CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING HOLDS TALKS WITH SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA IN BEIJING ON SEPTEMBER 2

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit, on September 2.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE  PRESIDENT  XI  JINPING  AND  DJIBOUTI'S PRESIDENT  ISMAIL  OMAR  GUELLEH  ELEVATED  BILATERAL  TIES  TO 'COMPREHENSIVE  STRATEGIC  PARTNERSHIP'  DURING  MEETING  IN BEIJING ON SEPTEMBER 2

Chinese President Xi Jinping met the Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who is in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the two announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi Jinping also highly appreciated President Guelleh's attendance at the FOCAC's all summits since its inception.

ii) Chinese President Xi Jinping also met Guinean President Doumbouya, Eritrean President Isaias, Seychelles President Ramkalawan, Togolese President Faure, Comoros President Azali, Malian President Goita, Congolese President Tshisekedi, Chadian President Mohamed and other foreign leaders attending the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING TO ANNOUNCE NEW ACTIONS AND MEASURES FOR PRACTICAL COOPERATION WITH AFRICA AT FOCAC SUMMIT

The People's Daily (September 3) reported that commenting on Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the opening ceremony of FOCAC on September 5, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said Xi Jinping will 'elaborate on the new ideas and propositions on building a high-level community with a shared future between China and Africa, and announce new actions and measures for practical cooperation with Africa'. Chen Xiaodong noted that Xi Jinping had visited Africa five times as the Chinese President, attended two FOCAC summits, and chaired the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 and the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue. He has also summarized the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation and in person charted the course for the development of China-Africa relations in the new era.

ii) Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi published an article with the caption 'Let’s work together to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future——Written on the occasion of the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Forum Summit' in the People's Daily on September 2.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: LATEST ISSUE OF QIU SHI PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON EDUCATION BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING

The latest, 17th issue of issue of the Party's leading theoretical journal Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; September 1) published an "important" article on education by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The article is titled "Cultivating Socialist Builders and Successors with All-Round Development of Morality, Intelligence, Physical Fitness, Aesthetics and Labor". Xi Jinping stressed nurturing a new generation of capable young people with sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigour, aesthetic sensibility, and work skills who will fully develop socialism and carry forward the socialist cause. The article asserted that the Chinese Communist Party has determined that "our education must take the cultivation of socialist builders and successors as its fundamental task, and cultivate useful talents who support the leadership of the Communist Party of China and our socialist system and are determined to fight for socialism with Chinese characteristics for life". It said, "Textbooks must adhere to the guiding role of Marxism, reflect the requirements of the sinicization of Marxism, reflect the style of China and the Chinese nation, reflect the basic requirements of the Party and the state for education, reflect the basic values of the country and the nation, and reflect the accumulation of human cultural knowledge and innovative achievements."

CHINA-LEADERSHIP:    CHINESE    PREMIER    LI    QIANG    PRESIDED OVER EXECUTIVE MEETING OF STATE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 30

CCTV (August 30) telecast a report on Chinese Premier Li Qiang presiding over an Executive meeting of the State Council on August 30 to study several opinions on promoting high-quality development of the insurance industry, deploy relevant work on the implementation of the big food concept, review and approve the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Improvement of the Haihe River Basin Flood Control System" and the "Network Data Security Management Regulations (Draft)", and discuss the "Maritime Code of the People's Republic of China (Revised Draft)". The meeting also examined other matters.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CPPCC CHAIRMAN AND PBSC MEMBER WANG HUNING PRESIDED OVER CONSULTATION SESSION OF CPPCC ON SEPTEMBER 2 IN BEIJING 

People's Daily (September 3) said PBSC member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning presided over a consultation session of the CPPCC National Committee to discuss pursuing high-standard opening up, in Beijing on September 2. Wang Huning stressed the need to focus on improving the high-standard opening up of institutions and mechanisms as well as expanding institutional opening up. He also highlighted efforts to reform the management systems for inward and outward investment, optimize the layout for regional opening up, and improve the mechanisms for high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. 21 political advisors spoke on expanding institutional opening up and building a high-standard market system, among other topics, at the session. Politburo member and Vice Premier He Lifeng attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP:  POLITBURO  STANDING  COMMITTEE MEMBER  AND NPC  CHAIRMAN  ZHAO  LEJI  INSPECTED  (AUGUST  28-30)  ZHEJIANG  AND SHANGHAI

Politburo Standing Committee member and NPC Chairman Zhao Leji inspected Zhejiang Province and Shanghai Municipality from August 28 to August 30. During the inspection tour he visited a practicing center of whole-process people's democracy in Hangzhou, Zhejiang on August 28, the 1954 Constitution Archives Exhibition Hall in Hangzhou, and the Gubei civic center in Shanghai on August 29.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP:    CHINESE    VICE    PRESIDENT    HAN    ZHENG    MET REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDING 2024 LEGISLATORS FORUM FOR FRIENDLY EXCHANGES IN BEIJING

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met representatives attending the 2024 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges in Beijing on August 30.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP:  POLITBURO  MEMBER  AND  HEAD  OF  CCP  CC ORGANISATION  DEPARTMENT  LI  GANJIE  MET  CAMBODIAN  DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER HONG MANYI IN BEIJING ON AUGUST 26

China Organisation and Personnel News (August 27) said that Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department Li Ganjie met Hong Manyi, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Civil Service in Beijing on August 26. Li Ganjie said China and Cambodia are true friends and China attaches great importance to the development of China- Cambodia relations and is willing to work with Cambodia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and the two countries, promote the construction of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and better benefit the people of the two countries. Hong Manyi said that Cambodia is grateful for China's long-term valuable support, firmly supports China's core interests, and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, including civil service affairs.

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: FU QIANG APPOINTED PARTY SECRETARY OF NORTHEAST AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY IN HARBIN

Beijing Daily (September 3) disclosed that the Heilongjiang Provincial Party Committee had decided to appoint Fu Qiang as Secretary of the Party Committee of Northeast Agricultural University.

CHINA-RELIGION: SIXTH WORLD BUDDHIST FORUM TO BE HELD IN NINGBO, ZHEJIANG PROVINCE, IN OCTOBER

Xinhua (August 30) said the sixth World Buddhist Forum is scheduled to be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Invitations will be extended to Buddhists, experts, scholars and delegates from about 70 countries and regions around the world. Master Yanjue, head of the Buddhist Association of China, said the upcoming forum aims to delve into the essence of Buddhism, as well as its ideological connotations and practical values, in the meantime, promote communication and cooperation with various Buddhist communities, academic circles, cultural sectors and individuals around the world.

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: CHAIRMAN OF HUAIHUA MUNICIPAL CPPCC EXPELLED FROM CCP

In an unusual charge, Yin Yuying, Chairman of the Huaihua Municipal CPPCC, was expelled from the Party for "long-term addiction to online games and seeking low-level interests."

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER CHAIRMAN OF AVIC TAN RUISONG IS UNDER INVESTIGATION

South China Morning Post (August 31) disclosed that Tan Ruisong, former Chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) from 2018 to 2023, is suspected to have committed “severe violations” of the law and Communist Party discipline and has been placed under investigation. It said he is being investigated by the party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Commission of Supervision..

CHINA-CCP: CENTRAL LEADING GROUP FOR PARTY BUILDING MET ON AUGUST 30 TO STUDY XI JINPING'S IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION ON PARTY DISCIPLINE AND EDUCATION

Xinhua (August 30) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping had recently issued an important instruction emphasizing that while the party discipline study and education has achieved positive results. It is necessary to consolidate and deepen the results of party discipline study and education, insist on integrating it into daily life and grasping it regularly, and continuously transform the results of party discipline study and education into a powerful driving force for promoting high-quality development. He said "We must focus on eradicating the soil and conditions for the breeding of corruption, and more effectively curb the increase and eliminate the stock. We must guide and promote party members and cadres to work diligently, let go of things, forge ahead, and take positive actions on the premise of abiding by rules and discipline". The meeting said Xi Jinping's instructions "are highly political, ideological, targeted, and guiding, and must be studied and understood carefully and fully implemented".

1. The Central Leading Group for Party Building held a meeting on August 30 to convey Xi Jinping's important instructions, review the "Opinions on Promoting the Regularization and Long-term Effectiveness of Party Discipline Learning and Education", and summarize the Party Discipline Learning and Education. The meeting also said this round of Party discipline education campaign, which started in April, has come to an end. Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) member and Head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building Cai Qi presided and delivered a speech. PBSC member and deputy head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, Li Xi also delivered a speech. Politburo members Li Ganjie and Li Shulei, CPPCC Vice Chairman, Executive Deputy Director of the Office of Deepening Reform (minister-level), and since 2007, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Mu Hong and CPPCC Vice Chairman and Deputy Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department Jiang Xinzhi attended the meeting. Members of the Central Party Building Work Leading Group and others attended the meeting.

   
   

2. The state-owned CCTV telecast a report on the meeting on August 30.

CHINA-CCP:  LI  GANJIE,  POLITBURO MEMBER  AND  HEAD  OF  CCP  CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT, INTERVIEWED BY PEOPLE'S DAILY 

People's Daily (August 30) published an important interview with Li Ganjie, Politburo member and member of the CCP CC Secretariat, under the caption 'Providing institutional guarantees for the serious and prudent handling of unqualified party members——The head of the Central Organization Department answered reporters' questions about the "Measures for the Organizational Disposal of Unqualified Party Members of the Communist Party of China". The interview disclosed that the Politburo Standing Committee on May 21, 2024, reviewed and approved the draft of the "Measures". The "Measures" is a party regulation that specifically stipulates the organizational disposal of unqualified party members. It is of great significance to implement the strategic policy of comprehensive and strict governance of the party, unswervingly advance the party's self-revolution, build a team of party members with firm beliefs, political reliability, reasonable structure, excellent quality, strict discipline, and outstanding role, and continuously enhance the vitality and vitality of the party. Li Ganjie said 'The Measures' have a total of 27 articles, mainly covering four aspects: First, it stipulates the overall requirements, concepts, methods, principles, etc. for organizational disposal; second, it stipulates the applicable circumstances for rectification within a time limit, persuading them to quit the Party, and expelling them, and details the disposal procedures and follow-up matters; third, it stipulates the policy requirements that should be grasped, such as circumstances where disposal may not be given and combined disposal; fourth, it stipulates the work responsibilities and work discipline of organizational disposal. Stating that "The life of the system lies in its implementation", Li Ganjie said Party committees (party groups) at all levels should take the organization and disposal of unqualified party members as a basic work in the construction of the party member team, implement the "Measures" without fail, and constantly purify the party organization and strengthen the party body. He added that through special learning, exchanges and discussions, etc., party organizations at all levels and the majority of party members can accurately understand the spirit of the "Measures", fully grasp the content of the "Measures", and strictly implement the provisions of the "Measures". The Central Organization Department will, in due course, carry out the study and training of the "Measures" and policy interpretation through business training, work questions and answers, etc.

CHINA-CCP:  SUN  JINLONG,  PARTY  SECRETARY  OF  XPCC,  PUBLISHED LENGTHY ARTICLE ON ECOLOGICAL REFORM IN PEOPLE'S DAILY

The People's Daily (August 30) published a lengthy article by Sun Jinlong, who has since 2016 been serving as the Party Branch Secretary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, captioned 'Deepen the reform of the ecological civilization system (study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee)'. It claimed, "The reform of the ecological civilization system in the new era has achieved remarkable results". It stated "Reform of the ecological environment governance system continues to deepen. Ecological and environmental protection work has shifted from focusing on reducing the total amount of pollutants to focusing on improving the quality of the ecological environment. The national ecological environment quality monitoring authority has been centralized, and the emission permit for fixed pollution sources has been fully covered. The entry of "foreign garbage" has been completely banned." Quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping saying that "the world is undergoing a major change that has not been seen in a century. The complexity, severity and uncertainty of global environmental governance have increased, and the trend of politicalization has significantly increased. China's participation in global environmental and

climate governance faces new tasks and challenges. In the new era and new journey, it is necessary to further deepen the reform of the ecological civilization system...".

CHINA-CCP: QU QINGSHAN, PRESIDENT OF CCP CC INSTITUTE OF PARTY HISTORY AND LITERATURE, PUBLISHED AN ARTICLE IN 'QIU SHI' ON DENG XIAOPING'S REFORM THOUGHT

Qu Qingshan, President of the CCP CC Institute of Party History and Literature, in a lengthy article titled 'Deng Xiaoping's Reform Thought and Its Contemporary Value' published in the latest issue (2024/17; September 1) of Qiushi, he said "Deng Xiaoping repeatedly emphasised the importance of correct centralisation, the necessity of having a core within the Party, and the authority of the Central Committee." He said at the recent symposium commemorating Deng Xiaoping's 120th birth anniversary, "General Secretary Xi Jinping fondly reviewed Comrade Deng Xiaoping's glorious, combative and great life, and highly praised Comrade Deng Xiaoping's great historical contributions in leading the Party and the people to successfully usher in a new era of reform and opening up and socialist modernization in my country, to pioneer socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to establish Deng Xiaoping Theory. He stressed the need to continue to study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory in depth, to learn from Comrade Deng Xiaoping's lofty revolutionary style, and to continue to push forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics that he pioneered". Qu Qingshan asserted that "Deng Xiaoping's reform ideas are rich in content and profound in depth. They have profoundly answered major theoretical and practical questions such as "what is my country's socialist reform and how to carry out my country's socialist reform", added new content to the treasure house of Marxist theory, and opened up a new realm for the development of Marxism. "Led by the Communist Party" - Comrade Deng Xiaoping profoundly expounded on the leadership of my country's reform. Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out that "for reform to succeed, it must be carried out in an orderly manner under leadership"; "China is led by the Communist Party, and China's socialist modernization construction is led by the Communist Party. This principle cannot be shaken." The article emphasised the importance of the Four Cardinal Principles and said "Four Cardinal Principles "is the fundamental prerequisite for realizing the Four Modernizations" and "if any of the Four Cardinal Principles is shaken, then the entire socialist cause and the entire modernization construction cause will be shaken." The core of adhering to the Four Cardinal Principles is "to adhere to the leadership of the Party."" The article concluded with a call to "Let us unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core."

(Comment: The Qiu Shi included articles by Xi Jinping, CCP CC Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Propaganda Department Shi Taifeng titled 'Deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions and adhere to, develop, and improve China's new party system' and one by the Party Group of the Ministry of Education of the Communist Party of China.

ii) It is interesting that Qu Qingshan published this lengthy article extolling Deng Xiaoping and emphasising that Xi Jinping had "highly praised" Deng Xiaoping's contributions. The People's Daily and other official media also published Xi Jinping's speech of more than 6,000 words, which is much longer than the speech he delivered at the 110th anniversary 10 years ago, which was only around 3,000 words. The latest speech also highly evaluated Deng Xiaoping, while ignoring the "central leadership collective." 10 years ago Xi Jinping said that Deng Xiaoping "together with the central leadership...made a series of major decisions" that promoted reform and opening up.)

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON DATA RESOURCE UTILISATION BY WANG XUHUI, PRESIDENT OF DONGBEI UNIVERSITY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMICS

Guangming Daily (August 30) published an article titled 'Improve the efficiency of data resource utilization and develop new quality productivity in accordance with local conditions' by Wang Xuhui, Vice President of Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. The article called for increased focus on reform measures such as market standardization, regional coordination, industrial empowerment, and technological breakthroughs, gradually enhance the consistency of macroeconomic policy orientation, and effectively play its guiding role in developing new quality productivity in accordance with local conditions.

CHINA-PLA:  FIRST  SHIPMENT  OF  AVIATION  NO.3  JET  FUEL  TO  TAR  BY QINGHAI OILFIELD FROM GOLMUD REFINERY COMPLETED ON AUGUST 10

China News (August 13) reported that the Qinghai Oilfield completed the first railway shipment of No. 3 jet fuel from the Golmud Refinery to TAR on August 10, marking the start of regular aviation fuel supplies to the region. This move aims to address long-standing issues with high transportation costs and supply difficulties, as aviation fuel was previously sourced from Lanzhou and Yumen, which was less efficient. The Golmud Refinery, located at 2,850 meters in the Qaidam Basin, has a refining capacity of 1.5 million tons of crude oil annually.

CHINA-PLA: XIANGSHAN FORUM TO BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2024

The 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum will be held from September 12 to 14, and preparations are now basically complete. By August 28, more than 90 official delegations from various countries and international organizations had confirmed their attendance. The theme of this forum is “Building Peace and Sharing the Future".

CHINA-PLA:  PLA  INFORMATION  SUPPORT  FORCE  RECRUITED  TEN PERSONNEL FOR THE NEW INFORMATION SUPPORT FORCE

The PLA Information Support Force on July 15, held open recruitment for civilian positions, including Research Intern, Research Assistant, Engineer and Assistant Engineer. The recruitment process were of two types: one with written examinations and one without written examinations, where candidates were selected through direct interviews. The first list contained 10 names, and the second list includes 28 names. The final list of selected candidates will be announced soon.

CHINA-PLA:  GENERAL  QIN  SHUTONG,  POLITICAL  COMMISSAR  OF  PLA ARMY (GROUND FORCES) RUMOURED TO BE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Rumours are circulating in Beijing that 1963-born General Qin Shutong, Political Commissar of the PLA Ground Forces, is under investigation.

(Comment: Qin Shutong was promoted to Lt General in 2019 and as full General in 2022.)

CHINA-S&T:  HEAD  OF  CHINA'S  NATIONAL  DATA  ADMINISTRATION DISCLOSED THAT CHINA HAS SPENT YUAN 200 BILLION IN CONSTRUCTING NATIONAL COMPUTING HUBS

The People's Daily (August 29) quoted the Head of China's National Data Administration, Liu Liehong saying at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 being held in Guiyang, that China's total investment driven by the construction of the hubs had surpassed 200 billion yuan, while the number of data center racks had exceeded 1.95 million. Initiated in 2022, the project has seen the full steam advance of the construction of the eight national computing hubs. In addition, China also plans to have 10 national data center clusters as part of the project. The project is designed to develop the capacity of inland regions to store and process data transmitted from economically advanced eastern areas. Liu Liehong said China aims to form a preliminary comprehensive computing power infrastructure system by the end of 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 was held in Guiyang on August 29-30 and attracted over 21,000 guests and the participation of 414 domestic and international companies. Participants included domestic industry leaders such as Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu and JD.com, as well as 77 overseas companies from more than 30 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany and Canada.

CHINA-GOVERNANCE: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE IDENTIFIED BEIJING AS CHINA'S FIRST MEGACITY TO PROMOTE HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

The People's Daily (August 29) referring to the Decision of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed to "promote the formation of a new system of smart and efficient governance for megacities, clarified the direction for the construction and development of Beijing, a megacity with a permanent population of more than 21.8 million and an area of 16,000 square kilometers. It said from a population perspective, the permanent population of Beijing's six urban districts has decreased by 15% compared with 2014, and the amount of urban and rural construction land has decreased by 130 square kilometers; from an environmental perspective, more than 9,200 hectares of space vacated by demolition of illegal buildings have been used to green the area, and more than 7,700 convenient commercial outlets have been built; from an industrial perspective, the proportion of newly established business entities in high-tech industries such as science and technology, commerce, and information will increase from 40.7% in 2013 to 66.1% in 2023... "Beijing has determined three red lines: the upper limit of the total population, the ecological control line, and the urban development boundary. It will use reduced-scale development to force a change in development mode and move towards high-quality development." Yang Xiuling, secretary of the party group and director of the Beijing Development and Reform Commission, said Beijing, which has a history of more than 3,000 years as a city and more than 870 years as a capital, has become the first megacity in the country to promote high-quality development by reducing its size.

CHINA-ECONOMY: NUMBER OF PEOPLE APPLYTING FOR ASYLUM IN U.K. ROSE TO 2384 IN 2023 FROM 798 IN 2012

Voice of America (September 2) disclosed that UN data shows that, since Xi Jinping came to power, the number of Chinese applying for asylum in the UK rose from 798 in 2012 to 2,384 in 2023, increasingly due to political and social freedom.

CHINA-ECONOMY:  IBM  CLOSING  R&D  OPERATIONS  IN  CHINA  AND RELOCATING ELSEWHERE OVERSEAS

Nikkei Asia (August 27) reported that IBM is closing its China R&D operations, affecting 1,600 workers. It said IBM will reportedly shut one research and development center in China and relocate another overseas, due to increasing tensions between Beijing and Washington. Caixin reported that the closures would affect two divisions, one that develops software applications and another that researches and develops data-related systems. The latter division would be relocated overseas, Caixin reported, adding that the changes were expected to affect over 1,600 employees.

CHINA-GUANGXI-ZHUANG    A.R.:    LU    XINNING    (F)    APPOINTED    VICE CHAIRMAN OF GUANGXI-ZHUANG A.R. ON AUGUST 31

The 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th People's Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on August 31, decided to appoint Lu Xinning (f) as Vice Chairman of the Autonomous Region.

(Comment: Born in December 1966, Lu Xinning had served as a member of the Party Leadership Group of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region prior to this appointment. The CCP CC had approved her appointment as member and Standing Member of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Party Committee on August 19 this year. In March 2019, she was appointed Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which post she held till now.)

CHINA-CHONGQING: SHANG KUI APPOINTED NEW MINISTER OF UNITED FRONT DEPARTMENT OF THE CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED CHONGQING MUNICIPALITY

The Beijing Daily (August 31) reported that Shang Kui has been appointed Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and Deputy Mayor of the Municipal Government.

(Comment: Shang Kui was born in June 1968 and has a Master of Business Administration for Senior Managers and is a member of the Communist Party of China.)

CHINA-HONGKONG:  TWO  EDITORS  OF  A  HONGKONG ONLINE  NEWS OUTLET SENTENCED FOR SEDITION

The Wall Street Journal (August 30) disclosed that two top editors of a pro-democracy HongKong news outlet were found guilty of sedition charges. It observed that these were the first convictions under the colonial-era law against the media in decades. The editors, Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam Shiu-tung, led Stand News—a now closed online outlet that was a leading source on the city’s campaign for democracy.

CHINA-INDIA: ARTICLES IN SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST SUGGEST INDIA AND CHINA SHOULD COOPERATE BUT MAKE NO MENTION OF RESOLVING SITUATION ON THE BORDER

Two articles in the South China Morning Post on August 27 and 28, captioned 'How Sino- Indian cooperation can help Bay of Bengal prosper' and 'As Western-led order crumbles, can China and India fulfil their destinies?' sought to suggest that India and China should take advantage of the evolving world situation and work together. They claimed that "Both economies have also struck a deft balance in their relations with great powers. Similarly, instead of being Balkanised into spheres of influence, the Bay of Bengal could unlock its potential through effective Sino-Indian collaboration." The article on August 28 said "With deepening political polarisation in the United States in the run-up to November’s presidential election and the dangerously escalating war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion, the world may be hurtling towards a period of instability and intensifying geopolitical rivalry. In recent months, China and India have acknowledged the consequences of this volatile environment. As two champions of the Global South, and currently the world’s second- and fifth-largest economies measured by nominal gross domestic product, their rapprochement and close cooperation in world affairs may become an indispensable anchor of stability in the face of a fragmenting Western-led global order". At the same time it reiterated Wang Yi’s remark during his unannounced visit to India in March 2022, that the border issue should be placed in its “proper position” in bilateral relations, and not be allowed to “define or even affect” the overall development of ties".

CHINA-BANGLADESH: CHINESE AMBASSADOR MEETS JAMAAT IN DHAKA ON SEPTEMBER 2

On September 2, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh met the Jamaat and said: 'China is determined to have good relationship with Bangladesh..China is supportive of Bangladesh, Bangladesh people'.

CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN RELAXED BIDDING RULES TO AWARD US$ 2 BILLION  CONTRACT  TO  CHINA  FOR  CONSTRUCTION  OF  KARAKORAM HIGHWAY

The Express Tribune (August 30) reported that Pakistan reportedly relaxed bidding rules to directly award a $2 billion contract to China for the construction of the strategically important Karakoram Highway. The Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb-led Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet on August 29, approved a special rule to exempt the requirement for international competitive bidding. This decision allows the contract to be awarded to Chinese firms for the construction of a section of the Karakoram Highway.

CHINA-NEPAL:    TIBETAN    COMMUNITIES    COMMEMORATE    TIBETAN DEMOCRACY DAY IN NEPAL ON SEPTEMBER 2

September 2, 2024, which marks the 64th anniversary of Tibetan democracy day, is celebrated by Tibetans around the world to express gratitude to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. In Nepal there was no official announcement from Tibetan Refugee Welfare Office, Lazimpat regarding officiating any ceremony to mark the 64th anniversary of Tibetan democracy day. However an official function was held at Namobuddha, through the locals of the region. The official function started from 11am. About 15 officials including the TRWO coordinator,

secretary, settlement officers, local assembly members, Tibetan Freedom Movement office representatives attended. Since there was no official circular given to the public, there was no attendance of the community people at the official function. Hence the Tibetans were left with the only option to observe the event within their own settlements. The Jawalakhel settlement people gathered at the local handicraft center for a small gathering at 7.30am. Similarly, settlements in Pokhara including Jampaling, Tashi Palkhiel, Paljorling and Tashiling held ceremonies within their camps to celebrate this momentous occasion. The occasions were marked with offering reverence to His Holiness for bestowing the gift of democracy to us, followed by reading of statement of Kashag and Tibetan Parliament to the public, performing of cultural dances, and ending with offering of sangsol. There were no police deployed near the Tibetan settlement camps in Pokhara. At Boudha around 15 policemen were deployed around the stupa. Likewise there were 5 policemen deployed near the Jawalakhel Samdupling camp. At Chinese embassy around 10 policemen were deployed and at Chinese Consulate about 5 policemen were deployed. At Shyabru, Rasuwa and Walung the settlements celebrated the democracy day within their settlement premises.

CHINA-SRI LANKA: ADDL. SECRETARY TO SRI LANKAN PRIME MINISTER VISITING CHINA AND SRI LANKA ARMY MAJOR TO TRAVEL TO CHINA AFTER COMPLETING 3-MONTH SIGNALS & COMMUNICATION COURSE IN PAKISTAN

1. The Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Harsha Vithanaarachchi (appointed in June 2024) is currently in China. He recently went to Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan province. He has visited China 8 times this year and plans to go again this October.

   
   

2. A Sri Lankan Army officer, Major Shamaka Ranasinghe of Signals Regiment, is presently in Pakistan for a 3 months course on Signals and Communication, and will go to China after that for an advanced course on the same subject.

CHINA-JAPAN:  CHINESE  SURVEY  SHIP  ENTERS  JAPAN'S  TERRITORIAL WATERS OFF KUCHINOERABU ISLAND AND DEPARTS AFTER ALMOST ONE AND HALF HOURS

Nikkei Asia (August 31) reported that less than a week after Tokyo strongly protested a Chinese military aircraft's airspace breach, on August 30 a Chinese navy survey ship entered Japan's territorial waters off Kagoshima Prefecture. Japan's defence ministry said the vessel was spotted entering the territorial waters west of Kuchinoerabu Island around 6 a.m. and left the waters southwest of Yakushima Island at around 7:53 a.m. The Maritime Self-Defense Force sent a minesweeper and patrol aircraft to monitor the Chinese vessel.

CHINA-PHILIPPINES: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY WARNS PHILIPPINES OF  CONSEQUENCES  IF  IT  DOES  NOT  WITHDRAW FROM  CHINESE TERRITORY

A People's Daily (August 31) Commentary captioned 'Philippines is the true troublemaker in South China Sea' accused the Philippines of "illegally intruding into China's territories in the South China Sea while portraying itself as the victim, the Philippines is perfectly employing the age-old tactic of the thief crying "stop thief! “It said "Since August 19, Philippine coast guard ships have repeatedly intruded into adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao in attempts to re- supply materials to MRRV-9701, and have deliberately taken dangerous manoeuvres to ram

China Coast Guard vessels". It added that "the Philippines has repeatedly infringed on China's sovereignty" thereby not only violating international law but also jeopardising regional stability. It said "The Philippines has also been a major saboteur of the marine environment in the South China Sea" and warned that "although China has shown restraint, its tolerance is not infinite. The Philippines should not underestimate China's resolve to protect its territory and sovereignty. ... China-Philippine relations are certainly at a critical crossroads. The Philippine government should reconsider its actions in the South China Sea, as they could endanger cooperation across various fields and lead to unpredictable consequences". It said "The only viable course of action for the Philippines is to remove relevant vessels from Chinese territory. It is imperative for policymakers in Manila to make a sensible decision".

(Comment: The People's Daily Commentary comes within days of U.S. NSA Jake Sullivan's visit to Beijing and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautioning the U.S. not to interfere in the issue between China and the Philippines.)

CHINA-UK: TELEGRAPH REPORTS THAT FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS FROM CCP THE U.K. HAD REMOVED REFERENCES TO TAIWAN FROM TEXTBOOKS

The Telegraph (September 1) reported that British AQA GCSE Chinese textbooks have removed references to Taiwan after complaints by the CCP. Citing an example it said a reference to “Yangmingshan National Park is the third national park of the Republic of China, and the park is located in the northern part of Taipei City” had been removed.

August

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PRESIDED OVER 6TH MEETING OF CC FOR COMPREHENSIVELY DEEPENING REFORM

The Beijing Daily (August 30) disclosed that Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the sixth meeting of the Central Committee for Comprehensively Deepening Reform in Beijing on August 29 and delivered an "important" speech. Politburo Standing Committee members Li Qiang, Wang Huning and Cai Qi, and Deputy Directors of the Central Committee for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, attended the meeting. The meeting stressed that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made comprehensive arrangements for further deepening reform and identified more than 300 major reform measures. It stressed that the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee over reform must be upheld and the system of reporting and asking for instructions must be strictly implemented. It noted that the CCP CC had established 22 free trade pilot zones and launched a large number of landmark and leading institutional innovation achievements. It said, "We must coordinate development and security, steadily expand institutional opening-up in terms of rules, regulations, management, and standards, and enhance risk prevention and control capabilities."

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING WILL ATTEND FOCAC OPENING CEREMONY AND HOST WELCOME BANQUET ON SEPTEMBER 5

The People's Daily (August 29) confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 5 in Beijing and deliver a keynote speech. It said Xi Jinping will also host a welcoming banquet and relevant bilateral events for the leaders of FOCAC's African members and representatives of relevant African regional organizations and international organizations invited to the summit.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO MEETING PRESIDED BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING NOTED NEED TO INCULCATE STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONG BORDER RESIDENTS TO SAFEGUARD ETHNIC UNITY AND STABILITY IN BORDER AREAS

The People's Daily (August 23) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a Politburo meeting on August 23 to review policies for China's western region. (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Friday to review policies and measures to open up a new vista in the large-scale development of the western region. It said the meeting urged focused efforts to pursue well-coordinated environmental conservation, large-scale opening-up, and high-quality development, and move faster to create a new pattern of development to elevate overall regional strength and sustainable development capacity. A statement issued after the meeting called for deepening reform comprehensively, further unleashing and developing the productive forces, boosting the vitality of society, and blazing a path of Chinese modernization that suits the realities of the region. It also called for developing specialty industries that leverage local strengths and transform and upgrade traditional industries. It said measures will be taken to advance the new urbanization in accordance with local conditions, consolidate the poverty alleviation achievements, and make sure that there will be no relapsing into poverty on a large scale in rural areas, according to the meeting. The meeting also noted that a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be forged to safeguard ethnic unity and stability in border areas.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PRAISES DENG XIAOPING AT 120TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IN GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE ON AUGUST 22 AND ASSERTS CHINA WILL CONTINUE HIS POLICIES FOR REFORM AND MODERNISATION AND THE COUNTRY'S COMPLETE REUNIFICATION

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech during a meeting to mark the 120th birth anniversary of late leader Deng Xiaoping, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on August 22. The People's Daily (August 22) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded the "outstanding contributions" of late leader Deng Xiaoping, urged advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics initiated by Deng, and said the country must continue to thoroughly study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory. Xi Jinping said "Deng made outstanding contributions to the Party, the people, the country, the nation and the world," and his achievements have been immortalized in history and will always inspire future generations. He praised Deng as the core of the second generation of the Party's central collective leadership, the chief architect of China's socialist reform, opening up and modernization, and the trailblazer of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He added that Deng was also a great internationalist who made major contributions to world peace and development. He said, "Comrade Deng Xiaoping had lived a glorious, fighting and extraordinary life," and that, after the Cultural Revolution Deng had led the Party and the people in achieving China's historic transformation. He pushed China to achieve a new breakthrough in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, break new ground in socialist modernization, and set a correct path for the country's complete reunification. Asserting that Deng's historical achievements are comprehensive and groundbreaking, with profound and lasting impacts on both China and the world, Xi Jinping added "We will forever remember his great historical achievements and forever revere his noble revolutionary conduct". "The best way to honor Deng is to continue advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics that he initiated." Xi called for further comprehensively deepening reform, moving faster to build a modernized economy, working toward greater self-reliance in the science and technology sector, and developing advanced socialist culture. He also urged efforts to achieve more notable and substantive progress in promoting common prosperity for all. Xi Jinping referred to reunification of Taiwan and said 'Realizing China's complete reunification has long been the aspiration of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and other members of the older generation of revolutionaries, and urged resolute efforts to promote the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait, and demanded firm opposition to "Taiwan independence" to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also praised and highlighted Deng Xiaoping's emphasis on building a modern military and said, “The best way to honour Deng is to continue advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics that he initiated.” He recalled that Deng had highlighted the need to build the PLA into a strong, modernised and well-organised force, and to have fewer but better troops. The Hong Kong-based South China Post reported that Xi Jinping told the military to improve its “strategic ability to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests” and “We must … always maintain strategic clarity on the possible risks of war, make full preparations for military struggle, effectively deter war and resolutely win the war.” Xi Jinping said China will take an active role in the reform and development of the global governance system, and create new opportunities for the world with new progress in Chinese modernization. Politburo Standing Committee members Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Vice President Han Zheng attended the meeting. Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi presided over the meeting. At the symposium the Political Commissar of the CMC and CMC Member General Miao Hua said: “In the new journey, we should … focus on strengthening capabilities to defeat strong enemies and opponents.” ii) At the symposium to commemorate Deng Xiaoping's birthday on August 22, descendants of Deng Xiaoping's family were present. CCTV broadcast footage showed 80-year old Deng Pufang, Deng Xiaoping's eldest son and former CPPCC Vice Chairman, sitting in the front row. The second son, Deng Zhifang and Deng Xiaoping's other children Deng Lin, Deng Nan, and Deng Rong sat in the back row, and in the back row sat his grandson Deng Zhuodi, granddaughter Zhuoyue, and Deng Zhifang's wife Liu Xiaoyuan. Another granddaughter, Zhuo Rui, did not show up. In addition to the descendants of the Deng family, many heavyweight "second-generation reds" also attended the symposium, including Xi Yuanping, Mao Xinyu, Liu Yuan and others. Zhou Enlai's niece Zhou Bingde, Zhu De's grandson Zhu Heping, and Tao Zhu's daughter Tao Siliang also made rare public appearances. iii) Deng Zhuodi, 37, is the son of Deng Zhifang. He was born in the United States and graduated from the Law Department of Peking University. He later studied in the United States. After returning to China, he served as the deputy county magistrate of Pingguo County, Baise City, Guangxi, and the secretary of the Xin'an Town Party Committee and the deputy secretary of the county party committee. After resigning in 2016, he faded out of politics and rarely appeared in public. Deng Zhuodi is currently the financial supervisor of CITIC. Zhuoyue, nicknamed "Yangyang", is the daughter of Deng Rong. According to public information, Zhuoyue returned to China after studying abroad in 2003. iv) To commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of Deng Xiaoping, the CCP CC approved the publication and nationwide distribution by the People's Publishing House of the 'Collected Works of Deng Xiaoping (1925-1949)' edited by the CCP CC Party History and Literature Research Institute, from August 22, 2024. The three-volume collection contains a total of 207 Deng Xiaoping's manuscripts from the mid-1920s to the founding of New China, with more than 900,000 words, including Comrade Deng Xiaoping's speeches, reports, talks, articles, telegrams, letters, orders, inscriptions, etc. It said, 'this collection of essays is an important supplement to the Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping'. v) Symposiums and events were also held at other places in China to commemorate the 120th Anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's birth. For example, symposiums were held in Sichuan Province where Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee, spoke. Events were also held in Paifang Village, Xiexing Town, Guang'an District; Hunan Province released commemorative stamps and in Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining spoke at a symposium; Liu Ning, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region, spoke at the symposium in Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and General Miao Hua, member of the Central Military Commission and Director of the Political Work Department of the CMC, spoke at the event organised by the CMC.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER STATE COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ON AUGUST 26

Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a study session of the State Council in Beijing, on August 26, when he emphasized the need to actively respond to population aging and promote the high-quality development of elderly care services. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG VISITED 2024 WORLD ROBOT EXPO IN BEIJING ON AUGUST 25 Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid a field survey visit to the 5-day 2024 World Robot Expo in Beijing on August 25. Li Qiang emphasized the need to foster an open environment for technical innovation and support foreign firms and research institutions to invest in China, and advance the robot industry through closer global collaboration. He said it is necessary to establish and make good use of cooperation platforms for industrial exchanges, maintain the stability and smoothness of industrial and supply chains, and facilitate technical innovation of the robot industry worldwide.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER CAI QI ADDRESSES NATIONAL ACADEMIC SEMINAR IN BEIJING TO MARK DENG XIAOPING'S 120TH BIRTHDAY

Politburo Standing Committee member and member of the CCP CC Secretariat Cai Qi, spoke at the opening ceremony of a national academic seminar in Beijing to mark the 120th birth anniversary of Deng Xiaoping on August 23. The seminar was held from from August 21-24 and attended by over 150 scholars from across the country. Calling for continued efforts to thoroughly study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory, Cai Qi asserted that deepening the study of Deng Xiaoping Theory requires a firm grasp of the highest political principle of upholding the Party's overall leadership, especially the centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. He said the path of peaceful development must be unwaveringly pursued to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and that the great new project of Party building in the new era must also be deepened. Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Propaganda Department Li Shulei presided.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER AND NPC CHAIRMAN ZHAO LEJI MET TOSHIHIRO NIKAI, CHAIRMAN OF JAPANCHINA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met Toshihiro Nikai, Chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians' Union, in Beijing on August 28. According to People's Daily (August 29), Zhao Leji said that the four political documents between China and Japan are the political and legal basis for their bilateral ties. He emphasized that peace, friendship and cooperation are the only correct choices for the two countries. He added that China is willing to work with Japan to continuously enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, properly handle differences and advance the bilateral relations along the right track of sound and steady development. Zhao Leji also said the economic interests and industrial chains of China and Japan are deeply intertwined, and both sides have the conditions to, and should, strengthen cooperation and contribute to each other's success, adding the NPC of China is willing to carry out various forms of exchanges and cooperation with both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors of Japan.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PBSC MEMBER AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING ADDRESSED 4TH WORK CONFERENCE ON 'PAIRED ASSISTANCE' FOR TIBET IN LHASA ON AUGUST 27

Politburo Standing Committee member and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning attended the fourth work conference on paired-up assistance for Xizang, which was held in Lhasa on August 27. Lauding the notable achievements in the paired-up assistance work for Xizang over the past three decades, Wang Huning urged efforts to promote targeted, systematic and long-term assistance for the region, and elevate the comprehensive benefits yielded by the assistance work. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the country's implementation of paired-up assistance in Xizang. During his visit he also went to a hospital in Shannan City, on August 27, and made a research tour on paired-up assistance for Xizang in Lhasa and Shannan. ii) The CCTV (August 28) telecast a report titled 'Across mountains and seas to help Tibet'. It observed that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the implementation of the targeted assistance to Tibet and that "General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to Tibet and has always cared about the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet. He has personally planned and laid out the work of Tibet in the new era, put forward the strategic idea of "governing the country requires governing the border, and governing the border requires stabilizing Tibet, and clarified the Party's strategy for governing Tibet in the new era". It specifically noted the medical assistance being provided to Nagqu, a prefecture-level city with the highest altitude in China.

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: MA HUI APPOINTED DEPUTY MINISTER OF CCP CC INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT

The CCP CC International Department’s website showed (August 23) that Ma Hui has been appointed Deputy Minister of the International Department. Ma Hui is of Han nationality, born in April 1968 in Laizhou, Shandong Province. He joined the Communist Party of China in December 1987 and holds a Master's degree in Science. He started working in the CCP CC from August 1990, and worked in the First and Seventh Bureaus of the CCP CC International Liaison Department, the Chinese Embassy in the UK, and the Chinese Embassy in Cuba, successively serving as Deputy Director and Director of the Seventh Bureau, and Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK. From March 1998 to November 1998, he served as Deputy County Magistrate of Bin County, Shaanxi Province (on a temporary basis). In April 2021, Ma Hui was appointed Ambassador to Cuba, and in December 2023, he was appointed Assistant Minister of the CCP CC International Department

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: BANK OF CHINA PRESIDENT LIU JIN RESIGNED PREMATURELY ON AUGUST 22

Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao (August 23) quoting China Business Network and 21 Economic Network, disclosed that Bank of China had said in an announcement (August 22) that 57-year old Liu Jin resigned from his positions as Vice Chairman, Executive Director, Member of the Board's Strategic Development Committee and President for personal reasons. Bank of China Chairman Ge Haijiao will perform the duties of president on his behalf.

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: YU CHENGZHI APPOINTED DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OF CHINA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY GROUP

According to the website of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation disclosed on August 29, that the CCP CC Organization Department recently issued a notice appointing 1975-born Yu Chengzhi as the Deputy General Manager and member of the Party Group of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation. (Comment: The China Electronics Technology Group Corporation is an important state-owned 'backbone' enterprise directly managed by the central government. It is the main force of China's military electronic industry, the national team of cybersecurity and informatization, and the national strategic scientific and technological force.)

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: MA JIA APPOINTED AMBASSADOR TO MYANMAR AMONG 9 NEW AMBASSADORS APPOINTED

Among the 9 Ambassadors appointed by Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 23, Ma Jia (f) was appointed Ambassador to Myanmar, replacing Chen Hai.

CHINA-CCP: CHINA'S STATE COUNCIL INFORMATION OFFICE RELEASED A WHITE PAPER ON CHINA'S ENERGY TRANSITION ON AUGUST 29

 

China’s State Council Information Office on August 29 issued a White Paper titled "China's Energy Transition" to document the country's successful actions and historic achievements in this field over the past decade. In addition to the preface and conclusion, the White Paper consists of six parts: "China's Path of Energy Transition in the New Era," "Promoting Green Energy Consumption," "Moving Faster to Build a New Energy Supply System," "Developing New Quality Productive Forces in the Energy Sector," "Modernizing Energy Governance," and "Contributing to a Global Community of Shared Future."

CHINA-CCP: STATE COUNCIL CONVENES CONFERENCE TO PUBLICISE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY

The state-owned CCTV (August 27) disclosed that the State Council Information Office held a series of press conferences on "Promoting High-quality Development" on August 27 to report on the new achievements made by public security work in promoting high-quality economic and social development. An officer of the Ministry of Public Security said that the public security organs are making every effort to maintain long-term social stability and create a safe and harmonious social environment for high-quality development. From January to July this year, the number of criminal cases filed decreased by 30.1% year-on-year, which has been declining for 14 consecutive months; the number of telecommunications and Internet fraud cases filed decreased by 23.8% year-on-year, which has been declining for 11 consecutive months. Since 2019, public security organs have launched a series of new reform measures to facilitate the people and benefit enterprises, and have introduced more than 240 reform measures to serve the economy. ii) The People's Daily (August 28) published an article captioned 'The safety index continues to maintain a high level——The people's sense of security continues to improve (Promoting high-quality development), which highlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Public Security. It said that in a briefing given by Qi Yanjun, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Security in charge of daily work, and other officers on August 27, "in 2023, the number of criminal cases filed by public security organs nationwide decreased by 4.8% compared with 2022, and the number of public security cases investigated and dealt with was basically the 10 same as in 2022; from January to July this year, the number of criminal cases filed decreased by 30.1% year-on-year, the number of telecommunications and Internet fraud cases filed decreased by 23.8% year-on-year, and the current homicide clearance rate remained at a historical high of 99.94%. The people's sense of security has been continuously improved. In 2023, the national public security index reached 98.2%, maintaining a high level of more than 98% for four consecutive years".

CHINA-CCP: CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL SCHOLAR WROTE IN GUANGMING DAILY ON STRENGTHENING PARTY DISCIPLINE

In an article captioned 'Highlight problem orientation and strengthen discipline construction' in the Guangming Daily (August 28), Dai Yanjun of the Central Party School said the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed to "establish a discipline education mechanism that combines regularity and concentration, deepen the use of the 'four forms' of supervision and discipline, and comprehensively play the role of discipline education in restraint, protection and motivation of the Party". It also advised cadres to “adhere to the principle of keeping the right path and making innovations, unswervingly adhere to socialism with Chinese characteristics, keep up with the pace of the times, adapt to the development of practice, and highlight problem orientation". Strengthening discipline building is a fundamental solution to comprehensively and strictly governing the Party. Adhering to problem orientation is one of the important contents of the world outlook and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It has important guiding significance for strengthening the Party's discipline building, further improving the pertinence and effectiveness of the Party's discipline building, and better playing the role of discipline in promoting the new great project of Party building and the smooth development of the Party's cause.

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY URGES PEOPLE TO DEEPLY UNDERSTAND SIGNIFICANCE OF FINANCIAL SYSTEM REFORM

A People's Daily (August 28) article captioned 'Deepen financial system reform (study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee)' asserted that "Finance is the lifeblood of the national economy and is related to the overall situation of China's modernization". It urged readers to "Deeply understand the great significance of deepening financial system reform".

CHINA-CCP: CASS SCHOLAR CLAIMS CHINESE CIVILISATION IS 10,000 YEARS OLD

The Guangming Daily (August 28) reviewed a book titled "Origin Story: Following Archaeologists Tracing the Source" edited by Wang Wei of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and recently published by Sichuan People's Publishing House, which traces the origins and formation of Chinese civilization to its "foundation laying 10,000 years ago". It identifies 7 stages. The author claims the Chinese Civilization Origin Exploration Project alone has brought together more than 400 scholars from more than 20 disciplines. (Comment: The Guangming Daily said Wang Wei is a member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He has served as the Director of the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Chairman of the Chinese Archaeological Society. He has also served as the leader and chief expert of the "China Civilization Origin Project" for a long time. He has visited and guided almost all the important sites mentioned in the book.)

CHINA-ECONOMY: PEOPLE'S DAILY HIGHLIGHTED THAT CHINA'S GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT ATTRACTED 30,000 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATORS

The People's Daily (August 27) published an article with the caption 'Moving towards the new, the innovative vitality is surging——Looking at the new driving force of China's economy from the 2024 Global Entrepreneurs Summit'. It highlighted that the 2024 Global Entrepreneurs Summit held in Beijing from August 23 to 25, achieved fruitful results and "Scientific and technological achievements were unveiled, entrepreneurial roadshows were wonderful, and cooperation agreements were reached one after another". It claimed, "this summit attracted more than 30,000 scientific and technological innovators, more than 1,000 global investors, and more than 500 high-tech innovative enterprises from hundreds of countries and regions around the world". The summit attracted 7,406 entrepreneurial projects and 9,700 entrepreneurial talents from 124 countries and regions, and the number of entrepreneurial projects and entrepreneurial talents reached a record high. It added that "the summit reflects the new momentum and vitality of China's economy". It concluded that "The booming new quality productivity will provide new impetus for China's high-quality development and will also inject new impetus into the world's sustainable development."

CHINA-ECONOMY: PBoC PAPER SAYS BY 2024 NEARLY 80% OF HOUSING WILL BE OCCUPIED BY THE MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY

 

On August 27, the Financial Times, which is under the supervision of the People's Bank of China, published an article suggesting that by 2040, about 80% of houses will reach the "middle-aged and elderly" stage.

CHINA-ECONOMY: DUE TO DECLINE IN GOVERNMENT BUDGETS MANY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE TAKING STEPS TO REVITALISE STATE-OWNED ASSETS

China's official Economic Observer said (August 28) that "The Office of the People's Government of Bishan District, Chongqing" had issued a notice (Bishan Government Office [2024] No. 26) on the establishment of a special working group for "smashing all the pots and selling all the irons" in Bishan District, Chongqing" attracted market attention. TIt added that by August 28 afternoon, however, the document could no longer be found. Economic Observer found that the term "smashing all the pots and pans" began to appear frequently in meetings and documents of many local governments starting in mid-2023. It explained that the term refers to using various methods to revitalize the state-owned "three assets" (funds, assets, and resources), reduce debt ratios, and improve the quality and efficiency of fiscal expenditures. Similar teams have been established in Delingha City, Qinghai Province, and in Majiang County, Guizhou Province, among others. It said that since mid-2023 many local government have set up offices to "smash all the pots and pans". Yuan Haixia, President of China Chengxin International Research Institute, told Economic Observer that since the beginning of this year, fiscal revenue has continued to be under pressure due to multiple factors such as the weakening momentum of economic recovery, the continuous adjustment of the real estate market and the sluggish land market. In the first seven months of this year, the national general public budget revenue decreased by 2.6% year-on-year, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from the previous month, and the decline in government fund budget revenue further expanded to -18.5%. The progress of the broad fiscal revenue to complete the budget was only 53.9%, which was at a historically low level. In the first half of this year, the fiscal balance rate of 14 provinces further declined.

CHINA-EDUCATION: CHINESE UNIVERSITIES ARE SUSPENDING OR DISCONTINUING 99 DEGREE PROGRAMMES

The People's Daily subsidiary 'Sixth Tone' (August 22) reported that China’s universities are rapidly moving to reallocate their academic resources in line with government priorities, with 19 institutions so far looking to suspend or discontinue a total of 99-degree programs this year, domestic media outlet ScienceNet.cn reported on August 20. It said this appears to be a response to a higher education reform plan issued by several central government departments last April, which set a target of adjusting 20% of the country’s university degree programs by 2025. In July, Sichuan University in southwestern China announced it was discontinuing 31 majors, including music, insurance, television studies, public administration, e-commerce, and nuclear physics. Xiong Bingqi, director of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said in many cases, the courses being phased out are degrees that universities set up years ago when they were considered attractive to students. Universities based in Beijing and Shanghai — where many of China’s elite schools are located — were statistically unlikely to phase out programs, the report said. Those based in western China were also less likely to cancel degrees, perhaps because competition is less intense in that part of the country. Between 2018 and 2022, universities were most likely to scrap degrees in engineering, which made up 31% of the discontinued programs, followed by management and science, according to ScienceNet.cn. The high number of engineering and management programs being phased out may come as a surprise. Both disciplines have high graduate employment rates in China, with engineering’s standing at 100%, according to the report.

CHINA-S&T: CHINA'S LONG MARCH 6A ROCKET DISINTEGRATES AFTER RELEASING SATELLITES IT WAS CARRYING

China's Long March 6A rocket, launched August 6, which was carrying the first batch of satellites that aim to form a rival system to Starlink, the satellite broadband service offered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, broke up into hundreds of pieces, for unknown reasons after releasing those satellites.

CHINA-PLA: PLA ROCKET FORCE BANS THREE UNIVERSITIES FROM TAKING PART IN ITS PROCUREMENT PROCESS TILL AUGUST 2027

The South China Morning Post (August 23) disclosed that the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) has accused three universities of bid-rigging and banned them from its procurement process for three years. In three separate statements posted on the military procurement website, the PLA RF said Xian Jiaotong University and Xian Technological University, in Shaanxi province, and Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu, Sichuan, had been banned from taking part in its procurement process from this month until August 16, 2027. (Comment: The Xian Jiaotong University was designated by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence as a “base for tech innovation”. The government has encouraged the university to strengthen collaborative innovation with military enterprises and institutions. The Xian Technological University was one of seven universities under the Ministry of Ordnance Industry, which managed China’s defence industry from 1982 until it was dissolved in 1986. The university offers multiple courses majoring in defence, and more than 1,000 of its research projects were commissioned by military services, theatres and government agencies. The Southwest Jiaotong University offers a popular course majoring in transport engineering, and it has a college dedicated to aerospace studies.)

CHINA-PLA: CHINESE SHIPYARD IN WUHAN LAUNCHED A SUBMARINE IN AUGUST WHICH POSSIBLY HAS A VERTICAL LAUNCH SYSTEM

A report in Naval News (August 8) said that the Chinese shipyard in Wuhan has launched a submarine which is likely to be the country's most advanced non-nuclear type. The new boat is larger than existing ones and is the first in the country to feature X-form rudders. There are indications that it may have a vertical launch system.

CHINA-XINJIANG: ZHANG ZHU NEW URUMQI PARTY SECRETARY

The official WeChat public account of Urumqi Municipality disclosed on August 28, that Zhang Zhu, Deputy Secretary of the Autonomous Region Party Committee was now the Secretary of the Urumqi Municipal Party Committee. (Comment: Zhang Zhu was born in February 1968 in Tongxin, Ningxia and graduated from Northwest Agricultural University in 1989 and worked in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Agriculture Department for a long time. He was transferred to Xinjiang in September 2021.)

CHINA-LIAONING: JIANG BING APPOINTED MAYOR OF DANDONG CITY

The Liaoning Daily (August 28) reported that the fourth session of the 17th People's Congress of Dandong City had elected Jiang Bing as the Mayor of Dandong Municipal People's Government, Liaoning Province. Dandong City is in the southeast of Liaoning Province and is China's largest border city. It is on the main land route connecting the Korean Peninsula with China and the Eurasian continent.

CHINA-SICHUAN: SICHUAN HELD SYMPOSIUM TO COMMEMORATE DENG XIAOPING'S 120TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Sichuan News (August 23) reported that Sichuan Province held a symposium to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Deng Xiaoping in Guang'an. Sichuan Party Secretary Wang Xiaohui attended the meeting and delivered a speech. He stressed that we must 'thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the symposium to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Deng Xiaoping, fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, inherit and carry forward Comrade Deng Xiaoping's lofty revolutionary style, comprehensively promote Sichuan's modernization on the new journey, strive to write a new chapter of Chinese-style modernization in Sichuan, and strive to build Comrade Deng Xiaoping's hometown into a better place'.

CHINA-SICHUAN: CAO LIJUN APPOINTED PARTY SECRETARY OF CHENGDU

Sichuan News (August 30) reported that the CCP CC has approved the appointment of Cao Lijun as Chengdu Municipal Party Committee Secretary. Shi Xiaolin, former Secretary of the Chengdu Municipal Party Committee, has been appointed Governor of Sichuan Province. (Comment: Cao Lijun was born in 1972 and was transferred to Sichuan in 2020.)

CHINA-TIBET: CHINA-APPOINTED PANCHEN LAMA VISITED NAGQU PREFECTURE, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION IN EARLY AUGUST

A report by 'Bitter Winter' (August 28) said that the China-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu visited the prefecture-level city of Nagqu, in the Tibet Autonomous Region and presided over a “Three Consciousness Symposium” in early August. In his keynote speech, he stressed that Tibetan Buddhists should “align their religious beliefs with political beliefs,” “study Buddhism to match contemporary responsibilities,” accept the “strict governance of religion” program (i.e., the United Front supervision of their activities), and play a supportive role in the CCP campaigns. He said the “three consciousnesses” education should be linked with all daily religious activities. He also reportedly urged Buddhist monks and nuns in Tibet to distance themselves from the Dalai Lama and oppose “separatist thoughts,” promote “national unity,” and “adapt Tibetan Buddhism to a socialist society.” He also visited the “Rural Revitalization Nagqu Progress” exhibition where he “urged the various ethnic groups to unite even more closely around the Party’s Central Committee, led by Comrade Xi Jinping.”

CHINA-TAIWAN: SONG TAO, HEAD OF CCP CC AND STATE COUNCIL'S TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICES, MET KMT VICE CHAIRMAN ANDREW HSIA IN JIANGXI PROVINCE

Xinhua (August 28) disclosed that Song Tao, Head of both, the CCP CC's Taiwan Work Office and the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office met on August 28 with a delegation led by Andrew Hsia, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, in Lushan, east China's Jiangxi Province.

CHINA-TAIWAN: 8 TAIWANESE SOLDIERS SENTENCED FOR SPYING ON BEHALF OF CHINA

BBC (August 23) reported that a court in Taipei has jailed eight Taiwanese soldiers for spying on behalf of China in exchange for money. Retired military officers bribed active-duty soldiers with as much as 700,000 Taiwan dollars ($21,900; £16,700) to join a spy network.

CHINA-TAIWAN: TAIWAN'S ARMED FORCES ESTIMATE CHINA SPENT US$ 15 BILLION IN MILITARY ACTIVITY IN WESTERN PACIFIC

Reuters (August 27) said that a previously unpublished estimate by Taiwan's armed forces showed that China spent about US$ 15 billion, or 7% of its defence budget, on exercises in the Western Pacific in 2023.

CHINA-INDIA: INDIA AND CHINA HOLD 31ST MEETING OF WMCC ON INDIACHINA BORDER AFFAIRS

India and China held the 31st Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs on August 29, 2024 in Beijing. Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs led the Indian delegation and the Chinese delegation was led by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Ocean Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs stated that "the two sides had a frank, constructive and forwardlooking exchange of views on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to narrow down the differences and find early resolution of the outstanding issues. For this, they further agreed for intensified contact through diplomatic and military channels". In the meantime, they decided to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity on the ground in border areas in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements, protocols and understandings reached between the two Governments. It was reiterated that restoration of peace and tranquility, and respect for LAC are the essential basis for restoration of normalcy in bilateral relations. The leader of the Indian delegation also called on the Vice Minister in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ii) Xinhua (August 30) reported: "Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Hong Liang and Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of Ministry of External Affairs of India Gourangalal Das co-chaired the 31st Meeting of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on China-India Border Affairs in Beijing on Thursday. Representatives of government agencies for foreign affairs, national defense and immigration affairs of the two countries attended the meeting. The meeting was held in a positive, friendly and frank atmosphere. The two sides agreed to work together to turn over a new leaf in the border situation at an early date in accordance with the spirit of the important common understandings reached at the recent bilateral meeting between the two foreign ministers. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on relevant issues in border areas, further narrowed differences, expanded consensus, and agreed to strengthen dialogue and consultation, accommodate each other's legitimate concerns, and reach a mutually acceptable solution at an early date. The two sides agreed to consolidate the outcomes of consultations, strictly abide by the border-related agreements and confidence-building measures and continue to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. (Comment: The difference in the reporting by the two sides is evident. The Chinese have sought to put a positive spin and suggest "The two sides agreed to work together to turn over a new leaf in the border situation at an early date in accordance with the spirit of the important common understandings reached at the recent bilateral meeting between the two foreign ministers". The implication is that India has yielded to the Chinese stance on the border situation.)

CHINA-INDIA: CHINA NEW ROAD HAS BREACHED AGHIL PASS AND IS LESS THAN 30KMS FROM INDIA'S SHAKSGAM AND HAS ENTERED LOWER SHAKSGAM VALLEY OF KASHMIR

In a significant development, satellite imagery reveals that a new road being built by China has breached the border at Aghil Pass (4805 m) and entered the lower Shaksgam valley in PoK, with the road-head now less than 30 miles from India's Siachen. Aghil Pass served as the northern frontier of Kashmir and Sinkiang in bygone times. The change in the status quo in Tans-Karakoram is almost impossible to reverse. It all started last summer, and the basic trail was completed in early autumn. The Chinese have resumed further construction this month with construction approaching areas immediately north of India held Siachen Glacier. (Comment: As China approaches the Siachen glacier from the north while changing the status quo of the disputed Shaksgam valley in PoK, India needs to factor this potential enhancement of Chinese pressure and re-evaluate its strategic response. China carrying out this work in the dead of winter is noteworthy.)

CHINA-PAKISTAN: IN COORDINATED ATTACKS ACROSS BALOCHISTAN ON AUGUST 26, BALOCH SEPARATISTS DESTROY STRATEGIC BRIDGE USED BY PAK ARMY AND CHINA

Militants detonated explosives on a rail line between Pakistan and Iran, as well as on a railway bridge connecting Quetta, the provincial capital, to the rest of the country, on August 26. The blasts caused the suspension of rail traffic with Quetta, according to railways official Muhammad Kashif. The railway bridge was an important strategic bridge used by Pak Army and China in Balochistan. The supply route to many Pak Army installations has been stopped. There were a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan on August 26 killing 33 people. The CPEC route has been impacted at many other places also. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed credit. ii) On August 27, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily press briefing that China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to firmly support Pakistan in advancing counter-terrorism operations, maintaining social unity and stability and protecting people's safety. (Comment: The attacks come soon after the Chinese warned Pakistan authorities at high levels to step up security as otherwise, they might consider deploying Chinese security personnel.) iii) Earlier, Pakistan postponed the opening of a nearly US$ 250 million single runway airport over security fears. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was due to attend the inauguration of New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA), but the planned opening on August 14 -- Pakistan's Independence Day -- was suddenly halted over what local officials said were security concerns after mass protests brought southwestern Gwadar to a near standstill this month.

CHINA-PAKISTAN: CHINESE GENERAL LI QIAOMING CONFERRED NISHAANE- IMTIAZ ON AUGUST 27 IN PAKISTAN

The Pak Army PR released a video clip on August 26 of Chinese General Li Qiaoming, Commander of the People's Liberation Army Ground Forces, calling on General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at the General Headquarters on August 26. It said the meeting afforded an opportunity for in-depth discussions on matters of mutual interest, regional security, military training and measures to further augment bilateral defence cooperation. President Zardari conferred the Nishaan-e-Imtiaz (Military) on General Li Qiaoming at a formal special investiture ceremony on August 27, for distinguished services and significant contributions to enhancing Sino-Pak defence relations. General Li Qiaoming said that the friendship between the two countries was unbreakable. He added that both countries needed to work together to fight terrorism. He also condemned yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Pakistan and offered his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan over the loss of life. ii) In an article in the Diplomat (August 28) Umair Jamal wrote that high-level military talks were held during Li Qiaoming’s visit, which focused on critical regional security concerns, including the volatile situation along the Line of Control (LoC) with India, China-India border tensions, and the evolving dynamics in Kashmir and Afghanistan. He added that the timing of this visit is significant, as Pakistan seeks to bolster its defense ties with China

CHINA-NEPAL: NEPAL FORMALLY REQUESTS CHINA TO CONVERT US$ 216 MILLION LOAN FOR POKHARA AIRPORT TO GRANT

On August 23, Nepal’s one-month-old government, led by the country’s largest communist party, which has close ties to Beijing, formally asked China to convert a $216 million loan for the airport into a grant, wiping away the debt. It made the request during a visit by a Chinese delegation including Sun Weidong, China’s Vice Foreign Minister.

CHINA-MYANMAR: CHINA'S PLA ON ALERT ALONG CHINA-MYANMAR BORDER

The Independent (August 26) reported that China's PLA is carrying out armed patrols near the Myanmar border this week, where the government is concerned about potential fallout from fierce fighting in a civil war on the other side. The PLA Southern Theatre Command said troops were deployed to Yunnan province on August 26 to test their ability to maintain security in border areas. The Yunnan government said live-fire drills will be held from August 27-29 in four locations including two in Ruili city. The units will carry out armed patrols and joint air-ground patrols to test their ability to mobilize quickly, block and control and strike together.

CHINA-JAPAN: CHINESE Y-9 RECCEE AIRCRAFT VIOLATES JAPANESE AIRSPACE. OVER DANJO ISLANDS FOR 2 MINUTES

Japan's Ministry of Defence showing said (August 26) that a Chinese Y-9 reconnaissance plane violated Japanese airspace for 2 minutes above the Danjo Islands on August 26. Japan has condemned it as “utterly unacceptable” and a threat to its security and a “serious violation of sovereignty”. Japan’s chief government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said on August 27, that “The violation of our airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our sovereignty but also a threat to our security and is totally unacceptable.”

CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINA PLA GROUND FORCES COMMANDER LI QIAOMING VISITED MOSCOW A DAY AFTER CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG

A People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Forces delegation led by Ground Force Commander Li Qiaoming arrived in Moscow for talks on August 22, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang left the city for neighbouring Belarus. According to a Russian defence ministry statement cited by state news agency Sputnik: “A protocol meeting was held between the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Alexander Fomin, and the Commander of the Ground Forces of the People’s Liberation Army of China, Colonel General Li Qiaoming". Li Qiaoming was in Moscow on a working visit at the invitation of commander-in-chief of the Russian ground forces, Army General Oleg Salyukov. Sputnik News said the two sides discussed topical issues of mutual interest on military cooperation, but did not elaborate. There has so far been no official announcement from the Chinese side about the visit. ii) Just a day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Premier Li Qiang at the Kremlin, with both sides agreeing to strengthen economic and technological cooperation. Earlier, Li Qiang held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and, according to the Kremlin, they witnessed the signing of nearly 14 agreements ranging from investment to transport cooperation. (Comment: A series of Chinese leaders have recently visited Russia namely: Prime Minister Li Qiang, Finance Minister Lo Fuan, Vice Premier He Lifengnand others.)

CHINA-RUSSIA: CHINESE OVERSEAS MEDIA CLAIMS XI JINPING WILL ATTEND BRICS SUMMIT IN OCTOBER AND CHINA HAS ALREADY DEPLOYED 18,000 SOLDIERS TO RUSSIA

The Wanwei Reader Network on August 24 reported that 'Ukraine recently adopted the "encircle Wei to save Zhao" strategy of Tseret to cross the border and attack Russia, leaving Putin overwhelmed'. It claimed that with Putin's defeat already exposed, in recent days, senior Chinese Communist Party officials have suddenly visited Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on August 22 that Russian Army Commander-in-Chief Salyukov has reached an agreement with the PLA to strengthen army cooperation. It is rumored that the first batch of Chinese Communist Party volunteer troops to aid Russia has been in place, totaling three divisions and 18,000 people. According to the latest report from Russian media, Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia in October. It quoted some analysts as pointing out that 'Xi Jinping's support for Russia has turned into the collective will of the top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, and it is likely to be involved in this war. At the critical moment when Moscow is facing the battle to defend, Xi Jinping wants each member of the Standing Committee to express his support for Putin and Russia, so that the West will not think that it is just Xi Jinping's personal will'. It added that 'According to a report by Russian official media on August 24, Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, said in response to whether Xi Jinping would attend the BRICS summit in Kazan in October: A visit is planned, a trip is planned, and Xi Jinping will attend the summit. Xie Wanjun, an overseas commentator, broke the news on X that it is rumored that the first batch of Chinese volunteers to aid Russia have been in place, totaling 18,000 people in three divisions. The Chinese authorities secretly sent soldiers to Russia, and then sent them to the Russian- Ukrainian front in the name of volunteers to aid Russia to serve as Putin's cannon fodder. (Comment: The report is unconfirmed and is probably disinformation.)

CHINA-US: U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SULLIVAN VISITED BEIJING (AUGUST 27-29) FOR NEW ROUND OF CHINA-U.S. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND MET CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited China from August 27 to 29 and met Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister on August 27, for a new round of China-U.S. strategic communication. This is the fifth backchannel meeting between the two since 2016. Reuters (August 29) reported that over 14 hours of discussions, Sullivan covered a range of issues complicating ties, tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea and Russia, and U.S. demands for more Chinese help to stem the flow of the ingredients for fentanyl. It added that considerable gaps remain on some issues, with Sullivan saying they reached no new agreements on the South China Sea and had "vigorous give and take" on economic security and trade issues. He added "We didn't discuss the American election." Reuters said more progress was made in military ties, with Sullivan meeting General Zhang Youxia, CMC Vice Chairman, and the two sides agreeing that U.S. Indo-Pacific command leaders would soon speak by phone to their counterparts in China's southern theatre command, which covers its southern seas. Reuters quoted one senior U.S. official saying differences with China over the shoals it contests with the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, in the South China Sea were likely to be only managed rather than solved "for the foreseeable future". ii) The People's Daily (August 29) described the talks as "candid, substantive and constructive discussions". It said: "Wang stressed that Taiwan belongs to China and that China will be reunified. He noted that "Taiwan independence" poses the biggest risk to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The United States should act on its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence," adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, cease arming Taiwan, and support the peaceful reunification of China. He noted that national security should be common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable, and that one country's security should not be built upon the insecurity of others. National security requires clear boundaries, particularly in the economic domain, where scientific delineation is crucial". He urged "the United States to end its suppression of China in the economic, trade and sci-tech fields, and refrain from undermining China's legitimate interests. Using "overcapacity" as an excuse to pursue protectionism will only harm global green development and impede world economic growth". He stressed that "China is firm in upholding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over the Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea islands), as well as the gravity and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and added "that the U.S. must not undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity under the pretext of bilateral treaties, nor should it support or condone the Philippines' acts of infringement". Sullivan said that differences and competition exist between the United States and China, and that there are also many areas in which the two sides need to cooperate. He noted that the United States agrees that the two countries should treat each other as equals and that competition should be healthy and fair, and said the U.S. side has no intention of decoupling from China and reiterated that the United States adheres to the one-China policy and does not support "Taiwan independence," "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." Sullivan said the U.S. side is willing to continue maintaining strategic communication with China to enhance mutual understanding and reduce misunderstanding and miscalculation. The two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning Ukraine, the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. Reiterating that China is always committed to promoting peace talks and pushing for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis, Wang said China will continue to do the right thing. He said the U.S. should not shift responsibility to China on the Ukraine issue, and it should certainly not impose illegal, unilateral sanctions. Wang and Sullivan also discussed a new round of interactions between the two countries' heads of state to take place in the near future and agreed to continue implementing the important consensus reached between the two heads of state at their San Francisco meeting, and to maintain high-level exchange and communication at all levels. They also agreed to continue carrying out cooperation on drug control, law enforcement, the repatriation of illegal immigrants and climate change mitigation. Wang and Sullivan agreed on institutional arrangements for a video call between theater leaders of the two militaries, and for a second round China-U.S. intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence to be held at an appropriate time. iii) Beijing Daily (August 29), citing CCTV (August 29) reported that Sullivan met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 29. The Beijing Daily said "Xi Jinping pointed out that in the face of an international situation full of changes and chaos, countries need to unite and cooperate, rather than split and confront; people hope for openness and progress, rather than closure and regression. As two major countries, China and the United States should be responsible to history, the people and the world, and become a stable source of world peace and a promoter of common development. Although the respective situations of China and the United States and Sino-US relations have undergone great changes, China's goal of being committed to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of Sino- US relations has not changed, the principle of handling Sino-US relations in accordance with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation has not changed, the position of firmly safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests has not changed, and the efforts to continue the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American people have not changed. We hope that the United States will work with China, view China and China's development with a positive and rational attitude, regard each other's development as an opportunity rather than a challenge, and work with China to find a correct way for the two major countries to get along". iv) The People's Daily (August 24) said Sullivan's visit is at the invitation of Chinese Politburo member, Director of the Office of the CCP for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Financial Times (August 23) said Sullivan is the first national security adviser to visit China since Susan Rice, who served in the administration of President Barack Obama and last travelled there in 2016. It added that over the past 16 months, Sullivan and Wang have held four unannounced meetings — in Vienna, Malta, Washington and Bangkok — and quoted a U.S. official as saying “It’s partly about maintaining stability during a period of high political activity in the United States and . . . general geopolitical uncertainty.” Media reports state that Sullivan plans to discuss working with China on limiting the spread of fentanyl and expanding high-level military contacts. He will also stress the United States’ position on Taiwan and its concerns about China’s support of Russia. Separately, China indicated it would raise its own objections during the talks — including over America’s support for Taiwan, the island democracy Beijing claims, and U.S. controls on exports of technology to China. v) China's Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng issued a statement on August 28 stating "Minister Wang Yi and NSA Jake Sullivan discussed a new round of interaction between the two countries’ heads of state in the near future. The two sides agreed to: — continue to implement the important consensus reached at the San Francisco meeting between the two Presidents; — maintain high-level exchanges and communication at all levels; — continue cooperation in drug control, law enforcement, repatriation of illegal immigrants, and climate change mitigation; — and hold a video call between theatre leaders of the two militaries and the 2nd round of China-U.S. intergovernmental dialogue on AI at an appropriate time. vi) The U.S. State Department and Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued statements on the visit on August 23 and 25 respectively. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will visit China from August 27 to 29 for strategic communication. "The visit is significant for implementing understandings reached at the two presidents' meeting in San Francisco. The visit will involve discussions on China-U.S. relations, sensitive issues, and major international and regional hotspots. China will raise concerns about the Taiwan question, economic issues, and U.S. responsibilities as a UN Security Council member. The Chinese foreign policy is based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. China continues to advocate for peace talks and political settlements in international conflicts. • “After San Francisco, the diplomatic, financial, law enforcement and climate teams and the militaries of the two sides have maintained communication, and the exchanges between the two peoples have increased. Meanwhile, the United States has kept containing and suppressing China. And China has taken resolute countermeasures. The China-U.S. relationship is still at a critical juncture of being stabilized.” • The Chinese side will focus on raising serious concerns, articulating its position and laying out serious demands on issues related to the Taiwan question, the right to development and China’s strategic security. The Taiwan question is the first and foremost red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations, and ‘Taiwan independence’ is the biggest risk to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The U.S. side must abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques and honour its commitment of not supporting ‘Taiwan independence.’ The U.S. side’s continuous arbitrary measures against China in the areas of tariffs, export control, investment review and unilateral sanctions seriously undermine China's legitimate rights and interests. China demands that the U.S. side stop turning economic and trade issues into political and security issues. As the foundation of the China-U.S. relationship lies in grassroots connections, the United States should work in the same direction with China and take more measures to facilitate the flow of people between the two countries. China will also urge the United States to fulfil its responsibilities as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and play a constructive role for the political settlement of major, salient international and regional issues, not the contrary.” In a statement on August 23, the White House spokesman said: "On the Middle East: “I think there are some shared concerns about instability, but I think it’s fair to say the two sides, U.S. and China, approach the issue very differently. We’ll be looking to hear from them, of course, their assessment of what’s going on, the role they have been playing, or some of the talks that have happened in China on this issue set. But again, I think we’re approaching it fundamentally from some different directions. And I think you’ve seen that play out in the press as well, with the position or their lack of condemnation on the October 7th attack.” On Biden’s China policy: “I think what has been so successful in this administration is our China policy is not about changing China at its core, right? It’s about positioning the United States to make the investments, build the alliances we need to succeed and grow stronger. And that really is the focus here. Part of that, then, is also ensuring we’ve got open channels of communication and high-level diplomacy to manage the risks of competition.” On Taiwan: “we’re going to raise concern about the PRC’s increased military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan. These activities are destabilizing and risk escalation. And we’re going to continue to urge Beijing to engage in meaningful dialogue with Taipei. I think, look, everything that we have seen come out of Taipei indicates that the current leadership remains committed to maintaining status quo and peace and stability. They’ve emphasized that in their public statements". vii) Towards the end of his 3-day visit to China, U.S. NSA Jake Sulllivan also met CMC Vice Chairman General Zhang Youxia in Beijing on August 28. A White House release issued on August 28, after the meeting stated: "National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met on August 29 with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission in Beijing, China. Mr. Sullivan stressed that both countries have a responsibility to prevent competition from veering into conflict or confrontation. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of regular military-to-military communications as part of efforts to maintain high-level diplomacy and open lines of communication, as directed by President Biden and President Xi at the November 2023 Woodside Summit. Mr. Sullivan and Vice Chairman Zhang recognized the progress in sustained, regular military-military communications over the past ten months and planned to hold a theatre commander telephone call in the near future. Mr. Sullivan also raised the importance of cross-Strait peace and stability, the U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, concerns about PRC support for Russia’s defense industrial base, the need to avoid miscalculation and escalation in cyber space, and ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza".

CHINA-US: CHINESE AMBASSADOR TO U.S. XIE FENG ADDRESSED THE 6TH US-CHINA BUSINESS FORUM ON AUGUST 27

Speaking at the 6th US-China Business Forum on August 27, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng said, "In such a complex world, searching for opportunities is a common endeavour, and expanding and deepening cooperation is the best way forward." China’s recent third plenary session is a new milestone in China’s reform and opening up, and also a gateway for the world to understand China. The core message is: China’s journey of reform and openingup will never stop. So, what does this mean to the US and the world? The answer is simple: opportunity, opportunity, and opportunity.

CHINA-US: CHINA-U.S. S&T AGREEMENT EXPIRED ON AUGUST 27, 2024

The Science and Technology Agreement, signed in 1979 by U.S. President Carter and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, is due to expire on August 27. The Agreement has already been extended twice.

CHINA-UK: BRITISH PRIME MINISTER STARMER CALLED CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND SAID HE HOPES THEY CAN BE "OPEN, FRANK AND HONEST" ABOUT AREAS OF DISAGREEMENT

BBC (August 22) reported that in his first official call to Chinese President Xi Jinping, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Xi Jinping he hopes they can have "open, frank & honest" talks about areas of disagreement. The call was the first between Xi Jinping and a British Prime Minister since he spoke to Boris Johnson in March 2022. A spokesman from No.10 said the two leaders discussed potential areas of co-operation, including on trade, the economy and education. He added "As permanent members of the UN Security Council, the leaders agreed on the importance of close working in areas, such as climate change and global security." Starmer also emphasized that China attaches great importance to the UK's desire to strengthen contacts and dialogue and is willing to maintain exchanges at all levels with the UK, promote the steady and long-term development of China-UK relations, and work together to promote world peace and development. He added 'The UK is willing to maintain communication with China on major international and regional issues and contribute to maintaining world security and stability. I would like to reiterate that the UK's long-standing adherence to the One-China policy has not changed.' Xi Jinping emphasized that China attaches great importance to the UK's desire to strengthen contacts and dialogue and is willing to maintain exchanges at all levels with the UK, promote the steady and long-term development of China-UK relations, and work together to promote world peace and development. The Chinese readout stated that the call was at Starmer's request and Xi Jinping had said 'China hopes that the UK will view China objectively and rationally'. He briefed him on the Third Plenum and said 'China is willing to engage in equal dialogue with the UK on the basis of mutual respect, enhance mutual understanding and trust, align development strategies, expand cooperation in finance, green economy, artificial intelligence, and other fields, deepen cultural exchanges, and make mutual benefit and win-win cooperation the main theme of China-UK relations'.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VICE PRESIDENT HAN ZHENG MET CHINESE SPORTS DELEGATION TO 33RD SUMMER OLYMPICS IN BEIJING

Beijing Daily (August 20) reported that on August 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Politburo Standing Committee members Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Li Xi, and Vice President Han Zheng and others met with all members of the Chinese sports delegation to the 33rd Summer Olympic Games at the Great Hall of the People. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an 'important' speech.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MET VISITING FOREIGN PARLIAMENTARY LEADERS IN BEIJING ON AUGUST 20

CCTV (August 20) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping met foreign parliamentary leaders attending the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the National People's Congress's accession to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the 6th Seminar for Parliamentarians from Developing Countries at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 20 afternoon. It said Xi Jinping welcomed the visits of the speakers of various countries to China, pointing out that the speakers come from different continents and "we are all members of the "Global South". Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi, Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Politburo member and First-ranking Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Li Hongzhong and others attended the meeting. ii) The People's Daily (August 21) reported that addressing the meeting in the Great Hall of the People on August 20, Politburo Standing Committee member and Chairman of the NPC Zhao Leji said China is ready to work with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and legislative bodies of other countries to expand forms of exchange, enrich the content of cooperation and constantly work toward fruitful results. He was addressing a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the NPC's affiliation with the IPU and the opening ceremony of the 2024 interregional seminar on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for parliaments of developing countries in Beijing.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING MET VISITING FIJI PRIME MINISTER RAMBUKA IN BEIJING ON AUGUST 20

CCTV (August 20) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping met Fijian Prime Minister Rambuka, who was on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 20 afternoon. It said Xi Jinping congratulated the Fijian men's rugby sevens team on winning the silver medal at the Paris Olympics and pointed out that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji. He said China attaches great importance to China-Fiji relations and is willing to continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Fiji's economic and social development, and work with Fiji to grasp the general direction of bilateral relations, promote the building of a China-Fiji community with a shared future, and better benefit the people of the two countries. Xi Jinping added that China and Fiji belong to the "Global South". China is willing to provide assistance to Fiji and other Pacific island countries in coping with climate change, strengthen development cooperation, and make the Pacific Ocean an Ocean of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. Rambuka congratulated the Chinese sports delegation on their excellent performance in the Paris Olympics and said Fiji supports the series of global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and is willing to continue to build the "Belt and Road" with China, promote the development of relations between Pacific island countries and China, and make the Pacific Ocean a Pacific Ocean. Fiji fully understands China's position on the Taiwan issue and will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy. The two sides issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji". Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the meeting.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING HOSTED WELCOME CEREMONY FOR VIETNAMESE GENERAL SECRETARY TO LIN IN GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE ON AUGUST 19

The state-owned CCTV (August 19) reported that on the morning of August 19, Chinese President and CCP CC General Secretary Xi Jinping held a ceremony in the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People to welcome General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lin on his state visit to China. President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan, Politburo Standing Committee member and CCP CC Secretariat Secretary Cai Qi, Politburo member and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, and CCP CC Secretariat Secretary and State Councilor Wang Xiaohong attended the welcoming ceremony. To Lin was accompanied by Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Minister of the Central Organization Department, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Minister of National Defense, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Minister of Public Security, etc. To Lin received a 21 cannon salute and reviewed the Chinese People's Liberation Army guard of honor accompanied by Xi Jinping. (Comment: Xi Jinping receiving Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary To Lin ends the speculation in certain quarters of his ill health etc. The Chinese leadership has now started appearing in public since August 16 after their 2-week break at the seaside resort in Beidaihe.) ii) Senior Chinese leaders held separate meetings with their Vietnamese counterparts on August 20. State Councillor, Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met Vietnamese Politburo member and Minister of Public Security Luong Sam Quang. Wang Xiaohong expressed China's willingness to implement the "six more" development pattern, strengthen political and security cooperation, and deepen practical collaboration in combating cross-border crimes. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun held talks with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, emphasizing the strategic importance of their relationship. Dong Jun called for accelerating cooperation in various fields, including political work, personnel training, and joint exercises. Both meetings highlighted the commitment to building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance. These engagements reflect China's proactive approach to regional diplomacy and its efforts to enhance partnerships with neighbouring countries across multiple sectors, including security, law enforcement, and military cooperation.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHED SPECIAL REPORT ON PENG LIYUAN'S MEETING WITH NGO PHUONG LY, WIFE OF VIETNAM'S TO LAM

People's Daily (August 20) published a special report on Chinese President Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan meeting Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of CPV General Secretary and Vietnamese President To Lam, for tea in Beijing on August 20. Peng Liyuan said that China and Vietnam are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers and the two countries share cultures. She invited Ngo Phuong Ly to enjoy Chinese opera, dance, folk music and other performances and Ngo Phuong Ly thanked Peng for her warm reception and thoughtful arrangements. Ly expressed admiration for Peng's positive contributions as UNESCO's special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education and commended the wonderful performances by Chinese artists.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG ARRIVED IN MOSCOW ON AUGUST 20 FOR 29TH REGULAR MEETING BETWEEN CHINESE AND RUSSIAN HEADS OF GOVERNMENT

Xinhua (August 20) reported that Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Moscow on August 20, for the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government and an official visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. He was accorded a grand welcome ceremony with honour guard at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. It said Li Qiang will meet Mishustin to exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and key issues of common interest. In a statement released upon arrival, Li Qiang said that "under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, China and Russia set a model for a new type of international relations and relations between neighboring major countries". Observing that over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances, Li Qiand noted that China-Russia relations in the new era have shown new vigor and vitality, with stronger mutual political trust, fruitful cooperation in various fields, deeply rooted friendship, and close and effective international coordination. He said it is believed that with joint efforts of both sides, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era will surely enter a brighter future. (Comment: In the first seven months of this year, China-Russia trade increased by 1.6 percent year on year to US$ 136.67 billion. The volume exceeded US$ 240 billion in 2023, close to 2.7 times that of a decade ago. The regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, held every year since its inception in 1996, is described as an important mechanism for implementing the consensus reached by the two countries' heads of state and promoting bilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.)

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER EXECUTIVE MEETING OF STATE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 19

The state-owned CCTV (August 19) disclosed that Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over an executive meeting of the State Council on August 19, which reviewed and approved the "Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Service Trade with High-Level Opening-up" and the "Special Management Measures for Foreign Investment Access (Negative List) (2024 Edition)", reviewed and approved the "Regulations on the Filing and Review of Laws and Regulations (Draft)" and the "Regulations on Urban Public Transportation (Draft)", studied policy measures to promote the high-quality development of specialized, precise and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, and decided to approve five nuclear power projects including the first phase of the Xuwei project in Jiangsu. The meeting pointed out that accelerating the development of trade in services is an inevitable requirement for expanding high-level opening up and cultivating new momentum for foreign trade development. It pointed out that it is necessary to further relax foreign investment access, completely cancel foreign investment access restrictions in the manufacturing sector, and speed up the opening of service sectors such as telecommunications, education, and medical care. It also said "we should vigorously cultivate and develop specialized, sophisticated, special and new small and medium-sized enterprises, strengthen the coordination of fiscal, taxation, finance, science and technology, industry, talents and other policies, and support the innovation and development of enterprises in the whole chain." CCTV said the meeting also discussed other matters.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER CAI QI PRESIDES OVER SPECIAL WORKING MECHANISM ON RECTIFYING FORMALISM IN BEIJING ON AUGUST 20

CCTV (August 20) reported that a special working mechanism meeting on rectifying formalism at the central level to reduce the burden on the grassroots was held in Beijing on August 20. Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat Cai Qi presided and delivered a speech. He stressed that "we must thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and with the spirit of reform and strict requirements, continue to rectify formalism to reduce the burden on the grassroots, so that the majority of grassroots cadres can devote more time and energy to implementation". The meeting emphasized that the "Several Provisions on Rectifying Formalism to Reduce Burdens on Grassroots Units" issued by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council is an important measure to implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and an important intra-Party regulation to strengthen work style construction. It is necessary to promote its implementation in a solid and effective manner.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG PRESIDED OVER 5TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE STATE COUNCIL ON AUGUST 16

People's Daily (August 17) reported that Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over the fifth plenary meeting of the State Council on August 16, 2024. He stressed solid work to implement reform measures and accomplish the annual economic and social development goals with impetus from further deepening reform comprehensively. Li Qiang underscored the need to strengthen the effectiveness of reform with economic structural reform as the spearhead, focusing on key areas like promoting fiscal and tax reform, building a unified national market and advancing new urbanization. He said more should be done to expand domestic demand with a focus on boosting consumption, adding that service consumption should be improved in terms of both scale and quality, and differentiated support policies should be developed to suit the needs of different groups to fully unleash consumption potential. Li Qiang said the regular communication and exchange mechanism between the government and enterprises must be continuously improved, and stressed that businesses voices should be heard and considered, and their difficulties truly addressed. He also spoke of developing 'new quality productive forces' in accordance with local conditions, and also called for active adaption to change and improved high-standard opening up, more effort to attract and utilize foreign investment, support and improvement of people's livelihood, stabilizing employment for key groups, and new measures to increase residents' income.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE VICE PREMIER LIU GUOZHONG INSPECTED (AUGUST 14-15) FUJIAN PROVINCE AND EMPHASISED EFFORTS TO ENSURE GRAIN PRODUCTION

Xinhua (August 16) disclosed that Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong conducted an investigation and research tour in Fujian Province from August 14-15, when he called for strong, effective measures to advance rural revitalization and emphasized the need for unremitting efforts to ensure grain production and develop food resources through various channels, with the aim of constructing a diversified food supply system. CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE VICE PREMIER LIU GUOZHONG INSPECTED A HOSPITAL; AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE IN BEIJING ON AUGUST 19 People's Daily (August 20) reported that while visiting medical workers at a hospital and a community health services center in Beijing, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong stressed (August 19) the important role that the humanistic spirit of medical professionals plays in safeguarding people's health. He also extended his greetings to the country's doctors and medical workers on the seventh Doctors' Day. He said that public hospitals are the mainstay of China's medical and health services system, and underlined efforts to deepen the reform of public hospitals to ensure they truly serve the public interest and meet the needs of the people in an improved manner. Liu Guozhong also stressed the importance of care and support for medical workers.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: 'QIU SHI' PUBLISHED ARTICLE BY CHINESE COMMERCE MINISTER WANG WENTAO

In an article published in the Party theoretical fortnightly Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth; August 16), with the title 'Improve the system and mechanism of high-level opening up' Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao wrote against "decoupling", and "a small yard with high fence" and said China should "stand on the right side of history, oppose deglobalization and the excessive focus on security, and reject unilateralism and protectionism". Wang Wentao said that institutional opening means higher alignment in rules, regulations, management, and standards with international norms. In particular he mentioned taking opportunities such as joining CPTPP and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: ZHANG WENFENG APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF CHINA HUANENG GROUP CO. LTD

 

Beijing Daily (August 20) revealed that an expanded leadership meeting of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., on August 19, attended by "responsible comrades of the relevant cadre bureau of the Central Organization Department" announced the decision of the Party Central Committee to appoint Zhang Wenfeng as the Director, General Manager and Deputy Secretary of the Party Group of China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd.

CHINA-GOVERNMENT: FOR THE FIRST TIME NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTORS OF CENTRAL AND STATE ORGANS TRAINED IN 3 SESSIONS OF 19 DAYS EACH

Zuzhirenshi (August 21) reported that the CCP CC Organization Department and the Working Committee of the Central and State Organs recently conducted job training for newly appointed directors of the Central and State Organs. The training course was held in three sessions at the Party School of the Central and State Organs, each session lasting 10 days, and 1,060 trainees from 116 central units participated in the training. This is the first time that all newly appointed directors of the Central and State Organs have been fully trained. Relevant responsible comrades from the Organization Department of the Central Committee and the Working Committee of the Central and State Organs attended the opening ceremony and delivered mobilization speeches.

CHINA-CCP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND HEAD OF CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT LI GANJIE ATTENDED FIRST OF FOUR SEMINARS FOR CENTRAL CADRES AT CENTRAL PARTY SCHOOL

Zuzhirenshi (August 20) reported that the Central Party School with the approval of the CCP CC is hosting four seminars for central-level cadres to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee from August to September 2024. It said centrallevel cadres will be trained in rotation. The first seminar commenced on August 19. Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department Li Ganjie attended and delivered a speech where he emphasised the need to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments", resolutely implement "two safeguards", unify thoughts and actions with the spirit of the plenary session, and concentrate wisdom and strength on implementing the goals and tasks determined by the plenary session, so as to make new and greater contributions to further comprehensively deepen reform and promote Chinese-style modernization.

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHED INTERVIEW WITH PAN GONGSHENG, GOVERNOR OF PEOPLE'S BANK OF CHINA ON AUGUST 20

People's Daily (August 20) published an interview with Pan Gongsheng, Party Committee Secretary and Governor of the People's Bank of China, with the caption 'Continue to promote high-quality financial development and build a strong financial nation (Authoritative Interview: Study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee)'. In the interview he said "Only by continuously strengthening and improving the Party's leadership and constantly improving the Party's leadership level and long-term governance capabilities can reform maintain the correct direction, strong determination and strong synergy. We must continuously improve the institutionalization, standardization, and scientificization of party governance, transform the party's political, organizational, and institutional advantages into governance advantages for the party and the country, and better guide and safeguard "China's governance" with "the governance of the Communist Party of China."" He focussed on "Promoting the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy is a strategic choice to seize new opportunities in the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation". He added "The digital economy is developing at an unprecedented speed, with a wide range of radiation and a profound impact. Artificial intelligence, big data and other technologies have brought subversive impacts on the global productivity level and are becoming a key force in restructuring global factor resources, reshaping the global economic structure and changing the global competitive landscape. At present, countries around the world are strengthening their forward-looking strategic layouts, and international competition in the digital field is becoming increasingly fierce. In the face of the trend of digitalization, it is necessary to place the promotion of the deep integration of the real economy and the digital economy in an important strategic position, fully unleash the superposition, aggregation and multiplication effects of my country's manufacturing power and network power, expand new space for economic development, create new advantages in international competition, and win the initiative for future development".

CHINA-CCP: SUN CUNLIANG, VICE DEAN OF SCHOOL OF MARXISM AT BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF POSTS AND TELECOMMUNICATION, PUBLISHED ARTICLE TITLED PEOPLE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY AND REFORMS HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY'

Guangming Daily (August 20) published an article by Sun Cunliang, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, and Special Researcher at the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era of the Ministry of Education, with the title 'The people have something to say, and reforms have something to say'. He observed that "The Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Promoting Modernization with Chinese Characteristics emphasizes that "we must adhere to the people-centered approach, respect the people's dominant position and pioneering spirit, respond to the people's demands, and ensure that reform is for the people, relies on the people, and the fruits of reform are shared by the people". He said "The Communist Party of China always represents the fundamental interests of the vast majority of the people, shares weal and woe with the people, and has no special interests of its own. It has never represented the interests of any interest group, any powerful group or any privileged class. The interests of the people involve all aspects, and the people's yearning for a better life and the needs of the people are also diverse, multi-layered and multifaceted."

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY PUBLISHED A COMMENTARY ON IMPROVING THE PARTY'S LEADERSHIP AND LONG-TERM GOVERNANCE CAPABILITIES

People's Daily (August 20) published a Commentary titled 'Focus on improving the Party's leadership and long-term governance capabilities —— Firmly grasp the overall goal of further deepening reform in an all-round way'. The Commentary stressed that "Only by continuously strengthening and improving the Party's leadership and constantly improving the Party's leadership level and long-term governance capabilities can reform maintain the correct direction, strong determination and strong synergy. We must continuously improve the institutionalization, standardization, and scientificization of party governance, transform the party's political, organizational, and institutional advantages into governance advantages for the party and the country, and better guide and safeguard "China's governance" with "the governance of the Communist Party of China." (Comment: Interestingly the article contained only one mention of Xi Jinping.)

CHINA-CCP: CDIC PUBLISHED ARTICLE ON PARTY'S SELF-REVOLUTION ON ITS OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The Central Discipline Inspection Commission and National Supervisory Commission published (August 19) an article on their official website titled: 'Study and comprehend in depth General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on the Party's self-revolution - Guiding the century-old party to open up a new realm of self-revolution'.

CHINA-CCP: CDIC ANOUNCES LAUNCHING OF NEW COLUMN ON IN-DEPTH STUDY OF XI JINPING'S THOUGHTS ON PARTY'S SELF-REVOLUTION

The website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission on August 19 posted an article on strict governance. It said "Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has led the entire party to promote comprehensive and strict governance of the party with unprecedented determination and creatively proposed a series of original and iconic new ideas, new thoughts and new strategies, forming General Secretary Xi Jinping’s vision of the party. The important idea of self-revolution. In order to deeply understand the essence, rich connotation, and practical requirements of this important thought, and further promote the study and implementation of the Party’s innovative theory in the new era, this website will launch today the “In-depth Study and Understanding of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Thoughts on the Party’s Self-Revolution” "Important Thoughts" column, please pay attention".

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE EMPHASISING NEED TO STRENGTHEN OVERALL LEADERSHIP OF THE PARTY

Guangming Daily (August 19) published an article by Guo Qingsong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai University of Technology and Distinguished Researcher of Shanghai Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, captioned 'To further deepen reform, we must uphold the overall leadership of the Party'. It highlighted that the Third Plenum had "made systematic arrangements for strengthening the Party's leadership over reforms based on current realities and future development, and emphasized that the Party's leadership is the fundamental guarantee for further comprehensively deepening reforms and promoting China-style modernization. In the new era and new journey, facing the complex international and domestic situation and the arduous and heavy tasks of reform, development and stability, we must focus on improving the Party's leadership and long-term governance capabilities, continue to push forward reforms, and improve the Party's leadership in further comprehensively deepening reforms and promoting China-style modernization". It said the reforms are more problem-oriented and "heavier" and to "successfully complete these reform tasks, it is necessary to uphold and strengthen the overall leadership of the Party".

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY ARTICLE SAYS, "VAST MAJORITY OF CADRES AND MASSES" HAVE EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR 'SPIRIT' OF THIRD PLENUM AND XI JINPING

The People's Daily (August 17) published an article captioned 'To open up broad prospects for Chinese-style modernization by further deepening reform', which said "The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee sounded the clarion call for further deepening reforms in an all-round way to open up broad prospects for China's modernization. China's reform and opening up has reached a new milestone". It observed that the Third Plenum had approved the "Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reforms and Promoting Chinese-style Modernization", which outlines strategic measures for further comprehensively deepening reforms around the theme of promoting Chinese-style modernization. It said "it fully reflects the historical initiative of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core to improve and develop the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and promote the modernization of the national governance system and governance capabilities" and will surely provide strong impetus and institutional guarantees for Chinese-style modernization. It added "All regions and departments have rapidly launched a wave of learning and implementing the spirit of the plenary session. The vast majority of cadres and the masses have expressed that they must consciously align their thoughts and actions with the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech and the arrangements of the plenary session, deeply understand and grasp the theme, major principles, major measures, and fundamental guarantees of further comprehensively deepening reform, and create a better future through hard work".

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY CALLED FOR DEEPENING REFORM OF STATE OWNED ASSETS AND SOES

The People's Daily (August 16) published a lengthy article captioned 'Deepen the reform of state-owned assets and state-owned enterprises (study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee)' mentioning that the recent Third Plenum had recommended deepening the reform of state-owned assets and State-owned Enterprises (SoEs). It said, "This is an important strategic arrangement made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, with a view to comprehensively promoting Chinese-style modernization and achieving the second centenary goal." Interestingly, the article said that SOEs provide "developmental certainty" against the "uncertain and unpredictable" external environment.

CHINA-RELIGION: 2024 EDITION OF ANNUAL BUDDHIST LECTURE EXCHANGE CONFERENCES HELD ON AUGUST 11 IN NANJING, JIANGSU PROVINCE

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) reported (August 19) that the 2024 edition of the annual Buddhist Lecture Exchange Conferences for the government-controlled China Buddhist Association commenced in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, on August 11, 2024. The Buddhist Lecture Exchange Conferences are controlled by the United Front. The Conference argued that Buddhist classics need to be reinterpreted in a “humanistic” sense. United Front bureaucrat Ma Lianmei (f) explained that making Chinese Buddhism more “humanistic” and reinterpreting the classics means advancing even further in the “Sinicization” of Chinese Buddhism. The ICT said the words “reinterpretation” and “humanistic” do not have the same meeting for the United Front as they do for Buddhists throughout the world. Master Yanjue, the President of China Buddhist Association, called the Third Plenum a historical event and asked Buddhist clergy and monks to study its documents carefully. He added “The Buddhist community should align with the Plenum’s directives by embracing President Xi Jinping’s guidance on religion, thus advancing the integration of Buddhism with the core socialist values in the country.”

CHINA-SECURITY: MOSS WARNS AGENCIES FACILITATING TRAVEL ABROAD OF STUDENTS FOR EDUCATION AGAINST USING ANY LANGUAGE CRITICAL OF CHINA OR ANTI-CHINA

The Wechat account of the Ministry of National Security on August 9 posted a notice stating that China's Ministry of State Security (MoSS) had on August 16 warned agencies that help students go abroad for studies against inserting what it called "anti-China language" into the application essays of Chinese students applying to study abroad. It said this language caters "to anti-China prejudices and contained reactionary political speeches". It said such agencies "have a weak sense of national security, and are willing to cater to anti-China rhetoric and act as accomplices of overseas anti-China forces." Stating that "It is the responsibility and obligation of every citizen to safeguard national security and its image", the MoSS urged citizens to report such instances.

CHINA-SECURITY: CHINESE CITIZEN ARRESTED ON AUGUST 7 FOR USING VPN TO ILLEGALLY ACCESS FOREIGN WEBSITES AND BROWSING FOREIGN MEDIA IN 2020

Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao (August 16) quoted the "Economic TV Live" column under Hubei Economic TV (August 16) as saying that the Cyber Security Brigade of Shouning County Public Security Bureau, together with the National Security Brigade Ningde Internet Police issued a notice on August 7, that they had successfully investigated and dealt with an administrative case of unauthorized access to illegal channels for international networking, browsing foreign media information, and being detrimental to national security. The offender, Gong Moumou, was arrested for getting false foreign information to flow back into the country. The report said that in early July this year, the police discovered that Gong Moumou had illegally browsed overseas websites in 2020. Upon investigation, it was found that Gong Moumou had illegally browsed overseas websites and information through "over-the-wall" software, and he confessed to the illegal browsing of overseas websites and information.

CHINA-PLA: RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER PURCHASED BY CHINESE BUSINESSMEN IN 1995 SEVERELY DAMAGED BY FIRE ON AUGUST 16

The former Russian aircraft carrier 'Minsk' decommissioned by the Russian Navy in 1993 and purchased by Chinese businessmen in 1995 was severely damaged by a fire in the Suxitong Science and Technology Industrial Park at around 4.00pm on August 16. The vessel was in China's Nantong Lagoon on the Yangtze River. No casualties hace been reported.

CHINA-PLA: PLA NAVY TRAINING SHIP TO VISIT VIETNAM, INDONESIA, SRI LANKA AND SINGAPORE BETWEEN MID-AUGUST AND LATE NOVEMBER

People's Daily (August 17) said that the PLA Navy training ship 'Polang' will embark on an ocean-going midshipmen training voyage and visit multiple countries from mid-August to late November and visit Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Singapore. It will make a technical stop in Hong Kong. The Spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, Zhang Xiaogang said at a press conference that the mission is a part of annual plans, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of midshipmen; promote exchange, cooperation and mutual trust between the PLA Navy and the navies of the ship's destination countries. He noted that the mission is a part of annual plans, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of midshipmen; promote exchange, cooperation and mutual trust between the PLA Navy and the navies of the ship's destination countries; and contribute to the building of a maritime community with a shared future.

CHINA-PLA: REGIMENT IN XINJIANG MILITARY REGION USED DRONES TO IDENTIFY AND NEUTRALISE ENEMY ACTIVITY

81.cn published a report on a continuous cross-day and night drill for a reconnaissance unit organized by a regiment in the Xinjiang Military Region on August 10. It said the training scenario envisaged a sudden emergency situation and the reconnaissance unit commander ordered the troops to stop and conceal themselves. The exercise aimed to handle various unexpected situations flexibly and more realistically. In the scenario the Regiment detected Enemy activity detected 10 kilometres to the northeast and the unit commander immediately deployed a drone reconnaissance team for further investigation. Based on real- time footage transmitted by the drone, the commander quickly identified the enemy position, conveyed it to the command post and got the fire support team to successfully destroy the enemy position.

CHINA-PLA: NEW TRAINING METHOD ENSURES AVAILABILITY OF MORE TRAINED PILOTS FOR PLANAF

81cn published an observation report on the training of carrier-based aircraft pilots from a base of the Naval Aviation University. It observed that the switch from the earlier 'modification model' to the 'growth model' for training the military's carrier-based fighter pilots had accelerated training and made them competent for 'solo' flights and becoming 'skippers' earlier.

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF CHINESE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND FINED 1 MILLION YUAN

The People's Daily (August 19) reported that Li Yuyi, a former Vice President of the Chinese Football Association, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined one million yuan (about $140k) for taking bribes, according to a verdict handed down by a court in Jingzhou, Hubei Province, on August 19. Four other officials of the Football Association have also been sentenced.

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S COMMERCE MINISTRY COMMENCED ANTISUBSIDY INVESTIGATIONS AGAINST DAIRY PRODUCTS ORIGINATING FROM EU

China's Economic Observer (August 21) reported that China's Ministry of Commerce website on August 21,stated that the Ministry of Commerce issued an announcement on the initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation into imported related dairy products originating from the European Union. The application claims that the products under investigation have received subsidies from the EU and its member governments, and that the EU dairy industry (enterprises) may benefit from a total of 20 subsidy projects. It said the investigation will begin on August 21, 2024 and should normally be completed before August 21, 2025. It may be extended for six months in special circumstance.

CHINA-ECONOMY: INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES WITHDRAWING FROM CHINESE MARKET OR REDUCING FLIGHTS

Caixin (August 20) disclosed that since China dropped the Covid-era restrictions that slowed international flights, there has been a drop in foreign airlines traffic. Many foreign carriers are scaling back their operations in China and in some cases completely withdrawing from the market, largely because the need to avoid Russian airspace has sent their costs spiraling and made them uncompetitive against Chinese rivals who can still fly over the country’s northern neighbour. Meanwhile, Chinese airlines are ramping up their overseas routes, particularly to the Middle East.

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA APPROVES CONSTRUCTION OF 5 NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ENCOMPASSING 11 NUCLEAR POWER UNITS AT INVESTMENT OF US$ 28 BILLION

The Paper (August 20) reported that China has approved the construction of five new nuclear power projects, encompassing 11 nuclear power units, in a significant move to boost its clean energy capacity. The projects, involving both third- and fourth-generation nuclear power technologies, represent a total investment of over 200 billion yuan ($28 billion). Among these is a world-first project in Xuwei, Jiangsu province, which will combine high-temperature gascooled reactor technology with a pressurized water reactor, focusing on industrial heating and electricity supply. This project aims to provide low-carbon power to the petrochemical industry base in Lianyungang. The approvals continue China's steady progress in expanding its nuclear power sector, following the approval of 10 new units each in 2022 and 2023. These developments align with China's goal to increase non-fossil energy consumption to about 25 percent by 2030, as outlined in a recent guideline on accelerating green economic transformation issued by the central government.

CHINA-ECONOMY: PRICE OF LITHIUM CARBONATE IN CHINA PLUMMETS BY 10 PERCENT IN HALF A MONTH BECAUSE OF OVERSUPPLY

China's Economic Observer (August 17) disclosed that the price of lithium carbonate has plummeted from above 120,000 yuan/ton, falling below 110,000 yuan/ton, 100,000 yuan/ton, 90,000 yuan/ton, and then below 80,000 yuan/ton, accelerating to the 70,000 yuan/ton mark. It said, "Since 2024, the price of lithium carbonate has been experiencing a "Waterloo."" The main lithium carbonate contract LC241 of the Guangzhou Futures Exchange has fallen by more than 40% in the past year. The newspaper added that Lithium carbonate is a core raw material for new energy vehicles and energy storage. In the past two years, due to the continuous release of production capacity, the oversupply of lithium carbonate in China has continued to intensify. Since August, the price of lithium carbonate has fallen steeply, falling by more than 10% in just half a month. On August 15, the price of lithium carbonate LC2411 hit a new historical low, reaching 71,800 yuan/ton during the session, which has broken through the cost line of some high-cost projects. In terms of spot, the spot quotation of Shanghai Nonferrous Metals Network (SMM) shows that as of August 15, the spot price of battery-grade lithium carbonate fell to 72,300 yuan/ton-78,400 yuan/ton, with an average price of 75,350 yuan/ton, a new low in more than three years. It said as the price of lithium carbonate has fallen sharply, many industry insiders remain pessimistic about the future market: the situation where lithium carbonate supply exceeds demand is difficult to alleviate, and the downward trend is expected to continue in the short term.

CHINA-ECONOMY: HUAWEI CLAIMS ITS ASCEND 910C AI CHIP IS COMPARABLE TO NVIDIA'S H100 HIGH-END AI CHIP

Deutsche Welles (August 15) quoted the Wall Street Journal as reporting on August 13 that Huawei has continued to test its new Ascend 910C artificial intelligence (AI) chip over the past few weeks, hoping to challenge Nvidia 's market position.It said sources revealed that Huawei told potential customers that the Ascend 910C chip is comparable to Nvidia 's H100 high-end AI chip, but the latter is restricted by US export controls and cannot be sold directly in China. According to insiders, companies including TikTok's parent company ByteDance, Baidu and China's state-owned telecom operator China Mobile have all had preliminary discussions on purchasing the Ascend 910C. Multiple sources said that Huawei has held preliminary negotiations with these potential customers, and the chip order volume may exceed 70,000 pieces, with a total value of approximately US$2 billion, and shipments are scheduled to begin as early as October this year.

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS SHOWS SLOWDOWN IN INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT

Reuters (August 15) said that data from China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed industrial output grew 5.1% from a year earlier, slowing from the 5.3% pace in June and below analysts' forecasts for a 5.2% increase. In contrast, retail sales rose 2.7% in July, quickening from a 2.0% increase in June and beating expectations for growth of 2.6%. Analysts say the data steps up the urgency for policymakers to roll out more support measures aimed at consumers instead of pouring funds into infrastructure.

CHINA-ECONOMY: CCTV CLAIMS RISE IN DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION AND RETAIL SALES SINCE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR

The state-owned CCTV (August 17) claimed that consumption and service retail sales have maintained rapid growth since the beginning of this year. It said the latest data shows that from January to July, service retail sales increased by 7.2% year-on-year, 4.1 percentage points higher than the retail sales of goods in the same period. It attributed this to holiday consumption and double-digit growth in retail sales of transportation services and incentives by some provincial governments. It noted that China had also recently issued 20 measures to promote the high-quality development of service consumption.

CHINA-ECONOMY: HKOI REPORTED DROP OF 29.6 PER CENT IN CHINA'S FDI IN FIRST 7 MONTHS OF 2024

Hongkong's media outlet HK01 reported (August 17) that China's FDI fell 29.6% in the first 7 months to 539.5 billion RMB, which China's Ministry of Commerce said was still the highest level in nearly a decade. It also said in the first seven months, there were approximately 31,700 newly established foreign-invested enterprises across China a year-on-year increase of 11.4%. In terms of origin, actual investment in China from Germany and Singapore increased by 26.4% and 11% respectively (including investment data through free ports).

CHINA-TIBET: 135 YEAR OLD ATSOK MONASTERY IN AMDO REGION OF TIBET DESTROYED TO CONSTRUCT YANGKHIL HYDROPOWER PLANT

The International Campaign for Tibet (August 16) revealed that the Atsok Monastery, which was founded in 1889 in Dragkar, Tibet, in the northern Tibetan region of Amdo and has till recently been home to 160 monks has now been completely leveled on the orders of the Chinese government. It was demolished to make way for construction of the 1200 megawatt Yangkhyil Hydropower Plant, which will reach 150 meters in height, being constructed in Dragkar (Xinghai) county in Tsolho (Hainan) prefecture. China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which officially approved the construction of the Yangkhil (Yangqu) dam in 2021, noted in the approval statement that the project had been suspended earlier after learning that it had “started construction without approval.”

CHINA-XINJIANG: HE ZHONGYOU, SECRETARY AND POLITICAL COMMISSAR OF XPCC AND CHAIRMAN OF CHINA NEW CONSTRUCTION GROUP CORP. WAS PROMOTED TO THE MINISTERIAL LEVEL

The official website of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) reported (August 17) that He Zhongyou, currently the Deputy Secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Party Committee, Secretary and Political Commissar of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Party Committee, and Chairman of China New Construction Group Corporation, has been confirmed at the ministerial level.

CHINA-GUANGXI ZHUANG AR: LU XINNING APPOINTED MEMBER AND STANDING MEMBER OF GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION PARTY COMMITTEE

According to Beijing Daily (August 21), the Guangxi Daily WeChat public account on August 19, stated that the CCP Central Committee has approved 58-year old Lu Xinning (f) as a Member and Standing Member of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Party Committee. (Comment: Prior to this appointment, Lu Xinning served as Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Of Han nationality and born in December 1966, Lu Xinning has a postgraduate degree and a Master of Literature. She has served as a member of the Editorial Board and Director of the Commentary Department of People's Daily, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of People's Daily, and Chairman of People's Daily Online Co., Ltd.)

CHINA-INNER MONGOLIA: WANG XIWU APPOINTED DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF INNER MONGOLIA AUTONOMOUS REGION PARTY COMMITTEE AND DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL RESEARCH (REFORM OFFICE)

The Inner Mongolia Daily (August 19) reported that Wang Xiwu has been appointed as Deputy Secretary-General of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Party Committee and Director of the Political Research Office (Reform Office) of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Party Committee.

CHINA-HUNAN: HUNAN PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE, GOVERNMENT AND HUNAN MILITARY REGION ORGANISE EVENT TO HONOUR MERITORIOUS PLA OFFICERS

PLA Daily (August 17) reported that in early August, the Hunan Provincial Party Committee and the Hunan Provincial Government, together with the Hunan Provincial Military Region, launched the first Hunan Province Tribute to Meritorious Officials event, "Honoring Hunan and Praising Meritorious Officials". 20 representatives of the garrison troops were invited.It said most of the 20 invited officers and soldiers are winners of second-class merit or above in the past three years and included brave warriors, outstanding experts from colleges and universities, excellent staff officers and technical engineers from the army, and outstanding grassroots political instructors and training squad leaders. The families of some officers and soldiers were also invited to Changsha to participate in the event.

CHINA-HONGKONG: HEAD OF CCP CC UFWD SHI TAIFENG ATTENDED 2024 OVERSEAS CONFERENCE ON PEACEFUL REUNIFICATION OF CHINA AND CPPCC CHAIRMAN WANG HUNING SENDS MESSAGE

The 2024 Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China was held Tuesday in Hong Kong and Politburo Standing Committee member, and CPPCC Chairman Wang Huning sent a letter of congratulations to the conference. He said that compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese have long been opposing "independence" and promoting reunification. They have contributed to fostering exchanges across the Taiwan Strait in various fields, deepening the international community's commitment to the one-China principle and working toward China's peaceful reunification. Wang Huning encouraged compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese to keep pace with the trends of history, safeguard the overall interests of the Chinese nation and join hands in opposing "Taiwan independence" and promoting reunification. Politburo member and Head of the UFWD Shi Taifeng attended the event and stressed that the conference, gathering compatriots at home and abroad, will help advance the cause of opposing "independence" and promoting reunification. The conference theme was "Unswervingly promoting China's peaceful reunification and striving to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." It was hosted by the Hong Kong Association for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China and attended by over 1,200 representatives. The conference adopted the 2024 Hong Kong Declaration.

CHINA-TAIWAN: CHINA'S PLA NAVY CONDUCTED ITS FIRST 'TAIWAN STRAIT MARITIME CRUISE LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION' RESEMBLING REHEARSAL FOR A BLOCKADE

On August 17-18, China conducted its first 30+ hour “Taiwan Strait Maritime Cruise Law Enforcement Operation”. Ostensibly a patrol, this exercise which resembles rehearsal for a blockade further normalizes aggressive military activity closer to Taiwan. The exercise: Came within ~2 miles of the median line; Covered 400+ nautical miles from 17-18 August; Saw expansion of similar operations surrounding Kinmen; Flotilla of 3 ships: Hai Xun 06, Hai Xun 0802, & Dong Hai Ju 115; and Implemented traffic organization & control, and inspection of passing ships. The military-civil operation, carried out under the guise of the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration & East China Sea Rescue Bureau, involved: • Enhancing the mainland’s maritime management agency’s control over maritime traffic & emergency rescue capabilities in the Taiwan Strait • Patrolling the waters & examining coastal shipping routes, anchorages, offshore construction sites, high-risk collision zones for commercial & fishing vessels, busy traffic areas, accident-prone zones • Investigating & addressing maritime traffic violations, upholding navigational regulations, inspecting shipping routes, organizing and controlling traffic, conducting spot checks on passing vessels, and inspecting on-site the implementation of emergency search & rescue plans • Confirming ship identification code details on-site, testing communication capabilities over land & sea, & ensuring the orderly conduct of radio communications on the water. (Comment: This exercise has further elevated military pressure on Taiwan and strengthened the possibility of a sudden military adventure against Taiwan by China. Previously, maritime departments from the mainland had already achieved regular law enforcement patrols in the waters near Kinmen — and now this ‘regularization’ has been further extended”.)

CHINA-INDIA: 6TH PLENARY SESSION OF TAR EMPHASISES DEVELOPMENT OF BORDER AREAS, BUILDING ADEQUATE CONNECTIVITY AND GARRISONING AND DEPLOYNG TROOPS

Tibet Daily (August 19) disclosed that at the 6th plenary session of the tenth party committee of the TAR held in Lhasa on August 13, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Party Secretary Wang Junzheng stressed that the Plenary session made new arrangements for the TAR to focus on creating a national demonstration zone for border consolidation, border development and people's prosperity action and stressed border areas as the “First line of defence” for national security and territorial integrity and hence the need to continuously strengthen people’s sense of duty to protect and secure the border. He said this involves speeding up the development of border areas and building a strong foundation for defence. The Plenary session stated that under the leadership of the TAR Party Committee, the whole of TAR should adhere to the simultaneous, garrisoning, and deployment of troops and people's security. The need to improve mechanisms for the joint efforts of the party, government, military, police and civilians to govern and stabilize the border, improve the adjustment and reform of the borderstrengthening policy and accelerate the construction of border areas was stressed at the meeting, stating internal and external connectivity support capacity of the infrastructure in the border areas is not strong enough, and speeding up the filling of shortcomings of the border infrastructure therefore, important. It was stressed that the construction of major projects in the border areas should fully consider the needs of national defence, increase the construction of "smart border defence", and strengthen the construction of the border protection team, quoting "Only if the people live at the border, the border will be stable."

CHINA-BANGLADESH: CHINA'S PIL ANNOUNCED ON AUGUST 17, IT WILL START SERVICE BETWEEN NINGBO AND CHITTAGONG FROM AUGUST 31

The Pacific International Line (PIL) on August 17, announced the launch of the China Chittagong Express (CCE). The service will start on August 31, and connect Ningbo, China, to Chittagong, Bangladesh. This new route will enhance trade between the two countries and improve transportation efficiency. It will be served jointly by a consortium of vessels. The new service is considered an addition to the existing BD1 and BD2 routes, which connect Bangladesh through Singapore. The ports of call for the CCE weekly service are: Ningbo – Shanghai – Shekou – Chittagong – Ningbo. (Comment: The shipping service intended to promote trade coincides with the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh and will be used by Beijing to consolidate ties with Dhaka.)

CHINA-PHILIPPINES: PHILIPPINES CLAIMS TWO COAST GUARD SHIPS DAMAGED BY CHINA'S "UNLAWFUL MANOEUVRES" NEAR SABIMA SHOAL N SOUTH CHINA SEA

AFP (August 18) reported that the Philippines said two of its coast guard vessels damaged by China’s ‘unlawful manoeuvres’ near disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila said (August 18) their coast guard ships had collided near the disputed Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometres (86 miles) west of the Philippine Island of Palawan and about 1,200 kilometres from Hainan Island, the closest Chinese landmass. It added that this was the first hostile action by Beijing against it near Sabina.

CHINA-US: CHINA-US FINANCIAL WORKING GROUP HELD ITS 5TH MEETING IN SHANGHAI ON AUGUST 19

Xinhua reported (August 19) that the People's Bank of China (PBOC) stated (August 19) that the China-U.S. financial working group held its fifth meeting in Shanghai on August 15 and discussed a range of issues related to the financial policies of both countries. The meeting was co-chaired by Brent Neiman, Deputy Under Secretary for International Finance at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Xuan Changneng, Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC). The PBOC said attendees included representatives from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the National Financial Regulatory Administration of China, and the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. It said, "the two sides had professional, pragmatic, candid and constructive communication on a range of financial policy topics of mutual interest, including the broader strategy of further deepening comprehensive reforms". Discussions addressed various topics, including economic and financial conditions, monetary policies, financial stability, securities markets, cross-border payments, international financial governance, fintech, sustainable finance, and anti-money laundering measures. Technical experts presented reports on issues like disposal mechanisms for global systemically important banks, financial institutions' operational resilience, climate risk stress testing, and supervision of cross-border financial services. During the meeting, the PBOC and the U.S. Department of the Treasury signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation on financial stability, exchanging contact lists to ensure smooth communication during financial stress and operational risks. The PBOC said both sides have agreed to maintain communication.

CHINA-US: CHINESE DEFENCE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ACCUSES U.S. OF POSSESSING THE WORLD'S LARGEST NUCLEAR ARSENAL AND JAPAN OF IGNORING HISTORY AND PANDERING TO THE U.S.

Responding to a media query regarding the United States and Japan reconstituting the U.S. Forces Japan, and their accusation of China for expanding nuclear weapons arsenal, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang accused the US and Japan of playing up the so26 called "China military threat" to "make up excuses for closer military ties". He said "The United States poses the biggest nuclear threat to the world" and possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world and follows a nuclear policy that allows first-use of nuclear weapons. He denounced Japan for not learning lessons from history, but pandering to the United States to gain the so-called "nuclear deterrence." Zhang Xiaogang claimed that China pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defense, and is committed to the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. He said China keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security. Zhang Xiaogang urged "the United States and Japan to abandon their Cold War mentality, recognize that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought, reduce the role of nuclear weapons in national and collective security policies, and take concrete actions to promote global strategic stability, instead of doing the opposite."

CHINA-AFRICA: 2024 FOCAC SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN BEIJING FROM SEPTEMBER 4-6

People's Daily (August 21) reported that the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing, from September 4 to 6 this year. It aims to foster dialogue and strengthen ties between China and African nations.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRS POLITBURO GROUP STUDY SESSION TO DISCUSS MILITARY MATTERS ON JULY 31

The People's Daily (July 31) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping called for modernizing the country's border, coastal and air defense to make it strong and solid when chairing the Politburo leadership group's 16th study session on July 31. He also extended Army Day greetings to all service personnel, as well as the members of the militia and reserve forces, on behalf of the CCP Central Committee and the CMC. Huang Jizhong from the CMC's Joint Staff Department elaborated on issues concerning the building of modern border, coastal and air defense systems and put forward suggestions following which Politburo members had a discussion. After hearing the briefing and discussion, Xi made an important speech. He said that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has spearheaded a raft of major institutional reforms and led a series of key border, air and sea defense actions. These efforts have vigorously safeguarded China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as upheld the strategic initiative of national security and development. He noted that China's border, coastal and air defense is, however, faced with new opportunities and new challenges, and stressed the need to strengthen overall planning to enhance the border defense capability. He called for intensified efforts to boost infrastructure connectivity and joint development to forge a border, coastal, and air defense that is conducive to both national security and economic and social development. Xi Jinping also said greater emphasis must be placed on integrating science and technology into national defense efforts, and urged more efforts to enhance friendly and practical cooperation with neighboring countries to foster a conducive environment for China's defense development. He also underlined the importance of improving air traffic management, boosting the sound growth of the low-altitude economy, and optimizing the civil air defense model.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS TO CENTRAL AND STATE ORGANS TO STUDY AND IMPLEMENT THE 'SPIRIT' OF THE THIRD PLENUM DECISIONS

Xinhua (July 31) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping recently issued important instructions on the central and state organs to study and implement the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and promote high-quality development of party building in the organs. He emphasized that studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is a major political task for the whole party and the whole country at present and in the future. The central and state organs are the "first mile" in implementing the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, and they must take the lead in studying, publicizing, and implementing the spirit of the plenary session.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING AND PREMIER LI QIANG MET ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GEORGIA MELONI AS SHE BEGAN 5- DAY VISIT TO CHINA TO RESET RELATIONS

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on July 29 at the start of her 5-day visit to China. After talks with President Xi Jinping at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Ms Meloni said: "There is growing insecurity at an international level and I think that China is inevitably a very important interlocutor to address all these dynamics". She said the two nations must "think together" to remain stable and guarantee peace. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in turn, hailed the "long-established friendly" ties, as well as "tolerance, mutual trust and mutual respect" between Beijing and Rome. Earlier on Sunday July 28, Ms Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met and signed a three-year "Action Plan between the People's Republic of China and the Italian Republic on Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024-2027)". Separately, Euronews (July 29) reported that Italy and China signed a 3-yr plan as Meloni tries to reset relations, Stellantis, a major automaker that inc. Italy’s Fiat, formed a joint venture with Leapmotor, a Chinese electric car startup, in May to begin selling EVs in Europe. (Comment: Rome has also supported a recent move by the European Commission to impose tariffs of as much as 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China. Two-way trade between two countries reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3bn) last year, making China Italy's largest non- EU trading partner after the US.)

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING WELCOMES JOSE HORTA, PRESIDENT OF TIMOR-LESTE IN BEIJING ON JULY 29

China's state-owned CCTV (July 29) telecast a report on July 29, of Chinese President Xi Jinping holding a ceremony in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People to welcome the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, on his state visit to China. 21 cannon salutes were fired in Tiananmen Square and the two leaders reviewed a Guard of Honour. Politburo member, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Chinese Foreign Minister Wangg Yi and others attended the welcoming ceremony. Accompanying Horta on his visit to China were the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ambassador to China, etc. Horta is paying a state visit to China at the invitation of Xi Jinping. After the welcome ceremony the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of the cooperation plan for jointly building the "Belt and Road" and a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of agriculture, green development, digital economy, air transportation and other fields. The two sides issued the "Joint Statement on Deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste". At noon that day, Xi Jinping held a welcome banquet for Horta in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING PRESIDES OVER CCP CC SYMPOSIUM WITH NON-CCP PERSONAGES ON JULY 26 AND DELIVERS IMPORTANT SPEECH

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee held a symposium on July 26, with non-CCP personages to seek opinions and suggestions on the country's current economic situation and economic work for the second half of the year. Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the symposium and delivered an important speech on July 26.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CHAIRS POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING IN BEIJING ON FLOOD RELIEF AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT WORK

Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee on June 25 to study and arrange work related to flood control and disaster relief.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: LATEST ISSUE OF 'QIU SHI' PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING ON MILITARY MODERNISATION

Qiushi (Seeking Truth; 15th issue of 2024) published an important article by General Secretary Xi Jinping titled "Achieving the Struggle Goals of the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Army and Creating a New Situation for National Defense and Military Modernization". (Comment: August 1 is China's Army Day, when the country will celebrate the 97th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army this year.)

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOQING ADDRESSES CONFERENCE ON FLOOD CONTROL AND URGES PEOPLE'S SAFETY MUST COME FIRST

People's Daily (July 27) Chinese Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing attended a teleconference convened by the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Beijing on July 26, 2024, where he called for high vigilance against floods and emphasised that people's safety must always come first. Zhang Guoqing stressed it must be ensured that all responsibilities are thoroughly enforced, implementing targeted measures, and fortifying disaster defenses to win the battle against floods. He urged authorities to promptly and decisively evacuate residents from dangerous areas to minimize casualties.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: POLITBURO STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER DING XUEXIANG VISITED RUSSIA AND DISCUSSED INVESTMENT AND ENERGY COOPERATION

Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang visited Russia from July 21 to 23. He co-chaired the 11th meeting of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Manturov and co-chaired the 21st meeting of the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak. He attended the opening ceremony of the 6th China-Russia Energy Business Forum and read out President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter and delivered a speech.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE POLITBURO MEMBER AND HEAD OF PLAC CHEN WENQING EXHORTS JUDICIAL AND SECURITY CADRES TO IMPLEMENT THIRD PLENUM GUIDELINES

At a training session for officials of judicial, procuratorial and public security authorities to study and implement the guiding principles of the CCP CC Third Plenum, Politburo member and Head of the CCP CC Political and Legal Affairs Commission, Chen Wenqing emphasised (June 26) that the rule of law is an important guarantee for Chinese modernization. He urged them to build a high-standard socialist market economy and stressed the importance of implementing a holistic approach to national security and advancing sound legislation, strict law enforcement, impartial administration of justice, and society-wide observance of the law.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CENTRAL CCP OFFICIALS DISSEMINATE AND EXPLAIN THIRD PLENUM DECISION

Members of the Central Propaganda Team for studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee are giving lectures in various places and departments. Politburo member and Beijing Party Secretary Yin Li, who is a member of the Central Propaganda Team, delivered a report in Beijing on July 29 highlighting the important significance of the plenary session. Politburo member and Vice Premier He Lifeng, who is also a member of the Central Propaganda Team, delivered a report at the Ministry of Commerce on July 29. Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, also a member of the Central Propaganda Team, delivered a report at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on July 29 where he explained the significance of holding the plenary session and gave a detailed interpretation of the major reform measures proposed in the "Decision", requiring the industrial and information technology system to accelerate the implementation of reform tasks and provide strong impetus and institutional guarantees for promoting new industrialization. Politburo member and Chongqing Party Secretary Yuan Jiajun delivered a report in Chongqing on July 29 when he gave an in-depth explanation and interpretation of the overall goal, major principles and major measures for further deepening reform in an all-round way proposed in the Decision of the Plenary Session. Yuan Jiajun also recently visited industrial parks, scientific and technological enterprises and other places to preach the spirit of the plenary session on the spot and interact with front-line cadres and workers.

CHINA-LEADERSHIP: CHINESE STATE COUNCILOR SHEN YIQIN ADDRESSES ENLARGED SESSION OF ACFTU AND CALLED FOR MORE REFORMS TO ADVANCE WORK OF THE ACFTU

Speaking at an enlarged session of the standing committee of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) in Beijing on June 25, Chinese State Councilor and President of the ACFTU, Shen Yiqin urged efforts to study and implement the guiding principles of the CCP CC Third Plenum. Shen Yiqin also called for more reforms to advance the work of the All- China Women's Federation (ACWF).

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: VICE COMMERCE MINISTER GUO TINGTING APPOINTED CHINA'S NEW VICE FINANCE MINISTER

Caixin (July 22) reported that Guo Tingting, till recently China’s Vice Minister of Commerce was appointed Vice Finance Minister on July 28, replacing Zhu Zhongming. Zhu Zhongming has been named Deputy Party Secretary of Shanghai’s Communist Party Committee.

CHINA-SENIOR APPOINTMENTS: LI MING APPOINTED NEW VICE CHAIRMAN OF CHINA SECURITIES REGULATORY COMMISSION

The China Securities Regulatory Commission announced that the State Council recently decided to appoint Li Ming as the Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission in place of Fang Xinghai. (Comment: The leadership team of the CSRC currently includes Chairman Wu Qing, Vice Chairmen Li Chao, Wang Jianjun, Chen Huaping, Li Ming, and Head of the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group Fan Dazhi.)

CHINA-PLA: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING CONVEYS GREETINGS AND "IMPORTANT" MESSAGE TO NATIONAL VETERANS AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

The National Veterans Affairs Conference was held in Beijing on July 29. State Councilor Chen Yiqin conveyed Xi Jinping's important instructions and delivered a speech at the meeting. She said that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions fully reflect the high attention paid to veterans' work and the cordial care for the vast number of veterans. CCTV (July 29) reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping "made important instructions on veterans affairs, and expressed warm congratulations to the exemplary units and individuals who were commended, and sincere greetings to the comrades engaged in veterans affairs". He "stressed that retired military personnel are the precious wealth of the Party and the country and an important force in promoting China's modernization. The work of retired military personnel is related to the cause of reform, development, stability and strengthening the army". China's Economic Information Daily (July 29) quoted him as also saying "A new chapter of highquality development of retired military personnel work in the new era will be written". The meeting commended 397 national model veterans, 100 national model units for veterans' work, and 80 model individuals. Member of the Central Military Commission Miao Hua attended the meeting.

CHINA-PLA: PLA CONVENED MEETING TO STUDY THIRD PLENUM DECISION

The PLA Daily (July 29) disclosed that the first report meeting of the whole army on studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was held in Beijing on July 29. Politburo member and CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Politburo member and CMC Vice Chairman He Weidong met with the members of the lecture group and listened to the report. CMC members Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua and Zhang Shengmin attended.Relevant leaders from various departments of the CMC, the CMC Joint Operations Center and other units attended the main venue of the Bayi Building, and more than 7,500 officers and soldiers listened to the report in 176 branch venues. After the meeting, the 10 members of the propaganda team will be divided into five groups to tour the entire army for propaganda.

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: CDIC ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO WANG YILIN, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF CHINA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION

The website of the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) and the National Supervisory Commission announced on July 31 that, with the approval of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the CDIC and the National Supervisory Commission have initiated an investigation into the serious violations of discipline and law by Wang Yilin, former secretary of the Party Committee and chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation. It also announced the expulsion of wang yilin from the CCP.

CHINA-ANTI-CORRUPTION: SUPERVISION COMMITTEE DISCLOSES THAT 367,000 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN FIRST HALF OF 2024

In the first half of the year, the Commissions of Supervision at all levels received 13,000 cases of duty-related crimes and prosecuted 9,437 people, up 44% and 32.6% year-on-year respectively, including 15 former provincial and ministerial officials. It said 367,000 people were arrested in the first half of this year.

CHINA-CCP: CCP CC ORGANISATION DEPARTMENT RELEASES 27 MILLION YUAN (US$ 3.79MILLION) TO AID FLOOD AND DISASTER RELIEF WORK IN SICHUAN AND SHAANXI PROVINCES

People's Daily (June 26) reproduced a Xinhua (June 25) despatch that the CCP CC Organization Department has allocated funds totaling 27 million yuan (about 3.79 million U.S. dollars) to aid flood control and disaster relief work in the Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces. It said the funds were sourced from Party fees collected from CCP members and administered by the organization department on behalf of the CCP CC. It also stressed that the funds should be allocated promptly at the primary level to benefit those working on the front line and those who have been seriously affected by the floods. The department also urged related provinces to allocate funds from Party fees administered by them for flood prevention and relief.

CHINA-CCP: ON JUNE 26 THE CCP LAUNCHED NATIONWIDE AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON STUDYING AND IMPLEMENTING GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THIRD CCP CC PLENUM

The People's Daily (June 27) reported that a nationwide awareness-raising program on studying and implementing the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CCP CC began in Beijing on June 26. Mu Hong, CPPCC Vice Chairman and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Deepening Reform in charge of routine work, delivered the first lecture. It was attended by about 700 people, including officials, heads of central government-owned enterprises and higher-education institutions, and members of the public. They pledged to thoroughly study the guiding principles from the key CPC plenum and strive to translate the strategic arrangement on further deepening reform comprehensively made by the CPC Central Committee into a powerful force for advancing Chinese modernization. The central lecturing group will tour across the country to give additional lectures.

CHINA-CCP: POLITBURO MEMBER AND VICE PREMIER ZHANG GUOQING PUBLISHES ARTICLE IN PEOPLE'S DAILY ON BUILDING A UNIFIED NATIONAL MARKET

People's Daily (July 29) published an article by Chinese Politburo member and Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing titled 'Building a unified national market (studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee)'. It explained that "Building a unified national market is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core from an overall and strategic perspective". It added "We must study and understand it carefully, implement it well, and accelerate the construction of an efficient, standardized, fair, and fully open unified national market, so as to provide strong support for comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation with Chinese-style modernization". Zhang Guoqing said "Building a unified national market is an important guarantee for promoting high-quality development".

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY ZHEJIANG PROVINCIAL CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY COMMITTEE THEORETICAL STUDY CENTRE GROUP ON XI JINPING'S CULTURAL THOUGHT

The Guangming Daily (July 29) published an article authored by the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China Theoretical Study Center Group and titled 'Study and comprehend Xi Jinping's cultural thoughts in depth, and unite our hearts and minds to write a new chapter of Chinese-style modernization in Zhejiang'. Describing Xi Jinping's cultural thought as "another major theoretical innovation of the Party, which indicates that the Party's historical confidence and cultural confidence have reached a new height, and provides important guidance for promoting the development of the Party's propaganda, ideology and culture", it said we must "Learn deeply and thoroughly Xi Jinping's cultural thoughts, and achieve a high degree of unity in firming correct positions, integrating important viewpoints, and mastering scientific methods". It asserted that "Xi Jinping's cultural thought is a complete and rigorous scientific system, which not only reflects the enrichment and development of Marxist cultural theory, but also reflects the comprehensive grasp of the laws of socialist cultural construction with Chinese characteristics in the new era". It added "A deep understanding of Xi Jinping's cultural thought has forged the soul of the nation and consolidated the foundation of governance, opening a new journey to build a cultural power. This important thought scientifically answers fundamental questions such as what flag to hold and what path to adhere to."

CHINA-CCP: GUANGMING DAILY PUBLISHES ARTICLE BY HENAN UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR OF MARXISM ON IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

Ma Fuyun, Professor of the School of Marxism at Henan Normal University, published an article captioned 'Consciously assume the main responsibility for the construction of ideological and political courses' in the Guangming Daily (July 29). He stressed the importance of placing ideological and political education in the new era high on the agenda and said "the Party's leadership over the construction of ideological and political courses has been comprehensively strengthened, and schools at all levels and of all types have fulfilled their main responsibilities, and the socialist direction of running schools has become clearer. In the new era and new journey, we need to further strengthen the main responsibility of schools to implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions, continue to promote the reform and innovation of ideological and political courses in schools in the new era, and create a new situation in the construction of ideological and political courses in schools with new atmosphere and new actions."

CHINA-CCP: PEOPLE'S DAILY COMMENTARY EMPHASISES THAT THIRD PLENUM GIVES STRONG IMPETUS TO CHINA'S MODERNISATION

People's Daily (July 29) published a Commentary titled 'Providing strong impetus and institutional guarantee for China's modernization (People's View)—— Firmly grasp the “six inevitable requirements” for further deepening reform in an all-round way'. It said "Studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is a major political task for the whole party and the whole country at present and in the future. The "Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Promoting Chinese-style Modernization" (hereinafter referred to as the "Decision") reviewed and adopted by the Plenary Session is a programmatic document guiding the further comprehensive deepening of reform on the new journey. To continue to push forward the reform, we must firmly grasp the "six inevitable requirements" for further comprehensive deepening of reform put forward in the "Decision". Starting today, this edition will launch a series of commentary articles to learn and understand the spirit of the plenary session together with party members, cadres and the masses".

CHINA-PROPAGANDA: MING PAO REPORTS THAT FORMER GLOBAL TIMES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HU XIJIN'S WEIBO AND SINA ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN BLOCKED

The Hongkong-based Chinese newspaper Ming Pao (July 30) disclosed that the Sina Weibo and WeChat public accounts of Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, have stopped updating for two days. A large number of Netizens and supporters left comments under his account, "Banned"? After Hu Xijin retired at the end of 2021, he continued to write on social platforms such as Weibo and WeChat public accounts. Since July, the two accounts have posted more than two posts each day, and the WeChat audio and video account has been constantly updated. Its Weibo account has nearly 25 million followers. The last post was posted at 4:04 pm last Saturday (27th), which commented on CITIC Construction's suspected "rich second generation" interns' behavior of showing off their wealth and the possible reasons behind it. Involved in corruption. Asked by Ming Pao for a comment, Hu Xijin said "I personally don't want to say anything. Just read what you can see online."

CHINA-ECONOMY: ECONOMIC OBSERVER REPORTS THAT GDP GROWTH OF 23 PROVINCES IN FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR WAS LOWER THAN THE FULL YEAR GDP GROWTH SET AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

China's Economic Observer (July 27) reported that as of July 30, 31 provinces (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) had announced their economic performance in the first half of 2024. While the major economic provinces have successfully taken on the main responsibility of economic growth, the economic data of some provinces have also fluctuated. In terms of growth rate, among the top eight economic provinces, except Guangdong and Henan, the GDP growth rates of the other six provinces in the first half of the year exceeded the national average GDP growth rate in the first half of the year (5%), among which Shandong, Jiangsu and Hubei grew by 5.8%. In the first half of the year, the GDP growth rates of Inner Mongolia, Chongqing and Tibet ranked top three in the country, while the GDP growth rates of Qinghai, Heilongjiang and Shanxi were all below 2%. Among the 31 provinces, 23 provinces' GDP growth in the first half of the year was lower than the full-year GDP growth target set at the beginning of the year. In order to achieve the full-year GDP growth target, these 23 provinces need to make further efforts to promote economic growth in the second half of the year. In 2023, a total of 17 provinces failed to achieve the GDP growth target set at the beginning of the year.

CHINA-ECONOMY: ECONOMIC OBSERVER REPORTS NEW RESTRICTIONS ON EXPORT OF DRONES

The Economic Observer (July 31) quoted the Chinese Ministry of Commerce website as announcing on July 31, that the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs, and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission issued the "Announcement on Optimizing and Adjusting UAV Export Control Measures" in order to safeguard national security and interests. It said with the approval of the State Council and the Central Military Commission, it is decided to adjust the export control measures for specific unmanned aerial vehicles and related items.

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA'S ECONOMIC DAILY HIGHLIGHTS CHINA'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN 'HIGH QUALITY DEVELOPMENT'

The Economic Daily (July 29) published an article by Jin Guanping titled 'Gather and expand new momentum and advantages for development', which asserted that "Since the beginning of this year, a distinctive feature of China's economy is that the development trend of industries with high-tech, high-efficiency and high-quality characteristics has been positive, new quality productivity has accelerated development, and new momentum and new advantages have continued to gather and strengthen". Listing China's achievements, the article claimed that "in the first half of the year, the added value of high-tech manufacturing industry above designated size increased by 8.7% year-on-year, 2.7 percentage points higher than that of all industries above designated size. The output of new products such as integrated circuits, service robots, new energy vehicles, and solar cells has maintained double-digit growth. At the same time, the development vitality of new consumption, new infrastructure and other fields is also being released" It noted that China's "total social research and development (R&D) expenditure will reach 3,327.8 billion yuan, ranking second in the world, 2.2 times higher than in 2012. The ranking of the Global Innovation Index has jumped from 34th in 2012 to 12th in 2023, making it the only middle-income economy among the top 30. Mentioning its "major breakthroughs" in strategic high-tech fields such as manned space flight, lunar and Mars exploration, satellite navigation, deep-sea and deep-earth exploration, supercomputers, and large aircraft manufacturing, and has achieved a series of original results in cutting-edge directions such as quantum information and biomedicine, it added that "New industrialization has been further promoted, with 463,000 high-tech enterprises, more than 50% of the global installed capacity of industrial robots, and 62 of the world's 153 lighthouse factories in China".

CHINA-ECONOMY: CHINA RELEASES LIST OF 19 NEW PROFESSIONS WITH OVER HALF RELATED TO NEW QUALITY PRODUCTIVE FORCES

Global Times (July 31) reported that China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) released 19 new professions on July 31 for inclusion in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). It said the emergence of new professions reflects the new changes and trends in China's economic and social development, meeting the new needs of production and life, and providing labourers with more employment choices. These include cloud-based intelligent operations and maintenance personnel, generative artificial intelligence system application staff, and user growth operation specialists, as well as 28 new job categories such as live recruitment specialists. Over half of the 19 new professions released are closely related to new quality productive forces. Among them are generative artificial intelligence system application staff, intelligent connected vehicle testers, intelligent manufacturing system maintenance personnel, and industrial internet operations and maintenance personnel. Observers said that with the upgrading of digital technology and the continuous development of society in recent years, a number of new occupations have been approved by the state and are appearing more and more around us. These new occupations offer job seekers direction and more options. (Comment: China has set an annual target of creating more than 12 million new urban jobs this year. It also aimed to keep the surveyed urban jobless rate at around 5.5 percent this year. The release of the new occupations came at a moment when the governments and social forces are pouring in policies to stabilize employment, and rolling out more targeted policies to boost employment. The ministry said China will continue efforts to foster new employment growth in areas such as advanced manufacturing and the digital economy, and provide more assistance to key groups, including college graduates and migrant workers.)

CHINA-TIANJIN: WANG YINGWEI APPOINTED NEW DEPUTY MAYOR AND DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU ON TIANJIN

Beijing Daily (July 30) reported that the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 18th Tianjin Municipal People's Congress on July 30, decided to appoint Wang Yingwei as Deputy Mayor of Tianjin and Director of the Public Security Bureau.

CHINA-JIANGSU: CHEN ZHONGWEI APPOINTED VICE GOVERNOR OF JIANGSU

Beijing Daily (July 31) disclosed that on July 31, the 10th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th People's Congress of Jiangsu Province appointed Chen Zhongwei as the Vice Governor of the Provincial People's Government. (Comment: Born in June 1969, Chen Zhongwei is a graduate of the Provincial Party School and a member of the Chinese Communist Party. He is currently the Vice Governor, member of the provincial government party group, and secretary of the Suqian Municipal Party Committee.)

CHINA-GUANGZHOU: GUANGDONG GOVERNOR WANG WEIZHONG MET BELARUS MINSK OBLAST GOVERNOR TURCHIN IN GUANGZHOU ON JULY 30

Guangzhou Daily (July 31) disclosed that on July 30, Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong met Belarusian Minsk Oblast Governor Turchin and his delegation in Guangzhou. Wang Weizhong welcomed the visit of Turchin, Governor of Minsk Oblast of Belarus, to Guangdong and briefed him on the economic and social development of Guangdong.

CHINA-SHANXI: SHANXI PROVINCIAL PARTY COMMITTEE STANDING COMMITTEE MET ON JULY 30 TO DISCUSS CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING'S 'IMPORTANT' SPEECH OF JULY 25

Shanxi Daily (July 30) reported that on July 30, the Provincial Party Committee held a Standing Committee meeting to convey, study and implement the important speech delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Politburo Standing Committee meeting on July 25, and arrange and deploy the current flood prevention and flood control work, listen to the analysis of the provincial production safety and social stability situation in the first half of the year, the progress of the concentrated rectification of unhealthy practices and corruption among the masses, and the public security work, and study and deploy the next step of work. Provincial Party Secretary Tang Dengjie presided over the meeting.

CHINA-XINJIANG: HE ZHONGYU APPOINTED MEMBER AND SECRETARY OF XPCC

China Economic Net Urumqi on July 27 quoted the Xinjiang Daily News Agency as saying that the Xinjiang Uyghur Party Committee had decided to appoint He Zhongyou as member of the party committee of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Standing Committee and Secretary. (Comment: Born in November 1965, He Zhongyou, has worked in Guangdong Province for a long time and in 2019, transferred to Hainan Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee as Haikou Municipal Party Committee Secretary. From 2021 he served as Deputy Secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Party Committee and from 2023 concurrently as Secretary of the Urumqi Municipal Committee.)

CHINA-HUNAN: HE LIHUI (F) APPOINTED PARTY SECRETARY AND CHAIRMAN OF HUNAN PUBLISHING INVESTMENT HOLDING GROUP

He Lihui (f) has been appointed Party Secretary and Chairman of Hunan Publishing Investment Holding Group on July 28. He Lihui was born in February 1973. She worked in Hunan Publishing Investment Holding Group in her early years and later served as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Hunan Radio and Television Group Co., Ltd. (Hunan Radio and Television Station).

CHINA-INDIA: SHARP CONTRAST IN READOUTS ISSUED BY CHINESE AND INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTRIES ON EAM JAISHANKAR'S TALKS WITH CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI

Chinese Readout on Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in Vientiane on July 25, 2024: "On July 25, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Vientiane. Wang Yi said that in the face of the current complex international landscape and daunting global challenges, China and India, as two major neighboring developing countries and emerging economies, should step up dialogue and communication, increase understanding and mutual trust, properly handle differences, and develop mutually beneficial cooperation. With a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, the two sides should take a rational approach to rise above differences and frictions, to promote the improvement as well as stable and sustainable development of China-India relations. Wang Yi said that the important impact of China-India relations goes beyond bilateral scope. Improving bilateral relations should reflect the strategic vision of China and India as two major emerging and developing countries. Handling the differences between the two countries should demonstrate the political wisdom of China and India as two ancient civilizations. Tackling global challenges should embody the solidarity and cooperation of countries of the “Global South”. It is hoped that the two sides will work together to actively explore the right way for the two big neighbors to get along with each other, and guide all communities to develop positive perceptions of each other. Wang Yi emphasized that a China- India relationship back on the right track serves the interests of both sides and meets the shared aspiration of countries of the “Global South”. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that India and China are two countries with the largest populations, and two major emerging economies and ancient civilizations with long histories. Maintaining stable and predictable development of the bilateral relations is entirely in the interests of the two sides, and holds special significance to upholding regional peace and promoting multi-polarity. India and China have broad converging interests and face the shadow brought by the situation in the border areas. But the Indian side is ready to take a historic, strategic and open perspective to find solutions to the differences and get the bilateral relations back to a positive and constructive track. The two sides agreed to make concerted efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and work for new progress in consultations on border affairs. The two sides indicated their readiness to strengthen communication within the framework of East Asia cooperation platform, SCO, G20 and BRICS, and jointly practise multilateralism and uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. Indian Readout: “The meeting gave the two Ministers an opportunity to review the situation since their last meeting at Astana on 4 July 2024. Their talks focussed on finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both Ministers agreed on the need to work with purpose and urgency to achieve complete disengagement at the earliest. Peace and tranquillity on the borders and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached between the two Governments in the past. EAM stressed the importance of the three mutuals --- mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity --- to our ties. As discussed earlier, both sides will hold an early meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to take the discussions forward. The two Ministers also exchanged views on the global and regional situation.”

CHINA-INDIA: STATE-OWNED CCTV TELECASTS PROGRAMME WHERE CHINESE ANALYSTS URGE ESCALATING BORDER TENSION WITH INDIA

Writing in the 'War on the Rocks on July 13, Jeff Smith of the American Foreign Policy Council, disclosed that on July 11, the popular CGTN talk show “Dialogue with Yang Rui” featured Chinese analysts urging Beijing to escalate the situation. They recommended that China begin using the term “invasion” to describe India’s activities at the tri-border and issue Delhi an ultimatum to either depart the area or be evicted. They stated that China should modify its position on the Kashmir dispute and encourage Bhutan to hold a referendum on whether it wants to be an Indian “puppet state.” (Comment: Yang Rui is a well known Chinese TV anchor who hosts a prestigious programme on CGTN.)

CHINA-INDIA: INDIA CLARIFIES IT IS NOT RE-THINKING RESTRICTIONS ON CHINESE INVESTMENTS INTO INDIA

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal clarified on July 30 that India is not re-thinking the issue of allowing Chinese investments into the country. He said "There is no rethinking at present to support Chinese investments in the country" and added that the economic survey recommendations are not binding on the government, (Comment: Widespread speculation that Government was revising and easing the constraints on Chinese investment and travel to India was heightened with the release in earlier in July, of the government's annual economic survey by India's Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran. It said that New Delhi should focus on direct investments from China to boost its exports and help keep India's growing trade deficit with Beijing in check. The speculation was accompanied by apparently orchestrated media reports of Government easing the restrictions.)

CHINA-PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN FINANCE MINISTER AURANGZEB VISITED CHINA REQUESTING RESCHEDULING OF OF AT LEAST US$ 16 BILLION OF ENERGY SECTOR DEBT

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue met Chinese Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an at the Ministry of Finance in Beijing on July 26. On return to Pakistan on July 28, Muhammad Aurangzeb said that he had engaged in "very constructive" talks with Chinese counterparts on rescheduling billions of dollars in debt owed to China, but he reported no immediate progress. Islamabad is asking that Beijing delay at least $16 billion in energy sector debt repayments and extend the term of a $4 billion cash loan facility because of Pakistan’s economic troubles and dwindling foreign exchange reserves.

CHINA-MIDDLE EAST: 14 HIGH LEVEL PALESTINIAN FACTIONS HELD RECONCILIATION DIALOGUE IN BEIJING FROM JULY 21-23 AND INKED A 'BEIJING DECLARATION'

Xinhua (July 27) reported that at the invitation of the Chinese side, high-level representatives of 14 Palestinian factions held a reconciliation dialogue in Beijing from July 21 to 23 and inked the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity, bringing precious hope to peace and stability in the Middle East. Xinhua added that during recent interviews, Palestinian political observers considered the Beijing Declaration a key step toward ending the Palestinian internal division, highlighting China's role in promoting security and peace in the Middle East region.

CHINA-US: US SECRETARY OF STATE BLINKEN AND CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI MEET ON JUNE 27 IN VIENTIANE ON SIDELINES OF ASEAN MINISTERIAL MEETINGS

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met PRC Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Vientiane, Laos, on the margins of the ASEANrelated ministerial meetings on July 27. The US State Department readout said The two sides had open and productive discussions on key bilateral, regional, and global issues. Blinken emphasized the importance of continuing to use diplomacy to responsibly manage competition, to candidly discuss areas of difference, and to make progress on areas of cooperation that matter to the American people and the world. Acknowledging recent steps taken by the PRC to advance counternarcotics cooperation to disrupt the flow of synthetic drugs into the United States and to enhance military-to-military communication to prevent miscalculation and conflict, Blinken reiterated that the US will continue to take necessary actions to safeguard our interests and values, and those of our allies and partners, including on human rights. He reiterated that the United States, together with our allies and partners, will advance our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Secretary raised concerns about the PRC’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea, including at Second Thomas Shoal, and affirmed the United States’ support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes, consistent with international law. The Secretary reiterated serious concern with PRC support for Russia’s defense industrial base and made clear that if the PRC does not act to address this threat to European security, the United Stares will continue to take appropriate measures to do so. He also discussed the DPRK’s provocative actions and underscored the need to work with the region to address the deteriorating situation in Burma. The Secretary updated the Foreign Minister on recent work to achieve a ceasefire to the war in Gaza and emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement without delay. The two sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in the weeks and months ahead.

CHINA-US: US FIGHTERS SCRAMBLE ON JUNE 26 ON SPOTTING CHINESE AND RUSSIAN BOMBERS ON JOINT PATROLLING OVER ALASKA

US Fighter jets scrambled on July 26, as bombers from Russia and China were spotted over Alaska. This was the first joint patrol detected by US and Canada as Beijing and Moscow confirmed fighters and bombers patrolled together over Bering Sea.

CHINA-ROK: CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI MET SOUTH KOREAN FOREIGN MINISTER CHO TAE-YUL IN VIENTIANE ON JUNE 26

Chinese Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Vientiane, Laos, on July 26, 2024. Wang Yi said China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have close exchanges and cooperation in various fields and deeply integrated interests, thus the bilateral relations can not be damaged. He also said that China and the ROK are close neighbours that cannot be moved away and should practice the correct way of neighbourhood relations featuring mutual understanding and support. China is ready to work with the ROK to stay true to the original intention of establishing diplomatic ties, stick to the position of partner, achieve positive interactions and promote the sound and steady development of bilateral relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi added that the two sides need to foster and uphold mutual trust, seek common ground while shelving differences, do more to enhance mutual trust and avoid interference and impact from external factors.

CHINA-TANZANIA: CHINA-TANZANIA MILITARY EXERCISES (JULY 29- AUGUST 11) UNDERWAY IN TANZANIA

The "Peace Unity-2024" joint exercise involving the Chinese and Tanzanian militaries began on July 29 in the Tanzanian military's Comprehensive Training Center in the Bagamoyo district of Mapinga and is scheduled to conclude on August 11. During the exercise, troops from both sides will jointly carry out drills both on land and at sea, aiming to hone their capabilities in joint counter-terrorism manoeuvres. The Chinese forces in the Peace Unity-2024 consist of two groups: ground units sent by the PLA Central Theater Command and a naval flotilla sent by the PLA Southern Theater Command. The ground units consist of troops from the 82nd Group Army, an information and communication regiment and a military hospital. The troops specialize in fields including assault, reconnaissance, intelligence, special operations, information support and logistics. The Chinese naval flotilla has two Type 071 amphibious transport docks and a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer.

June

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