VOL. XXV No. 8 August 2013 Rs. 10.00
Young ladies of the Bai ethnic group performed their traditional dancing during the opening ceremony of the 5th Dali International Photography Exhibition in Dali, southwest China’s Yunnan Province on Aug. 1, 2013. The five-day exhibition, displayed more than 6,000 photography works through over 200 themed exhibitions. Chinese Ambassador to India Wei Wei proposed a toast Crew members prepared for the onboard reception of the during an onboard reception of the “Peace Ark” hospital “Peace Ark” hospital ship at Mumbai Port in India on ship at Mumbai Port in India on Aug. 7, 2013. Aug. 7, 2013.
Crew members of the “Peace Ark” hospital ship visited On the evening of 25 July 2013, Major General Mr. Cai Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis’ younger sister Manorama at Ping, Military Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in India Mumbai on Aug. 9, 2013. held a reception to celebrate the 86th anniversary of Chinese People’s Liberation Army at ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi. Chinese Ambassador Mr. Wei Wei and Director General of Military Intelligence Lieutenant General Mr. Singh were present.
Members of Indian Daksha Sheth Dance Company Members of Indian Daksha Sheth Dance Company performed in Jinan, east China’s Shandong Province on performed in Jinan, east China’s Shandong Province on Aug. 16, 2013. Aug. 16, 2013. CONTENTS
I. CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
1. Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Visits Mumbai 4 2. India Welcomes Chinese Navy Hospital Ship “Peace Ark” 5 3. The Third Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border 6 Affairs Held in New Delhi 4. China Holds Dialogue with India on Central Asia 7 5. Indian Media Hype about China-India Border Dispute Benefits None 7 6. Aircraft Carrier Creates No Waves for China-India Cooperation 8
II. CHINESE ECONOMY
1. China’s Current Economic Development 10 2. Long Live China’s Boom 11 3. Foreign Minister Wang Yi: Chinese Economy Will Be Set onto a Track of Sustainable Development 13 4. Chinese Economy Stabilizes with More Positive July Factors 14 5. 7.5% GDP Growth “In Reach” 15 6. China’s Structural Tax Cuts Boost Economic Vitality 17 7. Look on the Bright Side 18 8. China’s Economy Slows to Improve Endurance, Quality 20 9. Official PMI Sends Signal of Stability 22 10. Slowly but Surely 23
III. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
1. Kim Jong Un Meets with Vice President Li Yuanchao 27 2. Innovations in China’s Diplomatic Theory and Practice Under New Conditions 28 3. State Councilor Yang Jiechi Meets with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia 36 4. State Councilor Yang Jiechi Meets with President-Elect John Ashe of 68th Session of UN General Assembly 36 5. Foreign Minister Wang Yi Attends China-ASEAN High-Level Forum 37 6. Foreign Minister Wang Yi On Process of “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” 39 7. China Vows to Deepen Friendship with Central Asian Countries 40
IV. CHINA DREAM
1. Xi Urges Deepening Reform, Opening Up 42 2. Far Out, Way In 43 3. Green Commitment 46 4. Homemade Robot Lights Up Inventor’s Dream 48 5. Rising from Blueprints 49
V. TIBET TODAY
1. Development Key to Address Tibet Issues: Yu Zhengsheng 53 2. Science and Technology Contributes to Tibet Economic Growth 55 3. Tibet Economy Grows Fast in H1 55 4. Giving Ancient Lhasa a Facelift 56 5. Tibetan Culture on Display During Shoton Festival 59
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHINESE VISA APPLICATION 61
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 3 China-India Relations
I. CHINA-INDIA RELATIONS
Chinese Navy Hospital Ship Visits Mumbai
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship “Peace Ark” arrived at port of Mumbai on August 6 to start its six-day visit and provide medical treatment service here. During their stay in Mumbai, the ship crew visited the Asvini Hospital and Brahmaputra class frigate of Indian navy. Sailors from the two countries played f r i e n d s h i p f o o t b a l l a n d basketball match, which enhanced mutual under- standing and friendship On August 12, the hospital ship, carrying between the two navies. out “Mission Harmony-2013” plan, ended its This is the sixth time Chinese Navy vessels six-day visit to India’s biggest city and left for visited India. The hospital ship sets sail from next stop — Bangladesh’s premier port and Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province on June 10 to continued its providing of medical treatment carry out “Mission Harmony-2013”. By far, service and military exchange there. “Peace Ark” has visited four destinations Some 4,000 square meters in size, the ship including Brunei, Maldives, Gulf of Aden and comprises seven offices for doctors and nurses Pakistan during the mission since June.
People welcome the Chinese People's Liberation Indian Military band welcome the Chinese People's Army Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" in Mumbai Liberation Army Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" in Port in India on Aug. 6, 2013. Mumbai Port in India on Aug. 6, 2013.
4 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
and eight nurse stations, in addition to 300 beds. The medical equipment on the ship is on par with that in China’s top-level hospitals. As an emergency medical support platform, the ship is independently designed and built by China. Its tasks include treatment and evacuation of injured and sick personnel on the sea and medical support for troops stationed at islands and atolls. Shen Hao, Commander of the “Mission Harmony-2013”, waves to people in Mumbai Port in India on Aug. 6, 2013. India Welcomes Chinese Navy Hospital Ship “Peace Ark”
On Aug. 8, 2013, India welcomed the visit by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship “Peace Ark”. Speaking at the reception banquet on the board of the hospital ship, M.D. Suresh, Rear Admiral and Flag Official of Doctrine and Concept (FODC) of the Indian Western Naval Command, said “The colors of the sea and our uniform bring us together. On behalf of the Indian western naval command, we warmly welcome you to Mumbai.” humanistic for “Peace Ark” to provide He also said the visiting hospital ship medical service to the people all over the “Peace Ark” witnesses China-India world”. friendship and cooperation, and it is very For his part, Shen Hao, deputy commander and president of the marine hospital ship, said “The friendship of China and India will not only serve the fundamental interests of the two nations, but also benefits the peace and stability of the world.” The Chinese hospital ship’s visit to Mumbai aims at contributing to cooperation between the two sides in non-traditional security and promoting traditional friendship
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 5 China-India Relations
The Third Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs Held in New Delhi
The 3rd Meeting of the W o r k i n g M e c h a n i s m f o r Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs was held at New Delhi on 23-24 J u l y , 2 0 1 3 . T h e C h i n e s e delegation was headed by Mr. Ouyang Yujing, Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry while the Indian delegation was led by Mr. gave a positive evaluation on the peace and Guatam Bambawali, Joint Secretary of East stability in the border areas since the last Asia Division of Ministry of External Affairs. meeting and fully affirmed the important role Representatives from the Foreign and played by the working mechanism. The two Defense Ministries of both sides attended the sides had an in-depth discussion on measures meeting. to improve the functioning of the working The Meeting was held in a friendly, candid mechanism and to further promote peace and and constructive atmosphere. The two sides tranquility in the border areas. The meeting achieved positive progress. Both sides reiterated that before final solution to the boundary question, they will jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and will continue to contribute to it through dialogue and consultation. During the meeting, the Chinese delegation also called on Indian Foreign Secretary Mr. Ranjan Mathai.
6 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
China Holds Dialogue with India on Central Asia
On August 12, 2013, Mr. Zhang Hanhui, Director-General of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs of Chinese Foreign Ministry held dialogue with Mr. Ajay Bisaria, Joint Secretary of Eurasia Division of Ministry of External Affairs of India. Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Central Asia, China and India relations with Central Asia countries and the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization, etc. On the same day, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping also met with Mr. Ajay Bisaria and exchanged views on China-India relations, Central Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Indian Media Hype about China-India Border Dispute Benefits None
Wang Bowen
Beijing July 23 (Xinhua) — Indian media, of a visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to which have traditionally focused heavily on India. the border disputes between New Delhi and Fortunately, Beijing and New Delhi, with Beijing, are now asserting again that Chinese political wisdom, made joint efforts to defuse troops have crossed the “border” between the the tensions timely, and the visit, part of Li’s two countries. maiden overseas tour since assuming This came just a few months after similar premiership in March, turned out a big reports soured to some extent the atmosphere success.
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 7 China-India Relations
Li and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan resolved overnight. It is unwise to let isolated Singh, through candid talks and in-depth incidents along the border to negatively affect discussions, substantially enhanced strategic the promising China-India relationship. mutual trust, which is a valuable thing for two China and India, as two major emerging countries that fought a brief border war in economies, have much to gain by further 1962. deepening political and economic Looking back on Indian ties. China and India, as media hype about “Chinese Despite sometimes frosty border intrusions,” one has to two major emerging political relations, China has admit such sensational reports economies, have become one of India’s top trading are indeed harmful to the China- much to gain by partners. Both countries have India relationship. further deepening agreed to increase their bilateral Such reports have only p o l i t i c a l a n d trade, standing at 66.5 billion U.S. s e r v e d t o f u r t h e r s o w economic ties. dollars in 2012, to 100 billion misunderstandings between dollars by 2015. Indians and Chinese even at a The two economies, with time when their leaders are working hard to distinctive competitive advantages, can also manage their differences and to build a work on more joint investment projects. constructive relationship that can benefit both Beijing and New Delhi should build on the sides. positive momentum yielded by Premier Li’s Back to the border disputes, it is worth visit. After all, the right track forward for the noting that both Beijing and New Delhi have two giant neighbors is to boost investment, repeatedly said they are committed to expand trade and strengthen links so that both maintaining peace and stability along the countries can benefit from the win-win border before the issues are completely cooperation. resolved. As for media from both countries, playing The disputes, a historical hangover, were up the border disputes is hardly a constructive not created in one day, neither will they be way of doing things.
Aircraft Carrier Creates No Waves for China-India Cooperation
Lu Rui
India unveiled its first indigenously built colossal warships. aircraft carrier on Aug. 12, joining the elite Indian Defense Minister A. K. Antony club of nations capable of making such hailed the launch of INS Vikrant as a
8 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA China-India Relations
“crowning glory”, saying “India needs a strong navy to defend itself and will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities.” Pundits obsessed with geopolitical rivalry wasted no time in hyping the Indian feat as a threat to China, fanning speculations the two Asian neighbors would slide deeper into an arms race naval forces in the region. Just days before the aimed at regional supremacy. Vikrant’s launch, Japan launched a new However, such conflict-obsessed fear- helicopter carrier. mongers have apparently ignored the larger However, the normal buildup of defense picture. For starters, China and India, the capabilities is no cause of worry. world’s top two developing countries, have China and India are important trading vast interests in common. partners, and they hold identical or similar It is true India, already a regional stances on a wide range of regional and global heavyweight, has always held the dream of affairs. becoming a global power. It has been the They have also recognized the world is world’s largest importer of weapons over the large enough to accommodate the past few years. development of both of them. Doomsayers also point to the high- China and India should have the vision to profile support from the United States, look beyond slanted interpretations and stick which they assume is bent on containing to the right path of cooperation. China’s rise. With the Asia-Pacific region gaining more During their visits to India, then U.S. weight in the global landscape, their Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vice cooperation is particularly necessary. President Joe Biden suggested India play a Joining hands, they can make more bigger role in the Asia-Pacific region. contribution to the peace and prosperity of not Underneath the gloomy prophecy also lies the only the region but also the world at large. increase in the number of carrier-equipped
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 9 Chinese Economy
II. CHINESE ECONOMY
China's Current Economic Development
According to the National Bureau of domestic and international environments. Statistics (NBS), China’s gross domestic The economic growth rate is at a reasonable product (GDP) growth stood at 7.6 percent in range. The price and job opportunities remain the first half year of 2013, 7.5 percent in the s t a b l e . W e a l w a y s g i v e b a l a n c e d second quarter from 7.7 percent in the first consideration for stable growth, inflation three months, totaled 24.8 trillion yuan (4 control, risk prevention, and the promotion trillion U.S. dollars). for further reform, adjustment of economic The latest GDP figures headed a string of structure, and benefit of the people. other data. Industrial output increased 9.3 While taking control of the policies and the percent year on year in the first half of 2013, overall trend, we will continue to deepen while the growth of fixed-asset investment, a reform and opening-up, to actively promote measure of government and private spending the restructuring and upgrading of the on infrastructure, stood at 20.1 percent during economy and the change for government the period, down 0.8 percentage points over functions, so as to accumulate the dividends the first quarter of the year. of the reform, the potentials of domestic The growth rates of imports and exports of demand, and the dynamisms of innovation, China underwent a significant slowdown. which will further enhance the internal According to the statistics of customs, in the strength for development and the ability to first half of 2013, the import and export value withstand risks. of China amounted to12.51 trillion RMB For example, a series of new policies on (equivalent to 1.9977 trillion USD), 8.6% up on regulations will inject new impetus into a year-on-year basis after excluding currency restructuring and stabilizing China’s factors. economy and enhance endogenous driving D a t a s h o w e d t h a t force for the growth of its real consumption contributed In general, the Chinese economy in the long run. 45.2 percent, investment 53.9 The central authorities economy has maintained percent and net exports 0.9 decided to eliminate a number percent to first-half GDP steady growth since the of systematic obstacles in growth. beginning of this year economic transformation and In general, the Chinese amid complex and upgrading. They include economy has maintained challenging domestic exempting value-added tax steady growth since the (VAT) and profit tax for the and international beginning of this year amid m i c r o a n d s m a l l - s i z e d complex and challenging environments. enterprises (MSEs).
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This move will ease the tax burden of more available to invest in inter-city and municipal than six million MSEs, save them 20 billion railways. yuan in expenditure while creating jobs and The move could diversify financing raising income for tens of millions of people. channels and attract more social capital for To coordinate with the tax policy, China construction projects after abolishing will boost foreign trade and exports through monopolies and investment barriers, analysts gradually simplifying customs clearance held. processes by the scheme of “one-time Also, China’s central bank has canceled declaration, one-time inspection and one- the ceiling limit for banks’ lending interest time clearance”. rates, scrapped the controls on bill discount In addition, China will boost foreign trade rates to let the financial institutions make their and exports through adjusting operational own rates decision according to commercial fees; encouraging financial support for principles. profitable companies; facilitating the exports China has the conditions and ability to of private SMEs; providing zero tariffs for achieve the main objectives of economic and exporters in the service sector; increasing social development this year, and also pays imports and maintaining a stable yuan great attention to improving the quality and exchange rate. efficiency of development, going on a better China will fully open the market of and more far-reaching way of sustained and railway construction, helping private capital healthy development in the future.
Long Live China's Boom
After three decades of 9.8% average China. Will China crash? annual GDP growth, China’s economic In fact, many other rapidly growing expansion has been slowing for 13 emerging economies have suffered – and consecutive quarters – the first such extended worse than China – from the drop in global period of deceleration since the demand resulting from ongoing “reform and opening up” policy retrenchment in high-income was launched in 1979. Real GDP economies since the 2008 grew at an annual rate of only financial crisis. For example, 7.5% in the second quarter of this GDP growth in Brazil has slowed year (equal to the target actually sharply, from 7.5% in 2010 to set by the Chinese government at 2.7% in 2011 and to just 0.9% in the beginning of this year). Many 2012, while India’s growth rate indicators point to further slowed from 10.5% to 3.2% over economic deceleration, and there the same period. is a growing bearishness among Moreover, many high- investors about the outlook for Justin Yifu Lin income newly industrialized
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 11 Chinese Economy
economies (NIEs) with few structural general well within the global frontier. As a problems were not spared the effects of the result, they benefit from the “latecomer’s 2008 crisis. South Korea’s GDP growth advantage”: technological innovation and slowed from 6.3% in 2010 to 3.7% in 2011 and industrial upgrading can be achieved by to 2% in 2012; Taiwan’s fell from 10.7% to 1.3% imitation, import, and/or integration of over this period; and Singapore’s plummeted existing technologies and industries, all of from 14.8% to 1.3%. which implies much lower R&D costs. Given this, China’s economic slowdown In theory, any developing country that can since the first quarter of 2010 has apparently harness its latecomer’s advantage to achieve been caused mainly by external and cyclical technological and industrial upgrading can factors. Facing an external shock, the Chinese grow faster than developed countries. How government should and can much faster is an empirical maintain a 7.5% growth rate ) I n d e e d , C h i n a c a n question. According to the by taking counter-cyclical Growth Commission led maintain an 8% annual and proactive fiscal-policy by Nobel laureate Michael m e a s u r e s , w h i l e GDP growth rate for many Spence, 13 economies maintaining a prudent years to come, because took full advantage of monetary policy. After all, modern economic growth their latecomer status China has high private and after World War II and public savings, foreign i s a p r o c e s s o f achieved annual GDP reserves exceeding $3.3 continuous technological growth rates of 7% or trillion, and great potential innovation and industrial higher – at least twice as for industrial upgrading and h i g h a s d e v e l o p e d upgrading. ) infrastructure improvement. countries’ growth rates – for Indeed, China can maintain 25 years or longer. an 8% annual GDP growth rate for m a n y China became one of the 13 economies years to come, because modern economic after 1979. Because the country’s latecomer growth is a process of continuous status explains its 33 years of rapid economic technological innovation and industrial growth, the key to understanding its potential upgrading. Of course, this is true for for further rapid growth in the future lies in developed and developing countries alike. estimating how large those advantages still But developed countries differ from are. developing countries in an important way. Per capita GDP, which reflects a country’s Since the Industrial Revolution, developed average labor productivity and its overall countries have always been on the global technological and industrial achievement, is a frontier of technologies and industries, which useful proxy to estimate latecomer’s has required them to invest in costly and risky advantage. That is, the per capita GDP gap indigenous research and development. between China and developed countries By contrast, technologies and existing essentially reflects the gap between them in industries in developing countries are in terms of overall technological and industrial
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achievement. years, compared to 8.6% in Singapore, 8.3% in According to the most up-to-date estimate Taiwan, and 7.6% in South Korea. by the late economic historian Angus If the latecomer’s advantage implied by Maddison, China’s per capita GDP in 2008 the income gap between the four NIEs and the was $6,725 in 1990 dollars, which was 21% of US enabled the NIEs to realize average annual per capita GDP in the United States. That is GDP growth rates of 7.6%-9.2% for 20 years, roughly the same gap that existed between China’s annual growth potential should be a the US and Japan in 1951, Singapore in 1967, similar 8% for the 2008-2028 period. To realize Taiwan in 1975, and South Korea in 1977 – its potential growth as a latecomer, China four economies that are also among the 13 needs, above all, to deepen its market- successful economies studied by the Growth oriented reforms, address various structural Commission. Harnessing their latecomer’s problems, and develop its economy according advantage, Japan’s average annual growth to its comparative advantages. rate soared to 9.2% over the subsequent 20
Foreign Minister Wang Yi: Chinese Economy Will Be Set onto a Track of Sustainable Development
On Aug. 2, 2013, when addressing the confidence and condition to achieve economic opening session of the China-ASEAN High- transformation and upgrading and set the Level Forum in Bangkok, Chinese Foreign Chinese economy onto a track of sustainable Minister Wang Yi said, a Chinese economy development. In the past 30 years and more, that enjoys long-term, sustained and sound China’s rapid economic growth has delivered development will make even more important enormous dividends to the ASEAN countries. and lasting contribution to the development In the future, a Chinese economy that enjoys of the region and beyond. With regard to some doubts about China’s economic development, Wang Yi expressed that the Chinese economy has maintained a steady and sound growth. Its growth rate in the first half of this year was 7.6%, still at the top of all major economies in the world. Wang Yi said, China has enormous demand, a vast market, rich human resources, fast- developing science and technology as well as stable policies and a strong government. We have every ability,
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 13 Chinese Economy
long-term, sustained and sound development over 400 million. In China, we say that “A will make even more important and lasting water-front pavilion gets the moonlight first.” contribution to the development of the region As China’s close neighbour, top investment and beyond. destination by Chinese companies, third Wang Yi said, in the coming five years, largest trading partner and a major tourist China’s ODI will increase by 500 billion US destination, ASEAN will undoubtedly benefit dollars, its imports will reach 10 trillion US from China’s future economic development. dollars and its outbound tourists will total
Chinese Economy Stabilizes with More Positive July Factors
Zhu Ningzhu
A string of economic data in July came in better than expected, suggesting that the Chinese economy is stabilizing and recovering with more positive factors. Surprisingly strong trade data was reported in the past month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The total volume of foreign trade in July reached more than 354 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 7.8 percent on the same period last year, showing the A seller arranges vegetables at a market in Shijiazhuang, country’s foreign trade growing again, capital of north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 9, 2013. reversing June’s decline. China's consumer price index (CPI), a main gauge of China’s consumer price index inflation, grew 2.7 percent year on year in July, staying flat from the figure for June, the National Bureau of Statistics (CPI), a main gauge of inflation, grew (NBS) announced. 2.7 percent year on year in July, lower than market expectations of an increase of 2.8 percent, and remained well below the China’s PPI continued a downward trend government’s full-year target of 3.5 percent. in July, but at a slower pace for the first time Industrial value-added output expanded since April. 9.7 percent year on year in July, marking the Business insiders believe that China’s highest growth in past five months and economy is showing signs of recovery, though highlighting improved market expectations. time and more data on a longer term basis are
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still needed to tell if the Chinese economy is support for small and medium-sized solidly on the up again. enterprises. “The July figures are satisfactory,” said “China’s recent measures to stabilize Huo Jianguo, President of the Chinese growth, restructure the economy and Academy of International Trade and promote reforms have started to take effect,” Economic Cooperation, a government think said Yu Qiumei, a senior statistician with the tank. NBS. “Exports returned to the normal growth The world’s second-largest economy has track and the sharp rebound of imports been stuck in a protracted weak recovery, signals the easing of downward pressure on easing to 7.5 percent growth in the second the Chinese economy,” Huo added. quarter, the lowest since the third quarter of In a bid to inject new impetus into 2012. restructuring and stabilizing China’s The Chinese government has expressed economy, the government had unveiled a confidence of meeting its 7.5 percent growth series of new policies including encouraging target this year and is supported by many public consumption, maintaining rational factors in light of the encouraging July data. investment growth, and strengthening policy
7.5% GDP Growth "In Reach”
by Chen Jia and Zheng Yangpeng
China’s top economic planner expressed “moderately abundant” monetary liquidity confidence in achieving the 7.5 percent gross and efficiently make use of credit and fiscal domestic product growth target this year capital to support the industrial economy. through hard work after the government “Policy fine-tuning will be likely at the decided to adopt further measures to stabilize right time,” he said. market expectations and release enterprises’ “Diversified adjustments that take into vitality. consideration the different situations of National Development and Reform regions, industries and enterprises will be Commission Minister Xu Shaoshi showed his taken in the second half” to strengthen determination on July 31 in an interview with enterprises’ confidence by maintaining Xinhuanet.com, one day after President Xi growth within a reasonable range and Jinping vowed to guarantee the year’s target preventing risks, Xu said. by further clarifying the government’s policy For the next step of reform, the minister stance for the second half of the year and also pledged the nation would launch confirming the direction of ongoing structural demonstration projects for private funds to reforms. invest in infrastructure construction and Xu stressed the need to maintain public services, as well as eliminate
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 15 Chinese Economy
unreasonable fees in banking services. “Excess credit growth will still be A statement from the Political Bureau of contained and there will be no large-scale the Communist Party of China’s Central fiscal stimulus. One implication is that Committee laid out its main strategies for the capacity consolidation may speed up so that coming quarters on July 30. They include resources and capital can be freed up from increasing public consultation, maintaining inefficient sectors.” rational investment growth and supporting According to a survey released on small and medium-sized enterprises. Wednesday by Netease Annual Economist It said economic growth in the first six Conference, 71.25 percent of China’s months of the year was “stable” despite economists are “cautiously optimistic” about extremely complicated domestic and the new leadership’s reform determination, international conditions. while 23.75 percent said they are “optimistic”. The country’s economy experienced 7.6 Half the number of economists surveyed percent year-on-year GDP growth in the first said the largest problem for China’s economy half of the year. The second quarter growth is “overcapacity”, while the second largest slowed to 7.5 percent from 7.7 percent in the concern, for about 24 percent of the first quarter. respondents, is the existence of a property Lian Ping, chief economist at the Bank of bubble. Nearly 65 percent said “average Communications, said in the second half of household income” should be the major 2013, it is unlikely to see a substantial indicator to measure realization of the economic rebound although the reforms may “Chinese dream”. accelerate. Yu Yongding, a former member of the “Industrial enterprises may see better Monetary Policy Committee of the People’s conditions in the second half if the investment Bank of China, warned at the conference that in infrastructure construction and public local government debt is an issue that services can support stable economic policymakers should be “highly alert” to expectations while benefiting small-scale because the government actually “has no businesses,” said Lian. idea” of how large the debt exactly is. He said the problem of excessive Xu Shanda, former deputy director of the production capacity is still serious and that it State Administration of Taxation, said at the is hard to boost domestic consumption or conference he was glad to see the Political promote exports over a short period. Bureau meeting held on Tuesday emphasize Yao Wei, chief economist in China with the key areas for reforms, but it did not Societe Generale, a French financial group, mention “curbing the property market” as it said the Political Bureau’s meeting indicated always had done before. little change from the balanced stance that has “This is a very important message. Instead been communicated to the market in the past of restricting home purchasing, the meeting few weeks. mentioned ‘unleashing’ demand, which The top leadership signaled only modest showed a new and different approach,” Xu policy easing, preferably in the form of said. economic restructuring and reform, Yao said.
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China's Structural Tax Cuts Boost Economic Vitality
Beijing, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China's latest Shanghai in January last year and was later efforts to implement structural tax cuts will expanded to another 11 regions, including the benefit its economic restructuring and cities of Beijing, Tianjin and Shenzhen. promote steady growth, analysts have said. “The structural tax cuts will help alleviate Starting from Aug. 1, value-added tax tax burdens for businesses and individuals, (VAT) reforms, which replace the turnover boost business vitality and increase tax with a value-added duty in transport and employment and incomes,” said Zhang Bin, a some service sectors, will expand nationwide researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social from the current 12 provinces and Sciences, a government think tank. municipalities to further reduce tax burdens In the first five months of the year, the on businesses. reform eased tax burdens by 40.6 billion yuan Also effective on Aug. 1, China will suspend the VAT and turnover tax for small businesses with monthly sales of less than 20,000 yuan (3,236 U.S. dollars), which will benefit more than six million small companies and boost employment and income for tens of millions of people. VAT refers to a tax levied on the difference between a commodity’s price before t a x e s a n d i t s c o s t o f production, while turnover tax refers to a levy for 1.29 million businesses in the regions that on a business’s gross revenues. first piloted the program, according to the Bai Jingming, deputy head of the Fiscal State Administration of Taxation (SAT). Science Research Institute under the Ministry The tax break for small and micro-sized of Finance (MOF) said that expanding the enterprises, which usually accept interest pilot VAT reform is an important step in the rates 10 to 30 percent above the guideline rate, reform of the fiscal and taxation systems. will ease the credit crunch and inject vigor into “It calls for an improvement in the VAT job-generating small businesses, Zhang system, as well as the adjustment of tax added. revenue distribution between the central and Statistics from SAT showed that the tax local governments,” Bai said. break will reduce the tax burden for small and The VAT reform was first introduced in micro-sized enterprises by 20 billion yuan.
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Analysts believe that the structural tax three months. reductions do not simply mean cutting tax The government has adopted a different rates, but are a demonstration of the approach by not launching a one-off fiscal and government’s determination to secure stable monetary stimulus package, but instead growth and restructure the economy amid a introducing a set of market-oriented reforms continuous economic slowdown and to boost the economy. increasing risks in the financial market. As part of the reforms, the structural tax “The structural tax reduction will cuts serve as an important role in “developing significantly boost economic growth and strategic and emerging industries, energy- optimize the country’s economic structure,” saving businesses and the service sector by said Liu Shangxi, deputy head of the Fiscal giving enterprises more access to credit and Science Research Institute under the MOF. alleviating their tax burdens,” said Liu. China’s economy has been stuck in a In the long run, the structural tax cuts will protracted slowdown, easing to 7.5 percent in provide an equal institutional environment the second quarter from 7.7 percent in the first for healthy economic development, he said.
Look on the Bright Side
Chen Dongxiao
There are voices heralding the doomsday transition take effect. The country’s economic for China’s traditional development mode, slowdown is an inevitable trend, since no the outbreak of a debt crisis, rigidification of country can stay on such a fast track forever. the financial system, the vanishing of the Even so, the Chinese economy is expected to demographic dividend, or a stagnation in maintain an annual growth rate of around 7 reforms. These observers have one thing in percent, even with the sluggish global common: growing pessimism about China’s recovery. What best serves the long-term economic prospects. interests of the Chinese people is an economy However, while these downbeat views of that boasts a more rational structure and the Chinese economy and its development establishes a better social and natural momentum may contain some element of environment, even if it means a slower pace of truth, they are too narrow to show the whole growth. picture. Second, the government debt issue is First of all, China’s economic growth is starting to be addressed. China’s land-reliant depending less and less on investment and financing has come to a dead end, and the exports, as consumption and innovation financing vehicles of its local governments emerge as the main drivers for growth, have run out of control. Some sound solutions although it will take a few years to see the are needed right now to avert Detroit-style
18 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA Chinese Economy
bankruptcies triggered by the piling up of forward with reform and foretells the healthy debts. The key here is not to alleviate the prospects for China’s financial and economic burden of old debts, because the central reforms. coffers have enough resources to repay them As for China’s demographic dividend and all. What is needed is the efficient and proper cost advantages, they are both waning. But management of financial revenues and there is a positive side to this. Thanks to its expenditures by local governments in the continual inputs into education and scientific future to prevent new debts being incurred research, China has seen a constant before the old ones have been repaid. improvement in the quality of its labor force The debt issue is now being tackled and and continuous betterment of production straightforward proposals are being efficiency. More importantly, it has raised its submitted on bond issuance by local position in the global industrial value chain governments. Also, GDP is no longer counted and its comprehensive competitive power is as the main yardstick for measuring the growing. The economic frictions between performance of officials. The central China and the developed world including the government has also called time and again for United States and some European countries the liquidizing of sleeping funds, and issued a are evidence of this. Instead of trade frictions decree banning local governments from over clothing, shoes and other labor-intensive constructing new office buildings for the next commodities as was the case in the past, trade five years. frictions in recent years have been over capital Third, China has taken a substantive step and technology intensive goods, such as to reform its financial system. On July 19, the photovoltaic, electromechanical and People’s Bank of China announced its lifting electronic products. of controls over lending rates, the first step in Finally, China launched its reform and liberalizing interest rates, and demonstrating opening-up in 1978 with a path-finding spirit the central bank’s resolve to advance reforms that advanced through probing and and down-to-earth policy of cracking the experimenting step by step, as Deng harder nut first. The liberalization of interest Xiaoping, the architect of China’s reform, rates and internationalization of the yuan are advocated. The experiences China has the key links in reform of China’s financial accumulated from practicing this method system, which has already started and will o v e r t h r e e d e c a d e s h a v e p r o v e d inject new vitality into the country’s real advantageous. economy. If compared with the “shock therapy” The lifting of the controls on lending rates, practiced by the former Soviet Union, this for instance, will surely drive commercial strategy better suits Chinas’ complex reality banks to lend more to privately owned small and needs, because a step-by-step approach and medium-sized enterprises. Another facilitates uncovering and finding solutions to example is the decision to create a free trade problems. It is true that economic zone in Shanghai, a move that demonstrates restructuring is closely related to political the courage of the new leadership to push reforms. It should also be admitted, however,
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that handling of the government-market Investment Partnership. China is also relationship has always been a thorny issue to enthusiastic about negotiations with the all countries. United States and some European countries As the situation stands, now that China’s over greater access to mutual investment, new leadership has vowed to press on with efforts that will result in the reduction of another round of reforms, discussions and global trade and investment barriers. In disputes over reforms should start from a addition, it is believed that the BRICS long-term strategic point that benefits the countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and country and its people. No path of reform will South Africa - will maintain their momentum be a bed of roses, but the difficulties must be of long-term development. A platform of endured if the country is to successfully cooperation was created at the summit of their navigate this crucial stage of transition. There leaders this year, and these countries will can be no doubt, however, about its potential come to play an ever-bigger role in the global for long-term growth. economy. All major economies are looking for ways Therefore, China will maintain steady to kick-start a new boom, and there is still econo-mic growth while making down-to- ample room for cooperation between China earth efforts to realize its economic and other major economies. The United States restructuring to ensure a long-term is hoping to create a new global pattern of sustainable development. So there is really no investment and trade with the Trans-Pacific reason to be pessimistic about China’s Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and economic prospects.
China's Economy Slows to Improve Endurance, Quality
Beijing, July 30 (Xinhua) — China’s In an update of its World Economic economic growth is poised to slow this year, Outlook issued in April, the International with several leading economic indicators, Monetary Fund projected the world economy including the PMI, dipping in the first half. would grow at 3.1 percent this year. However, economists say the lower It forecast China’s growth at 7.8 percent, growth rates, despite making some investors much higher than the 5 percent forecast for jittery, are a welcome sign that Beijing’s emerging markets and developing economies leaders are more focused on the quality and as a whole, and the 2 percent growth for Japan, endurance of the economy than the previous the United States and Europe. heady growth targets. British economist Jim O’Neill, best known They say China’s growth, albeit slower, is for coining the “BRICs” acronym, pointed out still very robust compared to the world’s that China’s economy was now more than half other economies. the size of the United States, which meant “if
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China grows by 7.5 percent ... this would be economic restructuring. equivalent of the U.S. growing by 4 percent.” The Financial Times said the Chinese China’s growth rate and its wealth- government had unveiled a package of creating potential still stands out against other measures, dubbed a “mini-stimulus” by major economies in the world, and it will economists, to boost growth by eliminating remain a key engine for world economic taxes on small businesses, reducing costs for recovery from a middle and long term exporters and lining up funds for the perspective. construction of railways. According to O’Neill’s estimate, if China The measures aim to reduce the power of grows by 7.5 percent annually in the next the government and give companies more decade, it would be an economy of around 16 space to operate, it said. trillion U.S. dollars or more by 2020, allowing And positive changes have already its GDP per capita to reach 12,000-13,000 occurred in some areas of the economy, dollars. thanks to the stimulus package. China’s current economic cooling stems The added-value of the country’s tertiary from policy adjustments the government has industry increased 8.3 percent year on year in rolled out, with an aim to deepen reform and the first half of this year. lay foundations for future solid growth. The employment sub-index in HSBC As the Financial Times reported, China’s Services’ PMI remained at a relatively high slower growth is for real, and most of it has level of 52.6 in June. occurred as a result of government policies Meanwhile, the country’s retail sales aimed at shifting the focus to better quality increased 12.7 percent year on year in the first growth and not just growth for the sake of it. half, according to the latest data released by Better quality growth calls for high quality the National Bureau of Statistics. decision making. Against such a backdrop, some global Striving to hit the right pitch of investment agencies are beginning to rethink development, the government is unveiling a China’s economic slowdown to avoid string of reform initiatives that are much more overreaction and adjust their investment detailed, specific and well-targeted than strategies to the new pace of China’s economic before to stimulate domestic demand, growth. improve economic efficiency and people’s As Reuters said in an analysis, some livelihoods and promote urbanization. investors have realized slower growth is a The Associated Press said in a recent necessary precondition for a clean-up of report that China’s government had ordered China’s financial system and the state’s more than 1,400 companies to cut excess financial resources are considerable and can capacity, despite the slowing economic deal with the problem. Many of them believed growth rate. The affected industries include steel, cement, copper and glass. it is time to jump back into the oversold It said the recent move affirmed Beijing’s Chinese market. determination to push ahead with a painful
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Official PMI Sends Signal of Stability
by Zheng Yangpeng in Beijing and Yu Ran in Shanghai
China’s official Purchasing M a n a g e r s ’ I n d e x f o r t h e manufacturing sector picked up slightly to 50.3 in July from 50.1 in June, signaling a stabilizing trend in the country’s economy. Z h a o Q i n g h e , a s e n i o r economist with the National Bureau of Statistics, said it was the 10th consecutive month that the PMI has hovered around 50.5 since October 2012. The sub-index for new orders in July rose 0.2 percentage point to 50.6, while that for new export orders was up by 1.3 percentage points from June to 49, according to the survey conducted by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction of activity while one above shows expansion. signaling that more companies are positive Most sub-indices increased from a month about their business prospects for the next earlier. The sub-index for production moved three months. up 0.4 of a percentage point from June to 52.4, Zhang attributed the rise in confidence to a while that for raw material inventories was up series of “mini-stimulus” measures adopted 0.2 of a percentage point from June to 47.6. since early July, including the removal of The sub-index for the purchasing prices of administrative approval procedures, tax major raw materials surged 5.5 percentage breaks for micro businesses and accelerated points to 50.1 in July, while the employment spending on subsidized housing, urban sub-index edged up 0.4 of a percentage point infrastructure, high-speed rail and energy- to 49.1. saving industries. The business outlook sub-index rose 2.3 The small enterprises’ index rose 0.5 of a percentage points to 56.4, ending a falling percentage point to 49.4 in July, the second streak for the previous three months and consecutive monthly gain for the index.
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Guan Qingyou, assistant dean at the Wei, China economist at Societe Generale in Minsheng Securities Research Institute, Hong Kong. noted: “It is expected that manufacturing in Despite a higher reading, most local July improved slightly and economic growth manufacturers interviewed by China Daily in the third quarter could stabilize.” still feel the outlook is poor. However, the final reading for a separate “It has been a very bad half year for the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index company. Regular overseas orders fell released by HSBC Holdings Plc and Markit sharply and clients ordered much less Economics on Thursday was 47.7, down from products per order,” said Li Zhongjian, June’s 48.2. This was also the lowest over the manager of Wenzhou-based Zhejiang Tung past 11 months. Fong Lighter Industrial Co Ltd. Analysts said the difference was mainly “It’s been impossible to make any money because of different sampling. The logistics because of the situation this year. We’re just federation increased the number of aiming to survive until the beginning of next companies in its survey to 3,000 from 820 from year with enough cash to maintain business January, while the HSBC report is based on operations,” said Li. responses from purchasing managers at more Zhang Guanjin, general manager of than 420 businesses and is weighted more Shaoxing Jinyong Textile Co Ltd in Zhejiang toward smaller private companies. province, said increasing labor and material “I think the official report does offer a slim expenses forced the company to reduce the hope that the economy is stabilizing at least, number of its employees from 150 in 2011 to but it is still a bit early to conclude that things currently fewer than 60. have turned around decisively,” said Yao
Slowly but Surely
by Lan Xinzhen
For the past two years, China’s economy economy just yet. NBS spokesman Sheng has slowed down. According to statistics Laiyun says China’s economic growth is released by the National Bureau of Statistics stable and economic restructuring—that is, (NBS) on July 15, China’s gross domestic s h i f t i n g C h i n a t o w a r d m o r e product (GDP) grew by 7.6 percent in the first consumption—was progressing steadily. half of the year. In the second quarter, the China is trying hard to reduce its GDP growth was a mere 7.5 percent, the dependence on investments and shift its second lowest since the fourth quarter of 2010. economy to a growth mode that is more But skeptics be warned: The slower sustainable in the long run. Its growth rate is growth doesn’t mean you can dismiss China’s in line with the Central Government’s
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expectations and plans to transform the figures suggest that China’s economy rests on economy. a solid foundation.Statistics also show that Liu Yuanchun, Associate Dean of the during the same period, the per-capita School of Economics at Renmin University in disposable income of China’s urban residents Beijing, suggests that the harm to China’s registered a nominal increase of 9.1 percent economy does not stem from a slowdown but year on year and the per-capita cash income of comes from rapid growth during the rural residents increased 11.9 percent, a clear restructuring phase. indication that slower growth hasn’t dragged Therefore, the slowdown is a good thing incomes down.Lian Pingyan, chief economist for China’s long-term plans. Skeptics should at the Bank of Communications, noted that look beyond the slowdown and pay more concerns over a slowdown are exaggerated attention to the government’s ambitious because figures like the employment rate and commodity prices were normal.Zhang Liqun, economic reforms and restructuring instead. a research fellow from the Development A Temporary Slowdown Research Center under the State Council, Statistics from the NBS show that China’s China’s cabinet, believes that China had agricultural output experienced a steady entered a period of moderate economic increase in the first half year, and food growth, one that is moving at an appropriate security was secured by a summer grain crops pace. “China’s economy is bottoming out and seeking a new balance,” said Zhang.Zhang said he is confident in the economy in both the short and long term since China is still in the m i d s t o f h i g h - s p e e d i n d u s t r i a l i z a t i o n a n d urbanization.Throes of transformationChina has b e e n h a r a s s e d b y environmental pollution and resource waste during the past three decades of unbridled economic growth. Jiaxing-Shaoxing River-Crossing Bridge, Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway Since the new government and Shangyu-Sanmen Expressway get crossed at Guzhu in Shangyu, east came into power in March, China's Zhejiang Province, on July 6, 2013 plans for more sustainable economic development and harvest, which witnessed a 1.5-percent upgrading have assumed more focus.As a increase from the previous year. Industrial result, plenty of red tape has been cut in a push manufacturing saw steady growth; and to create more efficiency in the economy. In corporate profits continued to increase. These
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two meetings held in April and May, the economy. Recently, Premier Li has reiterated Central Government decentralized its power “activating the stock of money and credit,” and put more decision-making capability in implying an intention to cease the use of the hands of provincial and municipal expansionary monetary policies. governments. Although the transformation underway Three economists at Barclays Capital has led to slower growth, the government has coined the term Likonomics named after no intention of changing course. On July 9, at Premier Li Keqiang’s bold initiatives an economic symposium in Guangxi Zhuang designed to maintain steady and healthy Autonomous Region, Li said, “Macro-control economic development, with less focus on should focus on the pursuit of long-term raking in high GDP growth. Likonomics is benefits and ensure the economy is composed of three parts—ending stimulus fluctuating within a reasonable range. That is policies, deleveraging and structural reforms. to say, indexes like the economic growth rate Pursuing the above three won’t be easy, and the employment rate shouldn’t break the and the road to economic transformation bottom line, and price rises shouldn’t exceed could be a bumpy one, if it isn’t already, with the upper limit.” plenty of sacrifice to be made. When the Although Li didn’t offer specifics, experts transformation finally ends, China’s economy say his “bottom line” refers to a minimum of will obtain healthier and more sustainable 7.5-percent annual economic growth and at development, says Zhang. least 9 million new jobs for rural and urban On June 20, the overnight interbank repo residents. His “upper limit” refers to no more rate shot up to over 30 percent, and the than a 3.5-percent rise in the Consumer Price overnight Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate Index (CPI) this year, as laid out in former surged 578 points to 13.44 percent, which Premier Wen Jiabao’s government work caused a panic in the capital market. Rumors report in March. of a “cash crunch” spread far and wide, and At present, employment and consumer China’s stock markets slumped the next day. prices are stable. Statistics from the Ministry Unexpectedly, the People’s Bank of China of Human Resources and Social Security didn’t come to the rescue, a strategic choice on showed the market offered 107 jobs per 100 job its part. hunters in the second quarter, slightly lower As the American economy shows signs of than the 110 jobs in the first quarter. picking up, the Federal Reserve has begun to According to statistics from the NBS, the CPI shake off quantitative easing monetary rose 2.7 percent year on year. policies, and the world economy is speeding There are concerns over whether China’s up its deleveraging. The central bank’s refusal economy can stay above the “bottom line,” to infuse more money into the banking system since the 7.6-percent growth in the first half is brings an end to expansionary monetary very close to it. Zhang Monan, associate policies. researcher with the Economic Forecast In fact, the Central Government has laid Department of the State Information Center, emphasis on steady credit growth for the real suggests the ‘bottom line’ indicates the
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government is more tolerant of a slowdown. exports only grew 0.3 percent. In June, the “Some people may ask whether the new figure even slid to negative 2 percent. government can help keep China’s economy Zheng Yuesheng, spokesman for the above the “bottom line.” It’s difficult to give General Administration of Customs, said an answer. But one thing is for sure: Reform gloomy foreign markets cramped China’s means pain,” said Zhang Monan. export growth, and the substantial Guan Qingyou, Deputy Director of appreciation of the yuan in combination with Minsheng Securities Research Institute, rising labor costs made exports more argued that China should maintain its expensive. “bottom line” well into the future. “It’s of Statistics from the Bank for International significance to stabilize growth during Settlements showed that the yuan’s real economic transformation.” effective exchange rate was 116.3 in late May, Difficulties Ahead up 5.6 percent from the end of last year. At the same time, domestic labor costs keep going The first half of 2013 has been one of up. Several provinces and cities have significant changes—some good, some increased their respective minimum wage bad—as China continues to upgrade its standards so far this year. Of the 2,000 economy. For instance, many energy- enterprises that participated in a monthly consuming and high-polluting industries are customs survey, at least 70 percent regularly undergoing technical renovations to prepare said they were under mounting cost pressure, for the new economy. On the flip side, and the competitiveness of their products was domestic consumption hasn’t been as robust eroding. as the government expected despite plenty of What’s worse, China’s trade environment effort over the past few years to get Chinese is deteriorating due to frequent outside consumers to open their wallets. frictions. According to the Ministry of According to the NBS, the growth of total Commerce, 18 countries launched 22 anti- retail sales of consumer goods in the first six subsidy investigations against China in the months grew 1.7-percentage slower than in first quarter. In May, the European the same period last year. Weak domestic Commission declared an anti-dumping and consumption could put a dent in the country’s countervailing probe into some of China’s plans to build an economy more dependent telecom equipment makers. On June 6, the on domestic spending. commission announced an 11.8-percent anti- In addition, import and export figures are dumping duty on China’s photovoltaic hardly inspiring. Statistics from the NBS hint products. All these investigations and duties China’s import-export trade is also in the slapped on Chinese products have greatly midst of a slowdown. In the first quarter, undermined the country’s international imports and exports totaled $975.25 billion, competitiveness. up 13.5 percent year on year; in the second quarter, it was $1.02 trillion, up 4.3 percent Economic Outlook year on year, although in May, imports and The Central Government is scheduled to
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hold a series of symposiums to gather But Anbound Consulting, a renowned economic data in July and unveil a number of think tank for public policy in China, says in a reform policies in September. In the report that the three pillars of the meantime, the outlook of China’s economy country’s—investment, consumption and net over the next six months is mixed. exports—have not shown signs of any Economists predict growth of China’s rebound. GDP in the second half of the year will remain In terms of investment, tight policies, high more or less the same as the first. Li Daokui, local debt and declining corporate profits will Director of the Center for China in the World not get the economy back on a track of rapid Economy at Tsinghua University predicted growth. Additionally, great employment that the economy would grow 7.8 percent in pressures, poor income prospects and the second half, a slight increase over the first restrictions on government spending have half. A report released by China Investment dimmed investment as a strong driver of Consulting on July 1 stated that China’s GDP economic growth. Finally, external demand would grow 7.5 percent and 7.3 percent in the for Chinese-made products is still weak. third and fourth quarters respectively, and “Given the above-mentioned reasons, the the growth rate for the whole year would be economic outlook for the second half is not so 7.5 percent. optimistic,” reports Anbound.
III. EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Kim Jong Un Meets with Vice President Li Yuanchao
In the evening of July 25, 2013, Kim Jong activities of the 60th anniversary of the Un, First Chairman of the National Defense armistice of the Korean war. Commission of the Li Yuanchao first Democratic People’s conveyed the message Republic of Korea from President Xi (DPRK), met at the J i n p i n g t o F i r s t Garden Guesthouse Chairman Kim Jong in Pyongyang with Un. C h i n e s e V i c e Li Yuanchao said, P r e s i d e n t L i T o d a y w e Yuanchao, who is commemorate the visiting DPRK and 60th anniversary of a t t e n d i n g the armistice of the c o m m e m o r a t i v e
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Korean War. It is to pay tribute to the Northeast Asia. outstanding sons and daughters of China and Kim Jong Un said that the party and the DPRK, who sacrificed their lives for their people of DPRK will always remember the countries and homelands. Looking back at the martyrs of China and DPRK, who sacrificed history, we understand that peace for today their lives in the Korean War. The DPRK side has been hard-won and should be cherished. spoke highly of China’s great achievements in China-DPRK relationship is now in a new era developing the socialist cause. DPRK between the past and the future. China is cherishes the traditional friendship with willing to work with DPRK to strengthen China and is willing to work with China to mutual trust and communication, to expand strengthen communication, to enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, cooperation and to promote the development and to promote the sustained and stable of bilateral relations. DPRK is committed to development of China-DPRK relations. economic development and improving Li Yuanchao said that as a close neighbour people’s livelihood. It requires a stable of the Korean Peninsula, China adheres to the external environment. DPRK supports denuclearization on the Peninsula, adheres to China’s efforts to resume the Six-Party Talks safeguarding peace and stability on the and is willing to make joint efforts with all Peninsula, and adheres to resolving the parties to maintain peace and stability on the related issues through dialogues and Korean Peninsula. consultations. China is willing to work with On Jul. 25th, Li Yuanchao as well met with all parties concerned to promote the Kim Yong Nam, President of the Presidium of resumption of the Six-Party Talks. China is the Supreme People’s Assembly of DPRK and committed to promoting the denuclearization Yang Hyong Sop, Vice President of the process, achieving peace on the Peninsula, Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and realizing long-term peace and stability in of DPRK, in Pyongyang.
Innovations in China's Diplomatic Theory and Practice Under New Conditions
Yang Jiechi
Since the successful conclusion of the 18th Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi National Congress of the Communist Party of Jinping as General Secretary has, in light of China (CPC) last year and the end of the new conditions and new tasks, focused on annual sessions of the National People’s China’s long-term and strategic agenda with a Congress (NPC) and the National Committee keen appreciation of the evolving global of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative environment and trends of development at Conference (CPPCC) earlier this year, the home. Bearing in mind both the domestic and
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international interests of the country and China’s core national interests. maintaining the continuity and consistency of Since the end of the annual NPC and its major diplomatic policies, it has promoted CPPCC sessions this year, Comrade Xi Jinping innovations in diplomatic theory and practice and other Party and state leaders have paid by keeping up with the trend of the times and visits to major countries, neighboring pushing ahead with a pioneering spirit. With countries, emerging market economies and a good beginning made and an overall plan developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin adopted, the Party Central Committee has put America, Europe and North America, and forth many important strategic ideas on hosted visits by dozens of foreign leaders. China’s external affairs as well as diplomatic These activities of bilateral and multilateral policies and principles, and taken a number of diplomacy both at home and abroad have major diplomatic initiatives which have not enabled Chinese leaders to meet more than only created external conditions favorable for one hundred foreign heads of state and facilitating the work of the Party and the state leaders, which has effectively enhanced across the board, but also enriched and China’s friendly exchanges and pragmatic developed the system of diplomatic theory cooperation with other countries. with Chinese characteristics. Actively promoting relations with the I. The new diplomatic initiatives as taken major countries. Comrade Xi Jinping made are strategic, overarching and innovative Russia the first leg of his first overseas visit as in nature. China’s President, which strengthened bilateral cooperation in the economy, trade, Given close international attention on energy and strategic security and major policy direction of the Party Central consolidated the basis of the China-Russia Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as comprehensive strategic partnership of General Secretary after the 18th Party coordination. Comrade Xi Jinping held Congress, Comrade Xi Jinping made his meetings with US President Barack Obama at d i p l o m a t i c d e b u t b y m e e t i n g t h e the Annenberg Estate in Los Angeles, during representatives of foreign experts working in which the two sides agreed to work together China. Later, the Political Bureau of the CPC to build a new model of major-country Central Committee held a collective study relationship based on mutual respect and session on unswervingly following the path of win-win cooperation, thus charting the course peaceful development. On both occasions, and drawing the blueprint for growing China- Comrade Xi Jinping made important remarks US relations in the future. China and the on China’s opening-up strategy and foreign United States also successfully held their fifth policy, sending out a clear message that round of Strategic and Economic Dialogues, China’s new collective central leadership is making good progress in implementing the committed to reform and opening-up, the agreement of the two presidents and path of peaceful development and the advancing the building of a new model of strategy of win-win cooperation with the major-country relationship. With other outside world while resolutely upholding Chinese Party and state leaders visiting
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European countries, China has played host to Vigorously working to strengthen French President Francois Hollande and other friendship and cooperation with developing European leaders, and worked steadily to countries. Comrade Xi Jinping’s successful open up new areas of mutually-beneficial and visits to Africa and Latin America have fully pragmatic cooperation between China and reflected the great importance we attach to Europe. developing countries. By visiting Tanzania, Energetically working to stabilize and South Africa and the Republic of the Congo, advance the friendly and good-neighborly Comrade Xi Jinping set a precedent for a relations in the surrounding areas. China’s Chinese head of state to visit Africa during his relations with its neighbors are, on the whole, first overseas trip. What is more, he met with moving towards a more favorable direction. over a dozen African leaders at a breakfast While attending the Boao Forum for Asia meeting, with fruitful results achieved in Annual Conference 2013 and the state events renewing friendship, enhancing mutual trust, held on its sidelines, Comrade Xi Jinping advancing cooperation and identifying expounded on the new ideas in China’s opportunities for common development. By domestic and foreign policies, which visiting Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and promoted China’s strategic trust with the Mexico and holding bilateral talks with relevant countries and elevated its relations leaders of eight Caribbean countries, with the neighboring countries. We have Comrade Xi Jinping has enhanced China’s received visits by state leaders from political trust and result-oriented cooperation neighboring countries, such as President with them and brought China’s overall Truong Tan Sang of Viet Nam, President Park cooperation with Latin America and the Geun-hye of the ROK and Prime Minister Caribbean to a new high. Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan, strengthened Deeply engaging in and shaping processes bilateral ties with neighboring countries in of multilateral diplomacy. When meeting areas including Southeast Asia and Central leaders of international organizations, Asia, and consolidated our good-neighborly Comrade Xi Jinping stressed China’s friendship and cooperation with them. With commitment to the advocacy and practice of respect to such issues as Diaoyu Island and multilateralism and the great value it places South China Sea, we have acted firmly to on the important role of the United Nations uphold our territorial sovereignty and and other international organizations. China maritime rights and interests while working will honor its due international obligations hard to appropriately handle and resolve the and work in close cooperation with relevant disputes with the neighboring countries international organizations in maintaining through dialogue and negotiation. On the world peace and security, promoting human Korean nuclear issue, while firmly committed development and progress and addressing to the goal of denuclearization on the global issues and challenges. Fresh progress Peninsula, we have actively reached out to has been made in China’s relations with major relevant countries to move the situation on international organizations. Attending the the Peninsula towards relaxation. Fifth BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Durban,
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South Africa, Comrade Xi Jinping worked for Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as closer communication and coordination with General Secretary has carried forward the other major developing countries on global Party’s fine tradition of linking theory with economic and political matters of great practice, made courageous explorations by consequence and brought about progress in combining domestic affairs with foreign building BRICS mechanisms. The Summit affairs and integrating Chinese features with issued the eThekwini Declaration and Action the trend of the times, and achieved a series of Plan, decided to establish a development major breakthroughs in diplomatic theory bank and a contingent reserve arrangement and practice within a very short period of among BRICS countries, thus providing a time. Displaying a strong resolve for strong impetus to the establishment of a new innovation, a broad, strategic and forward- international political and economic order looking global perspective, and a capacity to that is fairer and more equitable. command the overall situation, the Party The Party Central Committee with Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary has as General Secretary has provided a powerful made innovative headway on the basis of past guarantee in both theory and practice for achievements. A sound and momentous innovative diplomatic work and better use of beginning has thus been achieved in our the important period of strategic diplomatic work. With the layout being more opportunities. comprehensive and more balanced, China’s 1. Putting forth the important thinking of diplomacy under new circumstances displays the Chinese dream with profoundly enriched such features as rich ideas, clear priorities, contents with a view to boosting exchanges firm positions, flexible approaches and and cooperation between China and the rest distinctive styles. This has not only aroused of the world. greater interest of all parties to further grow During his trips abroad or meetings with relations with China, which paves the way for visiting foreign guests at home since the 18th sound diplomatic work in the latter half of the Party Congress, Comrade Xi Jinping has year and even the next five to ten years, but spoken profusely to leaders and people of also boosted the morale of the Party, the army foreign countries on the important thinking of and the people, thus greatly galvanizing the the Chinese dream, namely, to achieve the enthusiasm of our Party and our people of all great renewal of the Chinese nation. ethnic groups to work for the realization of the Comrade Xi Jinping has emphatically “two centenary goals” as set by the 18th Party pointed out that the Chinese dream is shared Congress. by the Chinese people of all ethnic groups and II. Innovations in diplomatic theory and cherished by each and every individual in the practice have resulted in major country. The Chinese dream requires a achievements. peaceful and stable international and neighboring environment, and China is Confronted with a highly complex committed to realizing the dream through international situation, the Party Central peaceful development. Since the Chinese
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dream is closely linked with the dreams of China’s appeal and influence in the world, other peoples around the world, China is enhanced our stature and voice in committed to helping other countries, international affairs and given full expression developing countries and neighboring to the strong synergy between our domestic countries in particular, with their and external agenda. development while achieving development 2. Putting forth the vision of building a of its own. China will share more new model of major-country relationship development opportunities with other between China and the United States while countries so as to facilitate their efforts to striving to advance relations with other major realize their dreams. China hopes to see win- countries. win cooperation and common development To promote the building of a new model of with the rest of the world. While working to major-country relationship between China realize the Chinese dream, the people of and the United States and bring about sound China are desirous of realizing the world interaction and win-win cooperation with dream through concerted efforts with people major countries is an important thinking of around the world. the Party Central Committee with Comrade Comrade Xi Jinping’s comprehensive, Xi Jinping as General Secretary concerning profound and exquisite description of the China’s relations with other major countries. Chinese dream is a continuation and The thinking is a strategic choice made based development of the important thinking of on a full review of the experience and lessons China’s peaceful development in the new era. of history, a correct reading of the trend of the It has enhanced international understanding times and a need to integrate China’s interests and recognition of China’s peaceful with those of other countries. It is also the development strategy and received extensive inherent requirement of the “two centenary appreciation and applause. Many foreign goals” and the inevitable demand for our leaders and people from various sectors overall strategy of peaceful development. regard the Chinese dream as fully consistent China and the United States have reached with the dreams of their own countries and important agreement on the building of a new own peoples, and have expressed readiness to model of major-country relationship. During join the Chinese people in realizing the their meetings at the Annenberg Estate, beautiful dream shared by the entire Comrade Xi Jinping and President Obama mankind. This fact has dealt a powerful blow agreed that the two countries would work to the attempts by certain international forces together to build a new model of major- at distorting and smearing the Chinese country relationship that benefits both dream. peoples and the people in the world. Comrade The important thinking of the Chinese Xi Jinping summarized such a new model dream has not only energized our people’s with three insightful sentences. First, non- d e t e r m i n a t i o n a n d c o n f i d e n c e i n conflict and non-confrontation. That requires accomplishing the great renewal of the the two sides to view each other’s strategic Chinese nation but also substantially boosted intention in an objective and sensible way,
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stay as partners instead of adversaries, and deepened strategic trust, scaled up business properly handle their differences and cooperation, made new breakthroughs in disputes through dialogue and cooperation major energy cooperation projects, instead of taking a confrontational approach. maintained close coordination on major Second, mutual respect. That requires the two international and regional issues and in global sides to respect each other’s choice of social economic governance, and achieved new system and development path, respect each progress in growing their comprehensive other’s core interests and major concerns, seek strategic partnership of coordination. China common ground while shelving differences, and the European Union have expanded uphold inclusiveness and mutual learning, cooperation areas, deepened shared interests, and make progress side by side. Third, win- and continued to elevate strategic relations win cooperation. That requires the two sides and cooperation to new heights. We have also to abandon the zero-sum mentality, made active efforts and achieved notable accommodate the other’s interests while results in developing friendship and seeking one’s own, promote common cooperation with other major developing development while developing oneself, and countries and major regional countries. continue to deepen the pattern of shared 3. Putting forth the right approach to interests. Comrade Xi Jinping also pointed out upholding justice and seeking interests with a that to implement the agreement on the view to enhancing friendship and cooperation building of a new model of major-country with neighboring countries and developing relationship, the two sides need to bring their countries. dialogue and trust to a new level, take new To strike a balance between upholding steps in their pragmatic cooperation, establish justice and seeking interests is at the heart of a new pattern of major-country interaction, traditional Chinese culture and a moral and explore new ways to manage their benchmark observed by the Chinese nation differences. The building of a new model of throughout the centuries. This important principle governs both personal conduct and major-country relationship between China China’s relations with other countries. and the United States is an unprecedented Inheriting the fine traditions of Chinese endeavor that will inspire future generations. culture and the diplomacy of New China and It is a historic innovation that has no ready keeping in mind the new tasks in the new experience to copy. As such, it may not be a period of China’s relations with other plain sailing process. Nevertheless, as long as developing countries and its neighbors, we size up the situation, focus on the goal, be Comrade Xi Jinping underscores the need to firm in our determination and keep forging adopt the right approach to upholding justice ahead, we will be able to achieve sound and and seeking interests in growing relations steady growth of China-US relations. with these countries. Politically, we should Meanwhile, with active planning and uphold justice and fairness as a guiding facilitation, China’s relations with other major principle. Economically, we should pursue countries have also made fresh progress and mutual benefit and common development. In breakthroughs. China and Russia have growing relations with our neighbors and
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other developing countries that have long China-Mexico relations to a comprehensive been friendly towards China yet face strategic partnership. daunting challenges in development, we will 4. Proposing stronger top-level designing accommodate their interests rather than and strategic planning in diplomatic work seeking benefits at their expense or shifting including the bottom line thinking with a troubles unto them. view to resolutely upholding China’s core We will follow the right approach to interests. upholding justice and seeking interests in Comrade Xi Jinping has repeatedly called strengthening relations with our neighbors for stronger top-level designing and medium and other developing countries. During his to long-term strategic planning for China’s visit to Africa, Comrade Xi Jinping had diplomatic work. The Party Central sincere and cordial discussions with African Committee, demonstrating a long-term and leaders, in which he expounded on China’s broad vision and bearing in mind the Africa policy and stressed China’s underlying trend and major events, has commitment to cooperation with Africa with stepped up such efforts by integrating China’s sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. relations with the world’s major countries, its In particular, he emphasized the win-win neighbors and other developing countries and nature of China-Africa cooperation. He multilateral diplomacy through a series of reiterated that China will fully honor its major initiatives. This has promoted an all- commitment to Africa, attach no political round growth of China’s relations with strings to aid to Africa, help African countries various parties, meeting our target of a good translate their strength in natural resources start and solid layout in our diplomatic work into progress in development and achieve and setting the stage for the medium and long- diverse, independent and sustainable term pursuit of our objectives. development. Comrade Xi Jinping’s remarks The Party Central Committee with struck a chord among African leaders and Comrade Xi Jinping as General Secretary people. Many of them said that China’s help attaches great importance to the details of to Africa is sincere and aims at boosting implementing China’s foreign policy. It calls Africa’s development and that Africa has full for the need to follow new trend in strategic trust in China. planning, to make timely policy adjustments During Comrade Xi Jinping’s visit to in light of shifting international developments Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica, a large and the changing external environment, and number of major cooperation projects were to properly address new issues and problems agreed upon, which testifies to China’s in our diplomatic work. We must keep in sincerity in helping Central American mind the bottom line, working for the best but countries to achieve development. Comrade preparing for the worst. Comrade Xi Jinping Xi Jinping announced that China would has stressed that while firmly committed to provide preferential loans and special peaceful development, we definitely must not infrastructure loans to Caribbean countries forsake our legitimate interests or having friendly ties with China, and this was compromise our core national interests. No warmly received. Comrade Xi Jinping’s visit country should expect us to swallow the bitter to Mexico boosted bilateral business ties, and fruit that undermines our sovereignty, the two sides announced the upgrading of security and development interests. In our
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diplomatic work, we will not dodge disputes III. We must earnestly study and apply the or problems as there may be. Rather, we will achievements of innovations in endeavor to properly handle the differences diplomatic theory and practice to make and problems with relevant countries, while new progress in diplomatic work. working to promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields to expand China’s diplomatic work under new common interests and maintain good conditions, which got off to a good start, has relations with neighboring countries and proceeded from a stage of planning to one of peace and stability in the region as a whole. all-round implementation. Taking stock of the overall developments, we find ourselves still in 5. Putting forth the need for enhanced an important period of strategic opportunities coordination in diplomatic work to ensure in which much can be accomplished. Yet we unified central leadership over the also face complex and daunting challenges. operations. The important achievements of innovations in To better coordinate the country’s diplomatic theory and practice made by the domestic and international agenda, the Party Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Central Committee attaches great importance Jinping as General Secretary have not only laid to a holistic management of foreign affairs. It a solid foundation for our diplomatic work in calls for balanced considerations, overall the immediate future, but also pointed out its planning, unified command and coordinated correct direction. We should earnestly study implementation. It requires the central and and fully appreciate the essence of these local governments, non-governmental innovations, draw inspirations from them and organizations and all foreign-related agencies apply them in our diplomatic practice. We should build on the good beginning and forge to work together to form synergy, with each ahead in a pioneering spirit. While continuing performing their respective functions. We to improve on the strategic planning, we should fully motivate all the parties involved should give greater play to the leading role of and spark their creativity, and at the same leadership diplomacy, vigorously grow time subject their activities to the unified relations with other major countries, step up management guided by national interests. friendship and win-win cooperation with our Efforts should be made to ensure the smooth neighboring countries and other developing exercise of leadership by the Party Central countries and move the international order in a Committee in decision-making, management more just and equitable direction. We should and specific handling of foreign-related work hard to popularize the new thinking and affairs so as to realize its strategic intentions in new ideas of Chinese diplomacy, implement diplomatic work. In the past six months, by the Party’s mass line and people-oriented strengthening institution-building, sorting diplomacy, and endeavor to make new progress in our diplomatic work, thus creating out relevant systems and mechanisms and a more enabling external environment to make formulating clear-cut regulations, the Party the Chinese dream, the great renewal of the Central Committee has succeeded in Chinese nation, come true. improving the management of foreign- (The author is State Councilor and Director of the Office of related work with stronger and better the Foreign Affairs Leading Group of the CPC Central coordinated operations. Committee.)
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State Councilor Yang Jiechi Meets with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia
On Aug. 15, 2013, State m e e t w i t h P r e s i d e n t Councilor Yang Jiechi met Vladimir Putin. It will be a with Foreign Minister big event for China-Russia Sergei Lavrov of Russia in relations in the second half Moscow. of this year. China will They expressed that in provide full support to the March this year, President Russian side for hosting the Xi Jinping paid a successful Summit. Both sides will state visit to Russia and the make concerted efforts to heads of state of the two push for the success of the c o u n t r i e s r e a c h e d Summit so as to yield new important consensus on fruits in bilateral practical further developing China- cooperation. Both sides will Russia comprehensive as well work with all other strategic cooperative parties to ensure new partnership. The China- progress of the SCO Russia relationship is now forging ahead in Bishkek Summit in promoting the the direction set by the two heads of state. The Organization’s development and cooperation two countries enjoy frequent high-level among member states. exchanges. Various cooperation mechanisms They also exchanged views on Korean are in effective operation. The exchanges and Peninsula situation, Iranian nuclear issue, cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, Syria and other issues. They pledged that the military affairs and people-to-people two countries will strengthen coordination exchanges enjoy a sound momentum and and cooperation, and work along with the close communication and coordination have international community to actively promote been maintained in major international and peace and open talks, in a bid to safeguard regional affairs. President Xi Jinping will global and regional peace and stability. attend the G20 St. Petersburg Summit and
State Councilor Yang Jiechi Meets with President-Elect John Ashe of 68th Session of UN General Assembly
On Aug. 13, 2013, State Councilor Yang in Beijing. Jiechi met with President-elect John Ashe of Yang Jiechi expressed that in the new the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly international situation, the UN, as a core
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institution of global governance, should shoulder its lofty mission, to actively coordinate the efforts of the m e m b e r s t a t e s , t o p r o m o t e international cooperation, so as to jointly cope with various global challenges. China supports UN for firmly safeguarding international equity and justice, strengthening the unity among member states, and listening to the voices of developing countries. China will give full support to the work of the UN and the UN General Assembly President. Hope both sides will keep close communication and especially the post-2015 development cooperation. agenda, as a priority of its work and will make Ashe said that he will positively push the full efforts to safeguard unity among member 68th Session of the UN General Assembly to states. take the promotion of development,
Foreign Minister Wang Yi Attends China-ASEAN High-Level Forum
On Aug. 2, 2013, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, relations with ASEAN have Wang Yi attended and addressed the opening always topped China’s diplomatic agenda. session of the High-Level Forum on the 10th This year marks the 10th anniversary of Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. The P a r t n e r s h i p i n b i l a t e r a l Bangkok, capital of relationship now T h a i l a n d . stands at a key S u r a p o n g stage of building Tovichakchaikul, o n p a s t D e p u t y P r i m e achievements to M i n i s t e r a n d m a k e n e w Minister of Foreign progress. A f f a i r s o f Over the past T h a i l a n d , w a s ten years, there present. have been many
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“firsts” in China-ASEAN relations. China is most important foundation is the region’s the first major non-ASEAN country to accede peace and stability that we have jointly to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in preserved, the most important consensus is to Southeast Asia, and it is the first to build a facilitate common development through strategic partnership with ASEAN. China is cooperation, and the most important also the first to launch Free Trade Area (FTA) experience is to stick to the “Asian way” and negotiations with ASEAN, and the two sides the “ASEAN way” and resolve the differences together established the world’s largest FTA through friendly consultation and equal- between developing countries. footed dialogue. We must keep to these Over the past 10 years, China-ASEAN valuable experience and consensus. trade has grown fast. Last year, two way trade Wang Yi noted, looking ahead, China- reached 400 billion US dollars, a six-time ASEAN relations are blessed with growth increase, and China has become the largest opportunities and dynamism with vast trading partner of ASEAN. Our mutual potential and bright prospects. These investment is more than 100 billion US opportunities and dynamism are first and dollars, up by four times. foremost generated by China’s development. Over the past 10 years, China-ASEAN At present, the Chinese economy has exchanges have greatly expanded. The maintained a steady and sound growth, is to number of mutual visits made by our peoples speed up transformation and upgrading, and last year reached 15 million, up by four times, will set onto a track of sustainable including 7.3 million visits by Chinese development. In the past 30 years and more, tourists, up by 2.6 times. China is the second China’s rapid economic growth has delivered largest source of inbound tourists for ASEAN. enormous dividends to this region and the Every week there are over 1,000 flights world at large. In the future, a Chinese between China and ASEAN, which are a lot economy that enjoys long-term, sustained and more than the number of flights between sound development will make even more China and Japan or between China and the important and lasting contribution to the Republic of Korea. development of the region and beyond. More importantly, China and ASEAN W a n g Y i s t r e s s e d t h a t C h i n a ’ s have stood together over the years and development constitutes the strengthening of supported each other when we faced a force for peace and friendship. China’s difficulties and challenges, at the time when development brings benefits to the SARS hit China, when a massive earthquake neighboring countries. It is an opportunity, struck Wenchuan of China’s Sichuan not a threat. Province, when Asian financial crisis and the Wang Yi pointed out that, as China- Indian Ocean tsunami occurs. This has ASEAN relations going forward, the strengthened our brotherly friendship. following two things are the most important: Wang Yi said, A review of the past reveals The first is to deepen cooperation in all that in growing China-ASEAN relations, the fields, to achieve win-win development. We
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should step up efforts to build an upgraded always stood ready to solve the dispute version of China-ASEAN FTA, and advance through dialogue and direct negotiation. regional economic integration. We should China has kept the door to dialogue and accelerate progress towards all-dimensional consultation open and pursued the prospects connectivity, and explore the possibility of an of win-win results. China will continue to do Asian investment and financing platform. We so in the future. We hope other countries should actively engage in maritime concerned will show the same spirit, and cooperation, and make good use of the China- work with us in the same direction, instead of ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund. We taking any move that may complicate or should continue to enrich and improve the aggravate the situation, still less misjudging regional cooperation structure so that various the situation and making mistakes repeatedly. mechanisms such as 10+1, 10+3 and EAS will Wang Yi said, during the recent East Asian complement and reinforce one another to foreign ministers’ meetings, China and secure the common interest of all countries in A S E A N c o u n t r i e s a g r e e d t o h o l d the region. We should enhance friendship consultations on the formulation of COC among our peoples and promote friendly under the framework of implementing the exchanges among our youth, think-tanks, DOC. China is a responsible country and has parliaments, NGOs and civil organizations. strictly complied with its commitment in DOC China stands ready to strengthen exchanges implementation. We hope other relevant with ASEAN countries in defense and parties will also abide by all the provisions in security fields to jointly safeguard regional the DOC. It is a gradual process to move from security and stability. the DOC to COC. We will work with ASEAN The second is to properly settle differences countries to seriously discuss and steadily with peaceful means through equal-footed advance the COC process. We would like to dialogue and friendly consultation. China work with all countries to make the South and some Southeast Asian countries have China Sea truly a sea of peace, friendship and disputes over territorial sovereignty and cooperation. maritime rights and interests, which are left Over 300 representatives of various circles over from history. On our part, we have in ASEAN countries participated in the Forum.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi On Process of “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea"
On Aug. 5, 2013, when answering of the “Code of Conduct in the South China questions from the journalists, Chinese Sea (COC)” under the framework of Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China and implementing the “Declaration on the ASEAN countries have agreed to hold Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea consultations on moving forward the process (DOC)” to jointly safeguard regional peace
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and stability of the South China sea. should not be imposed on other countries, as China has always taken a positive and an old Chinese saying, nothing forcibly done open attitude to the formulation of COC, and is going to be agreeable. at the same time, has noticed that there came Third, elimination of interference. China out some different ideas from some parties and ASEAN countries tried several times to concerned on how to promote the process of discuss on COC before, but got stuck due to COC. China views as follows: some interferences. All parties concerned First, reasonable expectations. Some should do more to help moving forward the countries are talking about “quick fix”, like process of COC, and create the necessary reaching consensus on COC within one day. It conditions and atmosphere, not going the is an attitude neither realistic nor serious. opposite way. COC involves multilateral interests from Fourth, step-by-step approach. The different parties, and its formulation is a formulation of COC is stipulated in DOC. process of sophisticated and complex COC is not to replace DOC, much less to coordination. ignore DOC and go its own way. The top Second, consensus through negotiations. priority now is to continue to implement We should refer to the experience of reaching DOC, especially promoting maritime DOC to move forward COC. To seek cooperation. In this process, we should consensus as broadly as possible and to keep formulate the road map for COC through the comfort of all parties in mind. Wills of consultations, and push it forward in a step- individual country or of a few countries by-step approach.
China Vows to Deepen Friendship with Central Asian Countries
Ashgabat, July 19 (Xinhua) — The new Chinese government w i l l c o n t i n u e i t s g o o d - n e i g h b o r l y r e l a t i o n s w i t h Central Asian countries and further deepen strategic mutual trust and cooperation with them, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday. Wang attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with his foreign ministers’ meeting in Uzbek counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, July 16, 2013.
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Bishkek and paid official visits to Kyrgyzstan, cooperation with the three countries in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on July 12-19, e c o n o m y a n d t r a d e , e n e r g y , in preparation for President Xi Jinping’s visit telecommunications among other fields. to the region in September. Leaders of the three states expressed Xi’s visit will be a historic event that will willingness to expand cooperation with China certainly push forward the ties between in the fields of economy and trade, railway, China and these three states as well as with road, mining, agriculture and tourism, Wang all Central Asian states to a new stage, he added. said. Meanwhile, China also exchanged views China and Central Asian countries, with other SCO members on ways to build the including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and regional body into a community featuring Turkmenistan, are friendly neighbors since common interests in politics, security and ancient times. economics. Beijing will always support the path of With the aim to inject new vitality into the development chosen by the Central Asian regional bloc, the Chinese side also urged the countries in line with their specific national SCO members to give full play to conditions and endorse the measures taken by complementary advantages of their them to maintain stability and develop respective economies and promote pragmatic economy, Wang said. cooperation among them while boosting The Chinese foreign minister said the efforts to safeguard regional peace and leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and stability. Turkmenistan said their countries regard The Chinese side also called for China as a trustworthy friend and strengthened infrastructure cooperation partner. among SCO members and enhanced efforts to They appreciate China’s long-time promote trade and investment facilitation as assistance and highly value Beijing’s huge well as cultural and people-to-people influence in regional and international affairs exchanges. as a responsible world power, Wang said. Leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Leaders of the three countries also threw Uzbekistan and SCO foreign ministers said their firm support behind China to safeguard they will strengthen coordination with China national reunification and combat the “three within the SCO framework so as to promote evil forces” of terrorism, separatism and mutually beneficial cooperation, safeguard extremism, he said. common security and deepen friendship Beijing is ready to unveil reciprocal among their peoples.
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IV. CHINA DREAM
Xi Urges Deepening Reform, Opening Up
W u h a n , J u l y 2 3 River. (Xinhua) — President Xi He stressed scientific Jinping has called for innovation and personnel d e e p e n i n g C h i n a ’ s training in driving reform and opening-up economic growth and efforts in order to encouraged workers to maintain a healthy develop domestic brands economy and achieve the t h a t c a n b e goals set during the 18th i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y National Congress of the competitive. Communist Party of “The working class China (CPC). m u s t s h o u l d e r t h i s Xi, who is also general historic responsibility,” secretary of the CPC he said. Central Committee, The president also made the remarks during called for more efforts in a tour of central China’s establishing a resource- Hubei Province from July Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party c o n s e r v i n g a n d 21 to 23. of China (CPC) Central Committee, environmentally-friendly X i c a l l e d f o r inspects the Yangluo container port in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei society. maintaining “a spirit of Province, July 21, 2013. Xi made an During the trip, Xi reform and innovation” inspection tour in Hubei from July 21 to listened to reports on the July 23. in every aspect of state progress of rural equity g o v e r n a n c e a n d transactions, saying that economic development. the transfer of land must be done while The president visited ports, enterprises, respecting the will of rural residents, villages and residential districts, talking to protecting farmland, ensuring food people from different backgrounds and supplies and increasing rural residents’ listening to their opinions on reform. incomes. While visiting a port in Wuhan, Xi Xi vowed to promote urban-rural highlighted the development of China’s integration and build the country’s vast rural logistics industry, calling for further area into a hospitable place for rural waterway development along the Yangtze residents.
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Xi said reforms must be comprehensively strike a balance between reform, development deepened in order to help China cope with and stability. challenges, adding that authorities must
Far Out, Way In
Minority students from remote places in Xinjiang flock to more developed regions for a short at better education
In the vast and sparsely populated a merit-based program has enabled students Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in from remote areas in Xinjiang to attend China’s northwest, more than half of the prestigious high schools in developed cities in residents are members of minority ethnic China’s east. The program offers students groups with native languages other than from Xinjiang free tuition, room and board. Mandarin Chinese. Education is complicated In 2000, a total of 1,000 students were by the region’s linguistic, geographic and admitted to 12 key schools, and the number socioeconomic conditions. grew year by year. By 2012, as many as 8,330 “In my hometown, educational resources students had been admitted to 85 elite schools are scarce and dropout rates are very high,” in 44 eastern cities. Altogether 51,300 students said Merhaba, a 13-year-old Uygur girl from have benefited from the program since its Kashgar Prefecture. “Almost all my cousins dropped out after middle school or even primary school. My brother and I are the only ones to go out of Kashgar for education.” Merhaba is a student at No.66 Middle School in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Her exam scores earned her admission to the elite junior high school in 2011. “Here, we have better teachers and better learning facilities,” she said. For a Better Future NEW GOAL: Students from Xinjiang ride a train that will take them Launched in September 2000, to boarding schools in developed cities in east China on August 27,
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inception. Ninety percent are from minority Xinjiang gather, and I have to work very hard ethnic groups. to keep up.” In 2003, the Xinjiang Regional To enroll at No.66 Middle School, Government designated No.66 Middle School according to Li, candidates had to score more in Urumqi to groom promising students and than 275 out of 300 on a selection exam. After help them make the even more difficult three years’ study, the students must take yet transition into schools in major cities in east another selection exam to enroll in key high China. schools in eastern cities. In the later exams, Now the school has more than 900 they have to score more than 690 out of 750 to students, of which 90 percent are students qualify. from rural and pastoral areas. Fourteen-year- “It is a big challenge,” said Li. “I cannot old Rhustan from Kashgar has been studying make mistakes.” at the school for nearly two years. “The teaching quality here is a lot better and it makes it easier for us to gain knowledge,” said Rhustan, who speaks fluent English. It’s not easy for a child to leave home and go to a faraway city to study at the tender age of 12, but Rhustan is mature for his age, and pragmatic and filial in equal measure. “Although they miss me a lot, my parents think it is the right decision for a better ON THE ROAD: Students from remote Aksu Prefecture arrive at Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August future and they are proud of 23, 2012, before heading to high schools in east China. me,” he said. For Li Ji, though, studying Li felt very homesick when he first arrived in Urumqi is not getting easier, but much in Urumqi. “Everything is so different harder. The 14-year-old Han boy, also from here—the weather, the food and we need to Kashgar, is now in the eighth grade at No.66 deal with everything by ourselves,” said Li, Middle School. who got through those days with the help of “It was easy for me to score in the top three teachers and classmates. “The interesting in- in my previous school in Kashgar, but here all class and extracurricular activities helped a the top students from different places in lot.”
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Li’s dream is to become a policeman and Mandarin to get a higher price for the grapes he said he hopes to go to Shanghai for further in her father’s field in 2012. studies. “After I graduate from university, I “My family earned more than other would come back to Xinjiang and make families in my village because I can speak contributions to my hometown.” Mandarin fluently,” the little girl said with a Guliweina, a 13-year-old girl from smile. Turpan, is a classmate of Li. She set up this “Children are the future,” said Meng. “If school as the goal when she was in the sixth we want to reduce poverty in Xinjiang, we grade in the primary school in Turpan. Her need to develop education. Education elder sister is a graduate here and went to empowers people’s minds and that’s more Beijing for senior high school. Now her sister important than anything else.” is a student at the Communication University “We are on our way to improving of China, located in the nation’s capital. “I education for ethnic minorities, which is admire my sister a lot and Beijing is my ideal crucial for regional economic development,” place too,” said Guliweina. said Tursun Ibrayim, head of the Education A Bigger Picture Department of Xinjiang. Tursun said that the policy of sending “In Urumqi alone, there are already four Xinjiang’s high school students to study in schools offering preparatory classes for students eastern cities is welcomed by parents and to attend high school in east China, with 10,000 children in the region. “Improving the quality students graduating each year,” said Meng of education among ethnic minorities is Lang, Principal of No.66 Middle School. important to Xinjiang’s social and economic Meng revealed that in order to bring more development,” said Tursun. children from rural and pastoral households According to Tursun, raising the into better schools, Xinjiang has opened junior educational level of the Xinjiang population is middle school classes in eight cities including no easy task for this underdeveloped Urumqi, Shihezi, Karamay, Kuytun, Changji, northwest region, which accounts for nearly a Hami, Korla and Aksu. sixth of the nation’s territory and has a Instruction is mainly in Mandarin and population of over 21.3 million. English. “Teachers here are dedicated, not He noted that since 2003, more than 60 only to teaching, but also to the breakdown of billion yuan ($9.77 billion) has been invested ethnic barriers,” said Meng. “Multilingual in education in Xinjiang. In 2013, the education is necessary. If they can write and autonomous region will allocate another 2.6 speak in their own ethnic languages and billion yuan ($424 million) in compulsory Mandarin and English, that will help them education. better integrate with the outside world.” “Education for all is the wish of every Wuziguli, an eighth grader at No.66 parent, child, educator and government Middle School, started bargaining in official in Xinjiang,” he said.
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Green Commitment Global Eco Forum held to promote sustainable development by Yu Lintao
“Cool Guiyang welcomes you,” a phrase attracting about 4,000 scholars, reporters, splashed across posters greeting visitors to politicians as well as representatives from the capital of southwest China’s Guizhou NGOs and multinationals. Province, is a testament to the city’s status as a self-proclaimed home to forestry and green living. Locals boast that Guiyang acts as a natural air conditioner to visitors during summer time, referring to the favorable eco-environment and pleasant climate. It was also this year’s summer resort for the environmentally conscious, as host to an international conference on ecological conservation from July 19 to 21. Visitors peruse an eco-product exhibition at the Eco-Forum The conference, the Eco-Forum Global on July 17 in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Global (EFG) in Guiyang, was first Guizhou Province. launched in 2009. It is China’s first and only national-level forum focusing on the During a media interview ahead of the environment. event, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Designed to promote the sharing of Kissinger hailed the forum as a platform that knowledge and experience in the will affect the future of humanity. implementation of policies regarding green Zhang Xinsheng, head of the International economic transformation and ecological Union for the Conservation of Nature and security among international community Natural Resources and Secretary General of members, the forum is well received by a the EFG, said that the upgrading of the forum global range of members. The 2013 annual to a national-level event this year shows meeting carried the theme of Building Eco- China’s commitment to its international Civilization: Green Transformation and obligations in promoting ecological Transition and emphasized green industry, conservation. green urbanization and green consumption, As the Chinese Government has
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incorporated building an eco-friendly society initiatives concerns the future of the human into its national development strategy race. Thus the EFG came into being to build a alongside economic, political, cultural and bigger platform for the shift to green and social development, participants claim the inclusive growth in the post-Rio era. forum is instructive of China’s future “The Chinese leadership is changing development trends. v i e w s a n d a d o p t i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l China’s Role perspectives,” said Patrick Haverman, Ever since the first Declaration on the Deputy Country Director of the UN Human Environment was released in 1972 at Development Program in China. He added the UN Conference on Human Environment, that such a forum is necessary because people have begun to realize that industrial environmental problems cannot be solved by revolution in the past 300 years has generated individuals or a single country. not only great material prosperity, but also Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the UN great damage to world resources and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network environment. And in 1992 during the Rio and a special advisor to UN Secretary General Summit, the UN Conference on Environment B a n K i - m o o n o n t h e M i l l e n n i u m and Development upgraded sustainable Development Goals, affirmed during an development as a strategy of joint introductory report at the forum that China development for humankind, integrating for plays a key role in promoting economic the first time economic development with globalization and global sustainable environmental protection. development. China’s achievement in “Although global achievements have reducing poverty has also contributed greatly been made in the provision of healthcare, to global development, he noted. education and the alleviation of poverty in the Participants lauded China’s leading role in past 20 years, progress has been very slow in south-south climate change cooperation. terms of goals set by the Rio Summit,” said Su Wei, Director of the Climate Change Zhang. “And the world has been faced with D e p a r t m e n t o f C h i n a ’ s N a t i o n a l increasing challenges in eco-security, climate Development and Reform Commission, said change, biodiversity protection and the country will continue to share its sustainable development since then.” experience and consider setting up a south- Therefore, Zhang said, achieving south cooperation fund for climate change. sustainable development and eco- In one of these cooperation projects, China conservation is no longer an option—it is an has promised to invest 200 million yuan ($32.6 inevitable course of human development. million) since 2011 to help small island states As the world’s second largest economy and least developed countries tackle climate and one of the largest emitters of greenhouse change. gasses, China’s progress in eco-friendly
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Homemade Robot Lights Up Inventor’s Dream
by Xinhua Writer Yao Yuan
Beijing, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) — Does creating inventing. a moving, speaking robot need special skills, He became known in 2009, when he dived advanced equipment and a huge amount of in a Beijing lake inside a submarine he put cash? A Chinese farmer says all you need is a together using gasoline barrels and other pile of scraps and a creative mind. pieces of scrap. Standing in a cramped rental room in However, being an inventor is not easy for Beijing, the 2-meter-tall humanoid is the latest a Chinese farmer. work of amateur inventor Tao Xiangli, “My family want me to find a stable and following his feat of diving in his homemade profitable job like a chef or a truck driver. They submarine in 2009. think what I’m doing is just fooling around,” With the help of sensors and remote Tao said. controls, the robot can perform simple Determined to stick to his path, Tao quit movements with its head and limbs, his karaoke job in 2010 and spent all his including walking, shaking hands and savings on inventing things. To save money, mimicking human voices. he lives in a 16-square-meter room in Beijing But the real surprise about the robot is that alone, after his wife returned home to run a its creator is a primary school graduate who store to feed their family. received no mechanical training or So far, Tao has seven patents in China, but instructions while assembling the robot. not one has been sold. The 39-year-old from the eastern province “No company wishes to buy them. They of Anhui said the robot took about one year to say buying the patent is not worth the money build. as their competitors can easily copy the “Many components are daily objects I devices after they are produced,” Tao said. bought in a second-hand market,” Tao said, Apart from insufficient protection on pointing to the robot’s helmet remolded from intellectual property in China, Tao is also a kettle, its chest made of tea tin lids and ice upset that his poor educational background skate blades as its arms. The most expensive and low status have made it hard for him to object, according to Tao, is a video screen on get support from the government. the robot’s chest that cost him hundreds of The robot was therefore meant to be an yuan (dozens of U.S. dollars). impressive “resume,” which Tao hoped INVENTOR IN RENTAL HOUSE would attract investment for his other Born into a farmer’s family, Tao became a designs. migrant worker at the age of 14 and worked at “I hope some entrepreneurs will notice me construction sites, restaurants and karaoke and are willing to invest. I’m almost 40 with a lounges before realizing his passion for family to feed. I can’t live in a rental room for
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the rest of my life,” he said. “If I run short of money, I may have to sell Tao said his next plan was to build a robot this guy,” Tao said, patting the robot. “But I that can operate underwater but he was hope when we meet again, I will be rich and unsure whether he could get enough cash to successful and can afford to buy him back.” get the project started.
Rising from Blueprints One-year-old Sansha is taking shape as a city by Li Li
As China’s youngest city to administer about 2 million square km of islands, coastal areas and territorial waters in the South China Sea, Sansha in Hainan Province was established on July 24, 2012, as an important base to safeguard China’s sovereignty and serve marine resources development. It is the country’s smallest prefecture-level city by both population and land area, but the largest by water area and the southernmost. Sansha gets its name from three island groups under its jurisdiction—Xisha, Z h o n g s h a a n d N a n s h a — a n d t h e i r surrounding waters in the South China Sea. According to the Sansha Government, at the end of 2012, the city had a permanent population of 833 and only 233 of them, mainly fishermen, registered their households in Sansha. However, areas under the jurisdiction of Sansha have 80 percent of China’s undersea oil and gas resources, and SALUTE: Residents attend a flag-raising ceremony 30 percent of China’s imports and exports on the Yongxing Island on July 23. travel through waters administered by Sansha. that the team will carry out regular patrols On March 9, the China Marine and observations including the management Surveillance (CMS) stationed a detachment in of maritime space and protection of marine Sansha. Its deputy head, Yang Zhong, said and island ecology.
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“It means the CMS has enhanced its infrastructure needs. administrative management over Sansha’s The Qiongzhou 3 now makes four round waters, and effectively covers the whole trips between Qinglan Port in Hainan Island South China Sea,” said Zhang Weijian, an and Yongxing every month if weather official with the CMS South Sea fleet. permits. Traveling more than 180 nautical miles during a 15-hour trip, besides people, the ship transports fresh water, rice, vegetables and medicine to Yongxing. The ship can carry up to 750 tons of freight and 200 passengers, a big improvement over the 400 tons of freight and 100 passengers carried by the Qiongzhou 2, replaced in 2007. More recently, construction and landscaping materials have become a larger part of its cargo. OFFICIAL RECOGNITION: Liang Feng, a resident on the Zhaoshu “The infrastructure workload Island in Sansha City, shows off his new ID card on July 17. in Sansha is enormous as the city is so young. However, we have Basic Construction prioritized projects concerning Upgrading infrastructure facilities was people’s livelihood, environmental facilities the top priority during Sansha’s first year. and ecological restoration projects,” said Xiao Located on 2.13-square-km Jie, Mayor of Sansha. Yongxing Island, the largest in the Xisha Islands, the Sansha Government and local residents mainly rely on ships for fresh water and other necessities. The ferry service between Hainan’s eponymous main island and Yongxing started in 1978 when the Qiongzhou 1 began to make irregular supply voyages for troops and police officers stationed in Yongxing. The ferry schedule has become busier over the years with the increase of PEARL ON THE SEA: Yongxing Island is the seat of the government Yongxing’s population and of Sansha City, Hainan Province.
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Investment in Sansha’s first 28 infrastructure projects totaled nearly 24 billion yuan ($3.91 billion), the Sansha Government reported last September. It invested nearly 340 million yuan ($55 million) in its first phase of port construction to create nine berths for unloading fish, ice and fuel. On July 20, the first phase of Sansha’s sewage treatment plant and a garbage collection and INTER-ISLAND SERVICE: A vessel serving islets of Sansha City transfer system completed returns to port at the Yongxing Island on July 18. construction. The sewage treatment plant cost more than 20 million A Better Life for Locals yuan ($3.26 million). It will supply Yongxing According to newspaper International with 1,800 cubic meters of water safe enough Tourism Island Business Daily based in for showers and laundry. Two temporary Haikou, capital city of Hainan Province, sewage treatment facilities, with a daily Nansha Islands and their surrounding capacity of 60 and 30 cubic meters, have also 820,000-sq-km waters are a prime fishery been put into use on Yongxing. resource, with an estimated potential for 1.8 The Central Government and the Hainan million tons a year of more than 20 kinds of Provincial Government have also pooled valuable fish. Chinese fishermen have been nearly 80 million yuan ($13 million) for a exploring this area since ancient times. badly needed seawater desalination plant on Xiao said that before Sansha was Yongxing, which will process 1,000 cubic established, infrastructure was nonexistent in meters of seawater a day to supply fresh water many islets and reefs settled by fishermen. to nearby islets, reefs and ships. Docks, water, electricity and waste processing A 400-ton-capacity ship is under facilities did not exist, and without ferry construction in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong services, fishermen had to transport key Province, which will transport food from supplies themselves. Yongxing to affiliated islets and return with Since its establishment, Sansha has made waste. The ship might even provide ferry great efforts to improve local residents’ living services to fishermen. conditions. Last December, the Sansha Government Fishermen running an aquaculture farm in also launched a tree-planting program on four Meiji Reef in the Nansha Islands used to live islets and reefs to curb soil erosion. A total of aboard their ships due to harsh natural 500 trees were planted on Yagong Islet in conditions. Newspaper Strait Metropolis Daily Xisha Islands in March. reported in January that a village was set up on
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the reef last December for 53 fishermen and a 49 days. 1,000-ton concrete platform being built in Photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer Yingli Sanya on the Hainan Island would be installed Solar has donated PV systems worth a total of atop the reef for suites with bathrooms, 5 million yuan ($806,000) to 120 households on generators, a gym and a vegetable garden. remote islets in Sansha. Installed in April, the In the first three months of this year alone, PV systems can generate nearly 70,000 kwh of several fishery companies in Hainan won electricity per year. government consent to build deep-sea fish Tapping the Potential farms in islets and reefs in Xisha and Nansha islands. Local newspapers in the province As part of Sansha’s efforts to boost its reported that the total number of fishing cages in development, the city has introduced 13 Sansha has shown exponential annual growth. doctorate holders from the State Oceanic Sansha officially established its first Administration, universities and renowned power supply company on August 28, 2012. It research institutions to work in various local started replacing Yongxing’s present 400-volt government departments. grid to a more reliable 10-kilovolt network in Xiao awarded them letters of appointment June and the upgrade is expected to be on July 22. completed before November. Scholars of South China Sea studies, China Southern Power Grid, one of two marine biology, environmental protection, state-owned power companies in China, land planning and fisheries will work as drafted a plan to invest no less than 300 assistants to the heads of their respective million yuan ($48.4 million) to build departments for one year. electricity systems over the next five years to turn Sansha into a model of low-carbon consumption. However, the planned grid will only cover Yongxing and Zhaoshu islands. China Telecom, one of the country’s three major phone carriers, announced on June 27 that it had extended its 3G signal to cover seven larger reefs of the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters, to serve military staff, fishermen DEEP-SEA STUDY: Researchers install a buoy at a maritime fishery and government vessels resource breeding and research base in waters of the Zhongsha Islands on within the area. Deployment of June 27. It is the first scientific program approved in Sansha since the the service network took only city's establishment.
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Local officials said that more talented Sansha, said Lu Zhiyuan, Director of the people will be introduced to Sansha in coming Hainan Provincial Tourism Administration. years. With its maiden voyage a complete In a June interview with International success, cruise tickets are being sold at major Tourism Island Business Daily, Xiao said that travel agencies and is scheduled to depart he expects higher government authorities will once or twice a month. make exceptions to household registration Xiao told magazine Outlook Weekly in requirements to attract more long-term May that Sansha has complied with the residents with diverse occupations. Central Government for better protection of The establishment of Sansha has relics along the ancient Marine Silk Route, a generated the public’s interest in this area. historical network of interlinking trade routes The first group of Chinese tourists aboard a between China and Western countries, cruise ship sailed to Xisha Islands on April 28. including shipwrecks carrying exported Some 240 Chinese passengers paid porcelain, and settlements established by between 7,000 ($1,100) and 9,000 yuan Chinese inhabitants as early as 1,000 years ago. ($1,500) for the four-day trip from the Hainan “These heritage sites are important proof Island to two of the Xisha Islands for of Chinese ancestors’ early development of sightseeing. the South China Sea. Protecting them is Cruises can minimize visitors’ damage to significant for our studies on history and the environment, which is important for development of tourism,” Xiao said.
V. TIBET TODAY
Development Key to Address Tibet Issues: Yu Zhengsheng
Lhasa, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) — Top political He called for efforts to “achieve leapfrog advisor Yu Zhengsheng said development economic and social development in Tibet and remains “fundamental and key” to long-term stability” in the region. addressing all issues related to Tibet. During his talks with Buddhist monks and Yu, Chairman of the National Committee religious officials, he said the Dalai Lama’s so- of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative called “high-degree autonomy” in “Greater Conference, made the comments during a six- Tibet” has “run counter to China’s day tour of Tibet Autonomous Region that Constitution, the law, and the fundamental started on Aug. 1. interests of Tibetan Buddhism.” During the tour, Yu promoted efforts to Yu urged the Tibetan Buddhist circle to rule Tibet by law and seek a regional “have a clear understanding of the development path with Chinese and local secessionist nature of the Dalai Lama clique characteristics. and resolutely safeguard national unification,
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ethnic unity and Tibet’s harmony and strengthen infrastructure construction and stability.” cultivate industries. The official said it was important to He also called for efforts to advance “comprehensively implement the ethnic and ecological and environmental protection, religious policies of the Communist Party of boost economic and social development and China and actively guide religions so they improve local people’s well-being. adapt to a socialist society.” Sectors related to people’s well-being will Yu urged authorities to scientifically always be the primary targets in assistance develop ideas for the development of Tibet, programs, Yu said.
Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), talks with children at a welfare center for (CPPCC), greets an old woman of the Tibetan ethnic group children in Nagqu Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Autonomous Region, Aug. 5, 2013. Yu, who is also a member Region, Aug. 3, 2013. Yu, who is also a member of the of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made an inspection tour in Tibet from Aug. 1 to 6. made an inspection tour in Tibet from Aug. 1 to 6.
Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of Yu Zhengsheng, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), talks with local people of the Tibetan ethnic (CPPCC), speaks at the symposium for officials group at their home in Nagqu Prefecture, southwest dispatched from across the country to work in Tibet and China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 5, 2013. Yu, who help with development in the region in Lhasa, capital of is also a member of the Standing Committee of the southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 2, Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) 2013. Yu, who is also a member of the Standing Committee Central Committee, made an inspection tour in Tibet from of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Aug. 1 to 6. (CPC) Central Committee, made an inspection tour in Tibet from Aug. 1 to 6.
54 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA Tibet Today
Science and Technology Contributes to Tibet Economic Growth
Doreen Wang
The application of new technologies has yaks, sheep and Tibetan pigs. improved local people’s production and life Now, a new breakthrough has been made in Tibet, the popularity rate of which has in breeding new variety of highland barely reached 85 percent. The contribution made by with the new variety of “Tibet Highland science and technology accounts for 35 Barely 2000” officially approved. percent of economic growth, and 42 percent of In 2012, the demonstration area of new the agricultural and husbandry growth, variety of highland barely has reached 45,500 according to the latest data by Science and mu (1mu equals to 0.0667 hectares), yielding Technology Office of the Tibet Autonomous 355.1-371.3 kg per mu, with year-on-year Region, reported by Xinhua. growth of 18.5 to 23.7 percent. Zayein Wangmo, a researcher from the Guan Weixing, associate researcher of Science and Technology Office, said that the Tibet Academy of Agricultural Sciences, said central government and Tibet local that the”Tibet Highland Barely 2000", a new government have invested over one billion variety that has been bred by Tibet Academy yuan in applied research and development of of Agricultural Sciences for 19 years, will be science and technology since 2008, improving planted as an example project in Lhunzhub research conditions rapidly. County, an important agriculture county of In addition, the biology research Lhasa. institution has built 11 sci-tech innovation “Last year, the yield of ‘Tibet Highland platforms successively, with more than 40 Barely 2000’ had reached 300 kg per acre, practical technologies and their varieties put while the ‘Tibet Highland Barely 320’, which into practice, 105 agricultural and livestock we had planned before could reach 200 kg per breeds fostered, and six new types of Tibet acre at most,” said Lado, a resident of medicines developed. Lhunzhub County, who added that whole It is reported that Tibet has increased its course technical guidance and training science and technology input in farming and provided by the experts has made him animal husbandry, solving the key technical understand the power of science and bottleneck of industrialization development technology. in terms of highland barely, forage grass,
Tibet Economy Grows Fast in H1
Lhasa, July 27 (Xinhua) — The economy of grew 12 percent in the first half of this year, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region according to the regional statistics bureau.
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The growth rate was 0.7 percentage points per-capita disposable income of urban higher than in the same period last year and residents increased 12.9 percent year on year 4.4 percentage points higher than the to reach 9,528 yuan. country’s average, said the bureau. Some 3.43 million tourists went to the The gross domestic product (GDP) of plateau region from January to June, an Tibet reached 32.96 billion yuan (about 5.34 increase of 21.8 percent from the same period billion U.S.dollars) in the first half, it added. last year, the regional tourism bureau said. The regional economy has been growing Meanwhile, Tibet’s tourism revenue in a steady, fast and sound way, said the Tibet surged 32.1 percent year on year to 3.2 billion Statistics Bureau. The region’s GDP has yuan (517 million U.S. dollars) in the six- maintained double-digit growth annually for month period. the past 20 years. China’s GDP growth slowed to 7.6 percent The per-capita cash income of farmers and in January-June of 2013, the weakest first-half herdsmen in the region hit 1,999 yuan in the performance in three years. same period, up 14.5 percent year on year. The
Giving Ancient Lhasa a Facelift by Wang Huazhong and Da Qiong
Beijing, July 23 (Xinhua) — Six months’ in the street. work and $244 million have restored an F l o w e r v e n d o r D r o l k a r , f r o m ancient area of the city, as Wang Huazhong Doilungdeche county, said: “I grew the and Da Qiong report. Small shops along Barkhor Street in Lhasa had not yet opened at 6 am, but new lamps, adorned with an auspicious Tibetan knot, Buddhist symbols and scripture texts, cast a warm glow over those who had risen early to pray. T h e d e v o t e e s m o v e d around Jokhang Temple in a clockwise direction, chanting sutras that echoed each other. The air smelled of night rain, local flowers, and the barley Puntsog, from Lhundrub county, and his teacher spent 18 months and pine branches that burned restoring a 12-square-meter fresco in Lhasa's Ramoche Temple.
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galsang metog flowers myself. You can offer Infrastructure Update them at the temple or take some home. I’m Nyima Tsering, 79, was born and raised on very grateful for the recent clearance of the Barkhor Street and remembers clearly how drainage area. Otherwise, I’d have no place to the place looked when he was a child. sell my flowers. Before, the sewage flooded He said the wind blew dust into the stalls the street when it rained.” along the narrow earth road during the hot The old urban area of Lhasa, which summer. At the time, Nyima Tsering’s house sprawls from the center of Barkhor Street, has was the property of Tashilhunpo Monastery a rich traditional and religious flavor. It is and beggars gathered around it. home to 27 temples, including Jokhang Previous renovations freed his six- Temple, which is a World Heritage Site, and member family from drinking water from a 56 vintage courtyards. well, using a non-flush toilet and having to The government has renovated 1,300- light candles for illumination, yet he said their year-old Barkhor Street many times before; in lives had remained “not so convenient” until 2002 alone, it spent 170 million yuan ($27.6 recently. million) on improvements. The courtyard in which he lives is home to But the infrastructure still lagged far several families, about 26 people in all, behind the needs of the burgeoning including seniors aged 80 and older. They all businesses, booming religious activities and shared one water tap on the ground floor people’s lives. More than 6 million tourists before the latest renovation was completed at flock to the Tibet autonomous region the end of June. annually and the population of the 1.33- Before that, water couldn’t even be square-km old town has risen to 80,000. pumped up to the second floor. Before the latest renovations, cables Because the pipes were just 20 cms in intertwined like cobwebs hung over diameter, the drainage system failed to Barkhor’s 35 alleys. Power and water supplies discharge sewage from many households. were inadequate and inaccessible in many Foul water gushed out onto the street on rainy areas. days, Nyima Tsering said. The city government started the latest In all, 199 courtyards are scattered along renovation drive, the third in recent history, in 35 alleys in the Barkhor Street area. late December, investing 1.5 billion yuan in Tashi Dorje, a deputy in Lhasa’s city the six-month project. congress, said that in the old house-intensive Its primary aims were: to protect the district, sewage and the fires used for cooking historic heritage, improve the lives of the and heating threatened the safety of the locals, and conserve the culture, according to crowded courtyards. the feasibility study for the effort. The renovation project has helped change “The project’s main priority was to the situation, the project leaders said. improve the civil infrastructure and eliminate Now all the overhanging cables have been safety hazards, such as fire risks,” the report buried underground in 31 km of piping tubes said. and tunnels.
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More than 17,000 households now have been installed. their own electricity meters, which means The old lamp bulbs were shaped like they no longer share the bill with other flowers, but the new designs look like prayer courtyard residents. wheels and incorporate many Tibetan To date, 1.2 km of new water pipes have elements, such as the greeting tashi delek, been laid and 7 km of existing pipelines have which means “good fortune”. been renovated. About 650 truckloads of mud “The street was very busy and noisy. But were cleared from the drainage intakes. now, I don’t have to turn up the TV volume Forty-six fire hydrants were installed and much because of the new windows,” said 2,200 km of decayed or illegally connected Tsering lhamo. cables have been removed. The windows of her living room along Yet what satisfies Nyima Tsering most is Barkhor Street are double-glazed, insulating that the road he travels every day to pray has the house from noise and cold. A yellow been widened and flattened. wooden lattice painted with auspicious The surface of the new roadway on Tibetan signs hangs outside the window. Barkhor Street uses anti-slip bluestones that “I’m pleased to see that the old district has absorb, rather than reflect, strong sunlight changed for good,” Nyima Tsering said. “My and a lane in the middle of the road has been children will live a better life and the old paved with smooth stones for the district will become more beautiful.” worshippers who prostrate themselves When the project was completed, the along its length. government of Chengguan district, where the More than 1,000 new street and wall renovation took place, conducted a survey to lamps, all bearing Tibetan designs, have also solicit public feedback on the quality of the work. All the respondents from the 12 local communities said they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the results. The old district is the original soul of Lhasa and a mirror that showcases the city’s charm and history. Conserving Heritage Wu Yingjie, deputy Party chief of the Tibet autonomous region, asked local authorities and builders to “take people’s Tourists wait to enter Jokhang Temple in downtown Lhasa. The high living conditions as the top season for visitors started in late June, and the city receives an average of 4,000 tourists every day. priority, and to make the
58 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA Tibet Today
protection of the culture and heritage one of Family members taught Asong, from the most important tasks” during the project. Gonggar county in Lhokha, to make clay The goal was “to help the old district of figurines and he has practiced the art for 22 Lhasa spark vitality and dynamism against years. He joined the project and led the backdrop of a new era”, he said. apprentices on a six-month project to rebuild According to the project administrators, the Four Heavenly Kings. the design department conducted surveys ”Only two other temples house statues of about the old buildings and asked Tibetan equivalent size to the Shakyamuni in Lhasa. architects for their guidance so the area could One is Jokhang and the other is Ramoche be “rebuilt as it originally was”. Temple. I’m very honored to have the At a news conference, officials said, “The opportunity to restore statues at temples with renovation rigorously abides by Tibetan centuries of history.” culture in the choice of construction materials, He said the Four Heavenly Kings are the range of colors and style.” biggest statues in Lhasa: “Our restoration will ”We tried to save the original facades of make the statues last for a long time regardless the buildings as much as possible,” said of the cost,” adding that the Four Heavenly Tsedar, deputy head of the restoration project. Kings have a human look and so allow the “We didn’t make major changes if minor artists license to use their imaginations.” alternations could meet the demand. We Despite the requirement that we should avoided using replacement elements and follow the body scale of the deities strictly in moving objects around.” accordance with descriptions, we can Structural engineer Liu Yu said before- illustrate their characters in different ways,” and-after blueprints have been kept for each he said. “We give the same deity different of the 172 buildings with unique and looks. spectacular elements. That’s the amazing thing about clay.”Erik The Lhasa government has also invested Ziarczyk, a Belgian journalist who toured the 300 million yuan on nine major cultural old district, said he liked it very much. “I want protection projects, including an upgrade of to walk around more to see the little stores and the firefighting system in Jokhang Temple I also want to have dinner there in one of those and the restoration of frescos and the statues little restaurants,” he said. “It’s all very of the Four Heavenly Kings in Ramoche interesting.” Temple.
Tibetan Culture on Display During Shoton Festival
The Shoton Festival, which ended on calligraphy. August 5 in Lhasa, capital of Tibet, featured The weeklong event, also known as the multiple displays of Tibetan culture, Yogurt Banquet festival, started with the including opera performances and “sunning of the Buddha” ceremony held in exhibitions of painted scrolls and Tibetan the 600-year-old Drepung Monastery.
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 59 Tibet Today
Pious Buddhists walked around a 1,480- sincerity and enthusiasm,“ said Deng square-meter portrait of Buddha and prayed Xiaolong, a 24-year-old tourist from south while excited tourists recorded the sacred rite China’s Guangdong Province. with their mobile phones. Yangzom, a veteran actress with Lhasa’s Situated at the foot of Mt. Gambo Utse, the Nyangrain Folk Opera Troupe, described her Drepung Monastery is one of the most job as her life. “I’ll keep performing until I can important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism. no longer walk,” she said. The Shoton Festival originated in the Tibetan operas used to be performed monastery more than 1,000 years ago. exclusively in open spaces in villages, farms Losang Danba, deputy secretary of the and nobles’ yards on festive occasions, with Lhasa municipal committee of the the only instruments being drums and Communist Party of China (CPC), said the cymbals. But in modern times, many troupes regional government spent more than 14 have turned to stages and adopted modern million yuan (2.28 million U.S. dollars) to technology to create new visual and acoustic widen roads leading to the monastery in order effects. to make transport more safe and convenient. “Moving to stages from squares is the Tibetan opera performances were also future trend. It will help non-Tibetan viewers staged at the Norbu Lingka park during the understand the opera and even help the festival, attracting more than 80,000 people ancient art form go global,” said Liu Wenfeng, each day. a researcher with the Chinese National Accompanied by lively drum beats, Academy of Arts. performers wearing masks painted with Festival organizers also staged an elaborate patterns danced passionately for exhibition dedicated to “thangkas,” or their audiences. Tibetan painted scrolls with a history of more Surrounding the stage, the viewers, most than 1,300 years. of whom were Tibetans, sat on their own rugs An exhibition of Tibetan calligraphy was or stools and drank homemade butter tea and also featured at the festival, showcasing a 206- highland barley wine while watching meter-long scroll recognized by Guinness performances by different troupes. World Records as the lengthiest work of The 600-year-old Tibetan opera Tibetan calligraphy. incorporates local literature, music, dance, The festival was originally a religious painting and acrobatics, with stories mainly occasion, when local people would offer based on folklore and Buddhist scripture. The yogurt to monks who had finished meditation artform has long been a significant part of the retreats. It has been held since the 17th century Shoton Festival and was added to UNESCO’s and is considered one of the most important World Heritage List in 2009. festivals on the Tibetan calendar. “I bring my whole family to watch Tibetan Tibet saw robust growth in tourism in the opera during every Shoton Festival. The first half of the year, with the number of visiting audiences are large and we have to come early tourists reaching 3.43 million, an increase of in order to get seats,” said 62-year-old Soinam 21.8 percent from the same period last year. Its Zhaxi. tourism revenues surged 32.1 percent year on “The performers’ colorful costumes are year to 3.2 billion yuan in the period. very beautiful. Although I can’t understand The plateau region typically experiences a what they are singing, their movements and three-month peak travel season starting from expressions impress me. I can feel their July.
60 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
(Effective from September 1, 2013)
I. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. The Visa Application Form should be filled out clearly with recently-taken color passport photo glued to or stapled on it. The size of the photo should be 48mmx33mm, with head width 21mm-24mm and head length 28mm-33mm, in white, light grey or light blue background. All other documents provided by the applicant together with the Application Form should be genuine, complete and accurate. Otherwise, the applicant shall take full consequences. 2. The Visa Application Form shall be signed by the applicant. In case the applicant is a person without or with limited capacity for civil conduct, the application form should be signed by his / her guardian on his / her behalf. If the form is filled out by entrusted travel / visa agent, both the applicant’s signature and the stamp of the agent are required. 3. The remaining validity of the passport should be at least six months and with at least two blank visa pages. For multiple-visa application, the remaining validity of the passport must cover the validity of visa and the duration of stay. For example, if applying for a visa with 6 months validity, multiple entries, and 30 days of each stay, the remaining validity of the passport should be at least 7 months. 4. When former Chinese national (including those who were born in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) holding either a foreign passport or a newly-issued passport, applies Chinese visa for the first time after gaining foreign citizenship, the original Chinese passport and a copy of its information page, or the old foreign passport and its information page and a copy of the previous Chinese visas are required. 5. Child with Chinese descent born either in China or in India applies for a Chinese visa for the first time, the Birth Certificate with his / her parents’ names on, the original certificate for quitting Chinese nationality and its copy, and the statement written by his / her parents or guardian are required. 6. Child with Chinese descent born in a third country should make his / her first Chinese visa application in his / her resident country if the Birth Certificate and the certificate for quitting Chinese nationality as mentioned in Article 5 cannot be submitted. 7. The applicant from a third country should provide valid Indian visa or valid Residence Permit in India and its copy, and fill up the Additional Application Form. In case the applicant from a third country staying in India with a short-term visa, a note verbale (with details as follows: applicant’s name, passport number, occupation, purpose to go to China, duration of stay in China) by the Embassy or Consulate-General of his / her own country is required. 8. The applicant must be in India while making the application for a Chinese Visa. Otherwise, the applicant should take full consequences.
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 61 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
9. Different types of visas will be issued according to applicants’ different identities, purposes and activities. The applicant should not engage in activities incompatible with the type of visa he / she is holding in China. In case a change of purpose or activity is made, an application should be made for a corresponding type of visa. Otherwise, the applicant should take full consequences. 10. Fraud documents or information are forbidden. If cheating, the applicant will be rejected a Chinese visa and the travel / visa agency will be deprived of the qualification of applying for Chinese visa. 11. Ordinary passport holders should go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) wherever available. 12. The Chinese Embassy and Consulate-Generals do not accept applications by mail. 13. The normal processing takes about one to two weeks. The applicant should plan ahead. Excuses like air ticket procured and confirmed will not be accepted. 14. In case Urgent Service is provided at the approval of the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate- Generals, the applicant should pay Extra Fee accordingly. 15. Residents of consular districts should make their application to the Chinese Consulate- General. The consular districts of the Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata covers Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. The consular districts of the Chinese Consulate-General in Mumbai covers Maharashtra and Karnataka. 16. Holders of following Chinese visas: D, J1, Q1, S1, X1, Z (hereinafter referred to as residence visa), shall apply for corresponding foreigner residence permit from the local Public Security Bureau at the level of county or above within 30 days upon entry into China. 17. Holders of following Chinese visa: C, F, G, J2, L, M, Q2, S2, X2 (hereinafter referred to as stay visa), shall stay in China with respective visa and stay within the duration period as indicated on visa.
II. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION
For different purposes to enter China, the following documents are required: 1. Visa Application for Carrying out Crew Activities (C visa) 1.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 1.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 1.3 The covering letter and guarantee letter issued by the foreign airlines or shipping company, or the invitation letter issued by the relevant units from China. 1.4 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. Note: Non-regular scheduled flight, chartered flight, private plane must get the Aviation Permit before departure. 2. Visa Application for Permanent Residence in China (D visa) 2.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on.
62 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
2.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 2.3 Original copy of the Certificate of Confirmation for foreigner’s Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China. 2.4 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place of destination in China, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company / person). 2.5 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 3. Visa Application for Purpose of Non-business Exchanges and Visits (F visa) 3.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 3.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 3.3 One of the following documents: invitation letter, Confirmation Letter of Invitation (with the invitation letter attached) or conference notice issued by Chinese units, Chinese citizens or duly authorized Chinese institute. 3.4 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). 3.5 For a multiple entry visa application, copies of previous Chinese visas (on one A4 paper) are required. 3.6 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 4. Visa Application for Transit (G visa) 4.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 4.2 Valid passport and a copy of its information page. 4.3 Airline (train, ship) ticket to the third country / territory with confirmed departure date and seats. 4.4 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). 4.5 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 5. Visa Application for Journalist Activities (J1 /J2 visa) 5.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 5.2 Valid passport and a copy of its information page. 5.3 Go through formalities in accordance with relevant China’s regulations or provisions governing the foreign news agencies stationed in China / foreign journalists interview activities, and submit the corresponding application documents. For foreign journalists going to China for profession-related purposes such as news coverage, interview or reporting, the invitation letter issued by duly authorized institute, application letter signed by the head of the foreign news agency (with details as follows: name list, arrival and departure time, places of interview, content to cover, introduction of the news agency, and name / address / contact number of the news agency ) are required . 5.4 Journalists, if apply for visa at the Chinese Embassy, can contact the Press Section of the Embassy in advance.
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 63 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
5.5 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 6. Visa Application for Tourist Purpose ( L visa) 6.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 6.2 Valid passport and a copy of its information page as well as copy of previous Chinese Visas (on one A-4 paper). 6.3 Invitation letter issued by Chinese company or citizen, the travel itinerary, personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting company / person, name and contact number of the applicant’s working unit in India). 6.4 If the applicant could not provide an invitation letter, the following documents are required: a. The travel itinerary. b. Round-trip air (train, ship) ticket and the hotel reservation sheet. c. Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company / person). d. Certification letter from the working unit of the applicant (with details as follows: name and contact number of the working unit, the applicant’s income statement), or e. Original copy of recent 6-month bank statement of the applicant. 6.5 If it is not the first time for the applicant to apply for Chinese visa for tourist purpose, the following information shall be covered in the personal statement: reasons for revisit, the places the applicant plans to visit this time and places he / she visited before. 6.6 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 6.7 If the applicants travel in China on a group basis, the invitation letter issued by the travel agency is required. 7. Visa Application for Business or Trade Purposes (M visa) 7.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 7.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 7.3 Copy of one of the following documents: a. Invitation letter issued by the Chinese business or trade partner. b. Invitation letter or confirmation letter of Invitation issued by duly authorized Chinese institutes or relevant units. c. Invitation letter of Trade Fair. d. Business License or Certificate approving the establishment of enterprise which shows the applicant as the enterprise’s investor or owner. 7.4 For application of a multiple entry visa: copy of all previous Chinese visas (on one A-4 sized paper) should be attached. 7.5 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name,
64 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). 7.6 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.
8. Visa Application for Family Reunion or Short-term Family-visiting (Q1 / Q2 visa) 8.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 8.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 8.3 Invitation letter issued by family member of the applicant who is either a Chinese citizen residing in China or a foreigner with permanent residence permit residing in China, and Proof of family relationship (Kinship Certificate, Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate) 8.4 In case the applicant enters China out of a fosterage reason, the authorization letter is required. 8.5 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person). 8.6 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 9. Visa Application of Professional Talents( R1/ R2 visa) 9.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 9.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 9.3 Documents as required by relevant rules. 9.4 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 10. Visa Application for Personal Matters in China (S1 / S2 visa) 10.1 Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 10.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 10.3 Application for visiting foreigner who stays or resides in China working or studying, the invitation letter issued by the foreigner in China, and Kinship Certificate are required. 10.4 Document that required to explain personal matters such as marriage, Inheritance, adoption, etc.. 10.5 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person). 10.6 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 11. Visa Application for Study in China (X1 / X2 visa) 11.1 Application Form and Additional Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 11.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page. 11.3 Original and a copy of Foreign Student Visa Application JW201 Form issued by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. Original and a copy of JW202 Form are required for the application of short-term study and further education which is less than six
August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA 65 Instructions for Chinese Visa Application
months. 11.4 Original and copy of Admission Notice issued by the university or institute in China. 11.5 Foreigners who want to apply for Chinese Medical Internship should provide the original and copy of Application Form for Medical Internship and Admission Notice for training in practice issued by the university in China. 11.6 Original and copy of foreigner’s physical examination record. 11.7 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact institute or person). 11.8 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. 12. Visa Application for Work / Employment (Z visa) 12.1 Application Form and additional Application Form with a recently-taken color photo glued to or stapled on. 12.2 Valid passport and a copy of information page 12.3 Invitation letter issued by duly authorized Chinese institute. 12.4 Original and copy of one of the following documents: a. Alien Employment License (work permit) issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China. b. Confirmation Letter for Foreign Experts (Foreign Experts Certificate) issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. c. Invitation Letter for Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation. d. Registration Certificate of Permanent Representative Institute of Foreign Enterprise issued by the local Administration of Industry and Commerce. e. Temporary Commercial Entertainment Performance Permit issued by the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China. 12.5 Original Diploma and a copy of it. 12.6 The accompanying spouse and minor child of the applicant who applies Z visa should submit original and copy of the invitation letter issued by duly authorized Chinese institute and proof of family membership (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate). 12.7 Original and copy of foreigner physical examination record. 12.8 Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows: place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person). 12.9 Other documents required by the Chinese Embassy and Consulate-General. Note: Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China, Physical Examination Record for Foreigners can be downloaded from the Chinese Embassy and Consulate Generals’ website.
66 August 2013 NEWS FROM CHINA
Postal Regd. No. DL-SW-16/4034/12-14 R.N.I. No. 47440/88 August 2013
A photo of Shennongshan Sightseeing Zone, located in Qinyang City, Henan Province of China. It is titled as the World Geological Park, state-level sightseeing area, national 4A scenic spot, National Macaque Nature Reserve and creative base for China Photographic Society.
Chinese Embassy Website: http://in.china-embassy.org E-mail: [email protected] Website of Foreign Ministry of China: www.mfa.gov.cn E-mail:[email protected] www.fmprc.gov.cn
PDF Version of this Issue is available at http://in.china-embassy.org