Wednesday, January 31, 2018

The Information Office, International Department of the CPC Central Committee BEIJING REVIEW

MONTHLY

Xi Jinping, General Secretary of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of People’s Republic of China, delivers a New Year address to extend greetings to all Chinese and best wishes to friends all over the world in Beijing on December 31, 2017 (XINHUA) New year resolutions ALSO IN THIS ISSUE President Xi’s address sets the bar for 2018 Crime and punishment By Yuan Yuan China’s anti- n December 31, President contributions to the country. “In 2018, we will strive to corruption campaign Xi Jinping extended New The year 2018 will be the first develop tourism in rural areas enters 2018 with OYear greetings to the nation to move toward the goal set by the and green agricultural industries renewed vigor in his annual New Year address. Xi CPC at its 19th National Congress. to help villagers to earn more and pointed to China’s achievements in “The 19th Party Congress laid live a better life,” Jiang said. PAGE 2 2017 as well as the challenges the out a blueprint for China’s country will tackle in the new year development in the next three Reform and the world and those to follow. decades and beyond,” Xi said. “To The year 2018 also marks the 40th Toward one direction turn this blueprint into reality, we anniversary of China’s reform People first must … take one step at a time as and opening up. In his speech, Xi Non-Communist Livelihoods were at the center we progress and deliver tangible vowed that the spirit of reform political parties of Xi’s message, highlighting the outcomes.” must be carried through into the make constant “people first” principle which “Xi’s vision for China presents new year as reform and opening up underlines China’s governance. a rather stark contrast to the more is a path of demonstrable success progress in multiparty Xi said he was aware of people’s mundane messages presented to which China must stick if it is cooperation and primary concerns, which include by most other political leaders to continue its progress in national education, employment, income, to their constituents,” William socio-economic development political consultation social security, medical care, Jones, Washington Bureau Chief and realize the Chinese dream of PAGE 3 elderly care, housing and the of the U.S. magazine Executive national rejuvenation. environment. Intelligence Review, told On December 31 last year, Constitutional “There is still much room Beijing Review. In Jones’ eyes, during the final hours of 2017, the upgrade for improvement in our work the difference lies in the fact Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge concerning people’s well-being. that leaders in the West have a was lit up in a ceremony to mark PAGE 3 So we must strengthen our sense viewpoint limited to no more than the completion of the majority of of mission and responsibility and the four or five years they have the world’s longest sea-crossing make every effort to deliver a left in office, whereas President Xi structure. Six years of planning An informative read better life for our people,” Xi said is looking decades ahead at what and eight years of construction Xi Jinping: The in the speech. China can accomplish in the next went into the 55-km-long bridge Peng Xinlin, a professor from 30, 40, or 50 years. linking Hong Kong, Zhuhai in Governance of Beijing Normal University, said “This breadth of view and Guangdong Province and Macao. China (Volume during an interview with China sense of purpose characterizes “We will build the Guangdong- II) contributes to Youth Daily that he was most the difference between a mere Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay impressed by Xi’s call for Party politician and a great statesman,” Area into a green and livable understanding of Xi and government officials to place Jones said. city group,” said Gao Xinglin, Jinping’s thoughts the people’s needs as their top an official from the Hong Kong- on the CPC, China’s priority, and regard benefiting Poverty elimination Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Management the people as the highest Since 2015, 2020 has been Bureau. “This bridge will be an future path of accomplishment of their careers. earmarked as the year in which impetus for the development of the development, and the “To guarantee and improve China’s campaign to lift all rural Greater Bay Area.” people’s livelihoods is not only residents out of poverty will be “The Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong nation’s policies an economic or social issue, it is achieved, and there now are only Kong Modern Service Industry PAGE 4 a crucial political issue directly three years to go. Cooperation Zone has taken a concerning our Party’s ruling “Happiness is indeed earned new look every year,” said Wang foundation,” Peng said. “To test through hard work,” Xi said in Jinxia, Deputy Director of Qianhai Sharing the future the effectiveness of our work, the his speech. “Winning this tough Management Bureau in Shenzhen, final criteria are whether the people battle against poverty within Guangdong Province. The What can China offer really see the benefits, and whether three years means that for the first booming metropolis of Shenzhen for inclusive global people’s lives have been improved.” time in China’s history of several developed from a small fishing growth? “The word ‘people’ was millennia, extreme poverty will village following the piloting mentioned many times in the cease to exist in the country.” of market economy during the PAGE 5 speech and it is very encouraging,” Peng Xiaying, a villager from nascent stages of reform and said Zhang Xianyi, Director of Maoping in south China’s Jiangxi opening up. The Qianhai Area is Major events in Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Province, was excited to hear Xi’s now a pilot zone in Shenzhen for January Hall in Jiaxing of east China’s remarks. In 2017, Peng and her deepening the process of reform. Zhejiang Province, where the daughter opened a restaurant in the “We will intensify reform in PAGE 5 first National Congress of the village and their annual income Qianhai and explore innovative Communist Party of China (CPC) is now more than 100,000 yuan policies for financial cooperation was held in 1921. “The original ($15,300). between Shenzhen and Hong of international relations as the aspiration and mission of the “The government has made Kong,” Wang said. “We will make overall goal of China’s foreign Chinese Communists is to seek great efforts to guide us out of it a new key area and an important diplomacy. happiness for the Chinese people poverty,” Peng said. “I am very juncture for Belt and Road “To build a community with and rejuvenation for the Chinese glad to learn that there were more construction.” a shared future for mankind is nation,” Zhang said. than 10 million rural residents like Proposed by Xi in September China’s answer to the question of Xi said that in 2017 he received me lifted out of poverty in 2017.” 2013, the Belt and Road ‘what we can do for the world,’ many letters from people across “I can feel the confidence of the Initiative aims to build trade and and this answer has been well the country, including villagers people and officials toward the infrastructure networks connecting received across the globe,” said from Tibet Autonomous Region, bright future of our country,” said Asia with Europe and Africa Ruan Zongze from the China members of the Ulan Muqir Jiang Shengxia, Party Secretary of on and beyond the ancient Silk Institute of International Studies. Art Troupe in Inner Mongolia Panlong Village in Tongcheng of Road routes, with the intention “With the world in so much Autonomous Region, and east China’s Anhui Province. As a of creating new platforms for turmoil today, the message of hope undergraduates from Nankai delegate to the 19th CPC National international cooperation. which rings clear in Xi’s New University who joined the military Congress, Jiang has been busy The 19th CPC National Year address is also a message of services. Xi wrote back to them, introducing the outcome of the Congress outlined the building hope for the world, since China is praising them for the efforts congress to villagers. In 2017, 127 of a community with a shared prepared to share its development they have already made and residents from 49 households in future for mankind and the in creating a community of shared encouraging them to make further Panlong were lifted out of poverty. implementation of a new type future for mankind,” Jones said.

China officially launches its second and the first domestically developed aircraft The aerial photo of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge taken on December 31, carrier in Dalian, Liaoning Province, on April 26, 2017 (XINHUA) 2017 (XINHUA)

President Xi Jinping’s New Year Address Greetings to you all! celebrations for the 20th anniversary of its The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary How time flies. Soon we will ring in the return to the motherland. I could see first-hand of China’s reform and opening up. Reform and year 2018. I wish to extend New Year wishes that with the strong backing of the motherland, opening up is the only way that today’s China to the people of all ethnic groups across China, Hong Kong enjoys long-term prosperity and will achieve development and progress; and including our fellow Chinese in the Hong Kong stability, and there is no doubt that the region only by pursuing reform and opening up can and Macao special administrative regions, will have an even better tomorrow. We also we realize the Chinese dream. We will generate Taiwan, and overseas. I also wish our friends in held a ceremony to commemorate the 80th momentum for reform and opening up by all other countries and regions around the world anniversary of the outbreak of the Chinese celebrating its 40th anniversary, and, with the all the best in the new year. People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese same drive and tenacity necessary to cut a path As the Chinese adage goes, hard work always Aggression, and a national memorial ceremony through the mountains and build a bridge across pays off. Indeed, our hard work has brought for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, the rapid currents, we will carry reform through remarkable change to China. In 2017, we held honoring those who lost their lives and to its ultimate success. the 19th National Congress of the Communist expressing our resolve to uphold peace. By 2020, China will have lifted its rural Party of China (CPC), embarking on a new China also played host to several multilateral population living below the current poverty journey of making all-round efforts to build diplomatic events, including the first Belt and line out of poverty. This is a solemn pledge a modern socialist country. China’s GDP has Road Forum for International Cooperation, that we have made, and we must honor it. With exceeded 80 trillion yuan ($12.3 trillion). More the BRICS Xiamen Summit, and the CPC in only three years to go, all of us in the country than 13 million new jobs have been created in Dialogue With World Political Parties High- must get stuck into the action and take targeted urban and rural areas. Over 900 million Chinese Level Meeting. I also attended several major steps to reach our goal. Winning this tough are now covered by social pension insurance multilateral meetings. At the beginning of the battle against poverty within three years will and 1.35 billion Chinese have access to basic year, I attended the annual World Economic mean that for the first time in China’s history of medical insurance. Another 10 million-plus Forum in Davos and delivered a speech at several millennia, extreme poverty will cease rural residents have been lifted out of poverty. the UN Office at Geneva. Later in the year, to exist in the country. Let’s work together “How wonderful it would be if all the poor I attended the G20 Summit and the APEC to accomplish this cause, a cause that is of people could be properly sheltered!” Such was Economic Leaders’ Meeting. On those monumental significance to both us the Chinese the longing of an ancient Chinese poet. Thanks occasions, I held in-depth exchanges with global nation and the whole mankind. to our poverty alleviation efforts, 3.4 million leaders, and we agreed that it is imperative to Today, people in the world express both hope poor people have been relocated and moved build a community with a shared future for and concern about the prospects of peace and into new and warm homes, and the building of mankind in order to benefit the people of all development, and they want to know where 6 million housing units in run-down areas has countries. China stands on these issues. The world is one begun ahead of schedule. We have stepped up In 2017, I continued to receive many letters big family. As a responsible major country, initiatives aimed at improving people’s lives and from the public, including villagers from the China has this to say: China will resolutely steadily improved the ecological environment, Yumai Township of Longzi County in Tibet uphold the authority and stature of the United while our people now have a stronger sense of Autonomous Region, members of the Ulan Nations, fulfill its due international obligations fulfillment, happiness and security. In short, we Muqir Art Troupe of Sonid Right Banner from and responsibilities, honor its commitments have taken another big step toward the goal of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, retired on climate change, actively pursue the Belt building a moderately prosperous society in all professors who have been with the Xi’an and Road Initiative, and continue its efforts respects. Jiaotong University since it was moved to Xi’an to safeguard world peace, promote global The past year has seen a number of major several decades ago, and undergraduates from development and uphold the international order. innovation and engineering success stories. Nankai University who joined our military We Chinese will continue to work together with Huiyan, a hard X-ray modulation telescope, services. Their stories moved me deeply. You, people of all other countries to deliver a future was launched into space, while the C919 large the people, with a strong sense of patriotism, of greater prosperity and peace for mankind. passenger jet completed its maiden flight. have devoted yourselves to our common cause China’s great progress is achieved by our A quantum computer has been successfully without regret or complaint. You, the ordinary people and must be shared by our people. I developed and trials have been conducted for Chinese, in your hundreds and millions, are the know that the areas of greatest concern to our growing rice in saline soil by the sea. greatest heroes! What you have achieved shows people are related to education, employment, The first Chinese-built aircraft carrier that happiness is indeed earned through hard income, social security, healthcare, elderly care, was launched, Haiyi, an underwater glider, work. housing and the environment, to name but a conducted deep-sea observations, and sub The year 2018 will be the first for us here few of the major issues. We have made many oceanic combustible ice was successfully in China to move toward the goal set by the gains, but we also face many pressing and extracted for the first time. Phase IV of the CPC at its 19th National Congress. The 19th difficult problems. There is still much room for Yangshan Automated Port is now operational. Party Congress laid out a blueprint for China’s improvement in our work concerning people’s The main structure of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai- development in the next three decades and well-being. So we must strengthen our sense Macao Bridge has been completed, and the beyond. As another Chinese saying goes, the of mission and responsibility and make every Fuxing high-speed trains have been put into building of a nine-story tower must begin by effort to deliver a better life for our people. We, service. Big congratulations to you, my fellow shoveling the first pile of earth. To turn this Party committees, governments and officials at Chinese, for your great ingenuity! blueprint into reality, we must not entertain all levels, must always keep in mind the well- We held a military parade at the Zhurihe impractical notions or indulge in rhetoric. What being of the people, make benefiting the people training base in commemoration of the 90th we must do is to be realistic in our approach, our top priority, promptly address their pressing anniversary of the founding of the People’s and take one step at a time as we progress and concerns and ensure they lead better lives. Liberation Army. I attended Hong Kong’s deliver tangible outcomes. Thank you all! The Information Office, International Department of the CPC Central Committee Beijing Review Wednesday, January 31, 2018 PAGE 2 Crime and punishment China’s anti-corruption campaign enters 2018 with renewed vigor By Yuan Yuan

said, adding that the Party has undergone essential and profound changes thanks to strict self-governance. “Parties, despite their respective political orientation, should learn from the CPC’s organization, their devotion to social and economic development, and their efforts to build a better image for China in the world,” she said.

New methods The reform of the supervisory system is the latest in a series of efforts to rein in corruption in China. This reform will be fully advanced in 2018, and efforts will be made to create a highly efficient supervisory mechanism to ensure coordination between discipline inspection and judicial investigation, according to the CCDI’s communiqué. China is expanding pilot projects for the reform nationwide, with supervisory commissions being established at national, provincial, city and county levels. Sharing offices and staff with CPC discipline inspectors, the new commissions will incorporate existing supervisory and anti-corruption agencies within government and procuratorate. Meanwhile, The CCDI will continue to dispatch inspection groups regularly and on specific missions, as well as launching more effective education campaigns. The new supervisory commissions will Xi Jinping, General Secretary of Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President receive their authority from national laws, of People’s Republic of China, delivers a speech at the second plenary session of the 19th CPC Central while the Party discipline commissions must Commission for Discipline Inspection on January 11 (XINHUA) work according to Party discipline. In this way the coordination of the two commissions’ tasks hina’s anti-graft campaign has made A high-profile anti-corruption campaign has will play a key role in fighting corruption. remarkable progress since the 18th swept across the country since then, leading to The head and deputy head of a supervisory CNational Congress of the Communist the downfall of a number of high-level officials, commission will be appointed by the people’s Party of China (CPC) in late 2012, and yet the known as “tigers,” and many lower-level ones, congress at the corresponding level and is battle is far from over. This was the message known as “flies.” answerable to its authority. The commissions announced loud and clear at the latest session Among the “tigers” brought down by the can investigate corruption cases, but they do of the CPC’s anti-corruption body. campaign were Zhou Yongkang, a former not have the power to prosecute a suspect in President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary member of the Standing Committee of the a court of law. Internal monitoring as well as of the CPC Central Committee, stressed that Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee; supervision from the public and media is also full and rigorous governance over the Party Bo Xilai, former Secretary of the CPC of great importance. must be unswervingly imposed while delivering Chongqing Municipal Committee; Xu Caihou “The extension of supervisory commissions a speech at the second plenary session of and Guo Boxiong, both former generals and will be a major development in the fight against the 19th Central Commission for Discipline vice chairs of the Central Military Commission; corruption this year,” said Zhuang Deshui, Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC on January 11. and Ling Jihua and Su Rong, former vice chairs Deputy Director of the Clean Government “The Party itself and its members have gone of China’s top political advisory body. Research Center of Peking University. through essential and profound changes,” Xi In 2017 alone, 20 high ranking officials “In order to win public trust for the said. This, according to him, requires a higher from central Party and governmental agencies, supervisory commissions, it is necessary to put quality of Party management and enhanced centrally administered state-owned enterprises their power within the remit of law, so as to political and organizational functions of Party and central financial institutions were establish an effective supervision mechanism organs. investigated for alleged graft and violations nationwide,” said Zhuang. The CCDI plenary session was held for of discipline, including Sun Zhengcai, former The supervision bodies aren’t themselves three days from January 11 to 13 in Beijing. Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal exceptional to the anti-corruption campaign. On January 9, two days before the assembly Committee, and Wang Sanyun, former Vice Figures from the CCDI show that since the 18th was convened, Fang Fenghui, a member of Chairman of the Education, Science, Culture CPC National Congress in late 2012, a total of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) and Public Health Committee of the 12th 22 officials from within the CCDI itself have and former Chief of staff of the CMC Joint Staff National People’s Congress. been investigated, and about 230 officials have Department, had been transferred to the military Figures from the CCDI show that by October received written or verbal warnings. More than prosecution authority on suspicion of bribery. 2017, more than 70,000 officials at or above 10,000 currently working and retired officials Fang is not the first senior official to have the level of county head had been investigated with discipline inspection agencies at various been investigated in 2018. Feng Xinzhu, Vice for suspected corruption since the 18th CPC levels were punished. Governor of Shaanxi Province, and Ji Xiangqi, National Congress in 2012. More than 100 In January 2017, a three-episode TV Vice Governor of Shandong Province, were military officers with the rank of major general documentary, produced by the CCDI and China investigated for suspected corruption and or higher had also been brought down. Central Television, was released, featuring violation of discipline on January 3 and 4, Additionally, 1.34 million township-level interviews with former officials convicted of respectively. officials, and 648,000 Party members and graft and serving as a warning to others. “The investigation of two high-ranking officials in rural areas were also punished In the same month the CCDI began trialing officials on successive days demonstrates that during that period. The CCDI has conducted protocol regulating the ways in which discipline China is determined to root out corruption, the inspection of 155,000 Party organizations inspectors initiate and carry out investigations. while also marking a good start for the anti- since December 2012, referring 65,000 pieces “The protocol is a response to the question graft campaign this year,” Du Zhizhou, Deputy of evidence relating to cases involving officials of how to supervise the inspectors themselves,” Director of the Clean Governance Research for further investigation. said Professor Xie Chuntao with the CPC Center at Beihang University, told China Daily. China has also worked with the international Central Committee Party School. community to hunt corruption suspects overseas To better mobilize the public in the War of attrition via the codenamed Skynet Operation. A total supervision of officials is one of the main tasks Xi stressed the Party’s resolve in the face of of 1,300 fugitives were captured or returned for 2018, according to Ji Naili, a professor of corruption in his speech on January 11. He to China in 2017, with around 980 million anti-graft studies at the Zhou Enlai School of called for heroic action and determination yuan ($151 million) recovered in stolen funds. Governance, Nankai University, echoing Xi’s in order to cope with the complexities of Of the returned fugitives, 347 had been Party remarks stressing the power of the people. Xi governing the nation. “We should push forward members or state functionaries, and 14 were on said that the Party’s internal supervision can this campaign with a fearlessness that grabs the an Interpol red notice of 100 suspects. function well with assistance from the public bull by the horns and a fighting spirit that never Efforts have also been made to address the and promised accessible channels for the public steps aside in face of the enemy,” Xi said. corruption that occurs on people’s doorsteps, to advise on Party management and inform Safeguarding the authority of the CPC especially in the form of poverty relief in against dishonest officials. Central Committee, the Party should develop 2017. Nearly 450 people were investigated “At various levels the Party discipline itself into a dynamic Marxist ruling party that and punished for fraudulent claims or the commissions have already devised ways to moves in synchrony with the times, is supported misappropriation of funds, with 730 million supervise Party officials, but at the grassroots by the people, is brave in self-reform and yuan ($112 million) of misused assets recouped level, ordinary people’s supervision over survives all challenges and hardship, Xi said. in an inspection of 28 provinces in 2017, officials has been less effective,” Ji told China At the disciplinary session, Xi called for according to the Ministry of Finance and the Daily. “In order to solve this problem, different more anti-corruption efforts to “fundamentally State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty levels of the Party discipline commissions improve the political ecosystem of the Party.” Alleviation and Development. and the incoming supervisory commissions While exercising strict governance, the Party A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics need to respond to people’s complaints more will try its best to discover problems as early showed that 94 percent of people were satisfied swiftly and effectively, so that the latter feel as possible to prevent officials from making with the efforts of the anti-corruption campaign more confident in their attempts to supervise irrevocable mistakes and to encourage them to in 2017, 19 percentage points higher than that officials.” correctly perform their duties. in 2012. Party members who hold high positions The CCDI now operates a monthly reporting should be subject to higher and more rigorous system that logs the implementation of the rules standards, and placed under tighter scrutiny, Xi within provincial-level governments, central said. Party and governmental agencies, centrally “The speech delivered by General Secretary administered state-owned enterprises and Xi displays a clarity of judgment on the current central financial institutions. anti-corruption situation,” Gao Bo, an official Li Shixin, a spokesman for the Organization from CCDI, told Xinhua News Agency. “In the Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal past five years, we have solved many internal Committee, said on December 29, 2017, that problems but this campaign is still a long way “the department will establish an information from completion. We must develop a positive database of clean government officials jointly and healthy political culture in the Party with the discipline commission to better select and improve the Party’s political ecosystem, and supervise public servants.” stubbornly correcting misconduct in all its The CCDI will fight misconduct in the forms.” selection and appointment of officials, This echoed Xi’s remarks in his report to government approval and supervision, resource the 19th CPC National Congress in October exploitation, finance, and other key areas last year. “No place has been out of bounds, prone to abuses of power, according to the no stone left unturned, and no tolerance shown communiqué of the CCDI plenary session. in the fight against corruption,” Xi said in the According to a circular released by the report. “The anti-corruption campaign has been CCDI in December 2017, the fight against built into a crushing tide, and continues to be corruption in the next three years will mainly consolidated and developed.” target officials who have continued to exercise “Currently, the fight against corruption a lack of restraint and have been involved remains grave and complex, and the goal of in misconduct since the 18th CPC National strict Party governance should not be forsaken Congress in late 2012. halfway. We must have the resolve and tenacity “The CPC presents a model to the world in to persevere in the never ending fight against terms of strict self-governance,” said Ivona corruption,” said a communiqué adopted at the Ladjevac, a senior researcher at the Institute of CCDI plenary session. “The most important International Politics and Economics (IIPE) in thing is to tighten the Party’s political rules and Belgrade, talking to Xinhua News Agency. disciplines,” it continued, calling for “better As the head of the IIPE Regional Center for supervision over the political life of the Party the Belt and Road Initiative, Ladjevac claims and how its policies are being implemented.” to have been impressed with the CPC’s anti- corruption campaign since 2012, which has Five-year achievements been attracting a great deal of attention in In December 2012, China’s central leadership Serbia. issued the Eight-Point Frugality Rules, requiring “The Party leadership has been insisting on government officials to strictly practice strict governance, which is applied at every frugality and clean up undesirable work styles echelon, not only those high-ranking party such as formalism, hedonism and extravagance. members but also those at lower levels. Now Xi Practices such as the use of public funds to buy talks about China entering a new era, it’s very gifts, hold banquets and pay for entertainment important to deepen this strict governance over activities have been strictly banned. the Party and retain its fighting spirit,” Ladjevac

Ma Lin, a fugitive who fled to Saudi Arabia, is repatriated to China on September 15, 2017 (XINHUA) The Information Office, International Department of the CPC Central Committee Beijing Review Wednesday, January 31, 2018 PAGE 3 Toward one direction Non-Communist political parties make constant progress in multiparty cooperation and political consultation By Lu Yan

road that would save China. accordance with the requirements In 1911, he led a bourgeois of the Chinese socialist system for democratic revolution, bringing to their participation in governance,” an end the autocratic monarchical said Chinese President Xi Jinping, system that had been in place for also General Secretary of the CPC several millenniums. With the Central Committee, in the report founding of the Republic of China, he delivered to the 19th CPC Sun introduced a parliamentary National Congress in October and multiparty system in imitation 2017. of those in Western nations. Though historically progressive Future efforts compared with the autocratic At the end of 2017, the eight monarchy, the bourgeois political political parties had their national system soon collapsed under congresses, which are held every the onslaught of domestic and five years. In the process, the foreign reactionary forces and parties elected new party central therefore failed to fulfill the committees and leadership, and Chinese people’s fervent desire for delegates heard and deliberated independence and democracy. Sun the work reports of their parties’ later concluded that China could central committees, as well not simply copy European and U.S. as reviewed and approved Li Zhanshu, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the politics to govern its own society amendments to their constitutions. CPC Central Committee, reads a congratulatory message on behalf of the CPC as it was different from those of Concerning development in Central Committee at the 12th National Congress of the China Democratic League the West. the coming five years, the parties in Beijing on December 6, 2017 (XINHUA) During the Chinese People’s held the same view that they War of Resistance Against will continue to cooperate with u Weihua, a biologist policies and the choice of state Japanese Aggression and the each other in promoting reform at China Agricultural leaders, the administration of state War of Liberation (1945-49), and opening up and socialist University and affairs, and the formulation and most of the eight political parties modernization. W were established. They formed Based on their unique features director of the National Key implementation of state policies, Laboratory of Plant Physiology laws and regulations. Their status a progressive force which was and focuses, they also came up and Biochemistry, was elected and rights as participating parties anti-imperialist and patriotic and with a number of plans for future as chairman of the Central are protected by the Constitution demanded democracy. work. Committee of the Jiu San Society, and other laws. In days of tough struggle, the Wan Exiang, Chairman of the one of the Chinese mainland’s Before the annual plenary CPC, founded in 1921, established Revolutionary Committee of the eight non-Communist political sessions of the National People’s and developed close relations of Chinese Kuomintang, noted that parties, on December 7, 2017. Congress and the Chinese People’s cooperation with the eight parties the party will provide services “Under the leadership of the Political Consultative Conference and joined forces with them to for Taiwanese who want to study, Communist Party of China (CPC), (CPPCC), commonly known as fight for the nation. Hand in work, and start businesses in the the Jiu San Society will strive to the Two Sessions, in 2017, these hand they launched a movement Chinese mainland and make things contribute to securing victory in parties, together with the All- against the Japanese invaders and more convenient for them. And building a moderately prosperous China Federation of Industry and later fought against the policy of it will also promote exchanges society in all aspects and realizing Commerce, submitted over 300 dictatorship adopted and the civil between people across the Taiwan China’s rejuvenation,” said Wu proposals covering various aspects war instigated by the Kuomintang Straits by organizing various at the 11th National Congress of of China’s development and and Chiang Kai-shek clique. activities. the Jiu San Society after he was the people’s well-being such as While leading the new Wan Gang, Chairman of elected. economy and finance, resources, democratic revolution to victory, China Zhi Gong Party, said in The Jiu San Society was founded in 1946. “Jiu San” refers to the numbers nine and three in Chinese. The name was chosen to commemorate the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3, 1945. Its predecessor was a symposium where Chinese progressives exchanged political views and discussed the political situation as the nation fought against Japanese invaders. Now the organization is composed mainly of high- and intermediate-level intellectuals engaged in science, technology, culture, education, and medical and health work. As of June 2017, the society had 167,000 members, among whom 61 are academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. More than 2,300 are deputies to people’s congresses at various levels, and more than 11,800 are political Delegates of the Jiu San Society attend the closing ceremony of its 11th National Congress in Beijing on December 7, 2017 advisors. (CNSPHOTO) The 62-year-old Wu is also an academician of the CAS. Born in environmental protection, the CPC established its core an interview with Xinhua News north China’s Shanxi Province in education, health, poverty leadership role among the various Agency that the party will step 1956, Wu spent his childhood in alleviation, social services and revolutionary forces. And these up its work for returned overseas a village and did farm work after science and technology. parties and democratic personages Chinese and their relatives, and graduating from high school. He For example, the China without party affiliation, through promote friendship between developed an interest in biology Association for Promoting experience in the years of practice Chinese people and people from and pursued his undergraduate Democracy proposed that the and on their own initiative, chose the rest of the world. study at Shanxi University and nation should promote the use of the leadership of the CPC. Moreover, building a strong graduate study at the CAS. In natural gas as a fuel for heating The convention of the First team of high-caliber personnel is 1991, Wu got his doctoral degree so as to reduce smog; the China Session of the First National the priority for all these political in Plant Biology at Rutgers, the Democratic League suggested that Committee of CPPCC in parties. Wu said that the Jiu San State University of New Jersey the government pay more attention September 1949 marked the formal Society will recruit not only in the United States. After that, to children’s nutrition and health in establishment of the multiparty famous and well-respected experts he came back to the motherland poverty-stricken areas; the Taiwan cooperation system under the and scholars, but also young and and contributed a lot to improving Democratic Self-Government leadership of the CPC. It also middle-aged persons with ability China’s crop production with his League stressed that cities should marked the beginning of the CPC, and potential, and build a platform research and study. In November build more infrastructure to the non-Communist parties and for growth for them. 2017, Wu received the Tan Jiazhen support the project of relocating the democratic personages without Notably the new leadership Life Science Award, one of the people from poor regions. party affiliation working together groups of these political parties most influential awards in life Different from both the two- in building the state power of the have a balanced age distribution. sciences in China. party or multiparty competition People’s Republic of China. Among the 85 newly elected “The Jiu San Society should systems of Western nations and Since then, the multiparty leading members, 48 were born be developed into a participating the one-party systems practiced cooperation system has been in the 1950s and 37 in the 1960s, political party of socialism with in some other states, the political continuously developed and with an average age of 58. About Chinese characteristics that is system on the Chinese mainland consolidated in spite of some 70 percent of them have a doctor’s firmer in ideology, more solid in was born in China’s revolutionary difficulties along the road, playing degree. performing its duties and stronger struggles of the 20th century and a significant role in the nation’s “It’s an honorable responsibility in organization,” Wu said. has since been developed through political and social life. for me, bestowed by the nation Apart from the Jiu San Society, decades of practice of socialist “In handling its relationships and the time. I will do my best there are seven other non- construction and reform. It is a with other Chinese political parties, to follow in the steps of my Communist political parties— basic political system that suits the CPC is guided by the principles predecessors,” said 58-year-old Cai the Revolutionary Committee the conditions of the Chinese of long-term coexistence, mutual Dafeng, newly elected Chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, mainland. oversight, sincerity, and sharing of the China Association for China Democratic League, China Under this system, the CPC the rough times and the smooth, Promoting Democracy, who is National Democratic Construction and the eight parties work closely and it supports these parties also the youngest among the eight Association, China Association for together and supervise each other. in performing their duties in newly elected chairpersons. Promoting Democracy, Chinese The CPC rules the nation, and Peasants and Workers Democratic these parties participate in state Party, China Zhi Gong Party affairs according to the law. The and Taiwan Democratic Self- system accords with the system of Government League—which people’s congresses to ensure that have been making endeavors the people are the masters of the together with the CPC in state. developing socialism with Chinese “It is a socialist political characteristics under a political party system with Chinese party system featuring multiparty characteristics, and a key cooperation and political component of China’s socialist consultation under the leadership democratic politics,” the white of the CPC. paper said.

Participation in governance A natural choice According to the White Paper on The multiparty cooperation system China’s Political Party System is the result of long-term practice. published by the State Council China had a prolonged history Information Office in 2007, as of feudalism before 1840. From one of China’s fundamental 1840 on, Western imperialist political systems, the multiparty powers launched aggressive wars cooperation system identifies the against China. The corrupt and status and functions of the CPC weak feudal ruling class buckled, and the eight other political parties and China was reduced to a semi- on the Chinese mainland in the colonial, semi-feudal society. In political life of the state as well as the following nearly 110 years, the the relations between the parties. Chinese nation was plunged into a Under the leadership of the most dangerous situation, and the CPC, the eight parties participate people had no democratic rights. in and deliberate on state affairs in In the early 20th century, Sun Yat- the following ways: participating sen (1866-1925), forerunner of in the exercise of state power, China’s democratic revolution, consultation on fundamental state turned his eyes to the West for a

Constitutional upgrade

The Second Plenary Session according to the communiqué. of the 19th Communist The amending process should Party of China (CPC) Central take Marxism-Leninism, Mao Committee was held in Beijing Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three on January 18-19. At the Represents, the Scientific Outlook meeting, a proposal from the on Development, and Xi Jinping CPC Central Committee on Thought on Socialism with revising the Constitution was Chinese Characteristics for a New adopted. A communiqué was Era as the guide, according to the communiqué. issued after the session. This article is compiled from reports What is highlighted by Xinhua News Agency. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a guideline that the he Communist Party of Party and the nation will uphold in China (CPC) Central the long run. TCommittee on January The communiqué stressed that 19 proposed writing Xi Jinping Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism Xi Jinping, General Secretary of Central Committee of the Communist Party of Thought on Socialism with China and President of People’s Republic of China,delivers a speech at the second with Chinese Characteristics Chinese Characteristics for a New plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, which was held in Beijing on for a New Era is the latest Era into the Constitution of China, January 18-19 (XINHUA) achievement in adapting Marxism the country’s fundamental law. to the Chinese context and is the Major theoretical achievements, Chinese characteristics. The People’s Republic of China Marxism for contemporary China principles and policies adopted at The session was presided over enacted its first Constitution in and the 21st century. The Thought the 19th CPC National Congress by the Political Bureau of the CPC 1954. In 1982, the Fifth National should be a guiding ideology should be incorporated into a Central Committee. Xi delivered a People’s Congress adopted the that must be upheld in the long revision to the Constitution, speech at the session. The session present Constitution, which term by the CPC and the country, according to a communiqué issued was attended by 203 members underwent four amendments according to the communiqué. after the Second Plenary Session of and 172 alternate members of the in 1988, 1993, 1999 and 2004, The leadership of the Party must the 19th CPC Central Committee CPC Central Committee, members respectively. The Constitution has be strengthened and upheld in held in Beijing on January 18-19. of the Standing Committee of played an important role in the all areas of endeavor. Adherence A proposal from the CPC the CPC Central Commission for development of the nation, said the to the CPC leadership is listed Central Committee on the revision Discipline Inspection, leading communiqué. as a principle in revising the was adopted at the meeting. officials in charge of relevant “The Constitution has been Constitution, and leadership of New achievements, experiences affairs, some deputies to the 19th improved together with the the CPC is the essential attribute and requirements of the CPC National Congress elected country’s changing reality and of socialism with Chinese development of the Party and the from grassroots organizations, and development of the Party and the characteristics and the greatest nation should be embodied in the experts. nation,” the communiqué said. strength of the system, according revised Constitution, according to At the session, the leaders Since the last amendment in 2004, to the communiqué. the communiqué. reviewed and adopted a proposal the Party and the country have been The five-sphere integrated plan, “We should keep pace with the for amending some parts of the through important changes. which is to promote coordinated times and improve the Constitution Constitution. Zhang Dejiang, “The 19th CPC National economic, political, cultural, social while maintaining its consistency, Chairman of the Standing Congress made important strategic and ecological advancement, and stability and authority,” the Committee of National People’s deployments in socialism with the new vision of innovative, document said. Congress, introduced the draft Chinese characteristics in the new coordinated, green and open The CPC Central Committee proposal at the session. era,” the communiqué said. development that is for everyone, called on the whole Party to unite It is necessary to amend the are vital for national rejuvenation. around it, with Xi Jinping, General Why amend? Constitution to incorporate The goals of finishing the Secretary of the CPC Central It is necessary to amend China’s theoretical, practical and building of a moderately Committee, at the core, and Constitution in the new era, said institutional achievements made adhere to socialist rule of law with the communiqué. by the Party and the people, (continues in next page) The Information Office, International Department of the CPC Central Committee Beijing Review Wednesday, January 31, 2018 PAGE 4

prosperous society in all respects guarantee its implementation. would play an important role the Constitution at pace with the by 2020, basically realizing “Efforts to adhere to the rule in improving and developing development of the Party and socialist modernization by 2035 of law should give priority to the the system of socialism with the country while maintaining its and building China into a great rule of the Constitution. Efforts to Chinese characteristics, said the consistency, stability and authority. modern socialist country by the adhere to governing by law should communiqué. This is an endeavor by the CPC middle of the 21st century are also put governing in line with the The revision of the Constitution Central Committee to deliver its emphasized. Constitution in the first place,” the will provide a powerful guarantee concept of governance in line with Following the path of peaceful document said. for the development of socialism the Constitution. The CPC will development, pursuing a mutually “All anti-Constitutional behavior with Chinese characteristics in the also strengthen oversight to ensure beneficial strategy of opening shall be corrected, without fail,” new era. compliance with the Constitution, up and promoting the building said the communiqué. “No As the Constitution is at the advance constitutional review of a community with a shared organization or individual has the heart of the Chinese socialist and safeguard the authority of the future for mankind are of power to overstep the Constitution system of law, adherence to the Constitution. great significance to the cause or the law.” rule of law should give priority to Since 2012, the CPC Central of peaceful development for All people, state organs, armed the rule of the Constitution. Committee has taken significant humanity. forces, political parties, civil groups, Efforts to adhere to governing measures to safeguard the dignity The reform to establish a national public institutions and companies by law should make governing and authority of the Constitution, supervisory system, which is under should take the Constitution as their in line with the Constitution a such as by establishing the the Party’s leadership and covers fundamental guide. priority. This experience, which is National Constitution Day and a all who exercise public power, is a “People at every level of public learned from the history of China’s mechanism to pledge allegiance to significant political system reform office, especially leading officials, development, should be treasured. the Constitution. and a major decision to strengthen should exercise power and work Since the 18th CPC National The proposed revision will the self-supervision of the Party according to the Constitution and Congress in 2012, the CPC Central enhance the implementation of and the state. the law, and subject themselves to Committee with Xi at the core has led and adherence to the Constitution the supervision of the people,” the the country to stick to and develop by the whole society, boost All shall obey the communiqué stressed. socialism with Chinese characteristics, the confidence of grassroots Constitution establishing Xi Jinping Thought on organizations on reform and The communiqué stressed the Significance Socialism with Chinese Characteristics development, and provide important role of the Constitution Enriching major institutional for a New Era. constitutional guidance for various in state governance and pledged to provisions in the Constitution The proposed revision can keep sectors to speed up reform.

An informative read Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume II) contributes to understanding of Xi Jinping’s thoughts on the CPC, China’s future path of development, and the nation’s policies By Jon Taylor

Global circulation of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume II) has exceeded 10 million by January 12 (XINHUA)

little over three years ago, the State Council Information Office of China, the Party Literature Research Office of the Communist AParty of China (CPC) Central Committee and the China International Publishing Group (CIPG) edited and published Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. The book received notable attention both in China and abroad. Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume II) follows up on the approach taken in Volume I by compiling 99 important speeches, answers to questions, conversations, letters, and instructions from Chinese President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, from August 2014 to the end of September 2017, just before the start of the 19th CPC National Congress. Given the impact of Volume I, one should anticipate that Volume II will receive as much attention. The second volume offers meaningful insight regarding Xi’s views on policy goals such as reform and opening up, win-win diplomacy, the Belt and Road Initiative, economic globalization, anti-corruption, the fight against poverty, the Four Comprehensives, upholding and strengthening the role of the Party, and the development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It will come as no surprise to those knowledgeable about Xi and his interest in reform that the book begins with a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping’s birth. Broken down into 17 chapters, the book’s 620 pages cover themes that should be familiar to those who have an interest or knowledge of Chinese politics, economics, or diplomacy: Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and the Chinese Dream; A Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects; Deeper Reform; Rule of Law; Governing the Party with Strict Discipline; New Development Concepts; The New Normal of Economic Development; Socialist Democracy; Cultural Confidence; The Wellbeing of the People; Beautiful China; Military Development; One Country, Two Systems; China’s Diplomacy as a Major Country; Peaceful Development and Cooperation with Other Countries; The Belt and Road Initiative; A Community of Shared Future. The book also has a number of official pictures and a robust bibliography and index. I believe that Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume II) is useful and informative for a couple of reasons. First, like the first volume, it offers the reader critical knowledge on Xi’s thinking about how and where China is going. Second, while the book is a collection of speeches and other official pronouncements, it provides the reader with a relatively handy reference guide that offers the reader an understanding of the The first volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China is published in now thoughts of China’s leader during the past three years. Such insight is available in 24 languages and 27 editions (WANG XIANG) important for those interested in Chinese politics and government, as well as those interested in international relations. To understand why the CPC led by the CPC, has enhanced China’s model of democratic politics, offers Central Committee and the whole Party have noted the importance of Xi’s an institutional platform for effective governance, enhances the Party’s core status and why the 19th CPC National Congress amended the Party role in public policymaking, and encourages socialist market-oriented Constitution to include Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese reforms. Characteristics for a New Era, Volume II offers important supportive material. The new era Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi’s primary goals as CPC In a word general secretary have been to pursue the realization of the Party’s Two Why use the title The Governance of China? One would assume that Centenary Goals: building a moderately prosperous society in all respects Volume II, like Volume I, would, prima facie, be about governing China. by 2020 and building a modern socialist country that is prosperous, That would actually be somewhat inaccurate. Point in fact, the book strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the middle of is as much about China’s place in the world—and its prominence in the 21st century and fulfilling the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. the world—as it is about China’s domestic and international political, These themes were discussed in Volume I and are expanded upon by Xi economic, social, and cultural concerns. in Volume II by linking these goals to governance. Xi’s choice of the word governance for both Volumes I and II is When considering the issue of governance, it should be noted that instructive because it conveys a general message that governance, while he does not directly discuss it, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism whatever its form, is of high importance for Chinese statecraft, be it with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is evident throughout the for domestic issues such as the deepening of economic reforms or for book with a number of speeches and conversations that underscore the international issues such as economic globalization. The word governance spirit of Xi’s thoughts on the Party, statecraft, and governance. Xi uses originally meant control, guidance and manipulation. Its original meaning the idea of governance in Volume II to construct conceptual support for has long been overlain within political science with the word government a more important task, that of reinforcing and maintaining socialist core and has mainly been used to refer to the administrative and political values in the new era of Chinese development. This is essential when activities of the state. If we accept this definition of governance, then considering the impact of Xi’s governance ideas that have been refined we accept that governments of all types will conduct their affairs based since Volume I in 2014. on their own national characteristics, will engage in decision-making, Volume II offers the reader a sense of where and how Xi views the invoke and utilize authority, encourage political and social stability, are CPC’s ability to engage in pragmatic reform based on the realities of institutionally effective, have a cogent administrative structure, work a changing society. Under Xi, such realities have resulted in policy to control corruption, and are accountable to those that they serve. All adjustments, which were evident during the 19th CPC National Congress of these points are addressed in Xi Jinping: The Governance of China when the Party recognized the change of the principal contradiction. As (Volume II). Xi himself notes, practices are what gave rise to the new era. Practices As is typical of Xi’s style, there are nods to Chinese history and are, in fact, the reason why the Party changed the principal contradiction. literature. Xi’s use of traditional Chinese history and culture reinforces As evidenced in Volume II, Xi’s impact on the Party and the nation during his faith in the superiority of China’s governance system and its the new era will have a significant impact on the Party’s governance modernization efforts. His use of a quote from the Tang Dynasty Emperor capabilities, particularly in areas such as economic reform, social Taizong in order to make a point about the mirror of history and our harmony, state-owned enterprise reform, and Party-building, to name but understanding of how it impacts the experience of governing is quite a few areas. compelling. Additionally, Xi also posits in Volume II the following Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the CPC continues to seek new thought-provoking observation: “What kind of governance system a directions for reform and modernization. Xi Jinping: The Governance country chooses depends on the country’s historical heritage, cultural of China (Volume II) contributes to our understanding of Xi Jinping’s tradition, and level of economic and social development.” One would thoughts on the CPC, China’s future path of development, and the nation’s accept that as fact, given how we comprehend governance theory based policies, and responses to international concerns about China. The book on the practice of public administration in China under the leadership offers a reference to better understand China’s model of development of the CPC. Xi’s observation on governance succinctly exemplifies and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, particularly its current path what would become Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese led by Xi, and is necessary reading for anyone interested in knowing the Characteristics for a New Era during the 19th CPC National Congress. president’s views—and China’s path to the future. In this respect, this book speaks to China’s vigorous domestic and international aspirations by offering some theoretically and practically The author is Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University important points on governance theory. He implies that good governance, of St. Thomas in Houston and a professor of political science The Information Office, International Department of the CPC Central Committee Beijing Review Wednesday, January 31, 2018 PAGE 5

Sharing the future Major events in January What can China offer for inclusive global growth? January 5: Xi Stresses ‘Consistency,’ Urges CPC to Make New Progress By Fu Jun Keywords: Xi Jinping; socialism with Chinese characteristics e live in fast-moving times and an bridges, ports, gas pipelines, power grids increasingly interconnected world. and fiber-optic cables. To facilitate inclusive Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized WGlobalization has reached new growth, it is critical not only to deploy means “consistency” in upholding and developing heights in the 21st century. Together with new of production, but also means of delivery and socialism with Chinese characteristics in his technology, it has brought enormous benefits to access to information. And one can envision many, but these gains have not been distributed that some of today’s low-income countries— speech for senior officials on January 5, setting evenly, which has been a source of discontent having heeded the popular refrain, “Want to guidelines for the Communist Party of China and the cause of recent backlashes against the get rich? Build roads first!”—may one day tell (CPC) to make new progress. very processes of globalization. growth stories that mirror China’s. Indeed, when about half of the world’s wealth January 8: Two Scientists Win China’s rests with the top 5 percent of the population, Top Science Award the economy is in trouble. Economic principles tell us that equilibrium must exist between Keywords: top science award; supply and demand for growth to continue. innovation Pressing global issues call for global efforts. Explosives expert Wang Zeshan and virologist What can China offer to the cause of promoting inclusive growth? Here are some highlights of Hou Yunde, won China’s top science award on China’s new initiatives in the fields of ideas, January 8 for their outstanding contributions institutions and infrastructure. to scientific and technological innovation.

New educational initiative January 9: Chinese Premier Lauds Education is one crucial step in addressing Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, China- uneven development. China has benefited from learning this, and is now ready to give Cambodia Friendship back. When the country started its process of Keywords: Li Keqiang; Lancang- reform and opening up in the late 1970s, Deng Locals ride bicycles operated by Mobike, a Chinese bike-sharing company, in Manchester, United Mekong; China-Cambodia Xiaoping—the architect of China’s economic Kingdom (XINHUA) modernization—sent large numbers of Chinese Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said he expects students to study abroad. Now, it is increasingly The apparently homespun wisdom that roads stronger Lancang-Mekong cooperation and recognized that growth is fostered more precede wealth corresponds to the critical role more progress in China-Cambodia relations in profoundly by developing human talent than governments have to play in providing public by supplying physical capital. Where sizable goods, especially risky, long-run physical a signed article published in Phnom Penh on investments have been made in education infrastructure, to lift their countries out of January 9. and other elements of the human factor, poverty. For example, in the past three years, technological advances, which are a by-product the Chinese government invested more than January 10: China Investigates 23 of sophisticated human ideas, have played a key $182 billion to expand and improve China’s Former Senior Officials in 2017 role in economic growth or industrial catch-up. fiber-optic network. Between 1996 and 2016, In light of this, China established training it built 4.2m kilometers of roads, connecting Keywords: Supreme People’s and degree programs in its higher-learning 95 percent of villages across the country—and Procuratorate; Investigation institutions that enabled students, scholars and private businesses popped up along the way. A total of 23 former officials at provincial government officials from developing countries Even in Shenzhen, China’s foremost market- level or above were put under investigation by to share the Chinese experience of growth. driven special economic zone—initial rounds One example is the Institute of South–South of infrastructure were built by army engineers. Chinese prosecution authorities in 2017, the Cooperation and Development, created at Peking Private investments followed later. Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said on University in 2016 with its first 50 students January 10. from developing countries in Africa, Asia and Boosting institutions Latin America. This move symbolizes a shift in The rationale behind the Asian Infrastructure January 11: Xi Calls for Fundamental China’s technology transfers to the developing Investment Bank (AIIB) aligns with this logic. world. Once a provider of hardware, now China As a multilateral development bank (MDB), Improvement of CPC Political shares software: its knowledge and ideas. proposed by China in 2013 and launched in Ecosystem Learning and training sessions often involve 2015, the AIIB aims to bring states, or sovereign Keywords: political ecosystem; anti- field trips to sites that exemplify different money, together to address the daunting corruption points on the developmental spectrum—from infrastructure shortfalls across Asia and beyond. rural areas to special economic zones, coastal Asia alone needs to invest $1.7 trillion President Xi Jinping, also General Secretary of cities and the interior. By seeing different stages in infrastructure each year until 2030 to the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central of development first-hand, students come to maintain climate-resilient growth momentum, Committee, on January 11 called for more appreciate the importance of learning by doing, according to the Asian Development Bank. As a and of moving from exploiting comparative complement to—not a substitute for—existing anti-corruption efforts to “fundamentally advantage to developing competitive advantage international financial institutions, the AIIB improve the political ecosystem of the Party.” through innovation. In other words, in China, currently has an approved (and still-growing) they can see how economies move from labor- membership of 84 countries from all continents, January 14: Chinese FM Rejects Claim and resource-intensive models to being capital- making it one of the world’s largest MDBs. China’s Financing Increases Africa’s intensive and finally developing a knowledge- All AIIB members have signed the Paris Debt Burden intensive edge within global value chains. climate accord, and the bank has an energy “As long as we keep to the goal of building strategy that prioritizes investment in renewable Keywords: Wang Yi; Foreign Minister ; a community with a shared future for mankind energy and increased energy efficiency. Africa and work together to fulfil our responsibilities Pledging to be “lean, clean and green”, and with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on January and overcome difficulties, we will be able to its projects also open to private investment, the create a better world and enable better lives AIIB has great potential in the area of scaling 14 rebuked a false claim that China’s financing for our peoples,” said the Chinese president, up financing for inclusive and sustainable has increased the debt burden of African Xi Jinping, at the World Economic Forum development in the fastest-growing regions of countries. meeting in Davos in January 2017. These words the world. represent China’s commitment to equitable, As another example of institution-building January 16: China’s Armed Forces to inclusive and sustainable development around and commitment to green development, China the world. has rolled out a nationwide carbon-trading Set up Full-Time Inspection Teams Xi’s proposal to build a “community with a scheme that makes it by far the largest carbon- Keywords: armed forces; inspection shared future for mankind” seeks to strengthen trading market in the world. Senior Party members at the rank of military multilateralism to address global and regional imbalances. It is believed that development Sharing experiences corps and above will be overseen by full-time on a wider scale could generate new impetus China’s market-oriented reforms mark their inspection teams, said a military regulation for inclusive global growth. According to the 40th anniversary in 2018. In the past four made public on January 16. World Map of Economic Growth produced decades, the country’s economic growth has by the Center for International Development been astonishing, lifting some 700m people out January 23: CPC Statement: Removing at Harvard University, the countries with the of poverty. China’s GDP per person was about Institutional Barriers Through Reform biggest potential for growth in the coming $150 in 1978. Today, it is close to $9,000, and decade are mostly in South Asia and East projected to reach $12,700—the threshold for Keywords: reform; institutional Africa. Others in South America and the Middle a high-income country—around 2025. China barriers East are also poised to take off. Meanwhile, overtook Japan as the world’s second-largest China will target institutional barriers and growth will slow in advanced economies. economy in 2009, and became the world’s The United States is expected to grow at 2.58 largest trading nation in 2013. deeply embedded interests in reform this year, percent per year and Britain slightly faster at China’s rapid rise from being an agrarian said a statement from a Communist Party of 3.22 percent, while Germany, one of the leading backwater in the 20th century to a global power China (CPC) reform leading group on economies in Europe, will grow at just 0.35 in the 21st presents lessons for other developing percent. countries, if only because many of them now January 23. occupy the same stage of development that China did half a century ago. January 29: China-ASEAN Trade To sustain growth, the role of the state and Volume Hits Record High in 2017 the role of the market are important, but neither Keywords: trade; China-ASEAN should be taken to extreme. The market and the rule of law need to go hand in hand, but Trade volume between China and ASEAN both need time to be nurtured and develop. countries hit a record high in 2017, according A successful reform strategy is thus often a to the Ministry of Commerce. Bilateral trade delicate matter of sequencing and balancing. When either the sequencing or the balancing totaled $514.8 billion last year, up 13.8 goes awry, it stifles progress, as the experiences, percent year on year, the fastest growth pace successes and failures of many transitional between China and any of its major trading Expressways cross farmlands in Taizhou, east China’s economies have amply demonstrated. Jiangsu Province (XINHUA) Just as China has learned and achieved a partners. great deal during the globalization of the last Against this backdrop, and while China’s 40 years without merely reproducing models January 30: Xi Jinping Unanimously economy is now the second largest in the world and systems from the rest of the world, China’s Elected Deputy to 13th NPC and growing roughly three times as fast as that intention is not for other developing countries Keywords: Xi Jinping; National of the United States, China can play a role in to directly replicate the structures that have People’s Congress bringing developed and developing countries brought about its success. closer together by narrowing the rich-poor gap. If strategies for economic growth are to Xi Jinping was elected deputy to the 13th succeed, they must, with clear visions and National People’s Congress (NPC) by a Improving infrastructure principled pragmatism, also reflect local unanimous vote at the first session of the One manifestation of China’s leadership is the conditions and be tailored to different stages of Belt and Road Initiative it proposed. Launched development in different countries and regions. 13th regional people’s congress of the Inner in 2013, it aims to forge partnerships—or joint Mongolia Autonomous Region on January 30. ventures—along the historical Silk Road to The author is the academic dean of improve connections across Asia and beyond the Institute of South–South Cooperation and with infrastructure projects such as roads, Development at Peking University

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