VOL. XXX No. 2 February 2018 Rs. 20.00 The Chinese Embassy in India held a symposium with The Chinese Embassy in India, ICCR and China some eminent people of India. Federation of Literary and Art Circles co-hosted Guangzhou Ballet Performance.

Ambassador Luo Zhaohui met with a delegation from the Ambassador Luo Zhaohui met with students from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC. Experimental School of Capital Normal University.

Minister and DCM Mr. Li Bijian participated in an activity Diplomats of Chinese Embassy attended the in Jindal Global University. International Food Festival in JNU. Celebrating Spring Festival 1.
Entering the Year of the Dog 4 2.
Old, New Customs to Celebrate China’s Spring Festival 7 3.
China Focus: Traditional Spring Festival Holiday Picks up New Ways 10 of Spending 4.
China Focus: Spring Festival Travel Mirrors China’s Changes Over 40 Years 13 5.
China Holds Spring Festival Gala Tour for Overseas Chinese 15 6.
6.5 Mln. Chinese to Travel Overseas During Spring Festival Holiday 16 7.
Time for Celebrating Chinese New Year 17 8.
Indispensable Dishes that Served During China’s Spring Festival 19 9.
Spring Festival: Time to Show Charm of Diversification with 56 Ethnic Groups 21

External Affairs 1.
Xi Jinping Meets with UK Prime Minister Theresa May 23 2.
Xi Jinping Meets with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands 25 3.
Working Together to Build a Better World 26 4.
Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Theresa May of the UK Hold Annual 31 China-UK Prime Ministers’ Meeting 5.
Li Keqiang Meets with Foreign Minister Taro Kono of Japan 33 6.
Liu He Attends and Addresses the World Economic Forum Annual 35 Meeting 2018 7.
Pursue High-quality Development,Work Together for Global 36 Economic Prosperity and Stability 8.
Yang Jiechi Holds Talks with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson of the US 39 9.
Wang Yi Attends the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum 40

China India Relations

1. Remarks by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui at the Chinese Spring Festival Reception 42 2. Remarks by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui at the Chinese New Year Cultural Show 45 3. Remarks by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui at the Guangzhou Ballet Performance 49 4. Remarks by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui at the Spring Festival Gala for Indian 52 Alumni of China

Culture & Life

1.
Bigger Role for Traditional Culture 55 2.
China creates over 66 Mln Urban Jobs in 5 Years 56 3.
China’s Hainan Lures Global Travelers with More than Beaches 58 4.
Ecological Tourism, Environment Protection Promoted in Jiande City, East China 61 5.
Lantern Fairs Across China 63 6.
Plum Blossoms Seen Across China 65

1.
Tibet Sees Prospering Economy in 2017 66 2.
Tibet Lifts 530 Thousand People out of Poverty in Past Five Years 68 3.
Livelihood in Numbers 69 4.
Thousand Miles Way Home for Holiday 70 5.
China to Intensify Scientific Research on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau 72 6.
Dance Drama Highlights Tibetan Culture 74 7.
A Tibetan Graduate’s Startup Success 75 Book Review - Xi Jinping - The Governance of China-II 75 Flights Between China and India 76 CRI-CIBN 78 Celebrating Spring Festival

Celebrating Spring Festival ENTERING THE YEAR OF THE DOG by Xia Yuanyuan

China’s grandest festival arrives of great significance in the lives of as each sign is only celebrated in its with the sound of fireworks, greetings Chinese people. The 12 animals rotate own year every 12 years. of good fortune and glasses clinking in the following order: rat, ox, tiger, in family toasts across the country. It’s rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, Dogs are widely recognized as Spring Festival time on February 16, monkey, rooster, dog and pig, which is clever animals, and they are deemed and the zodiac sign this year features a traditional way to count the years to have the intelligence equal to a man’s best friend. Yes, you guessed it - and record a person’s age. three-year-old child. Therefore, dogs it is the Year of Dog in the Chinese are trained in China for many uses, animal zodiac. Barks of delight will be The Dog occupies the eleventh including leading people who are heard countrywide. position in the Chinese zodiac. If you v i s u a l l y i m p a i r e d . T h e l a w happen to be born in any of the enforcement agencies also train dogs Although the Gregorian calendar following Dog years: 1934, 1946, 1958, to smell out drugs and explosives. is now widely used in China, shuxiang, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006, then the a cyclical Chinese zodiac system in Year of Dog in Chinese lunar calendar, Personality symbol which 12 animals represent 12 which lasts from February 16, 2018 to consecutive years, is still popular and February 4, 2019, is auspicious for you It is believed that people in the

4 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival

same zodiac sign also share similar absolutely the best and most the fifth day of the fifth lunar traits in their personality. People born honorable companion on earth. month, as a type of magic act to in the Year of Dog are loyal, faithful drive away evil spirits. Paper dogs and sincere. They are always willing to Dog in Chinese mythology were also provided for protecting help others, righteous and often the the dead. first to speak out against injustice. Dogs are reg arded as the ultimate companion of human Popularity of pet dogs While people of this year are not beings. In Chinese mythology, g ood at socializing, they are Erlang Shen, a Chinese god with a Dogs are used by farmers in the intelligent, caring, faithful and third “truth-seeing” eye on his countryside to guard houses. With honest. In a team environment, they forehead, is said to have had a the rise of China’s modern middle are good listeners and have a faithful dog, Xiaotian Quan, which class and a shift in attitudes toward a profound sense of responsibility. is literally translated to Howling growing trend of pet culture, dogs This makes them good at keeping Celestial Dog, by his side. This dog have become popular pets in China. secrets as these folk do not like gossip helped him subdue evil spirits. In the Pet dogs are a common sight on the and can be counted upon. Chinese epic novel, Journey to the streets of Chinese cities nationwide. West, Xiaotian Quan helps Erlang T h e y a r e a l s o a g r e e a b l e Shen in his fight against the evolved The most popular breeds kept by companions - as long as they are in a monkey king, Sun Wukong, by Chinese include Golden Retriever, good mood. However, rubbed up the critically biting him on the leg. In Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, wrong way, the snarling dog can also north China, dog images made by Samoyed, Chow Chow, Poodle, be judgmental, defensive and picky. So cutting paper were thrown in the Pomeranian, Schnauzer and Husky. as long as you know how to pet and water as part of the ritual of the The boom in keeping pet dogs means massage them, the dog makes Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated on the demand for vets is on the rise. In

News From China February 2018 5 Celebrating Spring Festival

China, the average starting salary for veterinary graduates is 4,000 yuan ($606) a month. After three years, their earnings can surpass 10,000 yuan ($1,500), higher than the salaries of many graduates of other majors. In addition to regular services offered, Chinese pet hospitals also provide traditional Chinese medicine treatment for dogs, where vets treat animals with acupuncture and electro acupuncture.

Dog training schools are also popular. Skills such as fetching, hand shaking and greeting people politely are favored. Dogs are taught to become friendly and well-mannered, which better integrates them into society.

6 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival OLD, NEW CUSTOMS TO CELEBRATE CHINA’S SPRING FESTIVAL

Beijing, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) — The people have different customs. China’s national TV has become Spring Festival, better known as another important activity on New Chinese Lunar New Year among On New Year’s Eve, the biggest Year’s Eve. foreigners, is the most important event is the annual family reunion festival in China and has in recent dinner. In northern China, it is The first day of the New Year is years become an occasion to celebrate customary to make dumplings with the high time to welcome the deities the Chinese culture across the globe. family members to eat around o f t h e h e a v e n s a n d e a r t h , midnight. In the south, however, traditionally by lighting fireworks at In general, celebrations for the people like to make niangao (Chinese midnight. Besides, it is a taboo to use Spring Festival start from the Lunar name for New Year rice cake) and the broom on that day, since this tool New Year’s Eve to the Lantern send some to relatives and friend as is considered to sweep away good Festival on the 15th day of the first gifts. fortune. month, featuring family reunions, feasts, and various cultural activities. Another tradition is to stay up on The first day also features giving New Year’s Eve, known as shousui, and receiving red envelopes with cash CUSTOMS ON SPECIFIC DAYS which is thought to add on to one’s inside, known as hongbao, which are parents’ longevity. Since 1982, thought to bring good luck, health On different days, Chinese watching the New Year Gala on and wealth. But only when children

News From China February 2018 7 Celebrating Spring Festival

8 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival and teenagers of a family express their In addition to the customs on “upside down.” good wishes to the seniors, they will specific days, there are also other be given a red envelop in return. interesting cultural symbols related to Third, Miaohui, literally temple the festival. gatherings. Such events are usually On the second day, married held by folk temples for the worship daughters should visit their parents, First, Spring Festival couplets. of Chinese gods and immortals, with relatives and close friends. This The couplets are a pair of poetry activities including rituals celebrated tradition stems from the fact that celebrating the new year based on in the temples, opera or other m a r r i e d w o m e n h a d f e w certain writing rules, which are usually performances by musical and ritual opportunities to visit their birth pasted to both sides of doors before troupes, as well as various economic parents in old times. New Year’s Eve. activities.

On the third day, people are Second, the Chinese character Fourth, Chunyun, or Spring supposed to stay home and have a good “fu” meaning good luck. The red Festival rush, as a new custom. Prior rest given the hustle and bustle on the diamond-shaped fu characters on the to the festival, hundreds of millions previous two days. And it is regarded entrances of Chinese homes are of Chinese return to their ancestral unlucky to receive guests or go visiting usually seen hanging upside down, homes by train or air. Chinese on the day in some parts of China. because the Chinese character “dao” travelers are predicted to make about meaning “arrival” has the same 2.98 billion trips during the 2018 OTHER CULTURAL SYMBOLS pronunciation with the one meaning Spring Festival travel rush.

News From China February 2018 9 Celebrating Spring Festival CHINA FOCUS: TRADITIONAL SPRING FESTIVAL HOLIDAY PICKS UP NEW WAYS OF SPENDING

Beijing, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) — Festival holiday will be “consumption interested in organic foods, green Celebrating the Chinese New Year is upgrade,” with higher-quality vegetables, and other healthy getting easier, healthier, and more fun products and services gaining products, Wang pointed out. as one of the world’s traditional popularity, according to Wang holidays is seeing new modes of Bingnan, vice minister of commerce. Meanwhile, more families are dining, shopping, and family choosing to dine outside their homes gatherings. While meals at family gatherings or order dishes online to save more previously included all kinds of meat, quality time to spend with family. The key term for this year’s Spring many Chinese are now more Over 90 percent of the New Year’s

10 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival

Eve set meals available at restaurants consumers. destinations as far as Antarctica. have been pre-booked. While the Spring Festival centers “Changes in lifestyle exert some Total earnings of retail and on gatherings of family and friends, impact on consumer behavior and catering enterprises are expected to many people are trying to include new habits. Consumers have come up surge by 10 percent year on year to activities to make it more interesting. with new requirements for tourism reach 900 billion yuan (about 143 and food, thus contributing to the billion U.S. dollars) during the week- Over ten domestic movies will upgrading of these two sectors. long Spring Festival holiday starting debut during the Spring Festival When traveling, they pay more Feb. 15, according to Wang. holiday, while sales of skiing attention to the experience and equipment rose more than 30 percent c o m f o r t . I n t e r m s o f f o o d The popularity of e-commerce ahead of the holiday. consumption, they are more willing has made trips home easier as many to pay for healthy food,” said Vishal travellers have their special holiday About 385 million trips are Bali, managing director of Nielsen purchases, some even from overseas, expected to be made during the China. delivered to their homes via e- holiday, up 12 percent year on year, commerce platfor ms such as with tourism revenue around 476 China’s Consumer Confidence Alibaba’s Taobao and JD.com. billion yuan. About 6.5 million Index (CCI) reached 112 points in Chinese will travel overseas. 2017, up from 106 points in 2016, About ten courier companies with job prospects, personal finance have decided to keep their express People from more than 200 and willingness to spend reaching a delivery services running during the Chinese cities have booked outbound two-year high, according to Nielsen’s holiday as online shopping has tours to over 700 cities in 68 countries latest quarterly survey. become a habit for Chinese a n d r e g i o n s o n C t r i p, w i t h

News From China February 2018 11 Celebrating Spring Festival

The CCI continued its strong run in the fourth quarter of last year, reaching a record high of 114 points and it will maintain steady growth in foreseeable future as the economy stabilizes, said Bali.

China is expected to see retail sales of consumer goods expand about 10 percent to exceed 40 trillion yuan this year, according to a report from the research institute of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

T h e s t r o n g c o n s u m p t i o n g r o w t h w i l l b e p o w e r e d b y innovative products and services as more affluent Chinese are willing to pay for higher quality and unique experiences, the report showed.

12 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival CHINA FOCUS: SPRING FESTIVAL TRAVEL MIRRORS CHINA’S CHANGES OVER 40 YEARS

Beijing, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) — But low salaries under the Surplus rural workers entered Although the term Chunyun (Spring planned economy constrained cities to make a living while urbanites Festival travel period), first appeared people’s travel demands. Few in smaller cities went to large cities for in Chinese news media in 1954, it did people could afford to travel, and higher pay and better careers. not become a phenomenon until 1979 there was no significant rise in the when a record high of 100 million number of trips made during Spring This year, the total passenger trips was made for the first time. Festival. traffic during the 40-day-long Spring Festival travel ending March 12 is At the time, Chinese people only After the economic reform and expected to reach 2.98 billion, nearly had Sunday off each week, and there opening-up policies were adopted in 30 times more than in 1979. were no golden weeks such as the May 1978, not only did people earn more, Day and National Day holidays. but productive resources, including Another change relates to speed. Spring Festival was the only long human resources, began to flow In 40 years, the operational speed of vacation that the Chinese could use across the country due to market Chinese railways has surged from less for travel. forces. than 40 km per hour to up to 350 km

News From China February 2018 13 Celebrating Spring Festival per hour.

From Beijing to Shanghai 1,300 km away, it used to take passengers 24 hours. Now, the travel time has been cut to 4 hours.

Huang Xin, deputy director of the Passenger Transport Department of China Railways Corporation, p r e v i o u s l y wo r ke d w i t h t h e Guangzhou Railway Group.

He said that 20 years ago, the queue for ticket booths at Guangzhou Railway Station usually extended for several kilometers. It was normal for people to queue overnight. much as 81.34 billion, with the highest coffee in hand. Now people can book tickets via pageviews at 6 billion per hour. telephone hotlines or buy e-tickets Back in 1978, facilities at railway through an official website. Given the Each day, 15 million tickets were stations could only meet transport strong travel demand, however, it is sold by the website, he said. needs. Snack counters were scarce. still not easy to get a ticket. According to Zhu Jiansheng, Nevertheless, long queues at Forty years ago, the railway was deputy chief of the Institute of railway stations have been eased, as known as the “big brother” of the Computing Technology under the more than 60 percent of tickets are transport industry because of its China Academy of Railway Sciences, purchased online. predominant position in freight and travel. the average daily pageviews of the 12306 ticket-booking website was High-speed railway stations are China did not have any expressways 55.67 billion. more like airports, complete with until the first of its kind was built in catering facilities where passengers 1988, linking Shanghai and Jiading. At peak times, the number was as can wait for their trains with a cup of As the country’s highway intensity, measured by the highway mileage within 100 square kilometers, has increased from 9.1 km to 48.92 km since 1978, China now has a dense road network.

Last year, the total mileage of expressways reached 136,000 km, covering 97 percent of cities with a population larger than 200,000 each.

Road trips are expected to take up more than 80 percent of trips made during this year’s Spring Festival, which begins on Feb. 15, with railway trips at about 400 million, taking up only 14 percent.

14 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival CHINA HOLDS SPRING FESTIVAL GALA TOUR FOR OVERSEAS CHINESE

Beijing, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) — The 2018 Spring Festival gala for overseas Chinese will tour 29 cities, according to the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council Tuesday.

One art troupe started its tour to the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao last Friday, and another five art troupes will start their performances worldwide from Feb. 17, said the office.

The six art troupes are expected to stage a total of 33 gala shows for Chinese living in 16 countries and regions across North America, South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

The annual Spring Festival gala tour for overseas Chinese dates back to 2009. Since then, 69 troupes have been sent to dozens of countries and regions, said Tan Tianxing, deputy director of the office.

There have been 417 shows staged in 303 cities around the world, attracting an audience of 6.1 million, according to Tan.

News From China February 2018 15 Celebrating Spring Festival 6.5 MLN CHINESE TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS DURING SPRING FESTIVAL HOLIDAY

Shanghai, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) — A total of 6.5 million Chinese will travel overseas during the upcoming week-long Spring Festival holiday, said a report released by China Tourism Academy and Ctrip.

People from more than 200 Chinese cities have booked outbound tours to over 700 cities in 68 countries and regions on Ctrip, a popular online travel agency based in Shanghai, said the report released on Friday.

The tourists are expected to spend 9,500 yuan (1,510 U.S. dollars) each on their trips.

The most popular destinations are Thailand, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. The Nordic countries and the United Arab Emirates are also among the favorites. Some of the travelers will be going as far as Antarctica.

The Year of Dog will begin on Feb. 16, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

During the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in 2017, 6.15 million Chinese travelled overseas, up 7 percent year on year.

16 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival TIME FOR CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR

Children holding pinwheels celebrate the beginning of spring. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Setting off firecrackers is one of as paper-cutouts. reunites for the celebration, the lack the most popular traditions of the Spring Festival is all about of firecrackers won’t make a Spring Festival celebrations. harmony, the human touch and difference. However, the air pollution caused by it affection. And, as long as every family poses a serious problem. In recent years, many Chinese cities have been suffering from smog and this has aroused great concern among the public. With growing public awareness about air pollution, reducing or eliminating it by setting off fewer fireworks, or even prohibition of the practice, is not just a slogan. More environmentally friendly and more meaningful celebrations can still make for a lively New Year’s celebration. So, we chose pictures, in which people from all over the country celebrate Spring Festival with red lanterns, sticking couplets as well Two Chefs prepare scampi dishes in Xuyu, Jiangsu. [Photo/Xinhua]

News From China February 2018 17 Celebrating Spring Festival

A child from Hengshui, Hebei presents her paper-cut work. [Photo/Xinhua]

A vendor at Beijing’s Chaolai wholesale market sells Spring Festival couplets. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

18 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival

A lantern fair lightens up at Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai with more than 30 lighting projects. [Photo/Xinhua] INDISPENSABLE DISHES THAT SERVED DURING CHINA’S SPRING FESTIVAL

A woman makes traditional steamed buns with colorful patterns in Changzhou City, east China’s Jiangsu Province, Jan. 30, 2018. According to traditional cultural elements and customs, some indispensable dishes carrying symbolic meanings are served during the Spring Festival. They are ceremonious processes and sweet memories for those who live and work away from home. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Hu Ping)

News From China February 2018 19 Celebrating Spring Festival

File photo taken on Jan. 19, 2016 shows a villager making pancakes in Dongcun Village of Yiyuan County, east China’s Shandong Province. According to traditional cultural elements and customs, some indispensable dishes carrying symbolic meanings are served during the Spring Festival. They are ceremonious processes and sweet memories for those who live and work away from home. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Zhao Dongshan)

File photo taken on Jan. 15, 2014 shows a villager drawing on steamed buns in Zhuqiao Town, Laizhou City, east China’s Shandong Province. According to traditional cultural elements and customs, some indispensable dishes carrying symbolic meanings are served during the Spring Festival. They are ceremonious processes and sweet memories for those who live and work away from home. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

20 News From China February 2018 Celebrating Spring Festival

File photo taken in Dec. 7, 2009 shows a villager airing fishes at Sanbaitan Village of Renhe Town, east China’s Zhejiang Province. According to traditional cultural elements and customs, some indispensable dishes carrying symbolic meanings are served during the Spring Festival. They are ceremonious processes and sweet memories for those who live and work away from home. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua) SPRING FESTIVAL: TIME TO SHOW CHARM OF DIVERSIFICATION WITH 56 ETHNIC GROUPS

File photo taken on Jan. 22, 2004 shows girls of Yi ethnic group singing in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. As a country with 56 ethnic groups, China unfolds its charm of diversification during the Spring Festival. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua)

News From China February 2018 21 Celebrating Spring Festival

File photo taken on Feb. 13, 2016 shows a girl of Miao ethnic group carrying food for lunch in Ma’an Village, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. As a country with 56 ethnic groups, China unfolds its charm of diversification during the Spring Festival. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Zhang Qi)

File photo taken on Nov. 7, 2015 shows girls of Miao ethnic group dancing during a festival in Rongshui Miao Autonomous Prefecture, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. As a country with 56 ethnic groups, China unfolds its charm of diversification during the Spring Festival. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Long Tao)

22 News From China February 2018 External Affairs

File photo taken on Dec. 24, 2005 shows a woman of Miao ethnic group painting to greet the Spring Festival at Tonggu Village in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. As a country with 56 ethnic groups, China unfolds its charm of diversification during the Spring Festival. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Qiao Qiming)

External Affairs XI JINPING MEETS WITH UK PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY On February 1, 2018, President UK, and China and the UK jointly cooperation and win-win results have Xi Jinping met at the Diaoyutai State ushered in the “Golden Chapter” of become the mainstream of the times. Guesthouse with Prime Minister bilateral relations. China is ready to Both China and the UK should Theresa May of the UK, who was work with the UK to promote healthy conform to the trend of the times, paying an official visit to China. and stable development of China-UK combine the needs of respective relations in the new era, so as to bring development stage and cooperation, Xi Jinping first asked Theresa more benefits to the two peoples and and endow the China-UK relations May to convey his warm greetings and contribute more to the prosperity and with new epochal connotation to best wishes to Queen Elizabeth II. Xi stability of the world. jointly build an enhanced version of Jinping pointed out that the UK is the the “Golden Era”. First is to elevate first major Western country to Xi Jinping stressed that at the strategic significance of the recognize the People’s Republic of present, with the deepening of the “Golden Era” of China-UK relations China. Since the establishment of world multipolarization, economic and to view and plan the future diplomatic relations, the cooperation globalization, social informatization development of bilateral relations between the two countries in various and cultural diversification, all from a strategic and global fields has achieved fruitful outcomes. mankind share weal and woe in their perspective. China and the UK In 2015, I paid a successful visit to the future, and peace, development, should continue to well host high-

News From China February 2018 23 External Affairs

level dialogue mechanisms in areas of deepen cooperation in such fields as “Golden Era” of China-UK relations strategy, finance as well as people-to- f i n a n c e , n u c l e a r p o w e r a n d a n d d e e p e n e xc h a n g e s a n d people and cultural engagement, and investment, and explore cooperation cooperation within the multilateral constantly consolidate the political in such new fields as artificial institutions such as the United foundation of the “Golden Era”. intelligence, green energy, digital Nations, the G20 and the World Both sides should strengthen dialogue economy and sharing economy. China Trade Organization, and push for the and exchanges between legislative supports the economic globalization settlement of global challenges such bodies, political parties and militaries and trade liberalization. The Belt and as climate change, so as to jointly of the two countries, enhance mutual Road Initiative, a public, transparent, promote the world peace and u n d e r s t a n d i n g , r e s p e c t a n d open, inclusive as well as mutually stability. Fourth is to promote the accommodate each other’s core beneficial and win-win initiative, inclusiveness of the “Golden Era” of interests and major concerns, and deal upholds the principle of extensive China-UK relations, carry forward with sensitive issues in a constructive consultation, joint contribution and the traditional concept of the two way. Second is to enhance the shared benefits and is operated under cultures featuring inclusiveness, practicality of the “Golden Era” of the market law and international rules. respect for differences and drawing China-UK relations in a bid to elevate China and the UK could carry out upon the strengths of others, the economic and trade cooperation mutually beneficial cooperation on a promote people-to-people and between the two countries to a new wider scale, with a higher standard and cultural exchang es, enhance stage. Both sides should strengthen in a deeper level within the framework exchanges and friendship between the alignment of development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Third the two countries, and consolidate strategies of the two countries, is to expand the globality of the the public opinion foundation of the

24 News From China February 2018 External Affairs relations between the two countries, relations in various fields. The UK investment, science and technology, so as to promote exchanges and shares similar views with China on environment, people-to-people and mutual learning between the Eastern many global issues and attaches cultural engagement and the Internet and the Western civilizations and set importance to China’s significant role and intensify communication and a n e x a m p l e o f h a r m o n i o u s in international affairs. President Xi coordination on major international coexistence for countries with Jinping’s speech at the World and regional affairs with China, so as different civilizations. Economic Forum last year was widely to jointly commit to promoting the welcomed by the international global comprehensive strategic Theresa May conveyed Queen community. The Belt and Road partnership between the UK and Elizabeth II’s warm greetings to Initiative proposed by President Xi China facing the 21st century. President Xi Jinping and expressed Jinping has far-reaching global her agreement on President Xi impact, and it is hoped that the UK Member of the Political Bureau Jinping’s comments on UK-China and China will carry out cooperation of Central Committee of the relations. President Xi Jinping’s under the Belt and Road Initiative to Communist Party of China and State successful state visit to the UK in 2015 promote global and regional Councilor Yang Jiechi and others opened the “Golden Era” for UK- economic growth. The UK advocates attended the meeting. China relations and promoted in- free trade and is willing to strengthen depth development of bilateral practical cooperation in trade, XI JINPING MEETS WITH KING WILLEM-ALEXANDER OF THE NETHERLANDS

News From China February 2018 25 External Affairs

On February 7, 2018, President relations at their best in history. The Netherlands-China relations will Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng two sides show mutual respect for make new prog ress. Willem- Liyuan met with King Willem- each other’s core interests and major Alexander congratulated China on Alexander and Queen Máxima of the concerns and continuously deepen the successful convening of the 19th Netherlands at Zhongnanhai. political mutual trust, achieving N a t i o n a l C o n g r e s s o f t h e fruitful results from exchanges and Communist Party of China and Xi Jinping said that we are very cooperation in such fields as trade, believed that China’s development delighted that King Willem- investment, innovation and people- will embrace a bright future. The Alexander and Queen Máxima of the to-people and cultural engagement. Netherlands always attaches great Netherlands pay a visit to China on Standing at a new starting point, importance to developing its the occasion of the coming traditional China-Netherlands relations are relations with China and believes that Chinese Spring Festival. I paid a state f a c i n g n e w d e v e l o p m e n t the “Belt and Road” initiative will visit to the Netherlands in 2014, opportunities. It is believed that in the bring more opportunities for the during which we jointly determined new year, the two countries will carry country. The Dutch side stands ready the new position of an open and out more mutually beneficial to actively participate in the joint p r a c t i c a l C h i n a - N e t h e r l a n d s cooperation through the joint building process of the initiative. The c o m p r e h e n s i v e c o o p e r a t i v e building of the “Belt and Road”. Netherlands is willing to take part in p a r t n e r s h i p, a s w e l l a s s e t the first China International Import development goals and drew up plans King Willem-Alexander of the Expo and hopes to strengthen for bilateral cooperation. With the Netherlands firstly extended his c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h C h i n a i n joint efforts made by both sides, the greetings to President Xi Jinping and international and regional affairs. consensus reached by us and results the Chinese People for the new year, o f m u t u a l v i s i t s h a ve b e e n wishing that in the new year, China Ding Xuexiang and others implemented, making the bilateral will make new achievements and attended the meeting. WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD

Keynote Address by H.E. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China At the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting Beijing, 1 December 2017

Leaders of political parties from still gather in Beijing for this opportunity to express my heartfelt around the world, important meeting to enhance our appreciation to all the political Ladies and Gentlemen, c o o p e r a t i o n , a n d t h i s f u l l y parties, organizations and their Dear Friends, demonstrates that we share a leaders for sending letters and common interest in the development messages of congratulations when Good afternoon! Today, I am of mankind and the future of the the 19th National Congress of the delighted to have you, leaders of world. CPC was convened. political parties and organizations of other countries, with us at the On behalf of the Communist At its 19th National Congress, Communist Party of China in Party of China (CPC) and in my own the CPC drew up a blueprint for Dialogue with World Political Parties name, I extend our warm welcome to China's development from now High-Level Meeting. We are all busy as all of you who have traveled long through the middle of this century the year is drawing to an end. Yet we distance to China. I also take this and reaffirmed China's genuine

26 News From China February 2018 External Affairs

desire to work together with the rest sufferings on us mankind and cost us so as to deliver an even brighter of the world to build a community dearly. Today, thanks to the rapid future for mankind. with a shared future for mankind. development of the internet, big data, cloud computing, quantum satellite The Chinese nation has a long Political parties play an important and artificial intelligence, we the history and a splendid civilization, yet role in the political life of our human beings are connected as never it was ravaged by turmoil and countries and progress of human before. On the other hand, we also upheaval of blood and fire since civilization. Here, I would like to share face global challenges unprecedented modern time began. But we Chinese with you, leaders representing nearly in terms of number, dimension and never yielded to fate. We rose up and 300 political parties and organizations severity. The destiny and future of all f o u g h t o u r way a h e a d w i t h of various countries, our view on this of us across the world are increasingly perseverance and, after protracted issue. intertwined. struggles, we have embarked on the broad road to national rejuvenation. Ladies and Gentlemen, This presents mankind with two Dear friends, choices. One is vicious competition or History shows that it is the even armed conflict for power and cultural genes in our blood that have Throughout the ages, to live a self-interest, which may well lead to sustained the growth of this ancient better life has always been the longing disastrous crisis. The other is for us to n a t i o n t o t h i s d a y a n d t h e of mankind. Mankind has created go along with the tide of the times and uninterrupted development of its splendid civilizations over the past rise to challenges through global civilization over 5,000 years. Since several thousand years. However, collaboration. This, in turn, will create ancient times, we Chinese have wars and conflicts have never ceased. favorable conditions for building a always held these beliefs dear: "All They have, together with various community with a shared future for people under the heaven are of one natural calamities as well as diseases mankind. We must seize the historic family", "all the people are my and plagues, inflicted untold opportunity and make the right choice brothers and I share the life of all

News From China February 2018 27 External Affairs creatures" and "all nations should live Ladies and Gentlemen, development achieved in the world in harmony". We have always aspired Dear Friends, today which would be unimaginable to create a better world in which "a to our ancestors, unbalanced and just cause is pursued for the common A s t h e t e r m s u g g e s t s, a inadequate development still good". community with a shared future for presents a major issue. There is a mankind means that the destiny and huge gap of development between Countries may have differences future of each and every nation and the North and the South, poverty and and even encounter problems with country are interlocked. So we should hunger remain widespread, a new each other, which is to be expected. stick together through thick and thin digital divide is emerging, and people But we should not forget that we all and endeavor to build this planet of in many countries are still living under live under the same sky, share one and ours into a harmonious big family and harsh conditions. If one still sticks to the same home planet and belong to realize mankind's longing for a better the logic of zero-sum game or winner one and the same family. People life. takes all, or resorts to practices of across the world should be guided by wheeling-and-dealing or beggar-thy- the vision that all the people under the We should endeavor to build a neighbor, one would only end up heaven are of one family, embrace world of universal security free from blocking his own way forward while each other with open arms, enhance fear. The evolution of human shutting the door on others. Such mutual understanding, and seek civilization shows that despite our practices can only serve to erode the common ground while setting aside longing for durable peace for f o u n d a t i o n o f o n e ' s o w n differences. Together, we should thousands of years, the specter of war development and imperil the future endeavor to build a community with a has never traveled far and has of mankind. shared future for mankind. continued to haunt us. As all of us human beings live on the same planet, We should work to deliver In 2013, I first made the call to no country should maintain its own benefits to all, and promote win-win build a community with a shared security at the cost of others' security. economic globalization that is more future for mankind. I am gratified to A threat to another country may turn open, inclusive and balanced, thus see that thanks to continued growth out to be a challenge of your own. creating enabling conditions for of friendship and cooperation Unilateral action or blind belief in the common development of all between China and other countries, use of force cannot cope with mankind. Doing so will enable us to this call has gained increasing support, i n c r e a s i n g l y c o m p l e x a n d pursue common prosperity for all and more steps are being taken to multifaceted security threats. countries, eradicate poverty and pursue this initiative. backwardness plaguing people in Instead, we should adopt a new many countries and make sure that all As a matter of fact, the Belt and t h i n k i n g o n c o m m o n , our children are well taken care of. It Road Initiative that I have proposed comprehensive, cooperative and will enable all countries to benefit aims exactly to bring about a sustainable security and our goal from development and all people to community with a shared future for should be to build together a new lead decent lives. mankind. Over a span of four years, security architecture that is equitable, the Belt and Road Initiative has grown fair and beneficial for all. We should We should endeavor to build an into a major platform of cooperation jointly remove the root causes of war, open and inclusive world free from for countries concerned to attain reach out to those displaced by isolation. As an ancient Chinese common development. Numerous fighting, and protect women and saying goes, "All living things should tiny streams converge to make a vast children from the scourge of war so flourish without harming each other; ocean, and countless radiant stars that the sunshine of peace will radiate all ways of life should thrive without illuminate the Galaxy. I am convinced across our land and everyone can live hindering each other." The prosperity that so long as we share this goal, plan in tranquility and harmony. of civilization and human progress together, work together, move toward will not be possible without it step by step, day by day, we will We should endeavor to build a enhancing common g round, surely succeed in building a world of common prosperity free openness and inclusiveness as well as community with a shared future for from poverty. Despite the level of exchange and mutual learning among mankind. m a t e r i a l a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l c i v i l i z a t i o n s a n d r e s e r v i n g

28 News From China February 2018 External Affairs differences among them. dialogue, and coordination. On the Ladies and Gentlemen, basis of a new form of international Different civilizations should Dear Friends, relations, we should explore the blossom and coexist harmoniously, building of a new type of party-to- draw on each other's strength to Today, the world is undergoing party relations that seeks to expand i n s p i r e a n d n o u r i s h h u m a n changes, so is the way in which common ground while reserving development: this is the call of development is pursued. All the differences and enhances mutual history. We should always bear in political parties should move with the respect and mutual learning, and we mind that the world is a colorful place tide of the times, gain a keen should build a multi-form, multi-level and that civilizations are diverse; and appreciation of the underlying trend international network for party-to- we should see that different of human progress, meet people's party exchanges and cooperation. civilizations enrich each other and add common aspirations, and grow With these efforts, we can create a to the beauty of our world. We should ourselves while promoting the mighty force for building a work together to bring down cultural development of our countries, our community with a shared future for barriers on the ground, reject nations and mankind. We should aim mankind. prejudices that stand in the way of high and look far, fulfill our human interactions, and eliminate responsibilities and, in doing so, base Only by taking steps can we blaze cultural bias that prevents people ourselves on the realities of both our a trail; and only by taking actions can from engaging with one another. We respective countries and the world. we achieve success. Obviously, as a should see that different civilizations historical process, efforts to build a coexist in harmony and that all people We should keep in mind both the community with a shared future for enjoy cultural nourishment. overall and long-term interests, and mankind cannot be completed shoulder the mission placed on us by overnight, nor will such a process be a We should endeavor to build a the times. We should keep in mind smooth sailing. Persistent and green, clean and beautiful world. The people's aspirations and turn them arduous efforts are called for. To earth is the only shared home for us into the guiding thoughts, purposes build such a community, we must be mankind. Despite efforts made by and goals of our political parties, and ready to work for the long haul. We some people, finding a new home for adopt concrete and practical should not give up on our dream mankind in the outer space remains a execution plans accordingly. when the reality around us is too distant dream. The fact is that complicated; nor should we stop mankind still needs to live on this The building of a community pursuing our ideals when they seem planet in the foreseeable future. We with a shared future for mankind out of our reach. should jointly protect our planet, not requires the participation of people only for the sake of ourselves, but also from all countries. We should pool the Ladies and Gentlemen, for the sake of future generations. We strength of all by building consensus Dear Friends, should ensure harmony between among people of different nations, human and nature, and cherish the with different beliefs and cultures and The CPC strives for both the environment as dearly as we cherish from different regions to advance this wellbeing of the Chinese people and our own lives. We should revere great cause. human progress. It is the largest nature, respect it, follow its ways and political party in the world. As I once protect it. We should protect the To realize a great dream, it is remarked, the CPC must act in a way earth, our irreplaceable home, heal imperative to draw on the vision and as a big party should. Everything we wounds inflicted on the ecosystem strength of all those involved. We Chinese communists are doing is to and environment, and build a should do so by approaching things better the lives of the Chinese people, harmonious and livable home for from multiple dimensions and renew the Chinese nation, and mankind. This will enable the natural different perspectives, draw on best promote peace and development for ecosystem to recover and regenerate practices, explore new ways and mankind. We must run our own itself and everyone to live in a good thinking, and build momentum. We house well, which in itself is a environment with lucid waters and political parties in various countries contribution to the building of a lush mountains. should strengthen mutual trust, community with a shared future for

News From China February 2018 29 External Affairs mankind. We must also see that hardships and dangers, are on active 1 9 t h N a t i o n a l C o n g r e s s, a China's development will create more duty in eight mission areas to moderately prosperous society in all opportunities for the world. We will safeguard peace and security. respects will take shape in China by draw on our own practices to explore t h e y e a r 2 0 2 0 . S o c i a l i s t the law governing the evolution of China will continue to actively modernization will be basically human society, and share with other e n g a g e i n t h e r e f o r m a n d realized in China by the year 2035 countries what we have learned. We d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e g l o b a l and, by the mid-21st century, China do not want to "import" models from governance system so as to make the will turn itself into a great modern other countries, nor do we want to international political and economic socialist country that is prosperous, "export" the Chinese model, still less order more just and equitable. No strong, democratic, culturally will we ask other countries to copy the matter what stage of development it advanced, harmonious and beautiful. Chinese practice. We Chinese reaches, China will never seek This will deliver a better life not only communists will stay true to the hegemony or engage in expansion. We to us Chinese, but also to the people following commitments: call on the political parties in all other of other countries. We call on the countries to work with us to advance political parties in other countries to First, we will continue to uphold world peace, contribute to global work with us to create more global peace and tranquility. d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d u p h o l d cooperation opportunities for the international order. world and promote common Nearly a hundred years ago, the development and prosperity for all. CPC was born while the country was Second, we will continue to ravaged by intense upheavals. One of promote common development for Third, we will continue to the CPC's founding missions was to all. promote mutual enrichment among put an end to the misery caused by civilizations. turmoil and wars and suffered by the As a party that has its origin in the Chinese people since the mid-19th people and has grown in strength with As a Chinese saying goes, a stone century. From 1921 to 1949, to realize the support of the people, the CPC taken from another mountain may peace and stability in China and secure has always cared deeply about the serve as a tool to polish the local jade. a better life for its people, the CPC people, both in China and around the The CPC values the importance of rallied the Chinese people and led world. We are committed to bettering developing a global perspective for them in an armed struggle for 28 the lives of both the Chinese people itself. We are eager to draw on the years, making an enormous sacrifice. and people of all other nations. achievements of other cultures and apply them in the Chinese context. Having gone through such Over the years, China has Indeed, Marxism is the scientific ordeal, we Chinese communists know provided a huge amount of grants and truth we have learned from other only too well how precious peace is; concessional loans as well as technical, countries. We have adapted Marxism hence we are resolved to uphold personnel and intellectual assistance to China's conditions, kept it up to peace. China remains committed to to other developing countries. It has date and enhanced its popular appeal. promoting peace, development, launched numerous projects in these As a result, Marxism has become the cooperation and delivering win-win countries to support their economic scientific theory guiding the CPC as it outcomes. We will continue to pursue and social development and leads the Chinese people on the peaceful development, build global improvement of the lives of their march forward. partnerships and take an active part in people. In these countries, thousands efforts to seek political settlement of of Chinese scientists, engineers, The CPC will embrace and international hotspot issues. entrepreneurs, technicians, doctors approach the achievements of other and nurses, teachers, workers and cultures with an open mind and a China, a major troop and funding volunteers are working hand in hand b r o a d p e r s p e c t ive. We s t ay contributor to UN peacekeeping and shoulder to shoulder with the committed to engaging in dialogue, operations, has dispatched over local people to help them change their exchanges and cooperation with the 36,000 peacekeepers on a cumulative lives for the better. people and political parties of other basis. As I speak to you, more than countries and supporting cultural and 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers, braving As envisaged by the CPC at its people-to-people exchanges between

30 News From China February 2018 External Affairs countries. Over two thousand years ago, the practices of party-building and ancient Chinese philosopher enhancing state governance, and Over the next five years, the CPC Confucius observed that one should conduct more exchanges and will invite political parties from make friends with people who are dialogue among civilizations so as to around the world to send to China upright, sincere and well-informed. improve our strategic mutual trust. exchange visitors totaling 15,000 for The CPC is ready to make more Let all of us, people of various more interactions. We propose that friends across the world. Over the countries, join hands to build a the CPC in Dialogue with World years, we have maintained regular community with a shared future for Political Parties High-Level Meeting contacts with more than 400 political mankind and a better world. be institutionalized as a platform for parties and organizations in 160-plus high-level political dialogue with countries and regions, and our circle In closing, I wish the CPC in broad representation and inter- of friends continues to grow. Dialogue with World Political Parties national influence. High-Level Meeting every success! Going forward, the CPC will Ladies and Gentlemen, enhance exchanges with political Thank you all. Dear friends, parties of other countries to share LI KEQIANG AND PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY OF THE UK HOLD ANNUAL CHINA-UK PRIME MINISTERS’ MEETING On the afternoon of January 31, relations to maintain sound and stable relevant high-level dialogue 2018, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime development. mechanisms to plan and guide Minister Theresa May of the UK, who practical cooperation in various was paying an official visit to China, Li Keqiang pointed out that fields to new highs. The two sides held the annual China-UK Prime China and the UK are at a crucial stage should respect each other’s core Ministers’ meeting at the Great Hall of their own development at present. interests and major concerns and of the People. B o t h s i d e s e n j o y o b v i o u s properly deal with differences. complementary advantages and broad Li Keqiang expressed that China- prospects of all-round mutually The two sides should reinforce UK relations have been at the beneficial cooperation. The two strategy alignment and expand the forefront of China’s relations with countries should seize opportunities two-way opening. Cooperation in Western countries for many years. and meet each other halfway, so as to such fields as the “Belt and Road”, President Xi Jinping paid a successful jointly push the “golden relations” nuclear power, high-speed railway, visit to the UK in 2015 and the two between China and the UK for finance, high-tech trade and third- countries announced to build the acceleration and development in a party market should be strengthened. global comprehensive strategic new historical position. The two-way investment should be partnership facing the 21st century. expanded and the proportion of Under the current international The two sides should respect high-tech products in bilateral trade situation, China has always attached each other and enhance political should be raised to create the growth importance to the UK and China-UK mutual tr ust. T he high-level point for new kinetic energy relations. It is believed that it exchanges should be intensified and cooperation. China agrees to step up conforms to the common interests of strategic consensus should be the preparatory work of Shanghai- the two sides and is conducive to deepened. Both sides should give play London Stock Connect and stands promoting regional and world peace, to the role of top-level design of the ready to review the timeline for its stability and prosperity for China-UK Prime Ministers’ meeting and the launch at an appropriate time.

News From China February 2018 31 External Affairs

T h e t w o s i d e s s h o u l d trade and investment liberalization with Mr. Premier, and welcomes Mr. continuously improve the exchange and facilitation. China is willing to, Premier to visit the UK and hold a pattern of “major people-to-people together with the UK, strengthen new round of UK-China Prime and cultural engagement” of China exchanges and cooperation under the Ministers’ meeting. She is willing to, and the UK and intensify the two-way multilateral frameworks including the through this visit, further elevate UK- personnel exchanges. Cooperation U N a n d t h e G 2 0 , e n h a n c e China comprehensive strategic and communication in education, communication and coordination on partnership, which has entered the culture, science and technology, international and regional affairs, “golden era”. The economies of the tourism, locality, and youth should be guide and push forward an innovative, t w o c o u n t r i e s a r e h i g h l y strengthened to cement the people- open, interconnected and inclusive complementary to each other, with to-people and cultural foundation of world economy, in a bid to contribute economy, trade and investment bilateral relations. to promoting world peace and between both countries maintaining a development. sound momentum of sustained Li Keqiang addressed that as the development. She brought a large important global economies and Theresa May expressed that the economy and trade delegation in this permanent numbers of the United successful visit of President Xi visit. Both sides will sign a series of Nations (UN) Security Council, China Jinping to the UK has opened up a agreements on economy and trade, and the UK are firm supporters for “golden era” for bilateral relations. which conforms to the common economic globalization as well as She has kept close communication interests of both countries and the

32 News From China February 2018 External Affairs two peoples. Both the UK and China and others were present. make free trade benefit the two support globalization and oppose countries and more countries, and trade protectionism. The UK is After the talks, Li Keqiang and jointly send strong signals of win-win willing to promote the “Belt and Theresa May witnessed the signing of cooperation, in a bid to offer the Road” cooperation, and explore multiple bilateral cooperative w o r l d m a r k e t w i t h s t a b l e cooperation in innovation, finance, documents, covering economy and expectations of long-lasting peaceful intellectual property protection, trade, finance, aviation, customs, development. As the door of reform artificial intelligence and other fields h e a l t h c a r e, i n s p e c t i o n a n d and opening up of China will only with China. The UK welcomes China quarantine, smart city and other fields. become wider, China will advance the to expand its investment in the UK, opening up of its financial sector in appreciates China’s willingness in In the afternoon of the same day, an active and stable manner. Today, reviewing the timeline for the launch Li Keqiang and Theresa May jointly Standard Chartered Bank was of the Shanghai-London Stock met the press and answered questions. officially granted the underwriting Connect. People-to-people and Both sides spoke positively about the qualification of Panda bond cultural exchanges are the major bond achievements of the meeting. Li issuances, which is conducive to for UK-China relations. During her Keqiang noted that at the moment, boosting financial cooperation visit to Wuhan, Theresa May the UK faces a new situation of between the two countries. China witnessed the increasingly intensified exiting from the European Union encourages enterprises of both exchanges between students of the (EU). However, China-UK relations countries to expand two-way two countries. It is believed that the will not change because of changes in investment and elevate the scale and friendship and cultural exchanges UK-EU relations. China will quality of bilateral trade. between the young people of the two continuously advance China-UK countries will make important relations to new highs based on the Theresa May expressed that both c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o t h e f u t u r e principle of mutual respect, equal the UK and China are permanent development of bilateral relations. treatment and mutual benefit and members of the UN Security win-win results, so as to make the Council. The influence of bilateral Chinese Premier and UK Prime development of China-UK relations relations is extensive, profound and Minister also exchanged in-depth and China-EU relations facilitate each global-oriented. The UK will views on international and regional other. continuously remain committed to issues of common concern. pushing forward the development of Li Keqiang pointed out that since the “golden era” of bilateral relations. Prior to the talks, Li Keqiang held the world economy presents a positive The UK stands ready to, together a welcoming ceremony for Theresa momentum of recovery and sound with China, strengthen cooperation May at the North Hall of the Great development, all sides should doubly in various fields and deepen a Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of cherish such momentum, jointly stronger partnership so as to jointly the National Committee of the safeguard trade and investment promote world peace and prosperity C h i n e s e P e o p l e ’s P o l i t i c a l liberalization and facilitation, in the 21st century. Consultative Conference Wang Jiarui promote economic globalization, LI KEQIANG MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER TARO KONO OF JAPAN

On the afternoon of January 28, Li Keqiang expressed that China- Japanese side on its relations with 2018, Premier Li Keqiang met at Japan relations have maintained a China. However, while positive Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai with momentum of improvement at aspects are increasing, China-Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kono of Japan, present. China has noticed the recent relations are still confronted with who was in China for an official visit. positive comments released by the uncertainties. This is just as sudden

News From China February 2018 33 External Affairs

changes of temperature. Both sides cooperation space. It is hoped that the deepen bilateral relations. Japan looks should doubly cherish the hard-won Japanese side will uphold the spirit of forward to holding a new round of positive momentum of the current taking history as a mirror and facing leaders’ meeting of Japan, China and improvement in China-Japan up to the future, strive to create a the Republic of Korea at an early relations, make joint efforts and meet sound environment, and provide date, and welcomes Premier Li each other halfway. On the occasion favorable expectations for the Keqiang to pay an official visit to of the 40th anniversary of the signing enterprises and people of the two Japan. The economic development of China-Japan Treaty of Peace and countries, in a bid to build a solid of Japan and China is highly Friendship this year, both countries foundation for expanding mutually complementary. The Japanese side should review the spirit of the treaty, beneficial cooperation, restarting stands ready to further enhance well handle historical and other relevant dialogue mechanisms and exchanges between enterprises of sensitive issues, properly control boosting cooperation in East Asian both countries, restart bilateral high- differences, and make 2018 a year of region. level economic dialogue, explore the opportunity for China-Japan relations Taro Kono expressed that all development of the third-party to return to the normal track of c i r c l e s i n Ja p a n a r e f u l l o f cooperation and deepen friendship development. expectations for the comprehensive between both peoples based on the Li Keqiang pointed out that the improvement of Japan-China concept of building a strategic relationship between China and Japan relations. Japan is willing to take the relationship of mutual benefit, so as is not just about the two countries, but 40th anniversary of the signing of to bring bilateral relations back to the is also of great significance to the Japan-China Treaty of Peace and track of sound development and region and the world. China and Japan Friendship as an opportunity to meet push it for continuous and forward- e n j o y s t r o n g e c o n o m i c China halfway and make joint efforts looking development. complementarities and broad with China to further improve and

34 News From China February 2018 External Affairs LIU HE ATTENDS AND ADDRESSES THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING 2018

On January 24, 2018 local time, past year, China has actively great modern socialist country in Member of the Political Bureau of the implemented the proposals put 2050 as well as made it clear the top- C e n t r a l C o m m i t t e e o f t h e forward by President Xi Jinping and level design of China’s economic Communist Party of China (CPC) promoted the process of economic policies in the next few years. As and Director of the General Office of globalization with practical actions. C h i n a ’s e c o n o m y h a s b e e n the Central Leading Group for Liu He pointed out that the 19th CPC transitioning from a phase of rapid Financial and Economic Affairs Liu National Congress established a new growth to a stage of high-quality He attended and addressed the World central leadership with Comrade Xi development, in the next few years, Economic Forum Annual Meeting Jinping at its core, established Xi China’s major policies will all be 2018 in Davos. Jinping Thought on Socialism with conducted centering on this general Chinese Characteristics for a New Era requirement. China will pursue Liu He expressed that last year, as an action guideline for China’s supply-side structural reform as the President Xi Jinping delivered a well- development, set the grand goals of mainline and take resolute steps to known speech in Davos, which was building a moderately prosperous win the three tough battles, namely generally well-received by the society in all respects in 2020 and of preventing major risks, targeted international community. Over the taking a two-step approach to build a poverty alleviation and pollution

News From China February 2018 35 External Affairs control, so as to ensure the uphold the global governance The theme of the forum is completion of the building of a c o n c e p t f e a t u r i n g e x t e n s ive “Creating a Shared Future in a moderately prosperous society in all consultation, joint construction and Fractured World”. Heads of state or respects. shared benefits, firmly safeguard government from more than 70 multilateralism and multilateral trade countries attended the annual Liu He stressed that China will regimes, push for fostering a new type meeting. Liu He also met at request continue advancing all-round opening of international relations and advance with some political heavyweights up, significantly ease market access the building of a community with a from other countries on the sideline and actively push ahead with the “Belt shared future for mankind. of the meeting. and Road” construction. China will PURSUE HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT, WORK TOGETHER FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND STABILITY Speech by H.E. Liu He at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2018 24 January 2018

Dr. Klaus Schwab, Belt and Road Initiative, we are transparent policy agenda. It lays out Distinguished Guests, moving economic globalization the promises that will be delivered to Ladies and Gentlemen, forward with concrete actions. the Chinese people. The fulfillment Dear Friends, of this agenda will also bring about Dr. Schwab asked me to talk n e w o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r t h e Good morning! Let me begin by about the 19th National Congress of development of other countries in thanking Dr. Schwab for inviting me the Communist Party of China (CPC) the world. I recommend this report to the forum. President Xi Jinping and China’s economic policy for the to those of you who are keen to learn came here last year and delivered a next few years. So let me make the more about China’s future policies. speech entitled “Jointly Shoulder following observations. The 19th Responsibility of Our Times, Party Congress established China’s This top-level planning of Promote Global Growth”, in which new central leadership with President China’s economic policy for the next he expounded on China’s firm Xi at its core, and “The Xi Jinping few years is designed in light of the support for economic globalization. Thought on Socialism with Chinese above-mentioned objectives. In a That speech was warmly received by Characteristics for a New Era” was nutshell, this policy centers around a the international community. adopted as the guide to China’s Key Necessity, a Main Task, and development. It mapped out the Three Critical Battles. Let me explain Over the past year, in line with the objective to complete the building of one by one. propositions of President Xi, China a moderately prosperous society in all has stood firm against all forms of respects by 2020 and to turn China The Key Necessity here is that protectionism. We have worked to into a great modern socialist country C h i n a ’s e c o n o m y h a s b e e n strengthen the protection of property in two steps by 2050. transitioning from a phase of rapid rights and promote fair competition. growth to one of high-quality Just as important, we have broadened It also charted the course for development. It is in this context that access to our financial markets and China’s economic policy over the next China for mulates its macro- taken the initiative to increase couple of years. The report of the economic, structural, reform and imports. With efforts to advance the 19th Party Congress is a highly social policies for the coming years.

36 News From China February 2018 External Affairs

This transition is an inherent part of The Main Task is to advance for China to build a moderately the course of economic development. supply-side structural reform. The prosperous society in all respects, we China’s per capita income is moving principal contradiction in China’s must fix the shortest plank in our up from the current level of economic development is that our development through winning these US$8,000-plus to US$10,000 and supply side fails to evolve in step with battles. even higher. At such a stage of the demand, resulting in a structural development, China needs to put mismatch that urgently needs to be First, we need to continue to more emphasis on str uctural fixed. prevent and resolve major risks in improvement rather than quantity China’s economy, including financial expansion. To improve the quality of the risks. Shadow banking and hidden supply side through reform is the debt for local governments are Our focus needs to change from basic pathway leading to high-quality serious problems we have to deal “Is there enough?” to “Is it good development. The priority at the with. enough?” As we open up wider to the moment is to cut excess capacity outside world, this transition to a new where necessary, reduce inventory in We will continue to make model of development will create the housing sector, bring down the progress while maintaining stability. huge opportunities for many new overall leverage ratio, lower cost In about three years’ time, we will industries. This may well include across the board, and strengthen the strive to bring the overall leverage manufacturing and service industries weak links in the economy ranging ratio under effective control, make r e l a t e d t o h i g h e r - q u a l i t y from public services to infrastructure the financial system more adaptable consumption, as well as energy- and institutions. and better able to serve the real e f f i c i e n t b u i l d i n g s , s m a r t economy, prevent systemic risks and transportation, new energy and many With these measures, we hope to facilitate better flow of economic other green and low-carbon industries make the supply side more adaptable activities. in new cities. It means new and more innovative. Some initial opportunities for businesses not just progress has been made. Since 2016, We have full confidence and a in China but across the world. And the we have cut over 115 million tons of clear plan to get the job done. Our knock-on effect on other industries steel capacity, eliminated an additional strategy is to fix the problems on the will be even greater as it is about the 140 million tons of substandard steel way forward through reform and modernization of the entire economy. capacity, and phased out over 500 development. And our tactic is to million tons of coal capacity. We have pick up the most important issues In fact, changes are already taking a djusted th e sup p ly-dema n d and find solutions. place. Our domestic demand has relationship through market clearing, steadily expanded, with consumption which has led to price rises in some We have many favorable contributing 58.8% to economic sectors. As we can see, total factor conditions on our side. The Chinese growth, nearly four percentage points productivity growth stopped its economy is steadily turning for the higher than five years ago. The added decline and began to increase in 2016. better with enduring, robust value of the service sector takes up The positive spillover of our supply- fundamentals. Huge potential 60% of GDP, more than five side structural reform is being felt remains to be tapped in urbanization, percentage points higher than five across the world. Indeed, this is a innovation and the transformation years ago. And with more rural reform that we must continue and see of traditional industries. migrant workers settling down in through. cities, permanent urban residents have Our financial system is basically increased by another 80 million-plus The Three Critical Battles which sound with a high savings rate. We in the past five years, accounting for China is determined to fight include: have already set out to properly 58.52% of the total population, nearly 1) preventing and resolving the major handle a series of risks. Since the six percentage points higher than five risks, 2) conducting targeted poverty fourth quarter of last year, China has years ago. Meanwhile, China’s energy reduction, and 3) controlling had a marginally slower overall intensity – a measure of energy pollution. As we all know, if a bucket leverage ratio growth, which is a good consumption per unit of GDP – has is to hold more water, its shortest sign. fallen by 23.9%. plank must be made longer. Likewise,

News From China February 2018 37 External Affairs

In addition, strengthened risk substantially cut the total emissions of We believe that to sustain awareness and changing market major pollutants and lower the economic growth, there must be expectations on implicit guarantee or intensity of resource consumption. open and inclusive institutional moral hazard have created important arrangements as well as orderly and psychological conditions for us to Such efforts are expected to free flow of production factors. We prevent and control financial risks. I improve the environment. They will will encourage both inbound and would like to highlight that the build- make our development more eco- outbound investment and business up of China’s financial risks and our friendly and our skies blue again. activities, as we seek greater response to them are closely related to These are the concrete actions China economic and trade interactions with the changing global market. We will take to fulfill its pledges to counter other countries and work with them welcome the participation and climate change and to honor the Paris toward an open world economy. cooperation of the international A g r e e m e n t . C h i n a w i l l s t a y community in China’s endeavor to committed to improving the After decades of development, a address financial risks, as it is part and environment and work more closely large middle-income population has parcel of global efforts to uphold with the rest of the international emerged in China, the biggest in the world economic stability. community in this area. world, giving rise to a vast domestic market. This open market with a fast- Second, China will continue with Ladies and Gentlemen, growing middle-income population smarter, more targeted efforts to lift of 400 million will contribute more people out of poverty. In the last There is no doubt that to achieve significantly to global development. five years, under President Xi’s the goals I mentioned above, China l e a d e r s h i p , w e s t a r t e d a n has to advance reform and open up at The Belt and Road Initiative unprecedented campaign against a faster pace. This year marks the 40th originated from China, but it is an poverty. As a result, the number of anniversary of China’s reform and idea that will deliver opportunities rural residents living in poverty opening-up policy, which is the very and benefits to the whole world. dropped from nearly 100 million to reason behind China’s robust growth Better physical and people-to-people around 30 million. We have set a target over the past four decades and will connectivity will generate effective to basically eliminate absolute poverty remain the key driving force to quality demand worldwide and sustain the in three years, which means no single growth in the future. momentum of global economic rural resident will be living below the recovery. current poverty line. China will continue to let the market play a decisive role in Ladies and Gentlemen, This year alone, China will lift 10 resources allocation, and we must million people from absolute poverty, focus on better protection of The theme of this year’s forum, including 2.8 million who will be property rights, especially intellectual “Creating a Shared Future in a relocated from areas suffering from property rights. We will fully Fractured World”, is highly relevant. harsh conditions. These poverty incentivize entrepreneurs, encourage The world economy is picking up. alleviation efforts have a major impact competition and oppose monopolies. Major economies are growing in sync on the distribution of national We will continue to improve the for the first time since the global income. Such efforts embody the mechanisms for macroeconomic financial crisis. International trade Chinese approach to human rights, regulation. and investment have bottomed out. and will contribute to the global cause A new cyclical upswing can be of poverty reduction. We will open wider to the world expected for the global economy. across the board. To be specific, we Third, China will continue its w i l l f u r t h e r i n t e g r a t e w i t h That said, at such a critical fight against pollution. Green and international trade rules and ease moment, we must focus on the low-carbon development is what the m a r ke t a c c e s s. We w i l l a l s o spillovers of the monetary policy of Chinese people want the most in a substantially open up the services the world’s major economies and the break with the traditional growth sector, the financial sector in changes in the debt, equity and model. In the next three years, China particular, and create a more attractive commodity markets in the short will scale up pollution control to investment environment. term. In the medium term, we need

38 News From China February 2018 External Affairs to pay attention to the improvement challenges as climate change, h a n d i n h a n d t o f u l f i l l o u r of labor productivity and the changes disruptive technologies and terrorism, responsibilities and overcome in savings rate in the large economies. no country can cope with them alone. difficulties, we will be able to create a We need to have an open mind and better world and deliver better lives M e a n w h i l e , d e e p - s e a t e d take a strategic perspective. We need for our peoples.” problems in the world economy have to enhance mutual understanding, yet to be fixed. Multiple risks and tolerance and trust. And we must seek I want to stress that China is a considerable uncertainties come in cooperation in a sensible and practical force for world peace, development the form of high debts, asset bubbles, manner. and the international order. China protectionism and the escalation of remains a developing country despite regional and international hotspots. We need to make economic its economic progress. We will run To meet these challenges, to keep the globalization more open, inclusive, our own business well, and on that growth momentum, and to turn the and balanced so that its benefits can basis, we are ready to work with the cyclical recovery into sustainable be shared by all. We need to shape a rest of the international community growth, we need concerted global new type of international relations to champion a vision for global efforts. featuring mutual respect, fairness, governance that features extensive justice and win-win cooperation, and consultation, joint contribution and In the long course of human build a community with a shared shared benefits. progress, one thing is clear. History future for mankind. We believe this is often repeats itself in different ways the only way that will lead us to Together, we will stand firm for or keeps revisiting similar crossroads. prosperity. multilateralism, for the multilateral It is crucial to make prudent and trading regime, and for common rational choices - choices that will As President Xi observed at last development and progress. serve mankind well. year’s forum, “As long as we keep to the goal of building a community with Thank you for listening. Thank you When it comes to such global a shared future for mankind and work all. YANG JIECHI HOLDS TALKS WITH SECRETARY OF STATE REX TILLERSON OF THE US On February 8, 2018 local time, past year. Since 2018, the two heads of such areas as economy and trade, two Member of the Political Bureau of the state have exchanged views for several militaries, law enforcement, drug C e n t r a l C o m m i t t e e o f t h e times through telephone talks, control, people-to-people and Communist Party of China and State telegrams and other means, charting cultural engagement and locality, Councilor Yang Jiechi, who was the course for the development of enhance communication and visiting the United States (US), held China-US relations in the new year. coordination on the Korean talks at the US Department of State Work teams of the two countries Peninsula nuclear issue and other with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson should continue to earnestly major international and regional of the US. implement the consensus and issues, and stick to controlling outcomes reached by the two heads differences and sensitive issues in a Yang Jiechi expressed that China- of state during meeting in Beijing, constructive manner, so as to ensure US relations have achieved important maintain close exchanges at high level bilateral relations to achieve more and positive progress under the joint and across all levels, make good use of positive results. guidance of President Xi Jinping and four high-level dialogue mechanisms, President Donald Trump over the expand exchanges and cooperation in Yang Jiechi pointed out that

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China unswervingly follows the path Yang Jiechi pointed out that many Rex Tillerson said that the US o f s o c i a l i s m w i t h C h i n e s e facts have proved that the essence of continues adhering to the one- characteristics, vigorously promotes China-US economic and trade China policy. comprehensive reform in the country, relations is mutual benefit and win- adheres to the path of peaceful win results, which brings great Both sides exchanged views on development outside the country, and benefits to the two peoples. Both sides the current Korean Peninsula commits to the opening-up strategy need to well implement the outcomes situation. Yang Jiechi expressed that with mutual benefit and win-win reached by the two heads of state in China has always adhered to the results. The maintenance of positive economic and trade areas during their denuclearization of the Korean development in bilateral relations meeting in Beijing, explore to carry Peninsula, safeguarding peace and confor ms to the fundamental out more practical cooperation in stability in the Korean Peninsula, and interests of the two peoples, and is such areas as energy, infrastructure resolving issues trough dialogue and also the common expectation of the construction and the Belt and Road negotiation. The international international community. It is hoped I n i t i a t ive, a n d c o n t i nu o u s l y community should support the that both sides could work toward the strengthen policy coordination in Democratic People’s Republic of same goal,, respect each other, and bilateral macro-economic situation Korea and the Republic of Korea to share mutual benefit, in a bid to and international economic affairs. improve their relations, so as to promote bilateral relations for long- The two sides should properly resolve continue the current momentum of term, sound and stable development. economic and trade issues by opening relaxation on the Peninsula. each other’s market and making a big Rex Tillerson expressed that US- cake of cooperation, so as to The two sides agreed to hold the China relations are very important. safeguard sound development of s e c o n d r o u n d o f C h i n a - U S The US side is willing to make joint bilateral economic and trade relations. Diplomatic and Security Dialogue in efforts with the Chinese side to Rex Tillerson agreed that the two the first half of this year, and hold the implement the consensus and sides should jointly make researches s e c o n d r o u n d o f C h i n a - U S outcomes of the two heads of state on and discuss effective solutions to Comprehensive Economic Dialogue, during the meeting in Beijing, economic and trade issues between China-US Social and People-to- consolidate and expand mutually the two countries. People Dialogue and China-US Law beneficial cooperation, and properly Enforcement and Cyber Security resolve differences based on mutual Yang Jiechi also expounded Dialogue at an early date within this respect, so as to boost relations China’s stance on Taiwan and other year. between both countries to achieve issues, and required the US side to more positive progress. take China’s concerns seriously. WANG YI ATTENDS THE SECOND MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE CHINA-CELAC FORUM On January 22, 2018 local time, Jinping’s congratulatory letter at the joint construction of the “Belt and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended opening ceremony. Wang Yi Road”, which reflected China’s the Second Ministerial Meeting of the expressed that in this congratulatory sincere willingness to deepen China- Forum of China and the Community letter, President Xi Jinping highly CELAC cooperation and realize of Latin American and Caribbean affirmed the development of the common development. States (CELAC) in Santiago. China-CELAC Forum over the past three years and proposed to lead Wang Yi expressed in the Wang Yi read President Xi China-CELAC relations through the opening speech that over the past

40 News From China February 2018 External Affairs

three years, China and CELAC have Wang Yi stressed that the fruitful construction of the “Belt and Road” made joint efforts to build the basic achievements from the China- as a new opportunity to deepen the framework of the forum, and put the CELAC Forum are ascribed to the “1+3+6” cooperation framework forum on a sound running track. Both fact that both sides have always between China and the CELAC, in a sides have deeply ploughed and adhered to mutual respect and equal bid to promote the optimization, intensively cultivated various treatment and always stuck to jointly u p g r a d i n g , i n n o v a t i o n a n d cooperation under the framework of seeking cooperation and promoting development of China-CELAC the forum, achieving tangible results. development. In the next stage, China cooperation. To this end, China Political mutual trust has enjoyed in- stands ready to, together with the suggests that China and the CELAC depth development; economic and CELAC, in accordance with the goal should jointly build a greater t r a d e c o o p e r a t i o n h a s b e e n of establishing comprehensive connectivity integrating land and continuously increased; and people- cooperative partnership set by ocean, cultivate big markets featuring to-people and cultural exchanges are President Xi Jinping and leaders of openness and mutual benefit, forge in full swing. the CELAC and take the joint independent and advanced large-

News From China February 2018 41 China India Relations scale industries, seize the great appreciated that President Xi Jinping T h e m e e t i n g a d o p t e d opportunities of innovation and sent a congratulatory letter to the Declaration of Santiago and Joint growth and conduct large-scale meeting, and fully affirmed the fruitful Action Plan of China-CELAC exchanges with equality and mutual achievements from the China-CELAC Cooperation (Priority Areas) (2019- trust. Both sides should take this Forum and the positive role the forum 2021). Besides, the Special Statement meeting as a new starting point to has played in promoting China- on the “Belt and Road” was specially jointly forge a new pattern of China- CELAC cooperation in the past three adopted and issued at the meeting. CELAC cooperation featuring years. Various parties generally After the meeting, Wang Yi and broader field, superior structure, welcome and support the “Belt and Foreign Ministers of Chile and El stronger impetus and better quality. Road” initiative, actively agree with Salvador jointly met the press. China’s proposal of new ideas and new Wang Yi also delivered a keynote concepts for deepening cooperation During the meeting, Wang Yi speech at the first phase of the plenary between the two sides under the “Belt also met respectively with Foreign session and presided over its second and Road” framework, and all agree Ministers of Chile, Cuba, Peru, phase, at which Deputy Director of that the “Belt and Road” initiative has Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador the National Development and provided new and great opportunities and Trinidad and Tobago, and held Reform Commission Wang Xiaotao f o r t h e C E L AC t o a c h i e v e group meetings with Foreign and Assistant Minister of Commerce development. The CELAC hoped to Ministers of nine Caribbean Li Chenggang delivered speeches. learn from China’s successful countries which have diplomatic development experience and achieve relations with China and principals of Re presentatives of Latin common development of the CELAC the CELAC regional organizations. American and Caribbean countries and China through the joint who attended the meeting highly construction of the “Belt and Road”.

China India Relations REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR LUO ZHAOHUI AT THE CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL RECEPTION

(Ambassador’s Residence, 8 February 2018)

H.E. Mr.Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Today we are delighted to have new Foreign Secretary of India Mr. Secretary of India Prof. Chandra, a world prominent Gokhale with us. We congratulate Prof. Lokesh Chandra, Chairman of scholar as the Chief Guest. He is well him for taking the important post. As Nehru Memorial Museum, known in the study of Buddhism and the former Ambassador in Beijing, he Members of Parliament, Indian Arts, as well as ancient did a great job to promote China- Friends from the Diplomatic Corps, languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, Old India relations. I wish him all the best Distinguished guests, ladies and Persian and Old Javanese. He has in his new post and also brighter gentlemen, published over 360 books. He is truly bilateral relations under his guidance. Namaste! A very Good Evening! a great master. 35 years ago when I was studying history of Indian fine Ladies and gentlemen, It is my great pleasure to join you arts, his books helped me a lot as tonight for celebrating the Spring important reference materials. According to the Chinese Lunar Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Calendar, we will enter the Year of Year. We are also honored to have the the Earth Dog in 7 days. In Chinese

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culture, the dog is regarded as a back in China. But luckily we are able billion US Dollars, increasing 20% symbol of loyalty, bravery and good to share this moment with all of you compared with the year before. I am luck. According to the Yin-Yang here today, like families. sure that more positive energy will be Theory, the dog has the essence of put into our relations. We are ready to Yang, a positive energy. Bearing that in Friends, bring it to a new height. mind, I wish everyone here today a happy and prosperous Year of the New Year is like a blank book. Friends, Dog. The pen is in our hands. We have already started writing a new chapter Tonight I am happy to introduce As the most important festival in of China-India relations. Recently the artists from Guangxi, a marvelous China, just like Holi in India, the State Councilor Yang Jiechi and place in south part of China. They are Spring Festival is all about family Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited going to present lovely songs, dances, reunion. Unfortunately as diplomats India successfully. The Pilgrimage and acrobatics. Let’s enjoy it! most of us are not able to observe this arrangements have been made now. important festival with our families Bilateral trade last year reached 88

News From China February 2018 43 China India Relations

44 News From China February 2018 China India Relations

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR LUO ZHAOHUI AT THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CULTURAL SHOW

(9th February, 2018,NCUI Auditorium and Convention Center)

H.E.Ambassador Khatua, calender, we are going to embrace the important festival in China. It's all Ladies and Gentlemen, Year of the Earth Dog in 6 days. In the about the family reunion. The Namaste and good evening! Chinese culture, the dog is regarded as practice we have is similar to that of a symbol of loyalty, bravery and good Diwali in India. It is my great pleasure to join you luck. Bearing that in mind, I wish tonight for celebrating the Chinese everyone here tonight a happy and Before the Spring Festival, every Lunar New Year of the Dog. prosperous Year of the Dog. family will have a house clean-up and decoration. At the Eve of the Spring According to the Chinese lunar The Spring Festival is the most Festival, the whole family will have a

News From China February 2018 45 China India Relations

reunion dinner together, set off New Year when I was the Chinese Friends, firecrackers and wait for the arrival of Ambassador to Canada. the New Year. New Year comes with new hope. Second, Mobile payment has We have already started writing a new During the Spring Festival, gradually made China a cashless chapter of China-India relations. relatives and friends will gather society. Sending digital red envelopes Recently State Councilor Yang Jiechi together to exchange gifts and red via mobile phones has become more and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited envelopes of money given by the popular in China. India successfully. The Pilgrimage elders. arrangements have been made now. Third, people set off less Bilateral trade last year reached 88 Now there are three changes in fireworks. Now people are advocating billion US Dollars, increasing 20% the celebrations of the Chinese New green lifestyle. More and more compared with the year before. I am Year compared with the past. First, Chinese cities have banned fireworks sure that more positive energy will be more Chinese people celebrate the during the Spring Festival. put into our relations. We are ready to Spring Festival by way of travelling. bring it to a new height. With China's economy improving, The changing customs of the our people growing richer and the Chinese New Year have reflected the Friends, traffic becoming more convenient transformation and upgrade of due to modern technology such as China's economy. China's economic Tonight I am happy to introduce high-speed railway, celebrating the performance in 2017 is dazzling. The the artists from Guangxi, a marvelous Spring Festival by travelling has growth rate is as high as 6.9% and the place in south part of China. They are become a fashion. I even came across total GDP reached 13 trillion US going to present lovely songs, dances, some Chinese people driving to the dollars with per capita GDP reaching magics and acrobatics. Let's enjoy it! Arctic Circle to celebrate the Chinese nearly 9000.

46 News From China February 2018 China India Relations

News From China February 2018 47 China India Relations

48 News From China February 2018 China India Relations REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR LUO ZHAOHUI AT THE GUANGZHOU BALLET PERFORMANCE

(Sirifort Auditorium, 1 February 2018)

Mrs.Riva Ganguly Das, Director by the Chinese Embassy, ICCR and Firstly, I would like to promote General of Indian Council for China Federation of Literary and Art cultural exchanges between our two Cultural Relations, Circles. countries, and help Indian people Mr. Chen Jianwen, Head of Chinese understand China better. Arts are Delegation, W h e n I wa s t h e C h i n e s e beyond boundaries. Before joining Ladies and Gentlemen, Ambassador in Pakistan 12 years ago, the Foreign Service, I was doing Namaste and a very good evening! I tried to introduce a ballet show from research on the history of Indian China to Islamabad. I failed. I am so Arts. My wife Dr. Jiang Yili was doing Thank you all for participating in happy to see it realized in New Delhi research on the comparative study of today’s ballet show. Thank you Mrs. today. This is the first time that the Hinduism and Buddhism. My late Das for your very warm remarks. Chinese ballet comes to India. Why do teacher Professor Xu Fancheng I want to do this? stayed here in India for 35 years. One Today’s ballet show is co-hosted Chinese university has started to issue

News From China February 2018 49 China India Relations

BA and MA degrees to Yoga students. eminent monks like Xuan Zang and The ballet dancers today are part of The Bollywood movie Dangal has Bodhidharma travelled long distances them. been a great box office success. between China and India over the Recently the movie The Secret mountains and oceans and spread the Secondly, I would like to show Superstar goes popular again in seeds of civilizations. They are the the world that China is a very diverse China. Looking back into the history, pioneers of China-India exchanges. and inclusive civilization. The world

50 News From China February 2018 China India Relations is getting to know more and more one of the best. It has received a lot of all have a wonderful evening with an about Chinese food, medicine, martial awards from around the world. unforgettable memories of an arts and Taiji. However they know not elegant, professional ballet show. too much about Chinese ballet. We Last but not the least, I wish you have not only classical ballet like The Swan Lake but also those merged with traditional Chinese art forms such as The Butterfly Lovers which you will enjoy tonight.

Thirdly, I would like to show the world that China is always ready to learn and accept from all the differnt cultures. For the past 2500 years, Chinese people have been believed in Confucius teachings. But we have also learned Buddhism from India, and we accepted socialism from the West. Ballet, as a form of art, originated from the West with a history of 500 years. China embraced it more than 60 years ago. Now it becomes very popular in China. We have ten famous Ballet troupes. Guangzhou Ballet is

News From China February 2018 51 China India Relations REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR LUO ZHAOHUI AT THE SPRING FESTIVAL GALA FOR INDIAN ALUMNI OF CHINA (Le Meridien New Delhi, 13 February 2018)

Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor of The function has a very special China now, and around 2000 Chinese Jindal Global University, significance. It is the first time that the students in India. Comparing with Prof. Anita Shar ma of Delhi Chinese Embassy co-hosts a function my first tenure in India around 30 University, with the Indian institute for Indian years ago, this is a very big progress. Prof. Mukherji of Jawaharlal Nehru Alumni in China. University, Among the guests present here, Friends, It is the first time that so many Prof. Anita and Prof. Muhkerji both alumni getting together to celebrate graduated from Fudan University. I Namaste! A very Good Evening! the Chinese Spring Festival. know for Prof. Anita, her romantic story took place in China. It is my great pleasure to To my knowledge, there are participate in today’s function. around 20,000 Indian students in From my side, there are two

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News From China February 2018 53 China India Relations alumni of Delhi University. My wife exchanges have a lot of things to do. Friends, Dr. Jiang Yili graduated from DU in the early 90s. She is the first Chinese Looking back into history, What should we do next to getting the PHD degree in India. The prominent masters like Xuan Zang, promote the bilateral educational Educational Chief of the Embassy Fa Xian and Bodhidharma travelled cooperation? Ms. Sun Meixing also graduated from long distances between India and DU. China. They left us with rich legacies F i r s t , p r o m o t e m u t u a l and set great examples for us. understanding of the educational Ms. Sun’s father is a former system and educational resources. At diplomat at my Embassy in charge of Today as we are standing on the Dali University of Yunnan Provinces, the educational affairs a few years ago. shoulders of the history, we should do there are more than 300 Indian Two generations share the same better than our forefathers in students studying. Most of them are responsibility. Let’s give them a big personnel and cultural exchanges. majored in Medical Studies. Last applause. month, Universities from Yunnan As I always say, one student Province organized an Educational In my opinion, such progress of studying abroad may attract at least Expo in New Delhi. Jindal Global students exchanges between India and one hundred people to focus on the University, under Vice Chancellor China is far from enough. host country. Kumar’s leadership, has signed MOUs with a lot of key universities Last year China attracted 450,000 of China. This is a good way. students from abroad. More than Education naturally connects 550,000 Chinese students went different cultures, different people S e c o n d , p r o v i d e m o r e abroad. and different countries. It is an easy government scholarship. Encourage way for culture integration and and attract more students to study in That means China-India students exchanges. China or India. The Chinese

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Embassy just published a book named differences. We want to put aside the with the year before. A Chinese Study in China to give Indian students disputes and focus on the cooperation Ballet and a Folk Arts Troupe more information about scholarship. and make our future better. performed in India. Aamir Khan’s new movie Secret Superstar got a Third, sign an agreement on the Last year, our relations witnessed great box office in China. I am sure mutual recognition of higher ups and downs. President Xi and that more positive energy will be put education degrees. The Chinese side Prime Minister Modiji met in Xiamen into our relations. has provided a draft to the Indian side. last September. They agreed to turn We are working on it now. over the page, make the Dragon and Friends, the Elephant dance together and Fourth, consider establishing an make One plus One Eleven. According to the Chinese Lunar Association for Indian Alumni Calendar, we will enter the Year of graduated from China. Recently State Councilor Yang the Earth Dog in 2 days. In Chinese Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi culture, the dog is regarded as a Last but not the least, maintain a visited India successfully. The symbol of loyalty, bravery and good stable and friendly bilateral Pilgrimage arrangements for this year luck. I wish everyone here today a relationship. We have to be realistic. have been made now. Bilateral trade happy and prosperous Year of the As two largest neighboring countries, last year reached 88 billion US Dog. C h i n a a n d I n d i a h ave s o m e Dollars, increasing 20% compared

Culture & Life BIGGER ROLE FOR TRADITIONAL CULTURE

The outside world's knowledge wisdom of using natural materials to t h e r e s t i l l e x i s t s a l o t o f of Chinese culture has long been remedy illnesses. Artemisinin, the misunderstanding about the limited to things like tea, porcelain and compound derived from the sweet country itself. Although some silk. In the era of globalization, we wormwood plant, is making a great countries have in-depth political need to enrich the content of China's contribution in the fight against and economic cooperation with reputation in the world. malaria. Martial arts not only help to China, yet a lack of cultural build up a strong physique, but also communication obstructs further The central authorities recently promote morality. cooperation in other fields. issued a document, urging special support for intangible cultural All these are windows through Today, the world is showing heritage like the Chinese language, which the outside world can see China more and more interest in China and Chinese martial arts, traditional better. To make good use of these wishes to better understand China. Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese cultural resources so that they act as a To spread knowledge of the Chinese cuisine and traditional festivals. bridge between China and the rest of civilization, Chinese language, TCM, the world, therefore, is an urgent task. martial arts and other cultural facets Chinese is one of the most will be an effective way to achieve this widely used languages in the world. W h i l e C h i n a ' s e c o n o m i c goal. TCM embodies Chinese people's contribution to the world is striking,

News From China February 2018 55 Culture & Life CHINA CREATES OVER 66 MLN URBAN JOBS IN 5 YEARS

Beijing, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) — By the end of 2017, the central government set an increase of China created more than 66 million unemployment rate in urban areas 11 million jobs as its official target for urban jobs over the past five years, stood at 3.9 percent, the lowest since the whole of 2017. official data showed. 2002, official data showed. To ensure stable employment, Over the five years, 90 percent of From 2013 to 2017, more than China has rolled out an array of pro- college graduates found jobs and 13 million jobs were created each employment policies for graduates, more than 1.1 million redundant year in urban areas, despite the redundant workers, the disabled and workers resulting from the country’s neg ative effect of economic migrant workers. excess production capacity cuts were structuring and slowing growth, re-employed, said Yin Weimin, official data showed. Yin said China will continue minister of human resources and implementing and improving social security. In 2017, 13.51 million new jobs employment and entrepreneurial were created in urban areas. The policies to create more jobs in 2018.

56 News From China February 2018 Culture & Life

News From China February 2018 57 Culture & Life CHINA’S HAINAN LURES GLOBAL TRAVELERS WITH MORE THAN BEACHES

Beijing, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Yana Zhuravleva said that her biggest "Russian tourists love to visit the Zhuravleva, 38, from Russia is so used dream is to earn enough money to buy island, not just because it is relatively to living in Hainan, a tropical island at a small house in Sanya, a coastal resort close, but also due to the fact that you the southern tip of China, that she city in Hainan. can enjoy an integrated travelling plans to bring her mother and e x p e r i e n c e t h a t i n c l u d e s grandmother to live with her. More and more foreigners like entertainment, cultural activities and Zhuravleva have come to Hainan and medical care," said Andrey Denisov, "Life is comfortable here. The fallen in love with the tropical island, Russian ambassador to China. environment is nice and there are not just to enjoy the warm climate, many work opportunities," said sunshine and beaches, but to pursue Hainan offers a wide range of Zhuravleva. their dreams. travel packages that include sightseeing, beaches, folk customs, Zhuravleva, who first arrived in WORLD-CLASS TOURIST tropical rainforests, sports and health Hainan in 2005, used to work at a DESTINATION care. travel agency. Thanks to an increase in Russian tourists to Hainan for Hainan has been making great More than 280,000 Russian medical care, Zhuravleva switched p r o g r e s s t owa r d i t s g o a l o f tourists went to Hainan last year, a jobs two years ago to begin working at becoming a world-class tourist twofold increase compared with a a Chinese medicine hospital, which destination. It has set a target to year ago, according to Denisov. served nearly 1,000 Russian medical receive more than 1.3 million tourists last year. overseas tourists in 2020. "We hope to further strengthen

58 News From China February 2018 Culture & Life

News From China February 2018 59 Culture & Life tourism cooperation, increasing the pictures from here," said Norwegian just 30 years ago, when the province percentage of Russian tourists to 50 ambassador to China Geir O. was established as a Special percent out of all overseas tourists to Pedersen, who visited the province Economic Zone. Hainan," he said. back in 1988. "At that time, Hainan was a In fact, the number of overseas Large display panels and booths relatively backward border province tourists to Hainan exceeded 1.1 showing local specialties and recent with poor infrastructure, and you million in 2017, up nearly 50 percent developments in Hainan were part of couldn't even see a traffic light," said year on year, according to statistics a promotion event held Friday in Shen Xiaoming, governor of Hainan. from local authorities. Beijing. The event attracted more than 500 people, including Pedersen and The formerly agricultural island A three-year plan will be rolled other foreign diplomats from over has become a pioneer in innovation out this year to make the island a top- 160 countries. and openness. A sea-land-air tier destination, with preferential transportation network has already policies such as visa-free services, "It is not just nice beaches, been built to connect the province ticket promotions and service beautiful people, but also many with the rest of the world, and the upgrades. interesting developments, lots of new island is also home to the annual buildings, industries, especially high- meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia. HUGE CHANGES tech development," said Pedersen, who expressed a hope to boost "We want to send our invitation "I look forward to going back to cooperation by drawing on each to the rest of the world. Welcome to Hainan because I think the changes other's strengths. Hainan for vacation, investment and there are just as dramatic as the rest of experiencing its diverse culture," said China. I can tell just by watching the Hainan's development started Shen.

60 News From China February 2018 Culture & Life ECOLOGICAL TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION PROMOTED IN JIANDE CITY, EAST CHINA

Aerial photo taken on Feb. 1, 2018 shows a greenway in the river junction area in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. There are more than 20 villages scattering in the junction area of the Xin’an River, Lanjiang River and Fuchun River in Jiande. Local government has boosted ecological tourism and environment protection projects in the area, which combines sports, leisure and delicacy. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2018 shows the Sandu Fishing Village of Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. There are more than 20 villages scattering in the junction area of the Xin’an River, Lanjiang River and Fuchun River in Jiande. Local government has boosted ecological tourism and environment protection projects in the area, which combines sports, leisure and delicacy. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

News From China February 2018 61 Culture & Life

Aerial photo taken on Jan. 31, 2018 shows a fisherman of Sandu Fishing Village catching fish in the river in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. There are more than 20 villages scattering in the junction area of the Xin’an River, Lanjiang River and Fuchun River in Jiande. Local government has boosted ecological tourism and environment protection projects in the area, which combines sports, leisure and delicacy. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Aerial photo taken on Feb. 1, 2018 shows a photovoltaic power station in the river junction area in Jiande City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. There are more than 20 villages scattering in the junction area of the Xin’an River, Lanjiang River and Fuchun River in Jiande. Local government has boosted ecological tourism and environment protection projects in the area, which combines sports, leisure and delicacy. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

62 News From China February 2018 Culture & Life FAIRS ACROSS CHINA

Festive lanterns are displayed during a lantern fair to greet the upcoming Spring Festival at the Baotu Spring Park in Jinan, capital city of east China’s Shandong Province, Feb. 11, 2018. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 16 this year. (Xinhua/Lyu Chuanquan)

Tourists view festive lanterns during a lantern fair to greet the upcoming Spring Festival at the Nanhu Park in Tangshan City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2018. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 16 this year. (Xinhua/Dong Jun)

News From China February 2018 63 Culture & Life

A dragon-shaped lantern is displayed during a lantern fair to greet the upcoming Spring Festival at the Baotu Spring Park in Jinan, capital city of east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 11, 2018. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 16 this year. (Xinhua/Lyu Chuanquan)

A tourist poses for photos with a cartoon character during a lantern fair to greet the upcoming Spring Festival at the Nanhu Park in Tangshan City, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 11, 2018. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 16 this year. (Xinhua/Dong Jun)

64 News From China February 2018 Culture & Life PLUM BLOSSOMS SEEN ACROSS CHINA

Photo taken on Feb. 3, 2018 shows plum blossoms in Jianhe County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Photo taken on Feb. 3, 2018 shows plum blossoms at Slender West Lake scenic area in Yangzhou, east China’s Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Meng Delong)

News From China February 2018 65 Xizang Today

Photo taken on Feb. 3, 2018 shows plum blossoms in Jianhe County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Xizang Today TIBET SEES PROSPERING ECONOMY IN 2017

Tibet Autonomous Region in Southwest China had a prospering economy in 2017, with about 44,000 new market entities established in the region, according to local authorities. The figure brought the total number of registered businesses in the region to 227,000, a year-on-year growth of 19.1 percent. Registered capital exceeded 1 trillion yuan ($162 billion) last year, up 39.4 percent year-on-year. More than 96 percent of the 227,000 firms are in the private sector, up 19.5 percent year-on-year, with their registered capital exceeding 638 billion yuan. Noticeably, the number of firms with registered capital of at least 100 million yuan each reached 1,774 by the end of last year.

66 News From China February 2018 Xizang Today

News From China February 2018 67 Xizang Today TIBET LIFTS 530 THOUSAND PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY IN PAST FIVE YEARS

A total of 530,000 people in southwest China’s Tibet have escaped from poverty in the past five years and the number of poverty-stricken people has dropped from 860,000 to 330,000 by the end of 2017, according to news from the region’s authority.

Yin Fenshui, director of the poverty-relief office of the region, said that per capita disposable income of poverty-stricken farmers and herdsmen in the region has increased by 16% in 2017 and 150,000 people have been lifted out of poverty in the same year.

In 2018, Tibet plans to help another 150,000 people escape from poverty and manage to maintain a 16% increase in terms of the per capita disposable income of poverty- stricken people.

68 News From China February 2018 Xizang Today LIVELIHOOD IN NUMBERS

A series of numbers referring year according to data relesed by the Tibet plans to lift another 150 to the economical and social National Bureau of Statistics of thousand people out of poverty in d e v e l o p m e n t o f s o u t h w e s t China. 2018 so as to achieve the goal of China's Tibet have been released at eradicating poverty by 2020. the recently concluded annual This is for the first time that the sessions of the People's Congress per capita disposable income of 99.5% elementary school of Tibet and the Chinese People's Tibet's farmers and herdsmen has enrollment rate Political Consultative Conference surpassed 10 thousand yuan (1,587 T i b e t A u t o n o m o u s R e g i o n US dollars) during its double-digit In 2017, the elementary school Committee. growth for straight 15 years. enrollment rate in Tibet reached 99.5%.

10,300 yuan per capita disposable 150 thousand people lifted out of The region has currently been income for rural residents poverty ahead of the rest areas of China to provide a 15-year free education, In 2017, the per capita disposable In the past five years, Tibet saw covering pre-school education income for rural residents of Tibet 530 thousand people escape out of through high school education. increased by 13.6%, reaching 10,330 poverty. As of the end of 2017, the yuan (1,635 US Dollars), close to the number of impoverished people has 95% good air quality rate 13,432 yuan (2,132 US Dollars) for the decreased from 860 thousand to 330 national rural residents in the same thousand. Tibet has maintained an average

News From China February 2018 69 Xizang Today

good air quality rate above 95% for Tibet's healthy ecology and earning 37.94 billion yuan (6.02 straight 5 years, still ranking among environment has made it a world-class billion US Dollars) in tourism the world's best air quality areas up to tourist destination. In 2017, Tibet income. now. attracted 25.61 million visitors, THOUSAND MILES WAY HOME FOR HOLIDAY The 3,100-km journey home took another 10 hours to arrive home A total of 156 students took bus from his high school did not stress 17- in Yushu Tibetan autonomous trips on Thursday, said Kumjo Doje, year-old Sonam Wenjam, who comes prefecture, about 800 kilometers from deputy director of traffic police in from a Tibetan prefecture in Xining. Yushu City, capital of Yushu Northwest China's Qinghai province. prefecture. "I miss my mother the most. I still On Feb 1, he arrived at Qinghai's remember when my parents saw me Sonam Wenjam and the students provincial capital, Xining, after a 48- off at the bus station three years ago. I are part of a competitive but hour train journey from Shenyang, felt so heavy in my heart because the promising national program that capital of northeast China's Liaoning school is far from home, and away takes children from remote and province. He has been studying at from my parents," he said. impoverished areas in provinces such Shenyang Xiangyu Middle school for as Qinghai, Tibet autonomous region three years. "I don't feel so heavy-hearted and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous now and I'm more sure of myself. It is region, and allows them to attend From Xining, Sonam Wenjam a necessary experience for growing senior high schools in central, east and other students boarded buses and up," he said on the bus. and southern China.

70 News From China February 2018 Xizang Today

Ever y year, thousands of ensure their safety. used to dig for caterpillar fungus to students are enrolled in the programs. help support the family when I was in The programs are funded by the "The bus drivers are experienced primary school, but after I went to government. When schools are out of and know about the road conditions -- middle school, my father said I had to session for summer and winter a third of the roads from Xining to focus on my studies so that I can go to holidays, educational authorities, Yushu are frozen earth. The police car better schools in more developed schools and police arrange the is in the front leading the way to keep places," he said. students' travel back home. the bus from speeding," said Kumjo Doje. In Shenyang Xiangyu Middle This year, 2,195 students from School, Sonam Wenjam gets up at Yushu studying in other provinces are "We have carried out the task for 5:30 am every morning and stays up expected to travel home for the new eight years, and this year, there are 15 until 11 pm studying. He has 13 year. Officer Kumjo Doje said the groups of students to escort," he said. classes in Tibetan language and figure is about half of the total Teachers also accompany the students culture every week. number of students in the Yushu back home. program. "Our Tibetan-language teacher is Sonam Wenjam has received state also from Yushu. He wears traditional "Not all students choose to make funding during his study in Shenyang, Yushu Kangba robes in class, which the journey during the Spring Festival but his parents also send him a reminds me of home," he said. travel rush, when the transport system monthly allowance of 1,000 yuan is under a lot of pressure," he said. ($158). "Studying in the city is an eye- opener. The books are more up-to- The police department in Yushu "My father herds cattle in the date," he said. shepherded the students' buses to Chongda township in Yushu city. I

News From China February 2018 71 Xizang Today

"But the bad thing about the city He keeps a fountain pen given by students will embark on another is that it has smog," he said. "And the Yushu prefectural governor, who journey from home to school. there are mosquitoes -- we hardly see visited the Shenyang school in them in our hometown," said Soam December last year. "I'm very lucky. Compared with Palde, a student from Golog Tibetan many students back home, I have autonomous prefecture. "My dad is a herdsman, but he b e t t e r e d u c a t i o n a n d m o r e writes Tibetan words beautifully. I'm opportunities to learn. In the future, I Sonam Wenjam bought down giving this pen to him as a new year's hope I can make my hometown a coats and sweaters for his family. "In a gift," the 17-year-old said. better place through my own few days, there will be the Tibetan new strength," he said. year," he said. After the new year holiday, the

CHINA TO INTENSIFY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON QINGHAI-TIBET PLATEAU China is investing big and The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau global significance in 2018," said Cao promoting international cooperation represents one of the largest ice Jinghua, director of the CAS in the scientific research of Qinghai- masses on Earth and has been called I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o o p e r a t i o n Tibet Plateau to assess climate change the "Third Pole" by scientists. Department. and promote the plateau's sustainable "The Third Pole Environment According to Cao, TPE has seen development, an official of the (TPE) research program inaugurated huge progress since it started in 2009. Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) by the CAS is expected to be listed as "The project has received around said Wednesday. China's major scientific research with 800 million yuan (around 125 million

72 News From China February 2018 Xizang Today

U.S. dollars) in funds from 2009 to 2017. China's second comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai- Tibet Plateau is offering new opportunities," Cao said. The CAS is also pursuing international cooperation on the research. It set up the Kathmandu Center of Research and Education in Nepal to facilitate cooperation. It invites scientists from South Asian countries, the U.S. and European countries to collaborate on the research. "We hope to play a world-leading role in this research. We are also intensifying research on the North Pole and the South Pole," Cao said. China conducted its first comprehensive scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the 1970s. In August 2017, China started the second expedition focusing on climate change, biodiversity and ecological changes on the Qinghai- Tibet Plateau, which will last for 5 to 10 years.

News From China February 2018 73 Xizang Today

DANCE DRAMA HIGHLIGHTS TIBETAN CULTURE

Thangka, an original dance drama presented by Qinghai province's cultural department, made its Beijing debut at Poly Theater on Wednesday. The stor yline follows the romance between a woman and a thangka painter across three lifetimes through reincarnation. It highlights the Tibetan ethnic group's unique customs. Thangka is a Tibetan genre that uses complicated techniques and precious stones as pigments. M o s t m o t i f s c o m e f r o m Tibetan Buddhism and ancient myths. Thangka painting was inscribed on China's first national A scene from Thangka [Photo/China Daily] intangible cultural heritage list in 2006. And thangka from Qinghai's in 2016 as a key project sponsored blend the cultures of Beijing and Regong region was included on by the China National Art Fund. Qinghai since the national capital UNESCO's intangible cultural It premiered in Qinghai's capital, provided assistance to the western heritage list later. Xining, in September. province following the devastating Production of the show began The show is meant as a gift to Yushu earthquake in 2010.

74 News From China February 2018 Book Review A TIBETAN GRADUATE’S STARTUP SUCCESS Lhasa, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- At a Tibet needs, but after consulting current premises. new restaurant in Lhasa, Sidar greets g o ve r n m e n t d e p a r t m e n t s, I The local government offers diners, who may well take her for a d i s c o v e r e d t h a t a t e a c h i n g graduates one-off payments from waitress. Sidar, 23, is actually the qualification was required to set up 50,000 yuan (8,000 U.S. dollars) to proprietor. such an institution. So I decided to 200,000 yuan, along with subsidies to Majoring in aquatic environment open a restaurant." help with rent, water and electricity. protection, Sidar graduated from She first planned to open her Sidar hired staff and her parents Xiamen Ocean Vocational College eatery downtown, but she didn't have came to help. last year. enough money and was forced to Tibetans constitute the majority "Even when I was in middle change her ideas. of her customers and she takes home school I was always thinking about In November, she took out a around 7,000 yuan per month. setting up a business," she said. Her small loan and borrowed money from At the end of February, Sidar will parents are herders near Lake her relatives and friends. At the same obtain her 50,000-yuan startup grant. Namtso, north of Lhasa, capital of time, she applied for a grant for “I plan to spend the money on Tibet. college graduates from the region's kitchen equipment and expanding my "At first, I wanted to set up a labor and employment bureau. She menu," she said. training center, the kind of thing that got a business license and rented her

Xi Jinping - The Governance of China-II

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in 2012, the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as general secretary has led the whole party and the people of China in the drive to realize the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. In pursuit of these goals the country has upheld and developed socialism with Chinese characteristics, advanced the Five-point Strategy and the Four-pronged Strategy in a coordinated and integrated manner, and achieved historic progress in reform and opening up and socialist modernization. We have braved new challenges, blazed new trails, resolved long-standing and complex problems, realized long sought objectives, championed the causes of the CPC and the country, and brought Chinese socialism to the threshold of a new era.

News From China February 2018 75 76 News From China February 2018 News From China February 2018 77 CRI CRBN

78 News From China February 2018 79 80 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/18-20 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 February 2018

People Perform Dragon Dance to Welcome Spring Festival.