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VOL. XXVIII No. 11 November 2016 Rs. 20.00 2

Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, paid a visit to Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui paid a visit to Secretary General of the Lok Sabha, Mr. Anoop Mishra. Congress deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Anand Sharma.

Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui paid a visit to the Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui paid a visit to the former Ambassador of India to China, Mr. Ashok Kantha. Indian Express office.

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The Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee is held in Beijing, capital of China, from Oct. 24 to 27, 2016.

4 News From China l November 2016 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee PARTY MEMBERS CALLED ON TO UNITE AROUND CPC CENTRAL COMMITTEE WITH XI AS "CORE”

Beijing Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — A which was held from Monday to keep in mind the bigger picture, key meeting of the Communist Thursday. follow the CPC as the core of the Party of China (CPC) has called on Party members were told to Chinese leadership and act all its members to “closely unite resolutely safeguard the authority of consistently with CPC Central around the CPC Central Committee the CPC Central Committee and its Committee policy. with Comrade Xi Jinping as the central, unified leadership while “Together we must build a clean core.” pushing forward the comprehensive and righteous political environment, The call was included in a and strict governance of the Party. and ensure that the Party unites and communique released Thursday The communique also urged leads the people to continuously after the sixth plenary session of the them to become more aware of the open up new prospects for socialism 18th CPC Central Committee, need to uphold political integrity, with Chinese characteristics,” it said.

News From China l November 2016 5 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee CPC TO HOLD 19TH NATIONAL CONGRESS IN 2ND HALF OF 2017

Beijing, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — The 19th CPC National In the lead-up to the 19th CPC The 19th Communist Party of Congress is a major event in the National Congress, the Party shall China (CPC) National Congress will political life of the Party and the rally and lead people of all ethnicities be held in Beijing during the second state, the communique said to forge ahead with firm confidence; half of 2017, according to a perform various works of the Party communique released Thursday T h e e n t i r e Pa r t y s h a l l and the state, par ticularly after a key CPC meeting. comprehensively implement the preparatory work for thought, spirit of the 18th CPC National theories and organization, economic A resolution on convening the Congress, as well as the third, and social development, as well as 19th CPC National Congress was fourth, fifth and sixth plenary ideological work; and safeguard deliberated and passed at the sixth sessions of the 18th CPC Central social harmony and stability, the plenary session of the 18th CPC Committee, according to the communique said. Central Committee held from communique. Monday to Thursday.

6 News From China l November 2016 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee COMMENTARY: CPC UNITY WITH XI AS "CORE" VITALLY IMPORTANT Beijing, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — adherence to and strengthening of “Together we must build a The core leadership is of vital the CPC leadership. clean and righteous political importance to a country and a environment, and ensure that the political party. It is also an urgent demand for Party unites and leads the people the adherence to and the to continuously open up new A ke y m e e t i n g o f t h e development of socialism with prospects for socialism with Communist Party of China (CPC) Chinese characteristics. Chinese characteristics,” the has called on all its members to communique said. “closely unite around the CPC It will help ensure the authority Central Committee with Comrade of the CPC Central Committee, The CPC meeting also approved Xi Jinping as the core.” the Party’s unity and unified two documents on the discipline of leadership, and long-lasting the Party, including the norms of That “the CPC Central stability and prosperity of the political life within the Party under Committee with Comrade Xi Party and state. the new situation and a regulation on Jinping as the core” was formally put intra-Party supervision, moves that forward at the meeting, reflects the The call for Party unity around showcased the CPC Central common will of the entire Party, the the CPC Central Committee with Committee’s strong resolve and military and people of all ethnic Comrade Xi Jinping as the core was c o m m i t m e n t i n p r a c t i c i n g groups in China. included in a communique released c o m p r e h e n s i v e a n d s t r i c t after the sixth plenary session of the governance of the Party. Since the 18th CPC National 18th CPC Central Committee, Congress, Xi, as the general which was held from Monday to Such efforts will also ensure that secretary of the CPC Central Thursday. the Party is capable of resisting Committee, has led the Party, the corruption and withstanding risks, military and the people in Party members were told to thus, safeguarding the authority of breaking new g rounds and resolutely safeguard the authority the CPC Central Committee and the making great achievements in the of the CPC Central Committee and Party’s unity, advancement and great cause of building socialism its central, unified leadership while purity. with Chinese characteristics and p u s h i n g f o r w a r d t h e the Party. c o m p r e h e n s i v e a n d s t r i c t The comprehensive and strict governance of the Party. governance of the Party and a strong In the new great practices, Xi core of leadership are the key to has already become the core of the To put the Par ty’s key China’s development and the cause CPC Central Committee and the decisions into practice, all Party of building socialism with Chinese entire Party. members should be more aware of characteristics. the need to uphold political The CPC Central Committee integrity, keep in mind the bigger With the unity of the CPC with Comrade Xi as the core is picture, follow the CPC as the core around the CPC Central Committee where the fundamental interests of of the Chinese leadership and act with Xi as the core, China will gain the Party and state lie and a consistently with CPC Central further impetus to realize its two fundamental guarantee for the Committee policy. centenary goals.

News From China l November 2016 7 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee INTRA-PARTY DEMOCRACY IS VITAL TO CPC: COMMUNIQUE

Beijing, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — regulations, according to the or ar rang ements, said the Intra-Party democracy is vital to the communique issued after the sixth communique. Communist Party of China (CPC), plenary session of the 18th CPC and is fundamental to a positive, Central Committee. The rights of Party members to h e a l t h y i n t e r n a l p o l i t i c a l know, participate in and supervise environment, according to a CPC “No Party organization or and their rights in election must be communique issued Thursday. individual should suppress or ensured, it said, adding that all Party undermine intra-Party democracy,” members should equally enjoy their T h e P a r t y ’ s v a r i o u s it said. r i g h t s s t i p u l a t e d i n Pa r t y responsibilities concer ning Constitution while performing decision-making, implementation Party authorities at all levels obligations equally. and supervision must be done in m u s t c o n d u c t t h o r o u g h accordance with the democratic investigations and research, and “No Party organization or principles and procedures stipulated solicit opinions from various sides member shall infringe upon the in the Party Constitution and before making any major decisions democratic rights of CPC

8 News From China l November 2016 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee members,” noted the document. express their opinions and create a responsibly, expose or report any “political atmosphere of democratic Party organizations or members The communique required discussion within the Party.” breaking the laws or flouting the authorities to make it more Party’s disciplines, it said. convenient for Party members to Party members have the right to, CPC CENTRAL COMMITTEE WITH XI AS “CORE” LEADS CHINA TO CENTENARY GOALS

The Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee is held in Beijing, capital of China, from Oct. 24 to 27, 2016.

Beijing, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — will give the country the impetus to Party members were told to The Communist Party of China realize its two centenary goals.The resolutely safeguard the authority of (CPC) has called on all its members call was included in a communique the CPC Central Committee and its to “closely unite around the CPC released Thursday after the sixth central, unified leadership while Central Committee with Comrade plenary session of the 18th CPC pushing forward the comprehensive Xi Jinping as the core,” a call to Central Committee, which was held and strict governance of the Party. action that many observers believe from Monday to Thursday.

News From China l November 2016 9 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee

That “the CPC Central authority of the CPC Central senior cadres, should conform to the Committee with Comrade Xi Committee. CPC Central Committee and CPC Jinping as the core” was officially put theory, path, principle and policy, as forward at the meeting is “where the A leading core is vital to a well as decisions made by the CPC fundamental interests of the Party country and a political party, the Central Committee. and state lie,” said Liu Qibao, a communique said, adding the entire member of the Political Bureau of Party should consciously maintain a Party organizations at all levels the CPC Central Committee and high degree of consistency with the and all Party members should firmly head of the CPC Central CPC Central Committee in thoughts, follow what the CPC Central Committee’s Publicity Department. politics and actions. Committee advocates, firmly implement what the CPC Central It is also a fundamental Ensuring the authority of the Committee decides, and must not do guarantee for the adherence to and CPC Central Committee and the what the CPC Central Committee strengthening of the CPC proper execution of orders of the prohibits, according to the leadership, Liu said after the Party are concerned with the destiny communique. meeting. of the Party and the state, according to the communique. The document also urged Party The strong leadership of the discipline to be thoroughly enforced CPC Central Committee with Xi as They are also concerned with with no exceptions made for any the core is vital to China’s targets to the fundamental interests of the organizations or members. build an “all-round moderately people of all ethnic groups in China, prosperous society” for the CPC’s and they are important purposes of Every individual or organization centennial in 2021, and for it to strengthening and regulating intra- is equal before Party discipline and become a “modern socialist Party political life, the communique none enjoys any prerogatives, it said. country” in time for the PRC’s said. centennial in 2049, said Liu CORRUPTION FREE Dongchao, a professor with the An overhaul of intra-Party Chinese Academy of Governance. political life was a pressing task for The CPC vowed to tackle the CPC, if it was to weather the corruption in its promotion system, The meeting approved two storm of challenges — the ruling putting an end to the buying and documents on the discipline of the status, reform and opening up, selling of official posts and vote Party, including the norms of market economy and other external rigging. political life within the Party under factors — it had to address the the new situation and a regulation on dangers rocking the boat, including According to the communique, intra-Party supervision. t h e s l a c k i n g o f o f f i c i a l s, requesting an official post, honor or incompetence, isolation from the special treatment is not allowed Liu Dongchao called the two people and corruption, it noted. under any circumstances. documents “a perfection of the CPC’s governance system, which It said the CPC needs to be T h e c o m m u n i q u e a l s o will result in a better intra-Party empowered to successfully purify, underscored that bargaining with political life,” adding that the perfect, reform and upgrade itself, Party organizations or disobeying communique is “an embodiment of resist corruption and withstand risks, d e c i s i o n s m a d e b y P a r t y the Party’s strengthened awareness thus, safeguarding the authority of organizations is forbidden. of its responsibilities.” the CPC Central Committee and the Party’s unity, advancement and “No one should be allowed to UPHOLDING AUTHORITY purity. consider Party officials as their private property,” the document The CPC has called on all Party Party organizations at all levels said, adding there should be no members to firmly uphold the and all Party members, especially “personal favors” within the Party.

10 News From China l November 2016 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee

There will no longer be any said. “No prohibited zone or CONGRESS place for corrupt officials to hide in exception will be allowed in intra- the CPC, the communique noted. Party supervision.” The 19th CPC National Congress, a major event in the In efforts to clean up Party Intra-Party supervision should political life of the Party and the politics, leading officials are banned be carried out in accordance with state, will be held in Beijing in the from using their positions to seek regulations and by observing the second half of 2017, according to benefits for friends and family. principles of democratic centralism, the communique. Family members and friends of t o p - d o w n o r g a n i z a t i o n a l leading officials will be banned from supervision, democratic supervision T h e e n t i r e Pa r t y s h a l l interfering in the work of leading from the bottom to the top, and peer comprehensively implement the officials, including personnel review or critique, said the spirit of the 18th CPC National arrangements, the communique communique. Congress, as well as the third, said. fourth, fifth and sixth plenary The mission of intra-Party sessions of the 18th CPC Central Stating that building clean supervision is to ensure the Party Committee, the communique politics and opposing corruption Constitution, its regulations and stressed. was an impor tant task in code of conduct are enforced strengthening and standardizing effectively; to maintain Party unity In the lead-up to the 19th CPC political life within the Party, the and solidarity; and, primarily, to National Congress, the Party shall meeting called for the building of a resolve Party leadership enervation rally and lead people of all ethnicities system that ensures officials dare and slackness in Party building and to forge ahead with firm confidence; not, will not and cannot be corrupt. governance as well as discipline perform various jobs of the Party slackening, it said. and the state, par ticularly In addition, leading officials at preparatory work for thought, all levels have no right to seek Supervision will ensure Party theories and organization, economic personal privilege, it said, adding organizations perform their due and social development, as well as that they should take the lead in duties, that all members play ideological work; and safeguard implementing socialist core values vanguard and exemplary roles and social harmony and stability, the and acting with integrity and self- leading officials are loyal, clean and communique said. discipline. accountable. Two new members have been The Party will stick to the policy The main targets of supervision added to the CPC Central of “no restricted zones, full are the CPC’s top organs and Committee to fill vacancies, who are coverage and zero tolerance” in its officials, particularly senior officials, Zhao Xiangeng and Xian Hui, fight against corruption, it added. according to the communique. formerly alternate members of the CPC Central Committee. STRONGER SUPERVISION Intra-Party supervision should focus on Party members’ observance The meeting also endorsed The communique stressed of the Party Constitution and rules prior decisions to expel four former supervision as the fundamental as well as the country’s Constitution senior officials from the Party, guarantee for exercising power and laws, adherence to the including former Party chief of properly, as well as a crucial measure centralized and unified leadership of Liaoning Province and senior for strengthening and regulating the CPC Central Committee, national legislator Wang Min, political life within the Party. official’s integrity and self-discipline, former Beijing deputy Party chief and impartial exercise of official Lyu Xiwen, and former senior U n r e s t r i c t e d p o w e r o r power. military officials Fan Changmi and unsupervised Party members are not Niu Zhizhong. allowed to exist within the CPC, it 1 9 T H C P C N A T I O N A L

News From China l November 2016 11 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee XI SPELLS OUT PARTY CODES ON STRICTER GOVERNANCE

Beijing Nov. 2 (Xinhua) — Xi political life in the Party under governance of the Party and Jinping, general secretary of the current conditions, and the maintain the Party’s status and purity. Communist Party of China (CPC) r e g u l a t i o n o n i n t r a - Pa r t y It stressed that self-supervision Central Committee, has stressed the supervision, were publicized on should be carried out in accordance imperativeness of regulating intra- Wednesday. with regulations and through the Party political life and advancing principle of democratic centralism. supervision, calling the move “an The norms, in 12 parts, stress important approach to promoting consolidating ideals and beliefs, The two documents, one setting comprehensive and strict Party keeping to the Party’s basic line, requirements on intra-Party life and governance.” safeguarding the authority of the the other making rules on CPC Central Committee, and supervising the requirements’ Xi made the remarks last week maintaining close ties with the implementation, are vital to the when explaining two related people, among others. CPC’s drive of strict Party documents at the sixth plenary governance, said Xie Chuntao, a session of the 18th CPC Central The regulation, which consists professor with the Party School of Committee. of eight chapters and 47 articles, the CPC Central Committee. aims to uphold the CPC’s leadership, Xi’s remarks and the two strengthen Party building, promote X i e d e s c r i b e d t h e t wo documents, namely the norms of the comprehensive and strict documents, which were formulated

12 News From China l November 2016 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee based on the CPC’s past experiences, Political life in the Party has been conducted research, solicited as “comprehensive, precise, targeted good in general terms, but there are opinion and made revisions. and org anized” efforts on also prominent problems which improving the strict governance of remain in urgent need of addressing, The Political Bureau of the CPC the Party. Xi said. Central Committee and the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau TIME IS RIPE The top CPC leader pointed out convened several times to review the the questionable faith and loyalty of drafts. Given new conditions and tasks, some Party members, including it is imperative and significant to senior ones. Some retired CPC officials, non- introduce the norms and regulation, Communist parties, leaders of the Xi said, adding the conditions are He cited a number of faults ALL-China Federation of Industry now ripe. among such members, including lax and Commerce, and people with no discipline, detachment from the party affiliation were asked to advise The two documents were people, arbitrariness and inaction, on the drafts. introduced to supplement the layout acts of individualism, factionalism, o f t h e C P C ’ s “ F o u r money worshipping and violations It is the shared will of the entire Comprehensives,” a strategy to linked to formalism, bureaucracy, Party and people of all ethnic groups promote reform and opening up, hedonism and extravagance. to uphold the central and unified refine the socialist modernization leadership of the CPC Central drive, as well as to adhere to and Nepotism and election fraud Committee, and to establish and develop socialism with Chinese have endured while some Party safeguard the core of the CPC characteristics, Xi said. officials sold positions of power, and leadership, Xi said, citing the bartered positions, Xi said, adding feedbacks. The “Four Comprehensives” that power abuse, corruption as well are the comprehensive building of as legal and disciplinary violations This will also help push forward an all-round moderately prosperous have been spreading. the comprehensive and strict society, deepening of reform, governance of the Party, enhance advancement of the rule of law and In particular, a handful of senior the Party’s creativity, cohesion and strict governing of the CPC. Party officials, overcome by their abilities to fulfill missions, and political cravings and lust for power, guarantee the development of the In the past years, the third, h ave r e s o r t e d t o p o l i t i c a l Party and state remains on the right fourth and fifth plenary sessions of conspiracies by working in path, according to the feedbacks. the 18th CPC Central Committee ostensible obedience, while forming studied and made arrangements for cliques to pursue selfish interests, he The sixth plenary session the first three “Comprehensives,” said. endorsed Xi as the core of the CPC and the sixth plenary session Central Committee. completed the picture by zeroing in He went on to list Zhou on the fourth “Comprehensive,” Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Guo Boxiong, NEW NORMS NECESSARY according to Xi. Xu Caihou and Ling Jihua as examples of such behaviors, citing Xi, in particular, explained the The documents were also born both their economic and political correlation between the newly out of a necessity to promote the misdeeds. approved norms of political life c o m p r e h e n s i v e a n d s t r i c t within the Party under current governance of the Party, and to ADVICE FULLY HEEDED conditions and the norms of intra- solve outstanding contradictions Party political life enacted in 1980. and problems within the Party, Xi The drafting of the two said. documents began in March. In the H e a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e eight months that followed, drafters constructive role the 1980 norms

News From China l November 2016 13 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee had played, saying that in the period He added, the new norms are The regulation dedicates one following the end of the Cultural not a total replacement of the 1980 chapter to supervision of the Party’s Revolution, the norms had helped version, rather, new regulations central organization. terminate chaos and resume order, targeting new problems and unite the Party, shift the focus of the situations while adhering to major Members of the CPC Central Party agenda, and guarantee smooth principles and provisions included in Committee must observe the Party’s progress of reform and opening up the 1980 norms. political discipline and rules, and are as well as the socialist modernization obliged to voice opposition and drive. SENIOR OFFICIALS report to the CPC Central CRUCIAL Committee promptly if they spot Moreover, calling the 1980 misconduct that violates the Party norms “ground-breaking,” Xi Xi also accounted for an Constitution or discipline, or noted that the principles and emphasis on senior officials in the compromises Party unity, the provisions featured are still relevant two documents. regulation stipulates. today, such as objectives and basic norms for intra-Party political life, a Management of officials, Members of the Political Bureau collective leadership system, especially high-ranking ones, is of the CPC Central Committee must opposition to arbitrary rule by any imperative to strengthening Party strictly follow the “eight-point” individual, upholding the Party’s building, Xi said, adding managing guideline against bureaucracy and centralism and unity, abiding by members of the CPC Central extravagance, report important Party code of conduct, and Committee, the Political Bureau of personal matters to the CPC Central promoting intra-Party democracy, the CPC Central Committee, and the Committee, educate and regulate among other principles. Standing Committee of the Political their close relatives and people who Bureau, is crucial. work with them, according to the “All these principles still must be regulation. adhered to,” Xi said. “When this group of people are managed well and play exemplary The norms require plans for However, some outstanding roles for the Party, many things get a senior officials to implement the contradictions and problems the lot easier,” Xi said, asserting that norms, guiding and pushing senior 1980 norms sought to address are no regulating intra-Party political life officials to set examples in observing longer pressing today, whereas new and advancing supervision should and implementing the norms. ones have arisen, Xi said. start with them. PLENARY SESSION OFFERS GLIMPSE INTO CPC’S INNER WORKINGS Beijing, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) — The in the world’s second largest has offered an in-depth look into biggest political party in the world by economy. Since 1949, it has been the what goes on behind the scenes. membership, the ruling party of the ruling party in China where it world’s most populous country, and receives overwhelming support from XI AS THE CORE the architect for one of the fastest the public while China’s enviable growing economies over the past development has left the rest of the The endorsement of Xi Jinping, three decades: the Communist Party world amazed. general secretary of the CPC Central of China (CPC) is all these and more. Committee, as the core leader was As its success stories continue to perhaps the most eye-catching move Turning 95 this year, the CPC roll out, the sixth plenary session of at last week’s plenum. now boasts over 88 million members the 18th CPC Central Committee

14 News From China l November 2016 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee

In a communique released after profound achievements in reform, STRICT PARTY the meeting that gathered high- development, stability, internal and GOVERNANCE ranking CPC officials in Beijing, the foreign affairs, national defense, Party called on all its members to Party governance and state Xi explained two documents on “closely unite around the CPC administration. the discipline of the Party at the Central Committee with Comrade plenum, namely the norms of Xi Jinping as the core.” The reason the CPC has always political life in the Party under the been endorsed by the public and won current conditions, an update from a Xi took the helm of the CPC in victory in revolutionary struggles lies 1980 document, and the regulation late 2012 when the Party held its in its core of strong leadership, on intra-Party supervision. 18th national congress. Since then, which leads the Party and people to he has headed an array of leading progress constantly, Xin said. The norms stress consolidating groups overseeing economic ideals and beliefs, keeping to the development and national defense, In an editorial published last basic Party line, safeguarding the among others, and launched a month, the CPC mouthpiece the authority of the CPC Central popular, nationwide anti-graft People’s Daily also said Xi’s core Committee, and maintaining close campaign that promised to bring status is “of great importance to ties with the people, among others. down both “tigers and flies” — high China and the CPC.” The regulation is aimed at upholding and low-ranking corrupt officials. CPC leadership, strengthened Party “The Party and its Central building, strict governance of the Xin Ming, a professor with the Committee ... need a core to bond Party and maintaining the Party’s Party School of the CPC Central the Party, to unite the people, to tide status and purity. Committee, said since Xi took the over the challenges and to continue helm of the CPC, the Party has made to forge ahead,” it read. In his own comments, Xi said

News From China l November 2016 15 Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee the two documents, the full texts of drive of strict Party governance, Xie The principle is reiterated in the w h i ch we r e p u b l i s h e d o n said. newly published norms of political Wednesday, are part of the Party’s life in the Party under the current efforts to “fasten the cage of He said the CPC has always been conditions, which says intra-Party regulations” to curb corruption, by a political party of tight discipline democracy is vital to the CPC, and is preventing old problems from and strict governance ever since its fundamental to a positive, healthy recurring and new ones from inception. internal political environment. spreading. The emphasis was again Party committees at all levels They are introduced to amplified after 2012 as Xi must adhere to the collective supplement the layout of the “Four spearheaded a sweeping anti- leadership system, the document Comprehensives,” a strategy to corruption campaign which has seen says, adding all major decisions must promote reform and opening up, scores of senior officials investigated be made after collective discussion refine the socialist modernization and sentenced for graft. and in line with the principle of drive, as well as to adhere to and majority rule. develop socialism with Chinese According to a statement made characteristics, he said. b y t h e S u p r e m e Pe o p l e ’s According to Sun Xiaoli, a Procuratorate in July, a total of 97 professor with the Chinese Academy The “Four Comprehensives” officials at the vice ministerial level of Governance, the democratic are the comprehensive building of and above were investigated by aspect of the principle involves the an all-round moderately prosperous prosecutors over the past five years. freedom of Party members to society, deepening of reform, discuss and debate matters of policy advancement of the rule of law and The list gets a lot longer when and direction, while the leadership strict governing of the CPC. lower level officials are included. of the Party makes decisions based on the debate and discussion. This In the past years, the third, In many cases, the Party’s latter aspect represents centralism. fourth and fifth plenary sessions of internal disciplinary body starts its the 18th CPC Central Committee own probe before the judiciary steps “Democracy and centralism are studied and made arrangements for in. always closely linked,” she said. the first three “Comprehensives,” Her words were echoed by and the sixth plenary session “That’s what the Party’s been Wang Chuanzhi with the Qiushi completed the picture by zeroing in repeatedly stressing: that its own Journal Press. on the fourth “Comprehensive,” discipline is stricter than law,” Xie according to Xi. said. The essence of democratic centralism is democracy with The documents are also born DEMOCRATIC CENTRALISM leadership, Wang said. out of a necessity to promote the c o m p r e h e n s i v e a n d s t r i c t But the Party is not all about “Only by finding and then governance of the Party, and to discipline. The norms of political maintaining a natural balance solve outstanding problems within life in the Party under the current between centralization on the basis the Party, Xi said. conditions also stipulated to create of democracy and democracy under within the Party “a political centralized guidance will we be able Xie Chuntao, a professor with landscape, which integrates to guarantee the smooth operation the Party School of the CPC Central concentration with democracy, and effectiveness of democratic Committee, agreed. discipline with freedom, and centralism,” Wang said. unified will with ease of individual The two documents, one setting mind.” “Collective leadership, strict requirements on intra-Party life and governance and democratic the other making rules on Democratic centralism has been centralism, these are the lifelines of supervising the requirements’ taken by the CPC as a fundamental the CPC and what makes the Party implementation, are vital to the CPC organizational principle. what it is today,” Xie Chuntao said.

16 News From China l November 2016 China India Relations China India Relations MENG JIANZHU, SPECIAL ENVOY OF PRESIDENT XI JINPING MEETS INDIAN LEADERS

Meng Jianzhu, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping, meets with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9th November in New Delhi.

Meng Jianzhu, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping, meets with India's Home Minister Rajnath Singh on 9th November in New Delhi.

News From China l November 2016 17 China India Relations CHINA, INDIA AGREE TO JOINTLY SAFEGUARD BORDER PEACE, TRANQUILITY

Hyderabad, India, Nov. 4 At an informal meeting between various levels, promote pragmatic (Xinhua) — Senior officials of Chinese and Indian special cooperation of mutual benefit and China and India agreed on Friday to representatives on boundary issues properly handle sensitive issues with push forward their talks on in the southern Indian city, Chinese India. boundary issues so as to jointly State Councilor Yang Jiechi said safeguard peace and tranquility in China is willing to maintain While congratulating India on their border areas. communication and dialogue at its successful hosting of the BRICS

18 News From China l November 2016 China India Relations summit in Goa, Yang said China is maintain high-level exchanges of w i n , a s w e l l a s c o m m o n ready to join hands with India to visits and strategic communication development of the two countries, defend the interests of developing with China, and deepen their trade he added. countries and boost international and cultural exchanges and exchanges and cooperation in cooperation. India supports China in hosting various fields. the BRICS summit next year, and is New Delhi is also willing to ready to make joint efforts with For his part, Indian National properly manage and address China to contribute to the regional Security Adviser Ajit Doval differences with Beijing in order to and world peace, stability and expressed India’s willingness to promote mutual benefit and win- development, said Doval. CHINA, INDIA AGREE TO STEP UP COUNTERTERROR COOPERATION

Meng Jianzhu (R), head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with an Indian delegation led by R.N. Ravi, chairman of Joint Intelligence Committee of India, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 27, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

News From China l November 2016 19 China India Relations

Beijing, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) — general of the Commission for China and India was conducive to China and India on Tuesday held Political and Legal Affairs of the the interests of the people of both their first dialogue on counter- Communist Party of China Central countries. terrorism and security. Committee, and R.N. Ravi, chairman He voiced hope that the two The two sides exchanged of Joint Intelligence Committee of sides could put to action counter- opinions on the international and India. terrorism collaboration and protect regional security situation and their In his talks with Ravi, Meng regional security and that of the two respective anti-terrorism systems, Jianzhu, head of the Commission countries. mechanisms and legislation. for Political and Legal Affairs of the Ravi, for his part, said India was They also reached consensus on C P C C e n t r a l C o m m i t t e e , willing to step up communication measures to strengthen cooperation commended stable progress in Sino- and cooperation with China in the and to jointly deal with security Indian ties. field of counter-terrorism, so that threats, according to a document He said terrorism is a common the two sides could work together via issued after the meeting. enemy of the global community, unity and solidarity. The dialogue was jointly chaired adding that strengthened counter- by Wang Yongqing, secretary- terrorism cooperation between INDIA HOPES TO BOOST MILITARY COOPERATION WITH CHINA, JOINTLY UPHOLD BORDER PEACE, STABILITY: DM

Sun Jianguo (L), deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, talks with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi, India, Nov. 9, 2016. Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Wednesday that India hopes to strengthen military cooperation with China and make concerted efforts to uphold peace and stability in border areas. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

20 News From China l November 2016 China India Relations

New Delhi, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) — countries and militaries to conduct diplomacy. Indian Defense Minister Manohar more exchanges so as to further Parrikar said on Wednesday that enhance bilateral cooperation in Under the guidance of their India hopes to strengthen military various fields. leaders, China and India have been cooperation with China and make making progress in various fields concerted efforts to uphold peace Sun Jianguo, for his part, said including defense and the two and stability in border areas. that the leaders of the two countries countries have been committed to have met on many occasions in advancing their strategic cooperative Parrikar made the comments recent year and reached important partnership, he said. during a meeting here with Sun consensus on enhancing bilateral Jianguo, deputy chief of the Joint strategic communication, deepening Hailing the good momentum of Staff Department of China’s friendly and pragmatic cooperation exchanges between the two Central Military Commission. and seeking common development. militaries, Sun called for the two sides to further strengthen Sun is in India to attend the 8th “China adheres to a peaceful cooperation in various fields and meeting of China-India Defense development path and also a properly manage and control and Security Consultation. defensive defense policy,” the senior differences, jointly uphold peace and Chinese military official said, stability in border areas for the Parrikar said India and China highlighting that China carries out benefit of the two countries and two have enjoyed a long history of the concept of “amity, sincerity, peoples. friendship and his country values its sharing in prosperity, and ties with China. He called on the two inclusiveness” in neighborhood CHINA, INDIA PLEDGE TO ENHANCE MUTUAL TRUST, SAFEGUARD BORDER PEACE

New Delhi, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) — chaired by Sun and Indian Defense For his part, Kumar said the Senior defense officials from China Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar. exchanges of visits and interactions and India vowed on Tuesday to between Chinese and Indian leaders enhance the strategic mutual trust The leaders of both countries have promoted the India-China and pragmatic cooperation between have maintained frequent exchanges s t r a t e g i c p a r t n e r s h i p o f the two nations. of visits and reached consensus on cooperation, which has also the development of bilateral ties in contributed to the common At the 8th meeting of China- recent years, Sun said. prosperity of the two countries as India Defense and Security well as the world peace and Consultation, Sun Jianguo, deputy The Chinese military is willing to development. c h i e f o f t h e Jo i n t S t a f f join hands with India army to Department of China’s Central maintain the exchanges on border The Indian side is ready to take Military Commission, said China defense, improve the mechanism of effective measures to boost and India share broad common communication and strengthen communication and coordination interests on international and border management and control so between border guards with China, regional affairs. as to safeguard peace and stability in and properly manage and control their border areas, he added. disputes in order to ensure the The annual dialogue is co- border peace and tranquility.

News From China l November 2016 21 China India Relations

Sun Jianguo (4th L), deputy chief of the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, meets with Indian Defense Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar (4th R) in New Delhi, capital of India, Nov. 8, 2016. Senior defense officials from China and India vowed on Tuesday to enhance the strategic mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation between the two nations at the 8th meeting of China-India Defense and Security Consultation. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

22 News From China l November 2016 China India Relations CHINESE, INDIAN ARMIES STAGE JOINT ANTI-TERROR DRILL

PUNA, India, Nov. 16 Code named “Hand in Hand number of Indian army troops. (Xinhua)— Chinese and Indian 2016,” the drill involves 139 troops army troops started their joint anti- from the Chinese People’s During the drill, which is to last terror exercises in the Western Liberation Army (PLA) units 11 days, the troops will be mingled Indian city of Puna on Wednesday. stationed in Tibet and the same and regrouped into two companies, and conduct exhibitions, training and exercises of joint counter- t e r r o r i s m r e c o n n a i s s a n c e operations, removing improvised explosives and combating terrorists in semi-urban environment.

The soldiers will also stage some recreational and cultural activities during the intervals of their training to enhance friendship and communications.

This is the 6th joint anti- terrorism exercise held by the Chinese and Indian armies, and the third conducted in India.

News From China l November 2016 23 External Affairs External Affairs FORGE AHEAD INTO THE FUTURE FOR PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China At Session I of the 24th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

Your Excellency President still finds itself in profound of the world economy, the Asia- Kuczynski, adjustment, with weak recovery and Pacific is home to infinite hopes and Colleagues, more divergent growth. Economic also shoulders major responsibilities. It gives me great pleasure to join globalization has encountered APEC is a pioneer, leader and you here in the beautiful city of Lima setbacks, as evidenced by sluggish trailblazer of economic cooperation for a discussion on the important international trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific and the world at subject of Asia-Pacific cooperation. and rising protectionism. At the G20 large, playing an important role in the I wish to start by expressing my Hangzhou Summit last September, economic development of the Asia- sincere appreciation to President the blueprint for strong, sustainable, Pacific and beyond. Faced with new Kuczynski and the government of balanced and inclusive world circumstances and challenges, we Peru for their preparation for this economic growth was drawn. It need to take vigorous measures, meeting. We expect this meeting to embodies the spirit of partnership to leverage the role of the Asia-Pacific contribute to enhanced Asia-Pacific jointly rise to challenges as well as the as a growth engine and work for an cooperation. c o m m i t m e n t t o c o m m o n i n n o v a t i v e , i n v i g o r a t e d , Currently, the world economy development. As an important arena interconnected and inclusive world

24 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs economy. trade and investment. We need to reform and innovation. Reform and First, we need to stay committed effectively address the fragmentation innovation is vital for sustained to taking economic globalization of regional trade agreements, prosperity. We need to prioritize forward. Now that economic a d v o c a t e o p e n n e s s a n d reform and innovation, advance globalization has entered a phase of inclusiveness, and avoid close-door economic structural reform, and adjustment, some people have policy and exclusiveness. create impetus for the Asia-Pacific to become skeptical and others more Two years ago in Beijing, we lead the world economy. Targeted and hesitant. However, one ought to launched the process to build a Free effective measures are required to r e c o g n i z e t h a t e c o n o m i c Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific address crucial issues. We need to globalization represents the general (FTAAP). With the concerted i m p l e m e n t t h e S e r v i c e s trend of our times, as it meets the efforts of various parties, the Competitiveness Roadmap and need for progress in productivity collective strategic study has been deepen cooperation in the service and serves the interests of all. smoothly completed this year, sector to make up for this long- Instead of coming to a stop because marking a new phase in FTAAP standing inadequacy. We need to seize of the temporary difficulties, we development. To build the FTAAP opportunities in the new round of need to continue our involvement in will never be an easy task. It requires technological and industrial revolution economic globalization. What is long-term efforts. We need to stick and develop new growth areas in the important is to combine it with our to our agenda and take more internet and digital economy, blue respective development practices, effective actions to realize the economy and green economy. strive to ensure equity and justice, FTAAP at an early date, thus Thanks to the strong support of and steer it towards a more inclusive bringing about an Asia-Pacific member economies, the first APEC and mutually beneficial direction. economy with greater openness. High-Level Urbanization Forum We need to make it clear to the world Third, we need to stay committed was successfully held in Ningbo, with action that the commitment of to breaking bottlenecks in regional China, last June and adopted the the Asia-Pacific to economic connectivity. According to traditional Ningbo Initiative, charting the globalization is unchanged and its Chinese medicine, pain is relieved course for a new type of confidence undiminished. with improved blood circulation. urbanization in the Asia-Pacific. History has proven that Connectivity will ensure smooth flow Colleagues, protectionism will get nowhere. of blood in the Asia-Pacific economy. Eight years ago, at the critical We need to take more collective and Over the past 25 years since it juncture of our response to the individual actions to implement the joined the APEC, China has given international financial crisis, APEC Connectivity Blueprint for 2015-2025 priority to opening up to the Asia- leaders expressed in Lima their adopted in Beijing and promote Pacific. As the 2020 deadline of u n a n i m o u s o p p o s i t i o n t o connectivity in infrastructure, Bogor Goals draws near, we need to protectionism. Two years ago, we in institutions and personnel flows. We be more forward-looking in our Beijing solemnly reaffirmed our need to have a multi-dimensional cooperation and build consensus for s t a n d s t i l l c o m m i t m e n t o n connectivity network and build a well- a cooperation vision with a longer protectionist measures. At this connected Asia-Pacific community. time frame. With a focus on crucial stage of Asia-Pacific China is making progress with development, China will work with development, we need to work the Belt and Road initiative. other parties to increase openness, together for win-win outcomes, Featuring extensive consultation, p u r s u e r e g i o n a l e c o n o m i c oppose all forms of protectionism joint participation and shared integration and connectivity, and inject positive energy into benefits among partners in the advance reform and innovation, and economic globalization. region, this initiative will contribute jointly write an exciting chapter of Second, we need to stay to enhanced connectivity in the Asia- Asia-Pacific cooperation. committed to increasing openness in Pacific. China will seek synergy in Let us deepen Asia-Pacific the Asia-Pacific economy. Openness development strategies and partnership, pursue win-win is the driving force for growth in the cooperation initiatives with relevant cooperation and prosperity through Asia-Pacific. We need to support the parties so as to realize common openness and connectivity, and keep multilateral trading regime, prioritize development. forging ahead to create an even trade and investment liberalization Fourth, we need to stay brighter future for our region. and facilitation, and reinvigorate committed to blazing new trails in Thank you.

News From China l November 2016 25 External Affairs XI, TRUMP DISCUSS CHINA-U.S. TIES OVER PHONE

Beijing, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday discussed China-U.S. relations with Donald Trump in a telephone conversation.

Xi congratulated Trump on his election as U.S. president and expressed his willingness to work with him.

Since the two countries established formal ties 37 years ago, bilateral relations have been continuously progressing, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and promoting world and regional peace, stability and prosperity, Xi said.

Facts have shown that cooperation is the only correct choice for the two countries, he said. are many things in which China and The United States and China can the United States can and should achieve win-win results featuring As China-U.S. cooperation faces cooperate, Xi said. mutual benefits, he added. important opportunities and has huge potential, the two countries “I attach great importance to Trump voiced his readiness to need to strengthen coordination, China-U.S. relations and am ready to work with Xi to strengthen U.S.- advance their respective economic work with the U.S. side to carry China cooperation and expressed development and global economic forward bilateral ties and to better his belief that U.S.-China relations growth and expand exchanges and benefit the two peoples and the rest w i l l w i t n e s s e ve n g r e a t e r cooperation in various fields so as to of the world,” he told Trump. development. bring more benefits to the two peoples and promote the smooth For his part, Trump thanked Xi Xi and Trump also agreed to development of China-U.S. for the congratulations and said that maintain close contact, establish a relations, said the Chinese president. he agreed with Xi on his views about good working relationship and meet U.S.-China relations. at an early date to exchange views on As the biggest developing bilateral ties and other issues of country and the biggest developed China is a great and important common concern. country respectively and as the top c o u n t r y w i t h e y e - c a t ch i n g two economies of the world, there development prospects, said Trump.

26 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs XI, DUTERTE AGREE ON FULL IMPROVEMENT OF TIES

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) holds talks with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 20, 2016. (Li Xueren/Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping foundation of the China-Philippines He said managing differences in and his Philippine counterpart friendship and the willingness to the South China Sea issue through Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday cooperate remain unchanged. dialogue and consultation was an agreed that the two countries will important foundation for the properly handle differences and China highly values its relations healthy and stable growth of China- achieve full improvement and with the Philippines, and is ready to Philippines relations. greater progress in bilateral ties. work with the country to cement political trust and mutually beneficial Both sides need to draw C a l l i n g t h e c o u n t r i e s cooperation, properly handle experiences from the past to open up “neighbors across the sea,” Xi said differences and become good promising prospects for the bilateral that though their relations have gone partners, Xi said during talks with relationship, Xi stressed, calling on through twists and turns, the Duterte in Beijing. both sides to develop friendship and

News From China l November 2016 27 External Affairs

cooperation while properly handling consultation, China and the deteriorated due to the South China differences. Philippines can have candid Sea arbitration case brought by exchanges on everything, manage Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno "China and the Philippines have differences well, car r y out Aquino III, against China. had foundation for friendship for cooperation and shelve problems generations and no reason for that are difficult to agree on, for a Xi put forward four proposals in hostility or confrontation. Both while, Xi said. developing Beijing-Manila ties: to sides should spare no efforts to cement political trust, expand promote neighborly relations,” Xi Duterte, who is on a four-day substantial cooperation, promote said. state visit from Tuesday to Friday, people-to-people exchanges and said his talks with Xi were historical strengthen cooperation in regional Since the establishment of and helped to improve and develop and multilateral affairs. diplomatic relations, China and the bilateral ties. Philippines have largely managed He called on both sides to their differences on the South China He believed his current visit will enhance high-level exchanges in a Sea issue through dialogue and benefit the two peoples. bid to guide the development of ties, consultation, Xi said. “It is political a n d b o o s t e xch a n g e s a n d wisdom and a successful practice The last state visit between the cooperation between the two worth passing down as well as an two countries’ top leaders was five governments, parties, parliaments important foundation for the years ag o, when Duter te’s and localities. healthy and stable growth of China- predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, Philippines relations.” paid a state visit to China in China is ready to enhance September 2011. cooperation with the Philippines As long as both countries under the framework of the Belt and adhere to friendly dialogue and Beijing-Manila ties had Road Initiative, he said.

28 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs

Xi urged both countries to He also called for stronger bilateral The Philippines appreciates integrate their development cooperation in fisheries, education, the China’s strong support for its strategies in a comprehensive press, culture and tourism. economic and social development manner to seek mutually beneficial and is willing to deepen bilateral results. Xi suggested the two sides hold exchanges at various levels, he said. activities next year to mark the 600th China is willing to participate in anniversary of the China visit of the Duterte called on the two the Southeast Asian nation’s king of Sulu, an ancient kingdom in countries to cooperate in the fields infrastr ucture constr uction, the Philippine islands. of economy and trade, investment, covering railways, urban rail transit, agriculture, science and technology, highways, ports and other areas, so China hopes to enhance manufacturing, infrastructure, as to benefit the Philippine people, coordination with the Philippines in disaster prevention and mitigation, according to Xi. multilateral frameworks such as the tourism, aviation, media, drug United Nations and the Asia-Pacific controls, anti-terrorism, marine China is also ready to encourage Economic Cooperation, Xi said. policing and culture. Chinese businesses to invest more in the Philippines to help the country’s Duterte said China is a great H e h o p e d t h e A s i a n economic growth, said the Chinese country, and the long-lasting Infrastructure Investment Bank president. friendship between the Philippines could play a bigger role in the and China is unbreakable. Philippines’ economic growth. China supports the efforts of the new Philippine government in He appreciated China’s great The Philippines is ready to fighting against drugs, terrorism and achievements, adding the two enhance coordination with China in crime, and would like to conduct countries’ development strategies international and regional affairs and cooperation with the Philippines in are highly compatible and there was push forward closer China-ASEAN these areas, Xi said. huge potential for cooperation. ties, said Duterte. LI KEQIANG ATTENDS THE 15TH MEETING OF SCO COUNCIL OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENTS (PRIME MINISTERS)

At noon of November 3, 2016 prosperity, but also makes positive therefore, only by working together local time, Premier Li Keqiang contributions to pushing forward can SCO member states realize attended the 15th Meeting of the world peace and development. At common development and achieve Shanghai Cooperation Organization the Tashkent Summit this year, long-term peace and stability in the (SCO) Council of Heads of President Xi Jinping, together with region. Li Keqiang offered the Governments (Prime Ministers) at other leaders of SCO member states, following suggestions on the future the conference center of Bishkek has put forward a number of development of the SCO: State Guesthouse. proposals and initiatives in terms of First, create a safe and stable Li Keqiang expressed that the further promoting regional environment. SCO member states SCO has maintained a sound cooperation in various fields, should follow the concept of momentum of development since marking a new step in the c o m m o n , c o m p r e h e n s i v e , its establishment 15 years ago. It not development of the SCO. Currently, cooperative and sustainable security, only plays an irreplaceable role in the international situation is further reinforce coordination and promoting regional stability and undergoing profound changes, collaboration in security areas,

News From China l November 2016 29 External Affairs

a d v a n c e t h e m e c h a n i s m and accreditation. China is open to to build production capacity construction of regional anti- the construction of a SCO free trade cooperation into an important pillar terrorism agencies and deepen area and other proposals, and is of regional economic and trade information exchanges and law willing to work with all parties to cooperation and forge a growth pole enforcement cooperation, so as to complete the feasibility study on the for regional economic development, safeguard the safety of peoples, free trade area and actively explore a so as to benefit the people of related institutions, enterprises and more comprehensive, closer and countries. personnel of SCO member states. more efficient regional economic cooperation framework. Fourth, explore opportunities Second, build an integrative for innovation cooperation. China development pattern. All sides Third, upgrade the level of thoroughly implements the should strengthen the coordination production capacity cooperation. At innovation-driven development and alignment of respective present, the early harvest projects of strategy and extensively carries out s t r a t e g i e s f o r e c o n o m i c production capacity cooperation mass entrepreneurship and development. The “Belt and Road” between China and Kazakhstan are innovation. China is willing to, Initiative proposed by China is now advancing smoothly. Large projects together with other countries, dovetailing with the construction of undertaken by Chinese enterprises, reinforce the alignment and the Eurasian Economic Union. such as the power station in experience exchanges of innovation China is ready to work with other Uzbekistan, the oil refinery in policies, facilitate cross-border e- parties to advance the trade and Kyrgyzstan and the cement plant in commerce customs clearance, investment liberalization and Tajikistan, are under sound strengthen the capacity of logistics facilitation in the region and operation. An industrial park is now support and propel cooperation in strengthen cooperation in fields jointly being built by China and such fields as innovation in such as customs, inspection and Uzbekistan. China is ready to make e n v i r o n m e n t a l p r o t e c t i o n quarantine, as well as certification concerted efforts with other parties technology and green economy

30 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs among all sides. support its efforts in personnel “Shanghai Spirit” and drive the SCO training for SCO member states. to score substantial achievements Fifth, improve the region’s China will offer more SCO from cooperation in all fields, so as financing mechanism. The SCO S c h o l a r s h i p s a n d C h i n e s e to better benefit the people of should take full advantage of the Government Scholarships this regional countries. SCO Interbank Consortium, the academic year. The country is Asian Infrastructure Investment willing to continue organizing Present leaders gave positive Bank, the Silk Road Fund, the summer camps for primary and affirmation on the series of C h i n a - E u r a s i a E c o n o m i c secondary school students from progress the SCO has achieved in Cooperation Fund, the BRICS New SCO member states, and holding a development and cooperation Development Bank and other series of non-governmental over the year, and expressed that platforms of investment and exchange activities. all countries will jointly maintain financing, to provide financing security and stability in the support for member states to Li Keqiang pointed out that the r e g i o n , b e e f u p r e g i o n a l accelerate economic development SCO always upholds the principle of economic cooperation and and carry out regional cooperation openness, and all parties should s t r e n g t h e n t h e i n t e r n a l projects. China is willing to further continue to strengthen cooperation dynamism of the SCO, so as to enhance cooperation in currency with observer states and dialogue make new contributions to swaps and settlement with all partners and expand communication regional peace and development. parties. and dialogue between the SCO and the UN as well as other international Li Keqiang and attending leaders S i x t h , c o n s o l i d a t e t h e and regional organizations, so as to of SCO member states jointly signed foundation of people-to-people achieve multi-win and win-win and issued the Joint Communiqué, and cultural exchanges. China results and jointly push for lasting and approved multiple cooperation stands ready to sign agreements peace and common prosperity in the documents and resolutions covering with other parties on establishing world. China is willing to, together such fields as trade, investment, and operating a SCO university and with all parties, carry forward the finance, customs and agriculture,

News From China l November 2016 31 External Affairs

including List of Measures by the Scientific and Technological Development Bank and the SCO SCO to Further Promote Project Partnership and the Following Work Development Fund (Special Cooperation 2017-2021, SCO on the Establishment of the SCO Account). LI KEQIANG ATTENDS THE 5TH CHINA-CEEC SUMMIT On the afternoon of November the G20 Hangzhou Summit held in implemented the 1+6 cooperation 5, 2016 local time, Premier Li September this year, broad framework in an all-round manner Keqiang attended the 5th Summit of consensus was reached on moving guided by the Midterm Plan on China and Central and Eastern “ To w a r d s a n I n n o v a t i v e , China-CEEC Cooperation. By European Countries (CEEC) at the Invigorated, Interconnected and u p h o l d i n g o p e n n e s s a n d National Library of Latvia in Riga. Inclusive World Economy”, which inclusiveness and making solid Leaders of 16 Central and Eastern has offered new ideas on uplifting progress, much has been achieved in European countries attended the the world economy and deepening this regard. Over 50 measures set out summit, along with the EU, Austria, international cooperation. The in the Suzhou Guidelines for China- Switzerland, Greece, Belarus and the “16+1 cooperation” mechanism is a CEEC Cooperation have basically European Bank for Reconstruction creative endeavor made by China been carried out. and Development as observers. and the CEEC to further friendship and cooperation. Since the Suzhou Li Keqiang pointed out that the Li Keqiang stated that during Summit last year, we have “16+1 cooperation” is a positive

32 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs

factor for world peace and so as to not only add momentum to grids and Internet development of development, as well as a part of and self-development but also contribute the CEEC. China stands ready to beneficial supplement to China-EU to world economic recovery. advance the construction of the cooperation, which is conducive to Budapest-Belgrade railway and advancing the four major China-EU Li Keqiang expressed that the China-Europe Land-Sea Express, partnerships and the construction theme of the summit, “Connectivity, support the construction of of the five major platforms as well as Innovation, Inclusiveness and transport corridors between Asia contributes to the balanced Common Development”, is both and Europe, and set up more logistic development of Europe and the timely and relevant. Li Keqiang made centers in the CEEC, so as to further European integration process. following suggestions for the future enhance the CEEC’s role as a d e v e l o p m e n t o f “ 1 6 + 1 transport hub on the Eurasian Land Li Keqiang emphasized that the cooperation”: Bridge. “16+1 cooperation” should stick to the prevailing trend of economic T he first is to dee pen The second is to enhance globalization. We should actively cooperation on infrastructure and financial cooperation to solidify the boost the liberalization and connectivity. China encourages foundation for “16+1 cooperation”. facilitation of trade and investment, reputable and competent enterprises At the Business Forum earlier in the keep the market open to each other, to, through such forms as project afternoon, I announced the official dee pen regional economic contracting and PPP, participate in establishment of the China-CEEC cooperation, and jointly oppose the construction of highway Financial Holding Company. China trade and investment protectionism, networks, port networks, power has signed Memorandums of

News From China l November 2016 33 External Affairs

Understanding with Poland and the cultural, tourism, health, local, youth new cooperation patterns such as e- Czech Republic on making financial and other cooperation mechanisms. commerce, and expand local contributions, and other Central and This year is the Year of 16+1 People- cooperation and people-to-people Eastern European countries are to-People and Cultural Exchanges. and cultural exchang es in most welcome to take part. China China and the CEEC have held technology, culture, education, supports to expand cooperation on colorful activities. China supports health care, tourism and other areas, local currency settlement, as well as the early establishment of a “16+1” so as to realize connectivity, mutual supports financial institutions coordination center on cultural benefit and win-win results, and including the Silk Road Fund to, cooperation, and will invite young p u s h f o r w a r d t h e m u t u a l through diverse forms such as equity people from the CEEC to receive improvement and continuous and bonds, provide financing for training in China. It is hoped that the development of CEEC-China “16+1 cooperation” projects. CEEC can adopt more visa relations and EU-China strategic facilitation measures and special partnership. The third is to explore arrangements for Chinese tourists. cooperation on green economy. China supports designating 2017 as After the summit, China and China is willing to work with the the Year of China-CEEC Media the 16 Central and Eastern C E E C t o e x p l o r e j o i n t Cooperation. European countries jointly issued demonstration projects like the Riga Guidelines for China- processing bases of agricultural Attending CEEC leaders CEEC Cooperation and a joint p r o d u c t s a n d e n c o u r a g e e x p r e s s e d t h a t t h e “ 1 6 + 1 s t a t e m e n t o n d e v e l o p i n g cooperation on green agriculture cooperation” moves forward at a cooperation in infrastructure and between provinces and cities in steady pace with vitality and equipment in the three port areas. China and the CEEC. China is also remarkable achievements. The Leaders of all countries jointly willing to step up cooperation on CEEC stand ready to, together with w i t n e s s e d t h e s i g n i n g o f environmental protection, and China, tap cooperation potential, cooperation agreements between expand the joint development of enhance the capacity of mechanism China and the 16 countries, clean energy like wind electricity and building, stick to the parallel covering various areas including solar energy. development of economic and connectivity, production capacity people-to-people and cultural cooperation, infrastr ucture The fourth is to further intensify cooperation, deepen cooperation in construction, people-to-people people-to-people and cultural infrastructure, production capacity, and culture exchanges, human exchanges and cooperation. We trade, finance, ag riculture, resource and civil aviation should fully exploit educational, technology and other areas, expand cooperation. SPOTLIGHT: CHINA-RUSSIA COOPERATION BLOSSOMS IN ST. PETERSBURG

St. Petersburg, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) various fields. Co., Ltd. and seven other Chinese — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang companies participated in the Sunday arrived for a visit in the In 2005, the 1.3 billion-U.S. project, which has become China’s Russian city of St. Petersburg, which dollar Pearl of the Baltic Sea project largest non-energy investment has witnessed more and more joint was launched in St. Petersburg’s project in Russia. economic and cultural projects southwest Krasnoselsky district. between the two countries as they The Pearl of the Baltic Sea is a are deepening cooperation in Shanghai Industrial Investment modern multi-functional residential

34 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs

News From China l November 2016 35 External Affairs

and commercial zone, with a total dredging project in Europe Petersburg State Transport construction area of 1.94 million undertaken by China, but also an University and Moscow State square meters. important part of the China- University of Railway Engineering, proposed Belt and Road Initiative. created the China-Russia High- More than 10 years later, the Speed Rail Research Center Pearl of the Baltic Sea has become a The Belt and Road Initiative headquartered in St. Petersburg. well-known local brand. At the comprises the Silk Road Economic project’s 10-year anniversary Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Chinese Vice Premier Liu ceremony, St. Petersburg Governor Silk Road and aspires to build a trade Yandong said the center would Georgy Poltavchenko said the Pearl and infrastr ucture network accumulate knowledge from higher of the Baltic Sea had broken local connecting Asia with Europe and education and research institutions, stereotypes of residential districts by Africa along the ancient Silk Road well-known enterprises and experts c r e a t i n g a n e n v i r o n m e n t routes. from the two countries. comfortable for living, work and leisure. In order to ensure the The center will focus on key completion of the project, the i s s u e s o f h i g h - s p e e d r a i l In 2015, China Communi- CCCC gathered eight dredgers from development, and develop the cations Construction Company five countries in the Bronka port. sharing of research results and (CCCC) completed a 13.8 million- The CCCC managed to finish the joint training, she said, adding that cubic meter dredging operation dredging operation ahead of it will also provide technical and project in the Bronka port in St. schedule, and the quality of work intellectual support to the Silk Petersburg. The cost of the work was was highly estimated by Russia. Road Economic Belt and the approximately 110 million dollars. Russia-led Eurasian Economic On July 3, 2016, Beijing Jiaotong Union (EEU). This is not only the first University, in collaboration with St.

36 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs

On the same day, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine established the first leg ally recognized Chinese Medicine Center in Russia — also in St. Petersburg. It has already become very popular among local residents.

Cultural exchanges are also successful: Peking Opera and theatrical performances can be seen in the most famous theaters of St. Petersburg, notably Mariinsky and Alexandrinsky, and they are praised by the Russian audience.

In exchange, Russian theaters have successfully staged ballet and drama performances in China. Yulia Mylnikova, the Russian side director of the Confucius Institute in St. Petersburg State University, has noted that cultural exchanges have developed in parallel with the deepening of bilateral relations and have a great potential for further St. Petersburg every year. and more shops, restaurants and growth. sightseeing attractions have If one walks across the streets in identification signs in Chinese. Moreover, hundreds of the city, it’s easy to notice that more thousands of Chinese tourists visit During this year’s Spring Festival — the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday season, the city government in collaboration with the Consulate General of China in St. Petersburg organized a plenty of thematic events.

Guo Min, consul general of China in St. Petersburg, said this is the best period of time in the history of relations between China and Russia.

The cooperation between Russia’s local authorities and the Chinese Consulate General is in practical demonstration of such a success, Guo said.

News From China l November 2016 37 External Affairs

On October 25, 2016, State significant increase in forces for continuously play an essential and Councilor Yang Jiechi attended the peace and development and a new leading role in maintaining world reception for the 45th anniversary of stage of China’s diplomatic peace, promoting common the restoration of the lawful seat of engagement. For the last 45 years, development, improving global the People’s Republic of China in the China has always been a constructor governance and other aspects. United Nations (UN) and delivered a of world peace, contributor of The reception was hosted by the speech. global development, maintainer of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Yang Jiechi noted that on this international order and supporter of chaired by Foreign Minister Wang day 45 years ago, the UN General UN causes. China will firmly stick to Yi. More than 400 people attended Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 the path of peaceful development, the reception including comrades in and decided to restore the lawful seat common development, cooperative charge of relevant ministries and of the People’s Republic of China in development and multilateralism commissions of the State Council, the UN. This epoch-making event and join efforts with the UN and all envoys from various countries to signifies a notable enhancement of countries to advance the noble cause China and representatives of UN the universality, representativeness of peace and development of agencies in China. and authority of the UN, a mankind. China expects the UN to

38 News From China l November 2016 External Affairs CHINESE FM MEETS TURKISH PRESIDENT, PM ON COOPERATION

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hands with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Ankara, capital of Turkey, on Nov. 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Turkish Presidential Office)

Ankara, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) — consensus reached between Chinese anti-terrorism and support each Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister President Xi Jinping and me in our other in efforts of safeguarding Wang Yi met with Turkish President previous meetings being effectively national sovereignty, security and Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime implemented,” he said. stability, the president added. Minister Binali Yildirim here on Monday. He also agreed to align China’s In his meeting with Wang, Belt and Road Initiative with Yildirim said that frequent high-level Erdogan said that Turkey Turkey’s “Middle Corridor” project, mutual visits have played a positive attaches great importance to China- push ahead with major cooperation role in boosting bilateral relations Turkey relations and is willing to projects such as high speed railway between Turkey and China. maintain high-level exchanges to construction and strengthen a d d r e s s i s s u e s c o n c e r n i n g bilateral cooperation in fields such as He expressed the hope that the partnership through strategic tourism, culture and education. two countries could bring their cooperation. respective potential into full play The two countries need to through joint efforts to step up “I’m pleased to see the deepen cooperation in security and economic and trade cooperation and

News From China l November 2016 39 Belt and Road Initiative accelerate strategic alignment. ministers. revitalizing Eurasia and advancing human civilization. The prime minister also pointed The Chinese side attaches great out the importance of building high- importance to China-Turkey The two sides should also speed railways as a new Silk Road to relations and is willing to keep high deepen cooperation in security and promote China-Turkey friendship in level dialogues and strategic anti-terrorism and enhance mutual the new era. communication, Wang added. strategic trust to pave the way for all- round cooperation between the two For his part, Wang said the visit He also expressed the hope that countries, Wang said. is intended to implement the the two countries could uphold the important consensus reached spirit of the ancient Silk Road and Wang arrived in Ankara on between Chinese President Xi make joint efforts to build the Silk Sunday at the invitation of his Jinping and Turkish President Recep Road Economic Belt and the 21st Turkish counterpart Mevlut Erdogan, launching the mechanism Century Maritime Silk Road, in order Cavusoglu. for consultation between the to make new contributions to Chinese and Turkish foreign promoting national development,

Belt and Road Initiative SPOTLIGHT: BELT AND ROAD, A PROMISING INITIATIVE AIMED AT COMMON PROSPERITY

40 News From China l November 2016 Belt and Road Initiative

Beijing, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) — The international airport in Khushigt released an outline of the plan for Belt and Road Initiative unveiled Valley, Tuv Province, has been hailed the corridor, marking the official three years ago has already delivered by then Mongolian Prime Minister implementation of the first outline tangible results, contributing to Chimed Saikhanbileg as “a new of the multilateral cooperation plan. global economic recovery and milestone” in the history of creating momentum for long-term infrastructure in Mongolia. While in Pakistan, infrastructure global economic growth. development is progressing rapidly As a landlocked country, thanks to the construction of the Proposed by Chinese President Mongolia shares borders with only China-Pakistan economic corridor. Xi Jinping, the initiative refers to the two countries: China and Russia. Its Silk Road Economic Belt that links ambitious Steppe Road plan, an I n A p r i l 2 0 1 6 , t h e China with Europe through Central infrastructure construction proposal reconstruction and upgrade work on and Western Asia by inland routes, to spur economic growth through the Pakistani section of the and the 21st Century Maritime Silk cross-border transportation, is Karakoram Highway officially Road connecting China with highly consistent with the Belt and started. In May, construction of the Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe Road Initiative, especially the Peshawar-Karachi Expressway by sea. construction of the China- (Sukkar-Multan section), the biggest Mo n g o l i a -Russi a eco n o m i c transport infrastructure project The initiative offers both a long- corridor. under the China-Pakistan economic term development vision and real corridor, was officially launched. benefits in the near future. The corridor is one of the six Meanwhile, a 64 km stretch of the major international economic M4 highway connecting Shorkot to ECONOMIC CORRIDORS cooperation corridors under the Belt Khanewal in Pakistan’s Punjab and Road Initiative. province broke ground in August. It Construction of the very first is Pakistan’s first highway project highway in Mongolia, a landmark In July 2015, China, Mongolia financed by the China-backed Asian project in the country under the Belt and Russia signed a memorandum Infrastructure Investment Bank. and Road Initiative, has been under o f u n d e r s t a n d i n g o n t h e way since May 2016. construction of the economic The China-Pakistan economic corridor covering their countries. corridor is regarded as the first The highway, linking the capital chapter of the Belt and Road city, Ulan Bator, and the new In September 2016, Beijing symphony. With the economic

News From China l November 2016 41 Belt and Road Initiative

corridor at the center and the can be considered a rising star partly China and ASEAN mark the G w a d a r P o r t , t r a n s p o r t due to its convenient geographic 25th anniversary of their dialogue infrastructure, energy and industrial location, thanks to China’s Belt and relations in 2016. Trade between cooperation being the four key areas, Road Initiative. China and ASEAN rose to 472 a “1+4” cooperation structure is billion U.S. dollars in 2015 from less gradually taking shape. Piraeus is expected to operate as than 8 billion dollars in 1991, with an a hub in Europe for the 21st Century annual growth rate of 18.5 percent. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Maritime Silk Road, and to connect Sharif has said on many occasions the Silk Road Economic Belt with By the end of May 2016, two- that the China-Pakistan economic the China-Europe Land-Sea way investment had exceeded 160 corridor is a boon to the whole Express Line, boosting economic billion dollars. Currently, China is region and it will bring tangible growth in regions that the initiative ASEAN’s largest trading partner, benefits to the 3 billion people in covers. while ASEAN is the third-largest China, Central Asia, South Asia and trading partner of China. the Middle East. Broad achievements have been scored since the 21st Century So far, more than 300 China- MARITIME SILK ROAD Maritime Silk Road was proposed by funded enterprises have been set up CONSTRUCTION Xi three years ago. in 26 economic cooperation zones in eight ASEAN countries, investing a Marking a milestone agreement In September, the 13th China- total of 1.77 billion dollars. for China-Greece collaboration, ASEAN Expo was held in China’s China’s Cosco Shipping on Aug. 10 Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former prime acquired a majority stake in Piraeus Region. The expo, with an aim to minister of Thailand, has said that Port Authority through the Athens promote the 21st Century Maritime the Belt and Road Initiative would Stock Exchange. Silk Road and forge a closer China- e n h a n c e p e o p l e - t o - p e o p l e ASEAN community of common exchanges in countries along the The port is now ranked 39th destiny, attracted more than 2,600 route of the program, and it would globally up from 93rd in 2010 in companies from 29 countries. also create vital opportunities for terms of container capacity, and it Thailand and other nations.

42 News From China l November 2016 Belt and Road Initiative CHINA-EUROPE RAILWAY TO DRIVE CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE

Fifteen days after departing the China-Europe railway system. in cross-border e-commerce reached southwest China’s Chongqing C r o s s - b o r d e r e - c o m m e r c e 5.4 trillion yuan (810 billion U.S. Municipality on Sept. 29, 139 parcels platforms such as DHGate.com dollars) in 2015, up 28.6 percent year arrived in a processing center in have been notified to prepare for on year, said a report issued by China Frankfurt for delivery to people another test, during which their e-Business Research Center. across Germany. products will be sold and shipped to Russia and Germany via the railway. Global trade growth has been The packages include storage slower than economic growth for boxes, stuffed toys and Chongqing UNSTOPPABLE TREND four years, but cross-border e- local specialties. For safety reasons, commerce has grown quickly they were sent from person to The past few years have seen because it has reduced trade costs person, rather than as commercial burgeoning sales in cross-border and streamlined the international goods bought online. online shopping, but traditional sea trade chain, said Lu Pengqi, deputy and air postal routes have hampered head with the China Council for the Though the parcels were few in its expansion. Promotion of International Trade at number, their delivery marked the the 19th China International Fair for successful test of mail delivery via China’s total transaction volume Investment and Trade in September.

News From China l November 2016 43 Belt and Road Initiative

According to the municipal service via the China-Europe railway According to an official with the railway authority, a parcel sent from and to provide road routes Chongqing Customs, as one of the Chongqing will arrive in Germany at compatible with cross-border e- earliest and most mature China- least 20 days faster via China-Europe commerce. Europe railway systems, the regular trains than by sea. The cost is Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe just one-fifth of that by air, making WHY CHONGQING? railway transports nearly 50 percent the train highly cost-effective. of freight from China to Europe Following the declaration, every year. However, a 1956 convention Chongqing became China’s first passed by members of the pilot city approved by the General The import-export volume of Organization for Co-operation Administration of Customs to run cross-border e-commerce in the between Railways (OSJD), China-Europe railway mail service in city exceeded 6 billion yuan last prohibited mail delivery through May. The Chongqing-Xinjiang- year, up from 60 million yuan two international railway carg o Europe regular cargo trains were years ago. transport. In early June 2014, the later assigned to carry out the OSJD finally deleted the related service. The test run also highlighted clause. innovation in management. Chongqing is located at the Improved “smart” customs locks When the clause was eliminated, intersection of the Silk Road were used for monitoring parcels OSJD member states began Economic Belt and the Yangtze and facilitating clearance at coordinating for regular railway mail River Economic Zone, two departure, the transfer depot and service. During a postal service initiatives put forward by the exit. It was the first time the Chinese forum this April in Chongqing, a Chinese government to boost customs officials and postal service declaration was made to guarantee infrastructure construction and the shared data. international cooperation in mail regional economy.

44 News From China l November 2016 Belt and Road Initiative

The China-Europe railway mail cargo trains in service as of the end will consist of three routes — an east service has adopted electronic of June, but most China-Europe route, a central route and a west customs clearance, rather than trains have long been underutilized, route. The routes will not only manual, allowing the parcels to according to Yang Liqiong, deputy connect China with Europe, but also remain unopened and stay on the director of Chongqing Municipal with East Asia and Southeast Asia. same train for the entire trip. Commission of Economy and Some 43 transport hubs will be Information Technology. created along the three routes and 43 HUGE POTENTIAL railway lines will be built. ”International postal parcels ”An unsound logistics system is have great potential to become a ”The realization of China- the biggest barrier for the major cargo supply for the rail Europe rail postal service means a development of cross-border e- system,” Yang said. step further in economic and commerce,” said Li Wen, general cultural communication between manager of a local cross-border e- It is estimated that there will be China and Belt and Road countries,” commerce company. “But the around 5,000 cargo trains running said Li Muyuan from China China-Europe railway has the between China and Europe annually C o m m u n i c a t i o n s a n d advantages of fixed operation times, by 2020, according to a development Transportation Association. fewer prohibited goods for plan issued by the National transportation, and it is not affected D e ve l o p m e n t a n d Re f o r m The postal service accords with by weather, which helps break the Commission last week. the spirit of the Belt and Road bottleneck in logistics.” Initiative and will promote in-depth The development plan shows exchanges between China’s inland There were 1,881 China-Europe that the cargo train service system regions and Eurasian countries, Li said. FEATURE: CHINA'S METRO TECH TAKES IRAN ONTO FASTER TRACK

News From China l November 2016 45 Belt and Road Initiative

Tehran, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) — imported from China; then we dollars per liter and the common use Busy wiring a semi-manufactured learned to assemble; now, with of cheap second-hand cars. metro car, Siamak Ghasemi was too China’s help, things are getting more concentrated to notice that he was localized that we have our own “More and more people prefer being photographed. production line,” he told Xinhua. to travel green now,” Sadat Kharaj spoke to Xinhua while waiting at When realizing that half a Set up in 2003, the factory, now Chitgar, a station on Line 5’s minute later, the 36-year-old gave a with some 960 Iranian workers and a extension in western Tehran. bashful smile. “Please, let me tidy my Chinese team of about 30 people, “I used to drive to work. That coverall first.” can assemble 450 metro cars and 72 cost no less than one hour. But double-deck cars for intercity trains, subway takes about half the time, “I first put on this coverall 10 and manufacture on its own 144 and intervals are no more than 10 years ago,” said the young “veteran” units of metro car-bodies, annually. minutes,” said the 40-year-old worker of a Tehran-based factory The products are supplied to Tehran English teacher. “But still, I think we under Tehran Wagon Manufacturing and other Iranian cities like need more lines, more frequent Co. (TWM), a joint venture between Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan and trains and more metro cars.” Iran and China’s CNR Changchun Shiraz. R a i l way Ve h i c l e s C o. a n d Davood Shadmani, head of the N O R I N C O I n t e r n a t i o n a l Metros are changing the daily TWM factory, is completely aware Cooperation Co.. life of Iranians. The Tehran Metro, of such a demand. for instance, carries some 4 to 5 “China is cutting-edge in the million passengers per day. Five “Iran has gained a lot from its development of subway and railway lines, all built by Chinese companies, Chinese partners. And the road transportation. It always has great are in service in the capital, and two ahead is clear: we hope more things to share with Iran,” said more are under construction. cooperation can be carried out as for Ghasemi, who was sent to China the latest metro and railroad twice for training in 2007 and 2010. Roads in Tehran are usually fully technologies that China masters,” jammed, largely as a result of the oil said Shadmani. “At the very beginning, we price being as low as some 0.4 U.S.

46 News From China l November 2016 Belt and Road Initiative FEATURE: CHINESE E-COMMERCE SERVICES BRING WEALTH, OPPORTUNITIES TO "BELT-ROAD" COUNTRIES

Almaty, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) — Young people in Kazakhstan buy products with good consumer Chinese e-commerce services has take a fancy to shopping on reviews. b r o u g h t m o r e we a l t h a n d AliExpress, an online retail service opportunities to Kazakhstan and made up of mostly small Chinese “AliExpress provides an other countries encompassed in businesses offering products to excellent buying experience,” China’s Belt and Road Initiative. international online buyers. Zhumabaev said, adding that the average delivery time for free AliExpress, the global shopping Mitet Zhumabaev, a citizen shipping usually takes one or one portal of Chinese e-commerce giant from Kazakhstan’s largest city and a half months, while express Alibaba, is becoming a new favorite Almaty, told Xinhua that he got to shipping normally takes less than among K azakhstan’s young know AliExpress by chance and two weeks. generation between the age of 25 found that millions of Chinese and 30. products were sold on the online Kazakhstan, which relied shopping site. He frequently visits heavily on its energy and resources TAKE FANCY TO the website, saying that it’s very easy industries, has a less developed light ALIEXPRESS and safe to use, and that he would industry and mainly depends on

News From China l November 2016 47 Belt and Road Initiative imports to meet the needs for daily with Chinese e-commerce giant Last year, the volume of freight necessities. Alibaba to promote cooperation in traffic through Kazakhstan surged e-commerce, payment and logistics. over the previous year. According to However, thanks to cross- planning by Kazakh government, border e-commerce services, the The central Eurasian country, the volume of freight traffic Kazakh people can now purchase which borders with China in the processed through the Khorgos- Chinese products with good quality southeast and with Russia in the Eastern Gates special economic and at an inexpensive price without north, marks the start of the Silk zone will exceeds 4 million tons in leaving home. Road Economic Belt outside China. 2020. Kazakhstan is trying to improve its AliExpress Country Station infrastructure in order to become a Belmaachi believes that the Director Liu Wei told Xinhua that transit hub that connects China and main challenge of trade inter- AliExpress promoted its brands Europe, increase the efficiency of connectivity lies in ideology, overseas mainly by word of mouth, freight railroads and promote trade technology and intergovernmental and that it is a leading e-commerce growth. cooperation. website in Russia, Spain and Israel which enjoys great popularity. “Alibaba is optimistic about the People need time to accept new outlook of Kazakhstan’s potential in stuff and new ideas, Belmaachi said. AliExpress has become one of cross-border transportation and China’s Belt and Road Initiative the top ranking online trading logistics,” said Liu. creates fresh opportunities of platforms in Kazakhstan, with The “Khorgos - Eastern Gates” regional trade cooperation. “We clothes, home appliances and digital special economic zone, located near look forward to cooperation with products being the favorites of local t h e b o r d e r o f C h i n a a n d Chinese ports and e-commerce consumers, according to Alexa, a Kazakhstan, is a logistics center built companies,” he added. commercial web traffic data by the Kazakh government. provider wholly owned by PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH Amazon.com. Hicham Belmaachi, Chief EWTP O p e r a t i n g O f f i c e r o f t h e JOIN HANDS WITH management company of the special In a recent Business 20 (B20) CHINESE E-COMMERCE economic zone, told Xinhua in an meeting, business leaders from the interview that the convenience of Group of 20 (G20) members The Belt and Road initiative, international trade will be completed a report on policy advice which comprises the Silk Road augmented immensely if land ports and will submit it to the upcoming Economic Belt and the 21st Century in the special economic zone could G20 summit. Maritime Silk Road, was brought up forge closer cooperation with e- by China in 2013. The initiative commerce platforms like Alibaba. Among many suggestions envisions a trade and infrastructure proposed in the report, B20 leaders network that connects Asia with It takes only 15 days to send put forward the idea of electronic Europe and Africa along the ancient goods via land transportation from world trade platform (eWTP), a Silk Road routes. Khorgos to Europe, whereas mechanism for public-private traditional waterway shipping would dialogue in cross-border e-trade Over 70 countries and take as long as 40 days. development. organizations have voiced support for and willingness to join the Unlike other land ports, the land The new mechanism will initiative. port in the Khorgos-Eastern Gates improve the cur rent trade special economic zone is of a huge framework and help small and In May, Kazakhstan’s national container yard, where products are medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), sovereign wealth fund Samruk- gathered, classified and shipped to developing countries, women and Kazyna led the Kazakh telecom and various Eurasian destinations, thus the young generation participate in post companies to sign a meeting the goal of faster speed and the global economy, said Alibaba memorandum of understanding lower cost, according to Belmaachi. founder Jack Ma, chair of B20 SME

48 News From China l November 2016 E-Commerce in China development taskforce. and promote social stability and cross-border logistics varies greatly, economic development. and depends mainly on the country’s Ma said that if the Belt and Road infrastructure and government Initiative can facilitate free trade for However, against the backdrop support. these people, it will bring profound of a global economic slowdown and changes to the world economy. rising protectionism, the main It’s not easy to promote our challenge to implement the eWTP business overseas, Liu said. But the The initiative represents China’s lies in the coordination of efforts by “Belt-Road” countries are more responsibility as a big power and the different countries. likely to support our business, second largest economy, Ma said, especially in areas of promoting adding that it will not only bring new Based on the operation and logistics infrastructure and import opportunities to SMEs, but will also practice of AliExpress, Liu pointed policies optimization. enlarge the size of the middle class, out, the level of each country’s

E-Commerce in China THE THIRD WORLD INTERNET CONFERENCE HELD

Chinese President Xi Jinping gives a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province, November 16, 2016 (XINHUA)

News From China l November 2016 49 E-Commerce in China

Chinese President Xi Jinping Bureau of the Communist Party of and network popularization, in a bid called for increased international China (CPC) Central Committee, to make the Internet benefit all cooperation in cyberspace attended the opening ceremony of peoples of the world. governance and the building of a the WIC and delivered a speech. cyberspace community of common C o o p e r a t i o n s h o u l d b e destiny. The Internet is changing the strengthened in coping with global economic and security cyberspace security challenges, in a N o t i n g t h a t I n t e r n e t situation, so that building a bid to safeguard state security, public development has no boundaries, Xi cyberspace community of common interests and citizens’ legitimate said China is willing to work with the destiny is a pressing demand in an rights, according to Liu. international community for the information-led world, Liu said. common welfare for all people, to Themed “Innovation-driven uphold the concept of cyberspace China is willing to strengthen Internet Development for the sovereignty and to make the global policy coordination and cooperation Benefit of All¡ªBuilding a cyberspace governance system fairer with other countries, Liu said, calling Community of Common Future in and more reasonable. for the improving of cyberspace Cyberspace,” the third WIC runs governance rules, respecting from November 16 to 18. Xi made the remarks while cyberspace sovereignty and giving a speech via video at the safeguarding all countries’ equal O v e r 1 , 6 0 0 I n t e r n e t opening ceremony of the third rights in developing, joining and entrepreneurs, opinion leaders, World Internet Conference (WIC) in governing cyberspace. experts, officials and heads from the riverside town of Wuzhen, east over 110 countries and regions as China’s Zhejiang Province. Liu also called for the building well as international organizations of a multilateral and transparent attended. Liu Yunshan, a member of the global Internet governance system, Standing Committee of the Political cooperation in Internet innovation,

The 3rd World Internet Conference opens in Wuzhen, east China’s Zhejiang province, Nov 16, 2016.

50 News From China l November 2016 E-Commerce in China

SINGLES' DAY SALES BREAK RECORDS, AGAIN

Thirteen minutes after touching Guangdong Province, received the first parcel delivered on the platform a screen, a buyer surnamed Huang in juicer he ordered on China’s largest on this year’s Singles’ Day shopping Foshan City, south China’s e-commerce platform Alibaba, the spree.

News From China l November 2016 51 E-Commerce in China

Huang is one of the hundreds Other online platforms such as Hu’s store and was poised to pay a of thousands consumers staying up JD.com, Gome, and Suning.com all 355 yuan delivery fee, but wanted to all night for online bargains on exceeded previous records in the pay cash on delivery instead. Singles’ Day, China’s annual online first few hours. shopping fiesta. ”If you want direct delivery you Seen by many as China’s answer have to pay in advance,” Hu replied, As orders keep pouring in, sales to Black Friday in the United States, using a translator. on major e-commerce platforms Singles’ Day has grown into a huge across China quickly broke last year’s battle for market share among While overseas consumers are records. Chinese e-commerce companies. getting more skilled at digging for bargains on Chinese websites, The first 10 billion yuan (1.47 The born-in-China shopping domestic shoppers enjoy a wider billion U.S. dollars) was achieved in spree has now spread its name variety of foreign produce thanks to just six minutes 58 seconds on worldwide, with Alipay, China’s the publicity of Singles’ Day in Alibaba, almost six minutes faster largest online payment platform, overseas media. than last year. Just before 3:20 p.m., now available in over 200 countries the number had surpassed 91.2 and regions, supporting transactions This year, JD has worked with billion yuan, the whole-day sales in 18 currencies. global supermarket chain Walmart volume for last year. At 6:55 p.m., the to offer Chinese buyers quality turnover expanded further to exceed Hu Bingjie, 22, read the overseas products. It has also inked 100 billion yuan. message, among many online partnership with Japanese logistics queries, as it came in. “Can you speak firm Yamato to speed up cross- By 8 p.m., flocks of customers English?” border delivery. had made 549 million orders on Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms. A buyer in Thailand had ordered At this year’s G20 meeting, 25 items of children’s clothing from Alibaba forged collaboration with

52 News From China l November 2016 E-Commerce in China

Canadian and Russian companies to online shopping market’s sales commodities through online expand its presence overseas. It also volume was 1.1 trillion yuan in the purchases can help awaken the invested in Singapore Post to target second quarter, up 27.6 percent year consumer market, which is good for consumers in Southeast Asia. on year. It is estimated the volume the global retail industry.” will exceed 1.5 trillion in the fourth With easier access to overseas quarter. The shopping spree sheds light on products, it is estimated that China’s the huge purchasing power of Chinese e-commerce market still has room to ”E-commerce is leading the consumers and the strong domestic grow. change in the global market,” said demand leads to optimism over Wang Jian, professor at the economic prospects, said Guo According to Internet industry University of International Business Tianyong, a professor with the Central research agency iResearch, China’s and Economics. “The flow of global University of Finance and Economics. NUMBERS BEHIND CHINA'S SINGLES' DAY SHOPPING SPREE

Beijing, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese splurged across online of Black Friday in the United States, Singles’ Day, China’s annual online market places. Singles’ Day has grown into a huge shopping event on Nov. 11, smashed battle for market share among all previous records Friday as Seen by many as China’s version Chinese e-commerce companies.

News From China l November 2016 53 E-Commerce in China

Following are some of this — Alibaba was the largest mobile phone. year’s figures: winner, with a 68.2-percent market share, followed by JD.com and — Around 1.07 billion delivery — Orders worth 10 billion yuan Suning.com. orders were placed during the 24- (1.47 billion U.S. dollars) were placed hour period. in the first six minutes 58 seconds on — People from over 220 Alibaba, China’s e-commerce giant. countries and regions worldwide — More than 39,487 brands bought items online, according to participated in this year’s Singles’ Day. — China’s 16 biggest e- data from Alibaba. commerce sites rang up 177 billion — Over 47 million customers yuan in sales during the 24 hours, — Some 82 percent of Singles’ b o u g h t p r o d u c t s s o l d b y according to data provider Syntun. Day transactions took place on a international brands.

HIGH SPEED RAILWAY JOINS BATTLE TO DELIVER FOR SINGLES' DAY Beijing, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) — According to Beijing Railway next 10 days, shortening each trip to High Speed Railway (HSR) trains are Bureau (BRB), four daily trains will 15 hours, including loading and joining the battle to deliver goods for be running at 160 km per hour to unloading time. the Singles’ Day (Nov. 11) shopping carry goods from Beijing to spree, in Beijing from Friday. Shanghai and Guangdong in the “ E a c h t r a i n h a s 1 5

54 News From China l November 2016 E-Commerce in China

News From China l November 2016 55 E-Commerce in China compartments, and can carry 340 passenger trips, and the network China is a miracle, but in my opinion, tonnes of goods,” said Zhang exceeded 20,000 kilometers long as the fast development of express Jinchao, deputy director at the BRB of September, according to China services in China is the real miracle,” logistics center. “A total of 1,837 Railway Corp. The network is said Jack Ma, president of the tonnes of goods have been expected to reach 38,000 km by nation’s e-commerce giant Alibaba. transported today, with one of the 2025. trains carrying goods sold on Online shoppers in China JD.com and delivered by SF Sales on Alibaba surpassed 10 reached 447 million by June this year, express,” Zhang said Friday. billion yuan (about 1.47 billion U.S. according to a China Internet dollars) in just six minutes 58 Network Information Center According to BRB, the center seconds after the Singles’ Day began, report. expects to send around 13,500 almost six minutes ahead of last year, tonnes of goods and receive 14,000 the company said. “We are selling more goods and tonnes during the Nov. 11-20 period, delivering them faster. Delivering both 80 percent increases compared According to China Express goods was a headache during with a year earlier. Association, over one billion Singles’ Day five years ago, but now packages are estimated to be shoppers can receive what they HSR now covers over 500 cities transported for the Singles’ Day bought in two or three days,” said in China, including major cities as shopping spree, double last year’s Zhang Yong, Alibaba’s CEO. well as counties in eastern and figure. central China. Nearly 14 billion packages were Cainiao, an express delivery delivered in China in 2014, platform using big data, has made it Since the first piece of HSR exceeding the United States for the possible for goods to travel faster. track was laid in the early 2000s, first time. Over 70 percent of packages in China’s HSR network has seen China use this platform. average 30 percent annual growth in “People say that e-commerce in

56 News From China l November 2016 E-Commerce in China

“If we don’t try a new method improve delivery efficiency,” added years. and build a stronger logistics Tong. network, online retail will be Social logistics now accounts for hindered,” said Tong Wenhong, Over 20 billion packages were nearly 11 trillion yuan (about 1.62 Cainiao’s CEO. delivered last year, using more than 2 trillion U.S. dollars), accounting for million delivery staff. Aliresearch has 16 percent of GDP last year, “Courier services have been predicted that the number of according to the National renovating the delivery network. packages in China will reach 100 D e ve l o p m e n t a n d Re f o r m Cainiao uses big data to help courier billion in the coming five to eight Commission. companies optimize the process and CHINA TOPS GLOBAL FINTECH RANKINGS

Alibaba’s third-party payment their capital raising volume and ratio, A total of eight Chinese fintech platform Ant Financial tops the geographic and sector diversity, and companies are on the list, a global ranking for the 100 best consumer and marketplace traction. remarkable rise from just one performing fintech companies, with company in the top 100 in the 2014 micro-loan firm Qudian, wealth ”It is no surprise to see four ranking. management company Lufax and Chinese companies in the top five. insurance enterprise Zhong An Fintech in China has seen rapid ”We have seen significant entering the top five, according to a development, fuelled by the demand to investment in China’s fintech sector report by international accounting address domestic needs,” said James in recent years, and an increasing firm KPMG and investment firm McKeogh, Partner with KPMG appetite for innovative products, H2 Ventures. China. “It is likely that we will see more supported by the rapid pace of of these players move to the t e c h n o l o g y d e ve l o p m e n t ,” The firms are rated according to internationalmark etsin the futu re.” according to Raymond Cheong,

News From China l November 2016 57 E-Commerce in China another KPMG China Partner.

China pledged in October to improve supervision in online finance, including peer-to-peer platforms, to contain risks, improve competitiveness and increase risk awareness.

Companies related to lending and insurance are gaining larger share in the full Fintech 100 list, while the creation of value in new sub-sectors such as regulatory technology as well as data and analytics make the fintech sector more diverse, according to the report.

E-COMMERCE IN CHINA HEADING IN NEW DIRECTION

58 News From China l November 2016 E-Commerce in China

Beijing, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) — shoddy goods, as well as scalping online and offline marketing and the After eight years of wild growth, were strictly prohibited. influence of Singles’ Day on China’s e-commerce industry is inventories. seeking new ways to prosper. Even for sales-record holder Alibaba, Singles’ Day is a double- Meanwhile, e-commerce has The Singles’ Day online edged sword. The company’s become rational and moved to shopping bonanza, which happens earnings and share price usually abandon price wars, highlighting in China on November 11 every slump in the first quarter of the year new trends such as respect for year, showcases the rise of online after climbing to giddy half-year or individuality, global connectivity and retailing platforms such as Vipshop, full-year highs in November. increased consumption. In addition, JD and Alibaba. the Internet economy has given birth to intelligent logistics and cloud- “E-Commerce should not based infrastructure. While turnover of domestic e- develop like a campaign because the commerce companies ballooned economy needs steady growth,” from 52 million yuan (7.6 million said Zhang Li, an e-commerce Law-making for the e- U.S. dollars) in 2009 to 91.2 billion expert with the Ministry of commerce sector is also quickly yuan in 2015, traditional “bricks Commerce. developing. Insiders say that a draft and mortar” retailers are losing law has been submitted to the ground. country’s top legislature and is Zhang noted that generally expected to clear its first hurdle speaking, e-commerce has a British retailing giant Marks & within the year. positive impact on the real Spencer announced on Wednesday economy and national economic that it will shut its 10 stores on the development. “If it brings a “E-commerce can create value Chinese mainland and lay off more negative impact, the investment- through services,” Zhang said. than 400 workers, the latest in a driven business mode should be growing list of major western blamed,” she said. retailers such as Best Buy and Tesco Alibaba’s online marketplace to pull out of a difficult market. Tmall launched Buy +, the world’s Set to tap the country’s growing first virtual reality (VR) shopping e-commerce industry, a huge store Friday. Though e-commerce has seen amount of capital has flooded into explosive growth over the past eight the sector, but the pace of years, widespread fraud now haunts Buy + allows customers to shop consumption growth has failed to online retailers that fail to take and experience far away places with match the rapid expansion of appropriate measures. nothing more than a smart device, online platforms. That has led to according to Alibaba. For example, price wars between e-commerce Just before Singles’ Day, the shoppers can enjoy the Rainbow companies, which have hurt State Administration for Industry Bridge in Tokyo’s Odaiba, or tour traditional retailers. and Commerce held talks with the Times Square in New York in a 1965 country’s 15 leading e-commerce vintage car, all while browsing the companies, telling them that price A hopeful sign is that many e- online marketplace on their fraud, false advertising, unfair commerce companies are reflecting cellphones. competition, sales of fake and on issues such as how to integrate

News From China l November 2016 59 Culture & Life Culture & Life NEW HEAVY-LIFT CARRIER ROCKET BOOSTS CHINA'S SPACE DREAM

China on Thursday launched its new heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March-5.

The rocket, which looked much “fatter” than other rockets of Long March series, blasted off at 8:43 p.m. Beijing Time from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China’s Hainan Province. The payload was sent into the preset orbit about 30 minutes later.

The State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) later announced the complete success of the launch.

The launch was delayed for less than two hours from the previously scheduled time. Tian Yulong, chief engineer of the SASTIND, told Xinhua that as it was the first launch of Long March-5 in a new launch site, many parameters needed to be debugged and various systems needed to be matched with each other.

”It was normal preparation work to ensure a successful first launch,” Tian said, adding that it caught up with the launch window.

The major targets of the mission are to verify the design and performance of the new rocket and test the rocket’s flight program, according to China Aerospace S c i e n c e a n d T e c h n o l o g y

60 News From China l November 2016 Culture & Life

Corporation (CASC), the developer of the Long March series with over systems. of Long March-5. 100,000 components instead of tens of thousands of components in With the heavy-lift carrier A congratulatory letter sent late other Long March rockets. Scientists rocket, China can build a permanent Thursday night by the Communist conducted over 7,000 tests during its manned space station and explore Party of China Central Committee, 10 years of development. the moon and Mars. the State Council and the Central Military Commission hailed the new With a 5-meter diameter core In 2017, China will launch the rocket as the pinnacle of innovation stage, Long March-5 is much thicker Chang’e-5 probe to the moon, which in carrier rocket science and than China’s previous carrier rockets will bring lunar samples back to technology. with 3.35-meter diameter core Earth aborad the Long March-5. stages. The 20-tonne core module of its Its successful launch has first space station will also be propelled China to the forefront of Other launch sites in China are delivered by the rocket in 2018. the world in terms of rocket carrying located in inland areas. Accordingly, capacity, and marks a milestone in transportation of rockets rely on The rocket will launch the Mars China’s transition from a major railways, so that rockets cannot be probe around 2021. player in space to a major power in too wide. space, the letter said. It is the second launch from the The heavy-lift rocket launched coastal Wenchang center. On June The Long March-5 is a large, Thursday was taken to coastal 25, China’s new generation medium- two-stage rocket with a payload Wenchang from the northern port sized Long March-7 made its debut capacity of 25 tonnes to low-Earth city of Tianjin by ship in early at the site. orbit and 14 tonnes to geostationary September. transfer orbit, the largest of China’s On Sept. 15 China sent carrier rockets. Its carrying capacity ”It is not just a simple Tiangong-2 space lab into orbit, is about 2.5 times that of the current enlargement of the diameter, it making a step closer to the dream of main model Long March carrier raised new requirements of building the country’s permanent rockets. materials, manufacturing and space station. equipment,” said Lou Luliang, According to the CASC, the deputy designer-in-chief. On Oct. 17, the Shenzhou-11 rocket uses two kinds of fuel, spacecraft carried two Chinese kerosene/liquid oxygen as well as Lou said the new technology in astronauts to space. Two days later it liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen, Long March-5 would be used in docked with Tiangong-2. rather than highly toxic propellant, other Long March series rockets in a making it more environmental bid to upgrade all rockets. The two astronauts will spend a friendly and less expensive. month in the space lab and return to The heavy-lift rocket is a Earth, making it the longest-ever The rocket is about 57 meters milestone for China to become a real manned space mission of China. long, with a takeoff weight of 870 space power in the world, said Li tonnes and a thrust of 1,060 tonnes. Dong. Tian Yulong said at a press It is equipped with eight liquid conference after the launch on oxygen/kerosene rocket engines in Experts said the Long March-5 Thursday that China is now four strap-on boosters, two liquid will also lay the foundation for future developing a mega rocket with the hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines in rockets with heavier payload capacity of sending up to 100 tonnes the first stage and two relatively small capabilities. of payload to low-Earth orbit. liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines in the second stage. The new rocket is of great The mega rocket will probably significance as China’s space make its maiden flight before 2030, Li Dong, designer-in-chief, said program relies on the carrying Tian added. the rocket was the most complicated capabilities of launch vehicle

News From China l November 2016 61 Culture & Life OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS INCREASINGLY CATER TO CHINESE TOURISTS

Ibiza, an island off the east coast Ibiza is one of 18 exhibitors Xinhua. “Our research shows that of Spain, welcomed 150 Chinese from Spain, an emerging destination Chinese young people prefer tourists this year, a rare scene for for Chinese tourists, to attend the customized, personalized travel locals. Shanghai International Tourism routes, and we are designing such Fair, which has just finished. packages to cater to their needs.” Encouraged by their arrival, Gloria Corral Joven, head of the The fair attracts over 2,500 Not only fledgling markets like local tourism bureau, led a team to exhibitors from 106 countries and S p a i n , b u t l o n g - p r e va l e n t Shanghai in mid-November to regions, and is one of the largest destinations such as New York are promote Ibiza as a destination to tourist events hosted in Asia. also working hard to attract Chinese Chinese tourists. tourists. “China is a very important “We’re building a Chinese market for Spain,” Rafael Chamorro, “See Your City,” a campaign website, which will be open for the an official from the Spain National launched at the fair by NYC & public early next year,” Joven said. Administration of Tourism, told Company, New York City’s official

62 News From China l November 2016 Culture & Life

marketing organization, encourages flocked overseas last year, almost ten sites with long histories also popular. visitors to visit scenic spots such as times the figure in 2001, according to the Statue of Liberty and Fifth a report by the Wuhan Branch of the This is exactly how Ibiza is Avenue to create their own magical China Tourism Academy. courting Chinese tourists. moments in the city. The report showed that Chinese Four of Ibiza’s historical sites Chinese tourist more than consumers spent a whopping 292.2 have UNESCO’s World Heritage tripled in New York from 2010 to billion U.S. dollars overseas, about status, Joven said, adding that she 2015, and the city is hoping to bring 23.2 percent of the world’s believes such titles will attract more new incentives to draw more outbound consumption in 2015. Chinese tourists in the future. Chinese visitors. This makes China a huge chunk D I V E R S I F I E D N E E D S “China has become the second of the global tourist pie. DISPLAYED largest overseas market for New York tourism. We hope to attract Unlike the good old days when Better quality services are also more Chinese by partnering with going abroad was simply a matter of being presented to attract Chinese Shanghai as we celebrate the ‘China- collecting postcards from around tourists. US Tourism Year’ this year,” said the world, Chinese travelers are A report from Ctrip, a major Fred Dixon, head of NYC & getting pickier when it comes to travel service provider, revealed that Company. traveling and want more authentic the rise in disposable income of experiences. middle class families, increased air- A SLICE OF THE TOURIST travel capacity, and the loosening of PIE Slower, deeper experiences of visa requirements had further local communities are becoming boosted growth in outbound About 128 million Chinese more appealing to young people, and tourism.

News From China l November 2016 63 Culture & Life

Safety, service and price are the three issues Chinese tourists care about most, the report said.

“Language is the biggest obstacle for Chinese visiting Spain, so we are working with China’s Tencent at this year’s fair to develop a translation app,” Chamorro said.

To satisfy diversified travel needs, packages tailor-made for Chinese travelers were displayed at the fair, which ran from November 11 to 13.

For the upcoming Christmas Board highlighted food as a major “China has been one of the and New Year season, Resorts World factor for Chinese tourists. most important markets for RWS, Sentosa (RSW), a popular and we will continue to develop new Singaporean resort, offers four RWS has even staged a Chinese- premium products and offerings as packages - including one that offers language musical adapted from the well as explore more cross-border fine dining at RWS’ multiple story of Mulan, a famous female collaborations to present cutting- Michelin restaurants - for Chinese warrior in ancient China. edge, world-class Mandarin travelers that love fine food. As outbound travel has become entertainment for Chinese tourists,” increasingly popular among said Khoo Shao Tze, vice president This comes after an official Chinese, China has become the for resort sales and entertainment at report on the Chinese tourism market that the world’s tourist RWS. market from the Singapore Tourism industry dare not lose.

64 News From China l November 2016 Culture & Life SHANGHAI OFFERS FOREIGNERS EASIER ACCESS TO WORK PERMITS

Shanghai on Wednesday issued He said the application process program unifies the previous two its first work permit since the city went exactly as stated. per mits, one for “foreign initiated a pilot program to simplify employees” and another for “foreign applications for work permit for Wang Haiyan, section chief with experts,” into one single “foreigners’ foreigners. the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of work permit.” Foreign Expert Affairs, said the new Joaquim Nassar, the French application process had cut the For foreigners like Nassar, who dean of SJTU-ParisTech Elite application formalities in half. is considered a top talent, can enjoy a Institute of Technology at Shanghai Shanghai hopes the new process will “green path,” which exempts the Jiaotong University, was the first help attract more top talent. formalities of certain checks, such as recipient of the new work permit. a criminal record, job qualification Shanghai was among the first and degree certificates. They also ”The application process is very group of Chinese cities to pilot the only have to wait five days to get a smooth, free of surprises,” he said. new process, on November 1. The permit, compared with an average

News From China l November 2016 65 Culture & Life of 10 days for others. Experts Affairs in early September, from October 2016 to March 2017. covering Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, The pilot was first announced by Shanghai, Anhui, Shandong, The practice will be applied the State Administration of Foreign Guangdong, Sichuan and Ningxia, nationwide in April 2017.

ROBOTICS INDUSTRY BOOMS IN CHINA

“Please do not stand too close or during the five-day robot conference Zhao said thousands of my pretty face will be too big in your that closed this week, such as companies were established in photos,” Jia Jia told her “fans” at the humanoid robots that can read dozens of robot industrial parks 2016 World Robot Conference in emotions or write traditional across China, with the number of Beijing. Chinese calligraphy, and robots that employees growing rapidly. can perform medical operations, Jia Jia is a typical oriental beauty wait at tables or work in factories. China’s robot shipments topped with shiny hair, bright skin, a slender 68,000 sets last year, accounting for figure and a tender voice. More ”If asked to use one word to 26.7 percent of the global market. importantly, as China’s latest describe the development of China’s Asia has become world’s largest interactive robot, she is considerate robotics industry, I would choose supplier of industrial robots, taking and humorous. ‘explosion,’” said Zhao Jie, director up 60 percent of the global market. of the Robotics Institute of Harbin Aside from Jia Jia, many other Institute of Technology. According to the International robots have delighted the audience Federation of Robotics (IFR), about

66 News From China l November 2016 Culture & Life

75 percent of shipments in the past percent per year. at Hong Kong University of Science five years were from China, the ”Not only the increasing market and Technology. Republic of Korea, Japan, the size, but I am also optimistic about United States and Germany. The the manufacturing and development Wang said that after just one average growth of China’s robot of China’s industrial robotics,” said year, roughly one-third of industrial market over the period stood at 17 Wang Yu, a professor of engineering robots used in China were manufactured domestically, and the percentage is still climbing. In addition to industrial robots, service robots have also received extensive attention. China’s service robotics are leading the world in firefighting, disaster relief, health care and catering.

According to an IFR report, an estimated 94,800 professional service robots will be installed from 2013 to 2018, with total sales of 17.1 billion U.S. dollars. Medical and military robots accounted for 55 percent of the total sales.

News From China l November 2016 67 Culture & Life

Re m e b o t , C h i n a ’s f i r s t accomplish much in anti-terrorism, giving Wanfeng access to advanced neurosurgery robot, was a hit at the criminal investigation and explosives automated welding technology and conference. The designers said that handling, Sun said. clients that Paslin has developed it was accurate to just one millimeter, over 80 years. and with its help, brain surgery that The National Natural Science used to take hours could be done Foundation of China announced Many investment and finance within 30 minutes. plans at the conference to invest 200 institutions are also eyeing the future million yuan (29.5 million U.S. of China’s robotics industry. “We are Service robotics has become a dollars) to support the study of the actively encouraging listed major field of development in basic theory and key technologies of companies to participate in the China’s robotics industry, said Sun robots that can work alongside industry either through capital Bolin, honorary chairman of the people. contribution or technolog y product information working acquisition,” said Li Xiaoxue, deputy committee of the China Instrument Chinese companies have also director of the China Association Society. been engaged in cross-border for Public Companies. mergers and acquisitions in the Besides areas such as coal robot industry. In April, Wanfeng ”China’s robotics industry is mining, power generation and oil Technology Group acquired U.S. transitioning from a follower to a exploitation, service robots can also industrial robot manufacturer Paslin, frontrunner,” Li said.

68 News From China l November 2016 Tibet Today Tibet Today CHINA INVESTS HEAVILY TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN TIBET

Lhasa, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) — The Maizhokunggar County, where 42 central government has earmarked teachers now also use electronic over 4 billion yuan (592 million U.S. whiteboards during lessons. dollars) to improve education in agricultural and pastoral areas in Headmaster Tsedan Tashi said Tibet Autonomous Region. the new equipment and facilities have improved teaching quality and According to the regional attracted more students. education department, since 2014, 1,034 compulsory education schools The region plans to spend over in 74 counties and districts have been 6.7 billion yuan from 2014 to 2018 to allocated funding to support build 1.56 million square meters of renovation work and equipment school and grounds, as well as purchasing, among other projects. purchase 23,426 computers, 159,000 sets of desks and chairs, 93,000 beds Internet classes are accessed by for students, 2.7 million books and 731 students in a primary school in 119,000 sets of instruments.

News From China l November 2016 69 Tibet Today TIBET LESS REMOTE AS WORLD'S HIGHEST ROAD TUNNEL OPENS

Chengdu, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) — to traffic in 2017. vehicles a day, as compared with Builders on Thursday finished work The current 40-km precipitous around 1,500 before. on the world’s highest road tunnel on mountain highway in the Tibetan the Sichuan-Tibet highway. Autonomous Prefecture of Garze “It has been the most difficult The tunnel passes through the takes over two hours to traverse, tunnel that China Railway ever main peak of Chola Mountain which with dangers from avalanches and built,” said Yao Zhijun, chief is 6,168 m above sea level, rockfalls not to mention the extreme engineer of the project. shortening the time from Chengdu, cold and low oxygen level. capital of Sichuan Province, to Built at a cost of 1.15 billion Built in 1951, Sichuan-Tibet Nagqu in Tibet by two hours, and yuan (170 million U.S. dollars), the 7- Highway was China’s first highway in avoiding the most dangerous section km tunnel only takes ten minutes to Tibet. There are now two more on the highway. go through. major highways — the Qinghai- The tunnel, with two lanes in The highway will be able to Tibet highway and Xinjiang-Tibet each direction, has been under accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 highway. construction since 2012. It will open

70 News From China l November 2016 Tibet Today

News From China l November 2016 71 Tibet Today TIBET'S GDP GROWTH UP 12 PERCENT

72 News From China l November 2016 Tibet Today

The economy of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region grew by 12 percent in the first nine months of this year, according to new official data. The growth rate was 0.6 percentage points higher than that in the same period last year and 4.3 percentage points higher than the country’s average, said the regional statistics bureau on Monday. The gross domestic product (GDP) of Tibet reached 57.57 billion yuan (about 9.36 billion U.S.dollars) in the first nine months, it added. The per-capita cash income of farmers and herdsmen in the region hit 4,244 yuan in the same period, up 14.8 percent year on year. The per- 20.3 percent from the same period nine months stood at 7.7 percent, in capita disposable income of urban last year, according to the bureau. line with market expectations and residents increased 12.6 percent year Meanwhile, Tibet’s tourism above the government’s full-year on year to reach 14,525 yuan. revenue surged 28.5 percent year on target of 7.5 percent. Some 10.85 million tourists year to 13.25 billion yuan in the nine- Tibet’s GDP has maintained went to the plateau region from month period. double-digit growth annually for the January to September, an increase of China’s GDP growth in the first past 20 years. TIBET COVERED BY 88.2 MLN HECTARES OF GRASSLAND

News From China l November 2016 73 Book Review

Lhasa, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — A The census shows that 23.5 the agricultural and pastoral census of southwest China’s Tibet million hectares of grassland, 26.71 department, said the census results Autonomous Region shows that percent of the total, is suffering will be used as a reference for the 88.2 million hectares of the area is from degradation. region’s grassland protection grassland, but over 26 percent of it measures. suffers from degradation. Qamba Qoizha, an official with

The grassland in the region can produce 77.9 million tonnes of fresh grass each year and can carry over 32.13 million standard sheep per year, according to census results published by the regional agricultural and pastoral department earlier this week.

The census started in 2011 and makes use of a combination of technologies, including remote sensing, geographic information systems and global positioning systems.

BOOK REVIEW China’s Maritime Economy and Maritime Science & Technology

Ocean is the basic environment and resource repository for human survival and development and also an important bridge for all nations to enter global economy. With the rapid development of society and economy, land areas face increasingly greater challenges with regard to resources, energy, and space. Mankind has geared to the vast world of oceans for social and economic development. As a maritime power, China enjoys a wide range of interests and rights. With the formation opening-up economy, China's maritime strategic position has become continuously prominent. The maritime economy plays a more and more remarkable role in supporting national economy and social development.

We hope you will find this book useful.

Please email us first to reserve the book providing the serial No. Hope to hear from you in the coming future. Your comments and suggestions on NFC are also greatly welcome. Editor News From China E-mail: [email protected] Address: 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021 Tel: 0091-11-26116683

74 News From China l November 2016 Flights Between China and India FLIGHTS BETWEEN CHINA AND INDIA

ROUTING FLIGHT NO. DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FLIGHT DATES

New Delhi-Guangzhou CZ3028 12:45 19:50 Daily

Guangzhou - NewDelhi CZ3027 7:30 11:30 Daily

New Delhi-Guangzhou CZ360 23:40 6:50+1 Daily

Guangzhou - NewDelhi CZ359 18:50 22:30 Daily

Schedule of China Southern Airlines Flights (Summer Season)

ROUTING FLIGHT NO. DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FLIGHT DATES

New Delhi-Guangzhou CZ3028 11:50 19:30 Daily

Guangzhou - NewDelhi CZ3027 7:30 11:50 Daily

New Delhi-Guangzhou CZ360 23:10 6:50+1 Daily

Guangzhou - NewDelhi CZ359 18:50 22:10 Daily

China Eastern Time Table

ROUTING Flight Number Dep. Arr. Frequency Aircraft Remarks

Delhi-Shanghai(Pudong) MU564 0230 1100 Daily Airbus 330-200

Shanghai(Pudong)-Delhi Flight Number Dep Arr Frequency Aircraft Shanghai MU563 2110 0125+1 Daily Airbus Pudong: 330-200 Terminal-1

Kolkata-Kunming Flight Number Dep Arr Frequency Aircraft Delhi IGI: Terminal-3 MU556 0035 0510 Daily Boeing 737 Kolkata NSCBI: Kunming-Kolkata Flight Number Dep Arr Frequency Aircraft Terminal-2

MU555 2355 2345 Daily Boeing 737

72 News From China l November 2016 News From China l November 2016 75 Flights Between China and India

CA 429

BOM-PEK CA 890 0230 1120 MON/WED/FRI/ MON/WED/FRI/ MON/WED/FRI/ SUN SUN SUN

PEK-BOM CA 889 1940 0100+1 TUE/THUR/SAT/ TUE/THUR/SAT/ TUE/THUR/SAT/ SUN SUN SUN

Address and Contact Numbers of Chinese Airlines

76 News From China l November 2016 News From China l November 2016 73 CCTV

News From China l November 2016 77 CRI CIBN

78 News From China l November 2016 79

Amazing Beijing

Beihai Park The Old Summer Palace Rating:AAAA Rating: AAAA Introduction: The Old Summer Palace blends some Introduction: Beihai Park is one of the oldest, largest, and architecture styles like the European Revival of Learning era best-preserved of all the ancient imperial gardens in and the Chinese Daoism architectures and perfectly integrates China several different architecture styles into one. Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Address: No. 28, Quinghua west Road, Haidian District, Key words: Good for exploring | In close proximity of Beijing. Tiananmen | Man made hill | Buddhist Dagoba | Great Key words: Beautiful gardens | Qing dynasty architecture | lakeside views Mixture of Chinese horticulture styles | Relaxing strolls

Jingshan Park Fragrant Hills Park Rating: AAAA Rating: AAAA Introduction: Different scenic spots can be seen in different Introduction: Jingshan Park is the best place in downtown seasons: flowers in Spring, green trees in Summer, red leaves in Beijing to have a panoramic view of Beijing and the Forbidden Autumn and snow in Winter. City. Address: No. 40, Fragrant Hill Maimai Street, Haidian District, Address: 44 Jingshan West Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Beijing Key words: Place of historic interest | Picturesque pavillions Key words: Tibetan buddhist temple | Mountain scenery | | Beijing top park | Great views Impressive pagodas | Peaceful lake 80 Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/15-17 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 November 2016

Wuzhen - Host Town of the 3rd World Internet Conference

Published, Printed and Edited by Press Counsellor Ms. Xie Liyan on behalf of the Press Office of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021. Tel: 26881249, Fax: 26882024 Printed at A.K. Printers, S-217, Bank Street, Munirka, New Delhi-110067, Ph: 9818114996 Date of Publishing: 24th of every month Posted at Chanakyapuri P.O. on 27th & 28th of every month Chinese Embassy Website: http://in.china-embassy.org E-mail: [email protected] Website of Foreign Ministry of China: www.mfa.gov.cn E-mail:[email protected] www.fmprc.gov.cn

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