Category: Asia

China, Laos pledge enhanced anti-corruption cooperation

The close and comprehensive ties between China and its socialist neighbour, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic have been reinforced with a recent visit by Khamphanh Phommathath, Politburo member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee and president of the State Inspection Authority.

In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, in Beijing on December 6, Li noted that China and Laos are friendly socialist neighbours that walk hand in hand, bound by the same destiny.

China, he added, supports Laos in playing a bigger role in ASEAN and in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with Laos to realise the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity. 

Laos will assume the rotating chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2024.

While briefing the Lao side on the CPC’s efforts to enforce strict Party governance and fight corruption comprehensively, Li said the CPC is willing to strengthen its exchanges of experience with the LPRP on improving party conduct, building a clean government and combating corruption.

Khamphanh said the LPRP cherishes its close friendship with the CPC, and that it is willing to work with the Chinese side to firmly implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries as well as promote the construction of a clean railway between Laos and China, promote the greater development of relations between the two parties and two countries, and deepen cooperation on discipline inspection, supervision and anti-corruption work.

The following article was originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) — Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, on Wednesday held talks with Khamphanh Phommathath, Politburo member of the Party Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), chairman of the Inspection Committee of the Party Central Committee and president of the State Inspection Authority.

Li noted that China and Laos are friendly socialist neighbours that walk hand in hand, bound by the same destiny. He said that China, guided by the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, is ready to work with Laos to intensify high-level exchanges, enhance strategic communication, synergize development strategies further, and expand high-quality cooperation on the joint construction of the Belt and Road.

China supports Laos in playing a bigger role in ASEAN and in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with Laos to realize the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, build the Belt and Road, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Li added.

While briefing the Lao side on the CPC’s efforts to enforce strict Party governance and fight corruption comprehensively, Li said the CPC is willing to strengthen its exchanges of experience with the LPRP on improving party conduct, building a clean government and combating corruption. He said the CPC is ready to deepen communication and coordination under multilateral anti-corruption mechanisms, work with Laos to promote the construction of a clean Silk Road, cooperate in combating cross-border corruption crimes, and provide a strong guarantee to promote the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Laos.

Khamphanh said the LPRP cherishes its close friendship with the CPC, and that it is willing to work with the Chinese side to firmly implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries. He said the LPRP is ready to intensify high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning related to governance experience, promote the construction of a clean railway between Laos and China, promote the greater development of relations between the two parties and two countries, and deepen cooperation on discipline inspection, supervision and anti-corruption work. 

Wang Yi: China-DPRK friendship is a valuable asset for both sides

Preparations were made by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, with a Beijing visit by DPRK Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho. The relations were established on October 6, 1949, just five days after the founding of the PRC. The DPRK had been founded one year earlier. 

Meeting the DPRK visitors on December 18, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is a valuable asset for both sides. In recent years, this traditional friendship has been further developed in the new era under the strategic guidance and personal care of the top leaders of the two countries, he added, and continued to note that  China is willing to jointly host a series of commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year, and to promote the sustained and steady development of China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations.

Pak said it is the unswerving position of the DPRK side to continuously develop DPRK-China relations in accordance with the lofty will of the top leaders of the two countries and the requirements of the new era. Noting that the DPRK is willing to work with China to consolidate the brotherly friendship between the two countries, he added that the DPRK will continue to strengthen multilateral coordination with China so as to safeguard common interests and regional peace and stability.

At the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference the same day, a correspondent from South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency asked spokesperson Wang Wenbin: “The Foreign Ministry put out a readout on the meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the DPRK’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho this morning. Can you share more details about the meeting?”

Wang replied as follows: “This morning, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the DPRK Pak Myong Ho who came to China for diplomatic consultations between the two countries.

“Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK were forged and fostered personally by the older generation of leaders of the two parties and two countries, and is a valuable asset for both sides. In recent years, under the strategic guidance and personal care of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, the China-DPRK traditional friendship has been further deepened in the new era. In a world fraught with change and instability, China and the DPRK have firmly supported and trusted each other, which demonstrates the strategic significance of China-DPRK friendship and cooperation. China always views its relations with the DPRK from a strategic height and long-term perspective. We would like to work with the DPRK to enhance communication and coordination, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various areas, jointly hold a number of events next year in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and advance the sustained and steady growth of China-DPRK friendship and cooperation.

“Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho noted that it is the unswerving position of the party and government of the DPRK to continue to deepen the DPRK-China relations in line with the noble will of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries as well as the requirements of the new era. The DPRK stands ready to work with China to take the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to consolidate the brotherly friendship between the two countries and take the relations forward. The DPRK will continue to enhance coordination with China on multilateral affairs, safeguard the common interests of the two countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region.

“The two sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.”

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Myong Ho on Monday in Beijing.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is a valuable asset for both sides.

In recent years, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK has been further developed in the new era under the strategic guidance and personal care of the top leaders of the two countries, Wang noted.

China always views its relations with the DPRK from a strategic and long-term perspective, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to work with the DPRK to strengthen communication and coordination, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Wang said that China is willing to jointly host a series of commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries next year, and promote the sustained and steady development of China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations.

Pak said it is the unswerving position of the DPRK side to continuously develop DPRK-China relations in accordance with the lofty will of the top leaders of the two countries and the requirements of the new era.

Noting that the DPRK is willing to work with China to consolidate the brotherly friendship between the two countries, Pak said the DPRK will continue to strengthen multilateral coordination with China to safeguard common interests and regional peace and stability. 

Vietnam-China joint statement

Chinese President Xi Jinping successfully concluded his state visit to Vietnam and returned to China on the afternoon of December 13. In a further meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), just prior to his departure, Xi said that his current visit marks a good conclusion to China’s diplomatic events this year and thus has great significance.

It is, he added, a fine tradition between China and Vietnam to have leaders of the two parties chart the course for the development of party-to-party and bilateral relations. He added that the visit had been a heartwarming and touching one. He was particularly impressed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s repeated description of the profound friendship between the two countries as “camaraderie plus brotherhood”. This serves as the starting point and foundation for China-Vietnam relations. As long as the two countries stay committed to this course, their relations are set to make new progress and bring more benefits to their people. 

The two countries also issued a joint statement on December 13, which, at more than 6,000 words, provides a comprehensive review of and program for their relations. 

The statement notes that:

“The two sides hold that Vietnam and China are good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners, and both are socialist countries under the leadership of a communist party, with similar political regimes, compatible ideology and belief, similar development path, shared vision, shared future, and common efforts for happy people and a wealthy and strong country and for the noble cause of peace and progress of humanity.

“To inherit and promote the traditional friendship of ‘Vietnam-China close bonds as both comrades and brothers’ and continue to deepen and further elevate the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the two sides agree to build a Vietnam-China Community with a Shared Future having strategic significance and to exert efforts for the happiness of the two peoples and for the cause of peace and progress of humanity.

“The Vietnamese side supports the building of a community with shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative. These initiatives have the aim of protecting the common interest of the whole of humanity, for the cause of peace, fairness and progressive development of people all over the world, meeting the aspiration to build a better world for people in all countries.”

On this basis, the two sides agree to take the Vietnam-China relations to a new stage with stronger political trust, more substantial defence-security cooperation, deeper tangible collaboration, firmer social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, better management and settlement of differences, and joint efforts for boosting the development of the world socialism cause, making positive contributions to the cause of peace and progress of humanity.

It notes that, in a “friendly, straightforward atmosphere, the two sides informed each other on the situations of their respective Parties and countries, as well as the theory and reality of the building of socialism; showing delight at the great and historic achievements that each Party and country has gained during the cause of national development, modernisation and socialism building in line with each country’s conditions; asserting that these fully demonstrate the vitality and superiority of the socialist systems in Vietnam and China.”

They also looked back at the development process of relations between the two Parties and countries, appreciate the invaluable and selfless support that the two Parties, countries and their people have provided for each other in various periods; and unanimously agree that the traditional friendship as “both comrades and brothers” founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong and generations of leaders, is an invaluable asset of the two countries’ people that needs to be inherited, well-protected, and effectively upheld. The Party, State and people of Vietnam always hold in high regard and deeply appreciate the strong support and assistance provided by the Party, State and people of China in the struggle for national liberation and independence, as well as the cause of socialism building and national development.

Both sides affirm their consistent support for the two Parties, countries and their people to persevere with independence in strategy and choice of development paths that suit each country’s situation; be persistent in properly handling and actively resolving disagreements through peaceful means on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual respect in accordance with international law, maintaining the good development momentum of Vietnam – China relations, and making more active contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

On the basis of the above common perceptions, in the context of rapid, complicated, unpredictable and unprecedented developments in the world, both sides agree to persist with the political orientations of the highest Party and State leaders, looking at and developing the Vietnam-China relationship from a strategic height and long-term perspective.

Both sides agree to bring into full play the special role of the Party channel, further enhance the direction and coordination of the high-level meeting mechanism of the two Parties as well as the promotion and coordination roles of the two Parties’ external relations organisations; improve the efficiency of the exchange and cooperation between the two Parties’ respective agencies at the central level, Party organisations of localities, especially border provinces and regions; approve the mechanism of theoretical workshops between the two Parties and personnel training cooperation plans, promote delegation exchanges via the Party channel, step up exchanges and consult each other in Party building and country management, as well as socialism building and many other fields.

Both sides also agree to further enhance high-level exchanges between the two militaries; bring into play the role of cooperation channels such as border defence friendship exchange, strategic defence dialogue and hotline between the two defence ministries; effectively carry out the joint vision statement on defence cooperation until 2025 between the two defence ministries; step up exchange and cooperation between the two militaries in the fields of political work, personnel training and joint research; further strengthen cooperation in defence industry, joint exercise and training, health care, logistics, UN peace keeping activities and non-traditional security; continue intensive border cooperation by promoting joint border patrols and encouraging border stations of both sides to set up friendly relations and enhance coordination on border management and protection; and continue effective joint patrols on the Gulf of Tonkin and military ships’ mutual visits as well as deepen exchange and cooperation mechanisms between the naval and coast guard forces.

Emphasis was also placed on high-level exchanges between law-enforcement agencies, significantly including stress on boosting intelligence cooperation and sharing experience on the issues of anti-interference, anti-secession, and prevention and fighting of “peaceful evolution” and “colour revolution” of hostile and reactionary forces.

The statement also addressed a host of areas of practical cooperation, including around the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam’s development priorities, with a particular emphasis on railway connectivity and border infrastructure, trade, investment, food security and green development, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, tourism, education, sports, human resources, science and technology, health care, and natural disaster prevention and control.

The two sides agreed to speed up the implementation of projects using non-refundable aid funded by the Chinese Government for Vietnam, including a project to build the second facility of the Traditional Medicine Hospital.

They also agreed to enhance the exchange of experience in reforming state-owned enterprises and managing state capital at enterprises, cooperate in training human resources, especially high-level management human resources of state-owned enterprises; encourage state capital management agencies at enterprises of the two countries to increase contacts and connection, and create favourable conditions for enterprises of the two countries to boost mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Chinese side supports the opening of a Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing, the active roles of Vietnamese trade promotion offices in Chongqing and Hangzhou in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and is willing to further create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese side to soon open more trade promotion offices in relevant Chinese localities.

The statement also pledged to increase cooperation in such fields as biodiversity conservation, climate change response, new energy automobiles, the management of Asian natural reserves, the protection of migratory wildlife, and the control of invasive alien species along the border region.

Regarding coordination in the international arena, the two countries agreed that to protect international fairness, justice and common interests, promote peace, stability and prosperous development in the region, create an external environment beneficial to the development of each country and the Vietnam – China relations, the two sides concur to persistently uphold multilateralism, strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, and jointly protect the international system with the United Nations as its core and an international law-based international order.

They also committed themselves to better management and settlement of outstanding differences and will “engage in sincere and straightforward in-depth discussions on sea-related issues and stress the need to better manage and actively address differences at sea and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea [South China Sea] and the region.”

In conclusion, the statement notes that: “Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping sincerely thanks Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong, and senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State and the Vietnamese people for their grand, warm and friendly welcome; and respectfully invites Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong to soon visit China again. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong express their thanks and accept the invitation with pleasure.”

We reprint below the full text of the joint statement. It was originally published by the Vietnamese newspaper Nhan Dan, and the English translation is by the Vietnam News Agency. The preceding article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Continue reading Vietnam-China joint statement

Xi Jinping meets with Vietnamese leadership

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s December 12-13 state visit to Vietnam was characterised by exceptional warmth, not only on the bilateral level but also, and perhaps most significantly, from the standpoint of two socialist countries jointly taking responsibility for the destiny and progress of socialism in the world.

Meeting the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, shortly after his arrival in Hanoi, Xi and his host announced a new characterisation of the relationship between their two parties and two countries, as working together for a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, on the basis of deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, which the two countries unveiled fifteen years previously. 

General Secretary and President Xi Jinping expressed his pleasure in coming to Vietnam as previously agreed, accomplishing three mutual visits with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He expressed the genuine happiness of China as a comrade and brother for the development achievements of Vietnam over the past nearly four decades of Doi Moi (reform), especially since the 13th CPV National Congress. Xi Jinping expressed China’s firm support for Vietnam in continuing advancing its socialist cause and the firm belief that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at the helm, the CPV and the Vietnamese government will surely accomplish all the tasks put forward at the 13th CPV National Congress, and lay a solid foundation for realising the goals and targets set for the centenaries of the CPV and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Xi Jinping further underlined that China and Vietnam have supported each other in their struggle for national independence and liberation, and learned from each other’s causes of reform and opening up and Doi Moi. The characterisation “camaraderie plus brotherhood” well captures the profound friendship between the two countries. China all along views its relations with Vietnam from a strategic height and long-term perspective. Changes of the world, of our times and of historical significance are unfolding like never before. The CPC and CPV are the two largest governing communist parties in the world. Both uphold and develop Marxism, both are committed to the path of socialism, and both are leading their countries in socialist development. It is therefore all the more important that the two parties grasp the special strategic significance of China-Vietnam relations and solidly advance the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future from the height of building the strengths of socialism in the world and ensuring the sound and sustained development of their respective socialist causes.  China and Vietnam will achieve more progress in their socialist causes, and make new contributions to stability, development and prosperity of the region and the entire world.

It is important, Xi continued, to keep to the right political direction. The two sides should follow the high-level strategic guidance, enhance exchanges and mutual learning on party and national governance experience, and work together to deepen the understanding of the laws of governance by communist parties, socialist development and the development of human society. The two sides should give each other firm support on issues concerning respective core interests and major concerns and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. 

Both sides should give top priority to protecting national political security, keep to socialism without any deviation, so as to ensure that the red flag will not be changed, and forestall, diffuse and contain various political security risks with all-out efforts.

Modernisation of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people is a huge opportunity for the world. China would like to share opportunities and pursue common development with comrades in Vietnam. It is important to strengthen the popular and mass foundation for bilateral relations. China-Vietnam cooperation needs to be more weighted toward agriculture, education, medical care and other livelihood areas. The two sides should step up cooperation on youth, tourism and at subnational levels and forge closer bonds between young people.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong noted that under the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, China has made achievements on all fronts and steadily increased its international standing and influence. Vietnam is genuinely delighted for brotherly China. Vietnam firmly believes that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China will undoubtedly realise all the objectives outlined at the 20th CPC National Congress as scheduled, and make new and important contributions to human progress.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong continued to say that Xi Jinping is a beloved leader of the Chinese people, a prominent leader in the world, and a respected and revered comrade and friend of the Vietnamese people. He added that both the invitation extended to him for a visit to China immediately after the 20th CPC National Congress and this third visit as previously agreed speak volumes about the special friendship of Xi Jinping for Vietnam and the high-level nature of Vietnam-China relations. Vietnam and China have a profound friendship featuring camaraderie plus brotherhood. Not long ago, he had visited the Friendship Pass at the Vietnam-China border and planted a “friendship tree” there to demonstrate the special brotherhood and send a positive signal of the special friendship between Vietnam and China.

Maritime differences, the Vietnamese leader noted, are only part of the overall relationship between Vietnam and China. It is believed that the two sides will properly handle them in the spirit of mutual trust and mutual respect.

Following the talks, the two General Secretaries jointly witnessed the documents signed on bilateral cooperation in 30 plus areas, including Belt and Road cooperation, quarantine and inspection, development cooperation, digital economy, green development, transportation, subnational cooperation, defence, law enforcement and security cooperation, and maritime cooperation.

The next day, President Xi continued his talks with other Vietnamese leaders.

Meeting with President Vo Van Thuong, Xi said that yesterday he and General Secretary Trong had jointly announced the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, raising the relations between the two parties and two countries up to a new stage. The Chinese and Vietnamese people have fought side by side in their struggles for national independence and liberation and supported each other in the cause of socialist revolution and construction. Such a commitment to each other through thick and thin has forged a friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood.” To build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance is to renew the shared will of the older generation of leaders of the two parties and countries, to pay tribute to the heroic past, and to carry forward the revolutionary friendship between the two countries. It is also a major historic decision made by the leadership of the two parties and countries, bearing in mind the larger interests of the long-term development of China-Vietnam relations and the strategic overall picture of solidarity of socialist forces in the world. It meets the common needs of China and Vietnam to advance their respective modernisation and serves the common interests of the two peoples.

President Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides need to fully appreciate the historical imperative, strategic significance, immediate necessity, and international responsibilities of building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. 

He added that it is important to enhance solidarity and coordination to safeguard the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. China and Vietnam are both socialist countries under the leadership of a communist party. It is their shared responsibility and mission to safeguard the security of the political system and defend the cause of socialism. The two sides should strengthen solidarity, stay committed to openness and mutual benefits, jointly guard against external infiltration and sabotage attempts, and make due contributions to strengthening world socialist forces and promoting peace and progress of humanity.

President Vo Van Thuong said that the profound traditional friendship between Vietnam and China, forged by the older generation of the two sides, has stood the test of the evolving international dynamics and become a shared asset of the two peoples. Amid complex transformation of the international landscape, both Vietnam and China are at a critical development stage. It is therefore the shared aspiration of the Vietnamese and Chinese people to consolidate and strengthen the trust and cooperation between the two parties and two countries, and continuously advance the socialist cause of the two countries. Under the irreplaceable strategic guidance of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Vietnam-China relationship has never been so comprehensive, profound and friendly as it is today.

 And in words that did not name any third country, but which were clearly directed at the attempts by the United States, in particular, to drive a wedge between China and Vietnam, for example during US President Biden’s recent visit, and the insinuations and rumours spread by the imperialist mass media in that regard, the Vietnamese President very pointedly noted:

“The Vietnamese side hopes that President Xi Jinping’s visit will send a clear message to the world once again, that developing relations with China has always been a top priority and strategic choice for the Vietnamese party and government. The Vietnam-China relationship is as solid as rock. No external force can sow discord, disrupt or undermine this bilateral relationship.”

He added that the Vietnamese side will earnestly implement the important consensus of the General Secretaries of the two parties, fully leverage the unique advantage of the two countries in sharing the same social system and similar ideals and philosophies, strengthen experience exchange in party and state governance, comprehensively advance practical cooperation in various fields including politics, economy, trade, people-to-people exchanges and security, uphold national political security, and facilitate industrialisation and modernisation.

Vietnam is committed to the one-China policy, and sincerely supports China’s reunification. The Vietnamese side stands ready to properly address maritime differences under the spirit of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, and push for steady progress of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future. The initiatives on global development, security and civilisation proposed by President Xi Jinping demonstrate the sense of responsibility of a major country and a major party, as well as China’s important role in leading international development and cooperation. Vietnam is ready to be actively involved, and will enhance international coordination with China to jointly make new contributions to world peace and stability and the progress and well-being of humanity.

Meeting Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, President Xi stressed the need for China and Vietnam to work in solidarity in their socialist cause. The two sides may increase exchanges on ideological work and party theories and share experience on party and state governance. It is also important that the two sides increase people-to-people exchanges and cooperation to deepen the friendship between the two peoples and prepare the younger generation for the task of taking over the baton of China-Vietnam friendship at an early date. While the remarkable achievements in China’s reform and opening up and in Viet Nam’s Doi Moi are the result of hard work by the two countries, they are also attributable to a peaceful and stable world in general and an open and inclusive Asia-Pacific in particular. The two sides must guard against and oppose any attempt to destabilise the Asia-Pacific, and at the same time strengthen coordination and collaboration on international affairs and jointly safeguard a sound external environment.

For his part, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that Vietnam and China are two countries cherishing the same ideals and pursuing similar paths. All of President Xi’s visits to Vietnam and his important remarks have strengthened Vietnam’s recognition theoretically and emotionally, and deepened the friendship and mutual trust and enhanced the amity and affinity between the two countries.  The further strengthening of Vietnam’s relations with China is the top priority and a strategic choice of the party and government of Vietnam. It is also the strong desire of the Vietnamese people. Noting that the bilateral relationship has stood the test of time and history, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his conviction that the relationship will not be affected by any external force trying to sow discord or cause disruption and that the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future will benefit the two peoples and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

In his meeting with the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue, President Xi Jinping noted that China and Vietnam share the same political system, similar aspirations and philosophies and an intertwined future. Relations with each other hold a special place in their respective party-to-party and state-to-state relations. Over the past 73 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam has been further enriched through mutual support and assistance in the struggle for national independence and liberation, and further deepened as the two sides move forward comprehensive strategic cooperation to advance the socialist causes. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Yesterday, leaders of the two countries jointly announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. This sends a positive message of solidarity, friendship and common development between China and Vietnam as two socialist countries.

Xi added that it is important to take stock of the fine traditions and good practices in bilateral relations, step up high-level strategic communication, share experience on the governance of parties and countries, explore ways to enrich the theories and practices of socialist development, uphold common strategic interests, and keep the bilateral relationship on the right track. It is also important, the Chinese leader stressed, to properly manage problems and differences. It is important to translate the understandings and desires of the leadership of the two parties and countries into concrete actions, advance cooperation while managing differences, and steadily take forward maritime cooperation, especially joint development.

Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said that the agreements reached between General Secretaries Xi Jinping and Nguyen Phu Trong take forward the special friendship of camaraderie plus brotherhood forged by the older generation leaders, and will steer the relationship in the direction of steady development in the long run and toward a brighter future. The Vietnamese side identifies with the CPC on its governance philosophy, sincerely congratulates China on its remarkable achievements, and firmly believes that China will realise the goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects as scheduled.

Xi Jinping also delivered an important speech at a meeting of young Chinese and Vietnamese people who have contributed to the friendship between the two peoples. He said that:

“Yesterday, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and I jointly announced our decision to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, thus ushering in a new stage in the relations between our two parties and countries. This is a major strategic decision we have made to revitalise world socialism and ensure long-term stability and security of our two countries. It is rooted in our traditional friendship and represents the shared interests and aspirations of our two peoples.”

President Xi then outlined some key moments in the long history of mutual support and solidarity between the Chinese and Vietnamese revolutions:

“In the past, we stood by and reached out to each other as we pursued common goals together. In modern times, our two parties and peoples stayed true to our common ideals and supported each other in trying times as we fought for national independence and liberation. Chairman Ho Chi Minh was engaged in revolutionary activities in China for 12 years, during which he first established the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Guangzhou, and later founded the Communist Party of Vietnam in Hong Kong. For a long time, he also gave guidance to the Vietnamese revolution from Yunnan and Guangxi. Nong Qizhen, a villager in Guangxi’s Longzhou County, risked his life to protect Chairman Ho Chi Minh. It was in Guangxi where Chairman Ho Chi Minh wrote the resounding letter to all Vietnamese. He left Guangxi and returned to Vietnam in 1945, where he led the August Revolution to victory, and founded the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. In Vietnam’s War Against French Occupation and its War Against US Aggression to Save the Nation, more than 1,400 Chinese officers and men gave their lives, and they now rest in peace in Vietnam. More than 5,000 injured Vietnamese soldiers were treated in Nanxishan Hospital in Guilin, Guangxi, and over 10,000 Vietnamese students received education in Yucai School there. Vietnam also actively supported the Chinese Revolution. General Nguyen Son, who participated in the Guangzhou Uprising of 1927 and later joined the Long March of the Chinese Red Army, is well-known in China as a general of both countries. Today, when we read the famous poetic line by Chairman Ho Chi Minh that ‘So profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers’, the memory of those fiery and exciting years of our two peoples is kept alive.”

And he continued: “Today, we remain firmly committed to our shared aspiration forged in the early days and are pursuing win-win cooperation. Since we established the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership 15 years ago, we the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Vietnam have pursued people-centred mutually beneficial cooperation, delivering true benefits to our two peoples… We are now striving to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernisation. What we are pursuing is not modernisation just for China itself. We will stay committed to peaceful development, the policy of forging friendships and partnerships with neighbours, and the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. And we are ready to share more of the benefits of Chinese modernisation with our neighbours. Vietnam, on its part, is vigorously advancing its industrialisation and modernisation drive to realise the goals set for the centenary of its Party and the centenary of the country… With remarkable economic and social advances, China and Vietnam demonstrate to the world that we have found the right development paths. And enhanced solidarity and cooperation will strengthen our socialist causes.”

Expressing his expectations of the young people present, Xi Jinping said in conclusion:

“I hope that you will be pioneers in promoting human progress and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Our two Parties are both Marxist parties that bear in mind the overall interests of the world, and our two countries are both responsible members of the international community. And both of us should play a major role in advancing human progress. To build a community with a shared future for humanity is an inspiring goal, a goal that requires generations of efforts to achieve. We should be visionary, look beyond the horizon and shoulder responsibilities entrusted upon us by the times, stand up for international fairness and justice, and contribute our share to global development… Keeping in mind the journey we have traversed will enable us to advance along the right path. The challenging paths China and Vietnam have travelled and the remarkable achievements we have made in developing socialism fully demonstrate that enhanced solidarity and cooperation between our two countries has enabled us to overcome all risks and challenges and to move from one victory to another. Going forward, we need to remain true to our commitment and strive to fulfil our mission. And we should pursue our respective paths to socialism and deliver the gains of industrialisation and modernisation to more people of our two countries. Let us join hands and make even greater contribution to the advancement of humanity.”

The following articles were first published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Continue reading Xi Jinping meets with Vietnamese leadership

Xi Jinping: Building a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s December 12-13 state visit to Vietnam has been an historic one, not only in terms of promoting good neighbourly and friendly bilateral relations, but especially in stressing the two countries’ common adherence to socialism, strengthening the unity and solidarity of the socialist countries and hence the position of socialism in the world.

To coincide with his arrival in Vietnam, President Xi contributed an article to Nhan Dan, the daily newspaper of the Communist Party of Vietnam. In opening, the Chinese leader notes:

“It will be my third visit to this beautiful country since I became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President of the People’s Republic of China. I feel that I am already immersed in the warmth that people would only have when visiting relatives and neighbours.”

He continues: “China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers. We enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of us. Inspired by common visions, convictions and empathy, Comrade Mao Zedong, Comrade Ho Chi Minh and other older-generation leaders of our two parties and countries jointly cultivated the China-Vietnam traditional friendship featuring ‘camaraderie plus brotherhood.’ We stood together wholeheartedly and supported each other in pursuing national independence and liberation. In advancing socialism, we shared our experience and expanded our cooperation, writing together a historic chapter of China-Vietnam friendship.”

Noting that 2023 marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Xi writes: “No matter how the global environment has changed, our two parties and countries have worked together to uphold peace and tranquility, pursue development and cooperation, and promote prosperity and progress. We have found a promising path of jointly building a community with a shared future for humanity.” He adds that “leaders of our two parties and countries have visited each other frequently like relatives.”

Drawing attention to their common interests and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi points out that: “China has long been Vietnam’s largest trading partner, and Vietnam is China’s biggest trading partner in ASEAN and the fourth largest globally.” Giving a specific example, he writes: “Vietnam’s first urban light rail project, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line, which was built by a Chinese company, has served nearly 20 million passenger trips so far, making travels in Hanoi more convenient.”

Having observed that “building a community with a shared future for humanity should start from Asia,”, Xi continues: “Vietnam’s friendship with China featuring ‘camaraderie plus brotherhood’ is profound indeed. The CPC and the Chinese government always take it as a priority in our neighbourhood diplomacy to develop relations with Vietnam. We sincerely hope that our two nations will always hold dear to the hearts our traditional friendship, always keep in mind our shared visions and missions, advance together along the socialist path, and steadily promote the building of a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance… It is important that we keep strategic communication at high levels to ensure that the ship of China-Vietnam relations can break waves and keep making steady progress. We should firmly support each other in pursuing the socialist path suited to our respective national realities… We need to deepen exchanges on the theory and practices of socialist development, fend off external risks and challenges together, and ensure steady and sustained progress in our socialist endeavours.”

Stressing the need to properly manage differences, Xi writes that: “Both sides need to act on the common understandings reached by the leaders of our two parties and countries, properly manage differences on maritime issues, and jointly look for mutually acceptable solutions. Both should bear in mind the long-term well-being of our peoples, and stay committed to striving for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.”

The following is the full text of President Xi’s article. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

I will soon pay a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong. It will be my third visit to this beautiful country since I became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President of the People’s Republic of China. I feel that I am already immersed in the warmth that people would only have when visiting relatives and neighbors.

China and Viet Nam are connected by mountains and rivers. We enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of us. Inspired by common visions, convictions and empathy, Comrade Mao Zedong, Comrade Ho Chi Minh and other older-generation leaders of our two parties and countries jointly cultivated the China-Viet Nam traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood.” We stood together wholeheartedly and supported each other in pursuing national independence and liberation. In advancing socialism, we shared our experience and expanded our cooperation, writing together a historic chapter of China-Viet Nam friendship.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Viet Nam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. No matter how the global environment has changed, our two parties and countries have worked together to uphold peace and tranquility, pursue development and cooperation, and promote prosperity and progress. We have found a promising path of jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.

We have conducted exchanges with mutual trust. Leaders of our two parties and countries have visited each other frequently like relatives. I had close interactions with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong through the year. We jointly drew up a blueprint for China-Viet Nam relations in the new era from a strategic and long-term perspective, adding new dimensions to the relationship and raising it up to a new stage. I met with President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and permanent member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the CPV Truong Thi Mai, who came to China for bilateral visits or international conferences. The two sides held the session of the steering committee for bilateral cooperation, the party-to-party theoretical symposium, the conference on crime control between the two public security ministries, and other meetings under bilateral mechanisms. Interagency and subnational cooperation was getting ever closer.

Continue reading Xi Jinping: Building a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future

South Korean president visits Europe to promote US-led war drive against China

South Korea’s hard right President Yoon Suk-yeol toured a number of European countries, including Britain and France, in late November. 

Following talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the two issued the Downing Street Accord, which stated in part: “Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element in the security and prosperity of the international community. Given the serious nature of the situation in the East and South China Seas, we strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the region.”

This drew a sharp reaction from China. At a November 24 regular press conference, spokesperson Mao Ning urged the two countries to stop making irresponsible comments on issues bearing on China’s core and major concerns.

Noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, Mao emphasised that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no interference by any external forces.

She added: “China urges relevant parties to stop making irresponsible comments on issues bearing on China’s core and major concerns and be very prudent about what they say or do.”

In a November 28 article published by the World Socialist Website (WSWS), Ben McGrath writes that the Downing Street Accord “specifically denounces North Korea and Russia as well as Hamas, while all but ignoring the genocide being committed by Israel in Gaza. However, as with all such agreements being adopted today, whether with the US or between Washington’s allies, the chief target is China.

“The ‘international order’ is that established by Washington in the post-World War II period and which is threatened by China’s economic growth. Yoon and Sunak’s claims that they are defending ‘stability’ or the ‘rule of law’ is to uphold an international order dominated by the US in which it set the rules and under which London and Seoul have pursued their own national interests.”

He further notes:

“Over the last decade, the US has responded to China’s economic rise by drastically ramping up the militarisation of the Indo-Pacific to encircle and undermine the world’s second-largest economy. British imperialism has signed up to this war drive as a means of reestablishing a military presence and expand their own influence in Asia…  

“For all their talk of the ‘rule of law’ and ‘human rights,’ both London and Seoul have demonstrated they have no concern for either in their defence of Israel and its genocidal war against the oppressed Palestinian people.”

Noting the reference to Taiwan, McGrath explains that it “is not an innocent remark, but specifically meant to challenge the ‘One China’ policy under which the vast majority of countries including the US recognise Beijing as the legitimate government of all China, including Taiwan.”

“The focus on Taiwan represents the most open and provocative attempt by Washington and its allies to goad China into a war, given that Beijing will not allow Taiwan to become a military base for imperialism or to set a precedent for carving up Chinese territory.”

He adds that: “Specific measures in the accord call for London and Seoul to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding on closer military cooperation, increasing bilateral military exercises between the two and conducting joint patrols, supposedly targeting North Korea’s attempts to avoid sanctions. This can only raise tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where patrols and military exercises on Beijing’s doorstep have become an almost daily occurrence and heighten the danger of military conflict…

“South Korea’s increased cooperation with Britain also means increased cooperation with AUKUS, the military pact that includes Australia and the US. Notably, a UK [parliamentary] Foreign Affairs Committee recommended in August that South Korea as well as Japan be invited to join parts of AUKUS, specifically the technological defence cooperation agreement, or Pillar Two of the pact. US military officials and those close to the military have similarly argued for an ‘AUKUS+2’ deal. The inclusion of South Korea or Japan in any aspect of AUKUS would be highly provocative.”

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and the World Socialist Website.

China tells ROK, Britain to stop making irresponsible comments on issues concerning China’s core interests

BEIJING, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) — China on Friday urged the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Britain to stop making irresponsible comments on issues bearing on China’s core and major concerns.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on contents in the Downing Street Accord signed by ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concerning China’s Taiwan region and the South and East China Seas.

Noting Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, Mao emphasized that the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and brooks no interference by any external forces.

As for issues related to the South and East China Seas, neither the ROK nor the UK is a party concerned, and there has never been any problem with regard to the “freedom of navigation and overflight,” she said.

“China urges relevant parties to stop making irresponsible comments on issues bearing on China’s core and major concerns and be very prudent about what they say or do,” Mao said. 

South Korean president visits Europe to promote US-led war drive against China

Nov. 28 (wsws.org) — South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol completed a trip to Europe last Sunday with stops in the United Kingdom and France. The tour was closely bound up with the development of military alliances throughout the Indo-Pacific region and with European powers as part of the US-led war drive aimed at China.

Continue reading South Korean president visits Europe to promote US-led war drive against China

Wang Yi: The tree of China-Vietnam friendship will surely flourish

Chinese President Xi Jinping is to pay a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, December 12-13, at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterparts, Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong. This will be Xi’s third state visit to China’s socialist neighbour, his previous trips being in 2015 and 2017.

Preparatory to the state visit, China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited the Vietnamese capital Hanoi at the beginning of December, where he co-chaired the 15th meeting of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation together with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang on December 1. 

Wang Yi said, this year is of special significance to both China and Vietnam. The socialist causes of both countries have entered a crucial stage and the two sides have reached important common understandings on upgrading the positioning of bilateral relations, which will usher in a new stage of bilateral relations. 

Facing a world with changes and turmoil and the complicated situation, China and Vietnam should stay true to their original aspirations, remain united, firmly follow the path of peace, cooperation and development, and view the relations between the two parties and between the two countries from the strategic perspective of promoting human progress and boosting the strength of socialism.

Wang Yi further said that the two countries should manage differences through friendly consultation, actively advance maritime cooperation, and safeguard the hard-won peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Tran Luu Quang said as a “comrade and brother”, Vietnam supports China’s development and strength and supports China in playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding regional and world peace and stability.

Also, on December 1, Wang Yi met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong. 

The Chinese Foreign Minister first conveyed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s most sincere greetings to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Wang Yi said that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam has achieved political and social harmony and stability, vigorous economic development and the continuous improvement of its international status, expressing confidence in Vietnam to achieve its set strategic goals. The top leaders of the two parties of China and Vietnam have established solid political mutual trust and profound comradeship, steering the course of bilateral relations and providing important strategic guidance. He added that sharing the same ideals and a shared future are the most salient features of China-Vietnam relations.

Nguyen Phu Trong asked Wang Yi to convey his warmest greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping. He said that Vietnam and China are linked by mountains and rivers. The “comradely and brotherly” friendship between Vietnam and China is particularly unique in the world. The Vietnamese leader said that after he took office as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee for the third time, the first country he paid a visit to was China, and he had very good exchanges with General Secretary Xi Jinping, of which he has a fresh memory. Nguyen Phu Trong said that not long ago, he travelled to the Youyi Pass, or Friendship Pass, on the Vietnam-China border to plant a friendship tree. The border port between Vietnam and China, which is the only one named after friendship among neighbours, fully highlighted the traditional friendship between the two countries cherished by Vietnam.

Wang Yi responded that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s deep feelings toward China are very touching, and expressed the belief that the tree of China-Vietnam friendship will surely flourish and be fruitful.

On the same day, Wang Yi also met with President of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong. He said that Comrade President attended the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October upon invitation, making important contributions to the success of the Forum. General Secretary Xi Jinping and President Vo Van Thuong reached important common understandings on consolidating China-Vietnam friendship and advancing high-quality cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative and the “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle” plan, charting the course for deepening China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation. 

Vo Van Thuong said that both Vietnam and China are at a critical stage of development, and strengthening cooperation is conducive to their respective revitalisation. Vietnam is ready to make joint efforts with China to continuously consolidate and deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The two sides should make thoughtful preparations for the important political agenda in the next stage and put into real action the common understandings reached by the top leaders of the two parties. 

Meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, also on December 1,Wang Yi said that sharing the same ideals and a shared future are the salient features of China-Vietnam relations. The two parties and two countries have seen close high-level exchanges and frequent contacts like visiting relatives, which fully demonstrates the high level and special nature of China-Vietnam relations. China and Vietnam have the same social system and shared ideals and beliefs, and bilateral relations should be at the forefront compared to other countries. Defining a new positioning and setting new goals for bilateral relations will not only open up new prospects for the development of the relations between the two parties and the two countries, but also make new contributions of China and Viet Nam to the cause of peace and progress of humanity. 

Bui Thanh Son said the party, state and people of Vietnam have special feelings for China, and the friendship between Vietnam and China is deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Vietnam regards the development of relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority, and hopes to promote the sound, stable and lasting development of relations between the two parties and between the two countries, and elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Finally, on December 2, Wang Yi met with Member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat and Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung.

Wang Yi said that sharing the same ideals and a shared future are the most salient features of China-Vietnam relations, and the “comradely and brotherly” friendship between China and Vietnam is the most vivid illustration of their relations. The top leaders of the two parties have established solid mutual trust and deep friendship, which is the most important political safeguard for the steady development of relations between the two countries. China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and stands ready to work with Vietnam to follow through on the high-level common understandings, make good preparations for the important political agenda between the two countries, and join hands in advancing the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. 

Le Hoai Trung said that Vietnam, the CPV and the Vietnamese people have deep feelings toward China, and developing Vietnam-China relations is a strategic choice and top priority of Vietnam’s foreign policy. The Vietnamese side is satisfied with the sound and positive development momentum of bilateral relations. Vietnam and China are both socialist countries at the crucial stage of national development. Facing the complex and changing world situation, the Vietnamese side looks forward to closer high-level exchanges between the two sides to bring bilateral relations to a new stage of more in-depth, more solid, more comprehensive and more effective development, so as to lay a more sound and solid foundation for the future of Vietnam-China relations.

The following reports were first published on the websites of the Xinhua News Agency and the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi to pay state visit to Vietnam

BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, will pay a state visit to Vietnam from Dec. 12 to 13, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Thursday.

Xi’s visit is at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong, Hua said.

Continue reading Wang Yi: The tree of China-Vietnam friendship will surely flourish

China’s vision of jointly building a community with a shared future among neighbouring countries

On October 24, the Chinese government published an important policy paper on its foreign policy regarding neighbouring countries. Clearly, policy towards one’s neighbours forms a significant part of any country’s foreign policy, but recently China has been attaching ever greater significance to this and theorising it as a specific area of diplomacy in its own right.

The document is “based on the assessment and overview of the current situation and future trends in Asia, comprehensively outlines the achievements, policies, visions and objectives of China’s neighbourhood diplomacy, and declares China’s commitment to the path of peaceful development, to promoting development of the neighbourhood through its own development, to working with regional countries to advance modernisation, to jointly building a community with a shared future among neighbouring countries and to realising the vision of a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious Asia in the new era.”

It notes that Asia has doubled its share of the world economy, made the leap from a region of low income to one of middle income, and formed a momentum of cooperation, development and rapid rise, in a short span of 40 years. In recent years, it adds, Asia, as an important engine driving global economic recovery, has contributed more than 50 percent to global growth.

However, at the same time, “global governance is in dysfunction; Cold War mentality is resurfacing; unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism run rampant; multiple risks in such fields as energy, food, finance, industrial and supply chains, and climate change are having greater impact on Asia.”

Hence:

“There are two opposite propositions and trends concerning the future of Asia. One advocates open regionalism, true multilateralism, a development-first approach, mutually beneficial cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, integrated development, and pursuit of common development in harmony. The other represents a relapse into the Cold War mentality and exclusive clubs, and attempts to draw lines based on values, politicise economic issues, divide the region into different security blocs, and stoke division and confrontation. Good principles keep abreast of the times. The right choice for Asia should be openness, solidarity, cooperation, justice and harmony rather than isolation, division, confrontation, hegemony and zero-sum approach.”

In terms of historical background, the paper recalls that China and fellow Asian countries jointly advanced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and have carried forward the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, continously advancing good-neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In the present period, political mutual trust has been growing. Among the various examples it cites are that China has established diverse and substantive partnerships, cooperative relations and strategic relations of mutual benefit with 28 neighbouring countries as well as with ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations). And the country has resolved historical boundary issues with 12 neighbours on land through negotiations and signed treaties of good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation with nine neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, on the economic front, China is the largest trading partner of 18 neighbouring countries.

“The remarkable progress made in Asia is attributable to the joint efforts of China and neighbouring countries and needs to be cherished. China’s development would not be possible without a peaceful and stable neighbouring environment.”

In terms of the principles underlining its policy positions, the document reaffirms that China upholds equality between countries regardless of their size, promotes the unity and cooperation of the Global South, upholds the common interests of developing countries, and works to raise the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs. 

“China rejects the Cold War mentality, unilateralism, group politics and bloc confrontation. China attaches importance to the legitimate security concerns of all countries, upholds the principle of indivisible security, seeks to build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and follows a new path to security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win over zero-sum together with regional countries.”

It underlines the importance of common but differentiated responsibilities in the fight against climate change and for green development, stating:

“China stands ready to work with regional countries to pursue green development and a green growth model, drive economic growth with innovation, transform and upgrade economic, energy and industrial structures, and strike a fine balance between emission reduction and economic growth, in a bid to build an Asian home enjoying the concerted progress of economic growth and environmental progress.”

The document also deals with a wide range of other topics and policies connected to neighbourhood diplomacy. We reprint the full text below. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Preface

China and its neighboring countries enjoy geographical proximity, cultural affinity and integrated interests with a shared future. The millennium-old friendly exchanges between the two sides are a vivid history of exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Such friendly bonds are best captured by the Chinese saying: “true friendship weathers the changing seasons without fading away and is made even stronger by hardships.”

The neighborhood is where China survives and thrives and the foundation of its development and prosperity. As a member of the Asian family and a responsible major country, China attaches great importance to neighborhood diplomacy, always prioritizes the neighborhood on its diplomatic agenda, and remains committed to promoting regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Outlook on China’s Foreign Policy on Its Neighborhood in the New Era, based on the assessment and overview of the current situation and future trends in Asia, comprehensively outlines the achievements, policies, visions and objectives of China’s neighborhood diplomacy, and declares China’s commitment to the path of peaceful development, to promoting development of the neighborhood through its own development, to working with regional countries to advance modernization, to jointly building a community with a shared future among neighboring countries and to realizing the vision of a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious Asia in the new era.

I. Asia Faces New Opportunities and Challenges

In the Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese President, pointed out that changes of our world, our times, and of historical significance are unfolding in ways like never before. The world has once again reached a crossroads in history. Asia, amidst the changes unseen in a century, stands at a new starting point towards development and revitalization and faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

Asia, with its vast land and abundant resources, is home to a large population with diverse cultures and development. It has remained generally stable in the past few decades. Regional countries have enjoyed growing political mutual trust and ever deepening cooperation and exchanges. As a result, Asia has doubled its share of the world economy, made the leap from a region of low income to one of middle income, and formed a momentum of cooperation, development and rapid rise in a short span of 40 years. In recent years, Asia, as an important engine driving global economic recovery and growth, has contributed more than 50 percent to global growth. Asia is the most dynamic region with the biggest development potential in the world and will remain a promising land for global development and prosperity.

Meanwhile, global governance is in dysfunction; Cold War mentality is resurfacing; unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism run rampant; multiple risks in such fields as energy, food, finance, industrial and supply chains and climate change are having greater impact on Asia. Asia also faces challenges such as uneven economic growth, and pronounced security and governance issues. Some countries have intensified efforts to build regional military alliances; the Korean Peninsula issue remains complicated and intractable; Afghanistan faces numerous challenges in its reconstruction; terrorism, natural disasters and other non-traditional security threats persist.

There are two opposite propositions and trends concerning the future of Asia. One advocates open regionalism, true multilateralism, a development-first approach, mutually beneficial cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, integrated development, and pursuit of common development in harmony. The other represents a relapse into the Cold War mentality and exclusive clubs, and attempts to draw lines based on values, politicize economic issues, divide the region into different security blocs, and stoke division and confrontation.

Good principles keep abreast of the times. The right choice for Asia should be openness, solidarity, cooperation, justice and harmony rather than isolation, division, confrontation, hegemony and zero-sum approach. This not only hinges on the future prospects of countries in the region, but will also have a fundamental and far-reaching bearing on the future of Asia and the world. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the sure path to a prosperous and better Asia and the world.

Continue reading China’s vision of jointly building a community with a shared future among neighbouring countries

Prachanda: China’s successes building socialism provide great encouragement to the peoples of the world

In this episode of the CGTN series Leaders Talk, recorded on September 25, two days after the opening of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, Li Tongtong interviews Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Prime Minister of Nepal, known as Prachanda.

Noting that Prachanda is now serving his third term as Prime Minister, Li notes that the first of his many visits to China was to attend the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics during his first term. Now, 15 years later, he is in China for the opening of the Asian Games, having moved up his speaking slot at the United Nations General Assembly session in New York to be present. Nepal set a record with more than 250 of its athletes competing in the games this time and Prachanda observes that the 2008 Olympics showcased China’s progress to the world. And now the Asian Games show that China has taken another leap forward. 

Prachanda says that he has met President Xi Jinping five times and finds him a very sincere and visionary leader. Topics he had discussed with him this time included the common interests of the two countries, how to better facilitate China’s support and help to Nepal, for example in aviation, railway, road and transmission line connectivity, as well as climate change, poverty reduction and friendly relations between the two peoples.

The Nepalese Prime Minister, who is also the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), says that the glorious history of the Communist Party of China (CPC), since its founding in 1921, has seen it amass a wealth of experience. As a result, it has achieved a great success in building a new model of socialism, namely socialism with Chinese characteristics. This has provided great encouragement to and made a positive impact on communist parties and people who want development and social justice around the world. They all want to learn from China’s experience.

The friendship between Nepal and China, Prachanda observes, has deep roots and one example of their special relations is that Nepal is the only country to have diplomatic representation in Xizang (Tibet), which Prachanda went on to visit as the last stop of his visit. Its consulate in Lhasa is one of five Nepali consulates in China, more than it has in any other country. 

Whilst the number of people engaged in agricultural production in Nepal is gradually decreasing, Prachanda explains that his country is still primarily an agricultural one. So China’s experience and assistance in the agricultural field is very meaningful and important for Nepal. He always aim to study agricultural matters each time he visits China and this time he is focusing on how Nepal can enhance its agricultural production through the adoption of modern technologies.

Turning Nepal from a landlocked to a land-linked country is another key priority and in this respect Chinese experts are now engaged in active feasibility studies for the construction of a China/Nepal railway. Prachanda dismisses allegations of a ‘debt trap’ or the idea that a rail link could somehow pose a a security threat to other countries as baseless.

Irrespective of international, regional or domestic changes, he insists, his country’s position on relations with China will not change or be allowed to change. Nepal has always pursued a foreign policy of independence and non-alignment. It is resolute in defending its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Nepal has never wavered or capitulated under pressure and it never will.

Guided by the United Nations Charter and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Nepal firmly believes that all countries are equal, that no country should be allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of others, and that all countries have the right to decide on their own affairs.

Asked finally about his use of the name Prachanda, he said he adopted it when he was leading the revolutionary struggle. But he also used it during the peace process. He is more recognised by this name than by his original name and he will continue to use it as it symbolises both revolution and peace.

The full interview is embedded below.

Pakistani, Kazakh and Nepalese leaders conclude successful China visits

Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev concluded their recent visits to China, to attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, with visits to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, prior to their returning home. Both leaders met with Ma Xingrui, a Political Bureau member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee as well as party secretary for the autonomous region.

The Pakistan Prime Minister offered the Friday prayers at the historic Hang Yang Grand Bazaar Mosque in Urumqi and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah. He specially prayed for the oppressed people of Gaza and for their deliverance from suffering. Kakar also addressed students and faculty at Xinjiang University in Urumqi, saying:

“In Pakistan, we say a good neighbour is a treasure. In this regard, we are very fortunate to have China as a good brother, good neighbour, good partner, and good friend.”

In his discussions, Kazakh President Tokayev focused on the economic ties between the four border regions of Kazakhstan and Xinjiang. The share of Xinjiang exceeds 40% of the total trade volume between Kazakhstan and China. In six months this year, the trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Xinjiang increased by 87%, reaching US$8.5 billion, he noted.

“We will encourage Kazakh tourists to travel to China to explore natural beauty and your achievements in socio-economic development,” he said, adding:

“Since ancient times, Xinjiang has been famous for its substantial cultural development. Local creative teams deservedly enjoy international recognition. We support the full development of creative exchanges and mutual tours, which will undoubtedly help strengthen the ties of good neighbourliness and friendship.”

These visits underscore the growing importance attached by China to both neighbourhood and subnational diplomacy. They also highlight the fact that the leaders of neighbouring countries reject the western propaganda falsely alleging religious persecution and denial of national rights in China’s border regions.

In similar vein, Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda concluded his eight-day official visit to China in September, which began with attending the opening of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, with a visit to the Tibetan Autonomous Region, also known as Xizang. After visits to the ancient Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in the capital Lhasa, Prachanda visited visited Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, which are considered holy by Hindus. He told the Nepali national news agency RSS that provisions would be made for pilgrims and tourists from Nepal, India and other countries to visit Kailash and Manasarovar through the Nepali route. 

The following articles were originally published by the Pakistani newspaper The News, Kazakhstan’s Astana Times and the Press Trust of India (PTI, reprinted by various Indian newspapers).

PM in rare visit to Xinjiang in China

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Friday departed for Pakistan on the completion of his five-day visit to China. At the Urumqi International Airport, the prime minister was seen off by the Standing Member of Communist Party of China Illizat Ahmetjan, and senior officers of the Chinese government and Pakistan’s Embassy. On the last leg of the visit, the prime minister visited Urumqi and met Member Politburo of CPC’s Central Committee Ma Xingrui, besides addressing the students at Xinjiang University.

The prime minister offered the Friday prayers at the historic Hang Yang Grand Bazaar Mosque in Urumqi and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country as well as the Muslim Ummah. He specially prayed for the oppressed people of Gaza and for their deliverance from suffering. Kakar also addressed students and faculty at Xinjiang University in Urumqi.

“In Pakistan, we say a good neighbor is a treasure. In this regard, we are very fortunate to have China as a good brother, good neighbor, good partner, and good friend.

Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping has extended support to Pakistan and urged a secure environment for Chinese institutions and personnel.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Thursday, Xi said, “It is hoped that Pakistan will ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan.” The longtime allies reaffirmed their “unwavering” partnership, vowing to further strengthen strategic communication and bilateral cooperation, reports the international media.

Continue reading Pakistani, Kazakh and Nepalese leaders conclude successful China visits

China aims to establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan soon

Considerable progress has been made towards the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan following a visit to Beijing by Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji.

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom bordering both China and India, with a population of a little over 727,000 and a territory of 14,824 square miles. Its border with China is undelineated and the purpose of Dorji’s visit was for boundary talks. This, however, is not the reason for the failure to establish diplomatic relations to date. Despite the unresolved territorial issue, China and Bhutan concluded an agreement in 1998 on border peace and tranquillity, the first bilateral agreement between the two countries. Rather, the issue has been that India long maintained an effective protectorate, or in effect a neo-colonial relationship, with regard to Bhutan’s foreign relations. India, in turn, acquired this jurisdiction from British colonialism on obtaining its own independence. Thus, it was only in 1968 that Bhutan established its first diplomatic relations with any country – with India, followed by Bangladesh in 1973. It only began the process of establishing further diplomatic relations with other countries in 1983 and still does not have formal relations with any of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

It was only in 2007 that India finally made a move towards formally recognising Bhutan’s right to independently develop its foreign relations.  In February 2007, the “Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty” was revised. Whereas the Treaty of 1949, in Article 2 stated: “The Government of India undertakes to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan. On its part the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations,” the revised treaty states, “In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.”  Given India’s complex regional alignments, this can still function as a pretext for Indian interference and a constraint on Bhutanese independence and sovereignty.

During Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji’s visit, his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in an October 25 meeting, told him that, China is ready to conclude boundary negotiations and establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan as soon as possible. Wang said China and Bhutan are linked by mountains and rivers and enjoy a profound traditional friendship, adding that the conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries fully serves the long-term and fundamental interests of Bhutan.

He also said that China has always placed neighborhood diplomacy at the top of its overall diplomatic architecture, and China respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.

Tandi Dorji thanked China for its strong support and assistance to Bhutan, saying that Bhutan firmly upholds the one-China principle.

The following day, Dorji met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who said that although the two countries have not yet established diplomatic relations, they have long maintained friendly exchanges.

“China always respects Bhutan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all fields, expand practical cooperation on the economy, trade, culture and tourism, and accelerate the boundary demarcation process and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bhutan to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples,” he added.

Tandi Dorji said that both sides have firm determination and a sincere desire to demarcate their boundaries and establish diplomatic relations at an early date. Bhutan is willing to maintain the sound momentum of cooperation with China in all fields and push for the greater development of bilateral ties.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China aims to establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan soon: FM

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) — China is ready to conclude boundary negotiations and establish diplomatic relations with Bhutan as soon as possible, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday.

Wang, also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji who is in China for boundary talks.

Wang said China and Bhutan are linked by mountains and rivers and enjoy a profound traditional friendship, adding that the conclusion of boundary negotiations and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries fully serves the long-term and fundamental interests of Bhutan.

“The two sides should seize historical opportunities, complete the important process as soon as possible, and designate and develop the friendly relations between the two countries in legal form,” said Wang.

Wang also said that China has always placed neighborhood diplomacy at the top of its overall diplomacy architecture, and China respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.

Tandi Dorji thanked China for its strong support and assistance to Bhutan, saying that Bhutan firmly upholds the one-China principle.

He said, “Bhutan is willing to work with China to strive for an early settlement of the boundary question and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic ties.”

He said that Bhutan greatly appreciates and supports the China-proposed global initiatives — the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) — which bring benefits to all parties, especially neighboring countries, including Bhutan. 

Chinese vice president meets Bhutan’s foreign minister

BEIJING, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday met with visiting Bhutanese Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in Beijing. Both sides agreed to accelerate the boundary demarcation process and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Han said that China and Bhutan are friendly neighbors sharing mountains and rivers. He said that although the two countries have not yet established diplomatic relations, they have long maintained friendly exchanges.

He said the two countries have promoted positive progress in bilateral ties in recent years, following the resumption of boundary negotiations. Strengthening that friendship and expanding cooperation are in the fundamental interests of the two countries and in the expectations of the two peoples.

“China always respects Bhutan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all fields, expand practical cooperation on the economy, trade, culture and tourism, and accelerate the boundary demarcation process and the establishment of diplomatic relations with Bhutan to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples,” Han said.

Tandi Dorji said that the Bhutanese government attaches great importance to the development of relations with China and abides firmly by the one-China principle. Both sides have firm determination and a sincere desire to demarcate their boundaries and establish diplomatic relations at an early date. Bhutan is willing to maintain the sound momentum of cooperation with China in all fields and push for the greater development of bilateral ties. 

Senator Mushahid Hussain honoured with Silk Road award at BRI forum

Pakistan Senator Mushahid Hussain was one of three recipients, the others coming from Uganda and Russia, of the inaugural Silk Road News Award. The presentations were made on October 19, during the Media Cooperation Forum of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, held in Beijing. The award was presented in recognition of his work to promote the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In his acceptance speech, Mushahid, who currently chairs the Defence Committee in the Pakistan Senate, quoted Chairman Mao, that “an idea becomes a material force when it is grasped by millions and millions of people.” He also took the opportunity to refer to the situation in Gaza, which he denounced as genocide, adding that the western powers were complicit in Israel’s crimes.

Senator Mushahid, who also chairs the Pakistan-China Institute and is a member of our advisory group, has devoted his life to the promotion of Pakistan-China friendship, since first visiting the country as a teenager in 1970. He will be a speaker at our forthcoming webinar on ten years of the Belt and Road Initiative on Saturday November 4.

We take this opportunity to congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and award.

The following article originally appeared in the Pakistani daily newspaper Express Tribune.

Senator Mushahid Hussain on Thursday was awarded the Silk Road Award during the Media Cooperation Forum on the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) in Beijing. The recognition was for his contributions to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The award ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum and was presented by Information and Communication of the Communist Party of China Chief of Media Li Shulei, who is also a member of the party’s top policymaking political bureau.

In his acceptance speech, Senator Mushahid said he was honoured to receive the first-ever ‘Silk Road News Award.’ He extended the achievement to the people of Pakistan. Two other recipients of this prestigious award were from Uganda and Russia. They were chosen from among 4,485 participants representing 80 countries.

The senator acknowledged China’s enduring support and consistent investment in projects like CPEC. Furthermore, he also highlighted the importance of BRI, stating that it represents a new platform for international economic cooperation and is the most significant development and diplomatic initiative of the 21st century.

The core of such an initiative, he added, is people-to-people connectivity and Pakistan-China relations, especially the role of media, think tanks, academia, youth, and NGOs, working towards a more ‘open, inclusive, and interconnected world’.

Quoting Chairman Mao, Senator Hussain said, “An idea becomes a material force when it is grasped by millions and millions of people,” referring to BRI as a “material force in the world,” bringing benefits and opportunities to a global audience.

Middle East situation

While addressing the international atmosphere in Gaza, the senator expressed his concerns about the Middle East and referred to it as ‘genocide in Gaza,’ where the West’s support of Israel’s crimes is complicit in the ongoing conflict. He criticised the West’s stance on human rights and democracy, calling it ‘double standards’.

Mushahid showed his solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians, terming the situation as a ‘struggle between the oppressed and oppressors’. BRI is a path forward, based on connectivity and cooperation, with CPEC serving as a guarantor for a better future for Pakistan and its people, he added. He encouraged taking ownership of CPEC to ensure its successful conclusion.

Challenge of fake news

Hussain concluded by addressing the challenge of fake news, falsehoods, and fiction, describing them as the most significant threats to the BRI. He called for a collective and cooperative approach among BRI countries on the media front, emphasizing that a “collective voice” would be a potent force multiplier.

The ceremony was attended by Vice Ministers for International Communication from the Publicity and International Departments of the Communist Party of China. It was hosted by ‘People’s Daily’ at its headquarters and attended by the President and Editor-in-Chief of ‘People’s Daily,’ the official organ of the Communist Party of China, along with 200 journalists from over 60 countries.

China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity

China has declared its full support for Bangladesh in protecting national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and averting external interference.

The pledge came from Beijing’s Ambassador to the South Asian country Yao Wen, speaking at a recent function in the capital Dhaka, organised by the Bangladesh-China Silk Road Forum to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which fell on October 1st.

“China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability and achieve development and revitalisation,” the Ambassador said.

In his welcoming speech, Dilip Barua, the chairman of the Forum, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist) and a former government minister, said that China does not interfere in the internal affairs of any country. He added that a country requires stability and continuity for long-term development and that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should remain in power for the long-term development of Bangladesh.

Citing the growing US pressure for regime change in his country, Barua noted that: “A crisis is brewing up in our country and we will counteract it with the help of China.” With the rise of China, western sanctions against Bangladesh will not be effective, he added.

Speaking as the chief guest, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping at August’s BRICS summit in South Africa had underlined the importance of cooperation in infrastructure development, information technology, new energy and the agriculture sector between the two countries.

The following article originally appeared in the Financial Express, one of Bangladesh’s leading English language daily newspapers.

China supports Bangladesh in protecting national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and averting external interference, according to the Chinese envoy in Dhaka, as a veteran Bangladeshi politician talked about preventing “Western meddling” with Beijing’s help.

“A crisis is brewing up in our country and we will counteract it with the help of China,” Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist) General Secretary Dilip Barua told a seminar in Dhaka on Sunday.

At the programme, organised to celebrate the 74th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen commented that the future of Bangladesh can only be determined by the people of Bangladesh.

“China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability and achieve development and revitalisation,” said Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.

The envoy said he has full confidence in the bright future of Bangladesh and China-Bangladesh relations. The ambassador expressed his optimism that the cultural ties between the two countries will grow stronger.

He also expressed satisfaction over the support of the political parties and people of Bangladesh.

The programme was organised by the Bangladesh-China Silk Road Forum.

Chairman of the forum Dilip Barua, in his welcome speech, said that China doesn’t interfere in the internal affairs of any country. He said a country requires stability and continuity for long-term development.

Mr Barua, a former minister, commented that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be in power for the long-term development of Bangladesh.

He said the Western force is decaying and Eastern countries under the leadership of China are rising. “So Western sanction against Bangladesh will not be effective.”

Speaking as the chief guest, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said Bangladesh is always satisfied with the steady mutual trust between China and Bangladesh.

China-Bangladesh relations were upgraded to a strategic partnership of cooperation in 2016 and strengthened further in 2019 through the visit of top Chinese and Bangladeshi leaders.

Asaduzzaman Khan said the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit emphasised the importance of cooperation in infrastructure development, information technology, new energy and the agriculture sector of the two countries.

Former Bangladesh ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said the China-Bangladesh relationship will last for many more years due to its importance. He said China has made significant contributions to the infrastructural development of Bangladesh. Dhaka University Professor Imtiaz Ahmed requested the Chinese envoy to include Bangladesh in the Shanghai Cooperation, saying Bangladesh could be a valuable contributor to the alliance.

Prachanda: China’s socialism offers Nepal valuable insights for improving the lives of the disadvantaged

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Prime Minister of Nepal, who is also the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), visited China from September 23-30, with his first engagement being to attend the opening of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou and to meet there with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Prachanda has visited China many times, but this was the first visit of his current third term as Prime Minister.

During his visit, Prachanda gave an exclusive interview to the Chinese newspaper, Global Times.

In its preamble, the newspaper described the Nepalese leader as having witnessed abject poverty in his youth and therefore, becoming “determined to change his country’s corruption and a ruling exploitative class, Prachanda embarked on a revolutionary path to transform Nepal’s destiny.” It added: “As a staunch socialist and a long-time member of the Communist Party, Prachanda has deep ties to China.”

The interview features a detailed overview of the economic situation in Nepal and the current stage and prospects of the country’s relations with China in the economic and social fields. Prachanda tells his interviewers that:

“Nepal urgently requires to create more jobs in order to address the unemployment problem, enhance productivity, expand the output of exportable goods and services, explore new markets for export, control inflation, and maintain trade balance. These objectives stand as my foremost priorities.”

He then adds: “China has ascended to become the world’s second-largest economy, showcasing remarkable achievements in the socio-economic transformation of its society. Notably, China serves as a significant pillar of economic support for Nepal. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China in 1955, China has played an important role in assisting Nepal’s infrastructure and development endeavours. Many of these projects hold immense importance for our nation’s progress. As China continues to advance, its support and investment in Nepal are continuously growing. Nepal views China’s development trajectory as an opportunity, with the BRI [Belt and Road Initiative] serving as a suitable platform for enhancing trans-Himalayan multidimensional connectivity.”

One key element of the two countries’ cooperation, which holds the potential to be transformatory for the Nepalese economy, is a planned railway link. On this, Prachanda notes:

“The primary concern associated with this project is how quickly we can bring it to fruition. You must be aware that the construction of this project requires a substantial amount of resources that Nepal alone cannot afford. In such a situation, we have no choice but to rely on external funding. However, we also share concerns that the size of the loan for this project and terms and conditions should be manageable for the Nepali economy.”

Asked whether he believes that socialism is still relevant in Nepal, the veteran communist leader replies:

“Nepal’s constitution defines Nepal as a socialism-oriented state. In my view, socialism and Chairman Mao’s ideas and teachings remain relevant to transform Nepal into a socialist country.

“Under the socialism and the leadership of Mao, the Communist Party of China (CPC) established the People’s Republic of China. The CPC developed its unique path to socialism with Chinese characteristics.

“Similarly, Nepal will determine its own path as a socialism-oriented country that suits its historical political development and current geopolitical realities. It’s not about Nepal imitating China’s socialism and Chairman Mao Zedong. China’s socialism and Mao’s ideas offer us valuable insights to improve the socio-economic status of the oppressed and economically disadvantaged class of people.”

He is also asked whether he believes he has realised the dreams and goals he had when he first fought in the revolution, drawing this reply:

“I should say our dreams have been partially realised. Politically, the country has overthrown a centuries-old monarchy and has been transformed into a republic. This would not have been possible without our ‘People’s War.’ Now, in the eyes of the constitution and laws, all citizens are equal. The country has adopted inclusive policies protecting the basic rights of people from all walks of life. From the highest level such as parliament and other constitutional bodies to the lowest level of political representations such as ward committees, from government institutions to cooperatives, from recruitments in government jobs to student admissions in colleges, certain reservations have been ensured for people from marginalised groups like women, the economically poor, and the underprivileged classes. This remarkable achievement was institutionalised through the constitution promulgated in 2015.

“Despite achievements made in several areas, I must admit that much remains to be done in the economic sector. Economic, technical, and educational advancements take a longer time to show visible results. To achieve progress in these sectors, we need consistent, long-term efforts, and most importantly national consensus.”

We reprint below the full text of Comrade Prachanda’s interview.

We also reprint the full text of the joint statement between China and Nepal, which was released following Prachanda’s talks with his Chinese counterpart, Premier Li Qiang, in Beijing on September 26.

The statement notes that both countries agreed that, “since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1955, China and Nepal have withstood changes of the international situation, always upheld mutual respect, equality, solidarity, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation, setting a fine example of friendly interaction between countries with different social systems and of different sizes… China firmly supports Nepal in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respects and supports Nepal’s independent choice of social system and development path that suits its national conditions.”

The statement reviews in detail all areas of bilateral cooperation and addresses ways to advance them in a smoother and more expeditious manner. It adds:

“The two sides commended their mutual support in fighting COVID-19 together. The two sides expressed satisfaction over the completion and handover of the China-aided project of upgrading and renovating the Civil Service Hospital in Nepal and are ready to further strengthen health and medical cooperation, including expediting the installation of a Bone Marrow Transplant Service at the B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Nepal.”

China and Nepal also stressed “the importance to uphold true multilateralism, promote greater democracy in international relations, and make global governance more just and equitable. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral mechanisms to uphold the common interest of developing countries. The two sides support the multilateral trading system and oppose protectionism. They will work together to make economic globalisation more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial for all, promote global and regional peace, security, development and prosperity, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.”

The following articles were originally published by Global Times and the Xinhua News Agency.

Nepal to maintain non-aligned policy in friendly relations with neighbors, hopes China’s strengths will help bolster economy: Nepalese PM

At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda commenced his five-day state visit to China from September 23 to 30, his first visit to China since the start of his third term as the Prime Minister of Nepal. The 69-year-old is a legendary figure in Nepal. Born in a poor Brahmin farming family in Pokhara in 1954, he witnessed abject poverty in his youth. Determined to change his country’s corruption and a ruling exploitative class, Prachanda embarked on a revolutionary path to transform Nepal’s destiny. In 2008, he became the first prime minister of Nepal after the abolition of the monarchy. In 2016, he assumed the office of prime minister for a second term, and in November 2022, this veteran of Nepalese politics made a comeback for a third term. As a staunch socialist and a long-time member of the Communist Party, Prachanda has deep ties to China. After assuming office as the first term as prime minister of Nepal, the first country he visited was China. In 2008, he also came to Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Continue reading Prachanda: China’s socialism offers Nepal valuable insights for improving the lives of the disadvantaged

Timor-Leste PM: Chinese modernisation creates new paths for developing countries

China and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste have jointly announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This move came as President Xi Jinping met with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão at the opening of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Meeting the Timorese leader, Xi said that China is willing to join hands with Timor-Leste on the journey of modernisation to bring more benefits to the two peoples. The two countries should strengthen cooperative efforts in the four key areas, namely industrial revitalistion, infrastructure development, food self-sufficiency and livelihood improvement.

In the joint statement announcing their comprehensive strategic partnership, both nations share the view that since their establishment of diplomatic 21 years ago, the two countries have acted with mutual respect and treated each other as equals, with their friendship continuing to deepen.

Timor-Leste believes that Chinese modernisation presents a new paradigm, which broadens paths and options for developing countries to achieve modernisation and provides a Chinese solution for humanity to pursue a better social system.

Regarding industrial revitalisation, Timor-Leste expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for granting zero-tariff treatment to 98 percent of Timor-Leste exports to China. China will continue to render help in technology training on coffee growing and support Timor-Leste in exporting coffee to China to support revitalising the Timor-Leste coffee industry.

On infrastructure development, China will focus on the policy priorities of the government of Timor-Leste, guide enterprises to ensure sound operation and maintenance of the national grid in Timor-Leste and conduct cooperation with Timor-Leste on communication infrastructure. China expressed its willingness to encourage its enterprises to actively participate in the development of infrastructure, including roads, bridges and ports.

On food self-sufficiency, the two nations will implement agricultural projects to help Timor-Leste achieve food self-sufficiency and modernisation of agriculture.

Regarding the improvement of people’s livelihood, the Chinese government will continue to send medical teams to Timor-Leste, providing medical services for the Timorese people and will ensure sound implementation of projects including the National Imaging Centre of Timor-Leste. The two nations will also accelerate cooperation on the China-Timor-Leste Friendship Hospital.

The statement noted that China and Timor-Leste share common interests and similar positions in international affairs, support the United Nations (UN) in playing a central role in maintaining world peace, promoting common development and advancing international cooperation, and will strengthen mutual support in international affairs, including upholding the UN-centered international system. Both nations agreed to jointly maintain the unity and cooperation of the international community, oppose hegemonism and power politics, uphold true multilateralism, and promote humanity’s common values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom.

Prime Minister Gusmão was a key leader of the armed struggle that secured his country’s independence against almost impossible odds. Indonesia invaded the country in December 1975, nine days after it had declared its independence from Portuguese colonialism. In the initial days of the struggle Gusmão walked from village to village to gain support and recruits. Finally captured in November 1982, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in May 1993, commuted to twenty years in August 1993. He was released in late 1999, as the struggle moved towards victory, following the toppling of the brutal Suharto dictatorship in May 1998. Gusmão had continued to lead the resistance from prison with the courageous help of his Australian wife Kirsty Sword.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China, Timor-Leste elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

HANGZHOU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste on Saturday jointly announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

They met in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, ahead of the opening of the 19th Asian Games scheduled for Saturday.

The elevation of bilateral ties is a practical necessity for the two countries to advance their cooperation, and a shared expectation of the two peoples, Xi said.

China is willing to join hands with Timor-Leste on the journey of modernization to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi added.

Xi emphasized that being staunch supporters for each other’s core interests and major concerns serves as an important political foundation for the continuous upgrading of bilateral relations.

The two sides should continue to promote Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen cooperative efforts in the four key areas, namely industry revitalization, infrastructure development, food self-sufficiency and livelihood improvement, Xi said, adding that China supports Timor-Leste in better integrating into the regional development.

The Timor-Leste prime minister said he is glad that bilateral relations have continuously achieved positive results in recent years, and the people of Timor-Leste will always remember Chinese government’s timely and tremendous help during Timor-Leste’s fight against COVID-19.

He welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in Timor-Leste and help the country with its development. He expressed the hope to work with China to usher bilateral ties into the new phase of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Senior Chinese leaders including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting. 

Continue reading Timor-Leste PM: Chinese modernisation creates new paths for developing countries

China and Syria announce establishment of a strategic partnership

President Bashar al-Assad of the Syrian Arab Republic, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Asma al-Assad and a large government delegation, visited China from September 21-26, beginning with attending the opening of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

This was President Assad’s second visit to China, the first being in 2004. Syria was one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, on August 1, 1956, preceded by Egypt on May 30, 1956.

Meeting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on September 22, the two leaders jointly announced the establishment of a China-Syria strategic partnership. Xi Jinping said that over the 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the China-Syria relationship has stood the test of changes in the international situation, and their friendship has grown stronger over time, and went on to note that the establishment of the strategic partnership will be an important milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

Xi emphasised that China will continue to work with Syria to firmly support each other on issues concerning the two sides’ respective core interests and major concerns, safeguard the common interests of both countries and other developing countries, and uphold international fairness and justice.

China supports Syria in opposing foreign interference, rejecting unilateralism and bullying, and safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

Assad said that in international affairs, China has always aligned itself with international fairness and justice, and upheld international law and humanitarianism, playing an important and constructive role.

The Syrian side thanks the Chinese government for its invaluable support to the Syrian people, firmly opposes any act of interference in China’s internal affairs and is willing to be China’s long-term and staunch friend and partner.

In the joint statement announcing their establishment of a strategic partnership, Syria affirmed its adherence to the one-China principle and expressed support for China’s positions with regard to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang affairs.

In turn: “China firmly supports Syria in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, supports the Syrian people in following a development path suited to its national conditions, supports the policies and measures adopted by the Syrian government aimed at safeguarding national security, stability and development, opposes interference by external forces in Syria’s internal affairs and undermining of Syria’s security and stability, opposes the illegal military presence in Syria, the launching of illegal military operations and the illegal plundering of Syria’s natural resources, and urges relevant countries to immediately lift all illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria.”

The two sides expressed willingness to deepen exchanges and cooperation between political parties, parliaments and local governments of the two countries and to strengthen the exchange of experience in governance. They will also strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields, such as economy and trade, agriculture, culture, youth work and journalism. China will continue to provide assistance to Syria within its capacity to support it in its reconstruction and restoration. The Syrian side thanks China for its political support and selfless help, as well as for speaking out for Syria at the UN Security Council. The two countries agreed to continue to strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation and to work together to combat terrorism.

China supports and welcomes Syria’s return to the League of Arab States, supports Syria in improving its relations with other Arab countries, and supports Arab countries in the region, including Syria, in unity and self-strengthening.

China and Syria will strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, jointly adhere to true multilateralism, defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, including the imposition of illegal unilateral sanctions and restrictive measures against other countries, and promote the building of a new type of international relations, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

From Hangzhou, President Assad and his party continued to Beijing, where they met with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Premier Li said that China and Syria have shared a time-honoured friendship and are true friends who stand together through thick and thin.

He added that China will continue to firmly support Syria in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in following a development path suited to its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

China welcomes Syria’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, will continue to support Syria’s reconstruction, recovery, and development, and is willing to expand bilateral economic and trade exchanges with Syria, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

The Chinese Premier told President Assad: “Friendship is a tree whose roots are loyalty and whose branches are kindness. You, Your Excellency, are an old and dear friend of the people of China.”

President Assad thanked the Chinese government for providing support to Syria in its war against terrorism and in dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the country last February.

He pointed out that friendship and trust between Syria and China are based on a similar history and fixed principles, and these principles are the same ones from which we can move towards the future.

Meeting Zhao Leji, President Assad said that the transition from the old world, which depends on force, to the new world, which is based on morals, must start from the role of China, which follows an ethical policy and development and presents initiatives to the whole world.

He said that China stood by Syria politically, based on the Chinese policy that rejects interference in the internal affairs of countries, respects the policies of countries, and rejects terrorism and added that China also supported Syria on the economic and humanitarian fronts, helping the Syrian people to mitigate the effects of the siege.

For his part, Zhao Leji said that: “Syria and China are working together and will continue to exchange support regarding the core interests of both sides in order to strengthen friendship between the two countries and enhance understanding between the two peoples.”

He added that: “China will continue to be on the right side of history to promote development for all humanity.”

The following reports were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). The text of the joint statement was machine translated from Chinese and lightly edited by us.

Xi, Assad jointly announce China-Syria strategic partnership

HANGZHOU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Friday jointly announced the establishment of a China-Syria strategic partnership.

The two presidents met in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, ahead of the opening of the 19th Asian Games scheduled for Saturday.

Syria was one of the first Arab countries that established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and was one of the countries that co-sponsored the resolution to restore the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations, Xi said.

Over the 67 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the China-Syria relationship has stood the test of changes in the international situation, and their friendship has grown stronger over time, he said.

Xi noted that the establishment of the strategic partnership will be an important milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

China is willing to work with Syria to enrich their relationship and continuously advance the China-Syria strategic partnership, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that China will continue to work with Syria to firmly support each other on issues concerning the two sides’ respective core interests and major concerns, safeguard the common interests of both countries and other developing countries, and uphold international fairness and justice.

China supports Syria in opposing foreign interference, rejecting unilateralism and bullying, and safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

China supports Syria in conducting reconstruction, enhancing counter-terrorism capacity building, and promoting a political settlement of the Syrian issue following the “Syrian-led, Syrian-owned” principle, Xi said.

China also supports Syria in improving its relations with other Arab countries and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, he added.

China is willing to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation with Syria, increase the import of high-quality agricultural products from Syria, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to make active contributions to regional and global peace and development.

Assad said that in international affairs, China has always aligned itself with international fairness and justice, and upheld international law and humanitarianism, playing an important and constructive role.

Syria highly appreciates and firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and will actively participate in them, Assad added.

The Syrian side thanks the Chinese government for its invaluable support to the Syrian people, firmly opposes any act of interference in China’s internal affairs, and is willing to be China’s long-term and staunch friend and partner, he said.

Assad said Syria will take the establishment of the Syria-China strategic partnership as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral friendly cooperation and step up their communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in areas including Belt and Road cooperation, and economic and technological cooperation.

The two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of the strategic partnership.

Senior Chinese leaders including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi and Shen Yiqin attended the activities. 

Continue reading China and Syria announce establishment of a strategic partnership

Building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future

King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia was among the friendly foreign leaders to attend the September 23 opening of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, the capital city of China’s Zhejiang province, as a guest of President Xi Jinping.

Meeting Sihamoni, Xi said that China stands ready to work with Cambodia to achieve solid progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future. Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship, he added that China cherishes the friendship with the Cambodian royal family and attaches great importance to the development of ties with Cambodia.

He also stressed that China supports Cambodia in taking a development path that suits its national conditions, maintaining stability and development, and playing an important role on the international and regional stage.

Cambodia will always remember the brotherly ties forged by King Father Norodom Sihanouk with Chinese leaders and cherish the ironclad friendship with China, the Cambodian king said, adding that his country stands ready to work with China on Belt and Road cooperation and to build a Cambodia-China community with a shared future.

Like his late father and his mother, Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, King Sihamoni enjoys a particular friendship with China and visits the country frequently, including for regular medical checkups, together with the Queen Mother.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi meets Cambodian king

HANGZHOU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday China stands ready to work with Cambodia to achieve solid progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, who is in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games.

Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties and the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship, Xi said China cherishes the friendship with the Cambodian royal family and attaches great importance to the development of ties with Cambodia.

Xi said relations between China and Cambodia epitomize the diplomatic principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, which he proposed a decade ago.

He stressed that China supports Cambodia in taking a development path that suits its national conditions, maintaining stability and development, and playing an important role on the international and regional stage.

The two countries should maintain high-level exchanges and deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation, he said.

Noting that China has successfully hosted two Asian Games, Norodom Sihamoni said he believes that China, under the strong leadership of President Xi, will deliver a spectacular sports event again and make new contributions to promoting solidarity and friendship among the people of Asia.

Cambodia will always remember the brotherly ties forged by King Father Norodom Sihanouk with Chinese leaders and cherish the ironclad friendship with China, the Cambodian king said, adding that the country stands ready to work with China on Belt and Road cooperation and build a Cambodia-China community with a shared future.

Senior Chinese leaders including Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi and Shen Yiqin attended the meeting. 

China and Nepal an example of equal treatment between big and small countries

The 19th Asian Games (Asiad) were officially opened in the Chinese city of Hangzhou by President Xi Jinping at a spectacular ceremony on the evening of Saturday September 23. With the participation of all 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and more than 12,000 athletes, it is the largest Asiad to date.

A number of leaders of friendly countries paid visits to China on this occasion and attended the ceremony. They included President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of Nepal and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste.

Meeting with the Nepalese Prime Minister, President Xi Jinping said that China and Nepal have set an example of equal treatment and win-win cooperation between big and small countries. The two countries are partners and opportunities for each other on their way to national development and prosperity.

Noting that the two countries have made progress in Belt and Road cooperation, and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network has taken shape, Xi urged efforts from both sides to promote infrastructure connectivity and expand transit transportation cooperation to help Nepal transform itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked country at an early date.

Prachanda, who is also the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), said that Xi is a visionary global leader and a good friend of all Nepalese people. Hailing Nepal and China as friends and partners who can understand, rely on, and support each other, he reiterated Nepal’s firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Prachanda further noted that Nepal will actively participate in Belt and Road cooperation and will also promote the construction of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network.

Following the opening of the Asian Games, Prachanda continued his official visit to China in the capital, Beijing. Meeting his counterpart, Premier Li Qiang on September 25, he said that Nepal-China relations are based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and have stood the test of the changing international situation.

Premier Li noted that China and Nepal have always respected, trusted and supported each other since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 70 years ago and said that their bilateral relations have enjoyed sound and steady development, and that cooperation in various fields has constantly scored new achievements, setting a good example of equality and mutual benefit between countries.

China is willing to work with Nepal to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance development strategy synergies, consolidate and expand practical cooperation, push China-Nepal relations to a higher level, and jointly create a better future for the two countries, he added. China will, as always, firmly support Nepal in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and taking a development path that suits its national conditions.

After the talks, Li and Prachanda witnessed the signing of over 10 bilateral cooperation documents in economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, culture, publishing, digital economy, green and low-carbon industry, inspection and quarantine, and development assistance.

Prior to the visit, at a regular Chinese Foreign Ministry Press Conference on September 21, spokesperson Mao Ning noted that, “Prime Minister Prachanda has visited China many times and made an important contribution to the growth of China-Nepal relations.”

She added: “China and Nepal are traditional friends, neighbours and strategic cooperative partners. Since our two countries established diplomatic relations 68 years ago, no matter how the international or regional situations have evolved, China-Nepal relations have maintained sound and steady progress. Our two countries have given each other understanding and support on issues concerning our respective core interests.”

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi meets Nepalese prime minister

HANGZHOU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday met with Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province.

China and Nepal have set an example of equal treatment and win-win cooperation between big and small countries. The two countries are partners and opportunities for each other on their way to national development and prosperity, Xi said.

The two sides should always understand and support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and constantly consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations, Xi said.

Noting that the two countries have made progress in Belt and Road cooperation and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network has taken shape, Xi urged efforts from both sides to promote infrastructure connectivity and expand transit transportation cooperation to help Nepal transform itself from a landlocked country to a land-linked country at an early date.

China is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with Nepal, safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Prachanda said Xi is a visionary global leader and a good friend of all Nepalese people.

Continue reading China and Nepal an example of equal treatment between big and small countries

Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh: Vietnam and China are comrades and brothers

The 20th China-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Expo opened on September 16 in Nanning, the capital city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in southern China. Some 2,000 enterprises participated.

With a high-level political attendance, speeches were made at the opening ceremony by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (who had concluded an official visit to China, his first bilateral visit since assuming office, just the previous day), Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtan Wechayachai.

Among the bilateral meetings held by Premier Li Qiang were those with his counterparts from China’s two socialist neighbours, Vietnam and Laos.

Meeting his Vietnamese counterpart, Li Qiang said that China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours and the two countries are working to build a community with a shared future with strategic significance, adding that under the guidance of the top leaders of two parties, the relations between the two parties and countries have maintained a sound momentum of development.

Li emphasised that China regards relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and will work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, strengthen high-level guidance, support each other, safeguard common strategic interests and bring bilateral relations to a new level.

Noting that Vietnam and China are comrades and brothers, and the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership is Vietnam’s earliest and most valued foreign relationship at the highest level, Pham Minh Chinh said it has always been the objective requirement, top priority and strategic choice of Vietnam’s foreign relations to continuously deepen the relations between the two parties and the two countries. The development of Vietnam’s foreign relations will not harm the interests of any third party, he added.

Meeting his Laotian counterpart, Premier Li said that the China-Laos community with a shared future has been continuously advanced, adding that China has always viewed relations with Laos from a strategic perspective.

China is ready to work with Laos to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen cooperation in various fields, and share opportunities and jointly promote development, to deliver benefits to the two peoples and contribute to regional peace.

China supports Laos in assuming the rotating presidency of ASEAN next year.

For his part, Sonexay Siphandone said that Laos is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in party and state governance, promote pragmatic cooperation in such fields as the Belt and Road, economy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, jointly safeguard strategic interests, and promote the upgrading of China-Laos community with a shared future.

We reprint below reports on these two meetings. They were originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese premier meets Vietnamese PM in Nanning

NANNING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday in Nanning, the capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, pledging to bring bilateral ties to a new level.

Noting that China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbors and the two countries are working to build a community with a shared future with strategic significance, Li said that under the guidance of the top leaders of two parties, the relations between the two parties and countries have maintained a sound momentum of development.

Li said China regards relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and will work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, strengthen high-level guidance, support each other, safeguard common strategic interests and bring bilateral relations to a new level.

Li pointed out that China is willing to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnam and import more marketable quality Vietnamese products, explore port opening and upgrading, accelerate the construction of smart ports to provide more convenience for bilateral trade, and strengthen cooperation on railway connectivity, key minerals and other fields to jointly build a mutually beneficial, stable and unimpeded industrial chain and supply chain system.

He also said China wishes to expand exchanges and cooperation on youth, education, medical tourism and other fields to promote mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples.

Continue reading Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh: Vietnam and China are comrades and brothers

China is proud to be part of the development of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh China Silk Road Forum organised a photo exhibition and discussion meeting in a hotel in the capital Dhaka on September 12 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Attracting support from a broad range of progressive forces in Bangladesh, the meeting was chaired by Dilip Barua, Chairman of the Bangladesh China Silk Road Forum, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist) and former minister. The Chief Guest was MA Mannan MP, Bangladesh’s Minister of Planning and member of parliament from the Awami League, while the Special Guest was Yan Hualong, Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.

Speakers were: Rasheed Khan Menon MP, President of the Workers’ Party of Bangladesh and former minister; Hasanul Haque Inu MP, President of the Jatiyo Samajtantrik Dal (JSD – National Socialist Party) and former minister; Shah Alam, President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh; and Munshi Faiz Ahmed, former Bangladeshi Ambassador to China.

Dilip Barua noted how the aborted Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM), which had been one of the first routes proposed under the BRI, could have brought much prosperity for the region had it materialised. (India has refused to participate in the BRI citing the existence of projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, which India also claims.)

Planning Minister Abdul Mannan said Bangladesh has received loans from China on good conditions and through amicable negotiations. Saying that China is a leading Asian neighbour of Bangladesh, he added: “China has been there for thousands of years. Now, we see a rejuvenated China… We don’t have enmity or favour for any country, we decide projects based on our benefits and needs.”

As Bangladesh lags behind in the infrastructure sector, including rail, road and power, he said, “we revamped them with Chinese loans.” Bangladesh can benefit more by sharing technology from China.

Former Bangladesh Ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said: “BRI is a Chinese idea but China doesn’t own it alone, all the participating countries own it.”

The following report was first published by the Financial Express, which is the second largest English language newspaper in Bangladesh.

The aborted Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could have brought much prosperity for the region if materialised, former industries minister Dilip Barua said.

The project did not see the light of day as a neighbour quit it, he told a photo exhibition and discussion on the 10th founding anniversary of BRI on Tuesday.

“BRI has various infrastructure projects and we had economic corridor under BRI. But our neighbour withdrew itself from the project,” added Mr Barua, also general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist-Leninist).

The Bangladesh China Silk Road Forum organised the event at a city hotel with Dilip Barua, who is the chairman of the forum, in the chair.

Indicating the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which was initiated through signing a MoU during the 2023 G20 New Delhi Summit, he said India is now initiating another economic corridor.

BCIM is a proposed corridor connecting India and China through Myanmar and Bangladesh while IMEC will connect India, the United States, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the EU.

IMEC is a counter to BRI, commented Mr Barua.

Speaking as the chief guest, planning minister Abdul Mannan said Bangladesh has received loans from China on good conditions and through amicable negotiations.

Citing that China is a leading Asian neighbour of Bangladesh, he said: “China has been there for thousands of years. Now, we see a rejuvenated China.”

“We don’t have enmity or favour for any country, we decide projects based on our benefits and needs.”

Mr Mannan said Bangladesh has diverse projects and collaboration based on mutual respect and trust with China.

As Bangladesh lags behind in the infrastructure sector, including rail, road and power, he said, “We revamped them with Chinese loans.” Bangladesh can be benefited more by sharing technology from China.

“We have deficit in technology. So, we want collaboration in that area,” said the minister, adding that both countries have so many things to give and take.

Speaking as the special guest, Chargé d’Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Yan Hualong said China would continue to assist Bangladesh in its development.

“China is proud to be part of the development of Bangladesh,” he added.

Former Bangladesh high commissioner to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said the mission of BRI is to establish connectivity, infrastructure and shared prosperity.

“BRI is a Chinese idea but China doesn’t own it alone, all the participating countries own it,” he added.