 30, reported that seven provincial and ministerial officials, referred to as 'Tigers', who were sacked were dealt with intensively.

The South China Morning Post (October 1) quoted analysts as saying that the China’s navy with two aircraft carriers commissioned and another launched in June is struggling to meet increased demand for qualified ship-borne fighter jet pilots. An article published in Ordnance Industry Science Technology, a Chinese military magazine, said the PLA Navy has sped up carrier-based fighter jet pilot training programmes in the decade since the commissioning of its first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, but its lack of a fighter trainer specifically designed for carrier-based operations has hindered progress. It said also that the JL-9G trainer cannot be used to simulate emergency landings on a flight deck. Beijing-based naval expert Li Jie said with Fujian, China is third and most advanced aircraft carrier, having started sea trials last week, the PLA needed at least 200 qualified carrier-based fighter jet pilots to operate 130 ship-borne aircraft.

The China Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision News (the official paper of the CDIC) published (October 5) a feature interview on technological self-reliance authored jointly by Mu Rongping, Director of the Innovation and Development Research Centre of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CASS); Xing Huaibin, Deputy Director of the Strategic Planning Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology; and Pan Jianwei, CASS & Vice President of the Science and Technology University. The article asserted "The ten years since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China have been the decade in which my country has made the greatest progress in science and technology and its strength has risen the fastest". Ma Rongping said, "Now that my country has become the world's second largest economy, and its R&D investment is also at the forefront of the world, we have the basic conditions for building a powerful country in science and technology." In addition to emphasising self-reliance in S&T, Xing Huabin stressed the importance of putting "technological innovation at the core of development". They stressed "Now that we are building a new development pattern, the most critical condition is that our industrial chain and supply chain must be safe. Mastering key core technologies is a basic support and basic condition for the security of our industrial chain and supply chain. In this sense, mastering key core technologies is not only because of the current foreign blockade, but also from the perspective of our own long-term sustainable development, we must also firmly grasp key core technologies in our own hands." Xing Huaibin said "Compared with the last time, there are two very important changes this time. One is that the international situation we are facing has undergone important changes, and the other is that the issues of development and security have become more and more prominent. We must coordinate development and security". He disclosed that China "has planned to build more than 70 major scientific and technological infrastructures, and more than 30 have been put into operation"

Sixth Tone (September 30) quoting provincial government reports said at least six provincial governments as well as local authorities in ten cities — including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing — have issued either development plans with a focus on the metaverse or specific supportive measures for people working in the field. These indicate that Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Wuhan, along with the eastern Shandong province, plan to provide subsidies ranging from 2 million yuan to 200 million yuan ($282,000-$28 million) for metaverse...projects, along with housing benefits to attract talent. It added that most recently Henan announced its ambitious plan to join the metaverse race. The province plans to build a 30-billion-yuan metaverse industry and cultivate 10 metaverse companies with “core competitiveness” along with hundreds of specialized and smaller ones by 2025.

On October 1, the Chinese authorities decided to give back personal income tax from transactions of personal apartments if the seller buys another home within one year, in an apparent bid to incentivize real estate transactions.

Caixin (October 1) stated that according to a Caixin-sponsored survey, activity in China’s manufacturing sector contracted for the second month in September as Covid controls across the country suppressed factory output and new orders. The Caixin China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which gives an independent snapshot of the country’s manufacturing sector, came in at 48.1 in August, down from 49.5 the previous month. Readings lower than 50 indicate contraction. Separately, Bloomberg (September 30) said the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index has lost 14% to rank as the worst performer among major equity benchmarks globally this month. Hovering around the lowest since the global financial crisis, it is now trading at 0.6 times book value, the cheapest ever.

Taiwan's China News Agency disclosed that as China’s enrolment examination for a 2023 Master’s degree opened for registration, it is estimated that the number of applicants will approximate or even exceed 5.2 million. Due to the Covid-19 epidemic and economic slowdown, many college graduates are considering further education as an escape from the tough job market. According to China's Ministry of Education, this year, the number of fresh graduates from China’s colleges and universities set a record, reaching 10.76 million. It is the first time that the number has exceeded 10 million. (Comment: Chinese students take a nationwide enrolment examination so as to apply for the Master’s program. Last year, the number of applicants for the 2022 Master’s program was 4.57 million. Li Lin, the director of the graduate programs at the New Oriental Education & Technology Group, a provider of private educational services in China, recently said that, out of the 5.2 million applicants, 1.3 million will be admitted. The number of applicants for the 2017 Master’s program was only 2 million.)

The Yunnan Daily (October 5) published an article on Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo's inspection tour of Yunnan colleges under the caption 'Bearing in mind the mission of casting souls and educating people, implementing the mission of building morality and cultivating people, and taking practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress'. It said 'Wang Yubo went deep into the two universities to investigate ideological construction, ideological and political education, etc., and communicated with teachers and students who are carrying out activities such as learning seminars on the theme of welcoming the 20th National Congress and training for activists joining the party. He described the 20th Party Congress 'as a major event in the political life of the party and the country, and a historic event for the entire party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country'. He said, 'Colleges and universities should strive to create a good atmosphere of "welcoming the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and forging ahead with a new journey", guiding and educating teachers and students to keep in mind the entrustment, diligent study, good thinking, gratitude and progress, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress'. He added 'It is necessary to educate young students to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", to further strengthen their belief in Marxism, socialism with Chinese characteristics, and confidence in realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The socialist builders and successors of development. It is necessary to fully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important exposition on the construction of ideological and political courses, and to firmly establish the concept of "leaders' good ideological and political courses is a responsibility, teachers' good ideological and political courses are glorious, and students' good ideological and political courses are wealth", and go deeper Carefully and effectively do a good job of ideological and political education for teachers and students in colleges and universities, and build a high-quality ideological and political education system in an all-round way.'

The Sichuan Daily (October 4) published an article on Sichuan promoting optimization of business environment to enhance economic "hard power" with a superior "soft environment". Among the incentives it listed that last month Sichuan provided enterprises with point-to-point, face-to-face, zero-distance personalized services. Up to now, more than 4,000 units (times) of inspection and verification services have been provided for the enterprise, and the enterprise fee has been reduced by more than 500,000 yuan". It said "On September 15, the General Office of the Provincial Government issued the "Three-Year Action Plan for "All-in-One Service" in Sichuan Province, to comprehensively improve the business support capabilities of "One-Web Service", technical support capabilities, data support capabilities, element electronic support capabilities, service innovation capabilities, comprehensively promote the "one-stop service" key demonstration projects and other aspects to make plans and deployments, continue to deepen the "one-stop service" under the premise of "run at most once" reform , accelerate the construction of a unified, convenient and efficient online government service system in the province, and continuously meet the multi-level and diversified service needs of enterprises and the masses."

The Guizhou Daily (October 4) published an article copied from Xinhua on whole-process people's democracy. It was captioned 'Better ensure that the people are the masters of the country——Seeing the advantages of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics from the perspective of the whole process of people's democracy'. Guizhou Daily (October 5) reported that Guizhou Party Secretary Chen Yiqin, at the province's epidemic prevention and control and safety and stability work scheduling meeting on October 5, emphasized that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be held soon. 'It is very important to do a good job in epidemic prevention and control, security and stability, and economic and social development in the province. All departments at all levels in the province must thoroughly implement the important instructions and requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping's "epidemic must be prevented, the economy must be stabilized, and development must be safe", and with the sense of responsibility of "always rest assured", go all out to do all the work well.' Chen Yiqin also emphasized that 'security and stability must be watched closely' to 'resolutely ensure that nothing happens. Leading cadres at all levels must work hard, grasp the work of the "Eight Strict Preventions" in a meticulous and detailed manner, and be more serious, strictly supervise and guide them, and better discover and solve problems. Keep the bottom line of security and stability. All localities and departments must fulfil their responsibilities and focus on key areas of safety and stability' ... 'and resolutely prevent major production safety accidents and incidents'. It said the meeting also 'demanded that the economic market must be fully stabilized'.

The Guizhou Daily (October 3) reported that Shi Hui, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, presided over the special meeting of the Party's 20th National Congress of Stability Maintenance and Security Work. The article captioned 'Keep an eye on the key points, improve the working mechanism, be serious and disciplined, go all out to ensure the safety and stability of the overall social situation of the province' said that Shi Hui emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on safety and stability work, resolutely implement the requirements of the province's safety and stability work conference and safety production video and telephone conferences, focus on key points, improve work mechanisms, and be serious in disciplinary style. He exhorted cadres to "do a good job of safety and stability in all aspects and fields, go all out to ensure the safety and stability of the overall social situation in the province, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". Shi Hui pointed out that doing a good job in maintaining the stability and security of the Party's 20th National Congress is a major political task and a top priority given to us by the Party and the people.

The Hubei Daily (October 4) published an article captioned 'Jingmen's "practical work to break the problem" promotes urban civilization -- "solved over 40,000 problems the masses are anxious about". Stating that in 2020, Jingmen was awarded the sixth national civilized city, and now it is striving to become a national civilized model city, it listed its "Knock on the Door Action" to collect wishes of the people and others like stopping littering of garbage, frequent accidents of people and vehicles rushing to the road, and serious filth in the "three noes" community.

PLA Senior Colonel Zhou Bo delivered the keynote address at a seminar co-hosted by King's College and the Indian Centre for Policy Research on September 21-23. He said, "It's only a matter of time before a Chinese carrier strike group appears in the Indian Ocean" and urged India to get used to China's "South Asian presence". He added "It is no secret that India does not want to see China's expanding influence in South Asia. In fact, the bilateral relations between many South Asian countries and China have been interfered with and suppressed by India to varying degrees.' 'India should not interfere with the sovereignty of its South Asian neighbours and force them to take a side between China and India." 'In contrast, China has never thwarted India's "Look East" or "Act East" policy. SE Asia is important to China's geographical environment, but China has never interfered in India's development of its political, economic, and military relations with any Southeast Asian country." 'India always complains about China’s provision of military equipment to Pakistan, but China never complains about Russia’s provision of military equipment to India. In 2017, China accepted India and Pakistan into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with openness and generosity." "I do not think it's necessary to remind everyone that during the Ming Dynasty, Zheng He's fleet, the most powerful fleet in the world, went to the Indian Ocean seven times." "Therefore, China is not a newcomer to the Indian Ocean. To safeguard China's growing interests in the Indian Ocean and maintain the security of strategic sea lanes, the Chinese navy must maintain or even strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean. " "It is only a matter of time before a Chinese carrier strike group appears in the Indian Ocean. Since the end of 2008, the Chinese navy has been sending naval formations to patrol the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin in the Indian Ocean. " "In 2017, China established its first overseas military base in Djibouti to safeguard anti-piracy operations. But there is no instance of Chinese military presence in the Indian Ocean causing security damage to India. In fact, the two sides have had fruitful cooperation. " "In May 2011, the Chinese and Indian navies cooperated with NATO to rescue the Chinese merchant vessel Full City, which was hijacked by Somali pirates. In the future, Chinese and Indian naval vessels are bound to meet more frequently in the Indian Ocean." "Friction and even conflict between the two sides is possible if India, with an Akhand Bharat mentality, regards the Indian Ocean as the “Great Ocean for Hindus” or India as a “net security provider” for the Indian Ocean." ii) The South China Morning Post (October 3) separately quoted from Sr. Colonel Zhou Bo's speech and highlighted his observation cautioning India that 'the United States, not China, is the real challenger to India’s rights and interests in the Indian Ocean. It said he called on the Asian neighbours to better manage their differences and stabilise ties. Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University’s Centre for International Security and Strategy, pointed to last year’s sailing of the USS John Paul Jones guided missile destroyer into waters claimed by India as its exclusive economic zone. Recalling that “The US Navy’s Seventh Fleet issued a written statement saying it did so because the US would challenge India’s ‘excessive maritime claims’, which was met with an Indian backlash,” Zhou Bo said “India’s exclusive economic zone covers one-thirtieth of the Indian Ocean. In other words, the United States’ claim to challenge India means that, at least in the eyes of Americans, a thirtieth of the Indian Ocean is not free and open because of India.” He urged India not to see Beijing as a challenger to its interests in the Indian Ocean, despite the dispute in the Himalayas that “cannot be resolved in the foreseeable future”. He added that India must recognise that China’s naval activities in the Indian Ocean would inevitably become more frequent and “To safeguard China’s growing interests in the Indian Ocean and maintain the security of strategic sea lanes, the Chinese navy must maintain or even strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean.” “It is only a matter of time before a Chinese carrier strike group appears in the Indian Ocean.”

A report issued in October 2022 by the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Taiwan and China's business linkages, assessed that Taiwanese companies are highly concerned about their potential over dependence on the Chinese economy and the possibility of a military conflict. It said in 2021, two-way trade between China (both Mainland China and Hong Kong) and Taiwan was $273 billion, with China accounting for 42.3 percent of Taiwan’s exports. Through the end of 2021, cumulative Taiwanese investment in China totalled nearly 200 billion USD. And as of 2020 (the last year for which data is available), there were an estimated 240,000 Taiwanese working in Mainland China. Among the surveyed companies 60% had ongoing operations in China. Just over half of respondents reported that China accounts for less than 10% of their total revenue, and another 20% said China accounts for 10 to 25 % of their business. That means 25% depended on China for a quarter or more of their revenue. These numbers show the possible magnitude of economic costs stemming from the decisions to relocate from China. 76% of respondents agreed with the statement, “Taiwan needs to reduce its economic dependence on Mainland China,” while only 20% disagreed. Over a quarter of the surveyed Taiwanese firms with business in China had already moved some of their production or sourcing out of China, and another third were considering doing so. The AmCham reported in their latest survey that around 16% of their members, all American companies, had “redirected business from China to Taiwan over the past five years.” Only 30% percent said they had no plans to move at all. Of those on the move, a substantial majority (63%) were moving to Southeast Asia, but slightly over half were moving some of their business back to Taiwan

China Global South (October 3) disclosed that the Chinese government recently dispatched Liu Jiingjie, head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at the MPS, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for talks with security officials on how to better protect Chinese nationals in the country. He held a meeting of a new bilateral working group that included officials from the Congolese national police, the interior ministry and the prime minister’s office. The focus of Liu’s discussions was reportedly on how to reduce the number of kidnappings of Chinese nationals.

Voice of America (September 24) reported that Columbia University recently saw the launch of Students for a Free Tibet, its first Tibetan student organization and an offshoot of the international organization Students for a Free Tibet (SFT). The association hopes to provide a platform for the students to communicate and engage in activities in solidarity with the people of Tibet who are under the oppressive rule of the Chinese Communist Party. The organization has put up posters in several academic buildings, inviting students interested in Sino-Tibetan studies and Sino-Tibetan relations to learn about Tibetan culture and participate in campus activities. Examples include such as topics as Tibetan food, movies, and cultural festivals. It said on Wednesday September 21, a number of SFT posters “disappeared.” In their place someone scrawled the words “Tibet is an inseparable part of the People’s Republic of China.” A letter in Chinese appeared next to a poster at Columbia’s School of International Public Affairs (SIPA), warning students that, as Chinese, they should not tolerate but should back down from this “separatist act” and should not be silent or appeased. Sveta Li, one of the founders of SFT Columbia, suspected that the Chinese embassy was behind the incident and that the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) played the role of collecting information from the campus and reporting to the Chinese Embassy.

A Kazakh government spokesperson was quoted by South China Morning Post (September 5) saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Kazakhstan next week. The visit will take place on September 14, according to the announcement at a briefing by the Kazakh foreign ministry. He could thereafter visit Samarkand, Russia to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (September 15-16) meeting and meet Russian President Putin. (Comment: This will be Xi's first overseas trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and second by a member of the PBSC.)

Xinhua (September 6) reported that Xi Jinping presided over the twenty-seventh meeting of the Central Committee for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms in Beijing on September 6. The meeting stressed the need to improve the new nationwide system for tackling key and core technologies, and comprehensively strengthen resource conservation. Those attending included Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and PBSC members Wang Huning and Han Zheng.

Xinhua (September 4) reported that Politburo Standing Committee member and NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu began his first trip abroad (since the onset of Covid) with a visit to Russia to attend the seventh Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on September 7. He is scheduled to thereafter visit Mongolia, Nepal, and South Korea till September 17. He will arrive in Nepal on September 12 where he is scheduled to meet Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. He has been invited by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Agni Prasad Sapkota. (Comment: Li Zhanshu is the first member of the PBSC to travel abroad since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. This appears to be Li Zhanshu's final foreign tour before the 20th Party Congress and probably he steps down from the PBSC in March 2023.)

The 7th Plenum of the 19th Party Congress is scheduled to start in Beijing on October 9th in preparation for the 20th Party Congress. (Comment: The 7th Plenum of the CCP CC usually discusses the Work Report to be presented to the Party Congress and finalises the date for the Party Congress and National People's Congress sessions.)

Ling Li, a Researcher on East Asian Economy and Society, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Vienna, wrote an 'explainer' on the 20th Party Congress for the Diplomat (September 1, 2022). Its main points: When we talk about succession of the Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC), we should not conflate and treat all candidates as the same but separate them into three groups because these groups enjoy different levels of privileges. Sitting PBSC members enjoy more privileges than aspiring candidates from outside of the PSC. A PBSC member enjoys extendable tenure unless he a) is unseated through the disciplinary procedure, b) voluntarily retires or c) reaches the age limit (most notably since 2002). a) is extremely difficult. b) rarely happens. c) is currently the only operating mechanism that regulates the exits of the PBSC members. Hence, it is very valuable to keep it alive for the operation of the Party to avoid gerontocracy. Age limit (7up8down) is the only observable pattern of the exits of PBSC members since 2002. All sitting PBSC members at or above 68 at the time of election had retired. All at 67 or below stayed, with no exception. There are cases where age-qualified Politburo members failed to retain their seats. But that's not aberrant & doesn't necessarily contradict the age limit rule because they don't have the privilege of PBSC members & age is not the only factor that regulates their exits. Consent-engineering at the voting sites is only one method to ensure the electoral outcome. The more impactful measures but least discussed are campaign restrictions. These measures together ensure predictable electoral outcomes at the Congress. I identify the Standing Committee of the Chairman-League of the Party Congress (SCOCL) as the official collective body that approves the nominations of Central Committee members. SCOCL has around 40 members but its size is not fixed. Regular members of the SCOCL are comprised of all sitting members of the Politburo, the PBSC, and the Central Secretariat. Since 2002, all living retired and not purged PBSC members have also enjoyed a seat at the SCOCL. I suspect that this very mechanism, namely, to allow retiring and retired PSC members a say in the selection of future leaders, is perhaps the secret behind the peaceful power succession that has been widely acknowledged by China observers. Lastly, I stress that institutions are of pivotal importance for the Party because institutions are appreciated by the Party for its enabling function as much as they are appreciated for its power-constraining function elsewhere

The People's Court Daily (September 7) reported that the Chief Justice of China's Supreme People's Court Zhou Qiang, when presiding over the collective study seminar of the 'enlarged' theoretical study centre group of the Party group of the Supreme People's Court on September 6, emphasized the in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech to welcome the victory of the 20th Party Congress with practical actions.

Xinhua (September 5) reported that the opening ceremony of the 2022 Fall semester of the Central Institute of Socialism was held in Beijing on September 5. Hao Mingjin, NPC Vice Chairman and President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) attended and delivered a speech. Hao Mingjin emphasized that the majority of the members of the United Front must fully, accurately, and comprehensively understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on doing a good job in the Party's united front work in the new era, adhere to the overall leadership of the Communist Party of China, strive to promote the great unity of the Chinese nation, and jointly compose the United Front and a new chapter in the cause of multi-party cooperation. Chen Xu, Deputy Minister of the CCP CC United Front Work Department, pointed out that in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of the Central United Front Work Conference is an important political task for the United Front at present and in the future. Gong Jianming, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Peasants, and Workers Party delivered a speech on behalf of the Central Committees of the democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and people without party affiliation. Jilin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Central Academy of Social Sciences, presided over the meeting

Zhang Baijia, former Deputy Director of the Party History Research Office of the CCP Central Committee, wrote an article captioned 'To formulate the correct foreign policy, three factors are particularly important - to gain the initiative in the complex international game' in the Beijing Daily (September 5). He listed the three factors as: "First, accurately judge the international situation. Judging from the party's historical experience, the objective international situation and the judgment of the international situation are two issues. Because it is not the objectively existing international situation that directly affects or decides policy formulation, but the decision-makers' judgment on the objective situation. Only when the judgment is accurate and the subjective meets the objective can the correct policies be formulated. Second, correctly handle the relationship between domestic affairs and foreign affairs." "After the reform and opening up, a major change in the guiding ideology of China's diplomatic work is to clarify that the main purpose of diplomatic work is to serve the central work of the party and the country, and to create a favourable external environment for China's modernization drive. This is a particularly big change in China's diplomacy. Third, know yourself and the enemy, and it is especially important to understand the limits of each other's strengths and learn to think in empathy. In order to prevail in complex international games, one must know oneself and one's enemy. An important aspect is to know the limits of each other's strength, which is very important when gaming. Empathy cannot be simply understood as thinking about others, including this element, but more importantly, to ensure the effectiveness of our proposed policies. Only by learning to think in the position of others can we predict which policies or plans we propose are acceptable or possible to the other party, and which are impossible to accept. Only in this way can our proposed policies be truly targeted and truly solve the problem." Discussing how to gain the initiative in complex international games, Zhang Baijia said "The most basic difference between dealing with foreign affairs, international issues and dealing with domestic affairs is that in foreign affairs, there are a lot of factors that cannot be directly controlled, not unilateral actions, but interactions. This is very different from formulating and implementing domestic policies". He said, "To achieve benign interaction and gain relative advantages in international games, some form of united front is inseparable". Quoting Mao, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping at some length, Zhang Baijia said " the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" has an international character and is derived from recognized international norms and the UN Charter, and none of them was initiated by China", however, "these five principles also reflect the characteristics of the combination of morality and law in traditional Chinese political culture. It is worth noting that there is also the manner and timing of the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence". Although these five principles were first proposed by Zhou Enlai in 1953 during the China-India (degree) negotiation on the Tibet issue, they really aroused extensive international attention and had a major international impact. The Joint Statement was jointly put forward by the Prime Ministers of China and Myanmar. The timing and the way of presentation made the Five Principles an unprecedented response in the Cold War era. Khrushchev pointed out in the report of the 20th National Congress of the CPSU that if the United States and the Soviet Union can handle their mutual relations in accordance with the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" proposed by China, India then bilateral relations can be improved, and world peace can also be achieved and guaranteed. It is extremely rare for the Soviets to highly affirm the foreign policies of other countries. The case of "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence" can cause us a lot of thinking, and it can also give us new inspiration today."

Discussing the "community of common destiny" and reasons for its non-acceptability internationally, Wang Yiwei Vice President of the Institute of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Renmin University of China, Professor of the School of International Relations, and Jiangyang, the Director of the Institute of International Governance of the China Academy of Cyberspace, in an article in the Beijing Daily (September 5) differentiated between "Secular thinking and religious thinking". They said "Different from the European Community, the Community of Shared Future for Mankind is a community of all mankind that respects sovereignty. The concepts and thinking it advocates can prevent the emergence of inequality in which the weak depend on the strong. As for the community of human destiny, the West (monotheism) emphasizes the concept of destiny of inevitability, India (polytheism) emphasizes the concept of fate of contingency, and China (atheism) advocates the concept of destiny that unifies necessity and contingency, that is, the concept of virtuousness, virtue, and life. In fact, the West has rich ideas of "community of mankind" and even the formulation of "community of mankind", while China's innovation lies in the expression of "luck", an era of human relations, and extending it to the height of a community with a shared future for mankind. "Fate" is not the "destiny" of the past life, nor the "destiny" of the next life, but the "common destiny" of this life. In the Chinese context, destiny is autonomous, because people can be "heavy and fertile". "Common destiny" liberates people from external authority on the one hand, and shapes a united and common human value dimension on the other hand.

A People's Daily (September 5) article captioned 'The Communist Party of China is the most reliable backbone of our great achievements', stated that with effect from September 5, the People's Daily will "launch a series of summaries on "Navigating China", focusing on the "Ten Clarifications", comprehensively and systematically presenting the powerful force of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era that originates from practice and guides practice, vividly reflecting the profoundness of General Secretary Xi Jinping. The strategic plan, the strong mission, and the profound feelings for the people fully demonstrate the vivid practice of implementing new ideas and opening up new situations in various regions, departments and fields, as well as the new changes and real new changes that the masses can perceive and feel."

Well known critic of Chinese President Xi Jinping and former senior member of the faculty of the Central Party School in Beijing, Cai Xia wrote an article (Foreign Affairs, Sept/Oct 2022) titled 'The Weakness of Xi Jinping -- How Hubris and Paranoia Threaten China’s Future'. She claimed that "But behind the scenes, his power is being questioned as never before." She warned "Trapped in an echo chamber and desperately seeking redemption, he may even do something catastrophically ill advised, such as attack Taiwan. Xi may well ruin something China has earned over the course of four decades: a reputation for steady, competent leadership. In fact, he already has." Stating that though Xi Jinping has lost support from all factions, he has probably been able to frighten his opponents into silence, Cai Xia said: "Xi will no doubt see his victory as a mandate to do whatever he wants to achieve the party’s stated goal of rejuvenating China. His ambitions will rise to new heights. In a futile attempt to invigorate the economy without empowering the private sector, Xi will double down on his statist economic policies. ... Xi might even try to stay in power well beyond a third term. An emboldened Xi may well accelerate his militarization of disputed areas of the South China Sea and try to forcibly take over Taiwan. ... But none of these moves would make discontent within the party magically disappear." She suggested that "The only viable way of changing course, so far as I can see, is also the scariest and deadliest: a humiliating defeat in a war. If Xi were to attack Taiwan, his likeliest target, there is a good chance that the war would not go as planned ... . In that event, the elites and the masses would abandon Xi, paving the way for not only his personal downfall but perhaps even the collapse of the CCP as we know it."

A Commentator's article in the People's Daily (September 2) on the recently released “Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Population-Wide ( 全 民 ) National Defense Education Work” stated that “strengthening national defence education and ideas regarding national defence for all citizens is an important strategic issue highly prioritized by the Party and country.” The article pointed out that Xi Jinping has established Martyr’s Day (烈士纪念 日) and National Memorial Day (国家公祭日). The article stated that the world has become increasingly turbulent and more prone to change, meaning that the “country’s security situation has become increasingly unstable and uncertain". It noted that “great-power games have intensified,” and that the “struggle against anti-secessionist activity has become increasingly severe and complicated.” It also notes increasingly prominent issues related to maritime disputes and the “increased likelihood of chaos on our doorstep,” thus making the task of “defending the country’s political security and social stability more formidable.”
 
 (Comment: The phrase: “increased likelihood of chaos on our doorstep,” thus making the task of “defending the country’s political security and social stability more formidable” is unusual and relevant for India.)

Lt Gen Wang Qiang, Deputy Commander and Commander of WTC Airforce, was promoted in Beijing on September 8, to a General. He now takes over as the Commander of PLA's Northern Theatre Command. (Comment: Wang Qiang is the second PLAAF officer to be appointed PLA Theatre Commander. The first was the former Commander of the PLA Central Theatre Command)

The Guangming Daily (September 7) published six articles on the PLA covering an entire page.

An article in the PLA Daily (September 2) captioned "A great era calls for a great spirit, and a noble cause needs an example to lead"——Record of the work of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core concerned about the merits and honours" described Xi Jinping as the "Hero model, shining coordinates of the Chinese nation; meritorious honour, spiritual motivation to inspire forward". It said "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has stood at the strategic height of realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, honouring heroes, paying tribute to heroes and martyrs, and caring for role models. Establish and improve the system of honours and honours with Chinese characteristics, give full play to the guiding and exemplary role of honours and honours, and promote the whole society to respect and learn from heroes, so as to form a good situation in which heroes are born in large numbers in the new era." It declared: "A great era calls for a great spirit, and a lofty cause needs to be led by an example."

The state-owned CGTN (September 5) announced that China's large transport aircraft Y-20, codenamed "Kunpeng," was displayed at the two-day Airpower 2022 in Austria. Designed and manufactured by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the Y-20 has a maximum take-off weight of around 200 tons. The Y-20 aircraft set off from an airport in central China and arrived in Zeltweg on the same day, with a one-way distance of nearly 10,000 kilometres. It is the first time for the Y-20 aircraft to head toward Europe to participate in an international air show. It added that with outstanding performances in cruise range, payload and speed, the Y-20 is an important tool for long-range strategic delivery and the strategic transformation of the Chinese Air Force in both offensive and defensive capabilities

The China Police Daily (September 6) reported that a meeting was held recently to thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on strengthening the work of veteran cadres and the Party Central Committee's decision-making and deployment, according to the Central Office's "On Strengthening the Party Building Work for Retired Cadres in the New Era" The Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security recently issued the "Opinions on Strengthening the Party Building Work of Retired Cadres in Public Security Organs in the New Era". The Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security pointed out that "retired cadres are the precious wealth of the party and the country, and an important force in advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era" and for inheriting the red genes of public security. It disclosed that there are presently 460,000 retired cadres in public security organs across the country. It said "They have experienced long-term training in party life and hard life. They are extremely loyal to the party and love the cause of public security. They have rich political wisdom, work experience, and life experience".

A People's Daily (September 5) article captioned 'Build a national network security "firewall" ——A summary of the achievements of my country's network security work' stressed that "Without cybersecurity, there would be no national security, no stable economic and social operation, and it would be difficult to protect the interests of the broad masses of the people". Listing the various measures to strengthen cybersecurity and emphasising that, in the final analysis, the competition in cyberspace is the competition for talents, it disclosed that on July 1, 2022, under the guidance of the Central Cyberspace Administration of China, the Student Innovation Funding Program of the School of Cyber Security was officially launched. It identified Tianrongxin Technology Group, Qi'anxin Group, Weilai, Ant Group, and China Internet Development Foundation Network Security Special Fund, as sponsors for 1,200 students to carry out innovative research for 5 consecutive years

The Epoch Times (August 29) reported that a local Commitment to Practice statement for attorneys was posted on the Internet. Attorneys are required to sign in order to practice law. The statement specified that the signee agree to five promises. The first promise is to “Uphold the guidance of Socialism with the Chinese Characteristics of Xi Jinping’s new era, to uphold the authority of the communist party’s central committee with Xin Jinping as the core and central leadership, and to endorse the communist party’s leadership.” The second item is to follow the law for attorneys , attorney’s business ethics and practice disciplines, and other requirements for attorneys. The third to fifth items are to follow the regulations on attorney’s interactions with other legal professional, follow the management of the judicial administrative office and the attorney association, and to establish the right law practice ideas. However, attorneys are saying different regions have similar commitment documents for them to sign and they all stress following the party’s leadership

Mao Ning, the new spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officially presided over the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 5 and became the 33rd spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Sichuan Daily (September 2) disclosed that recently the number of confirmed cases in the province had increased, and there have been infected people outside the control in many places. This round of epidemic has spread to 20 cities (prefectures), especially in Chengdu. It said in order to thoroughly implement the major decisions and deployments made by General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee on epidemic prevention and control and resolutely curb the spread of the epidemic, the General Office of the Provincial Party Committee, and the General Office of the Provincial Government on September 1, issued the "Notice on Organizing Party Members and Cadres to Work at the Grass-roots Level to Participate in Epidemic Prevention and Control". The Notice said all cities (prefectures) must adhere to the general strategy of "foreign import, internal defence rebound" and the general policy of "dynamic clearing", and resolutely implement the important requirements of "prevent the epidemic, stabilise the economy, and ensure safety in development". It pointed out that the leading and leading role of leading cadres should be brought into full play.

Reuters (September 5) reported that a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck China's Sichuan province on September 4, the strongest to hit the region since 2017, killing more than 30 people and shaking the provincial capital of Chengdu and more distant provinces. Some roads and homes near the epicentre were damaged by landslides, while communications were down in at least one area, state television reported. No damage to dams and hydropower stations within 50 km (31 miles) of the epicentre was reported, although damage to the provincial grid had affected power to about 40,000 end-users. The epicentre was at the town of Luding, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said, in the mountains about 226 km southwest of Chengdu. The state-owned CCTV (September 5) in its newscast stated that 'Xi Jinping gave important instructions on the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Luding County, Ganzi, Sichuan, and emphasised saving lives and making every effort to rescue the affected people to minimize casualties as the primary tasks. The Guangming Daily (September 6) published this news and added that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had similarly issued instructions.

Bloomberg (September 5) reported Yang Yinkai, Deputy Secretary General at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), as telling journalists on September 4 that China will accelerate its stimulus rollout in the third quarter as it tries to recover from a second quarter marred by pandemic-related losses. He said it’s “crucially important” for the country to adopt supportive policies this quarter. He was speaking alongside officials from the central bank and other government ministries. He and the other officials noted that 300 billion yuan ($43.6 billion) in funds have been distributed through a policy bank financing program, which is intended to spur infrastructure investment this year. They said local governments have also sold 3.5 trillion yuan worth of special bonds through August, including almost all of the bond quota allocated for construction projects. At the same briefing, central bank Deputy Governor Liu Guoqiang addressed the currency’s weakness, saying authorities will be able to keep the yuan stable. Shortly after his comments, the PBOC cut the foreign-currency reserve ratio by 2 percentage points, a move aimed at boosting the yuan. Liu Guoqiang said, “Movements that are reasonable, equilibrium and basically stable is what we’d like to see,” and that such a trend would “not be allowed to change.” He added that the “spill-over impact of US monetary policy is controllable” due to the resilience of the Chinese economy and the rising flexibility of the yuan’s exchange rate.

Victims of the Henan Village Bank scandal gathered at the clearing bank, Bank of Nanjing's branch in Hanzhou City, Zhejiang Province on September 2 to protest. They were soon taken away by the police. China's state-owned CCTV (September 3) reported that Beijing, Heilongjiang, and Qinghai recently held press conferences on the theme of "This Decade of China" to introduce the remarkable achievements of local economic and social development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The People's Daily (September 3) disclosed that the State Council recently issued the "Opinions on Supporting Shandong in Deepening the Conversion of New and Old Growth Drivers to Promote Green, Low-Carbon and High-Quality Development" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"), supporting Shandong in deepening the conversion of new and old kinetic energy. It said the path of transformation and development will further enhance the vitality of regional development, and accelerate the promotion of green, low-carbon and high-quality development. The "Opinions" require that, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on "walking in the forefront and making an all-round development" in Shandong work shall be implemented, and the general tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability shall be adhered to, complete and accurate. The "Opinions" proposed development goals for 2027 and 2035 and listed seven main tasks to be deployed. These are: (i) to simultaneously reduce carbon and improve quality, comprehensively transform, and upgrade traditional industries, promote the green and high-end development of traditional pillar industries, accelerate the layout optimization and structural adjustment of heavy and chemical industries, and resolutely curb the blind development of high-energy-consuming, highemission, and low-level projects. (ii) to adhere to clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient use, promote the clean and efficient use of fossil energy, promote the large-scale and highproportion development of non-fossil energy, and optimize the layout and structure of transportation facilities. (iii) to promote the empowerment of digital green culture, actively cultivate and develop emerging industries, comprehensively promote the digital transformation of manufacturing, cultivate, and expand digital industries, vigorously develop emerging industry clusters with marine characteristics, and actively develop green and low-carbon emerging industries. (iv) to implement the innovation-driven development strategy, promote the construction of major innovation platforms, strengthen the main role of enterprises in innovation, stimulate the innovation and creativity of talents, and accelerate the shaping of new advantages for development. (v) to practice the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, strengthen the economical and intensive use of water resources, improve ecosystem functions and carbon sink capacity, establish a green and low-carbon development system and mechanism, accelerate the formation of a green and low-carbon lifestyle, and continuously improve the quality of the ecological environment . (vi) to build a high-quality development space power system, promote coordinated and coordinated development of regions within the province, improve the modernization level of urban construction and governance, solidly promote rural revitalization, and promote urban and rural regional coordination; and (vii) to build a new highland for reform and opening up, improve the marketoriented mechanism for kinetic energy conversion, build a high-efficiency service-oriented government, and expand new advantages in opening up and cooperation. The "Opinions" emphasized that the leadership of the party should be carried through the whole process and in all fields.

China's state-owned CCTV (September 3) reported that on September 1, the Shenzhou 14 astronaut crew, who was on a business trip in space, performed the first out-of-vehicle mission. This is also the first out-of-vehicle mission since the Wentian experimental module was in orbit. Writing in the China Education Daily (September 1) Zeng Tianshan, Deputy Director, and researcher of the Vocational Education Development Centre of the Ministry of Education, emphasised that President Xi Jinping pointed out that vocational education is closely related to economic and social development, and is of great significance to promoting employment and entrepreneurship, helping economic and social development, and improving people's wellbeing. He said more than 70% of students in vocational schools are from rural areas. "One vocational education, one employment, and one poverty alleviation" has become the fastest and most effective way to block the inter-generational transmission of poverty. It has played an important role in winning the battle against poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way. It said in modern times China has learned the vocational education model of Western schools, and established industrial schools such as Fujian Shipbuilding School, which are "integrated with factories and schools". It said, "since the beginning of the new era", China's vocational education has facilitated international production capacity cooperation, and served the joint construction of the "Belt and Road".

Writing in the China Education Daily (September 1) Zeng Tianshan, Deputy Director, and researcher of the Vocational Education Development Centre of the Ministry of Education, emphasised that President Xi Jinping pointed out that vocational education is closely related to economic and social development, and is of great significance to promoting employment and entrepreneurship, helping economic and social development, and improving people's wellbeing. He said more than 70% of students in vocational schools are from rural areas. "One vocational education, one employment, and one poverty alleviation" has become the fastest and most effective way to block the inter-generational transmission of poverty. It has played an important role in winning the battle against poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way. It said in modern times China has learned the vocational education model of Western schools, and established industrial schools such as Fujian Shipbuilding School, which are "integrated with factories and schools". It said, "since the beginning of the new era", China's vocational education has facilitated international production capacity cooperation, and served the joint construction of the "Belt and Road".

The China Education Daily (September 7) published an article lauding the valuable work being done by teachers in China. In a special report on this decade of education it said: The total number of full-time teachers will increased from 14.629 million in 2012 to 18.444 million in 2021, an increase of 26%; In the past ten years, the number of primary school teachers with a bachelor's degree or above has increased from 32.6% to 70.3%, and more than 50% of vocational education "double-qualified" teachers; In the past ten years, the number of postgraduate tutors in colleges and universities has increased from 229,000 to 424,000, and the number of doctoral tutors has increased from 69,000 to 132,000; The policy of living allowances for rural teachers has been fully implemented. The central government has allocated 25.01 billion yuan, benefiting 1.3 million teachers in 76,000 rural schools in 22 central and western provinces; and implementing the "National Training Program", the central government has invested a total of 20 billion yuan and trained more than 18 million principals and teachers.

An article in the Zhejiang Daily (August 28) revealed that on August 24, the national defence education and military training summary meeting for the 2022 freshmen of Liupanshui No. 23 Middle School was held at the track and field. The school's administrative leadership team attended the summary meeting, and all the 2022 freshmen, head teachers and instructors attended the summary meeting. The demonstrations included marching to the "fierce melody" of "Serve the Country with Serious Loyalty", martial arts, a squad of 23 women, and a Special Warfare Company Military Exercise. There was a commendation session after the military training parade. Zhou Huahai, Principal of the school, in his concluding speech expressed his gratitude to all the instructors and hard-working faculty and staff who had strictly trained in this military training, and congratulated all the freshmen of the 2022 class who had been training hard, as well as the companies and individuals who were commended. He hoped that all the freshmen would use this military training as a starting point to cultivate a correct world outlook, outlook on life and values, and establish lofty ideals. The article said, "On the battlefield, the soul of the soldiers is cast, and the flowers and uniforms are red". ii) The Central Military Commission, Central Committee, and State Council issued “Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Population-Wide National Defense Education Work,” focused on civilian consciousness of national defence issues. A Commentator's article in the People's Daily (September 2) on the recently released “Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Population-Wide ( 全 民 ) National Defense Education Work” stated that “strengthening national defence education and ideas regarding national defence for all citizens is an important strategic issue highly prioritized by the Party and country.” The Article stated that Xi Jinping has established Martyr’s Day (烈士纪念日) and National Memorial Day (国家 公祭日). The article stated that the world has become increasingly turbulent and more prone to change, meaning that the “country’s security situation has become increasingly unstable and uncertain.” It noted that “great-power games have intensified,” and that the “struggle against anti-secessionist activity has become increasingly severe and complicated.” It also notes increasingly prominent issues related to maritime disputes and the “increased likelihood of chaos on our doorstep,” thus making the task of “defending the country’s political security and social stability more formidable.”

China's Ministry of Civil Affairs (September 2) revealed that China’s new marriages last year plummeted to an all-time low, with China registering 7.6 million new marriages in 2021—a 6.1% decline from 2020, and the lowest number recorded since Chinese authorities began publicly releasing figures in 1985. China’s crude marriage rate—the number of marriages per 1,000 people—also slumped to a record low of 5.4, a near-halving of its 2011 peak of 9.7. It observed that Chinese citizens are also delaying marriage. Around half of those married last year were age 30 and above.

The Tianjin Daily (September 7) published an article captioned 'Adhere to bottom-line thinking, push the threshold forward, and accelerate the healthy development of financial and capital markets', which disclosed that on September 5, the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government held a special meeting on accelerating the healthy development of the capital market and preventing and resolving financial risks. Tianjin Party Secretary Li Hongzhong, the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor Zhang attended and spoke. Officials of the Municipal Finance Bureau, the Tianjin Branch of the People's Bank of China, the Tianjin Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau, the Tianjin Securities Regulatory Bureau, the Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, and the Municipal Finance Bureau attended. The meeting emphasised that leading cadres at all levels should improve their professional abilities and strive to become experts in financial capital management. It stressed the necessity of strengthening the building of the team of leading cadres in financial institutions, strictly enforcing financial discipline, and strictly preventing the occurrence of problems of dishonesty, dishonesty, and misconduct.

The Guardian (September 2) reported that Robert Tsao, a microchip entrepreneur who founded United Microelectronics, has pledged one billion Taiwan Dollars (US $ 32 million) to train 'civilian warriors' and 'marksmen' to defend Taiwan. He pledged to train 3 million people in three years working with Taiwan's civil defence organisation, the Kuma Academy.

China's Ministry of National Defense issued a statement (September 9) in Chengdu, Sichuan captioned "The front-line troops of China and India in Jianandaban have begun to disengage in a planned manner". The statement said: "On September 8, according to the consensus reached in the 16th round of commander-level talks between China and India, the front-line troops of the Chinese and Indian troops in Jianan Daban began to disengage in a planned manner. This is conducive to maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas". ii) Separately, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence (MND) said (September 8): "At present, the situation in the border areas between China and India remains generally stable. The communication between the two sides through military and diplomatic channels has never been interrupted. During this round of military commander-level talks, the two sides discussed in a constructive and forward-looking manner. They reached following four points of consensus: First, adhere to political leadership and earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries; second, focus on grasping the overall situation and promoting the relationship between the two countries towards achieving recovery; third, to effectively manage and control differences, maintain security and stability in the border areas till the problem is fully resolved; and fourth, is to maintain communication and dialogue to reach a solution acceptable to both sides as soon as possible".

The Global Times (September 2) published an article warning India not to be taken in by "Western flattery" praising India for its first indigenously built aircraft carrier. The article quoted Lan Jianxue, Director of the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, as saying "China has never regarded India as a threat, nor has China taken India as an imaginary rival and target when it develops its own aircraft carriers and navy forces," and that "India's biggest enemy is its own poverty, backwardness and insufficient development as some Indian scholars have acknowledged". It also quoted Chinese military expert commentator Song Zhongping as warning: "If India falls into the Western public opinion trap to provoke China and regard China as its "main rival" that needs to be contained, it will gain no benefits but only become a cannon fodder". "China is ahead of India in terms of both the number and technology of aircraft carriers and China's carrier localization rate is higher than that of India."

Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry's new spokesperson and a CCP member, said at the weekly press conference that “Based on Pakistan’s needs, the Chinese side has put together 200 tons of vegetables and will deliver them via the Karakoram Highway as soon as possible”. She added that the China Meteorological Administration provided Pakistan with real-time weather forecast and technological support. She added that on top of the RMB 100 million emergency humanitarian assistance, the Chinese government has decided to provide additional disaster relief supplies worth RMB 300 million. The Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, Luo Zhaohui announced (September 3) the donation decision during his virtual meeting with Chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Akhtar Nawaz.

Tibet News (September 4) reported that CPPCC Chairman and PBSC member Wang Yang met Timir Sinatra, Chairman of the Rajya Sabha of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, virtually in Beijing on September 2. He said China and Nepal have a long history of friendship and are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and waters. 2019 saw President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Nepal, where the two leaders elevated China-Nepal relations to a strategic partnership of friendship for generations geared toward development and prosperity. China is willing to work with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached between the two leaders, strengthen strategic communication and practical cooperation, build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, close humanities exchanges, and tighten people-to-people ties. We welcome Nepal's active support for and participation in global development and global security initiatives. The CPPCC is willing to deepen exchanges with the Federal Assembly of Nepal and promote relations between the two countries to a new level.

A People's Daily (September 3) article in its 'People's Forum' and titled 'Remembering the great truths revealed by history together' observed that "September 3 is the Victory Day of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Let us deeply cherish the memory of all the heroic spirits who died heroically for victory, deeply mourn the victims who were slaughtered by the invaders, cherish peace with respect, comfort our ancestors with hard work, and work tirelessly to realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!"

Bloomberg (September 5) disclosed that Stanley Johnson, the father of the UK’s outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson, has left China after being caught in a Covid lockdown that spoiled his plans to shoot a travel film in Xinjiang, where London has accused Beijing of widespread rights abuses. The former Conservative member of the European Parliament, who has pushed for closer ties between the UK and China, was in quarantine in the megacity of Chengdu when it went into lockdown last week. His youngest child, Max, who studied for an MBA at Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University and had been due to accompany his father to Xinjiang, told Bloomberg News that Johnson had “left for the UK.”

The BBC reported (August 28) that China and the United Kingdom opened a direct shipping route between the two countries. The route starts at China’s Ningbo Port, Zhejiang Province and ends at Greenock, Scotland. Six freight ships, each can carry 1,600 containers. They will run on this route since it avoids the traffic jam at the Rotterdam port, the entire shipping duration is cut down from 60 days to 33 days. The Greenock Ocean Terminal started operating in 1969. It can handle 100,000 containers in a year.

The Africa Brief (September 7) disclosed that China is Zambia’s single biggest creditor with around $6 billion thought to be owed to Chinese financiers. Faced with international pressure surrounding its no-strings lending practices and accusations of “debt-trap diplomacy,” China has been scaling back on African Belt and Road Initiative programs and being more cautious on how it lends by shifting away from massive infrastructure projects. At a summit attended by African officials, China recently announced that it would cancel interest-free loans in 17 African countries. In late 2020, China wrote off $113 million interest-free loan debts due to mature in 15 African countries. Chinese-backed infrastructure developments in Zambia date back to the 1970s as they do in many other African countries. Only two months ago, work was completed on a new $60 million conference centre in the capital Lusaka, a gift from China.

On August 16 and 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping went on an 'investigation' tour in Liaoning's Jinzhou, Shenyang and other places. He was accompanied by Zhang Guoqing, Secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee, and Li Lecheng, Governor of Liaoning Province. Among the places he visited were the memorial hall to learn about the history of the Northeast Liberation War and the victory process of the Liao-Shenzhen Battle and East Lake Forest Park to examine flood control and environment restoration efforts . He listened to the flood control work in Liaoning Province and the local strengthening of ecological environment restoration and protection and gave "important" instructions on doing a good job in flood control and improving disaster defense capabilities. (Comment: This is the first appearance of Xi Jinping since July 31, indicating that the Beidaihe conclave has concluded.)

On August 16 and 17, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang accompanied by Politburo member and Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee Li Xi, and Governor Wang Weizhong, inspected Shenzhen. He emphasized that under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we must implement the deployment of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, fully implement the new development concept, efficiently coordinate epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development, and implement epidemic prevention, economic stability, and economic stability. Li Keqiang listened to a report on Shenzhen's mass entrepreneurship and innovation. During the inspection, Li Keqiang made a special trip to Lianhuashan Park to pay homage to the bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping and presented a flower basket. Xinhua said that Li Keqiang fully affirmed Guangdong's achievements in economic and social development. It is hoped that under the strong leadership of the CCP Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we will forge ahead, reform and innovate, and push development to a new level.

Li Keqiang presided over a symposium on August 16, with the principals of the provincial government in Shenzhen. Li Xi, Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee, and the Governor of Guangdong delivered speeches, and the Governors of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan delivered speeches via video. Li Keqiang said that the total economic volume, the number of market players and the employment of the six major economic provinces accounted for more than 40% of the national total. Economically large provinces must bravely take the lead, ensure that market players stabilize the economy, and stabilize the employment of local and migrant workers. He said it is necessary to promote a higher level of opening to the outside world, stabilize foreign trade and foreign investment, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. A stable economy is also a stable source of money

Politburo member and Vice Premier Sun Chunlan visited Hainan over the weekend. (Comment: She only visits regions with outbreaks when the situation is bad, and harsher measures and lockdowns tend to follow her visits.)

The CDIC's Discipline and Supervision News (August 13) published an article captioned 'Deepen the correction of stubborn diseases that violate the "three regulations"', which disclosed that "a few days ago, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission publicly announced 7 typical cases of leading cadres interfering in judicial activities, intervening in specific cases, judicial personnel interfering with cases and improper contacts". It said this is the fourth time that the Central Politics and Law Commission has publicly announced such a case since the education and rectification of the national political and legal team last year.

The People's Daily (August 18) in an article titled 'Win the historical initiative in the courage to self-revolution' revealed that in the first half of this year, the national discipline inspection and supervision organs handled 739,000 clues, filed 322,000 cases, and punished 273,10,000 people. It said, "the strength is not reduced, the pace is unchanged, and the comprehensive and strict governance of the party continues to advance in depth".

On August 18, the CCP CC Propaganda Department held a series of press conferences on the theme of "This Decade of China". Those invited to speak included Sun Yeli, Deputy Director of the CCP CC Propaganda Department, Sheng Ronghua, Deputy Director of the Central Cyberspace Administration of China, and Deputy Director of the State Cyberspace Administration, Culture and Tourism, Lu Yingchuan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry, and Meng Dong, Deputy Director of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. Meng Dong briefed the gathering on the measures and achievements of publicity and cultural work in the new era. Chen Wenjun, Director of the External Information Bureau and Press Spokesperson of the Propaganda moderated the event. The press conference disclosed that the Propaganda Department had established 2,585 county-level integrated media centres, and that by the end of 2021 there were 2,542 radio and television broadcasting institutions, 3,215 public libraries, 3,316 cultural centres, 6,183 museums, more than 40,000 township (street) cultural stations, and 570,000 village-level comprehensive cultural service centres. There are 580,000 rural bookstores. It said by June 2022, a total of 2,674 counties (cities, districts) across the country have built the general branch system of cultural centres, and 2,642 counties (cities, districts) have built libraries and there are more than 450,000 mass cultural teams across the country, an increase of 50% over 2012. (Comment: The speeches by the CCP CC Propaganda Department Deputy Director predictably contained numerous references to Xi Jinping and his initiatives.)

An article by Tie Ning, the Chairwoman of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Chairman of China Writers Association was published in Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth 16/2022) on August 16. Mentioning Xi Jinping eight times, the article recalled General Secretary Xi Jinping as pointing out: "The realization of the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a long-term and arduous great cause", "To realize this great cause, the role of literature and art is irreplaceable, and literature and art workers have great potential." It added he "called on the majority of literary and art workers to take their works as their foundation and create excellent works worthy of the times." In conclusion, the article said: "In this space and stage, in this great new era, in this era that needs giants and will inevitably produce giants, we will surely be able to create as General Secretary Xi Jinping expects, as our times and our people expect The masters of literature and art in the new era have created the peak of literature and art in the new era, and let the light of Chinese spirit shine on the peak of literature and art in the new era!"

The CDIC's Discipline and Supervision News (August 17) published a 3192-character article captioned 'Deeply comprehend the decisive meaning of "two establishments"'. It urged cadres to "Clearly declare what flag the party will hold on its new journey, what road it will take, what state of mind it will be in, and what goal will it continue to move towards, and it will help unite and inspire the people of all ethnic groups in the country to strive for a new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics" Calling this "very significant", it said "We must earnestly study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen strategic self-confidence, maintain strategic sobriety, enhance confidence and fighting spirit, and unswervingly safeguard General Secretary Xi Jinping's core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole party. To further improve the status, learn, understand and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, continuously enhance political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress". The article emphasised that "the "two establishments" are of decisive significance to the development of the party and the country in the new era, and to promoting the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. They are the most important political achievements since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". Urging "the majority of cadres to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core", it said "the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century", the risks and challenges need to be dealt with, and the contradictions and problems that need to be resolved are more complex than ever, it said "Resolutely safeguarding the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire Party is the key for the Party to build consensus and make decisive decisions at major moments, and it is an important guarantee for the Party's unity and victory. On the way forward, to deal with risks and challenges, deal with contradictions, and achieve set goals, we need to deeply understand the decisive meaning of "two establishments" and resolutely achieve "two maintenances"."

The CDIC's Discipline and Supervision News (August 17) published a 3192-character article captioned 'Deeply comprehend the decisive meaning of "two establishments"'. It urged cadres to "Clearly declare what flag the party will hold on its new journey, what road it will take, what state of mind it will be in, and what goal will it continue to move towards, and it will help unite and inspire the people of all ethnic groups in the country to strive for a new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics" Calling this "very significant", it said "We must earnestly study and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen strategic self-confidence, maintain strategic sobriety, enhance confidence and fighting spirit, and unswervingly safeguard General Secretary Xi Jinping's core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole party. To further improve the status, learn, understand and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, continuously enhance political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress". The article emphasised that "the "two establishments" are of decisive significance to the development of the party and the country in the new era, and to promoting the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. They are the most important political achievements since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China". Urging "the majority of cadres to unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core", it said "the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century", the risks and challenges need to be dealt with, and the contradictions and problems that need to be resolved are more complex than ever, it said "Resolutely safeguarding the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire Party is the key for the Party to build consensus and make decisive decisions at major moments, and it is an important guarantee for the Party's unity and victory. On the way forward, to deal with risks and challenges, deal with contradictions, and achieve set goals, we need to deeply understand the decisive meaning of "two establishments" and resolutely achieve "two maintenances"."

The Guangming Daily published a lengthy article on common prosperity, tracing it back to Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto and positing it as the "fundamental pursuit" of the CCP.

The Public Security Daily (August 12) publicised that teams from the Second, Eighth and Ninth Inspectorates of the Ministry of Public Security had travelled to provinces to check the progress of the "Hundred Days Action". They travelled to Anhui, Guangdong, Ningxia, Xinjiang among other provinces and inspected the respective Public Security Organs' summer public security crackdown and rectification. The inspection teams emphasized that it is necessary to improve ideological understanding, be proactive, take multiple measures, and make every effort to win the tough battle, the overall battle and the combined battle of the "Hundred-Day Operation".

The Public Security Daily (August 12) publicised that teams from the Second, Eighth and Ninth Inspectorates of the Ministry of Public Security had travelled to provinces to check the progress of the "Hundred Days Action". They travelled to Anhui, Guangdong, Ningxia, Xinjiang among other provinces and inspected the respective Public Security Organs' summer public security crackdown and rectification. The inspection teams emphasized that it is necessary to improve ideological understanding, be proactive, take multiple measures, and make every effort to win the tough battle, the overall battle and the combined battle of the "Hundred-Day Operation".

The People's Public Security Daily (August 18) published an article captioned 'Serve the economic and social development and help stabilize the economic market'. It said that from August 1st, the three regions of the Yangtze River Delta, Fujian, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Chongqing and Guizhou are issuing the "cross-province" resident ID card for the first time. Mentioning the measures to make people's life more convenient, the article said it is necessary to "Carry out the cleaning and rectification of public security organs to reduce the burden on enterprises and the masses. In accordance with the unified deployment of the State Council, research and publish a list of public security organs for the reduction, exemption and postponement of enterprise-related charges, and implement measures for reducing, exempting, and delaying payment. Carry out special cleaning and rectification of public security organs' illegal charges related to enterprises, focusing on cleaning and rectifying problems such as inadequate implementation of fee reduction policies, illegal charging in the name of epidemic prevention and control, collection of fees that are explicitly cancelled, compulsory bundled sales, random inspections and random fines, etc., and resolutely correct public security issues. In conclusion, it stated that the Ministry of Public Security requires that all local public security organs and various police departments must adhere to the centre, serve the overall situation, closely integrate the work practice, and use a "meticulous, refined, and extreme" work style to refine measures, clarify responsibilities, advance in an orderly manner, and ruthlessly. Make sure that all key measures have real results.

The Guangming Daily (August 12) published an interesting article captioned 'Adhering to the Party's Leadership is the Fundamental Guarantee to Standardize and Guide the Healthy Development of Capital', which asserted that "Capital is an important factor of production in the socialist market economy and has made great contributions to the prosperity of the socialist market economy. However, due to the natural tendency of capital to expand disorderly, it will cause serious social and economic problems, so capital must be regulated and guided. Under the conditions of the socialist market economy, to regulate and guide the healthy development of capital, we must adhere to the leadership of the party, give full play to the party's organizational, theoretical and institutional advantages, fully guide capital to play a positive role, and restrain the negative role of blind expansion of capital, so that the Capital development better serves national strategic needs and social development needs". It quoted Karl Marx's Das Kapital and said that though "in the process of the development of the market economy, the phenomenon of disorderly expansion of capital has also appeared in some fields, resulting in negative consequences such as hidden financial risks, widening gaps in income and wealth distribution, ecological environment damage, and monopoly", it emphasised that "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. Under the conditions of the socialist market economy, the leadership of the party plays a fundamental role in regulating and guiding the healthy development of capital".

Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on August 15 stated that China’s urban youth unemployment rate reached 19.9% in July, the highest level since record keeping began in January 2018. Caixin (August 15) noted that this is the fourth consecutive month of record high unemployment among urbanites from 16 to 24 years old, with the rate increasing 0.6 of a percentage point from June.

Caixin (August 12) reported that the value of Chinese companies’ new overseas construction deals fell in the first half of this year, as the continued impact of the Covid pandemic and rising geopolitical risks weighed on the global construction industry. Data released by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on August 1, showed that new contracts inked by Chinese firms fell 6.2% year-on-year to $103.6 billion, marking the largest first-half drop since 2018.

According to data (August 15) from the China Bicycle Association, in the first quarter of this year, the production cost of bikes increased by 10% year on year due to a shortage of raw materials, including steel, plastic, and tires.

China will officially launch its fifth national economic census next year, which aims to take a complete survey of the country’s secondary and tertiary industries. Announcing this National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) director Kang Yi warned against economic data fabrication. The 9 Liaoning Daily (August 9 & 10) quoted him saying during a symposium on August 9 that “[We must] build strong dams to prevent and punish statistical fraud and falsification.”

The China Education Daily (August 14) published an article titled 'Unleash the Demographic Dividend with Preschool Education Reform', which stated that the continued decline in fertility rate will pose potential risks and challenges to the development of preschool education in China and that the serious shortage of early childcare services and high cost of childcare has inhibited people's reproductive behaviour. Referring to an article in Qiu Shi ("Seeking Truth") captioned "Writing a New Chapter of Population Work in the New Era" by the Party Group of the National Health Commission of the Communist Party of China, it said China's preschool education needs to actively respond to the situation. It noted that it is necessary to adjust teacher education and establish a kindergarten teacher team that adapts to the characteristics of population changes, establish a "reservoir" of teachers, and rationalise the surplus and shortage of teachers across regions. It also recommended a child allowance by establishing an inclusive child allowance distribution system, which covers most of the expenses related to family care and childcare, thereby boosting the fertility rate.

Caixin (August 15), quoting analysts, reported that new U.S. restrictions on the export of semiconductor design software announced by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security on August 12 will have little immediate effect on Chinese chipmaking, but could throttle the nation’s research into the next generation of advanced semiconductors. While they do not mention China by name, the new rules are seen as the latest in a string of measures by which Washington is trying to constrain the country’s push to develop its semiconductor industry, which Beijing sees as a strategic priority. The new orders require U.S. companies to obtain government permission before exporting electronic design automation (EDA) software designed for the development of chips which have a gate-all around (GAA) transistor structure. The export restrictions won’t have an immediate impact on the business of China’s chipmakers and designers, as no mainland firms are currently capable of designing or producing such advanced chips, analysts said. (Comment: EDA are a category of tools which includes both software and hardware that can assist engineers in the creation and testing of new chip designs. The GAA structure is a nextgeneration technology that enables the manufacture of chips with transistors of 3 nanometres or less, which are more powerful and efficient than their larger predecessors.)

The South China Morning Post (August 18) disclosed that an automaton that can perform a Covid-19 oral swab test in 35 seconds became a star attraction at the opening on August 18 of the World Robot Conference 2022 in Beijing, where a quarter of the 36 featured robotic innovations are built for pandemic prevention and medical care. That new robot was designed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC) to mark the company’s initial foray into automated Covid-19 testing products. Wang Shunwei, head of CASIC’s technology innovation centre, said the machine could soon be deployed by the General Administration of Customs in Beijing to test arriving airline passengers from abroad

Space News (August 11) reported that CASC plans more than 50 launches across 2022, with commercial companies like Galactic Energy, CAS Space and Expace planning to further add to Chinese launch activity.

A Guangming daily (August 16) article captioned '[Guangming Forum] Strive to open up a new situation of Tibet aid work in a new era' stated that "Central support for Tibet and national support for Tibet are the consistent policies of the CPC Central Committee, which must be adhered to for a long time, earnestly sum up experience, and create a new situation for Tibet aid work." It said the instructions said that the central government will further increase its counterpart support to Tibet, and thus Tibet has ushered in a period of the fastest economic development in history, the largest investment in infrastructure, and the most benefit to the people. It lauded the counterpart support to Tibet as "a vivid manifestation of the advantages of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics" and quoted Xi Jinping as saying in July 2021 (during his inspection of Tibet) that "The spirit of aid to Tibet is a noble spirit of the Communist Party of China and a significant advantage of socialism with Chinese characteristics." It claimed that "Since the work of supporting Tibet has been fully launched, relevant provinces and cities, central departments and central enterprises have vigorously implemented all-round assistance to Tibet in the fields of economy, education, science and technology, and cadres and talents. Practice has proved that the aid-to-Tibet policy not only supports the economic and social development of Tibet, maintains the stability of the frontier and national unity, but also promotes the exchanges and integration of various ethnic groups, and enhances the awareness of the people of all ethnic groups to the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and China." The article asserted that "Supporting Tibet is a major strategy to achieve common development and move towards common prosperity. Counterpart assistance is a policy model with Chinese characteristics created by our party. It is a typical method of "getting rich first and then getting rich." It said, "innovations such as "group-style" aid to Tibet has stimulated the motivation and drive of local cadres and the masses, promoted the transformation of aid in Tibet from "blood transfusion" to "blood production", and further promoted the improvement of people's livelihood in Tibet." In conclusion, it said: "Today's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is standing at a new historical starting point and has ushered in unprecedented development opportunities. We must keep in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's entrustment, continuously forge the consciousness of the Chinese nation's community, and guide the people of all ethnic groups to firmly establish a solid foundation of solidarity, sharing weal and woe, and sharing weal and woe. The concept of a community of life and death, and a shared destiny, draws the strength to continue to move forward from the forge ahead of the party and the people in the new era, forge ahead with the new journey heart-to-heart, join hands in making contributions to the new era, and take practical actions to welcome the party's 20 victories". (Comment: The article was jointly authored by Cai Yang and Zhu Wei, associate professors at the Party School of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee, and special research fellows at the Beijing Research Centre for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)

China removed (August 15) three health officials in Tibet from their posts for failing to prevent the spread of the recent Covid outbreak. The sacked officials include the Party Secretary and Director of the Municipal Health Commission of Lhasa, as well as the Party Secretary of the Lhasa City Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Separately, reports say that the outbreak of Covid has spread to Shigatse and the Ngari prefecture, Lhoka and recently, Chamdo.

Al Jazeera (August 16) reported that China has said it is blacklisting seven Taiwan officials, including Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's representative in the US, over their alleged support for the self-ruled island’s independence. Calling them “stubborn ‘Taiwan independence’ players,” Xinhua News Agency reported it banned them and their relatives from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong or Macao. The individuals’ affiliated organizations will meanwhile also be barred from working with or profiting from connections with the mainland.

Politiken (August 19) reported that a delegation of 6 MPs from Denmark are planning to visit this Fall to show solidarity with Taiwan and democracy

During Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka's visit to Qingdao at the head of a 11-member delegation and meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on August 11, China and Nepal agreed to start work on a trans-Himalayan connectivity network that may see the realization of a cross-border railway. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Khadka that China will fund a feasibility study on a China-Nepal railway and send experts to Nepal to conduct surveys later this year. The plans fall under the Belt and Road Initiative, to which Nepal has been a signatory since 2017. A press release issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Khadka and Yi discussed enhancing, among other things, “bilateral trade, connectivity network, health, tourism, agriculture, education”. It added that China will also fund and provide equipment for Covid control mechanism in Nepal. Sources, however, said Beijing also assured Nepal it would provide 800 million RMB (118 million USD) grant for the current financial year, for projects of Kathmandu’s preference. This will be in addition to the RMB 3. 5 billion promised by Xi Jinping during his visit to Nepal in October 2019.

At a White House briefing on August 12, Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific, said that the PRC had used the visit of a U.S. Speaker of the House — a visit that is consistent with US' One China policy and is not unprecedented — as a pretext to launch an intensified pressure campaign against Taiwan and to try to change the status quo, jeopardizing peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the broader region. He accused China of overreacting and said "its actions continue to be provocative, destabilizing, and unprecedented. China launched missiles into the waters around Taiwan. It declared exclusion zones around Taiwan that disrupted civilian, air, and maritime traffic. It has sought to disregard the centreline between the PRC and Taiwan, which has been respected by both sides for more than 60 years as a stabilizing feature, with historic numbers of military crossings over the last week. It surrounded Taiwan with more than a dozen warships; even today, several warships remain around Taiwan. And it has imposed sanctions on Speaker Pelosi and her family, and taken coercive economic measures against Taiwan". He described the US response as "responsible, steady, and resolute" adding that "We demonstrated that we will not be deterred and made clear to the world what the PRC was doing. President Reagan [Biden] directed the USS Ronald Reagan to stay on station as the PRC continued its provocative activities. We continue to support Taiwan and our partners, many of which — the G7, Australia, the UK, the EU, and ASEAN — have also expressed concern in public statements. And we’ve reinforced our ironclad alliances, as we did on August 9th with the joint air force exercise with Japan near Okinawa". Stressing that the US is opposed to "any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side, and we do not support Taiwan independence, and we expect cross-Strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means", he assessed that China’s actions "are part of an intensified pressure campaign against Taiwan, which has not ended, and we expect it to continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months. The goal of this campaign is clear: to intimidate and coerce Taiwan and undermine its resilience". He promised "We will continue to take calm and resolute steps to uphold peace and stability in the face of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to undermine it, and to support Taiwan in line with our longstanding policy. These steps, across a range of areas, will unfold over the coming weeks and months because the challenge is long term. We will not be reflexive or knee-jerk; we will be patient and effective". Declaring that "We’ll continue to fly, sail, and operate where international law allows, consistent with our longstanding commitment to freedom of navigation, and that includes conducting standard air and maritime transits through the Taiwan Strait in the next few weeks", he stated "we will ensure that our presence, posture, and exercises account for China’s more provocative and destabilizing behaviour, with a view towards guiding the situation in the Western Pacific towards greater stability. There’s more to come in these areas and others in the days and weeks ahead" At the same time, he said, the US has "and will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Beijing, and we call on Beijing to reopen those channels it has closed — not for our sake, but because this is what the world demands of responsible powers". He also said the issue is "about which party is undermining the status quo that has upheld peace and stability — a peace and stability that has worked for all" and that "the international community has made clear that it has an interest in that peace and stability, and the United States will do our part to preserve it. This is not about bilateral U.S.-China dynamics; it’s a question of what’s in the best interests of the region and what’s in the best interest of the international community".

Twelve days after US House Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, another Congressional delegation of five, led by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and including Republican Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, a delegate from American Samoa, and Democratic House members John Garamendi and Alan Lowenthal from California and Don Beyer from Virginia arrived in Taipei on August 14. They were scheduled to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan's Defence Ministry stated that Chinese warplanes have continued crossing the midpoint of the Taiwan Strait on a daily basis even after the conclusion of the military exercises last August 10, with at least 10 doing so on August 14. The 10 fighter jets were among 22 Chinese military aircraft and six naval ships detected in the area around Taiwan by 5 p.m. on August 14. The New York Times (August 14) quoting Bonnie Glaser, Director of the Asia program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, said the visit was apparently planned months ago.

A toughly worded article in the Guangming Daily (August 16) captioned 'The United States "uses Taiwan to control China" and is the biggest troublemaker for the stability of the Taiwan Strait', referred to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement "solemnly stating that Pelosi's visit to the Taiwan region of China seriously violated the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiques, seriously impacted the political foundation of Sino-US relations, seriously violated China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and made a statement to "Taiwan independence"." It accused "The separatist forces are sending seriously wrong signals" and asserted Pelosi's visit to "Taiwan is a major provocation by the United States against China, and it is a major event that cannot be overemphasized". Asking "Who is destabilizing the Taiwan Strait, and who is the troublemaker in the Taiwan Strait?", it said "The answer is very clear: whoever destroys the status quo across the Taiwan Strait is the destroyer of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

Five of China’s largest state-owned companies announced (August 12) their plans to delist from US exchanges as the two countries struggle to come to an agreement allowing American regulators to inspect audits of Chinese businesses. These are: China Life Insurance Co., PetroChina Co. and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Aluminium Corp. of China and Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co. More recent reports claim that China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines, which are both controlled by the Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) will also delist from NYSE. (Comment: The jury is out on whether these companies delisting from the NYSE will adversely impact on their market cap. As of August 2022, the market cap of these Chinese giants are as follows: PetroChina ($132.11 billion); China Life Insurance ($94.88 billion); China Petroleum & Chemical Corp ($70.23 billion). Aluminium Corp of China ($10.29 billion) is also the world’s second-largest alumina producer and third-largest primary aluminium producer; and Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co.($3.77 billion) is a subsidiary of Sinopec (market cap: $68.45 billion), and is one of the largest petrochemical enterprises in China. The market cap of the New York Stock Exchange as a whole (currently stands at $26.2 trillion). )

China and the U.K. agreed to resume direct passenger flights, dramatically slashing airfares, as Chinese regulators ratchet down Covid border controls. Services will be resumed first by Chinese airlines, and work is ongoing to restart routes operated by U.K. carriers, the British Embassy in China said in a statement Wednesday on social media. The embassy cited an agreement between the U.K. Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The embassy said passengers can also choose transfer flights via a third country.

In response to comments by General (Yury Nikolayevich) Baruyevsky, Former Russian Chief of General Staff, extolling the Mavic quadcopter drone, made by China's DJI, as in principle having "become a true symbol of modern warfare", the DJI sought to distance itself from the remarks. It said "All DJI products are designed for civilian purposes, to serve people's production and lives, and are dedicated to benefiting society and making life better. DJI's products are not suitable and do not meet the needs of military use, and we do not support any applications in the military field". (Comment: General Yury Nikolayevich Baruyevsky made those remarks in the preface of his new book Alien Wars – A New Paradigm, published on August 10 at the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, the leading Russian defense industry and arms trade think tank.)

People's Police Daily reported that the police in Heilongjiang, Gansu, and Xinjiang are implementing a night and day "one hundred day operation" for a secure summer in the lead-up to 20th Party Congress. It said that "since the launch of the operation, the Xinjiang public security organs have carried out the campaign of "One Million Police Entering Ten Thousand Homes" to comprehensively carry out a large-scale investigation and resolution of conflicts and disputes.

China is on track to be the leading international buyer of U.S. agricultural products for a third consecutive year, as the total value of exported goods reached record levels in the first half of 2022.

1964-born Sun Maoli has been promoted from Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Public Security to Deputy Minister on August 11.

On August 9, the Guangxi-Zhuang Autonomous Region Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision disclosed that Tang Bin (director-level), the former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Public Security Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervision investigation.

The CDIC disclosed (August 8) that Cao Jianguo, former Vice President of the Shaanxi Provincial Higher People's Court, is presently under investigation

The CCP released a Party published "compilation of important documents since the founding of the CCP" in 12 volumes covering 1921-1927. A press release (August 8) notes that this new history will highlight "erroneous ideological trends" and help cadres "unite more closely with Comrade Xi Jinping", whereas the 2011 release (obviously) did not contain such language. (Comment: They seem to be replacing 建党以来重要文献选编 which cover same period, but published in 2011. First 12 volumes of 建党以来重要文献选编 cover 1921-1935, while the new compilation only goes up to 1927 in 12 volumes).

A lengthy People's Daily (August 10) article emphasised that the people had for more than 100 years always supported the Communist Party of China and Xi Jinping's position at the core of the CPC Central Committee. It stressed "Communist members will always be ordinary members of the working people", and leading cadres "can never forget who they are for, who they rely on, and who I am". Another article emphasised that the CCP was promoting 'socialist modernisation' under its leadership.

Red Flag (15/2022) published two articles titled 'Technological self-reliance and selfimprovement is the foundation of a country's prosperity and security, and 'Strong historical confidence' as the "5th" historical self-confidence (alongside confidence in socialist road, theory, institutions, and culture).

The China Police Daily (August 10) published a strongly worded editorial on the importance of police reform. It said 'Reform and innovation is a distinct main line of public security work in the new era. Since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the public security team has examined itself with the spirit of advancing with the times, improved itself with the spirit of reform and innovation, and has played a "combination punch" to deepen the reform of the public security, and achieved great success. A series of landmark achievements.' It observed that there is, however, 'still a gap between the public security reform and the requirements of the party and the state and the expectations of the people.'

A People's Daily (August 12) article authored by a researcher at the China Tibetology Research Centre and captioned 'Always Adhere to the Adaptation of Chinese Religion and Socialist Society' said "Politically speaking, religion in our country is no longer a tool used by imperialism and feudal forces, but has become a self-run business by religious believers. Patriots in religious circles and the majority of religious believers support the leadership of the party and the socialist system, and have become an important part of the patriotic united front. Socialist society has created favourable conditions for bringing into play the positive factors of religion and restraining negative factors, and laid the foundation for religion to adapt to socialist society. Chinese religion has embarked on the correct path to adapt to socialist society". Recalling Xi Jinping's speech at the National Conference on Religious Work, it said "Religion is a historical phenomenon that will exist for a long time in a socialist society. In the process of actively guiding religion to adapt to the socialist society, China has always adhered to its own national conditions and religious reality, implemented a policy of freedom of religious belief, and guaranteed the right to freedom of religious belief. The adaptation of religion to socialist society does not require religious believers to give up their theistic ideology and religious beliefs, but requires them to love the motherland politically, support the socialist system, and support the leadership of the Communist Party." The article disclosed that China presently has "nearly 200 million religious citizens and more than 380,000 religious personnel. There are many Buddhist and Taoist believers, and it is difficult to accurately count the number. There are about 222,000 Buddhist teaching staff and more than 40,000 Taoist teaching staff. The 10 ethnic minorities whose majority believe in Islam have a total population of more than 20 million and more than 57,000 Islamic clerical staff. There are about 6 million Catholics and about 8,000 religious personnel. There are more than 38 million Christian believers and about 57,000 religious clerics. At present, there are 144,000 places of religious activity registered according to law. There are about 33,500 Buddhist monasteries, including more than 28,000 of Chinese Buddhism, more than 3,800 of Tibetan Buddhism, and more than 1,700 of Southern Buddhism. There are more than 9,000 Taoist temples. There are more than 35,000 Islamic mosques. There are 98 Catholic dioceses and more than 6,000 churches and activity halls. There are about 60,000 Christian churches and meeting places".

Responding to Chinese propaganda rhetoric of invincibility and power voiced against the background chorus of many Chinese netizens who are: a) calling for real war while being unconvinced Chinese military exercises are a sign of strength, and b) speculating that PLA(N) actually is a paper tiger, former Propaganda officer Chen Xianyi paraphrasing Xi on Pelosi's visit said "No foreign power will ever be able to intimidate, subjugate, or enslave us. Anyone who tries will have his head bashed into a bloody pulp by the Great Wall of Steel, forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people". "As long as the Chinese people and overseas Chinese around the world refuse to play the dirty political games of the US-led Western bloc, they will be able to calm down and reconsider how they should treat one-fifth of the world's population, the Chinese people, as equals! "There is no force in the world today that we cannot overcome as long as the Chinese people all over the world stand united with the motherland and unite to resist foreign aggression!"

The Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources decided (August 8) to set up 50 new engineering and technology R&D centres, including a polar engineering centre as a collaboration between PRIC, Zhejiang U, Jiaotong U, and Liugong, a construction equipment manufacturer.

The China Education Daily (August 9)disclosed that China's Ministry of Education organized the implementation of the special action of “University Secretaries and Principals Visiting Enterprises to Expand Jobs and Promote Employment” to tap more job resources for graduates. It said as of July 26, the secretaries, and principals of 2,371 colleges and universities across the country visited 114,000 units through field visits, video conferences, etc., creating 2.392 million jobs for graduates. In addition, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology launched the "100-day Recruitment for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises" activity, which attracted a total of 2,036 companies to participate, with a total of 107,000 job postings.

Bloomberg (August 10) reported that China's National Audit Office has since last month been conducting a review of the $3 trillion trust industry and been inspecting the books of at least 20 trust firms to gauge the risks they pose to financial stability. China's trust industry has been a key part of the country's shadow banking business, which helps channel deposits into risky investments via products often designed to dodge capital or investment regulations.

People's Daily (August 12) publicised that China had completed the construction of China's first independently developed trial line using rare earth permanent magnetic levitation (PML) technology.

The People's Daily (August 12 published four entire pages on the 2022 "Belt and Road" Media Cooperation Forum held recently

The Guizhou Daily (August 8) reported that since the beginning of this year, the public security organs of Guizhou Province have carefully planned and implemented the "six must-visit", that is, must visit the cadres of the village and commune committees, must visit the families of groups living in difficulties, must visit special groups and special families, must visit, and ask the key parts of public security, must visit enterprise school, must visit grassroots team. Up to now, more than 870,000 households have been visited, and more than 18,000 villages, communities, enterprises, and schools have been visited, more than 1,400 problems have been solved, and more than 7,300 suggestions have been settled, initially realizing the resolution of conflicts and disputes, and a strong disciplinary style. It claimed the relationship between the police and the people is more harmonious, and the image of the public security is improved. It said the Ministry of Public Security and the Party Committee of the Department, have launched a 15-day "Qianfeng Action" starting from May 10, and cracked a telecommunication network fraud and related cases. In more than 2,600 cases, more than 6,900 suspects of various types were arrested, more than 200 criminal gangs such as fraud, drainage, and illegal money laundering were destroyed, more than 160 crime dens were destroyed, and more than 88 million yuan of funds involved in the case were seized and frozen. number to achieve the "two litres" target. The "Six Must Visits" campaign insists on implementing the people-centred development concept. In response to the high cost and time-consuming problems of public security-related services such as "vehicle driving management" and household registration ID cards, the province's public security organs actively promote door-to-door services, Online services, micro-police services and work modes such as sending exams to the countryside, delivering certificates to your door, and delaying processing, actively guide the masses to conduct online processing through the "Internet + public security and government affairs platform", and provide services such as legal consultation, security prevention, and certificate processing. The work is delivered to the "doorsteps" of the masses and enterprises, and the establishment of an industry police WeChat group and a police-civilian interaction group will be implemented to realize "online visits", change passive management into active service, and open up the "last mile" of serving the masses. When the school starts in March 2022, the public security organs at all levels in the province will carry out the special work of "escorting the opening season and building a safety net" to effectively promote key tasks such as traffic and public security regulation around the campus, investigation of hidden dangers, and patrol prevention and control. A total of more than 60,000 police personnel has been invested, and a strict security line has been established for more than 18,000 primary and secondary schools and kindergartens returning to school during the school season.

Zhejiang Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun chaired a Party Committee Study meeting of leading cadres and Ministers on August 8 to discuss 'two establishments' etc study of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country", "Xi Jinping's Footprints in Zhejiang" and other works, and the "Five Strategic Guidelines, 11 Aspects". The Zhejiang Daily (August 8) reported that the meeting emphasized that it is necessary to resolutely unify thoughts and actions into the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, deeply understand the grand goal of a new era and a new journey and advance successfully, deeply understand the current strategic opportunities and risks and challenges facing the party and the country, and deeply understand the past five years. The great achievements are hard-won, deeply understand the milestone significance of 10 years of great changes in the new era.

A spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command said on August 10 afternoon the exercises had been successfully completed, and “effectively tested the integrated joint combat capabilities of the troops”. It said the PLA will, however, continue to monitor the situation.

Xinhua (August 10) published a 5-part White Paper titled 'The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era'. In its Preamble the White Paper asserts that "Resolving the Taiwan question and realizing China's complete reunification is a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It is indispensable for the realization of China's rejuvenation. It is also a historic mission of the Communist Party of China (CPC)." Declaring that "Any Attempt by Separatist Forces to Prevent Reunification Is Bound to Fail" it warned that moves to separate Taiwan from China are doomed to fail, and accused the DPP authorities of adopting "a separatist stance", and said they had "colluded with external forces in successive provocative actions designed to divide the country. They refuse to recognize the one-China principle, and distort and deny the 1992 Consensus". It added "They incite radical separatists in and outside the DPP" , "have steadily built up their military forces with the intention of pursuing "independence" and preventing reunification by force" and have joined "with external forces in trying to sow the seeds of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan". ... These are obstacles that must be removed in advancing the process of peaceful reunification". It said, "External interference is a prominent obstacle to China's reunification" and that "Still lost in delusions of hegemony and trapped in a Cold War mindset, some forces in the US insist on perceiving and portraying China as a major strategic adversary and a serious long-term threat". It reiterated that "The Taiwan question is an internal affair that involves China's core interests and the Chinese people's national sentiments, and no external interference will be tolerated" and, interestingly, assured "Use of force would be the last resort taken under compelling circumstances. We will only be forced to take drastic measures to respond to the provocation of separatist elements or external forces should they ever cross our red lines". It noted that "Some forces in the US are making every effort to incite groups inside Taiwan to stir up trouble and use Taiwan as a pawn against China. This has jeopardized peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits". (Comment: This is the third White Paper on Taiwan, the first two being in 1993 and 2000. Among the interesting points is that the paper seems to imply reunification "in the New Era". While it underplays the use of force it does not rule out the possibility, but it does appear to sharpen the focus on Taiwan's DPP and the US and says, unlike in earlier papers, that Beijing will take full charge after reunification.)

Meeting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on August 7, Xinhua (August 8) reported Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as saying that 'China has always been a reliable strategic partner of Bangladesh, and will continue to firmly support the South Asian country in safeguarding its national independence and dignity, adhering to a development path suitable to its own national conditions, and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs'. He noted that China is willing to enhance the dovetailing of the Belt and Road Initiative with Bangladesh's Vision 2041, share development experiences and advanced technologies, and deepen cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, green development, and clean energy. Hasina replied that Bangladesh pursues a foreign policy of "friendship for all, no enemy for all," values its traditional friendship with China, and regards China as an important partner in maintaining peace and seeking common development. She added that Bangladesh looks forward to deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, and would like to learn from China's successful experiences in poverty reduction and alleviation. She pledged Bangladesh's firm commitment to the one-China policy, saying Bangladesh disapproves of the provocative acts of certain countries, and hopes to jointly maintain a peaceful and stable environment for development.

A People's Daily (August 12) Zhongsheng article captioned "Forced labour is America's lingering ailment" asserted that: "Forced labour is completely out of nothing in Xinjiang, but it is an inherent sin in the United States"! It said, "the United States concocted the so-called "genocide" and "forced labour" in Xinjiang and other century-old lies, and forced the so-called "Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Law" in an attempt to undermine the development of Xinjiang, suppress and contain China, causing strong indignation of the Chinese people and international justice forces. widely criticized" It referred to the recently published report "The Facts of the U.S.'s Practice of Forced Labour at Home and Abroad" which, it said, "speaks with facts and shows the truth, makes the U.S.'s scandalous deeds and hypocrisy on the issue of forced labour exposed to the world. The United States has no right to call itself a "human rights judge", and has no right to point fingers at other countries"

Alarmed by China's growing political and economic ambitions, the CIA’s Deputy Director, David Cohen, in a recent closed-door meeting with leaders of the agency’s counterterrorism centre, made clear that fighting al-Qaeda and other extremist groups would remain a priority – but that the agency’s money and resources would be increasingly shifted to focusing on China. AP (August 8) reported that President Joe Biden and top national security officials speak less about counterterrorism and more about the political, economic, and military threats posed by China as well as Russia. There’s been a quiet pivot within intelligence agencies, which are moving hundreds of officers to China-focused positions, including some who were previously working on terrorism. The last week makes clear that the US has to deal with both at the same time. Intelligence officials have said they need more insights on China, including after being unable to definitively pinpoint the cause of the Covid-19 pandemic. Beijing has been accused of withholding information about the origins of the virus.

On August 5, soon after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left Taipei, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced the following "countermeasures" in response: 1Cancelling China-US Theatre Commanders Talk; 2 Cancelling China-US Defence Policy Coordination Talks (DPCT); 3 Cancelling China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) meetings; 4 Suspending China-US Cooperation on the repatriation of illegal migrants; 5 Suspending China-US Cooperation on legal assistance in criminal matters; 6 Suspending China-US Cooperation against transnational crimes; 7 Suspending China-US Counter narcotics Cooperation; 8 Suspending China-US Talks on Climate Change. (Comment: All military related talks are 'cancellations' and rest are suspensions.)

Sri Lanka Treasury sources revealed that the Exim Bank of China has halted the release of the funds for Sri Lanka’s Central Expressway construction project presently owing to the current economic crisis in the country and the Sri Lanka Government’s decision to suspend repayment of foreign loans. As a result, the construction company has decided to terminate the service contract of workers and around 500 Chinese workers have started leaving the country affecting the jobs of 2000 local construction workers in the area. Construction work began in September 2021 and was targeted to complete the work by the year 2024. 32 percent of the Central expressway phase 1 project construction has been completed by using government funds amounting Rs. 33 billion.

An article in Newsweek (August 11) by Didi Kirsten Tatlow said of 507 Chinese deals with Israel between 2002 and May 2022, 492 were in technology including IT, communications, clean and agricultural tech, and robotics. While it is significant that the overall number of deals has dropped in recent years as Israelis have become more sensitive to U.S. concerns, the proportion of tech remains extremely high: 43 of 44 investments in 2021 through to May 2022.

Xinhua and CCTV (July 31) reported that China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) hosted a grand reception in the Great Hall of the People on July 31 to warmly celebrate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Politburo Standing Committee members Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng were present. Vice President Wang Qishan was also seated on the rostrum. Other party and state leaders attended the reception where Wei Fenghe, member of the Central Military Commission, State Councillor and Minister of Defense greeted PLA personnel on behalf of Xi Jinping and delivered the speech.

The Watch Times said there are indicators that the conference of veteran and senior CCP leaders will begin in the week from August 1. One unidentified veteran CCP leader is reported to have arrived at the Beidaihe seaside resort on July 29. On July 29, Shanghai's "The Paper" published a report titled "The Disciplinary Committee of the Ministry of Transport's Directly Subordinate Organs: Strictly Strict the Discipline of Party Members and Cadres During the Summer Vacation", which provided guidelines to personnel for the Beidaihe conference. The article was taken offline the next day and other reports on the subject published by the Paper's affiliates were also deleted. The report said that on June 27, someone who had been to Qinhuangdao, told Radio Free Asia that the armed police had been stationed on the periphery of Beidaihe in advance.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang chaired an executive meeting of the State Council on July 29 to decide measures to further expand demand, promote effective investment and increase consumption; discuss unrelenting efforts in autumn grain production to ensure a bumper grain harvest throughout the year; and discuss doing a good job in flood control and drought relief and response to natural disasters, and effectively protect the safety of people's lives and property.

Xinhua (July 29) reported that PBSC member and Vice Premier Hu Chunhua delivered a speech at the online forum on The ASEAN-China-Japan-Korea (10+3) Industrial Chain Supply Chain Cooperation Forum and East Asian Entrepreneurs Taihu Forum held in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province on July 29. Vice Premier Hu Chunhua delivered a video speech. Hu Chunhua said that President Xi Jinping emphasized that it is necessary to uphold the diplomatic concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness to build a community with a shared future for the neighbouring countries. In recent years, China has actively strengthened pragmatic cooperation with ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea, and promoted the integration and development of regional industrial chains and supply chains to make new progress. Hu Chunhua pointed out that the current international situation is complicated and the security and stability of the international industrial chain and supply chain are facing severe tests. China is willing to work with all parties to continuously improve the construction level of the regional free trade zone, focus on strengthening the overall advantages of the regional industrial chain, further strengthen the supporting role of interconnection, and strive to cultivate new cooperation momentum. Hu Chunhua emphasized that China has embarked on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way, and welcomed entrepreneurs from all over the world to invest in China and build a more secure, stable, and higher-level industrial chain and supply chain cooperation relationship.

The People's Daily (July 29) reported that Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Committee (PLAC) Guo Shengkun, presided over a plenary meeting of the Central Political and Legal Committee on July 29, conveying the study of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the special seminar for leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels and at the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee. Zhao Kezhi, Zhou Qiang and Zhang Jun were present.

The China Police Daily (July 31) published the Secretary General of the CCP CC Political￾Legal Affairs Committee, Chen Yixin's address to the meeting of the Secretary-General of the Central Political and Legal Committees held on July 29 where he stressed that it is necessary to study and implement the speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the provincial and ministerial level meeting of Leading cadres on July 26. The paper said the spirit of the 'important' speech in the special seminar is the primary political task at present, deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments", strengthen "four consciousness", strengthen "four self-confidence", achieve "two maintenance", and do our best to take responsibility As a practical action to meet the party's 20 victories held. It said Chen Yixin had talked about the learning experience and implementation of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech from 8 aspects. In brief these are: (i) "Profoundly understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's incisive exposition on the significance of convening the 20th Party Congress, and make every effort to create a safe and stable political and social environment for the 20th Party Congress"; (ii) "Profoundly understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's scientific research and judgment on the strategic opportunities and risks and challenges facing the road ahead" ... "keep in mind "two overall situations", adhere to the bottom line thinking, strengthen the will to fight, strengthen the fighting ability, maintain the sense of responsibility of "always rest assured" ... "Start a new game". (iii) "Have a profound understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping's systematic summary of the past five years of work and the 10 years of great changes in the new era" ... "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the cause of the party and the country has achieved historic achievements and undergone historic changes. The most fundamental reason is that General Secretary Xi Jinping is the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole party is at the helm". (iv) "We must resolutely defend the "two establishments", resolutely implement the "two safeguards", sincerely support the core emotionally, always follow the core ideologically, be absolutely loyal to the core politically, resolutely defend the core in action". (v) "Profoundly understand the political requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping" .... and "truly be a firm believer, active disseminator, and faithful practitioner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era". (vi) "Deeply understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's solemn declaration on unswervingly taking the Chinese-style modernization path, and actively provide security for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country". ... "conscientiously perform and solidly promote the duties and missions of political and legal work in the new era". (vii) "Have a deep understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping's strategic plan for the development of the party and the country in the future". (viii) "Have a deep understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest teaching on adhering to the fundamental purpose of the party and "making our party's longterm ruling foundation as solid as a rock". (ix) "Have a deep understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important requirements for persistently promoting comprehensive and strict governance of the party" ... "The political and legal team is loyal, clean and responsible".

The People's Daily (July 30) disclosed that China's Public Security Bureau is launching a "hundred days operation" to rectify railway public security. It disclosed the Railway Public Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security has set up 6 inspection teams, which will be dispatched to 18 railway public security bureaus from now on to crack down on the security of the whole system in summer. The Railway Public Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security has specially formulated the "Special Inspector Work Plan for the "Hundred-Day Action" of the Railway Public Security Organs' Summer Public Security Crackdown and Rectification", focusing on mobilizing and organizing various units to promote, implement political security measures, and strengthen the crackdown on serious criminal activities. The special inspection is divided into two stages. The first stage is from late July to mid-August, and each bureau carries out a one-week supervision and inspection; the second stage is from mid-September to the end of September, cracking down on key cases and prominent security issues. The rectification situation, as well as the rectification of outstanding problems in team management, will be reviewed and inspected.

A lengthy article in the People's Daily (August 3) discussed "studying" Xi Jinping's discussions on youth work. It stressed the need to build the CYL and ehttp:// nded with a call to CYL: "Only if the Communist Youth League has the courage to self-revolution, can it keep pace with the advancement of the times!"

The China Education Daily (August 2) quoted Communist Youth League reports that 36,700 newly recruited volunteers conducted ceremonies before going to China's central and Western regions to volunteer. The report said that in 2022, the western plan will be included in the "Communist Youth League Promotion of College Students' Employment Action", which will further promote the implementation of special projects such as rural education, serving rural construction, healthy villages, grass-roots youth work, rural social governance, serving Xinjiang, and serving Tibet, and will recruit all volunteers. The members are included in the "Tsing Ma Project" education system. It added that this year, more than 250,000 fresh graduates and postgraduate students from more than 2,300 colleges and universities across the country signed up for the Western Plan.

The People's Daily (July 30) published a 3-page article on Chinese President Xi Jinping's association with United Front Work. It said "Comrade Xi Jinping has forged an indissoluble bond with the United Front work in Fujian since he came to work in Fujian in 1985". It quoted 6 him saying "My father worked for the United Front, and I have a special feeling for the United Front work," Xi Jinping often said when he was working in Fujian. With this special feeling, in the extraordinary 17 and a half years, no matter what job position, Xi Jinping personally guided and promoted the United Front work.

The People's Daily (July 31) published a lengthy report on Xi Jinping's speech at the Central United Front Work Conference under the caption: 'Promoting the united struggle of Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad to gather strength for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation'. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presided and PBSC members Li Zhanshu, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, and Han Zheng attended. UFWD Chairman and PBSC member Wang Yang delivered a speech. (Comment: The Central United Front Work Conference was held in Beijing from July 29th to 30th, to mark the UFWD's 100th anniversary.)

Xinhua (July 28) published a lengthy 4465-word article reviewing the 10-year history of the CCP CC's United Front Work department (UFWD) titled "Extensively gather all the wisdom and strength of the Chinese nation ——The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core cares about the work of the United Front". It was published by Guangming Daily the following day (July 29). Asserting that "The united front is the political advantage and strategic policy of the Communist Party of China to unite people's hearts and strength. It is an important magic weapon for winning the revolution, construction, and reform. It is an important tool to strengthen the party's class foundation, expand the party's mass base, and consolidate the party's ruling position. The magic weapon is an important magic weapon for building a modern socialist country in an all-round way and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", the article declared: "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. Entering the crucial stage of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the United Front work is facing new situations and challenges." It recalled the directions given by Xi Jinping between May 18- 25, 2015 for upgrading UFWD work and the UFWD's contributions in religious affairs, Tibet work and Hongkong and building the unity of the country. The article stated, in conclusion, that "In the new era, the United Front will unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" policy, unswervingly implement the "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macao" principles, and continue to develop and strengthen the forces of patriotism and love for Hong Kong and Macao; The political foundation of the 1992 Consensus is to broadly unite Taiwan compatriots at home and abroad, steadily advance the work against "independence" and promote reunification, and build a foundation of public opinion for supporting and pursuing national reunification; Overseas Chinese affairs work has opened up a new situation. Gather people, build one heart. This year is the year of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, the United Front is taking the spiritual realm of "success and success do not have to be mine" and the historical responsibility of "success and success must be mine". With the perseverance of long-term dedication and the perseverance of daily deeds, we will strengthen the great unity of all parties, groups, ethnic groups, strata and all aspects, and gather indomitable strength to promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

The state-run CCTV on July 30, just prior to the 95th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1, revealed a video titled "The capabilities of the Chinese troops shown in 81 seconds". It featured the launch of what resembles a DF-17 missile. Experts said (July 31) that it displayed the flexibility of the "aircraft carrier killer" hypersonic weapon that is almost impossible to intercept, at a time when tension is rising in the Taiwan Straits amid US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's possible visit to the island of Taiwan. A scene in the video, showing live-fire launch of a missile from a transporter erector launcher on a highway in a desert, attracted particular attention by military enthusiasts, who said the missile resembles the DF-17 hypersonic missile, which has been publicly displayed at the National Day military parade on October 1, 2019 in Beijing.

China's Central Propaganda Department and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission jointly announced the 12 "Most Beautiful Revolutionary Soldiers in the New Era" on August 1, the 95th anniversary of the PLA. The instructions said "the majority of officers and soldiers should study the deeds and spirit of "the most beautiful soldiers in this new era", deepen the armed forces of Xi Jinping's new era with socialism with Chinese characteristics, highlight Xi Jinping's thought on strengthening the army, deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments" ... 'two maintenance" ... "resolutely obey the command of the Party Central Committee, Central Military Commission and Chairman Xi , forge the character of absolute loyalty, focus on actual war preparations and "... "build the people's army into a world class army in an all-round way". (Comment: The emphasis on "deepen the armed forces of Xi Jinping's new era with socialism with Chinese characteristics" appears to be new.)

Bloomberg (July 30) reported that the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) said on July 30 that 60-year old Ding Wenwu, General Manager of the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Co. Ltd, is suspected of “serious violation of discipline and law,” and is being investigated. Caixin reported that on July 16 Diao Shijing, former head of Unigroup Guoxin, and Zhao Weiguo, former chairman of Tsinghua Unigroup, were taken by related departments for investigation. The CDIC separately reported (August 3) that 15,500 leading cadres attended classes on warning education on clean government construction and watched a 'warning' educational film titled "The Hunting Trap" and listened to a lecture in Hubei.

Reports indicate that the case of four village banks in Henan continues to ferment. After the violent suppression of the former rights defenders on July 10 and because the incident occurred at a sensitive period before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the authorities appeased the victimized depositors in batches in order to maintain stability, and at the same time called some officials to take responsibility. Three more financial system officials were sacked on July 29. On July 29, the Henan Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision announced that three more officials from the local financial system had been investigated. They include Zhao Dewang, Director of the Financial Stability Division of the Zhengzhou Central Sub-branch of the People's Bank. Many netizens protested that the three officials being investigated by the authorities were: "Little fish and shrimp", "Just investigate the director?" "You have to take the blame, otherwise such a big How to fill the basket.” Prior to this, on July 24, Li Huanting, the first-level inspector of the Henan Supervision Bureau of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, was sacked. According to the disclosure of resume information, Li Huanting served as the director of the second division of rural small and medium-sized financial institutions supervision of the Henan Supervision Bureau of the former China Banking Regulatory Commission. On July 17, Song Zhanying, the former inspector of the CBRC's Office for Disposal of Illegal Fund Raising, was investigated; on the same day, Zhang Yansen, the former CBRC Disciplinary Commission and Division-level Disciplinary Inspector and Supervisor of the Supervision Bureau, was sacked. The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission confirmed in mid-June that some executives of several village banks in Henan colluded with the major shareholder Henan New Fortune Group inside and outside to illegally absorb deposits from the public. On July 29, the Henan Banking and Insurance Regulatory Bureau and Henan Provincial Local Financial Regulatory Bureau issued an announcement that from 9:00 am on August 1, Yuzhou Xinminsheng Rural Bank, Shangcai Huimin Rural Bank, Zhecheng Huanghuai Rural Bank, Kaifeng New Oriental Rural Bank's off-book business customers will start to get an advance amounting to the principal of a single institution and a single person with a combined amount of 100,000 yuan to 150,000 yuan (inclusive), and further advances if it is below 100,000 yuan (inclusive).

The 21st Century Business Herald reported (July 31) from Qingdao that Cai Fang, former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), chief expert of a national highend think tank, and member of the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, said at the Qingdao China Fortune Forum on July 30 that according to the new forecast, about this year or next year, China's population will peak and then enter negative growth, while India's population will exceed China's, and the gap will be very significant in the future. These data mean that China will officially enter an era of negative population growth, which is not cyclical, not fleeting, but almost a long-term trend, and a new demographic turning point may bring new shocks. Cai Fang pointed out that since 2010, China's labour force began to decline. The population shock experienced in the past ten years has been on the supply side, resulting in a decline in the potential economic growth and actual growth rate. He said China responded through supply-side structural reforms. He said this will "bring unexpected new shocks to economic growth from the supply side and the demand side" and adversely impact resource mobilisation.

An article in the Hubei Daily (August 2) by Li Shanshan, Deputy Director of the Party History and Party Construction Teaching and Research Department of the Party School of Hubei Provincial Party Committee, noted that the 12th Provincial Party Congress proposed to build an urban and rural social governance of "vertical to the end, horizontal to the edge, joint construction, joint governance and sharing". It asserted that 'the mass line is the lifeline and fundamental work line of the party, and it is the fundamental guarantee for the party to remain invincible'. It averred "Follow the party's mass line in the new era, and always maintain a fleshand-blood relationship with the people," arguing that 19th Party Congress concept of "joint construction, governance, and mutuality" (共建共治共享) are the "mass line" in the new era. (Comment: The article contained a reference to Xi Jinping and Mao Zedong.)

A Naning Daily (July 29) article captioned "Party Building + Grid + Big Data" Accurately and Efficiently Helps Epidemic Prevention and Control" revealed that Qingxiu District in Guangxi province has deepened community grid management, established branches on grids, and deployed party members on nodes, striving to build a "party building + grid + big data" normalized social governance and emergency mobilization organization system to boost epidemic prevention and control. It called the control "refined, intelligent, digital and convenient". It said the plan focused on party building and promoting grassroots governance as the main line, and that Qingxiu had issued the "Implementation Plan for Establishing Temporary Party Organizations in Major Emergencies and Major Work Frontlines", further strengthening the grass-roots governance grid system, and establishing "urban-street" (town)- community (village)-metagrid-buildings" five-level "territorial grid", superimposed on the "metagrid" to build a "professional grid" led by the industry sector, forming a "5+1" network. The grid governance system is divided into 1702 "meta grids" and 18183 "building" grids, and a grid length is set for each grid, and grid data officers, grid police, and prevention and control points are flexibly equipped. It said that by July 27, Qingxiu District had established a total of 75 temporary party branches, dispatched a total of more than 28,000 cadres, a total of 534 municipal management cadres, and carefully selected 98 people to Nanning East Railway Station, Xundong Bus Station and various traffic card points.

Sichuan Daily (July 28) reported that the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee's Theoretical Study Center Group held a special study meeting on July 28 to focus on the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country". Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, presided over the meeting and talked about his understanding and experience. . He emphasized that it is necessary to deeply study and comprehend the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country". It said that before the meeting members of the Provincial Party Committee's Theoretical Study Center team carefully studied the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country"; at the meeting, everyone exchanged their experiences and experiences around the learning theme and working practice. The Sichuan Daily noted "The meeting pointed out that the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country" is an authoritative work that comprehensively and systematically reflects Xi Jinping's thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Understanding the decisive significance of the "two establishments", enhancing the "four consciousnesses", strengthening the "four self-confidences", achieving the "two maintenances", and uniting and striving and advancing bravely in the new era and new journey are important and of far-reaching significance. From the great practice of the general secretary leading the whole party and the people of the whole country to overcome difficulties and forge ahead, we must continue to deepen our understanding of the epochal, theoretical, practical, and world significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and have a profound understanding of it". A Sichuan Daily (August 2) report said that the Science and Technology Department held a briefing on July 29, on the operation of Sichuan High-tech Zone in the first half of 2022. The officials said since the beginning of this year, the economy of the high-tech zones in our province has been running smoothly on the whole, and the main indicators have shown a stable and positive trend. From January to June, the province's high-tech zones achieved operating income of 1.5 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.3%.

The Guizhou Daily (July 29) disclosed that on July 28, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress Chen Yiqin, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor Li Bingjun met Wang Xiqin, President of Tsinghua University, and his party in Guiyang, and jointly attended the 'Guizhou Province -The signing ceremony of the Tsinghua University Strategic Cooperation Agreement of the People's Government'. Provincial leaders Lu Yongzheng, Shi Yubao, Guo Xiwen, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Tsinghua University Guo Yong, and Vice President Peng Gang attended the event. The strategic agreement is "to thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech on his inspection of Guizhou" and intended to train talent for the development of Guizhou.

The Zhejiang Daily (July 29) reported that the 37th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th Provincial People's Congress on July 29 heard the provincial government's report on the province's economic and social development in the first half of the year and the government's work in the second half of the year. The report said the province's economy bottomed out and stabilized in June and gradually recovered in June, withstood the challenges and impacts that exceeded expectations, and achieved a GDP of 3,622.2 billion yuan, an increase of 2.5%. The Zhejiang Daily (August 2) reported that the amount of affordable housing units constructed in the province in the first 6 months of the year exceeds 319,000 units - completing the annual target of 300,000 ahead of schedule.

The main story in the Yunnan Daily (August 3) is the study of Xi Jinping's "The Governance of China" Volume 4 that was recently released. The Study is mandated for cadres, party members, and in colleges, using online and offline platforms.

The Sinophone Borderlands online public opinion survey in China in March 2022, which polled 3,000 Chinese respondents (split into six groups) responded to questions about what they thought about the United States, Russia, Japan, Europe, Singapore, and Africa. Their comments, briefly, were: The United States was commonly thought of as an advanced and powerful state, yet hostile to China, untrustworthy, and tending to interfere in other countries’ affairs. “Hegemon” was the most prevalent association. Respondents very commonly used negative adjectives such as bossy, arrogant, selfish, shameless, unfriendly, but even retarded or vicious; On Russia, the Chinese respondents were mostly positive, although the intensity of positivity did not appear as strong as the negativity towards the US. In contrast to the United States, Russia is clearly viewed as a friendly country. Respondents whose perception of Russia got better mentioned the strength of the country, the strength of the leadership (“trust Putin,” “Putin has guts,” “strong leadership”), and trustworthiness and friendliness toward China (even “brotherly love” between Russia and China, but also mentions that the “enemy of an enemy is our friend”); Regarding Europe, Chinese respondents did not have robust associations. Europe is seen as white (“Caucasians”), wealthy, developed in all kinds of ways – economy, technology, culture – and as an exciting travel destination with rich culture and history. The three most mentioned countries were France, Italy, and Germany; The Chinese respondents’ image of Africa is of “poverty,” followed by “Black people.” African people are seen by the Chinese as “friendly” although “lazy”; With Japan the most common associations tend to focus on historical grievances, such as “invasion of China,” “Nanjing massacre,” “resistance war against Japan,” or “cruel history.” Japan is also seen as a technological and industrial powerhouse with a developed economy.

A critical Global Times (July 30) article reporting that India's first indigenous aircraft carrier was handed over to the Indian Navy, said that it took India over 12 years before the start of sea trials in August 2021, and the final delivery in July 2022 according to Indian media reports. During that period between 1999 to 2022, China made a breakthrough by launching three aircraft carriers. Chinese military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the Liaoning is a large carrier while the Vikrant is only a medium-size carrier. Song Zhongping added that the base of India's military industry is relatively weak, so indigenous aircraft carrier development is a challenge. China can design whole aircraft carriers by itself, but India can only do part of the design. The Global Times added: "India has always believed that “the Indian Ocean is India’s ocean” and that there is a need to develop a carrier-centric navy".

Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported (July 31) the statement issued by the U.S. House of Representatives that Speaker Nancy Pelosi will lead a delegation to Asia, where she will visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. The itinerary will focus on mutual security, economic partnership, and democratic governance in the Indo-Pacific region. The statement said "Today, our congressional delegation will travel to the Indo-Pacific to reaffirm America's strong and unshakable commitment to allies and friends in the region, South Korea and Japan, our delegations will hold high-level meetings to discuss how to further advance our mutual interests and values, including peace and security, economic growth and trade, the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, human rights and democratic governance.” She also said that under the strong leadership of President Biden, the United States is committed to intelligent and strategic engagement in the region, knowing that a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific is critical to American and global prosperity. Singapore's foreign ministry said a U.S. congressional delegation led by Pelosi will visit Singapore from August 1 to 2 to meet with President Halimah and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The delegation will also communicate with a number of cabinet ministers. In a press release issued by Pelosi's office, Taiwan was not included in the itinerary. (Comment: With Pelosi visiting Taiwan overnight and meeting Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on August 3, tensions will escalate. The US forces are already in the area and ready to strike. Chinese forces are also making moves -- they have despatched two aircraft carriers and fighter aircraft to the area, including two PLAAF Y-20 aircraft towards the borders with India. Chinese President Xi Jinping is in a difficult situation with the US having called his bluff and now needs a way out mainly to save face before the 20th Party Congress.)

Commenting on the telephone conversation (July 28) between US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the state-owned CCTV (July 29) telecast that "Xi Jinping emphasized China's principled position on the Taiwan issue. Xi Jinping emphasized that the history of the Taiwan issue is clear, and the fact and current situation that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China are clear. The three Sino-US joint communiques are political commitments of both sides, and the one-China principle is the political foundation of Sino-US relations. We firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and interference by external forces, and will never leave any space for "Taiwan independence" forces in any form. The position of the Chinese government and Chinese people on the Taiwan issue has been consistent, and it is the firm will of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people to resolutely safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Public opinion cannot be violated. Playing with fire will set yourself on fire. I hope the US side can see this clearly. The U.S. side should abide by the one-China principle and implement the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques." It also said "Biden said that today's world is in a critical period. U.S.-China cooperation is not only beneficial to the people of the two countries, but also to the people of other countries. The US hopes to maintain smooth dialogue with China, enhance mutual understanding, avoid misunderstandings and misjudgements, seek cooperation in areas where interests converge, and properly manage differences. I would like to reiterate that the one-China policy of the United States has not changed and will not change, and the United States does not support Taiwan's "independence"." Separately, Hu Xijin wrote in an editorial in the Global Times that “The Chinese mainland will definitely put up a sturdy fight to the end to thwart Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, without fear of any escalation”. The US and Taiwan “must fully understand that the red line is a high-voltage one that they cannot step on”. (Comment: As expected, the official Chinese media is portraying that while Xi Jinping and China remained firm in their stance and threats on Taiwan and Pelosi's visit, Biden adopted a mellow tone! Meanwhile, calling Xi Jinping's bluff, Nancy Pelosi landed in Taipei by special aircraft at 10.22 pm on August 2.)

In the context of Pelosi's reported visit to Taiwan, the Fujian Pingtan Maritime Safety Administration announced that from July 28 to July 30 live ammunition training will be conducted in the waters near Yiqiyu Island in Pingtan, Fujian Province, and all ships will be prohibited from entering. A Chinese media report said the notice of the exercise issued by "a unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army stationed in Fujian" on July 28 caused speculation since the PLA only conducts live ammunition in small coastal areas. However, since Pingtan is the closest location in mainland China to Hsinchu, Taiwan , and the mainland established the "Fuzhou (Pingtan) Comprehensive Experimental Zone in Pingtan County in 2009", the news of the military exercise caused speculation from the outside world.. According to satellite images released by the US military media "The War Zone" in October last year, the Chinese military is upgrading the three air bases closest to Taiwan, including the construction of ammunition bunkers, extension of airport runways, and new apron. The Chinese military's Longtian, Hui'an and Zhangzhou air bases in Fujian Province have been continuously upgrading their internal equipment since the beginning of 2020. The Longtian base is about 217 kilometres away from Taipei, Taiwan, the Hui'an base is about 278 kilometres away from Taipei, and the Zhangzhou base is about 399 kilometres away from Taipei. It is estimated that the fighter jet can reach Taipei in about 7 minutes as soon as it takes off.

The South China Morning Post (July 30) reported that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 29 put Alibaba on its watch list of Chinese firms that face removal from American exchanges. More than 150 Chinese companies are currently on the SEC’s provisional line-up of firms up for delisting. Apart from Alibaba, three other mainland Chinese internet companies – Mogu, Cheetah Mobile and Boqii Holding – and one Hong Kong entity, metal stamping firm Highway Holdings, are on the SEC watch list.

China's official media, except the People's Daily and Guangming Daily, published the Chinese Ministry of Foreign affairs statement on the Taiwan issue on August 3. The People's Daily and Guangming Daily published it on page 3. The report was published together with the map.

The PLA announced it would conduct military operations from August 4 - 6 encircling Taiwan. Two PLAN aircraft carriers and warships are near, or in, the Taiwan Strait and PLAAF fighter aircraft are regularly violating Taiwan's ADIZ in batches of 15 or more aircraft. Reports also state that Chinese Landing Craft in Fujian province are being loaded with military vehicles and tanks.

On July 29, the Institute of Taiwan Studies in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) held a forum with analysts and discussed the damage of Pelosi's possible Taiwan island visit to the China-US relations, cross-Straits stability and regional and global peace, and China's countermeasures. Yang Mingjie, head of the Institute of Taiwan Studies in Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times (July 29) that sending fighter jets to intercept Pelosi's plane, declaring air and maritime zones around the island of Taiwan as restriction zones for military exercises … China's responses will be systematically and not limited to small scale given the severity of Pelosi's move and the damage to the political trust of China-US relations. The Global Times added that the phrase "Don't say we didn't warn you" had also been frequently mentioned by analysts when talking about the disastrous consequences that may be brought about by Pelosi during the July 29 forum. It clarified "Don't say we didn't warn you" has become a key phrase used by Chinese official media as the most severe warning previously issued before shots were fired in military operations. The phrase has been used several times before, such as in 1962 and 1978, not long before China's military operations against provocations by Indian and Vietnamese troops, respectively. Yang Mingjie said "The US should not underestimate the Chinese people's determination to defend core interests on sovereignty, integrity and security at any time. It should also not repeat the miscalculation it made in the 1950s in the Korean War. Despite not being strong at that time, China still had the courage to fight a war when it was pushed to the corner, it will surely not sit idly by this time". Analysts said the countermeasures in China's toolbox include concrete and strategic ones and rapid and long-term ones and it will take different measures in accordance with Pelosi's interactions with secessionists from the island of Taiwan. If she makes the visit, the possibility for China to recall the ambassador from the US cannot be ruled out as also imposing sanctions on individuals related to the visit.

Citing the New York Times and unnamed sources the US publication AXIOS said (July 29) that “U.S. officials now believe China may make a strong move against Taiwan within the next 18 months, according to a recent New York Times report, though that estimate is not based on specific knowledge of Beijing's plans”.

In the backdrop of high tensions relating to US House Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, the AP news service (July 29) quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying on July 29 that “We believe that no other country has the right to call (that) into doubt or take any provocative steps.” He also warned the U.S. against “destructive” moves, adding that “such behaviour on the international arena could only exacerbate tensions as the world is already overloaded with regional and global problems.”

China's General Administration of Customs on August 1, imposed a sudden ban on the importation of products from over 100 Taiwanese food manufacturers, in a move widely seen as retaliation for the expected visit of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Among the food product categories affected by the policy is "crackers, pastries and noodles," in which 35 out of 107 registered Taiwanese companies are currently labelled "imports temporarily suspended" on the customs administration website. In a statement issued on August 2 afternoon, the United Bakery Association of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expressed "shock and frustration" at the decision, and said it hoped that exports would be allowed to resume as quickly as possible. It did not disclose details on the expected financial impact of the policy. The association is also planning to seek assistance from Taiwan's government in funding.

A 4-member group of Japanese Legislators including heavyweight Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) parliamentarians Kono Taro and Ishiba Shigeru and other lesser legislators were in Taipei City on July 28-29. Kono Taro and Ishiba Shigeru met President Tsai Ing-wen on July 29 afternoon. Ishiba and his delegation on security had a discussion with Premier Su Tsengchang and several Cabinet members, including the ministers for defense, economic affairs, and mainland China affairs. (Comment: Both Kono and Ishiba are political leaders of national stature and Kono was almost elected LDP president and prime minister last September. Interestingly, the Chinese have not reacted to the visit.)

Xinhua (July 29) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with Iranian President Raisi on July 29, when Xi Jinping pointed out that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation due to the combined effects of the century-old changes and the epidemic of the century. Facing the complicated international situation, China and Iran have strengthened solidarity and cooperation, which has enhanced the common interests of both sides and safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of developing countries. The Chinese side views China-Iran relations from a strategic perspective, and is willing to work with the Iranian side to push for new progress in the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides should continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and maintain non-interference in internal affairs, the basic norm of international relations. He said it is necessary to maintain close communication on the implementation of the comprehensive cooperation plan between the two countries ... and strengthen communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. China always supports Middle East countries in resolving regional security issues through solidarity and cooperation, and supports the people of the Middle East in exploring development paths independently, and is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with Iran within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other frameworks.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected Wuhan, Hubei province on June 28. During the visit he emphasized in Wuhan that scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement are the foundation of a country's prosperity and security and urged greater progress in scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement. On the afternoon of the 28th, accompanied by Wang Menghui, Party Secretary of Hubei Province, and Wang Zhonglin, Governor of Hubei, Xi Jinping went deep into Wuhan's enterprises and communities to investigate. Speaking to cadres and citizens gathered in the city's central square, Xi Jinping stressed that the new crown pneumonia epidemic is a "big test" and "We adhere to the principle of people first" and constantly adjust prevention and control measures according to the times and circumstances to protect people's lives and health to the greatest extent. He cautioned that "If we implement prevention and control policies such as "collective immunization" and "lying flat", the consequences will be disastrous. Our implementation of the dynamic clearing policy is determined by the Party Central Committee from the nature and purpose of the party and from the national conditions of our country".

Xinhua (June 25) announced that CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping will attend the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Visiting the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on June 27, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at an event that, “The population trapped in dire conditions has increased due to the impact of the epidemic and natural disasters.” He told the officials to “detect in a timely manner those people who lost their jobs, those who need to be included in the low-income programs, and those in temporary distress, and prevent the occurrence of incidents that break the moral bottom line.” Li Keqiang also said that the current economy has recovered to a certain extent, but “the foundation is not yet solid.” He emphasized that, “The unemployment rate should be brought down and controlled as soon as possible.” (Comment: Although Li Keqiang did not specify what the events might be that could “break the moral bottom line,” this is not a wording often used by the Premier to describe China’s economic difficulties.)

Reporting the 35th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) that concluded in Beijing on June 24, Xinhua disclosed that it had approved the appointments of Wang Xiaohong was appointed as Minister of Public Security and Pei Jinjia was appointed as Minister of Veterans Affairs. (Comment: 64-year old Wang Xiaohong, a long-time associate of Chinese President Xi Jinping, was named as Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security on November 19. The Legal Daily said Wang Xiaohong, 64, currently Vice Minister of Public Security and a member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, will replace Zhao Kezhi as Minister of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). The South China Morning Post (November 20) quoted Gu Su, a political scientist at Nanjing University, as saying “Wang is a trustworthy person".)

In a rare internal promotion Xie Chuntao was appointed Executive Vice President of the Central Party School succeeding Li Shulei. Conventionally, the job has always been given to someone from elsewhere. (Comment: Xie Chuntao was born in February 1963 in Linshu County, Shandong Province. From 1978 to 1988, he successively studied at Shandong Normal University, Zhejiang University and Renmin University of China, and obtained a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in law and a doctorate in law respectively. He used to be the president and editor-in-chief of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. In May 2018, he served as the Vice President (Dean) of the Central Party School (National School of Administration).

The Beijing edition of People's Daily (June 27) published the 29th article in the series on Xi Jinping's footsteps under the caption 'Strive to create a better tomorrow for the development of the capital (following the footsteps of the general secretary, Beijing chapter)'. It quoted "The main responsible comrade of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee said that the capital Beijing will always follow the direction indicated by General Secretary Xi Jinping, regardless of rain or shine, to promote the profound transformation of Beijing, a great city, and strive hard. Create a better tomorrow for the development of the capital." The People's Daily (June 28) and CCTV (June 28) published the 30th article in the series on Xi Jinping's footsteps on Qinghai province. It said, "Qinghai is located in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is the birthplace of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang River". (Comment: Missing as yet are HK, Macau, and Xinjiang.)

Senior CCP cadres are competing to show their loyalty to Chinese President Xi Jinping in the run up to the 20th Party Congress, indicating that personal loyalty to Xi Jinping has become an important criterion for promotion in the CCP. Among the Party Secretaries of Provinces who have frequently expressed their views to Xi Jinping recently, many are vying for a seat in the CCP CC Political Bureau. These include: On June 22, Lou Yangsheng, Party Secretary of Henan, who wrote (June 22) in the "Learning Times" that he should "hold high the ideological banner and keep in mind the leader's entrustment", regard Xi Jinping's political theory as a "lifelong career", and call for "item-by-item" implementation of Xi Jinping's decree; Li Hongzhong, Party Secretary of the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee, who was the first to shout the slogan of "Xi's core", also mentioned "two safeguards" in the report of the Tianjin Party Congress (June 17), calling on officials to strengthen "Xi's "core status", political identity, ideological identity, and emotional identity,” and unswervingly follow Xi; Jiangxi Provincial Party Secretary Yi Lianhong in his speech (June 13) called Xi Jinping "the leader at the helm", and urged cadres to "keep in mind the entrustment and keeping up with the leader's pace"; Shandong Party Secretary Li Ganjie published (May 30) an article on the front page of the "Study Times" calling Xi Jinping "the man at the helm" and describing Xi's instructions as "compass", "golden key" and "fulcrum". A total of 11 Party Secretaries have been noticed till now (June 29) praising Xi Jinping and extolling his leadership qualities in their reports to the respective Provincial People's Congresses. In addition, provinces and Municipalities have held several seminars to study the red pocket book and some have organised special exhibitions.

65-year old Qu Qingshan, Director of the Central Party History and Literature Research Institute, has authored the book "Understanding and Grasping "Two Establishments" from Five Dimensions", which has been published by the People's Publishing House and will be released nationwide from June 27. Release of the book has triggered speculation among Party members whether Qu Qingshan's book "Five Dimensions" is a curtain call, or is he preparing to serve overage. The People's Publishing House has published the book in order to welcome the victory of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The CCP CC Organization Department released the latest party statistics on June 29. By the end of 2021, the total number of CCP members was 96.712 million, and there were 4.936 million grass-roots party organizations. It said the scale of party members has further expanded with the total number of party members increasing by 3.7% over the previous year, and by 15.9% over the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. In 2021, there will be 4.383 million new party members, an increase of 1.956 million over the previous year. The structure of party members continued to be optimized. Compared with the end of 2012, the proportion of party members, female party members and minority party members with a college degree or above increased by 13.2, 5.6 and 0.7 percentage points respectively. Party member education management has been continuously strengthened. Taking the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the main line, improve the education work system for party members, and continue to improve the quality of education. The grass-roots party organizations continue to consolidate and consolidate. In 2021, 1.782 million grass-roots party organizations across the country will be re-elected, and the ranks of leaders of rural and community grass-roots party organizations will be further optimized. (Comment: It is significant that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is now a mandatory requirement in Party education.)

Xinhua (June 25) reported that at a meeting on June 25, China's Ministry of Public Security has disclosed that it will start a "Hundred Days Action" of the national public security organs to crack down on the rectification of public security in the summer. It emphasised that various rectification measures will be put in place to ensure the continued stability of the overall social situation and severely crack down and rectify the masses in accordance with the law. It said this would make the people feel that safety is at their fingertips and around them. The focus was on criminal activities, gangsters, resolution of disputes and conflicts, traffic violations and disposal of petitions. The Ministry of Public Security instructed that social control be strengthened with the strict implementation of mechanisms such as joint armed patrols and rapid response of the public security and armed police, adopting policing models such as "one police officer in one village (grid)" and "two teams and one room", so as to maximize the number of police forces on the streets and into the community, mobilising mass organizations to enhance social security control, especially focusing on the characteristics of public security in summer, and strengthening night patrols in key locations and areas.

CNKI, one of the biggest and most widely followed Chinese academic databases, is now subject to a cybersecurity probe. (Comment: The move is in line with the country's moves to increasingly obscure data about itself and its economy.)

The Engineering Science and Technology journal (June 29) published an article which said that General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that it is necessary to fully implement the strategy of strengthening the country through the Internet, widely apply digital technology to government management services, promote the digital and intelligent operation of the government, and provide strong support for promoting the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities. , network, intelligent level of clear requirements. It said, "We must thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech".

On June 27, the Shandong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision disclosed that Zhang Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao Municipal Party Committee and Minister of the Propaganda Department, was suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervision investigation by the Shandong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision. Zhang Jun used to be the Deputy Mayor of Qingdao. In April this year, he was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Propaganda Department. On June 7 this year, Yu Chengpu, the former Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Qingdao Ocean and Fisheries Bureau, was investigated.

The official website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) disclosed on June 27, a summary of the national investigation and punishment of spiritual problems in violation of the eight central regulations in May 2022. It disclosed that in May, a total of 7,778 cases of 'spiritual problems' in violation of the eight central regulations were investigated and punished nationwide, and 11,299 people were criticised, educated, helped, and dealt with, of which 7,822 people were punished by party discipline and government affairs. This is the 105th consecutive month that monthly data has been released. Providing details, it said in May, a total of 3,250 problems were investigated and dealt with across the country, accounting for 83.5% of the total number of formalism and bureaucracy problems. The three types of issues investigated and dealt with, including illegally receiving valuable specialties and gifts, illegal eating, and drinking, and illegally issuing allowances or benefits, accounted for 36.3%, 20.8%, and 20.5% of hedonism and extravagance, respectively. In May, a total of 34 cases of leading cadres at the prefecture level were investigated and dealt with, 540 cases of leading cadres at the county and division level were investigated and dealt with, and 7,204 cases of cadres at the township level and below were investigated and dealt with. Among them, the problem of cadres at the township level and below accounted for 92.6% of the total number of problems investigated and dealt with. The Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said that it will continue to 'unremittingly rectify corruption and unhealthy practices', and thoroughly rectify damage to the party's image.

The People's Daily (June 28) reported that the CCP CC Propaganda Department held a series of press conferences on the theme of "China's Ten Years" on June 27, under the caption 'Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the development of agriculture and rural areas has made historic achievements - Comprehensive promotion of the rural revitalization strategy in the new era'. Deng Xiaogang, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, spoke on rural revitalization in the new era. Deng Xiaogang said that in the past ten years, we have won the battle against poverty, solved the problem of absolute poverty historically, implemented the strategy of rural revitalization, and promoted the development of agriculture and rural areas to achieve historic achievements and make historic changes. Deng Xiaogang said that since the 18th Party Congress, the supply of grain and important agricultural products "has been stable, and the foundation for ensuring national food security has become more and more solid. Grain production capacity has increased steadily. The output has been stable at more than 1.3 trillion catties for 7 consecutive years, and will reach a new level of 100 billion catties in 10 years. In 2021, the output will reach a record high of 1,365.7 billion catties, and the per capita grain share will reach 483 kg, higher than the internationally recognized food safety line of 400 kilograms has achieved basic self-sufficiency of grains and absolute safety of rations". The same day (June 28) CCTV telecast a report saying, "Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a letter to Xu Congxiang, a major grain grower in Taihe County, Anhui Province, on June 27, expressing his greetings to the local villagers and expressing his gratitude to the country’s grain growers". "Xi Jinping said, I remember you, an expert in grain farming in Taihe, Anhui. I am very happy to learn that your family has had a good harvest of wheat and that your children and grandchildren have followed you in farming". Xi Jinping pointed out that "if you have food in your hands, you should not panic. I have always been concerned about grain production, and I often visit the fields during grassroots research. Over the years, the CPC Central Committee has introduced a series of policies and measures to support grain production, with the aim of keeping the Chinese people's rice bowls firmly in their own hands, and making grain farmers earn money and benefits, and make life better. It is hoped that large grain growers will take advantage of their large-scale operation and actively apply modern agricultural technology, so as to drive the small farmers to diversify and grow good grains, so as to contribute to national food security together".

The PLA daily (June 23) disclosed that the Ministry of Veteran Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security jointly issued the "Opinions on Promoting Outstanding Retired Veterans Teaching in Primary and Middle Schools" to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's education on important discussions with the work of retired soldiers, further expand the employment channels of retired soldiers, and strengthen the construction of teachers in primary and secondary schools. Emphasising that retired soldiers have a firm political belief, strong mission responsibility, strong style, and have strong style, and the potential for teaching, the Opinions said they are an important force to enrich the team of teachers in primary and secondary schools. Promoting outstanding retired soldiers to teach in primary and secondary schools is conducive to promoting the fundamental task of the people, helping to improve the discipline structure and gender proportion of teachers in primary and secondary schools, and promote the comprehensive development of young people. The "Opinions" recommended that the difficulty of recruiting retired soldiers as primary and secondary school teachers can be resolved by local regions relaxing the age limit according to the various factors. The qualification certificate of the primary and secondary school teacher qualification examination obtained within one year before the service of the retired soldiers can extend the validity period of 2 years.

Speaking at the China Macroeconomic Forum (CMF) Quarterly Forum (mid-2022) on June 25, 2022, Huang Qifan, Distinguished Professor of Fudan University, spoke on "China's Macroeconomics with Stability" . The speech was posted on the portal Guangdong on June 26. Huang Qifan, briefly, said: (i) In the next 20 to 30 years, the "five major items" that can form a trillion-dollar market have generally taken shape now, and there are five directions: one is driverless new energy vehicles, the second is home robots, and the third is Head-mounted AR/VR glasses or helmets, the fourth is flexible display, and the fifth is 3D printing equipment; (ii) At present, the economic operation of both China and the world has been impacted and affected by three basic factors: first, the repeated delay of the new crown epidemic; second, the escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; and third, the intensification of international geopolitical competition; and (iii) Compared with meeting local demand through imports after production in other places, selling real estate has at least four advantages: first, it can bypass the restrictions of import protection tariffs, and second, because organizing production in the place of sale naturally reduces logistics The third is that the market information can be grasped in a more timely and accurate manner. The fourth is that due to the local organization of production, taxes, profits, and GDP are kept locally, and the employment generated is also local, which naturally forms a positive interaction. Stating that China has a solid foundation for stabilizing its industrial chain and supply chain, and there is something to be gained from the near future, he suggested some steps.

An article in the China Journal of Social Sciences highlighted the success of the Maritime Silk Road Initiative and said it "not only has profound historical origins, but also has a solid practical foundation, and is of great value to promoting economic development and cultural exchanges among countries along the Maritime Silk Road". It quoted Xu Xiujun, Director of the International Political Economy Research Office of the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that "the countries along the route have made great efforts in marine economic development, marine scientific and technological innovation, marine energy development and utilization and that practical cooperation in the fields of marine cultural exchanges and other fields has made important progress. The cooperation results have benefited the countries and people along the route, and continuously promoted the marine economy towards high-quality and sustainable development". Wang Yiwei, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Renmin University of China, believes that China is "committed to creating a new type of marine civilization" and said that realizing land-sea connectivity is an important mission of building the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road". The article also disclosed that "Xiamen Port and Fuzhou Port have established friendship ports with 18 ports around the world. In the future, they will gradually realize connectivity with Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, South Pacific, Europe, America, and Africa, forming an international shipping service network".

The report of the 12th Shanghai Party Congress presented by Party Secretary Li Qiang was published on June 25. The report included 23 references to Xi Jinping. Li Qiang said that "since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Shanghai in person for four consecutive years to inspect and guide the work, made important instructions, assigned major tasks, and assigned major missions, which pointed out the direction for Shanghai's development and ushered in a new era of Shanghai's succession. Li Qiang said that "in the past five years, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", we have fully implemented the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC and all previous plenary sessions of the 19th Party Congress, and "insisted on learning and implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important Shanghai speech". He said Xi Jinping had "united and led the city's party members, cadres and the masses to forge ahead, keep upright and innovate, and withstood the test of the intertwined and superimposed changes of the century and the epidemic of the century, and successfully completed." He added that "Since 2020, under the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee, we have resolutely implemented the general strategy of "foreign defense against imports and internal defense against rebound" and the general policy of "dynamic clearing", and adhered to the "national gate" with a strong sense of mission and responsibility. Since March this year, in the face of the unprecedented severe and complex new wave of epidemics, we have resolutely implemented the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee. We made arduous efforts to contain the exponential rise of the epidemic at a very critical juncture, broke the stalemate and repeated situation of the epidemic at the stage of tackling the crisis, and achieved and consolidated the results of dynamic social clearing, winning the great Shanghai. defense. The practice of fighting against the epidemic over the past two years, especially the battle to defend the Greater Shanghai, has made us more deeply aware that the decision-making and deployment of the Party Central Committee on epidemic prevention and control is completely correct, and that socialism with Chinese characteristics has unparalleled institutional advantages." "As long as we keep in mind the general secretary's entrustment and forge ahead in the direction guided by the general secretary, we will surely be able to overcome all kinds of difficulties and challenges on the way forward, and continue to move from victory to victory". In the report, Li Qiang said that "accelerating the construction of a socialist modern international metropolis with world influence is the clear positioning of General Secretary Xi Jinping for Shanghai. In the next five years, we will adhere to 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, and thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech on his visit to Shanghai. Spirit, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", resolutely achieve the "two maintenances", carry forward the great spirit of party building". Li Qiang also exhorted "Party members and cadres in the city to always maintain the political character of communists, strengthen their ideals and beliefs, cultivate people's feelings, temper their responsibilities, stimulate their enthusiasm for struggle, and always maintain a blood and blood connection with the people. Facing up to difficulties, catching up with learning, forging ahead in a new journey and making contributions to a new era". He concluded by urging all to "unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech on his inspection of Shanghai, vigorously carry forward the great spirit of party building, and consciously practice it. People's city concept, forge ahead, forge ahead bravely, meet the victory of the party's 20th National Congress with practical actions, and make unremitting efforts to accelerate the construction of a socialist modern international metropolis with world influence and to realize the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". The Provincial Congress re-elected Li Qiang as Secretary of the Shanghai Municipality Party Committee. (Comment: Shanghai Party Secretary Li Qiang has been widely regarded as a frontrunner for elevation to the PBSC but the public outcry against the 'zero Covid' policy could affect his chances. This would explain the frequent mention of Xi Jinping in his work report to the 12th Shanghai Congress.)

The report of the CCP Jiangsu Provincial Representative Conference held from June 22 to 23, in Nanjing was published on June 24. The meeting elected 71 delegates to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, including Wang Qishan and Liu Qibao, both of whom were nominated by the Party Central Committee. The meeting was presided over by the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, and Jiangsu Party Secretary Wu Zhenglong delivered a speech, which included 9 mentions of Xi Jinping. He firmly supported the "two establishments" and the "two safeguards" and the "two centuries" history. He stressed that "it is a great blessing for the party, the country, and the people to have General Secretary Xi Jinping at the helm and to have the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping's thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The "two establishments" establish the "pillar" of the whole party and the "backbone" of the people, the "fixed star" of thought and the "compass" of action, and the strong political guarantee for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Party organizations at all levels and all Party members in the province must more consciously and resolutely maintain the core of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Party Central Committee and the core position of the whole party, and more consciously use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to arm their minds, guide practice, and promote work. Always keep in mind the "two big picture", keep in mind the "bigger of the country", and closely follow General Secretary Xi Jinping to forge a new journey and make contributions to a new era". Wu Zhenglong pointed out that Jiangsu carries the deep concern and ardent expectations of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee and said "Party and government organs at all levels must work hard Struggle, practice strict economy, and exchange your "tight days" for the "good days" of the common people", implement the overall national security concept, guard against black swans and evils on a regular basis, and ensure political security, social stability and people's tranquility. Wu Zhenglong emphasized that "Party organizations at all levels and the majority of Party members in the province should unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments". , effectively enhance the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two maintenances", unite and lead the people of the whole province to resolutely take up the new mission, strive to write a new chapter, and strive to hand over a document that will make General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee is assured and satisfied with the qualified answer sheet of the people of the whole province, and welcomes the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress with practical actions".

Taiwan scrambled jets on June 21 to warn away 29 Chinese aircraft including bombers that had entered its air defense zone flew to the south of Taiwan and into the Pacific. Taiwan's defense ministry said the latest Chinese mission included 17 fighters and six H-6 bombers, as well as electronic warfare, early warning, antisubmarine and an aerial refuelling aircraft. The Ministry said some of the aircraft flew in an area to the northeast of the Pratas. However, the bombers, accompanied by an electronic warfare and an intelligence gathering aircraft, flew into the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, and into the Pacific before turning back to China on the route they came in. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it had sent combat aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems were deployed to monitor them. (Comment: This is the latest uptick in tensions and largest incursion since late May. It was the largest incursion since Taiwan reported 30 Chinese aircraft in its ADIZ on May 30. The largest to date this year occurred on January 23, involving 39 aircraft.)

A Professor and Major General of the National Security College of the National Defense University, and a member of the National Security Discipline Evaluation Group of the State Council, published (June 29) an article on the changing nature of international relations. He wrote that 'The world has increasingly shown a trend of multi-polarization and pluralism, and the demand for democratization of international relations has increased accordingly. Although the contradiction between hegemonic dominance and multi-party checks and balances will continue for a long period of time, a new power structure is in the process of being formed, and the forces and roles affecting the world situation are increasing, as are the ways and methods. In an increasingly diverse world, it is difficult for any major country, including existing hegemonic countries, to have sufficient resources and conditions to dominate the fate of other countries, let alone block or reverse the direction of historical development. Today's world needs to form an open and inclusive multi-governance model, so as to adapt to the profound changes in the world situation, effectively respond to the increasingly severe threats and challenges facing mankind, and achieve sustainable security. That is to say, multiple power centers, multiple governance models, and multiple ideas and trends will produce the meaning of international order. Changes in the world involve all countries and all levels, especially in the current situation of increasing chaos and aggravating problems. Overemphasizing self-interest and rules and standards are likely to have a strong backlash effect. Only by insisting on coordination in diversification can the road go wider. The international community's demand for peace, stability and sustainable development has not diminished, but has become more significant and urgent. Only by building a broad international consensus and strengthening global governance can we find ways and means to resolve global and transnational issues. As a major force in the world, major powers shoulder more responsibilities in maintaining world peace and promoting global development, and have extensive common interests in international and regional hotspot issues such as climate change, green development, and regional stability, and must jointly face the increasing number of global and transnational risks and threats. In the evolution of world history so far, the way to obtain self-interest by relying on power, expansion, plunder, and war is no longer appropriate and will inevitably be subject to more and more constraints'. He argued that 'Adhering to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, we must abandon zero-sum games , oppose hegemonism and power politics, build a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation, and foster a sense of community that shares weal and woe and weal and woe together. Only in this way can we promote more effective international security cooperation and create favourable conditions for building a community with a shared future for mankind. At present, global governance and the international order have entered an important stage of change, and the future direction is highly uncertain. Almost all countries must re-establish their positions in the changing world, including China and the United States'. He stressed that ' that the zero-sum game of non-alliance or confrontation is becoming more and more out of date. Too much emphasis on "national priority" will not only harm the world, but will also harm itself'. He said 'As an indispensable and important force in the changing world, it is necessary for China to participate more deeply in global governance and regional cooperation. While promoting and maintaining world peace and development, it also creates a favourable external environment for national rejuvenation. This also means that it needs to assume more international responsibilities and obligations, and to participate more actively in international affairs, even including the settlement of disputes and conflicts in some regions, and the challenges it faces will also rise. China's future and destiny are increasingly closely linked with the future and destiny of the world. China will abide by the foreign policy purpose of maintaining world peace and promoting common development , unswervingly develop friendly cooperation with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and promote the building of a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, and justice, and win-win cooperation'. Stating that 'At present, the international order and global governance have entered a period of important changes, the original power structure has loosened, and the trend of complicating international relations has become more apparent', he said these provide 'new conditions for China's peaceful development and enhancement of its international influence'. 'China's strategic tasks for a long period of time in the future will still be very arduous. Although China adheres to the path of peaceful development and strives to pursue cooperation and win-win in international political and security affairs, the inherent power and political logic of US foreign policy is unlikely to change substantially . As it continues to deepen, the misunderstanding of identifying China as the biggest "challenger" and "real opponent" is difficult to simply eliminate. Its approach of using some hot issues to contain China will not be easily stopped, and it may even provoke serious troubles under certain circumstances. How to effectively prevent and deter serious direct conflicts caused by the United States or a group of countries headed by the United States, continuously expand the space for exchanges between major powers, and promote international and regional cooperation will remain important tasks. However, in the long run, the times and trends are on the side of China and the people of the world. The development and progress of more than 1.4 billion people cannot be stopped by any force. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation itself constitutes an important part of the changing world. An increasingly strong and advancing China is an indispensable force for maintaining international security and promoting world prosperity, and the rapidly changing world also needs more wisdom and contributions from China'.

Pakistan Navy ship ‘Taimur’ was commissioned at the Hudong Zhonghua shipyard in China on June 23. The official statement claims that Taimur is technologically advanced and a highly capable sea asset with the latest combat management and an electronic warfare system to fight in a multi-threat environment... These ships, it added, will provide a sustainable boost to the combat capability of the Pakistan Navy, and enable it to meet emerging challenges in the domain of maritime security and regional peace. The head of the Pakistan Navy Mission in China Commodore Rashid Mehmood Sheikh attended the commissioning as the chief guest. Taimur is the second of the four Type 054 A/P Frigates.

Nikkei Asia (June 28) reported that China wants its own security company to guard its citizens and assets in Pakistan, following recent attacks against its interests, but Islamabad has denied the request. It said experts believe Beijing is likely to continue pushing for such an arrangement. The report added, citing two people in the Pakistani government who were privy to the matter, that earlier this month, the Chinese Ministry of State Security asked Pakistan to allow a Chinese security company to operate inside Pakistan. Pakistan's Interior Ministry, however, objected and offered assurances that Pakistan's security forces are able to protect Chinese nationals and assets in Pakistan, the sources said. A third source, an official from a local private security consulting company who works with the Chinese, told Nikkei that Beijing has sought to bring in its own security since 10 Chinese people were killed last year in an attack on a bus in the northern city of Dasu. This year's attack on Chinese instructors at the Confucius Institute in Karachi "further pushed the Chinese to ask Pakistan to allow operations of Chinese security companies," said another official, who also asked not to be named. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad did not respond to a request for comment.

In a statement issued on June 28, the G7 leaders condemned China's "non-transparent and market-distorting" international trade practices, which was billed as "unprecedented" by the United States. The statement also pledged to reduce "strategic dependencies" on China. The 30-member alliance was also poised to toughen its stance against Beijing in an update of its "strategic concept".

Bloomberg (June 29) reported that for the first time, the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand will all attend a summit of the 30-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). At the meeting starting June 28 in Madrid, the alliance is set to label China a “systemic challenge” in new policy guidelines for the coming decade, reflecting shifts in the geopolitical landscape as President Xi Jinping increasingly joins hands with Putin in opposition to the world’s democracies. Vivian Zhan, an associate professor specializing in Chinese politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said “The new development certainly will make China feel uneasy, encircled and threatened.”

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on June 23 that a cultural vocational contract worker who had been a U.S. Army helicopter pleaded guilty acknowledging that he served as a Chinese agent without registration, and received Tens of thousands of dollars from Chinese government representative for providing information related to their national defence contractors and aviation -related information to the Chinese government. The Ministry of Justice said that 67 -year -old Shapour Moinian is a resident of San Diego, California. He served in the United States from about 1997 to 2000 and was stationed in the United States, Germany, and South Korea. After retiring, Shapour Moinian worked for different national defense contractors and the Ministry of Defense. These contractors are allowed to participate in projects containing confidential information. According to his confession agreement, Shapour Moinian worked for a national defense contractor who was allowed to contact confidential information and participated in multiple aviation projects used by the U.S. military or intelligence agencies. Matthew G. Olsen, assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for the National Security Affairs Department, said "Shapour Moinian is a Chinese government agent who takes money. He sells technologies related to American aviation technology." The Ministry of Justice said that in March 2017, Monian went to Hong Kong to meet with that person and agreed to provide information and materials related to aircraft designed or produced in the United States in exchange for money. In that meeting, he got about 7,000 to 10,000 US dollars. In 2017, he went overseas and met with Chinese officials during the stay at Shanghai Airport, providing an aviation -related material stored in a flash, including a proprietary information of a national defense contractor. Subsequently, Monian arranged for this information to remit money into the Korean bank account of his stepmom. He told his stepmom that this was his overseas consultation income and instructed her to remit the funds to him through multiple transfers. The Ministry of Justice said that Monian also obtained a mobile phone and other devices from those people to contact them and assist them in transfer materials and information. At the end of March 2018, Monian went to Bali to meet again with the same people. Later in the same year, he began to work for another defense contractor who was allowed to participate in confidential projects. During this time, these people in China transferred thousands of dollars to her step -girl's bank account in South Korea. She then remitted the money to him many times. In 2019, Monian went to Hong Kong again and met with these people and received about $ 22,000 for him and he and his wife smuggled the cash into the United States

The state-run CCTV (June 23) reported that on the evening of June 22, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum by video and delivered a keynote speech entitled "Grasp the Trend of the Times and Create a Bright Future". Xi Jinping said, "that at present, the world's century-old changes and the epidemic of the century are intertwined, various security challenges emerge one after another, the world economic recovery is struggling, and global development has encountered serious setbacks". Xi Jinping emphasized that "we must unite and work together to maintain world peace and stability. Painful history shows that hegemonism, bloc politics, and camp confrontation will not bring peace and security, but will only lead to war and conflict. Believing in the status of strength, expanding military alliances, and seeking one's own security at the expense of other countries' security, will inevitably fall into a security dilemma. Only when everyone cherishes and maintains peace, and only when everyone remembers the painful lessons of the war, can there be hope for peace. We must not forget the original intention of the UN Charter and keep in mind the mission of safeguarding peace". "Second, we should help each other and jointly promote global sustainable development". Third, "some important industrial chains and supply chains have been artificially interfered, global inflation remains high, the international financial market continues to fluctuate, and the momentum of world economic recovery continues to weaken. Everyone is worried that the world economy will fall into the quagmire of crisis". He added "Major developed countries should adopt responsible economic policies to avoid spill over of negative policy effects and serious impact on developing countries. Facts have proven time and time again that sanctions are a "boomerang" and a "double-edged sword", politicizing, instrumentalizing and weaponizing the world economy, taking advantage of the dominance of the international financial and monetary system to impose arbitrary sanctions, which will ultimately harm others and bring harm to the people of the world". Fourth, we must be inclusive and work together to expand openness and integration and overcome "headwinds and currents". CCTV said 'Xi Jinping pointed out that the BRICS cooperation mechanism is an important platform for cooperation between emerging market countries and developing countries. At present, BRICS cooperation has entered a new stage of high-quality development. ... As long as we raise the sails of mutual benefit and win-win results and hold the rudder of solidarity and cooperation, the big ship of the BRICS countries will surely be able to ride the wind and waves and sail to a brighter and better shore. It said South African President Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the opening ceremony of the forum and delivered speeches and about 1,000 people including BRICS economic and trade ministers, diplomatic envoys to China and representatives of the business community attended the event. Politburo Standing Committee member Hu Chunhua presided over the opening ceremony. The Global Times (June 24) said in a virtual speech at the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 23 'lauded the BRICS mechanism as having shown resilience and vitality in the current global crisis, and called on the mechanism to stay open and inclusive to welcome like-minded partners to join the big BRICS family, while firmly opposing the abuse of unilateral sanctions and rejecting "small circles" built around hegemony'. It quoted Chinese analysts saying, 'the summit sent a strong signal to the world that apart from Westerndominated organizations, which have harmed the world economy with bloc-to-bloc confrontation and abuse of sanctions, there are multilateral mechanisms formed by nonWestern major economies, just like BRICS, that can effectively represent the majority of the international community in making joint efforts to realize recovery and overcome global challenges'. It cited Wang Lei, Director of the Center for BRICS Cooperation Studies at Beijing Normal University, as saying 'this is a clear trend of change in the global power balance, showing that power is no longer monopolized by the US, and the West needs to get used to this trend and embrace it, rather than contain it'.

The People's Daily published (June 24) it's 26th story of in "Xi Jinping’s footsteps" series on June 24. This featured Gansu province and Shaanxi. Still missing are Beijing, HK, Macau, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shanghai, and Xinjiang.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, during an inspection tour in north China's Hebei Province, on June 21, 2022, urged efforts to ensure grain security and energy supply to maintain the stability of the economy and prices. He stressed efforts to ensure that grains are harvested in time and stored in good conditions and said the sufficient supply of grains serves as an anchor for price stability. Li Keqiang added that China's bumper wheat harvest not only satisfies its own domestic needs but also contributes to the stability of the international grain market. At a thermal power company in Zhuozhou, Li Keqiang said that, as China is now at the powerconsumption peak, efforts should be made to tap the production capacity of coal to further enhance the power supply. He also pledged to stamp out power rationing and facilitate the clean and efficient production of coal power and expedite the building of pumped-storage hydroelectric plants

The CCP CC Propaganda Department and the NDRC have jointly issued a study outline on Xi Jinping Economic Thought, which is going to the subject of a lot of study sessions. The others were four new books on his time working in Zhending, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, which among other things are “conducive to a deeper understanding of Comrade Xi Jinping's struggle from a grassroots leader to the Party's General Secretary and People's Leader, a new book of his discourses on rural work, and the third volume on Xi’s thoughts on strengthening the military. (Comment: This is the 7th "Xi book" to be issued since June.)

Radio France International (June 18) published a Chinese-language article which referred to an article published by the "China Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Magazine" under the CDIC recently entitled "Abandoning Exquisite Egoism". The article criticized "Prime Minister Li" generating a lot of speculation. Published on June 1, it didn’t attract much attention at first, but then went viral and has since been deleted, leaving only screenshots and quoted snippets. Many WeChat accounts and WeChat groups that disseminated this article were also censored. The article, RFI said, which cites two negative examples, one is the prime minister of the Qin Dynasty, Li Si, and the other is the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, Li Linfu, got straight to the point: "Exquisite egoism refers to making good use of superbly realistic acting skills and high-sounding reasons to carefully embellish and subtly cover up the nature of selfishness and greed." (Comment: There is speculation that the target of the article is Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. It is strange that the CDIC issued such an article in such a sensitive period.)

The People's Daily (June 22) published an article by NDRC Minister He Lifeng captioned 'Indepth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's economic thought (in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics)'. Calling for strengthening the Party's overall leadership over economic work, it stressed construction of a new development pattern. continuing to deepen reform and opening up, building a high-level socialist market economic system, strengthening the national strategic scientific and technological strength, improving people's livelihood, and coordinating development and security. It said it is important to "implement a food security strategy to ensure absolute security of rations, basic self-sufficiency of grains, and sufficient supply of important agricultural and sideline products" and "ensure the stability and security of the industrial chain and supply chain, and firmly hold the bottom line of no systemic risks". It stressed studying and implementing Xi Jinping Economic Thought and inserting it "into the entire process of economic work"

The People's Daily (June 20) published four separate items on one page under the title 'Deeply understand and grasp the Chinese cosmology, world outlook, social outlook, and moral outlook (academic round table)'. These explained the Chinese people's outlook on the universe, the world, society, and morality. The article recalled that while presiding over the 39th 'Collective Study' of the Politburo, Chinese President Xi Jinping had said: "We must clarify clearly what kind of civilization and what kind of country China is, and clarify the Chinese people's outlook on the universe, the world, society, and morality."

The People's Daily (June 22) started a new series on "unswervingly following the road of human rights development in China". Captioned 'Respecting and protecting human rights is the unremitting pursuit of Chinese Communists (People's Forum)——Unswervingly follow the path of human rights development in China', it asserted that "History has proven that without the CCP, there would be no development and progress of China's human rights cause". It published the second part of the series on "Unswervingly following the path of human rights development in China" on June 23.

Referring to the Politburo's collective study session on June 17 where corruption was discussed, Chinese Political Science Professor Wu Guoguang said "Since Xi came to power for ten years, he has continued to carry out high-level political purges in the party through anti-corruption. It should come as no surprise that he did so at such a crucial stage of preparation for such a reorganization of power." Wu Guoguang once predicted that before today's July or August, Xi 6 Jinping's purge of high-level political figures may take place, in order to further deter the elites in the party, and make various forces that may challenge him dare not act lightly."

Reuters reported that Tesla vehicles will not be allowed in Beidaihe for two months starting July 1, due to the expected presence of Xi Jinping and other senior officials including veteran leaders in the area in August. This report appears to confirm the rumours about Tesla vehicles being banned near Xi Jinping during his recent Sichuan tour. (Comment: The PRC security services obviously think 'connected cars' have the potential for surveillance/transmission of data. This might impact the export of PRC-made Tesla cars.)

The Paper (June 20) publicised that on June 20, the CCP CC General Office issued the "Regulations on the Management of Leading Cadres' Spouses, Children and Their Spouses to Run Business and Run Enterprises". Stating "You can't have both fish and bear's paw. When you are an official, don't make a fortune. If you are rich, don't become an official. This is a car that runs on two roads", the regulations quoted General Secretary Xi Jinping as saying that "the requirements for leading cadres are to be stricter". It clarified "Centrally-managed cadres, cadres at the bureau level and equivalent positions in the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and central units are all included in the scope of the specification, leaving no blank spots". The 'Discipline Inspection and Supervision News' (June 21) published a commentary on managing the children and families and said, "Leading cadres must study the spirit of the "Regulations" in depth, take the lead in strictly implementing the rules and regulations, accept the supervision of the party and the people, take the lead in improving family style and family style". (Comment: There is speculation in China that among those who could be targeted in a new anti-corruption campaign are Jiang Zemin's two sons, Jiang Mianheng and Jiang Miankang. Taiwanese media quoted Zhang Yushao, a researcher at the Cross-Strait Policy Association on the 21st, as saying the Jiang Zemin family used to have a close relationship with Jack Ma. Jiang Mianheng, Jiang Zemin's eldest son is known to have an influential shareholding ratio in many listed companies. Zeng Wei, the son of former vice-chairman Zeng Qinghong, is engaged in oil trade and is rumoured to be involved with Shanghai Volkswagen, Beijing Hyundai, and Shanghai Eastern Airlines. Separately, Shanghai disclosed that after it started conducting inspections in 2014-15, requiring leading cadres to declare businesses of spouses and children, 2133 leading cadres of Shanghai Municipality had made 'special declarations' on their spouses and children running businesses.)

Wang Yonghong has replaced Li Baorong as Party Secretary and Director of the State Organ Affairs Administration. (Comment: Wang Yanghong joined the CCP in May 1991 and has been working there since August 1991. He became Deputy Director in April 2017.)

A notice issued on June 15 by the Shanghai Municipality indicated that it is preparing to be more coercive to vaccinate its elderly. The notice cautioned that if residents over 60 in the Shanghai district don’t get the anti-Covid vaccination, and cannot provide a medical reason for refusing, they will lose various benefits like their rice subsidy and holiday gifts.

The 15th Party Congress of Zhejiang opened on June 20 and was chaired by 59-year old Zhejiang Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun who presented the work report. His report included 19 references in praise of Xi Jinping. On the balcony on the second floor of the venue, the eyecatching banner of "Practicing the 'Eight-Eight Strategy' faithfully, resolutely achieving the 'Two Maintenance', and striving to promote socialism with Chinese characteristics for common prosperity and provincial modernization in high-quality development" is inspiring, was displayed. Seated on the rostrum were also members of the presidium of the conference, provincial military-level leading cadres among the delegates to this conference, provinciallevel veteran comrades, provincial-level leading cadres among the attendees, and principals of provincial-level democratic parties and federations of industry and commerce , Persons without party affiliation, and not the main person in charge of the party organization of the unit above the military level of the troops stationed in Zhejiang. (Comment: Yuan Jiajun is an aerospace engineer best known for his role as chief of the Shenzhou program, which carried the first Chinese man into space. He is a full member of the 19th CCP CC and a candidate for elevation to the Politburo at the forthcoming 20th Party Congress.)

In his report to the Jilin Party Congress on June 20, the Jilin Ribao quoted 1960-born Jing Junhai, Party Secretary of Jilin, as saying "The people of Jilin are infinitely grateful, highly trusted, and sincerely support General Secretary Xi Jinping. We sincerely appreciate General Secretary Xi Jinping's care and concern, faithfully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest entrustment, and unite the strong forging ahead into the new era and building a new Jilin. Strength, unswervingly stride forward in the direction guided by General Secretary Xi Jinping".

On June 24, the Hubei Ribao published the full report of the Hubei Province Congress held on June 18 and presented by Party Secretary Wang Menghui. The report mentioned Xi Jinping 10 times. The theme of the conference is : hold high the great banner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and instructions on Hubei's work, base itself on the new development stage, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept, and strive to build a national Build a pioneer area for a new development pattern, speed up "building a fulcrum, be at the forefront, and write a new chapter", and forge ahead to build a new journey of socialist modernization in an all-round way." It stressed "Speak politics with a clear-cut stand, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two maintenances", and continuously improve political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution. , always loyal to the core, support the core, maintain the core, defend the core. Completely, accurately, and comprehensively understand and grasp the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and instructions on Hubei work, firmly implement the party's political line, strictly abide by political discipline and political rules, and always ideologically and politically act with the party with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. The center remains highly consistent."; building "a team of high-quality professional cadres who are loyal, clean and responsible." It concluded with the exhortation "Let us unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, hold high the great banner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and work hard and persevere with a never-slack mental state and an indomitable attitude of struggle. Efforts will be made to build a national pilot area for building a new development pattern, speed up "building a fulcrum, be at the forefront, and write a new chapter", and make new and greater contributions to building a modern socialist country in an all-round way and realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!"

The Wall Street Journal (June 20) reported that according to official Chinese data released on June 15, youth unemployment in May rose to 18.4%, from 13.8% a year ago. The May rate is the highest recorded for youth since 2018, when Chinese officials began releasing the data. It said the outlook for Chinese graduates is expected to worsen this year even as the overall jobless rate in China came down slightly from 6.1% in April to 5.9% in May. A record 10.7 million graduates are expected to enter the labour market this year and possibly increase graduate unemployment by July/August to 23%. The recruitment platform Zhaopin Ltd. said that competition among graduates looking for jobs had intensified and less than half had received offers as of mid-April, down from 63% a year ago. Zhaopin Ltd. said for those who have signed contracts, the average monthly salary dropped by 12% from a year ago, to the equivalent of less than $12,000 a year. The education, manufacturing and technology industries absorbed the largest number of college graduates last year, according to human-resources services firm 51job Inc. The education sector alone employed more than 10 million people by 2020, according to the most recent estimate by Beijing Normal University and TAL Education Group.

In an article captioned 'China’s New Economy: The First Twenty Years and The Second' by Eric X. Li, Chinese venture capitalist and acolyte of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in June 2022, he said China's new economy is going through a critical transition period. In the past two years, as VCs, our perception of industries, companies, technologies, and investment logic has undergone a dramatic shift. Dividing China's new economy into "the first two decades" and "the second two decades", he said the most crucial result of China's new economy in the first two decades between 2000-2019 was the rise of consumer internet platforms which, with continued capital expansion eventually achieve monopoly status. Describing this as the model of consumer Internet platforms, he said China has 'given birth to some world-class Internet giants in China'. Quoting a foreign think-tank scholar he said, however, that while there has been an increase in scale between 2000 to 2019, China's industry has stuck in the middle. The added value is relatively low. He assessed that in 'the first two decades of China's new economy' 'there wasn’t a lot of technology in it'. 'Therefore, the Communist Party of China Central Committee proposed "high-quality development" and "common prosperity" to promote healthy economic development, optimize the distribution of income, create opportunities for more people to get rich, and avoid 内卷 "involution" and 躺平 "lying flat"”. Calling this a 'significant turnaround in China's new economy', he added that under the leadership of the national strategy, China's economy will be able to transform from large-scale development to high-quality development through capital-driven industrial upgrading. This should see the transformation and optimization of the supply chain, import substitution of hard technologies, for example, chips (China imported $350 billion chips in 2020, more than double the value of crude oil) and sustainable development and carbon neutrality. Stating that 'China's infrastructure mania means it needs a lot of cement', Eric Lee said 'Cement production is a significant carbon emitter because of calcined limestone, which accounts for about 20% of the total national emission' so the State Council strictly limits the cement production capacity. However, he said, this geopolymer material of 百奥恒 does not use limestone in the production process and does not need to be calcined, so the carbon emission is minimal, only 30% of that of traditional cement production. Referring to Xi Jinping's speech on The Correct Understanding of Major Theoretical and Practical Problems of China’s Development published in the magazine Qiushi/Seeking Truth last month, he identified Common prosperity and Xi Jinping's discussion of capital as the key points. In China, however, he said capital must grasp two principles: first, closely combine its return on investment with national interests and actively play its function as a factor of production; second, it must not pursue its interests in a way that runs counter to the long-term interests of the country and the well-being of the people

Buzzfeed obtained audio from 80 internal TikTok meetings that make it quite clear that employees in the PRC had access to American user data, even after company representatives testified under oath they did not, and repeatedly said publicly they did not. Almost simultaneous with the publication of the Buzzfeed story, TikTok released a blog post stating that “Today, 100% of US user traffic is being routed to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure”, which sure looks like an admission that the Buzzfeed story was correct.

People's Daily (June 19) reported that on the evening of June 19, 2022, China conducted a landbased mid-course anti-missile interception technology test within its territory, and the test achieved the expected purpose. This test is defensive and not directed against any country.

Wu Xiaodan, special researcher of the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Research Center published a lengthy 2911-word article in the Guangming Daily (June 20) captioned 'Global Security Initiative: China's solution to cracking the security deficit'. It was an explanation of the Global Security Initiative. It called 'The global security initiative is another important international public product provided by China, and it is a vivid practice of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind in the field of security'. In implicit criticism of the US, it said 'Global security issues have become prominent and generalized. Great power games and group confrontations are escalating, threats from hegemonism and power politics are on the rise, the interconnectedness, transnationality, and diversity of security issues are becoming more prominent, new vulnerabilities, poverty belts, and sources of turbulence are constantly emerging, and the international security risk factor is increasing. The world security situation is more complicated. In pursuit of their own absolute security, some countries are keen to form cliques and engage in exclusive "small circles" and "small groups", which seriously threatens global security'. The article claimed: 'Facing a turbulent world, China has always been the "ballast stone" of world peace. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, it has always adhered to the peaceful gene of the Chinese nation's civilization, abandoned the traditional path of aggression and expansion by major powers, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. We have never provoked any war, and we have never invaded an inch of another country's land. Adhering to the settlement of disputes through dialogue and negotiation, the land border issue has been completely settled through peaceful means with 12 of the 14 neighbouring countries. We will continue to explore and practice solutions to hot-spot issues with Chinese characteristics, and work with other countries to address non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and cybersecurity. Resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, uphold fairness and justice in international affairs, and constantly enrich the connotation of the path of peaceful development with our own practices, and strengthen the forces for maintaining world peace and security.'

Chinese Ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun published an article 'Discussing Development Plans and Gathering Joint Development Forces' in the People's Daily on June 23, 2022. In the article he said, 'Development is the eternal theme of human society and the common aspiration of people of all countries'. Mentioning that Chinese President Xi Jinping had "put forward a 13 global development initiative at the general debate of the 76th United Nations General Assembly, calling for synergies in the process of multilateral development cooperation", he claimed it "has received active support from more than 100 countries and many international organizations such as the United Nations". He also said "on June 24, President Xi Jinping will preside over a high-level dialogue on global development in Beijing. Together with other BRICS leaders and leaders of emerging markets and developing countries, they will promote the priority of development issues in international cooperation and promote global development. The development initiative goes deeper and more solid."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the new Indian Ambassador to China P.K. Rawat on June 22 when, after the pleasantries, Wang Yi said that the "two sides should meet each other halfway, promote China-India relations to maintain the momentum of recovery, return to the track of stable and healthy development at an early date, work together to address various global challenges, and safeguard the common interests of China and India as well as the vast number of developing countries. Foreign Minister Su Jaishankar recently publicly expressed his disapproval of the "Eurocentrism" and did not want external forces to interfere in SinoIndian relations, which reflects India's tradition of independence and independence" and reiterated "Wang Yi put forward four "persistence" on China-India relations: First, adhere to the important strategic consensus of the leaders of the two countries that "China and India are not competitors, but cooperative partners, do not pose a threat to each other, and are development opportunities for each other"; second, insist on Put the border issue in the proper position of bilateral relations and seek solutions through dialogue and consultation; thirdly, insist on injecting positive energy into bilateral relations, give full play to the traditional advantages of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and continuously expand mutually beneficial cooperation; fourthly, insist on expanding multilateral cooperation and join hands to revitalize Eastern civilizations, work together to cope with the complex world and create a better future for mankind." (Comment: Wang Yi's remarks predictably indicated no change in China's position in the standoff at the border.)

China on June 23 commended Nepal’s decision to reject a security partnership with the United States and said it would continue to support Kathmandu’s “independent foreign policy”. Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Nepal saw the State Partnership Programme (SPP) as a military and security initiative closely linked to the US Indo-Pacific strategy, which goes “against the national interests of Nepal and its long-held non-aligned, balanced foreign policy”. Kathmandu on (June 20) said it would not move ahead with the SPP amid widespread opposition to the partnership from within the country. Wang Wenbin said “As Nepal’s friendly and close neighbour and strategic cooperative partner, China commends the Nepalese government’s decision, China will continue to support Nepal in upholding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and support Nepal’s commitment to its independent and non-aligned foreign policy. China stands ready to work with Nepal to jointly safeguard regional security, stability, and shared prosperity.” (Comment: China has been active in Nepal in opposing the SPP.)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 15 spoke to Russian President Putin on the latter's 69th birthday on June 28. (Comment: The call is a reassertion of support by Xi Jinping despite the criticism inside China and sections of the CCP. It comes in the backdrop of Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng, widely viewed as a contender for the post of Foreign Minister, being moved as Deputy Director of National Radio and Television Administration.)

The Global Times (June 20) disclosed that Chinese and Russian companies have reached agreements on key industries such as energy, food, and other daily commodities, as the two countries are unleashing greater potentials in bilateral trade to boost the regional economy.

Commenting on US President Biden's trip to Europe, the Global Times (June 23) said 'US President Joe Biden will start his European trip this weekend to use the G7 and NATO summits as platforms for coordinating with allies to jointly counter China, including inviting leaders from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to take part for the first time. It seems NATO has found its purpose for survival through expansion worldwide, particularly seeking to extend its reach into Asia to cooperate with the US' China strategy. But Chinese analysts warned that NATO will be further split and even face crippling as trouble and contradictions inside the organization will snowball amid NATO expansion.'

The talks between U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan and Chinese Politburo member and Director of the CCP CC's Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Yang Jiechi, which hadn't been announced beforehand, ran four-and-a-half hours. After the meeting, a senior US administration official said to expect to "see additional potential meetings in the months ahead," though they said nothing is currently being planned between Biden and Xi. In a readout of the June 13 meeting the White House said "Mr. Sullivan underscored the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to manage competition between our two countries." Sullivan said Americans subject to exit bans were a "personal priority" for Biden and him. He also voiced concern about China's recent veto of a resolution at the United Nations Security Council related to North Korea. And he underscored "the importance of maintaining open lines of communication at all levels." A U.S. official said the US goal in engaging China is "ensuring that each side understand one another's intentions, understands priorities. This is critical to avoiding potential miscommunication, misinterpretation, reducing risk. All these things I think are critical for, you know, managing the relationship in a healthy and responsible way." The Global Times (June 14) noted that Chinese and US senior diplomats met face-to-face for the fourth time this year. It observed the latest meeting drew the bottom line again for the US to change its miscalculation over the core interests of China, and such frequent high-level interactions sounded a positive signal for managing China-US relations properly while the US government was urged to abandon its empty talks and to turn its four "do nots" and one "no intention" into actions. It said as the US had expressed multiple times that "it does not seek a new Cold War with China; it does not aim to change China's system; the revitalization of its alliances is not targeted at China; the US does not support 'Taiwan independence'; and it has no intention to seek a conflict with China," Yang urged the US to turn those four "do nots" and one "no intention" into actions as the US' consistent increase of its containment of China won't solve its own problems and will only put China-US relations into an extremely difficult situation. It added that the latest face-to-face meeting is part of a series of high-level interactions between the US and China as bilateral relations are now at a critical crossroads, and the US was urged to fulfil its promises in handling the relations, as its wrong and extreme deeds have put the relations into an extremely difficult situation. It quoted a Beijing-based expert as saying, "The four 'do nots' and one 'no intention' aim to stabilize China-US relations, which also lays a foundation for cooperation between the two countries." Diao Daming, associate professor at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times that "China-US relations standing at a critical crossroads also showed that the US should stop going further down the wrong path, and it's urgent for it to effectively and concretely adjust its China policy." To adjust the policy, it's necessary to turn those four "do nots" and one "no intention" into actions. Diao said, "It's necessary for us to make such clear representation to the US." In an article in Global Times Zhao Minghao, a senior research fellow at the Charhar Institute and an adjunct fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, said using high-level dialogue to promote the stability of China-US relations, especially to better manage China-US economic and trade relations, is crucial for the Biden administration to cope with domestic pressure.

The South China Morning Post (June 21) reported that future leaders from ruling political parties in Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Angola attended their first session at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha, 40km (25 miles) outside Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, earlier this month. The training school was funded with US$40 million support from China’s Communist Party's International Liaison Department and was financed by the six ruling parties of the southern African countries.

Reporting on the meeting of the Politburo's Group Study Session held in Beijing on June 17, the state-owned CCTV quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping saying corruption in the country remains severe and complicated even though progress has been made in the battle against graft. He said its “stubbornness and danger” cannot be underestimated. Xi Jinping also vowed 'zero tolerance' on corruption and asked senior government officials to keep themselves and their family and relatives in check. He called for senior cadres to adhere to a moderate and clean relationship between the government and business community. The official Xinhua News Agency, in a potential sign of relief for the $59 trillion sector, said the Politburo declared its anti-corruption dragnet of financial institutions a success and that the Central Discipline Inspection Commission’s probes had helped strengthen the party’s leadership over the financial sector and prevented risks. It also disclosed that Liu Meipin, Director of the Case Supervision and Management Office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision and Administration Commission, briefed the Politburo and made recommendations.

The state-owned CCTV (June 17) telecast Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at the 25th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum plenary session on June 17 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Egyptian President Sisi, and Kazakh President Tokayev were present.

Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth 2022/12 dated June 16) published an article by Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party Guo Shengkun captioned 'Draw wisdom and strength from the party's century-old struggle for the rule of law and strive to promote the comprehensive and high-quality development of the rule of law in the new era'.

Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui spoke at the Eighth Congress of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps of the Communist Party of China, attended by 506 of the 524 delegates expected to attend the conference, on June 15. He said the fundamental these achievements lie in 'the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping at the helm, the scientific leadership of Xi Jinping's thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and the various ministries and commissions of the central government'. He added that the strong support and selfless support of the aided provinces and cities in Xinjiang is also the result of the concerted efforts and united struggle of the vast number of Party members, cadres, and workers of the Corps

Addressing the Ningxia Party Congress on June 10, 1962-born Ningxia Party Secretary Liang Yanshun paid tribute to Xi Jinping. He referred to Xi Jinping 39 times in his report to Ningxia's 13th Party Congress. The theme of the conference was: 'Adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era - Strive to compose a magnificent chapter of building a beautiful new Ningxia of socialist modernization in an allround way'. Liang Yanshun called for the adherence to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thorough study, and implementation of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and important instructions during his inspection of Ningxia, keeping in mind the leader's entrustment, and to earnestly undertake the mission and task of building a pioneer area for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin

The 11th Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China approved its list of Delegates to the 20th Party Congress. Tianjin Party Secretary and Politburo member Li Hongzhong, on behalf of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, explained the draft report of the Party Congress. He mentioned Xi Jinping 12 times in his report and signalled obedience and support for Xi Jinping. He additionally referred to Xi Jinping this week as the "wise and outstanding leader".

The Suzhou Pioneer (June 16) reported that Jiangsu Party Secretary Lou Qinjian in his report to the 14th Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee on June 16, emphasised 'that it is necessary to loyally support the "two establishments" and resolutely achieve the "two maintenances." The original ideas, transformative practices, breakthrough progress, and landmark achievements made since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China are rare in the world and rare in history. The power of truth and practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. We must keep in mind the "two big picture", from the strategic height of realising the second centenary goal and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", and consciously arm our minds and guide with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era Practice and promote work, strengthen loyalty to the core, trust the core, keep up with the core, and maintain the core, always and everywhere with the Party Central Committee to benchmark against the table, and constantly improve political judgment, political understanding, and political execution, and always be ideological, political, and action. Keeping a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, consciously be a firm believer and loyal practitioner of the "two establishments".'

Pan Yue was appointed (June 18) Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, replacing Chen Xiaojiang. He remains Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department, but relinquishes his post as the director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.

Song Zhiyong has been appointed (June 17) Party Secretary of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). He is a senior pilot, joined Air China in 1987, and has been at AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) from 2010 onwards.

Luo Wen was appointed (June 17) Party Secretary of the State Administration for Market Regulation. From March 2020, he was part of the leadership in Sichuan, and from 2015-2019 at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The Chinese Communist Party's leading fortnightly theoretical journal 'Red Flag' (2022/11) in an article by the Secretary of the Party Committee of Renmin University of China and titled 'Efforts to cultivate pioneers and career leaders who are worthy of the important task of national rejuvenation', highlighted the importance given by Chinese President Xi Jinping to selecting sincere youths with ability. Stating that "The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered a critical period. Various risks and challenges are emerging one after another. It is necessary to continue the great struggle with many new historical characteristics. We are in an era of unprecedented change, and we are doing an unprecedented great cause to achieve the second centenary goal. The task is even more arduous and the responsibility is even greater. General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the important requirements of pioneers and career leaders, which not only conforms to our party's consistent trust and trust in youth, but also has profound practical and realistic orientation, and places special expectations on contemporary youth". The article explained that "the cause of the party and the country to this day requires more than ever before, the spirit of daring to try, dare to break, and dare to stand up, and even more need the pioneers and generals who dare to "walk the dangerous beaches", "bit the hard bones" and "break the no-man's land". It stressed that "contemporary youth must be able to take the lead, play the leading role, shoulder heavy responsibilities, and open up new paths and breakthroughs for the development of the party and the country with vigorous vitality, courage to innovate, and courage to be the first. new situation". The article reiterated that "Without the Communist Party of China, there would be no new China, and there would be no great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This is the most important historical conclusion of the century-old party history". It averred that "pioneers and career leaders must adhere to the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two maintenances", and always take the banner of the party as the banner". Asserting that "Youth with lofty ideals and firm beliefs are the invincible driving force for a country and a nation", it said must be confident of being a Chinese, not be afraid of any risks, not be confused by any interference, and unswervingly walk in the right direction of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The state-owned CCTV publicised (June 10) that 41 cases of cash（190 Million yuan, or US$28 Million) were removed from the home of the sister of Wang Dawei, the former Vice Governor and Police Head of China's Liaoning Province. Wang Dawei was removed from office in March this year

Xinhua (June 17) reported that on June 17, 2022, the Changchun Intermediate People's Court of Jilin Province held a public hearing of the first instance to hear the case of Wang Like, former member of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and former Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, of accepting bribes, offering bribes, covering up, condoning triad organizations, and forging identity documents. Wang Like, former Jiangsu Party Committee member and former Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee admitted in court to accepting over 440 million yuan in bribes and offering Yuan 97.31 million to Sun Lijun, the former Vice Minister of Public Security.

The Vision Times (June 19) reported that at the Politburo meeting chaired by Xi Jinping on June 17 to review the "Report on the rectification and development of financial units during the eighth round of inspections by the 19th Central Committee", there was indication that it may be related to the "Xiao Jianhua case" and that Xiao Jianhua's trial will be held before the end of the month. There are indications that this may be related to the " Zhongnanhai No. 1 case " that is rumoured to be about to go to trial. The report said that after Xiao Jianhua became a prisoner, he would probably have "cooperated" with the Xi Jinping authorities' investigation. It assessed that Xiao Jianhua has a relationship with Jiang Zemin, Zeng Qinghong and other powerful families and Xi Jinping would have obtained relevant evidence of the power and money transactions that have been discussed. (Comment: Xiao Jianhua was taken away from the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong in January 2017, after which the police confirmed that Xiao had crossed the border. Five years after his disappearance, foreign media revealed that he would be tried in Shanghai.)

China Brief (June 15) stated that semiconductor manufacturing imports to China have risen by 58 percent this year despite U.S. efforts to rein them in—part of an expanding fight over control of the critical industry. Chip shortages have hit numerous industries since the pandemic began, from cars to cryptocurrency, heightening China’s desire to build up its domestic industry to the point of self-sufficiency. Before COVID-19 provided the spark, the targets proved way off: China’s goal was 70 percent self-sufficiency by 2020, but it reached just 16 percent.

At an online press conference on June 16, China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) spokesman Meng Wei sought to project that China's economic recovery is underway He said electricity consumption from January to May this year, increased by 2.5% year-on-year. Among them, the electricity consumption of the primary, secondary, tertiary, and residential industries increased by 9.8%, 1.4%, 1.6% and 8.1% respectively year-on-year. In the same period, the NDRC approved a total of 48 fixed asset investment projects with a total investment of 654.2 billion yuan. On progress of the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", he claimed, 'the circle of friends who jointly built the "Belt and Road" continued to expand' and said on May 27, the Chinese government and the Kiribati government signed the "Implementation Plan of the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Kiribati on Jointly Promoting the Construction of the "Belt and Road". In May, there were 1,357 trains of China-Europe trains, an increase of 187 trains compared with April, and from January to May, 6,157 trains were operated by China-Europe freight trains showing a good development trend of "stable progress". He added that on June 3, the China-aided East Bay Expressway in Pakistan's Gwadar opened to traffic, and the external connection road in the Gwadar port area was officially opened. Meng Wei also said that the release of 3 million tons of summer management fertilizer from the temporary reserve of Xiaguan fertilizer had eased the situation. In the first ten days of June, the national urea price was mainly stable, and the quotations in Hubei, Hunan, Xinjiang, and other places also declined. Answering questions, Meng Wei said since May, the overall epidemic situation across the country has shown a downward trend, the normal production and living order has been restored at an accelerated pace, and the economic operation has gradually stabilized. The data released by the National Bureau of Statistics yesterday showed that major economic indicators have shown marginal positive changes. Stating there had been some positive changes in the economic operation, he added 'there are still many challenges for the stable recovery of both the supply and demand sides' and that 'We are currently at a critical juncture in determining the annual economic trend'. Particular reference was made to the encouragement given to the private sector. He asserted that since the beginning of this year, the National Development and Reform Commission has resolutely implemented the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council to ensure a stable and orderly energy supply across the country. ((Comment: The Gwadar East Bay Expressway starts from Gwadar Port in the south, with a total length of 19.49 kilometres. The end point is connected to Pakistan National Highway 10. It is one of the early harvest projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.)

FT (June 1) reported that Chinese securities regulators and industry associations have instructed local and foreign banks to rein in executive pay levels. On May 27, the Asset Management Association of China (AMAC) instructed fund houses to “enhance [their] social responsibility and capability to serve the economy and the country’s strategies”. According to the AMAC’s new rules, at least 40 per cent of bonus payments to senior staff should be deferred for three or more years. The association also decreed that senior staff should invest at least 20 per cent of their bonuses in financial products issued by their own companies. It added that the guidelines were intended to corral “risk-taking behaviour and potential risks” stemming from executives’ pursuit of short-term bonus payouts. The Securities Association of China issued similar guidelines last month. The new guidelines were finalised months after the Beijing office of China’s securities regulator convened a meeting in January about pay restraint with financial institutions including CICC, Citic, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, and UBS. Domestic and foreign banks were also briefed more recently on the new pay rules issued by the AMAC and the SAC. Citic, CICC and UBS did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs declined to comment. The regulators’ instructions to financial industry representatives, which were first reported by Bloomberg, marked the latest efforts by Xi’s administration to constrain the sector. (Comment: Salary cutbacks and withdrawal of bonuses are being affected across all of China's 31 Provinces and ARs.)

The Beijing Daily (June 13) published an article by Justin Yifu Lin, Peking University's Honorary Dean of the National School of Development, Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics, and Dean of the South-South Institute on China's economy and the new challenges it faces at both home and abroad. Captioned 'Maintaining a certain growth rate is a bottom line that economic work should have—challenges and responses to current economic development', it said U.S. President Biden will not change Trump’s China policy and 'continue demarcation of political systems, values, ideologies, etc., in an attempt to isolate China politically, and then decouple these countries from China economically. The latest action includes the United States, Japan, India, and Australia forming an alliance to create an Asian version of NATO. The USled NATO has invited Japan, South Korea, and other Western Pacific countries to attend their summits. Biden also held a special summit of ASEAN countries in Washington, pushing the United States to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN countries and trying to persuade these countries to move their supply chains away from China. In addition to the containment and isolation actions launched by the United States against China, the RussianUkrainian war broke out at the end of February this year, and the short-term impact is obvious', causing the global oil and natural gas prices and food prices to rise sharply. Asserting that China is not only a major importer of oil, but also relies on imports to a considerable extent for food, he said the prices of some imported mineral resources are also rising. Therefore, the Russian-Ukrainian war will increase China's import costs and affect economic growth. He acknowledged that from a domestic perspective, since the third quarter of 2021, China's economy has experienced a relatively large decline. The very high infection rate of the Omikron virus has accelerated the decline of the economy and it 'will be more difficult to achieve this year's growth target of 5.5%'. He said 'As for the challenges from abroad, the United States hopes that other countries will decouple from China and allow China to return to a closed economy. If it succeeds, China's economic growth rate will slow down, and our second centenary goal will be difficult to achieve as scheduled, and will generate more new challenges, which is exactly the wishful thinking of the United States. However, in the face of this kind of conspiracy of the United States, we must also see our own favourable conditions. China is the world's largest trading country and has the world's largest market. Trade is a win-win, and small economies benefit from it more than large economies. In order to maintain its hegemonic position, the United States may prefer to sacrifice economic interests for political interests, but if the EU, ASEAN, and other economies follow the United States and China to decouple, they need to sacrifice their own economic interests'. Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, he said China must continue to advocate the use of diplomacy to resolve disputes and resolutely uphold the UN Charter and respect the territorial integrity of each country. He added 'Of course, we must also respect the security needs of individual countries'. He recommended a more 'scientific' approach to containing the epidemic and said farmers must be allowed to 'go to the fields and cultivate grain' and taxes on those affected by the epidemic should be reduced.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Chengdu on June 8 and 9. On June 9 at Chengdu, he met at least 115 PLA officers of and above the rank of Colonel with whom he had a group photograph. He was accompanied by CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang. The officers were from the PLA Army (Ground Forces), PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLA Rocket Force (PLARF). The group photograph showed Xi Jinping in military uniform sitting in the front with CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang, WTC Commander General Wang Haijiang, WTC Political Commissar General Li Fengbiao and probably the Commander of the PLARF. Xinhua News Agency also reported that on the morning of June 9, Xi Jinping met officers above the rank of Colonel and the Head of the PLA Formation regiment stationed in Chengdu, and took a group photo with them. Reports mention that Xi Jinping's inspection was short and he did not convene a meeting with local party and government officials. According to Xinhua News Agency (June 8) Xi Jinping was accompanied by Sichuan Provincial Party Committee Secretary Wang Xiaohui and Governor Huang Qiang, who accompanied him to Meishan, Yibin and other places successively. The four central officials accompanying Xi Jinping were: Ding Xuexiang, Director of the Central General Office; Liu He, Vice Premier; Chen Xi, Director of the Central Organization Department; and He Lifeng, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Xi Jinping met the local troops stationed in Sichuan. (Comment: Chengdu is the Hqrs of the Tibet Military Region within the Western Theatre Command. Chengdu is also the Hqrs of the Western Theatre Command Joint Operations Command which is established in times of war/crisis.)

China launched its third and most advanced aircraft carrier on June 10. Named 'Fujian' after the coastal province opposite Taiwan, it had been under construction at Shanghai’s Jiangnan shipyard since 2018. It is expected to enter service late next year or in 2024. The Fujian was set to launch on June 3, according to analysts and media reports, but the date slipped because of Shanghai’s Covid-19 outbreak and two-month lockdown. “Resumption of work after pandemic control measures was slower than expected, and there was a lack of workers,” said a Chinese military scholar, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media about the topic. “The equipment for further outfitting after the launch was not fully in place either.” The Fujian is the first Chinese carrier to be completely designed and manufactured domestically. The People’s Liberation Army Navy aims to have six carriers by 2035.

Speaking at the Shangri La dialogue the Global Times (June 12) quoted the Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe as saying, "The merits of the China-India border conflicts are very clear, and the responsibility does not lie with China". He said that China and India are neighbours, and it is in the interest of both countries to maintain good relations, which is what China is actively striving to do. Wei Fenghe also said he had communicated with the Indian defense minister and made it clear that the responsibility does not lie with China.

President Joe Biden told reporters (June 18) that he will be talking to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping “soon” and is weighing possible action on US tariffs on China that were imposed by the Trump administration. Asked whether he had decided to lift any of the tariffs, he said “I’m in the process of making up my mind.” (Comment: Biden’s administration is weighing what to do about former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on some $300 billions of goods imported from the US economy’s biggest competitor. While some businesses have benefited from protection from Chinese imports, some have been hurt. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told lawmakers last week the Biden administration is looking to “reconfigure” the tariffs and acknowledged that they were contributing to higher prices for goods with US inflation running at the hottest pace in 40 years.)

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member Yang Jiechi met in Europe’s Luxembourg on June 14. This was the 4th in-person meeting of US-China officials in 15 months. The US readout of the Yang-Sullivan meeting in Luxembourg was brief and short on specifics but described the event as “candid, substantive, and productive”. The Chinese readout was longer, stating the key points made by Yang Jiechi during the interaction. It was likewise billed as “candid, in-depth and constructive”. Both sides stressed the value of keeping communication channels open.

CNA (June 16) reported that a delegation of four Taiwanese military officers attended a multilateral security forum hosted jointly by the United States and Japan that ended in Tokyo on June 16. This is the first time since 2019 that Taiwan has had a presence at the forum.

Excerpts of interesting remarks made at the Shangri La Dialogue on June 10: Japanese PM Fumio Kishida has announced "that his government would consider acquiring a pre-emptive strike capability because 'Ukraine today may be east Asia tomorrow'." The PRC Ministry of Defense report on the meeting said that the U.S. should be rational and "refrain from attacking and smearing China, containing and suppressing China, interfering in China's internal affairs or harming China's interests. Only in this way can the China-US relationship go smoothly." The Guardian added that Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe also said: "Beijing will 'not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost' if Taiwan declares independence. According to the US Government statement: US Defence Secretary Austin "read chapter and verse of the Taiwan Relations Act and stressed the part about the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait 'being of grave concern' to the United States." The New York Times (June 11) reported that Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe, speaking on the last day of the Shangri La Dialogue, said China will not flinch from war if Taiwan takes a decisive step toward independence, and it does not trust the United States’ assertions that it opposes that course for the island. In his speech General Wei Fenghe said that China was sincerely doing everything it could to bring about peaceful unification with Taiwan, the self-governed island that Beijing considers its own, but “no one should ever underestimate the resolve and capabilities of China’s armed forces” to defend its sovereignty claims". He said “For the sake of unification, the United States fought the war between North and South. China is most unwilling to go through a civil war like that, but will resolutely smash any schemes for Taiwan independence. If anyone dares to split off Taiwan, we will not hesitate to fight, will not flinch from the cost, and will fight to the very end.” Reporting the statement, the Global Times (June 11) captioned it: "Chinese defense chief sends 'strongest warning' to US on Taiwan question". PLA General Xiaozhuo Zhao of the PLA Delegation raised a question as to the purpose of the Shangri La Dialogue. He said there are divergent views about it with one view labelling it as being used by the US to for propaganda purposes.

The United Nations Human Rights chief, Ms Michelle Bachelet, said (June 13) that she would not seek a second term for personal reasons, refuting speculation that it was a decision linked to blowback over her trip to China last month. Bachelet, 70, was criticised by rights groups as well as some Western governments, including the United States, who said the conditions Chinese authorities imposed on the visit did not enable a complete and independent assessment of the rights environment.

China Brief (June 15) stated that perhaps emboldened by Russian advances in the Donbas, China has offered stronger rhetorical support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. It said in a recent call with Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Russia’s need to protect its security. Chinese state media blames the United States for the war as well as for promoting conspiracy theorists and propagandists. Nevertheless, Chinese institutions have steered clear of violating U.S. sanctions. Russian institutions are having trouble processing yuan transactions. Meanwhile, some misleading commentary has suggested that China is adopting the language of “special operations” from Russia’s own euphemism for its invasion of Ukraine. But this terminology has been part of China’s use-of-force spectrum for years; it’s unlikely the Russian example is an inspiration.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Sichuan Province on June 8 where he 'stressed the need to adhere to the dynamic zero-COVID strategy of containing the virus while ensuring economic development, called for more effective measures to tackle specific issues such as employment for college graduates and boosted morale by pointing to the bright path ahead'. According to Xinhua, Xi Jinping spoke to students at Yibin University and met with workers at a local tech firm, offering encouraging words and reaffirming the government's support. It said among the key takeaways from the top leader's remarks are fostering employment for college graduates, development of the private sector and local innovation, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Xinhua (June 5) reported that the Central Propaganda Department together with the Propaganda Departments of the Party Committees of Hebei, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Shanghai (cities) published books titled "Let the masses live a good life - Xi Jinping's positive footsteps" and "Fujian Fujian Province". There are four books that systematically describe Xi Jinping's local work experience. The books were published and distributed jointly with Hebei, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Shanghai People's Publishing Houses

The main story in the People's Daily (June 5) was on Xi Jinping's ecological thought . It was titled "Strive to build a modernization of harmonious coexistence between man and nature" — —Vivid practice of Xi Jinping's ecological civilization thought' The article quoted Xi Jinping as saying, "The construction of ecological civilization is the fundamental plan for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation". (Comment: June 5 is World Ecological Day.)

During an inspection visit to the Ministry of Transport on June 6 where he addressed a symposium, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stressed the importance of further smoothing transportation and logistics to ensure the operation of market entities and stabilize the economy. He urged efforts to reconcile COVID-19 control and economic and social development. He also talked with wheat harvesters via video. Li Keqiang said, 'this is a critical time for the wheat harvest' and stressed the improvement of services for farm-machinery drivers and the need to ensure the summer grain harvest to stabilize market supply and prices. Li Keqiang underscored the key role that transportation plays in ensuring people's livelihoods and controlling COVID19.

Liu Jianchao (刘建超) was appointed (June 6) head of the CCP International Department, replacing Song Tao.

The official website of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on June 7 announced that the State Council had appointed: i) Cui Maohu as Director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs; ii) Fu Hua as President of Xinhua News Agency; iii) Lv Yansong as Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency; and iv) Wang Shuxin as President of Chongqing University (Deputy Minister level). (Comment: Fu Hua is regarded as a thoroughly loyal Party apparatchik who has risen rapidly through the ranks. Fu Hua is a long-time veteran of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) media who served four years (2010-2014) as Deputy Propaganda Chief for the city of Beijing, and nearly two years (2018-2020) as the top propaganda official in Guangdong province. Fu Hua has given priority to Xi Jinping’s notion of “telling China’s story well” (讲好中国故事), and the need to find new ways for the CCP to control the heights of public opinion domestically and globally. In remarks in November last year on the telling of China’s story, Fu Hua made reference to Xi Jinping’s first major speech on propaganda and ideology on August 19, 2014, months after Fu joined Beijing Daily – and to the need for propaganda officials to “be bolder in raising the banner and showing their swords” (大胆地举旗亮剑). Born in 1965, Cui Maohu was Deputy Director of UFWD before being promoted as Director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs.)

FT (June 9) reported that China is building hundreds of thousands of permanent coronavirus testing facilities and expanding quarantine centres across many of its biggest cities as part of its zero-Covid policy, despite the economic and human toll on the world’s most populous country. Tough restrictions in scores of cities have driven the country to the edge of recession for just the second time in three decades. But even though measures have been eased in many areas, experts believe the government’s virus infrastructure programme is designed to sustain the mass-testing and quarantine policies through 2023. Officials are racing to execute instructions to be able to test entire city populations within 24 hours. Bigger metropolises must now have testing sites available within no more than a 15-minute walk of residents’ homes, and temporary facilities are being replaced with permanent booths sourced from private medical companies. The country’s 31 provinces and regions are also following orders from Beijing to prepare new hospitals and quarantine facilities in the case of a Shanghai-style surge in infections. Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for Global Health at the Council for Foreign Relations think-tank, said such measures demonstrated Beijing’s commitment to zero-Covid “despite this growing social, economic cost associated with this approach”.

On June 6, China’s Ministry of State Security (MoSS) promulgated new rules called “Rules for Rewarding Citizens for Reporting Acts that Endanger National Security" to encourage citizens to report acts that “endanger national security.” It offered different amounts as rewards, depending on the level of contribution, with the highest reward being 100,000 yuan ($15,000) or more. The rules came into effect the same day. A MoSS official said at a press conference that China’s national security is facing a serious and complex situation, “especially as the infiltration and theft activities of foreign espionage and intelligence agencies and various hostile forces against us have significantly intensified.” The public is encouraged to report through a phone number, website, letter and in person. The national security authorities will issue spiritual (award certificates) or material awards (bonuses) depending on the situation. The bonus is divided into four levels according to the degree of contribution, with the lowest being less than 10,000 yuan ($1,500) and the highest more than 100,000 yuan ($15,000).

Multi-millionaire Chinese e-commerce 'influencer' Li Jiaqi, widely known as the “Lipstick Brother” or “Lipstick King”, has been removed from search platforms and even e-commerce sites for a livestreamed programme on June 3, when Li Jiaqi was presented with a cake that resembled a tank. Censors promptly pulled the show offline and it hasn’t returned. Reports indicate that Li Jiaqi and his team did not plan for the tank imagery to coincide with the Tiananmen Square anniversary. Military equipment is often cutely reproduced in China, with even playgrounds bearing pictures of armoured personnel carriers or helicopters; a cake that looks like a tank isn’t an unusual idea. His background also doesn’t suggest a willingness to burn down his online empire for a symbolic gesture.

Cai Xia, former senior faculty in the Central Party School who is now settled in the US and has been a severe critic of Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 8 tweeted in response to the latest instructions of the CCP CC urging people to report on suspected 'spies'. The Ministry of State Security (MoSS) has again repeated its offer of $15,000 cash — or a 'spiritual reward' — for national security tip-offs. She tweeted: "Under the brainwashing and deception of the CCP since I was a child, I used to think that the six words "KMT reactionary" were a "special" term that had to be read together, and that "reactionaries" were the patent of the Kuomintang. In the process of gradually eradicating the poison of the totalitarian regime's lies, propaganda, and brainwashing, I realized that all political groups that move against the advancing trend of the times are reactionaries. The Xi administration is a reactionary. They are not just driving backwards and blocking the progress of Chinese history. They are reactionary, anti-civilization and anti-humanity."

The US-based Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Centre (SMHRIC) published (June 2) a letter written by Munkhbayar Chuluundorj, a citizen of Mongolia incarcerated in Detention Centre No.461 and dated June 2, 2022. He denies working for any foreign intelligence agency against China and reasserts that "as a citizen of the independent country of Mongolia, spoke and fought for the rights of my mother tongue and fellow Mongolians"

The People's Court Daily (June 2) disclosed that as part of its effort to move to a higher level of "intelligent trial, intelligent execution, intelligent service and intelligent management", the Supreme People's Court clarified that on March 1, 2022, the "People's Courts Online Operation Rules" was officially implemented. It clarified that "people's courts use information technologies such as the Internet, big data, cloud computing, mobile Internet, artificial intelligence and blockchain to improve the information system of smart courts, standardize application methods, strengthen operation management, meet the diverse judicial needs of the people online, and efficiently support trial enforcement activities."

The People's Daily (June 2) published a front page article on Zhejiang and common prosperity. The state-owned CCTV (June 3) telecast a special report on the strides made by Zhejiang province and said "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has come to Zhejiang five times" when he visited the island, the community, the enterprise, and the countryside. It said, "Implementing the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech and instructions, the cadres and masses in Zhejiang are taking the responsibility of shouldering the historical mission and pioneering the road, faithfully implementing the "eight-eight strategy", and striving to build a new era to fully demonstrate socialism with Chinese characteristics."

The Zhejiang Ribao (June 2) reported that Huang Jianfa, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Education Working Committee, on June 2 inspected the preparations for the college entrance examination in Hangzhou. Emphasising that the difficulties and challenges faced by the college entrance examination this year are unprecedented, he emphasized that the college entrance examination is the starting point for young students to realize their dreams and an important ladder for life progress. He said it is necessary to thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on education, strictly implement the college entrance examination organization and various measures for epidemic prevention, carefully optimize various emergency plans, compact and compact the main responsibilities, and do a good job in serving candidates with heart and emotion Guarantee the work, make every effort to maintain the safety of the examination, and effectively ensure fairness and justice. Huang Jianfa stressed the need to strengthen comprehensive security for candidates in terms of security, travel, accommodation, hygiene, etc., and pay attention to volunteer guidance and psychological counselling for candidates, not to leave a candidate behind and to ensure strict examination discipline, ensure fairness and impartiality at all levels.

The Organization Department of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee disclosed (June 2) that the ability of leading cadres to stabilize the economy and carry out a series of special trainings would be improved. It would implement the "10,000 cadres help 10,000 enterprises" programme and encourage cadres at all levels to serve in front-line stations. The Organization Department will work with the Economic and Information Department and other departments to "select outstanding cadres with good political quality, strong sense of responsibility, and familiarity with economic work as resident service staff, and promote the implementation of "one-to-one" resident service for key enterprises at all levels".

The state-owned CCTV announced (June 5) that at 10:44 am, the Long March 2F Yao 14 carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou 14 manned spacecraft was ignited and launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The three astronauts Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe successfully entered space, and the first manned launch mission during the construction phase of the space station was a complete success.

The South China Morning Post (June 4) reported that an analysis of Russia’s military operations published in Naval and Merchant Ships said, “Ukraine has exploited Russia’s weaknesses … and successfully forced Russia to change its strategies”. “How this success was achieved can hardly exclude factors such as NATO and the United States. And it’s not difficult to imagine that Taiwan would receive guidance, plans, intelligence, experience, and training [from NATO and the US] too.” It added that Taiwan’s mountainous landscape would make any assault far harder than in Ukraine. “Taiwan’s major transport routes are limited in number and circle around the island; while roads are like nets in Ukraine cities, offering Russian forces multiple choices to enter a city. This limits the options to perform surprise attacks, as any deliberate damage to the major roads would segment Chinese forces into smaller components.” It said an assault would need to be an integrated option conducted by the navy and air force aided by logistic support forces. “To be more specific, amphibious forces not only need to complete the tasks of soldier delivery, landing and support, but also guarantee Chinese forces’ manoeuvring across regions on Taiwan island, forming a comprehensive combat team.” Another lesson, the article said, was the overwhelmingly unfriendly attitude of the Taiwanese towards Chinese forces. To deal with this, it suggested keeping Taiwanese forces outside cities, persuading Taiwanese stay at home and cutting off internet access when necessary. “If the Taiwanese forces chose to forcefully occupy residential areas … we can use medium and small size drones to gather intelligence and perform precision strikes”.

The state-owned CGTN reported that a Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) J-7 fighter jet crashed in Xiangyang city's residential area in central China's Hubei Province on June 9, killing one person and injuring two others in the country's third aviation accident in over two months

The Eurasia Times (June 3) reported that, in a first, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been spotted on the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) aircraft carrier, Shandong. It quoted the Global Times as reporting in late April that the Shandong is currently at the Dalian Shipyard for maintenance and repairs after two years of service “to enhance the flattop’s usability”.

According to Guancha (June 6), speaking at a forum sponsored by the Chongyang Institute of Financial Studies at Renmin University in China on May 30, Chen Wenling, Chief Economist at the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), a Chinese government think tank, said “China should be prepared for the U.S. strategic containment and suppression of China, and make sure that the supply chains are under control. . . . We need to sort out the advantages that will sufficiently scare our opponents and cause them irreversible losses and pressures. As a countermeasure, we need to stall and slow as much as possible our opponents’ moves to cut off the supply chain, the chain of scientific and technological cooperation, and the chain of innovation.” He added “If the U.S. and the West impose destructive sanctions on China as they did on Russia, we must take back Taiwan. In terms of carrying out industrial chain and supply chain restructuring, we must get hold of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and other companies that originally belonged to China. They are accelerating the transfer to the United States to establish six plants over there. We absolutely cannot let their goal of transfer be achieved.” He also urged: “We need to support Russia openly, reasonably and by every possible means. For example, the recent Sino-Russian joint air exercises and so on. We can do more in trade, so that China and Russia can dovetail the ‘Belt & Road’ with the Eurasian Economic Union proposed by Putin to form a strategic depth in China, a Silk Road economic belt, and an energy security belt as a major security barrier. It is necessary to step up cooperation with Europe. Europe is deeply affected by the RussianUkrainian conflict, and the euro will be hit hard economically in the future. In addition, Europe will see a food crisis, an energy crisis, and a refugee crisis. In the time of crisis in Europe, China can offer a helping hand and increase cooperation between China and Europe, so that the two plates of Asia and Europe can return to their historical status as political and economic centres.”

Writing in the Diplomat (June 9) Santosh Sharma Poudel disclosed that a participant at the 14th Nepal-China Bilateral Consultative Mechanism held on May 25 said that China indirectly expressed reservations about Zeya’s visit to the Tibetan refugee camps. Chinese Ambassador Hou Yanqi had met Nepali Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand ahead of Zeya’s visit to Nepal. It is likely that Hou Yanqi would have wanted the Nepali government to ensure control over Tibetan refugees’ activities during Zeya’s visit. On May 20, U.S. Under-Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, who is also the Joe Biden administration’s Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Uzra Zeya, visited Nepal when she met high-level officials, including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, and visited two Tibetan refugee camps in Kathmandu

Global Times (June 9) reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 10. It claimed that before he does it, Japanese media outlets have already sent a signal - Kishida has come with ill intentions. It cited the Japanese media as saying Kishida will stress the significance of bolstering maritime security cooperation, oppose unilateral changes to the status quo by force, no matter where they occur, including the Diaoyu Islands and the Taiwan Straits, as well as unveil Tokyo's plans to further boost the country's defense budget and military capabilities. It quoted Chinese TV military commentator Song Zhongping as observing that 'when cooperating with the US strategy, Japan may need to sober up that "America First" is not and will never be Japan first. At any critical juncture, Washington will not hesitate to abandon Tokyo for the US' own interests, just like how it abandoned Afghanistan and Syria. Be it the Diaoyu Islands issue or the Taiwan question, Japan's and the US' calculations differ. The USJapan Security Treaty will never be Japan's life-saving straw, as that is not in line with the nature of "America First".

Foreign Policy magazine (June 9) said that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is likely to have his first face-to-face meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, in Singapore on June 10. It said the United States is looking for better lines of communication between Austin and Wei as well as increased engagement between Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his Chinese counterpart and between the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief and Chinese regional commanders. U.S. officials said they have seen “some progress” toward establishing communication mechanisms with China but did not elaborate further. Senior U.S. defense officials said China requested the meeting on June 10 between Austin and Wei. The meeting comes as China appears to be consolidating basing and security deals in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific that have rattled U.S. officials, who believe Beijing has not been transparent about its true plans. A senior U.S. defense official briefing reporters said, “This meeting is in part about setting guardrails on the relationship, continuing to call for developing more mature crisis communications and risk management mechanisms as well as an opportunity for the secretary to share some significant concerns we have about global and regional security issues.”

The South China Morning Post (June 1) reported that a report released by the Chongyang Institute for Finance Studies at Renmin University on May 29 said that China should give up the “illusion” of avoiding competition with the United States, and even be prepared for the worst-case scenario of possible military conflict, a Chinese think tank has advised, while also urging Beijing to seek ways to reduce tensions. It said the war in Ukraine had intensified US worries about and strategy against China, heightening the risk of an “all out” confrontation between the two major powers. The report said, “To respond to US President Joe Biden’s allout competitive offensive, China should give up its illusions, and make every effort to guard against the possibility of a final showdown of high-intensity military confrontation.” The report also said that while adapting to the spike in bilateral tensions, China should also take the initiative to shape ties with the US and seek “the possibility of cooperation between the two nations”. It noted that the US had stepped up its strategy to “contain China” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February, moving to strengthen ties with regional allies and selling arms to Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a breakaway province that can be taken by force. The report pointed out “The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exacerbated the strategic anxiety of the United States towards China. The United States has begun to accelerate the buildup of comprehensive strategic competition with China.”

CCTV and Xinhua (May 28) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the 39th "collective study" session of the CCP CC Politburo on May 27 in Beijing. The Politburo meeting discussed the deepening of the project of exploring the source of Chinese civilization. Xinhua said Xi Jinping delivered an important speech in which emphasised that "the Chinese civilization has a long history and is extensive and profound. It is the unique spiritual symbol of the Chinese nation, the foundation of contemporary Chinese culture, the spiritual bond that maintains the Chinese around the world, and the treasure of Chinese cultural innovation". He reiterated the need "to have an in-depth understanding of the development history of Chinese civilization for more than 5,000 years". In his "important speech", Xi Jinping said, "the research results of major projects such as the Chinese Civilization Origin Project have demonstrated China's million-year human history, 10,000 years of cultural history, and more than 5,000 years of civilization history"! Wang Wei, Director and Researcher of the History Department of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, explained this issue and made some suggestions to the Politburo. Comrades from the Political Bureau of the Central Committee listened carefully to the explanation and held discussions.

On May 25, Chinese President Xi Jinping met representatives to a national meeting on work related to the 信 访 handling of people's complaints. He congratulated the exemplary individuals and groups and extended sincere greetings to officials and people working in the system for addressing public complaints. Guo Shengkun, Politburo Member and SecretaryGeneral of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, attended and spoke at the meeting. He pointed out that the people should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era…keep in mind the political responsibility of solving problems for the people and addressing worries for the Party…and play a greater role in serving the general situation of the work of the Party and the State, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the people, and promoting social security and stability. Li Keqiang, Wang Huning, and Han Zheng, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, Director of the General Office of the CCP CC and Politburo Member, attended the meeting. Xiao Jie, State Councillor and Secretary-General of the State Council also attended the meeting and made a concluding speech. (Comment: The reports did not mention any speech by Xi Jinping.)

CCTV-13 (May 26) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 25 afternoon met representatives of a meeting commending heroes and role models from the public security system. It said the meeting turned out to be a "strong inspiration". The police force, according to CCTV, said that they "must resolutely implement the major decisions and plans of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, resolutely achieve loyalty to the Party, service to the people, fair law enforcement, strict discipline, and make every effort to maintain national security and social stability to meet the victorious opening of the 20th Party Congress with practical actions". They added that the police force "should be guided by Xi Jinping's thought of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's thought of the rule of law, and unswervingly adhere to the absolute leadership of the Party in public security work, be loyal to the Party"

People's Daily's front page has 8 stories, and of them 6 have "Xi Jinping" in their title and one entry in the series on "in XJP's footsteps" (Heilongjiang entry). The last story is on Wang Yang.

According to the Chuanguan News, on the afternoon of May 30, the first plenary meeting of the 12th Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China held in Chengdu elected Wang Xiaohui as Sichuan Province Party Secretary Party. He had already replaced Peng Qinghua in April, this makes it official. (Comment: Wang Xiaohui is 60 years old and eligible for elevation to the Politburo. He is a full member of the 19th CCP CC.)

The China Organisation and Personnel Daily (Zuzhirenshi - May 30) reported that the number of college students from the Tsinghua and Peking Universities has registered an increase. It said in recent years, Tsinghua has developed an average of more than 1,200 undergraduate party members each year. In 2021, the number of undergraduate freshmen submitting applications for party membership has doubled compared to 2016; At Peking University, the number of student party members has reached a new high from 2017 to 2020, exceeding 1,000 every year, and more than 2,400 student party members will be developed in 2021. It quoted many teachers as saying that participation in major national events such as the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP helped "students have a deeper understanding of the party's history and national conditions, and their hearts have been shocked." The relevant person in charge of Tsinghua University was quoted saying that in recent years, the school has used the window period of enrolment education to expand the team of activists through various measures. For example, it holds the "New Backbone Training Camp" every year to discover outstanding undergraduate freshmen and carry out training. The training camp invites experts and scholars to give special reports on party history and school history to help students understand the party history and the glorious tradition of the Tsinghua party organization. Peking University carefully designed the military training for new students, established a temporary general party branch of the military training regiment, and selected teachers to participate in the training and guidance. During the military training, all-round enrolment education was carried out for students through large-class activities, small-class seminars, and party branch activities. Wang Yiming, Minister of Industry of Peking University, said that during the military training, students were enthusiastic about joining the Party. "Many freshmen turned on their flashlights after the military training base turned off the lights at night, and wrote their applications for joining the Party overnight. In 2019 and 2020, freshmen submitted their applications to the Party during the military training. The application rate is more than half of the total number of students.”

The Communist Youth League Central Committee announced (June 2) that it would undertake 2-year long pilot projects in 45 cities including Xicheng District in Beijing, Jincheng in Shanxi Province, and Kunming City in Yunnan Province. Pilot cities (including municipal districts of municipalities directly under the Central Government), and 99 pilot counties including Beilun District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, Qingxiu District, Nanning City, Guangxi, and Qingbaijiang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan. It is reported that the selected pilot areas cover 31 provinces across the country and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. The objective is to try and solve the problem of youth's "urgency, difficulty and hope", and provide practical experience to the youth for learning, living, and career, so as to better serve their growth and development, and give full play to the potential of young people's innovation and creativity.

In a paper published by the Chinese journal Modern Defense Technology, Chinese scientists highlighted the possibility of Starlink being used for military purposes that could aid other countries and threaten China's national security and argued that China must develop capabilities to disable and maybe even destroy Starlink internet satellites. According to South China Morning Post, the scientists are calling for the development of anti-satellite capabilities, including both hard and soft kill methods. The former is used to physically destroy satellites, such as the use of missiles, while a soft kill method targets a satellite's software and operating system. In addition, the researchers suggested the development of a surveillance system with the ability to track each and every Starlink satellite. That would address one of their concerns, which is the possibility of launching military payloads along with a bunch of satellites for the constellation.

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced on June 1 that Sun Guoxiang, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial People's Congress has been placed under investigation. (Comment: He is the third "tiger" to be placed under investigation in the last 3 days.)

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced on June 1, the day Shanghai's lockdown ended, that Zhang Bencai, the Chief Procurator of the Shanghai People's Procuratorate, has been placed under investigation.

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced on May 31 the expulsion from the CCP of Zhang Jinghua, Alternate Member of the 19th CCP Central Committee and former Deputy Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee, among other things, for being "engaged in superstitious activities" and "falsifying economic data"

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced on June 1 that Chen Rugui, Deputy Director of the Guangdong People's Congress's Standing Committee, and former Mayor of Shenzhen (until April 2021) is under investigation

The Shanghai government is releasing (May 30) 50 policy measures to boost the regional economy including stabilising foreign investment and promoting consumption. Industries directly affect by covid including retail, tourism, transport etc. It is also increasing subsidies per worker up to 3million RMB per firm

Zhejiang Ribao (May 30) publishes three major articles on common prosperity in Zhejiang, including social governance, legal help and supervision, and a case study of "Luojiazhuang" (骆家庄) which has made "useful explorations for building a modern basic unit of common prosperity". It said Zhejiang had also designated 28 areas as "future communities" - part of common prosperity drive, focus on public service provision and building 5-15 minutes "public services" circles “ (未来社区”，有何不一样).

Zhejiang Daily (June 1) published a lengthy report on Zhejiang's policy implementation plan for stabilizing the economy. It enumerated 38 policy measures among which were: financial support measures; issuance of local government bonds; increased government procurement support to SMEs; support for job stabilisation; measures to promote consumption; measures to ensure food and grain security; and measures to improve the basic livelihood of the people.

Writing in the Ziyou Yazhou diantai on May 24, retired NDRC official and CCP cadre Liang Jing (pseudonym) forecast that US President Biden would see the fall of Putin and Xi Jinping, probably in 2022. He said that unlike Russia under Putin, China has seen no gains during Xi's terms and the elite is very unhappy.

The state-owned CCTV (May 29) highlighted that China's central government invested an unprecedented 6 billion yuan to promote a stable and bumper summer grain harvest. It said various localities have increased investment, and agricultural and rural departments at all levels have continued to promote the implementation of technical measures to increase production. The latest wheat harvest progress shows that nearly 38 million mu of winter wheat has been harvested across the country. The wheat harvest in Sichuan is coming to an end, Hubei is over 80%, Henan and Anhui are over 10%, and Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and other provinces have successively opened up. The suitable harvest period is 3-5 days after the wheat is mature, and more than 97% are harvested by machine. In order to ensure that the harvesters are not affected by the epidemic, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has joined hands with major wheat-producing provinces to accurately collect the area of machine harvesting, and vigorously promote the orderly flow of agricultural machinery. 60,000 agricultural machinery service organizations across the country will participate in summer harvesting operations.

Reuters (June 3) reported that China's proposed cybersecurity rules for financial firms could pose risks to operations of western companies by making their data vulnerable to hacking, among other things. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) released the draft Administrative Measures for the Management of Network Security in the Securities and Futures Industry on April 29, and offered a month-long public consultation on the proposals. The draft rules seek to make it mandatory for investment banks, asset managers, and futures companies with operations in China to share data with CSRC, allow regulator-led testing, and help set up a centralised data backup centre. The latest regulatory proposal comes at a time when a string of western investment banks and asset managers are expanding their presence in China, either by setting up wholly-owned units or by taking a bigger share in existing joint ventures.

Beijing has mobilized state funds and its capital market to cushion the potential fallout with all U.S. citizens and entities required to divest from China's military-industrial companies by June 3. One of these blacklisted companies, CloudWalk Technology, an artificial intelligence solution provider, debuted on the Shanghai STAR Market last week and raised 1.72 billion yuan ($258 million) from a new share issuance to domestic investors. Xiamen Meiya Pico Information, a Fujian-based company providing technology for forensic data investigations and online censorship, announced plans in March to raise up to 760 million yuan through a private share placement. The stock will be fully purchased by its top shareholder, SDIC Intelligent Technology, a unit of State Development & Investment Corp., Beijing's strategic investment arm. The sanctions to ban all Americans from investing in Chinese companies identified as having military ties originated under U.S. President Donald Trump in November 2019, starting with 31 companies. It was later amended by President Joe Biden on June 3, 2021, setting the full enforcement deadline exactly a year later, with the list growing to 59. Nine more were added, increasing the roster to 68. The majority of the list contains publicly traded companies in Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Hong Kong, with a few also listed in Europe. Most are related to military engineering, navigation, space, aviation, rocket, and satellite technologies. They are elite state conglomerates directly controlled by Beijing. The country's three main network operators -- China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile -- and oil and gas conglomerate CNOOC, all targeted along with their unlisted parents, have relisted their shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, while keeping their primary listing in Hong Kong.

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) published a report on May 26, that China is investing in the U.S. Agriculture industry in order to mitigate its own food shortage. These investments reduce Beijing’s reliance on imports and help China to obtain modern agricultural technologies. The report examines the main areas of Chinese investment in the United States, including land, livestock, grain, and relevant infrastructure, such as agricultural equipment and technology. It also presents considerations for lawmakers regarding further Chinese integration in the U.S. agriculture sector.

The visit (May 23-28) by Michelle Bachelet, Commissioner of the UNHRC to China, including Kashgar and Urumqi, made no headway in addressing human rights issues in China. The World Uyghur Congress said the UN Rights Chief has wasted a historic opportunity to assess Uyghur genocide. In a strongly worded statement WUC President, Dolkun Isa, stated “As expected, the High Commissioner has wasted a historic opportunity to investigate the Uyghur genocide and deliver justice to the Uyghur people. The High Commissioner has ruined her office’s credibility by aligning with China’s wishes and conducting a visit that by no means adequately addressed justice for Uyghurs and accountability for those responsible”. Radio France International (May ) reported that according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry website the Chinese government made its goals clear before Bachelet entered Xinjiang. At a one-on-one meeting with Michelle Bachelet on May 23, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed hope that this visit would help clarify the “misinformation” about China. He also gave Bachelet a copy of Xi Jinping’s book. According to China’s state media, it was an English translation of “Excerpts from Xi Jinping’s Discourses on Respecting and Safeguarding Human Rights".

The China Defence News portal 81.cn on May 24 published an article about the upcoming launch of India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The author Hong She said "India is actively promoting the construction of domestic aircraft carriers. Suffering from the backwardness of its own industrial system, India's road to developing a domestic aircraft carrier can be described as twists and turns. In 1979, the Indian Navy began to carry out pre-research work on the domestic aircraft carrier, and in 1989 proposed its own construction plan. The program was scrapped due to cost overruns until it was revived in 1999 with the "Blue Sky Guardian" aircraft carrier program. In 2004, the Indian Navy renamed the Blue Sky Guardian INS Vikrant in honour of India's first aircraft carrier. In 2005, the "Vikrant" started construction at the Cochin Shipyard, with a design displacement of 40,000 tons". The author added "Due to the lack of experience in aircraft carrier construction at the Cochin Shipyard, the construction of the "Vikrant" aircraft carrier was far behind schedule, and a series of accidents occurred during the period. In May 2015, the "Vikrant" aircraft carrier was officially launched, but the outfitting project was still slow until it finally entered the sea trial stage in August 2021. Since then, the "Vikrant" aircraft carrier has conducted two more sea trials, during which the carrierbased aircraft on-board simulation test has been completed. According to the plan, the aircraft carrier will be officially commissioned in August this year, and then will carry out carrierbased aircraft running-in training." The author went on to say “The second is to boost the implementation of India’s ‘two oceans’ strategy. At present, India’s only aircraft carrier ‘Vikramaditya’ is deployed in the western waters of India. After the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier is commissioned, it will strengthen the control of the waters east of India and promote India’s ‘Eastward Strategy’ implementation, thereby expanding India’s influence in Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific”

China's CCTV reported (June 1) that the PLA Eastern Theatre Command has organised multimilitary joint combat readiness patrols in the sea and airspace around Taiwan. The Global Times (Chinese) quoted PLA Army 'Eastern War Zone' spokesman Colonel Shi Yi as saying 'This is a necessary action taken in response to the US-Taiwan collusion. The United States has been making frequent moves on the Taiwan issue recently, saying one thing and doing another, encouraging, and supporting "Taiwan independence" forces, both explicitly and implicitly, which will push Taiwan into a dangerous situation and will have serious consequences for itself. Taiwan is a part of China. The troops in the war zone will continue to strengthen their training and preparedness, continuously improve their ability to fulfil their mission, and resolutely thwart any interference by external forces or secessionist attempts by "Taiwan independence".'

The South China Morning Post (June 2) quoted Russian Ambassador Andrey Densiov telling an online event that the China-Russia "relationship was flexible and had no upper limits". It quoted Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying the ‘hybrid war’ waged against the country after it attacked Ukraine offered new opportunities to work with Beijing. The South China Morning Post (June 2) cited them as saying that the relationship between China and Russia is better than an alliance and has withstood the pressure triggered by the ongoing Ukraine war. It said, speaking ahead of the opening of a symbolically important cross-border bridge on June 2, Russia’s Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said the Ukraine crisis has pushed Moscow and Beijing closer together. CHINA-FOREIGN POLICY: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi plans to visit, mostly in person but also virtually, eight nations namely the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor. With the Solomon Islands he will sign an already negotiated security agreement. Wang Yi’s 10 day-itinerary represents a first of this dimension and length by a high-profile Chinese minister. Wang Yi expects to sign wide-ranging, region-wide pacts covering everything from security, policing, trade, and data. In Fiji, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Wang will meet the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of ten nations, including Cook Islands and Niue via video, and chair the second China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting. However, Wang Yi's effort to get the Pacific Island countries to sign a region-wide trade and security deal with China failed. Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said Pacific nations were united in their approach after the decision was announced on May 30 afternoon.

Chinese Director Chen Jianying's film "The Water Murmurs" won the Short Film Palme d'Or at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 28, 2022. The film stars Annabel Yao, youngest daughter of Chinese hi-tech giant Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei. The film is her acting debut.

The Chinese IT company Tencent pulled out its investment from the new Tom Cruise movie 'Top Gun Maverick' because in the movie Tom Cruise wore a jacket which had a Taiwanese (ROC) flag on it.

The state-owned CCTV and People's Daily (May 19) published a report on its front page of a letter Xi Jinping wrote to students at Nanjing University who studied abroad and returned home. (Comment: Fortune magazine reported an 18% decline in the number of Chinese students’ applications for US universities for the 2022 academic year, compared with 2021. The US Student and Exchange Visitor Program reported in April, saying there were 348,992 Chinese students in the United States last year, 33,569 fewer than 2020. The number of Chinese students in the UK, the number two destination for outbound students, recovered to 119,334 in 2021, just below the 2019 level of 119,825, following a dramatic 32% plunge in 2020, according to data from the country’s immigration office. Canada, the third most popular destination, has seen its Chinese student population fall by 25%, from over 140,000 in 2019 to 105,000 in 2021. China has not reported a total number of outbound students since the start of the pandemic.)

On May 18, President Xi Jinping delivered a video speech at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit held in Beijing on May 19.

The state-owned CCTV (May 18) telecast a report on the symposium on stabilizing growth, stabilizing market players and ensuring employment in Yunnan, chaired by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang om May 18. The heads of 12 provincial governments in the eastern, central, western, and north-eastern regions participated in the symposium. Ten of them are ranked among the top ten in the country in terms of economic aggregate. Li Keqiang said that since the beginning of this year, "under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, all aspects have implemented the deployment of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and have done a lot of work to stabilize the economy, and the results have not come easily. However, since March, especially in April, some economic indicators have weakened significantly, and the downward pressure on the economy has further increased"

The People's Daily (May 14) published the full text of Li Keqiang's speech on clean government delivered at the 'Fifth Incorrupt Government Work Conference of the State Council' on April 25, 2022. (Comment: The delay in publishing Premier Li Keqiang's speech is intriguing.)

The South China Morning Post (May 17) said analysts believe that Chinese President Xi Jinping has major ambitions for Chinese technological advance and hopes picking figures with the right experience will help make them a reality. They believe the leadership shake-up at the 20th Party Congress will see more cadres with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics taking on key roles

Xinhua (May 15) reported that the General Office of the CCP CC recently issued the "Opinions on Strengthening the Party Building of Retired Cadres in the New Era". The "Opinions" 'pointed out that it is necessary to strengthen political leadership, organize and guide retired cadres and party members to in-depth study of the party's innovative theory in the new era, consciously practice Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", and strengthen the "two establishments", "Four senses", strengthen "four self-confidence", and achieve "two maintenance" to ensure that retired cadres and party members continue to listen to the party and follow the party'. It also urged cadres to 'Consolidate the organization of retired cadres and party members' and said 'it is necessary to strengthen management supervision ... (of) retired cadres and party members, especially those who have held leadership positions'. The statement asks them “not to discuss the general policies of the Party Central Committee in an open manner, not to spread political negative remarks, not to participate in the activities of illegal social organisations, and not to use their former authority or position influence to seek benefits for themselves and others, and resolutely oppose and resist all kinds of wrong thinking”. (Comment: This is an important new Regulation aimed at retired senior cadres and comes just months ahead of the 20th Party Congress crucial for Xi Jinping. It suggests that retired cadres are speaking against Party policies or Xi Jinping.)

The Wall Street Journal (May 19) disclosed that the CCP CC Organisation Department had issued a directive in March prohibiting spouses and children of Ministerial-level officials from directly or indirectly holding any real estate or shares in entities registered abroad. It also barred senior officials and their immediate family members from opening accounts with overseas financial institutions unless they have legitimate reasons for doing so such as study or work.

The Central Party School's 'Study Times' on May 16 published a signed article captioned "Young Cadres "Ten to Ten Do Not Compare". It was signed by Xu Wenxiu, the pseudonym of the CCP CC Organization Department. The article said, "those who must be compared , should be compared, and can be compared, compare the initiative, initiative and consciousness, and compare the motivation to do business". It listed ten points for the younger cadres: (i) The first is to struggle rather than enjoyment. (ii) The second is to give, not to ask. (iii) The third is to compare skill, not luck. (iv) The fourth is to be more pragmatic, not project a false goal. (v) The fifth is more perseverance than determination. (vi) Sixth, it is better to be more honest than speculation. (vii) Seven, more simple is better than luxurious. (viii) Eighth, the promotion of ideas is better than the promotion of jobs. (ix) The ninth, to go farther it is better to run steadily, than to fly high and to run fast. (x) Ten it is better to rise on the back of the effort, not the family background. Separately the China Education Daily (May 19) published an article recalling that "General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the opening ceremony of the training course for young and middle-aged cadres at the Central Party School (National School of Administration) on March 1, pointing out that young cadres need to master many skills in order to be competent in leadership. He emphasized that the most fundamental ability is theoretical literacy. The classic works of Marxism are the source of living water for the study and study of Marxism."

An article by Li Zhenghua, Researcher at the Institute of Contemporary China, was published in the People's Daily on May 13. It said the "Resolution" adopted by the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, summed up the historic achievements and historical changes made in "upholding the party's overall leadership" and pointed out: "The party's leadership system has been continuously improved." It added that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core has placed the improvement of the party's leadership system in a prominent position", and had published many rules and regulations making the party's leadership system increasingly sound, and the entire party more conscious of maintaining a high degree of ideology, politics, and action with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core.

Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth - 2022/10 dated May 15) published Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks at the Central Economic Work Conference held from December 8 to 10, 2021. In his speech on December 8, he said, 'Correctly understand and grasp the major theoretical and practical problems of national development; warned that "To promote common prosperity, we must not engage in "welfare" and "welfareism" that exceeds one's ability is unsustainable, and it will inevitably bring about serious economic and political problems!"; and asserted the need to set "traffic signals" for capital.

The Guangming Daily (May 19) stated that "National security is the basic premise for the survival and development of a country, and maintaining national security is the fundamental interest of the people of all ethnic groups in the country". Recalling General Secretary Xi Jinping's visit to Hainan, it said he emphasized that "it is necessary to insist on maintaining national security unswervingly, strengthen the identification and prevention of major risks, coordinate reform, development and stability, and insist on establishing first and then breaking, and not breaking without establishing. This provides a fundamental basis for us to maintain strategic determination, strategic confidence, and strategic patience on the new journey, be prepared to deal with any form of conflict, risk, and challenge, and continue to create a new situation in our national security work". It asserted that "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation cannot be achieved easily and smoothly. The more we develop and grow, the greater the 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 an unavoidable threshold for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Our party was born amid internal and external troubles, grew up in tribulations and setbacks, and grew stronger in overcoming risks and challenges. It has always had a strong sense of urgency and risk. In the face of the complex and ever-changing international situation and the arduous and arduous tasks of domestic reform, development and stability, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the need to be prepared for danger in times of peace and enhance the awareness of urgency, risk, and responsibility. The current development situation is generally good, but we must be soberly aware that the current and future period is a period in which all kinds of contradictions and risks are prone to occur in China, and the time, space, and internal and external factors affecting national security are broader and more complex than at any time in history". Presently, it said, China "is facing the dual pressure of safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests externally and maintaining political security and social stability internally, and various predictable and unforeseeable risk factors have increased significantly. The major risks we face include domestic economic, political, ideological, social risks and risks from nature, as well as international economic, political, and military risks. If we can't see the micro-knowledge in time and prevent the micro-prevention, these major risks are often superimposed on each other, forming resonance, and producing a chain reaction, which will bring huge impact and destructive force to national security and social stability. It is necessary to comprehensively identify various major security risks, and refine the background, triggering factors, specific characteristics, and possible damage of each type of risk" It stressed the need of "fully applying big data and artificial intelligence in risk analysis and prediction research". It quoted Xi Jinping saying, "Be prepared for the future and serve the country." In the face of various risks and challenges on the way forward, we must always maintain a high degree of vigilance. We must be highly vigilant against both "black swan" events and "grey rhino" events; To be the first to take risks, we must also have great strategies to deal with and resolve risks and challenges; we must not only fight a prepared battle to prevent and resist risks, but also fight a strategic initiative to turn danger into danger and turn crisis into opportunity. It is necessary to implement the overall national security concept, scientifically handle major risks and general risks, global risks and local risks, macro risks and micro risks, urgent risks and long-term risks, new risks and conventional risks, single risks and complex risks, surface risks and deep risks , the relationship between primary risk and secondary risk, starting from the system, mechanism, method, means, identification, judgment, disposal, tracking, feedback, etc., to improve all aspects of the risk prevention system, and realize the digitalization of risk prevention and disposal".

Vice Premier Liu He, who is also Xi Jinping's economic affairs aide, on May 17 indicated that Beijing may ease up on a year-long clampdown on technology giants as it battles a slowing economy. After a symposium with the heads of some of the nation’s largest private firms. Baidu Inc. founder Robin Li, Qihoo 360 Technology Co.’s Zhou Hongyu and NetEase Inc. chief William Ding, Vice Premier Liu He said the relationship between government and markets “should be handled well.” His remarks were, however, short on detail. The meeting between Liu and tech company representatives was facilitated by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The Guangming Daily and China Discipline and Supervision News (May 19) both published a major full page article on 'common prosperity'.

Xinhua (May 17) reported that the CPPCC National Committee Chairman and PBSC member Wang Yang held a bi-weekly negotiation symposium to discuss and discuss politics around "further enhancing the capacity building of patriotism, Hong Kong and Macao".

Students in the prestigious Peking and Tsinghua Universities have been protesting since May 15 objecting to the erection of walls to isolate their dormitories. At least two video clips of their protests are circulating on Chinese social media. A Professor of Peking University said (May 16) that the building of walls has stopped.

Ma Xiaowei, Head of China's National Health Commission, said (May 17) that China will build permanent COVID temporary treatment centres with advance planning and preparation of COVID designated hospitals and sub-designated hospitals. He said the country will establish a 15-minute walk "nucleic acid testing circle" in provincial capitals and cities with a population of more than 10 million people, implement regular weekly testing, and increase the frequency of testing for key groups.

Beijing has made all restaurants take away only for the duration of the May Day break. Also, compulsory Covid tests every 48 hours for all residents till 5th of May, then one a week after that. Without the 48 hr test result, individuals are not allowed to get on public transport or enter supermarkets, public indoor places etc.,

Reuters (May 10) reported that China announced it will buy 40,000 tonnes of local frozen pork for its state reserves on May 13. The country is buying up pork to support prices in the world's top producer of the meat.

A Commentator's article in Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth - May 19) highlighted that ensuring the supply of primary products is a major strategic issue for a big country like China. It said primary products such as agricultural products, energy, and minerals are the most basic part of the entire economy and strengthening the supply of primary products is a realistic need and a long-term strategy, which is related to China's sustainable and stable development. It "emphasized that "energy security is an overall and strategic issue related to the country's economic and social development" and that China's "grain output has achieved a historic "eighteen consecutive abundance". It warned that "the consumption of primary products has increased rapidly, and the import dependence of primary products has been relatively high, and some are still rising. The serious gap in the supply of primary products may turn into a "grey rhino" incident, especially food security, and there is no room for mistakes". "It listed four requirements enumerated by Xi Jinping as: (i) insist on giving priority to saving: China is a country with a large population with serious energy and resource constraints and it is therefore necessary to promote comprehensive conservation, recycle resources, reduce energy consumption and speed up Technological transformation of the manufacturing industry. (ii) enhance domestic resource production and security capabilities, which includes increasing exploration efforts, improving development and protection of marine resources and mineral resources; and strengthening the construction of the national strategic material reserve system. and play a role in regulating the bottom line at critical moments; the fourth is to promote garbage classification and recycling, and expand domestic solid waste use, and speed up the construction of a waste recycling system. (iii) strengthen energy and resource cooperation with relevant countries, effectively prevent foreign investment risks, and expand the rights and interests of overseas high-quality resources. (iv) the Chinese people's rice bowl must be firmly in their own hands. Food security is related to the national movement and people's livelihood. "The more food you have to eat, the more you have to think about the time when there is no food." General Secretary Xi Jinping "particularly emphasized the security of agricultural product supply", demanded that grain farmers be protected and production capacity and self-sufficiency rate of oilseeds and soybeans be enhanced.

Gao Weidong, the former chairman of Maotai Group, is under investigation. He stepped down in August 2021, when he was appointed Director of the Guizhou Provincial Geology Bureau.

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission(CDIC) announced on May 18 that Sun Guofeng, former Head of the Monetary Policy Department of PBoC is under investigation for “suspected serious violation of laws and discipline,” and was removed from his post. He is under disciplinary investigation.

i) The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced that Wang Zhong, former member of the Standing Committee of the Lu'an Municipal Committee of Anhui Province and former secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, is under investigation... ii) The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced (May 16) that Li Chenghui, secretary of the Hami Municipal Party Committee in Xinjiang, was suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and had voluntarily surrendered.

In a teleconference on 'epidemic prevention and control work to further study and deploy the current epidemic prevention and control work' on May 12, Chongqing Party Secretary Chen Min'er endorsed the 'spirit' of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on the COVID-19 policy and said: "adhere to the principle of people first, life first, adhere to the general policy of "dynamic clearing", and take a sense of responsibility to "don't rest assured" to handle the epidemic quickly and strictly". He emphasised the importance of a sense of responsibility and doing a good job of emergency response and of strictly controlling people entering and exiting Chongqing. The meeting reported the recent epidemic prevention and control work in our city, and Liangjiang New District, Jiangbei District, Nan'an District, Yubei District, and Banan District reported on the emergency response to the epidemic in the region. Wu Cunrong, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, presided over the meeting, and relevant municipal leaders attended the meeting

Xinjiang province sends a group of representatives to Zhejiang for investigation. Zhejiang Party Secretary praised Xinjiang's progress in building "a visible, sensible and effective awareness of the community of the Chinese nation".

Hubei Daily News on May 12 reported that Hubei Party Secretary Wang Menghui had that day (May 12) gone to Xianning City to investigate industrial development and social governance. He emphasized that it is necessary to 'fully, accurately and comprehensively understand and grasp the 'spirit' of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on Hubei's work, coordinate the work of preventing risks, stabilizing growth, and benefiting people's livelihood, and accurately implement the bailout policy to help enterprises and promote economic stability'. He said it is necessary to adhere to the leadership of party building, rely closely on the masses, fully mobilize the masses, extensively carry out activities to create a better environment and a happy life together, constantly satisfy the people's yearning for a better life, and welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress with excellent results.

Hebei Province publicised (May 18) that to "improve the ability and quality of the "three teams" of party organization secretaries, party building work instructors and party members of the two new organizations, in recent years, the Organization Department of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee and the two new working committees of the Hebei Provincial Party Committee have established a target system, organizational system, content system, and methods". It said the system and security system have effectively improved the overall level of the party building work of the two new organizations in the province. Up to now, a total of 14,968 training sessions have been carried out, involving 439,900 person-times. It added that the "training highlights education of ideals and beliefs, takes the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the primary political task, and focuses on incorporating "Xi Jinping: The Governance of the Country" and the spirit of the 19th Plenary Sessions into the teaching content".

The Chinese appointed Panchen Lama visited the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa on May 18 morning where he "led the monks in reciting scriptures" and offered prayers. A lengthy People's Daily (May 19) article said that "monks of Jokhang Temple "Sezhang Team" "held high the scripture flags and held Tibetan incense according to the religious rituals. Both sides of the corridor lined up to greet the Panchen Lama". It described the Panchen Lama as "the most influential reincarnated "living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism"

China completed the first flight test of the first homemade C919 large passenger aircraft, which is to be delivered to China Eastern Airlines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying tweeted "China’s first home-grown commercial passenger plane C919 has successfully completed its maiden test flight before delivery. Proud to see the debut!"

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May 12) disclosed that China is thought to be planning to unveil its third aircraft carrier. It is likely to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, possibly including an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. It recalled that the PLA Navy (PLAN) had last month released a promotion video showcasing its first two aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong. The video ended with a PLAN officer hinting the launch of the third carrier is imminent. The newspaper said there is speculation on websites related to the Chinese military of an early June launch . The new carrier, which is being constructed in a Shanghai shipyard, will undergo sea trials following its launch, and is expected to be commissioned in the second half of next year at the earliest. It quoted an Australian military journal to say satellite photos taken on April 19 indicated that the elevators used to move aircraft have been installed, but the catapult on the deck was covered and appears to be incomplete. Though the Global Times said the new carrier will possibly feature an electromagnetic aircraft launch system, the Yomiuri Shimbun quoted a diplomatic source in Beijing who said, “It is doubtful whether they can supply a sufficient amount of electricity needed for an electromagnetic catapult system.” The South China Morning Post has said Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to have at least four aircraft carrier strike groups by 2030. Satellite photos taken in March of a carrier runway training facility in Liaoning Province showed two FC-31 aircraft, a stealth fighter currently under development, alongside non-stealth J-15s, prompting speculation that stealth fighters will be deployed on China’s third aircraft carrier. However, a source quoted in a South China Morning Post article said J-15s will be deployed on the new carrier.

The New Zealand Herald (May 15) published satellite photographs that revealed a Chinese testing facility with a scale replica of a US Navy amphibious assault ship placed on a rail system to provide a moving target for missile targeting. A United States Naval Institute (USNI) report argues commercial satellite photos show the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is developing a disturbing new military capability: hypersonic missiles that can identify and hit warships sitting idle in their home ports. The author of the USNI report H.I. Sutton said, "The nature, location and strikes on these sites all suggest the targets are meant for testing ballistic missiles." "These hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) are an increasingly significant threat to warships." The desert targets are relatively simple. The "piers" were represented by geometric arrangements of sheets of an unknown material laid out on the desert sands. The "ships" were metal plates positioned among these "distractions". Their purpose could be to train and test guidance systems. Notably, the target range is close to another previously used to test the development of its "carrier killer" DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles in 2013. Its latest weapon, the DF-17, carries a hypersonic glide vehicle that can manoeuvre along an unpredictable trajectory towards an unwitting target. Travelling faster than 6200km/h, China's expansive arsenal of hypersonic ballistic missiles will have mere moments to recognise the shape of a warship among the clutter of a dockyard. "Modern targeting sensors are typically connected to artificial intelligence, allowing the missile to discern targets and choose the intended or highestvalue option," Sutton writes. If the visible impact craters are any indication, they now appear to be capable of doing so. Their purpose is to prevent the US Navy from intervening in the western Pacific. So far, its arsenal ranges from the 1500km of the DF-21 to the 4000km of the DF-26. This puts the major US naval bases at Okinawa and Guam within Beijing's sites. But recent advances – as demonstrated by a highly unusual orbital payload deployment in June last year – suggest facilities in Hawaii and even San Diego will soon be vulnerable to these ultrafast, non-nuclear weapons. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) argues that Beijing's recent military doctrine and technology developments indicate a disturbing trend. It says, "Changes to China's postures and technologies indicate that its concept and practice of 'active defence' may be converging with more forward-leaning and even preemptive 'proactive defence'." Active defence is defined as preparing to defend from a surprise attack. Proactive defence is a euphemism for preparing to launch a pre-emptive, surprise attack. The report says that the aggressive policy shift can be seen in new anti-satellite weaponry, expanded intercontinental ballistic missile silos, hypersonic missile-carrying bombers, and attack submarines. The report states that "Over the past few years, China has displayed a wide range of advances in military capabilities and infrastructure, including its test of a hypersonic glide vehicle coupled with a fractional orbital bombardment system." The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quotes Zhou Chenming, Researcher of the Yuan Wang Military Science and Technology Institute as saying, "The PLA will not take pre-emptive strikes in peacetime." "China's missiles, including the DF-21 carrier-killer and other weapons, were all designed for deterring and denying foreign military intervention in case of a Taiwan contingency, which will only happen if Taipei formally declares independence."

On May 10, a PLA Air Force (PLAAF) WZ-10 attack helicopter and two Ka-28 Helix antisubmarine warfare helicopters set a dangerous precedent by not only crossing Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) but also flying across the so-called “median line,” an unofficial boundary that runs down the middle of the Taiwan Strait. (Comment: Tension remains high in the Taiwan Strait.)

Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba opened a US$ 76 million Chinese-built airport at Bhairahawa intended to capitalise on Buddhist tourism, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed a few kilometres away at Lumbini to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew by helicopter directly from a nearby Indian airport to Lumbini, bypassing the new airport. (Comment: The airport in Bhairahawa, the closest city to Lumbini, is funded by the Asian Development Bank and OPEC Fund for International Development and built by China's Northwest Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group.

China's new Consul General Zhao Shiren arrived in Lahore on May 10. He was accompanied by his deputy Cao Ke, who is a 30-year old Police Officer from the Security Department and former auxiliary police officer of the combined combat team of the Criminal Investigation Department. (Comment: The posting of a young police officer as Deputy to the Chinese Consul General in Lahore is a likely consequence of the killings of Chinese nationals by terrorists.)

Pakistani police arrested a woman working for the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) who planned to blow herself up near a convoy of Chinese nationals along the China Pakistan Economic-Corridor (CPEC) on May 16.

The South China Morning Post (May 18) disclosed that since 2015 Beijing financed more than US$25 billion worth of power generation plants, mass transit systems and motorways in Pakistan, and expanded Gwadar port. Quoting analysts, it said work on China’s US$65 billion belt and road programme in Pakistan looks set to progress at only a modest pace in coming years because Islamabad is struggling to stay solvent. Separately, on May 16 Chinese Premier Li Keqiang expressed his shock and outrage at the Karachi attack during a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on May 16, following urges from Beijing for Pakistani authorities to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Reuters reported (May 17) that the Davao consulate has also become a place from which Chinese government officials can interact directly with other Mindanao politicians, regularly playing host to celebrations, dinners, and other formal and informal events. The Chinese consul general regularly visits officials at agencies such as the Bureau of Customs in the port of Davao and the local offices of the National Economic Development Authority. It said a search of the Philippine Security Exchange Commission's company registration database reveals that Davao has been a recipient of Chinese foreign direct investment and development finance since Rodrigo Duterte first became mayor more than two decades ago: 445 new companies involving mining, construction, real estate, wholesale, and retail sales backed by Chinese investors were registered between 2000 and 2019. One prominent Hong Kong-based clean energy company, China Dynamics Holdings, signed a long-term contract to provide at least 500 electric buses to Davao. Beijing recently authorized a $364 million loan for the construction of the Samal-Davao bridge via the China Export-Important Bank. Construction of the bridge will be tendered to Chinese companies. Other Chinese initiatives include the building of drug rehabilitation centers in the Mindanao provinces of Sarangani and Agusan del Sur undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corp. The Chinese-controlled Friends of the Philippines Foundation (FPF), established by Hong Kong business owner Xu Minliang, funded the Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Centre. The FPF is most likely an affiliate of the United Front. There are now commercial flights from Davao City to the Chinese cities of Beijing and Tianjin, and in 2018, Xiamen Air established direct flights between Davao and Jianjiang. Chinese tourists make up over 37% of Davao's total foreign tourist visits in 2019 spending an average of $3,000 each over a typical five-day visit on food, accommodation, and transport. Nanning and Jinjiang are now sister cities to Davao. China seems also to have won over Sara Duterte and her family, likely securing China's political interests in the Philippines for the next six years and possibly the six years after that if Sara Duterte succeeds Marcos as president, as is widely expected.

Reuters reported (May 19) that Russian cargoes factoring in transportation and insurance costs carried discounts of $8 a barrel or more to Brent, according to Bloomberg. China's Shandong Port International Trade Group, which handles approximately a quarter of the country’s crude oil imports, has secured a rare Russian shipment for arrival this month, Reuters reported. More Chinese buying is set to follow. About 650,000 barrels of daily Russian crude oil that previously shipped to developed economies like the EU could be replaced with similar grades and volumes from the Middle East that now mostly go to China and India, energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie estimates. It said Russian daily crude oil loadings earmarked for China increased 10% from a month earlier to 781,000 barrels in April, the highest rate of the year, while those to India more than doubled to a record 674,000 barrels, according to S&P

An international team of researchers coordinated by Palacky University Olomouc, Czechia, published (May 14) their report “Chinese views of the world at the time of the Russia-Ukraine war”. The survey revealed that among the 25 countries respondents were asked about (Figure 1), Russia was the most positively perceived country with 80 percent of respondents saying they viewed Russia in a positive light while only 12 percent held negative views. The United States, on the other hand, was the most negatively viewed country in China with slightly more than 60 percent of respondents perceiving it negatively and 31 percent holding positive attitudes. The other very positively perceived countries among Chinese respondents were Pakistan (73 percent), Singapore (66 percent), North Korea (62 percent), and Germany (61 percent). In turn, other very negatively perceived countries included India (56 percent), Japan (54 percent), Vietnam (48 percent), South Korea (47 percent), and Ukraine (46 percent). Besides Russia and the United States, this is particularly evidenced in the case of European countries (such as Germany or France), which are perceived relatively positively, while the foreign policy of the EU is also seen as somewhat positive.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was on the front page of People's Daily (May 11) attending a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China (CYL) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 10. Xi Jinping delivered an important speech and Premier Li Keqiang and PBSC members Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng attended while Wang Huning presided over the function.

The main article on page 1 of People's Daily (May 12) was captioned 'Xi Jinping's Cultural Feelings'. The opening paragraph said, "A person who loves the land of China will love every stream, every inch of land, and every page of glorious history." "This is an affectionate confession made by Comrade Xi Jinping when he was working in Zhengding, Hebei more than 30 years ago". It said, "Years later, when piloting the giant ship "China" to ride the wind and waves, General Secretary Xi Jinping proudly declared: "The Chinese excellent traditional culture created and continued by the Chinese nation in the thousands of years of history is the root and soul of the Chinese nation."

Wednesday marks China's Youth Day. Xinhua (on May 2) reported that the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) has over 73.7 million members nationwide as of December 31, 2021, according to statistics released by the CYLC Central Committee on Monday. Up to 43.81 million CYLC members are students and the rest are in enterprises, public institutions, urban and rural communities, social organisations, and other fields. It said the CYLC had 3.68 million organizations across the country by the end of last year and there is a total of 1.84 million such organizations among students

Taiwan's Central News Agency (April 21) reported that He Junke, the First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League (CYL), said, “The state attaches great importance to the deep-rooted problems reflected in the ‘lying flat’ movement. The pressure of work, study and of life that the young generation faces are serious and realistic”. He also quoted Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, who said, “Happiness comes out of struggle, and struggle itself is a kind of happiness.” (Comment: The term “lying flat” became trendy in 2021. It refers to a lifestyle that calls for “not buying a house, not buying a car, not getting married, not having a baby, not consuming,” and “maintaining a minimum standard of living. It means refusing to become a machine for others to make money and a slave to be exploited.” “Lying flat” was said to reflect the over competition in Chinese society to such an extent that many young people no longer believe that hard work results in a better life. Right after this movement gained in popularity, the state media published articles criticizing this view. Since 2021, the term “lying flat” has become popular among young Chinese people. Recently, the chief administrative body of the central government State Council released a white paper on “China’s Youth in a New Era” and held a press conference.)

The People's daily (May 11) published a photograph of Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan attending the Inauguration Ceremony of New South Korean President Yoon Seok-wyeh in Seoul. (Comment: An item in People's Daily on Wang Qishan is unusual.)

Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council presided over an Executive Meeting of the State Council on May 5, to: discuss further relief measures for small, medium, and micro enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households to ensure stable employment of market players; determine measures to promote the stability and quality of foreign trade to help stabilize the economy and the industrial chain supply chain. The meeting pointed out that small, medium, and micro enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households are an important foundation for stabilizing the economy and the main support for stabilizing employment. At present, the difficulties of relevant market entities have increased significantly. It is necessary to implement the Party Central Committee and the State Council decisions and increase assistance such as tax rebates, tax reductions and fee reductions, delay in payment of social security premiums, logistics guarantees, and promotion of enterprises' resumption of work and production. It also called for ensuring that all remaining tax credits for small and micro enterprises, individual industrial and commercial households and eligible medium-sized enterprises are fully refunded before June 30. It asked large state-owned banks, who have added 1.6 trillion yuan in inclusive small and micro loans this year, to strengthen proactive services. All localities should arrange special funds for the relief of small, medium, and micro enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households, and provide subsidies for rent, guarantee fees, loan interest and other subsidies for those with operational difficulties. Among a series of measures, local governments were encouraged to implement phased preferential electricity prices for small and micro enterprises and individual industrial and commercial households and "non-stop supply of water and electricity". The meeting emphasized that it is necessary to consolidate responsibilities, especially the responsibilities of local governments, and solve the problem of policy implementation blocking points. In order to help foreign trade enterprises cope with difficulties, the meeting decided that the focus should firstly be on securing orders and stabilizing the import and export of key industries and labour-intensive industries; secondly on sea and airport and making good use of air cargo capacity etc. It also asked that the RMB exchange rate be kept basically stable. Xinhua reported that on May 7, Premier Li Keqiang held a National Video and Telephone Conference on Employment Stabilization in Beijing. Li Keqiang "pointed out that stable employment is related to the livelihood of the majority of families and is the key support for the economic operation in a reasonable range. The current employment situation is complex and severe. All regions and departments should follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, conscientiously implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, increase the implementation of the employment priority policy, and maintain stable employment and stable economic performance". Politburo member and Vice Premier Hu Chunhua also attended the meeting and delivered a speech. (Comment: Bloomberg on May 8 reported that Premier Li Keqiang had warned of a "complicated and grave" employment situation as China imposes lockdowns.)

In a video call with Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Indonesia’s coordinator for cooperation, ahead of a US-ASEAN summit next week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, “The US IndoPacific strategy goes against the trend of the times and does not serve the common and longterm interests of countries in East Asia”. “He also said the region faced dangers from the “Five Eyes” alliance, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and AUKUS security alliance under which the US and Britain would help Australia acquire a nuclear-powered submarine fleet".

Speaking at a closed-door internal event of the Forum of Thirty on China’s International Finance and the Department of International Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) on May 10, 2022, retired Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine, Gao Yusheng gave his frank assessment of Russia’s war in Ukraine and observed that Russia's defeat in Ukraine is inevitable. He posted an article reiterating these views on the Phoenix News website on May 10 afternoon and it was taken down within hours.

The People's Daily (May 8) published an article captioned 'With the spirit of not waiting for me, and actions that count against every second', on the COVID-19 situation where it said "Under the strong leadership of the Central Committee with.. Xi Jinping at its core, and the entire country's concerted efforts, we have withstood the most severe test of epidemic prevention since the battle of Wuhan".

The NPC Standing Committee (NPCSC) released its legislative plan for 2022 on May 6. The Plan was preliminarily approved in November 2021 and finalized by the Council of Chairpersons on April 11. The Plan schedules 39 projects for review in 2022, the second largest batch ever included in a publicly available annual legislative plan. The plan includes amendments/revisions to, among others, Public Security Administrative Punishments Law [治 安管理处罚法]; Urban Residents’ Committees Organic Law [城市居民委员会组织法]国人 民银行法]; Anti–Money Laundering Law [反洗钱法]; National Defense Education Law [国 防教育法]; Counterespionage Law [反间谍法]; People’s Police Law [人民警察法]; and Marine Environmental Protection Law [海洋环境保护法]. Among the new laws are listed the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Ecological Conservation Law [青藏高原生态保护法] and Law on Ensuring Food Security [粮食安全保障法].

Former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and retired Major General Li Shenming authored an interesting and unusual article in the World Socialist Research Issue 1, 2022 on 'Historical Nihilism and the Disintegration of the Soviet Union'. The article traced the history of the decline and disintegration of the Soviet Union and referred to CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping's 'important speech' at the Party History Learning and Education Mobilization Conference where he emphasized: "We must take a clear-cut stand against historical nihilism, strengthen ideological guidance and theoretical analysis", "It is better to clear the source and strengthen the source". Asserting that "The tragedy of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the country is a heavy and rare negative teaching material left to the communists and the cause of human civilization and progress in the 20th century", it says "the disaster that historical nihilism brought to the Soviet Union tells us at least the following: (i) we must attach great importance to the counterattack and criticism of historical nihilism. Historical nihilism is a political trend of thought promoted by hostile forces at home and abroad ... its fundamental purpose is to deny and subvert the party's leadership and the socialist system. The whole party, especially the party's organizations and leaders at all levels, must attach great importance to the counterattack and criticism of historical nihilistic thoughts and behaviours. All Communist Party members are responsible. (ii) we must attach great importance to and seriously deal with Western "soft power" and "smart power" and other peaceful evolution strategies. "As the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics continues to advance, hostile forces at home and abroad will inevitably renovate their means and continue to spread historical nihilism". (iii) we must attach great importance to the struggle in the ideological field, and never allow historical nihilism to flourish, and we must not allow it to deliberately create and spread lies and disrupt public opinion. (iv) Leadership in the ideological sphere must be firmly in the hands of loyal Marxists. In the struggle to criticize historical nihilism, we must continuously strengthen the ranks of Marxist theory, consolidate the position of propaganda and public opinion, and provide reliable political and organizational guarantees for countering and defeating historical nihilism. (v) we must organize the whole party, especially the party's leading cadres at all levels, to take the lead in in-depth study of the history of the party, the history of new China, the history of reform and opening up, and the history of socialist development, improve the level of ideology and theory, and improve the ability to resist historical nihilism and other wrong trends of thought. In conclusion it asserted "We firmly believe that under the strong and correct leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, in the context of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of "Three Represents", the Scientific Outlook on Development, and especially Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics Under the guidance of ideology, the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will surely be realized, and the grand cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics will surely have an incomparably splendid future!" (Comment: Li Shenming is a native of Wenxian county, Henan province and was born in 1949. He joined the PLA in 1970, and joined the CPC in 1971. He has served as Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Vice President of the PLA Medical Research Institute from 1994 to 1998. In 1997 he was promoted to Major General. He was Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences from 1998 to 2013. This article is a definite 'call to arms' as it were in support of Xi Jinping and Chinese Communist ideology.)

The Guangming Daily (May 6) published two interesting articles. One was titled: 'inherit the revolutionary "red" gene and develop "green" ecology' and the other was a full page article on "Creating a new realm of human rights civilization"

At a meeting in Chongqing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China on May 11, Chongqing Party Secretary Chen Min'er said "We must persist in educating people for the party, deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments"... and passing on the fire of revolution from generation to generation". He emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, keep in mind the original mission, always listen to the party's words, always follow the party, promote the high-quality development of the city's Communist Youth League, and unite and lead the youth of the league members to forge ahead in a new journey and make contributions to a new era. He said "The important contribution made by the Chinese Dream, profoundly expounding the historical experience of the Communist Youth League and youth work, high expectations for contemporary youth, and clear requirements for the work of the Communist Youth League in the new era. It is highly political, ideological, strategic, and instructive". Calling for recruitment of more youth to the CYL, he said "We must attach great importance to the training and development of young party members, and recruit outstanding young people from all fields and fronts into the party to ensure that the party's cause has successors. The majority of the Communist Youth League members should earnestly receive political training, strengthen political forging, pursue political progress, actively move closer to the party organization, and take growing into a qualified Communist Party member as the goal and honour". In addition to Chongqing's senior leadership, youth representatives from all walks of life in the city, and heads of relevant municipal departments and units attended.

Chongqing Deputy Party Secretary Wu Cunrong while inspecting grassroots governance on May 8, mentioned the model of "city-district-street-community/village-grid-propertybuilding" linkage in smart city construction. He stressed that grassroots governance is related to social security and stability.

i) Huang Jianfa, Zhejiang Deputy Party Secretary on May 7 toured Nanhu District to investigate construction of urban and rural communities under "common prosperity". The Zhejiang Daily (May 9) published a major theoretical article on achieving "common prosperity" through labour education and fostering students' "correct concept of labour". ii) Zhejiang Daily separately reported (May 8) that Zhejiang added three new provincial laboratories focusing on energy and carbon neutrality, "smart ocean", and aviation. These are the Baima Lake Laboratory, Donghai Laboratory and Tianmushan Laboratory. It disclosed that in addition to the 6 provincial laboratories of Zhijiang, Liangzhu, Xihu, Hupan, Yongjiang, and Oujiang, which have been listed for construction before, Zhejiang is cultivating national strategic scientific and technological forces with the courage of "crossing mountains and seas to strive for excellence". This was accompanied by another major full-page article in the Zhejiang Daily (. ) on digital reform, which said that following the 25th meeting of the Central Deep Reform Commission chaired by General Secretary Xi Jinping on April 19, 2022, Zhejiang Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun had on April 26, 2022, chaired the Zhejiang Province Digital Reform Promotion Conference. Yuan Jiajun emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on digital reform, and said, "One establishment" and resolutely achieving "two maintenance" are reflected in the practical actions of reform and breakthrough".

Radio Free Asia (RFA-May 6) reported that the Chinese authorities have razed large parts of the famous Grand Bazaar of Kashgar, once a noted tourist attraction and a centre of Uyghur commercial culture. It said it is likely that the Grand Bazaar won’t be completely destroyed but rather turned into an inauthentic version of itself designed as a tourist attraction for Han Chinese. This fits with a trend across China: Major markets in the centre of Beijing have been demolished or remade as corporate brands, with ordinary vendors pushed to the edge of the city. Officials at the Market Supervision Bureau in Kashgar told RFA in March that the Grand Bazaar was being torn down but declined to answer questions about why and how much of it had already been bulldozed.

Reuters (May 12) reported that the industrialised Chinese coastal city of Wuxi in Jiangsu province is offering Nobel Prize winners up to 10 million yuan ($1.48 million) in housing subsidies to attract top talent in a national economy that is shifting towards innovation-driven development. It referred to a local government statement of May 11, which said that home purchase subsidies of 3 million yuan ($443,203.47) to 10 million yuan ($1.48 million) offered by two districts in Wuxi for "Category A" talent including Nobel laureates in physics and chemistry are among the highest in the country. The subsidies are generous in comparison to average home prices in the city. On average, home prices in Wuxi were 14,224 yuan per square metre in April, or 1.28 million yuan for a 90-square-metre (969-square-feet) apartment. In recent years, big cities across China including rising tech hubs in the country's interior have rolled out incentives such as tax cuts to university graduates in a fierce grab for talent to upgrade their respective economies. Chief among the incentives are rental or home-purchase subsidies in cities where property prices have soared and spending on housing eats up a big chunk of individual incomes. Yan Yuejin, Research Director of Shanghai-based E-house China and Development Institute was quoted saying "Some other cities have also granted subsidies for home purchases, but the maximum amount is generally 2 million to 5 million yuan."

The Beijing Daily (May 9) published an article, which mentioned Xi Jinping only twice, captioned 'The previous meetings of the party are the epitome of the party's century-old history - the historical contribution of the meeting system of the Communist Party of China' by Han Qiang, Dean and second-level Professor of the School of Marxism, Beijing Foreign Studies University, and a Special Researcher at the Beijing Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The article emphasised the importance of the 20th Party Congress and Party Congresses in general and democratic centralism. Saying that 'The Party is the core of the leadership of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the Party's leadership is comprehensive leadership, and insisting on strengthening the Party's leadership is the foundation for the success of China's revolution.'

The South China Morning Post disclosed (May 8) that China is using artificial intelligence to effectively turn a dam project on the Tibetan Plateau into the world’s largest 3D printer, according to scientists involved in the project. The 180 metre (590 feet) high Yangqu hydropower plant will be built slice by slice – using unmanned excavators, trucks, bulldozers, pavers, and rollers, all controlled by AI – in the same additive manufacturing process used in 3D printing.” When completed the Yangqu hydropower plant will deliver nearly 5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year to Henan province.

Al Jazeera (May 12) reported that a Tibet Airlines passenger jet has caught fire after veering off the runway in China’s Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport as it was preparing to take 11 off at 8:09am local time (00:09 GMT). It said while all passengers and crew were evacuated safely dozens of people had minor injuries.

The Epoch Times (May 5) reported that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is implementing a “Safety and Reliability Alliance Program.” The authorities urged all government, state-owned enterprises, and institutions to hand over all of their current computers and replace them with domestic computers and systems. The reason is to “prevent foreign forces from stealing China’s data.” On May 4, some Chinese netizens posted that their working units were urged to turn in their old computers after May 1 and replace them with new computers and systems made in China. Since that system is not compatible with Windows software, a Windows emulator has to be installed. That will result in a 10-year regression in office efficiency. A netizen from a city in western Henan Province responded that his city has already replaced their computers with all Hikvision computers, which cost more than 9,000 yuan (RMB, or $1,360) each. The new computers are very difficult to use and have very little software. In addition, the authorities require that all units in China finish the replacement within two years. Hikvision is a Chinese video surveillance equipment manufacturer. The British Financial Times reported on May 4 that the United States is moving to impose sanctions on Hikvision. The U.S. accused it of facilitating the CCP’s internal crackdown. Concerning the CCP’s authorities forcing enterprises and institutions to use domestic computers, some netizens said it might be related to the ” Safety and Reliability Alliance,” and is probably because of its fear of U.S. sanctions. According to public information, the predecessor of the “Safety and Reliability Alliance” was the “Working Committee on Information Technology Application and Innovation,” which was established in 2016. On January 9, 2019, it was officially changed to the China Electronics Industry Standardization Technology Association — Safety and Reliability Working Committee, that includes 14 categories of members, with a total of 180 member units. It’s aim is to “nationalize and automatize control.” The CCP is promoting the “Safety and Reliability Alliance” to prevent possible sanctions from the United States and Europe. The authorities require some special enterprises to realize “nationalized substitution” in 2022. In particular, all provincial governments, important municipal governments, the financial sector, and the military sector are gradually making replacements with nationalized facilities. The “Safety and Reliability Alliance” is considered a trillion-dollar market that involves a huge industrial chain. It is expected that 40 million computers will be replaced domestically in China.

The Police Daily (May 6) published the following data: in 2019-21, 856 police officers and 443 auxiliary officers died on duty and 15,527 police officers and 13,005 auxiliary officers were injured on duty. In the first Quarter of 2022, 66 police officers and 28 auxiliary officers died on duty.

The South China Morning Post (May 9) reported that the Tianzhou 4, which will be launched on May 10), will dock with China's space station’s Tianhe core module to supply enough fuel to maintain its orbital altitude. It will also deliver fresh provisions for the station’s next threeastronaut crew who are expected to arrive at Tianhe in June. It said the launch is the first of six planned this year and will also carry supplies for materials science, space medicine and microgravity experiments. The cargo spaceship will remain docked with Tianhe core module until around the end of the year when the Shenzhou 14 crew return to Earth. It quoted Hao Chun, Director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office, saying “2022 is a decisive year for the construction of the space station,” and “This year also marks the 30th anniversary for China’s Manned Space Programme. The completion of the space station and the national space laboratory is an important goal of the three-step strategy of China’s Manned Space Programme.”

The South China Morning Post (May 11) disclosed that a team at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre in Mainyang, Sichuan province has tested an air-breathing engine for hypersonic flight – powered by explosions. Researchers say it runs on cheap hydrocarbon fuel and achieved stable operation during a simulated low-altitude flight. They claim their rotating detonation engine could power a plane or missile at five times the speed of sound or faster.

The American Chamber of Commerce conducted a 'Flash Survey' in May 2022 to gauge the mood of businesses in China. Their findings revealed that "companies with operations in Shanghai have been among the hardest hit, with more than 15% of respondents reporting their company’s operations in the eastern port city remain fully shut in the wake of the March COVID-19 outbreak. But the impact is also widespread elsewhere: 59% of respondents report slowed or reduced production capabilities due to a lack of employees, an inability to get supplies, or government-ordered lockdowns". It said that "US companies reported a dire economic picture in China, following COVID-19 outbreaks that have spread across the country in recent weeks". The report added that "the foreign business community’s confidence in doing business in China continues to decrease, with all 121 company respondents to the survey saying they had been negatively impacted by China’s policies concerning the recent outbreak, citing a range of factors".

China’s General Administration of Customs data stated (May 11) that Chinese imports from Africa increased by 29.3 per cent to US$29.7 billion while exports to Africa rose by 18.2 per cent to US$35.16 billion during the first three months of 2022.

The South China Morning Post (May 6) reported that on the eve of the anniversary of the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, China has again blamed the bloc’s eastward expansion for the war in Ukraine. Zhang Jun, China’s Ambassador to the United Nations, made the statement at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine on May 5 more than two months after Russia’s invasion. Zhang Jun repeated Beijing’s position by calling for a peaceful resolution to the war and for efforts to limit the humanitarian impact of the war.

The South China Morning Post (May 9) reported that China’s monthly imports from Russia hit a record high of US$8.89 billion in April, up 56.6 per cent from a year earlier and 13.3 per cent higher than March. Exports to Russia, however, dropped by 25.9 per cent from a year earlier to US$3.8 billion, after a 7.7 per cent year on year fall in March, customs data showed.

A fact sheet on Taiwan-U.S. relations posted on the United States Department of State website on May 5 removed previous statements saying that Washington acknowledged Beijing's "one China" position and did not support Taiwanese independence. The update was made by the department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. The previous version of the document opened with the statement: "The United States and Taiwan enjoy a robust unofficial relationship." It said the U.S. acknowledged "the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China," and that the U.S. "does not support Taiwan independence." In the updated version, however, the acknowledgement of China's position and the U.S. position on Taiwan independence has been removed, and the document now opens with: "As a leading democracy and a technological powerhouse, Taiwan is a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific." The new version still acknowledged that the Taiwan-U.S. relationship is unofficial, and added that the U.S. "has a longstanding one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three US-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances."

White House Indo-Pacific policy coordinator Kurt Campbell said (May 10) that there has been an "unprecedented" level of dialogue recently between the United States and European countries on Indo-Pacific issues, including discussions about the "critical" importance of maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He said the subtle message in the recent dialogue between the U.S. and European countries is that they "have a profound interest across the board in the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," and that there is now recognition that it is critical to address "what is necessary to sustain the status quo" in the Taiwan Strait.

Al Jazeera (May 11) reported that the US 7th Fleet said the USS Port Royal, a Ticonderogaclass guided-missile cruiser, sailed near Taiwan “in accordance with international law”. The PLA Eastern Theatre Command responded that it shadowed the US cruiser on May 10, and accused the US of showing support for “Taiwan independence secessionist forces”. On Friday, Beijing sent 18 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. It was the biggest sortie since January 23, when Beijing sent 39 planes.

Xinhua (May 10) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with French President Macron on May 10, when he said they have maintained close contacts and China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and major independent countries, should adhere to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations of "independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win", and adhere to the positioning of a close and lasting comprehensive strategic partnership.

Construction of Cambodia’s third major deep-water port being built at the southern city of Kompot near the Vietnamese border commenced on May 5. The port project is projected to cost $1.5 billion and is being built with private investment including from China. The Shanghai Construction Company and the China Bridge and Road Company are participating in the project to develop the port which is expected to open by 2025. Speaking at the opening ceremony on May 5, Vice Prime Minister Chea Sophara said “The multi-purpose port with have a water depth of nearly 50 feet and will be able to accommodate ships up to 100,000 tons. They are also planning highway connections including to the nearby capital of Phnom Penh”

The Politburo Standing Committee in its meeting on May 5, chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping, reasserted that it has decided to continue with the "dynamic zero-Covid" policy. “Persistence is victory” the meeting declared. It said "practice has proven that our prevention and control policy is determined by the nature and purpose of the Party, our prevention and control policies can stand the test of history, and our prevention and control measures are scientific and effective. We have won the battle to defend Wuhan, and we will certainly be able to win the battle to defend Shanghai". It made no mention of balancing Covid prevention and the economy. Hinting at discontent in Party ranks, the meeting issued a sharp warning: "We should have a profound, complete and comprehensive understanding of the epidemic prevention and control policies set by the Party Central Committee, resolutely overcome the problems of inadequate understanding, inadequate preparation and inadequate work, resolutely overcome the ideas of contempt, indifference and self-righteousness, always keep a clear head, unswervingly adhere to the general policy of dynamic zero-Covid, and resolutely oppose all distortions, doubts and denials. We will resolutely struggle against all words and deeds that distort, doubt, and deny our epidemic prevention policies". Meanwhile, Reuters (May 5) reported that the former Editor-in-Chief of Global Times Hu Xijin put up a post on May 4 saying: ""Shanghai has fallen," Beijing has to either find less costly ways of tackling its outbreak or "to tell the whole Chinese society the truth" that disruptive consequences cannot be avoided. "The former requires wisdom, the latter courage." The post was swiftly removed and Hu Xijin did not respond to a Reuters request for comment sent to his Weibo account."

Xinhua (April 29) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Politburo on April 29 to analyse and study the current economic situation and economic work, and to review the "National Talent Development Plan during the 14th Five-Year Plan". It also discussed "other matters". The topic of the study session was “regulating and guiding the healthy development of capital in China according to law 依法规范和引导我国资本健康发 展 发挥资本作为重要生产要素的积极作用” and the discussant was Liu Yuanchun, Vice President of Renmin University .The meeting assessed "that since the beginning of this year, in the face of the complex situation of a century of changes and the overlapping of the epidemic in the century, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, all regions and departments have effectively coordinated epidemic prevention and control and economic and social development. It achieved a smooth start and successfully held the Beijing Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics. Achievements don't come easily". It acknowledged "that the new crown pneumonia epidemic and the Ukraine crisis have led to increased risks and challenges, the complexity, severity and uncertainty of China's economic development environment have increased, and stable growth, employment, and prices are facing new challenges". Saying it is very important to do a good job of economic work it emphasised the necessity of strengthening confidence, overcoming difficulties, and ensuring that the "major policies and principles of the Party Central Committee are implemented in place". The 9-paragraph Xinhua report said the meeting also stressed that "leading cadres at all levels must have a sense of responsibility of "always restless" in their work, take responsibility for their actions, seek truth and be pragmatic, and prevent all kinds of "black swan" and "grey rhino" incidents from happening. Party committees and governments at all levels must unite and lead the cadres and the masses to make concerted efforts and tenacious efforts to welcome the victory of the 20th Party Congress with practical actions". The meeting also said that more corruption cases are coming, and there may be more headline risk ahead for platform companies. (Comment: Interestingly China's provincial newspapers all commented on the spirit of the recent Politburo meeting on economic work. They stressed the "directions from the top" that "epidemic must be prevented, the economy must be stabilized, and development must be safe." Meanwhile, on May 2, the People's Daily's main article main article was about how Xi Jinping talks about "struggle" while the same day it also published a Commentary on economic work where it stressed that "As long as the new development concept is.. implemented, .. and technological self-reliance is accelerated, we will .. improve the competitiveness and sustainability of China's development.")

Sun Shaocheng (b 1960) has been appointed Party Secretary of Inner Mongolia, replacing Shi Taifeng (b 1956). From March 2018 onwards, he was the Party Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Military-Civilian Integration Development Committee. Sun Shaocheng worked in the Ministry of Civil Affairs for years and was the Deputy Governor of Shandong province from 2012-17.

65-year old Shi Taifeng, a close ally of President Xi Jinping, was on April 30 appointed head of China's largest government think-tank, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). He was Party Secretary of Inner Mongolia since 2019. Shi Taifeng was also Vice President of the Central Party School when Xi headed the cadre-training academy between 2007 and 2012.

Bloomberg (April 28) cited Taiwan's National Security Bureau officials as telling Taiwan's legislators that Chinese President Xi Jinping isn’t facing a challenge to his rule from a public that’s grown increasingly frustrated at strict Covid controls, although he is taking a hit to his reputation. They said measures to address the latest virus outbreaks have posed increased “political security risk” to Xi’s government, but “there haven’t been large-scale protests under the tight control of the Chinese Communist Party.” The report added “At the current stage, there’s no obvious internal force in the CCP to challenge Xi.” “With the Covid situation in Shanghai among other areas gradually under control, it’s believed that Xi’s power status is not shaken yet.” Separately, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said the reliance on lockdowns to tame flareups has led to a large number of complaints that “will hit the credibility of the CCP leader and his confidants, forming policy pressure.”

An entire page in the People's Daily (May 5) encouraged the building of a "scholarly" political consultative conference by promoting members' reading activities so they can perform their duties "accurately and effectively". Another People's Daily (May 5) article on party-building insisted that the party must be built wherever the people are and cover all areas of the people's needs. It said, "use party building to integrate the forces of all parties in the community".

The Guangming Daily (May 5) published an article captioned "Make "dynamic clearing" a conscious action". It tried to distinguish between "zero COVID" and "dynamic clearing" and made the point that the "key lies in smooth logistics and transportation" to ensure peoples livelihood. It quoted Wu Zunyou, Chief Epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as saying that there is an essential difference between "dynamic clearing" and "zero infection". He said "Dynamic clearing" is to find and eliminate the new crown pneumonia epidemic that has occurred. The earlier the epidemic is discovered and the smaller the scale of the epidemic, the easier it is to achieve "dynamic clearing". As the most economical and effective prevention and control strategy to control the new crown pneumonia epidemic, "dynamic clearing" is in line with the current law of epidemic transmission. The Omicron variant is highly contagious, spreads fast, and spreads secretly, but as long as the bottom line of "dynamic clearing" is kept, the space for virus transmission can be compressed to the maximum extent and the defense line of public safety can be maintained. Obviously, the sooner the epidemic is detected, the easier it is to achieve "dynamic clearing" at the least cost. It called for transforming "dynamic clearing" into a "conscious action". Separately the Procuratorial Daily (May 5) carried a lengthy article where it disclosed that the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) have jointly compiled and issued the Law on Punishing and Obstructing the Order of Epidemic Prevention and Control and published six typical cases of obstruction to epidemic prevention and control. Among the 6 cases, it said some still took public transportation such as bullet trains and online car-hailing vehicles to go home across the province after receiving the notification of a positive nucleic acid test, causing their wives and online car-hailing drivers to contract new coronary pneumonia. Another case was where someone violated closed-loop regulations at the international container terminal in Yantai.

Chairing a Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) Standing Committee meeting on April 26 on "practicing the people-centered development philosophy and unswervingly developing people's democracy in the whole process", PBSC Member and CDIC Chairman Zhao Leji described "the vivid practice of the party's mass viewpoint and mass line"

Liao Guoxun, Mayor of Tianjin, died at 59 after a sudden illness, according to the Municipality’s Tianjin Daily. It said on its WeChat account on April 28 that Liao Guoxun, who was also the Tianjin Municipality Deputy Party Secretary, had died a day earlier. He was last seen in public on April 25, along with Tianjin party chief Li Hongzhong and other officials at a meeting about curbing pollution. At the meeting Liao Guoxun was quoted by Tianjin Daily as having said “[We] must resolutely implement Xi Jinping’s thoughts on ecological civilisation … and fight the battle for blue sky, clean water and earth with greater determination, strong strength, and higher standards”. He was appointed Deputy Mayor of Tianjin in 2020. He was an associate of Li Zhanshu, PBSC member and Chairman of the National People’s Congress, who worked in Guizhou in 2012. While in Zhejiang, he also worked with Xia Baolong, who now oversees Hong Kong affairs. (Comment: An ethnic Tujia, Liao Guoxun was a CCP cadre on the fast track and with his connection to Li Zhanshu would have been in line for elevation at the 20th Party Congress.)

Tianjin Daily reported (May 3) that Tianjin Party Secretary Li Hongzhong inspected Yifeng District and "randomly" visited a Bavarian Brewery to learn about its management and epidemic control measures. During the visit he also emphasised "market-oriented operations".

The Zhejiang daily (April 28) reported that Zhejiang Party Secretary Yang Jiajun visited Ninghai, Xiangshan, Yinzhou and other places from April 27-28 to inspect urban and rural communities and the "big comprehensive integration" administrative law enforcement reform work. He emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on grassroots governance, fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, adhere to, and strengthen the party's overall leadership.

The Sikyong of the Central Tibet Administration in Dharamshala, Penpa Tsering paid a courtesy call on the US Special Coordinator for Tibet Ms Uzra Zeya on April 25, 2022, at the State Department’s office. He was accompanied by Representative Dr Namgyal Choedup of the Office of Tibet in Washington DC and Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche representing Tashi Lhunpo monastery, as the day also commemorates the 33rd birth anniversary of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama. The same day the Sikyong Penpa Tsering also met Kurt Campbell, Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the US National Security Council.

China's "News Network" on April 26, reported on the 11th meeting of the Central Finance and Economics Committee held at a time when China faces serious problems in its economy and economic growth. The meeting was chaired by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, Chairman of the Central Military Commission and Director of the Central Financial and Economic Commission and those attending included: Premier Li Keqiang, Deputy Director of the Central Financial and Economic Commission; Wang Huning, Member of the Central Financial and Economic Commission; and Han Zheng, Vice Premier of the State Council, and Member of the Central Financial and Economic Commission. The Central Financial and Economic Commission has held a total of 11 meetings since March 2018, when the CCP CC issued the "Plan for Deepening the Reform of Party and State Institutions", which clearly proposed to change the Central Finance and Economics Leading Group to the "Central Finance and Economics Committee". According to "News Network", at this meeting, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Water Resources and other departments also reported on the issue of comprehensively strengthening infrastructure construction. Xi Jinping heard their reports. The meeting of the Central Finance and Economics Committee said: (i) "China's infrastructure has not yet met the needs of national development and security "; and (ii) that "comprehensively strengthening infrastructure construction will ensure national security , smooth domestic circulation, promote domestic and international dual circulation, expand domestic demand, and promote High- quality development, which is of great significance.” It added there is still room for improvement in infrastructure construction. The meeting of the Central Finance and Economics Committee on April 26, clarified "It is necessary to be moderately advanced , the layout of infrastructure that is conducive to leading industrial development and maintaining national security , and at the same time grasp the degree of advanced construction ." The meeting emphasized that it is necessary to coordinate the two major issues of development and safety, firmly establish bottom-line thinking, effectively strengthen the ability to predict and early warning of major risks , and have practical and effective response plans and specific actionable measures. It urged all regions and departments to accurately understand the spirit of the Central Financial and Economic Commission's decision-making, take the initiative to take responsibility and act actively, and jointly promote the implementation of the decision-making and deployment. The meeting also mentioned the need to guide market expectations, clarify policy orientation and principles, and stabilize market confidence. (Comment: Details of the dates and subjects of the previous 10 meetings are as follows: (i) April 2, 2018 --Study the ideas and measures to fight the three tough battles, and study and approve the "Working Rules of the Central Financial and Economic Commission"; (ii) July 13, 2018 -- Research on improving the innovation ability of key core technologies; (iii) October 10, 2018 -- Research on improving my country's natural disaster prevention and control ability and planning and construction of Sichuan-Tibet railway; (iv) April 22, 2019 -- Studying the problems of building a well-off society in an all-round way to make up for shortcomings and the implementation of the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference; (v) August 26, 2019 -- Research on regional economic layout issues that promote the formation of complementary advantages and high-quality development, and issues of improving industrial basic capabilities and industrial chain levels; (vi) January 3, 2020 -- Studying the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin, and promoting the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle; (vii) April 10, 2020 -- Research on several major issues related to the national medium and long-term economic and social development strategy; (viii) September 9, 2020 -- Study the issues of smoothing the national economic cycle and the construction of a modern circulation system, and study the implementation of the decisions and arrangements of the Central Finance and Economics Committee since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China; (ix) March 15, 2021 -- Research the basic ideas and main measures to promote the healthy development of the platform economy and achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality; (x) August 17, 2021 -- Study the issue of solidly promoting common prosperity, study the issue of preventing and resolving major financial risks, and doing a good job of financial stability and development.)

The People's Daily (May 3)published an article captioned 'Ma Moumou is suspected of inciting secession and subversion of state power'! It said the relevant departments had disclosed that "Ma Moumou, male, was born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang in 1985, and is currently the manager of the R&D department of a technology company. For a long time, he accepted the "brainwashing" of foreign anti-China hostile forces online, and regarded active foreign hostile elements as "life mentors". Ma Moumou not only acted as a domestic agent of foreign hostile forces and incited to split the country, but also established illegal organizations, formulated a "political program", incited subversion of state power, and even made the group of young students as the main target of incitement and incitement, and encouraged students to participate in smearing the motherland and national activities. Since March 2022, Ma Moumou has used his professional expertise on the Internet to create an anonymous online group, wantonly distorted and fabricated facts, tried his best to spread all kinds of rumours and information, published the so-called "Declaration of Independence", incited secession of the country, incited subversion of state power, and acted as a foreigner." "Ma Moumou has repeatedly threatened that his ultimate goal is to subvert state power. To this end, he has gradually escalated his behaviour as a "traitor", set out to formulate an anti-propaganda program, and even prepared to establish a "Continental Provisional Congress", entrusting relevant personnel to formulate a so-called "legal system", claiming that "To overthrow the Chinese government with the help of foreign forces". Ma Moumou's above-mentioned behaviour has caused serious harm to China's national security and social stability. The Internet is not a place outside the law, and relevant departments are investigating it according to law, and will definitely find out its illegal and criminal activities in an all-round way and deal with it according to law. Anyone who attempts to harm the interests of national development, endanger national security, or betray the motherland and nation will be severely punished by the law".

The appointment of Lt. General Wang Zhibin as the new Political Commissar of the WTC Army was made public on April 25. His predecessor Lt. General Xu Deqing was appointed Political Commissar of the Central Theatre Command in January 2022.

The South China Morning Post quoting the PLA Daily reported (April 29) that the Rule for servicemen committees has been amended in line with ‘Xi Jinping Thought’. It quoted experts saying this is a revival of grass roots democracy and attempt to activate the old ‘red genes’ of the Red Army. The amended regulation for servicemen committees was approved by the Central Military Commission (CMC) and will take effect from May 1. It provides that lower- ranked officers in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will soon have more scope to supervise senior brass, under new rules that experts say are aimed at better securing the Chinese military’s loyalty to President Xi Jinping. The CMC General Office maintained that the amendment aims to bring the rules in line with “Xi Jinping Thought”.

Chinese news site Sina recently reported, based on a Global Times social media posting, that the U.S. military stationed in Japan dispatched several F-15C fighter jets carrying live air-toair missiles to conduct combat air patrols in the airspace near Taiwan. Mainland China announced very recently that it would allow the Chinese J-20 stealth fighters to conduct normal combat patrols in the East China Sea. That led the United States to decide to show its muscles and send a military signal to China. Taiwanese media reported that eye witnesses provided pictures showing the F-15C fighter jets of the U.S. Air Force had flown back to Kadena Air Force Base in Japan carrying AIM-120C advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and AIM9 live rounds of Sidewinder missiles. An unnamed source confirmed that the F-15C fighter group, supported by two KC-135 aerial tankers, returned to the Kadena Base after a seven-hour mission. The purpose was to carry out a combat air patrol mission in the airspace near Taiwan. This was the response after six U.S. congressmen visited Taiwan on April 14th and China later announced military exercises. U.S. fighter jets carry live ammunition only when they conduct quick response alerts or actual combat missions. This recent move was rather unusual. Afterwards, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense responded by emphasizing that, when defending national sovereignty and security, the People’s Liberation Army has always been brave and good at “showing the sword.”

On April 26, state broadcaster CCTV published a documentary in which People’s Liberation Army pilots of the “Flying Leopard” (Xi’an JH-7) fighter planes chase a foreign warship that had sailed close to what was referred to in the video as “Chinese territorial waters.” The 3.50 minute video clip's commentary quoted the PLAAF pilot: “This is the Chinese PLA Air Force. You have entered a restricted area, leave immediately or face the consequences!” JH-7 fighter bombers recently warned away a foreign vessel that was about to trespass into Chinese territorial waters in the South China Sea. It quoted the pilot, Gao Zengsong, as saying “I could see the foreign vessel’s movement on my radar, and we were ready to pull the trigger”. The foreign vessel soon left the area, and the mission was a success.

India's Enforcement Directorate announced on April 30 that it had "seized" funds worth over Rs 5,551 crore of the Chinese mobile manufacturing company Xiaomi India for violating the Indian foreign exchange law, FEMA. It said the action has been taken against Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited. The company (also called Xiaomi India) is a trader and distributor of mobile phones in the country under the brand name of MI. Its statement said: “Xiaomi India is wholly owned subsidiary of China-based Xiaomi group. This amount of Rs 5,551.27 crore lying in the bank accounts of the company has been seized by the Enforcement Directorate”.

After the 31-year old teacher and mother of two, Shari Baloch, blew herself up in front of a van carrying Chinese teachers near the Confucius Institute in the southern seaport city of Karachi on April 26, killing at least three Chinese nationals along with their Pakistani driver, China asked Pakistan to step up security but many Chinese began leaving Pakistan. Tweets by Pakistanis were quoted by ANI on April 30 as saying that almost 2000 Chinese are leaving Pakistan from Karachi after 3 Chinese nationals and one Pakistani citizen were killed in a suicide attack by a Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) at Karachi University on April 26. A video is going viral on social media showing a large number of Chinese in PPE kits leaving from Karachi Airport. The Tweets express concern that this could slow down the CPEC projects.

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe visited Tehran on April 27 and met Iranian President Raisi. General Wei Fenghe told Raisi:“My visit is an important visit with the backdrop of a volatile global situation. The Chinese army is willing to keep strategic communications with the Iranian side and to use the co-operation mechanism to promote pragmatic co-operation and elevate the relationship between the two armies to a higher level.” Raisi thanked China for its support and assistance in times of difficulty and expressed his hope that the two nations could expand the scope of their co-operation, including militarily. (Comment: Wei Fenghe is the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Iran since the two sides signed a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement last year to further improve bilateral ties.)

US Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on May 5 in a press briefing clarified that on May 4 the US Defence Secretary had a phone call with the PRC Minister of National Defense. The PRC Ministry of National Defense published a readout which erroneously claimed that "the United States adheres to the one-China principle." He stated that the Secretary did not say this.

An article on the Ukraine war and its potential impact on China captioned 'Learning to live under the containment of the West—Influence and Enlightenment of the Ukraine War' by Zhang Zhikun of the PLA-affiliated Kunlun Policy Research Institute highlighted the acute concern of the CCP's upper echelons of China being targeted by the U.S. with sanctions. Published on April 29, the article states that the international order is actually the result of a "violent, barbaric and bloody colonial expansion of Western countries that made the global map what it is today. The crazy colonial expansion movement allowed Western whites to invade and occupy all parts of the world, and let their descendants rule for generations." Claiming that "The Ukrainian war marks that Russia has finished a round and has made huge gains", the article assessed that "in the coming period, the United States and the West will focus on how to oust Putin and create various political "revolutionary" movements in Russia; they will focus on containing Russia, intensifying the surrounding geopolitical competition, and attacking Russia's weaknesses, such as winning over Finland." It maintained that the US-Russia confrontation will intensify "the basic strategy of the United States' "strategic competition" is to weaken Russia and contain China at the same time". It averred "the United States will pay more attention to consolidating and strengthening the achievements made in containing and containing China in the previous period, and strictly prevent China from taking the opportunity to break through the encirclement". Under such conditions, it said, "China's relations with Western countries will become more precarious, and close economic and trade ties, personnel exchanges, financial ties, etc...may be broken at any time". It apprehended that "Comprehensive and all-round containment of China by the hegemonic bloc with the United States at its core is inevitable. Sanctions and blockades of China may happen at any time”. It exhorted that "To this end, all patriotic Chinese must drop all illusions about the United States and the West, get rid of their dependence on Western blocs in all important relationships, and smash their control in all key technologies. It has come and gone in this way, and New China should continue to walk in the past and go into the future in this way!"

Renmin University Prof. Yang Guangbin published an article captioned: "The world order after the Russian-Ukrainian conflict: Americans eat meat, and the Chinese eat grass?" on May 2, on the widely read Chinese portal guancha. Briefly, Yang Guangbin argued that the Soviet Union "was the first country established.. to resist the global capitalist system". Ultimately, under Gorbachev, it tried to integrate itself twice into this system (in 1986 and after disintegration), but Yang Guangbin said these attempts "failed". As a result, Russia "had to contend with the US in the form of the Russian-Ukrainian war". He even describes the Russian-Ukrainian war as the "second major rebellion" after the "October Revolution". Yang Guangbin takes a long view, beginning in 1875 when the capitalist system was formed. He points out that the AngloSaxon system is at "the top of the food chain," quoting Obama as having said that "if 1.4 billion Chinese attain American standards of living, Americans can only eat grass". Thus, Yang Guangbin maintains, "the US must use all means to suppress China". He listed the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war as: (i) US attention has been diverted from AsiaPacific; (ii) EU has no security competition with China, more trade but also, they must respect China's bottom line (points to Lithuania); (iii) US gained hard power at the expense of soft power; (iv) US has lost its moral high ground. Yang Guangbin further asserts on Russia, that "China will be a source for the recovery and development of the Russian economy". He adds that these trends are "undoubtedly a strategic opportunity for China's development" but China "needs to adhere to its own strategic roadmap". Prof. Yang Guangbin closes with a sense of optimistic inevitability, saying that "China is too big, and as it develops, the world will naturally change with it." This is even though "countries at the top of the food chain will not wait for the development of a world-class China".

Takatoshi Ito, former Japanese Deputy Vice Minister of Finance and presently a professor at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and a Senior Professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, in an article in the Straits Times (May 3), quoted former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent urging that the US should end its policy of "strategic ambiguity" over Taiwan and make it crystal clear that it would defend the island against any attempted Chinese invasion. He added that if the US does not adopt Abe's proposal, which is likely, then only the prospect of US economic sanctions might deter China from invading Taiwan. That is why the success of the current Western-led economic and financial sanctions against Russia is vital. Such deterrence, he said, is crucial to East Asia's stability. Stating that Japan also feels threatened by China, as armed Chinese coast guard vessels regularly circle the Senkaku Islands and occasionally encroach on Japanese territorial waters, Takatoshi Ito asked "what would the Japanese and US governments do if China suddenly occupied the islands? He said the US, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan must now focus on where to draw their red lines in East Asia, and effectively communicate these, loudly or quietly, to Russia, North Korea, and China. Given the increasing tensions created by these three powers, the necessary boundaries - and the price that will be paid if they are crossed - must be made visible"

The Financial Times (May 5) reported that “China’s purchases of Russian crude and petroleum products are about 86,000 barrels a day higher this month than they were on average last year" according to Kpler, a commodity data analytics firm. It added that China’s independent refiners have been discreetly buying Russian oil at steep discounts as western countries suspend their own purchases and explore potential embargoes because of the war in Ukraine. An official at a Shandong-based independent refinery said it had not publicly reported deals with Russian oil suppliers since the Ukraine war started in order to avoid attracting scrutiny and being hit by US sanctions. The official added that the refinery had taken over some of the purchase quota for Russian crude from state-owned commodity trading firms, which are seen to represent Beijing and have mostly declined to sign new supply contracts

The Xinhua News Agency published (May 1) a lengthy interview with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that it conducted a month ago! In the interview, captioned 'Ukraine's foreign minister: Russia's invasion of Ukraine undermines the Belt and Road Initiative', Kubela makes his full case against Russia, declares the war is detrimental to China BRI and says Ukraine would like to have China as one of the guarantors of its future security. (Comment: It is interesting that the interview conducted by Xinhua a month earlier has been released only now! The English version has not yet noticed to have been issued. The interview's delayed publication points to serious discussions at the higher echelons of the CCP on China's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine. It could even presage a change. Xinhua, incidentally, conducted an interview with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov around the same time, which was published.)

Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared in public when he visited Hainan province on April 10 and 11 accompanied by Liu He, Ding Xuexiang, and He Lifeng. He was in Wuzhishan City on April 11, and successively inspected the Wuzhishan area of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and Mauna Village and Shuiman Township. Xinhua (April 12) emphasised his remarks that "The rural revitalization work must be done in a solid and down-to-earth manner.

The state-owned CCTV (April 13) reported that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on April 13 to discuss policies and measures to promote consumption, help stabilize the economic fundamentals and ensure the improvement of people's livelihood. It decided to further increase policy support such as export tax rebates to promote the stable development of foreign trade; and measures to increase financial support for the real economy to guide the reduction of financing costs for market players. The meeting pointed out that consumption has a lasting driving force for the economy and is related to ensuring and improving people's livelihood.

At the same time Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was in Jiangxi and Zhao Leji was on inspection in Hunan. During his inspection of Jiangxi province, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will visit the Weilu Water Conservation Project; Nanchang Cross-border E-commerce Business Park; Dingjia Village - inspecting agriculture (here: rice); and Geely's new energy vehicles.

A Hongkong paper was cited by Nikkei Asia as reporting that the 20th Party Congress is to be held in November 2022.

A Commentator's article in China's leading Party theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) on April 14 highlighted that "Under the personal planning, deployment and promotion of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and under the scientific guidance of the overall national security concept, national security in the new era has made historic achievements. National security has been comprehensively strengthened, the national security system has been basically formed, the national security capability has been significantly improved, the people's defense line has been strengthened, and the national security awareness of the whole people has been significantly enhanced. Resolutely safeguard regime security, institutional security, and ideological security, resist and counter extreme external suppression and containment, push the situation in Hong Kong to achieve a major transition from chaos to governance, carry out indepth struggles involving Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and the sea, and make steady progress. Promoting the border and enriching the people, stabilizing the border and consolidating the border, properly handling surrounding security risks, and the anti-infiltration, anti-terrorism and anti-separatist struggles have been fruitful." Exhorting cadres it said, "we must grasp the key to "overall". We must establish the concept of big security, integrating politics, military, land, economy, finance, culture, society, technology, network, food, ecology, resources, nuclear, overseas interests, space, deep sea, polar regions, biology, artificial intelligence, data, etc."

A lengthy article in Guangming Daily (April 13) titled "Adhering to the supremacy of the people is a distinguishing mark of the Chinese Communist Party from Western political parties" took the History Resolution as its starting point. It pointed out inter alia that "Western political parties represent the interests of various monopoly groups and safeguard the interests of the minority. In the face of the epidemic, whether or not to put the safety and health of the people at the top of the list is one of the significant differences between the Chinese Communist Party and Western political parties. China's anti-epidemic practice has proved that the Chinese Communist Party cares about the people and will spare no expense for the safety and health of the people. This is absolutely impossible for Western political parties that pursue capital first and vote first."

The Party Building Research Base of New Era Inner Mongolia Universities, the School of Marxism of Shanghai Normal University, and the Research Base of the Integration of Ideological and Political Courses for Universities, Middle Schools and Primary Schools in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region jointly sponsored an online theoretical conference on "Study and Implement the Spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Party" on April 9.

The Henan Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision published (April 13) an interesting article on "civil rights" and the transfer by "Party members and public officials of some of their personal rights for the benefit of all Chinese people and the entire Chinese nation". The article stressed the need for Party members to voluntarily transfer some of their civil rights when they join a party organization or enter a public office, so as to perform the obligations and duties of party members and public officials. It acknowledged that, "in practice, there are still problems of unclear understanding and inaccurate grasp of the transfer of civil rights by party members and public officials". Stating it is necessary to clear misunderstandings, it said "There is a view that party members and public officials, as citizens of the country, enjoy all legal rights on an equal basis with other citizens, and the transfer of party rights lacks a legal basis and violates the spirit of the rule of law. This understanding is one-sided and wrong". It asserted "There are no absolute rights in the world, and the inviolability and restriction of legal rights go hand in hand." It said, "the transfer of rights of party members should not be equal to everyone and that, according to the regulations, leading cadres should report personal matters closely related to family affairs and family property, and cadres at the township level and below are not within the scope of the regulations that must be reported". It also distinguished between ordinary citizens who have the freedom to drive luxury cars and wear famous watches, and party members some of whom "live extravagant lives, talk about pomp and ostentation, and violate the principles of integrity and self-discipline and the spirit of the eight central regulations on thrift and luxury, hardship and simplicity, and diligence and thrift."

The NPC Standing Committee will consider three documents relating to the 14th NPC elections. Two concern the allocation of seats in the 14th NPC: one would allocate all 3,000 seats among the 35 electoral units (i.e., the 31 mainland provinces, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and the Chinese military), and the other would more specifically allocate the 360 seats reserved for ethnicity minorities among the 55 officially recognized minority groups and relevant electoral units. The third document lays down rules for selecting the delegation purportedly representing Taiwan in the 14th NPC. The document is likely to create an ad hoc “consultative election meeting” consisting of representatives of “compatriots of Taiwanese ancestry” who hail from all mainland provinces, central Party and state organs, and the military. The meeting is expected to convene next January to select the 13 delegates who will make up the Taiwanese delegation. The NPCSC is expected to approve all three documents at the upcoming session.

Guizhou province's legislative plan for 2022 published on April 8 includes "social credit regulations". The 'Guizhou Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee 2022 Legislative Plan' was adopted at the 30th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th Guizhou Provincial People's Congress on January 11, 2022. The detailed notice disclosed that the 'Guizhou Province Social Credit Regulations (Draft)' is among eight regulations being reviewed by the Standing Committee of the 13th Provincial People's Congress.

According to Caixin (April 12) China's Ministry of Education reported that 10.76 million Chinese students are expected to leave college campuses this year, the largest group of graduates in China's history and 1.67 million more than last year. According to leading recruitment service Zhaopin.com, job openings for new graduates declined 4.5% in the first quarter this year from a year ago. The gap between college graduates' job expectations and the market's demands is visible. Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) showed that manufacturing accounted for the largest portion, 38.7%, of demand for talent in China, followed by the wholesale and retail sectors. But college graduates' most desirable jobs are mostly in sectors including internet and communications, real estate and construction, culture and media, and finance, data from Zhaopin.com showed. Graduates are either unwilling or unable to do jobs in sectors that have the most urgent needs for workers, analysts said. A 2021 survey by recruitment site 51job.com showed that 39% of students from China's top-ranking universities preferred state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in their job hunts, reflecting risk aversion and a desire for stability, according to Feng Lijun, a human resources expert at 51job.com.

Bloomberg (April 12) reported that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had issued a third warning about economic growth risks in less than a week, suggesting heightened concern about the outlook as widespread Covid lockdowns disrupt production and spending. At a seminar on April 11, he said authorities should “add a sense of urgency” when implementing existing policies and that China will study and adopt stronger economic policies as needed to support the economy.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council jointly on April 10 issued a key document titled “Opinions about accelerating the establishment of a unified domestic market” that prescribed new measures to break down local protectionism and other blockages that restrict local consumption. The document was to clarify issues concerning 'dual circulation' and promote it. (Comment: The dual circulation strategy was first announced in May 2020 by the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and later revised by Xi to prioritize “internal circulation.”)

Bloomberg (April 13) reported that Chinese firms sold $3.8 billion worth of goods to Russia in March, official data showed Wednesday, a 7.7% drop from a year earlier. That was the lowest amount since May 2020, when global trade was badly affected by the outbreak of Covid19.

Nomura Securities (April 14) says China is facing a "rising risk of recession", with as many as 45 cities now implementing either full or partial lockdowns, making up 26.4% of the country's population and 40.3% of its GDP.

China's Zhang Han Financial magazine on April 9 published an article on what plans China should have for the anticipated 400 million middle income earners in 10 years.

China's largest Covid outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic has struck Shanghai and the number of infections are already overwhelming hospitals and medical staff compelling authorities to reverse policy and place the city of 26 million inhabitants under lockdown. All 26 million residents are to be tested in the coming weeks. According to the Associated Press, the lockdown provides that citizens in locked-down areas, except for those providing essential services, will not be allowed to leave their neighbourhoods; Offices and all businesses not considered essential will be closed and public transport suspended; and Deliveries will be left at special checkpoints.

Reuters (April 14) reported that six US Senators, including the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Menendez, landed in Taiwan on April 14 for a previously unannounced visit, in a show of support to the island in the face of Chinese pressure. They arrived by a special US Aircraft and were received by Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. The Senators include Lindsey Graham, Burr, Rob Portman, Sasse and Representative Ronny Jackson.

The Indian Express (April 10) reported that around the time Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India last month, Beijing sent Delhi a proposal on disengagement of troops from Patrolling Point 15 in the Hot Springs area of eastern Ladakh. The proposal was rejected by India. It said Government sources said China proposed that Indian troops, who have been in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation with Chinese troops at PP 15 for almost two years now, move back to the Karam Singh Post between PP 16 and PP 17 and in return the Chinese would move their troops to just behind the LAC. It quoted sources saying this was unacceptable because China's claim line and India's understanding of the LAC intersect at PP15. It would also mean that Indian troops move back several kilometres while Chinese troops move back very little. One officer said, "While they will move back to just behind PP 15, they are asking us to relinquish even PP 16 which has never been claimed by the Chinese". They added that PP 15 has come into contention only now and never in the past.

Six of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Y-20 transport planes landed at Belgrade’s civilian airport early on April 9, reportedly carrying HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems for the Serbian military. The Chinese cargo planes with military markings were pictured at Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla airport. Serbia’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to AP’s request for comment. “The Y-20s’ appearance raised eyebrows because they flew en masse as opposed to a series of single-aircraft flights,” wrote The Warzone online magazine. “The Y-20′s presence in Europe in any numbers is also still a fairly new development.” Serbian military analyst Aleksandar Radic said that “the Chinese carried out their demonstration of force.” The arms delivery over the territory of at least two NATO member states, Turkey, and Bulgaria, was seen by experts as a demonstration of China’s growing global reach. (Comment: Serbia apparently placed the order in 2019.)

An article in CNN (April 13) confirmed other reports that Chinese Twitter users are very proRussian in their views of the war in Ukraine. It claimed that anonymous Twitter users are exposing the extreme nationalism and pro-Russian sentiment circulating online in China — and Beijing is not happy about it. It cited the example of a prominent military blog falsely claiming a Russian attack on a train station in Kramatorsk was actually carried out by Ukraine, a well-known media commentator dismissing the atrocities in Bucha, and a vlogger with hundreds of thousands of followers using a misogynistic term for Ukraine. CNN disclosed that the Twitter posts are often hash tagged "The Great Translation Movement," or shared by an account with the same name. It's run by a decentralized, anonymous team that crowdsources the collection and translation of popular posts on Ukraine and other hot topics, according to its administrator. The account was only launched in early March but has already made plenty of friends and enemies, attracting 116,000 followers (and counting) and a slew of criticism from China's state-run media. The overseas arm of the People's Daily — the mouthpiece of China's ruling Communist Party — has accused the anonymous translators of attributing the "extreme remarks" of some netizens to the "whole country." Nationalistic tabloid Global Times has accused the group of being "Chinese-speaking bad faith actors," and one of its opinion writers claimed the group included "foreign hostile forces" perpetuating "psychological warfare against China."

Duowei News (April 12) reported that South Korea's Yonhap News Agency quoting the US Naval Research Institute (USNI) said on April 11, that the US Navy's "Abraham Lincoln" nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN-72, 100,000-ton class) sailed into the high seas of eastern South Korea on April 11. It added that this is the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has entered the eastern waters of the Korean Peninsula after 4 years and 5 months since November 2017. Separately, according to Kyodo News, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on April 11 that an intelligence-gathering ship of the Chinese Navy had passed through the Tsushima Strait and entered the Sea of Japan from the East China Sea on April 11. It said that the intelligence-gathering ship of the Chinese Navy sailed about 130 kilometres southwest of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan around noon on April 11 and then passed northward between Tsushima and Iki to enter the Sea of Japan. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ships and patrol planes monitored its passage though China's Ministry of National Defence had not confirmed its presence till April 13.

The CCP's official newspaper People’s Daily published four additional Zhong Sheng commentaries on the United States’ supposed role in starting the “Ukraine crisis.” They were titled “Who Is Intentionally Prolonging Conflict?”, “Weaponizing the Economy Will Inevitably Turn on Itself,”, “Clinging to Cold War Thinking Undermines International Security Cooperation,” and “The ‘Defender’ of Human Rights is Actually a ‘False Defender,’” . The articles were critical of the US and blamed it for starting and profiting from the conflict. The commentary, titled “Clinging to Cold War Thinking Undermines International Security Cooperation, “while trying to repress China and Russia and viewing them as “primary strategic competitors,” the US was clinging to rigid Cold War thinking and intensifying regional and global security tensions.”

The People's Daily's Zhongsheng article on April 13 was not on the Ukraine war but on Japan's push to discharge radioactive water into the sea, which is "a serious betrayal of international morality and obligations under international law"

Writing in Nikkei Asia on March 24, Katsuji Nakazawa revealed that on the night of March 19, gunfire rang out in central Beijing, sending shivers through the Zhongnanhai area, where Chinese dignitaries have their offices. The sound of gunfire sparked rumours of a coup. The true nature of the gunfire remains unknown.

The Guangming Daily (March 22) published a lengthy article emphasising Party Unity. Captioned 'To take the new road to take the exam, we must always maintain the unity of the party', it was authored by Sun Cunliang of the Research Center of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Ministry of Education. The article included 11 references to Xi Jinping.

The People's Daily (March 22) published a lengthy article on the United Front captioned 'Take responsibility for the strength of unity and struggle (People's Discussion)' authored by Zhou Fan, Deputy Secretary and Vice President of the Party Leadership Group of the Central Institute of Socialism.

A China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 with 132 people on board crashed on March 21 in the mountains in southern China on a domestic flight following a sudden descent from cruising altitude. Media said there was no sign of survivors.

Caixin (March 21) reported that following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 8 naming five Chinese companies that could eventually be delisted from U.S. exchanges because American regulators can’t get access to their audit work papers, two days later U.S.-traded Chinese stocks began to fall in a plunge that lasted three straight trading days. During those three days, the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index, which tracks more than 90 Chinese stocks traded in the U.S., fell more than 10% each day. The sell-off spread beyond U.S. borders, with the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, which tracks Chinese mainland companies listed in Hong Kong, plummeting 15.6% from March 11 to March 15 and the mainland benchmark CSI 300 Index shedding 7.5% in the latter two days. (Comment: The fall in Chinese stocks reflects the uncertainty caused also by the Ukraine crisis and threats of sanctions against China.)

The People's Daily (March 23) reported that from 2012-21, the number of private enterprises in China increased from 10.857 million to 44.575 million and the proportion of private enterprises of all enterprises increased from 79.4% to 92.1%.

Caixin (March 21) reported that the Shanghai-based UCloud Technology Co. Ltd. displayed six new products focusing on community governance, transportation, manufacturing, industrial complex management, education, and elder care, at a virtual launch event in mid-March as it hopes to sell surveillance powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to businesses to help turn around its widening losses.

The Economic Daily (March 22) reported that the percentage of high-skilled personnel in China increased from 4% in the early 2000s to 20% now. Saying that problems such as "difficulty in finding employment" and "difficulty in recruiting" have become more prominent in recent years, it said one of the reasons is that it is difficult for the front-line skilled talents who mainly focus on operation to adapt to the requirements of high-quality development. It recommended a focus on the needs of enterprise development. by trying to make up for shortcomings and shortage of skilled talents, provide multi-level learning and training opportunities for a large number of workers, and improving the system of using, evaluating, selecting, and motivating skilled talents to solve the new situation. It also suggested a modern vocational education system to solve the problem of insufficient quantity of high-quality human capital. It recommended integration of industry and education, school-enterprise cooperation, and attracting more young people to receive vocational skills education. It called for getting more high-quality technical and technical personnel, skilled craftsmen, and craftsmen from major countries. The third suggestion was on improving the employment skills of retired military personnel. Saying that retired soldiers generally have responsibility and good execution, it said they need to be provided with skills that are in line with the development of the industrial chain and innovation chain, so as to transform the "rich mine" of retired soldiers into promoting economic growth. talent "bonus".

China's Shanghai-based official 'Paper' (March 23) published a detailed assessment of the economic fallout of the war in Ukraine. It assessed that "In the short term, the RussianUkrainian conflict is leading to a rapid deterioration of the world economic outlook, and the European economy will be severely affected; in the long term, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict may lead to changes in energy trade, reconfiguration of supply chains, fragmentation of payment networks, and prompts countries Reconsider its holdings of foreign exchange reserves, which could fundamentally alter the global economic and geopolitical order." It said in articles and research papers the IMF and OECD said that "in the short term, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is causing the world economic prospects to deteriorate rapidly, and the European economy will be severely affected; in the long run, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may fundamentally change the global economic and geopolitical order." It specifically noted that on March 15 a number of IMF officials, including Director of the Asia-Pacific Department Li Changyong, jointly wrote an article highlighting "the negative impact of the situation in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia". They believe "on the global economy is mainly transmitted through three channels: first, rising prices of commodities such as food and energy will further push up inflation, thereby eroding residents’ income and suppressing demand; , Ukraine's neighbouring economies will face disruptions in trade, supply chains and remittances, and a historic surge in the number of refugees. Third, declining business confidence and rising uncertainty will weigh on asset prices, leading to tighter financial conditions and potentially stimulating international Capital flows out of emerging markets." Saying that "latest OECD estimates that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine may reduce global economic growth this year by at least 1 percentage point and increase inflation by 2.5 percentage points", it added that the "conflict will make Europe feel "the most pain" and the European economy will suffer the most." It further said that "IMF officials pointed out that in the long run, the RussianUkrainian conflict could lead to changes in energy trade, reconfiguration of supply chains, fragmentation of payment networks, and prompt countries to reconsider their foreign exchange reserves, which will fundamentally change the global economy and geography political order."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in India on the night of March 24 after an unannounced visit to Kabul and earlier visiting Islamabad where he attended a meeting of the OIC and expressed support for an independent Kashmir. He said "On Kashmir, we have heard again today the calls of many of our Islamic friends. And China shares the same hope". Wang Yi will be meeting the EAM Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. Foreign Secretary Shringla will brief the press at 4.00pm on March 25.

A translation of an article published on the Chinese popular portal 'guancha' by Chen Jing, Director of R&D, Asia Vision Technology, was republished by Asia Times on March 23 with the caption 'China-India ties ‘to ease’ after 2020-22 clashes'. The article, timed to coincide with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's and which visit was implicitly critical of India, made 4 points recommending improvement in India-China ties. Anticipatedly, it sought to project that India needed China to boost its economy.

Criticising US President Joe Biden's remark singling out India for its "shaky" response to Russia's military operation against Ukraine, the Global Times (March 22) said "There is no motivation for New Delhi to serve Washington's interests at the cost of harming its own relationship with Moscow. As an independent country, India has the right to make diplomatic decisions in line with its own interests and the reality." It quoted Li Haidong, a Professor from the Institute of International Relations of China Foreign Affairs University, as saying "It shows the US' deep disrespect for India." The article asserted "The so-called anti-Russia united "democratic front" cannot be established."

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on March 21 discussed ways to further strengthen the "iron-clad friendship" between the two countries and later signed five agreements to deepen their bilateral cooperation in various fields. They exchanged views on bilateral strategic, economic and security cooperation, COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Ukraine and regional and international issues of mutual interest. Wang Yi is in Islamabad to attend the 48th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers (OIC-CFM) as a special guest at the invitation of Qureshi. In a tweet Qureshi highlighted that this is the first time China is participating in an OIC session and expressed confidence that "interactions with OIC country counterparts will further strengthen engagement." Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on March 22, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan raked up the Kashmir issue, hitting out at India over its "illegal" decision to abrogate Article 370. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also called for collective response from the 57-member OIC to meet challenges faced by the Muslim community, highlighting conflicts in the Middle East and the "denial of the right to selfdetermination" for the people of Palestine and Kashmir. He said "We have failed both the Palestinians and the people of Kashmir. I am sad to say that we have been able to make no impact at all.

The South China Morning Post (March 21) disclosed that China is considering offering a US$1.5 billion credit facility to Sri Lanka. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong told reporters the two sides were also discussing a separate loan of up to US$1 billion which the Sri Lankan government had requested. He added that the South Asian nation was offered a loan of US$500 million from the China Development Bank on March 18. (Comment: Sri Lanka has to repay about US$4 billion worth of debt this year, including a US$1 billion international sovereign bond maturing in July. But its reserves dipped to US$2.31 billion as of end February, down around 70 per cent from two years ago.)

Media reports (March 21) indicated that the European Union looks set to reinforce the U.S. warning to China that Beijing would face serious consequences if it tried to cushion the blow of sanctions against Russia or provide Moscow with military support. With the Western allies aligned on a powerful package of sanctions on the Russian economy and President Vladimir Putin trying to find room for manoeuvre, China’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine is coming into sharper focus. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be the main item on the agenda when Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang hold talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, who chairs the EU leaders’ council. The reports added that while the substance of the EU message is to be similar to Biden’s, most member states want Von der Leyen and Michel to couch it in a way that doesn’t come across as a threat because they don’t want to alienate Beijing. Separately, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng in a speech on March 19 accused NATO of trying to “flex muscle” in the Asia-Pacific region. Hours after Xi’s phone call with Biden, Le Yucheng said “One could well anticipate the consequences going down this path,” and that “The crisis in Ukraine is a stern warning.” (Comment: Le Yucheng was an Ambassador to India and is considered to be a front-runner for becoming Foreign Minister.)

Reuters (March 23) reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to attend the next G20 summit in Indonesia later this year and received valuable backing from Beijing on March 23 as it rejected suggestions by some members that Russia could be barred from the group. (Comment: The United States and its Western allies are assessing whether Russia should remain within the G-20 following its invasion of Ukraine. But any move to exclude Russia would probably be vetoed by others in the group.)

Bloomberg (March 21) reported that China imported twice as much liquefied natural gas from Russia last month than a year earlier. It said China bought almost 401,000 tons from Russia in February, according to official customs data released Sunday. The increase came as total Chinese LNG imports fell 12% from a year earlier, with Russia’s share rising to 8%.

An article by Benn Steil and Benjamin Della Rocca in Foreign Affairs (March 21) claimed that their "research suggests that Russia may have stashed tens of billions of dollars in reserve assets in opaque offshore accounts, where it holds dollar-denominated securities beyond the reach of international sanctions and asset freezes". According to them indications of this were discernible across two different periods—one in mid-2018 and the other late last year, as Russia built up troops on the Ukrainian border— that Russia may have secluded up to $80 billion in Treasury securities offshore. It stated that Russia’s total offshore dollar holdings could be higher still and, alluding to China, that Russia may have moved some of its dollars with help from a foreign government. The article claimed "China was almost certainly behind the 2014 surge. Throughout that year, the assets of its central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), rose in tandem with Belgian Treasury holdings. The PBOC was evidently building up its war chest of dollar reserves and storing them in Treasuries, held through Euroclear. In 2021, however, the PBOC’s reserves stayed flat, indicating a different source for the sudden rise in Belgium’s holdings." It also said "The Russian central bank and sovereign wealth fund hold an estimated $140 billion in Chinese bonds—about four times the total in early 2018. Data from June 2021 also show China holding 14.2 percent of Russia’s foreign reserves, the largest share of any country. "

New Chinese Customs data revealed that two-way China-Africa trade is up 24.9% in the first two months of the year to $43.1 billion. South Africa remains China's top trading partner on the continent with 19% of the total.

Reuters (March 22) reported that Algeria and China have signed a shareholder agreement to invest $7 billion to produce 5.4 million tonnes of fertiliser per year in the Algerian region of Tebessa, Algeria’s national oil company Sonatrach said on March 21. Algeria expects the phosphate project to create 12,000 jobs during the construction phase.

CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee on March 17 to 'analyse the situation of the new crown pneumonia epidemic and make arrangements to strictly control the epidemic'. Xinhua (March 17) reported that Xi Jinping also delivered an important speech. He pointed out that since the normalization of epidemic prevention and control, we have adhered to the principle of "foreign defense against imports and internal defense against rebound". He exhorted Party organizations at all levels and the majority of Party members and cadres to play an active role, go deep into the front line of prevention and control, reach out to the masses, and actively help the masses solve their worries and problems. He stressed that it is necessary to strengthen supervision and accountability and warned those who have neglected their duties and caused the epidemic to get out of control that they will be investigated and held accountable. The meeting also studied other matters

A front page People's Daily (March 13) article captioned "when the spring breeze ——General Secretary Xi Jinping and the representatives of the National People's Congress and the National People's Congress have discussed the country together for ten years" described Xi Jinping as the "people's leader" 8 times in total in this article. It said "During the National People's Congress and the National People's Congress this year, the deputies and committee members shared their opinions and experiences in light of their deliberation and work practice, and invariably expressed their common aspirations: The reason why the party and the country can achieve milestone achievements is that they have Comrade Xi Jinping as their leader. The core of the Party Central Committee at the helm is fundamentally guided by the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era."

Addressing the closing session of the 13th NPC in Beijing on March 14, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Premier talked about ties with US and the situation in Ukraine. He hoped that US and China can properly manage their differences and for more cooperation between China and the United States to deal with global challenges while properly managing their differences. He said economic competition between Beijing and Washington should be benign and fair. Li Keqiang also called for restraint in Ukraine to avoid a humanitarian disaster. Urging restraint in the Ukraine conflict to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe, he said "We sincerely hope that the situation will ease and peace will return at an early date."

Xinhua (March 14) highlighted certain outcomes of the 13th NPC as the "key to China's "success"." It said one outcome of the Two Sessions is the new slogan of "Five Roads to be Followed" (五个必由之路). It listed the keys to China success as follows: i) Party leadership; ii) Socialism with Chinese characteristics; iii) Concerted efforts; iv) New development concept; and v) Strict party governance. (Comment: The Guangming Daily on March 15, published its fifth commentary on the "Five Roads to be Followed" (五个必由之路) - outcome of the Two Sessions - on the fifth road: strict party governance.)

On March 15, the Chongqing Daily published an article on the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee meeting of leading cadres in the city held on March 14, to convey and study the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech during the National People's Congress and the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress and the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. During the meeting Chongqing's Chen Min'er conveyed the spirit of the Two Sessions, highlighted the "Five Roads to be Followed" (五个必由之路) and "five favourable conditions" (五个有利条件) 传达学习贯彻习近平总书记重要讲话和全国两会精神). The Chongqing Daily said Chen Miner, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered a speech in which he 'pointed out that this year's National People's Congress is an important meeting held at an important moment when the people of the whole country welcome the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, march towards the second centenary goal, and forge ahead in the new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way'. Chen Miner also emphasised that 'it is necessary to learn and understand the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, understand the essence, connect with reality, and guide practice' He said it is important to understand the "Five Must-Roads", the "five sure ways", resolutely support the "two establishments", strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", achieve the "two maintenances", and improve political judgment and political comprehension, political execution, and unswervingly advance along the road guided by General Secretary Xi Jinping'.

The Hubei Daily (March 15) published a front page article titled "The General Secretary's wise decision saved our lives", referring to his visiting recovered COVID-19 patients from the Wuhan outbreak two years ago.

Chinese authorities have already put Shenzhen, the giant manufacturing hub near Hong Kong, into full lockdown, along with Jilin province. In Shanghai, schools and businesses have already closed, and numerous Beijing and Tianjin compounds have shut down. More than 50 million people are already locked down across China and it seems likely that the numbers will continue to grow in the coming weeks. The People's Daily (March 18) published two main articles on the COVID-19 situation, including one on Xi Jinping chairing a PBSC meeting and an editorial arguing that the "general strategy and policy of epidemic prevention are correct and effective"