VOL. XXX No. 3 March 2018 Rs. 20.00 Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife Counselor Jiang Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife Counselor Jiang Yili met with Mr. V. Narayanasamy, Chief Minister of Yili met with Ms. Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Puducherry.

Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife Counselor Jiang Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife Counselor Jiang Yili had dinner with some Ambassadors to and their Yili met with Mr. Syed Ahmed Bukhari and his family, the spouses. Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid.

Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife Counselor Jiang Ambassador Luo Zhaohui and his wife Counselor Jiang Yili attended the Symposium in Memory of Professor Xu Yili visited the Fo Guang Shan Educational and Cultural Fancheng. Centre. NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 1. Unanimously Elected Chinese President, CMC Chairman 4 2. Newly-elected President Xi Steers Toward Prosperity 5 3. Endorsed as Chinese Premier 9 4. Premier Li Keqiang Meets the Press 10 5. China’s National Legislature Concludes Annual Session 22 6. China’s Top Political Advisory Body Concludes Annual Session 23 7. China’s Massive Cabinet Restructuring Plan Adopted 26 8. Landmark Two Sessions Set Course for “New Era” 28

External Affairs 1. Xi Jinping Holds Telephone Talks with President Vladimir Putin 30 of Russia 2. Xi Jinping Holds Telephone Talks at Request with Chancellor Angela 31 Merkel of 3. Xi Jinping Holds Talks with King Tupou VI of Tonga 32 4. Leaders of Various Countries Warmly Congratulate Xi Jinping on his 34 Election as President of China 5. Li Keqiang Meets with King Tupou VI of Tonga 36 6. Foreign Minister Meets the Press 38 7. Wang Yi Holds Talks with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano 48 of the Philippines

China India Relations

1. Xi Jinping Holds Telephone Talks at Request with Prime Minister Narendra 50 Modi of India 2. Jiechi Meets with Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale of India 51 3. Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale of India 51 4. Chinese FM Calls for Mutual Trust with India 52 5. Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou Holds Consultation with Foreign Secretary 53 Vijay Gokhale of India 6. Remarks by Ambassador Luo Zhaohui at the Symposium in Memory of 53 Professor Xu Fancheng 7. China-India Border Affairs Meeting Held in New 57 8. China Trade Group Visits India to Boost Trade, Pragmatic Cooperation 57

Culture & Life

1. Spring Scenery Across China 58 2. Youth Science and Technology Innovation Competition Held in China’s Guangxi 62 3. Blacknecked Cranes Attracted to Napahai Nature Reserve in SW China’s Yunnan 63

1. Tibet Focuses on High-quality Development that is Beneficial to People’s 64 Livelihood 2. Voices of CPPCC Members from Tibet 66 3. Tibet Designates Grain Growing Areas to Ensure Output 67 4. Lhasa Rolls out 128 New Energy Buses 68 5. Visit of World’s First Tibetan-language Search Engine Breaks 300 Million 70 6. Education Has Changed not only my Own Life: Kelsang Dekyi 70 7. A Day in Lhasa 72

Book Review - Xi Jinping - The Governance of China-II 73 CRI-CIBN 74 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 XI JINPING UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED CHINESE PRESIDENT, CMC CHAIRMAN the voters responded by standing up and clapping vigorously. Li Keqiang and Zhang Dejiang, who stood beside Xi, shook hands with him and expressed congratulations.

Xi was also elected chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) by a unanimous vote.

Right after the election, Xi took a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution.

“I pledge to be allegiant to the Constitution of the PRC, safeguard the Constitution’s authority, fulfill my legal obligations, be loyal to the countr y and the people, be committed and honest in my duty, accept the people’s supervision and work for a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful,” he said.

This was the first time for a Chinese president to take such an oath upon assuming office.

Last October, Xi was elected general secretary of the Central Xi Jinping takes a public oath of allegiance to the Constitution in the Great Hall Committee of the Communist Party of the People in , capital of China, March 17, 2018. Xi was elected Chinese of China (CPC) and appointed CMC president and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People’s Republic of China earlier Saturday at the ongoing first session of the 13th chairman of the CPC at the first National People’s Congress, the national legislature. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. Beijing March 17 (Xinhua) — Xi T h u n d e r o u s a p p l a u s e Jinping was elected Chinese president reverberated in the Great Hall of the He was first elected general by a unanimous vote Saturday People when the election result was secretary of the CPC Central morning at the ongoing session of the announced. Committee in late 2012, and Chinese 13th National People’s Congress president and CMC chairman of the (NPC). Xi, 64, stood up and bowed, while PRC in March 2013.

4 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

In the president’s first five-year to future development: working to our nation’s leader and the army’s tenure, China has made historic b a s i c a l l y r e a l i z e s o c i a l i s t commander,” she said. achievements and undergone historic modernization from 2020 to 2035; changes — Having “stood up” and developing China into a great modern Also on Saturday, lawmakers “grown rich,” China is “becoming socialist country from 2035 to the elected as chairman of strong.” middle of the century. the 13th NPC Standing Committee and Wang Qishan as vice president of Xi told the Party’s 19th National “I am so lucky to be part of such China. Congress in the opening speech that a great age led by a great man,” said socialism with Chinese characteristics Yu Zhigang, an NPC deputy. “The A total of 14 vice chairpersons had entered “a new era.” unanimous vote showed that as our and a secretary-general were also leader Xi has our full support and elected for the 13th NPC Standing At the Party congress, Xi Jinping t r u s t a n d b e a r s o u r h i g h Committee. Thought on Socialism with Chinese expectation.” Characteristics for a New Era was They all took oath of allegiance written into the CPC Constitution, Gesang Zhoigar, an NPC deputy to the Constitution. and into the country’s Constitution on from Tibet Autonomous Region, was March 11, making it the guiding also deeply touched by the election. Lawmakers also adopted an principle of China. “Being one of more than 3 million institutional restructuring plan of the people from Tibet, I have strong trust State Council. He laid out a two-step approach in Comrade Xi, the whole Party’s core, NEWLY-ELECTED PRESIDENT XI STEERS CHINA TOWARD PROSPERITY

News From China March 2018 5 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

Beijing, March 18 (Xinhua) — As strive for great rejuvenation of the percent of economic growth last ceremonial music echoed throughout Chinese nation. year, up from 54.9 percent five years the Great Hall of the People, Xi ago. The share of service sector has Jinping took his place on the podium. “In face of the mighty trend of climbed to 51.6 percent from 45.3 the times and earnest expectations of percent. The music stopped as he reached the people for a better life, we cannot a large red-bound copy of the have the slightest complacency, or get People live a more comfortable country’s Constitution. the slightest slack at work,” he said life. More than 68 million people back then. escaped poverty. Personal income The 64-year-old, in a dark suit, increased by 7.4 percent annually on p l a ced h i s l ef t h a n d o n th e C h i n a h a s m a d e h i s t o r i c average. Life expectancy reaches 76.7 Constitution, raised his right hand to achievements under Xi’s leadership. years, leading developing countries. his temple and made a fist of The unanimous vote shows the strong solidarity. support he enjoys among the people. The environment improves as strict rules on water, soil and air “I pledge my allegiance to the Nearly five months ago, Xi was pollution control have been Constitution,” Xi began. re-elected general secretary of the enforced. A remarkable change: over Communist Party of China (CPC) the five years, the number of heavily- “ [ T o ] s a f e g u a r d t h e Central Committee. The Party’s 19th polluted days in major cities was Constitution’s authority, fulfill my National Congress enshrined in the halved. legal obligations, be loyal to the CPC Constitution Xi Jinping country and the people, be committed Thought on Socialism with Chinese Xi made this happen through and honest in my duty, accept the Characteristics for a New Era. reform. He is regarded as the chief people’s supervision and work hard architect. In the five years, more than for a great modern socialist country The thought was added into the 1,500 reform measures were issued, t h a t i s p r o s p e r o u s, s t r o n g , country’s Constitution at the 13th affecting economic, political, social, democratic, culturally advanced, NPC session as a guiding principle of cultural, environmental fields, harmonious and beautiful.” t h e s t a t e. Pe o p l e h ave h i g h national defense and Party building. expectations for the years ahead. The Government red tape was cut. He bowed, and the nearly 3,000 blueprint laid out at the Party Foreign investment was made easier. National People’s Congress (NPC) congress is being turned into action deputies reacted with a spontaneous plan. Xi has said happiness comes out burst of thunderous applause. of arduous work. “HAPPINESS COMES OUT OF It was the first time a Chinese ARDUOUS WORK” A week after the 19th Party president had ever taken such an oath congress, Xi took leading officials to upon assuming office. The ceremony Led by Xi, China is becoming the Party’s birthplace in Shanghai and was watched by tens of millions of strong. Zhejiang, a “roots-tracing” trip to Chinese on television or on their remind cadres of the Party’s original smartphones. The size of the economy has aspiration. expanded to more than 82 trillion On Saturday, Xi was unanimously yuan (around 13 trillion U.S. dollars) “The CPC seeks happiness for elected as president of the People’s from 54 trillion yuan over the past five the Chinese people,” Xi said in an Republic of China (PRC) and years, growing by 7.1 percent a year on NPC session panel discussion. chairman of the Central Military average. More than 66 million urban “Whatever issues the people are Commission of the PRC. new jobs have been created. unhappy about or dissatisfied with, we must work hard to solve them.” Xi first took over the presidency The economy is healthier. Xi’s five years ago, pledging to push supply-side structural reform worked. Xi’s deep connection to the forward the great cause of socialism Consumption has become a major people was formed early in his life. with Chinese characteristics, and growth driver, contributing to 58.8

6 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

Son of a revolutionary leader, Xi, a crushing tide, Xi said it could not teacher pay rises led to government at the age of 15, joined numerous stop. policy change. “educated youth” bidding farewell to urban life and heading to the Ding Zhongli, chairman of the countryside to learn from peasants. The action to “take out tigers” CDL Central Committee, said the and “swat flies” continued after the ruling party and the non-communist Xi was sent to a small, isolated 19th Party congress. Latest fallen parties cooperated quite well under village in Shaanxi Province and stayed high-ranking officials included the system, working toward a on for seven years. These formative for mer head of cyber-space c o m m o n g o a l o f n a t i o n a l years taught him the real situation on administration , army generals development. the ground and shaped his belief in Zhang Yang and Fang Fenghui, as well pragmatic approach and the mass line. as former state councilor . Fred Teng, president of the America China Public Affairs In the following decades, Xi rose He also pushed forward the Institute, said through the multiparty from the grassroots to the very top. s u p e r v i s o r y s y s t e m r e f o r m , cooperation system policymakers His work experience in the military, a strengthening a centralized and could draw the best policies and poor rural county, and wealthy coastal unified leadership of the CPC over achieve the best results. regions enriched his leadership skills. the graft fight. While joining lawmakers from X i e n t e r e d t h e S t a n d i n g Xi has called on officials in charge Guangdong Province in a panel Committee of the Political Bureau of to “bite the hardest bones and catch d i s c u s s i o n , X i h i g h l i g h t e d the CPC Central Committee in 2007 the hottest potatoes” to tackle development, talent and innovation. and was elected general secretary of problems. the CPC Central Committee in 2012. Guangdong has been at the He has become the core of the CPC Xi is in the spotlight at the annual front-line of the reform and Central Committee and the whole sessions of the NPC and the National opening-up. Party. Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, The year 2018 marks the 40th “BITE THE HARDEST commonly known as the “two anniversary of the drive, which BONES” sessions.” resulted in consistent and fast economic growth for decades. In Xi’s view, for China to achieve He stressed adherence to a the goals in the new era, the Party’ s system of CPC-led multiparty During an inspection to Jiangsu leadership over every area is the key. c o o p e r a t i o n a n d p o l i t i c a l Province last December, Xi said consultation, saying it was a new type more emphasis needed to be placed To keep the Party clean, he of party system growing from China’s on the economy’s quality rather than launched an unprecedented anti- soil and contributed to the political speed and every industry, every corruption campaign, investigating civilization of humanity. enterprise should follow the change. 440 senior officials — who held provincial or corps level positions or Political advisor and entrepreneur China is setting sail toward a above, among others. Yu Minhong couldn’t agree more. Yu modernized economy with Xi at the is a member of the China Democratic helm. Overall, more than 1.5 million League (CDL), one of the eight non- officials were punished. communist parties in China. But he is “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialist better known as the chairman of New E c o n o m y w i t h C h i n e s e “If we had not offended Oriental, a leading education Characteristics for a New Era” was hundreds of corrupt officials, we company. raised at the Central Economic Work would have offended 1.3 billion Conference last December. Chinese people,” Xi said. For years, Yu has been helping poor rural students get proper The Wall Street Journal reported While the campaign has built into schooling. His proposal for rural that China had made “Xiconomics” a

News From China March 2018 7 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 guiding principle, with a focus on The three years to 2020 are NPC in 1954 and was re-elected for innovation and high-quality growth. crucial. China aims to complete 12 times in a row. building a moderately prosperous Areas to deepen reform include society by then. Extreme poverty will The octogenarian likes to public institutions, state-owned be history. compare her annual commute to the enterprises, industrial monopolies, Great Hall of the People over time. In property rights protection, taxation, Looking further ahead, China 1954, she spent four days on the back finance, rural development, social a i m s t o b a s i c a l l y a c h i e v e of a donkey, a truck bed and then a security and ecology. A modernized modernization by 2035 and build a train to reach Beijing. Today, the economy is the goal. great modern socialist country by the capital is just three hours away by middle of the century. high-speed train. At the “two sessions,” Xi’s speeches touched more fields than Realizing this “” China is indeed on a high-speed economy, from Party building, rule of of national rejuvenation requires train, one that moves toward the full l a w, p o v e r t y r e d u c t i o n t o policy continuity and hard work. development of human potential, as environmental protection, social envisioned by Karl Marx. This governance and military-civilian On top of that, China needs an explains China’s growing relevance to integration. authoritative, centralized, unified the world. After all, it is exploring a leadership. path to advance humanity. Inter net tycoon, Tencent chairman Pony Ma said Xi’s speeches With more than 89 million This year’s “two sessions,” like were so rich that he took six full pages members, the CPC is driving China the 19th Party congress, attracted of notes. toward new economic and social worldwide attention. advancement, blazing a brand new “The general secretary said we trail of socialism. Analysts credit China’s growing should make innovation a powerful influence to the country’s system and driver of quality development, and I The year 2018 marks the 200th Xi’s charisma. think it is an insightful remark,” he birthday of Karl Marx and the 170th said. “It will be a new opportunity for anniversary of the issuance of “The C h i n a i s a n e c o n o m i c our innovative enterprises.” Communist Manifesto.” powerhouse for the world. At more than 30 percent, China’s annual Li Shumu, an NPC deputy and a Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism contribution to world economic village Party chief in the county of with Chinese Characteristics for a growth is bigger than that of the Yinan, Shandong Province, said New Era is considered the latest United States, Japan and the farmers in his village feel encouraged adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese eurozone combined. as Xi has drawn a beautiful blueprint context. for the countryside. China accounts for more than 70 A miracle is unfolding — for the percent of poverty reduction Air force officer Liu Rui said the first time in human history, a billion worldwide. It sends the largest group armed forces must firmly adhere to plus people are crossing the threshold of peacekeepers among the five Xi’s order to make combat capability o f m o d e r n i z a t i o n t o g e t h e r. permanent members of the United the fundamental criterion to judge Challenges like material shortage and Nations Security Council and makes their work. wealth gap will be overcome. People the second largest contribution to the will feel much more fulfilled, happier UN peacekeeping budget. CONTRIBUTION TO and safer. HUMANITY China raised the Belt and Road Shen Jilan, 89, is a witness to the Initiative and other major proposals People are curious about what profound changes over time. to champion global governance, free changes Xi will bring to China and the trade and an open global economy. world. Born a farmer in rural Shanxi Province, Shen was first elected to the On March 9, Xi had a phone

8 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 conversation with U.S. President contributed to improving the existing CPC in Dialogue with World Political Donald Trump. They discussed the international order. Par ties High-Level Meeting, situation on the Korean Peninsula and attracting over 600 representatives of bilateral relations. Trump said In the past few months, Xi held nearly 300 political parties and President Xi was right to insist on a talks with Trump on bilateral ties, the organizations from more than 120 dialogue between the United States China-U.S. cooperation on regional countries. Xi told them that people and the Democratic People’s Republic and international levels. Key progress around the world should be one of Korea. has been achieved, consensus family, open arms, understand each reached. other and build a community with a The U.S. side highly appreciates shared future. and values China’s significant role in Xi maintained close high-level resolving the Korean Peninsula issue, exchange with Russia, pushing for all- H e h a s t o l d C h i n e s e and is willing to strengthen round cooperation in all fields and d i p l o m a t s t h a t t h e C P C communication and coordination c l o s e r c o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d considered it a key mission to with China over the issue, according coordination on international affairs. both work for Chinese people’s to Trump. happiness and make a greater After the 19th Party congress, Xi contribution to humanity. Xi-style diplomacy is highly received French President Emmanuel praised for building a new type of Macron, British Prime Minister Afghan political analyst Ghulam major country relations and a Theresa May, and presidents of the Dastgir said a community with a “community with a shared future for Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Gambia shared future was the common humanity.” and Panama. pursuit of people around the world and that in pushing for that goal Vladimir Petrovsky, a senior He visited Vietnam and Laos. At C h i n a c o u l d c r e a t e m o r e researcher at the Institute of Far the APEC Economic Leaders’ opportunities for the world and make Eastern Studies of the Russian Meeting in Da Nang, Xi called for an it thrive. Academy of Sciences, said a feature economic globalization that is more of the major country diplomacy with open and inclusive, more balanced, At the Great Hall of the People, Chinese characteristics is that China more equitable and beneficial to all. with Xi elected as president, history raised non-confrontational proposals, has opened a new chapter. which did not lead to clashes but In December, Beijing held the LI KEQIANG ENDORSED AS CHINESE PREMIER Beijing, March 18 (Xinhua) — Li premier after President Xi signed a great modern socialist country that is Keqiang was endorsed as Chinese presidential decree. prosperous, strong, democratic, premier Sunday at the ongoing first culturally advanced, harmonious, and session of the 13th National People’s Li then took an oath of allegiance beautiful,” he said. Congress (NPC), the country’s to the country’s fundamental law. national legislature. This is the second term for him “I pledge to be allegiant to the on the post. In 2013, he became the Nearly 3,000 NPC deputies voted Constitution of the PRC, safeguard seventh premier since the People’s t o a p p r ove t h e p r e m i e r s h i p the Constitution’s authority, fulfill my Republic of China (PRC) was nomination of Li, by newly-elected legal obligations, be loyal to the founded in 1949. President Xi Jinping. country and the people, be committed and honest in my duty, accept the Li, born in 1955, joined the Li was officially appointed people’s supervision and work for a Communist Party of China (CPC) in

News From China March 2018 9 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

1976 and graduated from Peking University with law and economics degrees.

After working as provincial leaders in Henan and Liaoning provinces, he was elected to the Standing Committee of the Political B u r e a u o f t h e C P C C e n t r a l Committee in 2007 and appointed vice premier in 2008.

He was reelected to the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in 2012 and 2017.

In a government work report delivered on March 5, Li called on the people to rally even closer around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, be enterprising and work hard.

At Sunday’s plenary meeting, the deputies also voted to decide on vice chairpersons and members of the Central Military Commission of the PRC, and elect director of the national supervisory commission, president of the Supreme People’s Court, procurator-general of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and members of the 13th NPC Standing Committee. PREMIER LI KEQIANG MEETS THE PRESS

The First Session of the 13th Chunhua and Liu He. growth and hundreds of millions of National People’s Congress held a Premier Li Keqiang presented the people have been pulled out of press conference on 20 March 2018. newly-appointed vice premiers and p o v e r t y. B u t i t ’s b e c o m i n g Premier Li Keqiang met with Chinese thanked members of the media. He increasingly clear that China is and foreign reporters and answered then opened the floor to questions. entering a new era, where problems their questions at the invitation of Mr. a r e g o i n g t o b e c o m e m o r e Zhang Yesui, Spokesperson for the Bloomberg: This year is the 40th complicated and the model of NPC session. The press conference anniversary of China’s reform and reform and opening is also changing, was also attended by Vice Premiers opening. Over those 40 years, China highlighted by the restructuring of Han Zheng, Sun Chunlan, Hu has enjoyed unprecedented economic the government departments and the

10 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

revisions of the Constitution that from the past, it will be that China will access to elderly care, health care, were passed by the National People’s open even wider to the world. With education and financial services. We Congress this year. I wanted to ask the Chinese economy so integrated will ease or lift the cap on foreign you what will the biggest difference be into the global economy, closing ownership in some sectors. We will between reform and opening in this China’s door will only hinder our own also make the manufacturing sector new era versus the past, especially progress. fully open. There will be no when it comes to foreign investment m a n d a t o r y r e q u i r e m e n t f o r and trade? China will continue to open up; technology transfer, and intellectual indeed, there is still broad space to do property rights will be protected. Premier Li: Opening-up has so. China’s import tariffs are at the been instr umental to China’s medium level internationally. We are The negative list for inbound economic and social transformation committed to bringing them down investment will be shortened and in the past 40 years. It has driven still further, particularly for high- access continuously widened this year China’s reform agenda, promoted its demand consumer goods. For and in the coming years. We aim to development and delivered real instance, we aim to adopt zero tariff merge the three laws governing benefits to the Chinese people. In his for the much needed anti-cancer foreign investment into one law, and speech at the World Economic Forum drugs. fully honor our commitment to annual meeting in Davos last year, f o r e i g n i n v e s t o r s o f p r e - President Xi Jinping reaffirmed On the other hand, China runs a establishment national treatment. China’s commitment to uphold free deficit in trade in services. Further trade and pursue opening-up as a opening of the services sector will As for your question about how fundamental policy. If there’s entail a cost, but it will make the sector the constitutional amendment and anything that’s going to be different more competitive. We plan to widen institutional reform is going to

News From China March 2018 11 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 impact China’s opening-up, now that “Two Sessions”, some delegates voices represent the high expectation both proposals have been adopted at expressed the view that the of market entities and our people for the NPC session, we will faithfully government should pursue the further reforms. The issues they raise observe the amended Constitution reform of its own functions with the may seem small, yet they bear on and follow through on institutional same determination as in pursuing major policy decisions. We must heed reform. This will only reinforce our GDP growth in the past. At the same this call by tackling the root of the commitment to the fundamental time, we have also heard some p r o b l e m s a n d p u s h i n g f o r policy of opening-up. complaints suggesting that the breakthroughs in areas most closely government-imposed transaction related to the market and to the lives I can see from some media cost in China remains high, and it is of our citizens. reports that opinions are divided on still difficult for the people to get market openness in China. Let me things done. So I would like to ask As we say in Chinese, every single make this clear. Our goal is to you, Mr. Premier, what more steps will detail counts in the accomplishment gradually create a level playing field in the new g over nment take to of big tasks. Going forward, these are a market of 1.3 billion consumers for streamline administration and the 6 things we plan to do. We’ll cut both Chinese and foreign-invested delegate powers? And what will the the time it takes for opening a enterprises of all types of ownership. g o v e r n m e n t d o t o e n h a n c e business by another half; we will compliance oversight? Are there any reduce the time required for This will provide Chinese specific goals in this area? reviewing a project application by consumers with more options and another half; we will put in place, at stimulate the upgrading of Chinese Premier Li: You asked a very the national level, an e-platform for products and services and that of the i m p o r t a n t q u e s t i o n . T h e accessing government services; we overall economy. This said, China’s transformation of government will work to see that our people can opening-up will be an incremental functions was high on the agenda get things done in one office, without process. Yet, what may look like a during our first term. We saw the the need for a second trip; and we will modest step can sometimes yield effort to streamline administration, ensure that any requirement for enormous benefits. For example, five delegate powers, and improve certification that has no basis in law years ago we simplified the procedure c o m p l i a n c e o v e r s i g h t a n d or regulations will be abolished. for getting passports and traveling government services as pivotal to overseas. As a result, the number of getting the relationship between the Thanks to our efforts in recent outbound trips made by Chinese government and the market right, years, we have significantly cut the citizens surged from 70 million to 130 which will further stimulate market time required for opening a business million last year, most of them being vitality and public creativity. I’m in our country. But it still takes 22 visits for tourism and shopping. In happy to say that our efforts have paid days on average, whereas it takes making sense of China’s opening-up, off, and these measures have become maybe less than a day in a developed one needs to pay attention to the an effective means for further country. And it takes even longer for concrete steps in specific areas, but reforming government functions and one to get a construction permit in more importantly take a panoramic for unleashing and developing the C h i n a . S o w i t h r e g u l a t o r y and long-term view. I also want to productive forces. streamlining and further tax and fee emphasize that opening needs to cuts, we are making profound work both ways. It’s like rowing a boat: In my discussions with them a d j u s t m e n t s t o g ove r n m e n t if only one of the two oars people is during this year’s “Two Sessions”, functions. This is like moving the giving it their best, the boat will just many delegates raised the hope that in government’s own cheese. keep turning on the spot. They’ll only pursuing supply-side structural move forward if both are working in reforms, the government will focus Any regulatory streamlining can the same direction. more on improving the business only ser ve its purpose when environment and making it easier for s u p p o r t e d w i t h e n h a n c e d China Daily: During this year’s people to get things done. These compliance oversight, which helps to

12 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

enforce market order. All acts of enforcement. In recent years as you may know, malpractice involving cheating, we have introduced the reform to making or selling fake or substandard The first reporter who asked a replace business tax with value added g o o d s, o r r u n n i n g u n l aw f u l question mentioned government tax. This has enabled the sharing of monopolies, will be dealt with in strict institutional reform. One part of it is tax revenues and provided the accordance with the law and banned to combine the state and local tax foundation for the merging of tax from the marketplace, as they are the offices at and below the provincial- authorities at the central and local enemy of fairness and innovation and level. This actually reminds me of a levels to avoid duplications that go against social ethics. recent discussion I had with a group burden businesses. So all in all, our of scholars. One of these experts had regulatory rollback and compliance We believe that a vibrant market been doing some local research, and oversight will contribute to a more and care for the people should go discovered that if you sit and eat in a energized market and the creation of hand in hand. Compliance oversight restaurant, the local tax office collects a level playing field. I should also add s h o u l d n o t c a u s e u n d u e business tax. But if you order that vested interests will be dealt with inconveniences to average citizens. In takeaway, the state tax office collects in the enhanced compliance t h i s r o u n d o f g o v e r n m e n t VAT. So he asked a tax officer: what if oversight process. institutional reform, for example, we I stand and eat in the doorway of the Nothing is too small for us to do have decided to merge the various restaurant? Who collects the tax then? if it delivers concrete benefits to our market regulatory bodies in order to The officer replied, “That’s just people. The ultimate purpose of all slim down the ranks of officials who nitpicking for the sake of it.” But reform measures and endeavors of deal with market entities on a daily actually it’s true that this kind of the government is to serve the basis and exercise unified law problem exists. common good, be results-oriented,

News From China March 2018 13 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 and benefit the people. In this regard, own interests are at stake. So you can encountered in this area. For the government will further reform well imagine how concerned we are example, at last year’s press itself to foster a better business with the situation there. conference I was asked about the environment for market players, and potential effect of the expiration of make it easier for our people to access CCTV: We have seen cases of land use rights for residential homes. government services. In so doing, this private business people who are I responded by pledging automatic government will rise up to all reluctant to make new investments renewal of the rights and the challenges and press ahead against all out of concern for the safety of their protection of all such transactions. I odds. property. Some are even trying to also called for amending the relevant transfer their assets overseas. We have law to reflect this policy. Since then, Yonhap News: There have been also heard complaints from private we have also reaffirmed the extension significant developments on the businessmen about the inaction or of the current rural land contracts by Korean Peninsula recently, with an arbitrary behaviors on the part of another 30 years. These are examples inter-Korean summit planned for some government officials. Premier of our efforts to protect property next month, the DPRK indicating Li, what will your government do to rights through means of law, which is willingness to denuclearize, and the resolve this problem? a g o o d i n d i c a t i o n o f o u r US President agreeing to meet with commitment to the rule of law. the North Korean leader. Under such Premier Li: Since reform and circumstances, I would like to ask, Mr. opening-up, we have remained Let me emphasize that contracts Premier, what does China expect c o m m i t t e d t o u n s w e r v i n g l y must be honored and not treated as from the settlement of the Korean consolidating and developing the scrap paper. Continuity is essential to nuclear issue and what role is China public sector and unswervingly good governance. New officials must prepared to play to this end? Will supporting and developing the non- not be allowed to disavow obligations China push forward the Six-Party public sector. It is fair to say that undertaken by their predecessors; Talks to resolve the nuclear issue? businesses of all types of ownership, those who have done so will be duly private as well as state-owned, have punished. Last year, some property Premier Li: We welcome the made important contributions to the rights cases which were poorly recent deescalation of tensions on the historic progress of the Chinese adjudicated were redressed. These Korean Peninsula. China supports all economy in the past few decades. actions are meant to send a signal to efforts that are conducive to the Nowadays, private businesses account the society of our resolve to ensure resolution of the Korean nuclear issue for about half of the tax revenues. that all property owners and through dialogue and negotiation. They also contribute 80% to investors, regardless of the type of China will continue to do all it can to employment and create 90% of new ownership, will have peace of mind as take forward the denuclearization urban jobs. It’s true that private long as they operate within the process and uphold peace and investment has been less than robust confines of the law. stability on the Korean Peninsula. We due to factors such as the weak hope that all parties will show protection of property rights. We are Lianhe Zaobao of Singapore: sincerity and take concrete actions to paying high attention to addressing With China’s economic rise, some get the nuclear issue back to the track this issue. critics have been saying that China is of negotiation and strive for new increasingly using its money and progress towards denuclearization Protecting property rights is the market as political tools to try to and peace and stability on the Korean cornerstone of our socialist market influence other countries’ foreign Peninsula. We believe this serves the economy and is crucial to the policies or make some sort of interests of all parties and the world at nurturing of the productive forces. political infiltration. How would you large. Hence it has been a high-priority item respond to that? Should the world on the government agenda, and every feel worried about China’s rise and its The Korean Peninsula is in effort has been made to tackle the strategic expansion? China’s close neighborhood. China’s p r o b l e m s o u r p e o p l e h a v e

14 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

Premier Li: In recent years, peaceful international environment pursuing the , China’s economic growth has remains what China needs for we have sought shared benefits contributed some thirty percent to attaining modernization. Let me t h r o u g h c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d global growth. This has been emphasize two points: collaboration. China’s assistance conducive not only to global within its capacity to some other economic recovery but also to world One, China will not seek developing countries, especially peace. More trade and more expansion. As a developing country, underdeveloped countries, has never cooperation mean more negotiations, China has no intention of pursuing come with political strings. It has and that helps to keep conflicts away. expansion. Even if it grows stronger nothing to do with political influence. The Chinese believe that one must not in the future, its development will In some areas, the international do to others what one does not like to continue to defy the logic which community may want China to be done to himself. We always value predestines a rising country to assume a greater role. Well, China is peace. We are resolute in upholding hegemony. What China wants is to ready to fulfill its due international China’s territorial integrity and will develop relations with all other responsibilities commensurate with never give up a single inch of our own countries and regions on the basis of its status as a major developing territory. In a similar vein, we will not mutual respect, equality and mutual countr y. Yet, it would be a take or occupy an inch of others’ land. benefit. Together, we can build a misunderstanding to see China What we pursue is a road of peaceful community with a shared future for playing such a role as seeking strategic development. mankind. expansion.

Our development so far has been China’s business cooperation My second point is that we will achieved in a peaceful international with other countries follows market continue to focus on managing environment. Going forward, a principles and business rules. In China’s own affairs well. As Chinese

News From China March 2018 15 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

Premier, I am fully aware that my and nothing is more depressing for it cutting of overcapacity. We must country is still confronted with many than zero employment of its make every effort to ensure their difficulties and challenges, including members. A college graduate would employment. In particular, there many pressing livelihood issues. We in not have a future if graduation means should be no zero employment the government must deal with these joblessness. We must put ourselves in families. We must also explore new challenges on a daily basis. We travel their shoes. Governments at all levels channels for creating jobs, not least and make friends around the world in must always put job creation high on by fostering new growth drivers, order to foster a peaceful and stable their priority list. In this year’s which have a proven track record of environment, internationally and in government work report, for the first job creation in the past few years. our neighborhood, and create more time, we incorporated surveyed urban Fairly full employment will also be a win-win opportunities for China’s unemployment as a projected target, major wealth generator. Just imagine, development. We know clearly this is to better reflect the employment how much wealth will be created by what we should continue to do. situation in both urban and rural China’s 800 million-strong labor areas. This is the government putting force out of its 1.3 billion population. People’s Daily: Mr. Premier, in pressure on itself. T h i s w i l l a l s o o f f e r a h u g e your government work report you opportunity for international said that fairer and fuller employment In urban areas, we expect to see markets. should always be a highlight of high some 15 to 16 million new entrants to quality development in China. At the the job market this year. Our NBC News: Premier Li, there is same time, however, colleg e minimum target is to generate another increasing concern that China will graduates, laid-off workers from 11 million new jobs and we will work displace the United States as the cutting overcapacity and demobilized towards the goal of 13 million in world’s leader and a lot of talk about a military personnel continue to face actual practice. We have been able to trade war as punishment for what difficulty in getting jobs, which means do that in the past several years and critics describe as unfair trading, daunting challenges in ensuring there’s no reason for us not to hit that i n d u s t r i a l p o l i c i e s o v e r a n employment in the next five years. mark this year. Moreover, we have authoritarian, state-led economic What do you plan to do to tackle this some 280 million rural migrant model of China. So Mr. Premier, in problem? workers. They have worked hard to your view, what measures can be Premier Li: Whether the pave roads and build skyscrapers in taken to address America’s concerns government is doing a good job in the cities, making great contribution and prevent a trade war? Do you still employment is best judged by our to China’s development. Getting believe that dialogue can resolve what people. I don’t think anyone would be migrant workers employed is an looks like an imminent threat? And able to cover it up if we fall short on i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f C h i n a ’s what can China do in the event of a job creation. Let me first address what urbanization process and a big source trade war? Would you, for example, we plan to do on the employment of their income. This year, we expect use China’s vast foreign exchange front this year, as this year’s to see some three to four million rural reserves and massive holding of performance will be a good indicator migrant workers coming to the cities, American debt? Thank you. of what is to come in the next five the government must endeavor to years. fulfill its responsibility in providing Premier Li: Indeed, there has job opportunities for these people. been much talk about an emerging In recent years, with the Chinese trade war between China and the economy operating within a proper This year, there will be 8.2 million United States recently. We believe a range, some 60 million new urban college graduates, another record high trade war does nobody any good. No jobs have been generated, ensuring number, and five million graduates one will emerge a winner from a relatively full employment in China. from secondary vocational schools. In trade war. War is essentially the This has been a big achievement. addition, there will be some one antithesis of trade, and trade Employment is of paramount million demobilized militar y disputes should be resolved through importance for each and every family, personnel and workers laid off in the negotiation, consultation and

16 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

dialogue. What we hope is that cool time, we hope the United States will whole world. Any worry about heads and rational actions will prevail ease restrictions on exporting high- China’s greater development is instead of emotions or impulses tech and high value-added goods to unnecessary. holding sway. A trade war should best China. The associated intellectual be avoided. property rights will be fully protected. China News Service: Mr. We hope this important measure for Premier, we have noticed that Last year, China-US trade reached balancing China-US trade will not be recently some mandatory steps have 580 billion US dollars. This is achieved passed over. Otherwise a good been taken against certain Chinese through observing business rules and opportunity would be missed. insurance and financial companies. market principles. Otherwise, such a Will this happen again in the future? big volume of trade would be China has vast foreign exchange Does this mean that new risks are unthinkable. A large trade deficit, reserves. We have been making building in China? And will they set either with the United States or any diversified investments of these off systemic financial risks? other country, is not what China goes reserves on the basis of market Premier Li: Let me make it very after. We want to see a basically principles, and China will remain a clear as a person who holds balanced trade. Otherwise, it would responsible long-term investor. The responsibility in this area: China has not be sustainable. relationship between China and the the capability to forestall systemic United States is one between the financial risks and I do not foresee Just now I listed some further world’s largest developing country such risks. This is because the steps of opening-up China is going to and largest developed country. Our fundamentals of China’s economy take covering services, manufacturing economies are highly complementary. remain strong, and its financial and products. US businesses may well A stable China-US relationship is in system is in good shape. That said, as seize these opportunities. At the same the interest of both countries and the China’s GDP exceeds 80 trillion yuan

News From China March 2018 17 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 with 250 trillion yuan of assets in the financial sector have occurred. The banking sector, our financial system is relevant authorities have taken Premier Li: On the evening of not risk free. resolute measures to deal with the the 19th, President Xi Jinping and pockets of risks to prevent them from President Putin had a telephone Just as a proverb goes, gathering further spreading. When a blister conversation and President Xi clouds may bring rain and tall trees needs bursting, it should be burst. c o n g r a t u l a t e d h i s R u s s i a n catch the wind. I recall that at the press Otherwise, a small problem may counterpart on his re-election. conference a couple of years ago, I escalate and entail moral hazards. In Recent years did see a slide in China- pointed out that both the capital dealing with these cases, we have Russia trade because of the changing adequacy ratio and provision taken care to protect the lawful rights landscape of global trade and the coverage ratio of Chinese commercial and interests of our consumers, and downturn in commodity prices. banks are fairly high and above have gained further experience in this However, that slide was reversed last international standards. Let me add area. We will continue to resolutely year and our trade registered an over here that the required reserve ratio tackle such cases should they arise in 20% growth year on year. Between stands at about 15 percent, which is the future. our two large economies, trade now equivalent to us having some 20 exceeds US$80 billion. I believe there trillion yuan stashed away against In this round of institutional is still much untapped potential in risks. reform, we have decided to merge the China-Russia trade. We can work insurance and banking regulatory together to bump it up to, say, This year, we have taken the bodies to plug possible loopholes. At US$100 billion, by exploring new initiative to cut the budget deficit to the same time we do face another old mechanisms and unlocking potential. GDP ratio, supported by the problem of illegal fund raising. The What I would like to say to the sustained momentum of steady government will keep up the fight Russian people is that China and growth and higher than expected tax against such illegal activities. I would Russia are each other’s biggest revenues. Last year, the central also like to advise all investors not to neighbors. The steady growth of the government had a surplus revenue of buy into the lies of those illegal comprehensive strategic partnership 250 billion yuan, and we have yet to fundraisers who’d have you believe a of coordination between China and dig into that amount of money. The bamboo basket will hold a gallon of Russia serves the interests of both first two months of this year saw a water. countries and the world at large. double digit increase in China’s fiscal revenues. So we are confident about RIA Novosti: Mr. Premier, two EBC of Taiwan: In recent years, meeting all the major economic and years ago I asked you at the press due to various reasons, cross-Strait social development targets this year. conference about the China-Russia relations have encountered some relationship being close politically but serious challenges with uncertain Going forward, we plan to lukewarm economically. It seems that prospects. My question is, under such further cut the deficit ratio. But this this is still how some people would circumstances, what will the does not mean we will change our d e s c r i b e t h e C h i n a - R u s s i a mainland do to uphold the peaceful proactive fiscal policy, for this year will relationship today. Russia just held its development of cross-Strait relations see considerable increase in the fiscal presidential election and will soon and promote the well-being of spending relative to last year. Our form a new government. As Chinese people on both sides? ability to cut the deficit ratio shows Premier at the start of a new term, our confidence in the health of our what actions do you hope the new Premier Li: The peaceful economy and is also meant to make Russian government will take to development of cross-Strait relations provisions for global uncertainties enhance the business ties between the serves the well-being of people on and emerging risks at home. two countries, and what will the both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and Chinese government do? What we will continue to go down this path. True, some serious irregularities political message would you like to We have been working on ways to and evasion of regulation in the convey to Russia? ensure that our fellow countrymen

18 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 and women from Taiwan will enjoy China is a vast country; we still a major illness to a mountain falling the same treatment as mainlanders have some thirty million people living down. When such an illness strikes, it when they come to work, live or study in poverty. The Party Central is our hope that the family will still on the mainland, because we are Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping find protection. That’s the very members of the same family, and we at its core gives high priority to purpose of us having major illness both belong to one and the same poverty eradication and has made the insurance program and other similar China. That said, any attempt, pledge of winning the fight against mechanisms. proposition or activity for “Taiwan poverty. Among the impoverished independence” must not be tolerated, population, many are pushed or have TBS: This year marks the 40th and we must not allow any external fallen back into poverty because of a anniversary of the China-Japan Peace forces to play “the Taiwan card” to serious disease. The government, and Friendship Treaty. Mr. Premier, cause difficulties for people on both while improving the basic healthcare when you met Foreign Minister sides of the Taiwan Strait and for system, has given greater attention to Kôno in January, you have said the cross-Strait relations. We are willing to the treatment of serious diseases. We relationship is warming up but there have dialogue and consultation with have adopted some innovative are still some cold parts left. If so, all political parties and groups on measures; for example, we have what more should both sides do for Taiwan which subscribe to the one- complemented basic health insurance the relationship to fully recover? And China principle to discuss all issues with commercial insurance schemes. in the upcoming occasion of trilateral that concern people on both sides. We By harnessing the law of large summit including South Korea, should work together to uphold the numbers, such an arrangement has would you intend to accept the peaceful development of cross-Strait produced an amplifying effect of the invitation for your first official visit to relations and eventually achieve insurance funds and extended the Japan and will that be the start of the China’s peaceful reunification. We coverage of serious disease insurance reciprocal visits by the two countries’ believe herein lies the fundamental to 17 million people last year. leaders? interests of our nation. This year, we plan to do more. We Premier Li: We have seen signs Guangming Daily: Mr. Premier, will raise central government of improvement in China-Japan the reform of China’s healthcare subsidies for basic medical insurance relations lately. Prime Minister Abe system has made good strides in schemes, and half of the increase will has invited me on several occasions to recent years, but often a major illness go to serious disease insurance. Our visit Japan. In an atmosphere of can still land a family in severe aim is to cover at least 20 million continuously improving ties, I would difficulty. What steps will the new people and more types of serious be ready to positively consider paying government take to address the diseases in the insurance program. an official visit to Japan while problem of illness-induced poverty? What’s more, we will encourage the attending the China-Japan-ROK development of telemedicine and Leaders’ Meeting there in the first Premier Li: In the past few years, healthcare consortiums to make half of this year. we have made enormous efforts to quality medical resources more improve the basic health insurance accessible at the community level. Improvement of China-Japan system. A medical insurance safety relations requires not just the right net, the largest of its kind in the world, During my inspection trip on the atmosphere, but also vision and has been put in place to treat both eve of this past Spring Festival, I commitment. Exchange of visits at minor and serious illnesses. This dropped in on a poor family and met the leadership level will help get this being said, some families living in an elderly woman there who was relationship back on the track of poverty or those who have difficulty seriously ill. Although she had steady development, but we must accessing quality medical resources do insurance coverage, the family still look to consolidate the foundation of face the kind of problems that you found the treatment unaffordable. China-Japan relations rather than just mentioned. A lot of such cases are Their plight is still vivid in my make a one-time deal. There needs to reported in the new media. memory. A Chinese saying compares be sustained, steady progress of this

News From China March 2018 19 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 relationship. This year marks the 40th The Internet Plus model has not services sectors to promote fast and anniversary of the China-Japan Treaty just fostered new drivers of growth, sound growth of the digital economy of Peace and Friendship. It’s but also provided the largest platform and the sharing economy. We need to important to honor the spirit and the for the sharing economy, giving both follow existing patterns and consensus reached in the four Sino- opportunity for our people to pursue think out of the box in developing Japanese political documents their own entrepreneurship and make these models. including the Treaty of Peace and innovations. It has made a big Friendship. If we have seen a spring in difference in China’s economic and Phoenix TV of Hong Kong: China-Japan relationship, we must social development and profoundly Mr. Premier, in your government also watch out for any possible return changed the way we work and live. In work report this year, you said efforts of chills. We need to work together t h i s c o n t e x t , t e c h n o l o g i c a l will be made to develop the for the sustained, steady development professionals, business people or the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao of this relationship. That is what is average person can all tap into their Greater Bay Area, support Hong expected of Japan. unique potential and have the Kong and Macao in integrating their opportunities to prove their talents. own development into overall Xinhua : The national development and further Internet Plus model has been widely As a new phenomenon, the enhance the mutually beneficial used in recent years and there is a Internet Plus may also have its own cooperation between the mainland boom in the sharing economy. problems. In this process, we need to and these two regions. But some Meanwhile, in this process some maximize its benefits while taking people in Hong Kong feel somewhat problems have cropped up, and their care to address its possible downsides. worried whether this will undercut development may face some hurdles In exercising regulation over new Hong Kong’s unique role, or affect in the future. How do you see the things, we believe the government the implementation of “one country, situation, Mr. Premier? And what will needs to adopt a prudent yet two systems”, or even blur the line the government do to promote accommodative approach. We should between the two systems. How would further development of the Internet neither shut them down once you respond to that? Plus model? problems occur, which would be the easier thing to do, nor allow the Premier Li: We want to build the Premier Li: In recent years the Internet Plus model to become a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Internet Plus model has played an h o t b e d f o r c h e a t i n g a n d Greater Bay Area into a world-class important role in promoting the manipulation. We should guard city cluster with the three places steady growth of China’s economy, against both of these risks. d r a w i n g u p o n e a c h o t h e r ’s like a new sail being installed on the comparative strengths; otherwise this big ship riding the wave of a new As the next step, we will adopt Greater Bay Area would not be round of global technological more measures to encourage the competitive internationally. The revolution. Transformed government growth of this model. For example, outline for the development program functions have helped to energize the Chinese internet companies tend to is being formulated and will be market. Consumption has become the get listed overseas. What we plan to do adopted for implementation. For b i g g e s t d r i v e r o f C h i n a ’s is to improve the conditions for them people from Hong Kong and Macao development, and there has been a to return to the mainland markets. We who come to work or live on the fundamental change in China’s will also create conditions in keeping mainland, especially in Guangdong, economic str ucture. All this with the law for our mainland high- we will gradually introduce the same interconnected progress, together tech or innovation companies to get treatment for them as mainlanders in with the new drivers, has enabled the listed on the mainland markets. We terms of housing, education and Chinese economy to defy repeated need to further develop the Internet transportation, among others. We predictions of a hard landing and Plus model by applying smart would also like to share such sustain a sound momentum of technologies to education, health opportunities with people from economic growth. care, government services and other Taiwan.

20 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

We encourage Hong Kong and raising the issue of pension payouts measures will help to deliver Macao to integrate their own each time I visit old industrial bases or stronger old-age support to the development into overall national hold discussions with the delegates senior people in China. We should development. In this process, we during this year’s Two Sessions. The give people confidence in the future. will continue to obser ve the difficulties that some provinces face Think about it, if decades of hard principle of “one country, two are mainly due to the decline in their work cannot earn one a decent systems” under which the people of fiscal revenues at the time of local r e t i r e m e n t l i f e , o u r f u t u r e Hong Kong administer Hong Kong, economic downturn. But they have generations will lose faith in us. the people of Macao administer taken multiple steps to address the Macao, and both regions enjoy a issue, such as putting to better use We should never see senior high degree of autonomy. As there state-owned assets or adjusting the people as a liability, though. There are c a n b e m u t u a l l y b e n e f i c i a l structure of government expenditure. still so many things that they can do c o o p e r a t i o n a n d c o m m o n The central government has also and a retired life can also offer development between different provided some funding support for tremendous business opportunities countries, there is even more reason this . and turn out to be an important for the three places which belong to industry. That said, we will never one and the same country to do so. Despite the difficulties faced by s h i rk th e g over n m en t’s d u e Under the guidance of the “one some provinces, at the national responsibility in extending adequate country, two systems” principle, we level, we are capable of making old-age support. are confident that these three areas pension payment in full and on time. will draw upon each other’s As of the end of last year, the Just now the moderator said this strengths and work together in b a l a n c e o f C h i n a ’s p e n s i o n is going to be the last question. I recall building a new and strong region of insurance funds for urban workers that previously we also addressed vibrant growth. stood at over 4.1 trillion yuan, and several questions related to people’s we h a d m o r e r e ve nu e s t h a n livelihood. Under the guidance of Xi China Radio International: expenditures. We also have 1.8 Jinping Thought on Socialism with Mr. Premier, given the aging of the trillion yuan in social security fund Chinese Characteristics for a New Chinese population, quality and as a strategic reserve, which is still Era, we will continue to put people i n e x p e n s i v e o l d - a g e c a r e i s increasing. So we are fully capable first. The efforts made by a people’s woefully lacking. It was also of ensuring full and timely payment government boils down to the reported last year that a Chinese of pension benefits nationwide. purpose of serving our people’s well- province ran behind its pension being and improving their lives. We payouts, raising concerns about We will continue to pursue will continue to take strong measures s i m i l a r p r o b l e m i n o t h e r reform in this area. This year, we plan to ensure people’s basic living needs, p r ov i n c e s. H ow s h o u l d t h i s to establish a central system of address their pressing concerns, problem be addressed and what pension fund provisions that can be make more quality resources will the government do to ensure transferred to provinces in case of available, and deliver more concrete adequate old-age support for the need. The initial contribution rate for benefits to our people. over 200 million senior citizens in all provinces will be three percent, China? which means each province will Chutian Metropolis Daily: Mr. contribute three percent of their Premier, how much will the personal Premier Li: It’s already lunch funds to the central provision to be income tax threshold be raised? time, and your question is also about a used to fill the shortfalls that some livelihood issue. We must ensure that provinces may face. In addition, we Premier Li: We will start the old-age pensions will be paid in full will use some of the state-owned relevant process expeditiously and and on time. The problem that you asset proceeds to replenish the the procedures will be handled in described did happen in certain national social security fund to make accordance with law. provinces last year. I made a point of it safer and more profitable. These

News From China March 2018 21 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 CHINA’S NATIONAL LEGISLATURE CONCLUDES ANNUAL SESSION Beijing, March 20 (Xinhua) — Li Keqiang, , Wang People’s Court and the Supreme The first session of the 13th National Huning, , Han Zheng and People’s Procuratorate. People’s Congress (NPC) concluded Wang Qishan attended the meeting. Tuesday morning. Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng and They also passed resolutions on were also present. the reports of the national economic President Xi Jinping and NPC and social development plan as well Standing Committee Chairman Li L a w m a k e r s a d o p t e d t h e as the central and local budgets. Zhanshu addressed the closing supervision law and resolutions on meeting. the government work report, and the President Xi signed a presidential work reports of the 12th NPC decree to promulgate the supervision Other Chinese leaders including Standing Committee, the Supreme law.

Chinese President Xi Jinping makes a keynote speech at the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2018. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

22 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

President Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2018. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) CHINA’S TOP POLITICAL ADVISORY BODY CONCLUDES ANNUAL SESSION Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the P o l i t i c a l B u r e a u o f t h e Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political C o n s u l t a t i v e C o n f e r e n c e (CPPCC), presides over the closing meeting of the First Session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

News From China March 2018 23 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

The closing meeting of the First Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

The closing meeting of the First Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

24 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

Members of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sing the national anthem at the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Journalists work at the closing meeting of the First Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

News From China March 2018 25 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

Members of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) walk out of the Great Hall of the People after the closing meeting of the first session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2018. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) CHINA’S MASSIVE CABINET RESTRUCTURING PLAN ADOPTED Beijing, March 17 (Xinhua) — week, State Councilor the early 1980s. China’s national legislature on said the restr ucturing would Saturday adopted a massive cabinet strengthen the government’s roles in The latest restructuring is restructuring plan to make the economic management, market considered as part of a broader plan government better-structured, more supervision, social management, of the Communist Party of China to efficient, and service-oriented. public service, ecological and deepen the reform of the Party and environmental protection. state institutions. Approved at a plenary meeting of the ongoing first session of the 13th According to Wang, the cabinet “The reform comes at a crucial National People’s Congress, the plan will have fewer entities at ministerial time,” , a senior Party official, w i l l c r e a t e a n i m m i g r a t i o n or vice-ministerial levels. said in an article recently published in administration, an agency to the People’s Daily. coordinate foreign aid, a combined “It focuses on the needs of banking and insurance regulator, development and meets the people’s It will support the efforts in the ministries of veterans affairs, expectations,” he said. next three years in building a emergency management, natural moderately prosperous society and resources, among others. T h e m o v e i s s e e n a s a lay a foundation for building a great continuation of the previous seven modern socialist country by the Briefing lawmakers earlier this rounds of cabinet restructuring since middle of the century, Chen said.

26 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

News From China March 2018 27 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018 LANDMARK TWO SESSIONS SET COURSE FOR “NEW ERA”

Beijing, March 20 (Xinhua) — As last October, a landmark Party conventionally unveiled specific the curtains closed on the annual two congress that revealed the roadmap targets and priorities for this year’s sessions Tuesday, China is setting sail for China’s rejuvenation. development, but also set a new state in the “new era” with a detailed chart, leadership and government to realize steered by a remarkable helmsman “It will be another Long March to its ambitions. and a competent team. materialize the blueprint,” said newly- elected President Xi Jinping at the Under the leadership of the CPC The first sessions of the 13th closing meeting of the annual Central Committee with comrade Xi National People’s Congress and the legislative session, calling for greater Jinping, who was re-elected president 13th National Committee of the effor ts to make outstanding unanimously, at the core, such C h i n e s e P e o p l e ’s P o l i t i c a l achievement in the new era. pledges will be fulfilled to benefit Consultative Conference are the first China and the world. high-profile national political events The historic two sessions held since the 19th Communist Party expedite the country’s march to its The economic target is GDP of China (CPC) National Congress rejuvenation. China not only growth of around 6.5 percent for

28 News From China March 2018 NPC & CPPCC Annual Sessions 2018

2018, unchanged statistically from last Era” as the guiding principle for the news for the world at large. The year but different in essence. Gone are country’s rise. country’s success story offers other the days when double-digit growth c o u n t r i e s a n d r e g i o n s n e w was the norm. China has made it clear These reforms will help China to philosophies of g rowth and that it intends to pursue high-quality achieve “socialist modernization” governance. development powered by greener and basically by 2035, and become a “great more sustainable engines such as modern socialist country” by the The year 2018 marks the 200th consumption and services. middle of the century, a key goal in the anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth as Chinese Dream. well as the 170th anniversary of the The projected GDP expansion publication of the Communist rate will still be one of the fastest The world should rest assured Manifesto. This Western-originated worldwide, lending new steam to the that China’s ambitions are not philosophy has taken root in China recovering global economy. hegemonic. and been adapted constantly to meet China’s changing needs. China rolled out a sweeping “The Chinese people’s sincere cabinet restructuring plan to cut wish and practical action to contribute Whatever coinages are thrown at bureaucracy and improve governance to the peace and development of China’s political and growth model, efficiency, introduced a nationwide h u m a n i t y s h o u l d n o t b e the effectiveness and efficiency of supervisory commission network to misinterpreted, nor should they be S o c i a l i s m w i t h C h i n e s e toughen the fight on corruption, and distorted,” Xi said. characteristics cannot be denied. most importantly, amended its fundamental law to enshrine “Xi China has no plans to dominate It has helped hundreds of Jinping Thought on Socialism with the world. Its rise might “alarm” millions of Chinese people grow rich Chinese Characteristics for a New certain countries, but it will be good and the country become strong.

News From China March 2018 29 External Affairs

“History has proven and will continue middle-income population, at around prosperity for other countries. to prove that only socialism can save 400 million now, offer a growing China and only by adhering to and consumer market for overseas firms. Even bolder steps are expected developing socialism with Chinese Increasingly affluent Chinese are to be taken to open China’s market characteristics will we realize the great ready to pay for high-quality products, wider this year as the country marks rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” services and unique experiences, the 40th anniversary of the reform Xi said. fuelling imports and globe-trotting and opening-up drive, a “game- trips. changing” move, as the government The world, especially the West, work report termed it, in making should be open-minded about China’s China has decided to completely China what it is today. formula for growth. open up its general manufacturing sector to overseas investors this year, China’s rejuvenation might also Cold War-era thinking is outdated while market access to sectors like be a game-changer when it comes to and could only hinder the world’s telecommunications, medical shaping a Western-dominated irresistible course into a new era. services, education, elderly care and international community into a more Being stuck with a zero-sum mentality new energy vehicles will also be balanced, stable and prosperous risks plowing the globe into a expanded. world. “Thucydides Trap,” a scenario without winners. The development of China- The misleading “China threat” proposed Belt and Road Initiative will argument is losing ground in the new F o r t h e w o r l d , C h i n a ’s see more roads and railways built to era. China must seize the day; the development is mutually beneficial in accelerate cross-border exchanges on w o r l d m u s t s e i z e C h i n a ’s nature. more fronts, consolidating a new opportunities. platform for fresh sources of global The countr y’s burgeoning economic growth and shared

External Affairs XI JINPING HOLDS TELEPHONE TALKS WITH PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN OF RUSSIA On March 19, 2018, President Xi definitely continue focusing their years, the “Two Sessions” of China Jinping held telephone talks with attention and energy and forging this year bear greater significance. In President Vladimir Putin of Russia. ahead in unity, so as to constantly addition to the election of new state make new achievements in national organs and leaders of the Chinese Xi Jinping congratulated Russia development and construction. At People’s Political Consultative on the successful holding of the present, both China and Russia are at a Conference, important proposals presidential election as well as c r u c i a l p e r i o d o f n a t i o n a l such as constitutional amendment Vladimir Putin on his re-election as development and rejuvenation. This and draft supervision law were President of Russia. Xi Jinping year is the first year for China to discussed and a new round of pointed out that Mr. President’s implement the spirit of the 19th institutional restructuring of the successful re-election is a right choice National Congress of the Communist State Council has started. Such made by the Russian people. It is Party of China and also marks the gestures are conducive to better believed that under Mr. President’s 40th anniversary of the reform and uniting and encouraging the Chinese leadership, the Russian people will opening-up. Compared to previous people to strive for realizing the

30 News From China March 2018 External Affairs

Chinese Dream of great rejuvenation Russia relations to withstand the test support for him from all the Chinese of the Chinese nation. I fully agree of the international vicissitudes and people. The series of decisions made with the important ideas on such areas reach the best period in history. As by the NPC of China will further as Russia’s national construction, China and Russia are both major promote the development of China improvement of the people’s countries in the world, China is willing and are completely correct. Russia livelihood, and scientific and to continue joining hands with Russia congratulated and firmly supported technological innovation Mr. to intensify connections, deepen them. Thanks to Xi Jinping’s President proposed in the recent State cooperation, and jointly draw promotion in person, the current of the Union address. It is believed blueprint for the development of Russia-China comprehensive that both China and Russia will stick bilateral relations in the next stage, in a strategic partnership of coordination to their own development paths in the bid to lead China-Russia relations into is at the highest level in history. Russia predetermined direction and make a new era. cherishes the friendship with China, new achievements. and is willing to work with China to Vladimir Putin once again intensify high-level exchanges and Xi Jinping stressed that China and congratulated Xi Jinping on his deepen bilateral comprehensive Russia are comprehensive strategic election as Chinese President. He s t r a t e g i c p a r t n e r s h i p o f partners of coordination that stand expressed that this important decision coordination. together through thick and thin. I of China’s National People’s have met with Mr. President for many Congress (NPC) once again proves times, and we have jointly led China- the high prestige of Xi Jinping and the XI JINPING HOLDS TELEPHONE TALKS AT REQUEST WITH CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL OF GERMANY On March 17, 2018, President Xi cooperation. Germany supports China also attaches great importance Jinping held telephone talks at request deepening Europe-China relations, to developing its relations with with Chancellor Angela Merkel of and stands ready to strengthen Germany. China and Germany Germany. cooperation with China within the should set an example of win-win G 2 0 a n d o t h e r m u l t i l a t e r a l cooperation, enhance strategic Congratulating Xi Jinping on his frameworks, so as to jointly safeguard docking, jointly well plan for mutually election as Chinese President, Angela multilateral order. beneficial cooperation in various Merkel expressed that the new fields in the next stage and push German government is committed to Xi Jinping congratulated Angela forward cooperation within the continuously developing closer Merkel on her re-election as framework of the Belt and Road relations between Germany and Chancellor of Germany. Xi Jinping Initiative, in a bid to achieve common China, and stands ready to strengthen pointed out that both China and development. China and Germany high-level exchanges and institutional Germany are major countries and should continuously lead China- dialogues with China in a bid to boost important stabilizing forces in the E u r o p e r e l a t i o n s, a n d p l a y cooperation in various fields. world. Bilateral relations have constructive roles in promoting Germany has always supported the achieved high-level development China-Europe strategic mutual trust Belt and Road Initiative and regarded within the framework of the all-round and boosting China-Europe it as a strategic bridge for , as strategic partnership. I have noticed cooperation. China and Germany well as stands ready to contribute to that the new German government should become impellers for new- the joint construction of the Belt and continues regarding China as a type international relations, and be Road Initiative through project priority of its diplomacy in Asia. dedicated to maintaining economic

News From China March 2018 31 External Affairs globalization and multilateralism. should also become cooperation concerns, stick to focusing on Both countries should support free partners transcending ideological cooperation as well as properly trade, oppose trade protectionism, differences. China and Germany are control and handle differences, strengthen cooperation within the partners, not rivals. One side’s China-Germany relations will enjoy G 2 0 a n d o t h e r m u l t i l a t e r a l development will bring opportunities long-term and stable development. cooperation, jointly maintain and to the other side rather than improve the international order and challenges. As long as the two sides Leaders of the two countries also the economic governance system as adhere to equality and mutual respect, exchanged views on issues of well as maintain and build an open understand and accommodate each common concern, including the world economy. China and Germany other’s core interests and major international trade order. XI JINPING HOLDS TALKS WITH KING TUPOU VI OF TONGA – THE TWO HEADS OF STATE AGREE TO PUSH CHINA-TONGA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW AND GREATER DEVELOPMENT

32 News From China March 2018 External Affairs

On March 1, 2018, President Xi cooperation. assistance provided by the Chinese Jinping held talks with King Tupou VI government and people for the of Tonga at the Great Hall of the Xi Jinping pointed out that China country’s economic and social People. The two heads of state agreed to and Tonga should reinforce exchanges construction, and also thanks China push China-Tonga strategic partnership at high level and across various levels, for providing disaster relief for new and greater development at a increase political mutual trust as well assistance immediately after Tonga new starting point in history. a s c o n t i nu e s u p p o r t i n g a n d was hit by a recent cyclone. The understanding each other on issues country agrees with China on the Xi Jinping welcomed King Tupou concerning respective sovereignty, important proposition to build a new VI to pay a state visit to China on the territorial integrity and national type of international relations and occasion of the 20th anniversary of dignity. Both countries should expand stands ready to make joint efforts the establishment of diplomatic dialogue, exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side to build a relations between the two countries between government departments community with a shared future for and conveyed his sincere condolences and legislative bodies, deeply tap mankind. Tonga firmly adheres to the to Tonga over the recent damage it potential, actively expand practical one-China policy, and stands ready to had suffered from a severe cyclone. Xi cooperation in various areas and intensify friendly cooperation with Jinping pointed out that King Tupou jointly advance cooperation under the China in such fields as trade, VI came to China in the capacity of “Belt and Road” framework, in a bid infrastructure construction and foreign and defense minister 20 years to achieve win-win and shared tourism as well as under the “Belt and ago to sign the Joint Communique development. China knows well that Road” framework. It is hoped that between China and Tonga on Tonga, as a small developing island China could help Tonga to achieve Establishing Diplomatic Relations country, faces special challenges in its greater development and address the and made historic contributions to economic and social development. challenges posed by climate change. establishing and developing China- China is willing to continue providing Tonga supports the deepening of Tonga relations. It is hoped that the To n g a w i t h e c o n o m i c a n d cooperation between Pacific Island royal family of Tonga would technological assistance within its countries and China. continuously play a positive role in capability without attaching any advancing the development of China- political conditions. Instead of After the talks, the two heads of Tonga relations. unilaterally offering assistance and state jointly witnessed the signing of simply providing the “blood- bilateral cooperation documents in Xi Jinping stressed that China and transfusion” mode of aid, which is like such fields as economic and the Pacific Island countries, including giving the country fish, China teaches technological cooperation, human Tonga are good friends and good Tonga “how to fish”. China would r e s o u r c e s d e ve l o p m e n t a n d partners with the same fate, common fulfill all the promises it has made to education. Both sides also issued the destiny and shared development. It is the letter to let local people gain more Joint Press Communique between put forward at the 19th National sense of fulfillment from China- the People’s Republic of China and Congress of the Communist Party of Tonga cooperation. China is ready to the Kingdom of Tonga. China (CPC) that China will promote enhance South-South cooperation on the building of a new type of climate change with Tonga and Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held international relations featuring intensify exchanges and cooperation a welcoming ceremony for Tupou VI mutual respect, fairness, justice, and with Pacific Island countries. at the North Hall of the Great Hall of win-win cooperation and the building the People. President Xi Jinping’s of a community with a shared future Tupou VI congratulated on the wife Mme. Peng Liyuan, Member of for mankind. The Congress stressed successful convening of the 19th CPC the Political Bureau of the CPC that China will adhere to the correct National Congress last year, and Central Committee and State viewpoint of righteousness and expressed that President Xi Jinping is Councilor , Vice benefit and the principles of sincerity, a visionary and wise leader. Tupou VI C h a i r m a n o f t h e S t a n d i n g real results, affinity, and good faith, believed that China would score even Committee of the National People’s and strengthen solidarity and greater achievements under President C o n g r e s s Z h a n g P i n g , V i c e cooperation with other developing Xi Jinping’s leadership. Tonga C h a i r m a n o f t h e N a t i o n a l countries. The concepts and attaches g reat importance to Committee of the Chinese People’s principles mentioned above will open developing friendly relations with Political Consultative Conference up broader prospects for China- China, sincerely appreciates the long- Chen Xiaoguang and others were Tonga relations and bilateral term and precious support and present.

News From China March 2018 33 External Affairs LEADERS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES WARMLY CONGRATULATE XI JINPING ON HIS ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF CHINA

On the morning of March 17, of the leadership of the CPC Central socialist country that is prosperous, 2018, after the announcement that the Committee, President and Chairman strong, democratic, culturally First Session of the Thirteenth of the Central Military Commission, advanced, harmonious and beautiful. National People’s Congress elected Xi Xi Jinping will lead the Chinese He wished that traditional friendship Jinping as President of the People’s people to successfully realize the goal between the two parties, countries Republic of China (PRC), leaders of of building China into a great modern a n d p e o p l e s a s w e l l a s t h e various countries sent telegrams or socialist country that is prosperous, comprehensive strategic cooperative messages to President Xi Jinping strong, democratic, culturally partnership will develop in a constant immediately in succession, expressing advanced, harmonious and beautiful and in-depth manner, bloom and warm congratulations. and make significant contributions to yield fruits under the guidance of the peace, stability and prosperity of the spirit of “good neighbors, good Chairman of the State Affairs region and the world at large. The friends, good comrades and good Commission Kim Jong-un of the party, government and people of partners”. Democratic People’s Republic of Vietnam attach high importance to Korea (DPRK) expressed that he d evel o p i n g g o o d n ei g h b o rl y President Mamnoon Hussain of sincerely congratulated Xi Jinping on friendship as well as comprehensive Pakistan expressed that Xi Jinping’s his election as President of the PRC cooperative relations with China and election shows that the Chinese and Chairman of the PRC Central regard them as the strategic choices people are full of confidence in his Military Commission. He wished that and top priorities of Vietnam’s wise leadership. China has made under the leadership of the foreign policy. It is believed that Xi r e m a r k a b l e d e v e l o p m e n t Communist Party of China (CPC) Jinping will continue caring for and achievements over the past five years, with Xi Jinping at the core, the guiding all levels and departments to which not only promoted China’s Chinese people will make greater implement the consensus reached by international status and image, but achievements in the building of the leaders of the two parties and also brought great changes to socialism with Chinese characteristics countries and constantly expand and people’s life. Xi Jinping’s outstanding for a new era. He believed that the improve the cooperation between the contributions to world peace and DPRK-China relations will develop in two countries in various fields, so as to development are widely praised. a direction that conforms to the p r o m o t e V i e t n a m - C h i n a Mamnoon Hussain believed that common interests of the people of comprehensive strategic cooperative under the wise leadership of Xi the two countries. partnership for sustained, stable, Jinping, the great Chinese nation will healthy and in-depth development. continue marching forward, and President Tran Dai Quang of realize the g oal of national Vietnam expressed that he was glad to President Boungnang Vorachith rejuvenation. Pakistan and China are hear that Xi Jinping was elected as of Laos expressed that he firmly all-weather strategic cooperative President of the PRC and Chairman believed that under the wise partners, and both sides will of the PRC Central Militar y leadership of the CPC with Xi Jinping c o n t i n u o u s l y c o m m i t t o Commission on the First Session of at the core, the building of socialism comprehensively enhancing bilateral the Thirteenth National People’s with Chinese characteristics will make relations to benefit the two peoples. Congress. He would like to extend the comprehensive, tremendous and warmest congratulations to Xi historic achievements. China will President Moon Jae-in of the Jinping. He believed that as the core surely be built into a great modern Republic of Korea (ROK) wished

34 News From China March 2018 External Affairs that China could realize the Chinese achievements China has made under brilliant leadership and guided by Xi Dream at an early date under the Xi Jinping’s leadership in the past five Jinping Thought on Socialism with leadership of Xi Jinping, so as to make years, and reflects the people’s firm Chinese Characteristics for a New greater contributions to peace and confidence in him to lead China in Era, the Chinese people are marching development in the Northeast Asian realizing the two centenary goals and firmly and unswervingly towards the region and the world at large. Moon the Chinese Dream. Abdulla Yameen goal of realizing the Chinese Dream Jae-in really appreciated that Xi Abdul Gayoom believed that under of the great rejuvenation of the Jinping sent special envoys to attend the wise leadership of Xi Jinping, Chinese nation. He wished that the the opening and closing ceremonies China will make greater development Chinese people will enjoy lasting o f t h e P y e o n g ch a n g W i n t e r achievements, and bring more peace and prosperity, and that Olympics, making it a grand event of opportunities for various countries in Belarus-China friendly relations will peace and harmony for the Korean the world to realize common continuously keep moving forward. Peninsula, the Northeast Asia and development. even for the people in the whole President Giorgi Margvelashvili world. This year marks the 10th President Abdul Hamid of of Georgia expressed that Xi anniversary of the establishment of Bangladesh expressed that under Xi Jinping’s brilliant leadership will ROK-China strategic cooperative Jinping’s leadership, China’s great certainly bring greater development partnership. Moon Jae-in expressed cause of promoting the building of a and create more well-being for the the willingness to make joint efforts community with a shared future for Chinese nation. It is believed that with Xi Jinping to open up the first mankind has achieved significant Georgia-China traditional friendship year for bilateral relations to move achievements. He deeply believed that and cooperation will be further towards maturity and enter a new era. Bangladesh-China relations will be deepened. consolidated and deepened. Emperor Akihito of Japan P r e s i d e n t P a u l B i y a o f expressed that on the occasion of Xi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Cameroon wished Xi Jinping a full Jinping’s election as President of Bangladesh stated that under Xi success in the process of fulfilling China, he would like to extend sincere Jinping’s wise and visionar y this noble mission. He expressed the congratulations. Emperor Akihito leadership, China has achieved willingness to work with Xi Jinping to wished Xi Jinping good health and remarkable achievements. Bangladesh strengthen the existing and special China prosperity. expects to strengthen Bangladesh- friendly cooperative relations China cooperation in various fields. between the two countries. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan expressed that 2018 marks the President President Hage Geingob of 40th anniversary of the signing of of noted that Xi Jinping’s Namibia stated that under Xi Japan-China Treaty of Peace and election has fully demonstrated the Jinping’s leadership, China’s economy Friendship, as well as the 40th Chinese people’s high affirmation of and society develop rapidly and the anniversary for China to carry out the Xi Jinping’s great contributions to national construction has achieved reform and opening up policy. Over safeguarding national interests. Under remarkable progress that has amazed the past 40 years, China has achieved Xi Jinping’s wise leadership, China will the world. China has embarked on remarkable development, and the two be bound to constantly make new and the journey of building a great countries have extensively conducted greater achievements in the process modern socialist country that is cooperation. Shinzo Abe hoped to of building a moderately prosperous prosperous, strong, democratic, take this year as an opportunity to society in all respects. It is believed culturally advanced, harmonious, and push forward Japan-China relations that under the joint efforts of both beautiful. for further improvement and elevate s i d e s , K a z a k h s t a n - C h i n a it to new development stages. comprehensive strategic partnership President Muhammadu Buhari will continue maintaining high-level of Nigeria said that Xi Jinping’s President Abdulla Yameen Abdul development. election has fully reflected that the Gayoom of Maldives expressed that Chinese people fully trust and are Xi Jinping’s election is the full President Alexander Lukashenko fully confident about Xi Jinping’s recognition of the great development of Belarus said that under Xi Jinping’s vision and wisdom displayed in

News From China March 2018 35 External Affairs domestic and international affairs. He President Mahmoud Abbas of realize the Chinese Dream of the believed the Beijing Summit of the the State of Palestine expressed that great rejuvenation, and that China’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Xi Jinping’s successful election rejuvenation surely will be conducive this September will achieve a great manifests that the Chinese people and to safeguarding world peace and success, thus elevating the partnership the CPC are full of confidence in Xi stability and benefiting people of all between Africa and China to new Jinping’s brilliant leadership and countries in the world. stages. grand planning for the future. It is believed that Xi Jinping will lead the Governor-General Rodney President Emmerson Dambudzo Chinese nation to achieve great Williams of Antigua and Barbuda Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe expressed r e j u v e n a t i o n a n d p r o m o t e expressed that Xi Jinping is a leader that Xi Jinping, as a leader with international peace and justice. with tremendous charisma and integrity and courage to assume outstanding talent. He wished that responsibilities, has won the President Alexander Van der China will make greater development wholehearted support of the Chinese Bellen of Austria said that Xi Jinping achievements under Xi Jinping’s people, who have expressed their s h o u l d e r s h e a v y a n d l o f t y leadership. confidence in Xi Jinping with their responsibilities in the position of concrete actions. It is believed that President. China has scored great In addition, Secretary General under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the PRC achievements beyond imagination Rashid Alimov of the Shanghai w i l l c e r t a i n l y b e c o m e m o r e since its implementation of reform Cooperation Organization (SCO) prosperous and strong. and opening-up. There is no other expressed in his message that today’s country in the world that could China has played an increasingly President Ibrahim Boubacar achieve such remarkable development important role on the world stage. Keita of Mali said that Xi Jinping’s in such a short period of time. He The “Belt and Road” initiative and election as Chinese President by the wished that China will continue the concept of “a community with a National People’s Congress of China forging ahead on the path of success shared future for mankind” proposed is the full recognition of Xi Jinping’s under Xi Jinping’s leadership. by Xi Jinping are spoken highly of e xc e l l e n t c a p a b i l i t y i n s t a t e and well received by the international governance and administration and President Aleksandar Vucic of community. He firmly believed that of his noble virtue of serving the Serbia expressed that the CPC is a the SCO Qingdao Summit to be held people. He expressed the willingness political party with courage and this June will certainly achieve fruitful to work together with Xi Jinping to responsibility. He spoke highly of Xi results. continue making unremitting efforts Jinping’s decisiveness, boldness and to strengthen Mali-China friendly commitment. He firmly believed that cooperative relations. the Chinese people will certainly LI KEQIANG MEETS WITH KING TUPOU VI OF TONGA On the afternoon of March 1, in the region of the Pacific Island anniversary of the establishment of 2018, Premier Li Keqiang met at the countries. President Xi Jinping and diplomatic relations between China Great Hall of the People with King Your Majesty held fruitful talks, and Tonga as an opportunity to Tupou VI of Tonga, who was in v i g o r o u s l y p r o m o t i n g t h e consolidate political mutual trust, China for a state visit. development of bilateral relations. better integrate the “Belt and Road” China appreciates Tonga’s firm initiative with Tonga’s development Li Keqiang expressed that Tonga adherence to the one-China policy, s t r a t e g i e s, e x p a n d p r a c t i c a l is a good friend and partner of China and stands ready to take the 20th cooperation in various fields and

36 News From China March 2018 External Affairs

enhance people-to-people and L i Ke q i a n g e x t e n d e d h i s development since the establishment cultural exchang es, so as to condolences over the severe cyclone of diplomatic relations 20 years ago. constantly elevate bilateral relations disaster in Tonga not long ago, Tonga unswervingly adheres to the to new highs. China supports Tonga believed that the Tongan people can one-China policy and stands ready to in the construction of major overcome difficulties and rebuild their continuously deepen political mutual production projects, infrastructure homes, and reaffirmed that China is trust between the two sides, expand and projects related to people’s willing to provide assistance within its economic and trade cooperation as livelihood. China is ready to carry out capability. well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges on agricultural technology e x c h a n g e s, a n d s t r e n g t h e n with Tonga, and also welcomes King Tupou VI expressed that cooperation in such fields as Tonga’s high-quality agricultural and although Tonga and China are far away education, infrastructure, agriculture fishery products to enter the Chinese from each other, yet bilateral relations and food, in a bid to better realize market. enjoy sustained, stable and sound mutual benefit and win-win results.

News From China March 2018 37 External Affairs FOREIGN MINISTER WANG YI MEETS THE PRESS

On 8 March 2018, the First Thank you! Now I am ready to take at its core since the 18th Party Session of the Thirteenth National your questions. Congress, we have traveled on a road People’s Congress held a press of major-country diplomacy that conference. Foreign Minister Wang Yi People’s Daily: Since the 18th reflects China’s distinct vision, style answered questions on China’s N a t i o n a l C o n g r e s s o f t h e and values. Producing historic foreign policy and external relations. Communist Party of China, China accomplishments, our diplomatic has made unprecedented progress efforts have been instrumental to Wang Yi: Dear members of the in its foreign relations, which is upholding national sovereignty and press, good morning. At the outset, I widely praised across the country. interests, and to facilitating domestic wish to extend festive greetings to all Following the 19th Party Congress, reform and development. Last women, particularly the female what will be the highlights of October, General Secretary Xi journalists in this room. I also wish to China’s diplomatic agenda this Jinping emphasized in his report to thank the press, Chinese and foreign, year? the 19th Party Congress that China for having shown understanding and will work with other countries to support for China’s foreign policy and Wang Yi: Under the outstanding foster a new type of international external relations. Everything we have leadership of the CPC Central relations and to build a global accomplished, you have played a part. Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping community with a shared future. This

38 News From China March 2018 External Affairs is the aim of China’s major-country will take place in Shanghai this two Koreas. To return the Peninsula diplomacy in the new era. November and focus on further to peace and stability and the nuclear market opening. China will embrace issue to the track of dialogue, these The year 2018 kicks off efforts to the world with open arms and initial steps must be followed up by implement the decisions of the 19th enormous market potential. All will corresponding and concerted efforts Party Congress. Guided by Xi Jinping be welcome to access and benefit by the parties. To this end, we call on Thought on Socialism with Chinese from the new opportunities of the parties, particularly the US and Characteristics for a New Era, we in China’s development. the DPRK, to engage in dialogue the diplomatic service will take new sooner rather than later. We steps and make new strides. The main China’s diplomatic agenda for encourage all to follow the dual-track highlights of China’s diplomatic 2018 are unfolding even as we speak. approach of remaining committed to calendar will include the following In the new era, we will work even the goal of denuclearization and four events we are going to host: harder to see that China will enjoy a working actively to establish a peace better environment for development mechanism on the Peninsula. The First, the Boao Forum for Asia and make greater contributions to parties’ legitimate security concerns, Annual Conference, which will take human progress. including those of the DPRK, can be place in Hainan this April and focus   addressed in exchange for and in on reform and opening-up. In this : What role does China tandem with progress towards 40th anniversary year of reform and have to facilitate direct talks denuclearization. This is China’s opening-up, we will review China’s between North Korea and the long-standing position and also the successful experience and sketch new United States? Does China believe vision set forth in the relevant possibilities for reform and opening- that the US needs to withdraw its Security Council resolutions. up in the new era. military forces in South Korea? Of course, it takes more than one S e c o n d , t h e S h a n g h a i Wang Yi: This is the hottest topic cold day to freeze three feet of ice. Cooperation Organization Summit, right now. Seizing the opportunity of Despite light at the end of the tunnel, which will take place in Qingdao this the PyeongChang Olympics, the the journey ahead won’t be smooth. June and focus on revitalizing the DPRK and the ROK have had a History has reminded us time and Shanghai Spirit. The expanded SCO succession of interactions and again that whenever tensions will rededicate itself to the Shanghai achieved a rapid thaw in their subsided on the Peninsula, the Spirit of mutual trust and benefit, relations, reversing the long-standing situation would be clouded by various equal-footed consultation, respect for chill on the Korean Peninsula. The interferences. Now is a crucial diversity of civilizations and pursuit recent developments may seem moment for testing the sincerity of of common development. The baffling to some people, but are the parties. Every effort must be summit will set the SCO on a new actually within the bounds of reason. made for peace, and the opportunity journey of consolidation and growth. During the Winter Games, the DPRK must be seized. It falls to all parties to did not conduct any nuclear or missile bear in mind the imperative of peace Third, the Forum on China- test and the US and the ROK and the well-being of people in the Africa Cooperation Summit, which suspended their joint exercises region. All must demonstrate political will take place in Beijing this targeting the DPRK. This proves that courage and make a political decision September and focus on the Belt and China’s “suspension for suspension” to expeditiously carry out all Road Initiative. A great opportunity proposal was the right prescription necessary and useful engagements, for our African brothers and sisters to for the problem and created basic both bilateral and plurilateral, and to participate fully in the BRI, the conditions for the improvement of do their best to restart dialogue and Summit will give new impetus to the inter-Korean relations. neg otiation for the peaceful China-Africa comprehensive strategic settlement of the nuclear issue. China partnership. The Korean Peninsula issue has will continue to make unremitting finally taken an important step in the efforts for this outcome. F o u r t h , t h e f i r s t C h i n a right direction. China fully commends  International Import Expo, which and supports the efforts made by the China Central Television: In

News From China March 2018 39 External Affairs

the last five years, President Xi has of state. These important visits and China and the welfare of the world. It been fully engaged in China’s meetings go a long way towards will write a whole new chapter of foreign policy. His personal deepening the world’s understanding major-country diplomacy with diplomacy has enhanced China’s of China, enhancing China’s profile Chinese characteristics in the new standing and inter national and influence, and facilitating the era. influence like never before. How solution of many global problems.   do you see the role and impact of President Xi’s leadership and Bloomberg: The US says it the diplomacy conducted by charisma has earned him – and his will use all available tools to President Xi as head of state? country – many good friends among prevent China from undermining foreign leaders who represent a international competition. Will Wa n g Y i : H e a d - o f - s t a t e diverse range of cultures and social China respond in kind? diplomacy as the highest form of systems. state-to-state interaction plays a Wang Yi: Let me first reiterate pivotal role and has irreplaceable In the year ahead, President Xi China’s policy towards the United strategic value. Since 2012, President will host the four diplomatic events I States. China and the US are agreed Xi Jinping has been the chief architect mentioned earlier, and he will also that we share broad interests and of China’s distinctive major-country attend the BRICS Summit in South important responsibilities for global diplomacy. He was personally Africa, the APEC Economic Leaders’ peace, stability and prosperity. Our involved in the planning and conduct Meeting in Papua New Guinea and two countries are to carry out broad- of head-of-state diplomacy, which by the G20 Summit in Argentina. We based cooperation on the basis of all accounts has been brilliant. To date, believe that President Xi’s personal mutual benefit, manag e our President Xi has visited 57 countries diplomacy will make a positive and differences on the basis of mutual in different parts of the world and responsible contribution to the well- r e s p e c t , d e e p e n m u t u a l received more than 110 foreign heads being of his people, the interests of understanding and friendship

40 News From China March 2018 External Affairs between our people, and work combine our strengths and pursue Chinese approach. There are things together to address major regional win-win cooperation on the basis of we will do and there are things we and global challenges. We ought to the three joint communiqués and our won’t do. Put simply, our approach is work for the sustained, healthy and common understandings. China-US at once peaceful, justifiable and steady growth of our relations. relations have gone through a lot in constructive. First, we prefer a the past few decades, but dialogue and political settlement of disputes cooperation has always carried the through dialogue and negotiation, Cooperation is the main thrust of day. It is the wise thing to do; there can and firmly reject the use of force. China-US relations. Our people enjoy be no alternative. Second, we respect other countries’ close and extensive exchanges. sovereignty and wish, and never According to the latest Gallup poll, As for our trade frictions, history meddle in their internal affairs. more than 50 percent of Americans teaches that trade war is never the Indeed, we firmly reject imposing have a favorable view of China, the right solution. In a globalized world, it one’s own view on others. Third, we highest rate in nearly three decades. I is particularly unhelpful, as it will do our best to be fair and objective hope people will pay more attention harm the initiator as well as the target and proceed from the merits of the to such positive things. As the largest country. In the event of a trade war, matter. We firmly reject pursuing developing country and developed China will make a justified and private ends. Our approach is rooted country, China and America working necessary response. The bottom line in traditional Chinese culture and our together will benefit not just our own is, as the world’s largest economies, successful diplomatic practice. In countries, but also the whole world. If China’s and America’s interests are keeping with the purposes and there is any competition between us, deeply entwined. We must bear in principles of the UN Charter, it which is natural, it has to be healthy mind not just the interests of our own shows the right way and provides a a n d p o s i t i v e . We m a y h a v e people, but also the well-being of the good example for resolving conflicts competition, but we don’t have to be world. When all is said and done, we and challenges in the world. rivals. Instead, we should strive to be hope China and America will have a partners. calm and constructive dialogue as R I A N o vo s t i : R u s s i a ’ s equals, and find a win-win solution. presidential election is scheduled China is determined to stay on the for 18 March. What do you think path it has chosen, and China’s China Daily: We hear a view the result is going to be? How development and revitalization is that China has abandoned its long- does China view the prospects of unstoppable. This is the consensus of s t a n d i n g p o l i c y o f n o n - China-Russia relations? the international community. Some interference in favor of a more Americans allege that China will interventionist approach. Are we Wang Yi: The presidential replace America’s role in the world. seeing a new trend in China’s election is of vital importance to T his strategic conclusion is foreign policy? Russia and its people. We note that fundamentally wrong. China is on the President Putin has overseen path of socialism with distinctive Wang Yi: As a permanent important strides in Russia’s Chinese characteristics. Its success is member of the UN Security Council, development and he has strong underpinned by its commitment to China takes seriously its responsibility support from his people. We trust the peaceful development and win-win for maintaining international peace. Russian people will again make the cooperation. China’s path is Even in the 1950s, we made an right choice and advance steadily completely different from that of important contribution to the towards national revitalization. The traditional powers and, as such, is peaceful settlement of the Indochina Russian people are resilient, commended and welcomed by a issue. Today, China is in a much better principled and resistant to pressure. growing number of countries. The position to help resolve various Our best wishes for Russia and the truth is, the more China develops, the regional and international issues. We Russian people! more contribution it can make to the are ready to play our part; indeed, the world. China is on a long march to world expects no less from us. modernization. It has no need or We have great confidence in the intention to displace America. China In helping to settle various future of China-Russia relations. Our and America must respect each other, flashpoints, we follow a distinctly confidence comes from the strong

News From China March 2018 41 External Affairs

friendship and trust between our future. However, some in the and the Eurozone combined. China presidents, which is fundamental to world are again trying to paint accounts for more than 70 percent of t h e f u r t h e r g r o w t h o f o u r China as a threat. How would you poverty reduction worldwide, a relationship. It also comes from the counter this claim? miracle in human history. As the deepening of our cooperation in so largest source of peacekeeping many fields, our firm support for each Wang Yi: For decades, the West personnel among the permanent other’s core interests, our close has made all kinds of assessments and members of the Security Council and coordination on international affairs predictions about China. To some the second largest contributor to the and the growing exchanges between We s t e r n e r s, C h i n a i s e i t h e r UN peacekeeping budget, China is our two societies. In short, the China- “collapsing” or “threatening”. As bearing a weighty responsibility for Russia comprehensive strategic China continues to grow, the first maintaining world peace. Not to partnership of coordination is as theory has collapsed and become an mention that in the last five years, unshakable as a mountain. I ask you to inter national laughing stock. with its Belt and Road Initiative and convey this to our friends in Russia: Meanwhile, proponents of the other major proposals, China has the sky is the limit for Sino-Russian second theory have conjured up new come to the fore in championing cooperation, and we must continue to versions, which find dwindling global governance, free trade and an make the relationship even better than support because facts speak louder open global economy. it already is. than words.  From these solid facts, those who G l o b a l T i m e s : C h i n a ’ s What are the facts? For years, do not have bias or practice double influence has been on the rise China has been the leading engine of standards will see in China not a across the board. The 19th Party global growth. At more than 30 threat, but plenty of opportunities. Congress gives Chinese people percent, China’s annual contribution It’s time the “China threat theory” greater expectations about their is bigger than that of America, Japan was laid to rest.

42 News From China March 2018 External Affairs

Kazinform: Since its launch the city in which the steel mill is Wang Yi: China still being a five years ago, the Belt and Road located. In Greece, a Chinese group developing country, facilitating Initiative has made a lot of took over the operation of its largest domestic development is part and p r o g r e s s . H o w e v e r, s o m e seaport, ramped up the container parcel of major-country diplomacy Westerners seem to harbor doubts volume and put it back in the same with Chinese characteristics. Keeping about its transparency and league as Europe’s largest ports. China in mind our new mission and what is conformity with international is also partnering with France to build expected of us, the Ministry of rules. What is China’s response? a nuclear power plant in the UK, a Foreign Affairs will implement the stellar example of high-tech decisions of the central leadership Wang Yi: The Belt and Road is a cooperation under the BRI. and be more active in facilitating transparent initiative launched by domestic development. China. It follows the “golden rule” of As a global public good, the BRI extensive consultation, joint of course abides by international We will adapt to the new contribution and shared benefits. Belt rules. As a platform for international l a n d s c a p e o f h i g h - q u a l i t y and Road cooperation aims to be cooperation, it naturally follows development to create a more equal-footed, inclusive and beneficial market principles. T he joint favorable environment for external t o a l l . T h e p l a n n i n g a n d communiqué of last year’s forum cooperation, including “bringing in” implementation of BRI projects have committed to this and emphasized the and “going global”, and for domestic been discussed by the participants in importance of economic, social, fiscal development. the open. No country is dominating and environmental sustainability of the process; all parties have an equal projects. We sincerely ask for ideas We will tackle the new challenges say. There is no back-room deal; from all parties, so that we will presented by the evolution of the everything is transparent. There is no together make a success of the Belt principal contradiction facing “winner takes all”; every project and Road Initiative. Our goal is not Chinese society. To tell China’s stories delivers win-win results. only to strengthen the physical in a more compelling way, we will connectivity of infrastructure, but both upgrade the presentation of Last May, the representatives of also to improve the institutional Chinese provinces and launch a new more than 140 countries participated connectivity of policies, rules and series on the major initiatives of in the Belt and Road Forum for standards. BRI projects must be high- reform and opening-up. For example, International Cooperation. The standard as well as results-oriented, later this year we will host an event to turnout is a clear vote of confidence high-quality as well as economically present the Xiongan New Area to the from the international community. To viable, beneficial to the world as well world. In addition, the MFA has been date, more than 80 countries and as to China. and will continue to be fully engaged international organizations have   in poverty alleviation and do its bit for signed BRI agreements with China. A Beijing TV: Pr emier Li winning the nationwide battle against large number of BRI projects are well Keqiang emphasized in his poverty. underway and adding needed government work report that 2018 momentum to the economic and will kick off efforts to put the We w i l l m e e t t h e n e w social development of our partner decisions of the 19th Party requirements and leverage our countries. For example, China is Congress into action. It is the 40th diplomatic and consular assets across building over a dozen power stations anniver sar y of refor m and the globe to facilitate the Belt and for Pakistan, the largest of which is opening-up, and a crucial year for Road Initiative and protect China’s supplying electricity to tens of securing a decisive victory in overseas interests. millions of Pakistanis. When all of e s t ab l i s h i n g a m o d e r a t e l y them are completed, power cuts and prosperous society in all respects All in all, in advancing major- shortages will be a thing of the past in and for implementing the 13th country diplomacy with Chinese Pakistan. In Serbia, a Chinese Five-Year Plan. What will the characteristics in the new era, we aim enterprise bought a troubled steel mill Ministry of Foreign Affairs do in to be not just the pacesetter of and turned it around in less than a 2 0 1 8 t o f a c i l i t a t e C h i n a ’ s China’s international engagement, year, both saving more than 5,000 development goals? but also a solid contributor to local jobs and helping to re-energize domestic development.

News From China March 2018 43 External Affairs

The Paper: This year marks building, and conclude the Regional region. the 15th anniversar y of the C o m p r e h e n s i v e E c o n o m i c strategic partnership between Partnership as soon as possible. It is useful to heed the wisdom of China and ASEAN. How will a Chinese verse, “Green hills cannot C h i n a t a k e f o r w a r d t h e The Straits Times: The South stop the river flowing; to the vast relationship? China Sea is calm now, but there ocean it keeps advancing.” In the year are still concerns over reports of ahead, China will work with ASEAN Wang Yi: As we celebrate the China’s continuing militarization countries to seize the opportunity, 15th anniversary, 2018 is of particular of its islands in the South China broaden cooperation, prevent importance for the future of China- Sea. Are the talks with ASEAN i n t e r f e r e n c e a n d o ve r c o m e ASEAN strategic partnership. countries for a code of conduct challenges. Cherishing what we have likely to be completed this year? worked so hard to achieve, China and The last 15 years have seen China- ASEAN countries will speed up the ASEAN cooperation go from Wang Yi: When it comes to COC consultation, actively explore a strength to strength and bear rich maintaining peace and stability in the mechanism of cooperation among fruits. For nine years running, China South China Sea, China’s resolve is as the coastal states, and promote peace has been ASEAN’s largest trading strong as its commitment is deep. and cooperation in the South China partner. Last year, our trade exceeded China’s approach to the South China Sea. 500 billion dollars and two-way visits Sea issue is a responsible one that totaled 40 million, all of which takes into account the interests of the China Global Television brought real benefits to our combined Chinese people, the facts of history, Network: In 2018, for the very first population of nearly 2 billion. Indeed, the imperative of regional peace and time in 12 years, the Forum on China-ASEAN cooperation is the the international rule of law. This China-Africa Cooperation will most successful and dynamic in the position is firm and consistent. once again be hosted by China. Asian-Pacific region. What outcome do you expect from With situation in the South China that summit? I am also wondering In the year ahead, we will Sea turning for the better, China and how China stays true to its policy continue to give the highest priority to ASEAN countries face a golden on honesty and amicability cooperation with ASEAN, upgrade opportunity. We all agree to develop a towards Africa in the new era? our strategic partnership and build a code of conduct in the South China more close-knit community of shared Sea to preser ve its hard-won Wang Yi: General Secretary Xi destiny. We have three priorities. First, tranquility. Last week, our officials Jinping once made a powerful we will work out a new blueprint of h e l d a n i n a u g u r a l r o u n d o f statement: “China and Africa are cooperation. The proposed China- consultation on the COC text and friends tested by adversity. Such ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision made encouraging progress. At least friends must never be forgotten.” So 2030 will lead to better coordination three more rounds have been be assured: no matter how the world between the Belt and Road Initiative envisaged for the remainder of this may change or what others may say, and ASEAN’s development plans. year. China and ASEAN countries are the profound friendship between Second, we will foster new highlights willing and able to draft regional rules China and Africa will remain of cooperation. Cooperation will be on our own, rules which will meet our unbreakable, and China’s promise of broadened in the political and region’s imperatives and be adhered to sincerity, real results, friendship and security, economic and trade, and by all. good faith will remain true. social and people-to-people areas, with more projects and outcomes in There are also challenges in the As Africa’s brother and partner, the pipeline. Third, we will forge new South China Sea. Some outside forces China will always attach particular platforms of cooperation. Efforts are not happy with the prevailing calm importance to the needs and interests will be made to build a Lancang- and try to stir up trouble and muddle of African countries. Africa’s Mekong economic development belt, the waters. Their frequent show of concerns are China’s concerns, and establish a cooperation framework force with fully-armed aircraft and its priorities are China’s priorities. with the East ASEAN Growth Area, naval vessels is the most destabilizing Africa faces the twin challenges of suppor t ASEAN community- factor for peace and stability in our maintaining peace and security and

44 News From China March 2018 External Affairs of promoting development and terms with China’s development and and their action will match their revitalization. In response to its needs, welcomes it, China will be willing to rhetoric. Nowadays, stoking a new China will step up mediation in act in the same spirit and work with Cold War is out of sync with the times regional flashpoints. China will also Japan to put our relationship back on and inciting block confrontation will enhance cooperation with African the track of healthy and steady find no market. countries on unconventional security growth.   threats such as terrorism, piracy and : Last year natural disaster, and help them build Forty years ago, China and Japan has been a very difficult one in capacity for ensuring their own peace signed the Treaty of Peace and India-China relations. How do and security. Friendship. It codified the political you see India-China relations principles agreed in negotiating the shaping up this year? In our new endeavor to build a normalization of Sino-Japanese global community with a shared relations, including handling history Wang Yi: Despite some tests future, Africa is an indispensable correctly and following the one-China and difficulties, the China-India partner. China welcomes our African policy. The treaty also enshrined our relationship continues to grow. In the brothers and sisters to continue their joint desire to live in peace and process, China has both upheld its ride on China’s fast train of friendship forever. As a saying goes, legitimate rights and interests and development. The FOCAC summit never forget why you started, and you t a k e n c a r e t o p r e s e r ve t h e scheduled for September will bring can accomplish your mission. Forty relationship. Chinese and Indian together Chinese and African leaders years on, at another crucial juncture leaders have developed a strategic again, 12 years after their last of history, we hope Japan will have vision for the future of our relations: gathering in Beijing. They will discuss p o l i t i c a l c r e d i b i l i t y a n d a c t the Chinese “dragon” and the Indian China-Africa cooperation in the new accordingly to cement the political “elephant” must not fight each other, era and focus on jointly advancing the foundation of our relations and give but dance with each other. In that Belt and Road Initiative and turning effect to the political understanding case, one plus one will equal not only China and Africa into a community that “China and Japan see each other two, but also eleven. with a shared future. By aligning the as partners, not threats”. I am hopeful Belt and Road Initiative with the UN’s that with the steady improvement of The international situation is 2030 Agenda, the AU’s Agenda 2063 our relations, high-level visits will experiencing its biggest change in a and the development strategies of naturally come about, and peace and century. More and more far-sighted individual African countries, we will friendship will again be the dominant people have come to realize that as g i ve w i n g s t o C h i n a - A f r i c a theme of China-Japan relations. the largest two developing countries cooperation to help it soar to greater become modernized – each with a heights. Phoenix TV: What is China’s population of more than one billion  v i e w o n t h e “ I n d o - Pa c i f i c – China and India must do everything : This year marks strategy” pursued by the US, to empathize with and support each the 40th anniversary of the China- Japan, India and Australia? Do you other and to avoid mutual suspicion Japan Treaty of Peace and see it as an attempt to “contain” and attrition. In this sense, mutual Friendship. Will we see an China? trust is the most precious commodity exchange of visits between in China-India relations. With Chinese and Japanese leaders? Wang Yi: It seems there is never a political trust, not even the Himalayas How do you see the future of shortage of headline-grabbing ideas. can stop us from strengthening China-Japan relations? They are like the sea foam in the friendly exchanges; without it, not Pacific or Indian Ocean: they may get even level land can bring us together. Wang Yi: In the recent period, some attention, but soon will Let me put this to our Indian friends: Japan has adopted a clearer and more dissipate. Contrary to the claim made our shared understandings far positive policy towards China, by some academics and media outlets outstrip our differences and our resulting in a precious improvement that the “Indo-Pacific strategy” aims common interests far outweigh our of relations. China welcomes this. If to contain China, the four countries’ frictions. China is willing and ready to Japan does not prevaricate, flip-flop official position is that it targets no inherit and take forward our or backpedal, and instead comes to one. I hope they mean what they say traditional friendship and be a friend

News From China March 2018 45 External Affairs and partner of the Indian people. I 15th anniversary of the China-EU conference. Indeed, it potentially hope the two sides will be free from comprehensive strategic partnership. concerns the interests and well-being mental inhibitions and meet each The year started with President of every Chinese and their family. other halfway. Let us replace Macron paying a state visit to China Making a good job of it is the suspicion with tr ust, manage and Sino-French relations in excellent unshirkable responsibility of the differences through dialogue, and shape. Then the visit of Prime foreign service. build a future through cooperation. Minister May kicked off efforts by China and the UK to upgrade their Last year, as many as 130 million China Radio International: “Golden Era” of relations. We hope mainlanders traveled overseas. Given The 11 countries that make up the at the end of the year, China-EU the growing magnitude of their Comprehensive and Progressive relations will be as strong as we have consular needs, we adopted a people- Agreement for Trans-Pacific started it. We hope France will make a centered approach and built a system Partnership are expected to sign it substantial contribution to the for ensuring their safety which today, and the CPTPP may take f u r t h e r a n c e o f C h i n a - E U consists of six pillars, namely, legal effect next year at the earliest. cooperation. Global governance has provisions, institution building, risk What is your thought on this? emerged as a new dimension of such assessment, early warning, awareness cooperation, China and the EU have a raising and emergency response. In Wang Yi: China is not a party to joint responsibility to safeguard the 2017, the MFA handled more than the CPTPP. However, China has been global free trade system, and 70,000 cases of consular assistance a s t r o n g a d vo c a t e o f t r a d e negotiation needs to be speeded up to and protection, including evacuating liberalization and a key player of Asia- conclude a China-EU investment Chinese tourists stranded by the Pacific cooperation and economic agreement. erupting volcano on Bali, Indonesia integration. In 2014, China persuaded and getting our nationals to safety APEC economies to kick off in T h e r e a r e a l s o s o m e from hurricane-ravaged Dominica. Beijing the process of establishing a disagreements between China and the The 12308 consular hotline handled Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. EU. But both sides have realized the 170,000 calls, 100,000 more than in China has also been working actively need to put oneself in the other’s 2016. Prevention is the best for the conclusion of the Regional shoes and to be more open, tolerant protection. Last year, the MFA issued C o m p r e h e n s i v e E c o n o m i c and understanding of each other. more than 1,000 travel advisories, Partnership, a free trade pact that will China has always appreciated the which significantly reduced our cover more populations and involve importance of Europe. We support citizens’ risk exposure even before more diverse economies than any European integration and have they traveled abroad. similar initiative. China is positive confidence in Europe’s future. Given about any open, transparent and all the uncertainty around us, China is As China develops and interacts inclusive arrangement that reinforces ready to partner with Europe to more with the world, the social regional economic integration and a provide more stability and make the etiquette and civility of its citizens are WTO-centered global free trade world a better place. being enhanced. Nowadays they are system, be it RCEP or CPTPP. We more inclined to protect China’s hope to see better communication, China News Service: Chinese reputation as well as their own rights. coordination and interaction between people are speaking favorably of This new awareness has made our job the various free trade initiatives in our the consular assistance and easier. region, so that they may complement protection they are getting, but one another, help resist trade they also expect more to be done. In 2018, we will further improve protectionism and contribute to a At the same time, there are appeals the system for ensuring the safety of more open global economy. for a more rational understanding Chinese nationals abroad. Here I  of consular service. What is your have three pieces of good news for Radio France: Do you think view? you: France could give a new direction to China-EU relations? Wang Yi: Consular assistance First, the MFA is working on and protection seems to be a must- draft legislation on consular Wang Yi: This year will mark the have question at my annual press protection and assistance. Public

46 News From China March 2018 External Affairs consultation will begin after the close China will work with other members choice in line with the tide of history of the NPC and CPPCC sessions. We t o p r o m o t e i t s a l l - r o u n d to establish diplomatic relations and welcome your input and suggestions. development, including developing a carry out regular cooperation with f i v e - y e a r o u t l i n e f o r t h e the government of the People’s Second, in addition to a dedicated implementation of the Treaty on Republic of China, the sole legal website, the WeChat version of 12308 Long-term Good-neighborliness, representative of the whole of China. and the “China Consular Affairs” Friendship and Cooperation, Such a choice would best serve the account on Weibo, we will soon concluding or ratifying a number of immediate and long-term interests of launch the 12308 smartphone app to resolutions or documents concerning the countries and peoples in question. make consular ser vices more o u r s e c u r i t y , e c o n o m i c , Of course it is the trend of the future, accessible to the people. e n v i r o n m e n t a l a n d c u l t u r a l and no one can stop it. cooperation, and advancing Belt and Third, as from tomorrow, our Road projects in SCO member states. The key to unlocking the cross- diplomatic and consular missions Straits stalemate lies in recognizing around the world will slash consular Third, making the SCO more t h e 1 9 9 2 C o n s e n s u s a n d legalization fees by as much as two- influential. Our Organization has a acknowledging that the two sides of thirds. The fee reduction is expected bounden duty to maintain peace and the Taiwan Straits belong to one and to save Chinese citizens and stability in our region and beyond. the same China. The party that has businesses more than 10 million yuan China will work with other members locked the door must unlock it. The every year. to help it meet international Taiwan authorities should return to expectations, take a clearer stand on the 1992 Consensus as soon as TASS: What does China hope major international and regional possible. This correct move will usher to accomplish at the Qingdao issues, and play a more active role in in a bright future for the peaceful Summit it will host? regional cooperation and global development of cross-Straits economic governance. relations. Wa n g Y i : T h e S h a n g h a i Cooperation Organization was born To sum up, we will make the Agencia EFE: The United in China, and the Qingdao Summit Qingdao Summit a new milestone in States warned Latin American will be the first one after the SCO the development of the SCO and countries about the growing admitted new members. We welcome launch this new type of regional Chinese influence in the region. the SCO back to China and expect it organization into a new era. What is your response? to embark on a new journey in Qingdao. China looks forward to C h i n a R e v i e w N e w s : Wang Yi: China and Latin working with other members to Following the example of Gambia American countries are helping and achieve three goals at the summit: as well as São Tomé and Príncipe, supporting each other as fellow Panama decided last year to switch d e v e l o p i n g c o u n t r i e s. O u r First, making the SCO more diplomatic relations from to cooperation does not target or seek to cohesive. The Shanghai Spirit of Beijing. Will Taiwan face “an replace anyone, and China is not mutual trust, mutual benefit and avalanche of ruptured diplomatic going to move anyone’s “cheese”, so e q u a l - f o o t e d c o n s u l t a t i o n ties”, as its media have feared? to speak. China’s cooperation with encapsulates the founding principle the region has grown rapidly because of our Organization. China will work Wang Yi: There is only one it suits its needs, improves lives there with other members to uphold this China in the world and Taiwan is an and boosts its capacity for self-driven spirit, enhance trust and solidarity, inseparable part of China. This has growth. During the last five years, and build a more close-knit SCO b e e n t h e c o n s e n s u s o f t h e President Xi has visited Latin community of shared future. international community for decades. America and the Caribbean three Adhering to the one-China principle times, taking in ten countries. Our Second, making the SCO more and not having official ties with cooperation has deepened, expanded effective. Our organization is driven Taiwan has become a generally and moved up the value chain. China by results-oriented, efficient and observed norm in international has become a key trading partner for mutually beneficial cooperation. relations. It is obviously a correct many in the hemisphere. Chinese

News From China March 2018 47 External Affairs businesses and investors have created To m a k e n e w a n d g r e a t e r countries achieve better growth. more than 1.8 million local jobs. The contributions for humanity is our Chinese saying “nothing, not even Party’s abiding mission. And we will play a more active mountains or oceans, can separate role. China will strive to meet growing those with a shared goal” aptly A committed and responsible international expectations and describes the state of our relations China will adopt a more visionary approach global governance on the with Latin America and the foreign policy. While securing an basis of extensive consultation, joint Caribbean. The vast Pacific Ocean enabling environment for its own contribution and shared benefits. binds us together, making us partners d e ve l o p m e n t , C h i n a w i l l b e China will be more active in helping in cooperation, whatever may stand concerned with the welfare of to reform and improve the global between us. humanity and partner with other governance system, find more countries to build a global community constructive ways to settle regional : In his of shared future. Our vision is to and international issues by political report to the 19th Party Congress, forge a new type of international means, and forge more effective General Secretary Xi called for relations that features mutual respect, partnerships to address various making all-round efforts in the fairness, justice and win-win global challenges. p u r s u i t o f m a j o r - c o u n t r y cooperation and to build an open, d i p l o m a c y w i t h C h i n e s e inclusive, clean and beautiful world An ancient Chinese classic characteristics, and for building a that enjoys lasting peace, universal teaches that “when justice prevails, new type of international relations security and common prosperity. the world will be one community”. and a global community with a We are determined to uphold our shared future. How do you We will have a broader mind. No country’s sovereignty and dignity. We envisage China’s distinctive matter what stage of development it are determined to be on the side of major-country diplomacy going reaches, China will stand for the international justice and human forward? equality of all countries, large or small, progress. We are determined to build and will respect different civilizations world peace, contribute to global Wang Yi: In his report to the and systems. China will put the greater p r o s p e r i t y a n d u p h o l d t h e 19th Party Congress, General good before its self-interest, and international order. Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that oppose the practice of the big and the Communist Party of China will strong bullying the small and weak. The press conference lasted two strive for both the well-being of the China will stand up for small and weak hours and was attended by nearly 600 Chinese people and human progress. countries, and help less developed Chinese and foreign journalists. WANG YI HOLDS TALKS WITH FOREIGN SECRETARY ALAN PETER CAYETANO OF THE PHILIPPINES On March 21, 2018, State China again and noted that Alan Peter entered the best period in recent Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Cayetano is the first visiting foreign years. This is what mutual exchanges Yi held talks at the Diaoyutai State minister after the establishment of should be like between the two Guesthouse in Beijing with visiting the new Chinese government, which neighboring countries, which Foreign Secretar y Alan Peter fully demonstrated the importance of conforms to the common interests Cayetano of the Philippines. China-Philippines relations. of both countries and the two peoples, and is in line with the Wang Yi welcomed Foreign Wang Yi said that the current development trend of the times and Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano to visit China-Philippines relations have the common aspiration of all

48 News From China March 2018 External Affairs

countries in the region. From 2016 to particularly worth mentioning that on the development of bilateral present, the high-level exchanges China-Philippines relations achieved relations. China welcomes President between the two countries have two “one million” last year. First, Rodrigo Duterte to participate in the become increasingly closer, and China imported one million tons of Boao Forum for Asia Annual political mutual trust has been tropical fruits from the Philippines. Conference next month in China and continuously strengthened, as well as Second, one million person-times believes his visit will further promote cooperation in various areas has been Chinese tourists traveled to the the development of bilateral fully restored and developed. The two Philippines. The two “one million” relations. sides have signed 40 cooperation have brought tangible benefits to the documents with cooperation two countries, especially to the people Wang Yi noted that the most potential being rapidly released. Last of the Philippines. The reason why important experience of China- year, the trade volume between China the relations between the two Philippines relations in recent years is and the Philippines exceeded 50 countries could achieve these results is to properly handle the South China billion US dollars, making China rise the correct and powerful leadership Sea issue through dialogue and up as the largest trading partner of the of the two heads of state in the first consultation, vigorously safeguard Philippines. China’s investment in the place. President Rodrigo Duterte has the overall situation of bilateral Philippines also increased by 67% reached a series of important relations and create a sound compared to the previous year. It is consensus with President Xi Jinping a t m o s p h e r e f o r e x p a n d i n g

News From China March 2018 49 China India Relations cooperation between the two dialogue and cooperation. Both sides Area, build a new platform for China- countries. Both sides agreed to will give full play to the role of the ASEAN cooperation, and support continue upholding and maintaining bilateral consultation mechanism on the construction of the ASEAN this point. In the next step, China and the South China Sea and the maritime community with more concrete the Philippines will focus on cooperation mechanism of coast measures. promoting the cooperation in guard to strengthen maritime following four aspects: dialogue, and actively and steadily Alan Peter Cayetano conveyed promote cooperation in offshore oil the congratulatory letter from The first is to promote the “Belt and gas exploration through equal and President Rodrigo Duterte to and Road” cooperation. China and friendly consultation, in a bid to turn President Xi Jinping and warmly the Philippines face each other across the South China Sea dispute from the cong ratulated China on the the sea, and the Philippines has always negative energy that hinders the successful convening of the “Two been an important stop along the development of bilateral relations Sessions”. Alan Peter Cayetano maritime Silk Road since ancient into the positive energy that promotes expressed that President Rodrigo times. In the historical new era of the friendly cooperation between the two D u t e r t e a n d t h e P h i l i p p i n e joint construction of the “Belt and countries. government attach great importance Road,” the Philippines should be an to the relations between the important participant and beneficiary. The fourth is to promote Philippines and China and support cooperation in regional integration. China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. He The second is to promote people- China is the most solid supporter of commended and thanked China for to-people and cultural exchanges and the Association of Southeast Asian v i g o r o u s l y s u p p o r t i n g t h e cooperation. The two sides will Nations (ASEAN) and the most Philippines in maintaining domestic continue promoting the two major active participant in East Asian s t a b i l i t y a n d a c c e l e r a t i n g cooperation pillars of security and cooperation. The Philippines will development. The Philippine side is development and building the “third succeed as the coordinator for China- willing to intensify cooperation with pillar” of people-to-people and ASEAN relations this August. The China, actively implement the cultural exchanges at the same time to two sides will make joint efforts to consensus of the two heads of state, consolidate the public opinion well implement the commemorative deepen practical cooperation in foundation of the two peoples as well activities for the 15th anniversary of various fields and actively promote as to provide a solid guarantee for the the establishment of China-ASEAN maritime cooperation, so as to push long-term and stable development of strategic partnership, so as to inject forward the Philippines-China bilateral relations. new impetus into regional integration. relations for sustained and in-depth China is willing to increase its development. The third is to promote maritime investment in East ASEAN Growth

China India Relations XI JINPING HOLDS TELEPHONE TALKS AT REQUEST WITH PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI OF INDIA On March 20, 2018, President Xi Narendra Modi first warmly support of the whole Chinese people. Jinping held telephone talks at request congratulated Xi Jinping again on his Both India and China are ancient with Prime Minister Narendra Modi election as Chinese President, and civilizations with global influence. of India. expressed that Xi Jinping’s election India is willing to work with China to proves again that he enjoys the intensify high-level exchanges,

50 News From China March 2018 China India Relations

deepen bilateral relations, and deepen its reform and expand momentum of positive development strengthen coordination and opening up. China, while realizing its with the deepening of practical cooperation in international affairs, so own development, will make greater cooperation and increasingly active as to boost the closer development contributions to the common n o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l f r i e n d l y partnership between the two development and progress of the exchanges. China stands ready to countries for greater progress and world. make joint efforts with India to promote global and regional peace maintain such a sound momentum. I and development. Xi Jinping stressed that both as w o u l d l i k e t o e n h a n c e large developing countries and major communication with Mr. Prime Xi Jinping thanked Narendra emerging market economies, China Minister on the overall, long-term Modi for his congratulations, and and India are staunch forces to and strategic issues in China-India pointed out that the just-concluded promote world multi-polarization and relations as well as global and regional “Two Sessions” of China have economic globalization. Over the past situation, so as to enhance political achieved a great success. The sessions few years, I have met with Mr. Prime mutual trust between the two elected new state organs and leaders Minister for many times to determine countries, provide important of the Chinese People’s Political that China and India will build a closer guidance for the development of Consultative Conference, approved development partnership to push bilateral relations and continue constitutional amendment and other forward bilateral cooperation in elevating the development level of important proposals, and launched various areas for substantial China-India relations. the institutional restructuring of the development. For a period of time, State Council. China will further China-India relations have enjoyed a YANG JIECHI MEETS WITH FOREIGN SECRETARY VIJAY GOKHALE OF INDIA On February 24, 2018, Member interests. The two sides should Vijay Gokhale said that India of the Political Bureau of the Central deepen strategic communication, attaches high importance to relations Committee of the Communist Party b e e f u p mu t u a l l y b e n e f i c i a l with China and stands ready to, of China and State Councilor Yang cooperation and properly handle together with China, strengthen high- Jiechi met in Beijing with Foreign sensitive issues in line with the level exchanges, enhance strategic Secretary Vijay Gokhale of India. guidance of the important consensus mutual trust, expand cooperation in reached by leaders of the two various fields, and properly settle Yang Jiechi expressed that being countries, so as to promote bilateral sensitive issues, in a bid to advance important neighboring countries to relations for sound and stable bilateral relations for constant and each other and both as fast-growing development and jointly contribute to new progress. emerging market economies, China the development and prosperity of and India have a lot of common the region and the world at large. WANG YI MEETS WITH FOREIGN SECRETARY VIJAY GOKHALE OF INDIA On February 23, 2018, Foreign Wang Yi expressed that both as irreplaceable commonalities. The Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing with representatives of emerging market two sides should increase strategic newly-appointed Foreign Secretary economies and major developing mutual trust and accelerate common Vijay Gokhale of India. countries, China and India enjoy development based on the political

News From China March 2018 51 China India Relations

consensus of the leaders of the two was very glad to pay a visit to China at accommodate the core concerns of countries. It is hoped that India will the beginning of his tenure. India each other, so as to create sound handle sensitive issues with prudence attaches high impor tance to environment and conditions for and work toward the same goal of developing relations with China and sustained and stable development of promoting healthy development of stands ready to make joint efforts with bilateral relations. China-India relations. China to well implement the consensus of the leaders, strengthen Vijay Gokhale expressed that he strategic communication and CHINESE FM CALLS FOR MUTUAL TRUST WITH INDIA Beijing, March 8 (Xinhua) — “With political trust, not even the the first session of the 13th National Foreign Minister Wang Yi Thursday Himalayas can stop us from friendly People’s Congress. called mutual trust “an issue that exchanges. Without it, not even level needs to be addressed urgently” land can bring us together,” Wang told When China and India, the two between China and India. a press conference on the sidelines of largest developing countries in the

52 News From China March 2018 China India Relations world, each with a population of more Chinese “dragon” and the Indian and ready to carry on traditional than 1 billion, become modernized, “elephant” must not fight but dance friendship. the two countries must do everything with each other, he said. to empathize with and support each He said he hopes the two sides other, he said. S t r e s s i n g t h a t s h a r e d will replace suspicion with trust, understanding between the two manage differences through dialogue Chinese and Indian leaders have countries far outstrips difference and a n d b u i l d a f u t u r e t h r o u g h developed a strategic vision for the common interests far outweigh cooperation. future bilateral ties, which is the frictions, Wang said China is willing VICE FOREIGN MINISTER KONG XUANYOU HOLDS CONSULTATION WITH FOREIGN SECRETARY VIJAY GOKHALE OF INDIA

On February 24, 2018, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou held consultation with visiting Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale of India in Beijing. Both sides exchanged views on China-India relations and international and regional issues of common concern. REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR LUO ZHAOHUI AT THE SYMPOSIUM IN MEMORY OF PROFESSOR XU FANCHENG (Accord Hotel Pondicherry, 10 March 2018) Mr. V. Narayanasamy, Chief Minister E d u c a t i o n a l C o l l a b o r a t i o n Indian Philosophy is the text book of Puducherry Organization, Ashram for the student studying philosophy. Professor Huang Xinchuan, for proposing and jointly hosting this My wife Dr. Jiang Yili and I are both Ladies and Gentlemen, event with the Chinese Embassy in his students. Let us give him a big Namaste and Good Morning. India. hand.

Today is a big day. I am delighted I would like to appreciate the Ladies and Gentlemen, to be here to participate in today’s presence of Professor Huang seminar. For the first time, we are Xinchuan, another prominent scholar W h y a r e w e h e r e t o gathered to commemorate Prof. Xu from China, and a friend and commemorate Prof. Xu? Fancheng, one of the greatest colleague of Prof. Xu, who has not scholars from China, who lived in only made great contribution to First, he was the first Chinese Pondicherry for 27 years and 5 years China-India academic exchanges, but who introduced Sri Aurobindo to in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. I also personally invited Professor Xu China. We know that in the modern would like to thank Pondicherry Fancheng back to China in 1978. history of India, there were three Indian National Trust for Art and Professor Huang is over 90 years old. great men, namely Rabindranath Cultural Heritage, Pondicherry One of his famous works History of Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and Sri

News From China March 2018 53 China India Relations

Aurobindo. The first two men are well X u a n Z a n g , F a X i a n a n d become a window for India’s cultural known in China. It was due to Bodhidharma travelled long distances diversity. A few days ago, a delegation Professor Xu’s contribution, China between India and China. They left us from Dali visited India and held a began to know Sri Aurobindo. Prof. with rich legacies. Tagore, Tan tourism promotion session, which Xu translated Sri Aurobindo’s The Yunshan, Xu Fancheng were pioneers Chief Minister Narayanasamy Life Divine and Integral Yoga into to promote China-India cultural attended. Dali and Pondicherry are Chinese. He also translated Fifty exchanges in modern times. Today as exploring the establishment of , Bhagawad Gita and we are standing on the shoulders of friendship relations. Yesterday I Shakuntala from Sanskrit into the history, we should do better than discussed with the Honourable Chinese. Besides, he also wrote books our forefathers in cultural exchanges. Lieutenant Governor and the such as Confucianism and The Honourable Chief Minister about Corpus of Seng Zhao in English, Third, commemorating him further strengthening cooperation on introducing China’s ancient classics to could help people to know more tourism, culture, education and the world. about Pondicherry. As a former economy and trade . French colonial territory, Pondicherry Second, he was a bridge, linking is a place where the Indian culture Fourth, commemorating him the people of China and India. He is meets with the French culture. In the could further promote China-India one of the Chinese scholars who lived past you have embraced many friendship, a valuable legacy he has in India for the longest period of time. foreigners like Xu Fancheng. Today left us. In his times, people did what He came to India at the age of 36 and the economic development and they should do. Professor Xu was a return to China at 69. He really cultural prosperity of Pondicherry, as legend who made remarkable understands India, loves India and well as the world famous Aurobindo contribution to the friendship spreads India culture. Looking back Ashram and , are attracting a between our two peoples. Till the into history, prominent masters like lot of tourists. Pondicherry has later years, Professor Xu still teaching

54 News From China March 2018 China India Relations

News From China March 2018 55 China India Relations

Chinese MA students doing research by Aamir Khan got another great box the two countries is flourishing. So far on Aurobindo. Tagore visited China office in China after the Dangal. I am 15 twin-sister relations have been twice, making huge waves in China’s now working to make a co- established between the provinces academic circles. India, under the production movie called The and cities of the two countries. There suggestion of Mahatma Ghandi’s Legendary Bodhidharma. are over 20,000 Indian students advice, sent a medical team to China studying in China. Among them, over during the Second World War. We As Chinese Ambassador, it is my 300 are at Dali University. Now have the responsibility to inherit this job to promote cultural and people- China-India relations are at a key spirit and legacy. In China today, there to-people exchanges. Of course, to stage of stabilizing and improving, I are a lot of scholars studying India promote political relations is also my am sure that with joint efforts more c u l t u r e, i n c l u d i n g r e l i g i o n s, job. And it is my priority. positive energy will be put into our philosophy and Sanskrit literature. relations. I hope that the academic Prof. Huang Xinchuan and Professor Last year, our relations witnessed circles of both countries could bring Huang Xianian, two generations from ups and downs. President Xi and into full play their advantages to the same family, devote themselves to Prime Minister Modiji met in Xiamen further contribute to the cause of India Studies. last September. They agreed to turn China-India friendship. over the page, make the Dragon and Now we are delighted to see that the Elephant dance together and We will never forget Prof. Xu this friendship continues to gain make One plus One Eleven. Bilateral Fancheng’s contribution and we wish momentum. There are over 10,000 trade last year reached 88 billion US Prof. Xu continue blessing China- yoga centers in China. The Young Dollars, increasing 20% compared India relations. people from China love the with the year before. The friendly Darjeeling tea. The Secret Superstar cooperation at the local level between Thank you.

56 News From China March 2018 China India Relations CHINA-INDIA BORDER AFFAIRS MEETING HELD IN

New Delhi, March 23 (Xinhua) delegation was led by Pranay Verma, coordination in a constructive — The 11th round meeting of the the Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the manner, strengthen frontier defense Working Mechanism for Consultation Indian Ministry of External Affairs. exchange and cooperation, push and Coordination on China-India forward the building of trust Border Affairs was held here on The two sides reviewed the recent measures and properly handle the Thursday and Friday. border situation and exchanged views border issues so as to jointly The Chinese delegation was led by on border control and boosting maintain peace and tranquility in the Yi Xianliang, the Director General of mutual trust, among others. border areas and create favorable the Department of Boundary and conditions for the healthy and stable Oceanic Affairs in the Chinese Ministry T h e y vowe d t o c o n t i nu e d e ve l o p m e n t o f S i n o - I n d i a of Foreign Affairs, while the Indian enhancing communication and relations.

CHINA TRADE GROUP VISITS INDIA TO BOOST TRADE, PRAGMATIC COOPERATION New Delhi, March 24 (Xinhua) and Industry Ministry jointly Indian representatives said that — A trade promotion g roup organized the promotion of the the visit by the Chinese delegation organized by China’ s Ministry of China International Import Expo provides a practical platform for Commerce is visiting India to (CIIE), to be held in November in promoting the economic and trade strengthen economic and trade ties Shanghai, and the signing ceremony ties between the two countries, which and pragmatic cooperation between of India-China trade cooperation shows that the Chinese government the two countries. projects, according to a news release highly appreciates bilateral trade. from the Chinese delegation. The group, which arrived here They expressed the belief that Friday and will stay until Tuesday, is During the signing ceremony, a the visit will help promote win-win composed of officials from the total of 101 trade agreements were cooperation and further strengthen Ministry of Commerce and more signed, the release said. bilateral trade relations. than 30 representatives from various s e c t o r s i n c l u d i n g t e x t i l e , The economic and trade relations The Indian side also appreciated pharmaceutical, petrochemical between China and India have the promotion of the CIIE, saying industries as well as commercial maintained a rapid developing many Indian enterprises are looking trading, agriculture and others momentum in recent years, with forward to participating in the expo bilateral cooperation bearing as a first step to venture into the On Saturday in New Delhi, the remarkable fruits, Chinese officials Chinese market. Chinese side and India’s Commerce said at the ceremony.

News From China March 2018 57 Culture & Life

Culture & Life SPRING SCENERY ACROSS CHINA

People take photos of the blooming sakura in Jingning She Autonomous County, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Suren)

People have fun in the field of tulips in Lianxi District of Jiujiang City, east China’s Jiangxi Province, March 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Hu Guolin)

58 News From China March 2018 Culture & Life

Aerial photo taken on March 22, 2018 shows tourists viewing cherry blossoms on the foot of Wuanwei Mountain in Shaoxing City, east China’s Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang)

Women of Miao ethnic group do embroidery work outdoors at Kala Village of Longquan Township in Danzhai County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, March 21, 2018. (Xinhua/Kai Shangyu)

News From China March 2018 59 Culture & Life

Oil recovery machine work among rapeseed flower fields in Haian County, east China’s Jiangsu Province, March 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Xu Jingbai)

Photo taken on March 21, 2018 shows terraced fields in Malichang Township of Huayuan County in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China’s Province. (Xinhua/Long Enze)

60 News From China March 2018 Culture & Life

Photo taken on March 22, 2018 shows boats in the Taihu Lake and a weeping willow on the bank in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua/Pan Zhengguang)

A bullet train runs on the Yangxian section of Xi’an-Chengdu high-speed railway line in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, March 21, 2018. (Xinhua/Tang Zhenjiang)

News From China March 2018 61 Culture & Life YOUTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION COMPETITION HELD IN CHINA’S GUANGXI

A pupil shows a hanger she designed for people on trips during a youth science and technology innovation competition in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 23, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

A pupil shows a mousetrap he designed during a youth science and technology innovation competition in Nanning, capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 23, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin)

62 News From China March 2018 Culture & Life BLACKNECKED CRANES ATTRACTED TO NAPAHAI NATURE RESERVE IN SW CHINA’S YUNNAN

Blacknecked cranes and other birds rest at the Napahai Nature Reserve in Shangri-la County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Diqing in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 11, 2018. The integrated ecosystem of everglade in Napahai Nature Reserve attracts more than 300 blacknecked cranes every year to live through the winter. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Blacknecked cranes fly at the Napahai Nature Reserve in Shangri-la County, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Diqing in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 11, 2018. The integrated ecosystem of everglade in Napahai Nature Reserve attracts more than 300 blacknecked cranes every year to live through the winter. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

News From China March 2018 63 Xizang Today

Xizang Today TIBET FOCUSES ON HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT THAT IS BENEFICIAL TO PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD

“The gross domestic product of the delegation from the region to the has also attached great importance to Tibet in 2017 reached 131.06 billion 13th NPC on March 8, which is also the quality of development. yuan (20.71 billion US dollars), open to media. increasing by 10%, while the per In response to a question from capita income of rural residents has In recent years, Tibet has an Economic Daily reporter, Qi exceeded 10,000 yuan (1,580 US m a i n t a i n e d a h i g h - s p e e d Zhala said that in order to achieve dollars),” said Qi Zhala (Che Dhalha), development, with the economy high-quality development, Tibet had a deputy to the 13th National People’s achieving double-digit growth rate for to correctly manage the relation Congress (NPC) and chairman of 25 consecutive years. between state investment and social southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous investment, and the relation between Region, at a plenary meeting held by While developing rapidly, Tibet major projects and projects for

64 News From China March 2018 Xizang Today livelihood as well as other relations. He believes that managing these relations well will help solve several important contradictions that arise during development.

“ T i b e t ’s h i g h q u a l i t y o f development should benefit all rural and nomadic people,” Qi Zhala said.

In future, Tibet will focus on developing seven industries, including highland biotechnology, characteristic tourism, environmentally-friendly industries, clean energy, modern services, high-tech and digital industries, and border trade logistics.

“These industrial layouts are all b a s e d o n p e o p l e - c e n t e r e d environment, to ensure that Tibet’s livelihoods and the environment,” development concept and built on development is not only the growth Qi Zhala said. foundations of strictly protecting the of GDP but also benefiting people’s

News From China March 2018 65 Xizang Today VOICES OF CPPCC MEMBERS FROM TIBET “Like the rest of the country, Tibet has made historic achievements in its economic development. For five consecutive years, Tibet’s GDP has maintained double-digit growth rate, and employment in Tibet is stable. These tremendous achievements are a result of the high attention the country has paid to work in Tibet.” —Sonam Nyima, member of the 13th National Committee of the C h i n e s e P e o p l e ’s P o l i t i c a l Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from southwest China’s Tibet. “As a new CPPCC member from Tibet, I plan to seriously study the spirit of the meeting. At the same

time, I will introduce the changes that have taken place in Tibet over the last f e w y e a r s, p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e preservation and inheritance of traditional culture.” —Menchang Norbu Sidar, member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from southwest China’s Tibet. “Tibet’s economic development has been amazing in terms of major economic indicators, exceeding the national average of four percentage points and achieving double-digit growth rate. All of this is contributed to strong national support to Tibet. In recent years, developments and changes that local scholars and researchers had not thought possible have come true.” —Thubten Khedrup, member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from southwest China’s Tibet.

66 News From China March 2018 Xizang Today TIBET DESIGNATES GRAIN GROWING AREAS TO ENSURE OUTPUT

Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China has designated highland barley and wheat plantation areas to improve farming efficiency and ensure grain output.

According to the regional agriculture and animal husbandry department, a total of 27,667 ha. in Lhasa, Xigaze and Shannan will start integrated farming from April.

Jin Wencheng, deputy director of the department, said the plateau region lacks arable land. By designating the grain functional areas, the region can limit the use of good arable land only for growing staple grain, especially highland barley.

News From China March 2018 67 Xizang Today

With an average elevation of The department will use satellite Tibet achieved a grain output of 4,000 meters above the sea, the region remote sensing technology to 1 million tonnes last year, of which depends on highland barley and yak as digitalize the information of the 800,000 tonnes were highland barley, staple foods. plantations so as to provide precision the third bumper harvest in a row. management of grain production, A total of 240,000 ha. arable land according to Donkyil, deputy director R e s e r v o i r s a n d w a t e r is expected to be included in grain of the department. infrastructure have been built to plantation areas in the next three years. ensure irrigation for the barley fields.

LHASA ROLLS OUT 128 NEW ENERGY BUSES Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet transportation, but also help protect area. Also, 192 gas-electric hybrid autonomous region, has put into use the blue sky and clear water of Lhasa, taxicabs marked with the logo of “new 128 gas-electric hybrid buses since the the city’s public transportation energy” came into service in 2017. beginning of this year, increasing the operator was quoted as saying. “In 2018, Lhasa will invest more total number of new energy buses to Lhasa has been stepping up its in new energy buses. By the end of 312 in an effort to develop a clean efforts in providing green public this year, new energy buses are energy transportation system, Xinhua transportation since 2015. Apart from projected to take up 80 percent of all News Agency reported. the buses, Lhasa government also buses,” said Cao Zhiming, chairman New energy buses not only help collaborated with Ofo since last May to of board of Lhasa Communications r e d u c e t h e d i f f i c u l t y o f provide 3,600 sharing bikes in the urban Industry Group Co Ltd.

68 News From China March 2018 Xizang Today

A new energy bus runs in front of Potala Palace in Lhasa, capital city of Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region, March 12, 2018. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Passengers depart a new energy bus in Lhasa, capital city of Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region, March 12, 2018. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

News From China March 2018 69 Xizang Today VISIT OF WORLD’S FIRST TIBETAN- LANGUAGE SEARCH ENGINE BREAKS 300 MILLION

It is reported that Yongzin, the encyclopedia, library, and Q&A “Domestic Chinese internet world’s first Tibetan-language online knowledge sharing platform, and the users who visit Yongzin are mainly search engine, has seen more than 300 system’s database has recorded data concentrated in northwest China’s million visits, with an average of 3 from 38 categories including Tibetan Qinghai, Gansu Province and million visitors daily. history, literature, religion, medicine, southwest China’s Tibet, Sichuan, nature, and various dictionaries. and Yunnan,” Tseluo said. Yongzin was started in April 2013 and was launched in August 2016. Before the Yongz in beg an Overseas users have come from operating, there was no Tibetan- more than 70 counties and regions Tseluo, who is responsible for the language search function in any of including the United States, development of Yongzin, said that the China’s major search engines. Switzerland, France, Canada, search engine’s current search Foreign search engines such as Belgium, the United Kingdom, and product covers news, web pages, Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft’s Bing Bhutan. videos, music, and photo searches and only supported simple searches in includes a Tibetan-languag e Tibetan. EDUCATION HAS CHANGED NOT ONLY MY OWN LIFE: KELSANG DEKYI

Kelsang Dekyi, a deputy to the Tibetan language, and mathematics. made up of Tibetan students) in 13th National People’s Congress from Because the teaching materials were places like Beijing and Shanghai in southwest China’s Tibet, was born in incomplete and teachers were scarce, order to strengthen the cultivation of 1978, the beginning of an era in which the dozen children used the first and educational talent from Tibet. The she could rely on knowledge to second grade textbooks over and state also increased funding for change her destiny. over. education in Tibet.

Kelsang Dekyi grew up in “Our school building was very In 1989, Kelsang Dekyi began to Gendang Village, Bangxin Township, poor; teachers and students had to enjoy free education. With a stable Medog County, which was once a pick grass to cover the roof. The grass learning environment, she studied remote, poverty-stricken, and was taller than we were, so when we particularly hard. In 2001, after information-poor area. were walking back we’d often trip, and graduating from an ethnic college, we often had our hands cut. However, she was offered the opportunity to She comes from a family with five if we didn’t pick the grass, we couldn’t work in Lhasa, capital city of Tibet, members, including her father, cover the roof, and rainwater would but she turned it down to return to mother, and two younger brothers. leak into the classroom,” Kelsang her hometown as a village teacher. When she was seven years old, she Dekyi recalled. Kelsang Dekyi said, “My began attending a private primary S i n c e 1 9 8 4 , t h e c e n t r a l childhood, my memories, my faith, school. At that time, the school government began opening ethnic and my dreams were all in my curriculum consisted of only Chinese, schools and Tibet classes (classes hometown.”

70 News From China March 2018 Xizang Today

The Bangxin Township Primary didn’t come out to see her teacher. primary school has an enrollment rate School was no longer the same as it This was the first time that Kelsang of 99 percent. Each student can had been when she was a student. Dekyi, a champion for education, receive 800 yuan (127 US dollars) per came back empty handed. year in nutrition subsidies and is It was located on a new school exempt from tuitions and charges in site and had new classrooms and But she refused to give up and meals and accommodation, as the dormitories, and there were nearly returned the following day. The girl’s government provides another 3,580 100 students in four classes. The family finally revealed their yuan (566 US dollars) per year as curriculum consisted of not only difficulties: “If a child goes to school, subsidies for each of them. Chinese, mathematics, and Tibetan it is not easy for the parents to provide language, but also music, physical for him or her. We can’t do that, we “Education not only changed my education, and art. don’t have the money to send our life, but it has also changed the lives child to school.” of the children who have grown up in H o w e v e r , b e c a u s e l o c a l the countryside like me. I feel villagers’ educational awareness was Kelsang Dekyi felt relieved, and especially fortunate to be able to do still weak, children were often absent she said to the girl’s parents, “The my part for the children’s growth.” from class or dropped out of school. state, the government, everyone can For a long time, Kelsang Dekyi’s help with school fees. I can also help In 2018, Kelsang Dekyi was main task was to go to the villages with school fees. This girl is very elected as a representative for the and persuade students to come back smart and will be able to go far.” In the Tibet Autonomous Region People’s to school. end, Kelsang Dekyi brought the girl Congress and National People’s back to school. Today, that girl has not Congress. Before coming to Beijing, Around 2003, a 13-year-old only graduated from university, she she went to villagers’ homes to student who was due to graduate now also devotes herself to local conduct research. When it comes to soon, and one of the best students in education just like Kelsang Dekyi. education, many villagers’ mindsets the class, stopped coming to school. have also undergone tremendous Kelsang Dekyi found the girl’s In 2013, with the opening of the changes, because the children who mother, but only to be told, “My Medog Highway, education in Medog have gone to school have helped daughter is going to be married soon, underwent great changes. them see that education is the path so our family is preparing for her There are currently 15 schools in for the people of Medog to reach the wedding.” The family could not be Medog County with 2,096 students rest of the world. made to understand, and the student and 271 full-time teachers. The

News From China March 2018 71 Xizang Today A DAY IN LHASA

Sunlight on an early spring day get up early, and coming to the palace highway. The scenery along the road and the sound of pilgrims’ footsteps is the most important thing to do to Lhasa is beautiful. I’m a little wake up the city of Lhasa, capital of every day,” said Rigzen Drolga, the surprised that many towns along the Tibet Autonomous Region. wife. road have quite a lot of people,” he said. Consistent streams of people The early risers also include Tibet has 115 national-level top- come to circumambulate the Potala tourists who travel from afar. Zhang grade tourist attractions. In 2017, Palace, a symbol of Tibetan Zhongmin got up early enough to over 25 million people traveled to the Buddhism. catch the first ray of light upon the plateau region. golden rooftop of Potala Palace with Rigzen Drolga and Sonam, a his camera. Zhang plans to drive for another couple in their 70s, took an early bus day to Nyingchi to experience the ride Wednesday for their daily ritual. He and two friends arrived in peach flower blossom festival. They had noodles for breakfast in a Lhasa Tuesday from Shenzhen, a diner at the foothill of the imposing b o o m t ow n i n s o u t h C h i n a ’s As the day became brighter, palace. Guangdong Province. streets in Lhasa became crowded. The old Pargor Street is bustling with “Old people hardly oversleep. We “We came via the Sichuan-Tibet commerce.

72 News From China March 2018 Book Review

“The weather is getting warmer. dollars) every day,” he said. “I dance for at least an hour every Business will be good. It’ll be best in day. It is good exercise, keeping me May,” said Lorang, a 19 year-old who Khedrup, a courier, rides his sharp for a whole day,” he said. A few sells Buddhist statues from Nepal. electric scooter and wastes no time hundred meters away, dozens of under a heavy workload. It is not yet people performed shadowboxing Driver Dondrup Tsering parks 10:30 a.m., but Khedrup has already exercises. his SUV near Pargor Street and waits delivered about 100 packages. for a passenger. He became a driver “There are so many packages today,” Vendor Dawa has sold pine and for ride-hailing platform Didi last he said. cypress branches at the park for month. several years. People buy the In Dzongyab Lukhang Park, branches and put them in the stove “I was a taxi driver for seven years however, nobody was in a rush. for blessings. before this. It is better to work through the online platform now. I Retiree Langre comes to the park “It is good business. My family make about 300 yuan (about 47 every morning. depends on my earnings,” she said.

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 March 2018 73 CRI CRBN

74 News From China March 2018 75 76 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/18-20 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 March 2018

A Spring Scene in China