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"

The South China Morning Post (March 12) quoted a CDIC announcement of March 12 stating that 66-year old Liu Yanping, a former anti-corruption chief of China’s Ministry of State Security is for “suspected violation of discipline and law”. Liu Yanping is the 12th highranking official to fall from grace this year and first since the annual national legislative meeting concluded on Friday. He graduated from the China University of Political Science and Law and had a long career in the police department in Beijing before being appointed as Vice Minister of Public Security in 2013. Two years later, he became the head of discipline inspection at the Ministry of State Security. Liu Yanping was also involved in the effort to repatriate Guo Wengui back to China from the US.

Xinhua (March 16) reported that China's Financial Stability and Development Committee of the State Council held a special meeting on March 16 to study the current economic situation and capital market issues. The meeting was chaired by Liu He, Politburo member, Vice Premier of the State Council, and Director of the Financial Stability and Development Committee, and comrades in charge of relevant departments attended the meeting. The meeting pointed out that in the current complex situation, the most critical thing is to adhere to the “development is the Communist Party of China's top priority in governance”, adhere to the "economic development as the central task", adhere to deepening reform and expanding opening-up etc. Regarding Chinese companies listed in the United States, the meeting said that China’s CSRC and the U.S. SEC have maintained good communication and have made positive progress, and are working to form specific cooperation programs. It said the Chinese government continues to support all types of enterprises to go public outside China. A Xinhua report (March 17) clarified that the meeting discussed macroeconomic operation, real estate companies, Chinese concept stocks, platform economic governance, and Hong Kong financial market stability among other issues. It said the meeting gave a clear direction to "maintain the economic operation within a reasonable range, and maintain the stable operation of the capital market."

A Bloomberg report (March 14) said that Chinese stocks in the U.S. which were enjoying an unprecedented boom just a year ago have plummeted 72% -- almost matching losses during the 2008 financial crisis. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. alone has lost about $522 billions of value, the biggest wipe out of shareholder wealth worldwide. Tencent -- which was close to a $1 trillion market value last year -- slumped almost 10% on Monday, the most since 2011. The company’s shares are now worth $407 billion. In the week ending March 14, the SEC named its first batch of Chinese stocks as part of a crackdown on foreign firms that refuse to open their books to U.S. regulators. The newly identified firms could be subject to delisting from U.S. exchanges if they fail to comply with auditing requirements for three consecutive years. With U.S. officials saying Russia has asked China for military assistance for its war in Ukraine, traders worry that Beijing’s potential overture toward Putin could bring global backlash against Chinese firms and even sanctions. Fears of being delisted on US stock exchanges and imposition of sanctions because of Xi Jinping's support to Russian President Putin are also discouraging investors.

Reuters (March 16) reported (Reuters) that Taiwan held live fire drills on Dongyin, part of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu archipelago off the coast of China's Fuzhou, on March 16, putting the spotlight on a remote island that is strategically located at a chokepoint near China - and potentially vulnerable to attack. The exercises are happening as Taipei has raised its alert level after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, wary of Beijing making a similar move. At a February seminar in Taipei simulating a Chinese attack on Taiwan, retired Navy Rear Admiral Tan Chihlung said Dongyin's missile sites would be among the first targets of a Chinese attack. He said, "The People's Liberation Army for sure will go destroy the Hsiung Feng missile base in Dongyin, it's a must-attack."

Taiwan's Apple Daily (March 17) claimed that a report by human rights activist Vladimir Osechkin, head of the Russian anti-corruption website Gulagu.net, purportedly written by an analyst with the Russian Federal Security Service, mentions that Xi Jinping had considered a "complete take over Taiwan" in 2022 before the Fall. The object was to "recover Taiwan" for his re-election as the President of the country before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (in the Autumn). However, after seeing Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Xi Jinping believes that the opportunity to attack Taiwan is no longer available, and that the United States can use it to threaten China and give Xi's political opponents favourable conditions. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said in an interview on March 16, "No matter when China attacks, we must be ready at any time."

The Economic Times (March 15) reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit India in a week or so. It recalled that last week, ahead of the 15th round of Commanderlevel talks, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla had said: "We have made it clear to China that peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the development of our relationship. Development of India-China relationship has to be based on 'three mutuals' -- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest."

The Global Times (March 12) reported that "the 15th round of China-India corps commander level meeting concluded on March 11, continuing the positive atmosphere since the 14th round of talk, as the two sides reached consensus on agreeing to maintain dialogue via military and diplomatic channels to reach a mutually acceptable resolution to the remaining issues at the earliest time".

China's State-owned China National Petroleum Corp. agreed to import more natural gas from Russian major Gazprom in a deal announced on the sidelines of the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in February. Currently, the only gas pipeline between Russia and China is Power of Siberia, which began operating in 2019 and has an annual capacity of 38 billion cu. meters. Nikkei Asia (March 12) said the countries plan to establish a new pipeline under the deal with an annual capacity of 10 billion cu. meters. Russia's Gazprom on March 1 also announced it had begun taking concrete steps toward the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, which would pass through Mongolia and have an annual capacity of around 50 billion cu. meters. These projects, which include the Power of Siberia expansion and the new Altai link through China's Xinjiang region, would expand pipeline capacity between the countries to over 100 billion cu. meters a year -- equivalent to almost half of China's imports.

The Hongkong-based HK01 news service on March 14, publicised a report in the Russian newspaper The View (Взгляд) (March 12) which listed 10 areas in which Chinese companies have benefited from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War and the sanctions from the U.S. and European countries.

Ms Xue Hanqin, China's appointee to the UN's top court, joined her Russian peer Kirill Gevorgian to cast the only votes against Ukraine's case calling for an immediate end to Russia's military operation. This was on March 16 at the International Court of Justice case on 'Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation)'.

On March 17 there have been several clips over a 12 hour span showing Russian attacks on civilians, but sticking to the official language and calling it "Russia's special military operation". There were similar reports on CCTV-13 prompting speculation inside China as to whether the official media will also change their language, namely call it an "invasion"

Writing in the Washington Post (March 15), China's Ambassador to the U.S. Qin Gang denied statements that China was briefed on Putin's plans for invading Ukraine. He said “ Assertions that China knew about, acquiesced to, or tacitly supported this war are purely disinformation. All these claims serve only the purpose of shifting blame to and slinging mud at China. There were more than 6,000 Chinese citizens in Ukraine. China is the biggest trading partner of both Russia and Ukraine, and the largest importer of crude oil and natural gas in the world. Conflict between Russia and Ukraine does no good for China. Had China known about the imminent crisis, we would have tried our best to prevent it. China is committed to an independent foreign policy of peace." He also sought to differentiate between the cases of Ukraine and Taiwan saying: "Ukraine is a sovereign state, while Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory. The Taiwan question is a Chinese internal affair. It does not make sense for people to emphasize the principle of sovereignty on Ukraine while hurting China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on Taiwan. The future of Taiwan lies in peaceful development of crossStrait relations and the reunification of China. We are committed to peaceful reunification, but we also retain all options to curb “Taiwan independence.” (Comment: Chinese statements on the subject are contradictory and suggest an attempt at obfuscation.)

Writing on his personal WeChat blog on March 12, the former Editor of Global Times Hu Xijin said he is "calling on Beijing to stick to what he says is the 稳 (stable? middle?) road. Hu wrote, it is in Chinese interests that "Russia cannot fail and the Putin regime cannot fail". Hu Xijin cautioned Beijing: "We must be careful not to 'Russify' our policy toward the U.S. and the West, and (must) resolutely prevent the U.S. and the West from equating the definition of China with the definition of Russia." He said a desirable scenario "In the context of their fierce confrontation with Russia, it will become more acceptable to them to seek common ground 11 with China while preserving differences". He added that Beijing "needs to do its best to ease and develop relations with the U.S. and the West, and promote the gradual strategic shaping of a model of relations between China, the U.S., and the West and China". A "stable, independent Russia that does not buy into the U.S./West and dares to confront them openly has become China's biggest strategic barrier. The comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between Russia and China in the new era needs to be further consolidated, and China cannot afford to waver in this."

The US-based pro-Xi Jinping Duowei News, regarded as a major media portal of China’s overseas propaganda network, reported (March 17) that, in a press conference on March 15, NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed that China has an obligation as a member of the UN Security Council actually to support and to uphold international law and join the rest of the world in condemning Russia’s invasion. In response, the spokesperson for the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union retorted, “We have taken note of the relevant remarks. The Chinese people can fully relate to the pains and sufferings of other countries because we will never forget who bombed our embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We need no lecture on justice from the abuser of international law. As a Cold War remnant and the world’s largest military alliance, NATO continues to expand its geographical scope and range of operations. What kind of role has it played in world peace and stability? NATO needs to do some good reflection.” (Comment: The Chinese delegate was referring to the bombing of its Embassy in Yugoslavia by NATO forces decades ago.)

An article in the People's Daily (March 15) signed by ' Zhongsheng' argued that the US "should carefully reflect on its role in the Ukraine crisis, stop lying, deceiving, and misleading the public". It said this "exposes the US' sinister intentions to keep the world in chaos". The article stated, 'The U.S. side should reflect on its role in the Ukraine crisis, stop lying and deceit, 12 confuse people, take its due responsibilities, take practical actions to ease the situation and solve the problem, and do things that are conducive to peace'. It said, "In promoting the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, the top priority is to promote peace and talks, rather than fuel the fire." Stating that 'China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in persuading peace and promoting talks, and to carry out necessary mediation with the international community when necessary', it said 'China does not support the use of sanctions to solve the Ukrainian issue, and is even more opposed to unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law. Sanctions have never been an effective way to solve problems' adding that since the last 20 years the US has been imposing an increasing number of sanctions'.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member Yang Jiechi on March 14 in Rome. CNN (March 14) said that Sullivan said U.S. believes China, "was aware...

Xinhua published (March 13) an article on its main page on US bio labs in Ukraine.

Bloomberg (March 16) reported that Merchandise made by Chinese sportswear giant Li Ning Co. has been detained at U.S. ports, after an investigation indicated the company used North Korean labour in its supply chain. The action against Li Ning Sporting Goods was effective March 14, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement. U.S. Customs said some Li Ning goods can enter the U.S. if the company “provides clear and convincing evidence that their merchandise was not produced with convict labour, forced labour, or indentured labour under penal sanctions within 30 days of notice of detention.” Otherwise, the merchandise may be subject to seizure and forfeiture, it said. Li Ning shares fell as much as 3.2% in early Hong Kong trading, before erasing the losses and rising 4.2% to HK$53.10 at 9:42 a.m. local time. The stock is down almost 38% this year.

The US Government Funding Bill signed into law by US President Biden on March 15: • Increases funding for Tibetans around the world: The legislation provides $10 million for nongovernmental organizations that have experience working with Tibetan communities to preserve Tibetan cultural traditions and promote sustainable development, education, and environmental conservation in Tibet. The legislation also makes $8 million available for programs to promote and preserve Tibetan culture and language in Tibetan refugee and diaspora communities; development; and the resilience of Tibetan communities and the Central Tibetan Administration in India and Nepal; as well as to assist in the education and development of the next generation of Tibetan leaders from such communities. Another $3 million will be available for programs to strengthen the capacity of the Central Tibetan Administration, which provides democratic governance for Tibetans in exile.

The first batch of Chinese humanitarian aid reached Ukraine by plane on March 11. The consignment, which includes 1,000 family kits containing daily supplies worth 5 million yuan ($800,000). The packs contain blankets, towels, cutlery, damp-proof mats, buckets, and torches, and were sent from Beijing by the Red Cross Society of China. Ukraine's Red Cross Society was to receive the consignment when the truck convoy containing the aid arrived in the western Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi. A second batch of materials will leave the Chinese capital on March 13.

The Financial Times (March 14) disclosed that two British publishers, Octopus Books, part of literary empire Hachette, and London-listed Quarto, have censored books intended for western readers to ensure they can be printed cheaply in China and removed references to Taiwan and other subjects banned by Chinese authorities from several books. It said that in 2017, academic publishers Springer Nature and Cambridge University Press were criticised after it emerged, they had each blocked hundreds of articles from being accessed in China. The Financial Times said since 2020 Octopus, a self-described “leading publisher of non-fiction”, has removed references in at least two books to Taiwan. In one case, an entire section relating to Taiwan was cut. Over the same period Quarto, a picture book publisher that in 2020 released the New York Times bestseller This Book is Anti-Racist, erased mentions of Hong Kong and dissident artist Ai Weiwei from separate publications. The nationality of people mentioned in one book was also changed from Taiwanese to East Asian, while references to Tibet, annexed by China in 1951, were revised in two books to suggest it was Chinese territory.

On March 10, the People's Daily front-paged a major article titled "General Secretary, the villagers miss you very much!" The representatives of the two sessions brought the people's hearts to the general secretary".

Reuters (March 11) reported that China's Premier Li Keqiang confirmed on March 11 his plans to step down after his current term expires next March. Li Keqiang told a news conference: "This is the last year I will be premier".

Li Zhanshu, the Executive Chairman and Executive Chairman of the Presidium of the Conference, presided over the conference. Executive Chairman and Executive Chairman Wang Chen, Cao Jianming, Zhang Chunxian, Shen Yueyue, Ji Bingxuan, Ailigen Yiming Bahai, Wan Exiang, Chen Zhu, Wang Dongming, Baima Chilin, Ding Zhongli, Hao Mingjin, Cai Dafeng, Wu Weihua , Yang Zhenwu were seated at the podium.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made two speeches at the ongoing NPC/CPPCC sessions in Beijing. In his first speech he highlighted, among other issues, how China should handle coal in meeting its carbon goals, as well as the "sense of community for the Chinese nation". In his second speech to CPPCC members, he stressed agriculture, food security, social welfare, and protecting women.

Xinhua reported that Chinese leaders met different provincial delegations. PBSC members Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, and Vice President Wang Qishan met delegations from Jiangxi, Sichuan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, and Hunan respectively.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in the Government Work Report he presented to the Fifth Session of the 13th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China on March 5, 2022, did not even mention Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and took an implacably steady-as-it-goes tone on China’s economic outlook.

The main points in the Government Work Report presented to the NPC on March 5 by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang were: - new approaches to social governance - focus on service provision at grassroots - improve social credit system. -The main targets for 2022 listed by the Chinese Premier were: -GDP growth of around 5.5 percent -over 11 million new urban jobs -surveyed urban unemployment rate of no more than 5.5 percent -CPI increase of around 3 percent -growth in personal income that is basically in step with economic growth -steady increases in both the volume and quality of imports and exports -a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments -grain output of over 650 million metric tons -further improvement in the environment -continued reduction in the discharge of major pollutants

The Global Times and CCTV (March 11) commented that China’s 2022 Government Work Report approved at the closing meeting of the fifth session of the 13th NPC on March 11 has had 92 items revised compared with the original version, with revisions focusing on stabilising the economy, innovation, and fiscal and employment policies. The revisions in China’s 2022 Government Work Report include raising the ratio of investment in basic research to the overall R&D expense, and boosting winter sports and industries. The Paper (March 11) said that Tax cuts and fee reductions "help enhance the confidence of enterprises to expand reproduction; at the same time, it also encourages enterprises to invest more funds in R&D and other production activities" . The China Police Daily (March 11) commented that the integrated mechanism for policing ("情指勤舆") - intelligence, command, patrolling - have given police the "ability to respond quickly, highlight key challenges, and deal with regional emergencies has been effectively strengthened".

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s Government Work Report contains exactly one mention of common prosperity (共同富裕), which is rendered as “prosperity for all” in the official English translation.

At the press conference before the start of the NPC's opening session, the spokesman for the Chinese legislature Zhang Yesui addressed China-EU relationship and condemned the US$ 350 billion the America Competes Act, which he described as “small circle” diplomacy that could jeopardise America’s own interests .

The authorities of Changchun on March 11 announced that all businesses and public transport shall be shut except essential sectors. Schools are to be closed and every resident will test for Covid.

On March 3 , over 200 alumni of Tsinghua University – most of whom live in China – signed an open letter circulated on WeChat calling on the university to strip Putin of an honorary doctorate awarded in 2019.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the NPC session, China's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian said that rare heavy rainfall last year delayed the planting of about one-third of the normal wheat acreage.

China Organization and Personnel News (March 4) reported that the CCP CC Organisation Department had held a teleconference on a key task promotion meeting for grassroots party building work in Beijing on February 28. The relevant responsible officials of the Organization Department attended the meeting and delivered speeches. The Party Committee Organisation Department cadres of Beijing, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangxi, Sichuan, Qinghai and other provinces, regions and municipalities also exchanged speeches. Among the main points made were: (i) transmit "two establishments" "two safeguards"; (ii) party-building in rural areas; (iii) social governance; (iv) private enterprises and social organisations; (v) SOEs, work units; and (vi) education. The meeting also criticised "lying flat" cadres and said, "there are some "peaceful officials" who dare not act, "leisure officials" who do not do things, "incompetent officials" who are not good at doing things, and "punk officials" who are unwilling".

The CCP on March 5 announced two important appointments. These were the appointment of Hao Zhaoping (郝照平) as the Director, General Manager and Deputy Secretary of the Party Group of AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) and Wang Jiang (王江) was appointed Secretary of the Party Committee of China Everbright Group

The Jilin provincial party committee in a terse announcement on March 10 and without stating the reason said that Zhang Lifeng, the Communist Party Secretary and top manager of the Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, was dismissed on March 10 afternoon.

A Commentator's article in the Economic Daily (March 9) said "the emphasis on coordinating development and security reflects the scientific research and judgment of the general situation by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core". Stating that "economic globalisation has encountered adverse currents, the game between major powers has become increasingly fierce, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change", it said it is essential for China to take development as the top priority, "and at the same time ensure political security, economic security, scientific and technological security, public health security, social security, etc., to create favourable conditions for development".

The International Paralympic Committee is investigating and have asked the state-run CCTV for an explanation after President Andrew Parsons speech, where he made a clear and direct call for Peace at the Opening Ceremony, which was censored in China

A survey by the East Asia Institute of the National University of Singapore which has been monitoring trending topics on popular Chinese online platforms, namely Weibo, Zhihu and Douyin, between 14 January – 9 March 2022, suggests declining interest in the war in Ukraine.

In a virtual meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on March 8 , Chinese President Xi Jinping was quoted by CCTV as calling for "maximum restraint" in Ukraine and said China is "pained to see the flames of war reignited in Europe".

The EU High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles had a tele conversation with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on March 7 regarding the situation in Ukraine. They agreed to continue discussions after two days. One report states, however, that in private conversation some EU officials disclosed that Wang Yi during his conversation with Borrell was clear that the EU needs to drop sanctions if it wants China to intermediate. El Mundo earlier on March 4 quoted Borrell as saying that China was the only possible mediator in the war. “We have not asked for it, nor have they asked for it, but since it has to be a power and neither the US nor Europe can be, China could be”.

The South China Morning Post (March 9) quoted an editorial published by Xinhua on March 9 which accused the US government of feeding “slanderous news” to the media and denied reports that Beijing had direct knowledge of Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine. It called the report published last week in The New York Times a “downright lie” adding that “Shifting blame to China, misleading the world and transferring accountability away from the crisis culprit, this is a malicious intention”. The Xinhua editorial said “The US government routinely feeds information to targeted media like The New York Times in the name of an intelligence organisation in order to spin public opinion to its own advantage. “Media like The New York Times then play along in a double act by spreading rumours with lies to maximise Washington’s interests. All of this is to cover up the fact that the US was the ultimate culprit in the Ukraine crisis”.

In a 20-minute speech at the Prospect Foundation in Taipei on March 4, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was "Honoured to speak about the importance of America recognizing Taiwan as a free and sovereign country".

Washington’s top diplomat pressed his counterpart in Beijing during a call on March 5 over China’s continued refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on March 5 over China’s continued refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Chairman of the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) Gary Gensler announced on March 5 that “If China changes tack, “then there's a path forward.” But otherwise "Congress has spoken about 250 Chinese companies," would have to suspend trading here "potentially as early as 2024.”

As Nepal's parliament on February 27 approved joining the US$ 500 million Millenium Challenge initiative despite Chinese pressure, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the U.S. aid would come with political strings attached. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing in Beijing on March 2 “I’m afraid it will turn out like a Nepalese saying, ‘It looks good, but you will find the meat difficult to chew.’ ”

The state-owned China National Nuclear Corp. announced on March 8 that an advanced nuclear reactor developed by China has started up in Pakistan, making it the second unit of its kind in operation in the country and fourth overall. The Karachi nuclear power plant, a threereactor site, installed its second Hualong One reactor and connected the unit to the grid on March 4

The CPPCC began its annual session on March 4 in Beijing. CCTV telecast the opening ceremony and showed Chinese President Xi Jinping walking into the Great Hall of the People ahead of the other members of the PBSC.

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress(NPC) started its 33rd session on March 2 to prepare for the upcoming 5th annual session of the 13th NPC, which will open on March 5.

Xinhua reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 2022 Spring Semester Central Party School (National School of Administration) training class for young and middle-aged cadres started at the Central Party School on March 1. The state-owned China Central Television (CCTV) telecast a clip of Xi Jinping being welcomed at the Central Party School. Wang Huning, PBSC member Secretary of the Central Secretariat, attended the opening ceremony. Chen Xi presided over the opening ceremony, saying that 'General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech is full of ardent expectations for young cadres' and exhorted the cadres 'to study and understand deeply, and truly internalize it in the heart and externalize it in action; It is necessary to further learn, understand and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments", and effectively transform it into a high degree of self-consciousness to resolutely achieve the "Two Maintenances", and transform it into forging ahead in a new journey and making contributions'. Ding Xuexiang and Huang Kunming attended the opening ceremony.

CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping chaired the 37th Politburo 'Study Session' on human rights in China and its development on February 25. Lu Guangjin, Secretary-General of the Chinese Society for Human Rights Studies gave a lecture and explained the subject.

Xinhua announced (March 2) that a new book: "Xi Jinping in Shanghai" has been published. (Comment: Xi Jinping was Party Secretary there from March 2007- October 2007.)

Xinhua (February 24) reported that Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Han Zheng chaired a meeting of the Belt and Road Construction Work Leading Small Group on February 24, where he called for "conscientiously implementing the spirit of the important speech of the General Secretary Xi Jinping at the third "Belt and Road" construction symposium" and summarized the work in 2021 and approved the key tasks in 2022. Yang Jiechi, Hu Chunhua, Wang Yi, Xiao Jie, He Lifeng and members of the leading group for promoting the construction of the "Belt and Road" and "responsible comrades" from relevant departments attended the meeting. (Comment: The last time this Leading Small Group met was in January 2019.)

The People's Daily (February 24)'s theory section published a major article by Chen Yixin, Secretary General of the CCP CC Political-Legal Commission, on the Party's "self-revolution".

Five Chinese Professors from prestigious Chinese Universities, including Hongkong University, issued a statement on February 26 on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Zhao Leji, Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the CDIC, presided over the 25th collective study meeting of the CDIC Standing Committee on February 28 around "deepening the party history summary, study, education and publicity, and unswervingly promoting the party's self-revolution".

A major article published by the People's Daily on March 1, on common prosperity article quotes Mao in Oct 1955. The relevant paragraph says: 'In the early days of the founding of New China, Comrade Mao Zedong pointed out: "Now we implement such a system and such a plan, we can get richer and stronger year by year, and we can see that we can get richer and stronger year by year. This wealth is common wealth, and this strength is common strength, and everyone has a share.” After the reform and opening up, Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out: "The essence of socialism is to liberate productive forces, develop productive forces, eliminate exploitation, eliminate polarization, and finally achieve common prosperity." The fundamental principles of socialism."

The South China Morning Post (March 3) said the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) -- China’s powerful internet regulator -- has drafted a new law to restrict push notification on topics such as sensitive news items, disasters, and celebrity gossip in a new effort from Beijing to curb Big Tech’s power in shaping public discourse.

On March 2, the CDIC disclosed that it had investigated 32 cadres in January 2022 and 43 in February 2022 up from 19 in January 2021 and 21 in February 2021. The CDIC announced (February 26) that while implementing political supervision under the "two safeguards" in 2021, it had interviewed 943,000 people and 55,000 were "held accountable".

The CDIC announced (March 2) that Wang Dawei, Vice Governor of Liaoning Province, and Director of the Provincial Public Security Department, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and been placed under investigation. CDIC also announced (March 2) that four new provincial-level managed cadres are under investigation today: Zhou Yongdi, former member of the Party Group and Deputy Mayor of Weihai; Sun Bo, Secretary of the Party Committee of Dongying Vocational College; Zhang Tianzhou, former Secretary of the Standing Committee of the Longyan Municipal People's Congress; and Lei Zhiqiang, former deputy general manager of Jiangsu Radio and Television Cable Information Network Co.

he Chongqing Daily (February 26) reported that Chongqing Party Secretary and Politburo member Chen Min'er attended the Municipality's Religious Work Conference on February 24 and delivered a speech where he emphasised it is necessary to deeply study and understand General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on religious work and fully implement the party's basic policy on religious work and continue to create a new situation in our city's religious work.

Heilongjiang Province Party Secretary Xu Qin authored a lengthy article on the decisive significance of the 'two establishments' and what this means for Heilongjiang which was published in the People's Daily's (March 2) Theory section.

A Global Times (February 24) article said that while the conflict in Ukraine will affect agricultural trade and push prices up, the impact on China will be limited.

The Global Times (March 3) said that analysts and observers predict, ahead of China's announcement of its defense budget for 2022, that China will likely continue to steadily increase its military expenditure, at a rate possibly slightly faster than last year.

The Global Times (February 23) disclosed that the PLA Navy is handing over almost 20 Type 056 corvettes to the China Coast Guard. It said the Type 056 corvettes will be a very good choice in coastal law enforcement after being customized. Chinese military analyst Wei Dongxi said in the hands of the Coast Guard, the Type 056, taking advantage of its original designed purpose as a warship, like its fast speed, can effectively safeguard China's key sea regions, islands, and reefs.

In a carefully worded seemingly neutral statement the China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) issued a statement on March 3. The statement said "As the war in Ukraine unfolds, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) extends its thoughts and sympathy to everyone affected. Our hearts go out to all who are suffering. AIIB is a multilateral organization created by an international treaty, and adherence to international law lies at the very core of our institution. AIIB Management believes that multilateralism provides the best framework for countries to cooperate in dealing with common challenges and supporting development. Our Bank is actively monitoring the situation and assessing its impact on AIIB’s operations and our members’ economies".

An article in the CDIC Daily (March 1) argued that the SWIFT's influence will gradually decline because of digital currencies and rival systems (mentions Russia's SPFS, Iran's SEPAM. It added that its use as a sanctions tool makes SWIFT lose credibility

In a statement on February 25, 2022, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen issued a statement which "strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine" and said Taiwan is also joining the international economic sanctions against Russia. She also said that the situation concerning Taiwan is different from that of Ukraine.

A lengthy sharply-worded Global Times editorial issued the day after Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 25 said, "As the situation in Ukraine is heating up, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority in Taiwan island has again popped into the spotlight, claiming they "empathize with Ukraine's situation."

Reuters (March 1) reported that Chinese traders are scaling back imports of Russian coal as they struggle to secure financing from state banks worried about potential sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine, in early signs of supply disruption from the world's third-largest coal seller. A China-based trader dealing in Russian coal was quoted saying "Most banks have stopped issuing letters of credit after the SWIFT sanctions. As almost all contracts are dollardenominated, we have no other way to make the payment." China is Russia's largest coal buyer, taking in more than 50 million tonnes of coal worth $7.4 billion last year via rail and sea from Russia's Far East. Russia accounted for roughly 15% of China's total imports and was its second largest supplier behind Indonesia. It said while some buyers could eventually resort to using China's onshore clearing and settlement system, known as CIPS, overall purchases by China have been muted since last week after Beijing cut the domestic price cap that makes coal imports largely uneconomical.

The South China Morning Post (March 1) observed that complying with Western sanctions on Russia would run counter to the Chinese government’s official policy of opposing such measures.

Xu Qiyuan, Researcher of China Finance Forty Forum and Researcher and Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Hou Lei, Associate Researcher of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, published an assessment of the impact of Western sanctions against Russia in the 'China Finance Forty Forum on March 1 which was posted on the popular Chinese portal weixin.

Bloomberg News (March 1) claimed that a research group that advises Chinese President Xi Jinping said that sanctions levelled on Russia will ultimately cause more damage to the U.S. and its allies. This input will be a factor as Beijing weighs how much backing to give its close diplomatic partner. Ma Xue, an Associate Researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) subordinate to the Ministry of State Security (MoSS), wrote in an article published on social media on March 1 that Russia has largely adapted to dealing with punitive financial measures since 2014, when it was penalized for seizing Crimea. Ma Xue, said the US and European allies will wind up suffering for supporting Ukraine. He wrote “If the Ukraine refugee crisis is not properly handled, this will be conducive for Russia to sow hatred and sabotage NATO. The fierce debate on refugee problems inside Europe could also damage its unity at crucial moments.”

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng summoned Carrie Lam to Shenzhen on February 15, to pass on a direct order from Xi Jinping: Bring Covid under control before Xi's planned visit to mark the 25th handover anniversary.

US President Joe Biden suddenly sent a five-member delegation led by Mike Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Taiwan, in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, for an about 30 hours stopover. The former Taiwanese legislator Shen Fu-hsiung pointed out in a Facebook analysis on March 2 that "strategic ambiguity" was considered by many to be beneficial to Taiwan in the past, but from the experience of Ukraine, it was a big mistake. Mentioning "strategic clarity" he also said that he believes that "the arrival of the five-member delegation may be a step in this direction", depending on who they meet in Japan

An article by Wei Nanzhi, CASS researcher at the Xi Jinping Thought Research Centre, in the Guangming Daily (February 26)'s theory section said that "American-style representative democracy is out of touch with American society". It said, "Everything is for winning the election" rather than "everything is for the common good", and the American-style representative democracy that is out of touch with American society is bound to be in deep crisis."

In early March the Ukrainian Consulate General in Shanghai in a note to the Shanghai Municipality Foreign Affairs Office, the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Anhui Province, the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Fujian Province conveyed that it had 'received many reports from Ukrainian citizens living abroad that Ukrainian citizens are interviewed by the police or by people presenting themselves as police or being interviewed on the telephone by police or Chinese police.

China abstained at the voting in the UNSC on the resolution condemning Russia. The voting was as follows: Yes- United States - United Kingdom - France - Norway - Ireland - Albania - Gabon - Mexico - Brazil - Ghana - Kenya No - Russia Abstain - China - India - United Arab Emirates

The Japanese news service Jiji on February 27 said that in the annual survey, conducted by Japan Press Research Institute in six countries in November-December 2021, 26.3% of people in China said that they feel close to Japan, down by 13.4 percentage points from the previous survey. The drop was largest on record. As reasons, personnel in charge of the research in China cited Japanese politicians’ remarks about Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province, and a decrease in the amount of favourable information on Japan in line with suspension of tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to officials of the institute.

Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a Politburo meeting on February 25. The meeting discussed the draft of the "Government Work Report" that the State Council plans to submit to the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress for deliberation, the "Comprehensive Report on the Eighth Round of Central Inspections" and "Report on the Key Work of the Central Inspection Leading Group in 2021". The Xinhua report (February 25) on the meeting said it had stated that "It is necessary to strengthen the atmosphere of comprehensive and strict governance of the party, implement the "two responsibilities", strengthen the supervision of the "top leader" and the leading group, and carry out special rectifications for typical common problems such as violations of the spirit of the eight central regulations and the "revolving door" of politics and business". A Politburo 'Study session' will be held on February 26. (Comment: The last Politburo study session was held on January 24. It is interesting that the Xinhua report called for strengthening "the supervision of the "top leader" and the leading group".)

Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, along with Party and State leaders such as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, PBSC members, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, Vice President Wang Qishan, and IOC President Bach attended the closing ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics on February 20 wearing a face mask. Xinhua said that members of the Political Bureau of the CCP Central Committee in Beijing, Secretary of the Secretariat of the CCP Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, State Councillors, President of the Supreme People's Court, Chief Procurator of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing and members of the Central Military Commission attended the closing ceremony. (Comment: Xi Jinping has made a personal appearance in public after a number of days.)

The Theory and Propaganda Department of the CCP's official newspaper People's Daily published (February 23) an important article under its signature 'Ren Lixuan' (任理轩) captioned 'Deeply grasp the "two establishments" and resolutely achieve "two maintenances" (in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee)'.

Xinhua (February 20) published its 8th 'Commentary on "Ten Clarifications" Highlighting the New Leap of the Sinicization of Marxism' - this time on the military - captioned "Building a People's Army That Follows the Party's Commands and Can Win Battles with Excellent Style". It declared "It is clear that the party's goal of strengthening the army in the new era is to build a people's army that obeys the party's command, can win battles, and has a good work style, and build the people's army into a world-class army" and that "The country is big, and nothing is more important than the army." Stating that "A strong country must have a strong army, and a strong army can lead to national security", it gave a chronology of the PLA's reorganisation.

The People's Daily, Chongqing Daily and Beijing Daily published a number of articles and photographs on the developments in Ukraine on February 25. One report in the Beijing Daily predicts that the Ukraine situation will interfere with US mid-term elections.

The Sichuan Party Secretary Peng Qinghua penned a big article for the Central Party School's 'Study Times', which was reprinted in the Sichuan Daily on February 22. The article was captioned: "Deeply grasp the "two establishments" and resolutely achieve the "two maintenances", and constantly draw wisdom from the party's century-old struggle. and power".

Xinjiang-Uyghur Autonomous Region Party Secretary Ma Xingrui held an Autonomous Region Religious Work Conference in Urumqi on February 21. In his speech Ma Xingrui emphasised the need to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on religious work, implement the spirit of the National Conference on Religious Work and the Third Central Xinjiang Work Symposium, adhere to the direction of Sinicization of China's religion, and actively guide Xinjiang's Islam to adapt to the socialist society, and strive to open up a new situation for Xinjiang's religious work in a new era.

The CDIC Daily (February 22) reported that the TAR Disciplinary Commission Standing Committee recently held its meeting, which 'emphasised that it is necessary to deeply grasp the responsibilities and tasks of the discipline inspection and supervision organs in promoting the party's self-revolution, to be sober and firm on the road forever, and to persevere to comprehensively Strictly govern the party to advance in depth, and constantly realize the strategic goal of not being corrupt, not being corrupt, and not wanting to be corrupt'. It revealed that in 2021, the discipline inspection and supervision organs of the Tibet Autonomous Region will adhere to the principle of no restricted areas, full coverage, and zero tolerance, and insist on heavy containment, strong pressure, and long deterrence. They will deal with 6,869 clues, a year-on-year increase of 41.3%, and file 1,814 cases, punish 1,788 people, and transfer them to prosecutors. There were 73 people in the agency, an increase of 28.3%, 8.3%, and 69.8% year-on-year respectively; 304 party members and cadres at the county level and above were registered, a year-on-year increase of 29.4%, including 38 district management cadres; 321 "top leaders" at all levels were investigated and punished.

Hubei Province Party Secretary Ying Yong chaired the Hubei Provincial Religious Work Conference held on February 18, which emphasised that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on religious work and the spirit of the National Religious Work Conference and "solidly promote" the "Hubei Practice" of the Sinicization of religion. Ying Yong emphasised that "to promote the "Hubei practice" of the sinicization of religion in our country, we should make good use of our province's religious and cultural resources, and guide religious people and believers to further strengthen the "five identities". It is necessary to guide all religious groups in the province to explore and formulate a standard system and code of conduct for promoting the sinicization of religions in China". The meeting resolved it will construct a research team on Marxist religious studies.

An article in the Zhejiang Ribao (February 21) captioned "Make good use of precious wealth to shoulder the mission" reported that over 5 million copies of "Xi Jinping in Zhejiang" have been sold. The article mentioned Xi Jinping 22 times and said the interview series "demonstrates Comrade Xi Jinping's superb ideological and theoretical level, macro decisionmaking level, and outstanding political control". It quoted Teng Mingya, member of the Standing Committee of the Nanhu District Committee of Jiaxing City and Head of the Organization Department, as saying that "Xi Jinping in Zhejiang" shows "Comrade Xi Jinping's in-depth thinking on how to strengthen party building under the new situation, and is an important guiding ideology and action guide for party building work in Zhejiang. . "The Red Boat of the Chinese Revolution set sail from Nanhu. We must faithfully support the 'Two Establishments' and resolutely implement the 'Two Maintenances' into the party building work in the new era, guard the 'red roots', and make every effort to build the side of the Red Boat' Party building highlands' golden business card." She added "What he cares most about is the grassroots, and what he cares most about is the common people." "He has a very deep affection for the common people, and he goes to the countryside whenever he has the opportunity." The general secretary has a deep and pragmatic work style and sincere and simple feelings for the people."

The Chongqing Daily (February 19) reported that a seminar on the study and implementation of the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CCP Central Committee was held from February 16th to 18th, at the Party School of the Municipal Party Committee. It said the students who participated in the seminar further strengthened their political determination to resolutely achieve the "two safeguards" and ideological determination. It said the seminar stressed on "Loyalty core, maintenance core" and to "Transform the political achievements of the "two establishments" into the political consciousness of resolutely achieving the "two maintenances". the newspaper report stated: "The Party has established Comrade Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire Party, and has established the guiding position of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which reflects the common aspiration of the entire Party, the army, and the people of all ethnic groups in the country."

A retired former Chinese Commerce Ministry official wrote on February 18 that '2022 now seems likely to be the year of all-out globalisation crisis; it hence may also be the beginning of rebuilding the global order in the post-epidemic era. 2022 is already very important; a key factor is that Xi Jinping will use the 20th National Party Congress to break the term limit, cementing his life-long dictatorship'.

US-based Chinese dissident Wang Dan, who protested at Tiananmen in 1989 and was exiled, has written an article in 'Dialogue China' (February 15) asserting that "Zero Covid" is not really about health.

On February 18 and 19 the CCDIC announced the expulsions from the CCP of Xue Heng, former Deputy Secretary and Vice Chairman of the Liaoning Provincial Political Consultative Conference for, among other things, selling posts and interfering in judicial activities; Sun Yun, former Deputy Secretary-General of the Yunnan Provincial People's Government and member of the Party Group of the General Office for, among other things, "illegally flying first class, business class, and receiving gifts"; and Lu Shicheng, former member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Tibet Autonomous Region Education Department; among other things for playing mahjong , mistresses etc. It announced that the following officials had been placed under investigation for corruption including other violations of Party discipline: Bai Hao, the former Deputy Head of the Jiangjin District Government of Chongqing and the former Director of the District Public Security Bureau; Wang Shunsheng, the former Vice Chairman of the Zhengzhou Political Consultative Conference; Wu Weihua, a member of the Party Group and Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Geological Bureau, for "suspected serious violations of discipline and law"; and Li Guohua, former Deputy Secretary of the Party Group and General Manager of China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd., who has accepted the review and investigation of the CDIC and the State Supervision Commission.

Bloomberg (February 19) reported that scientists from China's 'Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Research and Development Center, have developed new salt-tolerant rice strains in the hope of ensuring food security that’s been threatened by rising sea levels, increasing grain demand and supply chain disruptions. Known as “seawater rice” because it’s grown in salty soil near the sea, the strains were created by over-expressing a gene from selected wild rice that’s more resistant to saline and alkali. Test fields in Tianjin—the municipality that encompasses Jinghai—recorded a yield of 4.6 metric tons per acre last year. The breakthrough comes as China searches for ways to secure domestic food and energy supplies as global warming and geopolitical tensions make imports less reliable.

The CDIC Daily (February 20) disclosed that since the 18th Party Congress, China's Human Resources and Social departments at all levels have organised and implemented a series of leading talent selection and training projects and high-level talent introduction projects. It said a total of 22 batches of personnel enjoying special government allowances have been selected, with a total of 187,000 people, and the total number of returnees from overseas studies has exceeded 4 million. Among them are 280,000 postdoctoral fellows. It noted that the number of high-level scientists in chemistry, materials, engineering science, life science and other disciplines has grown rapidly bringing China to the forefront of the world. It added that the "2021 Global Innovation Index Report" shows that China's ranking has risen rapidly from the 29th in 2015 to the 12th.

Caixin (February 18) disclosed that each of China's 31 provincial-level governments have announced their growth targets and policy goals for the new year when delivering their annual work reports to local legislatures. It said the majority have set lower goals for 2022 than in the previous year.

The Chinese magazine "K 36" published (February 18) an excerpt from "The Prospects of China's Economy", authored by Justin Yifu Lin, a reputed Chinese economist, and former World Bank Chief Economist. It quoted Justin Yifu Lin as saying "2021 is a very important node.

Bloomberg (February 23) reported that China is again scrutinising founder Jack Ma’s financial empire. Banking regulators recently told the biggest state-owned banks and firms to report all their financial exposure to Ant, its subsidiaries and even its shareholders. (Comment: Consequent to the Ant Group Co.’s US$ 35 billion initial public offering having been cancelled at the last minute 16 months ago and Jack Ma having stepped down from all his positions, it is not clear why he is being investigated again.)

On February 7, China's Ministry of Industry, and Information Technology and three other departments in China issued a “Guidance on Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Iron and Steel Industry", hereinafter referred to as the Guidance. It clearly encourages leading enterprises in the industry to implement mergers and reorganizations to build several worldclass mega steel enterprise groups. The Guidance makes concrete arrangements for steel industry mergers and reorganizations. One to two specialized pilot enterprises will be formed relying on the leading enterprises in stainless steel, special steel, seamless steel tubes, castings, and other fields, respectively. The Guidance mentioned that those enterprises that have completed the mergers and reorganizations will be given capacity replacement policy support during their smelting project construction. The Guidance also encourages Chinese financial institutions actively to offer integrated financial services to those steel enterprises which implement mergers and reorganizations, layout adjustments, transformation and upgrading based on risk-controlled, commercially sustainable principles. Li Xinchuang, Chief Engineer of the Metallurgical Industry Planning and Research Institute, said that the concentration in the domestic steel industry is still less than 40 percent. China’s steel industry has now ushered in an important window of mergers and reorganizations and a period of historic opportunity. Given the background that the output of the iron and steel industry has entered the peak platform area, it is the key to the healthy and high-quality development of the industry to intensify the merger and reorganization of iron and steel and improve the concentration of the industry.

The Global Times (February 20) criticised India for signing an FTA with the UAE and said it was because of the pressure caused by the RCEP. It also compared India with Pakistan and citing the CPEC as example claimed it is favourable to foreign investment and invites 100 per cent foreign investment in a wide range of sectors. It concludes by saying "India is very likely to face severe challenges if it cannot shake off of its fear of outside competition." Another Global Times (February 20) article said that "Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recently has twice mentioned the China-India border dispute on a multilateral occasion at which China was not present. New Delhi may try to exploit the force of the international community to embolden itself and further play with fire on the border issue. Such a dangerous tendency is what China needs to be wary of."

In an article captioned 'Associating Taiwan with Ukraine is a trap ‘in the Global Times (Chinese edition) on February 15, Cui Hongjian, Director of the European Institute of the China Institute of International Studies, described "The Ukraine crisis, in which the United States, Russia and Europe are deeply involved, has become the biggest geopolitical hotspot at the moment." He added "At the same time, it has also become a “right and wrong place” that some people have too much imagination. One of them is to compare the Ukraine crisis with the Taiwan issue.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on February 23 slammed the U.S. as "the culprit of current tensions" and criticized Washington for sending weapons to Ukraine.

In an article (February 22) posted on the US' Stimson Centre website, Yun Sun, Senior Fellow at the Stimson Centre, wrote that "If Crimea serves as a precedent, China will remain silent on the issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which in reality translates into a tacit recognition of the altered status quo without publicly stating so". She explained that "There are several nuanced differences in China’s position this time around, however.

Southern Mongolia Watch reported February 21) that on February 17, 2022, at around 3:00 PM, Mr. Munkhbayar Chuluundorj, a citizen of the independent country of Mongolia who has long supported the Southern (Inner) Mongolian cause, was arrested by the General Intelligence Agency (GIA) of Mongolia in the capital city Ulaanbaatar. According to a press conference held by the GIA on Friday, “Receiving instructions and accepting funds from a foreign intelligence organization, Mongolian citizen Munkhbayar Chuluundorj has engaged in activities of illegal cooperation [with the foreign intelligence organization]” and was “arrested in action.” The GIA did not disclose at whose behest the arrest was carried out.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Mao-Nixon meeting in Beijing, Xinhua's high circulation Reference News published (February 17) a major article on the Nixon-Mao Summit on its front page.

The US newspaper Politico (February 19) reported that the US Congress is considering legislation allowing the government to screen American investments in China and other adversarial nations — and potentially deny them if a project threatens national security. At the same time, the White House is talking about issuing executive orders to increase scrutiny of American funding for Chinese start-ups and technology firms, expanding a ban that today only exists for a select group of firms aligned with the Chinese military. Supporters say they are necessary to stop American banks from funding China’s technological development and prevent U.S. supply chains from being reliant on Beijing for goods used in critical industries, like medicine, energy, and defense. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who is leading a bill with Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) said “We’re in an economic war, whether we want to use that language [or not]. I think it requires that we examine some issues that maybe 10 or 15 years ago we didn’t have to worry about.”

The Epoch Times (February 7) published an article pointing out that a growing number of biotech, genomics, and med-tech firms that have ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are operating in the United States, raising security concerns about American citizens’ medical and genetic data. The article listed several Chinese companies as examples: China’s Lepu Biopharma Co. 0pened its U.S. branch Innocube Bioscience, Inc. in Texas. Beijing’s sovereign wealth fund, the State Development, and Investment Corporation (SDIC), heavily invests in Lepu. BeiGene, a Chinese pharmaceutical and research firm located in San Mateo, California, conducts research on targeted molecular agents related to gene sequencing. The company’s research center in China has received significant local government funding. The PLA-linked BGI Group purchased Complete Genomics, a California-based company that holds the genetic information of U.S. citizens. Several of China’s sovereign wealth funds have invested in the company. The Chinese firm WuXi Pharma Tech acquired U.S. genomic information company NextCODE Health in 2015. Also In 2015, IuXi Biologics, bought a stake in an American DNA testing company, andMe. WuXi Biologics now has locations in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Its drug plant in Delaware was built with a Chinese government grant. WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXi ATU) announced the opening of a cell and gene therapy testing facility in the Philadelphia Navy Yard in November 2021. The article also said that U.S. money has aided the CCP’s infiltration of the U.S. bio and medical industries. Last month, Chinese firm Andon Health Co. received a $1.28 billion contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command to supply COVID-19 self-test kits. A subsidiary of Andon, iHealth Labs, signed a contract with the New York State Department of Health in December for $120 million worth of self-test kits

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang chaired a meeting of the State Council Standing Committee on February 14. Xinhua reported that the State Council had accepted more than 4,300 suggestions from the NPC, which submitted 8,666 proposals and the CPPCC, which submitted 5,718 proposals in 2021, and issued 1,600 policies and measures. The State Council discussed NPC and CPPCC deputies' proposals and the employment situation and concluded that the "stable recovery of industry" is not solid

The 1st volume of a new book of "Xi Jinping's Collected Letters" has been published. The book includes a letter written in 2014 to the villagers of Liangjiahe in Shaanxi province, where Xi spent the Cultural Revolution years. (Comment: The title implies more volumes to come.)

CCTV (February 14) announced that the State Council recently issued the "14th Five-Year Plan" National Emergency Response System Plan, which comprehensively deploys work safety, disaster prevention, mitigation and relief during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period. The "Plan" proposes that by 2025, significant progress will be made in the modernization of the emergency management system and capabilities

The People's Daily (February 16) published its second commentary of a series entitled "Ten Clarifications" - The road of socialism with Chinese characteristics is getting wider and wider". The commentaries highlight "the new leap" in the Sinicization of Marxism and Xi Jinping's leadership. The People's Daily commentaries are being reproduced in all major newspapers of China. Its third commentary on the "10 clears", published on February 16 is a refresher from the Party History Resolution and the fourth published on February 17 similarly clarifies the 4th of Xi Jinping's Thoughts on Party History.

The CDIC official website announced on February 17 that Zhao Ming, the 1975-born former Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of Tibet Communications Development Group, had been expelled from the CCP among other things for "illegally setting up and using an "off book accounts""

he Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) newspaper, CDIC Daily (February 14) published an important article on the "Regulations on the Reporting of Personal Matters by Leading Cadres", highlighting the importance of leading cadres "disclosing personal matters". It reminded Party members and cadres that "whether or not to report personal matters to the party organization truthfully is the touchstone to test whether the leading cadres are loyal and honest to the party." It mentioned that 2021 was the first year of institutionalization of the "sweep away black and eliminate evil" campaign and that since the beginning of 2022, 3 leading cadres are already under investigation for failing to do this. It also listed 9,931 cases of corruption and "protection umbrella" (where officials protect criminals) issues and dealt with other issues related to "gangsterism". A number of provincial cadres were mentioned. The article cautioned cadres to voluntarily disclose their dealings in real estate, stock investment, running businesses, and going abroad as "In the era of big data, there are advanced technological means, and the traces of your crime will never be erased. The organization is very insightful and very clear about all this. So, you want to be clever and be smart, but you will be punished. A stupid thing that is clever and wrong is actually stealing the bell." It asserted that the instructions include their "marriage, spouse, children emigration, employment, income, real estate, investment and other matters".

A 40,000-Chinese character monograph titled ‘An Objective Evaluation of Xi Jinping’ (客觀 評價習近平 ) authored by Chinese writing under the pseudonym ‘Fang Zhou & China’ (方舟 與中國 - literally ‘China & Its Ark’) was released in late January and is the first public salvo of criticism in China in 2022. Commentators in the independent Chinese media quickly pointed out that Fang Zhou’s damning round-up was released on the eve of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, an event staged in part as a celebration of Xi Jinping. A translation of the article, or monograph, by Geremie R. Barme reveals that it severely castigated Xi Jinping and his performance in a number of areas. It asserted: "Xi will be the architect of his own defeat. His style of governance is simply unsustainable; it will generate ever newer and greater policy missteps. That he has been able to get this far is a testament both to Xi’s obduracy and also his inertia, a kind of helplessness fuelled by the fact that he will not back down on any front. The truth of the matter is that he has never really been bolstered by sincerely held core beliefs; he is sustained by his political instincts. Some people in the Party have his measure. They make a show of total compliance and they even encourage his wilfulness. They commandeer access to him and have proved masterful at putting the best face on the consequences of his political follies. In reality, they are guiding him towards an impossible predicament while letting all the frustrations and fury that his policies create focus on him and him alone. When the time comes, he will bear sole responsibility for the quagmire at the heart of China’s cyclical authoritarian politics". The article says in conclusion: "Even if by some remarkable sleight of hand, he manages to secure another term in office he will still be faced by a landscape riven by problems and an inevitable rout in the year 2027. He’s caught up in a monomaniacal fantasy that realworld politics can actually be based upon the kind of abstract ideal that he holds dear. His circumstances are not all that different from those experienced by Yuan Shikai, whose autocratic mindset and imperial ambitions were frustrated by the reality of the times. Well may Xi Jinping inwardly regard himself as the greatest ruler in all of Chinese history but, sooner or later, he will learn that this is a chimera. The chasm between Xi Jinping’s hubristic self-belief and stark reality is his Achilles heel. Xi Jinping may well end up as a lonely figure; his comeuppance is unavoidable". (Comment: I am attempting a detailed translation and a summary will follow separately.)

China Education Daily (February 15) runs two articles on the building of world class universities and their new mission and requirements. It emphasises that they have a "New orientation, new mission, and new requirements" in higher education. The article highlighted that "the person in charge said that first, the party's leadership over colleges and universities has been comprehensively strengthened, and second, the building (construction) of high-level teachers has made significant progress. The third is to continuously improve the ability to cultivate high-level talents to serve the needs of the country; the fourth is to further improve the ability to serve the country's scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement; the fifth is to fully demonstrate the role of the main force in philosophy and social sciences; Continue to improve, and eighth is to demonstrate and drive the new development of regional higher education". The Education Daily said there are 147 universities in the list announced this time, and 7 new universities including Shanxi University, Nanjing Medical University, Xiangtan University, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Medical University, Southern University of Science and Technology, and Shanghai University of Science and Technology have been added. Among the disciplines, there are 59 basic disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, 180 engineering disciplines, and 92 philosophy and social science disciplines. The disciplines independently set up by Peking University and Tsinghua University have been announced by themselves. The South China Morning Post (February 16) clarified that “The aim is for more Chinese institutions and specialisms to rank among the world’s best by 2030, and the country to be a global education power by 2035”

Supreme People's Court Chief Justice Zhou Qiang met China Mobile CEO Yang Jie, to discuss about smart courts and informatization and digitization, smart "trial" and "office". He promised to push for further integration. Separately, the CDIC Daily (February 15) published the 33rd batch of Supreme People's Procuratorate Guiding Cases which revealed that "11,150 cases were filed and 14,217 people were punished in 53 centrally management enterprises, an increase of 27.1% and 20.8% compared with 2020".

Tianjin starts its "two meetings" after a delay due to COVID-19. The Tianjin Daily (February 11) reported on the fifth meeting of the 14th Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) that opened in the Tianjin Auditorium on February 11. Tianjin Party Secretary Li Hongzhong, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Liao Guoxun, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, and Duan Chunhua, Director of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress attended. Sheng Maolin, Chairman of the CPPCC, presented the work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the 14th Tianjin Committee of the CPPCC. Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Cao Xiaohong, Gao Yubao, Shang Binyi, Zhao Zhonghua, Zhang Jinying, Qi Chengxi, Wang Jianguo and Secretary-General Gao Xuezhong were seated in the front row of the rostrum. Li Changjin, vice chairman of the CPPCC, was entrusted by the Standing Committee of the CPPCC to make a report on the proposal work since the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC. Li Shaohong, vice chairman of the CPPCC, presided over the meeting. 583 members of the total 704 members attended the fifth meeting of the 14th CPPCC.

The Chongqing Daily (February 12) On February 11, the sixth working meeting of the Municipal People's Congress was held. Chen Miner, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He emphasized that it is necessary to conscientiously study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on adhering to and improving the system of the people's congress, effectively strengthen the party's overall leadership over the work of the people's congress, further strengthen and improve the work of the people's congress in our city in the new era, and continuously develop people's democracy throughout the process. Vigorously promote the construction of socialist democratic politics, provide a strong guarantee for Chongqing to write a new chapter of highquality development and high-quality life, and comprehensively build socialist modernization. He added it is necessary to fully implement the Constitution, safeguard its authority and dignity, strictly abide by, and implement it, and strengthen the supervision of the Constitution. Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor Hu Henghua presided over the meeting, Zhang Xuan, Director of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress, delivered a speech, Wang Jiong, Chairman of the CPPCC, Wu Cunrong, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, and relevant municipal leaders attended the meeting. (Comment: Chen Min'er's speech included 5 references to Xi Jinping.)

Reuters (February 16) cited a report (February 16) by the Swiss Bank, UBS (UBSG.S), which said China's drive for "common prosperity" to ease inequality could be a positive catalyst for the local wealth management industry, as it leads to expansion of the middle-income group and healthy development of capital markets. The UBS also said the wealth management market in China could hit 214 trillion yuan ($34 trillion) in investable assets by high net worth individuals in 2030. Stating that the "Common prosperity" policy drive by President Xi Jinping has sparked some concerns as Beijing the UBS report said concerns about policy uncertainties amid Beijing's "aim to 'reasonably regulate and adjust excessively high income'" could boost demand for geographic diversification and offshore asset allocation by high net worth individuals. Reuters mentioned that the number of high net worth individuals in China has jumped from 0.3 million in 2008 to 2.6 million in 2020, adding the growth was still the primary driver for the rise in overall investable assets.

A major Guangming Daily (February 15) article on the digital economy and common prosperity asserted that the tenth meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Commission in August 2021 made comprehensive and specific arrangements for common prosperity, and the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2021 stipulated further "clear requirements for the guiding ideology and practice path of common prosperity". It said the two cannot be separated and "the digital economy will not alleviate but exacerbate the income distribution gap", and advocated introduction of a "digital tax" to help with that. It called for speeding up the establishment of an income distribution system and added that "Preventing and defusing major financial risks, especially preventing the occurrence of systemic financial risks, is the core task of financial work and the eternal theme of financial work".

The South China Morning Post (February 14) reported that China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced on February 11 that China is rolling out support for a record 10.76 million college students poised to graduate this year. It said the government will offer special help to young entrepreneurs as “starting a new business has a multiplier effect in driving up employment”. The NDRC statement said: “In recent years, more college graduates have taken part in entrepreneurship, but they also face difficulties in financing, lack of experiences and services among other [issues]. The exemplary activities this year will revolve around the promotion of college graduates’ entrepreneurial practices and employment opportunities.” The list of preferential policies includes free, government-funded start-up incubators, special loans with reduced interest rates, fee, and tax cuts, as well as the possibility for college students to retain school credits while taking years off to start a business. The assistance does not include those who graduated from overseas universities and are returning home.

The Epoch Times (February 4) reported that Chinese companies listed on China’s stock markets – either the Shanghai stock exchange or the Shenzhen stock exchange – are required to report their profits and losses from 2021 by the end of January. Thus, many companies with big losses submitted their information on January 28, the last trading day in January. Suning.com Co had the largest loss, around 43.3 billion yuan (US $6.8 billion), more than the company’s market cap of 36.4 billion yuan. The company was on the Fortune 500 list in August 2021 and ranked number one among the Chinese retail companies. The second largest loss was from China Fortune Land Development, a real estate developer, with an estimated loss of 33.1 to 39.1 billion yuan. Caixin reported that, by January 29, out of the 66 real estate companies which published their 2021 performance information, 30 reported a loss.

An article in China's Economic Daily (February 11) said that from only 17 trains in 2011, now the China-Europe freight train has transported more than 4.55 million TEUs of goods with a value of US$ 240 billion, and has 78 paved and operated lines, reaching 180 cities in 23 European countries. It said despite the impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, ChinaEurope freight trains have continued to grow and the number of trains has exceeded 10,000 for two consecutive years, once again confirming the strong vitality and appeal of the "Belt and Road". It added that in 2021, the total value of imports and exports between China and the EU will reach US$ 828.11 billion, a year-on-year increase of 27.5%, continuing to remain the EU's largest trading partner and in Duisburg, Germany, for example, the China Railway Express has attracted hundreds of logistics companies creating more than 20,000 employment opportunities.

The Financial Times (February 11) said that China’s biggest chipmaker may lack leading-edge technology and be under the yoke of strict US sanctions, but Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC)'s record sales last year hint at what to expect this year. Profit from operations quadrupled to $1.4bn in 2021 over the year as its top line rose 39 per cent to a record $5.4bn.

Reuters (February 11) reported that China's National Energy Administration (NEA) guidelines published late on February 10 said that new policies and institutional mechanisms were required in order for China to take full advantage of green energy. It said by 2030, China would create a system allowing all new energy demand to be met by non-fossil fuel sources, “Beijing aims to bring total wind and solar capacity to 1,200 gigawatts (GW) by the end of 2030, almost double the current level, and will gradually phase down fossil fuel use in a bid to become carbon neutral by around 2060”. It said China would make clean coal consumption a priority and further eliminate small and inefficient mines, power plants and heating systems, while providing more support for carbon capture and storage at thermal plants and that "China's new renewable energy plans will focus on the Gobi and other desert regions, as it speeds up the construction of huge new wind and solar power bases and boosts its transmission capabilities".

Al Jazeera disclosed (February 11) that an 870-page report of the UN, titled Application of International Labour Standards, which is an assessment by the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, sent to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and to governments, alleged that China continues to engage in widespread and systematic “programmes” involving the extensive use of forced labour of the Uighur and other Turkic and Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. It said a key feature of China’s programme is the use of forced labour in or around internment or “re-education” camps housing some 1.8 million Uighur and other Turkic or Muslim peoples in the region. The abuses take place in or around prisons and workplaces across Xinjiang and other parts of the country. Life in “re-education centres” or camps is characterised by extraordinary hardship, lack of freedom of movement, and physical and psychological torture, according to the ITUC. It also alleges prison labour in cotton harvesting and the manufacture of clothing and footwear. It said outside Xinjiang, Uighur workers live and work in segregation, are required to attend Mandarin classes and are prevented from practising their culture or religion. The Chinese government rebutted the ITUC findings, stressing that language training for ethnic minority workers in Xinjiang is necessary to increase their language skills and boost their employability and that the minimum wage system applies across the country. The claims that wages of some migrant workers in Xinjiang are as low as $114 (approximately 729 yuan) per month are groundless. However, Beijing pledged to take steps to strengthen the inspection of employer compliance with minimum wage provisions and call on employers to respect the minimum wage standards. It stressed that China has policies ensuring freedom of religion and actively guides religions to adapt to the socialist society, the government said.

The Beijing-owned Hongkong-based Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung Pao newspapers reported (February 16), without saying where they got the information, that Chinese President Xi Jinping had ordered Vice Premier Han Zheng, who heads the Communist Party committee responsible for Hong Kong: “Hong Kong’s government must take up the main responsibility to stabilize and control the pandemic as soon as possible as a mission that overrides everything, mobilize all available forces and resource and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of Hong Kong’s citizens and the stability of Hong Kong’s society.”

The Global Times (February 16) reported that Taiwan's defense authorities had confirmed on February 15 that a Chinese mainland civilian aircraft recently approached Dongyin Island and that the "Taiwan side speculated that the Chinese mainland was testing Taiwan's response measures". The aircraft that was spotted near Dongyin on February 5 was a Chinese mainland civilian Y-12 light twin-engine aircraft. It said that Chinese mainland experts, however, said on February 16 that the incident only exposed the Taiwan military's weak air defense capability, and warned that such a flight could become routine or even expand to include larger areas if Taiwan secessionists continue to provoke

China's PLA Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) at 9:18 on February 6 at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The Freedom Times (February 6) quoting the records of the Southwest Taiwan Airspace Facebook fan page, claimed that Chinese military aircraft have entered Taiwan's airspace on 3 days this month and 29 days in 2022. Taiwan's defense department announced that the PLA military aircraft entered Taiwan's airspace for a total of 26 days in 2022, with 146 sorties

The South China Morning Post (February 12) disclosed that a WeChat post by the Chinese Embassy on February 11, urges citizens to ‘enhance defensive awareness’ of changing situation, but that its focus appears to be on Covid-19, even as the US and others urge nationals to evacuate immediately over Russian invasion fears. The Chinese embassy’s notice added “The current tense situation between Ukraine and Russia has aroused wide concerns, and various statements have emerged, which are not consistent with each other.”

China has taken a 15-year extension of its leasing rights on a gold and copper mine project in restive Balochistan province. A 15-year extension of the lease between Saindak Metals Limited (SML) of Pakistan and the Metrological Construction Company of China (MCC) for the Saindak Copper-Gold Project was cleared by the Pakistan cabinet on February 9. The lease contract had been valid until October 31, 2022, but it now expires in 2037.

The Times (February 17) reported that record numbers of students from China have applied to study in the UK, with applicants from the country now outnumbering those from Wales. The latest data from Ucas (University admissions service) shows a 12 per cent increase in Chinese applicants to 28,930, making it the second largest overseas market for British universities after the European Union. There were 26,000 applicants last year and 6,900 in 2013. The number from India has also risen.

Members of the British House of Commons on February 10 unanimously voted for a motion to enhance security cooperation with Taiwan and support its bid for international recognition following discussions over UK-Taiwan friendship and cooperation presided over by MPs Alicia Kearns and Bob Steward — who are cochairs of the China Research Group and BritishTaiwanese All-Party Parliamentary Group respectively.

The state-run CCTV (February 16) disclosed that President Xi Jinping had a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on the afternoon of February 16 when Macron extended Chinese New Year greetings and said, "The French side has always supported and will continue to fully support the Beijing Winter Olympics". Xi Jinping emphasized that in 2021, "we will 14 have two phone calls and two jointly attend the China-France-Germany Leaders' Video Summit to actively promote the development of bilateral relations" He mentioned that last year, the bilateral trade volume exceeded 80 billion US dollars and the total amount of Chinese agricultural products imported from France increased by 40% year-on-year. Xi Jinping pointed out that since France took over the rotating presidency of the EU this year, it has done a lot to enhance EU unity and strengthen European strategic autonomy and said China and the EU should make joint efforts to promote new development of China-EU relations. It said the two heads of state reached a number of important consensuses on bilateral cooperation in the next stage: 1. Promote cooperation in agricultural science and technology and local advantageous agricultural industries as soon as possible. China welcomes more French agri-food enterprises that meet China's requirements to register in China. 2. Deepen the Sino-French "Green Manufacturing Partnership" initiative and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for each other's enterprises to develop in their own countries. 3. Support more French banks and financial infrastructure to access the RMB cross-border payment system. The Chinese side will actively examine and approve the financial qualification applications of French-funded banks in accordance with relevant procedures and standards. 4. Support the aviation enterprises of the two countries to deepen cooperation in various forms and promote the mutual airworthiness certification of aircraft. 5. Accelerate the implementation of the list of the fourth batch of demonstration projects for third-party market cooperation. 6. Hold the China-France strategic dialogue space group meetings and online group meetings as soon as possible, carry out polar and maritime dialogues, and strengthen dialogues and exchanges between the two militaries at all levels. Macron introduced his views on the current situation in Ukraine. Xi Jinping stressed that all parties concerned should adhere to the general direction of political settlement, make full use of multilateral platforms including the Normandy mechanism, and seek a comprehensive solution to the Ukraine issue through dialogue and consultation. They also exchanged views on other issues of mutual concern.

The Chollima Report disclosed on February 15 that China and France have signed a US$ 1.7 billion cooperation agreement to work on seven projects in "third party countries" covering infrastructure, environmental protection, new energy, and others.

A People's Daily 'He Yin' commentary (February 5) highlighted the recent meeting between Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 4 in Beijing. Noting that this meeting was the 38th meeting between the two leaders since 2013 it described the meeting as “a vivid portrayal of the solidarity and cooperation between China and Russia.” It asserted that the two leaders have “established a profound friendship” which has led China-Russia relations to “usher in the best period in [the bilateral relationship’s] history.” It added that the two sides “firmly support each other in safeguarding their core interests,” have “jointly practiced true multilateralism,” “safeguarded the true spirit of democracy,” and “played a pivotal role in uniting the international community to overcome difficulties and safeguard international fairness and justice.” The People's Daily commentary also said that Xi Jinping focused on the long-term development of bilateral relations between China and Russia in the new era, strongly supporting each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security, and development interests,” and “effectively responding to external interference and regional security threats”.

The CDIC Daily (February 14) publicised a report on the website of Russia's "Viewpoint" on February 10, which stated that Russia has overcome the crisis in academia after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, curbed the momentum of brain drain, and created a strong attraction for the return of scholars. conditions of. It said according to the latest poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, "71% of respondents believe that Russian scientists are the best in the world, and 20% disagree. 69% do not support that Russia will never catch up with developed countries in the field of science and technology. 25% agree with this 16 view. “It also quoted Alexander Majuga, Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Committee for Science and Higher Education, as pointing out that the poll results are a true reflection of the status quo: the prestige of scientific research work is increasing, and Russian science is "younger year after year. change". He emphasized: "There are nearly 340,000 people in Russia now engaged in scientific research, and about 100,000 people under the age of 39. In 2010, the number was only about 60,000."

The Guardian (February 15) revealed that “last year Australia’s sovereign wealth fund had invested $4.9m in five subsidiaries of the Chinese arms conglomerate Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)”.

People's Daily (February 7) reproduced a Xinhua article on the contribution of Xi Jinping Thought to the world captioned 'The strong voice of the times that stirs all continents——A Commentary on the Worldwide Contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a banquet at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at noon on February 5 to "welcome international distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics". Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan waved to the international distinguished guests and took a group photo together. Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan later walked into the Golden Hall with the guests to the welcome song "Peace - A Community of Shared Future". Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the banquet when he said, "We should keep in mind the original intention of the Olympic Movement, jointly safeguard world peace, adhere to mutual respect and treat each other as equals, and jointly build a world of lasting peace". Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, and Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also delivered speeches. Wang Huning, Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Sun Chunlan, Yang Jiechi, Cai Qi, Wang Yi and others attended the event.

China's official media published photographs and reports on Chinese President Xi Jinping's meetings with the foreign visitors. His meeting with the UN Secretary General was specifically reported as was his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Xi Jinping told him “China and Egypt share similar visions and strategies in defending their own interests”. The People's Daily, Beijing Daily, Guangming Daily, CDIC 2 Daily and PLA Daily prominently published reports and photographs of Xi Jinping on their front page and page 3. The People's Daily published a photograph and report on Peng Liyuan on page 3 while it published a photograph of Politburo Standing Committee Members Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, and Wang Yang on page 4. Peng Liyuan met with María de Lourdes Alcívar, the wife of the President of Ecuador. The People's daily, Beijing Daily, CDIC Daily, PLA Daily, Guangming Daily and the Economic Daily published photographs of Chinese President Xi Jinping and detailed reports of his meetings on their front pages. However, others published only detailed reports of Xi Jinping's meetings without any photographs and usually as one composite article under one headline. These were the Dalian Daily, Guangzhou Daily, Henan Daily, Zhejiang Daily, Sichuan Daily, Guizhou Daily Tianjin Daily, Xinjiang Daily and the Chongqing Daily.

'Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a message to General Secretary Xi Jinping, saying that the Beijing Winter Olympics is a great year for the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and embark on a new journey towards the second centenary goal. It is another huge victory under the unprecedented severe epidemic background.'

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met the Presidents of Singapore and Ecuador, the Prime Ministers of PMs of Pakistan, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the WHO Director-General and WIPO Director General among others on February 5.

CPPCC Chairman and PBSC member Wang Yang met the former chairperson of the Kuomintang Hung Hsiu-chu on February 5. Wang Yang said: "On the basis of the one-China principle and the "1992 Consensus", we are willing to conduct extensive and in-depth dialogue, communication and democratic consultation with all parties, groups and people in Taiwan on issues related to cross-strait relations." He also said, "Compatriots on both sides of the strait should work together and move forward in unity, resolutely oppose the "Taiwan independence" split and external interference, promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and jointly create a bright future for the Chinese nation"

Xinhua (February 4) reported that Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Vivian, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Meledov on February 4 in Beijing.

Interviewing Tajikistan President Rahmon in Dushanbe the People's Daily (February 4) quoted him saying on February 2 that "The Beijing Winter Olympics will not only be the largest and most unique Winter Olympics, but also one of the most spectatorial winter sports events in recent years." He added "I am very glad that Beijing is about to become the first 'Double Olympic City' in the world that has hosted both the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics, which demonstrates China's great strength and the remarkable achievements of the Chinese people" and that the cooperation between Tajikistan and China in building the 'Belt and Road' has broad prospects. Rahmon sent Spring Festival blessings to the Chinese people: "I wish a friendly China prosperous and prosperous, the Chinese people are happy and healthy, and I wish the Beijing Winter Olympics a complete success!"

A People's Daily (February 8) editorial/commentary said 'the socialist market economy is essentially a lawbased economy, and must be based on the protection of property rights, the maintenance of contracts, a unified market, equal exchange, fair competition, and effective supervision. Capital activities must be carried out in accordance with the law.

An article in the Zhejiang Daily (February 7) calls for provincial mobilization in 2022 to achieve and master common prosperity. The article listed a number of cities were common prosperity. The Zhejiang Daily has published three commentaries on common prosperity since February 7. Zhejiang Daily (February 10) published a report on its 'education and rectification' drive in Zhejiang province. It disclosed that in the first batch the province registered a total of 937 cases, 762 people were punished by party discipline and government affairs, 62 people were detained, and 1,175 political and legal police officers took the initiative to explain the problem to the organization. The second batch of education and rectification dealt with 64 provincial-level political and legal police officers who violated discipline and law, and 29 political and legal police officers voluntarily surrendered. Asserting its "zero tolerance" policy and that it has not distinguished between high and low, it disclosed that among those punished were: Jiang Xunbo, Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, Zhu Guozhen, former Secretary of the Party Committee and Captain of the High-speed Traffic Police Corps of the Provincial Public Security Department, Qiu Maojin, former Director and First-Class Investigator of the Comprehensive Enforcement Division of the Provincial Court, Shen Chugeng, former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Deputy Director of Jiaxing Public Security Bureau, etc.

Chongqing Party Secretary and Politburo member Chen Yixin, in his speech at the work conference (February 10), where the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress Work Report was released spoke on party conduct and clean government held by the CPLC, studying, and implementing Xi Jinping's strategic thought on self-revolution, continuously deepening the vivid practice of the party's self-revolution in the field of politics and law, and implementing Xi Jinping's thought on self-revolution. He also stated, "Thoroughly and thoroughly clean up the evil influence of Sun Zhengcai and the evil influence of Bo Xilai and Wang Lijun, and purge the evil influence of Deng Huilin."

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced (February 7) that Fan Xiuliao, former member of the Party Committee and Vice President of the Guangdong Police Officers College has been expelled from the Party and his case has been transferred to prosecutors for, among other things, illegally interfering in law enforcement activities. Similarly, it announced (February 7) that 1959-born Yang Xiaoping, former Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Kunming Central Branch of the People's Bank of China, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and is currently under disciplinary review and monitoring investigations.

The CDIC Daily (February 7) reported that on the first day of the Lunar New Year on February 1, a discipline inspection team in Xiamen started visiting hotels and restaurants over the Spring Festival to check whether officials had been illegally using public funds to eat and drink. As of February 6, cadres from 17 townships (streets) discipline (work) committees in the district have visited more than 1,320 people and collected 478 pieces of public opinion on integrity.

A report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released late last month said China’s shift towards joint operations in space, cyberspace, and nuclear technology point to a “proactive defence” strategy that could include a pre-emptive strike. The report said, “Changes to China’s postures and technologies indicate that its concept and practice of ‘active defence’ may be converging with more forwardleaning and even pre-emptive ‘proactive defence’.” It added that “One key potentially destabilising outcome is that the US response to China’s shifts in posture and technologies could trigger an escalatory spiral of both arms races and crises that cut across space, cyberspace and nuclear domains.” The report said China might increasingly employ space, cyberspace and nuclear strategies that were more like those of the US and Russia, which could undermine global security. It said China’s defences had been accelerated by President Xi Jinping’s proactive leadership style, China’s economic growth, and military and political pressure from the US. The South China Morning Post (February 6) said this more aggressive strategy could destabilise regional security as China gains strength but its similarities with the approaches taken by the United States and Russia could help the three powers better understand each other, and eventually encourage conflict prevention and crisis management talks. It cited Chinese military experts who said the People’s Liberation Army was still aiming to deter rather than take a pre-emptive strike. Hongkong-based former PLA officer Song Zhongping said “China’s actions have been for ‘defensive purposes’, meaning that the PLA will only fight back once someone else fires the first shot”. “The military should not only be able to strike back, but also fully paralyse the enemy’s ability to cause further harm. “In Chinese, the concepts of ‘active defence’ and ‘proactive defence’ are the same, with the latter highlighting more combat-ready preparation.” Zhou Chenming, a Researcher from the Yuan Wang Military Science and Technology Institute in Beijing, said China would not change its policy of “not firing the first shot” in any arena. “China’s missiles, including the DF-21 carrierkiller 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.” “The PLA will not take pre-emptive strikes in peacetime.”

Australia's Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade recommended that the Australian Government work with other CPTPP members to encourage China to re-establish full trading relations including ending its coercive trade measures and reengaging in ministerial dialogue, and to demonstrate an ability and willingness to commit to the CPTPP’s high standards, prior to supporting the commencement of an accession process. It also called for the government to back Taiwan’s bid to join one of the world’s biggest trade agreements, and block consideration of China’s membership until it ends its coercive trade measures and re-establishes ministerial dialogue with Australia.

China has ramped up flight cancellations under its zero-COVID strategy, wreaking further havoc on an airline industry already smarting from the pandemic. 2021 saw a total of 603 flights grounded under these measures. In the new year alone, 198 flights were suspended through Jan. 13, reaching almost a third of last year's numbers in just two weeks. Han Guangzu, Director General of the flight standards department at the Civil Aviation Administration of China, told reporters in January 15, "We're determined to prevent an influx from overseas as well as a domestic rebound" in the number of cases. The uptick in circuit breakers comes in response to the spread of the omicron variant. There had been 408 international arrivals and departures per week scheduled between late October 2021 and late March 2022. January's circuit breakers led to a quarter of these being cancelled during the first two weeks of the year. This year, China Southern Airlines was forced to suspend flights to Toronto, Canada, while China Eastern Airlines put flights to Paris on hold. Flights by American Airlines and Germany's Lufthansa have been subject to similar restrictions. But Chinese airlines operating internationally have taken the brunt of the crackdown. Chinese carriers account for 56% of the international flights planned for about half a year through late March, giving them more exposure to the circuit breakers. At China's three biggest carriers, international flights, including those to Hong Kong and Macao, made up less than 1% of their passenger volume -- a big drop from the pre-coronavirus 17%.

In recent months Beijing has sought to tighten controls on 'big business' and imprisoned or detained a number of China's billionaire businessmen regardless of whether they are CCP members. Among them, those identified by Bloomberg (February 8) are Xiao Jianhua, the onetime tycoon, who owned the Tomorrow Group which had interests spanning banking, insurance, real estate, and mining. The government has since taken over a total of 10 companies linked to Xiao. They include Baoshang Bank Co., the first lender to go bankrupt in China in two decades; Xiaohui Wu who headed the Anbang Insurance Group disappeared from public view in 2017, before being ultimately sentenced to 18 years in prison on fraud and corruption charges; Wang Chaoyong, a former investment banker for Morgan Stanley who heads China Equity Group, a private equity firm. In December the Caixin news site reported that he hadn’t been seen in public for two weeks and was the subject of an investigation into financial misconduct. In early January he was released on bail.; Huang Guangyu, founder of retailer Gome Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd., was detained in 2008.; Yang Zhihui, billionaire owner of casino company Landing International Development Ltd. was 8 spirited away in In August 2018. The Board disclosed three months later, with a cryptic announcement, that Yang Zhihui had resumed his duties after “assisting the relevant department of the People’s Republic of China with its investigation.”; Most publicised was the case of billionaire Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba.com., who since 2020 stepped out of the limelight, his shares took a beating, and at one point he was reported playing golf on China’s Hainan Island.; Chu Lam Yiu, the CEO of e-cigarette maker Huabao International Holdings Ltd. and its -controlling shareholder, was under an investigation that involved “suspected disciplinary violations.” (Comment: A civil liberties group based in Madrid, Safeguard Defenders, estimated that each year an estimated 30,000 people in China are secretly detained, often without public charges or access to lawyers.)

The Economic Daily (February 4) claimed that in 2021, 12.69 million new jobs were created in cities and towns, an increase of 830,000 over the previous year and exceeding the annual target. It said the employment situation remained generally stable in the first year of the "14th Five-Year Plan", but that in 2021, the total employment pressure would increase. Data from the China Labor Statistics Yearbook shows that China's manufacturing employment population has continued to decline since 2013, with a decrease of more than 10 million people in the past five years. It said "The evolution of the production model characterized by "machine substitution" has also accelerated the structural contradiction of employment. However, China's manufacturing industry, which is in a period of high-quality development, has also spawned "technology for good". The Economic Times added that China's "population employed in manufacturing declined since 2013, with a decrease of over 10 million people in the past five years" partially because factories were using machines to replace people

Xiao Kaiti Yiming, Director of the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region People's Congress, presented the Work Report of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region on January 24, 2022, at the fifth meeting of the 13th People's Congress of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Report was published by Xinjiang Daily on February 8. The Report mentioned 'stability' 20 times, 'Xi Jinping' 22 times and development 32 times. "Two establishments" was used twice as to enhance "four consciousness", strengthen "four self-confidence", achieve "two maintenance", defend "two establishments" .

Radio Free Asia (RFA-Feb 2) said that Chinese authorities in Sichuan province have arrested three Tibetan Buddhists who they claim were in possession of “politically sensitive information” as they returned from a pilgrimage. Citing Tibetan sources in exile, RFA said the three Tibetans named Asang, Dodra, and Nortso were interrogated by police on January 10 while traveling home to Chamdo prefecture's Dakyab township from the sprawling Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Academy in Sichuan’s Serta (in Chinese, Seda) county and later arrested. These sources said “Their cellphones were examined by police in Drago (Luhuo) county in the Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and all three of them were arrested for ‘possessing politically sensitive information and pictures’. They were handed over to police in Chamdo and are currently held at the Chamdo Police Station.” A second Tibetan in exile, who also declined to be named, told RFA that the content on their phones was related to the destruction late last month of a three-story statue of Maitreya Buddha at Gaden Namyal Ling monastery in Drago. He said “They were interrogated by the police in Drago when they were arrested. The police looked into all the group chat apps on their cellphones and charged them for keeping videos and pictures of the recent destruction of the Buddhist statue in Drago and also using those images as their screensaver wallpaper.”

The China-owned Hongkong-based "Ta Kung Pao" on February 8 criticised the University Grants Commission (UGC) Research and Development Bureau for still granting 5.86 million yuan in research funding to the "Hong Kong independence" activist Fang Zhiheng, despite earlier objections by the Audit Commission. It noted that the RGC has been accused of being a "cash machine" for anti-China scholars who have disrupted Hong Kong and whose "so-called research provided pseudo-academic theories and brainwashing mobilization for the subsequent social unrest". It quoted Liu Zhaojia, Vice President of the National Association for Hong Kong, and Macau Studies, who said that the social sciences and humanities in Hong Kong's higher education sector have long been "colonies" of the West, and their evaluation criteria can no longer be blindly followed by "ghosts", and must establish their own evaluation criteria and papers release channel.

On February 8, the Governments of Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States signed a memorandum protesting the raids on media outlets in Hongkong and urging that a stable and prosperous Hong Kong in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected should be in everybody’s interest. The statement urged Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities to respect freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, in line with the Basic Law and China’s obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The "People's Daily" (February 04, 2022) publicised the written interview given by Russian President Putin on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics to Shen Haixiong, director and editorin-chief of China Central Radio and Television. While the interview focussed mainly on sports, Putin did say that "China ranks first among Russia's trading partners. Despite the coronavirus restrictions, preliminary figures show that bilateral trade reached a record high of $140 billion last year." He added "China is our strategic partner on the international stage. On most issues on the global agenda, we are aligned or very close. We maintain close coordination within major multilateral organizations and mechanisms such as the United Nations, the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the East Asia Summit, which have a stabilizing effect on the current complex world situation". He said in conclusion "the concepts we have established in the Russia-China Treaty of GoodNeighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation have brought the partnership between our two countries to an unprecedented high level, with a qualitative change in its nature and scale, and for further joint efforts. to create the conditions".

Xinhua and CCTV (February 4) reported that on February 4, Chinese President Xi Jinping had an "had an in-depth and full exchange of views on Sino-Russian relations and a series of major issues concerning international strategic security and stability in a warm and friendly atmosphere" with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Stating that "the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, and human society has encountered many challenges and crises", Xi Jinping added that "China and Russia have adhered to their original aspirations and have always maintained their bilateral relations to move forward steadily. The two sides firmly support each other in safeguarding their core interests. Political and strategic mutual trust is increasingly consolidated, and bilateral trade volume has hit a new record high". He asserted that "China and Russia are committed to deepening back-to-back strategic cooperation and safeguarding international fairness and justice side by side. This is a strategic decision that has far-reaching influence on China, Russia and the world, and will not be shaken in the past, present and 11 future". He said they should continue to maintain close high-level exchanges, "strongly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, effectively respond to external interference and regional security threats, and maintain international strategic stability". Putin replied: "Russia-China relations are a model of international relations in the 21st century. The joint statement we issued today reflects the highly unanimous position of Russia and China on major international issues. The strategic nature of Russia-China relations is unprecedentedly prominent and has attracted worldwide attention. The deepening of comprehensive strategic coordination between Russia and China is conducive to the realization of the respective development of the two countries and the maintenance of the common interests of the two countries. It is also of great significance to safeguarding world strategic security and stability. The Russian side is willing to further intensify strategic communication and coordination with the Chinese side, firmly support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly uphold the core coordination role of the United Nations, firmly uphold international law and international fairness and justice, and promote the building of a more just and reasonable international order". Xinhua said during the meeting, the two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the current international and regional situation and major hotspot issues of mutual concern. After the talks, Xi Jinping held a banquet for Putin. The two sides issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on International Relations and Global Sustainable Development in the New Era" and signed a series of cooperation documents in key areas. Chinese officials including Ding Xuexiang, Director of the CCP CC General Office, senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, NDRC head He Lifeng, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng also attended the Xi-Putin meeting. (Comment: This was the first in-person meeting between the two in more than 2 years. At the meeting both were wearing closely matching ties! Besides Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, only Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan stayed at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, while other foreign dignitaries were accommodated in hotels.) The state-run CCTV (February 4) reported the 'China and Russia joint statement on international relations and global sustainable development in the new era' issued in Beijing on February 4. CCTV said: The statement pointed out that at present, the world is going through great changes, and the international community has a stronger voice for peace and sustainable development. A few international forces continue to stubbornly pursue unilateralism and harm the legitimate rights and interests of other countries. The international community will never accept this. - The two sides call on all countries to safeguard the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom for all mankind, defend the international system with the United Nations at the core 12 and the international order based on international law, practice genuine multilateralism, and achieve world peace and stability and sustainable development. - The two sides agreed that the people of all countries have the right to choose the form and method of democratic practice that suits their national conditions. Whether a country is democratic or not can only be judged by its people. - The two sides believe that development is the key to realizing the well-being of the people, and are willing to continue relevant work on advancing the global development initiative proposed by China. - The two sides reiterated that they firmly support each other's core interests and oppose external forces interfering in the internal affairs of the two countries and undermining the security and stability of the common surrounding areas of the two countries. - As world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, the two sides will uphold responsibility and morality, promote world multi-polarization and democratization of international relations, and work together to build a new type of international relations. - The Russian side spoke positively of China's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, believing that this concept will help strengthen the solidarity of the international community and work together to tackle common challenges. - Russia supports China in successfully hosting the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The People's Daily (February 5) published a commentary titled 'Inject more vitality into the development of Sino-Russian relations'. (Comment: The joint statement's language appears to be centred on the Chinese sphere of interests: the IndoPacific, Taiwan, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. The coordination between the CEE and BRI is of concern to China, but much less so to Russia. Ukraine is not explicitly mentioned. It makes no mention of mutual support in Russia’s tensions over Ukraine and China’s with Taiwan. It does, however, state: "The Russian side reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan". and in the following paragraph "Russia and China stand against attempts by external forces to undermine security and stability in their common adjacent regions, intend to counter interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of sovereign countries under any pretext, oppose colour revolutions, and will increase cooperation in the aforementioned areas". This could signal China's unease over the developments in Ukraine and limits of the growing Sino-Russia partnership.)

China's Weixin published (February 6) an interesting article described as assessing the Sino-Russian joint statement under banner of anti-hegemonic struggle: "China and Russia still have not formed a military alliance, but a strategic alliance has been established in fact". Titled 'China-Russia strategic alliance has reached a new level——Comment on the Sino-Russian Joint Statement for a New Era', the author, Zhang Zhikun, said "Like a thunderclap on the ground, the Chinese and Russian heads of state signed the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on International Relations and Global Sustainable Development in the New Era", which was issued at a critical moment in the global strategy. It is also a major strategic measure jointly adopted by China and Russia". He said, "from the perspective of China and Russia, the "New Year's Meeting" and the Joint Statement of the New Era by the heads of state of China and Russia mark a new level of strategic cooperation between China and Russia". Stating that the "Joint Statement made a clear statement on a series of major international strategic and political issues, directly naming the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and other relevant countries", it said therefore "this document comprehensively criticizes and denies the dominance and dominance of hegemony in terms of strategic logic, ideological value and action line, and can be called a joint declaration against hegemony". The article added "The joint targeting of third parties by China and Russia is an important sign that China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has reached a new level" and that "the author believes that under or after this joint statement, the military alliance between China and Russia will also be further strengthened", however, they have still "not formed a military alliance, but a strategic alliance has been established". He claimed the joint statement demonstrates to the world the common views on democracy, civilization, development, history and security of China and Russia, sounding a new clarion call for the struggle against hegemony in human society, which will definitely impact the world order dominated by hegemonic countries and the Western Cold War bloc". Contrary to arguments by the US and West that the outbreak of a war between Russia and Ukraine would not benefit China and would have a huge impact on the global economy and energy supply and that China should take advantage of the special relationship with Russia to exert influence in "some constructive way" and advise Russia not to resort to force, the article states that instead, "China and Russia are leaning even more closely". It claimed that "China and Russia have formed a firm strategic core and political backbone" giving "the vast number of countries in the middle zone" including the BRICS countries, the SCO International organizations, etc., various options for development laying the basis for "a worldwide peaceful united front" that will surely grow. Acknowledging that "the Sino-Russian Joint Statement for a New Era has a solid strategic foundation", it said a lot of work has still to be done such as "adjustment and follow-up of domestic and foreign policies, including currency settlement, technical exchanges, trade and investment and other specific issues”. It identified the need for the two countries to jointly oppose "all kinds of sabotage and interference" from, in particular, the "huge pro-American and pro-Western forces in both China and Russia", which are "deeply 14 rooted and powerful, and penetrates into all aspects of society, especially in the media and academic circles". It said, "The Sino-Russian Joint Statement for a New Era is a heavy blow to them" and that while "On the surface, they dare not oppose it", but they will resist it with practical actions. "When it comes to specific projects, they will do everything they can to interfere and destroy. This must not be underestimated". The author has always emphasized that the domestic struggle against hegemony is closely related to the international struggle against hegemony. In conclusion, it said with "the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on International Relations and Global Sustainable Development in the New Era", China-Russia strategic cooperation has reached a new level. On this stage, both China and Russia will make great achievements, providing reliable guarantee and support for global strategic stability and balance, and will strongly promote and promote the arrival of a new era of global strategy". (Comment: The commentary projects the Joint Statement as an ideological, diplomatic, economic, and military alternative to the US-dominated international order.)

Reuters reported (February 3) that Russia's Gazprom has agreed a 30-year contract to supply China's CNPC with natural gas from a new pipeline connecting Russia's Far East with China's northeast. An agreement was separately concluded for Russia to supply 100 million tons of oil to China over 5 years.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held a virtual meeting with He Lifeng, Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, on February 3 when he said "Pak-China strategic cooperative partnership is timetested and timeless." Xinhua (February 6) reported that he met Chinese President Xi Jinping on February 6 after which a 33-point joint statement was issued on February 7. The joint statement said, "The meetings were marked by traditional warmth, strategic mutual trust and commonality of views that characterize the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and that "Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded the role of CPC leadership with President Xi Jinping at its core for China's growth and prosperity and appreciated President Xi for his personal contribution to promoting the enduring Pakistan-China partnership". It said both "leaders reaffirmed that close strategic ties and deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China are time-tested and timeless" 15 with the Pakistan side underscoring "that Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy and that closest friendship with China enjoys the abiding support of the people of Pakistan. Both sides reiterated their support on issues concerning each other's core interests. The Pakistan side expressed its commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and security, as well as promoting its socio-economic development and prosperity". "Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored that as the flagship project of BRI, CPEC has significantly contributed to Pakistan's economic and social development" and both "agreed to task the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) to strengthen cooperation across all areas including in the fields of trade, infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture modernization, scientific and technological cooperation and socio-economic wellbeing of local people". The two sides also agreed to launch the China-Pakistan health, industry, trade, green and digital corridors while expressing "their strong determination to safeguard CPEC from all threats and negative propaganda. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to making all-out efforts for the security of all Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan and the Chinese side expressed its appreciation for the measures taken by Pakistan in this regard". Both sides agreed to continue the momentum in defence cooperation at various levels and "underscored that stronger defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and China was an important factor of peace and stability in the region". China recognized Pakistan's sacrifices and efforts in the fight against terrorism. Article 27 of the joint statement stated: "The Pakistan side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments on the situation in Jammu & Kashmir, including its concerns, position and pressing issues at the moment. The Chinese side reiterated that the Kashmir issue was a dispute left from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation". In response to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's invitation to visit Pakistan, the joint statement noted that it was agreed "to undertake the visit at a mutually convenient time". An article in Asia Times (February 10) disclosed that during his recent (February 3-6) visit Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan asked China for a US$ 9 billion bailout package comprised of financial support and the rollover of existing debts to prevent a possible default on external payments worth $8.6 billion that come due at the end of June. Khalid Mansoor, Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) who accompanied Imran Khan to Beijing, told media on February 7 that the Chinese leadership “took note” of the request while Khan was in Beijing but had not yet replied. He said China agreed to consider Pakistan’s request for a $4 billion debt rollover and additional financial support worth $5.5 billion by expanding an existing currency swap arrangement from $4.5 billion to $10 billion.

The state-run CCTV on February 6 televised a report on the meeting on February 6 between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun Erden at the Great Hall of the People.

An article posted on the popular Chinese portal NetEase (January 3) said that half a million people in Sri Lanka have been thrown into poverty since the outbreak, and rising costs have forced many to cut back on food. The country is now facing a deepening financial and humanitarian crisis, with fears it could go bankrupt in 2022 as inflation rises to record levels, food prices soar and state coffers dry up.

The Times (February 4) published a report stating that British universities have accepted £240 million from Chinese institutions, many with links to the military. It added that their joint research could help Beijing to build superweapons. The Times investigation found the number of research collaborations between scientists in the UK and Chinese institutes with deep connections to the country’s defence forces has tripled to more than 1,000 in six years. The university funding includes £60 million from sources now sanctioned by the US government for supplying the Chinese military with fighter jets, communications technology, and missiles. It said the academics have worked with professors from military-linked Chinese universities on sensitive “dual-use” research, involving technology that can be used for military aims as well as benign civilian purposes. They included drones, futuristic electromagnetic technology that can fire projectiles, cutting edge aerospace materials, radar, jamming equipment and high performance batteries. It reveals that Imperial College London has accepted £5 million in funding to research high-tech aerospace materials from three companies linked to the Chinese military that are sanctioned in the US. An engineer at Swansea has completed research on helicopter parts and advanced wing technology with engineers at two of China’s foremost military research universities. He had previously been an honorary professor at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China. The university said this work had been published in accessible international journals. The Times stated that there are 1069 academics in 2021 who are collaborating with Chinese entities. It also revealed that British Colleges/Universities had received large amounts of funds from Chinese entities and listed examples of: Imperial College London receiving GBP 54,573,978; University of Cambridge GBP 46,122, 029; University of Oxford GBP 24,078,126.06; University of Manchester GBP 19,760,242; and the University of Edinburgh GBP 13,904,353. (Comment: It is believed that another more 'explosive' article is to appear shortly.)

Reputed Chinese economist Justin Yifu Lin commenting on 'A New Start in 2022: The Future and Challenges of China's Economy', said as "China's international influence gradually increases, the United States wants to use its hegemony in technology, military, and ideology to block my country's development".

Nikkei Asia (February 4) reported that a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers proposed matching bills in the Senate and House of Representatives on February 3, that would require the U.S. to negotiate the renaming of Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington as the "Taiwan Representative Office". It is currently called the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), using the name of the island's capital city.

The U.S. Department of Commerce on February 7 listed 33 Chinese entities it said use American export items in ways that it has been unable to trace, injecting fresh volatility into markets. The highest-profile among them was Chinese novel drug maker Wuxi Biologics Cayman Inc., which suspended trading in Hong Kong after its addition to the department’s unverified list sparked a record sell-off. Wuxi Biologics shares sank as much as 32% in Hong Kong earlier Tuesday, leading health-care stocks lower. The CSI Health Care Index dropped as much as 2.6% to its lowest level in nearly two years.

Bloomberg (February 4) reported the release on February 3 of an analysis by the Japanese government's Cabinet Office showing that China had a more than 50% share in 1,133 categories of imported goods, or 23% of the value of Japan’s imports in 2019. The analysis was released prior to the introduction of an economic security bill that aims to strengthen supply chains, ensure the security of core infrastructure, enhance research and development, and tighten information disclosure on patents.

Nikkei Asia (February ) said that official data released by the Japanese government showed that Mainland China had become the largest importer of Japanese food products for the first time last year, dethroning longtime leader Hong Kong. Exports of food, farm, forestry, and marine products to mainland China surged 35.2% to 222.4 billion yen ($1.93 billion) in 2021. Japanese sake, whisky and snack foods were among the most popular items

On the occasion of the Spring Festival and Chinese New Year, the People's Daily (February 2) published on its front-page a nearly 1700-word article titled 'Xi Jinping and his mother'. The article recounted that his mother, Qi Xin, was also a revolutionary who had experienced war and her husband Xi Zhongxun had told Xi Jinping that "Your mother is an excellent Communist Party member!" She was a role model for Xi Jinping. It narrated instances of Qi Xin's love for Xi Jinping and how he still misses her deeply.

The People's Daily (January 31) published on page 2 a lengthy article titled 'Dedicated to the people —— The story of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the people', which recounted instances from Xi Jinping's visits to villages since 2013. The opening paragraph said, "Time goes by, true love is eternal" and said, "as the Spring Festival of the Year of the Tiger is approaching, General Secretary Xi Jinping once again came to the people to send the best wishes of the New Year to thousands of households" and that this is the tenth year since the 18th Party Congress that Xi Jinping has visited the grass-roots cadres and the masses before the Spring Festival. He was quoted saying "No matter how busy I am, I always make time to take a walk among the villagers" and in conclusion "I will be without me and not let down the people."

On the occasion of the Spring Festival, the traditional festival of the Chinese nation and the Year of the Tiger, Chinese leaders, heads of the federations and representatives of non-partisan persons gathered together to welcome the festival. On behalf of the CCP CC, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended (January 28) sincere greetings and New Year wishes to all democratic parties, federations of industry and commerce, people without party affiliation, and members of the United Front. PBSC member and Chairman of the CPPCC Wang Yang and PBSC member and Vice Premier Han Zheng attended the meeting. Xinhua published a photograph on January 29, of Xi Jinping, Wang Yang, Han Zheng and others gathered together with people outside the Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome the festival. Newspapers of all provinces and centrally administered municipalities published photographs (Jan 28) of Xi Jinping in military uniform on the front page conveying New Year's greetings to military personnel. CMC Vice Chairmen Xu Qiliang and Zhang Youxia and CMC members Wei Fenghe, Li Zuocheng, Miao Hua, Zhang Shengmin and others participated in the event. CCTV (January 29) reported the "important speech" delivered by Xi Jinping and said he visited the Central Theatre on January 28. Mentioning the "spirit" of the "important" speech, it said he asked officers and personnel to "bear in mind the commander-in-chief's entrustment, faithfully fulfil the mission, focus on preparing for wars, and resolutely complete the mission and tasks entrusted by the party and the people". It said Xi Jinping came to the Joint Operations Command Center of the Central Theatre at approx. 4pm on January 28. He first watched a multimedia film reflecting the construction of the theatre and the operation of the theatre joint command center, and listened to relevant reports. In his speech, President Xi emphasized that it is necessary to thoroughly implement the Party's idea of strengthening the military in the new era, thoroughly implement the military strategic policy for the new era, complete various tasks with high standards, and constantly create new situations in the construction of theatres and war preparations, and meet the Party with practical actions. CCTV added that the commanders and fighters at all levels in the Central Theatre Command who listened to President Xi's important instructions were very excited. Xi Jinping also made a video call with the overseas peacekeeping detachment of the Central Theatre Command, and expressed his condolences to all the officers and soldiers of our army who are performing overseas missions. 'The officers and soldiers have expressed that they must fight on the front line of peacekeeping with high morale and faithfully perform the peacekeeping mission in accordance with the requirements of the commander-in-chief'. Xi Jinping "stressed that as the Spring Festival is approaching, the troops of the whole army should strengthen their combat readiness on duty and maintain national security and social stability". The large numbers of officers and soldiers said that they must bear in mind the ardent trust of President Xi, and forge ahead and fly far in the struggle to strengthen the army and prepare for the war.

The Paper reported (January 28) that Xi Jinping visited Shanxi Province and on January 27 went to Pingyao County. He also travelled to Fengnanyuan, a village in the city of Huozhou, which was hit hard by severe flooding last year, and visited Duancun village of Fenxi county. At Shanxi, Xi Jinping said "The goals of carbon peak and neutrality are not something that others have asked to be done, but they are in China’s selfinterest. Yet, these goals cannot be achieved easily; neither can one wait, nor can one rush. One must “respect objective laws, grasp the pace of steps, first establish and then break, and make progress while maintaining stability.” China is rich in coal, but lacks sufficient oil and natural gas. It is necessary to consolidate the domestic energy production base, ensure coal supply security, make overall plans for clean and low-carbon development of coal, diversified utilization and comprehensive storage and transportation of coal, accelerate the research on green and low-carbon technologies, and continuously promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure. We should actively yet prudently advance the goals of carbon peak and neutrality and make due contribution to the realization of the second centenary goal and the construction of a community of shared future for mankind.” Xi Jinping was accompanied by Provincial Party Secretary Lin Wu and Governor Lan Fo’an, in addition to central leaders Xue Xiang, Liu He, Chen Xi, He Lifeng and other members of relevant departments of the Central Committee.

Xinhua (January 25) reported that Xi Jinping chaired and delivered an "important" speech at the thirty-sixth collective study meeting of the Politburo on January 24 afternoon on striving to achieve the goal of peak carbon and carbon neutrality. Xi Jinping emphasised that achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality is an inherent requirement for implementing new development concepts, building a new development pattern, and promoting high-quality development. Xinhua observed that in this collective study of the Politburo, the "comrades of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee taught themselves and exchanged their work experience". Liu He, Li Qiang, Li Hongzhong, and Hu Chunhua made speeches in combination with the work-in-charge of the field and local areas.

China's official media reported that former Chinese Vice Premier and PBSC member Zhang Gaoli, who was accused by Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai of sexual assault on social media before later denying she made such allegations, was included in a long list of former party chiefs who had received Lunar New Year wishes from President Xi Jinping and other state leaders by phone ahead of the celebration.

On January 29, 2022, Tsinghua University Law Professor Lao Dongyan wrote a post on Weibo expressing anguish at the present state of affairs in China under Xi Jinping and criticising the unbridled use of technology, ranging from facial recognition to controls on the internet and social media, to control the population. She said the authorities had used the pandemic as a pretext and claimed, "Everything is done in the name of security or social stability." The post was deleted within 20 minutes. Very briefly, she cited as examples an instance of a woman eight months pregnant sitting outside the hospital in snowy weather awaiting a miscarriage, an old man having a heart attack who lost his chance to be treated because he must wait until he gets a nucleic acid test for COVID-19, a mother coming to pick up her daughter from high school at the start of vacation and despite having passed eighteen rounds of nucleic acid testing still being prevented from returning home at the quarantine checkpoint and compelled to wander the cold winter night streets until dawn. She added that this mother, who wandered the streets with her daughter on a cold winter night, cried out at one point: “If every lesson has to cost a life to become a lesson, isn’t that in itself a tragedy? …… you are law enforcement agencies, but shouldn’t you be reasonable and put people first?” and her cries made people weep. In contrast she quoted a township Communist Party Committee secretary in Shandong warning petitioners that there are a hundred ways to “criminalize” them. The county government head of a certain county in Henan Province, she said, was even more aggressive in shouting that those who "maliciously" return home during the Spring Festival should be isolated and detained. Professor Lao Dongyan added "I, like my colleagues in the legal profession and the media, have worked hard over the past two years on the issue of facial recognition. Two years ago, when the Beijing subway was preparing to promote face recognition, it was shelved due to public opposition. Two years later, face recognition has been quietly implemented in five subway stations in Beijing and is expected to be fully rolled out soon. Not only that, in communities, in shopping malls, schools and other kinds of public venues, facial recognition technology is becoming more widespread under the banner of epidemic prevention and control". Another instance referred to the more than 70% of the graduates from the top two universities in China in recent years who have chosen civil service and teaching positions within the system. She said she "felt a bit sorry even as I understood why they made that choice. I understand because I see how the young people around me face huge pressure of survival and are generally highly anxious. I feel sorry because choosing a position within the system means choosing stability". The post included the comment: "It can be said that many people, including myself, choose to just bear it and retreat, thereby enabling evil people to continue to do evil with impunity. In a sense, we are responsible by our passive inaction for the deterioration of our environment since we choose to tolerate and beat a retreat in the face of it. This is not the way a good person should behave. Instead, it is 5 only a manifestation of cynicism and cowardice. How can we repay virtue with virtue? Without lowering yourself, it is time to consider a firm counterattack".

In an article in 'Dialogue China' on February 1, Chinese exiled Tiananmen dissident Wang Dan wrote that a power struggle is underway within the Party and this raised the possibility that Chinese President Xi Jinping might not be able to secure a third term at the 20th Party Congress. Saying that the "recent rumours of the Liu Yazhou incident and the Sun Lijun incident during the Wuhan epidemic are similar in nature to the Bo Xilai and Sun Zhengcai incidents", he said "This shows that Xi Jinping's unchallenged leadership position within the Communist Party is not as secure as it once was". He referred to the two consecutive articles published in the People's Daily on December 9 and 10, 2021, that seemed to be contradictory in terms of content. He said "One article is mainly about reform and opening. The article mentions the names of Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, but not a single word about Xi Jinping. The second article, on the other hand, talks about Xi’s “achievements” without mentioning Jiang and Hu’s names or even Deng’s once". He also mentioned, as another indication of the inner-Party struggle, the rumours circulating about the detention of former National Defense University Political Commissar, PLA General Liu Yazhou, whose brother, Liu Yawei, is director of the China Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta and is the founder and editor of the website US-China Perception Monitor. (Comment: PLA General Liu Yazhou is a 'princeling', a 'hawkish' and outspoken General who has often travelled abroad. Considered close to Xi Jinping, he has also written pieces that appeared to be critical of some of Xi Jinping's policies.)

Reporting on the Municipality's 'rectification' efforts, the Chongqing Daily (January 29) stated that in the past year, the city has held about 3,500 special lectures on Xi Jinping's thought on the rule of law and the study and education of party history, conducted 1,520 political rotation training sessions, delivered 840 party lectures by "top leaders", and carried out "four explanations based on cases" and "four reforms based on cases". It said more than 1820 sessions of lessons and "warning education" sessions had been held. The majority of political and legal police officers said: "After going through strict and serious political experience, ideological tempering, practical exercise, and organizational test, they have strengthened their ideals and beliefs, supplemented their spiritual calcium, and built up political loyalty."

Tianjin Daily (January 29) disclosed that Tianjin Party Secretary Li Hongzhong chaired a 'special democratic life' and party history meeting of the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee where he emphasised the "two establishments". It said the Municipality, through special seminars, collective training, individual self-study, etc., organizes all the comrades of the Standing Committee to deeply study Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. They studied the important requirements of Tianjin's "three efforts" pointed out by General Secretary Xi Jinping and the spirit of a series of important instructions, and studied the party constitution and party regulations and the relevant requirements of the Party Central Committee on the democratic life meeting. The team of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and the comrades of the Standing Committee strictly followed the requirements of the central government, conducted an in-depth analysis of the party spirit, and carefully wrote the inspection materials and speech outlines. The meeting adopts a variety of methods, widely listens to opinions and suggestions, conducts in-depth heart-toheart conversations, communicates ideas and exchanges opinions. At the meeting, Li Hongzhong reported on the solicitation of opinions at the special democratic life meeting and the implementation of the rectification measures of the 2020 Democratic Life Meeting and Inspection and Rectification Special Democratic Life Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, and made a comparative inspection on behalf of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee. He analysed the cause of the problem, clarified the direction of future efforts and corrective measures. Afterwards, Li Hongzhong took the lead in self-criticism, and "comrades" on the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee conducted personal comparison checks one by one, and criticized and helped each other. Everyone put themselves in, put their responsibilities in, put their work in, got straight to the problem, pointed out the key points, dug deep into the root cause, and put forward opinions and suggestions in a frank and honest manner. The improvement measures are clear and specific, and the expected goals have been achieved. (Comment: 1956-born Li Hongzheng, when he was Hubei Party Secretary, on January 15, 2016, asserted that "the Politburo and its Standing Committee are the core leaders [hexin] of the party, General Secretary Xi Jinping is the core leader of the party center". He was the first Party Secretary to call Xi Jinping "hexin" or core leader. He is in the running for elevation to the PBSC.)

According to ChinaFile (January 31) and state media articles examined by the Wall Street Journal (February 1), the 'New Era Civilization Practice Centers', first built in 50 counties as part of a small pilot program launched in 2018, have now expanded roughly 10-fold to 100,000 centres in some 500 urban and rural counties across China. The CCP CC Propaganda Department's implementation plan issued in 2019 hailed the centers as helping to “truly open up the ‘last mile’ in terms of ‘propagandizing to the masses, educating the masses, leading the masses, serving the masses.’ ” Local governments and institutions have been estimated to spend as much as 700 million yuan (US$ 110 million) on these centres between August 2018 and September 2021.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at the routing press briefing (January 28) that Chinese President Xi Jinping would host welcome banquets from February 4 to 6 for dignitaries attending the Games opening, which will include more than 30 heads of state, government, royal families and international organisations. She said Xi would also attend a range of bilateral events during the period. CCTV said that among the guests will be: Russian President Vladimir Putin, European representatives from Poland, Serbia, Luxembourg and Monaco and dignitaries from Singapore, the five Central Asian nations and Pakistan, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN General Assembly president Abdulla Shahid and World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Reuters (January 29) reported that China's foreign ministry and the China Daily accused the United States of planning to interfere with and "sabotage" the Beijing Winter Olympics by paying athletes from some countries to make half-hearted efforts in competition and to criticise China. The CCP CC Propaganda Department-owned English-language China Daily, on January 28 evening cited unnamed sources as saying the United States has a plan to "incite athletes from various countries to express their discontent toward China, play passively in competition and even refuse to take part". It said Washington would provide a large amount of compensation and "mobilise global resources" to help protect the reputation of athletes of who choose to compete passively. A spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry told Reuters on January 29 that the report has "exposed the real intention of some Americans to politicise sports and to sabotage and interfere with the Beijing Winter Olympics. He strongly condemned the attempts by some Americans to "buy off" athletes and "cause trouble" during the Games, adding that these attempts are "doomed to fail". A U.S. Embassy spokesman told Reuters by email on January 29 that "We were not and are not coordinating a global campaign regarding participation at the Olympics. U.S. athletes are entitled to express themselves freely in line with the spirit and charter of the Olympics, which includes advancing human rights." In a message to convey greetings for the Chinese New Year festival next week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told China-based foreign diplomats that China "has the confidence and ability to remove the interference" and turn the Winter Games into an event that promotes friendship and mutual understanding.

The Wall Street Journal (January 28) reported Chinese economists who consult with the government as saying that China’s leadership is likely to set a growth target of about 5.5% for 2022. The figure might, however, prove overly optimistic, given that economic expansion sharply decelerated to 4% in the final quarter of last year. IMF also now expects China’s gross domestic product to expand 4.8% this year, down from its previous projection of 5.7%.

China’s forthcoming rules on overseas IPOs will apply to Chinese companies that want to list in Hong Kong, the China Securities Regulatory Commission told CNBC on January 28. In an exclusive interview with CNBC, the Commission’s Director General of the International Affairs Department, Shen Bing, spoke about what draft rules will mean for Chinese companies that are planning to list in the U.S. and other markets following last summer’s crackdown. he said “By overseas, we mean, of course, you know, anywhere besides mainland China. Of course, it includes Hong Kong.” Shen Bing said the rules would apply not only to Chinese companies wanting to offer H-shares in Hong Kong, but also a category called “red chips,” which previously did not need the CSRC’s approval. The draft rules state that overseas listings are prohibited in some of the following situations: (i) when other government departments consider the offering a threat to national security; (ii) if there are disputes over the ownership of the company’s major assets; or (iii) if there’s criminal offense by a controlling shareholder or executive within the last three years. (Comment: The Regulations are due to come into force shortly as the period for public comment ended on January 24.)

i) Four employees of the "Eastern Airports" SOE, including the company's Chairman, have been expelled from the Party and their cases transferred to the procuratorate. This comes after a COVID-19 cluster in Nanjing airport in summer 2021. The following were reported by the CDIC on February 1 as having been expelled from the CCP: ii) Zhang Wei, former Secretary of the Party group and Director of the Changchun Supply and Marketing Cooperative Association was expelled from the Party for taking bribes, benefits for others in the selection of cadres. iii) Wang Xijing, former Secretary and First-level Inspector of the Licang District Committee of Qingdao, was expelled from the party because he was engaged in "image projects" and "performance projects", nepotism, money and sex, and intervening in judiciary. iv) Hu Xiaogang, former Vice President of China Great Wall Asset Management was expelled from the Party for violating Party Centre's policies on financial work, corruption, abandoning of his responsibility for increasing the value of state-owned assets. v) Zhang Wei, former Secretary of the Party group and Director of the Changchun Supply and Marketing Cooperative Association was expelled from the Party for taking bribes, benefits for others in the selection of cadres vi) Wang Xinghua, former Member of the Standing Committee of the Linyi Municipal Party Committee and former secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of Shandong Province was expelled from the Party for lost ideals and concealing and not reporting personal matters.

Space News (January 28) reported that China's State Council Information Office had on January 28 released a new White Paper titled “China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective, “outlining the centrality of space to the country’s “overall national strategy” as well as major plans for the years ahead. The Paper, which is issued every 5 years, said the global space industry has entered a “new stage of rapid development and profound transformation” and over the next five years China will seek to develop its space transportation capabilities, test new technologies, embark on exploration missions, modernize space governance, enhance innovation and boost international cooperation. Crewed lunar landings, on-orbit servicing and work on planetary defence are all noted as key areas for research and technical breakthroughs in the coming years. Wu Yanhua, Deputy Director of the China National Space Administration, said at a press conference on January 28 that “China’s space industry has made rapid and innovative progress.”

The US-based DW news reported (February 2) that Zhao Zhidan, who till recently was previously the Commander of the South Xinjiang Military Region, has been promoted to Lt. General and moved to the PLA Northern Theater Command. According to recent Liaoning news reports, the PLA military bases under the Northern Theatre Command held a meeting for the Spring Festival, which was attended by Zhang Guoqing, Director of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Li Lecheng, Deputy Secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Party Committee and Governor, and Zhou Bo, Chairman of the Liaoning Provincial Political Consultative Conference. The official TV news-report showed that Zhao Zhidan was attending the meeting and had been promoted to Lieutenant General.

The South China Morning Post (January 30) disclosed that the domestic peer-reviewed journal Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica had published a report (January 28) where researchers in Sichuan province say they have developed an artificial intelligence system that can teach Chinese combat drones to win dogfights thousands of times faster than comparable American technology. The researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre in Mianyang, Sichuan province, said the higher learning speed could help the drone identify “cheating manoeuvres” by human pilots, reduce a computer chip’s workload and outperform opponents in complex, large-scale air combat. They added “The algorithm in this paper can be extended to an air combat with multiple AI agents, which will be closer to the real situation in a battlefield”

Asia Times (January 27) said that in an interview on the state-run China Central Television (CCTV), Chinese military expert Wang Mingliang mentioned that China's latest stealth fighter jet, the J-20, could in the future be equipped with directed energy weapons such as lasers, optionally-manned capability and the ability to command drone swarms.

Radio Free Asia (January 28) disclosed quoting sources inside Tibet that the Tibet Autonomous Region had issued new directives on January 25 to all provinces and municipalities of the Tibet Autonomous Region directing that all Tibetans looking for work in their region’s state sector must first renounce all ties to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama as a condition of employment. It stated that workers employed in Tibetan government offices, schools or hospitals must be “trustworthy and reliable citizens” and remain loyal to the ruling Chinese Communist Party. They must also renounce the Dalai Lama and his followers, the directive says, referring to the group of supporters that has formed around the exiled spiritual leader over the years as a “clique.”

Radio Free Asia (RFA) quoting a source inside Tibet said that the Chinese authorities had issued orders on January 20, to take effect from March 1, stating that “All online coordinating of religious activities and related events will be banned” and “Anyone found violating this order will be investigated and punished.” It added “But religious events and ceremonies performed or discussed on social media groups will now be banned completely, and online activities by the groups will be constantly monitored.” However, religious activities conducted inside the monasteries will be allowed to continue as before, the source said.

China's CCP-owned Global Times (February 2) disclosed that Qi Fabao, a PLA Regiment Commander of the Xinjiang Military Region who sustained a "head injury while fighting bravely in the Galwan Valley border skirmish with India", was a torchbearer during Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Torch Relay on February 2 and took the flame from Wang Meng, China's four-time Olympic short track speed skating champion, at Winter Olympic Park.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in China on February 3 to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics and meet Chinese leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pakistan media reports indicate the Pakistan Finance Ministry has finalized a draft agreement for a US$ 3 billion loan to shore up depleting foreign exchange reserves to be discussed with Chinese leaders during Imran Khan’s visit to Beijing. Pakistan separately plans to approach Russia and Kazakhstan for credit lines of US$ 1 billion each. Discussions will also turn toward the US$1.5 billion in overdue payments Pakistan owes Chinese energy companies that have built power plants as part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Japan’s parliament passed a resolution expressing concern about Uyghur human rights on February 1. The resolution, adopted by the lower chamber, said the international community has expressed concerns over such issues as internment and the violation of religious freedom in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet and Hong Kong. It said, "Human rights issues cannot just be domestic issues, because human rights hold universal values and are a rightful matter of concern for the international community". "This chamber recognises changes to the status quo with force, which are symbolised by the serious human rights situation, as a threat to the international community." Yasue Funayama, an opposition lawmaker and co-chair of one of the parliamentary human rights groups leading the effort, said “It’s an enormous first step. If the whole of parliament agrees that there are concerns about the human rights situation, we will have to look at what to do about it.” China reacted promptly with its Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian saying, "China reserves itself the right to take further measures". You Wenze of the NPC's Foreign Affairs Committee accused Japan of "serious interference in PRC domestic affairs", adding "For any vile actions that attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs and harm China's interests, China will surely fight back firmly and forcefully." (Comment: The Japanese resolution did not directly use the word "China" anywhere in the text, and steered clear of such expression as "human rights violation", saying, instead, "human rights situation", in a possible nod to close bilateral economic ties.)

Reuters (February 3) quoted Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov as saying that Russian President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will have lunch together on February 4, and could sign more than 15 agreements, with lots of new deals being prepared in relation to natural gas. He said the possibility of Russia building a new gas pipeline to China through Mongolia was also being looked at. Reuters also quoted Shi Yinhong, International Relations Professor at Beijing's Renmin University, saying “Putin is very busy now. He is here because he has to be." "Putin knows China is indispensable for Russia, just as Russia is indispensable for China.” Xinhua on February 4 said the Xi-Putin meeting for the Winter Olympics will "open a new chapter in China-Russia relations" and "is expected to inject a much-needed dose of stability and certainty into the world". Putin wrote an article titled "Russia and China: Strategic Partnerships Focusing on the Future" which was published by Xinhua on February 3.

The South China Morning Post (February 3) reported that Wang Jisi, President of the Institute of International and Strategic Studies at Peking University, during an interview with Shenzhen Satellite TV on February 1, said that the risk of an accidental military conflict between China and the United States is high despite efforts by both countries to ease tensions. He said he was neither optimistic nor pessimistic about US-China relations this year but there was a risk of accidental conflict. Wang Jisi said “I believe that we have a guarantee of peace. The leaders of both nations have repeatedly stressed in their conversations that they do not want a new cold war or a political war, or a hot war.”

An article in the Wall Street Journal (February 2) cited a report by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and the consulting firm Horizon Advisory, which implicates U.S. and multinational corporations in the Communist Party’s human-rights abuses, the surveillance of Chinese people, and Beijing’s military build-up.

Mingtiandi, an Asia Real Estate publication, on February 2 announced that Blackstone will invest a further $250 million in Beijing-based data centre developer VNET Group, as the US private equity giant looks to jump-start a bet that has suffered in the wake of China’s crackdown on domestic firms listing on American exchanges. Blackstone is led by billionaire co-founder and Chairman Stephen Schwarzman.

An article in SupChina (December 31, 2021) reported on the ties between China and Ukraine, observing that they have been growing in recent years and in the first half of 2021, agricultural trade between China and Ukraine increased by 33% over the same period in 2020. China is a key trade partner for Ukraine, providing 14.4% of its imports and a destination for 15.3% of its exports. Ukraine began selling corn to China in 2013 and by 2019 had become its largest supplier, accounting for more than 80% of Chinese corn imports. Also in 2013, China's paramilitary organisation Xinjiang Construction and Production Corps signed an agreement with Ukraine's KSG Agro to lease 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) of agricultural land for cultivation and pig farming over a 50-year period. Ukraine has 42 million hectares of farmland. Trade turnover in 2021 amounted to $15.4 billion and China has only invested $127 million in Ukraine since 2015. Ukraine supplies a variety of military equipment to China, including turbofan engines for aircraft, diesel engines for tanks, and gas turbines for air-to-air missiles. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a Macau-based company purchased Ukraine's Varyag aircraft carrier at the bargain basement price of $20 million, after claiming it would never be used for military purposes. The vessel, later renamed the Liaoning, was later refurbished and ultimately would provide a shortcut for China's People's Liberation Navy to its first aircraft carrier. Ukraine also has very large iron ore deposits.

A People's Daily reporter said on January 21, that the new Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui is likely to be the first one to secure a Politburo seat this fall. He described him as "among the most confident provincial chiefs I've seen in the new era".

Mo Gaoyi, head of Beijing's Propaganda Department and member of the Standing Committee of the CCP Beijing Municipal Committee, authored an article captioned 'Strive to build an advanced socialist cultural capital with Chinese characteristics (in-depth study and implementation of the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee)', which was published in the People's Daily on January 21. The article, which focussed on the CCP's history, said "The Chinese Communists, mainly represented by Comrade Xi Jinping, answered the questions of China, the world, the people, and the times in a timely manner. Starting from the new reality, they created a society with Chinese characteristics in the new era of Xi Jinping." It contained 12 mentions of Xi Jinping.

China's official provincial papers/editions of the People's Daily have been publishing articles on the "two establishments" since at least January 20. Xinhua (January 25) reported that PBSC member and NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu, while chairing a symposium of NPC Deputies in Beijing on January 25, told the Deputies that they "must transform the political consensus of "two establishments" into practical actions of "two safeguards". Politburo member and NPC Standing Committee Vice Chairman Wang Chen attended the symposium. The People's Daily (January 25) published a major article by the Party Secretary and Minister of Civil Affairs Li Jiheng on deeply grasping the "two establishments". Zhejiang Daily (January 19) published the Zhejiang Province High Court Work Report which mentions the "two establishments" four times. Guizhou Daily (January 25) reported that a meeting of the Provincial Propaganda Ministers in Guiyang on January 25, said "framed in terms of "two establishments", 2022 is of special importance and among other things, must "build a "firewall" of ideological security"." Hubei Daily (January 25) front-paged two articles whose titles include the "two establishments". Chongqing Daily (January 27) reported that at the Sixth Plenary meeting of the Chongqing Fifth Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, Chongqing Party Secretary Chen Min'er mentioned the "Two Establishments". The following provinces have published their respective Government Work Reports: Zhejiang (Jan 18), Sichuan (Jan 18), Chongqing (Jan 17), Xinjiang (Jan 24)

Xinhua (January 23) disclosed that the CCP CC General Office issued the "Regulations on the Management of Leaders of Public Institutions" and issued a notice, requiring all regions and departments to strictly abide by them. The full text of the Regulations on the Management of Leaders of Institutions containing 51 Articles was published. The regulations apply to the members of the leading bodies of the Party committees and the government directly under the provincial level and the public institutions affiliated to the departments, and the leaders of the public institutions affiliated to the standing committees of the people's congresses, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Commission for Discipline Inspection, the People's Courts, the People's Procuratorates, and mass organizations at or above the provincial level

In a thinly veiled criticism of the current foreign policy, Jia Qingguo, CPPCC Standing Committee member, former Dean of Peking University’s International Relations School, and an America expert, wrote an article in the January issue of the bimonthly Journal of International Security Studies, published by the University of International Relations in Beijing, which cautioned that overemphasis on absolutes, whether it is defence spending or supply chains, is likely to be self-destructive. He said, “To ignore the comparative nature of security, and blindly pursue [it] absolutely will result in making the country less secure, as it inflicts unbearable costs and fails to achieve absolute security.” The South China Morning Post (January 22) said that while Jia Qingguo opens with paying homage to President Xi Jinping’s general views on national security, his 22-page article is full of thinly veiled criticisms against hawkish outlooks. He says too much emphasis on defence spending could trigger an arms race making all countries involved less secure and cites the Soviet Union’s decades of massive defence spending as a typical example of the drawbacks of ignoring long-term security, which led to the federation’s ultimate disintegration in 1991. (Comment: The article appears when China's relations with the US are under considerable strain and Beijing faces economic difficulties. Other prominent Chinese have recently suggested modulation of the present policies, but without appearing to be critical of Xi Jinping.)

An article in the China Discipline Inspection and Supervision News (January 27) stated that "The people's court is both a judicial organ and a political organ. Talking about politics is the first requirement of the people's court". It asserted that Political supervision "is the foundation and the "two establishments" must be resolutely defended and the "two safeguards" achieved". It said, "We must resolutely resist the influence of erroneous ideological trends such as "constitutional democracy", "separation of powers" and "judicial independence". It also advised grass roots courts on political construction, no rigid case handling, substantive justice, strict court staff mgmt, keeping up with the times.

Xinhua (January 26) reported that China's Central Cyberspace Administration announced that 'Arrangements have been made for the Development of Digital Villages during the Fourth Five-Year Plan period'. The 8- point action plan proposes that by 2025, important progress will be made in the development of digital villages including the popularization of 4G in rural areas and the innovative application of 5G

To "fully implement the party's organizational line and the party's educational policy in the new era, and to uphold and strengthen the party's overall leadership over primary and secondary schools", the CCP CC General Office on January 26 issued the "Opinions on Establishing a Principal Responsibility System for the Leadership of Party Organizations in Primary and Secondary Schools (Trial)". The People's Daily (January 26) published the text of the Regulations, which emphasised strengthening the party's overall leadership over education and building party organizations and party members in primary and secondary schools . The first of the 5 points and their numerous sub-clauses stressed adherence "to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, strengthen the "four consciousnesses", strengthen the "four self-confidences", and achieve the "two maintenances", etc

The People's Daily (January 25) reported that the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) and the National Supervision Commission (NSC) held a mobilization and deployment meeting on January 20 for deepening the reform of the discipline inspection and supervision system in centrally managed colleges and universities. Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the CDIC and Director of the NSC, Yang Xiaodu attended the meeting and delivered a speech, emphasizing that under the guidance of Xi Jinping's new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics the NSC will supervise, guarantee, implement, and promote development of centrally-managed colleges and universities into world-class universities with Chinese characteristics, and "cultivate socialist builders and successors with comprehensive development of morality, intelligence, physique, beauty, and labour".

The Guangming Daily (January 25) published an interesting article on students returning to China from study abroad. Saying that returning to China after graduation has become the first choice for many international students, it said reports show that after the epidemic, the trend of overseas students returning to China has increased significantly. In 2021, it is expected that the number of returning students for employment will exceed one million for the first time. In contrast, the number of college graduates in 2021 nationwide will reach 9.09 million, and the number of college graduates in 2022 is expected to reach 10.76 million. The article conceded that under the arduous pressure of "stabilizing employment" and "guaranteeing employment", "the employment situation of returnee talents is extremely tense, and it needs to be further resolved in the process of macroeconomic reform".

Stating that the situation of "money laundering is still grim", the Procuratorate Daily (January 26) announced that the People's Bank of China, the Ministry of Public Security, the National Supervisory Commission, the Supreme People's Court, The Supreme People's Procuratorate, the Ministry of State Security, the General Administration of Customs, the State Administration of Taxation, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange jointly issued the "Three-Year Action Plan for Combating and Controlling Money Laundering Crimes (2022-2024)". It said a three-year campaign to combat and control money laundering crimes will be carried out nationwide from January 2020 to December 2024. The announcement also said the "Three-Year Action Plan for Combating and Governing Money Laundering Crimes (2022-2024)" requires all departments to improve their political positions, strengthen organizational leadership, and strengthen publicity and training

The CCP's anti-corruption watch-dog the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced that 627,000 officials had been punished for "violating Communist Party discipline and laws" last year, more than any other year since President Xi Jinping took the party's reins in 2012. Of them, 36 were provincial leaders and cabinet-level officials.

The CDIC announced on January 26 that Zhou Jiangyong, former Party Secretary of Hangzhou -- the base of Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. -- has been expelled over corruption charges relating to the “disorderly expansion of capital,” serious violations of official duties, taking bribes and abuse of power. It said investigations began in August last year and the case has now been handed over to the prosecutors.

London's Express newspaper reported (January 23) that a Chinese national in his 30s who was a scientist and a rocket technician attached to the state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, where he helped develop a mid-range hypersonic boost-glide vehicle capable of carrying DF-17 missiles to a range of up to 2,000 miles, has defected to U.K. He sought asylum for himself and his family who were all sent to a former British colony before being sent onward to the US via a US Air Force base in Germany. The defector resented having been passed over for promotion, which persuaded him to contact a British intelligence asset in Hong Kong at the end of September last year. During that first, tentative approach, he told the middleman he possessed detailed information about the hypersonic glide vehicle. Knowing he faced a firing squad if discovered, he demanded asylum for himself and his wife and child. The Express said a call was made to Vauxhall Cross - the London HQ of the Secret Intelligence Service, more commonly known as MI6 - and a three-person team, comprising two intelligence officers and a technical specialist, were readied to deploy to Hong Kong.

CCTV (January 21) telecast a report on the promotion of 7 officers to the rank of General on January 21 at the Bayi Building in Beijing. General Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), read out the order for promotion to the rank of General and police signed by Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CMC, presided over the promotion ceremony. The officers and police officers who have been promoted to the rank of general are: Liu Qingsong, Political Commissar of the Northern Theater Command, Wu Yanan, Commander of the Central Theater Command, Xu Deqing, Political Commissar of the Central Theater Command, Qin Shutong, Political Commissar of the Army, Yuan Huazhi, Political Commissar of the Navy, Li Yuchao, Commander of the Rocket Army, and the Armed Police Force Political Commissar Zhang Hongbing. CMC Members Wei Fenghe, Li Zuocheng, Miao Hua, Zhang Shengmin, relevant units of the military stationed in Beijing, and officers in charge of various departments of the CMC attended the promotion ceremony.

Approved by Xi Jinping, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, the Central Military Commission recently issued the "Decision on Strengthening the Work of Military Talents in the New Era". Xinhua (January. ) said the "Decision" pointed out that talents are the key factor to promote the high-quality development of our army, win military competition and take the initiative in future wars. The General Office of the Central Military Commission issued "Several Measures on Strengthening the Construction of Joint Operations Command Talents", "Several Measures on Strengthening the Construction of New-type Combat Forces Talents", "Several Measures on Further Stimulating the Innovative Power of Scientific and Technological Personnel", and "On Strengthening High-tech Several Measures for the Construction of Horizontal Strategic Management Talents".

The Chongqing Daily (January 26) disclosed that Chen Min'er, Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and First Secretary of the Party Committee of the PLA Chongqing Garrison District, attended the Seventh Plenary Meeting (January 24 to 25) of the Fifth Party Committee of the Chongqing PLA Garrison District and delivered a speech. Gao Buming, member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Garrison District, and Political Commissar of the PLA Chongqing Garrison District, delivered a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Garrison District. Liu Shixu, Deputy Secretary and Commander of the Party Committee of the PLA Chongqing Garrison District, and Li Mingqing, Member of the Standing Committee and Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, attended the meeting. The meeting commended the advanced units and individuals of the garrison area in 2021. In his speech Chongqing Party Secretary Chen Min'er invoked Xi Jinping Strong Military Thought and stressed that "it is necessary to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army", etc. He emphasised "it is necessary to deeply understand the decisive significance of the "two establishments", effectively transform the political achievements of the "two establishments" into the political consciousness of resolutely achieving the "two maintenances", adhere to the party's absolute leadership over the military, and implement the responsibility system of the chairman of the Military Commission".

Li Hongxuan, an officer of a certain department of the PLA Air Force, published an article in the PLA Daily (January 21) on "Scientifically grasping the new changes of the principal contradiction in society". In the article he said China "faces different major social contradictions in different historical periods", but the Party "scientifically judges the main contradictions in society, determines the party's key tasks and goals accordingly, and maximizes the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of the broadest masses of the people. Practice has proved that an accurate understanding of the principal contradiction in society is the "key" to grasp the stage of social development"

Stating that "People cannot be born without a soul, and an army cannot stand without a soul. The Party's absolute leadership over the army is the foundation of the people's army and the soul of a strong army", an article in the PLA Daly (January 21) highlighted the importance of political work in the PLA. It said, "Under the new historical conditions, China's security and development are facing a more severe situation, the struggle in the ideological field has become more acute and complex, and the contest between "casting the soul" and "souling the soul" is more intense. Therefore, it is even more necessary to strengthen the role of the lifeline of our military's political work, especially to unswervingly adhere to the dominance of Marxism in the ideological field, to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Army, Firm ideals and beliefs, and build a strong spiritual pillar, so that our army will have a firm and correct political direction, and will have infinite combat effectiveness and vigorous vitality"

The state-run CCTV (January 23) publicised that a number of provinces have initiated or enlarged S&T projects and innovation in the New Year. It said a world-leading intelligent excavation robot was massproduced in Changsha, Hunan, and this robot can receive gestures and voice commands, automatically and accurately perform actions, and realise remote unmanned operations through its own cloud platform. In Chongqing, the Western (Chongqing) Science City Germplasm Creation Science Center was put into operation and that since January, Chongqing has launched more than 40 projects targeting future industrial needs, covering high-tech services, big health, and other fields.

The People's Daily (January 25) reported that a new aerospace ramjet engine developed by China's Tsinghua University had successfully conducted a test flight on January 24, demonstrating the country's independent research and development capability and a ground-breaking achievement in the field of new airpower.

The state-run CCTV telecast a news item on January 21 highlighting that the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has conducted a two-year practical investigation on the wastage of food by the public.

After data showed the birth-rate hit a record low in 2021, Yang Jinrui, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission’s Population Surveillance and Family Development Department, said at a press conference on January 20, that the number of women in the 20-34 age group decreased by an average of 3.4 million per year from 2016 to 2020, and the decline reached 4.73 million in 2021 compared with 2020. He said the declining number of women of childbearing age, especially those ages 20 to 34, is a major factor contributing to China’s flagging birth-rate.

Caixin (January 21) reported that 5 Chinese companies are among 27 global generic-drug makers that signed agreements with a United Nations-backed organization to produce versions of Merck & Co.’s Covid-19 antiviral pill for 105 poorer countries. Fosun Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., BrightGene Bio-Medical Technology Co. Ltd., Shijiazhuang Longze Pharmacy Co. Ltd., and Shanghai Desano Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. were authorized to produce both the raw ingredients for Merck’s molnupiravir and the finished product. Zhejiang Langhua Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. will make only the raw ingredients. The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a U.N.-backed public health organization working to increase access to life-saving medicines for lower-income countries, will determine production volumes, when the drugs will be available and what countries will get the medicines, but the drug makers may reach cooperation agreements with the MPP on distribution channels.

Caixin (January 21) disclosed that Liang Wengen, the founder of China’s leading construction-machinery maker Sany Heavy Industry Co. Ltd., stepped down from his role as Chairman in a core leadership shakeup that came after the company suffered a poor third quarter. Xiang Wenbo, the former Vice Chairman and President of Sany, has been appointed its new Chairman. Liang Wengen will continue to serve as a member of the Board.

China’s province-level administrative entities have issued their GDP growth targets for 2022. Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, Ningxia, and Henan have all set growth targets of around 7%, while almost all of the remaining Chinese provinces forecast growth of between 5.5 – 6.5%. The Beijing municipal government has set the lowest GDP growth target for 2022, at 5%.

Caixin (January 22) reported that the Acting Governor of Guangdong, Wang Weizhong, while delivering the annual government work report to the province’s legislature on January 20, announced that the province was the first to eliminate hidden local government debt as the country approaches the halfway mark in a campaign to clean up trillions of yuan of risky liabilities piled up off the books. Wang Weizhong did not specify the scale of the liabilities brought back onto the books (Comment: A pilot program to achieve “zero hidden (government) debt” was earlier announced in October.)

The spread of Covid in Hongkong that annoyed Beijing is learnt to have been caused by a birthday party of a longtime former government official held by Witman Hung, principal liaison officer for Hong Kong at the Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, which oversees economic development between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Though Witman Hung is reportedly a relatively low-level official representing private interests in the development zone in Shenzhen his birthday party included some senior guests, including Hong Kong police chief Raymond Siu, Secretary of Home Affairs Casper Tsui, and others. Witman Hung is, however, a HK Deputy to the NPC. Among others who attended were members of the Shenzhen CPPCC, Vice President of Guangdong’s Association For Promotion of Cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, Commissioner of Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol, Chairman Emeritus of the Y.Elites Association, Vice President and Secretary General of Hong Kong-ASEAN Economic Cooperation Foundation and Council Member of Hong Kong Professionals and Senior Executives Association.

On January 23, China sent 39 PLA Air Force aircraft to violate Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The incursion involved 34 J-16 and J-10 fighter jets, one H-6 bomber, and four aircraft with electronic warfare capabilities. The PLA's J-16D electronic warfare aircraft was spotted for the first time near Taiwan. Chinese warplanes started making forays into Taiwan's ADIZ since September 2020. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said there were about 380 sorties in 2020, and the number more than doubled to 961 sorties in 2021. While this is the largest breach in 2022, the largest show of force by China was on October 4, 2021, when 56 military aircraft breached the island’s ADIZ. So far this month, there have been only five days when Taiwan's Defence Ministry didn’t report any incidence of China’s incursion. (Comment: China's violation of the ADIZ coincided with the 6-day long US-Japan Naval Exercises in waters south of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. 10 U.S. military vessels—including aircraft carriers the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Abraham Lincoln, a destroyer, and an amphibious assault ship—took part in the joint exercise with Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force.)

In an article highlighting the growing China-Russia relationship, the South China Morning Post (January 23) cited the Chinese media as stating that Putin and Xi have held 37 video meetings since 2013 – most recently last month – and the Russian President is likely to be the first world leader to meet Xi in person since the start of the pandemic. It noted Putin's assurance last month that he would attend the Beijing Winter Olympics in a show of solidarity after the US, Britain, Canada, and Australia announced a diplomatic boycott over human rights. At the same time, Xi expressed support for his “old friend” Putin and called for “more joint actions to effectively safeguard security interests” of the two countries. The Hongkong-based newspaper said that as the relations of both countries with the US worsen, their leaders have pledged cooperation in emerging areas, including data security, cyberspace, the Arctic, and infrastructure. Beijing and Moscow are seeking to increase the use of their currencies in bilateral payments to curtail the influence of the US dollar and reduce the effects of Washington-imposed sanctions. Last month, in the face of a threat from the US and Europe to exclude Russia from Swift, the world’s largest electronic payment system, Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said Russia and China had agreed to develop an independent financial infrastructure to service trade between the two countries “that cannot be influenced by third countries”.

The Joint Naval Exercise CHIRU-2022 of warships of Russia, China and Iran started in the Gulf of Oman (northern Arabian Sea) on January 18 and continued till January 21. In total, involved more than 140 warships and support vessels, more than 60 aircraft, 1,000 units of military equipment, and about 10,000 military personnel to participate. The PLA Navy has deployed its guided-missile destroyer 'Urumqi' (118) and replenishment ship 'Taihu' (889), along with embarked helicopters and 40 People’s Liberation Army Navy Marines of the 39th Escort Task Force, which is carrying out anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss spoke at Australia's Lowy Institute on January 21 when she discussed countering China. In a speech that contained 8 mentions of China, and 3 mentions of Beijing she said "Russia and China are working together more and more, as they strive to set the standards in technologies like artificial intelligence, assert their dominance over the Western Pacific through joint military exercises and in space through closer ties.

German Navy Chief VAdm Kay-Achim Schönbach speaking (January 22) at an event in IDSA in Delhi said, 'China is giving money to dictators, killers, to criminals as long as long as they give resources to China'.

East Asia Forum (January 23) published an article on the current state of Sino-US relations by Jia Qingguo, CPPCC member, former Dean of Peking University’s International Relations School, and a US expert, where he traced the slide in Sino-US ties. Titled 'Waiting for spring to come in China–US relations', Jia Qingguo said that despite some cooperation on issues, like climate change, the conflict between the two sides has increased, Taiwan is the single contentious issue. Jia Qingguo said the push by Taiwan authorities "for independence coupled with increasing US endorsement and support elicited a tougher stance from China", and "the vicious cycle of interactions between Beijing, Taipei and Washington increased the likelihood of a military showdown". He said despite the November 16 virtual summit meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Biden on 16 November for setting guard rails for the relationship the most recent bickering includes a US official boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, sanctions over Xinjiang and Chinese retaliation. He assessed that these factors are unlikely to change in the short run, and "the 2022 mid-term elections bode ill for China–US relations because the Republicans who stand on an even tougher policy toward China appear likely to win. Under these circumstances, the Biden administration is unlikely to be able to advance a pragmatic approach toward China. Ahead of the 20th Party Congress, China is also unlikely to compromise". Jia Qingguo concluded that "the stabilisation and improvement of China–US relations is likely to remain a distant prospect for some time yet"

The Pakistan Navy on January 24 inducted the PNS Tughril, the first of four Type 054A/P frigates developed by China, in the Pakistan Navy Fleet. The President of Pakistan announced that the Type 054A/Ps will serve to safeguard the sea routes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The induction ceremony of the PNS Tughril multi-role frigate was held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi. The China State Shipbuilding Corp. said the frigate is the largest and most advanced surface combat vessel China has ever exported.

Pakistan has approved an unprecedented $11.6 million in compensation for the families of Chinese engineers who were killed and wounded in a terrorist attack last year in a move to smooth bilateral relations as Prime Minister Imran Khan prepares to visit Beijing in February. The Chinese contractors had demanded Islamabad pay $38 million in compensation for their dead and injured, but the amount finally paid by Pakistan is at a compensation rate reported to be double what Beijing normally pays families of victims in such cases. The cabinet's economic coordination committee made the award last week. Pakistan's finance ministry said in a press statement "The ECC, after deliberation and considering the depth of our relationship with China, approved the proposal of payment of $11.6 million as a goodwill gesture."

Nikkei Asia (January 22) reported that the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative on January 22 released a January 16 satellite image showing two clamshell dredgers just off the coast of Ream accompanied by barges for collecting dredged sand.

57-year Xiao Qian has been appointed China's new Ambassador to Australia in an apparent bid to improve ties. Married with one daughter, Xiao Qian has previously worked in Ethiopia, India, the US, The Philippines, Hungary, and Indonesia and spent two years as Beijing’s deputy representative on Korean peninsular affairs. In a statement released on arrival in Australia on January 26, he said “The Chinese side always believes that a sound, steady China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, and contributes to the prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. As long as both sides adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality, inclusiveness, and mutual learning and firmly grasp the right direction of the development, the China-Australia relations will keep moving forward and make further progress.”

Reuters (January 27) reported that the European Union has launched a challenge at the World Trade Organization on January 27 accusing China of discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania that it says threaten the integrity of the EU's single market.

On January 18, CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an "important" speech at the Sixth Plenary Session (January 18 to 20, 2022) of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, where he once again talked about "self-revolution".

The Central Political and Legal Work Conference was held via video teleconference on January 15. Xinhua (January 15) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping issued "important instructions on political and legal work". He mentioned that the political and legal front resolutely implemented the decisions of the Party Central Committee, maintained national political security and social stability, and made new achievements in comprehensively deepening reforms in the field of politics and law and "rectifying the education and rectification of political and legal teams". It said Xi Jinping emphasized that "it is necessary to adhere to the Party's absolute leadership over political and legal work" and, inter alia, "comprehensively deepen political and legal reforms, and consolidate and deepen the educational and rectification achievements of the political and legal teams, earnestly fulfil the major responsibilities of maintaining national security, social stability, and people's tranquillity, so that the people can truly feel that fairness and justice are at their side" He urged Party committees at all levels solve outstanding "problems that restrict political and legal work, support all political and legal units to perform their duties in accordance with the law, provide a strong guarantee for the construction of a higher level of safe China and the rule of law in China, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress". Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Committee and Politburo member Guo Shengkun, conveyed Xi Jinping's important instructions and delivered a speech at the meeting, "emphasizing that the political and legal organs across the country should be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping's thought on the rule of law, and fully implement the spirit of the 19th Plenary Sessions to strengthen the "four consciousness", strengthen the "four self-confidence", achieve "two maintenance", deeply study and understand the decisive meaning of "two establishments", and think that the 20th National Congress of the Party will be successfully held". State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi, President of the Supreme People's Court Zhou Qiang, and Chief Procurator of the Supreme People's Procuratorate Zhang Jun attended the meeting.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on January 19, which discussed further strengthening the guarantee of coal, electricity, oil and gas transportation and market supply in the next stage, especially during the Spring Festival. It also decided to continue to implement some expired tax cuts and said the fee reduction policy supports the rescue and development of enterprises. The meeting also discussed the Government Work Report to be submitted to the Fifth Session of the 13th National People's Congress for deliberation, and decided to send a draft of the report to all provinces and regions, relevant departments and units of the city and the central state organs to solicit opinions.

Xinhua (January 14) reported that Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning addressed the concluding session of the meeting held in Beijing on January 14, of leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels to study and implement the 'spirit' of the Sixth Plenum. Wang Huning said that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the opening ceremony of the seminar, deepen the understanding of the decisive significance of the "two establishments", strengthen the "four awareness", strengthen the "four self-confidence", and achieve "Two maintenance", better implement the important requirements of taking history as a mirror and creating the future, strengthen historical confidence, grasp historical laws, grasp historical initiative, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the Party's 20th National Congress. Politburo member Chen Xi presided over the closing ceremony, and Politburo members Ding Xuexiang, Yang Xiaodu, Guo Shengkun and Huang Kunming and 19th CCP CC member You Quan attended the closing ceremony.

Party Secretary of Guizhou Province Shen Yiqin, in her speech at the opening meeting of the 5th session of the 12th CPPCC Provincial Committee on January 19, 2022, put the "two establishments" before the "two safeguards", both in the title and body of her speech.

The CCP CC Propaganda Department held the 2022 National Publishing (Copyright) Work Conference in Beijing on January 19. It said the Central Propaganda Department will thoroughly implement the 'spirit' of the 19th Party Congress and "the spirit of the previous plenary sessions, study and implement the spirit of the National Propaganda Ministers Conference", study the key tasks of the publishing work in 2022, and take practical actions to welcome the victory of the 20th Party Congress. The meeting emphasized that it "is necessary to hold high the ideological banner, take the publication and publicity of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the primary political task of the publishing front, highlight the decisive significance of the "two establishments", carefully create a matrix of key works, and promote the party's innovative theory to go deeper"

Radio Free Asia (RFA-January 12) reported that on January 6, Xinhua posted an article that China has broadcast “Discover Shihezi (a city in Xinjiang)” in Chinese and English on the electric billboard “China Screen” at Times Square in New York, 48 times a day for 7 consecutive days. In addition, on January 7, Xinhua posted the same video on the websites of the Paris-based Nouvelles d’Europe newspaper and Japan’s AFPBB News and its social media. The videos were in Chinese, English, French, and German. The videos claimed that Shihezi’s present-day “prosperity” is the result of more than 70 years of development under the CCP’s leadership. RFA added that in July 2011, Xinhua News Agency rented the biggest and best-located billboard at Times Square, a 60 inch by 40 inch screen. Media said the rent could be US $300,000 to $400,000 per month

The People's Daily (January 19) disclosed that the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) had officially established the 'Xi Jinping Economic Thought Research Center' with the approval of the Party Centre

Le Yucheng, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister told a forum held by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China in Beijing on January 18 that “Exceeding the US in GDP, we are not interested in it, and this is not what we are going after. “He added “To meet the people’s desire for a better life, this is what the Communist Party of China aims for.” Li Yucheng also said, “We should oppose the Cold War mentality of unilateralism, interference in internal affairs, making coterie and group politics.”

The US-based Duowei News (January 14) claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had through last year been increasingly mentioning "historical self-confidence" in his speeches. Asserting that it is important to learn from history to avoid mistakes, it stated that Xi Jinping's 'intensive emphasis on "historical selfconfidence" is not only a self-confidence and high recognition of the 100-year history of the CCP, but also a set of historical legitimacy narratives that have been striving for national rejuvenation for generations'. Stating that this complements and conforms to the logic of the "four self-confidences", it assessed that it is very likely that the CCP will expand the "four self-confidences" into "five self-confidences" at an appropriate time, thereby making it 'a new spiritual guide for the whole party'.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) issued a notice on January 13, on increasing the sci-tech R&D capabilities of SMEs. Specifically, MoST plans to create a national fund to support research and development by small- and medium-sized businesses and simplify the admin processes for financial subsidies and tax rebates. MoST is also keen on ensuring that SMEs can access top-tier sci-tech talent.

Reports indicate that salaries of officials in China's provinces are being reduced. Changsha, capital of Hunan Province issued a notice recently announcing a 15 percent cut in salaries

The People’s Bank of China lowered its key interest rate for the first time in almost two years to help bolster an economy that’s lost momentum because of a property slump and repeated virus outbreaks. It lowered the rate at which it provides one-year loans to banks by 10 basis points -- the first reduction since April 2020.

The People's Daily (January 10) reported officials of China's State Administration of Taxation saying at a recent National Taxation Work Conference that from 2016 to 2021, the cumulative tax and fee cuts exceeded 8.6 trillion yuan, and the macro tax burden is expected to drop from 18.7% in 2012 to around 15.2% in 2021. Separately, a report about the support provided to enterprises last year says the annual increase in tax and fee cuts is expected to have exceeded 1 trillion yuan in 2021. Giving details, it said, R&D related subsidies have ensured enterprises enjoyed 333.3 billion yuan in tax reductions and exemptions in advance; tax and fee reductions granted to micro, small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises are expected to be around 200 billion yuan; and some 13 million new tax-related market entities are believed to have been added in 2021, up 13.6% year-on-year, or 2.4 times more than in 2012

Greater Bay Airlines, a new Hong Kong-based airline with ties to Beijing, is awaiting final approval to operate commercial passenger flights out of Hong Kong. It is assessing whether to opt for Boeing’s 737 Max 10 model jets or Airbus’s A321neos, which would mean an investment of approx. US $1.77 billion.

The New York Times (January 20) reported that surveys show that more than 60 percent of Taiwan’s 23 million people identify as solely Taiwanese, three times the proportion in 1992. Only 2 percent identify as Chinese, down from 25 percent three decades ago.

The South China Morning Post (January 20) Chinese Professor of International Relations at Beijing’s Renmin University, Shi Yinhong, as saying at an international relations forum in Beijing on January 20 that tensions in the Taiwan Strait have steadily escalated amid growing US support for Taiwan and with Beijing seeing the self-ruled island as a breakaway province, reunification has become a much more pressing goal in recent years.

A Global Times (January 19) article claimed that "any progress connect to China's infrastructure construction in its southwestern territories touches a nerve in New Delhi. And the news of the bridge across the Pangong Lake appears to be no exception.

Referring to the increase China-India trade in 2021, the Global Times (January 14) said that its reaching "a record high, surpassing $125 billion, amid bilateral tensions, is just another piece of proof that New Delhi is unable to reduce its dependence on the Chinese market".

India's Income Tax authorities have since December 21, conducted raids and search operations in several areas in states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi & NCR. According to an ANI report, I-T officers targeted 15 manufacturing units of mobile manufacturers Oppo, OnePlus and Xiaomi, Dixon, and Rising Star India.

The Global Times (January 13) observed that "India appears to be showing a sense of unusual urgency in expanding its trade network these days, in contrast to its long-held protectionist stance" but warned " India must understand clearly that any attempt to exclude China, the world's second-largest economy and biggest trading nation, will seriously hamper its quest for influence in global trade."

Meeting his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: “It is hoped that the two sides will firstly support each other in safeguarding their own sovereignty, security and development interests.”

On January 13, the Foreign Office of Pakistan informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan would attend the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, which is scheduled to take place on February 4

China Economic Net reported (January 14) that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's Special Assistant on CPEC, Khalid Mansoor, said on January 14 that the upcoming CPEC infrastructure projects are likely to attract US $28 billion Chinese investment. Mansoor informed that a total of US $ 25 billion had already been invested under the CPEC by China, while another US $ 28 billion were expected under the upcoming projects. He added “The timeline for the execution of the CPEC phases spanned from 2015 to 2030, with many projects providing benefits over a much longer period” and reminded that Pakistan turned to China for help to solve the energy crisis, so that “we should be able to address the ever-declining economy of Pakistan, as there was no power in the country.”

The Wall Street Journal (January 18) reported that the deepening debt crisis has left Sri Lanka struggling to pay for imports and stoked political controversy over Chinese lending to the South Asian nation as part of Beijing’s global Belt and Road infrastructure program. With around two-thirds of government revenue already going toward interest payments, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa warned in a speech to Parliament that the country had insufficient foreign-currency reserves to pay for the imports it needed. Earlier this month, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, a member of Parliament in the ruling party, wrote a six-page letter addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping accusing Beijing of pushing Sri Lanka into a debt trap to expand China’s sphere of political influence. He wrote “It is manifestly visible that your friendship with us is no more genuine and candid, instead you use our relations to achieve your ambition of becoming the world power at the stake of lives of our innocent people.”

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing on January 11 that “After friendly consultations between the two sides, freight in goods in Dandong has resumed.”

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa strongly criticised China in a television interview on January 17. The Prime Minister also announced that Slovenia plans to allow Taiwan to open an office there. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China was “shocked” by Slovenia’s plans to allow Taiwan to open an office, saying it would damage ties between China and Europe.

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) reported the first interviews of US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya as US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues. In separate interviews on Radio Free Asia, Tibet TV, and Voice of America, Uzra Zeya said the US government’s stance on the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics can help shine a light on China’s human rights abuses in Tibet. She addressed the Biden-Harris administration’s increasing efforts to combat China’s “transnational repression” of Tibetan exile communities. She further discussed her work with Congress and other partners, and her desire to meet with the Dalai Lama. She said, “I think that our decision with respect to the Olympics was also to show that we would not treat these Games as business as usual, and that we would not be contributing to the fanfare of the Games in such a way that obscures the reality of human rights abuses occurring as we speak in the PRC". She added that “On the question of access, this is an absolute priority. We have a legislative mandate as well that we intend to uphold. I think there is an opportunity in our stance with respect to the Olympics to show our commitment to promoting human rights and to shine a light on the reality of the situation in Tibet and elsewhere.” Zeya also spoke in her interviews about the Chinese government’s attempts to intimidate Tibetan communities living in exile in the United States and across the world.

The South China Morning Post (January 21) disclosed that China and the US are in talks to prepare for a potential meeting between Chinese top diplomat Yang Jiechi and US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on core national security concerns. It cited sources as saying that the two sides are, however, deeply divided on protocol and agenda items.

Xi Jinping delivered an important speech on January 11, at the opening ceremony of the seminar on the study and implementation of the spirit of the CCP CC Sixth Plenary Session for leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presided over an Executive meeting of the State Council on January 10, deploying and accelerating major projects identified in the "14th Five-Year Plan" Outline and special plans, expanding effective investment; centralized procurement with volume to further reduce the medical burden on patients.

The Sixth Plenum of the CCP Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) will be held from January 18 to 20, and a new CCDI committee will be selected later this year.

The Procuratorate Daily (January 5) reported that the Central Political and Legal Committee Party History Learning and Education Summary Meeting was held on January 5. Chen Yixin, Secretary General of the Central Political and Legal Committee (PLAC) delivered a speech, and Wang Xiufeng, head of the 11th Guidance Group of the Central Committee of Party History Learning and Education, attended the meeting for guidance.

Lin Shangli, deputy at the Central Policy Research Office, wrote a big article in the Economic Daily (January 7) emphasising independence, self-esteem, self-reliance and unity. Asserting that "China's affairs must be advocated and handled by the Chinese people themselves" and the people owe their independence to the struggles and leadership of the CCP, he recalled “Comrade Deng Xiaoping has repeatedly warned people: "China's affairs must be handled according to China's conditions, and must be handled by the Chinese people's own strength. Independence and self-reliance, no matter the past, present or future, are our footholds." "Any foreign Don't expect China to be their vassal, and don't expect China to swallow the bitter fruit that harms our country's interests." General Secretary Xi Jinping also emphasized: "The entire history of China since modern times tells us that China's affairs must be based on China's characteristics and China's actual conditions. It's the right way to solve all China's problems." (Comment: Li Shagli is a protege of PBSC member Wang Huning.)

The Economic Daily (January 12) published a major article titled 'The Creative Development of Marxist Political Economy', which mainly focused on Xi Jinping Economic Thought as its development. It was authored by Liu Wei, President of Renmin University. It contained 16 references to Xi Jinping and 6 to "Xi Jinping Thought" and says "Practice has proved that Xi Jinping's economic thought has a strong vitality, which is not only a clear era, but also an open theoretical system facing the future".

The People's Court Daily (January 10) reported that Guo Shengkun, Politburo member and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Committee, attended and spoke at the second meeting of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics Security Headquarters on January 9. He emphasised the importance of doing a good job in security work at the Winter Olympics. State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. Chen Yixin, Secretary General of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, Wang Xiaohong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security and Deputy Minister in charge of daily work, Han Zirong, full-time Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Beijing Winter Olympics Organizing Committee, and relevant responsible comrades from the Security Headquarters attended the meeting. Meanwhile, the Chinese government has promised Olympic athletes’ free access to social media platforms and other websites in the Olympic Village in Beijing, but heavy surveillance of online activity is expected to continue, even for visitors who are allowed to access sites that would otherwise be blocked. Chinese authorities have said Olympic participants and foreign media will have uncensored access to the internet through special SIM cards.

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) announced on its official website on January 8 that Zhang Yongze, Vice Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region Government (TAR), was examined and investigated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission on suspicion of serious violations of discipline and law, and is currently undergoing disciplinary review.

A commentary posted (January 8) on the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC)'s official website spoke of keeping up the "overwhelming" pressure against corruption thereby setting tone for the 20th Party Congress later this year.

The People's Daily (January 11) published a lengthy article by Qu Qingshan, Director of the CCP CC's Party History and Literature Research Institute, on implementation of the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session.

The CCP CC's Propaganda Department has brought out a new periodical magazine called China News Release (中国新闻发布), available in both Chinese and English. The English-language version will be available monthly.

I, II7 cadres graduated from the CCP CC Central Party School at its graduation ceremony for the fall semester of 2021 held in Beijing on January 8. Politburo member and President of the Central Party School Chen Xi attended the ceremony and issued the graduation certificates. The 'students' all agreed that they had "comprehensively and thoroughly studied Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply comprehended the major achievements and historical experience of the party's century-long struggle, strengthened political literacy, tempered party spirit, improved leadership, and stimulated forge ahead. , to have a deeper understanding of the decisive meaning of "two establishments", and further enhance the consciousness and firmness of "two maintenances"." (Comment: The upward mobile CCP cadres are selected for training at the Central Party School and they usually rise to 'leading' positions in the CCP.)

China's Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) disclosed on January 8 that Wang Bin, Party Secretary and Chairman of China Life Insurance (Group) Company, is under investigation.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Transport jointly issued the "14th Five-Year Plan for Civil Aviation Development". It clarifies the guiding ideology, basic principles, target requirements and major measures for the development of civil aviation in the next five years, and is a programmatic document to guide the development of the entire industry in the future. The planning period is to 2025, and the outlook is to 2035. It includes the construction of six major systems is the main part of the "14th Five-Year Plan" of civil aviation. It disclosed that during the "13th Five-Year Plan", 339 general-purpose airports were registered, and 6,795 civil aviation aircraft were in the fleet

Data released on January 14 by the Chinese Customs Administration showed that Chinese exports continued to do well into December, pushing the annual trade surplus to a new high. Exports in December were $340.5 billion, taking the full year total to $3.36 trillion. Imports were $246 billion in December and $2.69 trillion for the year, leaving a trade surplus of $94.5 billion for the month and $676 billion for the full year.

China's State Council issued a plan on January 5 for the development of China's digital economy, aiming to increase this sector's share of national GDP by pushing technologies like 6G and big data centers. It set several targets for 2025, namely the increase of the digital economy's share of the national GDP from 7.8% in 2020 to 10% in 2025. Other targets included accelerating the construction of big data centers and increasing the number of users of gigabit broadband, the fastest connection speed available, from 6.4 million in 2020 to 60 million in 2025. The State Council also pointed out structural issues in China's digital economy that needed to be addressed.

Caixin (January 11) reported that nearly half of Chinese college graduates chose civil service, public sector, and state-owned enterprise jobs in 2021, with graduates from prestigious schools such as Tsinghua University taking a much higher percentage. It said that according to a report published on January 4 by Prof. Yue Changjun of the Institute of Economics of Education of Peking University, there were 9.09 million fresh college graduates in China last year. Some 49.3% of respondents in a survey of more than 20,000 graduates from 34 colleges across the country got a job in the civil service, public institutions and state-owned enterprises.

Liu Kun, China’s Minister of Finance published an article in the 12th issue of the magazine, “Organ’s Party Development Research,” calling on officials to work hard and be thrifty. It doesn’t matter if there is an ample or an insufficient budget, (officials) should always manage income and expenditure as a whole, truly spend the money where it most needs to go, and effectively put the requirement of living on a tight budget into practice

Quoting China's Ministry of Education has estimates, the South China Morning Post (January 13) reported that while there is an overflow of people looking for office jobs, there will be a shortage of nearly 30 million workers in the manufacturing sector by 2025. The Blue Collar Employment and Compensation Management Report 2021, from China International Intellectech, a human resources company, said nearly 70 per cent of Chinese businesses face labour shortages, and 55 per cent of companies are struggling to find blue-collar workers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said in January 2021 that of the 100 occupations with the greatest worker shortages, as many as 36 were categorised as “manufacturing and related personnel.” Of the 25 new occupations on the list, 15 were directly related to manufacturing, accounting for 60 per cent of the total.

China’s largest New York Stock Exchange-listed private education company, New Oriental Education, laid off 60,000 employees after Beijing’s far-reaching crackdown last year. New Oriental Education’s billionaire founder Yu Minhong confirmed the massive shakeup in a post on his WeChat account over the weekend, adding that the company’s operations are in uncertain territory because of “policies, the pandemic and international relations.” Famous for its after-school tutoring services, New Oriental Education laid off 60,000 staff members over the last year. The company had more than 88,000 full-time employees and about 17,000 contract teachers as of May 2021, according to its latest annual report. Yu Minhong did not say whether any of the 60,000 employees were contract workers, but added that New Oriental’s revenue fell 80%, while its market capitalization shrank 90%.