News China March 12.Cdr
VOL. XXIV No. 3 March 2012 Rs. 10.00
Chinese children in Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang Province show their paintings of the beautiful scenery of the Xihu Lake. The lake is one of China's 42 UNESCO world heritage sites. Indian President Pratibha Patil received a 500-member Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari met with visiting Chinese Youth Delegation in Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in New Delhi on Delhi on February 27. March 1.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who paid an official Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in New Delhi on visit to India, held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister March 1. S. M. Krishna in New Delhi on March 1.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan and Vice Chancellor Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan delivered an address at Sudhir Kumar Sopory of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) the opening ceremony of Shanghai Electric (India) attended the Chinese Spring Festival celebration Company in Gurgaon on March 5. organized by the JNU students majoring in Chinese Language and Literature in the JNU campus on March 6. NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 3
CONTENTS
I. CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
1. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Meets with Visiting 4 Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi 2. Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari Meets with Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi 5 3. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Holds Talks with Indian 5 External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna 4. Speech by Her Excellency the President of India Pratibah Devisingh Patil 7 during Interaction with the Visiting Chinese Youth Delegation 5. Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yan at the Reception in Honour of 8 the Chinese Youth Delegation 6. Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yan at the Launching Ceremony of 10 China Happy & Healthy Tour 2012 7. Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yan at the Promotion Meeting for 11 Qinghai International Carpets Exhibition 2012
II. CHINA’S NPC AND CPPCC ANNUAL SESSIONS
1. Chinese President Stresses People’s Well-being, Health, Social Security 13 2. Highlights: Premier Wen’s Government Work Report 14 3. Agenda Set for China’s Legislative Session 16 4. China’s Top Political Advisory Body Starts Annual Session 17 5. Highlights of Work Report of China’s Top Political Advisory Body 18 6. Commending the Government’s Work 20 7. 489 Motions Submitted to China’s Parliamentary Session 23 8. Human Rights Underlined in China’s Long-anticipated Criminal Procedure Law Revision 23 9. Top Political Advisory Body Wraps Up Annual Session, Calls for Efforts to Boost Prosperity 24 10. Wen Sets Out Agenda 26 11. Socialist Democracy to Illuminate China’s Future 28 12. Backgrounder: Legislative Powers of NPC, Its Standing Committee 30 13. Backgrounder: NPC Motions and CPPCC Proposals 30
III. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
1. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Answers Questions from Domestic and 31 Overseas Journalists on China’s Foreign Policy and External Relations 2. A Leading Official of the Foreign Ministry Makes Remarks to Further 43 Elaborate on China’s Position on the Political Resolution of the Syrian Issue
IV. TIBET TODAY
1. Tibetans Embrace 2012 with More Confidence, Open Minds 44 2. Landmark Power Line Ends Tibet Plateau’s Blackouts 46 3. China Opposes Clergy Self-immolations to Disrupt Social Harmony 47 4. We Would Like to Protect Happy Life: Chairman of Tibet 48 5. Investigations Show Political Motive Behind Self-immolations in Tibetan-populated Regions 49 4 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
I. CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Meets with Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi
On March 1, 2012, Indian Prime Minister strengthen diplomatic consultation and dialogue Manmohan Singh met with visiting Chinese as well as exchanges between parties, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in New Delhi. legislatures and the militaries to enhance Singh said that the India-China relationship strategic and political mutual trust; take is one of the most important bilateral ties in the advantage of such mechanisms as strategic world. There is enough space in the world for economic dialogue to raise the level of economic India and China to grow and work together. The cooperation and trade and explore new areas of relationship has tremendous potential. The cooperation; expand people-to-people exchanges Indian Government is firmly committed to its and increase media exchanges and strategic and cooperative partnership with communication; further advance the progress of China and stands ready to make every effort to border talks and make good use of the newly advance cooperation in all fields. India will host established working mechanism for consultation the Fourth BRICS Summit late March, which and coordination on border affairs so as to better India believes will present an important maintain peace and tranquility in the border opportunity for member states to enhance area. cooperation and jointly rise to challenges. Jang Jiechi said that the BRICS Summit to be The Indian side warmly welcomes Chinese held in New Delhi at the end of March is leader to attend the meeting and wishes to use expected to send a positive signal of win-win the opportunity to push for further growth of cooperation and unity among its members who its bilateral ties with China. will work for world economic growth and their Yang Jiechi said that under the current international and regional situation, China and people’s well- being. The Chinese side stands India enjoy broad prospects for growth of ready to fully support and cooperate with the bilateral ties. 2012 is an important year for the Indian side to ensure success of the Summit and two countries to build on the past progress and make new contribution to BRICS cooperation. usher in a better future. The two sides have We will also like to use this opportunity to agreed on programs of exchanges and further enhance coordination and cooperation cooperation, which will increase friendship with the Indian side on international and between the two peoples, advance exchanges regional affairs and promote regional and global and cooperation in various fields and send a peace and prosperity. positive signal about the growth of the Yang Jiechi arrived in New Delhi on the relationship. The two sides have agreed to evening of February 29 for an official visit to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, India. NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 5
Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari Meets with Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi
On March 1, 2012, Indian Vice President increasing and economic cooperation and trade Hamid Ansari met with visiting Chinese Foreign are growing rapidly. The two sides are exploring Minister Yang Jiechi in New Delhi. ways to expand practical cooperation and have Hamid Ansari said that India-China relations good coordination with each other on are moving forward on the right track. The Indian international and regional issues. side is pleased to see productive results in bilateral Yang Jiechi said that China and India are cooperation in various fields. India and China are important neighbours to each other. They are both committed to promoting regional peace, stability major developing countries and emerging and prosperity. The two sides should further economies. Faced with the common task of expand mutual investment, increase exchanges accelerating economic development, they share between business leaders, promote provincial and extensive common interests. Under the current local-level exchanges and push for further growth international situation, the two countries are of friendly cooperations to the benefit of the two blessed with important opportunities to develop peoples. India and China have identical positions their relations. China stands ready to work together on such major global issues as climate change and with India to uphold good-neighbourly friendship, have conducted sound coordination and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, increase cooperation. It will be important for India and people-to-people exchanges and enhance China to step up coordination and jointly uphold coordination on international and regional issues, the common interests of the two countries and the thus advancing China-India relations to new developing countries as a whole. heights. Yang Jiechi emphasized that the Chinese Yang Jiechi said that the relations between side is ready to fully cooperate with the Indian side China and India had kept a sound momentum of to make the BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi steady growth in recent years. There have been at the end of March a success. frequent visits and contacts between leaders of the Yang Jiechi arrived in New Delhi on the two countries. Political mutual trust has been evening of February 29 for an official visit to India.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Holds Talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna
On March 1, 2012, Chinese Foreign Minister exchanges have produced fruitful results. The Yang Jiechi, who was paying an official visit to two sides are having closer coordination on major India, held talks with Indian External Affairs international issues. China and India are both Minister S. M. Krishna in New Delhi. Asian nations and major emerging developing Yang Jiechi said that China-India relations countries. As such, their relationship promises a enjoy a sound momentum of growth. The two bright future. The Chinese government is countries have exchanged high-level visits. committed to enhancing the strategic and Business cooperation and people-to-people cooperative partnership between China and 6 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
India. China stands ready to work together with India to uphold good- neighborliness, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, broaden exchanges and promote more comprehensive growth of China- India relations. Yang Jiechi said that the Fourth BRICS Summit to be held in New Delhi at the end of March will be an important event in cooperation among BRICS countries. The Chinese side deeply appreciates the positive role played by India as the host and will enhance coordination and cooperation with India in the preparation side with seriousness and hopes to further its of the Summit. It is important to give full play to communication and coordination with the Chinese the leading role of the Summit and turn it into a part to ensure the success of the Summit. new opportunity for all sides to build consensus The two sides agreed that there is enough and deepen cooperation. Yang Jiechi elaborated space for India and China to grow together and on China’s views concerning the Summit and enough areas for mutual cooperation. A stable had an in-depth exchange of views with the and steadily growing China-India relationship Indian side regarding the outcome document, is not only in the interest of the Chinese and cooperation projects and meeting preparation. Indian peoples, but also conducive to peace, S. M. Krishna said that India gives priority stability and prosperity in Asia and the world. to growing its relations with China. It is They agreed on bilateral programs of exchanges consistently committed to developing the and cooperation for 2012. High-level visits and strategic and cooperative partnership between contacts will be maintained and efforts will be the two countries. The India-China relationship made to explore and expand cooperation in is a multi-faceted, friendly and good-neighbourly various fields, promote provincial and local-level relationship that involves bilateral, multilateral cooperation, and conduct dialogue on maritime and regional levels. It has assumed new and cooperation. Sensitive issues will be handled global dimensions, and exchanges and properly to jointly maintain peace and cooperation are taking on a more positive pace. tranquillity in the border area. They also worked Regular high-level exchanges of visits play an out overall planning for dialogue and important role in maintaining a robust consultation between the two foreign ministries relationship. The Indian side is looking forward and agreed to increase media exchanges. to welcoming the Chinese leader to the The two foreign ministers also exchanged upcoming Summit. The Summit has emerged as views on international and regional issues of a useful platform to enhance mutual mutual interest. understanding and cooperation among members Yang Jiechi arrived in New Delhi on the on global and regional issues of shared interests. evening of February 29 for an official visit to The Indian side takes the views of the Chinese India. NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 7
Speech by Her Excellency the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil During Interaction with the Visiting Chinese Youth Delegation Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi , 27th February, 2012
My dear young friends from China and other distinguished members of the Chinese delegation, on behalf of the people and the Government of India, I extend to you all a very warm welcome. It was last year that India and China celebrated the “Year of Exchange” and agreed to invite 500 young representatives from each other’s country. Young Indians visited China in September 2011, and I am very happy to meet all of you in Delhi today. Youth are the future of the world. It is a country which recognises the potential of scholars Kashyapamatanga and Dharmaratna, is the youth that can bring about positive change not a reminder of how our civilizations enriched each only to itself, but also to the world. In India as well other. I dedicated the newly constructed Indian- as in China, the youth comprise a large proportion style Buddhist Temple there to friendship between of the population. This demographic dividend has the people of India, and the people of China. contributed immensely to the efforts that our Both our countries are millennia old countries are putting, towards achieving civilizations, with a very long history of interaction developmental aspirations. I am of the view, that among our people from all walks of life. In today’s the more that we do towards channelizing the contemporary world, it is very important that energy of our youth, the faster would be our young minds from both countries familiarise growth. themselves with our shared history and our I fondly remember my visit to China in May commonalities, and with our opportunities and 2010, the year that marked the 60th Anniversary challenges in this modern world. I compliment the of the establishment of diplomatic relations vision of the leaders of both our countries for between our two countries. I had extensive and emphasising the importance of youth exchanges. constructive discussions with the leadership of China’s rapid economic growth over the last China, wherein we affirmed our commitment to three decades has been spectacular and riveting. strengthen our bilateral ties. I particularly recall It is now the second largest economy in the world my visit to the White Horse Temple complex in with a GDP of approximately 7 trillion US Dollars. Luoyang, which being the resting place of two An important reason for China’s success is that its great cultural ambassadors from India, the monk- youth are focused on improving their living 8 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
standards, and are driven by the quest for a more peoples of our two countries; and this is where prosperous future. our youth can play a major role. The youth of the In India, we have been able to maintain a high two countries should travel to the different places growth rate despite the current global economic in each other’s countries, understand each other’s crisis. The contribution of Indian youth is evident culture and traditions, share with each other, their all around us. The success of India in the ideas and experiences, identify areas of Information Technology sector is largely because cooperation, and together act on these areas to of the dedicated efforts of Indian youth. Our youth create such a synergy. are excelling in their endeavours. During your stay in India you will visit different The 21st Century is the Asian Century. India places and interact with different people and this, and China as two major Asian countries will play I am sure, will enrich your experience. I encourage a major role in the realization of this dream. The you to take the opportunity to make new friends content, scope and depth of the India-China in India. You have the future responsibility of relationship will to a large extent define the Asian further strengthening India-China relations, and I Century. Our two countries are undoubtedly am sure that you will carry out this responsibility playing an important global role, but the synergy with utmost care and enthusiasm. emanating from our partnership, can make a huge I wish you a pleasurable stay in India, and hope difference in today’s world and how we look at that you carry back home great memories of your the future. time spent here. I am of the view that now what is required ,is Thank you. to create a better understanding between the
Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yan At the Reception in Honour of the Chinese Youth Delegation
(New Delhi, February 27, 2012)
Respected Ms Luo Mei, Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, Leader of the 500-Member Chinese Youth Delegation to India Respected Mr. Rakesh Mohan, Respected Ms. Sarada Ali Khan, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India Young Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon, NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 9
We are very happy today to welcome the and urged both Chinese and Indian youth to “walk Chinese youth delegation to India headed by hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder”. As a honorable Ms Luo Mei, Secretary of the Secretariat return visit, the Chinese youth delegation comes of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth now, and was received by Hon’ble President League of China at the beginning of the Chinese Pratibha Patil this morning. Tomorrow the lunar new year “Year of Dragon”. First of all, let delegation will go to different cities and regions in me extend our warm welcome on behalf of my India. I sincerely hope all the delegates will take colleagues in the embassy to all of you. I would this opportunity to see more and learn more from also like to express my thanks to the friends in the the Indian partners. It is my belief that all these Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government visits will greatly enhance the mutual trust and of India for their efforts that make this visit come good will among the youth and people of the two true. countries, either in the past or in the future. Youth Today, China-India relations are developing in is the future of a nation. The exchanges and all round manner characterized by growing interactions between the young generations will cooperation and coordination in all the fields. surely generate invaluable friendship which will Youth exchanges are an important part of our serve as a solid foundation for the future bilateral relationship, of which the two development of a stronger and fruitful relationship governments attach high importance. Since 2005, between our two countries. the exchange visits of 100-member youth Dear Friends, delegations between India and China has been going on regularly. In December 2010, the China and India are two great nations with Agreement reached by Chinese Premier Wen ancient civilizations linked by mountains and Jiabao and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in rivers. Our friendly exchanges and amity can be New Delhi that 500-member youth delegation will traced back more than 2000 years ago. Two be sent to each other’s country. To implement the countries are mutually influenced and mutually agreement, 500-member Indian youth delegation inspired, which greatly enriched our respective led by Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports civilization. Today as the “good-will Shri Ajay Maken, successfully visited China in last ambassadors”, the youth delegates surely will September as part of the “Year of China-India Exchange”. During the visit, the delegation participated in a cultural performance “Ancient Civilizations, Glorious Youth” at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 22nd. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, on this occasion, delivered a speech on the important role that the youth of the two nations have to play to drive our bilateral relations forward. Premier Wen also said that the future of China-India bilateral ties is in the hands of youth 10 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
continue this link and pass the friendship to the people from every fields in India, you can have a future. I believe you are quite excited about this better understanding of India and bring back the Indian trip. You will visit Mumbai, Bangalore, warmth and hospitality of the Indian people to Kolkata and Rajastan cities, each of these has its China. own history, culture, economic and ethnic Finally I sincerely wish the visit successful and characteristics, through which you will see an fruitful, and wish all of you have a great time in “Incredible India”, a fast-developing and friendly India. India. Seeing is believing. We hope through your Thank you! own eyes and your interaction with youths and
Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yan at the Launching Ceremony of China Happy & Healthy Tour 2012
(New Delhi, February 25 , 2012)
H. E. Mr. Wang Zhifa, Vice Chairman of National tries are going to inaugurate soon. During the year Tourism Administration of China, of happy and healthy tour, China will design a H.E. Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Additional Secretary of series of unique programs which will present the Ministry of Tourism of India, tourists from all over the world not only a colorful Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, China with rich and diversified cultural heritages and unparalleled landscape, but also the concept I am very delighted to attend this launching of green and eco-friendly tourism. ceremony of China Happy & Healthy Tour 2012. First of all, I would like to express warm welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, to Mr. Wang Zhifa, Vice Chairman of National Tourism Administration of China and his delega- China and India, as two close neighbors, en- tion to visit India for this purpose. I also wish to joy long history of friendly exchanges, which have express sincere thanks to Mr. Sanjay Kothari, Ad- become an unfailing driving enforce for prosper- ditional Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, digni- ity and progress of our two great civilizations. taries from the Indian government and friends In recent years, with the support and guidance from tourism industry of India and other coun- of the leaders and governments of two countries, tries. Your gracious presence has reaffirmed your China-India relations have developed in an all long-standing support to the cooperation between round manner and acquired new and strategic China and India in tourism. dimension. Cooperation in tourism sector has en- joyed fast expansion and become a highlight of Ladies and Gentlemen, our over-all cooperation. As you all know that according to the Chinese China and India, as two ancient civilizations, lunar calendar 2012 is the year of dragon. At the both are blessed with abundant tourist resources. very beginning of this auspicious year, we gather Two countries have made each other the tourist here to launch the China Happy & Healthy Tour. destination country. And significant progress has It is indeed very timely and fits well into the Year been made in recent years in spite of the negative of Friendship and Cooperation which two coun- impact of global financial crisis and the sluggish NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 11
world tourist market. Nowadays, over 40 direct China National Tourism Administration has sent flights shuttle between Chinese and Indian cities a huge delegation led by Vice Chairman, Mr. Wang every week. During the Year of China-India Ex- Zhifa, comprising 45 delegates from 9 provinces change and the Year of China Cultural Tour in of China to Indian Outbound Travel Mart 2012, 2011, the number of Indian visitors to mainland to further introduce Chinese tourist market to In- China increased 10.4% over 2010, surpassing the dian counterparts and at the same time to explore level of 6 hundred thousand and reaching a record the India’s tourist market and opportunities for number in Sino-India tourism exchange. At the cooperation. same time, the first-stop visitors from China to In- Ladies and Gentlemen, dia during 2011 were around 118 thousand, 19.1% growth over that of 2010, and scored a marked China has just formulated 12th National Tour- increase. ism Plan. It forecasts that the tourism industry in However, in view of the magnitude of popula- China will continue to thrive in the years to come. tion which stands at 2.5 billion, vibrant economy In this respect, the China Happy& Healthy Tour and growing number of affluent people, as well as 2012 is a concrete step by the Chinese government improving tourist infrastructures of two countries, to further forge tourism into a strategic mainstay the current level of our cooperation in tourism is industry in the national economy. I sincerely hope far from being satisfactory. Taking tourist flow the launching ceremony tonight will serve as a plat- between China, Japan and South Korea for ex- form for Indian friends and friends from other ample, in 2010, there were around 16 million countries to interact with their Chinese counter- people traveling between three countries. Com- parts and gain better understanding of China’s pared with this, China and India two-way tourist tourist industry as well as discover more opportu- volume is far too small. On the other hand, it shows nity for cooperation. that there exists great potential and opportunity Finally, I wish the launching ceremony a com- for us to tap. China is committed to making great plete success. And hope the cooperation in tourist efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in tourist field between vibrant China and incredible India sector with other countries by taking effective ac- grow stronger and stronger. tions. It is worth mentioning that to further en- Thank you. hance bilateral tourism exchanges with India,
Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Yan at the Promotion Meeting for Qinghai International Carpets Exhibition 2012
H.E.Mr. Luo Huining, Governor of People’s India. Your visit at the very beginning of the Year Government of Qinghai Province of Dragon, will not only deepen the bilateral H.E.Mr. Tejendra Khanna, Governor of Delhi cooperation between China and India, but also Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, bring the colorful Qinghai with rich cultural It’s a great pleasure for me to attend this heritage to incredible India. I also want to express promotion meeting for Qinghai International my gratitude to the dignitaries from the Indian Carpets Exhibition 2012. First of all, I would like government and friends from India and other to welcome H.E. Governor Luo Huining to visit countries. Your gracious presence has 12 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
demonstrated the importance you have attached and abroad. The influence of Tibetan culture and to the cooperation between China and your the long history of husbandry industry have made respective countries. Qinghai Province an ideal place for manufacturing China and India, as two close neighbors, enjoy Tibetan carpet. With a history of over 2000 years long history of friendly exchanges characterized and combined with diversified features, Qinghai by mutual influence and mutual inspiration over Tibetan carpet has become a fashionable interior more than 2,000 years. China owes its Buddhist decoration around the world. Especially, the culture to India and India draws inspirations from carpets made by white Xining wool enjoy a high Chinese products like tea, porcelain and silk. reputation for tenacity, softness and brightness. Frequent interactions in political, economic, Nowadays, the carpet manufacturing industry has cultural fields as well as between peoples have been become one of the pillar industries in Qinghai the main feature of our relations over the years. province, winning an increasing market share at All these exchanges have greatly enhanced mutual home and abroad, and contributing greatly to the understanding and friendship of our peoples, and development of local economy and betterment of become an unfailing driving force for the people’s livelihood. prosperity of two great civilizations. The promotion meeting of Qinghai International Carpet Exhibition is the first of its Ladies and Gentlemen, kind to be beheld in India. It’s going to showcase Qinghai Province is situated in the northwest the colorful high quality Qinghai carpets. At the part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and is same time it offers and opportunity for experts, regarded as a sparkling jewel in western China. craftsmen and traders from China, India and other The province is a multi ethnic region with more countries to exchange their experience and than 5.6 million populations. Along with Tibet technical skill, with a view to promote the Autonomous Region of China, the Province is cooperation in this field. Furthermore, with the known as the “Roof of the World” and “Water increasing living standard of Chinese people, the Tower of China” where the Yangtze River, the demand for high quality hand-made carpets is Yellow River and the Lancang River originate. increasing. I am happy to learn that some contracts China’s largest inland salt water lake- the Qinghai have been signed during the exhibition today. Lake is also located there. The province processes Ladies and Gentlemen, rich natural resources and vast pastureland and has become an economically fast growing province As two fastest growing economies, China-India in western part of China. bilateral relations are developing in an all round In addition, Qinghai province has an array of manner in recent years characterized by frequent world-renowned historic and cultural heritages. high level visits and expanding exchanges at all Its spectacular landscape presents a variety of levels and in all fields. The bilateral economic breath-taking sceneries to visitors. As a cradle for cooperation experienced a sustained growth in Tibetan Buddhism, the excellent collection of spite of the global financial crisis. Two way trade classic Chinese-Tibetan architecture which has volumes exceeded 73 billion USD in the year of been preserved in best condition for centuries 2011. attracts tourists, especially photographers and It is also encouraged to see that provincial and artists from all over the world. state level exchanges between two countries have Ladies and Gentlemen, become new highlights of bilateral relation, playing The Qinghai Tibetan carpet is famous at home an important role in promoting economic and NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 13 cultural cooperation. I hope the visit by Governor Chinese provinces and Indian states. Luo Huining to India will not only open the door Finally, I wish a fruitful visit by Governor Luo for Indian friends to gain a better understanding Huining, and also wish this promotion meeting a of Qinghai Province, but also give a boost to the grand success. mutual and beneficial cooperation between Thank you.
II. CHINA’S NPC AND CPPCC ANNUAL SESSIONS
Chinese President Stresses People’s Well-being, Health, Social Security
Beijing, March 4 (Xinhua) — President Hu Jintao said Sunday that China must further ensure and improve people’s well-being, promote the reform of the medical and health care system, and speed up the building of a full-coverage social security system. Hu made the remarks while participating in a panel discussion with political advisors from the health sector and social welfare and security sectors at the ongoing annual full session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, the country’s top political advisory body. Chinese President Hu Jintao (R, front), who is also General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman China needs to put ensuring and of the Central Military Commission, visits and joins a panel discussion of improving people’s well-being in a members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the health sector and social welfare more outstanding position, said the and security sectors in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2012. Jia Qinglin (R, president. back), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of CPC On one hand, the government Central Committee and chairman of CPPCC National Committee, also took part in the visit and joined the panel discussion. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) should play a leading role in solving the most pressing problems that are directly make contributions to a better life, Hu said. connected to the people, on the other hand, the During the discussion, Hu also stressed that whole society should be guided to carry forward China should deepen the reform of the medical the tradition of aiding the disadvantaged so as to and health care system. 14 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
He said China should complete a social health the system’s sustainable development. care system to cover all the people, improve the Moreover, Hu said China should promote the basic medical system and grassroots medical social security system for the disabled so as to institution system, and promote the reform of ensure their equal involvement in social life and public hospitals. enable them to enjoy the fruits of reform and On the social security system, Hu said China opening up. should speed up completing the system to cover Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC National both urban and rural residents so as to promote Committee, joined in the discussion.
Highlights: Premier Wen’s Government Work Report
Beijing, March 5 (Xinhua) — Following are the highlights of a government work report distributed to media ahead the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Monday morning. The report is expected to be delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao at the session. MAJOR TARGETS FOR 2012 — GDP will grow by 7.5 percent. — Consumer Price Index (CPI) Journalists wait in queues to enter the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, increase will be kept around 4 capital of China, March 14, 2012. The closing meeting of the Fifth Session of percent. the 11th National People’s Congress (NPC) will be held here on Wednesday — More than 9 million new jobs morning. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua) will be created in towns and cities. The registered of 550 billion yuan in central government deficit urban unemployment rate will be kept at 4.6 and 250 billion yuan in local government bonds. percent or lower. FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICIES — The volume of total exports and imports will increase by around 10 percent. — China will continue to implement a — China will make further progress in proactive fiscal policy. The government will industrial restructuring, innovation, energy increase spending on areas important to people’s conservation, and emissions reduction, and ensure wellbeing. that both urban and rural residents’ real incomes — China will continue to implement a prudent increase in line with economic growth. monetary policy. The broad money supply is — A deficit of 800 billion yuan is projected, a projected to increase by 14 percent. decrease to around 1.5 percent of GDP, consisting — China will make the floating exchange rate NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 15
regime more flexible and keep the RMB exchange development of the marine economy. rate basically stable at an appropriate and balanced SPENDING MORE IN EDUCATION level. — The central government has prepared its PRICE CONTROL budget to meet the requirement that government — China will control prices and prevent spending on education accounts for 4 percent of inflation from rebounding by effectively carrying the GDP. out macroeconomic policies, managing the supply — The government will enhance school bus of money and credit, and striving for basic safety to ensure children’s safety. equilibrium in aggregate supply and demand. PEOPLE’S WELLBEING AGRICULTURE — China will make every effort to increase — Efforts will be made to increase farmers’ employment and the government must continue income, support agricultural technology to follow the strategy of giving top priority to development, develop rural infrastructure and employment. protect farm land. — By the end of the year, the country will have — The central fiscal plans to allocate 1.23 trillion achieved full coverage of the new old-age pension yuan for agriculture, rural areas and farmers, 186.8 system for rural residents and the old-age pension billion yuan more than last year. system for non-working urban residents. — The government will raise subsidies for ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING medical insurance for non-working urban — To accelerate the transformation of the residents and the new type of rural cooperative economic development pattern and carry out medical care system to 240 yuan per person per strategic adjustment of the economic structure is year. both a long-term and most pressing task at present. — It will continue to keep the birthrate low and redress gender imbalance. NUCLEAR POWER — It will continue to develop low-income — China will safely and effectively develop housing, and basically complete 5 million units and nuclear power. start construction on over 7 million units. MONITORING PM 2.5 SOCIAL MANAGEMENT — China will start monitoring fine particulate — The government will work hard to resolve matter (PM2.5) in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, social conflicts. the Yangtze River delta, the Pearl River delta and — It will actively yet prudently carry forward other key areas as well as in municipalities directly the reform of the household registration system. under the central government and provincial — It will strengthen and improve management capital cities in 2012. of the Internet and foster a healthy cyberspace — The monitoring will be extended to all cities environment. at and above the prefectural level by 2015. CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GOING BLUE — China will vigorously promote nonprofit — China will formulate and implement a cultural services and strengthen cultural strategy for marine development, and promote the infrastructure in communities, particularly in rural 16 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 areas and the central and western regions. operating overseas. KEY REFORM AREAS NATIONAL DEFENSE — China will transform government functions — China will vigorously carry out military and balance the relationship between government training under information-age conditions. and the market. — China will ensure the armed forces — It will advance reform of the fiscal and resolutely accomplish the tasks of combating taxation systems. terrorism, maintaining stability, handling — It will deepen reforms of land, household emergencies, and relieving disasters. registration and public services. HONG KONG, MACAO, TAIWAN — It will carry forward reforms in social programs and income distribution. — The central government will fully support — It will run the government in accordance Hong Kong and Macao in growing their with the law and promote innovation in social economies, improving the people’ s wellbeing and administration. promoting democracy. — It will encourage nongovernmental — In 2012, the mainland will strengthen the investment in railways, public utilities, finance, political, economic, and cultural foundation and energy, telecommunications, education, and public support for growing cross-Straits relations medical care. and make further progress in promoting the peaceful development. OPENING-UP GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY — The government will maintain steady growth in foreign trade. — China will actively participate in building — It will encourage more foreign investment mechanisms for global economic governance such in advanced manufacturing, new and high as the G20. technologies, energy conservation, environmental — It will continue to play a constructive role protection, new service industries, and the central in the Doha Round of trade talks. and western regions. — It will actively participate in multilateral — It will support companies making overseas affairs and global governance and contribute to investments, strengthen risk management of making the international political and economic overseas investments and protect the safety of order more just and equitable. employees and assets of Chinese enterprises
Agenda Set for China’s Legislative Session
Beijing, March 4 (Xinhua) — China’s national report; lawmakers gathered here Sunday to elect a — examining a report on the implementation presidium and set the agenda for the legislature’s of the 2011 plan for national economic and social annual session to open on Monday. development and another report on the draft 2012 The agenda for the session, adopted at the plan for national economic and social preparatory meeting, is as follows: development; and voting on the plan of national — hearing and deliberating a government work economic and social development for 2012; NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 17
— examining a report on the implementation the Supreme People’s Procuratorate; of the central and local budgets for 2011 and a A 170-member presidium was elected at the draft report on the central and local budgets for preparatory meeting. Wang Zhaoguo was elected 2012; and voting on the 2012 central budget; secretary-general of the session. — deliberating a draft amendment to the The presidium held its first meeting on Sunday. Criminal Procedure Law; The fifth session of the 11th NPC lasts from — deliberating a draft decision on deputy March 5 to 14. election for the 12th NPC and draft methods for The deadline for deputies to submit their bills the election of deputies to the 12th NPC from the is set at 12:00 p.m., March 9. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Li Zhaoxing, spokesman for the annual and the Macao SAR, respectively. session, told a press conference Sunday that the — hearing and deliberating a work report of upcoming legislative session is the most important the NPC Standing Committee; meeting prior to the 18th National Congress of the — hearing and deliberating a work report of Communist Party of China (CPC), slated for later the Supreme People’s Court; this year. — hearing and deliberating a work report of
China’s Top Political Advisory Body Starts Annual Session
Top Communist Party of China (CPC) and state leaders Hu Jintao (4th L, front), Wu Bangguo (4th R, front), Wen Jiabao (3rd L, front), Li Changchun (3rd R, front), Xi Jinping (2nd L, front), Li Keqiang (2nd R, front), He Guoqiang (1st L, front) and Zhou Yongkang (1st R, front) are present at the opening meeting of the Fifth Session of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2012. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) 18 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
Beijing, March 3 (Xinhua) — The Fifth Session CPC Central Committee to commemorate the of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese centenary of the Revolution of 1911. People’s Political Consultative Conference He said the CPPCC also contributed to giving (CPPCC), the country’s top political advisory body, impetus to the country’s economic development opened in Beijing Saturday. and cultural reform, promoting social harmony More than 2,000 members of the CPPCC and stability, strengthening relations with National Committee will discuss issues of major compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan concern to the nation during the annual session and with overseas Chinese, and expanding China’s scheduled to conclude on March 13. foreign contacts. At the opening meeting started at 3 p.m. in the Top Communist Party of China (CPC) and state Great Hall of the People, CPPCC National leaders Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Li Committee Chairman Jia Qinglin delivered a report Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, on the work of the CPPCC National Committee’s and Zhou Yongkang attended the opening Standing Committee over the past year. meeting. “The CPPCC made important contributions to Founded in 1949, the CPPCC consists of elite implementing the Twelfth Five-Year Plan and figures of the Chinese society who are willing to winning new victories in building a moderately serve the think tank for the government and for prosperous society in all respects” during the the legislative and judicial organs. period, said Jia in his report. As an open forum where the ruling CPC, non- Jia noted that the CPPCC held a grand Communist parties and people without party celebration for the 90th anniversary of the founding affiliation discuss state affairs freely and on an of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and equal footing, the CPPCC has been the organized activities under the leadership of the manifestation of China’s socialist democracy.
Highlights of Work Report of China’s Top Political Advisory Body
Beijing, March 3 (Xinhua) — China’s top — During the Fourth Plenary Session of the political advisor Jia Qinglin delivered a report on 11th CPPCC National Committee, political the work of the country’s top political advisory body advisors deliberated and offered suggestions on at the opening meeting of its annual full session major economic issues and submitted 6,076 which started in the Great Hall of the People proposals and made 774 speeches. Many of their Saturday afternoon. comments and suggestions were incorporated into Following are highlights of the Work Report of the 12th Five-Year Plan and the Party and the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s government’s special plans and policy documents. Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) — Political advisors made 85 inspection tours National Committee, which was distributed to and investigations and studies on special topics, journalists upon the opening of the session: attended a special meeting of the Standing Committee concerning major issues in the L ENDING WISDOM TO ECONOMIC implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan and DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM submitted a number of high-quality comments and NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 19
suggestions. PROMOTING SOCIAL HARMONY — This year, the Standing Committee of — In the past year the Standing Committee of CPPCC National Committee will coordinate the CPPCC National Committee received and dealt democratic parties, federations of industry and with 60,522 letters and visits of CPPCC committee commerce, subcommittees of the members and the people. CPPCC National Committee, — It composed and and local CPPCC committees in submitted to the central making proposals and leadership 252 reports on social suggestions on major economic conditions and popular issues. sentiment, and reported 1,896 WORKING FOR CULTURAL comments and suggestions. REFORM — Investigations and studies were conducted on — Over the past year, the developing ethnic minority CPPCC made full use of its areas on the country’s borders, personnel and resource urbanizing ethnic autonomous advantages and channels of counties and banners, and communication to participate in providing Xinjiang with one-to- socialist cultural development one assistance. and made positive contributions. — This year it will carry out — The Standing Committee investigations, studies, of CPPCC National Committee Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National deliberation and democratic worked with the democratic Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference oversight on major issues in parties, Party and government (CPPCC), delivers a report at the Great social development. departments, local CPPCC Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 3, 2012. The Fifth Session of — It will intensify the work committees, and cultural the 11th CPPCC National Committee of passing on information institutions, and made opened in Beijing on Saturday afternoon. concerning social conditions significant progress in protecting (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) and popular sentiment; the Shudao Cultural Route and properly handle people’s letters and visits to the applying for it and West Lake in Hangzhou to be CPPCC; keep channels open and free for collecting included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and reporting information. List. — The CPPCC actively gave impetus to taking BOOSTING CROSS-STRAIT EXCHANGES outstanding traditional Chinese culture global and — Investigations and studies were conducted held the Beijing Forum on Passing on and in the past year on how to stimulate the Developing Chinese Dramatic Arts in the development of Taiwan-funded small and mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. medium-sized enterprises and promote cross-Strait — The Standing Committee will organize agricultural cooperation. CPPCC National Committee members, especially — The Standing Committee of CPPCC those who are experts and celebrities in the cultural National Committee conscientiously listened to the field, and unite with people from all sectors to carry desires and requests of Taiwan business people out investigations and discussions on major cultural who run such enterprises or agricultural pioneer issues this year. parks, and passed their views on to the central 20 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
leadership. relevant countries, and strive to win the — This year it will do researches on how to international community’s understanding of and deepen cross-Strait cultural exchanges and get the support for China. people of Taiwan, especially young people, to — It will support the China Committee on identify more closely with the Chinese nation and Religion and Peace to participate in the World culture. Conference on Religion and Peace and other international conferences and forums. EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION MARKING REVOLUTION OF 1911, CPC FOUNDING — Over the past year, the Standing Committee of CPPCC National Committee sent 39 delegations — The Standing Committee of CPPCC to 56 countries for state visits or to attend National Committee focused on the theme of international conferences; hosted 11 visiting revitalizing China and rejuvenating the Chinese delegations from 10 countries and one regional nation, and carefully organized activities under the organization. leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) — A delegation from the CPPCC National Central Committee to commemorate the centenary Committee made an official visit to the United of the Revolution of 1911. Nations and addressed the 19th Session of the UN — The CPPCC held a grand celebration for the Commission on Sustainable Development. 90th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, — It successfully held the ninth and tenth studied and implemented the guiding principles sessions of the Sino-EU Round Table in of General Secretary Hu Jintao’s important speech collaboration with the European Economic and on July 1. Social Committee and promoted the establishment WELCOMING CPC NATIONAL CONGRESS of a round table exchange mechanism for the economic and social councils and similar — The Standing Committee of CPPCC institutions in BRICS countries. National Committee will make sure all the work — This year it will continue high-level visits of welcoming the 18th CPC National Congress is with foreign countries, develop traditional done well under the unified arrangements of the friendships, increase mutual political trust with CPC Central Committee.
Commending the Government’s Work
Beijing Review The Fifth Session of the 11th National People’s Congress (NPC) opened on March 5, with Premier Wen Jiabao delivering the government work report that summarized the work done in 2011 and illustrated the work to be done in 2012
The Fifth Session of the 11th National People’s According to the report, in 2012 the GDP Congress (NPC) opened on March 5, with Premier growth is expected to settle around 7.5 percent, Wen Jiabao delivering the government work report while the consumer price index (CPI) growth target that summarized the work done in 2011 and remains at 4 percent. The report also promotes a illustrated the work to be done in 2012. remarkable increase in spending earmarked for the NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 21
people’s well-being and even names detailed projects. Some deputies to the 11th NPC and members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) provided their interpretations of the report to Beijing Review reporters Lan Xinzhen and Zeng Wenhui. I have been truly inspired and feel Yuan Chunqing, MEETING FOR STATE AFFAIRS: The Fifth Session of the 11th National NPC deputy, confident about People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, opens in Beijing on March 5 Secretary of the CPC the report. Shanxi Provincial Committee First, it reflects continuity and develop low-income housing, requires that of last year’s policies. The spending on education by local governments report proposes balancing the relationship between should be 4 percent of their GDP figures. steady and robust economic development and Fourth, it reflects the scientific arrangement of economic restructuring as well as managing economic development. The report emphasizes inflation expectation, urgently carrying out the combining stabilizing economic growth, controlling proactive fiscal policy and the prudent monetary prices, benefiting people’s well-being, deepening policy, and making expanding domestic demand, reform and promoting harmony. As for regional improving investment structure, stabilizing prices, development, the report emphasizes coordinated increasing farmers’ incomes by various means, development of central and western regions and adjusting industrial structure and steadily the effort to let special economic zones and pilot promoting urbanization the nation’s top priorities. zones play a full role in comprehensive reforms. Second, it reflects the reliability of economic As for industrial distribution, the report proposes indices. After setting the 8-percent growth to strengthen support to the development of expectation from 2005 to 2011, the target of strategic emerging industries. economic growth was slashed by half a percentage Fifth, it reflects wider benefits for the people’s point. The CPI will be controlled around 4 percent well-being. The report emphasizes raising the this year. This fully considers the complicated proportion of individual income in national income economic situation and the high inflation in 2012 and and puts forward many detailed and specific reserves space for the restructuring and price reform. measures in raising people’s incomes and solving their Third, it is clear and concise in explaining the difficulties in education, housing and medical measures to be taken. For example, the report puts services. forward formulating implementation rules to Premier Wen’s report this year is quite rational, encourage and guide private investment, proposes setting the target of economic growth this year at specific measures to control the real estate market 7.5 percent. This comes from the government’s 22 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
proper analysis of the micro-enterprises, we situation and fully reflects should turn to the banks. the confidence and Banks should be classified resolution of the Central with differentiated policies: Government. To Now that it is difficult for appropriately slow down the large banks to support small economic growth speed is and micro-enterprises, the conducive to balancing government should grant relations between supply favorable policies to small Wang Yongzheng, CPPCC National and demand, to alleviating Gao Xianhai, NPC banks in taxation, credit deputy, Mayor of Committee member, pressures on resources and Nanchong, Sichuan scale and internal control to President of Yongzheng environment and to easing the Province (LAN inspire them to grant loans Tailor Shop Group Co. Ltd. tension of high prices. It will XINZHEN) to small and micro- also improve the quality of China’s economic growth. enterprises, and the increased costs can be made The Chinese economy now faces plethora up for by government favorable policies such as pressures, both internally and externally, such as tax cut. the economic recession in Europe and the United Private lending should also be incorporated States, slowdown of China’s exports, unbalanced into the legal system to satisfy the credit demand domestic economic structure and high employment of small and micro-enterprises. At present many pressures. Hence, to slightly lower the target for people are in lack of investment channels, since economic growth conforms to the changes of both returns from portfolio investment are low. the domestic and international economy. Opening and regulating private lending will be a It is easier to maintain steady economic good way out for private funds. development, but to promote a robust growth we This year, spending on education will account have to rely on consumer demand. The for 4 percent of the GDP, input in agriculture and government work report sets expanding domestic rural areas will increase by 186.8 billion yuan demand, particularly consumer demand, as one ($29.6 billion), more than 7 million low-income of the focuses this year, indicating that there will be homes will be built, and the pension system for significant adjustments on the economic growth rural residents and for non-working urban pattern, including thoroughly changing the past residents will cover all the country. These figures situation of relying on investment and exports to drive and targets are inspiring. The report sets concrete economic development and strengthening the role targets in improving people’s well-being and makes of domestic demand. From the report we can expect solemn commitments. The government work report that the Central Government will issue powerful illustrates again that people’s well-being is the policies this year to stimulate domestic demand. focus of the work of the government. The government work report proposes Further, this year’s government work report increasing credit support to enterprises, especially has cited the following tasks in the list of focuses: small and micro-businesses, whose operations are fully introducing social insurance against uraemia in line with industrial policies and whose products and seven other major diseases and including lung are in high demand. I think the government should cancer and 11 other major diseases in the pilot adopt various measures to ease the financing program to provide insurance and aid for their difficulty of small and micro-enterprises. treatment. This indicates the government’s more To solve the financing difficulties of small and thoughtful care to people’s well-being. NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 23
489 Motions Submitted to China’s Parliamentary Session
Beijing, March 13 (Xinhua) — A total of 489 People’s Procuratorate, a provincial-level delega- motions were submitted to the secretariat of tion to the NPC, or a group of at least 30 NPC China’s annual parliamentary session by the dead- deputies. line of March 9, an official of the session said Tues- These motions cover various topics in eco- day. nomic, political, cultural, social and environmen- Among them, 477 motions are about legisla- tal aspects, Wang said. tion, eight about supervision and four on other is- In the motions, lawmakers proposed to deepen sues, said Wang Wanbin, deputy secretary-gen- reform and opening up, improve macroeconomic eral of the Fifth Session of the 11th National control, boost restructuring, curb pollution and People’s Congress (NPC), in a report to a presidium enhance management of land, he said. meeting of the session. They also handed in motions about how to Five motions were submitted by delegations control price hikes, expand employment, promote and the rest by groups of NPC deputies, Wang education and health care service, according to the said. official. Under Chinese law, a motion can be raised by All the motions will be handed over to special the presidium of the NPC, the NPC Standing Com- committees of the NPC for further discussion and mittee, special committees of the NPC, the State the results will be submitted to the NPC Standing Council, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme Committee.
Human Rights Underlined in China’s Long-anticipated Criminal Procedure Law Revision
Beijing, March 14 (Xinhua) — After the last deputy president of Renmin University of China revision 16 years ago, China amended the Criminal and an NPC deputy. Procedure Law and highlighted human rights Personal freedom should be honored as the protection, eight years after the principle was most essential human right, Wang said. explicitly written in the Constitution. The revised law stresses protecting suspects and The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s defendants from illegal restriction, detention and parliament, adopted the amendment Wednesday arrest, which is an important contribution to with overwhelming votes at the closing meeting protecting personal freedom of every citizen, he of annual parliamentary session, presided over by said. NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo. China’s current Criminal Procedure Law was The phrase of “respecting and protecting enacted in 1979 and first amended in 1996. human rights” is written in the revised law’s first Over the past years, many lawmakers chapter on aim and basic principles. submitted motions and suggestions urging the “The highlight of this revision is to better law’s revision, and law enforcement departments embody the constitutional principle of respecting also expressed similar opinions. and protecting human rights,” said Wang Liming, Since China is in a transition period with 24 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
prominent incidence of conflicts, problems alive. That led to the arrest of three former police emerging in judicial practice require the law to be officers for allegedly torturing Zhao into confessing improved, said Prof. Chen Weidong, from the Law to a crime that never happened. School of Renmin University of China, who took In the revised law, it is written that no one part in drafting the amendment. would be forced to prove their own guilt, together Several high-profile cases, in which innocent with provisions on how to rule out illegal evidence. people were convicted of serious crimes, have For the first time, the law makes it clear that exposed weakness in law enforcement, especially confessions extorted through illegal means, such concerning forced confession. as torture, and witness testimony and depositions In 2010, the story of Zhao Zuohai, a villager in of victims obtained illegally, such as by violence or central Henan Province, roused national sympathy threats, should be excluded during the trials. as he had spent ten years in prison for murdering Besides articles on illegal evidence, provisions a man who was actually alive. on the procedure of collecting evidence and Zhao was acquitted and released from prison summoning witnesses to court will also effectively after the supposedly murdered victim showed up curb torturing practices, Chen said.
Top Political Advisory Body Wraps up Annual Session, Calls for Efforts to Boost Prosperity
Beijing, March 13 (Xinhua) Committee during their final — China’s top political advisor term of office and make contri- Jia Qinglin on Tuesday called butions to the state and the on members of the country’s people. political advisory body to make “Let us struggle side by side greater efforts to help build a to achieve new success in well-off society in all respects building a moderately prosper- and accelerate the socialist mod- ous society in all respects and ernization drive. accelerating socialist modern- Jia, chairman of the 11th ization,” Jia said. National Committee of the Chi- Top CPC and state leaders nese People’s Political Consul- Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen tative Conference (CPPCC), Jiabao, Li Changchun, Xi made the remark at the closing Jinping, Li Keqiang, He session of the 11th National Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang Committee of the CPPCC in were present at the meeting. Jia Qinglin, chairman of the 11th National Beijing. Committee of the Chinese People’s Politi- The meeting approved a Jia called on all CPPCC Na- cal Consultative Conference (CPPCC), pre- political resolution of the Fifth tional Committee members to sides over the closing meeting of the Fifth Session of the 11th CPPCC Na- Session of the 11th CPPCC National Com- rally around the Communist mittee and gives a speech at the Great Hall tional Committee. Party of China (CPC) Central of the People in Beijing, capital of China, According to the resolu- March 13, 2012. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng) NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 25
tion, great achievements have been made in push- sive issues concerning the country’s reform and ing forward reform and opening-up and advanc- development, people’s well-being, social harmony ing socialist modernization under the leadership and lasting stability. of the CPC Central Committee over the past year. Political advisors raised more than 2,600 pro- The 11th National Committee of the CPPCC posals regarding the development of the national and its Standing Committee also made important economy. They put forward more than 1,600 pro- contributions in mapping out and implementing posals on developing social undertakings and im- the 12th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and proving livelihoods, as well as more than 1,200 pro- Social Development, it said. posals on strengthening social management and This year will be of great importance for the promoting social harmony and stability. implementation of the Five-Year Plan and the Political advisors also offered suggestions on CPC’s 18th National Congress is also scheduled developing the real economy, consolidating the for later this year, the resolution said. foundation of economic development, coordinat- The CPPCC will faithfully fulfill its duties of ing urban and rural social development and pro- political consultation, democratic supervision and moting migrant workers’ settlement in cities. participation in the discussion and management They also offered suggestions on the develop- of state affairs, and better play its role of coordi- ment of small- and micro-sized enterprises, the nating relations, pooling strength and giving sug- establishment of a social credibility system, low- gestions, the resolution said. income housing and rural pension programs for For the better running of the economy this year, the elderly. CPPCC members need to carry out deep research According to the report, a meeting will be held and actively offer their advice for the CPC and the on March 19 to transfer the proposals to 175 re- government to scientifically make decisions and implement policies. lated departments and units for further process- They should also reflect the appeals of differ- ing. ent interest groups and help solve disputes so as to “This fully reflects the CPPCC’s tireless pur- promote social stability and harmony, it said. suit of focusing on the central task of economic The CPPCC will actively engage in foreign ex- development and serving the overall interests of changes to create a favorable external environment the country. It also embodies the spirit of our Na- for the country’s development, according to the tional Committee members performing their func- resolution. tions and duties for the country and people,” Jia Tuesday’s meeting also approved a report on said. the work of the Standing Committee of the 11th The 11th CPPCC National Committee currently CPPCC National Committee over the past year, has 2,262 members, 2,121 of whom attended the as well as a report on proposals submitted by closing meeting of the annual session. CPPCC National Committee members this year. The CPPCC serves as a key mechanism for As of 2 p.m. on March 8, CPPCC National multi-party cooperation and political consultation Committee members had submitted 6,069 propos- under the leadership of the CPC. Members of the als concerning the country’s development and the CPPCC are representatives of the CPC and non- transformation of its economic growth pattern. Communist parties, personages without party af- The report on the proposals said that political filiation, and representatives of people’s organiza- advisors have paid great attention to comprehen- tions, ethnic minorities and various social strata. 26 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
Wen Sets Out Agenda
by Zhu Zhe (China Daily)
— Premier highlights the challenges and opportunities at final NPC news conference
Premier Wen Jiabao, at his final National People’s Congress (NPC) news conference on Wednesday, called for reforms and set a path of both opportunity and challenge for his successor. The Fifth Session of the 11th NPC closed on Wednesday. At the session, the NPC adopted a number of important documents, including the
government work report, the central budget and the national economic and social development plan for 2012, as well as the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law. It also adopted decisions on deputy election for the 12th NPC and methods for the election of depu- ties to the 12th NPC from Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions as well as the work reports of the NPC Standing Committee, the Su- preme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate. Addressing a range of issues, Wen said that currency reform will remain on the agenda, hous- ing prices will be reined in and debts racked up by local governments will be dealt with. He also said NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 27
that private capital would be allowed in the finan- cial sector, and political reform would be pushed forward. As the economy continues to develop, prob- lems have arisen such as income disparity and cor- ruption, and only economic and political reform can resolve these issues, Wen said. “Reforms in China have come to a critical stage,” he told about 1,000 reporters from domes- tic and international media organizations after the conclusion of this year’s meeting of the NPC. “Reform can only go forward and must not stand still or go backward because that offers no way out.” Wen mentioned the need for political reform. “Without successful political reform, it’s impossible for China to fully institute economic reform and the gains we have made in these areas may be lost.” Wen has addressed the urgency of reform on many occasions over the past few years. On Wednesday, he said that his long interest comes from “a strong sense of responsibility”.
“Even with a single breath, I’m still prepared to dedicate myself fully to advancing China’s re- form and the cause of opening-up,” he said. However, Wen made it clear that reforms should be gradual and prudent, as people must take into consideration national circumstances and the population of 1.3 billion. “And I know, very well, that reform will not be easy and it cannot succeed without the con- sciousness, the support, the enthusiasm and cre- ativity of our people,” Wen said. Ma Huaide, vice-president of the China Uni- versity of Political Science and Law, said Wen’s words showed “great determination”. “He’s trying to inspire the people and the soci- ety to bring in changes,” he said. Lau Nai-keung, a political commentator in Hong Kong, said continued reform and opening- up has been the general consensus as well as na- 28 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
tional policy. protect farmers’ property rights, ensure the prom- “If we decide to push ahead in this direction, ised input in education matches 4 percent of GDP, we will succeed provided the moves are supported expand coverage of the pension system and im- by the people and are grounded in our socio-po- prove poverty alleviation. litical and cultural reality,” Lau said. “We’re determined to accomplish these tasks While looking back on his nine-year tenure on rather than pass on the problems to the next gov- Wednesday, which is expected to end next March, ernment,” he said. Wen appeared emotional and said he should as- He placed hope in the next generation and had sume responsibility for problems that had occurred full confidence that they would better his achieve- in the economy and society during his term of of- ments, he said. fice. In his 45 years of service he had always strived “I feel truly sorry,” Wen said. Due to various with passion and energy to serve the country and factors, “there is still much room for improvement the people and had never pursued personal gain, in my work”. he said. In the last year in office, Wen said, he would “I have the courage to face the people, and to be as committed as ever and continue his best ef- face history,” Wen said. forts to serve the people, to make up for the short- “There are people who will appreciate what I fall in his work with new achievements, and to have done but there are also people who will criti- win the people’s “understanding and forgiveness”. cize me,” he said. “Ultimately, history will have The government will formulate a plan this year the final say.” for income distribution reform, he said. It will also introduce a land requisition regulation to better Contact the writer at [email protected]
Socialist Democracy to Illuminate China’s Future (peopledaily.com.cn)
The ongoing two sessions, the 5th session of Democracy is the Lifeblood of Socialism. the 11th National People’s Congress (NPC ) and Developing the socialist democratic politics is the Fifth Session of the 11th National Committee a historically inevitable choice of people. It is the of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative aspirations of both the representatives and the Conference (CPPCC) in China not only make the masses. world understand China but also provide an important window for the world to watch the Democratic Achievements are Remarkable. development of China’s democratic politics. On May 20, 2011, 15 representatives had a With responsible deputies and the active direct dialogue with the highest legislative body in participators, the two sessions show the unique terms of the draft of the individual income tax law charm of the People’s Congress System, the amendment at the office building of the NPC while systems of multi-party cooperation and the more netizens expressed themselves through the political consultation led by Chinese Communist website of the NPC. Party. NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 29
Most people hoped that the threshold of Mongolia University of Science and Technology. individual income tax, which was 3,000 yuan in Zhang Weiqing, member of the National the original draft, should be raised. The Standing Committee of the CPPCC and former director of Committee of the NPC finally passed the individual National Population and Family Planning income tax amendment, raising threshold from Commission, said that the dynamic integration of 3,000 yuan to 3,500 yuan and reducing the first- democratic election and consultation is an level tax rate from 5 percent to 3 percent. important characteristic of socialist democracy in It is a microcosm of the development of the China. As an important form of democracy, the Chinese democracy. Today, the masses can democratic consultation is in line with China’s participate in all the public decision-making, actual conditions and complies with the management and affairs that are closely related to aspirations of the people. The CPPCC has made their vital interests. More and more ordinary great achievements and also has great potential in citizens begin to influence the public decision- terms of democratic consultation. making and management through a variety of Democracy with Chinese characteristics has ways including discussion panels, hearings and been improved constantly and advanced with open advice-seeking meetings. times. The direct election of members of the village Democracy is just like atomic energy, if committees in every three years has come true to handled well, it will work as a nuclear power hundreds of millions of farmers. Wu Zaiju, deputy station that can benefit society. Otherwise, it will to the National People’s Congress and party branch become the atomic bomb to destroy the whole secretary of Kaihe village, Zhongling township, society, said Sheng Mingfu, member of the National Xiushan county in Chongqing, said that in addition Committee of the CPPCC and chairperson of to the democratic elections of the village cadres, Chinese Agriculture, Forestry and Water all the works of their village committee which are Conservancy Trade Union. related to the interests of villagers are done The development of democracy not only asks democratically, including choosing the low income the public to improve their democratic quality but households, ditching and constructing roads. also demands the design of democratic system to Since the first half of 2011, the general election be closely related to the matter of fact. Our successively began across the country. More than democratic system is also keeping pace with the two million deputies of the NPC above the county times in the special period of social transformation and township levels had been directly chosen out and economic development. In a long run, the by hundreds of millions of voters, including more socialist democracy will become the strongest than 2,000 county-level positions and over 30,000 foundation stone of the cause of socialism. township-level positions. The More the Socialism Develops, the More Democracy with Chinese Characteristics the Democracy Develops. Shows an Obvious Advantage. Many deputies and members of committees Along with the trend of social development, said that although the socialist democracy has the system of the NPC and the electoral system made significant progress, we should see that are being further reformed and perfected so as to China’s socialist democracy and legal construction better guarantee the right of people as masters, said has not fully adapt to the expanding of the Li Fengbin, deputy to the NPC and dean of the democracy and development of the economic school of law of Baotou Normal College in the Inner society. The socialist democracy is incomplete in 30 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 terms of guaranteeing democratic rights and certainly continue to move forward following the developing the creativity of people. The advance of the socialism with Chinese construction of China’s socialist democracy will characteristics.
Backgrounder: Legislative Powers of NPC, Its Standing Committee
Beijing, March 4 (Xinhua) — The legislative The NPC Standing Committee exercises the powers of the National People’s Congress (NPC) following legislative powers: and its Standing Committee are defined by the — To enact and amend statutes other than Constitution of China. those that must be enacted by the NPC; According to the Constitution, the NPC — To enact, when the NPC is not in session, exercises the following legislative powers: partial supplements and amendments to basic — To amend the Constitution (In China, statutes enacted by the NPC provided that they amendments to the Constitution are to be proposed do not contravene the basic principles of these by the Standing Committee of the NPC or by more statutes; than one-fifth of all deputies to the NPC and — To interpret the Constitution and statutes; adopted by a majority affirmative vote of more — To annul administrative rules and than two-thirds of all the deputies); regulations, decisions and orders of the State — To enact and amend statutes concerning Council that contravene the Constitution or the criminal offenses and civil affairs; statutes; — To enact and amend statutes concerning — To annul local regulations or decisions of State organs, which generally refer to various kinds the governmental organs of provinces, autonomous of organic laws; regions and centrally-administered municipalities — To enact and amend basic statutes that contravene the Constitution, the statutes or concerning other matters, such as laws on election, the administrative rules and regulations. nationality and marriage.
Backgrounder: NPC Motions and CPPCC Proposals
Beijing, March 4 (Xinhua) — There is a advisory body, is not legally binding whether it is substantial difference between motions submitted adopted or not. to a session of the National People’s Congress NPC motions are submitted by NPC deputies (NPC) and proposals to the National Committee or relevant departments to the NPC. of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative According to the Constitution, NPC deputies Conference (CPPCC). and members of the NPC Standing Committee The difference lies in that as the NPC is the have the right to submit motions and proposals country’s top legislature, a NPC motion becomes within the respective functions and powers of the legally binding when it is adopted; while a proposal NPC and its Standing Committee in accordance to the CPPCC National Committee, the top with procedures prescribed by law. NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 31
According to the Organic Law of the NPC and requires a simple majority voting in favor. NPC rules for the discharging of its duties, a motion Members of the CPPCC put forward proposals on issues within the power of the NPC can be to offer comments and suggestions on major raised by the presidium of the NPC, the NPC political and social issues of the country to people’s Standing Committee, special committees of the congresses and the government via the CPPCC. NPC, the State Council, the Supreme People’s For the presentation of a proposal, there is no Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, a restriction on timing, scope and number of provincial-level delegation (of deputies) to the NPC, sponsoring members. Generally, CPPCC members or a group of at least 30 NPC deputies. can raise a proposal in one of the following ways: Afterwards, the NPC presidium decides if a — by one member or a group of members; motion is to be included in the agenda of an NPC — by one group or more groups jointly during session, or to be first handed over to a relevant the plenary sessions of the CPPCC; special committee for examination. The special — in the name of a party or people’s committee is to suggest to the presidium whether organization that has joined the CPPCC; or not the motion is to be included in the agenda. — in the name of a sub-committee of the A motion, after examination by NPC deputies CPPCC National Committee. at full meetings of delegations or panel meetings, A department in charge of handling proposals will be transferred by the presidium to a relevant is obliged to give a reply to each proposal. Generally special committee for further examination. The speaking, a NPC motion is raised when the NPC presidium will examine the report from the special is in session; while members of the CPPCC can committee and decide to submit the motion to a raise proposals at any time they wish. plenary session of the NPC for a vote. Adoption
III. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Answers Questions from Domestic and Overseas Journalists on China’s Foreign Policy and External Relations
The Fifth Session of the Foreign Minister Eleventh National People’s Yang: Good morning, Congress held a press friends from the press. It’s conference in the Great a great pleasure to meet Hall of the People on 6 you here. Premier Wen March 2012. Foreign Jiabao has outlined Minister Yang Jiechi China’s foreign policy and answered questions from foreign relations in his Chinese and foreign press Report on the Work of the on China’s foreign policy Government. Now I’m and external relations. ready to take your 32 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
questions. forged ahead and made abundant results. Over CCTV and CNTV: Much has changed in the the past ten years, under the leadership of the CPC international situation over the past ten years, Central Committee with Comrade Hu Jintao as and China’s diplomacy has encountered many General Secretary, China’s diplomacy has firmly challenges and tests. How do you see China’s served the overall interests of China’s development. diplomatic work over the past ten years? We have properly handled thorny issues and Moreover, we have seen confrontation and worked actively to open up new prospects for conflicts between some countries. Under such China’s diplomatic work. China’s diplomacy has circumstances, what do you think are the new fostered a sound external environment for China’s challenges confronting China’s diplomacy and economic and social development. how do you see China’s diplomacy this year? In my view, China’s diplomatic work over the Foreign Minister Yang: I think it is very past ten years can be summed up as follows: meaningful that we start today’s questions and First, serve overall interests. To safeguard answers from reviewing China’s diplomatic work China’s sovereignty and security has always been over the past ten years, the overarching as a review of the past objective of all of offers one insight into China’s diplomatic the future. endeavors. Over the The past ten years past ten years, China’s have been a decade diplomacy actively when the world has served the domestic undergone major economic and social development, major development. We changes and major effectively protected adjustments. It has also the lawful rights and been a decade when interests of overseas China’s diplomacy has Chinese nationals and NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 33
companies, and defended China’s sovereignty, prominent. All these developments will exert major security and development interests. impact on the international situation and China’s Second, pursue cooperation. We enhanced diplomatic work in the time to come. friendly relations and cooperation with other This year, we will continue to advance our all- countries in the world and regional and dimensional diplomacy at multiple tiers and in a international organizations. We intensified wide range of fields. We will continue to take into exchanges with them in the political, economic and account both the domestic and international cultural fields and through both bilateral and situations, make continuous innovation in our multilateral channels. We opened up new diplomatic practices and theories, and make active dimensions for pursuing win-win cooperation. contribution to the successful opening of the 18th Third, advance reform. we actively National Congress of the CPC and full participated in global governance and helped implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan. move the international system and international The priories of China's diplomatic work this architecture in a direction that serves the interests year are as follows: of developing countries. We worked to raise the First, serve China's domestic development. We representation and influence of China and will properly handle the external risks and developing countries as a whole in international challenges, and create more favorable conditions affairs. for China's economic and social development to Fourth, enhance China’s image. Through such serve the primary goal of shifting China's growth platforms as overseas visits by Chinese leaders, model at a faster pace. receiving visits to China by foreign leaders, the Second, uphold peace. We will continue to Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo, firmly defend China's sovereignty and security, we engaged in dynamic public and cultural stand for handling and resolving regional and diplomacy, endeavored to enhance the friendship international issues, in particular, those hotspot between Chinese people and people of other ones through dialogue, consultation and countries, and showed to the rest of the world a negotiation, and play a responsible role as a big China that is culturally-advanced, democratic, country. open and making continuous progress. Third, promote cooperation. We will enhance Fifth, make contribution to the world. We our friendly relations and cooperation with other worked actively to uphold world peace and countries and regional and international promote common development. China has played organizations. We will work with them to deepen a constructive role in helping resolve regional and common interests, meet global challenges and international hotspot issues, and China has become safeguard world peace and promote common an important engine driving world economic development. growth. RIA Novosti: Minister Yang, how do you Our world today is undergoing profound and comment on the recently held presidential election complex changes. The trend of our time towards in Russia? What considerations does the Chinese peace, development and cooperation has gathered side have for the further development of the China- momentum. At the same time, the underlying Russia strategic partnership of coordination? This impact of the international financial crisis is still year, China will be the rotating president of the with us. The world economic recovery lacks Shanghai Cooperation Organization and play host momentum, and global challenges such as climate to the 2012 SCO summit. Can you tell us some of change and energy and food security are still China's considerations about the summit? And 34 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 what expectations does the Chinese side have for need to work together to ensure the success of the the future development of the SCO? Year of Russian Tourism in China. And fifth, enhance cooperation in regional and international affairs. We are confident that with the joint efforts of the two countries, the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination will achieve even greater results. This year is the year of good-neighborly relations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It is also the first year for the development of the SCO in its second decade. China will play host to the SCO summit this year. The theme of the summit this year is to deepen good-neighborly relations and plan the future of the SCO. There are three main items on the agenda of the summit. The first is to discuss measures for enhancing friendly relations and cooperation Foreign Minister Yang: We have noted that under the SCO framework, and formulate a the presidential election of Russia was smoothly strategy on the development of the organization held on March 4th. President Hu Jintao has sent a in the next ten years. Second, plan the next stage message of congratulations to newly elected of practical cooperation of the SCO, in particular President Putin. We wish the people of the Russian the establishment of institutional safeguards for the Federation even greater achievements in their cause financing of multilateral cooperation. Third, there of national prosperity and revitalization. will be an exchange of views on regional and The Chinese government is prepared to work international situations, with a focus on improving closely with the Russian side to deepen the the SCO measures in coping with situations that comprehensive strategic partnership of pose threats to regional peace, stability and coordination between the two countries and security. We believe that the SCO summit this year enhance practical cooperation between the two will help build on past progress and open up new sides in all fields. prospects for the future development of the As far as the China-Russia relationship this organization. year is concerned, it can be summed up as "one With respect to the future of the SCO, I believe central task" and "five priorities". The one central all the parties concerned will make better use of task is to fully implement the plan for the the advantage of geographical proximity and work development of China-Russia relations in the next together to enhance cooperation for regional ten years. The five priorities are: First, ensure the security and stability and strengthen regional success of high-level contacts and mutual visits this connectivity and people-to-people exchanges so as year. Second, increase mutual political support. to bring more benefits to their people. Third, intensify practical cooperation between the Wall Street Journal: Minister Yang, does China two countries in such fields as economy and trade, regard the recent US strategic shift towards Asia energy, science and technology, infrastructure as as a threat? And if so, what countermeasures does well as at the local level. Fourth, step up cultural China plan against that threat? More broadly, and people-to-people exchanges. In particular, we given the range of tensions now between China NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 35 and the US over Iran, Syria and many other issues, agreement that the two countries will work what steps should the two countries be taking to together to build a China-US cooperative establish more trust? partnership based on mutual respect and mutual Foreign Minister Yang: I believe it is necessary benefit. Since then, President Hu Jintao and Premier that we first look at the big picture of China-US Wen Jiabao have had several important meetings ties. with President Obama. Last month, Vice President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to the US. That has given a strong boost to the building of China- US cooperative partnership. In handling China-US relations, we always believe that the two sides should view and handle this bilateral relationship from a strategic and long- term perspective. They should always work closely together to build a China-US cooperative partnership. We believe the two sides should always adhere to the principles set out in the three Sino-US Joint Communiqués and China-US Joint Statement, and truly respect each other's core interests and major concerns. In particular, the US side needs to honor its commitment and carefully and properly handle Taiwan and Tibet-related issues that concern China's core interests. I believe the two countries should continue to intensify This year marks the 40th anniversary of the exchanges and coordination through such issuance of China-US Shanghai Communiqué. platforms as high-level mutual visits and contacts Over the past 40 years, China-US relations have and the China-US Strategic and Economic forged ahead in spite of some twists and turns, Dialogues. The two countries should work together and the door of exchange and cooperation between to increase mutual strategic trust, remove various the two countries has become more wide open. disturbances and open up new prospects for such The engagement between China and the United two big countries as China and the US to embrace States has shown that a peaceful China-US healthy interaction and win-win cooperation. relationship benefits both countries, while a China and the United States have more confrontational one harms both. To sustain the converging interests in the Asia-Pacific region than sound and steady development of China-US anywhere else in the world. What is the trend in relationship is the common responsibility of the two this part of the world? In my view, the trend of countries. It also meets the fundamental interest peace, development and cooperation is going of the international community. There are some strong in this region. It meets people's will and it is differences and disagreements between China and unstoppable. We believe all countries in the world, the United States. But on the whole this relationship big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal has been moving forward, not backward. members of the international community. All roads Last year, President Hu Jintao paid a successful from China lead to the Asia-Pacific and the whole state visit to the United States. During the visit, he world. China is ready to work with other countries and President Obama reached important to build a more equal and harmonious world. We 36 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
hope that all countries concerned will work together since the end of last year, there have been close for peace, stability, development and prosperity mutual visits and interactions between China and of this region. We hope to see and welcome a its neighbors at the leadership level. Yet some constructive role by the United States in this region. people take the view that the disputes between At the same time, we hope the US side will respect China and some of its neighboring countries over China's interests and concerns. We are ready to territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and work with the United States and other countries interests have heated up. And some countries are in this region to develop an Asia-Pacific region that increasingly worried about China's national enjoys greater stability and development. strength and its diplomatic posturing. How do you China and the United States have stayed in evaluate China's relations with its neighbors and close communication on the issue of Syria and the how will China handle and resolve the disputes it issue of Iran. Peace, stability and development in has with some of its neighbors? the Middle East region serves the fundamental Foreign Minister Yang: I believe one should interests of both people in that region and the view China's relationship with its neighboring international community. This is the overarching countries in the broader context of the general purpose and end goal in our dealing with relevant trend of development. I believe now the general issues in the Middle East. trend is a positive one. China pursues a policy of You mentioned Syria and Iran. Let me now building good-neighborly relationships and say a few words about Iran. On the Iranian nuclear partnerships with countries in its neighborhood. issue, we are opposed to the development and We are committed to deepening the mutually possession of nuclear weapons by any country in beneficial cooperation with other Asian countries. the Middle East, including Iran. At the same time, Relations between China and other Asian countries we believe that all countries, while fulfilling their are in good shape, and there are a lot of positive obligations, have the right to peaceful use of factors. nuclear energy. We believe that this issue should First, there have been close high-level be properly handled and resolved though dialogue exchanges. Last year, there were high level mutual not confrontation, through cooperation not visits between China and the majority of other sanctions. We are opposed to imposing unilateral Asian countries. Take ASEAN countries as an sanctions. And we believe that the majority of example. There were over 50 high-level mutual countries in the world take such a position. At the visits between the Chinese side and the ASEAN same time, we place high importance on the countries. High-level exchanges have played an mechanism of consultation and negotiation irreplaceable role in guiding the efforts of China between the P5 plus one and Iran. China and the and other Asian countries in increasing mutual United States are among the P5 plus one countries. understanding and friendship. Under the framework of this mechanism, China Second, the interests of China and other Asian has stayed in close communication and countries have become more closely entwined. Just coordination with the United States, Russia, the now you said that some countries are worried EU, and other members concerned. We hope to about China's rising national strength. But I am see early holding of the next round of dialogue afraid their worry is that what if China's under this mechanism so as to push forward the development becomes too slow. I have visited some process of seeking a proper settlement of the Asian countries recently. I feel that the Asian Iranian nuclear issue. countries want to see the sustained, positive China National Radio: We have noted that momentum of the Chinese economy. And they NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 37
hope that China will enjoy continuous and progress in the Asian region. We believe that development as that will bring abundant benefits progress has already been made in handling these to people of the two sides in terms of business differences between China and the relevant Asian cooperation and mutually beneficial cooperation countries. And the two sides have reached in other fields. When there are so many benefits, important consensus on seeking peaceful why not do it? settlement of related disputes and pushing forward This world is far from a balanced one. Some mutually beneficial cooperation. have megaphones, some only small microphones Let me say a few words about the South China and some none. Yet I always believe that the real Sea issue here. China always believes that the figures speaker louder than microphones. China disputes in the South China Sea should be properly has become the biggest trading partner of the resolved through negotiations between the parties majority of its neighbors. Last year, trade between to the disputes on the basis of facts and in China and other Asian countries topped US$1 accordance with the basic norms governing trillion. China's investment in the Asian region international relations. Pending final settlement of approached US$20 billion. Cooperation between the disputes, the parties concerned may put aside China and other Asian countries in science and their disputes and engage in joint development. technology, finance, energy and infrastructure has China and the relevant countries have reached been unprecedented in terms of both breadth and important agreement on peacefully resolving depth. disputes and pushing forward practical Third, mutual coordination has increased. cooperation in the South China Sea. At the same China and other Asian countries have helped each time, much remains to be done in this regard. other and worked closely together in handling China and ASEAN countries have reached major regional and international issues, pushing agreement on the guidelines on the forward regional cooperation and tackling the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct international financial crisis and major natural of Parties in the South China Sea. In a word, we disasters. believe that China and relevant countries have the Forth, there have been dynamic cultural and ability and wisdom to properly handle the South people-to-people exchanges. Last year, China and China Sea issue and maintain peace and stability many other Asian countries held such cultural and in the South China Sea. people-to-people exchange activities as Year of Xinhua News Agency: Minister Yang, just now Friendship and youth festival. These activities have you reviewed China's diplomacy in the past ten witnessed the deep friendship between the Chinese years. My question is a forward-looking one. What people and people of other Asian countries. major changes do you think will take place in our It is true that there are some differences and world in the next ten years and what role will disagreements between China and some of its China play? neighboring countries over some issues. China Foreign Minister Yang: The next ten years will believes that these disputes should be peacefully be a very important decade for China's peaceful handled and resolved through dialogue and development. We will mark the centenary of the consultation. At the same time, we hope that the founding of the Communist Party of China. We relevant parties will respect China's legitimate will meet our objective of building a moderately rights and interests, avoid making remarks or prosperous society in all respects. At the same time, taking moves that may complicate the situation I want to point out that to judge the overall and work with China for stability, development economic strength of a country, one should look 38 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
at not just one particular indicator but a whole entwined. I believe under such circumstances the system of indicators, not just one aggregate number idea of sticking together in tough times to tide over but several structural numbers. China will remain the difficulties will gain stronger popular support. a developing country, and there is still a long way In the next ten years, the favorable and to go before China can achieve modernization. We unfavorable factors in the external environment have full confidence that we will meet our goal. of China are interwoven. Risks and difficulties, We also have an objective judgment of the favorable conditions and positive trends are the situation and our road ahead. China will neither two sides of a coin. There are both opportunities belittle itself nor seek to lecture others. and challenges. And on the whole, we believe that I believe the next ten years will be a decade for China, opportunities outweigh challenges and when fast changes will take place in the the country is still at an important stage of strategic international architecture and major trends will opportunities for development. develop rapidly in the world. It will also be a China will remain committed to the decade when all the parties engage in close independent foreign policy of peace, the path of interactions and pursue stability and improved peaceful development and a win-win strategy of governance in the midst of changes. The following opening-up. We will continue to work with other major trends deserve particular attention: countries to build a harmonious world of enduring First, the momentum of pursuing development peace and common prosperity. We believe that all will gather steam. All parties will pay closer countries should embrace win-win cooperation. attention to shifting their growth models at a faster This means that while pursuing one's own pace and they will endeavor to develop and interests, one also needs to take into account the enhance their new advantages as they participate interests of other countries; while enjoying one's in international economic cooperation and rights, one should also fulfill its responsibilities. competition in an age of economic globalization. Countries need to accommodate each other and Second, the trend towards a multi-polar world work together to uphold justice and expand will become clearer. The overall strength of common interests. We believe that all countries developing countries will be on the rise and there should work together to make the international will be greater balance in the distribution of order more just and equitable and to usher in a international power. better future for the world. Third, the competition and cooperation PTI: I would like to ask you about the impact surrounding reform of the international system will of the rapid development of emerging economies get stronger. The parties will seek to exert bigger influence on the adjustment and shift of the international rules and international order. And reform of international governance and the current international system will move ahead steadily. Fourth, regional and international hotspot issues and global challenges will become more prominent. Some hotspot issues will continue to heat up. Such global challenges as climate change, energy, resource and food security and terrorism will persist. And countries will become more interdependent with their interests more closely NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 39
and many developing countries on the global arena. increase mutual trust and expand cooperation. I I think this question is relevant because the BRICS had a thorough exchange of views and a meeting summit is coming up this month and I would like of minds with my Indian counterpart, the foreign to know what exactly is coming upon the agenda minister, on a series of aspects, including and focus of the BRICS summit and how China maintaining the momentum of high-level views it. You just concluded a visit to India, had exchanges between the two countries, advancing extensive discussions with the Indian leadership, China-India practical cooperation in all fields and and signed interesting agreements on maritime intensifying personnel interflow and cultural cooperation. I'd like you to give us a broader picture exchanges between the two sides. We believe that of where India-China relationship stands today we need to do all specific work well in and with regard to various differences that the two implementing the important agreement reached countries have on a number of issues. at the leadership level, including conducting Foreign Minister Yang: The rapid consultations between the two sides on maritime development of a large number of emerging market security and working together to ensure peace and economies and developing countries in today's tranquility in the China-India border areas. world is very conducive to making our international Nihon Keizai Shimbun: This year marks the order more just and equitable. Last year, the third 40th anniversary of the normalization of BRICS Leaders Meeting was successfully held in diplomatic ties between China and Japan. How Sanya, Hainan of China and I believe the upcoming do you comment on the current China-Japan fourth BRICS summit will be crowned with relationship? What considerations does China have success. for the further development of China-Japan China hopes that the upcoming BRICS summit relations? Given the fact that there are some will achieve important results in three areas. First, sensitive issues between the two countries, how boost growth. We hope that the summit will help do you think to increase the strategic mutual trust enhance people's confidence in world economic between the two countries and improve the growth and add new impetus to world economic national sentiments between people of the two recovery. Second, promote stability. We hope that countries? Moreover, this year China is the the summit will bring out the active and coordinator of the cooperation among China, Japan constructive role of BRICS countries in and the ROK. How does China comment on the international affairs and promote the relaxation trilateral cooperation? and stability of regional situation. Third, enhance Foreign Minister Yang: Over the past 40 years cooperation. We hope that the summit will help since China and Japan normalized their diplomatic push forward the practical cooperation among the relations, China-Japan relationship has come a BRICS countries in economy, finance and other long way in a wide range of fields. The Chinese fields, and bring real benefits to people of the government places high importance on its BRICS countries and people of the world. relationship with Japan. We believe that the two Not long ago, I visited India. The purpose of sides need to continue to enhance mutual political my visit is to make preparations for the attendance trust in line with the principles enshrined in the of the fourth BRICS summit by the Chinese leader four political documents between China and and to push forward China-India relations. I feel Japan, expand practical cooperation in all fields, that both China and India want to see continuous, improve national sentiments between people of the sound and steady growth of their bilateral two countries and push forward the development relationship and they want to enhance exchange, of China-Japan strategic relationship of mutual 40 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
benefit. and the ROK to deepen practical cooperation, With respect to the sensitive issues between promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges China and Japan, such as the history issue and and exchange views on regional and international the issue of Diaoyu Islands, we hope the Japanese issues. We believe the parties should enhance the side will fully recognize the complexity and building of the China-Japan-ROK FTA and work sensitivity of these issues. These issues concern the together to push forward their future-oriented, all- political foundation and overall interests of China- dimensional partnership for cooperation. Japan relations. The Japanese side should truly take China News Service: Minister Yang, how do history as a mirror and look forward to the future, you see the current situation on the Korean and properly handle these sensitive issues in Peninsula? We have seen that the relevant parties keeping with the overall interests of its relationship have had some contact and interaction since last with China. year surrounding the restart of the Six-Party Talks. I also believe it is necessary for us to talk about How you look at the prospects of the resumption how to increase the mutual strategic trust and of the Six-Party Talks? The second Nuclear improve the national sentiments between people Security Summit will soon be held in Seoul. What of the two sides. To enhance mutual strategic trust expectations does the Chinese side have? between China and Japan, I believe it is crucial that both sides view each other's development from the right, objective and strategic perspective, and truly see each other as an opportunity and partner for development. During President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan in 2008, the two sides issued the fourth political document between China and Japan and reached the important political agreement that the two countries are each other's cooperation partner, they don't pose a threat to each other and that they will support each other's peaceful development. I believe if such political agreement can be truly implemented in our exchanges, the mutual trust between the two countries will deepen. I believe to improve the national sentiments between people of the two countries involves efforts in a wide range of fields. It requires that both sides take a long term perspective and intensify exchanges at various levels, in particular Foreign Minister Yang: It serves the common the exchanges between young people of the two interests of all parties concerned and meets the countries, so that more people of the two countries aspiration of the international community to are engaged in the cause of friendship. uphold peace and security on the Korean This year, China is the coordinator of the Peninsula, achieve the denuclearization of the China-Japan-ROK cooperation mechanism. Korean Peninsula and normalization of relations Premier Wen Jiabao will hold, with leaders from between relevant countries, and build a peace and Japan and the ROK, the fifth trilateral leaders' security mechanism for Northeast Asia. The Six- meeting in China. We want to work with Japan Party Talks has become an effective mechanism NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 41
and important platform for discussing and know best the situation there, issues in the Middle resolving the above-mentioned issues. East region should be resolved by the people of the Over the past weeks and months, various Middle East, and the future and destiny of the parties have engaged in positive interactions and region should be determined by the people there. contacts. As the chair of the Six-Party Talks, China has stayed in close touch with other relevant parties. We have always encouraged dialogue in pursuit of peaceful settlement of relavant issues and our work has achieved some important results. At the same time, we welcome dialogue and contact between the relevant parties. For example, not long ago, there was dialogue between the DPRK and the United States and positive progress has been made. We welcome that. We hope all the parties concerned will pool their wisdom, remove disturbances and work together to play a constructive role in advancing the Six-Party process and achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia. The second Nuclear Security Summit will be Over the years, China has been a firm held in Seoul late this month. The Chinese leader supporter of the just cause of the Arab countries will attend the summit. During the summit, there and their people. The two sides have forged a deep will be discussions on enhancing the security of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities and friendship, and there are no historical grievances guarding against nuclear terrorism. I also believe between the two sides. What the two sides have is that with the joint efforts of all the participants, expanding common interests and the consensus the summit will also set out new, concrete measures of working together to uphold peace and promote related to nuclear security. That can help further development. build up international consensus on nuclear Even the ten fingers can not be of the same security and inject new dynamism into related length. It is true that China and some Arab countries international effort. may sometimes differ in specific ways of action, Phoenix TV: My question is about the situation but the two sides have the same overall objective in Syria. China has always stood for a peaceful of promoting stability, development and prosperity and political settlement of the Syrian issue, but the in the Middle East region. Cooperation between situation in Syria now is not an optimistic one. How China and Arab countries is comprehensive and does China see the future development of this issue strategic, and the friendship and cooperation and will China's position and views on this issue between the two sides can stand the test of in any way affect its relationship with the Arab changing international circumstances. countries? On the issue of Syria, as you know, not long Foreign Minister Yang: It is true that major ago,a leading official of the Chinese Foreign changes are taking place in the Middle East region. Ministry made a statement on this issue. He set We firmly believe that people in the Middle East out China's six-point proposition and proposal on 42 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
handling and resolving the issue of Syria. Chinese has encountered some difficulties, the European leaders have made clear China's views on this issue Union and the European countries have the ability on several occasions. Chinese Foreign Ministry and wisdom to overcome the current difficulties, officials are also in contact with the relevant parties. resolve their debt issue and make new progress I myself have talked on the phone or face-to-face along the course of development. We always have with the relevant parties. The fact is that the confidence in the EU and the euro zone, and we international community has paid very high have supported the EU's efforts in stabilizing the attention to the position, proposition and initiative financial situation through our own ways. We will of the Chinese side on this issue, in particular the continue to make investment in Europe and the recent statement made by the leading official of euro to achieve mutual benefit. the Chinese Foreign Ministry. And our position and People's Daily: In recent years, the relationship view on this issue have received increasing between China and African countries has received understanding and support. wide international attention. How do you evaluate the current China-Africa relationship and cooperation? Some people say that China's influence in Africa is increasing. What role has China been playing in African affairs? Foreign Minister Yang: We feel privileged and we are seized by a strong sense of responsibility that the African people have chosen China as their partner for sincere cooperation. China is a developing country, and China wants to work with African countries to build a bright future. Some say that China's influence in Africa is on the rise. I think we should say that the consensus of the international community that African La Agencia EFE, S.A.: Has the Euro a future? countries face enormous opportunities for Does the euro zone crisis offer a good opportunity development is on the rise. of investment? Or should instead China spend I believe the international community should their money in its internal development?And actively support Africa's peace and development finally Minister, how do you evaluate the relations cause, actively support African countries in seeking between China and European countries? Foreign Minister Yang: Not long ago, the China-EU Summit was held and important progress was made at the summit. In my view, China-EU relationship has bright prospects. We believe that although the euro zone NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 43 self-enhancement through unity and own rights and interests and playing a bigger role independently resolving African issues, actively in international affairs. support African countries in strengthening their The press conference lasted an hour and 45 own capability for development, and actively minutes. More than 500 journalists from home and support African countries in safeguarding their abroad attended the press conference.
A Leading Official of the Foreign Ministry Makes Remarks to Further Elaborate on China’s Position on the Political Resolution of the Syrian Issue
China follows closely the developments of factions should bear in mind the long-term and the situation in Syria, firmly maintains that the fundamental interests of their country and current crisis should be resolved through people, immediately launch an inclusive political political dialogue in a peaceful and appropriate dialogue with no preconditions attached or manner, and has made unremitting efforts to outcome predetermined through impartial this end. mediation of the Joint Special Envoy of the UN It is deeply worrying that the situation in and the Arab League, agree on a comprehensive Syria remains grave. Violent clashes are and detailed road-map and timetable for reform continuing, political dialogue still cannot start, through consultation and implement them as and the prospects of a peaceful settlement to the soon as possible with a view to restoring national crisis are still dim. China is a responsible country stability and public order. and a friend of the Arab people, including the 3. China supports the UN’s leading role in Syrian people. China adheres to the purposes coordinating humanitarian relief efforts. China and principles of the UN Charter and the basic maintains that under the precondition of norms governing international relations. China respecting Syria’s sovereignty, the UN or an is committed to upholding the independence, impartial body acceptable to all parties should sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of make an objective and comprehensive Syria, peace and stability in the Middle East, and assessment of the humanitarian situation in peace and tranquility of the whole world. For Syria, ensure the delivery and distribution of realizing a political settlement of the Syrian issue humanitarian aid. China is ready to provide at an early date, China advocates and appeals humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. for the following: We oppose anyone interfering in Syria’s internal 1. The Syrian Government and all parties affairs under the pretext of “humanitarian” concerned should immediately, fully and issues. unconditionally cease all acts of violence, 4. Relevant parties of the international particularly violence against innocent civilians. community should earnestly respect the Various factions in Syria should express political independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial aspirations through non-violent means. integrity of Syria and the right of the Syrian 2. The Syrian Government and various people to independently choose their political 44 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
system and development path, create conditions the active efforts made by the Arab states and and provide necessary and constructive the Arab League to promote a political solution assistance for the various political factions of to the crisis. Syria to launch dialogue, and respect the 6. Members of the Security Council should outcome of dialogue. China does not approve of strictly abide by the purposes and principles of armed interference or pushing for “regime the UN Charter and the basic norms governing change” in Syria, and believes that use or threat international relations. As a permanent member of sanctions does not help to resolve this issue of the Security Council, China is ready to appropriately. earnestly fulfill its responsibilities, engage in 5. China welcomes the appointment of the equal-footed, patient and full consultation with Joint Special Envoy on the Syrian crisis by the other parties on the political solution to the UN and the Arab League and supports him in Syrian crisis in an effort to safeguard the unity playing a constructive role in bringing about the of the Security Council. political resolution of the crisis. China supports
IV. TIBET TODAY
Tibetans Embrace 2012 with More Confidence, Open Minds
Beijing, March 10 (Xinhua) — Norbu Tsering from Lhasa came to Beijing to visit old friends during this year’s two sessions, the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body. During his stay, Tsering visited some of his Beijing friends, backpackers whom he met last year in Lhasa and helped purchase tickets to the Potala Palace. “Though Tibet is still in winter, it is much warmer than in Beijing because there is plenty of sunshine there. People can travel in Tibet any Girls dance as they celebrate the New Year of Tibetan Calendar in Damxung time of the year,” Tsering told County of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, March 2, 2012. reporters. Friday is the 9th day of Tibetan’s Water Dragon year. According to the “With the opening of the railway traditions, a series of celebrations will be held in the first fifteen days of the new year. (Xinhua/Wen Tao) to Tibet, there are now more visitors from inland areas as well as from other countries,” he said. Tibet has enjoyed brisk tourism over the past NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 45
few years. The number of end its history of isolation tourists to Tibet has soared with the outside world since 2006 when China when a new highway is opened the 1,956-km completed this year. Qinghai-Tibet Railway that Moreover, Tibet is links the Qinghai provincial working on two railways capital of Xining with Tibet’s linking Lhasa with the city capital of Lhasa. of Xigaze and Nyingchi According to the regional county, respectively, and statistics bureau, Tibet two local airports in received 8.7 million tourists Nagquand and Nyingchi. in 2011, up 26.9 percent The improvement of year-on-year. The tourist Tibet’s transportation rush boosted tourism infrastructure has enabled revenue to 9.7 billion yuan some remote areas to open (1.54 billion U.S. dollars), up their doors to the world. 35.8 percent from the More than 100,000 travelers previous year. visited Ngari prefecture, a This year, 10 million Tibetan region renowned Artists of Lhasa Tibetan Art Troupe perform for visitors are expected to visit farmers and herdsmen in Donggar Township of for its wilderness and Tibet, according to the Doilungdeqen County, southwest China’s Tibet natural beauty, in 2011, Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2012, to celebrate regional tourism bureau. the Tibetan New Year, or Losar. [Xinhua/Chogo] according to Dawa Tashi, a Padma Choling, local official who is also a chairman of the Tibet autonomous region, said the deputy to the National People’s Congress. region experienced some pressures in accommodating its visitors in 2011. “It is an indication that Tibet is going through fast social and economic development. Yet the fast development also posed challenges to governance and social management,” the chairman said. Meanwhile, the regional government has stepped up efforts in upgrading its infrastructure so as to cater to the rising demands of its booming tourism industry. In 2011, 4,766 km of new highways were opened, and the region’s first expressway, which links Lhasa with A man serves his guest with butter tea as they celebrate the New Year of the Gonggar Airport, was put into use. Tibetan Calendar in Damxung County of southwest China’s Tibet Medog county, China’s last county Autonomous Region, March 2, 2012. Friday is the 9th day of Tibetan’s Water Dragon year. According to the traditions, a series of celebrations with no highway link, is expected to will be held in the first fifteen days of the new year. (Xinhua/Wen Tao) 46 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
Padma Choling said Tibet’s development is from the Tibet autonomous region at the ongoing inseparable from the assistance pouring in from parliamentary session, President Hu Jintao called across the country. In 2011, Tibet received about for more spending and efforts to ensure and 2.5 billion yuan as aid funds with a total of 362 improve the people’s livelihood and upgrade basic assistance projects. public services, so that the people of various ethnic The year 2011 marked the 60th anniversary of groups in Tibet can share the fruits of reform and the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet. Throughout the development. year, Tibet raked in inward investment of 8.23 According to a Tibetan development plan, this billion yuan and the region’s trade volume totaled year the regional government will build 185,500 1.36 billion dollars, up more than 60 percent year- more houses in addition to the 280,000 that were on-year, according to Padma Choling. built in 2011, a move to ensure that all farmers Also in 2011, about 46,000 monks and nuns and herders in the region can move into from Tibet’s 1,700-plus monasteries had been economical, safe and reliable houses before 2013. covered by social pension and health care According to Chen Quanguo, head of the programs. regional committee of the Communist Party of As much as 98 percent of school-age Tibetan China, Tibet will strive to achieve 12-percent children have been enrolled in primary schools, economic growth in 2012, with the disposable and they can enjoy 15 years of free education until income of urban residents rising 7.5 percent and senior high school. the per capita income of farmers and herders Moreover, almost all of the region’s 16,600 jumping 13 percent. college students that graduated in Tibet last year “Tibet will keep the momentum of fast have found jobs, compared to an average of 84 economic development so as to maintain its social percent from 2006 to 2010. stability and harmony,” Chen said. At Friday’s panel discussion with legislators
Landmark Power Line Ends Tibet Plateau’s Blackouts
Xining, March 1 (Xinhua) — Residents on China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have bid farewell to winter blackouts, once a common occurrence in Tibet, thanks to a new power line. The amount of kilowatt-hours (kwh) of electricity transmitted by the Qinghai-Tibet power line to southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region since it began A worker monitors the operation of convertor station in Golmud, northwest trial operation on Nov. 11 has China’s Qinghai Province, March 1, 2012. After being put into test operation passed 200 million, sources with in Nov. 11, 2011, the Qinghai-Tibet AD (direct current)-AC (alternating cur- the Qinghai branch of the State rent) electricity grid program had transmitted 0.2 billion kilowatt hour of electricity to Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang) NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 47
Grid said Thursday. The power line, which runs from Xining, capital of northwestern Qinghai province, to Lhasa, is part of a 16.2-billion-yuan (2.54 billion U.S. dollars) project launched in 2010. The project consists of transmission lines from Xining to Golmud, and Golmud to Lhasa, as well as a wide range of power grid facilities in Tibet. It was designed to connect the A worker records the data of convertor station in Golmud, northwest China’s isolated electricity network in Tibet Qinghai Province, March 1, 2012. After being put into test operation in Nov. with the rest of the country to help 11, 2011, the Qinghai-Tibet AD(direct current)-AC(alternating current) elec- tricity grid program had transmitted 0.2 billion kilowatt hour of electricity the plateau region meet its power to Tibet Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Zhang Hongxiang) demand, said Wang Hongliang, an official with the Qinghai Electric Power mostly relies on hydroelectric power sources. Company, a branch of the State Grid. In cold low-water seasons, however, power Thanks to the new line, winter power supply often falls short of demand by 30 percent. shortages would become part of Tibet’s history, Before the new power line began operation, according to Wang. “For the first time, Tibetans blackouts were imposed every winter. celebrated their New Year’s Day without The new power grid project is expected to blackouts,” he said. fill the gap, providing 4 billion kwh to the region Tibetan New Year’s Day fell on Feb. 22 this annually. year. By the end of 2015, Tibet’s installed power According to statistics provided by the Tibet generation capacity will hit 2.6 million kilowatts, branch of the State Grid, the region’s annual more than twice the 2010 volume. power consumption is about 1.6 billion kwh and
China Opposes Clergy Self-immolations to Disrupt Social Harmony
Beijing, March 14 (Xinhua)-China opposed feel deeply distressed by their behaviors,” Wen Tibetan clergy to take such radical moves of self- told a press conference after the conclusion of immolations to disturb and undermine social the annual parliamentary session. harmony, Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing on Wen said, Tibet and the Tibetan-inhabited Wednesday. areas in the four provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, “The young Tibetans are innocent and we Gansu and Yunnan are inseparable parts of 48 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
China’s territory. economic and social progress despite it has made The so-called “Tibetan government-in-exile” significant progress in the two respects over the in Dharamsala of India is in nature a theocratic past years. one, both under the direct control of Dalai Lama Chinese government has taken strong or under his indirect influence, he said. measures and drafted new plans to accelerate “Its purpose is to separate Tibet and the the development in Tibet so as to improve the Tibetan-inhabited areas from China. We have a people’s living standard there, said Wen. firm position and principle on this matter,” said The Premier stressed that the government the Premier. should pay attention to protect Tibet’s eco- “We should respect the Tibetan compatriots’ environment, cultures and traditions while freedom of religious belief and their religious developing its economy. belief is protected by the laws,” he said. “We must treat all of our Tibetan compatriots Wen also noted that Tibet is still behind the with equals and respect and make continous central and eastern parts of China in terms of improvement of our work in this field,” said Wen.
We Would Like to Protect Happy Life: Chairman of Tibet
China Tibet Online
A panel discussion of deputies to the Fifth or herself. Session of the 11th National People’s Congress When answering questions of journalists (NPC) from southwest China’s Tibet from Reuters, Padma Choling pointed out: Autonomous Region was held on March 7, 2012. “People should cherish life, which is the rule of The discussion was open to the media. Buddhism. I believe that it is not correct for When a journalist of Wenweipo Daily asked anybody to instigate self-immolation. “He said if the 14th Dalai Lama should immolate himself that betrays the deadline of human being’s moral so that he himself can be a “hero” and prove and conscience and those who support or that he is loyal to his belief as some netizens instigate self-immolation should be punished by questioned, Padma Choling, Chairman of the law. Tibet Autonomous Region said, “Whoever does Padma Choling also said Tibet is stable in self-immolation is inhumane. Netizens say that general: the local people are still celebrating and the Dalai Lama should kill himself. If he is willing enjoying the Tibetan New Year and they all to do that, that is his own affairs and has nothing prefer stable life. to do with us. “ “We would like to cherish the happy life He also said that self-immolation should not which is hard to earn and take efforts to protect be encouraged as life is the most precious and it as well,” said Padma Choling. he hoped that nobody would immolate himself NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012 49
Investigations Show Political Motive Behind Self-immolations in Tibetan-populated Regions
Beijing, March 7 (Xinhua) — Similarities found Police investigations showed that a number of in self-immolations in China’s Tibetan-populated the self-immolaters were secularized monks with regions have pointed to behind-the-scenes criminal records. orchestration with a transparent political motive, “The double-faced tactics of the Dalai Lama clique officials said Wednesday. are alluring and deceptive. It is because of the Wu Zegang, chief of the Aba Tibetan-Qiang beguilement and instigation of the Dalai Lama clique autonomous prefecture of southwest China’s that self-immolations in China’s Tibetan-populated Sichuan province, said that police have investigated regions appear contagious,” Wu said. self-immolations that occurred in Tibetan areas in Gyalto Lhorongchangpa, vice-chairman of the the provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu in recent Garze Committee of the Chinese People’s Political months, finding that the victims were used by Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Sichuan and a separatists to create chaos. deputy to the National People’s Congress, said that One outstanding similarity, he said, was that most people from all religious sectors oppose the self- of the self-immolaters had shouted separatist slogans immolations. like “Free Tibet” while setting themselves on fire. “Self-immolations have largely affected the “Moreover, photos revealing the daily lives of normal activities of Tibetan Buddhists and run most of the self-immolaters had been sent in advance counter to the teachings of Buddha,” said Gyalto. to seperatist forces abroad. These photos, contrasted Liu Qibao, provincial Communist Party of China by pictures depicting the self-immolation sites, were (CPC) chief of Sichuan, admitted that self- immediately dispersed by separatist forces to play immolations are a problem in Sichuan, adding that up the situation,” Wu said during a panel discussion efforts have been made to protect the culture of ethnic by a delegation from Sichuan. Tibetans. “To encourage self-immolations, they even offer “In Tibetan-populated regions, facilities and a price of compensation for the dead. All these prove activities that uphold Tibetan culture can be found that self-immolations are pre-mediated political everywhere. We all have free access to Tibetan cultural moves,” he said. faciltiies. Buddhist monks and nuns also enjoy social The discussion took place during the ongoing benefits. Public complaints about cultural repression annual meeting of the National People’s Congress do not exist. On the contrary, Tibetan culture is (NPC), China’s legislature. flourishing,” said Liu. “The Dalai Lama clique and overseas separatist According to a transcript posted on Tibet.cn, a forces are leading Tibetan Buddhism onto the track media website that carries stories about the Tibet of extremism. By touting self-immolaters as heroes autonomous region, Zhu Weiqun, vice minister of and performing religious rituals to expiate the sins of the CPC Central Committee’s united front the dead, they support and inspire self-immolations. department, and European authorities discussed a They instigate people to emulate this behavior and string of self-immolations that have occurred in are not hesitant to use terrorism to reach their Tibetan-populated regions since last March. objectives,” Wu said. “There are 3,542 monasteries and 140,000 monks 50 NEWS FROM CHINA /MARCH 2012
and nuns in Tibet and other Tibetan-populated “Our fight with the Dalai Lama clique is not regions. Most of the self-immolation cases, however, happening on an ethical or religious front, but is a are related to the Kirti Monastery,” he was quoted serious political struggle,” Li said. as saying. “Unity and stability bring blessings, while “Why? The living Buddha of the Kirti Monastery separation and turmoil result in misfortune. The staged an armed rebellion with the Dalai Lama in Tibetan people have been firm and resolute in their 1959 and fled abroad after their failure. He has served fight against the Dalai Lama clique, “ Li said. as the ‘security minister’ of the ‘Tibetan government- During a separate panel discussion by the Tibet in-exile’ for a long time. His ministry is widely known Delgation open to press Wednesday afternoon, for organizing bloodshed, sabotage and penetration,” Padma Choling, chairman of the Tibet autonomous Zhu said. region said that no self-immolations had taken place The Dalai Lama clique’s separatist activities are in Tibet, adding that the situations of Lhasa and Tibet doomed to fail as self-immolations in a small number remaine stable overall. of monasteries cannot disrupt development trends “Wherever self-immolations happened, it was in Tibetan-populated regions, said Li Changping, a heart-struck.... We all live this life once. Life is the member of the standing committee of the Sichuan most precious, we should cherish our lives...Those Committee of the CPC and a deputy to the National who support and instigate self-immolations should People’s Congress. be punished according to laws,” said he. “Although a few monks and nuns have echoed “We hope no more people set themselves on the attempts of the Dalai Lama clique at a distance, fire...There are sufficient ways for people to express these people cannot represent all Tibetans or stop their views. It’s no need to take such a radical act,” development in these regions,” Li said. said he.
Form IV (See Rule 8)
1. Place of publication New Delhi 2. Periodicity of publication Monthly 3. Printer's name Mme. Zou Yonghong (Whether citizen of India?) No (If foreigner, state the country of origin) People's Republic of China Address Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021 4. Publisher's name Mme. Zou Yonghong (Whether citizen of India?) No (If foreigner, state the country of origin) People's Republic of China Address Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021 5. Editor's name Mme. Zou Yonghong (Whether citizen of India?) No (If foreigner, state the country of origin) People's Republic of China Address Embassy of the People's Republic of China, 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021 6. Name and addresses of individuals who own the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, newspaper and partners or sharholders holding 50-D, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, more than one percent of the total capital New Delhi-110021
I, Mme. Zou Yonghong, hereby declares that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date: March, 2012 Mme. Zou Yonghong Signature of Publisher
Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/12-14 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 March 2012
A 30-meter-long dragon kite is seen during a kite flying activity in Nanjing of east China's Jiangsu Province, March 18, 2012.