Foreign Policy

• Chinese president to visit Spain, Argentina, Panama, Portugal, attend G20 summit (Xinhua)
• Threat to eject China from WTO called 'talking nonsense' (China Daily)
• China's German ambassador says market will open but not all at once (SCMP)
• United States voids 10-year multiple-entry visas for some Chinese researchers (SCMP)
• China, Egypt to boost military exchanges, cooperation (Xinhua)
• President Xi Jinping meets Kazakh PM (Xinhua)
• Faced with a mounting economic crisis, the cash-strapped Maldives is looking to renegotiate its piles of Chinese debt (SCMP)
• China, India to hold new round of border talks (Global Times)
• China arrests 576 suspects on charges of solid waste smuggling in Jan-Oct (China Daily)
• China and Philippines sign oil and gas exploration deal as Xi Jinping meets Rodrigo Duterte (SCMP)
• 'No foreign troops on Cambodian soil': Prime Minister Hun Sen insists no China naval base being built (SCMP)
• China, Brunei upgrade ties (Global Times)
• APEC meeting achieves positive results: Chinese officials (Xinhua)

Domestic Policy

• China's mothers to be offered pain-free birth option in national bid to reduce caesarean rates (SCMP)
• Chinese newspaper editors fined over 'major political error' – putting three extra characters into Xi Jinping Thought (SCMP)
• China's top political advisor stresses special consultations (Xinhua)
• Physicists doubt 'Tianhe' precipitation plan capable of diverting clouds (Global Times)
• Accurate accountability oversight needed (Global Times)
• Premier oversees swearing-in of 59 officials (China Daily)
• Chinese authorities seek tougher sentences to make examples of child molesters (SCMP)
• Over 400 officials held accountable for environmental damage (Xinhua)
• Chinese university's plan to screen students' phones, tablets slammed by state media (SCMP)
• Writer faces 10 years in prison for selling homoerotic books (Global Times)

Beijing

• Beijing to register "credit scores" for all citizens by 2020 (Xinhua)

Xinjiang

• China's Xinjiang 'ethnic unity village' shows cracks in façade (SCMP)
• Xinjiang city urges terrorists to turn themselves in within 30 days (Global Times)

Hongkong

• Voter fatigue threatens to dampen turnout once again for West Kowloon by-election (SCMP)
• 'Small step' in push for civil unions for gay couples shot down in Hong Kong's legislature after heated debate (SCMP)
• 11 Hong Kong lawmakers demand protest space 'Civic Square', made famous in 2014 Occupy sit-ins, be fully reopened (SCMP)
• Carrie Lam declines invitation from Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club to attend annual reception (SCMP)

Taiwan

• European firms counting the cost of icy Beijing-Taipei relations, chamber of commerce says (SCMP)

DPRK

• Atomic watchdog demands North Korea allow nuclear inspectors back in amid reactor activity concerns (SCMP)
• US, South Korea 'closely coordinating' on breaking nuclear talks stalemate, Mike Pompeo says (SCMP)

Mongolia

• About 40 MPs to not attend parliamentary meetings (Montsame)
• About 100 thousand passengers passed through Mongolia-Xinjiang border (Montsame)
• President vetoes law on 2019 State Budget (Montsame)

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Chinese president to visit Spain, Argentina, Panama, Portugal, attend G20 summit (Xinhua)
2018-11-23
Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to Spain, Argentina, Panama and Portugal from Nov. 27 to Dec. 5, and attend the 13th Group of 20 (G20) summit from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the announcement here Friday. According to Lu, Xi was invited to pay the visits by Spanish King Felipe VI, Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He was invited to attend the G20 summit by Argentine President Mauricio Macri. ^ top ^

Threat to eject China from WTO called 'talking nonsense' (China Daily)
2018-11-23
A threat by a key adviser to US President Donald Trump to evict China from the World Trade Organization was dismissed as "talking nonsense" by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday. "The WTO is a multilateral organization and is not owned by the United States," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a news briefing in Beijing, noting that the comment "fully exposed Washington's bullying and the mentality of self-conceit". Geng's remarks came after Kevin Hassett, chairman of Trump's Council of Economic Advisers, said in an interview that China had "misbehaved" as a member of the WTO. He suggested that a case could be made for evicting China from the organization. Geng said the US has recently withdrawn from organizations such as the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization and a series of international instruments such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and the Paris Agreement on climate change. "If my memory does not fail, the US even threatened earlier to withdraw from the WTO. But now it hinted about evicting China from it in the name of reforming the organization. How ridiculous," Geng said. He also said that differences between WTO members can be solved through negotiations and coordination, but it is dangerous to think so easily of expelling others. China is the world's largest trader of goods as well as the second-largest economy. "Who will be next if the US dares to hint at evicting China from the WTO," Geng said. He added that China has been fulfilling its duty since joining the organization and has won praise from various parties, including the WTO secretary-general, for its support for the multilateral trading system and its rising role in the organization. In another development, Zhang Xiangchen, China's ambassador to the WTO, said on Tuesday that the WTO is a public good, not a tool for meeting the needs of particular members. "The direction of reforms for the WTO should be to fight against unilateralism and protectionism. The reforms have to push for worldwide trade liberalization and investment facilitation," he was quoted by Xinhua News Agency as saying. ^ top ^

China's German ambassador says market will open but not all at once (SCMP)
2018-11-22
China will not fully open its market to foreign partners while there are concerns of the impact on its own businesses, according to a report in the German newspaper Die Welt on Thursday. China's German ambassador Shi Mingde told the newspaper his country's ties to Germany were closer than to any other country, but that it still could not fully open its market to foreign partners. Beijing and Berlin are close allies in the fight to preserve the open international trading system that has made them both exporting powerhouses. German businesses complain, however, that they do not enjoy the freedom to invest in China that the Chinese do in Europe. "Political relations between China and Germany are as close and as good as never before", Shi said. "With no other country does China maintain such intense relations." But Shi said China needed to be cautious about foreign investment. Despite its integration into the world economy, China was still industrialising, he said, and so could not entirely open its market. "I admit that the German market is more open than the Chinese market, and we will continue to open," Shi said, "but not all at once, because we have to protect our domestic businesses". Asked about Germany's signals to create mechanisms to shield strategically sensitive companies against takeovers by Chinese investors, Shi said those fears were "totally groundless". "In most Chinese takeovers, two or three managers arrive from Beijing, but the leadership team stays," he said, adding that companies would then get more orders from China and full access to the Chinese market. ^ top ^

United States voids 10-year multiple-entry visas for some Chinese researchers (SCMP)
2018-11-22
The US embassy in Beijing has revoked 10-year multiple-entry visas issued to some researchers specialising in China-US relations, a further tightening of entry controls as ties between to the two countries worsen. In November 2014, China and the United States agreed to give all passport holders seeking to visit for business or tourism reciprocal multi-entry status for up to 10 years so they did not need to keep applying for visas. One Chinese researcher whose 10-year visa had been revoked recently said: "The embassy did not give me any explanation. And I have to attend an interview with the embassy's consul general to get my US visa in the future." The researcher said that so far the cancellations appeared to be limited to a small number of specialists at American studies institutes. But there have been complaints in China that the review process for US visa applications has become longer, forcing some researchers to cancel their US trips. The US embassy in Beijing was closed on Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the US has also stepped up screening of Chinese people with access to American hi-tech sectors. Trump has labelled China a strategic competitor, accused the country of intellectual property theft and criticised Beijing for its "Made in China 2025" programme, which aims to move the country up the hi-tech industrial value chain. As a result, the US launched a restrictive visa policy in June, cutting visas for Chinese graduate students in robotics, aviation and advanced manufacturing from a maximum of five years to 12 months. But the visa scrutiny appears to affect a broader number of areas. In July, Rao Yi, a prominent Chinese neuroscientist who used to have US citizenship, accused the US embassy in Beijing of being arrogant in repeatedly denying his visa to the US. Another expert on international relations whose 10-year US visa is still valid said national security concerns were driving the extra scrutiny. "Visa control is just one of the measures," he said. Chinese analysts said better communication – particularly with influential conservative think tanks in the US – was needed to resolve the issue. "It is unprecedentedly difficult for China to communicate with government officials, think tanks and enterprises in the US," Chen Wenling, chief economist with the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges think tank, said at a forum on the weekend. Chen said the biggest hurdle was the political and social consensus in the US to take a hard line against China. Former vice finance minister Zhu Guangyao said better communication was needed at all levels to avoid missteps. Washington and Beijing have been locked in the trade war since July, imposing tariffs up to 25 per cent on each other's products. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 1, raising prospects for a ceasefire in the tariffs. But deeply rooted conflicts over China's state capitalism and the US technology blockade are likely to continue. ^ top ^

China, Egypt to boost military exchanges, cooperation (Xinhua)
2018-11-22
Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe met with Egyptian Military Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid Hegazy on Thursday in Beijing. Speaking highly of the sound development momentum of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Wei said China attaches great importance to its military ties with Egypt. Wei expressed China's willingness to enhance strategic communication between the two militaries and promote mutual visits, professional exchanges, joint exercises, joint training, personnel training and other areas. Wei called for efforts to turn the bilateral military relationship into a good example for military ties between China and countries in the region, and jointly safeguard peace and stability around the world. Mohamed Farid Hegazy expressed hopes that the two countries and two militaries can further enhance exchanges and communication in various fields and make even greater progress in boosting bilateral relations. ^ top ^

President Xi Jinping meets Kazakh PM (Xinhua)
2018-11-22
President Xi Jinping on Thursday met with Kazakh Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev in Beijing, and suggested that both sides focus on policy synergizing and well implement the alignment of China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt and Kazakhstan's Nurly Zhol (Bright Path) economic program. Xi asked Sagintayev to give his cordial greetings to Nursultan Nazarbayev, president of Kazakhstan. With close contact, Xi said his important consensus with Nazarbayev on many issues had guided the development of bilateral ties. "The consensus is being implemented by solid steps with the two sides' concerted efforts," he said. "As a friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic partner, China places high importance on developing ties with Kazakhstan." He voiced his appreciation of Kazakhstan's people-centric development principle, and stressed that China firmly supported the Kazakh people in following a development path suited to national conditions. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. "Over the past five years, cooperation under the initiative has delivered tangible benefits to the people along the route, and injected new impetus to the world economy," Xi said. "China appreciates Kazakhstan's firm support and active participation in the Belt and Road cooperation. The two countries enjoy a solid basis and promising prospect for jointly building the Belt and Road." Looking into future cooperation, Xi called on both sides to step up policy coordination, further synergize the Silk Road Economic Belt construction with Kazakhstan's Bright Path economic policy, and map out exchanges in various fields. Sagintayev conveyed Nazarbayev's cordial greetings to Xi. Calling China a friendly neighbor, close friend and strategic partner of Kazakhstan, Sagintayev said his country highly valued the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative proposed by Xi in Kazakhstan five years ago. "The initiative is of great significance to strengthening regional connectivity, combating global challenges, maintaining world security and stability, and promoting common growth and prosperity," he said. The Kazakh prime minister recalled Xi's keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the first China International Import Expo earlier this month, when he compared the Chinese economy to the ocean. "Kazakhstan hopes the ship of Kazakhstan-China cooperation will keep sailing in the ocean of China's economy," Sagintayev said. ^ top ^

Faced with a mounting economic crisis, the cash-strapped Maldives is looking to renegotiate its piles of Chinese debt (SCMP)
2018-11-22
The Maldives foreign minister will visit Beijing before the end of 2018, officials said on Wednesday, likely seeking to renegotiate the archipelago's Chinese debt. China has loaned billions of dollars to countries around the Indian Ocean and beyond for infrastructure development, stoking fears of a debt trap. The new Maldives government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called for a review of Chinese-bankrolled projects initiated under his predecessor Abdulla Yameen. Former president Mohamed Nasheed, now Solih's mentor, has accused China of a land grab in the strategically placed Indian Ocean archipelago, and called a free-trade agreement (FTA) signed with Beijing under Yameen one-sided. The announcement of Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid's upcoming trip to China came after he held talks with the Chinese ambassador in Male, Zhang Lizhong, on Monday. The duo "discussed progress of ongoing Chinese projects … and future cooperation in areas of importance to the Maldives," the foreign ministry said without giving further details. China's ambassador told the local Avas.mv website that in fact only about half of the Maldives' external debt pile of US$1.2 billion was owed to Beijing. He said the loans carried an interest rate of 2 per cent and a five-year grace period, while also disputing claims of a debt trap. "We have nothing to gain if a friendly country falls into debt," he said. "There is no single (piece of) evidence to support the so-called debt trap claim." Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that the country owes China around US$3 billion. On Tuesday in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the FTA, which still has to be ratified by the Maldives parliament, was "a mutually beneficial and win-win" agreement. "We believe that the Maldivian government will make the right choice." Neighbouring Sri Lanka was forced to hand over a loss-making port to a Chinese state-owned company last year on an 99-year lease after failing to repay a US$1.4-billion Chinese loan. Soon after taking office at the weekend, Solih warned of a "dire" economic crisis as he turned to India for help, signalling an end to the pro-China stance of his predecessor Yameen. Solih, who was little known before his surprise election victory, briefed India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi "on the dire economic situation" according to a joint statement after Saturday's swearing-in ceremony attended by Modi. India has been the country's traditional main ally but Yameen, whose iron-fisted rule saw a string of political rivals locked up or exiled and the press muzzled, moved closer to China. ^ top ^

China, India to hold new round of border talks (Global Times)
2018-11-21
India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will visit China from Friday to Saturday for a new round of border talks, the Chinese foreign ministry announced Wednesday. The 21st Special Representatives' Meeting on the China-India Boundary Question is scheduled to take place in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, Geng Shuang, spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a routine press conference. "Both countries highly value this meeting, which will be the first after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi became the special representative," Geng said, adding that Sino-Indian relations have steadily developed this year with deeper cooperation in various fields. The two sides have kept close communication on border issues, and have properly managed differences through dialogue and negotiations, which contributed to the stability of the border areas. The two countries' special representatives will discuss the border issue based on the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, and advance the negotiation process based on the progress achieved by the two countries, Geng said. The two sides will properly manage border differences, and exchange views on key bilateral and major regional and international issues, he said. The 20th Special Representatives' Meeting was held in New Delhi in December 2017, during which Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Doval agreed to properly handle border issues to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in their border areas, the Xinhua News Agency reported in December 2017. ^ top ^

China arrests 576 suspects on charges of solid waste smuggling in Jan-Oct (China Daily)
2018-11-21
China investigated a total of 412 criminal cases related to solid waste smuggling and arrested 576 suspects on such charges in the first ten months of this year, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC) Tuesday. The GAC investigated a total of 1.46 million tonnes of solid waste during the January-October period, data shows. China also cooperated with other countries, regions as well as global and regional organizations, including the World Customs Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Criminal Police Organization, to curb solid waste smuggling in a global joint action plan between May 21 and July 23. "It's a shared responsibility for all countries and regions to crack down on cross-border smuggling of solid waste," said Ni Yuefeng, head of the GAC, adding that the action plan demands long-term and continuous efforts. The Chinese government is also set to introduce a new and tightened ban on solid waste imports effective from Dec. 31, 2018, with 32 types of solid waste due to be banned. The newly-added products include hardware, ships, auto parts, waste, stainless steel scraps, titanium and wood. China's imports of solid waste slumped further in the first 10 months of 2018 as the government stepped up enforcement of a ban on solid waste imports. The country began importing solid waste as a source of raw materials in the 1980s and for years has been the world's largest importer, despite having a weak capacity in garbage disposal. But some companies began illegally bringing foreign waste into the country for profit, posing a threat to the environment and public health. Given increasing public awareness of environment issues and China's green development drive, the government last year decided to phase out and halt such imports by the end of 2019, except for those containing resources not substitutable. ^ top ^

China and Philippines sign oil and gas exploration deal as Xi Jinping meets Rodrigo Duterte (SCMP)
2018-11-20
Beijing and Manila have agreed to a joint oil and gas exploration deal – one of 29 deals that were signed on Tuesday as Chinese President Xi Jinping began a two-day state visit to the Philippines. The two nations also signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on Beijing's vast trade and infrastructure strategy, the "Belt and Road Initiative", and agreed to boost ties. After meeting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for talks, Xi described the visit as a "milestone" in the countries' relations. Xi is the first Chinese leader to visit Manila in 13 years. The trip is widely seen as part of Beijing's efforts to move closer to the Philippines – despite their long-running dispute over the South China Sea – by extending investment and aid to the United States ally. "China and the Philippines have a lot of common interests in the South China Sea," Xi said after the talks. "We will continue to manage contentious issues and promote maritime cooperation through friendly consultation." He also said China would work with other Southeast Asian countries to finalise a code of conduct for the disputed waters within three years. Duterte said China and the Philippines had pushed forward bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas in recent years. "I am pleased with the current positive momentum of the Philippine-China relations," Duterte said. "There is deepening trust and confidence of government." Zhang Xuegang, a Southeast Asian affairs expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said the oil and gas exploration agreement set an example for other claimants in the South China Sea. "These two countries that once ended up at an international tribunal have now sat down and reached a deal through talks. This has positive implications for regional peace and cooperation," Zhang said. Details of the oil and gas deal, including its location, were not immediately disclosed, but according to a draft framework released by Philippine opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes, exploration would be carried out based on the principles of mutual respect and benefit, and would not affect the two nations' positions on sovereignty and maritime rights. But the exploration deal is seen by some in the Philippines as undermining the country's territorial claims in the South China Sea. Before Xi arrived, hundreds of protesters descended on the Chinese embassy in Manila to voice their opposition to the Duterte administration seeking closer ties with Beijing. "Philippines is not for sale," the marchers chanted, as some brandished signs saying "China out of Philippine waters" in reference to their dispute over the South China Sea. Critics are most concerned about Duterte's decision to set aside a major 2016 ruling from an international tribunal that declared Beijing's expansive claim over the waterway as being without basis, in favour of courting Chinese investment. "The reality is that the Philippines under Duterte may have squandered the most solid legal ground it has against China in the South China Sea conflict," Philippine Senator Leila De Lima said. A survey of 1,500 adults released by research institute Social Weather Stations found 84 per cent of Filipinos disagreed with taking a laissez-faire approach to Beijing's moves to build infrastructure and install military equipment in the strategic waters. High-level exchanges between the two nations were suspended after Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, took the dispute to a tribunal in The Hague. But ties have warmed under Duterte, who has not challenged Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea and has pivoted Manila away from Washington since he came to power in 2016. In opening remarks during their talks, Duterte described Xi's visit as a "historic occasion", while Xi said it would be a "milestone in the history of exchange between our two countries". "Our two countries will always be good neighbours, good friends, partners and enjoy common development and prosperity," Xi said. China and the Philippines also signed an agreement to finance the Kaliwa dam project, deals to build a 581km railway line from Los Banos to Matnog, on currency swaps, and for infrastructure development in Duterte's hometown Davao. Xi also said the two nations would cooperate on law enforcement. China has previously donated US$22 million worth of guns and ammunition to the Philippine National Police. ^ top ^

'No foreign troops on Cambodian soil': Prime Minister Hun Sen insists no China naval base being built (SCMP)
2018-11-19
Cambodia will not allow foreign military bases on its soil, strongman premier Hun Sen said Monday, swatting away US concerns about a possible Chinese naval site near hotly contested seas. China has lavished billions of dollars in soft loans, infrastructure and investment on the poor Southeast Asian kingdom, gifting Prime Minister Hun Sen a fast growing economy that he wields as justification for his 33-year authoritarian rule. In exchange Cambodia has been staunch China ally. It has seeded disunity among the 10-member Asean bloc of Southeast Asian nations over a diplomatic resistance to Beijing's aggression in the strategically pivotal South China Sea. Rumours a Chinese naval base is under construction off Cambodia's southwest coast have been swirling. The area under scrutiny is in the Gulf of Thailand but gives ready access to the South China Sea. Beijing claims most of the flashpoint area, infuriating the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan who all have competing claims to its islands and potentially resource-rich waters. But in comments during a cabinet meeting, broadcast on Facebook live, Hun Sen denied military bases of any kind have – or will be – built on Cambodian territory. "I have received a letter from Mike Pence, US Vice President, regarding concerns that there will be a China naval base in Cambodia," he said. "The Constitution of Cambodia bans the presence of foreign troops or military bases in its territory … whether naval forces, infantry forces or air forces." The US, once the region's undisputed military power, is acutely aware of the strategic and trading importance of the South China Sea and insists it remains international waters. US, Australian and British warships have increasingly conducted "freedom of navigation" operations through the sea to press that point, infuriating Beijing. Hun Sen dismissed reports of a Chinese base as "information that only tries to manipulate the truth." "I will reply to the letter form US Vice-president Mike Pence to make him understand clearly about the issue." Chinese bankrolled casinos, developments and dams have mushroomed in recent years, fanning growth but incubating resentment among some Cambodians who fear the country is increasingly in the pocket of the regional superpower. Several joint military exercises have also taken place while in June Beijing promised US$100 million to modernise Cambodia's military. China has established military positions on disputed outcrops in the South China Sea and intimidates fishermen and naval vessels from rival countries. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last week sought to soothe anxieties, backing a rule book on behaviour in contested waters to be finished in three years "We are not and we will not seek hegemony or expansion. That is something that we will never do," he added, ahead of a summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Singapore. Critics have countered that China has deliberately spent years negotiating the rule book with Southeast Asian neighbours to buy time to build up its military bases. ^ top ^

China, Brunei upgrade ties (Global Times)
2018-11-19
China and Brunei upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic cooperative partnership on Monday, after leaders of the two countries reaffirmed their political resolve to enhance relations through practical cooperation. On Monday, the visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan, and the two agreed to lift China-Brunei ties to a higher level. In 2013, China and Brunei established a cooperative relationship, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday. The two leaders witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents, including a plan to enhance cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative (BRI), Xinhua reported. The upgrade shows that China values ties with Brunei and expects them to serve as a sound example of China's relations with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Zhuang Guotu, head of Xiamen University's Southeast Asian Studies Center, told the Global Times on Monday. Zhuang noted that the two countries can enhance cooperation in maritime search and rescue, anti-piracy operations and crackdown on smuggling. China views Brunei as an important partner in building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and is willing to connect the BRI with Brunei's Wawasan 2035, according to Xinhua. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2017 to build synergy between the BRI and Brunei's Wawasan 2035, Xinhua reported. Wawasan 2035 was proposed in 2008 to promote economic diversification in the country. In a statement released on Monday, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability and security, and the importance of continuing to exercise self-restraint by all parties concerned and the promotion of mutual trust and confidence in the South China Sea, Xinhua reported. In the statement, the two sides underscored the importance of resolving territorial and jurisdictional disputes through peaceful dialogue and consultations by sovereign states directly concerned. Gu Xiaosong, an expert on Southeast Asian studies at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday that while it has disputes with China in the South China Sea, Brunei always shows a friendly attitude on the issue, which can be an example for other related countries. Gu said that close and friendly relations with Brunei will not only help promote regional development but also help solve the South China Sea issue. Trade between China and Brunei totaled $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2018, an increase of 88.7 percent compared to the same period last year, Beijing-based newspaper Economic Daily reported Sunday. Gu noted that "Brunei's economy used to rely on oil and gas, while BRI provides it with an opportunity to develop other industries such as tourism, agriculture and services." China has become the top source of foreign tourists to Brunei, with 52,000 Chinese visiting the country in 2017, Xinhua reported on Monday. Chinese companies have also been actively involved in infrastructure construction in Brunei, including the Pulau Muara Besar Bridge, Brunei's first sea bridge, the Telisai-Lumut Highway and the Ulu Tutong Dam. In addition, the 30-kilometer Temburong sea bridge, the largest infrastructure project in Brunei jointly built by a Chinese company, will also be completed soon, Xinhua reported Sunday. Xinhua said the biggest project invested by Chinese companies in Brunei, a petrochemical project with investment from Zhejiang Hengyi Petrochemical Corporation, is expected to be completed in 2022. These projects have improved local connectivity and become shining "brand names" of China in Brunei, Xinhua said. The two countries are also working on building an economic corridor between Brunei and South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Guangxi can help Brunei in the high-tech industry while Brunei can provide Guangxi with resources, Zhuang said. Exchanges between China and Brunei started in China's Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25), when Brunei was then known as Boni. Chinese explorer Zheng He (1371-1433), the pathfinder of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, had stopped at least twice in Brunei. The second King of Boni died in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, during a visit to China in 1408 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He was buried in royal rites at that time. Friendly interactions between China and Brunei shows that China's ancient Maritime Silk Road, as well as the current BRI, are always a path to peaceful and friendly cooperation, Zhuang said. ^ top ^

APEC meeting achieves positive results: Chinese officials (Xinhua)
2018-11-19
With joint efforts of all parties, the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting achieved positive results, said Chinese officials here Sunday. The meeting, held at a time when the regional economy is facing both opportunities and challenges, has pushed forward the practical cooperation in various fields within the APEC framework, Wang Xiaolong, director-general of the Department of International Economic Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, told the press. China congratulates the success of the meeting, and appreciates the active role of Papua New Guinea as the host, said Wang. China attaches great importance to the meeting. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the meeting and delivered a keynote speech. Xi proposed focusing on openness, development, inclusiveness, innovation and a rules-based approach, strengthening international cooperation, improving global economic governance and handling common challenges, Wang said. Xi put forward proposals on building an open economy in the region, nurture new growth drivers, improve connectivity and deepen partnership, among others, said Wang. The Chinese leader had indepth exchange of views with other leaders and reached many important consensuses, said Wang. At the meeting, Xi called on APEC members to continue to promote regional economic integration and draw up a post-2020 vision for the bloc. Xi highlighted at the meeting that China is a champion of Asia-Pacific cooperation and has taken concrete steps to promote cooperation on the ground. He pledged that China will increase its input for the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. Many leaders attending the event responded positively on Xi's proposals for Asia-Pacific cooperation, applauded China's important role in Asia-Pacific cooperation and said they look forward to closer cooperation with China so as to make the region more prosperous, said Wang. In response to questions about the multilateral trading system, Wang said that during the meeting, most members expressed their support for multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, expecting the World Trade Organization to play its role. Many members, especially the developing economies, have clearly defined their position to fight against trade protectionism and safeguard the development interests and space of developing countries, said Wang. Regarding WTO reform, Wang said it should be prohibited to pursue protectionism in the name of reform. Adhering to the road of open development, China is committed to building an open world economy, promotes regional economic integration, and upholds multilateralism and the multilateral trading system. When answering questions about the meeting's achievements in economy and trade, Zhang Shaogang, director-general of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of China's Ministry of Commerce, said that the meeting has achieved positive results in five areas. At the meeting, members made new policy proposals on subjects such as tariff and non-tariff measures, service, and investment, which have facilitated agreements within the bloc toward finalizing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), said Zhang. New progresses have been made regarding the Asia-Pacific Model E-port Network (APMEN) and important results have been achieved in building the international trade in value-added database, he said. Meanwhile, new cooperative elements have been added to a post-2020 vision for the bloc, within which there is now greater consensus to support the multilateral trading system, said Zhang, adding that it represents a positive input for strengthening global trade and economic cooperation amid rising protectionism and unilateralism. ^ top ^

China's mothers to be offered pain-free birth option in national bid to reduce caesarean rates (SCMP)
2018-11-23
Painless childbirth using epidural injections will become more available to expectant mothers in China in a bid by the state health authority to reduce the country's high rates of caesarean births. In a circular issued on Tuesday the National Health Commission said "a certain number" of hospitals across the country would be selected to join a pilot programme over the next two years to provide epidurals to relieve pain during a vaginal birth. "Hospitals are required to apply painless delivery in a regulated way and increase its application, lower the rates of caesareans and enhance pregnant women's satisfaction with hospitals," the circular said. Second-tier hospitals equipped with both anaesthesiology and obstetrics departments taking part in the programme will be expected to meet a target of at least 40 per cent painless deliveries by the end of 2020. China has some of the highest C-section rates in the world, booming from 3.7 per cent in 1988 to 34.9 per cent in 2014, according to a study in The Lancet medical journal. One reason for the high rate of caesarean births is that many expectant mothers believe it is the only way to avoid or limit the pain of a vaginal delivery. Last year, a 26-year-old pregnant woman from Yulin, in the northwest province of Shaanxi, jumped to her death from a hospital window, unable to bear the pain of her labour. Huang Shaoqiang, an anaesthesiologist from Fudan University's Obstetrics and Gynaecology Hospital in Shanghai, said a lot of public education about painless delivery was required. "People's wrong ideas include that painless delivery will hurt the infant's health, lead to future pain in the waist for the mother, and worsen both mother and baby's intelligence," he said. Liu Wei, director of department of anaesthesiology at United Family Healthcare Beijing, said many people on the mainland were not even aware that painless delivery was an option. "They take it for granted that [vaginal] delivery is painful and ask why bother to relieve the pain?" she said. Liu is one of dozens of medical counsellors endorsed by the state authority in the first half of this year to draft the painless delivery work plan. "The government has realised that expectant mothers have strong demands for this technology and women want to undergo a comfortable labour process," she said. Major health centres in big cities do offer an anaesthesiology service – at a small number of these top institutions in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, more than 90 per cent of vaginal births are pain-free, but it is still not a common option for the rest of the mainland, according to Liu. "It's because the ordinary public and some medical staff don't have a correct perception of painless delivery. It also couldn't be rolled out widely due to a shortage of anaesthesiologists and midwives," she said. "In the past, hospitals weren't motivated to do it as it would add to the workload of anaesthesiologists and they were not pushed by authorities to do that." Epidural injections involve the administration of an anaesthetic or painkiller to the epidural space around the spinal cord. They usually completely eliminate pain in childbirth, although that is not guaranteed; nevertheless, "painless delivery" is used as a synonym for the procedure. The cost of painless delivery, which can range from hundreds of yuan to more than 2,000 yuan (US$289), is also not covered by the mainland's public medical insurance scheme. Rates of painless delivery vary across China, from a relatively high 38 per cent of births in the eastern region, to as low as 1 per cent in northwestern areas. The national average is 10 per cent, according to a survey by news portal People.com.cn. ^ top ^

Chinese newspaper editors fined over 'major political error' – putting three extra characters into Xi Jinping Thought (SCMP)
2018-11-22
Political mistakes are costly in China: not only for Communist Party officials, but for the editors of its official media. Two Shaanxi Daily editors received fines of 10,000 and 5,000 yuan (US$1,440 and US$720) for allowing three extra Chinese characters into the 16-character political philosophy of President Xi Jinping. One of them, Liu Hui, added "Zong Shu Ji" – meaning general secretary – to the official term "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era", in a story about a meeting of the Shaanxi Artists Association, on November 15. The proofreading team spotted the mistake on the morning after the editor in charge, Wang Gehua, had approved the page for publication. In an internal memo obtained by the South China Morning Post, the paper's staff appraisal office termed the decision to add the characters a "major political error". As the editor in charge, Wang received the bigger fine of 10,000 yuan. Liu was fined 5,000 yuan. Set on 14 basic points and wrapped in dense terminology, Xi's thought is a nationalist appeal to restore China to greatness – a "Chinese dream" of rejuvenation that Xi first introduced in October 2017, when he opened the 19th party congress with a three-hour speech. At the end of the session that also marked the start of his second term, Xi's ideology, along with his name, were written into the party constitution – making him just the third leader after Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping to have his name attached to an official philosophy. Since then, slogans promoting the ideology have filled posters and billboards in cities nationwide. School pupils have been told to "plant Xi's thought in their minds" and dozens of research institutes have been set up at top universities to study the doctrine. Editors of official media have been summoned to study sessions organised by the party's propaganda department to learn about the leader's latest thoughts. When mentioning the doctrine in news reports, they are required to reproduce it in its full 16-character form – nothing more or less. ^ top ^

China's top political advisor stresses special consultations (Xinhua)
2018-11-22
China's top political advisor Wang Yang on Thursday stressed the importance of consultations with those who work on special issues. Wang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, made the remarks at a consultation symposium of the agriculture and rural affairs committee under the top political advisory body. The symposium gathered national and local political advisors as well as officials from related CPC and government departments and was the first of its kind since the establishment of the rural committee. He said consultation with those who work on related issues is an important form of consultative democracy of the CPPCC and an important vehicle in realizing the extensive, multilevel and institutionalized development of consultative democracy. He urged giving full play to such professional and flexible consultations so as to build a new platform for and inject new vitality into the CPPCC's specialist consultative bodies. ^ top ^

Physicists doubt 'Tianhe' precipitation plan capable of diverting clouds (Global Times)
2018-11-22
Chinese atmospheric physicists on Thursday publicly challenged the feasibility of the country's largest artificial precipitation project which aims to use sky-based technologies including the deployment of new rockets and satellites to divert water vapor and increase rainfall in arid northern China regions. The project, codenamed "Tianhe Project," was proposed by Tsinghua and Qinghai universities together with the Meteorological Bureau of Northwest China's Qinghai Province in 2015. The two universities started pre-research in 2016, according to news portal sciencenet.cn. The project "starts with monitoring vapor movement in the sky to better understand its pattern, followed by artificial modification to divert the vapor from the upper Yangtze River northward to the Yellow River basin and arid Northwest China," project leader Wang Guangqian, president of Qinghai University and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), told the Xinhua News Agency. Qinghai Province has spent more than 50 million yuan ($7.2 million) on the project through direct investment and school expenditure of Qinghai University. Total project cost has exceeded 100 million yuan, news site sciencenet.cn reported. When news reports revealed that satellites and rockets have been developed for the project, many observers opposed the construction in real name. "The project is an absurd fantasy with neither scientific foundation nor technical feasibility," Lu Hancheng, a professor at the Beijing-based National University of Defense Technology, told the website, noting that taxpayers' money must be cherished. Many scientists haven't fully understood the mechanism or mastered the techniques by which to modify cloud forming and precipitation, said Wang Gengchen, a research fellow at the Atmospheric Physics Institute of CAS. "Only after the project is fully assessed by atmospheric physicists and engineers should construction work start since premature development may cause unintended consequences," Wang told the Global Times on Thursday. A project insider, requesting anonymity, told the Global Times on Thursday that it is still in the pre-research stage. "Satellites and rockets are being developed to monitor vapor movement, unlike online speculation which states that aerospace equipment will directly transport the vapor," the insider noted. In theory, the project could eventually divert 5 billion cubic meters of water annually across northern regions, which is equivalent to 350 Hangzhou West Lakes or 2 million standard swimming pools. Tianhe Project is part of China's enormous south-to-north water diversion project, whereby central and eastern routes are already alleviating water shortages in North China. The western route, where Tianhe is deployed, is progressing at slower pace because of its high altitude, delicate surrounding ecosystem, and geographic complexity. ^ top ^

Accurate accountability oversight needed (Global Times)
2018-11-21
A newly launched official article of China's top discipline watchdog emphasized that officials who violate Party discipline should be impartially held accountable, in order to eliminate the previous phenomenon of punishing officials for minor mistakes just to meet reprimand quotas. The website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China published an article on Wednesday, pointing out the importance of accurately and impartially holding individuals accountable. The article said that the key to determining culpability lies in precision, meaning that liability should not be generalized and misused. "Holding an individual or group accountable generally is a serious problem for grass-roots officials," Tang Renwu, dean of the School of Governance of Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times on Wednesday, adding that it makes government officials run scared in their daily work, which hinders the implementation of their normal projects. According to a report by Beijing-based China Comment, a semimonthly magazine administrated by the Xinhua News Agency last Wednesday, there is phenomenon of generalized accountability in some local executive branches. The article came after a previous report in which a county official from East China's Anhui Province was disciplined after failing to answer phone calls from the inspection group in August within 4 minutes while he was in shower. The China Comment report said that these cases were almost all related to the tasks and requirements of overseer assessment, which are considered as the political responsibility of local government administrations. "There is no clear standard and regulation for holding individuals or groups responsible now, leading to confusion and misuse," while analyzing reasons for specific problems, Tang said. China Comment said that Party organizations at all levels should identify who is the responsible subject, and focus on specific, key points of accountability, which will in turn make clear to cadres what their objectives are and how to perform their duties. "The administrations need to formulate a regulation for determining accountability with high operability and detailed items, and even need a related law to manage it," Tang noted. ^ top ^

Premier oversees swearing-in of 59 officials (China Daily)
2018-11-20
Premier Li Keqiang oversaw 59 high-ranking officials swear an oath to the Constitution on Tuesday in the third such ceremony to pledge their compliance with China's fundamental law. These officials were appointed to new posts in 40 departments under the State Council from April to October. State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Xiao Jie announced the beginning of the ceremony at 11 am, and participants leapt to their feet and sang the national anthem. Lu Junhua, deputy secretary-general of the State Council, led the officials in the oath-taking while placing his left hand on a red-covered copy of the Constitution and holding his right hand upward. Against the background of the national emblem, these officials swore, "I do swear that I will be loyal to the Constitution, safeguard its authority and perform my statutory duties." They said they will be loyal to the motherland and the people, remain earnest in their duties, accept supervision from the people, and work hard to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous and strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful. After the ceremony, Li said the oath-takers must maintain loyalty to the Constitution, perform their duties in accordance with laws and shoulder their responsibilities with diligence. He called on them to keep clean from any corrupt actions and do their utmost to work for the good of the people, and overcome difficulties for them. The premier said officials should unremittingly strive to keep China's social and economic development in a stable and healthy condition. In 2015, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislators, passed and released a legal document that requires all public servants should take the oath and abide by the Constitution. In September 2016, the first group of 55 officials in departments under the State Council was present at the first oath-taking ceremony, held by the cabinet in the Zhongnanhai leadership compound. Another 62 officials were sworn-in at the second such ceremony at the compound in July last year. ^ top ^

Chinese authorities seek tougher sentences to make examples of child molesters (SCMP)
2018-11-19
Child sex offenders can expect tougher punishment – even if they do not physically touch their victims – after two precedent-setting decisions in appeals lodged by China's highest prosecutorial agency. Zheng Xinjian, director of juvenile prosecutions at the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP), made the assessment after the SPP won tougher sentences for two offenders on appeal. In a statement on the agency's website, Zheng said sexual assaults, abuse and other crimes against minors had become far too common and threatened social harmony and stability. "Appealing these cases is to show that crimes against minors will be severely punished and to strengthen guidance to lower level courts to crack down on such crimes," he said. In one of the cases, a 25-year-old man used instant messaging software to groom then coerce a 13-year-old girl into taking photos of herself naked. She sent him 10 images. Not satisfied, he demanded the teenager have sex with him in a hotel or he would publish the photos online, according to the SPP. The girl reported the threats to police and the man was arrested and tried in July last year. The court ruled that pressuring the girl into taking nudes did not constitute child molestation and the man's plan to have sex with the girl did not happen because he was arrested. The offender was sentenced to a year in jail for attempted child molestation. Prosecutors objected, saying the court was misdirected and the law wrongly applied, resulting in a lenient sentence. The prosecutors appealed against the sentence and the man's term was increased to two years. "In such cases, criminals usually alleged they did not touch the victim's body and did not commit any crime. We specifically made this an exemplary case to guide lower level procuratorates to apply the law correctly," Zheng said. "Child molestation is committed as long as the person gets children to take pictures of themselves naked, or of their private parts, by coercion, force or any other means to satisfy their sexual needs and seriously damage children's dignity and mental health." Forcing children to take such photos and sending them on the internet should be considered children molestation, he said. In another case, a 39-year-old man raped five primary schoolgirls and molested two others when he was a head teacher from 2011 to 2012. He was sentenced to six years in jail for the rapes and 54 months for molestation after three trials in the Supreme People's Court last year. The SPP appealed against those sentences, arguing that the rape of children should be considered a severe offence and punished accordingly. The defendant was jailed for life for the rapes and will serve 10 years for molestation. The SPP also called on the Ministry of Education to create programmes to improve awareness of sex crimes, a move endorsed by Sun Xuemei, spokeswoman for Girls Protection Special Fund, a non-governmental organisation focusing on protecting children from sex crimes. "We applaud the recommendation by the Supreme People's Procuratorate to the Ministry of Education," Sun said. "We have been appealing for the education authorities to make sex abuse education part of school education. Many parents have no clue about such education, and we will hope authorities will act." ^ top ^

Over 400 officials held accountable for environmental damage (Xinhua)
2018-11-19
China has held 404 officials in 10 provincial regions accountable for environmental damage after inspections by central authorities from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. As of Nov. 16, a total of 32 people have been detained and 33.25 million yuan (about 4.8 million U.S. dollars) of fines were imposed following the environmental inspections, the ministry said in a statement. The inspected regions were Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Anhui, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Shaanxi. Inspectors uncovered a slew of problems, including inadequate implementation of measures to improve environmental protection. The inspections are part of China's campaign to fight pollution and environmental degradation as decades of growth have left the country with smog, polluted water, and contaminated soil. Tackling pollution is one of "the three tough battles" that China aims to win within three years. ^ top ^

Chinese university's plan to screen students' phones, tablets slammed by state media (SCMP)
2018-11-18
A Chinese university's plan to inspect students' electronic devices for violent, pornographic or otherwise subversive material has been roundly slammed by state media. Several critical commentaries have been published following an initial outcry over Guilin University of Electronic Technology's plan to scrutinise phones, tablets, laptops and external drives over the course of this month. An article published on the website of state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) this week described the incident as "turning back the development of rule by law", as it violated the privacy of Chinese citizens. China's constitution states that people's freedoms and privacy of correspondence are protected by law and cannot be infringed upon on any grounds except by public security agencies or prosecutors acting in the interests of national security or conducting a criminal investigation. The college, in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, initially said that the checks would be carried out from November 7 to 23, but was quoted in a report published by Thepaper.cn on Tuesday as saying the process had yet to start and that it was rethinking its plan. "What needs our attention is that the school was only discussing whether the notice needs revision. They don't understand why it was so controversial," the CCTV piece said. "More importantly, the school needs to reflect on its actions and catch up on the meaning of the rule of law. Otherwise, even if the plan is aborted this time … there will be more bizarre policies in the future." An article published by the state-run Guangming Daily was equally critical of the device-screening plan and likened it to a recent incident at Pingdingshan College of Industrial Technology in central Henan province, where students were asked to use a standardised, approved format for their social media profiles and share daily posts from the school's Communist Youth League. "The cases share some similarities. A directive or notice is introduced off the top of someone's head without any discussion of its legitimacy. It's scary and worrisome," the article said. "Individuals on campuses have rights," it said. "Freedom and secrecy of correspondence are the basis for the public's safety in a society ruled by law … It's natural for society to react when basic rights are suspended." The college in Henan later denied forcing students to change their social media profiles and attributed the controversy to miscommunication. A report by Beijing Youth Daily, an official newspaper affiliated with the Communist Youth League, said the situation in Guilin was evidence of a lack of checks and balances at the university, and the outmoded dominance of its administrators. "Only after they are exposed by the media will the government pay attention to the campus rules that violate laws and regulations," it said. "And apart from aborting the policy, no one will take responsibility for it. In the case of Guilin University of Electronic Technology, there won't even be an apology." Education authorities in Guangxi said they had been in touch with the school but no further action had been taken. ^ top ^

Writer faces 10 years in prison for selling homoerotic books (Global Times)
2018-11-18
A woman in East China's Anhui Province was given a 10-year sentence for writing and distributing homoerotic books, sparking discussion on Chinese cyberspace over whether the punishment is excessive. The woman, surnamed Liu, commonly writing under the pen name Tianyi, came to the notice of police after one of her books, Gongzhan, went viral in 2017. According to Wuhu police, the book describes obscene sexual behavior between males, and the content, which is full of perverted sexual acts like violation and abuse, was sold online several thousand times over a period of a few months. The report said that, apart from Gongzhan, Tianyi has distributed over 7,000 pornographic books, most of which were related to homosexuality, gaining illegal profits of 150,000 yuan ($21,624) as of the arrest. Liu was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Wuhu court on October 31. However, many netizens, including Li Yinhe, a renowned Chinese sexologist and sociologist, questioned whether the sentence was excessive. "The author deserves sympathy. She did violate criminal law, but even a one-year sentence is too much, not to mention 10 years," Li commented on Sina Weibo on Saturday. A Weibo user posted her personal experience to question the sentence, saying that she was sexually assaulted and injured on the streets of Beijing in May 2018, but the perpetrator was sentenced to only 8 months in prison. An employee surnamed Xu from the court told The Beijing News on Saturday that the sentence was in accordance with the 1998 judicial interpretation. Deng Xueping, a lawyer based in Shanghai, told the newspaper that this judgement "was determined by a standard from 20 years ago," and, "our judicial explanation should advance with time." "If judges think content related to homosexuality and indecency has a baneful impact on the society, they might choose a heavy sentence within the legal range," Lü Xiaoquan, a Beijing-based lawyer, told the Global Times on Sunday, noting that social influence is also under consideration of the court. Liu has filed an appeal to the Intermediate People's Court of Wuhu after the first judgment, said The Beijing News. ^ top ^

Beijing to register "credit scores" for all citizens by 2020 (Xinhua)
2018-11-21
Beijing municipality will complete a project to register "credit scores" for all permanent residents by 2020, the local economic planner said Wednesday. The move comes as China intensified its efforts to build a social credit system for improving its business environment and boosting development. The credit scores are expected to impact market access, public services, travel, job-hunting and the ability to start businesses, according to a plan to improve the city's business environment published by Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform. "The city will improve its blacklist system and publish the default records of individuals and enterprises regularly, for penalizing such behavior," the plan said. The plan also encourages government bodies in the city to share credit information for coordinated actions. At a meeting in June, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called for building a social credit-centered regulatory mechanism and enhancing social credit building in key areas concerning people's livelihoods. ^ top ^

China's Xinjiang 'ethnic unity village' shows cracks in façade (SCMP)
2018-11-22
In this corner of China's far west, rows of identical white concrete houses with red metal roofs rise abruptly above the sand dunes of the harsh Taklamakan Desert. A Chinese flag flutters above the settlement, and a billboard at the entrance reads, "Welcome to the Hotan Unity New Village." This is a Communist Party showcase for its efforts to tame Xinjiang, the heartland of China's often restive Uygur Muslim minority and an unforgiving terrain. The free or low-cost houses are assigned alternately to Uygurs and Han, who work side-by-side in greenhouses and send their children to school together. It is the future the party envisions for Xinjiang after a massive security crackdown that has sent by some estimates more than a million Muslims to internment camps, and many of their children to orphanages. But a closer look at what the party calls "ethnic unity" reveals what isn't there: mosques for Muslim worshippers, or traditional Uygur brick homes, often adorned with pointed arches and carved decorations. In their place are colourful murals of what authorities consider to be scenes of unity, such as a Uygur man and his family holding a Chinese flag. In the village's new public square, Uygur children banter with Han children in fluent Mandarin, the language of the Han majority, rather than in their native tongue. Young Uygur women wear Western clothing without the headscarves that are part of traditional Muslim dress. While these are voluntary settlements with economic benefits, experts and Uygur activists believe they are part of a government campaign to erode the identities of the Central Asian groups who called the region home long before waves of Han migrants arrived. Construction of the village began in 2014 under previous Xinjiang party chief Zhang Chunxian, with a planned investment of 1.7 billion yuan (US$245 million). The goal was to build 5,000 homes and 10,000 greenhouses, according to local reports, to turn a large swathe of desert into farmland and create a shared prosperity among Uygurs and Han. Around the same time, the Communist Party came forth with a new strategy focused on ethnic mingling. Subsequently, at least one county offered financial incentives for Uygur-Han intermarriages, while others have launched programmes encouraging Uygur families to move into Han residential areas. China is building several such mixed settlements in Xinjiang. A similar village is under construction as a tourist attraction near Kuqa, around 600km (372 miles) from Hotan. A concrete yurt known as the "solidarity farmhouse" has been completed, and a giant sculpture of a pomegranate is prominently placed at the centre of the village to symbolise unity. In Hotan, there are signs that the government's experiment is making inroads. Uygur farmers toil alongside Han Chinese to farm crops in what was once barren desert land, and both groups live in modern houses equipped with gas, electricity and water. A billboard displays a picture of President Xi Jinping and a group of Uygur elders joining hands and, according to the caption, "linking hearts". Yet there are also signs of enduring mistrust. As elsewhere in Xinjiang, high walls around homes are topped with barbed wire, and police officers stand guard from behind fences at the entrance of the village. Adults do not mix socially – at night, a group of Han dance in the square while the Uygur residents chat among themselves on the sidelines. A Uygur farmer who moved to the village last September says authorities provided him with free housing and utilities, two greenhouses, a small orchard with grapevines and a barn with sheep, chickens and pigeons. But the crackdown on Muslims in Xinjiang has made it risky for ordinary Muslims to discuss their religious practices, and when speaking to reporters in front of government observers, he insists he was never a Muslim. Another Uygur farmer in his early seventies, Muzitohtahon, says he is no longer a Muslim. Uygur and Han villagers do seem united by at least one factor – their desire to escape poverty. Rural areas in Xinjiang, including Hotan, rank among the poorest in China, with many families lacking even the most basic utilities and food. The financial incentives are also a key draw for Han Chinese from other impoverished regions of China. Last May, 58-year-old Xiao Erying, who is Han Chinese, moved to this village from her hometown in the southern province of Hunan, over 4,000km away. "It is better than our hometown," she says, as she rakes sheep, chicken and cow manure inside her greenhouse. For 60,000 yuan (US$8,700), her family bought a two-bedroom home with a small orchard and two greenhouses. The two grandchildren she lives with are given free tuition, school lunches and even a free set of clothes. Xiao admits she does not speak Uygur and cannot communicate with her Uygur neighbours, but she says the layout encourages interaction. In a greenhouse a few dozen metres away, Uygur Abudu Mijiti has just begun planting chilli with his wife. He moved to the village three years ago to make a more stable living. Two of his three children go to the local school and are fluent in Mandarin, he says, as a government minder looks on. "For us, it's good, it helps learning our national language," he says. "And because our next-door neighbour is [Han], as we go in and out, it helps improve ethnic unity." On the surface, the picture presented at the Hotan Unity New Village reflects the government's vision of an "idealised place", says David O'Brien, an expert at the University of Nottingham. "Every single part of it is the official narrative," O'Brien says. "The narrative is, water will flow to the desert. The narrative is, if you come here, great opportunity awaits you. The narrative that people will be secular, they will learn Mandarin." Yet the settlement remains only partly inhabited. The city says there are 534 households in the compound, but most of the houses are empty. A drive through reveals rows of empty greenhouses and house after house with a sign that says "sealed off" patched onto padlocked or chained gates. Under the sweltering desert sun, one Han farmer tending to her plot of Chinese chives complains that water is scarce and her previous batch of chives had to be thrown out. Even when the crops work out, the chives sell for less than 1 yuan per kilogram. "Not even enough for food," she grumbles. "You cannot feed yourself just working on greenhouses." In the absence of government minders, the woman goes on. "Ordinary people are not able to eat meat. The officials can, but not the ordinary people," says the woman, who declines to give her name out of fear of punishment. As dusk approaches and temperatures fall, residents make their way out onto the streets to enjoy the evening breeze. On the Uygur side of the street, a young Uygur woman rests on an electric bike after a day's work, looking at her mobile phone. Asked what she thinks of unity, she looks up. "Unity?" she asks. Silently and slowly, she shakes her head, and returns to her phone. ^ top ^

Xinjiang city urges terrorists to turn themselves in within 30 days (Global Times)
2018-11-19
Authorities in Hami, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, urged suspects of violence and terrorism and those influenced by the three evil forces of separatism, extremism and terrorism to surrender within 30 days for leniency. Local authorities listed 18 situations in which suspects should give themselves up, according to a notice published on the official WeChat account of Hami Cyberspace Affairs Commission on Sunday. Those situations include recruiting people to establish terrorist groups or colluding with overseas terrorist groups, helping terrorists make weapons or explosives and raising funds or providing other needed help for terrorists. People who receive training from terrorist groups, or purchase maps, GPS, compasses, telescopes, ropes, tents or other training materials, and help download or provide links of audio, video, and text related to terrorism or offer VPN for overseas websites should surrender. Those who send minor children or students to learn religious doctrine or advocate using the Koran to regulate normal life and reject Party officials should also turn themselves in, and those who get married or divorced using religious rites, commit bigamy or interfere with family planning policy in the name of religion should surrender. The Hami authorities also urged those who forbid others from watching television programs or induce others to boycott national preferential policies, such as rejecting government-subsidized housing or calling for a ban of goods belong to Han people, to give themselves up. All related suspects who surrender themselves within 30 days of the notice will be eligible for lesser punishment. They should turn themselves in to authorities by visiting police stations, procurators, courts, or by letter, telegram or phone, according to the notice. Xinjiang's Kashgar Prefecture also released a similar notice in 2017 urging people influenced by terrorism to surrender, and the notice said that people who reported terrorism or violence related information could receive up to 5 million yuan ($720,000) as a reward, according to the notice on Kashgar University's website. Such notice served to deepen the campaign of cracking down on terrorism in Xinjiang, as regional vocational training centers have achieved great success in anti-radicalization of Xinjiang society, Li Wei, a counter-terrorism expert at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing, told the Global Times. Some terrorists who surrender, instead of being put into prisons, may go to vocational training centers to learn practical skills, such as language and knowledge to better understand the religion, Li said. ^ top ^

Voter fatigue threatens to dampen turnout once again for West Kowloon by-election (SCMP)
2018-11-23
As 490,000 voters in Hong Kong cast their ballots on Sunday in the legislature's by-election, the pro-democracy and pro-Beijing blocs face a neck-and-neck battle that puts the two camps' abilities to mobilise voters to the test. Hong Kong's politicians have been debating issues ranging from the government's controversial decision to prevent British journalist Victor Mallet from entering the city, to a US congressional report recommending a review of trade policy on Hong Kong, yet analysts believe that voters are still suffering from fatigue since the pro-democracy Occupy protests in 2014, and those issues are unlikely to sway voters from one camp to the other. After the Legislative Council election in 2016, a total of six pro-democracy lawmakers were ousted for improper oath-taking. By-elections were held in March this year to fill four of the seats, as two legislators – Leung Kwok-hung and Lau Siu-lai – decided to appeal. Lau dropped her appeal in May, triggering this by-election. The activist had also sought a comeback to Legco, but her candidacy was invalidated over her earlier call for the city's self-determination. Labour Party stalwart Lee Cheuk-yan, 61, was endorsed by the pan-democratic camp as Lau's replacement, and analysts believe that the former legislator, together with pro-establishment candidate Chan Hoi-yan, 41, will come out on top, with the latter having a better chance of winning a seat in the Legco. Speaking to the Post on Wednesday, Lee said the pan-democrats had showed unity – something critics said was lacking in the camp's previous bid in the March by-election. "The whole spectrum is present, from Martin Lee Chu-ming to Joshua Wong Chi-fung, spanning the generations," he said. Lee's platform focuses on four themes: fighting for democracy, better living, a stronger civil society and resisting the "mainlandisation" of Hong Kong. Should Lee win the election, the pan-democrats would regain their power of veto in Legco. There are 70 seats in the legislature, half of which represent geographical constituencies. The other half represent professional sectors in Hong Kong. Under Legco's split voting rule, a motion put forward by a lawmaker can only be approved with majority support from each of the two groups. Before the oath-taking saga, the pro-democracy camp dominated the geographical constituencies, while the pro-Beijing camp controlled the functional group. The two camps were therefore able to veto each other's motions. The pan-democrats had hoped to regain that veto power in the March elections, but their champion Edward Yiu Chung-yim only managed to get 48.8 per cent of the votes in Kowloon West, and narrowly lost to his pro-Beijing rival Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, who garnered 49.9 per cent. That by-election only drew 216,895 Kowloon West voters to polling stations – or 44.3 per cent of those registered in the constituency. Pundits said the low turnout was a key reason for Yiu's shock defeat, and this time it could be worse. Political scientist Chung Kim-wah, of Polytechnic University, said the recent controversies facing Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor were too distant to sway voters. "The issues do not have a big impact on young voters," he said. Chung also said he was not expecting a high turnout, as young voters do not believe elections can bring meaningful changes. "The biggest problem is that people have lost faith in elections … the credibility of the political system has been damaged," he added. Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of semi-official think tank The Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, agreed that the recent controversies may not matter much. "Even the Lantau proposal is too far ahead in time," Lau said, in a reference to Lam's controversial plan to reclaim 1,700 hectares of land off Lantau Island to house 1.1 million people. However, Lee still hopes that the reclamation proposal could at least drive the grass roots and middle class to poll stations on Sunday. "The middle class will be concerned about the burden on future generations, while the grass roots will think the proposal cannot solve their urgent needs," he said, adding he hope turnout rate could reach 50 per cent. The Lantau plan is expected to take decades to complete, costing upwards of HK$500 billion (US$63.8 billion). Yet he conceded that a former ally of the camp, Frederick Fung Kin-kee, 65, would pose a challenge to his campaign. Lee's arch-rival, though, is Chan. The pro-establishment candidate was seen canvassing with former health minister Ko Wing-man, whom she served under as political assistant from 2012 to 2017. During an election forum on Tuesday, Chan said she intended to put citizens' welfare above politics. She initially did not state her political affiliation, but later admitted to being a member of the pro-establishment camp at an event attended by leaders from the camp. On social media, Chan stuck to promoting her welfare policy ideas, such as lengthening paternity leave for workers and improving public health care services. A source in the pro-establishment camp told the Post earlier that Chan was picked as their candidate on the condition she promise to serve only one term. Two other candidates, IT worker Ng Dick-hay, 54, and independent Judy Tzeng Li-wen, 50, are not expected to take a significant share of the vote. Ng, who got 2,202 votes when he ran for a Hong Kong Island seat in the March by-election, said he was confident of doing better this time. Tzeng, who is not affiliated with any political party, said she was running as a localist candidate. ^ top ^

'Small step' in push for civil unions for gay couples shot down in Hong Kong's legislature after heated debate (SCMP)
2018-11-22
A proposal by Hong Kong's only openly gay lawmaker that the government study the idea of creating legal unions for homosexual couples has been shot down by the city's legislature after a heated debate. People Power legislator Raymond Chan Chi-chuen on Thursday raised a motion urging officials to consider granting greater rights, but it was voted down 27 to 24. The government said the vote reflected the diverse range of opinion in the city, and that any changes to the institution of marriage would have a profound influence on society. Hong Kong does not recognise same-sex marriage and has no legislation in place against discrimination based on sexual orientation. A poll by the University of Hong Kong in July showed more than half of city residents would support gay marriage. Chan said his proposal was mild and merely aimed at sparking discussion. "The government keeps avoiding studying policies for homosexual groups," he said. "Opponents of this motion have to explain why they reject even such a small step forward." Echoing his call were pro-democracy legislators Au Nok-hin and Gary Fan Kwok-wai, who filed amendments to the motion in support of Chan's arguments. Fan included a clause which said same-sex couples should enjoy a range of rights currently denied, including the right to make important medical decisions on a partner's behalf, and the ability to collect a partner's body after death. Most pro-establishment lawmakers however were more conservative. Dr Priscilla Leung Mei-fun called on the government to refrain from "shaking existing marriage institutions … to ensure social and family stability". Holden Chow Ho-ding, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the city's largest pro-government party, warned that society would pay a high price if it followed "Western traditions". But New People's Party leader Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee broke ranks to back Chan's call for studies into granting more rights. "What you are safeguarding is the concept of Christianity, not traditional Chinese values," she said. "Please take a closer look at the issue." Ip pointed out that polygamy had only been banned in Hong Kong in 1972 after a long history in Chinese culture. Leung was mistaken if she believed she was safeguarding traditional values, Ip said. The former security minister and Executive Council member urged officials to respect the views of the younger generation, who she said were more open to homosexuality. Leung submitted an amendment of her own but it failed to gain enough support among lawmakers representing the city's geographical constituencies. A Legislative Council member's motion passes only when it gains backing from both geographical seats and functional constituencies, which represent professional or business sectors. Motions are not binding and impose no requirement on the government to act. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip Tak-kuen said the topic was sensitive and controversial, as recent polls had illustrated. "Many existing laws and policies in Hong Kong, such as applying for public housing, taxation and social welfare, are based on the existing marriage system," Nip said. Allowing same-sex couples to enter civil unions would inevitably shake up society and social ethics, and must be handled with caution, he believed. Thousands of Hongkongers joined the city's annual Pride Parade on Saturday calling for legislation to help achieve equality for the LGBT community. Organisers said the number of marchers had been growing in recent years. The parade and Legco debate come on the heels of a landmark decision in July by Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal which granted spousal visas to the same-sex partners of foreign workers in the city – a privilege previously only available to heterosexual couples. ^ top ^

11 Hong Kong lawmakers demand protest space 'Civic Square', made famous in 2014 Occupy sit-ins, be fully reopened (SCMP)
2018-11-21
Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers on Wednesday demanded the government lift restrictions on demonstrations inside a forecourt at its headquarters – and to make their point they staged a protest there. The 11 legislators said the government-owned space in Admiralty commonly referred to as "Civic Square" must be fully reopened to comply with a recent court ruling. "As the judge clearly ruled the restrictions unconstitutional, the government now has no reason to restrict entry to the place," Civic Party chairman Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu said. A High Court judgment on Monday found the government had acted unconstitutionally by denying a retired photographer, Cheung Tak-wing, permission to hold an event at the forecourt on a weekday. In September 2014 the area was sealed off with a three-metre-high fence but was stormed by student demonstrators that same month in a protest that triggered Hong Kong's Occupy sit-ins. The forecourt was reopened in July last year but on the condition that no public rallies be held on weekdays and prior permission be sought for weekends. But the judge this week found the government's guidelines infringed on the public's right to freedom of expression. The city's director of administration was given 28 days to appeal against the ruling. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Tuesday said officials would revisit the rules to see if there was any room for relaxation. Government sources said the justice department was studying the legal reasoning behind the judge's decision, and that Lam had not expressed a view on an appeal. The rules were still in force on Wednesday, however. The 11 protesting lawmakers were not immediately stopped by government security guards, but their actions were videoed. "Technically we are all breaking the rules," Council Front lawmaker Au Nok-hin said. Dennis Kwok, who represents the city's legal sector in the legislature, said the court ruling was clear. "Even if the government tries to come up with new guidelines, they must respect citizens' fundamental rights," Kwok said. Pro-democracy camp convenor Claudia Mo Man-ching went further, saying all fences around the forecourt and security guards should be removed. The government should not appeal against the court ruling, she added. Fellow democrat Ray Chan Chi-chuen called on officials to apologise for denying the right to peaceful assembly for the past four years. But Starry Lee Wai-king, chairwoman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the city's largest pro-establishment party, said she would support an appeal against the ruling as the square was government property. "The government should be entitled to impose restrictions on people's activities there," Lee said. Past protests had occasionally seen chaos, she added. A spokesperson for the Administration Wing, the department that manages the forecourt, said it had been studying the ruling with the justice department, and would make a decision on whether to appeal soon. While the government is reviewing the guidelines for using the forecourt, it stressed there was a "genuine need" to ensure vehicles and visitors could access the government's headquarters on weekdays. In the mean time, public rallies would be handled "on a case-by-case basis", it said. But, the government dismissed suggestion it should take down the perimeter fences, and said the legal dispute did not cover that. ^ top ^

Carrie Lam declines invitation from Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents' Club to attend annual reception (SCMP)
2018-11-17
The press club caught at the centre of controversy for hosting a pro-independence activist has extended an invitation to Hong Kong's leader and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its annual reception, but it looks like ultimately only the Chinese diplomats might show some goodwill. Florence de Changy, president of the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), confirmed that Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's office has declined to attend the club's Diplomatic Cocktail reception, despite her being the guest of honour last year. "I have no idea if it's related to Mallet's case," de Changy said, referring to the club's vice-president and Financial Times Asia news editor, Victor Mallet, whose visa renewal was rejected by Hong Kong authorities after he moderated the talk given by Hong Kong Independence Party founder Andy Chan Ho-tin. "It is perfectly understandable that the Chief Executive cannot attend again as guest of honour." A spokesman from the Chief Executive's Office said Lam was preoccupied on the day on which the event is scheduled. He added the FCC only made a general invitation to Lam, rather than one to attend as speaker or guest of honour as it did last year, and such an invitation would commonly be turned down. Meanwhile, the club also invited diplomats from the Hong Kong office of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attend the reception. It was understood that the ministry may send representatives although there has been as yet no official reply. It was unclear if any senior rank officers would be considering attending. The FCC was strongly criticised by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after hosting Chan in August, despite the ministry earlier lobbying and warning against the talk. Lam has also called the talk as "regrettable and inappropriate". The row surrounding the FCC continued as Mallet's work visa application was rejected in October. After nearly four hours of questioning by immigration officers earlier this month at Hong Kong International Airport Mallet was denied entry to the city. While the government repeatedly declined to comment on the specifics of the case, critics have linked it to Mallet's role in moderating Chan's talk. Mallet was also the acting president of the club at time. Mallet was scheduled in town this week to formally resign from the FCC and hand over his duties at the Financial Times. The FCC announced on Saturday that New York Times digital editor Jennifer Jett would succeed Mallet as the club's vice-president. "We continue to call on the Hong Kong SAR government to provide a reasonable explanation for its refusal to allow Victor entry to Hong Kong and its refusal to renew his work permit," the club said in the statement. Speaking separately, de Changy also stressed the club would continue to invite people across the political spectrum. On a podcast posted on the Financial Times' website on Friday, Mallet avoided mention of his own case or the Hong Kong National Party. Comparing his most recent spell in the city to his previous assignment from 2003 and 2008, he noted Hongkongers' growing resentment when he returned in 2016 and spoke of Hong Kong becoming "another Chinese city". Mallet cited the earlier disqualification of pro-independence lawmakers from the Legislative Council, and said the case "declared that certain discussions are off the limit". "Beijing is narrowing the space for political participation in Hong Kong," Mallet said on the podcast. "Obviously what's happening is not as serious as Xinjiang and in the western part of China, but the freedom that Hong Kong people are used to is quite rapidly being eroded, unfortunately." ^ top ^

European firms counting the cost of icy Beijing-Taipei relations, chamber of commerce says (SCMP)
2018-11-22
Strained relations between Beijing and Taipei have had a detrimental impact on European companies doing business in the region, according to an annual report by the European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan. "Businesses represented in both Taiwan and [mainland] China are facing increasing pressure," the organisation said in its "2019 Position Papers", which was released on Wednesday. "Issues such as listing Taiwan as a country on company websites, the use of the ROC flag and references to 'Made in Taiwan' have been criticised by the authorities in China," it said, using the abbreviation for the Republic of China, Taiwan's formal name. Beijing considers the self-ruled island a breakaway province awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. It suspended official exchanges with Taiwan after Tsai Ing-wen of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party was elected president in 2016 and refused to accept the one-China principle, which the mainland regards as the sole political foundation for exchanges and friendly ties. As well as staging military patrols and war games in the waters and skies close to Taiwan, Beijing has succeeded in convincing five of the island's diplomatic allies to shift their allegiance to the mainland over the past two years. It has also pressured foreign firms seeking to do business with the mainland to refer to the island as "China, Taiwan," or "Taiwan, Province of China" rather than as "Taiwan" or the "Republic of China". Those that fail to comply face the prospect of being blacklisted. The chamber's report said Taiwan was also having to deal with the fallout from the US-China trade war, which it said would eventually hurt the island's electronics industry, its primary source of export income. Other challenges included a talent shortage and regulatory restrictions that discouraged foreigners from investing in Taiwan, it said. Taipei should seek to tackle the skills shortage by opening its doors to workers from the mainland, which has one of the largest talent pools in the world, the report said. It also called for a relaxation of an import ban on certain products produced in the mainland. "The [chamber] committee's application to the Bureau of Foreign Trade to remove the import ban on some goods produced in mainland China listed in the last year's [Position] Papers was rejected on the grounds of protecting local industry," the document said, adding that the restriction and others like it was making life difficult for businesses and investors. Taiwan should also take steps to tackle the problem of a greying workforce, the chamber said, as the island has the world's most rapidly ageing population. The Position Papers report, which was submitted to the Tsai government, includes separate submissions from 24 of the chamber's 30 industry and support committees, and raises 148 issues, 93 from previous years and 55 new ones. ^ top ^

Atomic watchdog demands North Korea allow nuclear inspectors back in amid reactor activity concerns (SCMP)
2018-11-23
The head of the UN's atomic watchdog on Thursday called on North Korea to allow inspectors back into the country to monitor its nuclear programme. Speaking at a board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Director General Yukiya Amano noted that Pyongyang had in September talked about denuclearisation measures including the "permanent dismantlement of the nuclear facilities in Yongbyon" – a reactor where it produces plutonium. Amano said there has been activity observed at Yongbyon, but "without access the agency cannot confirm the nature and purpose of these activities". At a news conference later on Thursday, he said he could not elaborate on when exactly the activity was observed. IAEA inspectors were expelled from North Korea in 2009 but Amano said the agency continues to prepare for their possible readmittance. "The agency continues to enhance its readiness to play an essential role in verifying [North Korea's] nuclear programme if a political agreement is reached among countries concerned," he said. "I again call upon [North Korea] to comply fully with its obligations under relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and of the IAEA board, to cooperate promptly with the agency and to resolve all outstanding issues." On the other hand, Amano told board members that Iran continues to abide by the deal reached in 2015 with major world powers that aimed at preventing Tehran from building atomic weapons in exchange for economic incentives. He reiterated the agency's findings in a report distributed to member states earlier this month that "Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action". The issue has grown more complicated since the US withdrew unilaterally in May from the deal and then reimposed sanctions. Iran's economy has been struggling ever since and its currency has plummeted in value. The other signatories to the deal – Germany, Britain, France, Russia and China – are continuing to try to make it work. Amano stressed that "it is essential that Iran continues to fully implement" its commitments. In its full report, the IAEA said its inspectors continue to have access to all sites in Iran that it needs to visit and that inspectors confirmed Iran has kept within limits of heavy water and low-enriched uranium stockpiles. "The agency continues to verify the non-diversion of nuclear material declared by Iran under its safeguards agreement," Amano said. "Evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran continue." ^ top ^

US, South Korea 'closely coordinating' on breaking nuclear talks stalemate, Mike Pompeo says (SCMP)
2018-11-21
Top US and South Korean diplomats met at the US State Department on Tuesday to coordinate efforts to jump-start Washington's stalled nuclear talks with Pyongyang. Stephen Biegun, the US' special representative for North Korea, hosted his South Korean counterpart, Lee Do-hoon, the Republic of Korea's special representative for Korean peninsula peace and security affairs, in Washington. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that the meeting aimed to "further strengthen our close coordination on achieving our shared goal – the final, fully verified denuclearisation as agreed to by Chairman Kim [Jong-un]". The diplomats were "discussing ongoing diplomatic efforts, sustained implementation of UN sanctions and inter-Korean cooperation," Pompeo said during a press conference at the State Department. The working-level talks came days after North Korea claimed it had successfully tested a "hi-tech tactical" weapon and announced it would release a US citizen who had been detained since October for illegally entering the country. The mixed message was viewed by Biegun's predecessor, Joseph Yun, as both "a good sign" and a tough signal that Pyongyang "can go either way", Yun told the South China Morning Post last week. Harry Kazianis, director of defence studies at the Centre for the National Interest, a Washington-based think tank, said the meeting was needed to find "the most viable path forward to keep the hard-won detente on the Korean peninsula moving forward". "At present, negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang are at a standstill – and both sides deserve some blame," Kazianis said. He said the US's current position – demanding the full removal of nuclear weapons from North Korea before any type of sanctions relief can be forthcoming – is likely to torpedo any talks and could lead back to the days of "fire and fury", a reference to US President Donald Trump's threat last year to strike North Korea if it endangered the US. By contrast, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is taking the opposite stance, by insisting on sanctions relief and perhaps a peace declaration before making any big disarmament moves. "The big question that Washington and Steve Biegun must answer is simple: Will America make the first move or not? Will they risk the collapse of talks or not?" Kazianis said. ^ top ^

About 40 MPs to not attend parliamentary meetings (Montsame)
2018-11-22
Today, MPs T.Ayursaikhan, J.Batsaikhan, L.Oyun-Erdene, L.Bold and B.Nyambaatar made a statement that the Speaker of Parliament M.Enkhbold must work within the law and they are impossible to cooperate with the Speaker of Parliament who has a conflict of interest. Additionally, they voiced that about 40 MPs have signed to join them and they would not attend the plenary meetings of the parliament until the Speaker is relieved from his position. "When 27 MPs submitted a proposal to dismiss the Government to the Speaker on November 19, the Speaker M.Enkhbold received the proposal on which he signed too, and is now preparing to convene the plenary meeting. He has violated 3.1.3rd of the Law on Prevention of Conflict of Interest. The Speaker of Parliament is liable to enforce the Constitution and other laws. In this view, we are officially announcing that we cannot attend activities of the Parliament with conflict of interest. The people have put scores on all acts of the Speaker," said MP T.Ayursaikhan. "In compliance with 10.2nd of the Law on Parliament, the Speaker shall leave his position at his own request. After the Speaker's dismissal and elimination of the conflict of interest, we will attend the parliamentary meetings," he added. ^ top ^

About 100 thousand passengers passed through Mongolia-Xinjiang border (Montsame)
2018-11-17
The 2018 plenary meeting of auto transport representatives of Mongolia and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China was organized by the National Auto Transportation Center in Ulaanbaatar. Representatives led by Sh.Batsaikhan, deputy director of the National Auto Transportation Center of Mongolia, and Liu Peng, head of the Transportation Bureau of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in transport. The parties discussed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Road Transport between Mongolia and the People's Republic of China, implementation of its protocol, the 2017 meeting protocol, freight and passenger transport between the two countries and the use of permission letter. As of November 1, 2018, a total of 52,496 vehicles crossed the Mongolia and Xinjiang border, with 93,236 passengers, traveled by 1120 passenger cars and 1,098,922.7 tonnes of freight passed by 50,166 heavy trucks. In addition to transportation, border crossing and customs issues of the Bulgan-Takashiken border, the sides discussed the schedule for the passenger transportation service between Bulgan soum of Khovd aimag and Takashiken village of Xinjiang and signed a protocol. ^ top ^

President vetoes law on 2019 State Budget (Montsame)
2018-11-16
On November 15, President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga put a veto on the Law on State Budget for 2019 and the accompanying legislation and parliamentary resolutions. President Battulga handed over an official letter to Chairman of the State Great Khural M.Enkhbold, requesting action in accordance with the corresponding laws and regulations. The veto reads, "I have reviewed the Law on State Budget for 2019 which was adopted by the Parliament on November 2nd and forwarded to the Office of the President on November 12th. …I have no choice, but to veto the 2019 budget and remind the Parliament of the necessity to look back on its budget policy, adopt a tight and efficient budget that upholds the national interest and discipline, and fix the following issues that violate the law and contradict the national development policy and vision." The letter highlights several issues in the 2019 State Budget Law, including high budget deficit which is MNT 1.9 trillion or 5.4 percent of GDP, "MP's money" amounting to MNT 8 billion and budget allocation for the construction of facilities without blueprint, and estimation of the mining revenue at MNT 3 trillion which was concluded as unattainable by the National Audit Office. Furthermore, the President points out that the 2019 State Budget Law creates conditions for abrupt increase of public debt and that the projection of MNT 11.5 trillion budget expenditure is not compatible with the objective to maintain inflation within eight percent next year. In addition, President Battulga stresses that the lawmakers must create conditions for small businesses that are truly considered SMEs to be able to obtain loans with 3 percent annual interest from the SME Development Fund starting from January 1st, 2019. President Battulga requests the State Great Khural to discuss and resolve the veto in accordance with the corresponding laws and regulations. ^ top ^

LEW Mei Yi
Embassy of Switzerland