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SCHWEIZER
BOTSCHAFT IN BEIJING
EMBASSY OF SWITZERLAND IN BEIJING
AMBASSADE DE SUISSE EN CHINE |
Der wöchentliche
Presserückblick der Schweizer Botschaft in der VR China
The Weekly Press Review of the Swiss Embassy in the People's Republic
of China
La revue de presse hebdomadaire de l'Ambassade de Suisse en RP
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DPRK
Mongolia
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| Foreign Policy |
Xi stresses advancing reform, opening up with greater resolve (People's Daily)
2020-10-15
Chinese President Xi Jinping has demanded greater resolve in advancing the country's reform and opening up at a higher starting point toward further success. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection tour in south China's Guangdong Province this week. Xi inspected work related to coordinating regular epidemic control with economic and social development, the deepening of reform and opening up, as well as the planning of economic and social development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). Xi visited local cultural and historical landmarks, including an ancient bridge, an old gate tower and a street lined with memorial archways, in the city of Chaozhou on Monday. Hailing the city's culture as an important part of the Chinese culture, Xi called Chaozhou's intangible cultural heritage represented by the region's embroidery, porcelain, wood carving, sculpture, opera, tea and cuisine precious treasures of the Chinese culture. He stressed better protection of the city's heritage, noting that proactive efforts should be made to train inheritors of the intangible cultural legacy. During his trip, Xi also visited local shops and talked with salespersons and customers, inquiring about the resumption of business. Xi urged strict implementation of regular COVID-19 containment measures, calling for joint efforts to vanquish the epidemic. Xi later visited Chaozhou Three-Circle (Group) Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of electronic components and advanced materials, to learn about the company's indigenous innovation and its research on key technologies. "Now we are undergoing major changes unseen in a century, and we need to take the road of self-reliance on a higher level," said Xi. During a visit to Shantou on Tuesday, Xi urged the city to promote reform and opening up at a higher starting point and keep abreast with others in the development of special economic zones in the new era. Xi also visited a museum of correspondence from overseas Chinese, where he said the Shantou Special Economic Zone (SEZ) should guide and encourage overseas Chinese to play bigger roles in supporting and participating in China's modernization, promoting Chinese culture, facilitating peace and unity of the country and deepening exchanges and cooperation between China and the world. Talking with residents and tourists at an old downtown area in Shantou, Xi said on the 40th anniversary of the SEZs, his visit to Shantou SEZ is a statement to both China and the international community that the CPC will lead the Chinese people in unswervingly following the path of reform and opening up, working hard to advance socialist modernization, and striving to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. ^ top ^
UN labor chief lauds China's poverty fight (China Daily)
2020-10-15
The head of the International Labor Organization has lauded China's determination to end domestic poverty on schedule as the COVID-19 pandemic causes job losses and impoverishment on massive scales around the world. Guy Ryder, director-general of the UN agency, said China's recent decision to stick to the goal of eradicating rural poverty by the end of this year amid a "complex economic environment" will set a bench mark in meeting the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which includes eliminating extreme poverty worldwide in a decade. "Today, the world stands at a tipping point," he said, as the pandemic has pushed an estimated 100 million people into extreme poverty. International cooperation is needed, given that no country can beat the crisis alone, and there's no returning to the pre-pandemic status quo, Ryder told a forum in Beijing on Wednesday via a prerecorded speech. The forum on poverty alleviation through employment was part of a series of events marking China's seventh National Poverty Relief Day on Oct 17, a date that is also observed globally as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The ILO estimates that global labor income fell 10.7 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2020－the equivalent of $3.5 trillion－and the number of working hours lost in the second quarter of the year was equivalent to 495 million full-time jobs. Promoting employment has long been used as a tool to fight rural poverty. Local governments have set up more than 30,000 factories near poor villages across the nation to that end. Some 4.8 million poor farmers were given "welfare jobs", which have generated paychecks and at the same time boosted public services in rural regions. Programs have also been launched to create urban jobs for young farmers. The State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, the top anti-poverty agency, said the number of registered poor migrants－farmers who left their poor villages to find better jobs in cities－nearly doubled between 2016 and 2019, reaching more than 27 million by the end of last year. Meanwhile, their average annual income more than doubled over the same period to 26,544 yuan ($3,940). China's poverty line was around 4,000 yuan this year, and the exact number is adjusted from place to place with purchasing power parity. While addressing the event in Beijing, deputy head of the office Ou Qingping said working in cities has not only bolstered their financial standing but has also helped "open their eyes and minds" to new skills and better lives. This year marks the final stretch of China's poverty relief campaign, which aims to lift more than 98 million rural poor across the nation out of absolute poverty between late 2012 and the end of this year. It had fared well along the path, with more than 93 million farmers escaping poverty by the end of 2019. However, the domestic COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year has created new challenges by triggering travel restrictions and disruptions to the logistics chains. That has led to temporary unemployment among rural migrants and the lackluster sales of farm produce, two major sources of rural income. To end poverty as scheduled, central authorities have stepped up efforts since February to bolster employment among the rural population, arranging chartered train and bus services to ensure they reach urban jobs as planned. As the outbreak eased in China in recent months, employment authorities moved to roll out tax breaks and delay payment of social security fees for businesses that refrained from cutting jobs, as part of a broader effort to ensure poor migrants remain employed. The top anti-poverty authorities said they have also managed to pinpoint the whereabouts of more than 10 million migrants who worked outside their home provinces so that assistance is readily available when jobs are jeopardized. ^ top ^
China opposes Canada's remarks on "coercive diplomacy" (Xinhua)
2020-10-15
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed opposition to the Canadian side's remarks on "coercive diplomacy" and once again urged Canada to immediately release Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou. Spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the statements when responding to a query about the phrase at Wednesday's regular press conference. According to media reports, the Canadian leader said in an interview on Oct. 13 that "We will remain absolutely committed to working with our allies to ensure that China's approach of coercive diplomacy, its arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens alongside other citizens of other countries around the world is not viewed as a successful tactic by them." On the same day, Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement on the 50th anniversary of Canada-China diplomatic ties that "As we build a new framework for relations with China... The use of coercive diplomacy causes Canada to re-examine its approach." While firmly deploring and opposing the Canadian side deliberately confusing right and wrong and once again making erroneous comments, Zhao said China had lodged stern representations with the Canadian side about the matter. "First, why hasn't it been able to acknowledge that the difficulties in China-Canada relations in recent two years are caused by Canada's arbitrary detention of Meng Wanzhou, an innocent Chinese citizen who hasn't breached any Canadian law?" Zhao asked. "Second, of all the U.S. allies, why was Canada the only one that agreed to cooperate with the U.S. on detaining Meng Wanzhou? Third, why has Canada been secretive about the information disclosure of the Meng Wanzhou case and doing all they can to prevent more related documents from being made public?" He concluded that it is hypocritical and weak for the Canadian government not to face up to the above-mentioned facts and not to tell their people the whole truth. "What the Canadian side has done is arbitrary detention in every sense of the term and typical 'coercive diplomacy'," said Zhao. "All 1.4 billion Chinese people and the larger international community see that very clearly." He stressed that it is China's consistent and clear position to attach importance to China-Canada relations. Only through mutual respect and equal treatment can such bilateral relations achieve steady and lasting growth. "We once again strongly urge Canada to correct mistakes, immediately release Ms. Meng Wanzhou and ensure her safe return to China, remove this barrier in China-Canada ties, and bring the bilateral relationship back on the right track," said Zhao. ^ top ^
Xi welcomes countries to engage more in reform, opening up of China's special economic zones (Global Times)
2020-10-14
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday welcomed foreign countries to participate more in the reform, opening up and development of China's special economic zones. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said foreign participation has been indispensable in the building of the special economic zones over the past 40 years, which in turn has also created vast development opportunities and offered development benefits for foreign countries. ^ top ^
U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy undermines peace, development prospect in East Asia: Wang Yi (People's Daily)
2020-10-14
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Tuesday that the so-called Indo-Pacific strategy proposed by the United States would undermine peace and development prospect in East Asia. In response to a question on the impact of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy on the East Asia cooperation, Wang told a joint press conference with Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein that East Asia is the most dynamic region in today's world, and is also the economy with the biggest potential going forward. The success that East Asia has achieved over the past years lies in the continued commitment to the Asian values of solidarity and coordination, lies by following the trend of the time towards globalization, lies by staying on the right path of pursuing multilateralism and of pursuing regional cooperation framework with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) at the center, Wang said. Faced with the once-in-a-century change and the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to maintain the hard won peace and stability in East Asia as well as for East Asia to enjoy continued development and prosperity, countries must continue to stay committed to these values and cooperation formats that have proved effective over the years, he said. Wang pointed out that the Indo-Pacific strategy proposed by the United States is in essence aimed at building a so-called Indo-Pacific "new NATO" underpinned by the quadrilateral mechanism involving the United States, Japan, India and Australia. The strategy is to trumpet the old-fashioned Cold War mentality to stir up confrontation among different groups and blocs and to stoke geopolitical competition, in a bid to maintain the dominance and hegemonic system of the United States, he said. The strategy contravenes the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win spirit that has been pursued by East Asia cooperation, impacts the regional cooperation architecture with ASEAN at the center and it will eventually undermine the prospect of peace and development of East Asia, he said. Wang further pointed out that the strategy itself is a big underlying security risk. If being forced forward, it would not only wind back the clock of history, but also mark the beginning of danger, so he believes that all parties could see this clearly and will stay vigilant against it. Wang stressed that the future of a region should be determined by the people in that region. East Asian countries have the right to achieve their own development and stability, as well as the right to pursue independent foreign policies. China is an important member of East Asia, a good neighbor and good partner of ASEAN, he said. China has all along supported ASEAN's development and growth and has been firmly supporting ASEAN's centrality in regional cooperation and firmly committed to peace and stability in East Asia. Going forward, China will continue to pursue a neighborhood diplomacy characterized by amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and make positive contribution to enduring peace and greater development of East Asia, he said. ^ top ^
China elected to Human Rights Council for 2021-2023 (Xinhua)
2020-10-14
China on Tuesday was elected as a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2021-2023 in the election held at the 75th United Nations General Assembly. "China expresses heartfelt gratitude to member states for their support and warmly congratulates other elected members," according to a press release issued by the Chinese mission to the United Nations. "China always attaches great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights. Following a path with Chinese characteristics, China has made great achievements in human rights development," the press release said. China has previously served as member of the Human Rights Council for four times, and will take this opportunity to continue to firmly uphold multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China will participate in depth in the work of the Human Rights Council, actively promote international exchange and cooperation on human rights, and oppose the politicization of human rights issues and wrong practices of double standards to make greater contributions to the healthy development of international human rights, it added. The Human Rights Council, founded in 2006, is the organization of the United Nations responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights. It is a subsidiary body of the United Nations General Assembly and composed of 47 member states. The members of the Council are elected by the General Assembly for a term of three years and can only be re-elected for a single term. China was elected to the Human Rights Council five times in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 and 2020. ^ top ^
China, Singapore agree to further strengthen bilateral ties (Xinhua)
2020-10-14
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Tuesday night agreed here with Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan to further strengthen bilateral ties. During their meeting at Singapore's Changi Airport, Balakrishnan said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China, and the two countries have helped each other in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, which has demonstrated the resilience of the bilateral ties. He also congratulated China on its remarkable achievements in the epidemic prevention and control and expressed hopes that both countries would maintain the cooperation and high-level exchanges of visits, and resume normal personnel exchanges as soon as possible, so as to push the relations to a new height. Wang, for his part, said that Singapore stands to be a good friend and partner of China, as the two countries always understand, support, help and trust each other. Moreover, the bilateral relationship have stood the test of the COVID-19 and further strengthened in the fight against the pandemic. China is willing to work with Singapore to enhance bilateral and tri-lateral cooperation in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and promote the construction of the fast lane for personal exchanges and the green lane for logistics, Wang said. China is also willing to join hands with Singapore to make positive contributions to the recovery of global economy and to world peace and stability, he added. The two sides also agreed to make concerted efforts to safeguard multilateralism, push for the solidarity of the international community in combating the coronavirus and strengthen relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Wang was on a transit visit in Singapore as part of his Asian tour from Oct. 11-15. He paid official visits to Cambodia and Malaysia before arriving in Singapore. He will then visit Laos and Thailand. ^ top ^
FM proposes initiative to resolve Gulf security issue (People's Daily)
2020-10-12
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled an initiative on Saturday to help resolve security issues facing the Gulf region and the Middle East through political and diplomatic means while also safeguarding the Iran nuclear deal. During a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday in Tengchong, Yunnan province, Wang proposed the establishment of the regional multilateral dialogue platform. The platform would take into consideration the reasonable security concerns of all parties and facilitate dialogue on an equal footing to enhance mutual understanding, Wang said. China is open to the form and content of the dialogue and all parties are welcome to join the discussion, Wang added. There has been a lack of a reliable and normal mechanism and platform on the Iran nuclear deal, and as a major country, China has the responsibility and capability to stabilize and resume order in the Gulf region as well as throughout the Middle East, said Gao Shangtao, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University. Such an initiative is an alternative to the "destructive way" pursued by the United States in handling the Iran nuclear issue by withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and slapping sanctions on the country, which has affected trade and intensified tensions in the region, Gao said. It is a constructive idea and a diplomatic effort, he said, adding that the role the platform could play depends on how many countries could promptly participate in it, especially major countries. Wang stressed that China is always committed to safeguarding the authority and effectiveness of the Iran nuclear deal and opposes any unilateral practices that break it. The deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, was reached in Vienna on July 14, 2015, by Iran, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council－China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States－plus Germany, and the European Union. He said China will continue to push forward the implementation of the agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, and promote a political solution of the Iran nuclear issue. China is willing to work with Iran and other countries to uphold multilateralism, oppose unilateral bullying, and safeguard international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, he said. Zarif said that Iran fully affirms China's role in safeguarding the nuclear deal and is willing to work together with China, Russia and the EU to maintain the effectiveness of the agreement. Zarif also said that Iran welcomes China's initiative on the regional platform and hopes that relevant parties will show flexibility and jointly maintain regional peace and stability. Also on Saturday, Wang held a meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin in Tengchong and called for the two countries to continue to manage differences on the South China Sea issue through dialogue and cooperation and to shelve disputes to avoid affecting the improvement and development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with the Philippines to promote consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to reach an agreement on effective regional rules jointly recognized by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in order to show the world that China and ASEAN members have the ability and wisdom to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, Wang said. The two foreign ministers agreed to establish a fast-track lane to facilitate the movement of personnel and decided to implement it as soon as possible. China would like to carry out anti-pandemic cooperation with the Philippines, Wang said, calling on both sides to jointly oppose stigmatization related to the pandemic. Locsin said that the Philippines is willing to play a coordinating role and work with China to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. ^ top ^
Xi calls for concerted int'l efforts to accelerate global poverty relief process (Xinhua)
2020-10-12
President Xi Jinping on Monday called on the international community, including political parties in all countries, to work together to accelerate the global poverty relief process, as difficulties and challenges remain severe. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the call in a congratulatory message sent to an international seminar on poverty eradication and the responsibilities of political parties, which opened Monday in Fuzhou, capital of east China's Fujian Province. "To eliminate poverty, to improve people's livelihoods and achieve common prosperity are the essential requirements of socialism with Chinese characteristics and important missions of the CPC," he said. Xi said that since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has made poverty eradication a key task in achieving its first centenary goal, and has made a series of major plans and arrangements to fully launch the poverty reduction battle. The issue of absolute poverty, which has plagued the Chinese nation for thousands of years, is about to be solved historically. "China has the confidence and ability to resolutely win the battle against poverty and realize the poverty reduction goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule," said Xi. "Global poverty alleviation efforts have scored huge progress, but the difficulties and challenges are still severe," he said, calling on the international community, including the political parties of all countries, to build a consensus and work together to uphold multilateralism, and maintain peace and stability. "It is hoped that through sharing experience and summarizing rules, seminar participants can discuss ways to advance the cause of global poverty reduction, enhance confidence in fighting poverty, and contribute to the realization of the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," said Xi. The seminar, co-organized by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, was attended online or offline by nearly 400 participants from more than 100 countries, including representatives of political parties, diplomatic envoys to China, representatives of international organizations in China, media representatives of developing countries, and think tank scholars. Heads of some foreign countries expressed via video or in writing their appreciation of China's historical achievements in poverty reduction, and emphasized the necessity for political parties to play a leading role in building a consensus and promoting cooperation in global poverty eradication. ^ top ^
China attaches great importance to Malaysia's detention of 60 Chinese nationals: Embassy (Global Times)
2020-10-11
Responding to reports that Malaysia has arrested 60 Chinese nationals and seized six vessels, the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia said it attached great importance to the case, and has been in contact with Malaysian officials for further investigation. The embassy has been in contact with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency officials to further verify the situation, said the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in an email to the Global Times on Sunday. The embassy has asked Malaysia to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese seafarers, and sent staff for consular visits to the Chinese nationals involved. The embassy vowed to assist the shipping company in handling any follow-up matters. Malaysia's maritime authorities said on Saturday that they had detained 60 Chinese nationals and six Chinese fishing vessels off the coast of Johor, Malaysia, claiming they were "trespassing" into the Southeast Asian country's waters, local media the Star reported. Between 2016 and 2019, Malaysia reported 89 intrusions by Chinese coastguard vessels amid worsening China-US tensions in the South China Sea, reports said. ^ top ^
China's decision to join COVAX will strengthen global vaccine cooperation (Xinhua)
2020-10-11
China has announced that it will join COVAX, an international initiative aimed at ensuring equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines, becoming the largest economy to support the initiative so far. This is an important step for China, as it honors its commitment to turning COVID-19 vaccines into a global public good. With the COVID-19 pandemic still posing a severe threat to public health and safety, it is crucial to ensure that safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are distributed to all countries around the world, not just the wealthy nations. China has long made a solemn commitment to ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines, once developed and put into use, will be made a global public good and provided to developing countries on a priority basis. As this goal is consistent with COVAX, China has been in close communication with COVAX co-leaders and has a positive attitude toward joining the program. Even with China leading the world in this field, with four COVID-19 vaccine candidates in the final stage of clinical trials, and with ample production capacity, it still made the decision to join COVAX, which aims to have 2 billion vaccine doses available by the end of 2021. China is taking this concrete step to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, especially to developing countries, and hopes that more capable countries will also join and support COVAX. China will also strengthen vaccine cooperation with relevant countries through the COVAX program. China has made major strategic achievements in the battle against COVID-19 by coordinating epidemic control with economic and social development. The recent National Day holiday witnessed nearly 700 million Chinese people traveling across the country, one of the best indications of the scale of its success. China's achievement in anti-epidemic response is not due to magic, but is based on a spirit that respects science and facts and places life and the people in the highest position, something that is reflected in China's unremitting efforts to promote global cooperation in COVID-19 vaccine development. China will not turn COVID-19 vaccines into any kind of geopolitical weapon or diplomatic tool, and it opposes any politicization of vaccine development. In the context of the global pandemic, it is impossible to stand alone. China will continue advancing international cooperation, supporting the World Health Organization's leading role in global response, sharing its experience with other countries, supporting and helping countries and regions with weak response capabilities, playing its role as the world's biggest provider of anti-epidemic medical supplies, and fostering a global community of health for all. ^ top ^
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China promotes common development through high-level opening-up (Global Times)
2020-10-15
China's tourism sector witnessed a robust rebound during the combined Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday that lasted from October 1 to 8. More than 600 million Chinese made domestic trips during the eight-day holiday, when the sales of key retail and catering firms monitored by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) totaled 1.6 trillion yuan (about $239 billion), with average daily sales rising 4.9 percent compared with the National Day holiday last year, data from the MOC showed. Such figures mirrored the strong vitality of the domestic circulation of the country. While global tourism is estimated to suffer from a loss of over $1 trillion this year, China's tourism industry has almost returned to normal, said an article published on Hamburger Morgenpost, a daily German newspaper. The whole country was on the move as hundreds of millions of Chinese visited their relatives and friends or took trips to tourist destinations during the past eight-day Golden Week holiday, a scene that was seen only 9 months after the global outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the article described. Many international media outlets have also made similar comments about China recently. China has injected dynamism into economic development by making efforts to facilitate the movement of people and goods. The experience could also be helpful for other countries. China has speeded up creating a "dual circulation" development pattern whereby domestic and foreign markets can boost each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay. It is a strategic decision made by the country in accordance with its development stage, environment, and conditions. Facts have shown that China has continuously unleashed the potential of domestic demand and witnessed growing vitality of the domestic circulation. Meanwhile, international circulation has constantly gained new momentum as China has continued to expand opening-up. China's foreign trade rose 6 percent year on year in August, registering an increase for the fifth consecutive month. The country has recently released a master plan for three new pilot free trade zones (FTZs) in Beijing, Hunan province and Anhui province, and adopted a plan to expand the pilot FTZ in Zhejiang province, bringing the number of its pilot FTZs to 21. On October 11, China issued a plan on implementing pilot reforms in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong province, intending to develop the city into a demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the next five years. By granting the city with greater autonomy in the reform of important areas and key links, China aims to advance higher-level reform and opening-up towards higher goals in Shenzhen. Although economic globalization has been struck by headwinds, the world will never return to isolation, and no one can sever the ties between countries. "We should pursue open and inclusive development, remain committed to building an open world economy, and uphold the multilateral trading regime with the World Trade Organization as the cornerstone. We should say no to unilateralism and protectionism, and work to ensure the stable and smooth functioning of global industrial and supply chains," said Chinese President Xi Jinping at the General Debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly. China has made it clear to the world that its sincerity and determination to cooperate with other countries for mutual benefits and common development have always remained the same. By promoting high-quality development through high-level opening-up, China has brought new opportunities to the common development of China and the rest of the world, thus winning wide recognition and trust from the international community. The country has continuously shortened its negative list for foreign investment and that in pilot free trade zones and officially cleared the negative list for foreign investment in financial sector. The 2020 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has yielded rich fruits and the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in November is attracting more and more foreign enterprises. It is widely acknowledged by the international community that joining hands with China means bright prospects for development. It should be noted that despite the sharp decline in cross-border trade and investment, most multinational companies are still optimistic about China, and their strategy to secure long-term development in China has not changed. From January to July, 18,838 new foreign-funded enterprises were established on the Chinese mainland, among which 415 were funded by Japanese, 860 by Americans, 849 by South Koreans, 584 by Singaporeans, 296 by British, and 245 by Germans. About 92 percent of the respondents said that that they would continue to operate in China, according to a survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai on more than 340 member companies. Data from the European Business in China—Business Confidence Survey 2020 launched by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China suggest that about half of the members will invest 5 percent to 10 percent more of their annual revenue in China. Nearly one-third will add more than 10 percent of their annual revenue to their investments in China, according to the survey. A study carried out by the Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER) and Nikkei Inc., a Japanese company with newspaper businesses as its core, shows that nearly 70 percent of the respondents are confident in China's robust consumer demand. A majority of companies in semiconductor equipment and materials, as well as health care, are actually expanding Chinese production, said a Goldman Sachs report. Bloomberg noted that as China's financial sector opens wider, U.S. fund management companies are leading a new "gold fever" in China. Numerous evidence has proved that international economic connectivity and exchanges are still the objective requirements of world economic growth, and the "magnetic effect" of openness and cooperation is objective existence driven by rules. China today is more than the country itself; it is very much a part of the world. It is striving to achieve better quality, more efficient, fairer, more sustainable and safer development, which also represents the country's efforts to promote the common development of all countries through open cooperation. Proposing the new development pattern doesn't mean that China will pursue development with its door closed. Instead, it will continue to open its door wider. No matter how the international landscape changes, China, as always, will aim at achieving true common prosperity and following wide and open avenues for all countries so as to improve the common well-being of people in all countries and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. ^ top ^
Qingdao top health official, hospital head deposed for coronavirus outbreak (China Daily)
2020-10-15
Sui Zhenhua, Party secretary and director of the Qingdao Health Commission, has been suspended from his post pending further investigation, according to an official notice released by the city's Party committee on Thursday. Meanwhile, Deng Kai, deputy Party chief and head of the Qingdao Chest Hospital, where the latest COVID-19 outbreak occurred, was dismissed from his post on Thursday, read the notice. The notice came after the outbreak in the city, which revealed loopholes in epidemic prevention and control in the city in East China's Shandong Province, Qingdao authorities previously said. ^ top ^
Key Takeaways from Xi Jinping's Shenzhen Remarks (Caixin)
2020-10-15
President Xi Jinping spoke Wednesday at a grand gathering in the city of Shenzhen in southern Guangdong province, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. In the hour-long speech, Xi urged colleagues and cadres to advance the country's reform agenda with "greater political courage and wisdom" amid "unprecedented challenges" and to build an innovation-driven economy as a "fundamental way out" of rising global competitive pressure. Shenzhen is to build itself into a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics and to become a model city of a great modern socialist country. Shenzhen should enhance its capacity level in implementing new-development concept and persist in deepening reform comprehensively and expand opening-up unswervingly. Shenzhen should also promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and enrich the new practice of "One country, Two systems." Shenzhen will also take the lead to realize socialist modernization. This is the historical mission of Shenzhen given by the CPC Central Committee in the new era. The Guangdong and Shenzhen economy is comparatively developed and hence faces more restrictions on resources, factors and greater pressure of global competition in technology, talent, and others. Therefore, the implementation of the new development concept for high quality development is a fundamental way out. Development is our primary task; talent is our number one resource; and innovation is the top driving force. We should deploy innovation chains according to industrial chains and align industrial chains with innovation chains. We should plan in advance strategic emerging industries, cultivate future industries, and develop a digital economy. We should increase the input in basic research and applied basic research and give full play to Shenzhen's advantage in industrial-academic research synergy to take the initiative in integrating the global innovation network. We will implement a more-open talent policy to attract world-class strategic science and technology talent, leading science and technology talent, youth science and technology talent, and high-level innovation talent teams to leverage global brain power. Currently, reform is at a new historical juncture, with many unprecedented challenges emerging. So the complexity, sensitivity and difficulty of pushing forward reform are no smaller than four decades ago. Therefore, we must ― with greater political courage and wisdom ― stick to the combination of crossing the river while filling the stones and strengthening top-level design. We will deepen reform in crucial areas and key links with the right timing. We will pay more attention to the systematic, holistic, and coordinated effects of the reform. We need to stick to supply-side structural reform as a major component to leverage resources of production, distribution, circulation, and consumption in the domestic market. We need to improve the supply system's compatibility for domestic demand so that we could meet the growing needs of the domestic market with high quality. Currently, the world economy is confronted with complicated challenges. By no means should we be stopped by the reversing trends and ties. We should choose the right side of history to unswervingly further open up in a comprehensive manner. Press ahead with developing an open world economy and push forward the building of the community of a shared future for mankind. The new development pattern is not a closed domestic cycle, but an open domestic and international dual cycle. We should optimize and upgrade our production, distribution, circulation, and consumption systems. We should strengthen domestic economic connections, enhance economic intensity, improve and smooth the capabilities of the domestic cycle of circulation, and connect the international and domestic dual cycle. ^ top ^
Xi Jinping tells marines to focus on 'preparing to go to war' in military base visit during southern China tour (SCMP)
2020-10-14
President Xi Jinping spent the second day of his Guangdong tour visiting a military base, where he called on marines to improve combat readiness and stay vigilant. He also toured Shantou, the hometown of many overseas Chinese, on Tuesday. The president will take part in celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the Shenzhen special economic zone on Wednesday. At the military base near Shantou in the east of the province, Xi told marines they should aim to be a "multifunctional, rapid response, all-weather and region" fighting force. "[You should] focus your minds and energy on preparing to go to war, and stay highly vigilant," Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV. "Marines have many different missions and the demands on you will vary," he said. "As such [you] should base your training on [the need to] go into battle … and raise [your] training standards and combat ability." Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, told the marines they should shoulder the "important responsibility" of safeguarding Chinese territory and sovereignty, the country's maritime interests and its interests overseas – veiled references to Beijing's claims to Taiwan and the South China Sea. The visit comes as tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait and amid warming ties between the US and Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing has vowed to bring under its control, by force if necessary. Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, told the marines they should shoulder the "important responsibility" of safeguarding Chinese territory and sovereignty, the country's maritime interests and its interests overseas – veiled references to Beijing's claims to Taiwan and the South China Sea. The visit comes as tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait and amid warming ties between the US and Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing has vowed to bring under its control, by force if necessary. Xi visited Shantou in the afternoon, where he said China would achieve its goal of "national rejuvenation" despite the challenges it faced. In video footage posted by social media users, Xi is seen in Shantou saying that he will emphasise in Shenzhen that China will "unswervingly follow the path of reform and opening up, and continue to build a prosperous and modern Chinese nation". Shantou is one of the four special economic zones set up by Beijing in its early days of reform but it has lagged behind Shenzhen, which went on to become China's hi-tech hub. However, speaking to residents on Tuesday, Xi praised overseas Chinese for their contributions to the country's reforms. Many well-known tycoons were born in Shantou and nearby Chaozhou – which Xi visited on Monday – including billionaires like Li Ka-shing, Tencent founder Pony Ma Huateng and Gome founder Huang Guangyu. In Shenzhen, Xi is expected to meet officials from cities in the Greater Bay Area development zone. He will also meet Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her Macau counterpart Ho Iat-seng. The president's Guangdong tour comes just two weeks before an important Communist Party plenum during which the next five-year economic and social development plan is expected to be approved. Zhang Siping, a former deputy mayor of Shenzhen, said as Beijing sought to open the country further, the city would again be tasked with achieving a "breakthrough" as it did 40 years ago. "But the 'breakthrough' mission is totally different now," he said, adding that it would become the "pilot zone for socialism with Chinese characteristics". "Against the backdrop of sanctions, containment and decoupling from the US, Shenzhen will need to make breakthroughs in setting new rules, systems and standards, and make China's economy more integrated with the world's," said Zhang, founder of the Shenzhen Innovation and Development Institute, an independent think tank. He said Shenzhen would have to reinvent itself and adjust its export-oriented focus in line with the new emphasis on both the international and domestic markets. Wu Junfei, deputy director of Hong Kong think tank the Tianda Institute, said Xi's stops in Chaozhou and Shantou had sent a "subtle message" to Chinese entrepreneurs. "We all know that many top businessmen were born in that area and they have close connections. Many top business leaders in Shenzhen also come from that area, so [the visits are] like a gentle pat on the back," Wu said. ^ top ^
Qingdao Cancels More Than Half of Flights Amid Covid-19 Surge (Caixin)
2020-10-14
An airport in China's major northeastern port city of Qingdao canceled more than half the arriving and departing flights Tuesday after a dozen locally transmitted Covid-19 cases raised alarm of a potential new wave of the coronavirus pandemic. As of Tuesday evening, Qingdao reported six confirmed cases and six asymptomatic cases. Three of the cases are severe, and the patients are being treated at a hospital affiliated with Qingdao University, according to local health authorities. It was China's first domestic Covid-19 outbreak in several months. Among 123 scheduled flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Qingdao, 64 were canceled, according to Qingdao Liuting International Airport. The city started mass testing of all of its 9.4 million residents. The rest of China has been reporting a handful of new cases each day, all of them imported. Airlines and some airports in other cities implemented extra requirements for passengers from Qingdao. Nearly 20 provinces issued emergency control measures to conduct thorough screening and testing of travelers arriving from Qingdao since Sept. 27. The local Qingdao government advised residents not to leave Qingdao, and governments in Beijing, Hebei and other provinces suggested that people avoid visiting the popular tourist city. That resulted in many cancellations of flight tickets by tourists. All of the new cases were closely associated with the Qingdao Chest Hospital, which is designated for treating imported cases. Now the hospital has been shut down. More than 4 million people in Qingdao have been tested, and 1.95 million test results showed no new confirmed infections, health officials said Tuesday in a news briefing. Five districts will be tested "within three days" and the whole city "within five days," Qingdao's municipal health commission said in a statement. ^ top ^
China considers lowering criminal liability age to 12 (People's Daily)
2020-10-13
Chinese lawmakers are mulling over lowering the minimum age at which a minor can be convicted to 12, in individual cases under specific circumstances. The proposal was made in a draft amendment to the Criminal Law, which was submitted Tuesday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature. If a juvenile who has reached the age of 12, but is under 14, commits intentional homicide or inflicts an injury that leads to death under flagrant circumstances, he or she shall bear criminal responsibility upon attestation and approval of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, according to the draft. ^ top ^
CPC releases regulations on work of central committee (Xinhua)
2020-10-12
The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has released regulations on its work, urging strict compliance by localities and departments. Enactment of the regulations is a major event in the political life of the CPC and the country related to the Party's long-term governance and the nation's long-term stability, according to a notice issued by the CPC Central Committee. In strengthening the overall leadership of the Party, the most important thing is to firmly safeguard the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, the notice said. The regulations specify the CPC Central Committee's leadership status, system, functions and powers, style, decision-making and self-improvement, among others, thus providing basic guidelines for ensuring the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee over the cause of the Party and the country, it added. Members of the CPC Central Committee, its Political Bureau, and the Political Bureau's Standing Committee, must firmly implement the regulations and take the lead in safeguarding the status of General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of the CPC Central Committee and of the Party as a whole, and safeguarding the authority and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the notice said. It asked all localities, departments, Party members and officials to implement the regulations and closely follow the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of thinking, political orientation, and action. ^ top ^
Xi asks young officials to focus on solving practical problems (People's Daily)
2020-10-11
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called on young officials to strengthen their capabilities of solving practical problems, be willing to act, and be able to deliver real outcomes. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the opening of a training session for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance). History was advanced by addressing problems, Xi stressed, noting that by leading the people in the revolution, construction, and reform, the Party aims all about solving practical problems in the nation. In face of the current complex situation and arduous task, Xi said it is an urgent need for officials to strengthen their capability in solving problems, adding that it is also an inevitable requirement for the young officials to grow. Officials, especially the young ones, must strengthen their political ability and other capabilities in terms of research and study, scientific decision-making, advancing in-depth reforms, emergency responses, engaging with the people, and implementing policies, Xi said. Xi also called on them to face up to problems, be willing to act and ready to deliver good results, and tackle difficulties. The Party and the state undertakings have witnessed historic achievements and changes since the 18th national congress of the CPC thanks to our focus on solving problems and other important experiences, Xi said. He reminded officials that the world today is undergoing substantial changes unseen in a century, with instability and uncertainty in the external environment on the rise. China has entered a new development phase and needs to resolve increasingly diverse and complicated problems in its endeavors to implement the new development philosophy and build new development patterns, Xi said. Though the country has scored major strategic achievements in containing the COVID-19 epidemic, he noted, steady efforts are still needed to secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and eradicating poverty across China. Xi said efforts are also needed to ensure stability on six fronts -- employment, the financial sector, foreign trade, foreign investment, domestic investment, and expectations -- while maintaining security in six areas: job security, basic living needs, operations of market entities, food and energy, stable industrial and supply chains, and the normal functioning of primary-level governments. Xi underscored the significance for young officials to be more capable in seven fields, urging them to pay paramount attention to improving their political competence to get their jobs done. To improve political competence, young officials must maintain the correct political direction and uphold Party leadership and the Chinese socialist system, Xi said. "There is no room for confusion or wavering on this matter," Xi stressed, urging young officials to hold the Party's political discipline and rules in awe and respect. Xi also asked young officials to improve their ability to conduct investigations and research, and hone their competence in the process. Investigations and research should be done regularly, Xi said, adding that young officials should heed the opinions, concerns, and aspirations of the people and learn about actual situations. Stressing improvement in young officials' capacity in scientific decision-making, Xi asked them to hold a strategic vision and integrate the work of localities and departments into the cause of the Party and the country. Xi also urged carrying out in-depth studies and full analyses before making a decision, as well as listening to suggestions from multiple sectors. Young officials should improve their ability to tackle challenges in in-depth reforms, Xi noted, demanding efforts to deepen comprehensive reform for advancing the work of the Party and the country, especially remaining committed to the new development philosophy, promoting high-quality development, and building new development patterns. Reforms must be advanced with courage and determination, Xi said, asking for combining the enthusiasm in work with the spirit of science, adopting correct methods and innovative thinking, as well as respecting people's pioneering spirit. Xi urged young officials to improve emergency response capacity and risk awareness, and stand ready to cope with all kinds of risks and challenges and become experts in their fields. They must improve the capability of engaging with the people and always care about the people's security and well-being, Xi said, stressing the principle of "from the people, to the people." Xi called for concrete achievements in leading the people to achieve prosperity through hard work, stressing better incomes, employment, education, social security, medical insurance, medical services, and housing for the people. Young officials should also improve the capability to implement policies, Xi said, calling for officials to be down-to-earth, take the lead in actions, and break new ground by solving difficult problems. They should take action, shoulder responsibilities, and be committed to the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, an era for making things happen, said Xi. Xi asked Party organizations at all levels to take targeted measures to help young officials grow politically, practically and professionally so that they will be more capable of solving practical problems and performing their duties in the new era. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event. ^ top ^
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| Beijing |
Beijing strengthens entry management over COVID-19, warns against unnecessary travel (Global Times)
2020-10-15
Beijing is strengthening management of entry into the capital by requiring screening and testing for anyone entering the city from mid- and high-risk regions, among other prevention and control measures, a meeting participated by top municipal officials decided on Wednesday. With the second wave of outbreaks occurring around the world and Autumn and Winter being seasons in which respiratory infectious diseases more frequently occur, COVID-19 prevention and control work is facing a more severe situation, it was stressed at the meeting, the Beijing Daily reported on Thursday. Beijing must strictly prevent imported cases by closely monitoring key epidemic regions, quickly screening those who enter Beijing from mid- and high-risk regions, strengthening manage and control, and testing and carrying out medical observations, according to the meeting. The capital reminds its citizens not to travel outside unless necessary, adding that it is continuing with the management of direct international flights, strictly preventing people from third countries making transits from other places to Beijing, and enhancing monitoring, protection and disinfection of imported food transported in cold chains, it was pointed out. According to the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, the city has comprehensively elevated its monitoring and early warning capability, including bringing colleges, high schools and primary schools under the monitoring network. Beijing's COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control authorities are also requiring three nucleic acid tests for travelers from overseas after the capital city resumed direct international flights. Travelers from overseas coming to Beijing must take a first test and bring the certificate of their negative result within five days of boarding. The travelers must then give a health declaration and take a second test at customs, then take a third one after completing quarantine after landing in China. Those with negative results can be removed from concentrated medical observation, said Tian Tao, a member of the city's epidemic prevention and control work team, at a press conference on Wednesday. ^ top ^
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| Guangdong |
Xi Focus: Xi inspects southern Chinese city of Shantou (Xinhua)
2020-10-13
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Tuesday afternoon inspected the city of Shantou during his tour in south China's Guangdong Province. In an old downtown area of Shantou that witnesses its opening-up history, Xi went to a cultural exhibition hall and a museum of correspondence from overseas Chinese, to learn about the city's history of opening as a port, its development as a special economic zone, and the history of overseas Chinese people from Chaozhou and Shantou and neighbouring areas caring about and supporting the construction of their motherland and hometown. He later walked along the streets in the old downtown areas and talked with local residents. ^ top ^
Xi stresses independent innovation during Guangdong inspection (Xinhua)
2020-10-13
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has underlined independent innovation of companies during his inspection tour in southern China's Guangdong Province. Independent innovation is key to the growth of companies, the upgrade of industries and the high-quality development of the economy, Xi made the remarks Monday while visiting the Chaozhou Three-Circle (Group) Co., Ltd., an electronic component and communication device manufacturer. At the exhibition hall, laboratory and production workshop of the company, Xi inspected its featured products and learned about its research on key technologies. "Now we are undergoing major changes unseen in a century, and we need to take the road of self-reliance on a higher level," said Xi. ^ top ^
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| Tibet |
China Focus: In historical feat, Tibet eliminates absolute poverty (Xinhua)
2020-10-15
Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region has accomplished the historical feat of eradicating absolute poverty, according to a press briefing held in the regional capital of Lhasa on Thursday. By the end of 2019, Tibet had lifted 628,000 people out of poverty and delisted 74 county-level areas from the poverty list, said Wu Yingjie, Communist Party of China chief of Tibet, calling the achievement a "major victory." The average annual net income of poor people in Tibet had risen from 1,499 yuan (about 220.44 U.S. dollars) in 2015 to 9,328 yuan in 2019, Wu said. Since the beginning of this year, Tibet has shifted its focus from tackling absolute poverty to consolidating poverty alleviation achievements, he said. Tibet's major victory in poverty alleviation attests to the advantages of the socialist system on the high plateau, Wu said. Known as the "Roof of the World," Tibet is famous for its picturesque plateau landscape and rich ethnic culture. It is one of the main battlegrounds in China's nationwide campaign against poverty. "The elimination of absolute poverty in Tibet is a major achievement of China's poverty alleviation campaign in the new era," says a document released at the briefing, noting that the feat has greatly enhanced the modernization drive in Tibet. Since 2016, Tibet has spent 74.8 billion yuan of agriculture-related fund in poverty alleviation, with an average annual increase of over 15 percent, Wu said. He cited poverty alleviation projects and relocation programs, among other measures, as useful experience in eliminating absolute poverty in Tibet. Since 2016, a total of 39.89 billion yuan has been invested in over 2,900 poverty alleviation projects, which helped lift more than 238,000 impoverished people out of poverty and benefited more than 840,000 people, according to Wu. Authorities in Tibet have made great efforts in relocating impoverished people living in severe natural conditions to areas with relatively rich production materials and better infrastructure. To date, the construction of 965 relocation sites has been completed and 266,000 people have moved into new houses. "The relocation programs were carried out entirely on a voluntary basis," Wu said. A third-party assessment on the anti-poverty efforts in Tibet showed that the satisfaction rate among local people in the region was over 99 percent. "The historical achievement of eliminating absolute poverty in Tibet not only marks a milestone in China's campaign against poverty but also serves as an exemplary case and a huge booster for the global poverty reduction cause," said Thubten Kehdrup, a professor with Tibet University. ^ top ^
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| Xinjiang |
Outbound parcels through Xinjiang port exceed 30 million (Xinhua)
2020-10-13
The Alataw Pass, a major land port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has witnessed booming cross-border e-commerce as it has handled more than 30 million outbound parcels this year. The parcels, mainly packed with toys, furniture, clothing and daily necessities, are worth nearly 100 million U.S. dollars, according to the customs of the pass. The cross-border e-commerce parcels have been sent to countries like Belgium and Germany, which are later delivered via local post offices or express services such as DHL and UPS. With its geographical advantage and the China-Europe cargo trains passing through, the Alataw Pass has seen booming cross-border e-commerce since the business was launched in January. Parcels on major online shopping platforms including Alibaba and Amazon have been shipped via the port, with 506,000 cross-border e-commerce companies in China involved, according to the port customs. ^ top ^
Xinjiang's Bayingolin develops comprehensive tourism sector (China Daily)
2020-10-10
Bayingolin Mongolian autonomous prefecture has planned to integrate and improve local tourism resources to boost economic development while the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is establishing tourism demonstration areas. Bayingolin has recently held a meeting on mulling plans to revitalize the tourism industry and reenergize rural areas across the whole prefecture, so as to increase the income of farmers and herdsmen in scenic spots. With the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets", the prefecture will focus on training personnel and developing boutique scenic spots to achieve comprehensive and high-quality development in the sector. ^ top ^
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| Hongkong |
Delay to Hong Kong leader's annual speech shows policy direction 'has shifted to Beijing' (SCMP)
2020-10-15
Even top government officials were in the dark until the last hour before Hong Kong's leader announced on Monday that she would delay her policy address until next month, it has emerged. The key annual speech by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, slated for Wednesday, had been anticipated as a test of how she would offer solutions for a city rocked by the most tumultuous months in its history. How would the government rebuild trust after months of anti-government riots, reassure residents over the wisdom of a deeply unpopular national security law, pull the economy out of deep recession and chart a path through a possible fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic ? The address was easily the most important one of her political career so far. But at 9.44am, the Information Services Department sent out a brief alert notifying the media that the leader would make an announcement at 11.30am. When Lam appeared, she announced her speech would be delayed as she had meetings in Beijing. "I was just notified by the central government inviting me to go to Beijing to attend meetings later this month," she told reporters. That short explanation spoke volumes about the shifts in the political and economic relationship between the financial hub and mainland China. In previous years, the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and Beijing's liaison office would make sure the city leader took precedence if schedules clashed, a source close to Beijing said. "That was the 'Hong Kong comes first' time," the insider said. "But those days are gone." In explaining the delay, Lam rejected the notion the abrupt postponement was prompted by Chinese President Xi Jinping arriving in neighbouring Shenzhen on Wednesday for the 40th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the special economic zone. Lam said she needed to attend meetings with central government ministries in Beijing later in the month on developing the Greater Bay Area – a scheme integrating the financial hub with Macau, Shenzhen and eight other southern Chinese cities into a financial and technological powerhouse. How the central government moved forward with that blueprint would have implications for her own policy address, she said. She expected to fly to Beijing after October 20 for a series of meetings with mainland ministries. The Chief Executive's Office said on Thursday that Lam had "explained clearly the reasons for the decision to postpone the policy address at the media session on October 12". "(…) Her trip north also comes just ahead of the fifth plenum of the 19th Communist Party Congress, which will run from October 26-29 in the capital and lay out how the nation will respond to growing hostilities abroad and economic uncertainty at home. A Beijing-friendly politician said he doubted the central government ordered Lam to defer her policy speech. "But Beijing officials may have given her a soft reminder that key measures to promote the development of the Greater Bay Area would be rolled out in the near future and it would be better for her policy address to take the nation's development strategy into account," he said. (…) Andrew Fung Ho-keung, chief executive of the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute think tank, said his understanding was that with previous administrations Beijing would try its best to accommodate the chief executive, particularly the city's first, Tung Chee-hwa, who was highly trusted by the central government. "But now the central government no longer bothers to pay the same level of respect for Lam," Fung said. "Beijing is becoming increasingly more assertive over Hong Kong and more proactive in guiding the governance of the Hong Kong government. Now Beijing wants Hong Kong's policy address to be incorporated in the nation's overall development strategy." Political scientist Ray Yep Kin-man said the central leadership wanted the policy address to fit in the nation's five-year plan. "It's a sign of its distrust in Lam who has handled the political crisis in Hong Kong poorly," he said. A former senior Hong Kong official agreed some top officials in central government ministries held a negative view of the city since it was overwhelmed by anti-government protests last year. "They have strong sentiments against Hong Kong because of some acts in the city that disregarded the 'one country'," the former official said. Under the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong is allowed a high degree of autonomy from mainland China. During the demonstrations in July last year, protesters besieged the liaison office, pelting it with eggs, defaced the national emblem and spray-painted expletives on its walls. "However, when it comes to official contact with the Hong Kong government, Beijing officials still observe protocol and pay respect to Hong Kong's chief executive," the former official said. He did not believe mainland officials would set out to deliberately embarrass the chief executive by scheduling meetings that conflicted with the policy address. (…) ^ top ^
Hong Kong's Carrie Lam delays 2020 policy address to consult Beijing (HKFP)
2020-10-12
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has announced that her 2020 policy address will be postponed so that she can consult Beijing later this month. Lam shall instead travel to Shenzhen on Wednesday morning, where Xi Jinping is set to visit. Lam told the press on Monday that Hong Kong's economic recovery needs Beijing's support, so she was invited to travel to Beijing in mid-October to discuss matters with multiple ministries. She added that the address was postponed in the "public interest" so that policies supported by Beijing could be incorporated. The new address will take place before the end of November: "[I]'d like to be able to use the 2020 policy address to instill more confidence amongst Hong Kong people, because Hong Kong people have endured a very difficult year – including Covid-19 and international sanctions. That's why I've put forward proposals for the central government to consider, and they've responded [recently]." Lam said she made the decision after meeting the legislative president Andrew Leung. Xi will attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of establishment of the Shenzhen special economic zone this week where he will deliver a speech, according to state-run agency Xinhua. The Chinese leader is expected to meet with Lam, as well as Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, according to an HK01 report citing establishment sources – however, Lam denied the report on Monday. Lam said the policy address has been postponed three times from October to January previously, therefore there was a precedent and no legal issue in the delay: "Should we give up the opportunity to deliver a better policy address, simply because the chief executive has to deliver it at the start of the legislative year?" She said many policies related to livelihood issues had been announced during the course of the year – outside of the policy address – including various housing policy changes in June 2018 and January 2020. She said it was proof that the government will not withhold announcing relevant policies: "[T]his is a very good opportunity that no chief executive will forgo." Xi last met Lam during last year's protests in December where he hailed her "courage." ^ top ^
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| Taiwan |
PLA warns US to stop stirring up trouble in Taiwan Straits (China Daily)
2020-10-15
The Chinese military urged the United States to stop indulging in rhetoric and negative actions related to the Taiwan Straits, senior colonel Zhang Chunhui, spokesman of the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command, said on Thursday. On Wednesday, the guided-missile destroyer USS Barry transited through the Taiwan Straits. The PLA Eastern Theater Command dispatched maritime and Air Force units to monitor the vessel's entire passage, Zhang said. "Recently, the US has been routinely sending the wrong message to Taiwan separatist forces, and has severely damaged peace and stability in the region," he said. "We solemnly warn the US to stop stirring up trouble in the Taiwan Straits with its rhetoric and actions," he said. The PLA Eastern Theater Command would remain on high alert, and will resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits region, he added. ^ top ^
Taiwan spy network busted by mainland (China Daily)
2020-10-13
Chinese security authorities have recently cracked down on several hundred Taiwan-related espionage cases and arrested a group of Taiwan residents suspected of spying. In a special operation known as "Xunlei-2020", the authorities targeted the infiltration and sabotage activities of Taiwan spy intelligence agencies and busted a Taiwan spy network deployed by the agencies to the Chinese mainland. According to a report by China Central Television on Sunday, Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and DPP authorities have recently been colluding closely with foreign forces and have stepped up efforts to promote a series of "Taiwan independence" activities, challenging the "one-China" principle and undermining peace and stability across the Straits. Taiwan's spy and intelligence agencies, acting as a tool for DPP authorities, have meddled with diplomatic relations between the Chinese mainland and other countries and have attempted to raise Taiwan's international position, jeopardizing national sovereignty, security and development interests, the report said. Xunlei-2020 has helped safeguard national security and is another major effort targeting Taiwan intelligence agencies and DPP authorities, following an operation in 2018 codenamed Thunder-2018, it said. In addition, a CCTV program revealed more details of a case in which a Taiwan resident, Lee Mengchu, was investigated for allegedly endangering national security by engaging in espionage work and intervening in Hong Kong affairs. Lee, 48, was put under control in August 2019 by the Shenzhen national security bureau when he was about to return to Taiwan from Shenzhen, Guangdong province. He is a businessman in Taiwan and also serves as a director of a "Taiwan independence" organization called the Taiwan United Nations Alliance. Media reports have shown that this organization has traveled all over the world to campaign for Taiwan to join the United Nations and network with overseas anti-China politicians. According to the program, Lee's engagement in "Taiwan independence" activities dates back to 2001 when he was studying in New York. At that time, he often frequented a place called Taiwan Club, where he made acquaintances with separatist parties before joining the alliance in 2009. In 2019, Hong Kong demonstrators kicked off months of protests against a now-withdrawn extradition bill. Taiwan separatist forces seized the opportunity to clamor for "independence" and supported violent demonstrations in the special administrative region. CCTV said Lee was persuaded to head to Hong Kong to join the protests and made flyers that stand for "Hong Kong and Taiwan freedom" with a map that separated the two areas from the mainland with two different colors. Lee arrived in Hong Kong on Aug 18, 2019. He actively participated in anti-China assemblies and sent pictures of himself back to Taiwan. After his stay in Hong Kong, he learned from a source that a group of armed police were deployed to Shenzhen. Lee decided to travel across the border to photograph them, seeing this as another opportunity to show loyalty to the alliance. He headed to Shenzhen on Aug 19, 2019, and wandered around Shenzhen Bay Stadium, filming and taking pictures of armed police, despite a cordon clearly stating that filming was not allowed. He then sent the materials back to Taiwan and hurried to the dock before being arrested. Shenzhen police said Lee's pictures and videos depicted "military secrets" involving location, combat equipment and troop quantity, which could lead to the disclosure of combat capability and intention, seriously endangering national security. "These people participating in these activities do not really care about Hong Kong people's safety or Hong Kong's freedom and democracy. They only want to gain some attention in Taiwan and earn some political assets for themselves," said a police officer with the Shenzhen national security bureau. ^ top ^
Detained Taiwanese man accused of endangering national security 'confesses' on Chinese state TV (HKFP)
2020-10-12
A Taiwanese man detained in China and accused of "endangering national security" appeared on Chinese television Sunday evening, admitting to illegally filming military exercises in a city bordering Hong Kong during protests there last year. Relatives of Lee Meng-chu had said he went missing after crossing from Hong Kong into Shenzhen on August 19, 2019. Hong Kong was then in the throes of months-long mass demonstrations against a law allowing extradition to China, the territory's government and the central government in Beijing. At the time, thousands of Chinese military police had gathered in a stadium in Shenzhen for exercises with armoured vehicles. The manoeuvres had fuelled speculation that China was going to deploy its forces to intervene in the Hong Kong unrest. "I took my phone to record some videos," Lee said in the CCTV state television report on Sunday, interspersed with scenes from his alleged actions. "I am sorry. I have done a lot of bad things," said Lee, his hair cropped short, wearing a blue shirt and an orange vest with his prisoner number. According to CCTV, he went to Shenzhen for the sole purpose of observing the manoeuvres. He reportedly shot 16 videos and took 48 photos around the stadium. After he shared some on the internet, he was reportedly arrested by state security. Human rights organisations accuse China of regularly forcing detainees to deliver public "confessions" broadcast on television, in a country where the opaque judicial system remains subject to the ruling Communist Party. The Chinese government has accused Taiwanese authorities and activists in recent months of supporting anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. ^ top ^
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| Economy |
China's CPI growth slows to 19-month low of 1.7% (China Daily)
2020-10-15
China's consumer price index, a main gauge of inflation, grew 1.7 percent year-on-year last month, the lowest level in 19 months and down from 2.4 percent in August, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday. The CPI growth moderated as food prices continued to soften last month. The rise in pork prices slowed to 25.5 percent year-on-year, sharply down by 27.1 percentage points from a month earlier, as pork supply was further restored, the NBS said. The rise in non-food prices edged down to zero year-on-year in September, versus a 0.1 percent growth a month earlier, with the prices for transportation dropping while those for medical care and education rising. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 0.5 percent year-on-year last month, the same as August, the bureau said. Meanwhile, the country's producer price index, which gauges factory-gate prices, fell by 2.1 percent on a yearly basis in September, versus a 2.0 percent decline in August, with the slide in petroleum-related prices widening. ^ top ^
IMF: China's 2020 GDP likely to double June forecast (China Daily)
2020-10-15
The International Monetary Fund has predicted that China's economy will expand by 1.9 percent this year, nearly double the rate forecast in June, and the country is expected to continue to lead the global economic recovery with robust production and a solid services sector rebound, economists said on Wednesday. China continues to be the only major economy to show positive growth in 2020 and its GDP growth is expected to reach 8.2 percent next year, according to the World Economic Outlook released by IMF on Tuesday. The projection came as China is expected to release its third quarter economic data next week. Some economists have forecast that China's GDP growth rate is likely to pick up to above 5 percent following a strong rebound of 3.2 percent in the second quarter. The IMF projected in its latest report that global growth is likely to contract by 4.4 percent in 2020, a "less severe" scenario than projected at the end of the second quarter. The organization also said that the United States will see a 4.3 percent contraction in its GDP this year, compared with an 8 percent contraction forecast in June. But the US rebound in 2021 is expected to be 3.1 percent, 1.4 percentage points below the earlier projection. "We are projecting a somewhat less severe though still deep recession in 2020, relative to our June forecast," the IMF said in its latest quarterly forecast. "The revision is driven by second quarter GDP outturns in large, advanced economies, which were not as negative as we had projected; China's return to growth, which was stronger than expected; and signs of a more rapid recovery in the third quarter," it said. In its June World Economic Outlook update, the IMF projected China's economy would grow by 1 percent. In the October forecast, it said GDP results for the second quarter were better than expected in China, where, after lockdowns eased in early April, public investment helped boost activity to return to positive growth in the second quarter. China's GDP expanded 3.2 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, reversing a contraction of 6.8 percent in the first quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The IMF is not the only international organization that has raised its forecast for China. The World Bank said in its latest report that China's economy is expected to grow by 2 percent in 2020, up from the 1 percent growth projection released in June. Other rating agencies have also revised up their forecast on China's GDP growth this year, to 1.9 percent for Moody's and 2.7 percent for Fitch. The two agencies expected China to be the only major economy to see growth expansion this year. The Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the steady recovery of the Chinese economy and the country's full resumption of production have helped stabilize global supply chains and effectively boosted global demand. China will continue to build an open economy and is willing to boost economic policy coordination with other countries to contribute to stabilization and recovery, the ministry said. Economists at Standard Chartered Bank said that China's GDP growth in the third quarter is likely to have risen to 5.5 percent year-on-year. "Following a V-shaped rebound in Q2, led by the manufacturing sector, growth sustained momentum in Q3 as the services sector caught up. The purchasing managers subindex for services climbed to 55.2 in September, the highest reading since June 2012," they said in a research note. "Pent-up demand boosted domestic tourism, supporting the catering and accommodation sectors. Supportive measures helped to stabilize the labor market, boosting consumer confidence," they added. The Brookings Institution, in an update to its Tracking Indexes for the Global Economic Recovery published on Sunday, also said China has led the global recovery, with both the industrial and services sectors revived, and many indicators of economic activity already above pre-COVID levels. The IMF's latest report said that global trade began recovering in June as lockdowns were eased, with China being an important contributor. Zhu Min, head of Tsinghua University's National Institute of Financial Research and a former deputy managing director of the IMF, said that China is expected to be the only country to have positive GDP growth this year, and for the next two years the country is likely to maintain a growth rate of 10 percent compared with the base in 2019. He added that China will increase its contribution to global economic growth, which could potentially further change the global economic structure. The senior economist warned that uncertainties of global economic growth are increasing as some countries begin experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 infections recently. He noted that many countries have exhausted their stimulus packages of fiscal and monetary measures, and facilitating an economic recovery will be challenging in the next step. ^ top ^
China's foreign trade hits record high in Q3 amid pro-growth measures (Xinhua)
2020-10-13
China's foreign trade has emerged from the woes of the COVID-19 pandemic and registered strong growth in the third quarter (Q3), thanks to a string of government support policies. The country's foreign trade of goods increased 7.5 percent year-on-year to 8.88 trillion yuan (1.32 trillion U.S. dollars) in Q3, hitting a historic quarterly high, with exports jumping 10.2 percent and imports climbing 4.3 percent in yuan terms, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said on Tuesday. The quarterly values of both imports and exports hit record highs in Q3, according to GAC spokesperson Li Kuiwen. In the first three quarters, China's foreign trade of goods totaled 23.12 trillion yuan, up 0.7 percent year on year, reversing declines reported in the first two quarters when the country's foreign trade was weighed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rebound came despite the rise of protectionism and unilateralism this year amid the spread of the pandemic, Li said, adding that the country's trade structure also improved during the period. General trade, involving longer production chains and better reflecting the country's manufacturing strength, edged up 2.1 percent during the nine-month period, taking a larger share of the total trade of goods, he said. Private companies played a significant role in propelling trade growth, with their foreign trade expanding by 10.2 percent in the first three quarters. The country's central and western regions contributed more to trade amid further opening-up measures, with foreign trade in the two regions up 8.3 percent year-on-year during the period. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations remained China's largest trading partner in the first nine months, followed by the European Union and the United States, while trade with countries along the Belt and Road rose 1.5 percent, GAC data showed. China has rolled out a series of policies including streamlining procedures at customs and cutting costs for firms to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on foreign trade. The customs clearance time was reduced for the fifth consecutive month in September, Li said. The country has also introduced incentives for cross-border e-commerce and other forms of innovative trade to support sustained trade growth, he said. As China further implements pro-trade policies and pushes a new development pattern, the country is likely to see upward momentum in the economy and foreign trade, Li said. ^ top ^
Chinese premier stresses steady economic recovery, fulfillment of 2020 goals (Xinhua)
2020-10-13
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for efforts to consolidate the momentum of steady economic recovery and growth, as well as to ensure the fulfillment of this year's development goals. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while presiding over a symposium on the economic situation via video link. Vice-Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. A raft of government policy measures, especially tax and fee reductions, have extended the economic recovery in the past few months, while speedy growth of new market entities helped expand employment, according to reports delivered by governors of Liaoning, Jiangsu, Fujian, Jiangxi and Shaanxi at the symposium. Noting that the domestic and external environment is still complex and uncertainties are on the rise, Li urged both confidence and profound analysis of difficult problems in carrying forward the momentum of steady economic recovery and growth. Li called for efforts to address development challenges by reforms and opening-up, clinch a decisive victory in the fight against poverty, and realize economic growth for the year. Tax and fee reductions, which are key to steady economic recovery, should be further implemented in the remaining months, said Li, emphasizing that funds should be channeled to market entities in full. Coverage of inclusive finance should be expanded to extend effective financial services to micro, small and medium-sized firms, as well as struggling sectors. Li called for accelerating development of new growth drivers with efforts to motivate market forces and explore new business models. Local government should rev up the integration of online and offline consumption, promote the coordinated growth of new and traditional consumption and fuel economic growth with consumption potential, Li said. He also underlined the importance of deepening the reforms of streamlining administrative approvals, delegating power to lower levels and improving regulations and services to spawn and nurture new market entities, as well as to enhance the resilience and vitality of the economy. In the meantime, Li stressed securing people's basic livelihoods and advancing the employment of college graduates, migrant workers and other key groups. ^ top ^
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DPRK leader inspects rehabilitation site in South Hamgyong Province (Xinhua)
2020-10-14
Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has inspected the rehabilitation site in the Komdok area of South Hamgyong Province, which has recently been hit by flooding and typhoons, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Wednesday. According to the report, Kim said he could see that the damage done to the area was "more severe than he thought." One month ago, Kim ordered the military troops to help rebuild the Komdok area, said the report, adding that so far, over 60 percent of the total project of building more than 2,300 new dwellings in the area has been completed. "He said he was so pleased to hear that the calamity-afflicted people could move into new houses by the end of this month, and stressed the need to take measures to supply food and daily necessities to those disaster-hit people and to take good care of them as they are living a hard life in public buildings and other people's houses," the report said. Kim also unfolded a plan to turn the Komdok area, the country's leading large-scale mineral production base, into the country's model mountainous city and a mining city by doing away with the centuries-old backwardness and by building modern dwelling houses suited to the requirement of the new century, the report added. This summer has witnessed several severe floods and powerful typhoons across the country, causing great damage to local people and their properties. ^ top ^
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Preliminary results of elections for Ulaanbaatar's local councils (Montsame)
2020-10-16
Preliminary results are being updated at this moment as ballots being counted at the 2,148 polling places throughout the country following the closure of the polls where Mongolians voted to elect their new representatives at the local self-government bodies for 21 aimags and their 330 soums and capital city Ulaanbaatar, and its 9 districts. 17,149 candidates of 9 political parties and coalitions and independents ran for the local elections for 8,169 seats in total nationwide. In particular, in aimag and capital city-level Citizens' Representative Khural elections, 1,901 candidates vied for the 816 seats, while in soum-level elections, 14,388 candidates participated for 7,062 mandates, and 696 candidates for 291 seats at district-level local councils, according to the General Election Commission. As shown in the preliminary results of the elections provided by the Election Commission of Ulaanbaatar city, out of 291 mandates for the Citizens' Representative Khurals of 9 districts of the capital city, and 201 mandates went to the representatives from the Mongolian People's Party, 75 seats to the Democratic Party representatives, 10 seats to the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party, one seat to Mongolian Green Party candidate and one seat to an independent candidate. Because two candidates from the Mongolian People's Party and Democratic Party have received the same number of votes, ending in ties at an electoral constituency in Nalaikh District with 4 mandates, the second ballot to be held within 10 days as stated in the corresponding law on local council elections. As of 45 seats of the Citizens' Representative Khural of Ulaanbaatar city, candidates of the Mongolian People's Party gained majority by winning 34 seats, Democratic Party won 8 seats and Mongolian Labor Party 3 seats. Final results of the elections for local council bodies in 21 aimags and 330 soums are being collected and to be merged together in coming hours. ^ top ^
Consultative meeting held between Foreign Ministries of Mongolia and Kazakhstan (Montsame)
2020-10-14
A virtual consultative meeting of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Republic of Kazakhstan took place on October 14. The meeting was co-chaired by Director of the Mongolian Foreign Ministry's Department of Asia and the Pacific E.Sarantogos and Director of the Kazakhstani Foreign Ministry's Department of Asia Pacific Region Nurgali Arystanov. The sides exchanged views on the current state of Mongolia-Kazakhstan cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, culture, and education as well as the plans to be undertaken in the near future and reviewed the implementation of the plans agreed on during high-level visits and agreed to put emphasis on speeding up the projects hampered by COVID-19. They also discussed high-level visits and events scheduled for next year, documents to be signed in the near future for the creation of a favorable legal framework for relations between the two countries, and regional cooperation issues. At the meeting, it was decided to hold the 8th meeting of the Mongolia-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission virtually within this year and make the necessary arrangements with promptitude. Mongolian Ambassador to Kazakhstan L.Battulga, Kazakhstani Ambassador to Mongolia Zhalgas Adilbayev, and other foreign ministry officials of the two countries took part in the meeting. ^ top ^
India to support training of Parliamentary Research Institute personnel (Montsame)
2020-10-13
Senior Advisor to the Speaker of the State Great Khural D.Lundeejantsan and Director of the Parliamentary Research Institute of the Secretariat of the State Great Khural T.Bayarmaa met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Mongolia Mohinder Pratap Singh on October 13 to discuss cooperation between the two sides. Senior Advisor D.Lundeejantsan said the Parliamentary Research Institute has an important role in ensuring that laws, resolutions and other decisions passed by the Parliament are research-based and practical, underlining the necessity of expanding its cooperation with local and foreign research organizations. He then voiced his hope that the Indian side will provide support in learning from India's experience in parliamentary research and upskilling personnel in India. Ambassador M.P.Singh expressed the readiness to open up opportunities for cooperation in the field of parliamentary research, noting that there is an opportunity to train and upskill personnel on full and partial scholarships. The Ambassador also undertook to help the Parliamentary Research Institute establish cooperation with Indian parliamentary research organizations PRS, PRIDE, and the Parliament Library of India. The sides agreed to sign a memorandum of cooperation in the short future. ^ top ^
Prime Minister works in Sukhbaatar and Khentii aimags (Montsame)
2020-10-12
During the last weekend, Prime Minister of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh worked in Khentii aimag to present about the government activities with goals to ensure domestic supply of petroleum and oil products and healthy food products and develop infrastructure, processing factory, digital system and intensive livestock and farming industries. In particular, the Prime Minister mentioned that a leather and hide processing factories as well as copper smelting, copper concentrating and steel plants will be built and commissioned in the coming few years. Chair of the Cabinet Secretariat L.Oyun-Erdene, who also accompanied the Premier during the working trip, introduced about development works planned in Khentii aimag. He informed that capital investment worth over MNT 500 billion have been made in the aimag with support from the Prime Minister and parliament members elected from the constituencies of Khentii, yielding results in a number of areas of education, health, culture, construction and infrastructure in the region. Afterwards, PM Khurelsukh paid a working trip to Sukhbaatar aimag and took part in a workshop organized by the Ministry of Education and Science. In his address at the event, the Prime Minister pledged to pursue a policy to prepare a 'Mongolian', who respects their traditions and customs, national history and culture and measures will be taken to support 'skilled teachers'. Within the framework of these goals, the government has been focusing on capacity building for 993 teachers and more than 1,700 employees of schools and kindergartens operating aimag-wide, serving for 5,500 kids of kindergarten and 13,000 schoolchildren. It has been also informed that between 2019 and 2020, the government has built 119 new kindergartens and 71 schools, allowing over 40,000 children to attend schools and kindergartens in addition to around 930,000 children in 1,442 kindergartens and 841 schools nationwide. In Sukhbaatar aimag, the Prime Minister held a meeting with healthcare workers and thanked for them for exerting all their tireless efforts to protect the health of the population amid the global pandemic. He further noted that public health promotion and disease prevention, improvement of domestic healthcare services, introduction of advanced medical treatment equipment and technologies, growth in the number of nurses, quality assurance of pharmaceuticals and improvement of health insurance system have been set as priority targets of the government in the healthcare industry. ^ top ^
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Embassy of Switzerland
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