VOL. XXV No. 4 April 2013 Rs. 10.00
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa on March 27, 2013. Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese During the visit, Qi Jianguo held talks with Shashi Kant People’s Liberation Army met with Arackaparambil Kurien Sharma, Indian Defense Secretary. Both sides exchanged Antony, Indian Defense Minister in Delhi. Qi Jianguo and views on further pushing forward the exchanges and his party paid an official visit to India from March 21 to 23, cooperation between the two militaries. 2013.
Chinese Ambassador Wei Wei called on Indian Finance Chinese Ambassador Wei Wei paid a visit to Indian Culture Minister P. Chidambaram on April 10, 2013. They had an in- Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch on April 10, 2013. They depth exchange of views on further enhancing China-India exchanged views on cultural exchanges and cooperation economic, trade and financial cooperation. between the two countries.
Chinese Ambassador Wei Wei met with Mr. Anil D. Ambani, Xu Jialu (3rd from left front), Senior Adviser of the China Chairman of the Reliance Group on April 11, 2013. They International Friendly Union and Former Vice Chairman of exchanged views on the prospects and development ideas the 10th National People’s Congress of China visited India of China-India economic and trade cooperation. from March 18 to 23, 2013. The picture shows the delegation with members of Indian Institute of Social Science. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 3
CONTENTS I. CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
1. President Xi Jinping Says World Needs Common Development of China and India 4 2. Qi Jianguo, PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff, Visits India 5 3. Chinese Ambassador Wei Wei Meets with Indian Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch 6 4. Ambassador Wei Wei Meets with Indian Finance Minister Chidambaram 6 5. Building BRICS 7
II. BRICS SUMMIT IN DURBAN
1. Chinese President Xi Jinping Attends 5th BRICS Summit in Durban and Delivers an Important Speech 8 2. Xi Jinping Attends Breakfast Meeting between BRICS Political and Business Leaders, Calling for Stronger 11 Cooperation between Governments and Businesses to Promote Economic Growth in BRICS Countries 3. President Xi Jinping Attends BRICS Leaders-Africa Dialogue Forum, Calling for the Building of 12 Partnership for a Better Future 4. During the Breakfast Meeting with the Leaders of African Countries, President Xi Jinping Stresses 14 That There Is No Perfect Tense Only Continuous Tense for China-African Relations 5. BRICS Summit Promotes Unity among Major Emerging Economies 16
III. BOAO FORUM 2013
1. President Xi Jinping Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013 17 and Delivers a Keynote Speech 2. Xi Jinping Stresses Fostering Boao Characteristics Focusing on Equal Exchanges, Mutual Learning and 20 Win-win Cooperation in Meeting with Members of BFA Board of Directors 3. Xi Talks of Peace, Openness, Common Development 21
IV. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
1. Xi Jinping Calls for the Building of New Type of International Relations with Win-Win Cooperation 24 at the Core in a Speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations 2. Xi’s Visit Starts New Era of China-Africa Relations 26 3. Premier Li Keqiang Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Iceland Johanna Sigurdardottir 27 4. Chinese Premier, Australian PM to Meet Annually 28 5. Chinese President Meets U.S. Secretary of State 29 6. Yang Jiechi Expounds China’s Position on the Situation of the Korean Peninsula 31 7. Official Urges China-U.S. Trust on Cyber Security 31 8. China, Myanmar Pledge to Boost “All-Round” Cooperation 32 9. Nepal to Shift Focus at China for Tourism 33
V. DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
1. China’s GDP Growth Slows to 7.7% 34 2. Legislative Remedy 35 3. Re-Education Scrutinized 38 4. The Outsourced Life 40 5. ‘Virtuous’ Reality 42 6. Avoiding the Trap 44
VI. TIBET TODAY
1. Lhasa TV Launches Tibetan-Language Channel 48 2. Herdsmen Learn Foreign Language for Online Business 48 3. Tourism Season Starts in Full Swing in Tibet 49 4. Stop Immolations and Tension in the World 50 5. Water Shortage in Yerpa 51 6. Trongyul, a Beautiful Land in North Tibet 55 4 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
I. CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
President Xi Jinping Says World Needs Common Development of China and India
On March 27, 2013, Chinese President Xi within the United Nations, BRICS, the G20 and Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister other multilateral groupings, support each other’s Manmohan Singh in Durban. participation in regional cooperation, and promote Xi said that China and India, as the world’s peace, stability and development in Asia. two largest developing nations, have a similar On the border issue, Xi said China and India historic mission to boost their social and economic should improve and make good use of the development. He said that the world needs the mechanism of special representatives to strive for common development of China and India and can a fair, rational solution framework acceptable to provide sufficient room for the two neighbors’ both sides as soon as possible. Meanwhile, he said, development. Both countries are in an important the two sides should continue to safeguard peace period of strategic opportunities, he said, adding in their border areas and prevent the issue from that China-India relations have broad prospects affecting bilateral relations. for development. Singh said India and China, both ancient China, which regards its ties with India as one civilizations, have a bright future. He expressed of the most important bilateral relationships, admiration for China’s achievements in commits itself to pushing forward the two development, saying that developing good- countries’ strategic cooperative partnership, Xi neighborly and friendly relations with China and said. He called on the two sides to maintain high- realizing common development along with China level reciprocal visits and contacts, make full use is a priority of the country’s foreign policy. of political dialogues and consultations at various India hopes to continue to maintain high-level levels to strengthen strategic and political exchanges, dialogue and communication with communication. China, he added. He also voiced the hope that the China and India should broaden exchanges two countries would respect each other’s core and cooperation between their armed forces and interests and major concerns, deepen mutual deepen mutual military and security trust, Xi said. strategic trust, strengthen coordination and The Chinese president said the two countries, with cooperation on international affairs, and safeguard the help of such cooperative mechanisms as peace and stability in the region and the world at strategic and economic dialogue, should also large. Singh said his country, which adheres to an discuss their cooperation on large-scale independent foreign policy, will not be used as a infrastructure projects. Xi also called for enhancing tool to contain China, adding that India is willing cultural exchanges and cooperation, and to make concerted efforts with China to show the broadening youth exchanges. He said the two sides world that they are cooperative partners instead should strengthen coordination and cooperation of rivals. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 5
India will abide by political guidelines set by The Indian prime minister said his country both sides and seek a solution to the bilateral border recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region is a part issue from a strategic height with a commitment of the Chinese territory and that India will not to safeguarding peace in their border areas, he allow Tibetans to conduct political activities against said. China in India.
Qi Jianguo, PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff, Visits India
At the invitation of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of India, Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and his party paid an official visit to India from March 21 to 23, 2013, during which they met with Arackaparambil Kurien Antony, Indian Defense Minister, and Shivshankar Menon, Indian National Security Adviser, respectively. Antony expressed that India attaches importance to Qi Jianguo held talks with Indian Defense Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma. the development of the defense relations between the two countries and common interests of the people of the Asia-Pacific sincerely hopes that the two sides can build closer region. The Chinese military is willing to make joint relations and make positive contributions to efforts with the Indian side to constantly expand maintaining the peace and tranquility of border friendly exchanges, deepen pragmatic cooperation areas and promoting the peace and stability of the and push forward extensive and intensive region and the world at large. Menon said that development of the relations between the two both India and China are committed to achieving militaries. social and economic progress, and have broader During his visit, Qi Jianguo also held talks with prospects for future bilateral cooperation. Shashi Kant Sharma, Indian Defense Secretary, Qi Jianguo said that the friendly and and exchanged views with Sharma on further cooperative relations between the two countries pushing forward the exchanges and cooperation have a vital bearing on not only the well-being of between the two militaries. the people of the two countries but also the 6 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
Chinese Ambassador Wei Wei Meets with Indian Culture Minister
Chandresh Kumari Katoch
On April 10, 2013, Chinese Ambassador to India Wei Wei paid a visit to Indian Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch. They exchanged views on cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Wei Wei spoke highly of China-India cultural relations and appreciated the contributions made by Minister Katoch for cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. He said the Chinese side is willing to further strengthen cultural exchanges with India and enhance the friendship between the two peoples. Chinese side on strengthening cultural exchanges He also invited Minister Katoch to visit China at and would work together with the Chinese side to her convenience. consolidate and deepen bilateral cultural Minister Katoch fully affirmed the significance cooperation. She also expressed her wish to visit of China-India cultural exchanges, agreed with the China at a convenient time.
Ambassador Wei Wei Meets with Indian Finance Minister Chidambaram
On April 10, 2013, Chinese Ambassador Wei exchanges and cooperation in economic, trade and Wei paid a visit to Indian Finance Minister P. financial sectors. He invited Minister Chidambaram Chidambaram. They had an in-depth exchange to visit China at his convenience. of views on further enhancing China-India Chidambaram welcomed Ambassador Wei economic, trade and financial cooperation. Wei to India, agreed with the Chinese side on Ambassador Wei Wei appreciated the efforts strengthening cooperation in the fields of made by the Indian Ministry of Finance on economy, trade and finance, and expressed his deepening bilateral economic and trade willingness to work with the Chinese side to cooperation. He said that the Chinese side is ready cement and deepen bilateral economic and trade to work with the Indian side to further expand cooperation. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 7
Building BRICS
China and India Should Strengthen Mutual Trust and Promote Cooperation within the BRICS
Wei Wei
On March 23, 2013, Indian English Newspaper Recent years have witnessed the ever-growing The Indian Express published the article of national strength of the BRICS countries. The Ambassador Wei Wei on its Comment Page and BRICS countries increasingly speak with one voice website. The full text is as follows: on international affairs, enjoy higher international The 5th BRICS summit is to be held in Durban, standing and make their presence felt in a larger South Africa next week. The leaders of China and way globally. Now, the five BRICS countries India will meet again on the sidelines of the summit. account for 42 per cent of the global population, It is undoubtedly a good opportunity for the two make up more than 20 per cent of the world GDP BRICS members to enhance mutual trust and and contribute more than half of the world’s promote cooperation through high-level economic growth. It is also noteworthy that the interactions. larger share the BRICS have in the world economy, As the two biggest developing countries and the more important cooperation among the BRICS emerging economies, relations between China and members will become. Currently, the BRICS India have exceeded the bilateral spectrum and countries are the world’s largest market. Each has assumed global and strategic dimensions. The its own competitive edge in different areas. Some BRICS mechanism not only serves as a platform are blessed with abundant natural resources, while for the China-India relationship to raise its global others are taking leading roles in manufacturing, impact, but also helps advance bilateral ties. The IT, biotechnology, telecommunications and leaders of China and India have maintained close aerospace. Among the five BRICS members, China contact within the BRICS mechanism. Last March, and India are especially complementary in their Chinese President Hu Jintao and Indian Prime economies. In this sense, the two should fully tap Minister Manmohan Singh met each other during the huge potentials and deepen substantial the 4th BRICS summit. Meanwhile, senior cooperation in various fields so as to bring more representatives on security affairs, foreign tangible benefits to the two peoples. ministers, finance ministers, governors of the The BRICS countries also play a positive role central banks of the two countries also met and in addressing issues such as food and energy exchanged views on political, security, economic security, environmental protection and reforms in and trade cooperation under the BRICS the global trade system and financial governance. framework. We have every reason to believe that The leaders of the BRICS countries exchange views closer personal connection will be forged through on important topics relating to sustainable the meeting between the newly elected Chinese development and discuss possible cooperation president and the Indian leader in Durban, which areas. Working groups are established and action would significantly contribute to the mutual trust plans are made on future agricultural cooperation. and bilateral relations between China and India. They have also been working together to tackle 8 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 climate change and other issues to safeguard the historical tasks and challenges to develop the interests of the emerging economies and economy and improve people’s livelihood. Since developing countries. Apart from seeking a larger last year, China and India have been say in the International Monetary Fund, World conscientiously implementing the Delhi Bank and other international financial institutions, Declaration, which was agreed upon by the 4th the BRICS countries are actively pushing for the BRICS Summit in India. As a result, we have establishment of new financial institutions of their yielded fruitful results in cooperation in economy, own. In this regard, China, with the world’s finance, trade, culture and people-to-people largest foreign exchange reserves and India, with exchanges between the two countries. The meeting a long history of financial services development, to be held between the newly elected Chinese have plenty of opportunities for close cooperation President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Manmohan and great accomplishment. We believe that closer Singh in the coming BRICS summit would surely cooperation within the BRICS in international further strengthen political mutual trust and finance will help put in place a more equitable and deepen the China-India strategic cooperative fair international economic and financial order. We partnership. believe that a strong manufacturing sector and Last but not least, I sincerely wish the 5th large foreign-trade volumes still fall short of what BRICS summit great success. China will join hands we need. A greater say in international financial with India to safeguard the fundamental interests governance better serves our interests. To this end, of developing countries, promote solidarity and deeper mutual trust and closer cooperation within cooperation among the BRICS countries, and make the BRICS are needed. unremitting efforts for world peace and prosperity. China and India are faced with similar
II. BRICS SUMMIT IN DURBAN
Chinese President Xi Jinping Attends 5th BRICS Summit in Durban and Delivers an Important Speech
On March 27, 2013, the 5th BRICS Summit During the summit, Xi Jinping delivered a opened in Durban, South Africa. Chinese keynote speech entitled Work Together for President Xi Jinping, South African President Common Development. In his speech, Xi stressed Jacob Zuma, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, that a stronger cooperation among BRICS Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian members would not only benefit the peoples of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attended the those countries but also benefit democratization meeting, expressing their opinions and positions in international relations, which are the common under the theme of “Partnership for aspirations and responsibilities of all. Xi Development, Integration and continued to express his confidence that new Industrialization”. progress would be made in deepening practical NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 9
cooperation and and promote common strengthening prosperity of all partnership among countries. Members BRICS members. should do their best to The BRICS develop their members should firmly economy and safeguard improve the international fairness livelihood of the and justice and people. They should maintain world peace strengthen the and stability, Xi coordinating role of stressed. No matter macroeconomic how the international policies, reform landscape changes, the bloc should always be international monetary and financial systems committed to peace, development, cooperation and promote trade and investment liberalization and win-win results. No matter how the and facilitation. They should join hands in international pattern changes, the bloc should helping plan international development agenda always be committed to equality, democracy and and realizing more balanced development of the inclusiveness. No matter how the global world. The BRICS grouping, closely tied with governance changes, the bloc should be actively partnership, should endeavor to promote engaged. cooperation in many fields, particularly in trade, Xi also pointed out that the BRICS members finance, infrastructure construction and should work vigorously to promote the personnel exchanges. They also need to jointly establishment of global development partnership support Africa’s efforts in seeking robust growth, speeding up integration and realizing industrialization. Xi continued to say that the BRICS members should deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation and seek mutual benefit and win- win results. They should strengthen political mutual trust and people- to-people friendship, work together to boost industrialization, inform- 10 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
atization, urbanization and modern agriculture. partnership for development, integration and They should enhance their coordination and industrialization, Xi pointed out that the BRICS cooperation within the frameworks of the United should march toward the ambitious goals of Nations, G20 and international economic and establishing a broad integrated market, multi- financial organizations. They should actively tier logistics, extensive connection across land, push ahead with the establishment BRICS navy and air and wide-ranging cultural Development Bank and Contingent Reserve exchanges. The BRICS members should Arrangement and accelerate practical strengthen the coordinating role of cooperation in various fields. macroeconomic policies and, through China, Xi emphasized, would continue to coordination, push forward cooperation among strengthen its cooperation with other BRICS developing countries and as a whole promote members for stronger economic growth, world economic recovery and growth in the end. improved cooperation framework and more The members should focus on innovative growth fruitful cooperation with all BRICS members. By by exploring and creating new economic doing that, China would bring about tangible competitiveness. They should enhance benefits to peoples of all BRICS members, thus cooperation in infrastructure construction so as contributing more to world peace and to be better connected with one another. They development. should properly deal with the relationship While discussing issues of inclusive growth between cooperation and competition so that and global governance, Xi pointed out that under mutual benefit and win-win results can be current situations, it is of high priority that achieved. countries should together tackle the downside Before ending his speech, Xi noted that this risks of the world economy on the one hand and summit sends a positive signal of seeking peace, speed up the transformation of economic growth working for development, promoting mode and pursue new economic growth points cooperation and aiming at win-win results on the other. The maintenance of world peace among the BRICS members, which is in keeping and security not only requires stability and with the trends of the time. Continued BRICS development of individual countries to safeguard cooperation would be conducive to a more peace but also requires all countries work hard balanced world economy, more democracy in with the international community to seek international relations and better global security on the basis of equality, promote security economic governance. through development and realize security South African President Jacob Zuma, through cooperation. To improve global Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Russian economic governance that will benefit the President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime economic development of each member needs Minister Manmohan Singh also spoke at the more representativeness and say of the BRICS summit. They stated that the there are still many members. In order to deepen practical uncertainties in the world economy as the cooperation, the most urgent task to do is to negative impacts of the international financial implement the cooperation projects that have crisis are being felt at a deeper level and the euro been agreed on. debt crisis is spreading. The BRICS members When talking about issues of developing should consolidate unity and cooperation. By NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 11
giving their complementary advantages into full cooperation and partnership with Africa and to play, they could provide more trade, investment help to promote the development of the and financial opportunities among members so continent. that they could work together to cope with Leaders of member countries decided to various risks and challenges. They should try to establish BRICS Development Bank and to sustain the inclusive economic growth and prepare for the creation of a Contingent Reserve stimulate vigorous, sustainable and balanced Arrangement. growth of the world economy. In the meantime, After the summit, leaders of the five nations the BRICS grouping should strengthen their attended the signing ceremony of cooperation coordination and cooperation within the documents including Multilateral Agreement on frameworks of the United Nations and G20, Cooperation and Co-financing for Sustainable defend world peace and stability, carry forward Development, Multilateral Agreement on reforms in international monetary and financial Infrastructure Co-Financing for Africa and systems and actively participate in the Declaration on the Establishment of BRICS improvement of global economic governance. Business Council. The summit also worked out Zuma talked about the situation in Africa Durban Declaration and its Action Plan. It was and the vision of African integration. All the also decided at the summit that the next summit leaders expressed their willingness to strengthen would be held in 2014 in Brazil.
Xi Jinping Attends Breakfast Meeting between BRICS Political and Business Leaders, Calling for Stronger Cooperation between Governments and Businesses to Promote Economic Growth in BRICS Countries
On March 27, 2013, a breakfast meeting environment, and seek independent and common between political and business leaders of BRICS development through mutual benefit and win-win countries was held in Durban, South Africa. cooperation. They also called for the governments Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African of BRICS countries to provide more support in President Jacob Zuma, Brazilian President Dilma terms of business policies and finance. Rousseff and Russian President Vladimir Putin Then, each political leader made their address. attended the meeting. In his speech, President Xi Jinping said that Business representatives made their speeches emerging economies and developing countries have first, recommending that BRICS countries become the highlight and an indispensable part of strengthen their cooperation in infrastructure, global economic growth. Facing new historical mining, agriculture, finance and energy, opportunities in their cooperation, business sectors complement each other to improve their respective in BRICS countries should take full advantage of competitiveness, jointly liberalize and facilitate the opportunities, link their own development with trade and investment, guard against risks, push the overall development of BRICS countries, for a fair and equitable international business strengthen cooperation with their governments, 12 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
and together promote economic growth in BRICS results. The Chinese government encourages and countries. supports Chinese enterprises in investing in other Xi hoped that the business sectors should be BRICS countries; it also welcomes enterprises from aware of the great potential and wonderful other BRICS countries to invest and start businesses opportunities released by BRICS countries’ drive in China. for industrialization, urbanization, As part of the meeting, Zuma officially declared informatization, and agricultural modernization, the establishment of a BRICS Business Council. have confidence in the prospect for cooperation, Other BRICS national leaders all agreed that, do a good job in planning and lay a solid whether in handling the impact of the international foundation, push for cooperation in infrastructure financial crisis or in maintaining stable long-term construction, development of new industries and economic growth, BRICS countries should local currency settlement, and contribute to the encourage cooperation between their business implementation of their country’s development sectors. In supporting the establishment of the strategy as well as cooperation among BRICS BRICS Business Council, BRICS countries hoped countries. that the Council and the BRICS Development Bank Xi said China will adhere to the basic state which was to be established soon would become policy of reform and opening up and follow an important channels for strengthen dialogues with open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win and providing support for the business sectors.
President Xi Jinping Attends BRICS Leaders-Africa Dialogue Forum, Calling for the Building of Partnership for a Better Future
On the afternoon of March 27, 2013, BRICS Armando Guebuza, Uganda’s President Yoweri Leaders-Africa Dialogue Forum was held in Museveni, Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Durban, South Africa. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Guinea’s President Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Jacob Zuma, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attended the forum. Senegalese President Macky Sall, Chadian President Idriss Deby, Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, President of Benin Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou- Nguesso, Mozambican President NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 13
Alpha Condé, Egyptian President Mohammed prioritize infrastructure construction in Africa Morsi, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam within the framework of South-South cooperation Desalegn and Chairperson of the African Union and support Africa’s integration. The Chinese Commission Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma attended government is willing to form a cooperative the dialogue forum. partnership for transnational and trans-regional The participating leaders exchanged views infrastructure, and help the African nations with under the theme of “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: the preliminary work of promoting connectivity BRICS and Africa Cooperation on Infrastructure.” and resource surveys, which includes consultation, At the meeting, the Chinese president stressed planning, feasibility research and project design. that the dialogue between leaders of BRICS and Every year, China would also help Africa to train African countries reflected the political will of both 300 managing and technical personnel specialized sides to realize equality and inclusiveness and seek in the field of infrastructure, he said. The Chinese common development. Xi said the world cannot president also said that China would, via such enjoy stability and prosperity without the peace ways as financing, investment, assistance and and development of Africa and international affairs cooperation, encourage Chinese enterprises and cannot be properly dealt with without Africa’s financial institutions to play a part in the participation, adding that the global governance construction and management of the transnational system would lose vitality without Africa’s saying. and trans-regional infrastructure. The Chinese “The 21st century would surely be a century of government has promised to give zero-tariff rising for Africa,” Xi said. treatment to 97 percent of the tariff items of exports BRICS and African countries are like-minded to China from the least developed nations having friends with extensive common interests, he said, diplomatic ties with China, he added, pledging to noting that the rising of Africa brings opportunities put in place relevant measures by 2015. to BRICS countries, likewise, the development of Other leaders of the BRICS nations said the BRICS countries brings opportunities to the BRICS countries would like to forge a cooperative continent. Cooperation among the countries’ 4 partnership with Africa, and provide assistance billion people will help to make the world economy in such sectors as infrastructure so as to promote more balanced, the international relations more inclusive and sustainable development in the democratic and the foundation for world peace continent. and development more solid, he said. Xi expressed The African leaders said the African economy, China’s support for BRICS countries to build over the years, has maintained constant and partnerships with Africa, saying the relationships relatively fast growth, and the continent is full of should be based on equality and democracy, and hope. They also said that Africa needs to should be strategic and down-to-earth. strengthen its infrastructure, promote integration BRICS countries should see infrastructure and industrialization, and lift over-all construction in Africa as top priority for competitiveness and capacity for sustainable international cooperation, jointly participate in the development. The rapid development of BRICS construction of major multinational projects in countries provides unprecedented opportunities Africa, promote financial cooperation with Africa for Africa. The African nations are willing to set and follow the concept of sustainable development, up with the BRICS members a cooperative he said. partnership, which highlights mutual support, Xi said that China and Africa have always mutual benefit and win-win results between supported and helped each other. China will emerging economies and developing nations, said 14 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 the leaders. The African countries are grateful for adding that they hoped to step up their cooperation China’s long-term help to the continent, they said, with China.
During the Breakfast Meeting with the Leaders of African Countries, President Xi Jinping Stresses that There Is No Perfect Tense Only Continuous Tense for China-African Relations
On March 28, 2013, during the breakfast meeting with the leaders of African countries in Durban, South Africa, President Xi Jinping had an in- depth exchange of views with the African leaders on China- Africa relations and the situation in Africa and elaborated on China’s policy views towards Africa. The breakfast meeting was attended by President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, President of Angola Jose Eduardo dos Santos, President of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane observations and insights on the development of Ouattara, President of Benin Thomas Yayi Boni, China-Africa relations.” President of Mozambique Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni, African leaders spoke actively. They all hailed the traditional friendship with China. They said, President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang looking into the future, Africa is a continent of Nguema Mbasogo, President of Guinea Alpha Condé, President of Chad Idriss Déby, Prime hope. To achieve sustainable development, Africa must tap potentials, develop agriculture, break Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn, infrastructure bottlenecks, promote the Speaker of Algeria’s National Assembly Abdul Qadir bin Saleh, and Chairperson of the African diversification of industry and trade structure, and achieve industrialization and integration. Africa- Union Commission Nkosazana C. Dlamini Zuma. China cooperation is built on the basis of mutual Xi said, “Taking the opportunity of African leaders participating in the dialogue between the trust, mutual benefits, win-win results, and non- interference in each other’s internal affairs. China’s leaders of African countries and the leaders of the investment and assistance has greatly promoted BRICS countries in South Africa, I’m happy to meet you here at the breakfast meeting and hear your the economic and social development of African NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 15
countries and is welcomed by the African people. Facts have proved that China is a reliable friend and partner of Africa. The claims that China is engaging in “neo- colonialism” in Africa are groundless. African countries want to learn from the successful experience of China’s development and strengthen Africa-China cooperation. Africa hopes that China will continue to speak up for Africa in the international arena. African countries will continue to firmly support facing not only unprecedented opportunities, but China. They also expressed the belief that China also the tests of many new situations and new will play a greater constructive role in the peace problems. No matter how the international and prosperity in Africa. Africa-China relations situation changes, China will firmly adhere to the will continue to be a model of cooperation for policy of staying friendly to Africa, always be a developing countries. reliable friend and sincere partner of African After listening to the views expressed the countries, and strive to make greater contributions African leaders, President Xi delivered an to peace and development in Africa. important speech. He said peace and development First, China will always be a steadfast defender in Africa is in a new and critical phase. The African of peace and stability in Africa. China firmly economy is prospering, Africa is taking new steps supports African countries to solve the regional forward in seeking development through unity, issues on its own. China will actively participate and Africa’s international status is growing. In the in the mediation and settlement of hotspot issues meanwhile, Africa still faces many challenges in in Africa. China encourages African countries to seeking peace, pursuing stability and promoting solve the problems through dialogue and development. Xi expressed the belief that Africa is consultation. bound to usher in a brighter future as long as Africa Second, China will always be a firm promoter can maintain peace and stability and find the path of the prosperity and development in Africa. The of development suited to their own actual Chinese government will take active measures to conditions. encourage Chinese enterprises to expand Xi pointed out that China and Africa are linked investment in Africa and continue to ask the together by a common destiny. History has Chinese enterprises to actively fulfill their social repeatedly proved that when China develops well, responsibilities. Africa can develop smoothly; when Africa develops Third, China will always be a staunch smoothly, China can develop better. At present, supporter of African unity. China is willing to the international situation is undergoing profound deepen cooperation with the AU, sub-regional and complex changes. China-Africa relations are organizations in Africa, and New Partnership for 16 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
Africa’s Development to promote the African perfect tense only continuous tense for the integration process. development of China-Africa relations. China is Fourth, China will always be a firm supporter ready to work together with African countries to to promote Africa’s equal participation in bring China-Africa relations to higher levels and international affairs. China calls on the into wider areas. international community to play a constructive role The breakfast meeting, filled with the strong for peace and development in Africa. atmosphere of China-Africa friendship, was Xi Jinping finally stressed that there is no conducted in a friendly and warm manner.
BRICS Summit Promotes Unity among Major Emerging Economies
The Fifth BRICS Summit has promoted unity links, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, among major emerging economies and injected the top Chinese diplomat said. fresh impetus into the development of the These proposals, winning appreciation and cooperation mechanism, Chinese Foreign Minister positive responses from other BRICS leaders, Wang Yi said on March 31, 2013. outlined the direction of future BRICS cooperation Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the from a strategic perspective, Wang said. summit, which brought together leaders of Brazil, The summit has yielded tangible fruits as were Russia, India, China and South Africa, as part of included in the Durban Declaration and its Action his first overseas trip since assuming the presidency Plan, he said. earlier this month. The leaders also witnessed the signing of a The meeting, held in the South African port number of cooperation agreements. city of Durban, marked the first time that the high- The leaders agreed to set up a BRICS profile annual gathering had come to Africa. development bank, a Contingent Reserve At the summit, President Xi expounded on Arrangement(CRA), a business council and a think China’s view on the future direction, principles tank council. and areas of BRICS cooperation, and called for the They also reached broad consensus on jointly establishment of a global development partnership dealing with major global and regional issues, among the five major emerging economies, Wang reforming the international monetary and financial said. systems, and promoting the cause of the global Xi called on the BRICS countries to coordinate development. their macroeconomic policies and to jointly Wang said the summit’s achievements have participate in setting the international sent out a message that the BRICS countries are development agenda, he added. committed to solidarity, cooperation and win-win The Chinese leader looked forward to deepened results. cooperation among the BRICS countries on an The next BRICS summit will be held in Brazil integrated market for trade and investment, in 2014. financial and monetary affairs, transportation NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 17
III. BOAO FORUM 2013
President Xi Jinping Attends the Opening Ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013 and Delivers a Keynote Speech
On the morning of April 7, 2013, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013 opened in Boao, Hainan. President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech Working Together Toward a Better Future for Asia and the World. Xi stressed in his speech that common development is the foundation of sustainable development. Countries should foster a sense of community of common destiny, follow the trend of the times, keep to the right direction, stick together in time of difficulty and ensure that development in Asia and the rest of the world reaches new levels. of State Great Hural of Mongolia Zandaakhuu In this balmy season of April with clear sky Enkhbold, President Vuk Jeremiæ of the 67th and warm, coconut-scented breeze, guests Session of the United Nations General Assembly, gathered in the main venue of the Boao IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. They International Convention Center. At 10 AM, the were greeted with a standing ovation. political leaders and dignitaries walked into the In the warm applause, President Xi walked conference hall including President Xi Jinping, onto the podium and delivered a keynote speech . Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, President President Xi welcomed the guests and Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, President congratulated on the opening of the annual U Thein Sein of Myanmar, President Ollanta conference on behalf of the Chinese government Humala of Peru, President Michael Chilufya Sata and people. of Zambia, President Sauli Niinistö of Finland, Xi pointed out that the world today is President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico, Prime undergoing profound and complex changes. The Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia, Prime Minister trend of the times, namely, peace, development, John Key of New Zealand, Prime Minister Julia cooperation and mutual benefit, is gaining Gillard of Australia, Speaker of the Council of the momentum. The world is far from peaceful. Nation Abdelkader Bensalah of Algeria, Chairman Development remains a major challenge; the global 18 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
economy has entered a period of profound times. readjustment; achieving common development for Second, countries should work together to all countries remains an uphill battle. uphold peace so as to provide security safeguard Xi stressed that Asia is one of the most dynamic for boosting common development. Peace is the and most promising regions in the world; Asia has ever-lasting wish of the people. Peace, like air and emerged as an important engine driving world sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are economic recovery and growth; in recent years, benefiting from it. But none of us can live without Asia has contributed to over 50% of global growth. it. Without peace, development is out of the However countries should also be keenly aware question. Countries, whether big or small, strong that Asia still faces many difficulties and or weak, rich or poor, should all contribute their challenges. Asia needs to transform and upgrade share to maintaining and enhancing peace. Rather its development model in keeping with the trend than undercutting each other’s efforts, countries of the times. Sustaining development is still of should complement each other and work for joint paramount importance to Asia. Asia needs to make progress. The international community should concerted efforts to resolve major difficulties to advocate the vision of comprehensive security, ensure stability in Asia. The Asian countries need common security and cooperative security so as to to increase mutual trust and work together to turn the global village into a big stage for common ensure durable peace and stability in the region. development, rather than an arena where Asia needs to build on its past success and make gladiators fight each other. No one should be new progress in promoting cooperation in Asia. allowed to throw a region and even the whole What Asia needs to do is to enhance mutual world into chaos for selfish gains. understanding, build consensus, and enrich and Third, countries should boost cooperation as deepen cooperation so as to strike a balance among an effective vehicle for enhancing common the interests of various parties and build development. As it is often said in China, a single mechanisms that bring benefits to all. flower does not make spring, while one hundred Xi said that mankind has only one earth, and flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden. it is home to all countries. Countries should foster All countries in the world are closely linked and a sense of community of common destiny to share converging interests. They should both pool advance the development in Asia and the rest of and share their strengths. While pursuing its own the world. interests, a country should accommodate the First, countries should boldly break new ground legitimate concerns of others. In pursuing their so as to create an inexhaustible source of power own development, countries should promote the for boosting common development. Nothing in the common development of all. Countries should world remains constant. Countries should abandon enhance South-South cooperation and North- the outdated mindset, break away from the old South dialogue and promote balanced confines that fetter development and unleash all development of the developing and developed the potential for development. Countries should countries. redouble efforts to shift the growth model and Fourth, countries should remain open and adjust the economic structure and make life better inclusive so as to create broad space for enhancing for the people. Countries should steadily advance common development. A country should respect the reform of the international economic and the right of another country to independently financial systems and improve global governance choose its social system and development path. mechanisms. Asia should ride on the waves of the Countries should remove distrust and misgivings NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 19
and turn the diversity of the world and the its resolve to uphold peace and stability in Asia difference among countries into dynamism and and the world. The Chinese people deeply cherish driving force for development. Countries should peace. On the basis of firmly upholding its keep an open mind and promote regional sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, China cooperation. Cooperation in Asia is open and Asia will maintain good relations with its neighbors and should welcome non-Asian countries to play a the overall peace and stability in the region. China constructive role in ensuring stability and will energetically promote regional cooperation in development of the region. Likewise, the non-Asian Asia and around the world. China will take an countries should respect Asia’s diversity and its active part in Asia’s regional cooperation process. long-standing tradition of cooperation. This will China will continue to champion and promote create a dynamic environment in which Asia and trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. other regions enjoy mutually reinforcing progress. China is committed to narrowing the North-South President Xi pointed out that China cannot gap. develop itself in isolation from the rest of Asia and Xi concluded by saying that to enhance the world. On their part, the rest of Asia and the peaceful development and win-win cooperation world cannot enjoy prosperity and stability without in Asia and the world is a race that has one starting China. The 18th National Congress of the point after another and knows no finishing line. Communist Party of China has drawn up a China is ready to join hands with friends from blueprint for China’s development in the years across the world in a concerted effort to create a to come. Looking ahead, the Chinese people are bright future for both Asia and the world and bring full of confidence in China’s future. The Chinese benefit to the Asian people and the people around people are aware that China remains the world’s the world. largest developing country, and it faces many Foreign dignitaries attending the conference difficulties and challenges on its road to delivered speeches respectively to elaborate their progress. China is unwaveringly committed to views the current economic situation in Asia and reform and opening up. China will concentrate around the world and introduce their development on the major task of shifting the growth model, and reform strategies. They highly appreciated the focus on running its own affairs well, and make fact that China’s development provides a strong continued efforts to boost the socialist impetus and a rare opportunity for regional and modernization drive. global economic growth. They expressed the belief Xi stressed that as a Chinese saying goes, that the Chinese dream of achieving the great “Neighbors wish each other well, just as loved ones rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will better do to each other”. China will continue to promote benefit the Chinese people, Asia and the world at friendship and partnership with its neighbors, and large. Countries wished to strengthen cooperation ensure that China’s development will bring even with China. The Asian leaders said that the Asian greater benefits to its neighbors. It is projected that countries should go beyond their differences, in the coming five years, China’s import will reach enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and some 10 trillion U.S. dollars, its outbound promote regional integration; the Asian countries investment will reach 500 billion U.S. dollars and should embrace the spirit of openness and tolerance the number of its outbound tourists may well and carry out exchange and cooperation with other exceed 400 million. The more China grows itself, regions; the Asian countries should jointly address the more development opportunities it will create the risks and challenges, safeguard regional peace for the rest of Asia and the world. China is firm in and stability, and promote development and 20 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 prosperity. Leaders of other countries and Fukuda delivered a welcoming speech at the international organizations were optimistic about opening ceremony. the prospects of Asia’s development. They The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference expressed the hope to establish closer ties with Asia, 2013 was held from April 6 to 8 with the theme learn from each other, and strengthen - “Asia Seeking Development for All: coordination with Asia; expand mutual trade and Restructuring, Responsibility and Cooperation”. investment and carry out win-win cooperation There were over 2,500 participants attending the with Asia; strive to achieve the UN Millennium conference including national and regional Development Goals, boost world economic leaders from five continents, heads of international recovery, and achieve balanced and sustainable organizations, political and business leaders, development. experts and scholars. Chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia Yasuo
Xi Jinping Stresses Fostering Boao Characteristics Focusing on Equal Exchanges, Mutual Learning and Win-win Cooperation in Meeting with Members of BFA Board of Directors
On April 7, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping insights and suggestions during the discussions. met with members of the 4th Board of Directors of The forum, by sticking to its purpose, focusing on the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, Hainan major and urgent issues facing Asia and emerging Province. economies, promoting economic integration in Xi first shook hands with every director and Asia, serving the growth of emerging economies exchanged greetings with them. During the and fostering Boao Characteristics focusing on meeting, Xi noted that BFA has become one of the equal exchanges, mutual learning, cooperation and important economic forums with growing global win-win, would contribute more to the promotion influence. On behalf of the Chinese government, of regional unity and cooperation for common Xi congratulated on the achievements of BFA and development, Xi added. The Chinese side will wished the current annual conference a success. continue to provide support and assistance for the Xi pointed out that the world economy at BFA. present is still undergoing profound adjustment. Xi stressed that China’s internal and external While the Asian economies maintain sound policies follow and strive to achieve its ambitious development compared with other economies, development goals by 2020 and by the mid-21st they are inevitably affected by the adverse impact century. China will deal with its domestic affairs of the outside economic environment. This annual with utmost devotion and at the same time will conference, under the theme of “Asia Seeking properly deal with its relations with the outside Development for All: Restructuring, Responsibility world. China adheres to the path of peace, and Cooperation”, clearly defines the development development, mutual benefit and win-win results. trend for Asia and pinpoints the development rules China’s economic development is positive news to of Asia. It is, therefore, very conducive to the world. The more China grows, the more brainstorming and reaching consensus. Xi hoped benefits it will bring to the peace and development that all directors would actively contribute their of both Asia and the world. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 21
Yasuo Fukuda, Chairman of the BFA Board of On the same day, Xi also met with members of Directors spoke on behalf of all directors. He the BFA Council of Advisors, representatives of expressed their appreciation to Xi Jinping for his foreign ministers and entrepreneurs, Chief attendance to the BFA Annual Conference and for Executive of Hong Kong SAR Mr. Leung Chun- the support the Chinese government has given to ying, Chief Executive of Macao SAR Chui Sai On, the BFA. He noted that the BFA is gaining more representatives of Hong Kong and Macao international importance and the number of entrepreneurs, representatives of Young Leaders participants is rising year by year. The BFA will Roundtable, representatives of BFA Overseas continue to work hard for the economic Chinese Business Roundtable, keynote speakers development of Asia and the rest of the world. and representatives of Japanese entrepreneurs.
Xi Talks of Peace, Openness, Common Development
BOAO, April 7 (Xinhua) — President Xi Jinping Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2013 in Boao, a said China will make contributions toward peace coastal town in south China’s Hainan Province. and common development in Asia and the world “Countries, whether big or small, strong or at an international forum that opened on April 7, weak, rich or poor, should all contribute their share 2013. in maintaining and enhancing peace,” Xi said. As the world’s largest developing country, No one should be allowed to throw a region China will stick to peaceful development and into chaos for selfish gains, he said. vigorously promote prosperity in both Asia and Xi pledged that China’s development will bring the world, Xi said when delivering a keynote speech even greater benefits to the rest of the world. “The at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for more China grows, the more development 22 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
opportunities it will create for the rest of Asia and develop itself, and it is safeguarding world peace the world.” through its own development. The sides are In the coming five years, the country’s imports complementary,” Wang said. will reach about 10 trillion U.S. dollars and its Vuk Jeremic, president of the United Nations outbound investment will reach 500 billion dollars, General Assembly, said in his speech delivered at according to the president. Its number of outbound the same ceremony that the world should cultivate tourists may exceed 400 million. the virtue of benevolence in international relations. Xi also said China will continue to properly The key to China’s endurance can be found in handle differences and frictions with relevant the teachings of Confucius, who wrote of the virtue nations. of benevolence as a sincere consideration for fellow While upholding its sovereignty, security and human beings and a sense of reverence and territorial integrity, China will maintain good compassion based on the equal dignity of each relations with its neighbors, as well as maintain member in a community of shared values, he said. overall peace and stability in the region, he said. As President Xi said, the world is far from This marked Xi’s first appearance at a peaceful. Hot spot issues such as tensions on the multilateral diplomatic meeting in China since he Korean Peninsula, the crisis in Syria and the was elected president in March. He recently Iranian nuclear issue, as well as non-traditional completed his first foreign tour as China’s threats regarding energy and environmental president, having visited Russia, Tanzania, South issues, still exist, said Yang Bojiang, a researcher Africa and the Republic of the Congo, and he with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. attended the fifth BRICS summit in Durban, South “Although China advocates that neighbors Africa. wish each other well just as loved ones do to each In a group interview held with reporters from other, some countries are not showing clear BRICS countries before the visit, Xi said China will political and strategic road maps, regardless of the unswervingly follow a path of peaceful interests of other countries, and they are bringing development. uncertainties to regional peace and stability,” Yang When meeting with foreign experts in said. December, he also stated that China will never Experts said Xi’s speech suggests that China pursue hegemony or expansionism. will not compromise on its core interests regarding Xi’s speech demonstrates an overlap in the sovereignty and territorial integrity, but the “Chinese dream” of national rejuvenation and the country will work to resolve differences and global goals of peace and prosperity, said Wang frictions through dialogue. Yizhou, deputy dean of the school of International “China will continue to act as ‘an anchor of Relations under Peking University. peace’ in the international arena,” Wang said. “China is contributing to building a platform SENSE OF GLOBAL COMMUNITY for cooperation, rather than undercutting others’ efforts to develop,” he said, adding that the As the leader of the world’s second-largest establishment of mechanisms such as the Shanghai economy, Xi reiterated his vision of an international Cooperation Organization, and the free trade area community in which all members shares the same launched by China and the Association of fate and can stick together in times of difficulty. Southeast Asian Nations, has played an important Xi said the global village should be a stage for role in maintaining peace and development. common development, rather than “an arena “China is seeking a peaceful environment to where gladiators fight each other,” he said. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 23
Xi’s comments were echoed by International it faces, he said. Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine China will increase connectivity with its Lagarde, who said all countries and regions should neighbors through various means, including have a greater sense of responsibility for the building a regional financing platform and consequences of their policies for their own nations advancing economic integration within Asia, he and regions, as well as for the rest of the world. said. Lagarde urged re-accelerating the international The president also pledged that China will cooperation process, warning that compared to the promote trade and investment liberalization and beginning of the global financial crisis, the desire facilitation, step up bilateral investment and to cooperate has waned. explore new areas of cooperation with other Xi also called for openness and inclusiveness countries. to enhance common development in Asia and As a non-governmental and non-profit other regions. international organization founded in 2001, the In the past 10 years, trade within Asia has BFA works to promote regional economic increased from 800 billion U.S. dollars to 3 trillion integration and bring Asian countries closer to U.S. dollars, while Asian trade with other regions their development goals. has grown from 1.5 trillion to 4.8 trillion U.S. The largest forum to be held in the event’s dollars. history, the 2013 forum is being held under the “This shows that cooperation in Asia is open theme of “Asia Seeking Development for All: and goes hand-in-hand with Asia’s cooperation Restructuring, Responsibility and Cooperation,” with other regions,” Xi said. “Non-Asian countries and has attracted more than 2,500 people from should respect Asia’s diversity and its long- around the globe. standing tradition of cooperation.” Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the forum reflects changes in the region and RELEASING DYNAMICS demonstrates the enduring significance of regional In his speech, Xi called for Asian countries to growth and security. better cooperate and explore development paths “For Australians, the Boao Forum is also a suited to their national conditions. particularly significant symbol of the role we seek He reminded countries that the global economy to play in the region,” she said. has entered a period of profound readjustment and In addition to Gillard, political leaders its recovery remains elusive. The international attending this year’s event included Brunei’s Sultan financial sector is fraught with risk and Hassanal Bolkiah, Kazakh President Nursultan protectionism is on the rise. Nazarbayev, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, While emerging as an important engine driving Peruvian President Ollanta Humala Tasso, world economic recovery and growth, the Zambian President Michael Chilufya Sata, Finnish continent needs to transform and upgrade its President Sauli Niinisto, Mexican President Enrique development model, adjust its economic structure, Pena Nieto, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, make development more cost-effective and make New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Algerian life better for its people, he said. Speaker of the Council of the Nation Abdelkader Sustaining development is still of paramount Bensalah and Chairman of the State Great Hural importance to Asia, because development is the of Mongolia Zandaakhuu Enkhbold. key to solving the major problems and difficulties 24 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
IV. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Xi Jinping Calls for the Building of New Type of International Relations with Win-Win Cooperation at the Core in a Speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations
On March 23, 2013, As one Chinese saying visiting Chinese President Xi goes, a year’s plan starts Jinping delivered an with spring. China and important speech entitled Russia should take “Keeping up with the Trend advantage of the of the Times and Promoting opportunities in the World Peace and beautiful early spring and Development” at the work hard for a better Moscow State Institute of bilateral relationship as International Relations. well as for world peace Expounding on China’s and development. It is view on the current believed that hard work international situation and will yield fruits and bring its position on international benefits not only to the relations, Xi called on the Chinese and Russian international community to people but also to the build a new type of people of all countries. international relations with Xi pointed out that we win-win cooperation at the are now living in a rapidly core and stressed that changing world and that China will unswervingly peace, development, and follow the path of peaceful development and win-win cooperation have become the trend of our steadfastly develop its comprehensive strategic times. As a great number of emerging markets and partnership of coordination with Russia. developing countries begin to steer their economies Around 11:00 A.M., President Xi, accompanied into the fast lane, the world has become by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets interconnected and interdependent to an and the institute’s President Anatoly Torkunov, unprecedented degree. However, humanity still walked into a packed auditorium with even the faces many challenges. We hope, and we have aisles and the rear crammed with faculty members reasons to believe, that the world will change for and students. All rose to welcome him. the better. At the same time, we are also well aware After Golodets made a welcome address, that while the prospect is bright, there are twists Torkunov invited Xi to deliver the speech. and turns down the road. Xi said that Russia is China’s friendly neighbor. Xi stressed that the trend of the times is so NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 25
mighty and powerful that the best way to come to Communist Party of China (CPC). The Chinese terms with it is to follow it, not go against it. And people fully understand that only through to keep up with the times, we cannot have continuous and arduous efforts can the goals set ourselves physically living in the 21st century, but in the blueprint be reached. He said that the with a mindset belonging to the past, stalled in the Chinese nation has always been a peace-loving old days of colonialism, and constrained by zero- nation and the Chinese people deeply appreciate sum Cold War mentality. The world community the value of peace and also need a peaceful should jointly push for the building of a new type environment to build their nation. Affirming that of international relations with win-win China will stick unswervingly to peaceful cooperation at the core, and people of all nations development, Xi called on other countries to adopt should combine their efforts to safeguard world the path of peaceful development. He added that peace and promote common development. that China’s development, as outlined in the notion Xi said that it is China’s belief that all countries of the Chinese dream, will not only benefit the and all peoples should enjoy the dignity as a Chinese people, but also the people of all countries. member of the international community. It is the When it comes to China-Russia ties, Xi stressed people of a country that are in the best position to that the two countries, as each other’s biggest judge the path of development they have chosen neighbors, have a lot in common on national for themselves. All countries in the world should development. It is the Chinese people’s sincere share the fruits of development, as long-term world wish that Russia can realize its goals at an early development cannot be sustained if some countries date. The China-Russia relationship is one of the get wealthier at the expense of others that are kept most important in the world and also the best one poor and backward. It is also China’s belief that between major powers. A high-level and strong people worldwide should share the fruits of China-Russia relationship is not only in the security. In the face of complex security threats, interests of both countries, but also serves as an no country can go it alone and it is even worse if important guarantee of international strategic some countries are obsessed with military options. balance and world peace and stability. The only right choice is to achieve collective and Xi came up with a three-point proposal on common security through cooperation. developing bilateral ties under new circumstances. Xi stressed that humanity has never been so Firstly, the two countries should be firmly better equipped to approach the goal of peace and committed to developing a future-oriented development, and win-win cooperation is the relationship, always be each other’s good neighbor, realistic and feasible way to achieve this goal. The good friend and good partner, and support each international community should stand by the other in protecting their core interests and dealing democratic principles governing world affairs, with its internal affairs. Secondly, they should be under which the fate of the world lies in the hands firmly committed to developing a relationship of of all people in the world, the internal affairs of a win-win cooperation by creating more converging sovereign nation is decided by its government and interests and opening up more areas for people, and world affairs are managed by cooperation to constantly push their practical governments and their people through cooperation to a higher level. Thirdly, they should consultations. be firmly committed to developing friendship Xi said China has spelled out its development between the two peoples. For China and Russia, blueprint at the 18th National Congress of the both having a long history and splendid culture, 26 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
cultural and people-to-people exchanges are peoples, China-Russia ties would break the heavy irreplaceable in enhancing friendship. waves and sail far into the future, bringing greater Speaking to the two countries’ youth, Xi said benefits to the two peoples and contributing more the young people are the future of their countries to world peace and development. and the world, and they are also the future of the After Xi completed his speech amidst cause of building friendship between China and thunderous applause, an interaction session Russia. And he looked forward to seeing more and followed. Xi took a number of questions from the more Chinese and Russian young people take over students, such as the impact of China’s the task and devote themselves to the cause of development on the world, China-Russia relations developing friendship between the two peoples. and their strategic coordination in international Concluding his speech with a Russian saying- affairs. ”A large ship sails far” and a Chinese poem-”I will The Moscow State Institute of International mount a long wind some day and break the heavy Relations, established in 1944, was a prestigious waves, and set my cloudy sail straight and bridge institution of higher education that specializes in the deep, deep sea,” Xi expressed the belief that, training Russian diplomats. with joint efforts from both governments and
Xi’s Visit Starts New Era of China-Africa Relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 30 United Nations. wrapped up his African tour, which took him to In turn, China started to extend assistance to Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of the Africa half a century ago, though it was still a poor Congo. country at that time. It was reasonably believed that his successful Their experiences of similar ordeals in history visit to the three African countries started a new and friend-in-need relations have helped forge a epoch of relations between China and Africa. “real feeling” between China and Africa on the The Republic of the Congo, located in central basis of sincerity. Africa, is one of the first African countries that China and African countries firmly support established diplomatic relations with China, and each other in issues concerning their core interests Tanzania in eastern Africa is among the African as well as major international and regional issues. countries that have the staunchest ties with China, Some African commentators said that sincerity is while South Africa is one of those in the continent the most prominent feature of China’s ties with that have witnessed the fastest growth in their ties African countries. with China. Out of the sincerity, China insists that African Old friends or new, Xi’s visit has shown the countries should have the final say on their own world that the “deep traditional friendship” affairs. Beijing keeps this basis of its policy on between China and Africa is advancing with the Africa unchanged, regardless of its own rapid times. development and increased clout on the In the old days, it was the African countries international arena. that helped China resume its membership in the Foreign Policy in Focus, a U.S. research group, NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 27
has noticed China’s respect toward Africa, saying China has not only provided Africa with Beijing’s economic investment without any political traditional aid, but also launched mutually- strings attached is gaining popularity in Africa. beneficial cooperation in the fields of economy, China has sincerely helped Africa in its efforts trade and technology, helping the continent fully for development. Beijing’s involvement in Africa’s tap its potential in development. infrastructure ranges from building schools, With China and Africa both yearning for hospitals, highways, power stations and ports to development, the “Chinese Dream” of national drilling water wells. rejuvenation is intimately tied up with the “African Meanwhile, China has provided Africa with Dream” of self-reliance and development. various technologies spanning from rice planting It was widely expected that after Xi’s historical to resources exploration and extraction, from green visit to the continent, the new-type strategic energy to 3G know-how, and from technology partnership between China and Africa will transfer to personnel training. continue to expand, bilateral all-round cooperation With this sincerity, the content and scope of will gear up, and their relations will enter a new China-Africa cooperation are expanding and era. keeping in line with the times.
Premier Li Keqiang Holds Talks with Prime Minister of Iceland Johanna Sigurdardottir
The Signing of the FTA Opens a New Era for China-Iceland Relations
On April 15, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Prime Minister of Iceland Johanna Sigurdardottir at the Great Hall of the People. Premier Li said that China- Iceland relations have been developing smoothly. The release of the joint statement aimed at deepening China-Iceland cooperation once again proved that the differences in geographical coverage, population, history, culture and level of development are not obstacles to the development of state-to-state relations. Premier Li expressed the cooperation and advance the continuous hope that the two sides would seize this historic development of bilateral relations. opportunity to promote the friendly exchanges and Premier Li further noted that opening wider 28 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
to the outside world can bring dividends. This is construct the research center for ocean and the proved by China’s own experience in the past few polar region. The two sides should promote decades and it is also applicable to any other personnel exchanges and the exchanges in country. The current world economy is facing a education, tourism, youth and culture. difficult and complex situation. Engaging in trade Prime Minister Sigurdardottir said that Iceland- protectionism is only contrary to the goal of getting China relations have developed well in recent out of the woods and achieving recovery. years. The exchanges and cooperation between the Promoting liberalization and facilitation is the right two sides are increasing in various fields. The path forward. China-Iceland Free Trade investment of Chinese firms has boosted the Agreement (FTA) is the first FTA between China economic development of Iceland. Iceland attaches and a European country. The signing of the FTA great importance to the economic and trade only opens a new era for the future-oriented, cooperation with China and expects to further mutually beneficial and win-win relationship expand bilateral exchanges and pragmatic between China and Iceland, but also plays an cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, important exemplary role for the development of geothermal, earth science, Arctic, and China-EU economic and trade relations. It can be environmental protection. Iceland reiterates its called a new milestone in China-Iceland relations. support for the observer status of China in the Premier Li said that the Joint Statement and Arctic Council. Iceland is proud to be the first the FTA between China and Iceland will take European country to sign a free trade agreement bilateral cooperation onto the “fast track”. The two with China. PM Sigurdardottir expressed the belief sides should fully implement these documents as that the signing of the FTA will greatly boost the soon as possible to promote cooperation and further development of bilateral relations, and exchanges in all areas. The two sides should upgrade Iceland-China relations to a new level. expand the import of superior products and After the talks, the two prime ministers mutual investment, promote the dynamic balance attended the signing ceremony of the FTA and a of trade, and provide a fair environment for number of other cooperative documents covering business cooperation. The two sides should expand finance, energy, geothermal, rehabilitation the existing cooperation projects, and expand equipment and other fields. The two sides also cooperation in geothermal exploration, efficient issued a joint statement on deepening bilateral utilization and other clean energy fields. The two cooperation. sides should strengthen the joint research and Prior to the talks, Li Keqiang held a welcoming technical cooperation in glaciers, volcanoes, ceremony for PM Sigurdardottir on the square earthquakes and other geological areas, carry out outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the pragmatic cooperation in the Arctic-related fields People. at both multilateral and bilateral levels, and jointly
Chinese Premier, Australian PM to Meet Annually
Beijing, April 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese premier talk in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. and Australian prime minister will from now on “China would like to work with Australia to meet annually, Li Keqiang and Julia Gillard maintain high-level visits, enhance strategic trust announced on April 9, following their hour-long and establish and substantiate a strategic NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 29
partnership based on mutual trust and common Li also urged quickened negotiations on a prosperity,” Li said. China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The Chinese premier and Gillard also decided On people-to-people exchanges, he proposed to establish diplomatic and strategic dialogue, deepening exchanges in culture, education, science strategic economic dialogue and other mechanisms and technology, tourism and other sectors, while to promote communication and cooperation in encouraging study exchanges among young multilateral ways. people of the two countries. On the economic front, Li proposed stronger China and Australia should enhance finance and currency cooperation, citing a new communication and coordination in multilateral organizations like the United Nations, G-20 and APEC, according to Li. Gillard said the establishment of a Australia-China strategic partnership marked the upgrade of bilateral relations. She said Australia would like to work with China to implement dialogue mechanisms, step up macro policy coordination, promote mutual trust and make contributions to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the Pacific. After the talks, Li and Gillard witnessed the signing of a series of agreements covering recyclable energy, financing, drug control and development aid. agreement to allow the Chinese and Australian Before her stop in Beijing, the Australian PM currencies to trade directly. also attended the Boao Forum for Asia Annual The premier called for multiple means of Conference 2013, which took place from Saturday cooperation in minerals and husbandry and to Monday in south China’s island province of expanded collaboration in rail, ports and telecoms. Hainan.
Chinese President Meets U.S. Secretary of State
Beijing, April 13 (Xinhua) — President Xi chairman of the U.S. Senate foreign relations com- Jinping met with visiting U.S. Secretary of State mittee in May 2009. John Kerry to discuss bilateral ties and issues of Xi described Kerry as a veteran U.S. statesman, common concern on April 13,2013. adding that he appreciates Kerry’s commitment Xi first recalled Kerry’s last visit to China as to developing U.S.-China ties. 30 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
Kerry is the second U.S. Cabi- net member Xi has met since be- coming president in March, fol- lowing U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, who visited Beijing in March. “These meetings have re- flected the great importance both China and the United States have placed on bilateral ties,” Xi said. Xi said China-U.S. relations are in a new historic period, re- ferring to the inception of the new governments of both coun- tries. Xi recalled a telephone discus- sion with U.S. President Barack Obama on the day Xi was elected, saying they re- other’s core interests, properly tackle differences affirmed their commitment to developing new and protect overall relations from major interven- China-U.S. relations. tion. Xi called on both countries to take a strategic Xi urged the two countries to interact positively and long-term view of China-U.S. relations, carry in the Asia-Pacific region, step up communication out dialogue and cooperation in a positive attitude, and coordination on regional and international deal with their differences in the spirit of mutual issues and safeguard regional and world peace, respect and substantiate their partnership. stability and prosperity. “We should blaze a trail for a new type of rela- Xi said he expects Kerry’s visit, his first to China tions between major powers that features equal- since taking office in February, will maintain mo- ity, mutual trust, tolerance, mutual learning, co- mentum for the development of bilateral relations. operation and common prosperity,” Xi said. “This is obviously a critical time with some very Xi highlighted the importance of high-level challenging issues,” Kerry told Xi. “Issues regard- communications, saying he would like to main- ing the Korean peninsula, the challenge of Iran tain contact with President Obama and calling for and nuclear weapons, Syria and the Middle East, the two countries to make the best of China-U.S. and economies around the world are in need of a strategic and economic dialogues and high-level boost.” consultations on people-to-people exchanges. Kerry said the United States would like to work On the economic front, Xi called for more co- with China to follow the requests of the presidents operation in new areas and positive measures that of both countries, increase high-level visits and can address mutual concerns and discourage the jointly tackle challenges. politicization of economic issues. Premier Li Keqiang and Foreign Minister Wang Xi said the two countries should observe the Yi also spoke with Kerry during his visit. three China-U.S. joint communiques, respect each NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 31
Yang Jiechi Expounds China’s Position on the Situation of the Korean Peninsula
On April 13, 2013, Chinese State Councilor through dialogue and consultation and by peaceful Yang Jiechi met with visiting U.S. Secretary of State means,” he said. Yang said that it is in the common John Kerry, exchanging views on the situation of interests of all relevant sides to properly handle the Korean Peninsula. the Korean nuclear issue, stressing “it is also the Yang reiterated that the position of the Chinese common responsibility for all.” China is willing to government on the Korean Peninsula is “consistent make concerted efforts with all sides, including the and clear.” He said that China is committed to United States, to continue advancing the process of maintaining peace and stability and advancing the Six-Party talks and play a constructive role for denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula. realizing goals set in the Sept. 19 Joint Statement in a “We advocate addressing and settling the problem comprehensive and balanced manner, Yang said.
Official Urges China-U.S. Trust on Cyber Security
Beijing, April 9 (Xinhua) — A senior Chinese to boost mutual-benefit cooperation regarding the Internet affairs official has called for greater trust Internet. between China and the United States in jointly Both countries should improve the mechanism safeguarding cyber security. for exchanges and cooperation on Internet Qian Xiaoqian, deputy head of the State governance and promote dialogues and Internet Information Office, made the remarks cooperation in the Internet area, he said. while addressing the sixth U.S.-China Internet Robert Hormats, U.S. under secretary of state Industry Forum, which opened here on April for economic growth, energy and the environment, 9,2013. said in his keynote speech that the United States “China and the United States have common and China have huge potential in cooperation interests and common responsibilities in promoting regarding the development of Internet industry and development of the Internet industry and guarding governance. cyber security,” he said. More cooperation instead of confrontation is Ensuring Internet security has become a global needed in this regard, Hormats said, expressing challenge with hacking and online attacks on the hope that both sides will take constructive rise, which entails concerted responses from the measures to solve problems emerging in the world, according to Qian. development of the Internet industry and achieve “Chinese laws prohibit all forms of hacking,” a win-win situation. said the official, adding that the Chinese The forum, co-hosted by the Microsoft government’s stand against hacking attacks is corporation and the Internet Society of China, was “clear and consistent.” attended by some 230 delegates from both Saying that cyber-security has become a key countries’ government agencies, academic aspect for China-U.S. relations, he urged both sides institutions and major Internet companies. 32 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
The forum, set to conclude on Wednesday, will mobile Internet, Internet governance and cyber feature discussion on a variety of topics, including culture.
China, Myanmar Pledge to Boost “All-Round” Cooperation
Sanya, April 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese President In the communique, China reiterated its respect Xi Jinping and his Myanmar counterpart U Thein for the independence, sovereignty and territorial Sein held talks on April 5 in China’s southern city integrity of Myanmar and its support for the of Sanya and pledged to boost the “all-round” government of Myanmar in its efforts to maintain cooperation between the two countries. national unity and ethnic harmony. “The two sides had an in-depth exchange of “The two sides will continue to strengthen border views and reached broad consensus on relations management cooperation, and safeguard peace and between the two countries as well as regional and stability in border areas,” said the document. international issues of common interest,” said a China supports Myanmar in independently joint press communique after their talks. pursuing its domestic reform and choosing the China and Myanmar should enhance strategic development path in line with its national mutual trust, and conduct win-win cooperation conditions under the premise of maintaining for common development, which will lay a solid stability, said the communique. foundation for advancing the fundamental During the talks, Myanmar reiterated its firm interests of the two peoples and for achieving commitment to the one China policy and pledged lasting stability and prosperity of the region, said to continue to support the peaceful development the communique. of cross-strait relations. During the talks, U Thein Sein invited Xi to “The two sides will promote sustainable visit Myanmar and the Chinese president development of economic and trade cooperation expressed his willingness to visit to Myanmar “at between the two countries on the basis of mutual a mutually convenient time.” benefit and win-win results, properly address “The two sides will maintain the tradition of problems that may occur, and move forward the high-level visits,” said the communique, adding implementation of major cooperation projects, to that the frequent contacts between the leaders of benefit the two peoples and common development the two countries will help to enhance strategic of the two countries,” said the document. communication and take China-Myanmar During the talks, the two sides also vowed to relations forward in the right direction. strengthen coordination and cooperation within The two countries will enhance their friendly multilateral frameworks, including 10+1, 10+3, the exchanges and cooperation in all areas, including East Asia Summit (EAS), Greater Mekong Sub- parliaments, governments, political parties, region (GMS) and the United Nations, to safeguard militaries and law-enforcement departments and common interests of developing countries, and on governance matters, said the document. promote peace, stability and development of the “This will further enrich the comprehensive region. strategic partnership between China and According to the communique, China will also Myanmar,” it said. The two countries established support Myanmar in hosting the 27th Southeast the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2011. Asian Games. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 33
Nepal to Shift Focus at China for Tourism
Kathmandu, April 3 (Xinhua) — With the the Chinese tourists in Nepal. Chinese tourist arrivals constantly on the rise, Pandey, who have developed a tour package Nepalese authorities and tourism entrepreneurs of visiting four steps of Buddha’s life, shared his intend to lay emphasis on China, seeking boost further plan to develop a new tourism product in the tourism industry. connecting circuits of Buddhist sites both in “Since China is our second largest market for Nepal and China. “Buddhist tourism and tourism industry, we believe the time has come adventure tourism can attract more tourists from to shift our focus towards the northern neighbor China,” said Pandey. “Realizing this we have henceforth,” Sushil Ghimire, secretary of been organizing marathon at the highest altitude Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) on May 29 every year to mark the day of first told Xinhua on April 2. summit at Mt. Everest and this year there will The figures released by Immigration Office, be more than 10 participants from China in the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) reveal upcoming marathon to mark diamond jubilee that arrivals from China has registered a celebration of first summit.” significant growth of 35.7 percent in March this Furthermore, tourism entrepreneurs have year despite the decline of overall tourist arrivals asked the government to set one door system of by 2.1 percent compared to the same month of issuing permission for the matters related with 2012. Some 5782 visitors from China made their a trekking purpose to increase visitors’ arrival. trip to Nepal in March this year. Trekking agencies are compelled to contact As Chinese tourist arrivals via air reached door to door of the related ministries for varieties 17,341 in the first three months of 2013, China of approvals before taking a tourist to his/her has consequently managed to secure second desired destinations, informed Mahendra Singh position in the top lists of countries. Thapa, president of Trekking Agents Association Ghimire urged the tourism entrepreneurs to of Nepal (TAAN). “ If a tourist desires to film develop new packages in competitive rates to the moments of trekking, he/she must have to attract more tourists from China. get prior approval from the Ministry of Meanwhile, the promotional activities from Information and Communication (MoIC) and by Nepalese private sector and their participation the same way prior permission from Ministry of in different trade fairs in China have resulted in Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC) is the growth in tourist arrivals, said Bikram mandatory to visit biodiversity protected areas.” Pandey, vice president of Nepal Association of said Thapa. Tour Operators ( NATO). He urged the government to set up one door He added that the tourism entrepreneurs are mechanism to issue all of these permissions that providing Chinese language training for the could enhance overall tourist arrivals including tourist guides associated with them to facilitate those from China. 34 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
V. DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
China’s GDP Growth Slows to 7.7%
Beijing, April 15 (Xinhua) — China’s gross do- tic tightening to tame property prices and infla- mestic product (GDP) growth unexpectedly tion. slowed to 7.7 percent in the first quarter of 2013, “The data have continued a stabilizing growth down from 7.9 percent during the final quarter of trend that took shape late last year, showing that 2012, data from the National Bureau of Statistics the new government does not put pursuing growth (NBS) showed on Monday. as its number-one task,” said Wang Jun, an econo- The rate was weaker than most market fore- mist at the China Center for International Eco- casts, but still stayed above the 7.5-percent full- nomic Exchanges. year target for 2013 set by the government last The 7.9-percent growth seen in the fourth quar- month. ter of last year, which ended a seven-straight-quar- According to preliminary statistics, the GDP ter slowdown, had then prompted strong expec- totaled 11.89 trillion yuan (1.9 trillion U.S. dollars) tations for the rebound to continue this year. in the first three months. The first-quarter growth fell short of market “The fall-back in growth was mainly caused expectations due to slowed infrastructure construc- by complex international circumstances and the tion during the cold winter and unstable export government’s self-initiated microeconomic con- growth. A government frugality campaign, which trol,” said NBS spokesman Shen Laiyun at a press targets to combat corruption, has undermined con- conference in Beijing. He noted that growth rates sumption growth, Wang said. between 7.4 percent and 7.9 percent were normal. The recently renewed government property Increases in urban new jobs and the number control has also affected investment in the real es- of new migrant workers in the first quarter showed tate sector, which once served as an important a favorable situation of employment, which is a driver of the economy. key index for the health of an economy, Sheng said. The government has been cautious in introduc- The GDP data, the first of its kind after the new ing policies to spur the economy for fear that a government took office in March, have attracted massive stimulus package like the one in 2008 cri- wide market attention. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sis would retrigger inflation. It stopped cutting in- said last week that China’s economic operation has terest rates late last year and resorted to increas- been generally stable so far this year. ing construction investment to shore up growth. While effectively dealing with short-term issues Because the government has said it will work and keeping reasonable growth, the government to make real growth in tandem with the potential should focus more on promoting the transforma- rate, which is estimated to be dropping from tion of the economy’s growth pattern, the premier around 10 percent to 7-8 percent, there is no need said. for a strong government push, said Zhang Liqun, China’s full-year annual growth in 2012 eased an analyst from the Development Research Cen- to 7.8 percent, its weakest since 1999, due to vola- ter of the State Council. tile external markets and the government’s domes- NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 35
“The economy’s future growth rates are likely Other data released along with the GDP fig- to stay between 7.5 and 8 percent, with the rates ures on Monday showed that industrial output in a state of fluctuation rather than continued grew 9.5 percent year on year in the first quarter, rises,” Zhang said. down from 11.6 percent recorded last year. Invest- But most economists projected slightly higher ment in property development grew 20.2 percent, growth in the second quarter as more measures down 3.3 percentage points from a year earlier. will be introduced from the new government. The growth of fixed-asset investment, a mea- Liu Yuanchun, an economist with Renmin sure of government spending on infrastructure, University of China, said that the government remained unchanged at 20.9 percent compared to should focus on promoting urbanization and tax a year earlier. Retail sales, a key indicator of con- reduction to prop up the economy in the short term sumer spending, rose 12.4 percent, easing from the and deepen its political and economic reforms to 14.8-percent pace logged last year. seek long-term development.
Legislative Remedy Lawmakers echo calls for comprehensive anti-corruption legislation by Li Li
Over the past decade, China has been Affairs of the NPC Standing Committee, said that instituting a variety of efforts to stamp out improving anti-graft legislation to punish and corruption, such as amending existing laws and prevent corruption will be a legislative priority over creating new laws pertaining to civil servants and the next five years. money laundering, and establishing the National According to Lang, legislation to constrain the Bureau of Corruption Prevention. However, the power of public officials and government bodies campaign to systematically address corruption is far from over. Legal experts and lawmakers have called for drafting a more specific anti- graft law and enhancing the independence, professionalism and authority of supervisory bodies. On March 8, at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, Lang Sheng, Deputy Director of the Commission for Legislative Lang Sheng addresses anti-graft legislation at a press conference on March 8,2013. 36 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
specifically addressing their organizations, report delivered by Cao Jianming, Procurator functions, operational procedures and supervisory General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, to mechanisms will be put in place during that period. this year’s NPC session. Lang’s announcement is the first mention of a Bo Xilai, a former member of the Political timetable for a national anti-corruption law since Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) the first motion on the issue was submitted to an Central Committee, and Liu Zhijun, former NPC session 14 years ago. Zhang Zhongli, Minister of Railways, were among the high- President of the Shanghai Academy of Social ranking officials investigated. Sciences, submitted the historic motion in 1999. Ma Huaide, Vice President of the Beijing-based Similar motions and suggestions were also China University of Political Science and Law, is a submitted to NPC sessions in 2002, 2005, 2010 and long-time advocate for curbing corruption in China 2012, respectively. using laws and regulations. He has been invited to Li Chengyan, head of Peking University’s three expert seminars held by the CPC Central Clean Government Research Center, told Commission for Discipline Inspection. Wang newspaper Procuratorial Daily that there are several Qishan, head of the commission, hosted the most reasons for the extended wait. “With a transitional recent seminar last November. economy, the government has been busy solving Ma told The Beijing News that China still lacks problems hindering growth efficiency and lacked several key laws to effectively contain power, theoretical and practical preparation for drafting which fall into three categories: basic laws curbing an anti-corruption law. Moreover, Confucianism corruption at its origin, laws on strengthening emphasizes officials’ personal moral standards supervision and those regulating the conduct of over legislative imperatives. Political reform in civil servants. China also falls behind other practices of reform Ma said that the first category of laws includes and opening up,” he said. a law governing procedures of government’s At this year’s NPC session, a dominant view administrative conduct, which could reduce the among deputies, especially those from the legal abuse of power by stipulating that any major circle, was that China badly needs anti-corruption government decision must go through the laws to create a sound legal environment. procedures of soliciting public opinions, consulting “Anti-corruption campaigns should not be like experts, assessing possible legal and other risks, and harvesting leeks, which grow back soon after being group discussion. Ma said that laws regulating the cut off. We should focus on removing the roots government’s organizational setup should also fall and soil for corruption,” said Zhang Zhao’an, an under this category. economist from Shanghai. His remarks were “China also needs to promulgate a law echoed by fellow deputies. regulating the disclosure of government Su Zelin, Vice President of the Supreme information, which has been proven People’s Court, said that only laws and regulations internationally to be effective in fighting can prevent officials of certain positions from corruption,” Ma said. falling into corruption. According to him, although the Regulations on Prosecutors have investigated the Disclosure of Government Information already approximately13,000 officials at the county head came into force in 2008, there are still cases in level or above for corruption and other duty-related which the government refused to reveal certain crimes since 2008, including 30 officials at the information with the excuse of maintaining “state ministerial level or higher, according to a work secrets” or “classified documents.” Ma believes a NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 37
law is needed to prevent misuse of the Law on estate holdings, cars and investment portfolios, said Guarding State Secrets and the Archives Law. Zheng Zhentao, Party chief of Shaoguan City, Despite the hundreds of documents regulating which administers Shixing, in January. civil servants’ conduct, such as the use of However, he added that the financial status of government vehicles and receiving gifts, hospitality these officials would only be available for inquiry or other benefits, Ma called for an overall law on via internal government networks, rather than the standards of conduct for civil service. being fully revealed to the public. Ma predicted that China would have a According to the Procuratorial Daily, NPC complete anti-corruption legal framework within deputies proposed laws on the disclosure of three to five years and the most urgent task was to officials’ assets as early as the 1980s. In 1994, such draft the procedural law on government’s a law was listed on the NPC’s five-year legislative administrative conduct. agenda. Until this year’s NPC session, Han Deyun, “Some people’s concern that exerting high an NPC deputy and lawyer from southwest standards on government’s administrative conduct China’s Chongqing Municipality, had submitted could impede stability in a transitional society is the suggestion of drafting laws on disclosing totally unnecessary. An anti-graft legal framework officials’ assets for seven consecutive years. contains only the most basic requirements on civil In July 2012, Han received a reply from the service and it would be difficult to prevent and CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, punish corruption without it,” Ma said. saying that related government departments are conducting research in preparation for drafting Transparent Wealth such a law. Liu Ling, an NPC deputy and lawyer from east Han told the New Express Daily that previous China’s Jiangsu Province, suggested that the future pilot programs often proved ineffective mainly due anti-corruption law should mandate the disclosure to a lack of firm legal or regulatory basis. of officials’ assets. She said that the increase in the Over the past year, several government officials total number of abuse-of-power cases in recent from across the country have been ousted for years, as well as the growing amount of money corruption after whistleblowers posted records of involved, can be attributed to the lack of their families’ colossal real estate holdings on the supervision on the wealth of civil servants. Internet. China has previously piloted such asset One noteworthy case involves Cai Bin, former disclosure programs in parts of Xinjiang Uygur head of the Urban Management Bureau of Panyu Autonomous Region, as well as Zhejiang and District in Guangzhou, who twice declared to Jiangsu provinces, but mostly among low-ranking higher authorities as required by Party discipline officials. that his family owned only two properties. In 2012, the Guangdong Provincial On October 9, 2012, an anonymous Government announced that similar programs whistleblower posted records of 21 properties would be launched in Nansha New District in owned by Cai and later investigations showed Guangzhou City and Hengqin New District in Cai’s family owned 22 properties, including a villa, Zhuhai City, as well as in Shixing County, on a a factory building, apartments and commercial trial basis. properties. Cai was subsequently removed from The government of Shixing would ask 526 local his position and investigated for bribery. officials to declare their families’ assets, including According to a cabinet reshuffling program salaries, bonuses, subsidies, service income, real adopted by the NPC on March 14, the country will 38 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 introduce a unified social credit code and establish will enhance and innovate social management a real property registration system, as well as systems as well as lay the groundwork for improve the identity registration system used for preventing and punishing corruption, it said. financial accounting. Establishing these systems
Re-Education Scrutinized Government mulls over reform of re-education through labor By Wang Hairong
Relevant government departments are making to Chen Jiping, a member of the 12th National plans on reforming the re-education through la- Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Con- bor system, and are expected to release the plans sultative Conference, China’s top advisory body. by the end of this year, said Chinese Premier Li The measure has been abused in some circum- Keqiang when meeting the press on March 17 af- stances; for instance, some petitioners and critics ter the closing of this year’s full session of the Na- of government have been sent to receive re-educa- tional People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top tion through labor. legislature. Chen believes the time is right to abolish the A few days earlier, at a press conference held re-education through labor system, citing two rea- on March 9, Lang Sheng, Deputy Director of the sons: First, the legal system is relatively mature, Commission for Legislative Affairs of the NPC for instance, offenders such as drug users can now Standing Committee, said that the re-education be punished under the Anti-Drug Law; second, in through labor system should be reformed to keep recent years, community corrections have grown up with the times and it would not take long for significantly and yielded good results in rehabili- people to see progress. tating juvenile offenders or those whose offenses First introduced in the 1950s, the re-education are not serious enough to be prosecuted according through labor system allows police to detain people to the Criminal Law. for up to four years without an open trial. According to Chen, misdemeanors can be pun- The system is problematic because there is no ished according to the Law on Penalties for Ad- supervisory mechanism to check the power of po- ministration of Public Security. lice authorities to impose re-education measures, In response to concerns that abrogation of re- and the system denies citizens of their rights to education through labor might mean some offend- defense and appeal, said Di Yingqi, an NPC deputy ers will not be punished for their misconduct, Di and Dean of the Law School at Henan University said such worries are unwarranted because exist- of Economics and Law. ing laws are enough to punish various offenses. Di said even the Criminal Law has both light Calls for Change and heavy penalties for minor crimes, including Re-education through labor was a measure public surveillance and detention, a punishment adopted to maintain social order while the under which a person’s freedom can be deprived country’s legal system was not well-established, for a minimum of six months or a maximum of and it played its role in that situation, according three years. He said that if deprivation of personal NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 39
freedom is too serious for some minor crimes, pub- more than 100 pieces of “negative information” lic surveillance can serve as an alternative. online. A month after his arrest, he was given a “The drawbacks of the re-education through two-year term in a labor camp for “incitement to labor system become more and more apparent as subvert state power” without due process in court. society progresses. Even if the system cannot be On November 19, 2012, the Chongqing Laojiao abolished immediately, it should at least be re- Commission, the local organization in charge of formed,” said Deng Hui, an NPC deputy and Dean the re-education through labor system, revoked the of the Law School of Jiangxi University of Finance punishment and Ren was released after serving and Economics. 15 months of his sentence. Deng suggested that the authority to impose These cases promoted people to call for the re- re-education through labor should be transferred form or abolition of the system. from law enforcement agencies to judicial organs On February 5, Meng Sutie, Secretary of the and detention periods should be shortened. Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist A Controversial System Party of China, announced that from then on, the According to regulations issued by the Minis- province will no longer impose re-education try of Public Security, offenses punishable by re- through labor upon people suspected of jeopar- education through labor include juvenile delin- dizing national security, causing unrest during quency, prostitution, theft, fraud, gambling and petitions or vilifying public officials. dissemination of pornography. He also said re-education through labor will However, the constitutionality of re-education also be suspended for people committing other il- through labor has been contested over the years. legal behavior, who will instead be punished by Ma Huaide, Vice President of China Univer- relevant laws. sity of Political Science and Law, told Outlook Ori- Guangdong Province in south China is also ental Weekly that any coercive measure or punish- planning to end its re-education through labor sys- ment that deprives people of their freedom should tem within the year. be authorized by the NPC, rather than the State “If the system is abolished, re-education insti- Council, China’s cabinet, or other government tutions will no longer admit new inmates, and departments. those already detained will be released after serv- In 2012, two high-profile cases put re-educa- ing their terms,” said Yan Zhichan, Director of the tion through labor under intense public scrutiny. Guangdong Provincial Department of Justice. Last August, a woman named Tang Hui in Most of the inmates in Guangdong’s labor central China’s Hunan Province was sentenced to camps are drug addicts under compulsory reha- 18 months of re-education through labor after she bilitation and detoxification, but not people ac- demanded execution of the seven men convicted cused of minor illegal behavior such as gambling of abducting, raping and prostituting her 11-year- and prostitution, Yan added. old daughter. Following complaints from academ- Reform on the re-education through labor sys- ics, media outlets and the public, Tang was released tem is being piloted in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu after serving less than a week in a labor camp. Province, Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, In another case, Ren Jianyu, a 25-year-old col- Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province and Jinan, lege graduate and former village official in south- capital of Shandong Province. The system is being west China’s Chongqing Municipality, was ar- replaced by “education and correction of illegal rested in 2011 for forwarding and commenting on acts,” reported the China News Service. 40 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
The Outsourced Life Middle-class urbanites outsourcing chores and errands abound by Yuan Yuan
Instead of booking six-hour train tickets back and forth to Datong, Shanxi Province, to spend what might have been a month to prepare for their wedding ceremony, husband Xie Chuanyin and wife Lu Jieying, office workers in Beijing, hired the Sunny Principle Club to deal with the specifics. Outsourcing their big day to wedding planners saved the couple countless hours, and they wed on February 21 with Wedding planners cater to young people’s demand for full-service ceremonies a minimum of fuss and frustration. “For the baby on the way, although my parents According to manager Xu Jianjun, the Sunny have offered to help with childcare, we are Principle Club received five such orders in February. planning to hire a ‘confinement nurse’ as well,” “Most young people work in other cities and Lu said, referring to a Chinese custom of only come back for their weddings, so they hire us sequestering mother and newborn for the month to take care of everything,” Xu said. “Even local following childbirth. She intends to have a child couples are more inclined to leave the details to in 2014, and is already searching for a confinement us.” nurse online. Professional and Ubiquitous In 2011, the Beijing Horizon Market Survey Co. found that 41.1 percent of office workers reported For Xie and Lu, the wedding planning is only facing great pressure at work, and 61.4 percent the first step on a slippery slope of domestic experienced varying degrees of mental fatigue. As outsourcing. Neither has time to cook, instead a result, many had tried to relieve the pressure by preferring to eat out or order delivery food. An outsourcing time-consuming and laborious hourly worker cleans the house every Saturday housework. afternoon. Outsourcing services are becoming more “Both of us are very busy at work. We want to professional as well. enjoy more spare time instead of cooking and “There are even some mentoring services that cleaning at home,” Lu said. teach women how to be good wives or how to get NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 41
more benefits from divorce,” said Zhu Qi, a 25- his girlfriend, Hu hired Yin to deliver an apology year-old woman living in Beijing. “It seems as long by proxy. as you pay, you don’t even need to think.” “I am an introvert and not good at expressing Holding a pile of business cards for my feelings,” Hu said, according to Yin. Yin said veterinarians, convenience stores and dry cleaners, Hu was convinced that commissioning an apology Zhu appreciates the ease of her modern lifestyle by proxy would make his girlfriend feel more highly but feels she is becoming complacent. “The respected than if he had delivered the apology on convenience store is right downstairs, but I prefer his own. to ask them to deliver goods to my door even Finally, Yin phoned Hu’s girlfriend to say sorry though it is not heavy at all,” she said. “It is on his behalf and even sent her flowers. According becoming addictive. The more you use the service, to Yin, the two soon became reconciled. the more you want to use it.” “The fact that I don’t have enough time to be Yin Chunli, a Shanghai resident, has never with my daughter made me always buy gifts for spent one day at home since he opened an online her to feel less guilty, and I found most mothers storefront for his surrogate service. The business around me do the same thing,” said Hong Huang, plan revealed itself to Yin in September 2011. CEO of the China Interactive Media Group. “It is “The pace of life is so fast nowadays and I very dangerous. Children might gradually equate always hear people complaining that time is too mom with gift buyer.” limited for all the tasks they need to do,” Yin said. On June 1, 2012, Hong couldn’t squeeze time “I think I can try to help, as I have plenty of time.” in to be with her daughter for International At first, Yin’s clients commissioned him to visit Children’s Day and was asked to buy gifts to hospitals at midnight to queue for popular doctors’ compensate. “This time I really got worried. The appointments. With good reviews from customers, nanny was spending more time with my daughter Yin gradually built a reliable reputation and clients than I was and every day when I came home, my started to offer him more complex tasks, even daughter was already in bed and all I could do giving him their ID cards to pick up packages from was read story books for her until she fell asleep,” the post office. Some even hired him to collect debts. said Hong, who decided to spare more time at Now Yin is the busiest surrogate on home with her daughter. Taobao.com, China’s largest C2C online Back to Family marketplace, earning an average of 28,000 yuan ($4,500) each month by doing odd jobs for clients. “Nowadays, you can hire someone to do “I do almost everything as long as it is not practically anything,” said Hong. In the eyes of against the law,” Yin said. Some customers even many self-identified successful people, “Doing hire him to apologize to lovers or friends. things on your own has become a symbol of “People don’t even have the courage or ability failure.” to say sorry themselves,” said Wang Kaiyu, a “Moms can simply leave the kids with the sociologist at the Anhui Provincial Academy of nanny and go to nail salons or spas,” said Hong. Social Sciences. “It reflects a crisis of interpersonal “Some housewives are even hiring drivers and communication.” caretakers for their kids and don’t want to do But one of Yin’s customers surnamed Hu anything on their own.” thought it was a great idea. After quarreling with “It is really very hard to take care of a kid on 42 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
my own,” said part-time Web writer Yang Bingying Ye’s family. “She was a bad cook but we all liked on her microblog. “I can’t afford to quit my day her. My 2-year-old son couldn’t live without her,” job and I have to return to the office while my son Ye said. is still being breastfed. It is impossible not to ask In Beijing, there are more than 200,000 for help from other people.” registered domestic workers like Xiao. According Compared to employing live-in domestic to data provided by a research group co-founded workers, Yang prefers hourly workers. “We pay by the International Cooperation Center of the only 20 yuan ($3.21) an hour for a cleaner who National Development and Reform Commission can also cook for no extra fee if we want,” Yang and a local domestic service company, 800,000 out said. “The only problem is that the cleaners we of more than 6 million households in the city have often turn to are becoming increasingly busy and a need for domestic services. This figure does not we have to make an appointment almost one week include the demands of single people living alone. in advance as they are always fully booked.” While with the increasing number of family Ye Qing, a teacher at the Central Academy of affairs placed in the hands of outsiders, many Drama in Beijing, used to reject domestic workers people have begun to question the impacts of out of concern for safety. “I can’t accept a stranger outsourcing on family life. staying at my home and it is very hard to find a “I think modern people are becoming less reliable one,” Ye said. “It is more difficult to find a confident and increasingly lazy,” said a father good domestic worker than a husband.” surnamed Zhang in Beijing. “We’ve lost the natural But things changed when Ye had her second ability to take care of our own children.” baby in 2010. Her older son was not yet old enough Three years ago, Zhang quit his job in finance to attend kindergarten and her husband’s work and became a full-time father after his daughter entailed long overseas trips. She had no choice but to was born. “The pleasure of seeing my daughter ask one of her friends to help her find a reliable helper. growing up each day can’t be replaced by For a monthly salary of 3,000 yuan ($480) anything,” he said. including food and accommodation, Ye found Xiao “There are obvious pros and cons when it comes Qiang, a middle-aged rural woman from Shanxi, to outsourcing, especially when it comes to hiring to take care of her children. domestic helpers, and for some people it may be a For more than two years, Xiao was a part of matter of necessity rather than desire,” Ye said.
‘Virtuous’ Reality Government and industry join forces to combat Internet addiction and inappropriate content in online gaming By Yin Pumin
According to figures from the Ministry of as of June 2012. In other words, more than 60 Industry and Information Technology, China’s percent of the country’s 538 million Internet users online gaming population had reached 330 million play online games, contributing 24.84 billion yuan NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 43
($3.99 billion) in revenue in the first half of 2012, percent of the games did not have functioning anti- the ministry said. addiction mechanisms. Meanwhile, approximately 150 million Chinese Introduced by China’s Internet regulator in Internet users are believed to be under the age of 2007 to encourage game players to take a break 19, according to the China Internet Network from the action, anti-addiction mechanisms punish Information Center. excessive use by cancelling half of a user’s earned China still does not have a unified content credits if he or she remains logged in for more than rating system for the online gaming industry, three hours a day. Players who binge for more than instead relying on individual game developers to five hours lose all virtual currency they had earned classify their own products into suitability-related that day. Implementation of such systems and groups. supervision of users are the responsibilities of game The China Youth Internet Association (CYIA) designers and operators. conducted research on 423 online games operated Shao Dehai, Director of the Media Center of in China in 2012. It said in a report released on news portal China Youth International, said that March 9 that 78.5 percent of the games were not addiction prevention measures are key to suitable for people younger than 18, while only 2 protecting minors. percent were appropriate for children over 6. “Anti-addiction mechanisms and rating According to the CYIA report, only 39 percent systems are two useful ways. They create a healthy of the games were age-rated by the publishers, and environment for minors to play games,” he said, 51 percent of those labeled with an age restriction adding that rating systems can set clearer limits failed to pass a third-party evaluation of their for players in different age groups and leave minors ratings’ suitability. with no chance to play games rated unsuitable for Moreover, in-game-purchase traps were found them. in 58 percent of the games and gambling features Putting a Lid on IT in 35 percent, said the report, adding that 40 Internet addiction, especially online gaming addiction, has become a serious problem in China today. “Although some rules restricting students from playing online games have been introduced, the problem has not been solved completely,” said Li Jianwei, an official with the Ministry of Culture. Although there is no diagnostic standard for Internet addiction, Web users are labeled as addicts if school grades, careers or
Netizens play online games at a netbar in Shanghai. interpersonal relationships in 44 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
real life are affected by habitual use of the Internet, Ke identifies three more diagnostic criteria: The according to Ke Huixin, Director of the Survey and person always wants to use the Internet, becomes Statistics Institute of Communication University disturbed if denied use, or feels happier in the of China. virtual world than the real world.
Avoiding the Trap A fairer distribution of wealth could spring China from the jaws of the middle-income trap By Yin Pumin
In late February, the National Bureau of China will slip into a dilemma between losing its Statistics (NBS) published its annual statistical competitive edge over lower-cost countries bulletin, showing that China’s gross domestic elsewhere and falling behind advanced economies product (GDP) registered an increase of 7.8 percent in higher-value products, and fall into the same in 2012, reaching 51.93 trillion yuan ($8.33 trillion). trap as those middle-income economies With the Chinese population expanding to 1.3 experienced in the past. billion, NBS figures show that the country’s per- If China wants to avoid the trap, it needs to capita GDP reached $6,100 last year, leaving China undertake a slew of reforms, such as investing in within the rank of middle-income countries by technology, promoting innovation in the private World Bank standards. sector, speeding up urbanization and reducing According to 2008 World Bank standards, income inequality so that ordinary people benefit countries should have a per- capita GDP above $11,906 to be part of a high-income group of countries, while $3,856 is the minimum level for middle- income countries. In 2011, the World Bank raised the standards to $12,475 and $4,036 respectively. NBS figures showed that China became a middle- income country in 2010, when its per-capita GDP reached roughly $4,300, triggering debate over whether the country is heading into the “middle-income trap.” As labor and other costs Shanghai residents browse housewares at a local supermarket. Economists say China continue to rise, some fear that needs stronger consumer spending to sustain growth. NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 45
more from economic growth, the Asian have yet to take their place.” Development Bank (ADB) said in a report Zhang warned that the country’s labor- published last October. intensive, export-reliant and investment-driven “Tilting the balance of the economy from low- economy is unsustainable, and China must cost to high-value production, from relying on upgrade its industrial structure and strengthen its government to relying on markets, from investment innovation capabilities. to consumption, and from external to domestic “Without changing the development model, demand will allow China to grow beyond its China will find it difficult to sustain its growth and current middle-income status,” said Zhuang avoid the middle-income trap,” Zhang said. Juzhong, the report’s co-author and ADB deputy According to Zhang Chewei, Deputy Director chief economist. of the Institute of Population and Labor Economics “Implementing this strategy would greatly of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, as increase the likelihood of sustained growth and labor costs rise and the aging population continues reaching high-income status before 2030,” the ADB to grow, China’s demographic dividend, the said in the report. “Scenario analysis shows China window of opportunity for a country’s economic has the potential to grow 8 percent annually from growth, will completely disappear by 2025. 2010 to 2020 and 6 percent from 2020 to 2030, if it “For the economy to take off, China must strive addresses its challenges effectively.” to complete its economic restructuring before that time, otherwise, it can only be stopped halfway, Advancing Reforms falling into the middle-income trap,” Zhang said. In the more than 30 years since the reform and “The case for reform is compelling because opening-up policies were introduced, China has China has now reached a turning point in its witnessed rapid development. According to ADB development path. Managing the transition from statistics, the Chinese economy achieved an a middle-income to a high-income country will average annual growth rate of 9.9 percent from prove challenging,” said former World Bank 1980 to 2011. President Robert B. Zoellick. However, behind that rapid development were Li Yining, a renowned Chinese economist and low-cost labor and low-quality exports. For today’s Dean Emeritus of the Guanghua School of China, the development model has reached its Management of Peking University, said that China limits, according to Robert Wihtol, Director needs to promote economic reforms that cross into General for ADB’s East Asia Department. “uncharted waters.” He said that China is losing its advantage to “With the transformation of China’s growth compete with low-income countries due to sharp pattern, the country’s efforts to boost consumer rising wages and other production costs on the one spending and reform income distribution will be hand; on the other, it cannot compete with further pushed forward, and these will act as the developed economies either because of its relatively driving force for national economic development,” low level of technology and innovation. said Zheng Xinli, Vice Chairman of the China “China is not a cheap place any longer,” said Center for International Economic Exchanges, a Zhang Yansheng, Director of the Institute for government think tank. International Economic Research under the If economic reform is properly carried out, National Development and Reform Commission China will be capable of maintaining an 8-percent (NDRC). “The country is quickly losing its growth in GDP for another 20 years, he predicted. traditional advantages, while its new advantages “Agricultural modernization is the key driving 46 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
force for China to escape the middle-income trap,” Liu said. Zheng said. In order to better support SMEs, it is a must to As a consequence of China’s agricultural adopt interest-rate liberalization and allow private modernization process and its accelerated efforts capital to set up financial institutions, according to transform the sector from a long-established to Zheng. extensive to an intensive model, more rural “Liberalizing the financial sector will also workers will be transferred into urban areas, improve the allocation of capital in support of the which means that the labor force will shift from transition to an innovation-based economy while the agriculture to the industrial and service sectors, lowering the cost of, and improving access to, Zheng said. finance,” Zheng said. In 2012, the output of China’s agricultural Zhang Yongjun, a research fellow at the China sector was about 10 percent of the national GDP, Center for International Economic Exchanges, calls while farmers accounted for 36 percent of the for greater efforts to help rural workers settle in national labor force, research by Zheng’s think tank cities. showed. A study by the Academy of Macroeconomic “The low productivity of the agricultural sector Research of the NDRC shows that high-income is the main reason for the broad income gap countries should meet three conditions: Urban between rural and urban residents,” he said. residents should be more than 70 percent of the The Central Committee of the Communist Party population; the agricultural sector’s labor of China (CPC) and the State Council, China’s productivity should be close to those of industrial cabinet, released a document on January 31 and services sectors; and rural residents’ income pledging to accelerate agricultural modernization should be close to or more than that of urban through the establishment of large family farms residents. and measures to improve intensive production. “Policies should be improved to include “The move requires setting up a system to migrant rural workers in urban social security ensure the effective supply of important systems, and to provide them with employment agricultural products, increase farmers’ income opportunities,” Zhang Yongjun said. “So the and improve their livelihoods, as well as push promotion of agricultural modernization should forward reforms in rural areas,” the document be in line with the process of urbanization and said. industrialization.” “One of the most urgent things is to remove Addressing Inequality restrictions on investing in the agricultural sector,” said Zheng, citing greater capital requirements in At a press conference during the full session of development of large modern farms and the 12th National Committee of the Chinese purchasing mechanical equipment. People’s Political Consultative Conference According to Liu Yonghao, Chairman of the (CPPCC) in March, Li of the Peking University said New Hope Group, one of the largest suppliers of that if China wants to avoid the middle-income meat, egg and dairy products in China, the trap, it has to reform its income distribution system. government should reform the financial system to Three decades of fast growth have exacerbated support the development of family farms. the gap between high- and low-income groups, “Belonging to small and medium-sized and between cities and rural areas. “Growing enterprises (SMEs), family farms are facing more income disparity and social disorder are the major difficulties than larger enterprises in fundraising,” causes of the middle-income trap,” the economist NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 47
said. It is the first time that China has detailed its According to NBS statistics, China’s Gini objective on per-capita income, an internationally coefficient, a widely used measure of economic accepted indicator for gauging people’s living inequality, reached 0.474 in 2012. An index reading standards, in the country’s blueprint for future between 0.3 and 0.4 means the rich-poor gap is development. Targets set at the 16th and 17th CPC relatively reasonable, according to UN standards. national congresses back in 2002 and 2007 “The statistics highlight the need for China to respectively merely called for more GDP growth. speed up income distribution reforms to narrow But Ma said that only doubling the GDP and the wealth gap,” said Ma Jiantang, commissioner per-capita income is not enough. “China should of the NBS. make endeavors to better distribute the cake of its According to Ma, the average income of urban economic growth while trying to make it bigger, residents in China is about three times that of rural and strive to make the incomes of low- and middle- people. While in urban areas, the average income income residents grow faster,” he said. of high-income group is about four times that of To this end, an improved tax system has been the low-income group. proposed as a solution. According to experts, a well- The average per-capita disposable income of designed tax system assists in wealth redistribution urban residents in 2012 was 24,565 yuan ($3,943), by transferring resources from the rich to the while the average per-capita net income of rural needy. residents was 7,917 yuan ($1,271), with the income Gan Li, Director of the Economics Department ratio reaching 3 to 1, according to the NBS. at the Southwestern University of Finance and After dividing the urban residents into five Economics in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, said groups according to their incomes, the average that the Gini coefficient is remarkably lower in income of the highest-earning group reached developed economies with a mature tax system. 51,456 yuan ($8,259), almost five times that of the “In China, taxation has so far failed to shape a lowest-earning group with an average income of healthy income distribution, which it is supposed 10,354 yuan ($1,662). to do,” Gan said. “China’s Gini coefficient is relatively high But it is not only about how taxes are collected, compared with the warning level of 0.4, reflecting but how they are spent, said Wang Yukai, Vice the severity of the yawning wealth gap,” said Chairman of the China Society of Administrative Wang Jun, an economist at the China Center for Reform. According to him, education, medical International Economic Exchanges. services and social security account for 56-70 “High inequality will hinder future growth, as percent of government spending in Western low-income households contribute little to demand countries, while in China, only 28.8 percent is spent and are unable to invest in skill training and on these areas. development,” said Zhuang. Beyond direct Gao Shangquan, Honorary President of the economic impacts, inequality has the potential to China Society of Economic Reform, said that one generate social instability, the ADB economist third of China’s occupational disparity could be added. attributed to monopolies, so reform in the railway, To address the problem, China has vowed to petroleum, electricity and telecommunication double the country’s 2010 GDP and per-capita sectors is urgently needed. income for both urban and rural residents by 2020, During the First Session of the 12th National according to the 18th CPC National Congress in People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, in early November last year. March a plan was adopted to streamline the 48 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
government and transform its functions. The capping the salaries of senior executives at state- former Ministry of Railways, which has long been owned enterprises. The country has also at the center of controversy for being both a encouraged economic development in the central policymaker and a service provider, has been and western regions to benefit local residents. broken up into administrative and commercial Meanwhile, more effort, experts say, is needed arms—namely the State Railway Administration to solve income disparity through institutional and the China Railway Corp. reforms such as breaking monopolies, wiping out Aware of the problems, the Chinese unreported income, improving residents’ Government has taken a slew of measures employability and ensuring equal opportunities. including improving the social security system, Only in this way can more people share the fruits raising the individual income tax threshold and of China’s fast economic growth, Ma said.
VI. TIBET TODAY
Lhasa TV Launches Tibetan-Language Channel
Lhasa TV in southwest China’s Tibet channel broadcasts news, entertainment shows Autonomous Region launched a Tibetan-language and soap operas. channel on March 26,2013. The new Tibetan-language channel, on air 14 “Lhasa TV finally has its own Tibetan- hours a day, will feature three major Tibetan language channel,” said Tenzin Jigme, editor-in- tongues — the Lhasa, Amdo and Kamba dialects. chief at the station. In 2012, Lhasa TV broadcast just 200 hours of Many rural Tibetans can’t understand Tibetan-language programming, with news standard mandarin Chinese, he said. In Tibet, over accounting for 90 percent of that. However, its 80 percent, or roughly 2 million Tibetan farmers broadcasting in Tibetan will now reach 5,000 hours and herders, choose to watch Tibetan-language TV annually, according to Tenzin Jigme. channels. Also on Tuesday, Lhasa TV launched a third “Now there are more TV channels for them to channel on culture and travel to introduce the watch. They’ll enjoy it,” Tenzin Jigme said. The city’s culture and scenic spots.
Herdsmen Learn Foreign Language for Online Business
Recently, foreign language learning has be- “My father scraped up 10000 yuan by selling come a fashion among herdsmen, who aim to open 20 goats for me to learn English, which is so useful online shops in their hometown after study in that I have to study very hard,” said Tenzinja, a Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai young man from Yushu County. Province. Tenzinja’s family has been herdsmen for gen- NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 49
erations. In recent years, his hometown is often lar in international market. He will master not only visited by foreigners, some of whom would like to foreign languages but also the computer skill, so find a guide with high fees. However, few of the that he can open an online shop in his hometown, villagers can speak foreign languages. The oppor- Sangpon added. tunities to make money and communicate with “One of my high school classmates, majoring foreign friends have slipped through their fingers. in Korean in college, has started an online shop Graduating from high school and having a which specializes in cordyceps and Qinghai spe- basic knowledge of English, Tenzinja wanted to cialties. During the two years of running, he has polish his English in Xining and got strong sup- managed to buy a car and a house in Xining, which port from his father. is the envy of our guys,” Sangpon said.During re- Like Tenzinja, over 20 people, most of whom cent two years, the Island Cultural Development are herdsmen, have left Yushu for Xining to study Education Base have opened dozens of full-time languages, which range from English, Korean, to foreign languages training classes and offered such Japanese, said Sangpon, one of Tenzinja’s class- language courses as English, Japanese and Korean mates. etc. 80 percent of the students are young Tibetans There are many Tibetan herbs with peculiar from pastoral areas such as Yushu. effects, especially cordyceps which is quite popu-
Tourism Season Starts in Full Swing in Tibet
The 2013 Peach Blossom Festival from March the Peach Blossom Festival said that he was 23 to April 30 in Nyingchi Prefecture, southeast extremely interested in the unique ethnic cultures Tibet, is a prelude to Tibet’s tourism season, and the religious atmosphere in Tibet, although according to Wang Songping, vice chief of Tibet he has not got used to the thin oxygen as it is his Tourism Bureau. virgin trip to the plateau. “Tibet boasts of According to the organizer of the Peach Blossom untouched scenery and preserved tranquility, Festival, group tourists from China’s Hong Kong and which is for me more alluring than man-made Macao, with a total of 1,200 people, will make their construction.” Li said. tour up to the highland in four batches from March Early this month at China’s annual “Two 19th to March 28th. Itinerary will cover places like Sessions”, Losang Dampa, a deputy of the 12th Lhasa, Nyingchi and Xigaze. National People’s Congress and chairman of the Tibet’s tourism season lasts from the end of Standing Committee of Lhasa People’s Congress, April to the end of October. Although March is said that “Tibet will open its arms to friends from not included, it has begun to see a slowly climbing home and abroad.” And he hoped that more growth rate of tourist number this year. people from all over the world will come to visit Famous scenic spots such as the Potala Palace, Tibet and experience its beauty and charm. Lhasa’s land mark, the Barkhor Street, the Jokhang In 2012, tourist number to Tibet hit a record Temple, Norbulingka are geared up for more high of over 11 mln, generating 13.2 bln yuan tourists as the weather gets warm, signaling a long- (about 2.1 bln USD) tourist revenue. For this year, term prosperity in tourism. Tibet strives for receiving 12.6 mln international 78-year-old Cantonese Li Yonghui coming for and domestic tourists. 50 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
Stop Immolations and Tension in the World
Editor’s Notes: among previously peaceful peoples. Why would youth put themselves through such unimaginable Feb. 26, the magazine China’s Tibet got a letter pain? They do so because the Dalai Lama has put from Sonam Lama of USA. He informed that a himself in the position of an unquestionable, all- young Tibetan burned himself on the third day of powerful leader who, as he himself says, can the Tibetan New Year (Feb. 13, 2013) in a Tibetan command the obedience of 99 percent of the neighborhood in Nepal. This man has no identity, Tibetan people. He has bragged about his power such as passport, credit and so on with him. The many times. The Dalai Lama presents himself as a police found only his iPhone in his pocket and he god central to Buddhism and rouses a fanatical purchased it using a name “Lama”. While he faith in the youth before using them as pawns to burned himself, the Tibetans even just sat watching further his political aims in the name of Buddhism and did not even try to put him out the fire. What and democracy. Someone has to stop the Dalai a terrible scene! Who is he? Why didn’t other Lama before he becomes completely out of control. Tibetans save his life? Who is the director of this One could compare the Dalai Lama’s actions to tragedy? Listen to Mr. Sonam Lama’s saying. those of leaders of terrorist groups who command Dear Esteemed Media: their followers to go into public places and kill themselves while endangering others in order to I hope this letter finds you well. promote theocratic aims. His policies are having a I write as a Tibetan- very alienating effect in American citizen who is Nepal, please read below for deeply concerned about more information. unspeakable acts happening Most of the Tibetans who in Tibet in the name of are burning themselves in democracy because of the Tibet of China are uneducated hypocrisy of a few individuals and immature, very few are who are deeply misguided grown adults. The world and causing further violence must know that the Tibetans throughout Tibet of China, who are immolating Nepal and India. Specifically, themselves were mislead by many young Tibetans are someone whom they dearly burning themselves to death trust and who leads them to in the name of holy causes believe that they will obtain because the Dalai Lama incredible and eternal makes them believe that they spiritual rewards and are heroes for doing so, even prolong the Dalai Lama’s life. though the youth generally These youth only kill are very impressionable and themselves because they trust uneducated and the way in their leader and in fact their which these youth are killing leader encourages them to do themselves is causing violence Locals and NGO of Nepal protested Tibetans’ self-immolations so. The Dalai Lama brags that NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 51
most if not 99 percent of Tibetans believe him and name “Lama”. It is unclear as to whom this are ready to die for him. The youth have started to “Lama” is, perhaps the Dalai Lama or one of his burn themselves in front of one of the holiest stupas followers. It is clear that someone must have paid in Nepal and now the Nepalese are inflamed and a large lump sum in order to obtain the phone and threatening violence as a result because they are the phone service. In Nepal, it is very difficult to very upset with the desecration of their holy land. get an iPhone and service without a great deal of The Nepalese are resentful that the Dalai Lama money, credit and identification. The young would bring his politics to Nepal and disturb the Tibetan was well-prepared and financed beyond peace there with such hideous acts of misguided what reasonably would have been his means. It violence in the name of religion. seems that the Dalai Lama must have brainwashed No one other than the Dalai Lama himself is the youth into performing this act. encouraging this, nor does anyone have the ability Your prompt attention to these horrors will to encourage these self-immolations and lead prevent a great deal of further violence and help impressionable, innocent youth to commit these to save the lives of young people. Someone has to heinous, horrible acts. stop the Dalai Lama from inculcating youth with Innocent Tibetan citizens in Nepal watched in these awful ideas or Tibetans, Tibetan Buddhism, horror as a young Tibetan burned himself on the and democracy in general will suffer greatly as the third day of the Tibetan New Year in a Tibetan Dalai Lama claims to be acting in favor of all of neighborhood in Nepal. The Tibetans did not even them. Is it possible that the United Nations Human try to put out the fire. Some people even sat Rights Commission or the government of India or watching the event because of fear of contradicting another similar body could investigate the Dalai the Dalai Lama’s wishes. They fear the Dalai Lama and bring him to trial for conspiring in the Lama’s disapproval and the disapproval of his suicides of over one hundred innocent youth? Your supporters. The news reported that the deceased coverage of this issue will save many lives. person is twenty-one years old. The police found I am available at your convenience for further only his iPhone in his pocket. To get iPhone and discussion. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I phone service, you must have a passport or other also know many learned lamas who would be identification and/or credit. This youth had none happy to provide you with interviews and join of these. He would have had to have a great deal discussion on air. of money, the purchaser bought the phone with Regards, cash, and it is unclear where he would have Sonam Lama obtained cash in order to get the phone. The phone’s purchaser per its records was of the last
Water Shortage in Yerpa
Text & Photo by Jigme Phungyel
Although located beside the torrential Nujiang, of farmland, more than a thousand head of the Yerpa people worry about water every day. livestock and over 66.7 ha. of orchards. It all Yerpa has four villages, 80 families, 24.6 ha. depends on a stream flowing down the valley on 52 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
Gogo Rongpa Mountain. If one man wants to water his farm, he has to draw lots with all the other families in the village. People in Dangram Village water their fruit trees more often than growers in the Sengo Village or do not follow the scheduled time for using the local water. Most village disputes are around water. Villagers often draw straws till night, and then find their way on the mountain road with a flashlight to water their farms. The village, which should have been quiet at night, resounds with I was impressed and full of admiration for the clear mountain water flowing repeated calls of “yo-heave-ho”! from Nyinpa, whenever I returned from the downtown area. Around Tibetan New Year’s Day, people begin to plant highland barley and important for the second crop of corn and millet wheat so they are in urgent need of water. Water when it is sown. is crucial for the highland barley to flower, head Yerpa enjoys a warm climate at an altitude of up, form grain… ripen and be harvested. It is also no more than 3000 meters. If there is water, the highland crop will grow very well no matter what you sow in the soil here. It can be said where there is water, there is vigor and exuberance. In 1973, during the time of the People’s Commune, the Yerpa people had devoted great efforts to building a 15-kilometer canal to the nearby Nyinpa Village from the stream. At that time every family contributed labor and time. In 1976, the government allocated 50,000 Yuan to improve the canal and successfully diverted water from Nyinpa into Yerpa. A terrace of more than 6.67 ha. was opened in the west village. However, due to limitations in construction The source of canals in the upper reach of Nyinpa. materials and techniques, the canal NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 53
had serious leaks. It is said that the canal has been village, the team members have been to Nyinpa employed only a few times to water the land. Now, four times doing fieldwork in the hope of rebuilding along the mountainside from Nyinpa to Yerpa, we the canal, based on its original form. I also hoped can still find remains of the canal here and there. to try to walk the whole way along the canal; At the sight of the broken canal winding along however, the plan came to nothing because there are so many serious collapses. Later, the team assumed that maybe it was possible to lay a long pipe along the road, because then there was a firm and durable pipe called PU. They reported their assumption to the related departments in the county government, and were warmly encouraged. Then, the team drafted a report and sent someone take it to Lhasa for approval. The answer from the relevant department in the government of the autonomous region was to ask them come up with a program and report it again with advice from the county and T-shaped field of over one-hundred mu in area at the west entrance of the regional government. Upon this village. news, the work team was exultant and all the villagers were delighted, sheer cliffs and up steep mountains, one couldn’t since their hope for so many years was going to be help thinking how hard it was to complete such a realized. big project and share the joy of the Yerpa people The county government specially invited the who had longed for the day that there would be local design institute to make a survey and work no water scarcity any more. out a plan. After consideration however, the The Nyinpa water descends from a chain of Director of the Department of Poverty Alleviation mountains. The flow is quite abundant and clean. believed that amongst all the villages in the region, Every time I made my way to and from the town, Yerpa was not big enough to warrant such a big on seeing the spring flowing down from the Nyinpa project and rejected the plan. Mountains, I couldn’t help feeling of admiration The history of Yerpa is three to five hundred deep in my heart. The road from Nyinpa to Yerpa years. The trail from Dombang to the village is said has now been completed and the water from to be a part of the Ancient Tea-horse Road. If so, Nyinpa flows beside the road for miles until it the building of Yerpa could be dated from a much finally joins the Nujiang. For me, it is a pity to see earlier period. From the ancient times until now, such good quality water flow away. people in Yerpa lived and reproduced according Since the work team was stationed at the to the water flow from upstream. Today, as the 54 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
village is getting more and more populated, the dried Tibetan pear, though looking terrible, tastes brook can no longer bear such a heavy burden. It good as sweet and sour. More importantly, the is hard enough to feed people and livestock, let dried pear is said to have a positive effect on alone irrigate all the farms. Since we were stationed keeping fit. What good news for Yerpa and all the at Yerpa, we have asked the Norbu’s, our fat people in the world! neighbors, to carry water for us. The water they bring back cannot be used until it has been still for two days. On the surface there is always a layer of something oily, my colleagues dubbed it “beneficial trace elements”. Water safety is a big problem. People often feel upset in the stomach after drinking the water here. Furthermore, a total area of 33.3 ha. is dry sloping field and uncultivated terrace, even larger than the current farmland in Yerpa, which are now left barren due to water scarcity. Yerpa has abundant fruit such as walnuts, apples, Tibetan pears, Concerned with water sources while observing water running in the river. pomegranates and grapes… and it is also known for its pepper and chili of a distinctive This year (2012), it is extremely dry. The taste. This spring the county government allocated villagers say that it has not been like this for dozens ten thousand walnut saplings and sent them to of years. The two vegetable plots in our yard have the village by a rented vehicle. However, the withered after only a few crops, since we didn’t villagers were not as active as we had expected. water them on time. I’m afraid if we hadn’t saved We thought it strange and asked why. some water for the coreopsis and calendula on the It was also because of water. Truly a family in windowsill, they would have been died long ago. the village can only get cash from walnuts but Sometimes, it is cloudy and rains heavily upon the without water. Most saplings will not survive. For surrounding mountains, yet not a drop falls on the the villagers, planting trees means a waste of time village. At other times, the west cloud is about to and energy. The Yerpa apples are big, gold, sweet, come over, it does rain a few drops, and then the juicy and appealing. If there is water, many fields mountain wind rises and blows it away. In the can be made available to plant apple trees. One same way, rain clouds often pass from south to tree will produce two or three hundred kilograms north in the sky above Yerpa but the whole of apples a year and bring in an income of about summer it does not rain. one thousand Yuan. Tibetan pear, a special fruit, Water, oh, water, is a dream drifting over the grows in east Tibet. With a deep root and a big heads of the Yerpa people. crown, the tree survives easily and yields a lot. The NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 55
Trongyul, a Beautiful Land in North Tibet
Text & Photo by Fan Jiuhui
In the east Changtang Prairie, Nagqu Prefecture of Northern Tibet, there is a place with wonderful scenery that is secluded from the outside world; the village of Trongyul. Surrounded by mountains, it is covered by heavy forest and has a moderate climate. Trongyul seems like a fairyland, far from the real world. In the mountains there are many wild peach trees that have been growing for more than a thousand years. On the map of Tibet, Trongyul looks like a gigantic stomach sticking out abruptly from the upper and mid stream of the Yi’ong Zangbo River. The channels on either end of the “stomach” are Harinchub (the upstream section of the Yi’ong Zangbo), Continuing on from this gorge you can reach Yi’ong of Nyingchi. which are as thin as a snake because in this place there are long, deep valleys and high steep Old Stories From the Hunter Valley cliffs. No matter if you want to go to Lhari County, the upstream area, or the Pome County of On travelling through the dark valley, it opens Nyingchi, downstream, you have to pass through and suddenly clears when you stand before the the long valleys in Harinchub. This unique terrain Village of Trongyul. Here, the valley of Harinchub makes transportation very difficult here, so the widens and expands into a basin. The mountain village has no way out except through the dense slopes on both sides become smooth, and layers of wood. It is said that in former times, the Tibetan terraced fields spread out like steps for climbing. Karshag government had tried sending officials to In the fields, there are a few scattered Tibetan Trongyul to collected taxes. The officials domestic houses, a happy picture of peasant life. arrived…sighed before the mountains, and then, About 500 years ago, there was a peasant who returned with regret. was too poor to pay tax. Having no way out, he Even with the latest technology, the road to led his family on an escape bid one night… and Trongyul remains very perilous. The road from the finally arrived at Trongyul. Later, others followed County of Lhari to Trongyul, only 105 kilometers for the same reasons. Thanks to the pleasing long, has been constructed over a dozen years with climate, the fugitives cultivated fields to grow crops great difficulties and was not completed until 2007. and went up the mountains to hunt and collect If you ride a motorcycle on the sandy road in the fruit, thus they survived to make a living. Gradually, deep gorges, you have to watch for rocks rolling Trongyul’s fame spread to Qinghai and Kham, down from the cliffs above, while paying attention from where some poor peasants ran away and to the sharp rocks underfoot. The view changes came here as well. Among them, there were quite with the altitude, from the wilderness of the north a few criminals, even notorious robbers who were Tibet prairie to the canyon covered with ancient relying on the difficult transport conditions that and towering trees. The grandeur is overwhelming. blocked government officials. Customs was not as 56 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
thorough then and the robbers were bold enough to rob the tea presented to the Dalai and the money allocated by the minister stationed in Tibet by the central government. In ancient times, Trongyul was called Nyiwu (in Tibetan meaning “the place inhabited by hunters who use a trap to catch animals”). To hunt with a trap is to set a trap at where the wild beasts will pass by. When the trap is touched, the device will close and seize the animal. Matching the trap hunting are the hounds in Trongyul. They are not tall, have long and thin grey fur and are very good at pursuit. They besiege their The Tibetan pigs grazing on the hill have small bodies and long brown hair. The only difference between these pigs and wild pigs is their teeth. game in the jungle. Unlike the Tibetan mastiff, the hound never kills its prey. In recent years, hunting has been forbidden by the state huge “scar” on the surface of the Earth. The road so the hounds have lost their brutal nature. to the upper Nyiwu winds forward along almost Though the place has been renamed all the valley bottom. Sometimes, the road goes “Trongyul”, the local people are used to divide through the dark woods including Chinese oaks, Trongyul into two parts: “the upper Nyiwu” and at other times it curves under the sand of the “the under Nyiwu”. The fifteen villages of riverbanks, or whirls around the steep mountains. Trongyul are spread out quite like the Big Dipper On the way there were many roadmen mending in the sky. The line which connects the dipper is and widening the road while the autumn rain is Nyiwu Zangbo, an important branch of the Yi’ong minimal. Zangbo. The river joins Harinchub near the place It was very hard to get through until we got where the township government is located. to the high end of the road, which had not been Motorcycling in the Upper Nyiwu repaired. We had to go through the forest there but it seemed that our vehicle was too The road access to the upper Nyiwu is seasonal. underpowered to cope with such conditions, so Every rainy season in summer washes the surface we had to frequently get off and push the bike. away. Once autumn is coming, the Heads of the Sometimes, it was impossible for us to evade the upper Nyiwu villages will call on all the villagers bumps and holes in the road. After a while of hard to mend it immediately, because most supplies for riding, we could do nothing except give up on our the whole year have to be transported during motors and proceed by foot. We unloaded our winter, otherwise, the goods could only be carried entire luggage and found a long stick. In just two by men or on horseback in the next summer. In minutes, we changed from riders to porters. the golden autumn, the road conditions are best, While walking for a while, a vehicle loaded so my companion and I each rode a motorcycle to with two passengers suddenly roared past us. In the Yigai Glacier. the rear of the vehicle the stereo played loud music The upper Nyiwu lies on the peak of the snow that echoed far away into the ancient and silent mountain in the primeval forest. The minor valley primeval forest. In the upper Nyiwu, almost every of the upper Nyiwu, formed from thousands of family has a motorcycle. They cannot do without years’ erosion of the Nyiwu Zangbo, looks like a it when the villagers go to their farms or climb the NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013 57 mountains to cut firewood, gather in the crops, OLD house in the upper Nyiwu. The old houses herd their livestock or drive their hogs. The riders here are very characteristic (mostly two-storey here are very skillful, driving anywhere as long as buildings). First, the owners erect thick stonewalls there is a path. With the same road conditions, we on the four sides, then, put up beams and build could do nothing but give up our cycles and go on houses on the walls. The downstairs is used for foot. But they rode their motorbikes, roaring past storage and shelter for their herds and flocks, and us without the slightest effort, and with two people the upstairs are living rooms. The roof is shaped a on the back at the same time. We admired their herringbone pattern and is made of planks or slates technique so much that we believed in no time, (the surface of which is covered with stones). people from the upper Nyiwu could ascend the Maybe affected by global warming, the Yigai peak of Mt. Qomolangma by riding a motorcycle. Glacier is seriously receding. You can see more If the motor was in good condition they could even rocks exposed after the ice melts. Through the ride you up there as a pillion passenger. heavy woods to the front of the glacier, it seems like facing a gigantic central air conditioner. If you The Yigai Glacier look at it more carefully, you will find numerous Up a long mountain slope there was a small fresh patterns appearing on the glacier, something terrace at the top with a few ruins on it. Having like the growth ring on trees. been left for such a long time, trees enclosed the ruins from the outside to the inside, even the collapsed stonewalls were all covered with dwarf shrubs. In the front, there was a Tsakham (small roadside shrine) with a lot of grey-white clay Tsatsas (moulded clay figurines made exclusively in Tibet). Beneath the slope was a large area of level land. The surrounding snow mountains hugged this great land like a mother. All the different hues of the roofs of Tibetan peasant houses were scattered randomly at the foot of the mountains. Horses, flocks and herds grazed quietly on the grassland. Tibetan hogs ran here and there beneath the mountains. The Yigai Glacier loomed far away on the horizon like The ancient bridge in Trongyul Town. white marble. Through the 13 villages there was a big prairie. Back on the primary road, we found that the A stream of flowing water also wound through it. It villagers of the upper Nyiwu were repairing the grew dark, so we decided to camp right there, bridge by the riverside. The road was about to reach counting the stars up high in the sky of the Yigai to the bottom of the Yigai Glacier, so they had to do Glacier’s night and experienced the fun of living all the preparations well before the road got here. outdoors. The Legend of Savages The next morning, we set out from the camp for the Yigai Glacier. Though road access seasonal, On our way back to the Village of Trongyul, the state still carries out the Comfortable Housing we experienced once more the wretched traffic Project, therefore almost all families have built nice condition of the primary road in the minor Nyiwu two-storey houses. In fact, now it is rare to find an Valley. In Trongyul, there is a very famous relic 58 NEWS FROM CHINA /APRIL 2013
site, called Zekpa Yesum by the local people. that is 15 meters long and 70 centimeters wide. According to legend, it is supposed to have been The two are similar in form and structure. Both built by “savages”. About five hundred years ago, their tops are decayed, and both the remnant walls there lived a group of wild men in Trongyul. They are more than three meters high. Though each rock were huge in body and good at imitation. They on the wall is not the same in size, but the surface would imitate whatever other humans did. Big, is flat with some regular order. To keep the wall’s tall, and very aggressive, the savages destroyed the stability, gravel is laid in rock cracks. Thus the normal life order of the natives, so everyone means of construction can be reckoned. The wall thought them a headache. Later, an old man looks very old, full of weeds and shrubs in the worked out an idea and gathered all men in the cracks. The so-called big construction and the small village up the mountains to brew much barley construction differ in the selection of rocks. The wine, and make many wooden swords and knives big one has three layers of huge rocks, the biggest similar to the real ones. Then, the villagers drunk of which is 2 meters long, 1.5 meters high. Similarly, water instead of barley wine on the mountain. After the small one has three layers of big rocks, yet, is drinking, they took up the wooden swords and much smaller than the former, the biggest of which knives to have a duel. During the duel, people is only 1.5 meters long and 0.5 meters high. We pretended to be dead and fell to the ground. After were told that the local people built the small that, they sneaked home with many real swords construction as their residence, but the wild men and knives and much white spirit left from the built the big one after they saw what the small mountain. At night, the savages began to imitate men did and imitated it at night. what the villagers had done… first, drinking a lot On our way back to Trongyul, we met an old of white spirit, then, dueling with each other. The Amah (woman) that held a plate of mellow apples result was that the wild men were killed and fell in her hands while walking home. Seeing us, she on the ground one by one. Only one survived. signaled me to stop and gave me a few apples that The savage relics located on the south riverside were sweet and tasty. The apple trees came from to the very east of Trongyul. The main body is two Nyingchi Prefecture. In the autumn of 1979, the rectangle stone constructions at a distance of no Nagqu Agricultural and Animal Husbandry more than two meters. One is bigger than the other. Bureau bought about 1000 apple saplings from In the surroundings there remains a stone platform Nyingchi, transported them to the Lhari County, and carried them into Trongyul by hand and on horseback. Since it is warm in Trongyul, many saplings survived, but due to its inconvenient transportation, the fruit are hidden and remain unknown to the outside world. In the end of 2013, the road from Trongyul to the Yi’ong Village of the Pome County, Nyingchi, will be completed. Then, it will not be necessary to return on the original road when people enter and exit Trongyul. The road will get to the Lhari County, Nagqu Prefecture in the north, and the Pome County, Nyingchi Prefecture in the south. As for Trongyul, it will become This grand primitive ruin consists of three to four giant stones piled up. the brightest pearl on the high road. The biggest stone is about two meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. Add: 118, New Delhi House, 27 Barakhamba Road, New Delhi - 110001 INDIA Email ID: [email protected] Tel: 0091-11-43596075/77/78 Website: www.cnto.org.in China National Tourist Office, Email ID: [email protected], Website: www.csair.com New Delhi Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/12-14 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 April 2013
Tibet is embracing spring. The picture shows a new couple dressed in Tibetan clothing to take a photo in front of the Potala Palace .
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